2013-2014 Panic Thread

[Member 552728]

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Its not over yet guys. I received an II today from a school where I was placed on pre-interview hold. Unfortunately, the first date available for this particular school was in March. Ill be interviewing for a spot on WL but its still better than nothing.

Honestly, the reason I think I received this interview is because of the effort I made. I sent a Letter of Interest about a month ago and got a nice reply from the dean of admissions about sending in updates instead. I sent two semi-significant updates in one letter about a week ago which prompted the dean to reply that my file will be reevaluated soon (since I was on pre-interview hold). And today, I received an II almost exclusively based on the interest I showed.

Congrats! When you sent in your updates or LOIs, did you email them directly to the Dean of Admissions or to the general Office of Admissions email?

 

[DrCharlemagne]

Its not over yet guys. I received an II today from a school where I was placed on pre-interview hold. Unfortunately, the first date available for this particular school was in March. Ill be interviewing for a spot on WL but its still better than nothing.

Honestly, the reason I think I received this interview is because of the effort I made. I sent a Letter of Interest about a month ago and got a nice reply from the dean of admissions about sending in updates instead. I sent two semi-significant updates in one letter about a week ago which prompted the dean to reply that my file will be reevaluated soon (since I was on pre-interview hold). And today, I received an II almost exclusively based on the interest I showed.

First, massive congrats. Knock 'em dead at your interview!

Second, riffing on this a little, as a non-trad I really don't have any major updates to speak of: grades, new experiences, etc. Any thoughts on what to write if the only thing you have to say is "Please, please talk to me, I'm awesome and I think you're awesome" ?

 

[gobigorgohome22]

Congrats! When you sent in your updates or LOIs, did you email them directly to the Dean of Admissions or to the general Office of Admissions email?

Thank you guys for the well wishes! My I addressed all my letters to someone higher up in the food chain for admissions (Dean of admissions, Admissions chair, etc.). When I sent my email, I sent to the the person I addressed the letter to and CCed the general admission office email address.

First, massive congrats. Knock 'em dead at your interview!

Second, riffing on this a little, as a non-trad I really don't have any major updates to speak of: grades, new experiences, etc. Any thoughts on what to write if the only thing you have to say is "Please, please talk to me, I'm awesome and I think you're awesome" ?

Thank you! In your case, it may be worth sending a Letter of Interest which includes what you have been up to this year. It doesn't have to be that significant. Maybe you could talk a little about how you have been working at X which has taught you teamwork and improved your organizational skills. Or that you have been doing research in X lab on Y project which could potentially lead to Z. I would keep these things to about a paragraph only with another paragraph or two about your interest.

 

[justAstudent]

Its not over yet guys. I received an II today from a school where I was placed on pre-interview hold. Unfortunately, the first date available for this particular school was in March. Ill be interviewing for a spot on WL but its still better than nothing.

Honestly, the reason I think I received this interview is because of the effort I made. I sent a Letter of Interest about a month ago and got a nice reply from the dean of admissions about sending in updates instead. I sent two semi-significant updates in one letter about a week ago which prompted the dean to reply that my file will be reevaluated soon (since I was on pre-interview hold). And today, I received an II almost exclusively based on the interest I showed.

Congratulations! And good luck!

 

[rappasani]

Approaching full-out panic mode... applied to 23 - no interviews, 6 rejections, 3 holds, 2 small-pools, and 12 silences. Most of my secondaries were finished between mid-July and end of August, with a couple into mid-September. Is one interview too much to ask for?!?! =[ I reeeally don't want to have to re-take the MCAT and drop another boatload of money on application fees...

In the same boat, except I had 1 interview at my state school in mid-Nov and haven't heard anything yet...getting nervous..

