11/25 Rs but only II is at a T10, red flag or wildcard application?

[Steph60]

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Responses have been the inverse of what I expected. Many mid/low medical schools and my instate have sent holds or Rs and a couple of the T20s have sent an R as well. The only II I have is at an OOS T10 and I was the second interview group this cycle. It was constantly stated throughout the day that they highly value the early groups and wanted to make a good impression under the assumption we would have many choices.
I have a low GPA, okay MCAT, and atypical/impressive ECs. I was completed in July/early August with all my applications. I'm wondering if there is some type of a red flag that was glossed over on my II as my negative responses are higher than most others I have talked to this cycle. I'd like to be able to spot it early if it is something I could fix for the next cycle. Would it even be possible to tell at this point or should I wait until January or so before assuming so? This isn't so much neuroticism but more wanting to be proactive if needed.

 

[Cornfed101]

It is not really possible to answer this question without seeing your application. You can't just assume it was a red flag. It could have been due to your low GPA or okay MCAT or poor writing or a number of things. You always need to work towards improving your application. If any schools give you the opportunity to receive feedback on why you were rejected then that would be very valuable in your situation. Usually, this is an option post II.

 

[candbgirl]

From what you have shared there is no way to answer your question. But it is always suggested to consider yourself rejected until you have that acceptance in hand. So keep working on your application. And remember, only around 40 percent of applicants are accepted each year so that means 60 percent are rejected. You have had an interview so that’s good. Any idea when you will hear from that school?

 

[notsobabydoc]

Responses have been the inverse of what I expected. Many mid/low medical schools and my instate have sent holds or Rs and a couple of the T20s have sent an R as well. The only II I have is at an OOS T10 and I was the second interview group this cycle. It was constantly stated throughout the day that they highly value the early groups and wanted to make a good impression under the assumption we would have many choices.
I have a low GPA, okay MCAT, and atypical/impressive ECs. I was completed in July/early August with all my applications. I'm wondering if there is some type of a red flag that was glossed over on my II as my negative responses are higher than most others I have talked to this cycle. I'd like to be able to spot it early if it is something I could fix for the next cycle. Would it even be possible to tell at this point or should I wait until January or so before assuming so? This isn't so much neuroticism but more wanting to be proactive if needed.

I suspect something is eye catching in your app that may be perceived negatively, because of the high R’s. I assume your II is at UCLA.

 

[FISTMCLARGEHUGE]

I suspect something is eye catching in your app that may be perceived negatively, because of the high R’s. I assume your II is at UCLA.

Really wouldn't surprise me if it was. That interview day had such a wide range of people it was crazy.

 

[710118]

Really wouldn't surprise me if it was. That interview day had such a wide range of people it was crazy.

What do you mean by this?

 

[Steph60]

I suspect something is eye catching in your app that may be perceived negatively, because of the high R’s. I assume your II is at UCLA.

Perceived negatively in the sense that it is a gamble between positive or negative? I am 30+ with a very diverse background. There are a few activities I could see going either way, based on who reads it.

 

[FISTMCLARGEHUGE]

What do you mean by this?

I'd describe the background of interviewees as if someone put a ton of cool/impressive ECs and stories on a board, then threw a ton of darts.
Also, the range of scores seemed much wider from people's comments. Tons of jokes about Rs from other schools who are notorious for stats at lunch.

 

[notsobabydoc]

Perceived negatively in the sense that it is a gamble between positive or negative? I am 30+ with a very diverse background. There are a few activities I could see going either way, based on who reads it.

I am 30+ too with a very diverse background as well. Yeah I really think the issue may lie on why medicine now.

 

[Goro]

Responses have been the inverse of what I expected. Many mid/low medical schools and my instate have sent holds or Rs and a couple of the T20s have sent an R as well. The only II I have is at an OOS T10 and I was the second interview group this cycle. It was constantly stated throughout the day that they highly value the early groups and wanted to make a good impression under the assumption we would have many choices.
I have a low GPA, okay MCAT, and atypical/impressive ECs. I was completed in July/early August with all my applications. I'm wondering if there is some type of a red flag that was glossed over on my II as my negative responses are higher than most others I have talked to this cycle. I'd like to be able to spot it early if it is something I could fix for the next cycle. Would it even be possible to tell at this point or should I wait until January or so before assuming so? This isn't so much neuroticism but more wanting to be proactive if needed.

