2020 Cycle Waitlist Support Thread

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docrose said:
agreed on starting the new app. i’ve been so anxious and tbh i’ve cried a lot in these past couple weeks but after accepting that i’ve done everything i can and fully committing to applying again, i’ve felt a lot of better. maybe med school wasn’t meant for this year, but i don’t wanna fall behind and screw my changes for this next cycle. we can still get in guys, just might take some more time.
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Wow, I relate to this so much. I have never doubted myself ever in my life before this process, and now I have anxiety (which is new for me) and I think I have been going through imposter syndrome. Trying to work on apps, but my heart literally races and my hands shake a little when I open my computer and try to work on it. I am trying to just relax and trust the process. Congrats to everyone who’s gotten in and good look to my 0 A gang
 
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LiveLoveLaugh4444 said:
This may sound super cliche but meditation has REALLY been a life savor for me. I’m someone who had to do a lot of GPA recovery so honestly I had crippling anxiety all through grad school/MCAT/app stuff. I highly recommend something like the Headspace app!
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I’ve been reading the book The Art of Happiness. I’ve really enjoyed it.
 
docrose said:
agreed on starting the new app. i’ve been so anxious and tbh i’ve cried a lot in these past couple weeks but after accepting that i’ve done everything i can and fully committing to applying again, i’ve felt a lot of better. maybe med school wasn’t meant for this year, but i don’t wanna fall behind and screw my changes for this next cycle. we can still get in guys, just might take some more time.
Click to expand...
mdtobe97 said:
Wow, I relate to this so much. I have never doubted myself ever in my life before this process, and now I have anxiety (which is new for me) and I think I have been going through imposter syndrome. Trying to work on apps, but heart literally races and my hands a little when I open my computer and try to work on it. I am trying to just relax and trust the process. Congrats to everyone who’s gotten in and good look to my 0 A gang
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I love the real talk here. Seriously.

The biggest piece of advice I can give to y'all right now is to not get lost inside your head or lose yourself to your thoughts. I was a nervous wreck towards the last few weeks of WL waiting because I got lost in my thoughts and the "what ifs." And worse yet, I didn't reach out to anyone. We all can understand each other because we are/were all in the same boat, but it's hard to convey that agony to someone else who hasn't been in that situation. Part of why I wish I saw this thread earlier and part of why I (and many others) want to be here to support y'all during this time. Please, reach out to me or anyone else on this thread, because this is a tough psychological battle. This whole process is so psychologically taxing relative to other admissions processes, and it can break you or make you that much stronger.

Imposter syndrome is such a real thing before AND after getting accepted. Personally, imposter syndrome is hitting me harder post-acceptance; when I was waiting on the WL, I was mainly thinking "please just put me out of this misery." So as much as I hate to say it, the psychological battle only continues on the other side. But as someone mentioned earlier on the thread, we're all the stronger because we've been through the grind and the waiting. We appreciate just how far we've come because we fought so hard every single day, fought in every single application we wrote, fought in every interview we attended.

So please keep fighting and pressing onwards. Please reach out. No matter where we are in this journey right now, we're in it together. I'm cheering you guys on! 😍 :highfive:
 
ismyexistenceamemeyet said:
I love the real talk here. Seriously.

The biggest piece of advice I can give to y'all right now is to not get lost inside your head or lose yourself to your thoughts. I was a nervous wreck towards the last few weeks of WL waiting because I got lost in my thoughts and the "what ifs." And worse yet, I didn't reach out to anyone. We all can understand each other because we are/were all in the same boat, but it's hard to convey that agony to someone else who hasn't been in that situation. Part of why I wish I saw this thread earlier and part of why I (and many others) want to be here to support y'all during this time. Please, reach out to me or anyone else on this thread, because this is a tough psychological battle. This whole process is so psychologically taxing relative to other admissions processes, and it can break you or make you that much stronger.

