2013-2014 Panic Thread

[Maeby Funke]

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Last year I submitted late June, but didn't get around to my secondaries until late Sept, with the last ones being in December. 1 interview late December, 1 interview late April.

This year I submitted late June, got all my secondaries done early Aug, attended 7 interviews by late Oct, then a couple more in January! Hope this helped. I turned in the same app two years in a row (different PS and 0.03 lower GPA, no new activities at all) but got vastly different results. Granted, I applied mostly to different schools - I was a little more top heavy last year, but that didn't account for the variability from last year to this year in terms of the range of schools that interviewed me

Thanks for the info. I got all my secondaries in between Sept-mid October, and I keep wondering how this cycle would've turned out if I'd applied earlier. Oh well, I plan to go to my top choice DO school if I don't get into any of my MDs.

 

[Member 552728]

2 Rejections. 1 Waitlist. And 7 Silences. Seriously..How worse can this get?!

 

[masaraksh]

2 Rejections. 1 Waitlist. And 7 Silences. Seriously..How worse can this get?!

I know how you feel 🙁

 

[T3ckFr3s]

Last year I submitted late June, but didn't get around to my secondaries until late Sept, with the last ones being in December. 1 interview late December, 1 interview late April.

This year I submitted late June, got all my secondaries done early Aug, attended 7 interviews by late Oct, then a couple more in January! Hope this helped. I turned in the same app two years in a row (different PS and 0.03 lower GPA, no new activities at all) but got vastly different results. Granted, I applied mostly to different schools - I was a little more top heavy last year, but that didn't account for the variability from last year to this year in terms of the range of schools that interviewed me

I guess the "reapplicant" stigma only applies to schools that you applied to in the previous cycle. Meaning you're not automatically at a disadvantage if you apply a second cycle to different schools. Honestly, if I applied to different schools next cycle I feel like I'll have a better chance because I've gained so much experience from this cycle. (How to write a good PS/Activities, real interview practice, etc.)

 

[sourdoughllama]

I guess the "reapplicant" stigma only applies to schools that you applied to in the previous cycle. Meaning you're not automatically at a disadvantage if you apply a second cycle to different schools. Honestly, if I applied to different schools next cycle I feel like I'll have a better chance because I've gained so much experience from this cycle. (How to write a good PS/Activities, real interview practice, etc.)

.

 

[milski]

2 Rejections. 1 Waitlist. And 7 Silences. Seriously..How worse can this get?!

11 Rejections, 6 Silences, 0 Interviews. Just because you asked. 😉

 

[Remy LeBeau]

I guess the "reapplicant" stigma only applies to schools that you applied to in the previous cycle. Meaning you're not automatically at a disadvantage if you apply a second cycle to different schools. Honestly, if I applied to different schools next cycle I feel like I'll have a better chance because I've gained so much experience from this cycle. (How to write a good PS/Activities, real interview practice, etc.)

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some schools look on reapplicants favorably, especially if they improve their applications from one year to the next. I think in last year's UNC thread, over half of the reapplicants ended up getting accepted. Also, I have been accepted to a school I unsuccessfully applied to last year. I don't think there is much of a stigma to reapplying, especially if you improve your application.

 

[Member 552728]

11 Rejections, 6 Silences, 0 Interviews. Just because you asked. 😉

Milski, we'll look at all this one day and laugh. If not this cycle, I hope and have a gut feeling that we'll definitely make it next cycle. And then..We'll just be awesome doctors!

 

[darklabel]

11 Rejections, 6 Silences, 0 Interviews. Just because you asked. 😉

I'm glad you're optimistic!

Hang in there! Pulling for everyone here

 

[Sumtingwong]

In sudden panic mode right now. Currently on one wait-list that I most likely won't hear back from until April-May...contemplating signing up for May 22 MCAT to prep for next cycle..but $275...I'm afraid if I wait too long, seats for that test date will be filled and I'll be late on my application AGAIN.

