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What should I do if I can't get into medical school?

183 Answers
Last Updated: 09/09/2022 at 8:03am
What should I do if I can't get into medical school?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
Am3r1canDrag0n
September 12th, 2019 6:35am
Take a year off. Get an internship somewhere in the medical field, whether that's as a secretary answering the phones for a hospital or being an intern for an insurance company that deals with medicare. Get a feel for the career. Work, and make connections. Ask people how they got into medical school, what to do and not do differently. When the year is up, reapply. List the job that you currently worked in the medical field for that year, and explain how it better prepared you for medical school. Who knows? You just might get accepted, or you might need to try again.
Chlorophyll123
September 27th, 2019 7:30pm
Getting into school or college is difficult. You could think of taking a gap year or a few months off to clear your mind schedule and maybe take up some online courses or read books that would help you levelling up your already existing skills. If at the end you feel you want to pursue something else, there are lots of courses available in universities and colleges. You could take a healthcare related course, bio-med course, etc.
Anonymous
September 29th, 2019 4:23pm
Getting into medical school is tough for anyone. My first suggestion would be to continue trying. You never know, there could be a medical school admissions officer out there who falls in love with your story and scores and everything about you. It is tricky to tell what exactly admissions officers are looking for so I would be yourself, focus on the good and improve where improvements can be made. If you are still having no luck, medical school is not for everyone. This could be a sign that it would be a mistake to go. Look around to see if you have any passions in other fields or industries. You can continue healthcare but just go a different route. You could also apply to PA, NP, etc. schools. Lastly, I would just embrace the ride life sends you on.
ekats
October 17th, 2019 4:53pm
Hey!! My name is Eks. That is hard when you can't get into what you want to do. I think that the question is what do you want to do? There are so many other options that you can do instead to be honest. Either that is going to community college, a different path or just taking time for yourself. There are so many options that you can do. No matter what though, please don't give up on your dreams because you are worth it and your dreams are too!! No matter what you do there are people that will support you in this time of your life. You just do things for you and things will look up for you!! You are amazing!! Take care of yourself!!
Smilingfuture
January 8th, 2020 8:38am
One can try to attempt it, the next time with better preparation(based on the experience gained in the previous attempt) and with some external good coaching. There are other options too, outside the Medical school. One can try, pharmacy studies which is close to working with medical professionals, or take up any science based college studies, like Veterinary sciences, Agricultural sciences and even biotech. All these subjects have the same relation to one another which is Science. All these courses do have good potential for jobs and in Research areas too. Stay open with choices and one can succeed at all times.
StrRock
February 14th, 2020 11:40am
Hello, friend. I am very sorry that you can't get into a medical school, but that's not the end of the world. If you want to work in that area, you can buy a pharmacy, for example. You just have to search for some information about Buy sell pharmacy. You will find a lot of sites like this one https://pharmacysales.com.au/. It's a pretty good investment, because a pharmacy can be very profitable. I have a friend that is a pharmacy owner too, and he sais that he is very happy and that he earns a lot of money on it. It's a very nice business, and if you like that area, why not.
AglaosMarco
April 2nd, 2020 10:35pm
If you want to get into medical school really bad, you can always give it another shot if you don't get in the first time and that's perfectly fine. If that's not an option, I suggest that you do a research on other careers related to medicine too, such as biology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals,genetics etc. Who knows, maybe you'll end up liking another related career even more! In any case, don't forget to be persistent, positive and confident, and it will all be okay in the end. Don't waste your time thinking what if, take matters in your own hands and don't let anyone (including yourself) convince you that you can't achieve your goal.
theheartproject
April 10th, 2020 7:16pm
You can get into med school if you want to. How willing are you to go an extra mile to get you to achieve this goal? If it is the grades, look into foundation years in other countries. Pre-University courses could help. Research is key. With an open mind, look into all the options you have at hand, sit down with yourself and evaluate all options; both pros and cons. Get someone you trust or people you trust and share with them your thoughts and they can help you. You could visit a career counselor too. You can do another course related to medicine for example Biomedical science and join medical school. All hope is not lost. I once felt like this when my grades were low that I couldn't get into med school and I evaluated all my options. Now I am in med school. So you too can get to Med school.
