Section 17
Health Professions School Application Process: What if I Didn't Get into Medical School?
Beth Bailey
If you put together the strongest possible application and were not successful in gaining admission to any medical school, write to each of the schools to which you applied and ask if they would be willing to critique your application. Not all medical schools will respond to this request, but some will. Gather together this feedback and meet with your pre-medical advisor to plan a strategy for applying a second time if you both feel it is worth a second attempt. Clearly identify the weaknesses in your application, and devise a plan for correcting those weaknesses. If your academic record was a problem, more hospital experience will not correct that problem. Do not apply again until you feel you have sufficiently compensated for the weaknesses which prevented you from being accepted the first time. This may mean taking an additional year or two of coursework or preparation and completion of the required entrance exam before being ready to apply again. Applying to medical school a second time need not be a stigma, provided you have improved your application. Medical schools will be looking to see if you have thoughtfully and effectively corrected any weaknesses in your application.
If you are unsuccessful in your second round of applications, meet with your pre-medical advisor to discuss your options. If you are determined to work in the health care field, there are many ways to accomplish this. Talk with your pre-health professions advisor about other health profession fields which would give you the opportunity to be directly involved in health care. As we move towards more managed care programs, other health professionals will play an increasingly important role in medicine. Find out which health care niche would best suit your talents and abilities. For descriptions of other health-related careers, please refer to Section 2, Non-M.D. Health Professions.