2012-2013 Panic Thread

[SilverCat]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Since this thread has fallen to page 2, is it safe to assume that most people have moved from the 'panicked' stage to the 'I could care less at this point' stage?

 

[TheShaker]

Since this thread has fallen to page 2, is it safe to assume that most people have moved from the 'panicked' stage to the 'I could care less at this point' stage?

Accepting fate for what it is.

 

[sparkleys]

Some of us still are still here panicking

 

[CriticalCond]

some of us still are still here panicking

+1

 

[Mavii]

+1

-1

 

[deleted127837]

0? 🙁

There's still some time left, but may as well look at it all for what it is. What're some great things we can do before app season opens again in June? 🙂

Travel's always a plus, though expensive. If you play the miles game you could probably get a free round-trip ticket though. I think those post-bacc programs apps open around now, don't they? Might be a worthwhile direction, especially if you have one with a solid linkage program. I have a few friends who waltzed into med schools through postbacc linkage programs at Bryn Mawr (sp?) and the like.

 

[WhovianDO]

-1

+1

(It's like inception. Lol

 

[chillaxbro]

Any more chances of getting more II?

 

[Jas1360]

Any more chances of getting more II?

Chance? yes

How good of a chance? depends, but not very high

 

[doctorwho101]

There's always more panicking to be done!!

 

[chillaxbro]

If someone had a 95th percentile GPA and MCAT but didn't get an acceptance this cycle, should he take a SMP or something? Or just more volunteer + research?

 

[PreMedOrDead]

If someone had a 95th percentile GPA and MCAT but didn't get an acceptance this cycle, should he take a SMP or something? Or just more volunteer + research?

This sounds pretty specific per application. I think one would have to talk to the AdComs about rejections and see what needs fixing on their application. eg Late/Top Heavy/Red Flag/Poor PS/Poor LoR/lack of ECs/bad interviewing/etc. Then correct that before applying again. Hell, it could even come down to applying to too few schools and running into some very, very bad luck.

I don't know for sure though, Lizzy or someone with more experience would have to tackle that. Not many people with 95th %ile GPA/MCAT get the boot each cycle.

 

[mcloaf]

This sounds pretty specific per application. I think one would have to talk to the AdComs about rejections and see what needs fixing on their application. eg Late/Top Heavy/Red Flag/Poor PS/Poor LoR/lack of ECs/bad interviewing/etc. Then correct that before applying again. Hell, it could even come down to applying to too few schools and running into some very, very bad luck.

I don't know for sure though, Lizzy or someone with more experience would have to tackle that. Not many people with 95th %ile GPA/MCAT get the boot each cycle.

+1. With those numbers the problem pretty much has to be a red flag, late app, or too top heavy, IMO.

 

[deleted127837]

If someone had a 95th percentile GPA and MCAT but didn't get an acceptance this cycle, should he take a SMP or something? Or just more volunteer + research?

+1. With those numbers the problem pretty much has to be a red flag, late app, or too top heavy, IMO.

Agreed.

In general for people: if you want someone to review your stuff and give advice, feel free to PM me 🙂 I've got some time before I head back to Asia.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Agreed.

In general for people: if you want someone to review your stuff and give advice, feel free to PM me 🙂 I've got some time before I head back to Asia.

I'll give you a salmon marinated in space dust if you inflate my ego.

 

[SOMBound13]

If someone had a 95th percentile GPA and MCAT but didn't get an acceptance this cycle, should he take a SMP or something? Or just more volunteer + research?

Are you applying to:

Mostly reach schools?

OOS publics that take few OOS students?

Mostly unranked schools that assume you'll go elsewhere?

What was the mix of your schools?

When were you verified?

Did your school do a Committee Letter?

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Had a friend that sent me her AMCAS application because she was in a similar situation this cycle. I was baffled. See:

Are you applying to:

Mostly reach schools?
Nope, good variety

OOS publics that take few OOS students?
Nope, all between 30%-90% OOS

Mostly unranked schools that assume you'll go elsewhere?
Nope, good variety

What was the mix of your schools?
Can't remember for sure, but it was around 5/10/5, I'd have to check the list in my email again

When were you verified?
First day.

