Which factors predict the likelihood of reapplying to medical school? An analysis by gender.

Purpose: To explore factors associated with becoming a repeat applicant to medical school--specifically, factors involving alternative educational and career plans and educational indebtedness--and how they differ by gender.

Method: Using deidentified 2009 and 2010 American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) data, the authors determined the potential and actual 2010 repeat applicants among first-time applicants who were not accepted to medical school in 2009. Using logistic regression models, they then analyzed the deidentified 2008 Pre-MCAT Questionnaire (PMQ) responses of those potential 2010 repeat applicants who had participated in the PMQ to examine associations between aspirants' self-reported alternative educational and career (Plan B) options as well as levels of indebtedness and the likelihood of reapplying.