0 interviews and feeling upset

[151333]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So far no interviews and at least 1 or 2 pre interview holds (aka rejected)
I work in a hospital and whenever I see physicians, i get really upset...because i cant help but picture myself THERE...but i am not there yet.

At this point, i have no idea what to do!

 

[ManimalJax]

Hey,

I know what it feels like to be so far from the goal that you are working so hard to achieve. I want you to take a look at your user name and remind yourself of that characteristic that you need in order to finally make it.

 

[chad5871]

How many schools did you apply to? And when were you complete at the schools?

I know it's difficult, but the medical school admissions process is all about patience. It's a waiting game. Interviews will come, just give it some time.

Good luck!

 

[enjoydrywax]

you should not have posted this thread with that username

 

[GoSpursGo]

you should not have posted this thread with that username

Hey, even those who are persistent get discouraged every now and again!

Don't worry, there are people all across the country in the same shoes as you right now. Your interviews are coming, you just wait 🙂

 

[kac714]

i'm in the exact same position as you... my scores and grades are not super high, and so i feel like thats why it may take longer. but as everyone says, its still relatively early.

 

[Fiko18]

yeah don't get discouraged, SDN can give you a false perception of reality. Most of the kids that you see posting about interviews and being accepted are very highly qualified applicants or Gunners, unfortunately SND displays the extreme in medical school applicants. The average applicant doesnt get interviews till later. So be patient, it will come. Make sure you call schools and get updates.

 

[mbe36]

I am right with you!! 0 interviews, 3 holds, 1 rejection.

 

[bioteach]

The application process is definitely a very stressful waiting game. I was complete at all of my schools by the end of august. The school to which I was accepted didn't offer to interview me until April and despite the class being technically full by then, I received a direct acceptance offer three weeks later. That was fairly extreme, but don't worry, interview offers keep coming all winter and into the spring.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I feel your pain! I didn't get my first (and only) interview until early December. Good thing I paid off got along really well with my interviewers and wound up getting an acceptance...5 months later.

 

[mbe36]

The application process is definitely a very stressful waiting game. I was complete at all of my schools by the end of august. The school to which I was accepted didn't offer to interview me until April and despite the class being technically full by then, I received a direct acceptance offer three weeks later. That was fairly extreme, but don't worry, interview offers keep coming all winter and into the spring.

I feel your pain! I didn't get my first (and only) interview until early December. Good thing I paid off got along really well with my interviewers and wound up getting an acceptance...5 months later.

As sick as it is, I love hearing these stories LOL.

 

[strongboy2005]

The average applicant doesnt get interviews till later. So be patient, it will come.

Really? I am feeling the same way about the California UC schools. I've so far only gotten 1 secondary from the UCs and 1 pre-secondary rejection from UCSF.

What is the timeline for this stuff? I thought by now most of the interviews were handed out.

 

[MilkmanAl]

As sick as it is, I love hearing these stories LOL.

Misery loves company! It's funny how getting mega-owned by med school admissions can suddenly turn around with one piece of mail, though.

 

[nellia]

same situation as you.. i'm on hold at seriously 5 schools and i got rejected for a school already. blah, just keep telling yourself its kind of early and plenty of people i know got interview invites in nov/dec/jan and ended up getting in.

 

[GATORochoCINCO]

It will all turn out okay if you try as hard as I assume you do. Like someone said, most people here aren't what youd consider normal.

Also, seriously, be honest with yourself. DO schools turn out great doctors (for instance, at the local hospital I workd at 9 out of ten patients requested the DO general surgeon over his MD counterparts, seriously, this guy was so backlogged he had to not take some patients) and generally have lower stats on entries. The education you get there is the same as an MD school (if not better [for some people] as there is more emphasis on teaching rather than research). If you are one of those people who HAVE TO HAVE AN MD AND NOT A DO DEGREE, keep this in mind, I bet there is a doctor in your hospital that is a great doc and a DO and you don't even know he's a DO. Be honest with yourself.

The Carribean is also an option.

