2020-2021 Waitlist Support Thread

Started by retro2021
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
wegotthis20201234 said:
I know it's not even the end of May but I can't help feeling like I'm not getting off the waitlist after missing the first wave of acceptances today - I'm in a state of holding onto a sliver of hope while trying to regain the focus to retake the MCAT/apply again - if anyone has any advice on how to get outta this funk, pls lmk
Click to expand...
I am in the same boat and I try to recognize that it is okay to feel overwhelmed or defeated and then give myself 5 minutes to feel like garbage and then keep going. I try to exercise everyday which gives me a sense of peace and it is a time when my brain cannot think about anything. I started studying for the MCAT again and after speaking to some of my schools about why they rejected me they said it was just the score that gave me hope. I am stubborn and this test will not decide my future. Feel free to reach out if you ever need encouragement for a chance to vent, we are all here for each other.
 
ClarePotots said:
I am in the same boat and I try to recognize that it is okay to feel overwhelmed or defeated and then give myself 5 minutes to feel like garbage and then keep going. I try to exercise everyday which gives me a sense of peace and it is a time when my brain cannot think about anything. I started studying for the MCAT again and after speaking to some of my schools about why they rejected me they said it was just the score that gave me hope. I am stubborn and this test will not decide my future. Feel free to reach out if you ever need encouragement for a chance to vent, we are all here for each other.
Click to expand...
Did you ask for this feedback from schools that rejected you post-interview or from schools who did not provide you with an interview offer at all?
 
FriedLemon said:
Did you ask for this feedback from schools that rejected you post-interview or from schools who did not provide you with an interview offer at all?
Click to expand...
I spoke to an admissions person who reviewed my file however they did not extend an interview and they stated that the score was the only thing holding me back. If I do not get off the waitlist with the school I am waiting on I am going to ask them what I could improve.
 
ClarePotots said:
I spoke to an admissions person who reviewed my file however they did not extend an interview and they stated that the score was the only thing holding me back. If I do not get off the waitlist with the school I am waiting on I am going to ask them what I could improve.
Click to expand...
How did you manage to speak to an admissions officer at a school that did not even extend an interview? I emailed all my pre-II R schools asking for feedback and most did not reply. The ones who did all gave the same generic answer that they are unable to provide feedback. Even most of the rejection emails blatantly said they will not be providing feedback.

I've heard the schools who send post-II R are more willing to provide feedback but never heard of pre-II R.
 
tahinitajin said:
How did you manage to speak to an admissions officer at a school that did not even extend an interview? I emailed all my pre-II R schools asking for feedback and most did not reply. The ones who did all gave the same generic answer that they are unable to provide feedback. Even most of the rejection emails blatantly said they will not be providing feedback.

I've heard the schools who send post-II R are more willing to provide feedback but never heard of pre-II R.
Click to expand...
I did not realize that it was that uncommon, I do not want to get into specifics since I am going to try and apply there again but I am a non-traditional student that has experiences that gave me an extra door I guess, but fear not LOL it was still promptly slammed in my face with a sign to take the test again.
 
ClarePotots said:
I did not realize that it was that uncommon, I do not want to get into specifics since I am going to try and apply there again but I am a non-traditional student that has experiences that gave me an extra door I guess, but fear not LOL it was still promptly slammed in my face with a sign to take the test again.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply. And I'm sorry to hear that 🙁 I wish you the best of luck and hopefully you get off the WL!!
 
SuperSpies said:
Looking for some input/perspective on this:

I'm currently finishing up a Master's thesis for my graduate program. The Dean of Medicine at one of the school's I'm WLed at is one of my advisors for my thesis. His research and expertise is very specific towards what I've been working on, and we have done a seminar together in the past about the field we're both interested in. I thought it would be a great idea to ask him to be my advisor because of the previously mentioned and he was kind enough to agree.

I don't know him extremely well since he's very busy (as expected), and most of our communication has been done through since the pandemic has started as I've been working on the thesis at home now.

What I want to ask you all: Is it ill-advised to reach out to him about the WL at this school? Or ask if he would be willing to write something on my behalf?
I'm just unsure about this entirely and I don't know if it's a conflict of interest, or if I'm being a fool for not taking the opportunity

The school is my top choice and I've sent multiple updates and a LOIntent since they accept them. I've also had another letter written on my behalf from the faculty of the school as well.

