2018-2019 Waitlist Support Thread

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Psychier said:
Hey all long time lurker, first time poster.
I'm on 3 WLs right now, 2 DO and 1 MD, and I've got a fresh application in the chamber, ready to send out. I then realized that my MCAT is now expired so my dilemma is... do I send in the application, take the MCAT, and risk poor scores due to not enough time to study and also not wanting to have my MCAT arrive late.
Or... risk it for the biscuit and hope I'm going to get in?
After perusing this forum significantly it seems as though the waitlist procedure is kinda a cluster. As of right now I am ranked 2nd on my top choice waitlist.
Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Concerns?
Thanks for always being there guys and gals 🙂
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When is the CTE in your school?
 
Probably July 20th, so no reporting till late August.
Edit to answer 2nd question: I called them and asked and they said up until a week before class start date....
 
ashway said:
Hey guys. I got a call from a DO school I was waitlisted at and got my first acceptance (best day of my life!!!!), but I am waiting on my in state MD school and I rank well on the waitlist but I’ve heard waitlist movement at a lot of MD schools is slow this year due to the changes in ‘rules’ .. can someone explain this to me because I dont get it hahaha
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Congratulations! Which DO school if you don’t me asking?
 
ashway said:
Hey guys. I got a call from a DO school I was waitlisted at and got my first acceptance (best day of my life!!!!), but I am waiting on my in state MD school and I rank well on the waitlist but I’ve heard waitlist movement at a lot of MD schools is slow this year due to the changes in ‘rules’ .. can someone explain this to me because I dont get it hahaha
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@ashway you can cruise over to this thread to read an explanation of the new rules. https://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/new-traffic-rules-wait-list.1365179/
Easier than scanning all 86 pages of the thread we are on now 😱
 
Meridian17 said:
Lmao, if you told me at any point before this year that Friday nights would be the low point of my week, I don't think I'd have believed you. Can't wait for another disappointing day on Friday followed by a deep and depressing dread through Friday night
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Which is why I try to only let myself drink Friday nights, lol. Hold it together this week long enough until you can down margaritas or your standard whisky and coke. It's hard but I'm trying, haha!
 
M&L said:
good luck!!!
I cannot wait for my last day at work. I actually put a countdown on my phone - 8 weeks, 5 days, 5 hours , 14 minues and 22 seconds 🙂 I love my job but I cannot wait to start new chapter of my life.
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I like my job too and genuinely didn't think I was going to get an interview. But now that I end up actually having a chance to start a new chapter, I really want to leave. Also, since I notified my job of my status and the possibility I may leave on short notice, some shady stuff has been happening regarding my "back-up" and me going away will solve everything. SIGH. LET ME IN!
 
Psychier said:
Hey all long time lurker, first time poster.
I'm on 3 WLs right now, 2 DO and 1 MD, and I've got a fresh application in the chamber, ready to send out. I then realized that my MCAT is now expired so my dilemma is... do I send in the application, take the MCAT, and risk poor scores due to not enough time to study and also not wanting to have my MCAT arrive late.
Or... risk it for the biscuit and hope I'm going to get in?
After perusing this forum significantly it seems as though the waitlist procedure is kinda a cluster. As of right now I am ranked 2nd on my top choice waitlist.
Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Concerns?
Thanks for always being there guys and gals 🙂
Click to expand...

Are you sure your MCAT is expired? My Mcat was taken July 2016 and it active for many schools. Alot of schools have 3 years from date of application as the requirement and MSAR is inaccurate for these institutions fyi
 
kilweedy said:
Are you sure your MCAT is expired? My Mcat was taken July 2016 and it active for many schools. Alot of schools have 3 years from date of application as the requirement and MSAR is inaccurate for these institutions fyi
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What do you mean by MSAR? I took my MCAT in May of 2016 iirc.
 
Psychier said:
What do you mean by MSAR? I took my MCAT in May of 2016 iirc.
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MSAR

I think yours would be expired but some schools take 4 years (I think, dont kill me if I'm wrong). I would honestly wait until you can take it and know your score. Applying without your score is super risky and potentially a waste of money.
 
schborke said:
MSAR

I think yours would be expired but some schools take 4 years (I think, dont kill me if I'm wrong). I would honestly wait until you can take it and know your score. Applying without your score is super risky and potentially a waste of money.
Click to expand...

Some schools require within 3 years of matriculation rather than application unfortunately.
 
VTDSPMed said:
Just to give some people some hope -

I called both of the schools I'm on a WL for and they both said they anticipate much more movement up until the middle of July with a few at the end of July.
Click to expand...

giphy.gif
 
RANT UPCOMING:
Coworker friend just showed me another coworker's (who also wants to go to med school) resume and I'm feeling kinda down. They did SO much research and got awards for stuff I totally could've competed for but had no freaking idea they even existed! Why this coworker is basically trying to ruin my friend's job for the sake of beefing up her resume here in clinic is beyond me and quite frankly, speaks a lot to her character.

