2014 Nontrad Applicants' Progress Thread

[Captain Sisko]

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I agree with what Dr Mom and GreenMed said; withdrawing from schools you're not going to attend is certainly more considerate to the schools and to other applicants. And it sure is a long wait till March...

Generally yes. But while I don't see myself going to a couple schools right now, it could change based on whatever financial aid package they gave me. So while it would be nice to decline the lower half of my acceptance list I'm not going to lose sleep over waiting till packages are offered, if at all.

 

[Captain Sisko]

And August can't come soon enough. I want to start school now!

 

[Amygdarya]

I don't think I like the TX prematch and match system. I know that a lot of people don't get in until the match on Feb 1 but it's hard not to look at the school threads and see all the people who have early acceptences to my top choices and knowing I have to wait until Feb 1.

You can look at it this way: at rolling admissions schools some people are accepted earlier than others, and the order acceptances are announced does not always correlate with the order that people were interviewed in. And I'm not even talking about schools that waitlist or defer till March most of the applicants they interview.

TX match is good for less competitive (or, shall I say, less lucky) applicants and less competitive schools because it ensures that the schools are filled and that applicants that didn't get any prematch acceptances still have a good chance of getting in.

 

[Amygdarya]

Generally yes. But while I don't see myself going to a couple schools right now, it could change based on whatever financial aid package they gave me. So while it would be nice to decline the lower half of my acceptance list I'm not going to lose sleep over waiting till packages are offered, if at all.

Well, you still consider attending these schools, if only for a nice fin aid package 😉 (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that)
I'm talking about schools you won't attend, period, or schools in the lower half of your list that don't offer good aid.

For example, I withdrew from UTMB interview because there's no way I will attend it over UTSW; even speaking of fin aid, UTSW is more likely to make a better offer.
I'll most likely withdraw from Case as soon as I get my UTSW acceptance letter because, while I liked Case, there are no real advantages for me to attend it over UTSW, not to mention it's a lot more expensive and I'm not likely to get any good fin aid from it.
Other schools I've interviewed at are a different story though 😉

 

[midnight0il]

Generally yes. But while I don't see myself going to a couple schools right now, it could change based on whatever financial aid package they gave me. So while it would be nice to decline the lower half of my acceptance list I'm not going to lose sleep over waiting till packages are offered, if at all.

I have very mixed feelings about this issue. I'm finding it really difficult letting schools go (except for one) without seeing the financial aid package and possibly doing a look-back. Also, I've invested quite a bit of money and time to interview at these places so I feel like it's my right to hang on to them as long as I want. However, I do understand the POV of being considerate to other applicants (which is why I'm conflicted). I wish I had a "top choice" like many applicants, but I don't, and to me, each has its advantages and disadvantages (location, cost, rank, having to consider my partner's career, etc).

 

[Do Something]

I have very mixed feelings about this issue. I'm finding it really difficult letting schools go (except for one) without seeing the financial aid package and possibly doing a look-back. Also, I've invested quite a bit of money and time to interview at these places so I feel like it's my right to hang on to them as long as I want. However, I do understand the POV of being considerate to other applicants (which is why I'm conflicted). I wish I had a "top choice" like many applicants, but I don't, and to me, each has its advantages and disadvantages (location, cost, rank, having to consider my partner's career, etc).

You've earned those acceptances. And for the ones that are still seriously in the running, I don't think you should feel guilted into winnowing down your choices while there is still information you are looking for. The schools know people do that and plan accordingly.

 

[GreenMed]

I have very mixed feelings about this issue. I'm finding it really difficult letting schools go (except for one) without seeing the financial aid package and possibly doing a look-back. Also, I've invested quite a bit of money and time to interview at these places so I feel like it's my right to hang on to them as long as I want. However, I do understand the POV of being considerate to other applicants (which is why I'm conflicted). I wish I had a "top choice" like many applicants, but I don't, and to me, each has its advantages and disadvantages (location, cost, rank, having to consider my partner's career, etc).

Actually I quite agree with Sisko and midnightOil. I also have mixed feelings about letting go of schools without seeing their financial aid packages, and I think that there is nothing wrong with holding on to acceptances for that reason. (I think perhaps too often it's seen as selfish to hold on to multiple seats - but this is a big decision, and anyone is completely right to try to make the decision with all available information.)

 

[Amygdarya]

I don't think anyone is saying that you guys should give up any of your well deserved multiple acceptances - not me, in any case. I think we were discussing dropping the schools we wouldn't go to over some other shools, taking potential fin aid into consideration. Of course, financing your education is a very important consideration, and you have won your right to take your time to make a decision that's best for you.