I appreciate any input, TIA. I apologize if this is something I should be able to answer myself. Admissions is so cutthroat and I feel like I'm squandering myself if I don't take advantage of everything I have
Click to expand...
Personally, I think it is worth a shot! I think you have more to gain than you would have to lose! someone correct me if I am wrong
 
SuperSpies said:
Looking for some input/perspective on this:

I'm currently finishing up a Master's thesis for my graduate program. The Dean of Medicine at one of the school's I'm WLed at is one of my advisors for my thesis. His research and expertise is very specific towards what I've been working on, and we have done a seminar together in the past about the field we're both interested in. I thought it would be a great idea to ask him to be my advisor because of the previously mentioned and he was kind enough to agree.

I don't know him extremely well since he's very busy (as expected), and most of our communication has been done through email since the pandemic has started as I've been working on the thesis at home now.

What I want to ask you all: Is it ill-advised to reach out to him about the WL at this school? Or ask if he would be willing to write something on my behalf?
I'm just unsure about this entirely and I don't know if it's a conflict of interest, or if I'm being a fool for not taking the opportunity

The school is my top choice and I've sent multiple updates and a LOIntent since they accept them. I've also had another letter written on my behalf from the faculty of the school as well.

I appreciate any input, TIA. I apologize if this is something I should be able to answer myself. Admissions is so cutthroat and I feel like I'm squandering myself if I don't take advantage of everything I have
Click to expand...
Is the WL ranked? If it is, then I'm afraid it may not help. If it's unranked, I'd consider asking about the WL. The only concern is that you've already sent multiple updates, a letter of intent, and on top of those, another letter from the school's faculty. I have no doubt that the school is well aware of your unwavering interest in them, in which case, another letter may not have as large an effect as we hope. I don't think it hurts to ask him for advice/his opinions on the matter though. If he responds with an offer to recommend you, I'd probably just accept since he's doing you a nice favor.
 
3rd time re-applicant here. If there's anything I've learned from the past two cycles, it's that holding onto hope during this stressful time is good (necessary, even)...but it can also really burn you in the long run. It really, really hurts when you put your heart and soul into a med school application, only for the schools to hold onto it until the very last minute and then hit you with an R. As much as I believe in us being able to get that A this year, trust me when I tell you it can really be painful if we aren't prepared for the worst (hope I don't sound too much like a typical SDN cynic).

I just personally think it's a good idea to prepare your contingency plans, sign your leases, accept whatever jobs/gap year plans you need to, and whenever you get that life-changing acceptance call...just drop everything else and go become a doctor. Sending good vibes to us all ❤️
 
It's
SuperSpies said:
Thank you both for the inputs

The WL is unranked according to their WL email they sent me. That is a fair point about how they should be aware of my interest based on what I've already sent to them, that is something to keep in mind that I wasn't currently thinking about.

My idea is that I'm thinking this is my last cycle before I give up, so I might as well throw everything I can at it haha. I appreciate the perspectives
Click to expand...
You should go for it. It probably won't make a difference but it will help you sleep better at night knowing you tried EVERYTHING possible.
 
Just wanted to get your thoughts. I applied super late in the cycle last year, October. I got waitlisted by 2, only on 1 now, would it behoove me to apply again with the same scores just on time or should I just stick with taking a gap year to study for the MCAT again and then apply in May of 2022 with a better score? Any advice is appreciated.
 
Been thinking about the MCAT a lot these days.

Something that's been bothering me, as someone who has taken it three times already, is just how much higher the MCAT averages at schools got this year.

Like seriously, I know of some universities whose MCAT averages went up a whole four to five points from this year alone.

It's kind of frustrating to see the goalposts always getting moved. Back in 2018 when I last took my MCAT, a 507 was right on the dot for most school's averages, and this year has sort of changed that unfortunately...

What stinks is that like some other folks in this thread have said, my MCAT score is kind of the only thing on my application that I've gotten feedback on to improve...
 
ClarePotots said:
Just wanted to get your thoughts. I applied super late in the cycle last year, October. I got waitlisted by 2, only on 1 now, would it behoove me to apply again with the same scores just on time or should I just stick with taking a gap year to study for the MCAT again and then apply in May of 2022 with a better score? Any advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Same exact situation except the only thing I don't have to worry about is my MCAT score. Lol...
 
Blue Lion said:
Been thinking about the MCAT a lot these days.

Something that's been bothering me, as someone who has taken it three times already, is just how much higher the MCAT averages at schools got this year.

Like seriously, I know of some universities whose MCAT averages went up a whole four to five points from this year alone.

It's kind of frustrating to see the goalposts always getting moved. Back in 2018 when I last took my MCAT, a 507 was right on the dot for most school's averages, and this year has sort of changed that unfortunately...

