What happens if...

mikemac
Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:48:40 +0000

You figure out if you will ever have a realistic chance, often by working with an advisor at your school for disinterested advice. Simply applying again without adding anything new, esp. if there are some weaknesses in your app, may be futile.

So what people do is figure out how to strengthen their case. To raise their science GPA people can take additional classes, often as part of a post-bac process (google the term). They can work in a medical setting since admission committees like to see work experience that shows you know what you’re getting into, or they can work in research. Some people go for a Masters such as in Public Health, others in a science-related area. If your MCAT scores need improvement you study and raise them. These days, BTW, many students do one of these things and apply to med school a year or more out of college.

BTW you aren’t going to “apply to a medical school” as if there is one you pick. You will spend thousands of dollars applying to 10-20 schools, and you will be happy if you get in anywhere.

There is a great guide at Amherst I suggest you read thru: [Amherst College Guide for Premedical Students](Amherst College Guide for Premedical Students) It talks about all this and much more, helping you build an understanding of what you need to do in college to be a strong applicant.