Did your school do a Committee Letter?
Student has a committee letter. Committee told her it was 'Good' and 'Checked out' (aka - no red flags)

I feel really bad for her, she's a great person 🙁 Somehow, these things do happen, though pretty rare from what I gather. Usually I can offer some good advice, but saw nothing glaring in the application that justifies her getting shafted. When she got rejected from her state school I asked her if she told the interviewer to "F off" or something. She didn't find it funny. 😳

 

[SOMBound13]

Had a friend that sent me her AMCAS application because she was in a similar situation this cycle. I was baffled. See:

Quote:
Originally Posted by SOMBound13
Are you applying to:

Mostly reach schools?
Nope, good variety

OOS publics that take few OOS students?
Nope, all between 30%-90% OOS

Mostly unranked schools that assume you'll go elsewhere?
Nope, good variety

What was the mix of your schools?
Can't remember for sure, but it was around 5/10/5, I'd have to check the list in my email again

When were you verified?
First day.

Did your school do a Committee Letter?
Student has a committee letter. Committee told her it was 'Good' and 'Checked out' (aka - no red flags)
I feel really bad for her, she's a great person Somehow, these things do happen, though pretty rare from what I gather. Usually I can offer some good advice, but saw nothing glaring in the application that justifies her getting shafted. When she got rejected from her state school I asked her if she told the interviewer to "F off" or something. She didn't find it funny.

😱

This just seems too unreal. Did you see her PS?

As for the OOS publics...are there really some that take 70-90% OOS?

Is it possible that some of these schools had requirements that she didn't have?

 

[PreMedOrDead]

😱

Tell me about it, it makes me a lot more thankful for the success I've had this cycle.

This just seems too unreal. Did you see her PS?

I asked if I could share her app (or parts of it). She, as expected and as is reasonable, declined for anonymity reasons. But I assure you that everything checks out, I'll be reasonable and say her PS/Act Descripts are average, but I think it's all above average, but I think everyone thinks people's PS/LoR/etc are excellent. Even her secondaries look great.

As for the OOS publics...are there really some that take 70-90% OOS?

I meant the schools applied to are all either in-state for her or accept generous out of state applicants within or below her LizzyM score. I checked and it's about a 5/10/5 spread. 5 that fit her stats (her LizzyM is on par with top tiers), 10 that are below, and 5 safeties including state schools. She shared this with me months ago via email to double check her list was okay. Now I feel bad she's having terrible luck 🙁

Is it possible that some of these schools had requirements that she didn't have?

Nope, she has all her bases covered.

Hmph. She still has a couple chances for admission. Hopefully she'll get in at least one, I honestly wouldn't have any advice for her on how to improve her app. And she's heckuva lot smarter than me. 😱

Edit: Didn't mean to hijack this thread! But hopefully permavirgin takes some of this advice and talks to some AdComs if this cycle doesn't work out. It's the only way to be sure. And he/she definitely isn't alone. 95th percentile scores and a good app just open doors, they don't always pull you through them.

 

[sinombre]

Waitlisted at my top choice today... not really surprised, but it still sucks. Looks like I'll be waiting for another 6-ish months 🙁

 

[SOMBound13]

Hmph. She still has a couple chances for admission. Hopefully she'll get in at least one, I honestly wouldn't have any advice for her on how to improve her app. And she's heckuva lot smarter than me. 😱

Edit: Didn't mean to hijack this thread! But hopefully permavirgin takes some of this advice and talks to some AdComs if this cycle doesn't work out. It's the only way to be sure. And he/she definitely isn't alone. 95th percentile scores and a good app just open doors, they don't always pull you through them.

Not meaning to hijack any further, but has she sent any updates and express serious interest these schools? someone here posted that after they contacted the SOM and expressed sincerely interest they got an interview. I got my acceptance shortly after sending an update. I don't know if it made any difference, but I included my courses and grades from Fall semester (all A's) and the fact that I am a TA for a ChemE class this semester.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Not meaning to hijack any further, but has she sent any updates and express serious interest these schools? someone here posted that after they contacted the SOM and expressed sincerely interest they got an interview. I got my acceptance shortly after sending an update. I don't know if it made any difference, but I included my courses and grades from Fall semester (all A's) and the fact that I am a TA for a ChemE class this semester.