 

[Sodocme]

Beyond panic
Sinking into despair
See myself falling into a dark abyss
Rejected from alma mater today
No II from 20+schools
3.85 Gpa bio major
31 MCAT
Good EC
Sigh
So much effort, so much time, so much money
So far 4 rejections
It's like being diagnosed with some fatal cancer but death isn't imminent
Just stewing in my own misery.
Not to make light of cancer ( I had a parent die from that when I was a child)
Perhaps not the best analogy but that's how I'm feeling
Good luck to you all!

 

[goodguygreg]

Hang in there bud! Hang in there...good things will come... Eventually.

 

[Sodocme]

Thank you goodguygreg
I just think of how hard I have worked my whole life in school and the things I had to give up not unlike many of us.
Right now I'm stuck in this dark place.
It's hard to get prespective.
There is nothing so special about me,there are a lot of applicants like me out there. I just don't like feeling it's a crap shoot. Can't raise my Gpa and if I retake my MCAT would it make THAT much difference? I'd be lucky to go up a point or two.
I need to work to pay off loans etc.
Just wondering when I reapply what I should be doing now to make my app look better. What can I improve on?
Thanks all

 

[sourdoughllama]

Its not over yet guys. I received an II today from a school where I was placed on pre-interview hold. Unfortunately, the first date available for this particular school was in March. Ill be interviewing for a spot on WL but its still better than nothing.

Some schools (UC Irvine I know for sure) do interview into even April and I know for a fact they accept people for every interview session, so don't give up just yet!

Second, riffing on this a little, as a non-trad I really don't have any major updates to speak of: grades, new experiences, etc. Any thoughts on what to write if the only thing you have to say is "Please, please talk to me, I'm awesome and I think you're awesome" ?

Thank you! In your case, it may be worth sending a Letter of Interest which includes what you have been up to this year. It doesn't have to be that significant. Maybe you could talk a little about how you have been working at X which has taught you teamwork and improved your organizational skills. Or that you have been doing research in X lab on Y project which could potentially lead to Z. I would keep these things to about a paragraph only with another paragraph or two about your interest.

I think it's worth sending in something (as long as it's not literally "Please, please talk to me, I'm awesome and I think you're awesome" haha). People keep saying on these forums not to send small updates but then interview spots and acceptances are dwindling continuously. Worst case scenario, you're still not getting the invite because it's not significant enough. Best case scenario they invite you for an interview

 

[SilentSoldier]

Its not over yet guys. I received an II today from a school where I was placed on pre-interview hold. Unfortunately, the first date available for this particular school was in March. Ill be interviewing for a spot on WL but its still better than nothing.

Honestly, the reason I think I received this interview is because of the effort I made. I sent a Letter of Interest about a month ago and got a nice reply from the dean of admissions about sending in updates instead. I sent two semi-significant updates in one letter about a week ago which prompted the dean to reply that my file will be reevaluated soon (since I was on pre-interview hold). And today, I received an II almost exclusively based on the interest I showed.

Did the school specifically state that you'd be interviewing for a waitlist spot or is that what you think? Unless otherwise stated, any interview is always for an actual seat in the class and I would wager more often than not its not a waitlist interview. Besides, why would a school waste all that effort to interview people if they're going to waitlist them anyway? Good luck!

 

[BillrothI]

Worst case scenario, you're still not getting the invite because it's not significant enough. Best case scenario they invite you for an interview

I am a bit concerned about irritating the admissions staff. I'm also a non-traditional applicant with some minor updates - new grades, new job, one new volunteer position - but I haven't been published or anything like that. I'm reluctant to send in an update that might be perceived as trivial, especially if I'm still in line for review.

That said, you're absolutely right - we're all running out of time. I was complete in July or August at pretty much every school I applied to, so a Hail Mary update letter may be worth a shot at this point...

-Bill

 

[sourdoughllama]

I am a bit concerned about irritating the admissions staff. I'm also a non-traditional applicant with some minor updates - new grades, new job, one new volunteer position - but I haven't been published or anything like that. I'm reluctant to send in an update that might be perceived as trivial, especially if I'm still in line for review.

That said, you're absolutely right - we're all running out of time. I was complete in July or August at pretty much every school I applied to, so a Hail Mary update letter may be worth a shot at this point...

