2014 Nontrad Applicants' Progress Thread

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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nyc1990 said:
I myself have been waitlisted at one of my top choices...#feelingsad 🙁
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Don't be sad.. a waitlist is not a rejection, and it's pretty early in the cycle. Once people get into the schools they want, they will withdraw their holds and more positions will open up. Do you know whereabouts on the list you are? Some schools will tell you top third, middle, etc..
 
Need some advice. My old graduate lab post-doc and I have just submitted a review paper (I am second author of 3) to a new physiological research journal. It's already passed the peer-review process and will be accepted for publication following comments, but since the journal is new, I don't think it even has an impact factor yet.. should I send update letters to medical schools? Or will it just look like I'm reaching for something to pad my CV? I already have 2 other publications plus a thesis and a score of conference presentations.
 
Kage said:
Need some advice. My old graduate lab post-doc and I have just submitted a review paper (I am second author of 3) to a new physiological research journal. It's already passed the peer-review process and will be accepted for publication following comments, but since the journal is new, I don't think it even has an impact factor yet.. should I send update letters to medical schools? Or will it just look like I'm reaching for something to pad my CV? I already have 2 other publications plus a thesis and a score of conference presentations.
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If you were applying for residency I think I would recommend it, but 2 publications and conference presentations is already extremely good for a Medical School application. One more isn't really going to "swing" the committee in your favor.

Hopefully you are focusing on EC's like community volunteering and shadowing, because that is going to speak more for you as an applicant who is well rounded than yet another publication.
 
SUNY Stony Brook waitlist just now. That's waitlists at 3/4 SUNYs so far. This is another school where one of my interviewers said to me that he didn't understand why I was being interviewed and not just straight up given an acceptance, and that he hoped that I would give Stony Brook a chance when deciding among the many acceptances I was sure to have. This *has* to be yield-protection and it just sucks.
 
Do Something said:
SUNY Stony Brook waitlist just now. That's waitlists at 3/4 SUNYs so far. This is another school where one of my interviewers said to me that he didn't understand why I was being interviewed and not just straight up given an acceptance, and that he hoped that I would give Stony Brook a chance when deciding among the many acceptances I was sure to have. This *has* to be yield-protection and it just sucks.
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The waitlist moves A LOT at the SUNYs. I hope you hear good news in a few months.
 
Do Something said:
SUNY Stony Brook waitlist just now. That's waitlists at 3/4 SUNYs so far. This is another school where one of my interviewers said to me that he didn't understand why I was being interviewed and not just straight up given an acceptance, and that he hoped that I would give Stony Brook a chance when deciding among the many acceptances I was sure to have. This *has* to be yield-protection and it just sucks.
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I'm sorry. Maybe send updates/letters of interest? I'm sure you will get off the waitlists eventually.

Yield protection totally exists and there's no such thing as a safety school. This process can be so terrifying, and people who aren't in it don't understand. My family always brushed off my worries that I might not get in saying 'of course you will, you'd be a great doctor!'. They think it's like college where as long as you're qualified you get to go somewhere.

I completed interview #7 and received invite #13 this week. Exhausted but pleased.
 
wannabeMD19 said:
The waitlist moves A LOT at the SUNYs. I hope you hear good news in a few months.
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Thank you. And congrats to you!! I know I'll get into some SUNY in the spring, and it would be ironic if I got into several. It's just very frustrating right now because 2 of these schools explicitly asked me why an *exceptional* candidate like me would go to their school...meanwhile here I am sitting on zero acceptances.
 
Do Something said:
Thank you. And congrats to you!! I know I'll get into some SUNY in the spring, and it would be ironic if I got into several. It's just very frustrating right now because 2 of these schools explicitly asked me why an *exceptional* candidate like me would go to their school...meanwhile here I am sitting on zero acceptances.
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That's messed up 😕
You could send them letters of interest? I know SUNY Stony Brook accepts updates (send to Nancy Acevedo).
 
wannabeMD19 said:
That's messed up 😕
You could send them letters of interest? I know SUNY Stony Brook accepts updates (send to Nancy Acevedo).
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Oh I'll absolutely send them all updates and LOIs. It's just that movement won't start happening until around April. And I am dreading 6 more months of anxiety.

I've also been following SUNY Upstate's thread and they've flat-out rejected some very high numbers people. I feel like a target there with a 41 MCAT...
 