Imposter syndrome is such a real thing before AND after getting accepted. Personally, imposter syndrome is hitting me harder post-acceptance; when I was waiting on the WL, I was mainly thinking "please just put me out of this misery." So as much as I hate to say it, the psychological battle only continues on the other side. But as someone mentioned earlier on the thread, we're all the stronger because we've been through the grind and the waiting. We appreciate just how far we've come because we fought so hard every single day, fought in every single application we wrote, fought in every interview we attended.

So please keep fighting and pressing onwards. Please reach out. No matter where we are in this journey right now, we're in it together. I'm cheering you guys on! 😍 :highfive:
Click to expand...
can confirm that @ismyexistenceamemeyet is a WONDERFUL person to talk to in this process so if you do need some to talk to, highly recommend 😀
 
How do I write a letter of interest/intent when there isn't much to update on? I sent updates in February but obviously everything blew up in March so all I've been doing is getting through my classes and attempting to not lose my mind. Can I write a letter without much in it other than "hey this is why I love your school and why I want to go there" because I don't have any other updates?
 
Kenken514 said:
How do I write a letter of interest/intent when there isn't much to update on? I sent updates in February but obviously everything blew up in March so all I've been doing is getting through my classes and attempting to not lose my mind. Can I write a letter without much in it other than "hey this is why I love your school and why I want to go there" because I don't have any other updates?
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Write it short and sweet, a paragraph or two at most. Shoot your shot if you can.

This may not carry any weight, but it’s a change up from what Adcoms might usually see. Find some current students/alumni via LinkedIn (unless you know some), and politely ask if they’d answer some questions you have about the program. Then mention in your letter how ‘after speaking to more students in your program since my interview and hearing their high praise, I’m certain that you’re my one and only’.
 
I’ve really been struggling a lot with anxiety this week. Last week I got to the #1 spot on my first choice schools ranked waitlist. I know it sounds like I’m in a really good position, and I thought I would feel great when I got here, but honestly I find myself second guessing my chances more than ever now. During first 2 weeks of May the waitlist moved on average 1-2 spots per day until I got to the top and then it just completely stopped. I know... it’s not over yet, but I can’t shake this weird feeling I have that I’ll be stuck here for good. I feel like I tripped inches from the finish line and I can’t help but be angry at myself for not doing better on my interview, mcat, etc. I know I’m in a much better position than the vast majority of you on here, but I’ve just hit a new low emotionally this week. It’s almost like now that I’m a toe away from getting in I’m convinced it’s never gonna happen. Fear of the unknown has just kind of broken me and it’s been hard to pick myself back up.
 
Zen Arcade said:
I’ve really been struggling a lot with anxiety this week. Last week I got to the #1 spot on my first choice schools ranked waitlist. I know it sounds like I’m in a really good position, and I thought I would feel great when I got here, but honestly I find myself second guessing my chances more than ever now. During first 2 weeks of May the waitlist moved on average 1-2 spots per day until I got to the top and then it just completely stopped. I know... it’s not over yet, but I can’t shake this weird feeling I have that I’ll be stuck here for good. I feel like I tripped inches from the finish line and I can’t help but be angry at myself for not doing better on my interview, mcat, etc. I know I’m in a much better position than the vast majority of you on here, but I’ve just hit a new low emotionally this week. It’s almost like now that I’m a toe away from getting in I’m convinced it’s never gonna happen. Fear of the unknown has just kind of broken me and it’s been hard to pick myself back up.
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I mean the odds of you getting in are like 99.9% it’s only May and their CTE date hasn’t even come yet. I know you know this. I’d say to find some positive things to focus on for now. Go for a walk bake some brownies, play with your dogs, watch ATLA on Netflix. I would bet money that by this time next week you’ll be all set with that A! Keep your mind off it for now!
 
CinnamonA said:
Write it short and sweet, a paragraph or two at most. Shoot your shot if you can.