-Bill

Yeah sorry I don't mean to say spam the admissions office, you're right! It'd just be really sad if people don't send in updates because some anonymous site said not to when they could've possibly gotten an invite (if updates are done in an effective and not annoying manner)

 

[gobigorgohome22]

Did the school specifically state that you'd be interviewing for a waitlist spot or is that what you think? Unless otherwise stated, any interview is always for an actual seat in the class and I would wager more often than not its not a waitlist interview. Besides, why would a school waste all that effort to interview people if they're going to waitlist them anyway? Good luck!

No the school did not say it specifically but it's just my feeling since my interview is so late. But I definitely will be taking every advantage of the interview.

 

[juliuspepperwood]

I made an MDApps, my rejected list is almost as big as the application complete list.... lol

 

[whifsanity]

Silence from 15 schools still...when is it time to start studying for the MCAT again? 🙁

 

[justAstudent]

Silence from 15 schools still...when is it time to start studying for the MCAT again? 🙁

I think most people start mid January or early February.

 

[chillaxbro]

Mmmm I might have to apply a third time. My MCAT is from the summer of 2012. I really dont want to study again because it will be completely from scratch :/

 

[juliuspepperwood]

Mmmm I might have to apply a third time. My MCAT is from the summer of 2012. I really dont want to study again because it will be completely from scratch :/

I was April 2012, I'll probably start again tomorrow.

 

[Member 552728]

Silence from 15 schools still...when is it time to start studying for the MCAT again? 🙁

Probably mid-February for me. I am staying hopeful, even though I do check my email about 50 times a day it seems. I am either hoping my one waitlist will turn into an acceptance by the end of this cycle. Or I am hoping for another interview. I wish Adcoms could look through our application and see how awesome we people are. If only they gave me an interview, they would get to see this future doctor!

 

[QuiteAConundrum]

+

Beyond panic
Sinking into despair
See myself falling into a dark abyss
Rejected from alma mater today
No II from 20+schools
3.85 Gpa bio major
31 MCAT
Good EC
Sigh
So much effort, so much time, so much money
So far 4 rejections
It's like being diagnosed with some fatal cancer but death isn't imminent
Just stewing in my own misery.
Not to make light of cancer ( I had a parent die from that when I was a child)
Perhaps not the best analogy but that's how I'm feeling
Good luck to you all!

+1

One rejection and an SOD. Reaches for sure though. Rest is silence. About to send in a nice email to every other school as per gobigorgohome. Can't hurt I don't think!

Blech 🙁

 

[Wonton Soup]

Took a break from SDN to celebrate the holidays and prepare for interviews. Was reminded by admissions that a significant bulk of interviews have yet to be given out, so sit tight and update, update, update. Hope everyone is holding up and had a great (or as great as possible of a) break!


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[EthylMethylMan]

Currently at three rejections, two waitlists, and eleven schools giving me the silent treatment. I'm trying to keep a bit of hope since I'm sitting on one II decision and two more II's in late January and early February, but faaaaaack, the idea of having to apply again is worrying.

 

[EthylMethylMan]

About to send in a nice email to every other school as per gobigorgohome. Can't hurt I don't think!

Blech 🙁

Be careful; some schools outright say that they do not want emails regarding application decision, so it in fact could hurt. Just double-check before you hit the "send" button.

 

[type12]

I'm throwing in the towel, honestly. I don't mean I'm withdrawing, but I've given up hope: absolute silence from most schools, with a handful of rejections. Not a single interview.

 

[Godhelpmeplz]

I'm throwing in the towel, honestly. I don't mean I'm withdrawing, but I've given up hope: absolute silence from most schools, with a handful of rejections. Not a single interview.

I feel you type 2. That's all I have too. Not to mention a extended family of close to 50 people waiting to hear good news!

 

[nabilesmail]

When were you complete ?

