2020 Cycle Waitlist Support Thread

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StanleyYelnats said:
As either @Goro or @gonnif always say, you should be prepping for a reapp until you get that acceptance letter! I know it sucks to be in limbo and have that uncertainty, but the kind of things you’ll be doing for your reapplication, if it does happen, will be the same things that’ll make you a stronger med student. And honestly, please take care of yourself and enjoy your gap year as much as possible. Again, I really get that it sucks to not know where you stand or where you’ll be next year, but medical school is only one part of your life. As you said, focus on strengthening your health, your knowledge and literacy, and your other relationships. Those will be essential for success and happiness in med school.
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Great advice. Will certainly keep that in mind. Thank you so much.
 
I think for me the most stressful part about a potential gap year would just be where to go. I have a highly toxic living situation at home and for that reason I know that I absolutely will not be going back home after undergrad (I am finishing my last semester of undergrad). That being said, I would have to work full time to be able to support living away. However, I am not sure If I could find a job that is medically related that would pay well enough for me to do that (also one that I could get with minimal experience) and so I guess I would have to work full time at a restaurant or something and then volunteer/shadow on the weekends? Although I am not sure if that is super impressive for a gap year since that would not be super medical. Anyone else in a similar boat of not being able to stay with their parents as a gap year option?
 
sun_flower580 said:
I think for me the most stressful part about a potential gap year would just be where to go. I have a highly toxic living situation at home and for that reason I know that I absolutely will not be going back home after undergrad (I am finishing my last semester of undergrad). That being said, I would have to work full time to be able to support living away. However, I am not sure If I could find a job that is medically related that would pay well enough for me to do that (also one that I could get with minimal experience) and so I guess I would have to work full time at a restaurant or something and then volunteer/shadow on the weekends? Although I am not sure if that is super impressive for a gap year since that would not be super medical. Anyone else in a similar boat of not being able to stay with their parents as a gap year option?
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I happen to know that schools absolutely do not look down on people who have to do regular, blue collar type jobs to make ends meet during gap years because they find themselves in situations just like yours. In fact, it gives you a boost in some ways since it shows a strong work ethic, perseverance, humility, etc. It's really hard, but it also makes for great stories during interviews. You still need the ECs everyone else does, but this is actually pretty super impressive, just not in the usual way.

Trust me, as long as you have the stats and everything else, this will set you apart in a positive way. It is so challenging that people with the means to avoid it do so, which will distinguish you.
 
Received my second post-II WL this week. Should get decisions on my other two interviews in February. Someone tell me I'm being irrational feeling like I'm going to have to reapply
 
Porpoiseman12345 said:
Received my second post-II WL this week. Should get decisions on my other two interviews in February. Someone tell me I'm being irrational feeling like I'm going to have to reapply
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Statistically, you have a greater than 90% chance of getting 1 acceptance out of the 4, even if its off the WL, that is assuming that you are an average interviewer. Good luck to you.
 
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Porpoiseman12345 said:
Received my second post-II WL this week. Should get decisions on my other two interviews in February. Someone tell me I'm being irrational feeling like I'm going to have to reapply
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No, you're not being irrational. The adcoms on here advise that you should plan on reapplying from the minute you submit your secondaries until you receive an A, and it's late January and you haven't received an A yet.

TBH, I do think it's too early to be freaking out (SDN will do that to you due to the skewed population reporting its successes here), but the message is you really have no right to assume success in an endeavor with a 60% failure rate until you have an A in hand. You're in way better shape than the many people with no IIs yet, but you should be thinking about how to improve your next application while remaining cautiously optimistic, at least until late Spring.
 
Porpoiseman12345 said:
Received my second post-II WL this week. Should get decisions on my other two interviews in February. Someone tell me I'm being irrational feeling like I'm going to have to reapply
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You should always be prepared to reapply until you have an A in hand.
 
StanleyYelnats said:
As either @Goro or @gonnif always say, you should be prepping for a reapp until you get that acceptance letter! I know it sucks to be in limbo and have that uncertainty, but the kind of things you’ll be doing for your reapplication, if it does happen, will be the same things that’ll make you a stronger med student. And honestly, please take care of yourself and enjoy your gap year as much as possible. Again, I really get that it sucks to not know where you stand or where you’ll be next year, but medical school is only one part of your life. As you said, focus on strengthening your health, your knowledge and literacy, and your other relationships. Those will be essential for success and happiness in med school.
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I read this again today. I love this. Thank you for your advice.
 
