2020 Cycle Waitlist Support Thread

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openstage said:
I know this is a killer, but with that many interviews, my guess is you're in good shape. Although perhaps your stats are borderline low (a DO A), so you may be down the list a bit as they invite higher level folks. Hang in there!
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Ya, basically no schools whose mean stats are the same as mine interviewed me which is odd because I would say I'm just above the middle of the pack stat wise and boosted by my ECs. Thankful for all the interviews but at the same time its just absolutely torturous and only made worse by the fact that I may slip in at the last minute. Thanks for the reply!
 
Hi guys! On my applicant secondary portal in the document upload section there is a drop down list of document types to upload (eg CV, update letter, additional letter of rec) and now one of the document “types” is “technical standards.” This is new for me and I know schools and I know schools have you sign and return an acknowledged copy of their Technical Standards when accepted. What do you guys think this means - something good or just an update they added to the portal for everyone just so it’s there if someone should get accepted? I’m racking my brain lol
 
2020_vision said:
Hi guys! On my applicant secondary portal in the document upload section there is a drop down list of document types to upload (eg CV, update letter, additional letter of rec) and now one of the document “types” is “technical standards.” This is new for me and I know schools have you sign and return an acknowledged copy of their Technical Standards when accepted. What do you guys think this means? I’m racking my brain lol
Click to expand...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Not sure what it means but I hope your phone rings today 2020_vision!!!



This kinda just validates my neurotic checking of the portal and AMCAS, which never has any changes...
 
RiverFlow said:
So I've been a longtime lurker on SDN but I'm really glad to have found this group.

Are there any other non-traditionals here who have become so exhausted from this whole process that it feels almost overwhelming to try again? I'm going into my third year post-college (and I know this puts me at the younger end of non-trads), but between juggling everything life has thrown at me, among other responsibilities, I feel like I just don't have the same motivation I once had.

I'm sitting on three waitlists right now with no acceptances, so it makes sense rationally and strategically to work on a reapp. Maybe it's the ongoing pandemic, maybe it's because I'm still working full-time and I'm tired, but I just can't find that same drive.
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Hey, late reply, but just wanted to say I’m in a similar boat — six years post-grad (!!!), THANK GOD I look like a baby lmaoo.

Anway, I am living w fam and doing a 2-hr commute to a terrible job bc my husband and I can’t move on (literally) til we know for sure. Which could be July if it’s a no.

You are better for your non-trad struggle. Keep hustling, it doesn’t matter when you get it, how tired you were to go get it, when that moment comes where you’re IN. I completely understand the awk shuffle where FT employers look at you crazy trying to fit in volunteering, trying to get those LORs. I’m gonna delay a year if I don’t get off my WLs and it’ll be my third cycle. MCAT expired, LORs expired. Gonna have to go take some night classes after work just to get new ones.

But once you’re in, all the BS will be worth it and you’ll be the bad mamma jamma in the class who had to fight hard.

And if anything I wrote is untrue and sound like premed fanfic, NOBODY TELL ME OTHERWISE CUZ I AM APPROACHING 30 and I’ll fight you, no cap ok I’m done
 
moxymed said:
Hey, late reply, but just wanted to say I’m in a similar boat — six years post-grad (!!!), THANK GOD I look like a baby lmaoo.

Anway, I am living w fam and doing a 2-hr commute to a terrible job bc my husband and I can’t move on (literally) til we know for sure. Which could be July if it’s a no.

You are better for your non-trad struggle. Keep hustling, it doesn’t matter when you get it, how tired you were to go get it, when that moment comes where you’re IN. I completely understand the awk shuffle where FT employers look at you crazy trying to fit in volunteering, trying to get those LORs. I’m gonna delay a year if I don’t get off my WLs and it’ll be my third cycle. MCAT expired, LORs expired. Gonna have to go take some night classes after work just to get new ones.

But once you’re in, all the BS will be worth it and you’ll be the bad mamma jamma in the class who had to fight hard.