 

[neuroswing]

I'm really worried even though my situation does not look that bad. I had two interviews in November and December and two more coming this month. However, I screwed up the one in November; it was MMI and I feel like I have absolutely no chance of getting after not being able to give organized/constructive answers to more than one or two questions. For the interview in December, even though it felt like it went ok; I am still sitting and waiting to hear back and that process is killing me. I know that I should be relaxed and chill out before med school starts; yet, I can't help but worry. I have an interview with a reach school in January; but it's a reach and crap shot to start with. The last interview goes to a school that I applied as a safety; although I'd definitely go if this was the only school that I got into, I still need to get in in the first place and it'll always be a shame to me that I didn't get into the places that I truly dreamed of. I am worried that I won't get in anywhere; even though I know that I'll be ok even if that happens, I know that there are a handful of solutions that I can come up with for my life. Yet at this moment, I'm genuinely worried. I feel bad for venting my anxiety on my friends/family as they all have stuff to worry about and neither do they understand my anxiety fully. Please excuse me for my panic post and I genuinely wish everyone who's sharing similar worries end up in great places in life!

 

[lemonade123]

Praying and hoping for an acceptance from the one interview I have had so far. I really hope all the anxiety and work and incredible amount of money put into applying this cycle will all be worth it. All we need is one acceptance. I feel for you all, I'm in a similar boat! I genuinely wish you all the best of luck. I can't even imagine starting from scratch and studying for an MCAT retake right now. But I unfortunately might have to 🙁

 

[justAstudent]

I'm really worried even though my situation does not look that bad. I had two interviews in November and December and two more coming this month. However, I screwed up the one in November; it was MMI and I feel like I have absolutely no chance of getting after not being able to give organized/constructive answers to more than one or two questions. For the interview in December, even though it felt like it went ok; I am still sitting and waiting to hear back and that process is killing me. I know that I should be relaxed and chill out before med school starts; yet, I can't help but worry. I have an interview with a reach school in January; but it's a reach and crap shot to start with. The last interview goes to a school that I applied as a safety; although I'd definitely go if this was the only school that I got into, I still need to get in in the first place and it'll always be a shame to me that I didn't get into the places that I truly dreamed of. I am worried that I won't get in anywhere; even though I know that I'll be ok even if that happens, I know that there are a handful of solutions that I can come up with for my life. Yet at this moment, I'm genuinely worried. I feel bad for venting my anxiety on my friends/family as they all have stuff to worry about and neither do they understand my anxiety fully. Please excuse me for my panic post and I genuinely wish everyone who's sharing similar worries end up in great places in life!

Perfectly normal for you to feel that way. I felt the same exact way until I got accepted. The weeks after my first interview I was up until 3 or 4 in the morning because I kept wondering if I did well and when I'll hear back. I kept looking up the school threads from the past on SDN. I youtubed videos about the school and everything. Luckily I heard back from the school within a week or two or I would have gone crazy. All I can tell you is to try to not worry about it too much (although I know you inevitably will because I did when others told me the same thing) and hope for the best. Good luck!

 

[neuroswing]

Praying and hoping for an acceptance from the one interview I have had so far. I really hope all the anxiety and work and incredible amount of money put into applying this cycle will all be worth it. All we need is one acceptance. I feel for you all, I'm in a similar boat! I genuinely wish you all the best of luck. I can't even imagine starting from scratch and studying for an MCAT retake right now. But I unfortunately might have to 🙁

I hear ya. the idea of having to reapply and being a year late is not pleasant at all. I wish that there were ways that could make us less anxious during the process; but I guess going through this process actually helps us grow. Good luck to you too!

 

[Godhelpmeplz]

When were you complete ?

Hi Nabilesmail.

If your asking me, then oct 3 at most schools. I'm a Cali resident with a low mcat (29). In short a very average app compared to SDN standards. A letter from sci professor held me up. I was verified by sept.

 

[nabilesmail]

Hi Nabilesmail.