Anonymous
April 22nd, 2020 2:57am
If you can't get into medical school, try to do something that you are also interested into or try to do something related to anything medical. It would be difficult for letting go of going into medical school but it could be that it wasn't the place really or just pursue your other dream school. And take steps by steps instead of trying to jam everything in, take some breathing exercise to get a clear understand of what you actually want to do and not skip into things right away like your medical school. Taking steps would help you have a clear understanding of what you want to do later on.
Almira14
April 22nd, 2020 3:54pm
Getting into medical school isn’t the only thing you can do. If you have a favourite hobby why not consider taking it to a professional level. You love cooking, why not consider studying culinary arts in College. Sure, your parents might not want you studying anything else but tell them why you don’t want to go to medical school. If you really want to get into medical school, you really have to read hard. Work, push yourself if that’s what you really want. If you’ve passed the point of no return in your grades, pick something else. There’s no point working yourself over something you might not enjoy that much. There’s really always something else no matter your tastes.
luminousWords
April 26th, 2020 3:57am
You can always keep trying to apply, but if you don't want to apply anymore and can't get in, realize there are tons of other ways to get involved in the medical profession and "helping people" than just becoming a doctor. As a medical student, the fear of not getting in kept me up many nights, but ironically once I was in medical school there were just as many nights when I doubted whether medical school was right for me. There are tons of different types of therapists, different levels of nursing degrees, and masters/doctorates that provide crucial care to people; and oftentimes have more face-time with patients than MDs do. Different volunteering opportunities (esp in hospitals) can expose you to other professions you may never have heard of but are worth looking into if med school doesn't pan out. I know not getting into med school can feel like the end of the world, but don't let the bitterness of rejection make you turn away from so many other just as important opportunities to make a positive impact
SS2328
April 26th, 2020 10:58pm
I am a strong believer that things happen for a reason. Maybe God has different plans for your future. You can either choose a different career choice or if this is something that you want in your heart, then keep trying. If one school does not take you there might be another one that will. At the end of the day it will not matter what school you get your degree from, just remember once you have your doctorates degree, no matter from what school it is from it is still a doctorates degree. If you want something you must never give up.
meghanagain
May 4th, 2020 4:05am
Don't be too discouraged! Rejection can be hard to hear but it'll only make you better if you can turn it into a positive experience. Take the year until the next application cycle to become a more competitive applicant. Retake the MCAT for a better score, do research in a lab, shadow doctors. You can even start to make money by working in the field as a scribe or an EMT. This will get you valuable experience with patients as well as something else to put on your resume. It's smart to start saving the money you make doing this because medical school is not cheap, good luck and don't give up on your dream!
bountifulCreature9495
May 15th, 2020 10:35am
This is a problem that I am going through personally at the moment. What should I do if I don't get into my school? I cannot give you a definite answer as I don't know your personal circumstances but the fact that you have a chance to go into medical school means that you're very clever and have a good heart. You can do anything you set your mind on. There must be other options you can explore and that you will love. You can always defer or try to retake your exams at a different date which means you might get in if your heart is set on that.
EmpathicPikachu
May 22nd, 2020 11:11pm
Being a medical student, I'd suggest you to sit and have a talk with yourself. Getting into medical school is tough and very stressing. I could not make it first time and had to waste whole year studying for entrance exam. So, I know how depressing can it be. If you like helping people and have passion for it, there are other fields where you can be involved with patient care such as Allied Health, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Clincal Psychology, etc. It all depends on what do you want really? If its about financial security, you can have that through other careers by investing less as compared to doctors like Accountancy, IT, etc. Just sit and chalk out a plan considering what do you want really from the life. Ask yourself where do you want to see yourself in 10 years or 20 years or 30 years? Allied health careers also demand same level of motivation and hard work. Look at your career options, Medical school is not the end of the world, trust me. There are many who leave medical school in the middle to go for some other career. I wish you best of luck in trying to figure out whats the best path for you. All the best!