Anyone else afraid of reapplying a THIRD time?

 

[jorjorswens]

I am finally getting small pooled at a few places. I wish it wasn't so close to the end. Applying late is a death trap that no one warned me about.

 

[gobigorgohome22]

How was everyone's weekend?
On one hand, I look forward to weekend as a time to relax and catch up on school work.
On the other hand, I want the week to start so that admission committees can hurry up and accept me already.....

 

[chillaxbro]

I just sent an e-mail to my school's pre-med office to schedule my third committee letter interview

So humiliating

 

[Wonton Soup]

NFA'ed at my state school. Mehhh better start working on these update letters.

 

[TheShaker]

How was everyone's weekend?
On one hand, I look forward to weekend as a time to relax and catch up on school work.
On the other hand, I want the week to start so that admission committees can hurry up and accept me already.....

Did nothing really interesting. Now I'm in fetal position thinking about having to go back to work tomorrow. 🙁

I know how you feel though but I'm bracing myself for the post-interview rejections right now. My last 4 post-interview decisions were rejections...pls stahp.

 

[SilentSoldier]

Any other reapplicants in here waiting on any type of post interview response and starting to get super worried/anxious/scared/constipated about not hearing anything?

 

[gobigorgohome22]

Did nothing really interesting. Now I'm in fetal position thinking about having to go back to work tomorrow. 🙁

I know how you feel though but I'm bracing myself for the post-interview rejections right now. My last 4 post-interview decisions were rejections...pls stahp.

Dame, that's a lot of post interview rejections. But remember, all it takes is one (or at least thats what I tell myself to stop from braking down...)

Any other reapplicants in here waiting on any type of post interview response and starting to get super worried/anxious/scared/constipated about not hearing anything?

Not a reapplication but I am waiting on 3 post-interview responses. I feel like every week, I get closer to internally combusting. How many responses are you waiting on?

 

[lmw312]

-

 

[AZag13]

I don't know if I should wait until the end of this month to start studying for my MCAT (again, a different approach) or buy my books now and study in the meantime while still being hopeful for something… I KNOW it's my MCAT scores holding me back. I bombed my second time around 🙁 but still got 3 interviews, 1 rejection, waiting to hear from the two others, and waiting for an interview at a pathway program (will know one this by end of month). Any suggestions?

 

[Sumtingwong]

I don't know if I should wait until the end of this month to start studying for my MCAT (again, a different approach) or buy my books now and study in the meantime while still being hopeful for something… I KNOW it's my MCAT scores holding me back. I bombed my second time around 🙁 but still got 3 interviews, 1 rejection, waiting to hear from the two others, and waiting for an interview at a pathway program (will know one this by end of month). Any suggestions?

You still have two schools to hear back from! I wouldn't worry just yet. You're in a much better position than many of us! Stay positive and good luck

 

[food2]

Been panicking since September, but I'm finally joining this thread. Out of the 8 schools left that haven't officially rejected me yet, I have one pre-interview hold and one waitlist. I spent yesterday figuring out how to re-write my application and felt a huge wave of despair at the idea of starting this process all over again.

Trust me I know how it feels 🙁 As a reapplicant it was horrible especially considering my then girlfriend broke up with me. That just compounded the feeling of despair. BUT it will get better. Go out and find a volunteer position and a job! Email PI's in hospitals or universities. Some will respond and some won't. And hopefully one of them will bite. That's what I did this year and it definitely bolstered my app. I received a few interviews. It's tough but you will become better for it, I know I did. I learned a lot about myself and that has made me more confident in myself than I have ever felt about myself, which reflects during the interview portion.

I don't know your background, but for me I definitely wasn't ready going to medical school straight out of college. I am glad that I was forced to take the year off. It's natural to be disappointed but now there's that chip on your shoulder. I love to use sports legends out there for motivation. Look at Brady, drafted as the 199th pick, and was nearly cut. Now he's doing what he loves every day. Why not you? Your time will come 🙂 and when it does you'll be ready, I know it!