Do Something said:
Thank you. And congrats to you!! I know I'll get into some SUNY in the spring, and it would be ironic if I got into several. It's just very frustrating right now because 2 of these schools explicitly asked me why an *exceptional* candidate like me would go to their school...meanwhile here I am sitting on zero acceptances.
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Do you think maybe they're putting you on a waitlist *because* you're exceptional? Kind of like applicants getting turned down for a job for being over-qualified. They might think you are only applying there as a safety school. In that case, I think a letter of interest would really go a long way to show them that you want to attend that school specifically.
 
Kage said:
Do you think maybe they're putting you on a waitlist *because* you're exceptional? Kind of like applicants getting turned down for a job for being over-qualified. They might think you are only applying there as a safety school. In that case, I think a letter of interest would really go a long way to show them that you want to attend that school specifically.
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I agree with this point. I had a similar experience with Toledo, getting wait listed even though I'm way above their numbers and in-state. I'm pretty sure that if I expressed interest in the school they'd let me in, and it's probably a similar situation with you. Unless you're weird and don't interview well, but that's speculation. Have you had a practice interview or something go gauge how you do? Perhaps just calling a school to find out more info- early on in the cycle i checked with a couple rejects and they told me where my app was lacking.
 
Captain Sisko said:
I agree with this point. I had a similar experience with Toledo, getting wait listed even though I'm way above their numbers and in-state. I'm pretty sure that if I expressed interest in the school they'd let me in, and it's probably a similar situation with you. Unless you're weird and don't interview well, but that's speculation. Have you had a practice interview or something go gauge how you do? Perhaps just calling a school to find out more info- early on in the cycle i checked with a couple rejects and they told me where my app was lacking.
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Thanks, everyone. I think that's exactly it. I know I interview well. I'm 40 and have had tons of interviewing experience in corporate America on both sides of the table. It's just funny that some schools think I would obviously go to a "better" school because of my 3.80/3.97/41 but they're ignoring my other numbers (age = 40) and my lack of research experience that are keeping the "better" schools from looking at me. I feel confident that if I write strong LOIs that I'll get in somewhere. It's just frustrating falling between the cracks right now and having many more months of not knowing ahead of me. Thanks for all your support!
 
Do Something, I understand your frustration, but I'm sure you will get in. I also agree with everything that's been said about being overqualified and writing LOIs. Hang in there!

Kage, I would hold off sending an update in case you end up on a wait list you really want to move, so you have something nice to include in your update/LOI. In fact, this is what I'm planning to do with my latest publication - it's not going to make a huge difference because I have others, but it'll be a nice reminder of my strengths 😉

SN12357, congrats on your latest II!

As for me, I had an epiphany: I realized the reason why top schools are top schools - that's because they're so freaking awesome! To whom it may concern: you're in for a treat 😉 The only problem is, I don't know what I was doing there among all the Ivy Ligue applicants.
 
Amygdarya said:
Do Something, I understand your frustration, but I'm sure you will get in. I also agree with everything that's been said about being overqualified and writing LOIs. Hang in there!

Kage, I would hold off sending an update in case you end up on a wait list you really want to move, so you have something nice to include in your update/LOI. In fact, this is what I'm planning to do with my latest publication - it's not going to make a huge difference because I have others, but it'll be a nice reminder of my strengths 😉

SN12357, congrats on your latest II!

As for me, I had an epiphany: I realized the reason why top schools are top schools - that's because they're so freaking awesome! To whom it may concern: you're in for a treat 😉 The only problem is, I don't know what I was doing there among all the Ivy Ligue applicants.
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Yeah I hear you on that last one. My interview at pitt was confounded with it also being a heavy mstp day, so there were about a half dozen ivy kids. It was a new experience and I felt a little off-put until we got to the simcenter and I was the only applicant able to successfully intubate the mannequin. First try, I might add, but it made me feel special again 🙂
 
Ivy league kids are a buncha douche bags. Mommy and Daddy are the only reason they're there.
 
312312312 said:
Ivy league kids are a buncha douche bags. Mommy and Daddy are the only reason they're there.
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Play nice- my wife went to an ivy and she is decidedly not a douche. She went there because she's smart, and while some folks who went may be trust fund babies I've still been impressed with the ivy students/alumni I've met on the trail.
 