What stinks is that like some other folks in this thread have said, my MCAT score is kind of the only thing on my application that I've gotten feedback on to improve...
Click to expand...
I really think the shortened MCAT changed the standardization of the test making it not as valid...
 
ClarePotots said:
Just wanted to get your thoughts. I applied super late in the cycle last year, October. I got waitlisted by 2, only on 1 now, would it behoove me to apply again with the same scores just on time or should I just stick with taking a gap year to study for the MCAT again and then apply in May of 2022 with a better score? Any advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...
You did mention previously that you received feedback and they said your MCAT score is what held you back. But you have to ask yourself how low it really was and how ready you feel/where you are in life. If your score is good for DO maybe apply right away to DO.
 
Microbe_Hunter said:
I really think the shortened MCAT changed the standardization of the test making it not as valid...
Click to expand...

It really feels like it went either in that direction or the other, it's so hard to keep track of everything...

Also man, seeing a WARS score in your signature hurts. I also have an 85, and I still only got three interviews to the mid-tier schools I applied to, lol.

tahinitajin said:
You did mention previously that you received feedback and they said your MCAT score is what held you back. But you have to ask yourself how low it really was and how ready you feel/where you are in life. If your score is good for DO maybe apply right away to DO.
Click to expand...

Got to admit, as someone who got the advice a ton (507 here), this cycle has been weird for me as I have been largely ignored by DO schools outside of one, both in terms of interviews and getting feedback. Whereas I got two interviews from MDs, and most MDs have been willing to give me feedback. I feel (keyword feel, so very anecdotal, lol) like my post-bacc GPA/upward trend/circumstances behind low original GPA have been more seen by MDs than DO schools.
 
ClarePotots said:
Just wanted to get your thoughts. I applied super late in the cycle last year, October. I got waitlisted by 2, only on 1 now, would it behoove me to apply again with the same scores just on time or should I just stick with taking a gap year to study for the MCAT again and then apply in May of 2022 with a better score? Any advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...
i think if your scores are at least decent (or even good-great!!) then you probably don't need to wait to reapply as long as your application has changed/youve added to it since you obviously don't want to turn in essentially the same thing. I think the reason a lot of people wait between application cycles is burnout, needing more time to improve grades/mcat, or needing more time than a year to improve EC's. If you're mentally ready to do another cycle (changing up your PS and editing secondaries), your stats are fine, AND you've added new EC's or more hours/responsibility to the old ones, then there's no reason not to reapply in the 2021-2022 cycle!
 
ClarePotots said:
Just wanted to get your thoughts. I applied super late in the cycle last year, October. I got waitlisted by 2, only on 1 now, would it behoove me to apply again with the same scores just on time or should I just stick with taking a gap year to study for the MCAT again and then apply in May of 2022 with a better score? Any advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Forgot to mention: I am personally reapplying this up-coming cycle (unless i get off the WL!). My problem with my app was not having enough clinical experience & probably having ~okay~ letters of rec & applying slightly late-ish (secondaries in by the beginning of september rather than august). I've been working full-time at a non-profit primary care clinic since the beginning of July & feel like I can get better letters from the people who I work with/for. So if you're planning on reapplying back-to-back, I'm right there with you!!! Feel free to PM me if you want 🙂
 
ilovetofu said:
Forgot to mention: I am personally reapplying this up-coming cycle (unless i get off the WL!). My problem with my app was not having enough clinical experience & probably having ~okay~ letters of rec & applying slightly late-ish (secondaries in by the beginning of september rather than august). I've been working full-time at a non-profit primary care clinic since the beginning of July & feel like I can get better letters from the people who I work with/for. So if you're planning on reapplying back-to-back, I'm right there with you!!! Feel free to PM me if you want 🙂
Click to expand...
I appreciate that! I hope you get off the WL but it sounds like you have a great outlook either way. I scored a 500 (6 points lower than my FL scores, I think I got nervous). I have lots of hours of shadowing and my letters were all from doctors I have worked with for years so I think those are pretty good, not sure honestly. I think I am just going to keep working for this better score if I don't get off my WL, seems likes the safest option.
 
FriedLemon said:
Saw this too when I was looking at my application for the 2022 cycle. Dang...
Click to expand...
starryfish said:
My percentile dropped by 1 point this year LOL for my score from June of last year
I had to double check my original score report I thought I had known it wrong all this time then I saw a little asterisk that said *percentiles are updated every May
Click to expand...