The only kind of behavior I don't understand is keeping the score of how many schools one gets into, even if there is no way one will attend some of them. But then again, one has a right to do that. Plus, nobody will be holding more than 1 acceptance after May 15th anyway 🙂

 

[QuantumJ]

Yeah I think tx match heavily favors applicants. I just hate having to wait is all. Where am I going to live next year, what schools to send financial aid to, do I need this one extra class for $800 I need for this school but not this one, where should my wife start looking at the job market, etc etc etc.

 

[midnight0il]

I don't think anyone is saying that you guys should give up any of your well deserved multiple acceptances - not me, in any case. I think we were discussing dropping the schools we wouldn't go to over some other shools, taking potential fin aid into consideration. Of course, financing your education is a very important consideration, and you have won your right to take your time to make a decision that's best for you.

The only kind of behavior I don't understand is keeping the score of how many schools one gets into, even if there is no way one will attend some of them. But then again, one has a right to do that. Plus, nobody will be holding more than 1 acceptance after May 15th anyway 🙂

Thank heavens for the time!

I haven't done a search yet, but has anyone encountered any data regarding school's propensity to shell out scholarships (need-based and merit) starting M1. It'd be nice to have a heads up before award letters officially come out.

 

[Amygdarya]

I just hate having to wait is all.

I fell in love with a school, but will have to wait all the way till mid-March to have my heart broken 🙂 It's just the way it works. Just think we'll have to go through essentially the same process in 4 (or, for some people, 5) years 😀

Where am I going to live next year, what schools to send financial aid to, do I need this one extra class for $800 I need for this school but not this one, where should my wife start looking at the job market, etc etc etc.

All the schools you were (accepted to)/(waitlisted at)/(interviewed at but still waiting for the match) and consider attending. It's a good thing that there are basically the same applications for all the schools.
I feel your pain about not knowing whether to take an extra class and, worse, about your wife not knowing where to look for a job. But you will have your answer on February 1st, while quite a few people will be waiting till March - not to mention the people still in the waitlist purgatory after May.

tl;dr: it sucks, but it could be worse 😀

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Guys hold onto your acceptances until you get your financial aid packages or more info. I was in the camp that people should withdraw but after hearing about financial aid, I firmly believe you should hold onto it, unfortunately that's the way the game is played and why there are deadlines.

 

[Amygdarya]

I haven't done a search yet, but has anyone encountered any data regarding school's propensity to shell out scholarships (need-based and merit) starting M1. It'd be nice to have a heads up before award letters officially come out.

You can find something on school-specific threads and school's own websites. All I know is, top schools seem to be some of the the most generous (Vandy, Penn, WashU, UMichigan come to mind); I've heard that Harvard and Cornell only give need-based aid, while WashU and Penn give both need-based and merit-based. Schools that offer substantial scholarships usually don't shy away from talking about it at their fin aid presentations/on their web sites.
But in any case, it's all applicant specific; you never know what kind of aid you're going to get until you receive your fin aid package. I remember seeing someone getting really pissed off about not getting a full tuition merit scholarship from Penn 😀

 

[SN12357]

Thank heavens for the time!

I haven't done a search yet, but has anyone encountered any data regarding school's propensity to shell out scholarships (need-based and merit) starting M1. It'd be nice to have a heads up before award letters officially come out.

I've tried to find this information out before and it is not readily accessible.

Some schools are upfront about offering or not offering merit scholarships (NYU, Michigan, Penn--yes; Harvard--no). But in terms of timeline, amount, I got nothing.

The waiting is rough. I feel like I've been in 'the application process' forever--now that I've got some acceptances, I want to get around to making choices! But with several decisions that won't come out until March, and no financial information yet, there's nothing to do but sit tight.

My family has a very hard time understanding this. They're all 'haven't you been working on these applications forever? where are you goooooing?'.

 

[QuantumJ]

So i sent a pre-interview letter of interest to the schools I hadn't received an interview at and I also included my volunteering as a soccer coach for a rec team at the local YMCA. I never did update the schools I had interviewed at/had interviews coming up and I was wondering if something this small was worth updating the schools with. I just enjoy being around the game and helping teach the kids and it's relatively minor (few hours a week) so I didn't think it was worth a whole update letter for.

 

[Pose]

II to Penn State today! Don't know too much about their program, but happy it's within driving distance and I can attend.

 

[MedWonk]

Seems like SDN ate my perfectly good acceptance post to UVM. Do they not like Sally Field and Little Miss Sunshine?