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Jumping in on this thread. I have been extremely blessed with # of IIs but so far only 5 WL and 1 R. I have a couple interviews left but it’s pretty demoralizing to spend so much money and time on traveling/interview prep and get the same result. One more WL might just break me... lol
 
cabbagefacts1 said:
Jumping in on this thread. I have been extremely blessed with # of IIs but so far only 5 WL and 1 R. I have a couple interviews left but it’s pretty demoralizing to spend so much money and time on traveling/interview prep and get the same result. One more WL might just break me... lol
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Easier said than done but really try not to let it ruin your other interviews only takes one A... YOU GOT THIS
 
really lucky to be accepted to two programs already, but got hit with three waitlists in the past three days ugh one is miami, so their list is a little more fluid but miami is my dream school, and got waitlisted to two of my state schools 🙁 hoping to have some updates soon to send out!
 
just heard back from my final interview... another day another waitlist 🙁 i guess on the bright side it was the sobering dose of reality i needed to get myself to really start preparing for a gap year. 🙁
 
I got placed on my 2nd waitlist today, waiting to hear back from my other 3 IIs. I am so thankful for the interviews I have received and for not being rejected from these 2 schools, but it keeps me up at night knowing my future is still so uncertain. I'm trying to remain optimistic but it's hard. 🙁
 
kittytower said:
I got placed on my 2nd waitlist today, waiting to hear back from my other 3 IIs. I am so thankful for the interviews I have received and for not being rejected from these 2 schools, but it keeps me up at night knowing my future is still so uncertain. I'm trying to remain optimistic but it's hard. 🙁
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kittytower said:
I got placed on my 2nd waitlist today, waiting to hear back from my other 3 IIs. I am so thankful for the interviews I have received and for not being rejected from these 2 schools, but it keeps me up at night knowing my future is still so uncertain. I'm trying to remain optimistic but it's hard. 🙁
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Hang in there :/ the uncertainty is the worst part for sure. I think you have reason to be optimistic tho, as 3 more to hear back from really increases your chances of getting an A!!! Sending good luck your way
 
the fact many of us will have no idea where we are moving to/if we need to reapply until April/May or even June absolutely sucks :/ I've heard back from all of my interviews, and on 4 WLs so now I guess I just sit and wait till then
 
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Got put on the waitlist at my only MD interview. But they told us at the interview we would most likely get put on waitlist since it’s later in the cycle and the class is full. 1/3 of the class comes off the waitlist though so hoping for the best!

This process is hard. I was excited going in but now I just want it to end. 3 more months of waiting. Ugh
 
Med.School.Hopeful said:
Got put on the waitlist at my only MD interview. But they told us at the interview we would most likely get put on waitlist since it’s later in the cycle and the class is full. 1/3 of the class comes off the waitlist though so hoping for the best!

This process is hard. I was excited going in but now I just want it to end. 3 more months of waiting. Ugh
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Hate to be the debby downer but as a re-applicant-- I waited until the day classes started at my 4 interviews last year. Just be fully prepared to wait another 6 months for total closure.
 
Talldoctor96 said:
Hate to be the debby downer but as a re-applicant-- I waited until the day classes started at my 4 interviews last year. Just be fully prepared to wait another 6 months for total closure.
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did you have 4 WLs? and no luck with any of them?? :/
 
2Broke2bMD said:
did you have 4 WLs? and no luck with any of them?? :/
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Yes but I am sitting here with an acceptance at my dream school, so it all works out in the end. Just have to be resilient. For me that meant when May 1st rolled around I went straight into re-app mode and that if I got off the WL it would be a gift but not an expectation. In all honesty, I wish I had started even a little sooner. But for me, my re-app meant almost completely rewriting my PS, changing up a lot of my activities, asking for new letters, asking the old ones to be updated. Theres still a lot of work to be done and it is never too early to get a head start.
 
sun_flower580 said:
I think for me the most stressful part about a potential gap year would just be where to go. I have a highly toxic living situation at home and for that reason I know that I absolutely will not be going back home after undergrad (I am finishing my last semester of undergrad). That being said, I would have to work full time to be able to support living away. However, I am not sure If I could find a job that is medically related that would pay well enough for me to do that (also one that I could get with minimal experience) and so I guess I would have to work full time at a restaurant or something and then volunteer/shadow on the weekends? Although I am not sure if that is super impressive for a gap year since that would not be super medical. Anyone else in a similar boat of not being able to stay with their parents as a gap year option?
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Actually moved away from home and lived by myself during half of my gap year. Paid my own rent, gas, food, all that stuff. Home situation at the time was not the best for me to live in so I understand where you're coming from. I have a medically-related job and it supported paying those bills, but I will say it depends on cost of living in the state that you're in. Message me if you want to talk about it 🙂
 
hi everyone, I interviewed at 7 schools, so far all waitlists, defers, and rejections plus 2 schools i'm still waiting to hear back from

this is also my third time applying (last two cycles barely any interviews) so I thought I fixed up my app pretty well, but now i'm thinking i'm like antisocial or have bad breath or something at these interviews. I even did a couple mock interviews and only people only had positive things to say about how i'm personable etc etc. ahhhhh i'm going insane. all my hobbies and jobs are not medically related, but I still can't stop thinking about it.