And if anything I wrote is untrue and sound like premed fanfic, NOBODY TELL ME OTHERWISE CUZ I AM APPROACHING 30 and I’ll fight you, no cap ok I’m done
Click to expand...
Preach this is the non trad anthem
 
moxymed said:
Hey, late reply, but just wanted to say I’m in a similar boat — six years post-grad (!!!), THANK GOD I look like a baby lmaoo.

Anway, I am living w fam and doing a 2-hr commute to a terrible job bc my husband and I can’t move on (literally) til we know for sure. Which could be July if it’s a no.

You are better for your non-trad struggle. Keep hustling, it doesn’t matter when you get it, how tired you were to go get it, when that moment comes where you’re IN. I completely understand the awk shuffle where FT employers look at you crazy trying to fit in volunteering, trying to get those LORs. I’m gonna delay a year if I don’t get off my WLs and it’ll be my third cycle. MCAT expired, LORs expired. Gonna have to go take some night classes after work just to get new ones.

But once you’re in, all the BS will be worth it and you’ll be the bad mamma jamma in the class who had to fight hard.

And if anything I wrote is untrue and sound like premed fanfic, NOBODY TELL ME OTHERWISE CUZ I AM APPROACHING 30 and I’ll fight you, no cap ok I’m done
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^^^this is why non-trads historically make some of the greatest doctors
 
See_Diff_Run said:
Over the course of this cycle I received 6 interviews (5 MD and 1 DO) and only 1 A from the DO school. Its pretty disheartening because im WL'd at 3 MD schools which I would love to go to. The feedback I got at 2 (1 top 20 and 1 top 50) of my interviews that ended up as WLs was really good with one actually in one of my interviewers calling me aside at the end of the day to chat with me. Regardless, it sucks to feel like I put in all this work and got some good looks from some good schools to have it result in just 1 A to a school far from home. Any thoughts on my situation at all?
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Easy to miss the forest for the trees here. I know it can feel daunting to continue to play this waiting game, but at the end of the day, you're going to be a doctor. Take the DO acceptance and allow yourself to get excited for it. If you do get off a waitlist, that's amazing and I sure hope you do! But until then, one day at a time, many people would trade anything to be in the position you're in! Congrats and good luck.
 
#wannabemd said:
Try calling the schools you were waitlistd at to get information on movement - shows interest
Send a letter of intent to your top choice
Send an update letter/letter of interest to your other choice
See if either of the schools accept post interview LORs
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I was afraid it would be seen as obnoxious if I called my top choice to ask about waitlist movement... Could my pre-health dean at my undergrad call? Or is that even worse haha

Also want to say that I’m loving all these posts. We are all in this together. If you are on a waitlist/waitlists with no acceptances, I get your anxiety! I get the dread. It’s torturous. Hang in there everybody!! This is uniquely challenging, but you aren’t alone.
 
catladybutnormal said:
I was afraid it would be seen as obnoxious if I called my top choice to ask about waitlist movement... Could my pre-health dean at my undergrad call? Or is that even worse haha

Also want to say that I’m loving all these posts. We are all in this together. If you are on a waitlist/waitlists with no acceptances, I get your anxiety! I get the dread. It’s torturous. Hang in there everybody!! This is uniquely challenging, but you aren’t alone.
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As long as you’re not calling every day then they won’t be annoyed by you. I’d say call every few weeks or so. Or send them an e-mail. Definitely don’t have your premed dean call hahah.
 
catladybutnormal said:
I was afraid it would be seen as obnoxious if I called my top choice to ask about waitlist movement... Could my pre-health dean at my undergrad call? Or is that even worse haha

Also want to say that I’m loving all these posts. We are all in this together. If you are on a waitlist/waitlists with no acceptances, I get your anxiety! I get the dread. It’s torturous. Hang in there everybody!! This is uniquely challenging, but you aren’t alone.
Click to expand...

I think when a school is your top choice you automatically overthink and get really anxious if you attempt to do anything - kinda like touching a sleeping bear. BUT I think schools are really receptive to students inquiring about the waitlist during uncertain times like this. I called the school and left a voicemail along the lines of "Hi my name is _____. I'm an applicant to the school of medicine. I interviewed on _____ and was offered a place on the waitlist on ______. As it is April, I was wondering what the usual pattern is for waitlist movement and if it is different this year than it has been in past years. Thank you so much for offering me a place on the waitlist as I am very excited at the opportunity to attend your school. I hope you and your family are safe during this time and I look forward to hearing back from you."