 

[Amygdarya]

There is a lot of funny stuff going on on SDN today. But I remember congratulating you on your acceptance 🙂
It was funny how several people reported being accepted to Baylor this morning, but SDN "ate" their posts - and then some people were like "Was I dreaming? Did I really see that?" SDN must be breaking the record of premed neuroticism today.

 

[anguisette]

Congrats nontrads! I haven't been on SDN in a while but it seems like you guys are really rocking this cycle.

I just wanted to add my two cents about multiple acceptances. If you guys are still considering schools (or could be persuaded to attend by finances), I'd highly recommend holding on to the acceptances until financial aid comes out. You might be surprised by scholarships or the lack thereof. Just start getting your affairs in order now so you can fill out your tax forms and FAFSA as soon as possible. And don't forget, even though we're nontrad, I think most schools expect you to report your parents' taxes too regardless of whether or not you're financially independent. So get on your parents' cases too. This whole process is a bit like "hurry up and then wait" but it's going to be worth it! Good luck everyone--go nontrads! 🙂

 

[Amygdarya]

anguisette, nice to see you here! 🙂 And thank you for your advice!

 

[QuantumJ]

Congrats nontrads! I haven't been on SDN in a while but it seems like you guys are really rocking this cycle.

I just wanted to add my two cents about multiple acceptances. If you guys are still considering schools (or could be persuaded to attend by finances), I'd highly recommend holding on to the acceptances until financial aid comes out. You might be surprised by scholarships or the lack thereof. Just start getting your affairs in order now so you can fill out your tax forms and FAFSA as soon as possible. And don't forget, even though we're nontrad, I think most schools expect you to report your parents' taxes too regardless of whether or not you're financially independent. So get on your parents' cases too. This whole process is a bit like "hurry up and then wait" but it's going to be worth it! Good luck everyone--go nontrads! 🙂

I sure hope I don't have to report my parents. Maybe this is for single students? I don't have much contact with mine and I know I can't get theres.

 

[PescadoAmor]

I sure hope I don't have to report my parents. Maybe this is for single students? I don't have much contact with mine and I know I can't get theres.

my understanding is that if we don't have parents tax info we don't qualify for scholarships. I'm in the same boat....no way I can get my parents info...they dont even live in the country anymore

 

[GreenMed]

my understanding is that if we don't have parents tax info we don't qualify for scholarships. I'm in the same boat....no way I can get my parents info

Yes, this seems to be a serious downside of the financial aid process for some non-trads. I've asked about this at several of my schools, and they definitely expect parental information, even though I'm independent, married and over 30. I *can* get my parents' information... but it feels like such an invasion of their privacy. I really wish there was a way around this, but it does seem like they want this info if you want to be considered for anything other than federal loans.

 

[Amygdarya]

Yep, we have to report our parents' income to be considered for need-based grants, whether we're married or not and whether our parents are divorced, retired or living in a different country. It sucks for me just as it does for most non-trads, considering that my mother lives in a different country (and I actually help her out with money a little) and I've never met my father. *Very few* schools wave this requirement for applicants over 30, eg. WashU fin aid person really surprised me when she said they did (apparently, they started doing that recently and I don't know why; WashU doesn't strike me as particularly non-trad friendly otherwise). But it's a very small minority of schools that wave this requirement for people over 30.

 

[PescadoAmor]

Yep, we have to report our parents' income to be considered for need-based grants, whether we're married or not and whether our parents are divorced, retired or living in a different country. It sucks for me just as it does for most non-trads, considering that my mother lives in a different country (and I actually help her out with money a little) and I've never met my father. *Very few* schools wave this requirement for applicants over 30, eg. WashU fin aid person really surprised me when she said they did (apparently, they started doing that recently and I don't know why; WashU doesn't strike me as particularly non-trad friendly otherwise). But it's a very small minority of schools that wave this requirement for people over 30.

do we report both or just one is fine if parents are divorced?

 

[Amygdarya]

do we report both or just one is fine if parents are divorced?

As far as I know, most if no all schools require tax information from both parents if divorced.

 

[PescadoAmor]

As far as I know, most if no all schools require tax information from both parents if divorced.

that's rough. haven't talked to one of my parents and we aren't exactly on good terms. not sure how I can possibly get tax info :O

 

[PescadoAmor]

As far as I know, most if no all schools require tax information from both parents if divorced.

just as clarification, this effects scholarship but not loans right?

 

[Amygdarya]

just as clarification, this effects scholarship but not loans right?

Right, it doesn't affect unsubsidized loans; regardless of you circumstances you can get as many of those as necessary to cover the total cost of attendance. It only affects how much need-based grants and subsidized loans you get.

