2020-2021 Waitlist Support Thread

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synergetics2020 said:
Do schools find it extremely annoying when applicants on the waitlist email to ask if there has been any waitlist movement/how much is anticipated? Thinking about emailing one of the schools I'm on the waitlist for to inquire since I haven't heard anything about movement from the school or on SDN
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The staff does get weary, but unless it is a rude or repeated contact, it is unlikely for the committee to become aware.
 
synergetics2020 said:
Do schools find it extremely annoying when applicants on the waitlist email to ask if there has been any waitlist movement/how much is anticipated? Thinking about emailing one of the schools I'm on the waitlist for to inquire since I haven't heard anything about movement from the school or on SDN
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I don't think it can hurt, and, they are kind of asking for it by not providing any updates or transparency. OTOH, other than creating an illusion for yourself that you are actually accomplishing something, it's pointless. I don't know of any school that doesn't share information, except on request, at which point they are extremely forthcoming. 😎

TL;DR -- do it if it makes you feel better. They won't hold it against you.
 
KnightDoc said:
I don't think it can hurt, and, they are kind of asking for it by not providing any updates or transparency. OTOH, other than creating an illusion for yourself that you are actually accomplishing something, it's pointless. I don't know of any school that doesn't share information, except on request, at which point they are extremely forthcoming. 😎

TL;DR -- do it if it makes you feel better. They won't hold it against you.
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I mean, annoying an admissions office can definitely hurt dont get that confused. But just simply asking once if their is waitlist movement is not going to do it. Should be fine.
 
My waitlist school is extremely fast at responding however, it seems like they’ve accepted everyone off the alternate list except me lol I don’t think emailing them frequently changes your position on the WL
 
Question from my friend who will be reapplying:

does a research course/class through your undergraduate school count as "research" in the eyes of medical schools. or do they prefer you to do research through an outside program?
 
faze_contusion said:
why do you say that its not a bad sign and that that its likely that they wouldn't respond? Isn't it admin's job to respond to applicant inquiries?
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I assumed it was a thank you email or something, not a question. If it was a question they should have responded.
 
Got rejected off my last WL, and man, it feels BAD.
I'm super happy for everyone in the school thread that rejected me last, a ton of people on there got off the waitlist, and those who didn't had other options lined up for them.

At the same time though, it stinks going from the group as the only one who has to reapply again. Like, I've applied three times, this is the first time I got interviews, but this cycle's end has definitely felt the absolute worst.

And now having to rush to get all this other stuff in for reapplying + taking my MCAT again + losing yet another summer is just so demoralizing....
 
Blue Lion said:
Got rejected off my last WL, and man, it feels BAD.
I'm super happy for everyone in the school thread that rejected me last, a ton of people on there got off the waitlist, and those who didn't had other options lined up for them.

At the same time though, it stinks going from the group as the only one who has to reapply again. Like, I've applied three times, this is the first time I got interviews, but this cycle's end has definitely felt the absolute worst.

And now having to rush to get all this other stuff in for reapplying + taking my MCAT again + losing yet another summer is just so demoralizing....
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It sounds like you're in a stressful situation, sorry to hear that this happened. Did you ever get feedback from schools this cycle or the prior cycles?
 
faze_contusion said:
Start prewriting soon. Do one a day or one every other day. There are a few questions that will come up again and again so if you have responses for the 5-10 most common secondary questions, it'll make the whole process a lot easier once your secondaries actually start rolling in. You can find common questions in previous SDN threads for schools. Most schools don't change their secondary questions from year to year so those will be a good starting point.
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I am worried about how I am going to rewrite things. I put so much effort and time into them during the first go around, what is there for me to write differently? I pretty much put forth my best experiences and insights into my essays/activities/personal statement, it's not as if I have new motivations and goals. I have a couple of new experiences, but all the major lessons learned are pretty much the same.
 