You aren't alone, if you want to talk about it, feel free to pm me.

Hell you might even get off of the waitlist and this will be all moot 🙂 I wish you the very best!

 

[SpartanWolverine]

Trust me I know how it feels 🙁 As a reapplicant it was horrible especially considering my then girlfriend broke up with me. That just compounded the feeling of despair. BUT it will get better. Go out and find a volunteer position and a job! Email PI's in hospitals or universities. Some will respond and some won't. And hopefully one of them will bite. That's what I did this year and it definitely bolstered my app. I received a few interviews. It's tough but you will become better for it, I know I did. I learned a lot about myself and that has made me more confident in myself than I have ever felt about myself, which reflects during the interview portion.

I don't know your background, but for me I definitely wasn't ready going to medical school straight out of college. I am glad that I was forced to take the year off. It's natural to be disappointed but now there's that chip on your shoulder. I love to use sports legends out there for motivation. Look at Brady, drafted as the 199th pick, and was nearly cut. Now he's doing what he loves every day. Why not you? Your time will come 🙂 and when it does you'll be ready, I know it!

You aren't alone, if you want to talk about it, feel free to pm me.

Hell you might even get off of the waitlist and this will be all moot 🙂 I wish you the very best!

Love the Brady reference. 😉 Go Blue and Go Pats!

 

[food2]

Love the Brady reference. 😉 Go Blue and Go Pats!

I bleed patriots (excited for another season!). My sunday's are so empty now though 🙁...off season just doesn't cut it for me

 

[hopefloatsss]

Trust me I know how it feels 🙁 As a reapplicant it was horrible especially considering my then girlfriend broke up with me. That just compounded the feeling of despair. BUT it will get better. Go out and find a volunteer position and a job! Email PI's in hospitals or universities. Some will respond and some won't. And hopefully one of them will bite. That's what I did this year and it definitely bolstered my app. I received a few interviews. It's tough but you will become better for it, I know I did. I learned a lot about myself and that has made me more confident in myself than I have ever felt about myself, which reflects during the interview portion.

Your life sounds like mine! Breakups + med school rejections = WORST combination ever. Talk about a broken heart.

My birthday is in a week...please God...one more interview or atleast good news!?!?

 

[food2]

Your life sounds like mine! Breakups + med school rejections = WORST combination ever. Talk about a broken heart.

My birthday is in a week...please God...one more interview or atleast good news!?!?

Haha it is one of the worst combinations i can think of. I'm still slightly bitter about it haha, but life goes on with or without you. I'm pulling for you!

Oh and I don't want to even think about valentine's day

 

[food2]

My condolences food. If I were a chick, I'd totally date you; I am confident that once united in our misery, we will make an unstoppable force. 😉

With your mudkip and my charmander we will truly be unstoppable! haha

 

[V5RED]

Did nothing really interesting. Now I'm in fetal position thinking about having to go back to work tomorrow. 🙁

I know how you feel though but I'm bracing myself for the post-interview rejections right now. My last 4 post-interview decisions were rejections...pls stahp.

Have you contacted your pre-health department for help interviewing? If you have had so many interviews without success, it suggests your app is fine, but your interviewing skills are not.

If you still have upcoming interviews, it is critical that you contact someone soon to do some mock interviews so you can get real feedback as opposed to just thinking about interviewing and trying to come up with ways to improve on your own.

 

[SilentSoldier]

Dame, that's a lot of post interview rejections. But remember, all it takes is one (or at least thats what I tell myself to stop from braking down...)



Not a reapplication but I am waiting on 3 post-interview responses. I feel like every week, I get closer to internally combusting. How many responses are you waiting on?

3 post interview responses I'm waiting on, and 2 more to go. Getting super nervous, especially since there's a possibility of a decision coming this week.

