MSUCOM GUIDELINES FOR THE REAPPLICANT
Reapplicants often report feeling left out, left
behind by their friends. Work on shaking off the negative thinking. You have work to do and you want to be positive in your approach. Start telling yourself that you’ll be better prepared for medical school because you have this extra time. Now let’s
get started.
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Make an appointment with one of our admissions
advisors. NOW. We’ll talk with you about what we’d like to see you change or improve. DO
NOT assume you know what these areas are without talking to us.
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Develop a reasonable schedule. If we tell you to retake the MCAT or complete 4 additional science courses, allow yourself time to do these things very well. The
point here is to improve, so be realistic.
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Be sure to continue doing what was considered
strength in your portfolio. Some applicants focus all of their energy on the targeted area and forget to maintain a balanced life. You
will be evaluated in all areas, not just those we asked you to improve.
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If you find that working on your qualifications
would push your next opportunity to apply to a late point in the application
cycle, save your money. Late applications are seldom successful. Make
up your mind to sit out a year and use that time to further enhance your
qualifications.
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Never submit a recycled application. If you liked your previous essay topics, by all means use them again, but rewrite the essays. Remember to update your nonacademic activities. Surely you have grown and changed in the time between applications. Let
your application reflect that.
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Feel free to check in with us for further assistance and feedback.
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When you’re ready to reapply, follow
the guidelines in our application year handout.
Common Areas of Concern
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Science Grade Point Average Take more science coursework at a 4 year college or university at the junior/senior level. Consistently
achieve 3.5s or higher. Visit your university testing/study skills center before you start. Ask
for feedback on how you study, take notes, take tests and manage your time.
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Limited Science Credits, All Intro Level See
number 1.
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MCAT Score If your ACT score was below 25, contact your college or university testing/study skills center. Ask for names of professionals who can evaluate your reading and testing skills. Buy books of MCAT practice questions. Use them every day. Form a study group if possible. If
no one is available, try reading questions aloud.
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Commitment to Service You can’t change the past, but be sure you didn’t underreport. Note that we asked you to begin with volunteer work done during your high school years. If you’re an athlete, your coach probably involved you in hospital visits, fundraisers and coaching/mentoring younger kids. If you’re religious, your religious institution may have asked for your help. Those of you who have kids in school have surely been active with the school. You may have done things through your workplace, or on your own outside of an organization or sponsor. Revisit our definition of volunteer work. If you haven’t been active, it’s time to start. If you have, don’t
stop.
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Understanding of Osteopathic Philosophy Come on folks, it’s disrespectful to apply to a DO school and not once refer to the profession or its philosophy in your application materials. Do
some reading and get with the program.
These are some of the most common deficits we see,
but understand that these guidelines are very general. Please come and see us. And remember that the most common reason for reapplication is that people apply too late. That
one is easy to fix and never should have happened to begin with.
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