I already told her to send more updates out and letters of interest. I think she has, but as I am aware of she hasn't gotten any acceptances or any additional interviews since. 🙁 Best description I've heard of the process is that it is, "A fickle beast." Looking at my own interview/acceptance list, honestly, I can't see much as to why some places flat our rejected me whereas others interviewed and accepted me right off the bat. I can't imagine what it's like to deal with the luck of having all of them be the former.

 

[galaxyx]

If someone had a 95th percentile GPA and MCAT but didn't get an acceptance this cycle, should he take a SMP or something? Or just more volunteer + research?

If you're talking about yourself...perhaps when you bragged that you had interviews despite little shadowing and clinical experience you hit the nail on the head...
I would guess that you got the interviews based on your stats but couldn't back up with your stats with an understanding of the profession

 

[premed2000]

X

 

[deleted127837]

I'll give you a salmon marinated in space dust if you inflate my ego.

PM me your app and I'll get out the pump 🙂👍

Actually, I'd probably be brutally honest. But I try to suggest avenues for quick and effective improvement.

Unfortunately Bryn Mawr is strictly a career changer program. They do have excellent linkage opportunities but you can't apply to the program if you've already taken all of the premed reqs and/or have applied to med school.

I stand corrected!

Had a friend that sent me her AMCAS application because she was in a similar situation this cycle. I was baffled. See:



I feel really bad for her, she's a great person 🙁 Somehow, these things do happen, though pretty rare from what I gather. Usually I can offer some good advice, but saw nothing glaring in the application that justifies her getting shafted. When she got rejected from her state school I asked her if she told the interviewer to "F off" or something. She didn't find it funny. 😳

Not to be cynical, but she's either from California, her stats are low (I didn't see them listed), or she has an inaccurate opinion of her application's competitiveness. Great people get screwed in this process by people who know how to manipulate 5 minute pre-interview application review, and later the 30min~1 hour in-person interview. Emulation!

Waitlisted at my top choice today... not really surprised, but it still sucks. Looks like I'll be waiting for another 6-ish months 🙁

🙁 hope it works out!

I already told her to send more updates out and letters of interest. I think she has, but as I am aware of she hasn't gotten any acceptances or any additional interviews since. 🙁 Best description I've heard of the process is that it is, "A fickle beast." Looking at my own interview/acceptance list, honestly, I can't see much as to why some places flat our rejected me whereas others interviewed and accepted me right off the bat. I can't imagine what it's like to deal with the luck of having all of them be the former.

Part of it is the personality of the person/people who reviewed your app, combined with when they get to it (for the schools that don't straight-up assign your activities a number and let the GPA/MCAT be dominant factors). You can be completed on day one and your reviewer not get to you for weeks or months.

Hey guys, for those of you sending pre-interview LOIs, where do you generally send it to? I've read posts before saying you should send it to the deans/directors of admission because they are pretty much the top of the chain, so are they the ones we send LOI's to?

Upload it to their online system if they use AMP, or email them directly to the med school (most will notify you if they have a system designed for uploading directly). Note: many/most Cali schools don't accept them. I think UCLA is the only exception.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

PM me your app and I'll get out the pump 🙂👍

Actually, I'd probably be brutally honest. But I try to suggest avenues for quick and effective improvement.

Haha, I've already had people tear apart my application. Thanks to a great advisory team I knew exactly where I stood. I'm sure you could still find something to complain about if you really wanted to 😛 I mean, I saved no starving minority children in the Subsaharan part of Africa 🙁

Not to be cynical, but she's either from California, her stats are low (I didn't see them listed), or she has an inaccurate opinion of her application's competitiveness. Great people get screwed in this process by people who know how to manipulate 5 minute pre-interview application review, and later the 30min~1 hour in-person interview. Emulation!

She's not from Cali, her stats are 95th percentile (> 35, > 3.95), and she has her application topped off with the typical research/clinical/nonclinical/community ECs. She's absolutely competitive. I can't divulge anything else out of respect for her, but I'll let you guys know if she sneaks in somewhere.