 

[chenzt]

Oh and I don't want to even think about valentine's day

Why not? It's the best day of the year!!

Watching my love-life-sorrows away that day 😉

 

[AZag13]

You still have two schools to hear back from! I wouldn't worry just yet. You're in a much better position than many of us! Stay positive and good luck

Thank you so much!

 

[TheShaker]

Have you contacted your pre-health department for help interviewing? If you have had so many interviews without success, it suggests your app is fine, but your interviewing skills are not.

If you still have upcoming interviews, it is critical that you contact someone soon to do some mock interviews so you can get real feedback as opposed to just thinking about interviewing and trying to come up with ways to improve on your own.

Ah, I didn't mean to make my situation sound worse than it actually is. I'm holding an acceptance and waiting on other decisions but it just seems like I'm on a losing streak. I don't think I should bother any advisors about it since I don't have anymore interviews and there won't be a reapplication (thankfully).

 

[medschoolmyname]

Anyone care to look over my list of remaining schools and tell me which ones I should give up on?

NYMC
U of Vermont
Medical College of Wisconsin
U of Toledo
Creighton
Emory
Oakland William
U of Illinois
Western Michigan
UC Irvine
Albany
Loma Linda
Penn State
Northeast Ohio

No interviews from any. Any I should hold out hope for? Any I should just forget about.

 

[BillrothI]

Anyone care to look over my list of remaining schools and tell me which ones I should give up on?

NYMC
U of Vermont
Medical College of Wisconsin
U of Toledo
Creighton
Emory
Oakland William
U of Illinois
Western Michigan
UC Irvine
Albany
Loma Linda
Penn State
Northeast Ohio

No interviews from any. Any I should hold out hope for? Any I should just forget about.

Your best bet is to check out last year's school-specific threads to see how late IIs went out. I know that they went out all the way into March for at least some schools.

Good luck!

-Bill

 

[deleted526486]

I just got my third wait list (out of 3). I have 2 more decisions coming my way, but they are from my worst interviews.... 🙁

 

[chenzt]

Anyone care to look over my list of remaining schools and tell me which ones I should give up on?

NYMC
U of Vermont
Medical College of Wisconsin
U of Toledo
Creighton
Emory
Oakland William
U of Illinois
Western Michigan
UC Irvine
Albany
Loma Linda
Penn State
Northeast Ohio

No interviews from any. Any I should hold out hope for? Any I should just forget about.

Emory is wrapping up their interview season, have you gotten phone interview at WMich? and NEOMED I thought was 2/3 BS/MD and the rest for college grads who are Ohio residents...

 

[medschoolmyname]

Emory is wrapping up their interview season, have you gotten phone interview at WMich? and NEOMED I thought was 2/3 BS/MD and the rest for college grads who are Ohio residents...

I did phone interview at western Michigan. I wasn't aware of NEOMED.

 

[indianjatt]

Anyone care to look over my list of remaining schools and tell me which ones I should give up on?

NYMC
U of Vermont
Medical College of Wisconsin
U of Toledo
Creighton
Emory
Oakland William
U of Illinois
Western Michigan
UC Irvine
Albany
Loma Linda
Penn State
Northeast Ohio

No interviews from any. Any I should hold out hope for? Any I should just forget about.

I know MCW is emailing out interview invites for the waitlist only. I don't know the statistics of getting off a high waitlist position though.

 

[medschoolmyname]

HOW

I know MCW is emailing out interview invites for the waitlist only. I don't know the statistics of getting off a high waitlist position though.

HOW do I know if I'm waitlisted for MCW

 

[premed2000]

HOW

HOW do I know if I'm waitlisted for MCW

What Indianjatt meant is that even if you get an II from MCW right now, you will be interviewing for a spot to get on their waitlist, not a spot for their incoming class (yet).

