Re-applicants Miller School of Medicine

Did you apply to University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine (UMMSM) and weren’t accepted? If so, and you’re interested in re-applying, we welcome you to do so. Approximately 20% of our applicants every year are re-applicants.

If you weren’t admitted on your first attempt, you may wonder why and want to know how you can improve your application. It’s important to note we do have a lower acceptance rate for re-applicants, so you will need to do some work to improve your chances of admission.

Take the time to re-evaluate your initial and secondary/supplemental applications and compare them to our latest class profile. Objectively assess how your application portrays you and get your pre-med advisor’s feedback on ways to improve your application.

Before you go through the application process again, please review the guidance below to strengthen your submission.

Academics

Review the number of credentials included in your AMCAS application. To be a competitive candidate, you must have an equally strong GPA and MCAT score. One does not compensate for the other.

The path you take to improve your GPA — a post-baccalaureate or M.S. degree program — will be immaterial to the admissions committee. They are looking for a track record of high performance. You will need more than an A in a single 3-hour microbiology course to overcome a 2.9 GPA earned over four years.

MCAT composite scores that fall below the 505-515 average are unlikely to distinguish you from other applicants. You will need equivalent high scores in the science and critical analysis/reasoning skills sections.
Personal Statements/Essays
Your personal statement must:
- Be grammatically correct
- Explain why you want to study medicine
- Include personal experiences that prompted you to apply
- Present a unified, genuine picture of who you are
Do not include:
- Attempted humor
- Details of any complicated research projects
- Quotes from any authors
Extracurricular Activities

Outside activities cannot replace a strong GPA or MCAT score, but they can help the admissions committee better understand your desire to study medicine. The committee gives heavier consideration to applications that include meaningful experiences regarding patient contact. Be sure to share yours.
Letters of Recommendation

Given you were not accepted to UMMSM on your first attempt, you may consider finding new letters of recommendation. The most effective letters come from people who know you well and can put your accomplishments into perspective.

Do not submit letters that simply state you received an A in a course. Ask the letter writer to include context. For example, can they rank you among the top 10 pre-med students they have taught in the past 15 years teaching at their institution?
Interviews
The admissions committee values strong interview performances. If you don’t interview well, take steps to improve your skills:
- Ask for feedback: Contact every school from which you were rejected and ask for insights about your interview performance. Whatever the feedback, work on those skills and get prepared to go after your goals.
- Find interview resources: Check out library books on evaluation interviews and interviewing techniques. Visit several pre-med websites to find interview information and advice. Focus on interview structure, purpose, and content.
- Mock interviews: These practice interviews can help you prepare, and they may be more demanding than the real thing.
- Research: Learn more about the school you’re visiting beyond what’s included on their website.

Re-applicants

Academics

Personal Statements/Essays

Extracurricular Activities

Letters of Recommendation

Interviews