gentleSun78
May 24th, 2020 8:46pm
If you can't get into medical school because you couldn't enroll in it because classes were full or because of your health limitation or another limitations, you can maybe try another option, it means another school. It is why it is always good to have alternative life goals in order that something prevents you to reach your current life goals. Instead of studying medicine, you can study something else. There are tons of nice options to study and every profession is honourable and worth performing. In every profession you help people, even though if you don't work with people directly. For example, also in information technology sector you help people who have issues with their computers at work, albeit on distance, with distant connections to them.
aleafonthew1nd
May 28th, 2020 10:37am
It must feel discouraging to not get into medical school. Though it’s a noble profession, any efforts you put into achieving that goal aren’t gone and are still a great reflection of your character. The act of trying is much more important than the results of our actions, and I’m proud of you for being brave enough to take those steps in the first place. That cannot be taken from you. I know it can be difficult to either try again or to consider other academic or career options, but both are equally valid choices! You know yourself better than anyone else, so I feel like a good place to start is to ask yourself this question: “what can I not NOT do?” And then make steps towards that. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it, because I’ve been in a similar position, and there is hope that you’ll get to where you want to be.
Anonymous
June 11th, 2020 5:32pm
Take a gap year, this will give you time to reflect and improve your application, giving a higher chance of getting in next year! If not then you may go for your second option, and if possible take a conversion course. Don't forget you can apply for medicine as many times as possible, so do not feel put down at all by not achieving your goal at first! Look at the positive side, you have a year to focus on various aspects which let you down first time round. However make sure you focus during this time, as using it valuable is key.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2020 5:22am
There are various options available like dentistry, Pharmacy, physiotherapy, pharmacy d , AYUSH courses like Ayurveda , homeopathy, Unani (India), bachelor's in various sciences like genetics , biotechnology , biochemistry, botany, zoology, forensic science etc. You can also persue in computer science, cybersecurity, aviation science, management , hotel management, law , mass communication , journalism, etc . If you are interested in designing you can go for graphic designing, interior designing, apperal design , jewellery design and many more. Just try to find your interest and persue it because every field will give you success if you are hard-working and unique.
Anonymous
July 4th, 2020 4:34am
That is a great dream to have, to get into medical school. Though great, it is also extremely difficult. If you can't get in, first and foremost, do not blame yourself. The fact that you even considered, or that you are striving to get into medical school in itself is already a great feat. It really is not the end of the world. However, if you believe that is truly what you want to do, I would suggest that you look into other alternatives such as retaking the exams or look into similar courses. (E.g. biomedical science, biomedical engineering). Whatever the outcome may be, whatever choice you make, do not be afraid. Just do your best and you will be rewarded accordingly. I am rooting for you!
optimisticDog5922
July 6th, 2020 5:56pm
I'm hoping to study medicine too so this was a big concern for me. There are so many ways to get into medicine nowadays as you can take a gap year before university or go through the postgraduate course. However, if this isn't for you, you could go down the medical research route after studying something like Biochemistry. There is also another option if you still want be in a profession similar to a doctor, being a Physician Associate. This can be done undergraduate (not a very common course) or postgraduate. They have a very similar role to a doctor but don't prescribe so this may well be something worth looking into.
LEVListener93
July 10th, 2020 2:34am
I don't think it would be helpful for me to try to give you advice, but there are a lot of options for people with premed or biology degrees besides medical school, and it is also possible to reapply if you don't get in the first time. I am a graduate student in a biomedical program, but when I first applied to graduate school I did not get in, and I reapplied the following year and I got in. This option might be available to you as well if you don't get in to medical school on your first try.
Anonymous
July 11th, 2020 6:10am
You will be able to do anything you put your mind to. If you don’t get in at first, that’s okay! The medical field is extremely competitive. Even just going through the application process and taking the MCAT is such an accomplishment! If you do not get in, try again next year. Don’t not lose faith in yourself based on a decision that was not yours to make. You keep trying even when it feels like nothing will go your way. You are stronger than you think you are. You can do this! You will be successful in whatever field you go into!