Man, it's a FREAKING MIRACLE a school even wanted to talk to me. Maybe this really would've been my last chance and I probably blew it during interviews. If nothing happens, then it's the end. Because at this point in my life, out of university and needing to work to pay bills (for the longest time *I* was the breadwinner for myself AND my parents), I don't think I can basically do anything to improve for next cycle outside of getting a perfect on the MCAT.

Again, so glad I'm drinking out tonight
 
Tetines of Paris said:
RANT UPCOMING:
Coworker friend just showed me another coworker's (who also wants to go to med school) resume and I'm feeling kinda down. They did SO much research and got awards for stuff I totally could've competed for but had no freaking idea they even existed! Why this coworker is basically trying to ruin my friend's job for the sake of beefing up her resume here in clinic is beyond me and quite frankly, speaks a lot to her character.

Man, it's a FREAKING MIRACLE a school even wanted to talk to me. Maybe this really would've been my last chance and I probably blew it during interviews. If nothing happens, then it's the end. Because at this point in my life, out of university and needing to work to pay bills (for the longest time *I* was the breadwinner for myself AND my parents), I don't think I can basically do anything to improve for next cycle outside of getting a perfect on the MCAT.

Again, so glad I'm drinking out tonight
Click to expand...

There will always be people with more hours in XYZ and better scores and better grades. And that will FOR SURE be the case in medical school as well. The important thing is that we all got interviews likely in some cases over people who were more qualified. And people who were less qualified than us got acceptances. Its just the nature of the beast. Regardless, with the WL outcome it is easy to have self-doubt and feel unwanted but you have to focus on the fact that even getting an interview indicates you are doing something right! There is always room for growth while staying focused on the goal. Remember that leaning on people who care about you for support is the only way forward.
 
Yep it is tough and sad, uncertain about every little thing you said and how you're being judged to be perfect or fit in, in a pretty shallow manner. It is just a game. It isn't fair and bias is inherent. Schborke is right though, we got interviews. We might not have got what we want, but we're close. And there is Always ways to improve, whether it is your ability to be likeable and connect to people, or how you tell your story, or making a bigger impact that sets you apart. I'm in the same position, volunteering in meaningful activities and focusing on the mission while getting lower pay for exp and surviving, having to spend mental bandwidth on budgeting and making ends meet, balancing taking care of myself and those around me. It ain't easy it ain't fair, these are the types of things people don't really want to hear about bc it is a downer or you might come across wrong. We don't get credit for alot of these hardships, but I know it will make me a better physician, hopefully. Cheers to you guys.
 
VTDSPMed said:
Just to give some people some hope -

I called both of the schools I'm on a WL for and they both said they anticipate much more movement up until the middle of July with a few at the end of July.
Click to expand...

So I take it these schools have CTE later in July?
 
VTDSPMed said:
To those that are going to submit AMCAS applications soon, when's the best time to submit to the ones you are on WLs for?

I read that it might be best to verify the application and submit it with schools that you aren't on WLs for, then add the schools you are on WLs for a little later? I'm guessing before the transmission date so it's still in the first round.
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WheelSpinner said:
I was just gonna tack on one school from my list at random more or less just to save money and ride out the waitlist a bit more. Then add on the rest of my school list at the end of June before verification. I could be wrong but I thought schools don't get anything until the app is verified and sent out?
Click to expand...

@gyngyn , if you could clarify or help I would reallllly appreciate it. :angelic: I don't want to add other schools late and then not be able to be sent in the first round. What's the latest we should add ALL our schools to AMCAS (including the ones on our waitlist)?
 
VTDSPMed said:
@gyngyn , if you could clarify or help I would reallllly appreciate it. :angelic: I don't want to add other schools late and then not be able to be sent in the first round. What's the latest we should add ALL our schools to AMCAS (including the ones on our waitlist)?
Click to expand...
You just have to add 1 school to get verified by AMCAS then after that add whatever other schools you'd like and you'll receive their secondaries right away. You'll do this as a way to avoid paying a lot of money if you don't necessarily have to.
 
Tetines of Paris said:
RANT UPCOMING:
Coworker friend just showed me another coworker's (who also wants to go to med school) resume and I'm feeling kinda down. They did SO much research and got awards for stuff I totally could've competed for but had no freaking idea they even existed! Why this coworker is basically trying to ruin my friend's job for the sake of beefing up her resume here in clinic is beyond me and quite frankly, speaks a lot to her character.