I received an email about 3 days later with some information on when they project the next waitlist movement and also at the end of the email it said "I will make sure to note your continued interest in your application file"

I think this call coupled with my letter of intent allowed me to be accepted off the waitlist. I think schools really like students who show interest and court them a little bit because at this point in the game when your credentials are strong - why you got an interview - you have shown that you do fit with the school - why you were placed on the waitlist and not rejected - the more interest you show in the school will allow you to get off the waitlist and hopefully faster than other students on the waitlist who have not shown as much interest as at this point schools are just trying to fill their class as fast as possible so they can plan and want to accept students who are the most likely to matriculate.
 
#wannabemd said:
I think when a school is your top choice you automatically overthink and get really anxious if you attempt to do anything - kinda like touching a sleeping bear. BUT I think schools are really receptive to students inquiring about the waitlist during uncertain times like this. I called the school and left a voicemail along the lines of "Hi my name is _____. I'm an applicant to the school of medicine. I interviewed on _____ and was offered a place on the waitlist on ______. As it is April, I was wondering what the usual pattern is for waitlist movement and if it is different this year than it has been in past years. Thank you so much for offering me a place on the waitlist as I am very excited at the opportunity to attend your school. I hope you and your family are safe during this time and I look forward to hearing back from you."

I received an email about 3 days later with some information on when they project the next waitlist movement and also at the end of the email it said "I will make sure to note your continued interest in your application file"

I think this call coupled with my letter of intent allowed me to be accepted off the waitlist. I think schools really like students who show interest and court them a little bit because at this point in the game when your credentials are strong - why you got an interview - you have shown that you do fit with the school - why you were placed on the waitlist and not rejected - the more interest you show in the school will allow you to get off the waitlist and hopefully faster than other students on the waitlist who have not shown as much interest as at this point schools are just trying to fill their class as fast as possible so they can plan and want to accept students who are the most likely to matriculate.
Click to expand...
Thank you!! Really appreciate this response
 
Just for people who are on limbo, I got back from my appointments with the office of admissions. Waitlist is definitely still moving. I've moved 21 spots between 4/30 and now. A good advice I got from the admissions office was to hold out until the end of the month of their CTE. If I don't get a call, I should just go ahead and reapply. I thought that would be good advice to share with y'all
 
Aan061 said:
Just for people who are on limbo, I got back from my appointments with the office of admissions. Waitlist is definitely still moving. I've moved 21 spots between 4/30 and now. A good advice I got from the admissions office was to hold out until the end of the month of their CTE. If I don't get a call, I should just go ahead and reapply. I thought that would be good advice to share with y'all
Click to expand...

How did you schedule an appointment with them? You just send them an email?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Hiddenleaf09 said:
How did you schedule an appointment with them? You just send them an email?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

It depends on the school but I called the office for an update on my position on the waitlist and asked for any possible feedback from my application. Luckily, my school is willing to make phone appointments with applicants to go over their whole file.
 
Hey guys, stumbled upon this thread. Hopefully ya'll can help with an issue im facing.

On April 30th, I PTEd to Med School A
May 11th, I got accepted to Med School B after being waitlisted.

However, I don't see med school B on CYMS tool..Anyone faced this issue?
Thanks!!
 
techytechy said:
Hey guys, stumbled upon this thread. Hopefully ya'll can help with an issue im facing.

On April 30th, I PTEd to Med School A
May 11th, I got accepted to Med School B after being waitlisted.

However, I don't see med school B on CYMS tool..Anyone faced this issue?
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Hit edit selection it'll pop up. See ya at Downstate lol
 
techytechy said:
LMFAO!
I hit edit selection, it still won't show :/
Click to expand...