Same...
At this point, I don't know if the exam has gotten easier, or if newer applicants are just smarter, because maaaaan, that exam I took in 2018 was difficult.
 
Microbe_Hunter said:
CMONNN WL GANG, we must stand resolute during these final hours... we cannot lose hope for WLgang must believe in themselves and each other to succeed!!!
Click to expand...
 

Attachments

  • 238C7806-6458-4F57-9714-FE1160A3E144.jpeg
    238C7806-6458-4F57-9714-FE1160A3E144.jpeg
    72 KB · Views: 199
Microbe_Hunter said:
Personally, I think it is worth a shot! I think you have more to gain than you would have to lose! someone correct me if I am wrong
Click to expand...
Call me a naive skeptic, but I think this is VERY ill advised.

He's the dean of the school AND one or your thesis advisors? Does he know you applied to med school? Does he know you applied to HIS med school?

What you are suggesting is a total conflict for him, for the very reasons that you think it might be a squandered opportunity. If he had any interest at all in getting involved anyway, don't you think he would have done so, either with or without asking you? Obviously, follow your gut here, but I think saying anything at all is going to lead to a very awkward situation for both of you.
 
SuperSpies said:
Looking for some input/perspective on this:

I'm currently finishing up a Master's thesis for my graduate program. The Dean of Medicine at one of the school's I'm WLed at is one of my advisors for my thesis. His research and expertise is very specific towards what I've been working on, and we have done a seminar together in the past about the field we're both interested in. I thought it would be a great idea to ask him to be my advisor because of the previously mentioned and he was kind enough to agree.

I don't know him extremely well since he's very busy (as expected), and most of our communication has been done through email since the pandemic has started as I've been working on the thesis at home now.

What I want to ask you all: Is it ill-advised to reach out to him about the WL at this school? Or ask if he would be willing to write something on my behalf?
I'm just unsure about this entirely and I don't know if it's a conflict of interest, or if I'm being a fool for not taking the opportunity

The school is my top choice and I've sent multiple updates and a LOIntent since they accept them. I've also had another letter written on my behalf from the faculty of the school as well.

I appreciate any input, TIA. I apologize if this is something I should be able to answer myself. Admissions is so cutthroat and I feel like I'm squandering myself if I don't take advantage of everything I have
Click to expand...
The Dean is supposed to steer clear of arm-twisting the admissions committee. It is an LCME mandate.
It is the only committee that cannot be supervised by the Dean.
 
Emailed the schools that rejected me to ask for feedback just to feel something...well, except for the ones that explicitly said no feedback on their websites or in the R email. Expecting the rest to also to say no but literally getting any email response is making me feel slightly better lol.
 
SuperSpies said:
I guess a follow up question would be: What's the worst that could happen?

Such as, if I were to just ask if he has any advice for being on the WL at his school

Would that be looked down upon as well? Would there be repercussions?

Although we're not best friends, we have an established relationship and he knows I'm applying and that I interviewed at his school
Based on that would it be wrong if I'm just like "Hey I don't really know what else to do, I'm WLed at your school and I'd appreciate any advice you may have, if that's permissible, if not completely ignore this" (something along the lines of that but definitely more polite, I just wanted to summarize for SDN)
Click to expand...
He is unlikely to have anything better than generic advice and probably knows little about the process (since it is out of his jurisdiction except for general concepts, e.g.: I want to increase the median MCAT...).
If he thinks you are trying to use your relationship to get a leg up, I can't predict how that would be perceived. I guess it would depend on how cynical he is.
 
SuperSpies said:
I guess a follow up question would be: What's the worst that could happen?

Such as, if I were to just ask if he has any advice for being on the WL at his school

Would that be looked down upon as well? Would there be repercussions?

Although we're not best friends, we have an established relationship and he knows I'm applying and that I interviewed at his school
Based on that would it be wrong if I'm just like "Hey I don't really know what else to do, I'm WLed at your school and I'd appreciate any advice you may have, if that's permissible, if not completely ignore this" (something along the lines of that but definitely more polite, I just wanted to summarize for SDN)
Click to expand...
To me, it's not about looked down upon. It's just going to create an awkward situation with someone you are currently working with. If he was inclined to get involved, he'd have done so, behind the scenes, without letting you know, and you'd already be accepted. He's doing the right thing by walling himself off from it, and you are proposing asking him for advice. Awkward.
 
Do schools release all their WL offers during the first week of movement? Or does it trickle in? My school had 3 days last week and nothing today so I’m not sure what that means
 
You must log in or register to reply here.