Part of it is the personality of the person/people who reviewed your app, combined with when they get to it (for the schools that don't straight-up assign your activities a number and let the GPA/MCAT be dominant factors). You can be completed on day one and your reviewer not get to you for weeks or months.

Agreed.

 

[premed2000]

X

 

[Doo]

By no means do I have >35 on MCAT or >3.95GPA, but I do have a solid 34Q and a 3.8/3.82GPA with a GPA upward trend of 3.57 (1st year), 3.81 (second year), 3.93 (third year), and a 4.0 (4th year ongoing) from a reputable UC. I have absolutely no luck this cycle with 1II and 14 Rejections. From California might be a reason...completing my application late (late sept) might be another reason...applying to top heavy might be a reason (mostly within top 50 with a few outside of top 50 based on USNews)....being ORM might be another reason......

I cannot lie this cycle has taken a huge mental/emotional hit on me because I really think I am capable to do well and deserve atleast a shot at any of the top 50 schools....I still got 10 schools to go but honestly only feel like I have a shot at II at maybe 1 or 2 schools out of the 10. Guess I will have to really rip apart my application and see what's wrong with my application for reapplication....:cry:

Dude, your situation sounds exactly like mine. I have better MCAT, but slightly lower GPA. From east coast and went to ivy. Profile finished mid-late Sep, applied top heavy (half top 30, half 30-60). 1 II 6 rejections before Jan, an additional II came a week ago. 14 more silent schools, finger crossed...

Good luck to us all!

 

[deleted127837]

She's not from Cali, her stats are 95th percentile (> 35, > 3.95), and she has her application topped off with the typical research/clinical/nonclinical/community ECs. She's absolutely competitive. I can't divulge anything else out of respect for her, but I'll let you guys know if she sneaks in somewhere.

Yeah, I can't judge much without knowing her. It's possible her school is low/an unknown (a close friend of mine came from a small school in the deep south, had a devastatingly good application, and got little feedback. One of his interviewers asked him if his college is real or not. He eventually got into a pretty decent school, though.), but I would guess either her ECs are too typical, or her descriptions/PS were written poorly. Seems unlikely though. Hopefully something will work out! 🙂

By no means do I have >35 on MCAT or >3.95GPA, but I do have a solid 34Q and a 3.8/3.82GPA with a GPA upward trend of 3.57 (1st year), 3.81 (second year), 3.93 (third year), and a 4.0 (4th year ongoing) from a reputable UC. I have absolutely no luck this cycle with 1II and 14 Rejections. From California might be a reason...completing my application late (late sept) might be another reason...applying to top heavy might be a reason (mostly within top 50 with a few outside of top 50 based on USNews)....being ORM might be another reason......

I cannot lie this cycle has taken a huge mental/emotional hit on me because I really think I am capable to do well and deserve atleast a shot at any of the top 50 schools....I still got 10 schools to go but honestly only feel like I have a shot at II at maybe 1 or 2 schools out of the 10. Guess I will have to really rip apart my application and see what's wrong with my application for reapplication....:cry:

Dude, your situation sounds exactly like mine. I have better MCAT, but slightly lower GPA. From east coast and went to ivy. Profile finished mid-late Sep, applied top heavy (half top 30, half 30-60). 1 II 6 rejections before Jan, an additional II came a week ago. 14 more silent schools, finger crossed...

California doesn't help premed2000's case, but I would bet cash money the entire*problem is having applied when you all did. Late September isn't "kinda late" like people try to represent it as, it's "you should just take the year off" late. (doing secondaries around this time is iffy, too). Of course, your essay could've been lackluster.

Honestly, I think with the number of people taking year(s) off these days, traditional students are increasingly at a disadvantage. With your stats, I would almost recommend saying screw-it to this year, do something fun/interesting or clinically relevant, and apply day one next year. You'll likely have a substantially different application season. I would do everything in your power to not get discouraged, as there's a very good chance it was time, not ability, that worked against you.

The AAMC and schools should really be more upfront about how severely applying late penalizes people. I applied late and I'm 100% certain I would have a substantially better season if I had applied earlier. If by now I hadn't gotten good feedback, I'd be planning to do so (unless you don't care about prestige or anything like that and just want to get in anywhere).