thank you all for listening :')
 
blindin1eye said:
hi everyone, I interviewed at 7 schools, so far all waitlists, defers, and rejections plus 2 schools i'm still waiting to hear back from

this is also my third time applying (last two cycles barely any interviews) so I thought I fixed up my app pretty well, but now i'm thinking i'm like antisocial or have bad breath or something at these interviews. I even did a couple mock interviews and only people only had positive things to say about how i'm personable etc etc. ahhhhh i'm going insane. all my hobbies and jobs are not medically related, but I still can't stop thinking about it.

thank you all for listening :')
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Dude getting into medical school is just really ****ing hard. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are essentially on 4 waitlists and 2 more post II decisions to come back. I would find it mindblowingly unlucky if you didn't get into one. That being send send in letters of interests with updates. Play the game baby! But don't be so hard on yourself.
 
Talldoctor96 said:
Dude getting into medical school is just really ****ing hard. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are essentially on 4 waitlists and 2 more post II decisions to come back. I would find it mindblowingly unlucky if you didn't get into one. That being send send in letters of interests with updates. Play the game baby! But don't be so hard on yourself.
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Thanks it’s more of a mental game for me at this point lol
 
blindin1eye said:
hi everyone, I interviewed at 7 schools, so far all waitlists, defers, and rejections plus 2 schools i'm still waiting to hear back from

this is also my third time applying (last two cycles barely any interviews) so I thought I fixed up my app pretty well, but now i'm thinking i'm like antisocial or have bad breath or something at these interviews. I even did a couple mock interviews and only people only had positive things to say about how i'm personable etc etc. ahhhhh i'm going insane. all my hobbies and jobs are not medically related, but I still can't stop thinking about it.

thank you all for listening :')
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You've gotten quite a few invites, so you definitely have a good shot at 1 or more A's this cycle!

P.S. If your username is in any way identifiable to you or your app (e.g. you wear an eyepatch or that was a big part of your PS), you might consider changing it. Most schools I've interviewed at mention that they creep their school threads. And something like that imo would be immediately recognizable if they came across you on interview day or read your app.
 
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enchantments said:
You've gotten quite a few invites, so you definitely have a good shot at 1 or more A's this cycle!

P.S. If your username is in any way identifiable to you or your app (e.g. you wear an eyepatch or that was a big part of your PS), you might consider changing it. Most schools I've interviewed at mention that they creep their school threads. And something like that imo would be immediately recognizable if they came across you on interview day or read your app.
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thanks for the advice and concern but hahaha it's not really relevant, my Lizzy M and SDN post history would probably tell them way more about me. not that i post anything too crazy (I think).
 
kritten said:
It truly does. For now, just try to delight in how good it felt to get those interview invites and hope they see how great you are!
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True - I know few people care about people in worse shape than you, but how would you like to be some of those poor souls with no interviews going into March? Try to count your blessings.
 
For those of you who are MD-PhD (and some of the same general ideas/attitudes from schools might apply for MD), there's some interesting stats that Fencer threw out in this post:

forums.studentdoctor.net

*** 2019-2020 MD/PhD cycle - Questions, Comments, and other things ***

UPDATE: It worked :)! Thanks for the advice! Does that mean they're interviewing you that day? From your original post, how did you know they were still considering you for MD/PhD?
forums.studentdoctor.net forums.studentdoctor.net
 
sami055 said:
Just got an II to my in state DO school about a week after submitting the primary at the deadline. Hopefully it’s a good sign but knowing how my other interviews have ended up, I can’t help but feel like I’ll end up on the WL again.
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That is exciting!! I know it is way easier said than done, but really try to start on a clean slate and not go in there defeated. Remember, it only takes one A . And honestly sometimes the admissions process makes so little sense that you really have no idea what they are looking for-- you could be their perfect candidate! And the fact that they asked you after turning it in so late sounds like a good sign to me... good luck! head up, go get it!
 
sami055 said:
Just got an II to my in state DO school about a week after submitting the primary at the deadline. Hopefully it’s a good sign but knowing how my other interviews have ended up, I can’t help but feel like I’ll end up on the WL again.
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You can’t have that mentality. They’ll see it in the interview. Gotta walk in there and believe you’re gonna get that a.
 
Talldoctor96 said:
You can’t have that mentality. They’ll see it in the interview. Gotta walk in there and believe you’re gonna get that a.
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Both of y’all make a good point. I guess i was just not trying to get my hopes up too high. I’m really excited about this school and I think I’m gonna go in there and give it everything I’ve got. Thanks for the motivation!
 