 

[medschoolmyname]

What Indianjatt meant is that even if you get an II from MCW right now, you will be interviewing for a spot to get on their waitlist, not a spot for their incoming class (yet).

wow well its a crapshoot for me then, oh well

 

[kevinus]

I just got my third wait list (out of 3). I have 2 more decisions coming my way, but they are from my worst interviews.... 🙁

In a similar position as you... hopefully once all the overachievers drop their extra acceptances, waitlists will move.

 

[user12]

Anyone care to look over my list of remaining schools and tell me which ones I should give up on?

NYMC
U of Vermont
Medical College of Wisconsin
U of Toledo
Creighton
Emory
Oakland William
U of Illinois
Western Michigan
UC Irvine
Albany
Loma Linda
Penn State
Northeast Ohio

No interviews from any. Any I should hold out hope for? Any I should just forget about.

you can hold out some hope for Creighton, I think they interview late. they love that non-medical volunteering stuff, so if you have some of that, you're golden with them.

I have some advice for people waiting to hear back following an interview: Don't drink alcohol. When I applied two years ago, I consumed a large number of alcoholic beverages with my friends the night before I got rejected from the second and last school I interviewed at. It made the rejection a LOT worse. I probably could have coped with it pretty well if I wasn't hung over. But the combination of head ache, fatigue, nausea, AND sense of failure and defeat made it a whole lot worse. Messed me up for the whole week. Save the drinking for after you hear back (preferably with an acceptance).

 

[hopefloatsss]

I just spent the last hour at work not doing anything & reading through old SDN posts to try to predict when I'll get my one- post-interview decision.

And then decided to indulge myself in some wishful thinking by browsing apartments/houses by the school. This is bad/sad. Anyone else in the same boat?

 

[kevinus]

I just spent the last hour at work not doing anything & reading through old SDN posts to try to predict when I'll get my one- post-interview decision.

And then decided to indulge myself in some wishful thinking by browsing apartments/houses by the school. This is bad/sad. Anyone else in the same boat?

Yes, you're not alone. Although I do have a bit more than one post-interview decisions to come, having had rejects and waitlists only makes the waiting more excruciating.

 

[teebear]

Anyone care to look over my list of remaining schools and tell me which ones I should give up on?

NYMC
U of Vermont
Medical College of Wisconsin
U of Toledo
Creighton
Emory
Oakland William
U of Illinois
Western Michigan
UC Irvine
Albany
Loma Linda
Penn State
Northeast Ohio

No interviews from any. Any I should hold out hope for? Any I should just forget about.

I feel like Penn State is sending out quite a bit of ii's recently, I was complete in September and received an ii early this month. There were dates open for most of February and probably almost all of March! Good luck!

 

[aerogers]

Anyone care to look over my list of remaining schools and tell me which ones I should give up on?

NYMC
U of Vermont
Medical College of Wisconsin
U of Toledo
Creighton
Emory
Oakland William
U of Illinois
Western Michigan
UC Irvine
Albany
Loma Linda
Penn State
Northeast Ohio

No interviews from any. Any I should hold out hope for? Any I should just forget about.

MCW has been sending out rejections via snail mail, so no news from them is possibly good news.

It looks like NYMC is still handing out IIs, and someone just received an II From University of VT this morning. Hang in there!

 

[fingerscrossed92]

You guys I just got my first II ever from a school that I am super excited about!! Stay hopeful, you never know if good news is around the corner! (Also I recommend checking status pages because the school updated me via their portal, not email)

 

[justAstudent]

You guys I just got my first II ever from a school that I am super excited about!! Stay hopeful, you never know if good news is around the corner! (Also I recommend checking status pages because the school updated me via their portal, not email)

I have my fingers crossed for you.

 

[fingerscrossed92]

I have my fingers crossed for you.

Thank you! 🙂

 

[T3ckFr3s]

You guys I just got my first II ever from a school that I am super excited about!! Stay hopeful, you never know if good news is around the corner! (Also I recommend checking status pages because the school updated me via their portal, not email)

This frightens me, what if I missed an interview because I never check the portals?