It can take a few days and you may have to accept the offer on the portal first. All depends on how quick they are in updating things. Some have taken a week (earlier in the season though) others happened within hours. If it isn't working Friday morning, I'd follow up with them and ask.
 
rdyotz said:
It can take a few days and you may have to accept the offer on the portal first. All depends on how quick they are in updating things. Some have taken a week (earlier in the season though) others happened within hours. If it isn't working Friday morning, I'd follow up with them and ask.
Click to expand...
Thanks! Yea, already accepted on the portal and paid the deposit. Will certainly follow up!

Funny thing is that those who got accepted off the WL AND whose first acceptance was med school B were able to see it on CYMS. Those who had PTEd to another school prior don't see it. Funky
 
moxymed said:
Hey, late reply, but just wanted to say I’m in a similar boat — six years post-grad (!!!), THANK GOD I look like a baby lmaoo.

Anway, I am living w fam and doing a 2-hr commute to a terrible job bc my husband and I can’t move on (literally) til we know for sure. Which could be July if it’s a no.

You are better for your non-trad struggle. Keep hustling, it doesn’t matter when you get it, how tired you were to go get it, when that moment comes where you’re IN. I completely understand the awk shuffle where FT employers look at you crazy trying to fit in volunteering, trying to get those LORs. I’m gonna delay a year if I don’t get off my WLs and it’ll be my third cycle. MCAT expired, LORs expired. Gonna have to go take some night classes after work just to get new ones.

But once you’re in, all the BS will be worth it and you’ll be the bad mamma jamma in the class who had to fight hard.

And if anything I wrote is untrue and sound like premed fanfic, NOBODY TELL ME OTHERWISE CUZ I AM APPROACHING 30 and I’ll fight you, no cap ok I’m done
Click to expand...

Well said. I've been a practicing PA for 6 years and decided to go to medical school. I will be 43 at matriculation. It's a struggle but doable. Keep pluggin'.
 
Cremasterical said:
Well said. I've been a practicing PA for 6 years and decided to go to medical school. I will be 43 at matriculation. It's a struggle but doable. Keep pluggin'.
Click to expand...


Thanks for sharing and the best of luck to you!! This is unrelated to waitlist question, what would you tell med school applicants who are considering the PA route as an alternative? Why are you considering the switch?
 
@Kawigirl, As gyngyn said a couple of pages back, there are very few applicants that hold multiple acceptances. This means that there will be no more waves of WL movement. You can expect a very slow trickle of movement from now until mid July which is when a lot of schools have their CTE dates.
This year looks a lot like last year so WL movement will be minimum.
Because you hold 7 WLs, your chances of gaining an acceptance to one school are definitely not 0% but you need to manage your expectations.
 
HopefulDoctor109 said:
@Kawigirl, As gyngyn said a couple of pages back, there are very few applicants that hold multiple acceptances. This means that there will be no more waves of WL movement. You can expect a very slow trickle of movement from now until mid July which is when a lot of schools have their CTE dates.
This year looks a lot like last year so WL movement will be minimum.
Because you hold 7 WLs, your chances of gaining an acceptance to one school are definitely not 0% but you need to manage your expectations.
Click to expand...
"HopefulDoctor" doesn't sound so hopeful for everyone else! lmao

Personally my answer to your question Kawigirl is that this is totally school specific. On 7 WLs you may have very low chance if theres already been substantial movement at all your schools. However you could also still have a pretty good chance if you're waitlisted at certain schools. Definitely check out all of your school specific threads to determine that!

I'm rooting for ya tho!! Obviously start working on plan B but stay hopeful!
 
Last edited:
HopefulDoctor109 said:
@Kawigirl, As gyngyn said a couple of pages back, there are very few applicants that hold multiple acceptances. This means that there will be no more waves of WL movement. You can expect a very slow trickle of movement from now until mid July which is when a lot of schools have their CTE dates.
This year looks a lot like last year so WL movement will be minimum.
Because you hold 7 WLs, your chances of gaining an acceptance to one school are definitely not 0% but you need to manage your expectations.
Click to expand...
Some schools are still making decisions since the April 30th deadline. One of mine has a committee meeting tomorrow.
 