312312312 said:
Ivy league kids are a buncha douche bags. Mommy and Daddy are the only reason they're there.
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Calm yourself.

I had another interview yesterday, which went super well. One of my interviewers said some very positive things about my application.

On the other hand, I had a huge credit/financial issue this week. I checked my credit report per the advice of a med school, and found that my FICO went from high 700s to low 600s. My bank apparently discontinued my automatic payment on a credit card by accident, which has been in place since 2008, and then failed to send me a notice that I was past due. I got so used to not checking the payment, since it's a transfer between two accounts in the same institution, that I never caught it. The bank corrected the issue over the phone, but are telling me that I have to file an official appeal with both the bank and credit reporting agency to have it corrected on my credit report. They even said there were no guarantees. What!?
 
Appealing stuff with the credit folks suck. When I applied for my mortgage my report flagged that I was disputing a student loan charge. So I called the loan company and they said we don't have you disputing anything. Well, apparently awhile back I had called and asked why my loan balance was LOWER than I thought it should be and it was explained to me that part of a recent loan had been rolled into my loan consolidation. So I was like ok, good. But yeah, somehow it got submitted that i I was disputing even though I was telling my loan company I thought I owed them MORE money than they were saying. Then they removed pretty soon after it but however many years later I couldn't get it off the credit report. Try explaining to the report folks that you are disputing the fact that you are disputing anything. Fortunately I was just able to write a letter of explanation to my bank and it was fine. 🙄
Pose said:
Calm yourself.

I had another interview yesterday, which went super well. One of my interviewers said some very positive things about my application.

On the other hand, I had a huge credit/financial issue this week. I checked my credit report per the advice of a med school, and found that my FICO went from high 700s to low 600s. My bank apparently discontinued my automatic payment on a credit card by accident, which has been in place since 2008, and then failed to send me a notice that I was past due. I got so used to not checking the payment, since it's a transfer between two accounts in the same institution, that I never caught it. The bank corrected the issue over the phone, but are telling me that I have to file an official appeal with both the bank and credit reporting agency to have it corrected on my credit report. They even said there were no guarantees. What!?
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wholeheartedly said:
Appealing stuff with the credit folks suck. When I applied for my mortgage my report flagged that I was disputing a student loan charge. So I called the loan company and they said we don't have you disputing anything. Well, apparently awhile back I had called and asked why my loan balance was LOWER than I thought it should be and it was explained to me that part of a recent loan had been rolled into my loan consolidation. So I was like ok, good. But yeah, somehow it got submitted that i I was disputing even though I was telling my loan company I thought I owed them MORE money than they were saying. Then they removed pretty soon after it but however many years later I couldn't get it off the credit report. Try explaining to the report folks that you are disputing the fact that you are disputing anything. Fortunately I was just able to write a letter of explanation to my bank and it was fine. 🙄
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Hmmm. I am status post a divorce which WRECKED my credit. Current score 542. Working with Lexington Law, as I do not DARE file a bankruptcy this close to med school. Just exactly how high does the score have to be to qualify for PLUS loans? I have ZERO current student loan debt. Everything has been paid off in full and I am starting with a fresh slate. Wanting to go to Post Bacc, but knowing it will require credit based loans to do so.... Worried about swinging financing. Hoping to be in the mid 600's by spring...but now it sounds like even that is not OK.....
 
Captain Sisko said:
Yeah I hear you on that last one. My interview at pitt was confounded with it also being a heavy mstp day, so there were about a half dozen ivy kids. It was a new experience and I felt a little off-put until we got to the simcenter and I was the only applicant able to successfully intubate the mannequin. First try, I might add, but it made me feel special again 🙂
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Too bad I didn't get to intubate at WISER - maybe that would make me feel better, too 🙂
Yeah, I had my first "Ivy League shock" at my Pitt interview, though I'm talking about a different school now. I just hope adcoms know what they're doing and my invitation was not some kind of mistake. In any case, I can certainly contribute to any school's diversity 😉
 
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Had my first MD interview yesterday and had an epiphany that I would be happy at any school. Sure, some more than others but it's splitting hairs. Being accepted to any medical school is truly an honor. Keep going strong non-trads!
 
