Rejection from medical school is really tough—there’s no doubt about it. You’ve spent years building up your GPA, dedicating your weekends to volunteering, shadowing doctors, and preparing for the MCAT. You’ve likely envisioned yourself in a white coat, caring for patients, and making a difference in the world. At some point, it feels more like part of your personality than a career path. Receiving a rejection letter after all that effort can feel like the worst-case scenario. But while it’s a significant setback, it doesn’t mean your dream of becoming a physician is over. Here’s how to handle the situation and plan your next steps to make reapplying to medical school less stressful.
Reapplying to Medical School Strategies
Blueprint Medical School Admissions Consultant Jacob K. says, “A quote that while generic and often applied to medical school is, ‘When one door closes, another one opens,’ but sometimes for medical school a better quote is, ‘If one door doesn’t open, it does not mean it will never open. You may not just have the correct key.’” Basically, reapplying to medical school is entirely possible, with the right strategy in place.
1. Allow Yourself to Feel Disappointed (But Don’t Get Stuck There)
It’s okay to feel disappointed, angry, or even devastated when you don’t get into medical school. In fact, it is expected and normal. Allow yourself to process these emotions. Talk to friends, family, or a counselor who can provide support. Give yourself some time to heal, but set a limit—don’t allow this disappointment to define you or hold you back from moving forward.
2. Evaluate Your Medical School Application Honestly
Once you’ve given yourself time to process the rejection, it’s crucial to evaluate your application. Medical school admissions are incredibly competitive, so understanding why your application didn’t make the cut is the first step toward improving it. Ask yourself:
- GPA and MCAT Scores: Were your academic metrics competitive? The average GPA and MCAT score of accepted students can be a helpful benchmark. If you fell short, consider whether you can improve these numbers.
- Clinical Experience and Volunteering: Did you have sufficient hands-on experience? Admissions committees look for applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to medicine through clinical work or volunteering.
- Letters of Recommendation: Were your letters from people who know you well and can speak to your qualifications for medical school?
- Personal Statement and Essays: Did your personal statement clearly convey your passion for medicine and your unique story?
If you’re unsure, consider seeking feedback from mentors, advisors, or even admissions consultants who specialize in medical school applications. Often, another set of eyes on your application can help you see gaps that might not be as obvious to you.
3. Improve Your Application
Based on your evaluation, develop a plan to strengthen your application before reapplying to medical school. Here are a few common areas to focus on:
Academics
If your GPA was a weak point, consider enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program or taking additional science courses to boost your grades. A higher GPA can make a significant difference when you reapply, especially if you focus on taking science courses, as many medical schools look individually at your science GPA.
MCAT
If your MCAT score was below the average for accepted students, you might need to retake the exam. Focus on areas where you struggled, and consider investing in a prep course or tutoring for specialized support. (💡 Pro Tip: Blueprint MCAT students increase their MCAT scores by 15 points, on average!)
Clinical Experience
Gain more clinical exposure by working as a medical assistant, scribe, or in another healthcare-related position. Volunteering at a hospital or clinic can also enhance your application.
Research
Many medical schools value research experience. If you haven’t had the opportunity to work in a lab, now might be the time to seek out a research position, either at a medical school or your undergraduate institution.
Extracurriculars and Leadership
Involvement in clubs, organizations, or leadership roles can strengthen your application by showing you’re a well-rounded candidate and have a commitment to growing in realms outside of medicine.
4. Reapply with a Stronger Application
Use the time between applications wisely. Strengthen your academic record, gain more experience, and ensure your application is as strong as possible. When the time comes, apply early and broadly. Many students who don’t get accepted on their first attempt are successful on their second or third try.
5. Stay Positive and Persistent
Finally, remember that rejection from medical school is not the end of your journey. Many successful physicians didn’t get accepted on their first try. Their perseverance made them stronger candidates and, ultimately, better doctors. Keep your passion for medicine alive, and stay focused on your goals. This is a time for you to develop your interests and fortify your application, and many people find that this additional focused time is one of extreme growth.
6. Consider Alternative Pathways
After careful consideration and deliberation, you might find that reapplying to allopathic medical schools isn’t the right choice for you. There are alternative pathways in healthcare and related fields that might align with your goals and interests.
Osteopathic Medical Schools (DO)
Consider applying to osteopathic medical schools, which have a slightly different approach to medicine and may have different admissions criteria. Many students who don’t get into allopathic (MD) programs find success in DO programs.
International Medical Schools
Some students choose to attend medical schools abroad, such as in the Caribbean. However, be sure to research these programs carefully, as they have different residency match rates and various potential challenges.
Other Healthcare Professions
If you genuinely don’t want to go through the process of reapplying to medical school, consider exploring other healthcare careers such as nursing, physician assistant (PA), physical therapy, or public health. These fields offer fulfilling careers in medicine.
If you’re passionate about science and healthcare but want to explore non-clinical roles, consider careers in biomedical research, healthcare administration, or public policy.
Final Thoughts
Not getting into medical school and having to reapply might feel like the worst-case scenario, but it’s also an opportunity to reassess, grow, and strengthen your resolve. Whether you decide to reapply or pursue an alternative path, the key is to stay resilient and keep moving forward. Your journey to a career in healthcare is still within reach!
When you’re ready to dive right into the process, the Blueprint MCAT team will be here to help! Need to boost your MCAT score? Whether you need the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, the instruction of a live 515+ Course, or the 1:1 attention of a private MCAT tutor, Blueprint MCAT has the MCAT prep option that works for your learning style!
Looking for complete support during the admissions process? Blueprint Medical School Admissions Consultants provide the guidance and support to take you from a good med school applicant to a great med school candidate! Schedule a free consultation to learn if working with a consultant is right for you!