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Looking for some insight/advice. I was wait-listed at my alma mater's medical school. This program is my top choice and my interview went swimmingly. I know that I performed well because my interviewer stated he was excited to see me back at the institution and looked forward to 'championing my application' to the admissions committee. Anyways, since I was wait-listed, I sent in a letter of intent and an update. Someone told me I should ask faculty I know at the University to reach out to the medical school admissions team to drop a note of support for my application. I reached out to a faculty member who wrote a letter of recommendation for me and they responded saying that they cannot help me out since it would be inappropriate for them to reach out to the admissions team on my behalf. Has anyone experienced this? Why would it be inappropriate when she isn't even a part of the medical school but a faculty member of a separate undergraduate program?
 
shaman97 said:
Looking for some insight/advice. I was wait-listed at my alma mater's medical school. This program is my top choice and my interview went swimmingly. I know that I performed well because my interviewer stated he was excited to see me back at the institution and looked forward to 'championing my application' to the admissions committee. Anyways, since I was wait-listed, I sent in a letter of intent and an update. Someone told me I should ask faculty I know at the University to reach out to the medical school admissions team to drop a note of support for my application. I reached out to a faculty member who wrote a letter of recommendation for me and they responded saying that they cannot help me out since it would be inappropriate for them to reach out to the admissions team on my behalf. Has anyone experienced this? Why would it be inappropriate when she isn't even a part of the medical school but a faculty member of a separate undergraduate program?
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If a professional academic at an institution says its inappropriate, its inappropriate.
 
shaman97 said:
Looking for some insight/advice. I was wait-listed at my alma mater's medical school. This program is my top choice and my interview went swimmingly. I know that I performed well because my interviewer stated he was excited to see me back at the institution and looked forward to 'championing my application' to the admissions committee. Anyways, since I was wait-listed, I sent in a letter of intent and an update. Someone told me I should ask faculty I know at the University to reach out to the medical school admissions team to drop a note of support for my application. I reached out to a faculty member who wrote a letter of recommendation for me and they responded saying that they cannot help me out since it would be inappropriate for them to reach out to the admissions team on my behalf. Has anyone experienced this? Why would it be inappropriate when she isn't even a part of the medical school but a faculty member of a separate undergraduate program?
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Please know that I actually know several people who have gotten into medical school via "connections" despite what a lot of people hope isn't real. However, if your faculty member is not comfortable with it given her status or moral compass, then that's that.. afterall, a note of support is not part of the "standard" things an applicant is allowed to do post II: send additional LOR, send LOI, send updates, etc. besides, every med school, faculty members, admissions committee is different. i'm not talking based on facts, just personal experience and offering my perspective. being waitlisted sucks, and I hope things work out for you.
 
Talldoctor96 said:
If a professional academic at an institution says its inappropriate, its inappropriate.
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I'm not questioning if it is inappropriate or not, I am just wondering what would make something like this inappropriate. Don't really see how your comment adds anything to the conversation 👍

blindin1eye said:
Please know that I actually know several people who have gotten into medical school via "connections" despite what a lot of people hope isn't real. However, if your faculty member is not comfortable with it given her status or moral compass, then that's that.. afterall, a note of support is not part of the "standard" things an applicant is allowed to do post II: send additional LOR, send LOI, send updates, etc. besides, every med school, faculty members, admissions committee is different. i'm not talking based on facts, just personal experience and offering my perspective. being waitlisted sucks, and I hope things work out for you.
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Yeah I wasn't trying to be sleazy or get in via connections, I've just heard of people's PI's or LoR writers helping them out further by giving a call to the admissions office etc. so I thought I'd give it a shot. Can't hurt to ask, so I asked. Thanks for the reply man.
 
Does anyone have any insight on how last year's new traffic rules ended up affecting waitlist movement across all medical schools?
 
shaman97 said:
Yeah I wasn't trying to be sleazy or get in via connections, I've just heard of people's PI's or LoR writers helping them out further by giving a call to the admissions office etc. so I thought I'd give it a shot. Can't hurt to ask, so I asked. Thanks for the reply man.
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No problem. just based on my experiences, I understand why someone would tell you to reach out to your LOR writer. Hope everything works out <3
 
shaman97 said:
I'm not questioning if it is inappropriate or not, I am just wondering what would make something like this inappropriate. Don't really see how your comment adds anything to the conversation 👍



Yeah I wasn't trying to be sleazy or get in via connections, I've just heard of people's PI's or LoR writers helping them out further by giving a call to the admissions office etc. so I thought I'd give it a shot. Can't hurt to ask, so I asked. Thanks for the reply man.
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No problem. I was just saying why speculate? Its their personal feeling,
 
cc2017 said:
Does anyone have any insight on how last year's new traffic rules ended up affecting waitlist movement across all medical schools?
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Pushed everything later, but at EVMS, VCU they both said this year they ended up accepting MORE.
 
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