We'll get in eventually! For some of us, that will mean taking a year or two off to do something awesome and personally compelling, or just to improve our chances by applying earlier. For others, it'll happen now. We'll see!

 

[SilverCat]

We'll get in eventually! For some of us, that will mean taking a year or two off to do something awesome and personally compelling, or just to improve our chances by applying earlier. For others, it'll happen now. We'll see!

Bearstronaut, the official cheerleader of the panicking pre-meds.

In all seriousness, your optimism is very refreshing. Your support and encouragement is excellent; there's no doubt you would make great physician. It's nice to see someone with so much hope after such a trying cycle.

Here's hoping to a better rest of the cycle for all of us.

 

[TheShaker]

California doesn't help premed2000's case, but I would bet cash money the entire*problem is having applied when you all did. Late September isn't "kinda late" like people try to represent it as, it's "you should just take the year off" late. (doing secondaries around this time is iffy, too). Of course, your essay could've been lackluster.

Honestly, I think with the number of people taking year(s) off these days, traditional students are increasingly at a disadvantage. With your stats, I would almost recommend saying screw-it to this year, do something fun/interesting or clinically relevant, and apply day one next year. You'll likely have a substantially different application season. I would do everything in your power to not get discouraged, as there's a very good chance it was time, not ability, that worked against you.

The AAMC and schools should really be more upfront about how severely applying late penalizes people. I applied late and I'm 100% certain I would have a substantially better season if I had applied earlier. If by now I hadn't gotten good feedback, I'd be planning to do so (unless you don't care about prestige or anything like that and just want to get in anywhere).

We'll get in eventually! For some of us, that will mean taking a year or two off to do something awesome and personally compelling, or just to improve our chances by applying earlier. For others, it'll happen now. We'll see!

My luck hasn't been as bad as premed2000's and Doo's but I have never believed this more. It's hard to really understand this wisdom until you've been through the process so first time applicants will continue to disobey it.

 

[einstein1990]

Any thoughts on why people are saying that this particular cycle is so competitive compared to past cycle? What is making them say that?

 

[Irish Football]

Any thoughts on why people are saying that this particular cycle is so competitive compared to past cycle? What is making them say that?

See my situation. Also many others here on the panic thread with good apps and 1 or 0 interviews. I see so many people with numbers much better than mine with no interviews.

 

[DokDakotaDok]

Any thoughts on why people are saying that this particular cycle is so competitive compared to past cycle? What is making them say that?

I believe this is mentioned every cycle.

 

[SilverCat]

Probably because there are more applicants than previous years, and more people are taking the cue from SDN to apply early.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Probably because there are more applicants than previous years, and more people are taking the cue from SDN to apply early.

Isn't AMCAS only up about 1-2,000 applications this year?

I highly doubt it's that much more competitive.

 

[daymann]

I was in the middle of applying to a gap year position and needed to copy/paste my coursework from AMCAS. As I did, I saw that I listed my second semester junior year courses as 2011 S2 instead of 2012 S2. This might have made it look like I overloaded my sophomore year and took a semester off without any explanation in my junior year. Should I update all the med schools that I still haven't heard back from or do you guys think they realized I made a careless mistake in my app?

 

[WhovianDO]

I was in the middle of applying to a gap year position and needed to copy/paste my coursework from AMCAS. As I did, I saw that I listed my second semester junior year courses as 2011 S2 instead of 2012 S2. This might have made it look like I overloaded my sophomore year and took a semester off without any explanation in my junior year. Should I update all the med schools that I still haven't heard back from or do you guys think they realized I made a careless mistake in my app?

Doesn't AMCAS verify this using transcripts? Is it still Listed this way on your verified AMCAS? Seems that would have raised a question if your AMCAS coursework didn't match your transcripts. :-/

 

[daymann]

Doesn't AMCAS verify this using transcripts? Is it still Listed this way on your verified AMCAS? Seems that would have raised a question if your AMCAS coursework didn't match your transcripts. :-/

It's still listed as 2011 (incorrectly). Also my AMCAS was verified without a hitch.

 

[Jas1360]

It's still listed as 2011 (incorrectly). Also my AMCAS was verified without a hitch.