BrokeButHopeful said:
"HopefulDoctor" doesn't sound so hopeful for everyone else!

Personally my answer to your question Kawigirl is that this is totally school specific. On 7 WLs you may have very low chance if theres already been substantial movement at all your schools. However you could also still have a pretty good chance if you're waitlisted at certain schools. Definitely check out all of your school specific threads to determine that!

I'm rooting for ya tho!! Obviously start working on plan B but stay hopeful!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the support 🙂 For the schools I’m interested in, there hasn’t been any movement. Wasn’t sure if people just didn’t post on SDN or if Covid19 has caused a delayed. I’m very happy with Plan B, but also don’t want to miss out on a potential opportunity either. I wish all schools would just provide us an estimated WL rank. My neurotic planning is NOT a fan of being in limbo lol
 
wcpremed said:
Thanks for sharing and the best of luck to you!! This is unrelated to waitlist question, what would you tell med school applicants who are considering the PA route as an alternative? Why are you considering the switch?
Click to expand...

Being a PA has been a great career. I have a lot of autonomy. I also hold a specialty certification in Orthopedic Surgery and have had the privilege of performing hundreds of operations on my own. However, I want the independence and broadened scope of responsibility as a Physician. I think if you want to be a Physician, you should stay the course. Nothing will bruise or even destroy the biggest ego's and self esteem like going through the medical school application process. It's expensive, exhausting and filled with rejection for most applicants. Personally, I wasn't going to give up until I had exhausted all of my MCAT attempts and applications after I was told an inspiring story of an individual that did not get accepted until his 4th or 5th cycle. If you can't bring yourself to go through the application process again. If you feel like your stats just aren't good enough to make the cut but want to practice medicine, the PA route can provide you with opportunity to practice medicine and be an integral part of a collaborative medical team. It is still, and always will be, an honor to serve your patients, in either capacity.
 
Kawigirl said:
Thanks for the support 🙂 For the schools I’m interested in, there hasn’t been any movement. Wasn’t sure if people just didn’t post on SDN or if Covid19 has caused a delayed. I’m very happy with Plan B, but also don’t want to miss out on a potential opportunity either. I wish all schools would just provide us an estimated WL rank. My neurotic planning is NOT a fan of being in limbo lol
Click to expand...

It seems like at least some schools are holding off to start moving the waitlist. I know of one school that said they won’t start taking people off until mid-May, likely due to a number of furloughed staff. It’s very school dependent but if even a handful of schools do it differently due to covid, the trickle down effect for all schools will look different than previous years. I would keep your head up for now. Even though some adcoms have said everything is moving normally, I know that is not true for every school.
 
BrokeButHopeful said:
"HopefulDoctor" doesn't sound so hopeful for everyone else! lmao
Click to expand...

LOL the irony is palpable.

I'm just trying to be realistic. Hope is good but being realistic and prepared for the most likely outcome is also good. :cat:
I suppose we'll have to walk that fine line with our future patients as well.
 
Has it also been normal for people to be withdrawing this late? I’m seeing many posts with people withdrawing, still staying on WL or considering two options (I know that many people do come off WL and get A, so they get some time to decide).

Obviously most of this speculation is to give me some hope, but if someone can remind me that I’m delusional and just making these up please let me know
 
GA_arYonkees_82 said:
Has it also been normal for people to be withdrawing this late? I’m seeing many posts with people withdrawing, still staying on WL or considering two options (I know that many people do come off WL and get A, so they get some time to decide).

Obviously most of this speculation is to give me some hope, but if someone can remind me that I’m delusional and just making these up please let me know
Click to expand...

Without a real traffic day I think this has become the new normal. I’m thinking waitlist spots won’t really shake free until the CTE dates when schools will see how many free spots they really have. This only being the second year of this system it’s tough to say though.
 
fatherofdragons said:
Without a real traffic day I think this has become the new normal. I’m thinking waitlist spots won’t really shake free until the CTE dates when schools will see how many free spots they really have. This only being the second year of this system it’s tough to say though.
Click to expand...
I think this was the sentiment that gyngyn and many others held last year but when the CTE dates came, there was still minimal movement 🙁 if you think about it, the CTE dates will only spark movement if people are holding multiple acceptances and are forced to CTE to one
 
jordij94 said:
I think this was the sentiment that gyngyn and many others held last year but when the CTE dates came, there was still minimal movement 🙁 if you think about it, the CTE dates will only spark movement if people are holding multiple acceptances and are forced to CTE to one
Click to expand...