Man, it's a FREAKING MIRACLE a school even wanted to talk to me. Maybe this really would've been my last chance and I probably blew it during interviews. If nothing happens, then it's the end. Because at this point in my life, out of university and needing to work to pay bills (for the longest time *I* was the breadwinner for myself AND my parents), I don't think I can basically do anything to improve for next cycle outside of getting a perfect on the MCAT.

Again, so glad I'm drinking out tonight
Click to expand...

Man, it really is a cold, cruel world.
 
Tetines of Paris said:
RANT UPCOMING:
Coworker friend just showed me another coworker's (who also wants to go to med school) resume and I'm feeling kinda down. They did SO much research and got awards for stuff I totally could've competed for but had no freaking idea they even existed! Why this coworker is basically trying to ruin my friend's job for the sake of beefing up her resume here in clinic is beyond me and quite frankly, speaks a lot to her character.

Man, it's a FREAKING MIRACLE a school even wanted to talk to me. Maybe this really would've been my last chance and I probably blew it during interviews. If nothing happens, then it's the end. Because at this point in my life, out of university and needing to work to pay bills (for the longest time *I* was the breadwinner for myself AND my parents), I don't think I can basically do anything to improve for next cycle outside of getting a perfect on the MCAT.

Again, so glad I'm drinking out tonight
Click to expand...
i know it is extremely hard to not think about it this way, but try not to. This will kill all the motivation you might have left. Like someone else mentioned earlier, there will ALWAYS be someone with better grades, better everything. All you can do is do YOUR best. So, keep going, and dont look at others. At the end of the day you DID get the interview invitation. Which means that someone out there thought that you might make a good doctor. Hold on to that! Think of 5000-10000 applicants who applied to that school (depending on the school, not sure how many yours got) , and you were one of the few hundred who got the invitation!!! that is AMAZING!!!!!
 
Kind of unrelated but isnt it pretty messed up for some med schools to have a ranked (and therefore transparent) W/L while other schools do not? Its very bizarre that for some schools people are just arbitrarily selected based on unknown factors from the waitlist while others simply just have to wait their turn? Seems like information that should be on the MSAR because it is a pretty big factor in your acceptance off the WL. But maybe I am missunderstanding how the unranked WLs work?
 
VTDSPMed said:
@gyngyn , if you could clarify or help I would reallllly appreciate it. :angelic: I don't want to add other schools late and then not be able to be sent in the first round. What's the latest we should add ALL our schools to AMCAS (including the ones on our waitlist)?
Click to expand...
Did you receive actionable feedback from these waitlist schools? Were you able to address that feedback since your last application? What has changed since your last application? I think these are all questions you should consider before immediately reapplying.

Keep in mind the extent to which application cycles now overlap (May-July) significantly more so than in years past. An immediate reapplication carries its own set of risks - it's costly, potentially a sunken cost, and it adds another tally to your list of application attempts.

I know we all want to begin school ASAP but have you considered taking a cycle off to collect feedback, strengthen your app on said feedback, and play the waiting game down to the wire (perhaps there will be more super late movement this year)?
 
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schborke said:
Kind of unrelated but isnt it pretty messed up for some med schools to have a ranked (and therefore transparent) W/L while other schools do not? Its very bizarre that for some schools people are just arbitrarily selected based on unknown factors from the waitlist while others simply just have to wait their turn? Seems like information that should be on the MSAR because it is a pretty big factor in your acceptance off the WL. But maybe I am missunderstanding how the unranked WLs work?
Click to expand...

Ranked doesn't automatically mean transparent. It's less about the individual student and more about the class as a whole. For example, an unranked list gives this possibility, if a veteran withdraws they can replace them with another veteran if they choose. Waiting just sucks. There's no method that would make it easier for every person on the list.
 
1nside said:
Yep it is tough and sad, uncertain about every little thing you said and how you're being judged to be perfect or fit in, in a pretty shallow manner. It is just a game. It isn't fair and bias is inherent. Schborke is right though, we got interviews. We might not have got what we want, but we're close. And there is Always ways to improve, whether it is your ability to be likeable and connect to people, or how you tell your story, or making a bigger impact that sets you apart. I'm in the same position, volunteering in meaningful activities and focusing on the mission while getting lower pay for exp and surviving, having to spend mental bandwidth on budgeting and making ends meet, balancing taking care of myself and those around me. It ain't easy it ain't fair, these are the types of things people don't really want to hear about bc it is a downer or you might come across wrong. We don't get credit for alot of these hardships, but I know it will make me a better physician, hopefully. Cheers to you guys.
Click to expand...
Remind yourself (and to everyone else here on this thread) that you are qualified for medical school. That's what the waitlist is - you met the criteria for acceptance; unfortunately, they just ran out of spots!
 