If your asking me, then oct 3 at most schools. I'm a Cali resident with a low mcat (29). In short a very average app compared to SDN standards. A letter from sci professor held me up. I was verified by sept.

Last year I was complete everywhere around the same time. I got 1 interview in Dec, 1 late Jan, 1 in March , and 1 in April

Don't give up :]

Send updates, letters of interest, anything you can

 

[QuiteAConundrum]

This song struck a particularly accurate chord for me this morning in terms of this application season!

 

[eWaffles]

I'm so scared right now. Rejected by 7. On hold at 3. Still waiting to hear back from 10 more. CRYING I JUST WANT TO BE A DOCTOR AND GET AN INTERVIEW

 

[Godhelpmeplz]

Last year I was complete everywhere around the same time. I got 1 interview in Dec, 1 late Jan, 1 in March , and 1 in April

Don't give up :]

Send updates, letters of interest, anything you can

Thank you! That gives me hope!!!!

 

[rkearl27]

Last year I was complete everywhere around the same time. I got 1 interview in Dec, 1 late Jan, 1 in March , and 1 in April

Don't give up :]

Send updates, letters of interest, anything you can

Hearing this plus reminding myself about the crazy AMCAS backup makes me feel a little better.


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[hippiedoc14]

Took a break from SDN to celebrate the holidays and prepare for interviews. Was reminded by admissions that a significant bulk of interviews have yet to be given out, so sit tight and update, update, update. Hope everyone is holding up and had a great (or as great as possible of a) break!


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What admissions offices did you hear that from? We are applying to some of the same schools. 🙂

 

[Godhelpmeplz]

Well hope just died. Got another rejection!

 

[Sumtingwong]

I also got another rejection, but it was from a school where I didn't even send in the secondary! Thanks school.

I'm praying for a miracle to happen. I spent years figuring out what to do with my life, and now that I've figured out a good fit, I've never felt so far away from the goal.

Also, the thought of having to tell family and friends I didn't make it makes me really depressed.

MED SCHOOLS LET US IN!! Please?

 

[VisceralFlame]

I don't know why the post I tried to post came up weird, but yeah. If I wake up in the middle of the night I automatically check my emails. So far, just spam from Pizza Hut and grubhub 🙁

Keep your head up! I can recall being in your position at this point last year. Those damn spam emails. It'll work out. Now I'm waking up in the middle of the night worrying about lectures and exams 😉


CCOM Class of 2017

 

[QuinnTheEskimo]

I am joining the panic thread. I am due to hear from a school this coming week, date unspecified.

One minute I think I aced the interview and I'm going to get in, the next minute I feel like I bombed it and a rejection is imminent.

PLEASE LET ME IN, SCHOOL!!!! I will love you forever 😍

 

[chillaxbro]

Not sure what's wrong with me
I believe I have a strong application and my weakness came down to my interviews
Until I had one interview where the interviewer literally said "I think youre a great fit for this school, I'm going to write a good review for you"

Result: Waitlisted T_T

 

[QuinnTheEskimo]

Not sure what's wrong with me
I believe I have a strong application and my weakness came down to my interviews
Until I had one interview where the interviewer literally said "I think youre a great fit for this school, I'm going to write a good review for you"

Result: Waitlisted T_T

Same exact thing happened to me. I had 2 interviews at that school. First interview went fine, I thought. Second interview was GREAT and the guy told me the school would be "lucky" to have me as a student.

Waitlisted, and it's a place with very little waitlist movement. 😢

I think there was something my first interviewer didn't like about me. It seemed like she was looking for something specific. She asked me if I spoke any languages besides English, and I said no.

