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Didn't Get In?  Now What?

The alternatives open to the student who is denied admission to professional school depend upon the reasons for denial. Unsuccessful applicants can often get input on improving subsequent applications by speaking to representatives of the schools applied to. All students who are denied admission to professional school should carefully reconsider their decision to pursue the profession and develop several acceptable career alternatives. Evaluating other health professions should be part of this process, as there may be other professions that would be equally satisfying to you for which you may have a better chance of admission. Information on many health professions can be found in the OHLPA Library and in the Career Resource Center.

If the feedback you receive indicates that the reasons for denial may be remedied, consider redressing any deficiencies while preparing for an alternate career. Even if the feedback you receive is encouraging, be realistic and consider that you may never be admitted to that profession. If the feedback you receive is not encouraging, it is probably time to pursue one of the other career alternatives.
Some remediable reasons for denial of admission include:

1. some combination of slight deficiencies in quality and quantity of academic work done in the required preprofessional courses, and
2. questions of motivation and a realistic understanding of a career in the health profession.

Reason (1) may be redressed, if the deficiencies are not too great, by continuing in school, delaying graduation or by participating in a post-baccalaureate program and taking additional courses in biological and physical sciences, as well as courses in behavioral sciences, social sciences, and communications. This additional schooling is generally used to improve your GPA and the test scores, as well as demonstrate motivation and ability. Some students use graduate school as a route to professional school, although this takes longer and is generally less recommended. Remember, you should also use this opportunity to prepare yourself for a second career choice. Postbaccalaureate admission at the University of Florida is competitive and is only available to students who have not yet completed their pre-health pre-requisites or are interested in a second degree. Students are encouraged to explore post-baccalaureate opportunities at a number of institutions.

Reason (2) can sometimes be overcome by securing a patient oriented job or volunteer opportunity within the health profession.

Other alternatives which are sometimes considered are: getting a job in the area of your major, getting a high paying job in a non-health-related field to help defray the cost of a professional education, and occupying the time before reapplying with other interesting endeavors (such as travel). Whatever you do, you should continue getting experience in your chosen health profession to demonstrate continued commitment. You should also strongly consider and plan for alternative careers.

Should I Retake the MCAT ?  Considerations if you are unhappy with your MCAT score.  ( PDF )

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