LiteralLungs said:
I am worried about how I am going to rewrite things. I put so much effort and time into them during the first go around, what is there for me to write differently? I pretty much put forth my best experiences and insights into my essays/activities/personal statement, it's not as if I have new motivations and goals. I have a couple of new experiences, but all the major lessons learned are pretty much the same.
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same ^^^^
 
hosie618 said:
Question from my friend who will be reapplying:

does a research course/class through your undergraduate school count as "research" in the eyes of medical schools. or do they prefer you to do research through an outside program?
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Why would they? Research is research!! 🙂
 
when is it considered "too late" to submit amcas? I submitted end of June last yr and I wasn't verified until mid-august 🙁 i feel like there will be even more traffic this yr
 
Rule of thumb I've read many times from ADCOMS on this site is have your primary verified and sent to schools by Labor Day.
 
jamaica jan sun princess said:
Rule of thumb I've read many times from ADCOMS on this site is have your primary verified and sent to schools by Labor Day.
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Nope. That rule of thumb is to be COMPLETE by Labor Day -- primary, secondary, MCAT, LORs. The catch is, while many things are within your control, secondaries are NOT. Some come immediately after primary submission. Others take weeks, as schools space them out to control workflow. And, of course, still others never come at all.
 
wegotthis20201234 said:
when is it considered "too late" to submit amcas? I submitted end of June last yr and I wasn't verified until mid-august 🙁 i feel like there will be even more traffic this yr
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Last year was a cluster f*** of epic proportions due to the unanticipated global situation, as you know from having gone through it. This year could not possibly be anywhere near as bad, no matter how much traffic there is.

That said, "too late" truly is in the eye of the beholder. As @faze_contusion pointed out, really attractive candidates can apply anytime before the deadline and find success. As for the rest of us, not so much.

You want to be in as soon as you are ready, but not before. Too late really depends on how good you are, and one size does not fit all.

The question for you is, if you don't want to sit the cycle out, what have you been waiting for, and why would you want to wait on a reapp for the last possible minute prior to too late???? All we know today is that submissions have been open for a full week, and they are still not done processing applications from 5/27, so we are certainly closer to "too late" today than we were this time last week.
 
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It finally happened!!! Checked my email at work this morning to my first A after 4 WL! I know from being on the other side that sometimes these updates aren't super helpful but just wanted to say

1) being in WL limbo helped me know 1000% for sure that I want to be a doctor. I mean I thought I knew this before I applied, but being put through this stress, rewriting my PS, and beginning the process of reapplication was just extra confirmation that this is worth all of it for me. I know no one wants to be in that position, but it gives you some extra insight

2) I was lucky to get some feedback from a few schools that rejected me....so much of this is arbitrary and subjective and it completely sucks. I have so much empathy for everyone sitting here feeling like they did something wrong or that they aren't enough. Can every application always be improved? Of course. AND if your MCAT/GPA is the range, you are just as qualified as everyone who did get in. You are just as deserving and worthy of becoming a doctor (unless you're secretly a serial killer lurking here).

3) If you are facing an unexpected (maybe additional) gap year, remember that you're playing the long game. Think beyond med school admissions and find a way to use this year that will make you a better professional. Is there an area of medicine you think you're interested in? Look into jobs/volunteering in that field in a more in depth way than you could while still in school, etc. What are your personal weaknesses? Find an opportunity that will force you to be uncomfortable and strengthen those parts of yourself. What's your financial situation? Find a job where you can earn some savings that will provide a safety net/life vest down the road, or help you get a head start on paying back loans.

4) Use this time to be a person, not just a student or insert-job-title-here. Go on weekend day trips (safely of course), spend time with friends and family you'll miss if you have to relocate, eat delicious food, try a new hobby or a new sport. Work on your mental health and emotional resilience.

Lastly, I've always been nervous about encountering cutthroat/competitive culture when I entered the medical world. Thanks to everyone on this thread who has been so supportive and kind towards one another. I look forward to working alongside you.

If anyone needs to vent at any time my messages are open!
Cheering everyone on and keeping my fingers crossed for y'all!
 
Anyone think it would come off as desperate/inappropriate to send a brief continued interest email 3 months after sending a letter of intent (after being waitlisted)?
 
godzillamd said:
Anyone think it would come off as desperate/inappropriate to send a brief continued interest email 3 months after sending a letter of intent (after being waitlisted)?
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I don't know that it will help but it won't hurt. I was advised to send updated interest letters every 3 weeks.
 
Otterly said:
I don't know that it will help but it won't hurt. I was advised to send updated interest letters every 3 weeks.
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Lol this whole process is wild. I was advised to not send anything else to the school after I sent my letter of intent. I have heard that an additional rec letter could be helpful at this point in the process but I'm sure that is school-specific as well.
 
big_yikes_premed said:
Lol this whole process is wild. I was advised to not send anything else to the school after I sent my letter of intent. I have heard that an additional rec letter could be helpful at this point in the process but I'm sure that is school-specific as well.
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sorry to double-post, but i've received lots of mixed feedback as to whether the PS needs to be completely rewritten for the reapplication or only modified/updated...would love to know what others have heard on this front.
 