This may not carry any weight, but it’s a change up from what Adcoms might usually see. Find some current students/alumni via LinkedIn (unless you know some), and politely ask if they’d answer some questions you have about the program. Then mention in your letter how ‘after speaking to more students in your program since my interview and hearing their high praise, I’m certain that you’re my one and only’.
Click to expand...
You people constantly think of things I never would’ve considered! Could I also say, “although COVID-19 has kept me from my typical activities of volunteering and work, it’s given me the opportunity to work more on ways to manage my stress like x, y, z”
 
Zen Arcade said:
I’ve really been struggling a lot with anxiety this week. Last week I got to the #1 spot on my first choice schools ranked waitlist. I know it sounds like I’m in a really good position, and I thought I would feel great when I got here, but honestly I find myself second guessing my chances more than ever now. During first 2 weeks of May the waitlist moved on average 1-2 spots per day until I got to the top and then it just completely stopped. I know... it’s not over yet, but I can’t shake this weird feeling I have that I’ll be stuck here for good. I feel like I tripped inches from the finish line and I can’t help but be angry at myself for not doing better on my interview, mcat, etc. I know I’m in a much better position than the vast majority of you on here, but I’ve just hit a new low emotionally this week. It’s almost like now that I’m a toe away from getting in I’m convinced it’s never gonna happen. Fear of the unknown has just kind of broken me and it’s been hard to pick myself back up.
Click to expand...
Agreed w @Kenken514 !! I think you will for sure get it. But i know that with something this important on the line our brains make sure that we stay ridden with anxiety anyways. I am the same way and do not think you are being unreasonable at all for feeling this way. With the CTE date still yet to come and it only being May I think you will most def get off. Of course always be prepared for the worst but you got this!!!!! Believing good things will come for you very soon!!!! Take it one day at a time and remember even though it’s frustrating, ultimately you’re not in control unfortunately. You’ve done your part, the rest is up the them
 
Zen Arcade said:
I’ve really been struggling a lot with anxiety this week. Last week I got to the #1 spot on my first choice schools ranked waitlist. I know it sounds like I’m in a really good position, and I thought I would feel great when I got here, but honestly I find myself second guessing my chances more than ever now. During first 2 weeks of May the waitlist moved on average 1-2 spots per day until I got to the top and then it just completely stopped. I know... it’s not over yet, but I can’t shake this weird feeling I have that I’ll be stuck here for good. I feel like I tripped inches from the finish line and I can’t help but be angry at myself for not doing better on my interview, mcat, etc. I know I’m in a much better position than the vast majority of you on here, but I’ve just hit a new low emotionally this week. It’s almost like now that I’m a toe away from getting in I’m convinced it’s never gonna happen. Fear of the unknown has just kind of broken me and it’s been hard to pick myself back up.
Click to expand...
Oh you’re getting in. Be sure to update us when ya do 🙂

(And I am feeling exactly how you are feeling right now. It’s brutal. But we will be stronger because of it)
 
LiveLoveLaugh4444 said:
This may sound super cliche but meditation has REALLY been a life savor for me. I’m someone who had to do a lot of GPA recovery so honestly I had crippling anxiety all through grad school/MCAT/app stuff. I highly recommend something like the Headspace app!
Click to expand...
Headspace FTW. It got me through grad school
 
Kenken514 said:
You people constantly think of things I never would’ve considered! Could I also say, “although COVID-19 has kept me from my typical activities of volunteering and work, it’s given me the opportunity to work more on ways to manage my stress like x, y, z”
Click to expand...
another idea: look into the school's responses to the pandemic and say something along the lines of "this response is super admirable, lines up with your mission in xyz ways, and is a perfect example of why i want to come here"
 
anyone knows if a school will pull at least one or two people out of its waitlist even if it over accepts or has already filled the class with the exact number. Is it common a school doesn't use the waitlist at all?
 
War of Arts said:
anyone knows if a school will pull at least one or two people out of its waitlist even if it over accepts or has already filled the class with the exact number. Is it common a school doesn't use the waitlist at all?
Click to expand...