 

[VisceralFlame]

Not sure what's wrong with me
I believe I have a strong application and my weakness came down to my interviews
Until I had one interview where the interviewer literally said "I think youre a great fit for this school, I'm going to write a good review for you"

Result: Waitlisted T_T

That happened to me as well at a school I was waitlisted at. That's definitely a good thing to have an interviewer 'on your side' though! Unfortunately, they only have a certain amount of acceptances that they hand out at each meeting, so it comes down to more factors even if they loved you. Good luck and stay positive! I was waitlisted at two schools with no acceptances last May and I ended up having to choose in the end


CCOM Class of 2017

 

[QuinnTheEskimo]

That happened to me as well at a school I was waitlisted at. That's definitely a good thing to have an interviewer 'on your side' though! Unfortunately, they only have a certain amount of acceptances that they hand out at each meeting, so it comes down to more factors even if they loved you. Good luck and stay positive! I was waitlisted at two schools with no acceptances last May and I ended up having to choose in the end


CCOM Class of 2017

Is that true? It seems like that would be unfair, especially in the early months when they tend to invite the most gunners and type-A perfect applicants.

 

[VisceralFlame]

Is that true? It seems like that would be unfair, especially in the early months when they tend to invite the most gunners and type-A perfect applicants.

I just meant that as in less of the applicants being reviewed at the meeting are going to be accepted right off the bat. More will be waitlisted or rejected. The interviewer who's presenting you to the committee can talk you up a lot, but it comes down to all of the other committee members' opinions and the other applicants in review


CCOM Class of 2017

 

[Sodocme]

Already thinking of the next cycle and reapplying, just don't know how to improve my application, maybe I just need to send it in early. I was complete at the end of August, but had NO idea AAMC would take 6 weeks to process it.
Most secondaries in by Oct some later.
Applied to 20 schools
So far 3 rejections no II
And silence.
Gpa 3.85 from a good school
Science Gpa 3.9
MCAT 31
Good EC
Working now as a clinical assistant in drs office , mostly administration put I do take vitals on patients and shadow a lot.
Any advice would be very appreciated,, and I wish you all the very best.
Thankyou

 

[VisceralFlame]

Already thinking of the next cycle and reapplying, just don't know how to improve my application, maybe I just need to send it in early. I was complete at the end of August, but had NO idea AAMC would take 6 weeks to process it.
Most secondaries in by Oct some later.
Applied to 20 schools
So far 3 rejections no II
And silence.
Gpa 3.85 from a good school
Science Gpa 3.9
MCAT 31
Good EC
Working now as a clinical assistant in drs office , mostly administration put I do take vitals on patients and shadow a lot.
Any advice would be very appreciated,, and I wish you all the very best.
Thankyou

Applying early can make all the difference in your cycle. When the adcoms see your app is a big game changer. I applied late as well and it was one of my biggest mistakes

 

[rkearl27]

Already thinking of the next cycle and reapplying, just don't know how to improve my application, maybe I just need to send it in early. I was complete at the end of August, but had NO idea AAMC would take 6 weeks to process it.
Most secondaries in by Oct some later.
Applied to 20 schools
So far 3 rejections no II
And silence.
Gpa 3.85 from a good school
Science Gpa 3.9
MCAT 31
Good EC
Working now as a clinical assistant in drs office , mostly administration put I do take vitals on patients and shadow a lot.
Any advice would be very appreciated,, and I wish you all the very best.
Thankyou

We have VERY similar applications and I was complete mid September. I have 1 rejection and silence from my other 13 schools. I'm not sure how I'm going to improve my app other than retaking the mcat.......which I really really really dont want to do!!!


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[TheShaker]

Already thinking of the next cycle and reapplying, just don't know how to improve my application, maybe I just need to send it in early. I was complete at the end of August, but had NO idea AAMC would take 6 weeks to process it.
Most secondaries in by Oct some later.
Applied to 20 schools
So far 3 rejections no II
And silence.
Gpa 3.85 from a good school
Science Gpa 3.9
MCAT 31
Good EC
Working now as a clinical assistant in drs office , mostly administration put I do take vitals on patients and shadow a lot.
Any advice would be very appreciated,, and I wish you all the very best.
Thankyou

Apply earlier. It's the single best thing you can do for your app since the rest is solid. I had a much more successful cycle from applying earlier.