I think you might be reading the AMCAS incorrectly. 2011 S2 stands for 2011 Semester 2 which would actually be Spring 2012. If you took those classes spring 2012 you are fine.

I think they would have fixed it, if it were a mistake. I listed one of my schools as being on a semester system (I thought they were and the transcript did not show it) but they were on a slightly different system and AMCAS corrected it for me.

2012 S2 is actually Spring 2013, so that would be this current semester and we have just started this semester. So I am sure you listed it correctly, it just seems counter intuitive. AMCAS labels each year by the fall school year. So for the school year 2012-2013, the fall would be listed as 2012 S1 and the spring would be listed as 2012 S2, even though spring is actually the year 2013.

 

[daymann]

I think you might be reading the AMCAS incorrectly. 2011 S2 stands for 2011 Semester 2 which would actually be Spring 2012. If you took those classes spring 2012 you are fine.

I think they would have fixed it, if it were a mistake. I listed one of my schools as being on a semester system (I thought they were and the transcript did not show it) but they were on a slightly different system and AMCAS corrected it for me.

OH that totally makes sense.
Whoops.

 

[Jas1360]

OH that totally makes sense.
Whoops.

🙂 At least you know now you don't need to worry about contacting a bunch of schools.

 

[daymann]

🙂 At least you know now you don't need to worry about contacting a bunch of schools.

haha yup 👍

 

[premed2000]

X

 

[nabilesmail]

Seems I'm not alone with decent stats and barely any interviews. Yeah, when I applied, I was under the impression that late September secondary completions were kinda late but not terribly so. I guess that was completely untrue, ugh, I wish I stuck to my game plan of finishing my app 1 week after my MCAT (july 14th) rather than submitting my app on August 9th. I was so burnt out though. All my grades, studying for MCAT, doing everything, and then getting wrecked this cycle has also taken an emotional toll on me. I'm craving to be in medical school, its why I transferred in 2 years, its why I took 18+ units almost every semester, did the EC's, did my MCAT studying + full courseload. And now I may need to reapply despite strong numbers. Darn APP cycle!

 

[PreMedOrDead]

So most of you who lurk around the panic thread might already know how terrible of an application cycle I am having so far. If all fails this cycle, I am torn between whether I should apply this coming cycle 2013 or wait til 2014 (which means I will be taking two years off from college before matriculating for Fall 2015)

I think you should apply this coming cycle. It looks like you made a couple fatal mistakes that killed your application. See below:

By no means do I have >35 on MCAT or >3.95GPA, but I do have a solid 34Q and a 3.8/3.82GPA with a GPA upward trend of 3.57 (1st year), 3.81 (second year), 3.93 (third year), and a 4.0 (4th year ongoing) from a reputable UC.

This is absolutely solid.

I have absolutely no luck this cycle with 1II and 14 Rejections. From California might be a reason...

This didn't help, but you can't change that. I think the latter things matter more:

completing my application late (late sept) might be another reason...

This definitely can be an app killer, especially if you're in CA and all your schools are taking in heaps of qualified apps each year.

applying to top heavy might be a reason (mostly within top 50 with a few outside of top 50 based on USNews)....

Split low/mid/upper tier, and take a look at schools that really like Cali kids. I know private Midwest schools like Creighton, MCW, SLU, etc. love Cali students.

being ORM might be another reason......

You stats are good, even for an ORM.

I cannot lie this cycle has taken a huge mental/emotional hit on me because I really think I am capable to do well and deserve atleast a shot at any of the top 50 schools....

The name of the school you attend matters very, very little. Apply to schools outside this top fifty, and be happy as hell when you get interviews/acceptances there. An MD is an MD.

I still got 10 schools to go but honestly only feel like I have a shot at II at maybe 1 or 2 schools out of the 10. Guess I will have to really rip apart my application and see what's wrong with my application for reapplication....:cry:

You've gotten 1 II and might get 1 or 2 more... you still got a shot this cycle. Target your weaknesses for next cycle, but don't give up hope. It's still January, which means most schools still have a month/two left of interviews, and many months of decisions.

I really don't know how much exactly I can improve my application from this cycle to the coming cycle. I don't know how to drastically change my personal statement.