Yes it can happen if people drop out. In fact, I emailed with someone from admissions at my top choice school today and they told me their class is full but they will likely be accepting a few more students from the waitlist in a few more weeks as a few more students drop out based on past trends. You could also check past threads of your specific school to get a hint of what the waitlist movement is like there.
 
dancingflagellum said:
Yes it can happen if people drop out. In fact, I emailed with someone from admissions at my top choice school today and they told me their class is full but they will likely be accepting a few more students from the waitlist in a few more weeks as a few more students drop out based on past trends. You could also check past threads of your specific school to get a hint of what the waitlist movement is like there.
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what happens if none drops out? can adcom over enroll a few folks from the waitlist to show any "mercy"?
 
War of Arts said:
what happens if none drops out? can adcom over enroll a few folks from the waitlist to show any "mercy"?
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I highly highly doubt it. They have class size limits for certain reasons. They would take more every year if they could. The waitlist is people who they would accept if room permits but if theres no room then there’s no room.
 
War of Arts said:
what happens if none drops out? can adcom over enroll a few folks from the waitlist to show any "mercy"?
Click to expand...

Yes, they can go a bit over, but that is only used rarely and never to show mercy. It depends on their LCME accreditation and what it allows (Mayo - MN attempted to increase their class size after the acceptance fiasco this year and was shut down). The only time they over-enroll is if they sent too many acceptances and not enough people withdrew. They will not add an extra seat just to be nice as it can throw off all group work / anatomy / etc and limit space for students that have to take a leave of absence from earlier classes.
 
Guys this waitlist process has really broken me. After 8 months of patiently waiting, feeling powerless and without any control of my situation, I decided today it was time to mentally accept that I will most likely not get off the WL. Honestly put, I'm simply tired of constantly having hope and clinging on to whatever small possible sign of getting in only to be disappointed. Im tired of sending love letters every 2-3 weeks as advised only to get no response. I'm tired of checking and refreshing my email the second I wake up and then having a brief moment of elation 50+ times throughout the day only to get every imaginable email possible except the one I want. Im tired of being emotionally heightened and sensitive all day long. I was told at the time of my WL that I would get off it, but it's been 8 months and I constantly see other people commenting how they got off the WL before me and didnt even send LOIs. The class is now full and I have little logical reason left to stay hopeful. I tried my best to be positive and act like nothing was bothering me but everyone has a cap and I think I am now full. It's like a hamster wheel and I just cant seem to get off this ride of constantly getting my hopes up only to be let down. I've turned into the village fool.

I've never had an experience like this where I've felt so powerless and unwanted. Wanting to get off the WL has completely consumed me the past 8 months that I cant even find it in myself to be grateful and proud of how far I've come. I know this sounds ungrateful but I cant seem to muster up any excitement to start med school in august since I'll always know it wasnt my first choice and the possibilty of going there was at one point, within my grasp. It might have almost been better if i didnt get the interview to begin with.

This experience is like having such strong feelings for someone who wants absolutely nothing to do with you. At this point, I just want to be at peace. It's not even about getting in anymore. I'm heartbroken and exhausted and I want nothing more than to move on with my life but it's so hard. I know there's still a few months left but I think I reached my breaking point a bit early. Signing off
 
BacksideAttack123 said:
Does anyone have the link to the DO waitlist thread? I can only find the old one 🙁
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forums.studentdoctor.net

DO waitlist support thread 2019-2020

Great job, and I appreciate your efforts :) I think I may be able to add on about ACOM. I was accepted off the waitlist back in February, as well as a couple of other people since February. Sent from my SM-G965U using SDN mobile Thanks for the update and congrats on your A, future doc! 1:)
forums.studentdoctor.net forums.studentdoctor.net
 
rdyotz said:
Yes, they can go a bit over, but that is only used rarely and never to show mercy. It depends on their LCME accreditation and what it allows (Mayo - MN attempted to increase their class size after the acceptance fiasco this year and was shut down). The only time they over-enroll is if they sent too many acceptances and not enough people withdrew. They will not add an extra seat just to be nice as it can throw off all group work / anatomy / etc and limit space for students that have to take a leave of absence from earlier classes.
Click to expand...