Just be realistic with yourself; I would love to go to Harvard, but I can't. So just assess your situation and you will be fine.

Good Luck!!!!

So far no interviews and at least 1 or 2 pre interview holds (aka rejected)
I work in a hospital and whenever I see physicians, i get really upset...because i cant help but picture myself THERE...but i am not there yet.

At this point, i have no idea what to do!

 

[HaveHope]

Thank you for having this thread up as I just received my 5th rejection (and have no interviews). I know I'm not an amazing candidate but I certainly don't think I'm horrible, either! sheesh. Here's to a long process of waiting ahead of us....

 

[brianmartin]

Complete at 10 schools, mostly finished during September, and no interviews, 2 rejections. I'm hoping it is "still early" and it seems to be true.

 

[tncekm]

Well, to all of you who have 0 interviews there definitely is hope. I just received my first (out of like 30 schools), which I'm extremely thankful for, but it's still rather nerve-racking seeing all of these people on SDN getting like 5-10 interviews (with similar numbers to my own? wtf?) while I sit back and hope I get in to a single school!

Keep the faith, people! 👍

 

[majahops]

Dude, this is freaking hilarious.

I feel your pain! I didn't get my first (and only) interview until early December. Good thing I paid off got along really well with my interviewers and wound up getting an acceptance...5 months later.

 

[trojanMD]

Dont lose hope! I just got my first invite today🙂D) and hopefully there will be more to come! It has been a painful wait thus far even though I have only been complete at most schools since September. I am pretty sure I have developed an extremely unhealthy obsession of checking my e-mail every 10 min. and status pages like twice a day. I know what its like to go crazy but it is indeed still early. Have solace in knowing that you're not the only one who is interviewless. Many people are in your shoes. Just give it a little more time and stay hopeful

 

[Dr Lyss]

Keep the faith =) I went through the same waiting period and I really thought I wasn't going to get anything. Even though it seems like these schools are handing out interviews left and right keep in mind some schools have just started reviewing files & it can take more than a month before you get word. I submitted in august to some schools and haven't heard a word since! Every school runs on a diff timeline so until you get a rejection letter don't lose hope. All you need is 1 school!

 

[rjpark2]

hey, same boat here. 0 interviews and i got my 4th rejection yesterday. *sigh* it's still early to be going crazy about it though. come february, if i don't have interviews, then i'll have issues. good luck everyone!

 

[sarahl86]

0 interviews, 1 hold, 2 rejections and I only applied to 9 schools. This is my second time applying. Trust me, I (and several others) know how you feel.

Oh, and PS: I work at the state school that rejected me last year and am really hoping to get into this year. Awesome, right?

 

[mbe36]

0 interviews, 1 hold, 2 rejections and I only applied to 9 schools. This is my second time applying. Trust me, I (and several others) know how you feel.

Oh, and PS: I work at the state school that rejected me last year and am really hoping to get into this year. Awesome, right?

Why not add a few more schools? It could hurt and it is still not too late. There are so many great schools out there and doing secondaries may help take your mind off of things.

 

[sarahl86]

Why not add a few more schools? It could hurt and it is still not too late. There are so many great schools out there and doing secondaries may help take your mind off of things.

I'm debating which schools would be appropriate/don't get millions of applications so submitting an application this late wouldn't be a waste of my time...

Suggestions? I'm just kinda stuck since I feel like I'm in the middle ground of applicants and am trying to stay east coast.

 

[Penguick]

I kinda know what you mean. I did get 1 interview, and just found out I was accepted today. However, it isn't one of my top choices. I find it slightly upsetting that I would get accepted so quickly and yet have no interviews to any of the other schools I applied to...granted the acceptance was from my State school, but it is still a good one. I was put on waitlist for interview at my top choice (OOS, and hoping that it isn't a true rejection). I'm really hoping that I get other interviews. Sigh.