Captain Sisko said:
Play nice- my wife went to an ivy and she is decidedly not a douche. She went there because she's smart, and while some folks who went may be trust fund babies I've still been impressed with the ivy students/alumni I've met on the trail.
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So what one outta how many? Seriously they're sons and daughters of the Stepford broads who roam downtown Chicago flipping their hair and getting in the way of my ambulance. Those braindead ****** make me gag!
 
(I wonder if SDN could add a "dislike" button?)

312312312, clearly, you have something against rich kids. I had just about as poor a childhood/youth as it gets, so I hope you listen to my advise: in your med school application process you gotta be a lot more positive than this.
 
Amygdarya said:
(I wonder if SDN could add a "dislike" button?)

312312312, clearly, you have something against rich kids. I had just about as poor a childhood/youth as it gets, so I hope you listen to my advise: in your med school application process you gotta be a lot more positive than this.
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+1
 
312312312 said:
So what one outta how many? Seriously they're sons and daughters of the Stepford broads who roam downtown Chicago flipping their hair and getting in the way of my ambulance. Those braindead ****** make me gag!
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This really isn't the place for such negativity. Everybody has their own story, everybody has their own background. Furthermore, as a physician you will encounter and be expected to treat a wide range of patients, and it would be in your best interest to show some respect and consideration to all of them. If you dislike certain qualities in others, then the best thing you can do is make sure that those qualities are not in your own character. What you say about others is more a reflection of yourself than it is of them.
 
Kage said:
This really isn't the place for such negativity. Everybody has their own story, everybody has their own background. Furthermore, as a physician you will encounter and be expected to treat a wide range of patients, and it would be in your best interest to show some respect and consideration to all of them. If you dislike certain qualities in others, then the best thing you can do is make sure that those qualities are not in your own character. What you say about others is more a reflection of yourself than it is of them.
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Amen.

To everyone else: do not be intimidated by Ivy Leaguers. The admissions committee did not invite you by accident. Own it. Take a page from the Ivy League book and believe you belong in the room, and you will 😉
 
NuttyEngDude said:
App cycle's been a little rough, changing to new avatar...... Congrats QuantumJ
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hope things will look up for you. I must admit I feel kid of discouraged at times since I haven't heard from any more schools. but I feel blessed to have received chances to interview at some of the schools so far. I'm happy for all the other non-trads that's gotten news this far- I can't believe I didn't see this thread earlier!
 
Thanks everyone. The nontrad forum has really been a source of both inspiration, advice and encouragement. I posted in preallo and WAMC over a year ago when I began this journey and was told I was making a mistake and I didn't have a chance but everyone in this forum was super supportive. You guys and gals are awesome (i miss the old icons)
 
QuantumJ said:
Another ii today. That puts me at 75% of my applications resulted in an interview. 😀
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What went wrong with the other 25%? 😛

I am kidding, of course. That is absolutely awesome, best of luck with the interview and even better yield of acceptances later. 🙂
 
PescadoAmor said:
hope things will look up for you. I must admit I feel kid of discouraged at times since I haven't heard from any more schools. but I feel blessed to have received chances to interview at some of the schools so far. I'm happy for all the other non-trads that's gotten news this far- I can't believe I didn't see this thread earlier!
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Captain Sisko said:
Hang in there, champ. You're going to be a doctor no matter what, the rest is gravy.
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Thanks guys, I have to admit I'm fully on board the emotional roller coaster. Some perspective will help me. 🙂

I am truly happy for the success we are all seeing here. Keep it coming guys!
 
Congrats Sisko!

NED and PescadoAmor, hang in there guys! This process has been an emotional roller coaster for me as well, but let's hope it delivers us to our proper destinations.
 
Amygdarya said:
Congrats Sisko!

NED and PescadoAmor, hang in there guys! This process has been an emotional roller coaster for me as well, but let's hope it delivers us to our proper destinations.
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thanks amygdarya! I have faith you'll do real well this cycle!
 
Thank you PescadoAmor!

And congratulations Pose! (I do miss the old emoticons of encouragement and celebration.)
 
I called a school today to see if they received some LoRs that weren't showing up on their web portal. The person I spoke with looked up my file and then asked if I could be there next Monday for an interview.

A few hours later, one of my in-state schools sent me their secondary, seven weeks after my primary was released to them. I doubt I'll bother completing it.
 
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