Anonymous
July 16th, 2020 4:07pm
It’s really tough when you apply to a university and don’t get in, especially when it’s a specialized program like those at med schools or other graduate programs. It’s important to realize that it’s okay if you don’t get in on your first try. Many people don’t and competition for those programs are fierce. So the first step is allowing yourself to relax and to stop being so hard on yourself. After taking that break to work through your emotions, there are few steps you could take. Can you find a mentor in the field with some advice on what you could do before applying again? Is there a training program you could enroll in? Do you need to polish up on interview skills with a career service office? It may also be beneficial to get in contact with the program director of the schools you are very interested in. Straight up asking them what would make you a better candidate for their program is a great way to figure out your next steps. It might be intimidating to reach out like that, but the worst that will happen is they won’t answer. What will likely happen is that you will get some good advice and they will remember your name for the next time you apply. Most importantly: don’t give up!
Anonymous
July 23rd, 2020 8:41pm
It's important to remember that medical school is a very competitive place to get into, and so you shouldn't feel bad about not getting in. If you're interested in medicine and healthcare, there are a range of opportunities available, including degrees in Biomedical Sciences and other areas of healthcare like Physiotherapy and Nursing. These are vital areas of modern medicine, and just as valuable as Medicine. Keep an open mind and remember the reasons you wanted to study Medicine and the values of altruism and kindness you possess. You could look for other jobs that require you to embody these attributes.
Anonymous
July 25th, 2020 11:34pm
Try again-- If medicine is your dream, do not give up. It is a hard road, but worth it. I thought I couldn't get into medical school, I got rejected by 13 schools and one school put me on their waitlist. One week before school started I got off the waitlist and moved to the school of my dreams. So don't give up and always look for ways you can improve your application! Whether it be increasing your MCAT score, increasing your volunteer hours or getting clinical experience all are doable and managable. Time lines don't matter. There are people in my class who are 40 and have children and still are in it. If you know you will look back on this and regret it later if you stop, then you HAVE to keep going. You can do this,
Anonymous
July 31st, 2020 6:56pm
That's a great question because it shows that you are actively considering your future and working on developing a plan. If you have tried as hard as you can and done everything possible to create a great application, but you still can't get into medical school, there are still options to move forward. I would urge you to ask the admissions councils about why they did not choose you. Even if some of them are unable to share the reasons, it is still worth the chance to learn about how you can make an even better application and consider reapplying in the future. If that doesn't work out for some reason, I think it might be good if you take a look at your values and why they drew you to medicine. Medical school is not the only path in the health professions, and maybe you can find a similar calling in a parallel field. Best of luck!
mswb2020
August 14th, 2020 6:46pm
Never give up!! It's so important to always try your hardest. If it is something you are passionate about then make that dream your reality! Everything will fall in to place when you follow your dreams. I had a friend you took her MCAT multiple times and could not get into medical school. She never gave up and she is now in med school and is doing amazing! She made sure to have great extra curricular activities by working in doctors offices. She always said that her determination is what finally got her into med school. It can feel daunting and nerve-racking but you will get there one day!
Anonymous
August 28th, 2020 3:37am
You can become a physician assistant, if you are interested in the medical field. They don't need to go to med school! They only have to attend a 2-3 year PA program (you can look more online). Sure, they could get paid less than an actual doctor. However, they are equally as important. If you are unsure about going into medical school, take some time to think about why you want to go into medical school. Is it the money? Parents' expectation? Want to help another person? Also think if you could see yourself as a doctor in the future. If not, explore other interests that are similar to a doctor. Maybe there is another career that would best fit you! All I can say is that whatever you end up doing, you will do amazing! Make sure you practice self-care and find ways to cope with your stress level! I wish the best of luck for your future!
Anonymous
September 4th, 2020 4:20am
If you cant get into medical school you should not give up. medical school is hard and challenging for everyone. get up and try again. dont give up. anything you set your mind on is obtainable including medical school. if you are doubting yourself many listeners on 7 cups will be here to listen. school is hard and challenging but by sticking with it we become more resilient. growth is hard and uncomfortable but with out it we would be stuck in the same place. at times school can make you doubt your ability but dont let this be the case. look at it as an obstacle, something you can train for and overcome with practice. dont be discouraged set backs are part of like and you can proceed