There's your red flag:
I have a low GPA, okay MCAT

 

[notsobabydoc]

There's your red flag:
I have a low GPA, okay MCAT

But how do you explain the II at UCLA or even UCSF if the GPA is an issue.

 

[star-lily]

We honestly would probably need some more details here

 

[Goro]

But how do you explain the II at UCLA or even UCSF if the GPA is an issue.

There's something in the app that the school liked.

But really, SDNers are advised to NOT think in the mindset of “I sent in my apps; where are my interviews???”

 

[notsobabydoc]

There's something in the app that the school liked.

But really, SDNers are advised to NOT think in the mindset of “I sent in my apps; where are my interviews???”

Again the OP didn’t specify his/her stat so we have no idea what a low gpa and okay mcat mean.

 

[deleted987519]

That's just showbiz, baby

 

[deleted972488]

I'd describe the background of interviewees as if someone put a ton of cool/impressive ECs and stories on a board, then threw a ton of darts.
Also, the range of scores seemed much wider from people's comments. Tons of jokes about Rs from other schools who are notorious for stats at lunch.

I’m not really sure you can infer stats from lunchtime conversations such as these.

 

[FISTMCLARGEHUGE]

I’m not really sure you can infer stats from lunchtime conversations such as these.

Absolutely, still had a couple people outright say they had sub 3.6 gpas or sub 510 mcats. No one passed around their transcripts but there is a type of atmosphere that you can sense.

 

[Steph60]

It was a northeastern school that sent the II. 3.54cGPA, 3.4 sGPA, 510 MCAT. I won't hear anything back for a while based on non-rolling admissions anyways.

Summary of background involves living in Africa for years while involved with a long term project focused on infrastructure, have a few publications, URM, 5+ year career in R&D at a well-known company and military service in the Air Force. I also have all the standard checkboxes with clinical experience/shadowing and more than meet the recommended hours.

 

[FISTMCLARGEHUGE]

It was a northeastern school that sent the II. 3.54cGPA, 3.4 sGPA, 510 MCAT. I won't hear anything back for a while based on non-rolling admissions anyways.

Summary of background involves living in Africa for years while involved with a long term project focused on infrastructure, have a few publications, URM, 5+ year career in R&D at a well-known company and military service in the Air Force. I also have all the standard checkboxes with clinical experience/shadowing and more than meet the recommended hours.

Did you threaten the admissions committee in the opening on your PS?

 

[notsobabydoc]

It was a northeastern school that sent the II. 3.54cGPA, 3.4 sGPA, 510 MCAT. I won't hear anything back for a while based on non-rolling admissions anyways.

Summary of background involves living in Africa for years while involved with a long term project focused on infrastructure, have a few publications, URM, 5+ year career in R&D at a well-known company and military service in the Air Force. I also have all the standard checkboxes with clinical experience/shadowing and more than meet the recommended hours.

Looks really solid to me. GPA’s shouldn’t take you out of the running, but maybe your MCAT is a bit low for the top tier?

 

[Steph60]

There's something in the app that the school liked.

But really, SDNers are advised to NOT think in the mindset of “I sent in my apps; where are my interviews???”

I am not looking for a large number of interviews. I am just trying to gain insight into an almost inverse response from schools with regard to prestige. If there is something this community has seen valued by higher-ranked schools, I would like to get a better idea of what my strengths are and then focus on what is lacking to be rejected by many "lower" ranked schools. I am not too concerned with the rankings as far as my choice goes and my top choice was much lower ranked than my interview. I had 2 people who work with admissions at mid-level schools read over my application and I got very positive responses. My interviewer was very interested in much of my application and even let me know that another faculty member wanted to know what I said. I have no issue in interviews or professional situations and have never felt like I couldn't talk to those I took classes or interviewed with. So I don't think I come across in a negative way in writing or person.

I was a PJ which can have some combat-focused elements, I haven't been able to speak to anyone who has been in those situations and applied so I wonder if the idea of war-related experiences can be offputting? I never went into more detail than needed. I have also wondered if it could come across as if I am just "collecting" well-respected experiences. However, I feel that my reasoning for medicine is strong and I have gotten that same feedback from others who have seen my application. It seems hard to place why I have about 50% rejections so early.