 

[sunny1]

I kinda know what you mean. I did get 1 interview, and just found out I was accepted today. However, it isn't one of my top choices. I find it slightly upsetting that I would get accepted so quickly and yet have no interviews to any of the other schools I applied to...granted the acceptance was from my State school, but it is still a good one. I was put on waitlist for interview at my top choice (OOS, and hoping that it isn't a true rejection). I'm really hoping that I get other interviews. Sigh.

I know you're trying to be nice and commiserate, but these posters are talking about how they have NO interviews yet....and then you come on and post about your acceptance but how it's not your top choice...

 

[Dr Lyss]

I know you're trying to be nice and commiserate, but these posters are talking about how they have NO interviews yet....and then you come on and post about your acceptance but how it's not your top choice...

haha seriously

 

[Karen12345]

The education you get there (DO schools) is the same as an MD school (if not better [for some people] as there is more emphasis on teaching rather than research). If you are one of those people who HAVE TO HAVE AN MD AND NOT A DO DEGREE, keep this in mind, I bet there is a doctor in your hospital that is a great doc and a DO and you don't even know he's a DO. Be honest with yourself.

Just be realistic with yourself; I would love to go to Harvard, but I can't. So just assess your situation and you will be fine.

^ This is some really good advice ^

My first two cycles, I applied to only MD schools (early with above average GPA, and MCAT in upper twenties). I got wait listed each year at my state school and got nothing from anywhere else. This is my third time applying and I included a bunch of DO schools, in addition to MD programs. My MCAT now is a balanced 30. I was granted interviews at 7 out of 8 DO schools. I just got accepted to Western (DO school). I will interview at MD programs later in the season and I don't know how things will turn out, but it sure feels good to have an acceptance to a medical school in early October.

After doing some research, meeting a few DOs and visiting several DO schools, I do not have doubts that the education they provide is excellent. Like all private schools, they are very expensive and that's the biggest reason I'm still interested in my state school.
I met highly successful DO students, with MCAT scores in the mid-20s. They are doing great. The admissions process is highly competitive and therefore those with high numbers and the right types of connections make it to the highly desired state MD schools with subsidized tuition and convenient locations. Many great candidates aren't even given a chance. It's awful to be waitlisted for months and not knowing what's going to happen. I did it twice already and it was bad.

To those with moderately competitive numbers --- look at all your options and make an informed choice. Do not let people who don't have much knowledge influence your decision. Good luck everyone.

 

[sunny1]

After doing some research, meeting a few DOs and visiting several DO schools, I do not have doubts that the education they provide is excellent. Like all private schools, they are very expensive and that's the biggest reason I'm still interested in my state school.

I agree there are excellent DO schools and DOs do well in different parts of the country. The main barrier in my opinion is the cost as you said. My state allopathic school's tuition is $20,000 a year. My state osteopathic school is $43,000 a year. Big difference! Yes it's comparable to private vs. public tuition, but if there's any way I can get into my state university, I'll gladly take it.

 

[p30doc]

After interviewing at both MD and DO schools, I have to say many DO programs are really very impressive. I would definitely recommend applying to both, if you aren't a snot nosed pre-med who holds the false notion that the DO is an inferior degree.

 

[nellia]

After interviewing at both MD and DO schools, I have to say many DO programs are really very impressive. I would definitely recommend applying to both, if you aren't a snot nosed pre-med who holds the false notion that the DO is an inferior degree.

this is interesting. i personally did not apply to DO schools just because I have not taken the time to become familiar with the curriculum and the different methods of applying medical care. All my life I have been treated my MDs and everyone I know has gone to an MD school. I don't have anything against DO schools, so I don't really consider myself "snot nosed" (even though my allergies are terrible and I am known to frequent the occasional runny nose), but as of right now I have chosen not to apply to them.

maybe it is kind of like the public school vs. private school battle. some people don't think a public education is as good as a private one, but in the end, if you attended a public school (which i did) and you are happy with your education, that's really all that matters. if you think DO school will make you a better doctor, then go for it ! some people will thrive under the md system, and that is their thing. but you shouldnt come down on them for it. weeeeee for all being friends 🙂

 

[p30doc]

if you think DO school will make you a better doctor, then go for it ! some people will thrive under the md system, and that is their thing. but you shouldnt come down on them for it. weeeeee for all being friends 🙂

I don't think an osteopathic medical school would make me a better doctor, I think it will make me an equally as good doctor as many allopathic programs. All I am trying to say is that is an equally valid option, and it might benefit some of the people who are worried about not having interviews to look into osteopathic programs. They might be pleasantly surprised as I was.