What do people think about re-applying to schools while you are on their waitlist? Another factor to be neurotic about or NBD?
 
OchemOficionado said:
Ranked doesn't automatically mean transparent. It's less about the individual student and more about the class as a whole. For example, an unranked list gives this possibility, if a veteran withdraws they can replace them with another veteran if they choose. Waiting just sucks. There's no method that would make it easier for every person on the list.
Click to expand...
My school ranks you then shows the number they are on in the portal. So you know exactly where they are at and where you are at the whole time. They couldn't just randomly skip a person without everyone knowing. Thats what I mean.
 
schborke said:
My school ranks you then shows the number they are on in the portal. So you know exactly where they are at and where you are at the whole time. They couldn't just randomly skip a person without everyone knowing. Thats what I mean.
Click to expand...

Yes, but not all ranked schools provide that info is what I'm saying.
 
VTDSPMed said:
@gyngyn , if you could clarify or help I would reallllly appreciate it. :angelic: I don't want to add other schools late and then not be able to be sent in the first round. What's the latest we should add ALL our schools to AMCAS (including the ones on our waitlist)?
Click to expand...
If you must do an immediate re-application, a single "throwaway" school will get your transcript verified.
Additional schools can be added later and upload in a single business day.
 
VTDSPMed said:
@gyngyn , if you could clarify or help I would reallllly appreciate it. :angelic: I don't want to add other schools late and then not be able to be sent in the first round. What's the latest we should add ALL our schools to AMCAS (including the ones on our waitlist)?
Click to expand...

gyngyn said:
If you must do an immediate re-application, a single "throwaway" school will get your transcript verified.
Additional schools can be added later and upload in a single business day.
Click to expand...

I did this last cycle and worked out just fine. Received my MCAT score July 16th and submitted all schools on that day. I got my interviews and finished them all in September.
 
Meridian17 said:
Just got rejected from my last pending decision, there goes my chances of med school. I still have 1 waitlist, but they said movement is pretty much done

why go on
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Dude trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s horrible, and you don’t have to feel better right now. Feel miserable and give yourself time to cry, but then get back up and kick a**. You’re down now, but you’re better for it. This process is horrible but it teaches you humility and patience that I don’t think you can get any other way. Take some time to do non medical volunteering or something else that allows you to work personally with others and make positive change. When you’re ready and you apply again, you’ll know the mistakes. You’ll know what needs tweaking, and if you don’t you can always post to message boards for advice. You have this. You can do it.
 
Meridian17 said:
kick me while i mdown why dont you
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As one non-trad to another non-trad, I understand what you are feeling. I have great stats (3.9+/518+), great activities, and great letters. Everyone I talked to, MD or otherwise, thinks I have a high chance of getting in somewhere, especially given I applied broadly to 20+ schools (not top-heavy either). Here I am on the last day of May hanging on to the hope that I will get off the only waitlist I am on. I am saying we are in the same boat.
 
Meridian17 said:
Just got rejected from my last pending decision, there goes my chances of med school. I still have 1 waitlist, but they said movement is pretty much done

why go on
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It truly is a grinding and demeaning process. It’s espec tough when some people come on this thread and cry about not getting their top choice.
 
MortySmithC-137 said:
Just trying to bring diversity to my re-application.
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It’s sad that it’s what you have to do to get in. I was told by one school that I didn’t get in because I was only compared to people of my own race and background and not all applicants.....
 
Meridian17 said:
Just got rejected from my last pending decision, there goes my chances of med school. I still have 1 waitlist, but they said movement is pretty much done

why go on
Click to expand...
You’re not alone. I felt this same way last year as I sat on my only waitlist. I feel the same way this year, but to a lesser degree, as I sit on 2 waitlists. I think the level of stress and uncertainty has just made me more callous to the process.
 
thegrind33 said:
It’s sad that it’s what you have to do to get in. I was told by one school that I didn’t get in because I was only compared to people of my own race and background and not all applicants.....
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I was told the same thing. So now I am repositioning myself to a category that is not as crowded
 
schborke said:
This is pretty cringeworthy. I’m not sure if you’re trying to be funny but it’s not. Lots of applicants probably are dealing with what you’re making fun of
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Lots of great applicants get turned away in the quest for “diversity”
 
schborke said:
This is pretty cringeworthy. I’m not sure if you’re trying to be funny but it’s not. Lots of applicants probably are dealing with what you’re making fun of
Click to expand...

Everyone has their own struggles in life. It is not my fault that some struggles are more sought-after than others. Instead of feeling like a failure, I am trying creative ways to boost my (re)application.
 
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