 

[DNAJB6]

Again the OP didn’t specify his/her stat so we have no idea what a low gpa and okay mcat mean.

Yeah, remember: On SDN a low GPA is<3.9 and an "okay" MCAT is ~518.

 

[notretired]

3.54cGPA, 3.4 sGPA, 510 MCAT. I won't hear anything back for a while based on non-rolling admissions anyways.

Summary of background involves living in Africa for years while involved with a long term project focused on infrastructure, have a few publications, URM, 5+ year career in R&D at a well-known company and military service in the Air Force. I also have all the standard checkboxes with clinical experience/shadowing and more than meet the recommended hours.

I was a PJ

If this is all true I'd say there's a red flag; PJ alone is like an apex level EC.

 

[notsobabydoc]

I am not looking for a large number of interviews. I am just trying to gain insight into an almost inverse response from schools with regard to prestige. If there is something this community has seen valued by higher-ranked schools, I would like to get a better idea of what my strengths are and then focus on what is lacking to be rejected by many "lower" ranked schools. I am not too concerned with the rankings as far as my choice goes and my top choice was much lower ranked than my interview. I had 2 people who work with admissions at mid-level schools read over my application and I got very positive responses. My interviewer was very interested in much of my application and even let me know that another faculty member wanted to know what I said. I have no issue in interviews or professional situations and have never felt like I couldn't talk to those I took classes or interviewed with. So I don't think I come across in a negative way in writing or person.

I was a PJ which can have some combat-focused elements, I haven't been able to speak to anyone who has been in those situations and applied so I wonder if the idea of war-related experiences can be offputting? I never went into more detail than needed. I have also wondered if it could come across as if I am just "collecting" well-respected experiences. However, I feel that my reasoning for medicine is strong and I have gotten that same feedback from others who have seen my application. It seems hard to place why I have about 50% rejections so early.

Sorry for my ignorance, what is PJ? I am really surprised by your results. Which schools have you sent R’s?

 

[deleted972488]

what is PJ?

Pajamas

 

[Cornfed101]

Sorry for my ignorance, what is PJ? I am really surprised by your results. Which schools have you sent R’s?

A quick google search yielded pararescue (I'm guessing the J is for jumper?)

 

[notretired]

Yeah there was a show on nat geo about them a few years ago called inside combat rescue, worth a watch

 

[notsobabydoc]

A quick google search yielded pararescue (I'm guessing the J is for jumper?)

sounds really cool and dangerous too lol.

 

[strappysandals]

.

 

[LeaveNoTrace]

It was a northeastern school that sent the II. 3.54cGPA, 3.4 sGPA, 510 MCAT. I won't hear anything back for a while based on non-rolling admissions anyways.

Summary of background involves living in Africa for years while involved with a long term project focused on infrastructure, have a few publications, URM, 5+ year career in R&D at a well-known company and military service in the Air Force. I also have all the standard checkboxes with clinical experience/shadowing and more than meet the recommended hours.

Was the African infrastructure project part of your military service? Kinda curious; a URM veteran with publications is definitely something that would whet the appetite of more than a few schools...but the GPAs and MCAT ding you pretty good.

 

[Goro]

What about "I did all my interviews; where are my acceptances?"

We'll see those posts starting in spring time.

 

[LizzyM]

Schools lower on the food chain could figure you for someone who will have offers from Havard, Yale, Penn, Hopkins, Duke, etc, etc and on down the eastern seaboard and back up the west coast from UCSD to UCSF and Stanford. They figure they can't compete so there is little point in bringing you in for an interview. It is called yield protection and it the balm on the ego of every applicant who doesn't get as many interview invites as they had expected.

 

[The Deep]

If this is all true I'd say there's a red flag; PJ alone is like an apex level EC.

Get Walter on this EC ASAP!

 

[JoaoMoutinho]

sounds really cool and dangerous too lol.

I knew one person who did combat control for the AF (IIRC it's the same training pipeline, but they do advanced electronics/communication instead of EMT training like the PJs do). He was a remarkable person, though also a bit crazy. 10/10 would hang out with again if I lived within 1000 miles of him.