KnightDoc said:
And desperate. What's above intent? Nothing! Sending anything else after that really is just signalling desperation. It's not going to hurt, but the LOI didn't move them, so, as @Earthworm Slim astutely points out, it's superfluous.
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The reason I ask is since I sent the LOI well before the April 30th deadline, and the school can see that I am PTE at another school (I had no other acceptances when I sent the LOI). I don't want them to think I moved on and will just go with the acceptance I have at this point in the cycle.

But I do also agree that it is kind of superfluous. I just want to know I did everything I could possibly do.
 
Does anyone have any insight whether schools prefer removing people off the waitlist who are PTE at another school or someone w/ no current MD acceptances? I currently have no MD acceptances but I sent an LOI and a LOR to one of my WL schools, and they've recently accepted someone who is PTE at another school. I know that person may have potentially sent in an LOI as well, so that may factor in (among other factors), but aside from that- is there a preference to pull people off the WL who have are already PTE?
 
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sergethecoincierge said:
Does anyone have any insight whether schools prefer removing people off the waitlist who are PTE at another school or someone w/ no current MD acceptances? I currently have no MD acceptances but I sent an LOI and a LOR to one of my WL schools, and they've recently accepted someone who is PTE at another school. I know that person may have potentially sent in an LOI as well, so that may factor in (among other factors), but aside from that- is there a preference to pull people off the WL who have are already PTE?
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I’m not sure if there is a preference but chances are if they have an A already they probs have high stats/a good app
 
sergethecoincierge said:
Does anyone have any insight whether schools prefer removing people off the waitlist who are PTE at another school or someone w/ no current MD acceptances? I currently have no MD acceptances but I sent an LOI and a LOR to one of my WL schools, and they've recently accepted someone who is PTE at another school. I know that person may have potentially sent in an LOI as well, so that may factor in (among other factors), but aside from that- is there a preference to pull people off the WL who have are already PTE?
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Kind of piggy backing off this, does anyone think it would be beneficial to inform an MD school I am WL at that I have an A from a DO program? I sent in a letter of intent to the MD program a while back because that is where I would rather go but didn't say anything about the DO acceptance. Since the MD and DO systems are completely separate I don't think the MD school knows I have an A. Do you guys think it would be beneficial or harmful to let them know?
 
definitely_not_an_athlete said:
Kind of piggy backing off this, does anyone think it would be beneficial to inform an MD school I am WL at that I have an A from a DO program? I sent in a letter of intent to the MD program a while back because that is where I would rather go but didn't say anything about the DO acceptance. Since the MD and DO systems are completely separate I don't think the MD school knows I have an A. Do you guys think it would be beneficial or harmful to let them know?
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No, they won't care about you holding a DO acceptance.
 
sergethecoincierge said:
Does anyone have any insight whether schools prefer removing people off the waitlist who are PTE at another school or someone w/ no current MD acceptances? I currently have no MD acceptances but I sent an LOI and a LOR to one of my WL schools, and they've recently accepted someone who is PTE at another school. I know that person may have potentially sent in an LOI as well, so that may factor in (among other factors), but aside from that- is there a preference to pull people off the WL who have are already PTE?
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I don't think schools prefer one over the other. On the one hand, with an acceptance in hand, WL schools know you were desirable to other schools which is good, but with no acceptances, they know you will accept and matriculate (since you have no other options) which is good for their yield.
 
godzillamd said:
The reason I ask is since I sent the LOI well before the April 30th deadline, and the school can see that I am PTE at another school (I had no other acceptances when I sent the LOI). I don't want them to think I moved on and will just go with the acceptance I have at this point in the cycle.

But I do also agree that it is kind of superfluous. I just want to know I did everything I could possibly do.
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I totally get it. You did everything right. Being PTE at another school does not mean you moved on. What else are you supposed to do on or after 4/30 when you receive an A from another school? Being CTE at another school and sending them a letter rescinding your LOI and withdrawing from the WL would make them think you moved on.

You've already done everything you could reasonably do. Anything after a Letter of Intent is just piling on, or begging.
 