 

[nogolfinsnow]

So far no interviews and at least 1 or 2 pre interview holds (aka rejected)
I work in a hospital and whenever I see physicians, i get really upset...because i cant help but picture myself THERE...but i am not there yet.

At this point, i have no idea what to do!

That's exactly how I felt a few years ago. I worked in a lab that had about 6 physicians and three medical students. I always felt so worthless with my zero interviews. I ended up getting one, at the end of March, and got accepted in April. Waiting sucks, there is no way around that. But not having an interview right now is not the end of the world. A good chunk of my friends at school now all interviewed in the spring. I would have much rather interviewed in Sep-Nov, but it is what it is. So it's only October, don't give up on yourself yet. However, it's really never too early to start thinking about plan B. Identify the weaknesses in your application/school list just in case you have to reapply. And the last piece of advice, the one that worked best for me, is to stay off this freaking forum. This place is depression inducing when you're waiting for that first interview. Not going here for several months in the winter was great for me, and I didn't come back on until I was in school. Good luck.

 

[KittycooMD]

Hello SDN family,
I'm in the same boat as everyone here. No interviews, and I'm a non-traditional applicant too 🙁
I would DIE for an interview and acceptance to ANY school. So far I have been complete at most places for about a month, and no news of any kind. It's so quiet, I think I hear crickets chirping in my inbox!
I'm crossing my fingers and toes for all of us to get some love from the ad coms very soon 😍

 

[kac714]

That's exactly how I felt a few years ago. I worked in a lab that had about 6 physicians and three medical students. I always felt so worthless with my zero interviews. I ended up getting one, at the end of March, and got accepted in April. Waiting sucks, there is no way around that. But not having an interview right now is not the end of the world. A good chunk of my friends at school now all interviewed in the spring. I would have much rather interviewed in Sep-Nov, but it is what it is. So it's only October, don't give up on yourself yet. However, it's really never too early to start thinking about plan B. Identify the weaknesses in your application/school list just in case you have to reapply. And the last piece of advice, the one that worked best for me, is to stay off this freaking forum. This place is depression inducing when you're waiting for that first interview. Not going here for several months in the winter was great for me, and I didn't come back on until I was in school. Good luck.

i tried not going on this thing. its sooo addicting though.. last week i was in miami without my laptop... i still went on using my iphone. its pathetic.
this thread is great though, i don't have any interviews either and have 2 rejections :/

 

[AZFutureDoc]

Ya, I'm not having a very good time through all of this. What pisses me off more than I can even explain is my MCAT. I got A's in all 8 classes it tests on, totally had the material MASTERED, and was getting mid 30's on practice tests consistently, only to find out I got a PS 10 VR 7 BS 11... This was a retake and my first time I took it, 2 months before my last, I got a 9/6/10, so I only got it up 1 point per section despite feeling like I was SO ready! I'm such a great applicant with good letters, a GPA of 3.5 (but for the past 2 years, 3.8), and awesome EC's, but it doesn't matter, cuz of 1 number: a 7 on verbal. I've only gotten 2 interviews (both state schools that interviews anyone above a 21 MCAT), and 3 rejections. I applied to 31 schools, so we'll see what happens with the other 26 as far as interviews go.

What pisses me off the most is that I really am good at reading and other verbal topics that the MCAT tests! My freakin test anxiety puts such a huge dent in my app. What really makes me mad is that the MCAT doesn't even tell if you'll be a good physician or not.

So ya, I've been pretty down lately. People already have acceptances at my dream schools and I just have to deal with it. Its just frustrating when you've worked so hard for something you're so passionate and excited about, only to get a low score on one section of the MCAT and pretty much mess up everything you've worked so hard to get.