Read above. As for your PS: Get some additional feedback. See if there are any points you can make more interesting/personable/driven.

I did pull up my GPA a little and getting loads of A's in upper division biochemistry courses, and I did add two or three new ECs....but I really don't know how drastic of an improvement I need to get into med school since my GPA and MCAT are pretty much set (3.8/34Q)...and my life stories/experiences are pretty much set as well...

Your app sounds pretty set. Keep up the good work, apply June 1st (or whatever the first day AMCAS opens up) to get verified the first day, and enjoy your heaps of success next cycle if this one doesn't go so well.

 

[nabilesmail]

So most of you who lurk around the panic thread might already know how terrible of an application cycle I am having so far. If all fails this cycle, I am torn between whether I should apply this coming cycle 2013 or wait til 2014 (which means I will be taking two years off from college before matriculating for Fall 2015).

I really don't know how much exactly I can improve my application from this cycle to the coming cycle. I don't know how to drastically change my personal statement. I did pull up my GPA a little and getting loads of A's in upper division biochemistry courses, and I did add two or three new ECs....but I really don't know how drastic of an improvement I need to get into med school since my GPA and MCAT are pretty much set (3.8/34Q)...and my life stories/experiences are pretty much set as well...

Dont wait a year, apply day 1 and you'll get in. Atleast your grades went up, I applied with a 3.74/34 in late sept as you did. This year I'll be applying with a 3.67 (at best)/34 on day 1, and I think I will fare 10,000x better

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Seems I'm not alone with decent stats and barely any interviews. Yeah, when I applied, I was under the impression that late September secondary completions were kinda late but not terribly so. I guess that was completely untrue, ugh, I wish I stuck to my game plan of finishing my app 1 week after my MCAT (july 14th) rather than submitting my app on August 9th. I was so burnt out though. All my grades, studying for MCAT, doing everything, and then getting wrecked this cycle has also taken an emotional toll on me. I'm craving to be in medical school, its why I transferred in 2 years, its why I took 18+ units almost every semester, did the EC's, did my MCAT studying + full courseload. And now I may need to reapply despite strong numbers. Darn APP cycle!

You also seem pretty set for next cycle if this one doesn't work out. Keep your hope present, but focus on the future. Patch up your application, read over your materials and see if you need to rewrite anything. If you rushed it, you will probably want to completely revamp PS/Act Descriptions/etc. This is common if you do stuff when burnt out. Get all this prepared before June 1st and submit the first day for verification. You'll be verified the first day. After you're verified, cruise through 2012-2013 threads and prewrite all your secondaries and have them reviewed by someone you trust. Submit these right when you get them from the school and make sure to use proper formatting. From there, you'll coast into this cycle and dominate.

In the end, hopefully this is all just willful preparation for something that ends up not happening and you get in this cycle. But always be prepared for the worst.

 

[Jas1360]

So most of you who lurk around the panic thread might already know how terrible of an application cycle I am having so far. If all fails this cycle, I am torn between whether I should apply this coming cycle 2013 or wait til 2014 (which means I will be taking two years off from college before matriculating for Fall 2015).

I really don't know how much exactly I can improve my application from this cycle to the coming cycle. I don't know how to drastically change my personal statement. I did pull up my GPA a little and getting loads of A's in upper division biochemistry courses, and I did add two or three new ECs....but I really don't know how drastic of an improvement I need to get into med school since my GPA and MCAT are pretty much set (3.8/34Q)...and my life stories/experiences are pretty much set as well...

How does your clinical experience and shadowing look?

If it is good, I would agree with PreMedorDead and submit this May. I think you will have better luck just by submitting early because you already have good stats. Also, you should meet up with some people to talk about your PS and figure out how to fix or improve it.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

How does your clinical experience and shadowing look?

If it is good, I would agree with PreMedorDead and submit this May. I think you will have better luck just by submitting early because you already have good stats. Also, you should meet up with some people to talk about your PS and figure out how to fix or improve it.

Agree with this 100%. I was under the assumption that clinical experience and shadowing were a non-issue, though they are clearly absolutely necessary. If you lack in anything like clinical experience/shadowing/community involvement/etc, make sure you get it in your app as soon as possible.