That’s definitely true. Although it seems like last year that at least a a couple of schools over-accepted, 2 that come to mind. This year I’ve heard that those 2 specific schools had taken steps to reduce the number of outright acceptances. Although I’m sure it’s different for other schools, there could be some more waitlist movement than last year.
 
fatherofdragons said:
That’s definitely true. Although it seems like last year that at least a a couple of schools over-accepted, 2 that come to mind. This year I’ve heard that those 2 specific schools had taken steps to reduce the number of outright acceptances. Although I’m sure it’s different for other schools, there could be some more waitlist movement than last year.
Click to expand...
I know several schools, including the ones i have WL for have overbooked their classes by April 30th and thus still haven't had significant movement.
 
2020_vision said:
Hi guys! On my applicant secondary portal in the document upload section there is a drop down list of document types to upload (eg CV, update letter, additional letter of rec) and now one of the document “types” is “technical standards.” This is new for me and I know schools and I know schools have you sign and return an acknowledged copy of their Technical Standards when accepted. What do you guys think this means - something good or just an update they added to the portal for everyone just so it’s there if someone should get accepted? I’m racking my brain lol
Click to expand...
I feel the same way. Except for I just graduated with an MPH on May 2. First person in my family to get a masters and couldn't celebrate. I lost a friend of mine in Tallahassee who got hit by a car on Monday. I've also been working from home full-time due to COVID-19. I was so defeated yesterday, my eyes have never been so sore. Today, I woke up with a different attitude and decided to take control. I submitted some job applications related to my Masters and applied to a bridge program for medical school in case all fails. If I can offer any of you some advice it would be to focus on things that you can control! It will keep you busy/distracted and will make you feel so much better.
 
BeingForItself said:
Just wanted to wish everyone a good weekend. Earlier this week I was saddled with an extremely anxious mood over this situation, but I've been feeling better every day. Gearing up financially and emotionally to reapply and go strong into a new cycle, since my 2018 MCAT score should be good for the next cycle and even the next next one if I want to.
Click to expand...

2018 MCAT would be good beyond the next cycle? I thought they are good for only 3 cycles?
 
Tk1995 said:
2018 MCAT would be good beyond the next cycle? I thought they are good for only 3 cycles?
Click to expand...

I think it depends on when you take it and when you submit your app? If you took it in the fall of 2018 then submitting june 2021 should be fine? Don’t quote me on this, not completely sure
 
aayz345 said:
I think it depends on when you take it and when you submit your app? If you took it in the fall of 2018 then submitting june 2021 should be fine? Don’t quote me on this, not completely sure
Click to expand...
Oh cool! I need to look into it. I took it in September 2018
 
Cremasterical said:
Being a PA has been a great career. I have a lot of autonomy. I also hold a specialty certification in Orthopedic Surgery and have had the privilege of performing hundreds of operations on my own. However, I want the independence and broadened scope of responsibility as a Physician. I think if you want to be a Physician, you should stay the course. Nothing will bruise or even destroy the biggest ego's and self esteem like going through the medical school application process. It's expensive, exhausting and filled with rejection for most applicants. Personally, I wasn't going to give up until I had exhausted all of my MCAT attempts and applications after I was told an inspiring story of an individual that did not get accepted until his 4th or 5th cycle. If you can't bring yourself to go through the application process again. If you feel like your stats just aren't good enough to make the cut but want to practice medicine, the PA route can provide you with opportunity to practice medicine and be an integral part of a collaborative medical team. It is still, and always will be, an honor to serve your patients, in either capacity.
Click to expand...


Thanks so much for sharing! I truly admire your determination. Wishing you the best!
 
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