 

[SN12357]

just as clarification, this effects scholarship but not loans right?

My understanding is that you do NOT need your parents information for federal loans of any type, but you do need it for anything coming from most of the schools--which can include subsidized loans as part of an aid package.

I got my 16th II today. I think I'm going to turn it down? I'm having a hard time fighting off the side of me that says I should interview at every possible place to maximize potential financial aid offers. But I do have a few acceptances to very good schools already...wish it were possible to look into the future and see financial aid offers.

 

[Amygdarya]

I got my 16th II today. I think I'm going to turn it down? I'm having a hard time fighting off the side of me that says I should interview at every possible place to maximize potential financial aid offers. But I do have a few acceptances to very good schools already...wish it were possible to look into the future and see financial aid offers.

Congrats on your II!
I have started turning down IIs (I'm attending my last interview in a week). It's been crazy expensive for me, and I feel like I shouldn't take any more time off work now that I got accepted somewhere. Most likely, I won't choose any of the "new" schools over the ones I've already interviewed at, and it's highly unlikely that I get the kind of fin aid from them that would sway my decision. But it's me; everyone has his/her own choices to make.

 

[milski]

Yep, we have to report our parents' income to be considered for need-based grants, whether we're married or not and whether our parents are divorced, retired or living in a different country. It sucks for me just as it does for most non-trads, considering that my mother lives in a different country (and I actually help her out with money a little) and I've never met my father. *Very few* schools wave this requirement for applicants over 30, eg. WashU fin aid person really surprised me when she said they did (apparently, they started doing that recently and I don't know why; WashU doesn't strike me as particularly non-trad friendly otherwise). But it's a very small minority of schools that wave this requirement for people over 30.

Why would it suck for your case? I am in somewhat similar situation, both of my parents are out of the country, and while their income is somewhat appropriate for where they live, it's rather tiny by US standards. It might unfair, in a way, but would not that increase the likelihood of receiving a need-based grant? Or do you have ethical concerns about taking such a grant?
PS: Don't get me wrong - not knowing your father and parents being away are things that do suck. I was talking from a financial aid perspective.

 

[SN12357]

Congrats on your II!
I have started turning down IIs (I'm attending my last interview in a week). It's been crazy expensive for me, and I feel like I shouldn't take any more time off work now that I got accepted somewhere. Most likely, I won't choose any of the "new" schools over the ones I've already interviewed at, and it's highly unlikely that I get the kind of fin aid from them that would sway my decision. But it's me; everyone has his/her own choices to make.

An in-state Texas acceptance is a beautiful thing 😉

As an essentially stateless applicant OOS everywhere (damn your insane residency rules, UMass!) I'm more at sea on the whole financial angle. C'est la vie. I really don't want to take unpaid time off. I have officially punted these decisions post-Thanksgiving.

 

[Amygdarya]

Why would it suck for your case? I am in somewhat similar situation, both of my parents are out of the country, and while their income is somewhat appropriate for where they live, it's rather tiny by US standards. It might unfair, in a way, but would not that increase the likelihood of receiving a need-based grant? Or do you have ethical concerns about taking such a grant?
PS: Don't get me wrong - not knowing your father and parents being away are things that do suck. I was talking from a financial aid perspective.

My mother is poor even by the standards of my country, lucky me 😀 I had a really crappy foreign childhood, and I will have no ethical concerns accepting need-based grants.
It sucks because what kind of evidence of my mother's income am I going to present? What if the original documentation is in a language other than English? Yes, I know that I can translate that but the translation may still be inadmissible in many places. I've had enough difficulties presenting any kind of translated and legally verified documents from my country here to know that this is going to be a major pain in I'm not going to say where.

 

[Captain Sisko]

My understanding is that you do NOT need your parents information for federal loans of any type, but you do need it for anything coming from most of the schools--which can include subsidized loans as part of an aid package.

I got my 16th II today. I think I'm going to turn it down? I'm having a hard time fighting off the side of me that says I should interview at every possible place to maximize potential financial aid offers. But I do have a few acceptances to very good schools already...wish it were possible to look into the future and see financial aid offers.

Told ya you'd overtake me 🙂 still sitting at 15 with nothing but radio silence. I'm good with that though. Heres to a conservative application strategy!

 

[Amygdarya]

An in-state Texas acceptance is a beautiful thing 😉

Yep 🙂 I still have high hopes for some of the schools I've interviewed at, though I should probably curb my expectations.

 

[Captain Sisko]

Wonder how my situation will go down... my parents are divorced and I haven't seen my biological father in decades. Stepfather passed a couple years ago. Mom is recently retired with her two parents as dependents.