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sergethecoincierge said:
Does anyone have any insight whether schools prefer removing people off the waitlist who are PTE at another school or someone w/ no current MD acceptances? I currently have no MD acceptances but I sent an LOI and a LOR to one of my WL schools, and they've recently accepted someone who is PTE at another school. I know that person may have potentially sent in an LOI as well, so that may factor in (among other factors), but aside from that- is there a preference to pull people off the WL who have are already PTE?
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Not really. The last week or two before classes begin they might prefer someone with no As, so they don't have to deal with someone needing to make a decision when they are in a rush to fill a seat, but, otherwise, they generally just want the people they rank most highly, without regard to whatever else they might or might not have.
 
Exocus said:
No, they won't care about you holding a DO acceptance.
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This^^^. It's generally assumed you will prefer MD over DO. They won't be impressed, and it won't make you any more desirable to them.
 
Hey guys,

Does anybody know if I can apply DO while I am applying ED for an MD school? Who should I contact about asking if I am allowed to do that? I know the dangers and cautions surrounding ED. I am just looking for an answer to my specific question. Thank you.
 
Microbe_Hunter said:
Hey guys,

Does anybody know if I can apply DO while I am applying ED for an MD school? Who should I contact about asking if I am allowed to do that? I know the dangers and cautions surrounding ED. I am just looking for an answer to my specific question. Thank you.
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Your specific school is probably a good place to start! 🙂
 
Microbe_Hunter said:
Hey guys,

Does anybody know if I can apply DO while I am applying ED for an MD school? Who should I contact about asking if I am allowed to do that? I know the dangers and cautions surrounding ED. I am just looking for an answer to my specific question. Thank you.
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You may not apply to any US medical school (AMCAS or non-AMCAS) as an ED applicant.
students-residents.aamc.org

Early Decision Program

The Early Decision Program (EDP) guidelines, link to FAQs, and Medical School Admission Requirements for more information on EDP-participating medical schools.
students-residents.aamc.org students-residents.aamc.org
 
gyngyn said:
You may not apply to any US medical school (AMCAS or non-AMCAS) as an ED applicant.
students-residents.aamc.org

Early Decision Program

The Early Decision Program (EDP) guidelines, link to FAQs, and Medical School Admission Requirements for more information on EDP-participating medical schools.
students-residents.aamc.org students-residents.aamc.org
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@gyngyn Have there been any proposals to AMCAS to have ED schools make a decision before October 1? This is so terribly late and gives applicants a lower chance of other interviews if not accepted to their ED school, especially for turning in a Texas app that late.
 
wysdoc said:
@gyngyn Have there been any proposals to AMCAS to have ED schools make a decision before October 1? This is so terribly late and gives applicants a lower chance of other interviews if not accepted to their ED school, especially for turning in a Texas app that late.
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I agree. Not to my knowledge.
 
faze_contusion said:
Anyone else feeling starved for information here? My WL school-specific thread has been dry as a bone for weeks and the school hasn't sent out any updates + doesn't rank WL applicants so no one knows where they stand. At this point, I hope they just make a decision so that I can have some closure and focus on my reapp. Right now, I can't help myself from thinking about my WL status and repeatedly checking my phone, email and the SDN thread for some sort of update.
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I emailed the school I am on the WL for and asked if there has been any waitlist movement thus far and they responded promptly and positively saying there has been movement. I don't think it's inappropriate to ask, especially if a school hasn't sent out any information. It won't help you but it won't hurt and would be nice to know.
 
faze_contusion said:
Anyone else feeling starved for information here? My WL school-specific thread has been dry as a bone for weeks and the school hasn't sent out any updates + doesn't rank WL applicants so no one knows where they stand. At this point, I hope they just make a decision so that I can have some closure and focus on my reapp. Right now, I can't help myself from thinking about my WL status and repeatedly checking my phone, email and the SDN thread for some sort of update.
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Sameeeeee
 
I feel like everyone is getting in off the school I'm waitlisted for and I'm just getting further and further away from an acceptance (I know this isn't true per se but I feel so depressed since it's the only school that interviewed me and I feel like it's such a great fit)


And I feel like my friends and family don't understand the toll this process takes on you - they're like "oh just reapply, it's fine" or "it wasn't meant to be this yr," etc. and it only makes it worse
 
This is a humbling journey for all of us. One with lots of sacrifice, tears, resilience, humility, persistence, and patience. All towards a common passion. I hope you all get into the school of your dreams. 🙏🙏

Remember that whether you applied either MD or DO or even both, just know that you share a common goal of providing compassionate patient centered care, and your dedication towards this goal will pay off immensely.
 
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