 

[njbmd]

So far no interviews and at least 1 or 2 pre interview holds (aka rejected)
I work in a hospital and whenever I see physicians, i get really upset...because i cant help but picture myself THERE...but i am not there yet.

At this point, i have no idea what to do!

I know it was back in the "dark ages" but when I applied, my first interview invitation came on Oct 20th. My first acceptance came Nov 7th. I went on to receive acceptances at all six of the medical schools that I appled to with the last acceptance coming in late Feb.

It's still early. I will repeat for emphasis. IT'S STILL EARLY. Pre-interview hold does not equal rejection. Rejection means rejection. If you don't have a rejection letter in your hand, you are not rejected. It takes more effort for a school to put you on pre-interview hold than to reject you outright so chill.

If you want to know what to do: First, stop reading the acceptance and interview threads on SDN and second, work on your Plan B (what you will do if you are not accepted). The more elaborate and complete your Plan B, the less chance you will ever have to use it.

 

[nellia]

I know it was back in the "dark ages" but when I applied, my first interview invitation came on Oct 20th. My first acceptance came Nov 7th. I went on to receive acceptances at all six of the medical schools that I appled to with the last acceptance coming in late Feb.

It's still early. I will repeat for emphasis. IT'S STILL EARLY. Pre-interview hold does not equal rejection. Rejection means rejection. If you don't have a rejection letter in your hand, you are not rejected. It takes more effort for a school to put you on pre-interview hold than to reject you outright so chill.

this post makes me really happy. thank you thank you thank you. i needed a swift kick in the butt to get me back to reality for suuure ! 😀

 

[anon y mous]

I am right with you!! 0 interviews, 3 holds, 1 rejection.

I've heard nothing from anyone after sending in secondaries. i feel like I don't exist. 🙁

 

[bonvoyage]

So far no interviews and at least 1 or 2 pre interview holds (aka rejected)
I work in a hospital and whenever I see physicians, i get really upset...because i cant help but picture myself THERE...but i am not there yet.

At this point, i have no idea what to do!

i am in the same situation. but i get upset because i am sitting at home and basically unemployed.

 

[bonvoyage]

also what pisses me off is that i'm applying to 15-20schools, but i am only seriously interested in 3-4 of them.

 

[bonvoyage]

damn it i planned to complete my last secondaries this weekend. and to complete one of my jobs by monday so that i could be officially unemployed and chilling at the beach by wednesday. but ive done absolutely nothing all weekend. i actually watched backtoback police academy and planet of the apes on youtube from 3am to 8am last night. i still need to write a few of those essays although i had done 80% of the work last week.

 

[JackInTheBox]

also what pisses me off is that i'm applying to 15-20schools, but i am only seriously interested in 3-4 of them.

I'm sure the schools feel they same way, getting 5,000 applicants when they're only seriously interested in 500 of them 😀

 

[brianmartin]

but ive done absolutely nothing all weekend. i actually watched backtoback police academy and planet of the apes on youtube from 3am to 8am last night

F-ing classic

 

[TMP-SMX]

It's only October.

 

[What up doc]

It's only October.

i feel 4 all of u, and wish u the best of luck.

but even with my multiple interviews in hand, i still neurotically check SDN, email, and mailbox, waiting form more interviews. im just as paranoid as i was before i had any interviews. it never ends. i feel like i cant even truly enjoy my senior yr cuz im just waiting and waiting and countin the days down till i heard back from schools. it blows!

 

[hrfan]

Is there a forum for neurotic parents of applicants?

 

[mbe36]

As a re-applicant, staying calm and collected is becoming increasingly challenging with each day. I was complete at ~20 schools between early august and late september.

I have ZERO invites and 3 holds.

 

[tncekm]

As a re-applicant, staying calm and collected is becoming increasingly challenging with each day. I was complete at ~20 schools between early august and late september.

I have ZERO invites and 3 holds.

Just out of curiosity, what are your stays.