But what if I bake cookies?
 
bigmoney said:
Honestly not much to see on that thread because once the MD threads starts rolling with waitlist acceptance, that’s the only way those DO waitlist will move.
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Not necessarily. Students still have some time after May 15th to hold onto multiple DO acceptances. May 15th is just when DO schools can see which of their students have multiple acceptances.
 
Med.School.Hopeful said:
Not necessarily. Students still have some time after May 15th to hold onto multiple DO acceptances. May 15th is just when DO schools can see which of their students have multiple acceptances.
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And they can rescind their acceptances if they are holding another one right? I am pretty sure that’s the rule as far what I read on AACOMAS. DO schools don’t establish their own commit to enroll deadline I don’t think.
 
Zen Arcade said:
I’ve really been struggling a lot with anxiety this week. Last week I got to the #1 spot on my first choice schools ranked waitlist. I know it sounds like I’m in a really good position, and I thought I would feel great when I got here, but honestly I find myself second guessing my chances more than ever now. During first 2 weeks of May the waitlist moved on average 1-2 spots per day until I got to the top and then it just completely stopped. I know... it’s not over yet, but I can’t shake this weird feeling I have that I’ll be stuck here for good. I feel like I tripped inches from the finish line and I can’t help but be angry at myself for not doing better on my interview, mcat, etc. I know I’m in a much better position than the vast majority of you on here, but I’ve just hit a new low emotionally this week. It’s almost like now that I’m a toe away from getting in I’m convinced it’s never gonna happen. Fear of the unknown has just kind of broken me and it’s been hard to pick myself back up.
Click to expand...

It’s so awesome you get to see where you’re at on the waitlist spot. It makes so much more sense for it to be done this way. I wish my school did that. I could then focus on reapplying then just lingering for hope


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
bigmoney said:
And they can rescind their acceptances if they are holding another one right? I am pretty sure that’s the rule as far what I read on AACOMAS. DO schools don’t establish their own commit to enroll deadline I don’t think.
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According to AACOMAS traffic guidelines applicants get a minimum 15 days after May 15 to hold onto multiple acceptances. Minimum. So it could be longer than that. I’m withdrawing from 2 schools today narrowing it down to one.
 
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Hiddenleaf09 said:
It’s so awesome you get to see where you’re at on the waitlist spot. It makes so much more sense for it to be done this way. I wish my school did that. I could then focus on reapplying then just lingering for hope


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

There’s definitely a lot of pluses to do it this way, but at the same time I’m starting to see the negatives of it... I can’t send in any LOIs to ‘push me over the edge’ so to speak. For the person who barely misses getting in it’s just awful. I’ve talked to the person who was stuck at the #1 spot for a month last year and they never got off. They had to move away from their husband to go to a different school and it just seemed like they carried a lot of regret with them. I’m in a similar situation where if I don’t get in I’ll have to go to a school that’s 4 hours away from my wife (for at least a year). Idk i really feel for you guys who have no transparency in the waitlist process... and I definitely think in the end having a ranked waitlist is best for the vast majority of applicants. But the few who know they just barely missed the mark do get quite a burden of ‘what if’s’ placed on their back.
 
Anyone else on a waitlist to a school that doesn’t accept updates or LOIs? It’s so incredibly frustrating to be sitting on hundreds of hours of clinical/research experience that they simply won’t ever know about.

signed,
Frustrated/Annoyed (May have woken up on the wrong side of the bed)
 
LiveLoveLaugh4444 said:
Anyone else on a waitlist to a school that doesn’t accept updates or LOIs? It’s so incredibly frustrating to be sitting on hundreds of hours of clinical/research experience that they simply won’t ever know about.

signed,
Frustrated/Annoyed (May have woken up on the wrong side of the bed)
Click to expand...

I can definitely agree with this feeling. I had my first every publication this winter, I was the second author, and my state school will never know about it because they don't accept updates. I totally understand that processing updates must be difficult from an administrative standpoint, but still it's hard not to be disappointed.
 