 

[milski]

My mother is poor even by the standards of my country, lucky me 😀 I had a really crappy foreign childhood, and I will have no ethical concerns accepting need-based grants.
It sucks because what kind of evidence of my mother's income am I going to present? What if the original documentation is in a language other than English? Yes, I know that I can translate that but the translation may still be inadmissible in many places. I've had enough difficulties presenting any kind of translated and legally verified documents from my country here to know that this is going to be a major pain in I'm not going to say where.

Got it, that's very similar to the concerns that I have as well. Although with no IIs so far, it might turn out not to be a problem at all.

I come from a country which does not even use the same alphabet. My experience with providing various documentation has been quite varied between being extremely picky and being able to satisfy the requirements with a sheet of paper with something ineligible written on it. There has not been much correlation between the "seriousness" of the documents required and level of scrutiny that they underwent. In other words - you never know, it might turn out to be easier than you expect.

Also, :hugs: for the crappy childhood, that does suck.

 

[anguisette]

I think the previous replies about the parents' tax info have been correct but I'll just reiterate. Very few schools waive the requirement for non trads and even if your parents are divorced, schools expect both parents' info. If you have a stepparent I believe you can use that instead. As far as I know, they require two (step)parents info unless deceased. This is just for institutional loans and scholarships--not your federal ones.

I understand what everyone has been saying about being tired from interviews and taking time off from work (you guys are all rockstars btw for having so many interviews). I think it's perfectly reasonable to start declining at this point if you're already happy with your acceptances and whatever financial estimate you're assuming. I just want to add that some of the "new" schools have hefty scholarships to offer as an incentive for you to attend them... including full rides. Just food for thought.

Enjoy the rest of the cycle everyone. Before you know it you'll be in medical school and trying to figure out how to study all over again (you know people don't even handwrite notes in class anymore? What is this madness?!).

 

[Captain Sisko]

New like ucf? Sadly that's the only newer one that I've applied to, but I'm pretty sure they discontinued their full rides.

 

[Amygdarya]

I come from a country which does not even use the same alphabet. My experience with providing various documentation has been quite varied between being extremely picky and being able to satisfy the requirements with a sheet of paper with something ineligible written on it. There has not been much correlation between the "seriousness" of the documents required and level of scrutiny that they underwent. In other words - you never know, it might turn out to be easier than you expect

I have a suspicion we come from the same country 😀
As for scrutiny, I expect a lot of it where money is concerned 😉

 

[SN12357]

Told ya you'd overtake me 🙂 still sitting at 15 with nothing but radio silence. I'm good with that though. Heres to a conservative application strategy!

Indeed! And you never know...I had silence for several weeks before these few more trickled in.

 

[MamiMD]

Done with 4 IIs- people are starting to hear back from the time that I interviewed.
Every day without a phone call is torture...and I thought waiting for IIs was bad!

MMI coming up and i'm pretty excited about it 🙂 I spoke about some painful things in my PS and the hyperfocus that some interviewers have had about my past has been pretty taxing.

 

[milski]

I have a suspicion we come from the same country 😀

I don't know, mine is rather small. 😉

As for scrutiny, I expect a lot of it where money is concerned 😉

You'll figure it out, you've done much harder things.👍

 

[Captain Sisko]

I don't know, mine is rather small. 😉

You'll figure it out, you've done much harder things.👍

How do you know hers didn't used to own yours? 🙂

 

[Amygdarya]

How do you know hers didn't used to own yours? 🙂

Now, now, I wouldn't use the word "own" 😛And there are more than 2 alphabets in the world anyway. In fact, Israel is quite a small country 😉

 

[milski]

How do you know hers didn't used to own yours? 🙂

They did not want us, even when we formally asked to be a state. And they might be better off for not taking us. 😀

 

[milski]

Now, now, I wouldn't use the word "own" 😛And there are more than 2 alphabets in the world anyway. In fact, Israel is quite a small country 😉

"Own" used to be such a bad word, once upon a time... 😉
I was writing an autobiography for one of the secondaries and some of the details from my earlier years felt rather hard to explain in a sensible manner. Like having a job assigned to you.

 

[Captain Sisko]

They did not want us, even when we formally asked to be a state. And they might be better off for not taking us. 😀

Now I'm curious. By state do you mean it wasn't its own republic (as in union of Soviet socialist)?

 

[Amygdarya]

They did not want us, even when we formally asked to be a state. And they might be better off for not taking us. 😀

Refusing to expand its territory? This sounds suspiciously not like my country 😀 But I gotcha 😉