Zen Arcade said:
I’ve really been struggling a lot with anxiety this week. Last week I got to the #1 spot on my first choice schools ranked waitlist. I know it sounds like I’m in a really good position, and I thought I would feel great when I got here, but honestly I find myself second guessing my chances more than ever now. During first 2 weeks of May the waitlist moved on average 1-2 spots per day until I got to the top and then it just completely stopped. I know... it’s not over yet, but I can’t shake this weird feeling I have that I’ll be stuck here for good. I feel like I tripped inches from the finish line and I can’t help but be angry at myself for not doing better on my interview, mcat, etc. I know I’m in a much better position than the vast majority of you on here, but I’ve just hit a new low emotionally this week. It’s almost like now that I’m a toe away from getting in I’m convinced it’s never gonna happen. Fear of the unknown has just kind of broken me and it’s been hard to pick myself back up.
Click to expand...
I’m in the same position. My school has taken quite a few from the waitlist and has been consistent with the days they make the calls. Yesterday it was finally my turn and radio silence.... they started accepting fewer and fewer and I guess they finally filled the class. It’s hard knowing I might have to wait months or not get in at all when it seemed like I was going to get in. I think our chances are good since it’s so early but every year there’s someone who thought they’d be next and the call never comes...absolutely nerve racking.
 
Sitting on 8 WLs (7MD, 1 DO) and having a hard time deciding whether I should reapply. I don't have much to update so I really doubt there will any difference if I reapply right now. I thought about reapplying next cycle and using the time in between to strengthen my application but my prereq classes will be over 10 years old by then.

I have scheduled an appointment with premed advisor and asked for feedback from one school that gave me an interview but rejected me. Is there anything else I can do to get more information that can help me make the decision? Does anyone have experience with the consulting services and do they help?
 
avenue23 said:
Sitting on 8 WLs (7MD, 1 DO) and having a hard time deciding whether I should reapply. I don't have much to update so I really doubt there will any difference if I reapply right now. I thought about reapplying next cycle and using the time in between to strengthen my application but my prereq classes will be over 10 years old by then.

I have scheduled an appointment with premed advisor and asked for feedback from one school that gave me an interview but rejected me. Is there anything else I can do to get more information that can help me make the decision? Does anyone have experience with the consulting services and do they help?
Click to expand...

Sorry I don’t have much advice, but I just want to say that the fact that you had so many interviews and that you’re on so many waitlists is incredible! Hope something works out for you very soon!
 
Is it really still considered early at this point in the season? If I have 4 WLs (but two are more competitive and historically don’t really pull from the WL) is it not wise to stay hopeful? I feel like I’ve been getting a lot of mixed advice and I want to be realistic (even though I appreciate people being more optimistic for me than I am lol)!
 
SwimBikeRun12 said:
Is it really still considered early at this point in the season? If I have 4 WLs (but two are more competitive and historically don’t really pull from the WL) is it not wise to stay hopeful? I feel like I’ve been getting a lot of mixed advice and I want to be realistic (even though I appreciate people being more optimistic for me than I am lol)!
Click to expand...
I'm also struggling with this! Many people have said it's still very early for wait list movement and a ton happens in late May and June, but for some reason it feels different this year. I can't tell if I'm just subjected to some kind of bias right now being in it, but it already feels like the class I'm WL'd for is full.
 
avenue23 said:
Sitting on 8 WLs (7MD, 1 DO) and having a hard time deciding whether I should reapply. I don't have much to update so I really doubt there will any difference if I reapply right now. I thought about reapplying next cycle and using the time in between to strengthen my application but my prereq classes will be over 10 years old by then.

I have scheduled an appointment with premed advisor and asked for feedback from one school that gave me an interview but rejected me. Is there anything else I can do to get more information that can help me make the decision? Does anyone have experience with the consulting services and do they help?
Click to expand...

You got 8 interviews, you should reapply next cycle!
 
Okay so I interviewed at a school earlier this year, didn't get rejected but also didn't hear back about any waitlists or stuff. What does this kind of thing mean? It's an anomaly. Other people who interviewed with me have heard back about waitlist spots or rejections. It's very weird and I'd like your guys' input on this
 
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