2020 Cycle Waitlist Support Thread

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SweetBurger said:
idk about the others but i think Nova MD might have decent movement (as from what i heard it did in past 2 years) but its so new that it could change
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In fact, last year their projections were so bad that they moved several people from R to WL, and at least one of those people later reported that they received an A!!!!!
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1 interview, 1 Waitlist..... My hopes are not super high right now that I will be pulled off the waitlist. Anyone know the waitlist movement at Penn State University College of Medicine?
 
54321boom said:
1 interview, 1 Waitlist..... My hopes are not super high right now that I will be pulled off the waitlist. Anyone know the waitlist movement at Penn State University College of Medicine?
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Same here! I actually was offered another interview last week but think I will decline because I would need a couple more classes before matriculation.
 
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I'm on 5 WL right now: Wayne State, George Washington, NYMC, Quinnipiac, and Albany Med (UC list). Anyone know anything about the WL movement at any of these schools. I'm lucky that I have an acceptance to a wonderful Israeli program, but I would definitely prefer to stay in the US if I can get off these WLs.
 
CaptainWEMT said:
I'm on 5 WL right now: Wayne State, George Washington, NYMC, Quinnipiac, and Albany Med (UC list). Anyone know anything about the WL movement at any of these schools. I'm lucky that I have an acceptance to a wonderful Israeli program, but I would definitely prefer to stay in the US if I can get off these WLs.
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I don't know about any of them except Wayne I believe has a significant amount of WL movement
 
CaptainWEMT said:
I'm on 5 WL right now: Wayne State, George Washington, NYMC, Quinnipiac, and Albany Med (UC list). Anyone know anything about the WL movement at any of these schools. I'm lucky that I have an acceptance to a wonderful Israeli program, but I would definitely prefer to stay in the US if I can get off these WLs.
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GW has a ton of movement
 
TX resident here currently on 3 WLs, waiting to hear back from my last interview (should hear back in 3 weeks). With TMDSAS opening on in <1 month, I need to finalize all my essays and everything. Is it a bad idea to submit another application while actively on multiple waitlists? I'm also studying hard for an MCAT retake in early June.

My advisor told me to wait another year to reapply since I could still get off a waitlist up to July, and this would give me a year to really strengthen my app. I really don't want to wait another year as that sounds awful. Any help or advice is appreciated, thanks!
 
ChooChooTrain51 said:
TX resident here currently on 3 WLs, waiting to hear back from my last interview (should hear back in 3 weeks). With TMDSAS opening on in <1 month, I need to finalize all my essays and everything. Is it a bad idea to submit another application while actively on multiple waitlists? I'm also studying hard for an MCAT retake in early June.

My advisor told me to wait another year to reapply since I could still get off a waitlist up to July, and this would give me a year to really strengthen my app. I really don't want to wait another year as that sounds awful. Any help or advice is appreciated, thanks!
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Lots of advisors advise to wait another year, not so much to wait to see what happens with WLs, but in order to have adequate time to assess and address any deficiencies in your app. If you are intent on applying next cycle, however, other than application fees there is no reason to wait for finality on all WL movement before applying. MD WL movement can drag into August, and MD apps open in early June each year. Reapplicants don't wait until August to apply!

I am not familiar with the TX timeline -- would putting off your applications until after the MCAT make you late? If not, you probably don't need the distraction of working on the apps while studying for the test. If so, then you'll have to juggle the two, or take the extra year. Just my 2 cents!! Good luck!!!
 
BlueLion said:
Officially been on WL for 7 months now at two of my top choice schools. "This is a marathon" doesnt even begin to explain how long this cycle has been.
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I’ve been on the waitlist at my top choice for nearly 6 months so I definitely understand! Let’s hope that we both get off the waitlist soon, and this nightmare will end!
 
coffee&scrubs said:
I’ve been on the waitlist at my top choice for nearly 6 months so I definitely understand! Let’s hope that we both get off the waitlist soon, and this nightmare will end!
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Really hoping that Waitlist movement will be huge this year and that people speculating that schools are being conservative with giving out acceptances is true!
 
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When is it normal to send in updates/ LOIs? Whats the average timeline / most advantageous to send? Holding WL to UCSF and while super long shot, hoping for an all hail mary situation :shrug:
 
WL at davis and in their portal it says that they do not accept updates or letters of intent. but looking at the threads from previous years, it seems that people who have sent in a letter of intent ended up getting pulled off their waitlist. the desperate side of me really wants to send in a LOI to shoot my shot, but the rational side of me is saying noooo dont do it, listen for once in your life..........
 
sunshinesnrainbows said:
WL at davis and in their portal it says that they do not accept updates or letters of intent. but looking at the threads from previous years, it seems that people who have sent in a letter of intent ended up getting pulled off their waitlist. the desperate side of me really wants to send in a LOI to shoot my shot, but the rational side of me is saying noooo dont do it, listen for once in your life..........
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I feel you. I'm on the WL at my top school, who claims they don't accept updates/LOIs, but last year's thread has acceptances after sending LOIs. I'm gonna try to remain rational and not send one. Don't wanna be that guy that can't follow instruction!
 
I sent a LOI back in January to a school, should I resend one or no?
 
TPWK2024 said:
I sent a LOI back in January to a school, should I resend one or no?
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I’m in that boat too. I was waitlisted at my top choice in Nov., sent a LOI in Feb., and now I’m thinking of sending another in the coming weeks. This school is receptive to letters, so it’s not like I’ll be going against the rules. My advice though, if you have anything new to add and can reiterate your interest in an even stronger fashion, go for it. We have nothing to lose at this point.
 
coffee&scrubs said:
I’m in that boat too. I was waitlisted at my top choice in Nov., sent a LOI in Feb., and now I’m thinking of sending another in the coming weeks. This school is receptive to letters, so it’s not like I’ll be going against the rules. My advice though, if you have anything new to add and can reiterate your interest in an even stronger fashion, go for it. We have nothing to lose at this point.
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Here’s a good thought. Has anything changed? Or are you saying nothing new? Do you have another schools cte deadline to tell them about or an acceptance ? Do you have an actual update? That would be a good reason to send another. Or just to check in at the end of the cycle and let them know where you are at. However at a certain point it gets too much. Like if you sent one less than a month ago the get it 🙂 just use your better judgment.
 
hydro flask said:
For those sending a second LOI, are you expanding on the same reasons for wanting to attend as your first LOI (ie: proximity to family, interest in X program, etc.) or are you coming up with entirely new reasons?
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Don’t over think it — it’s the sentiment that you will drop anything to go. That’s all that matters. Restate then reasons and emphasize that you are prepared to drop everything at anytime,
and have the resources to do it, to go to their school.
 
Does anyone have a solid letter of interest/intent template or list of guidelines to follow? I need to write 2 LOIs ASAP and have no idea where to start. I've searched all over sdn only to find everyone saying not to send one. I've seen templates that seem far too long-winded and detailed. Anything is helpful 🙂
 
ChooChooTrain51 said:
Does anyone have a solid letter of interest/intent template or list of guidelines to follow? I need to write 2 LOIs ASAP and have no idea where to start. I've searched all over sdn only to find everyone saying not to send one. I've seen templates that seem far too long-winded and detailed. Anything is helpful 🙂
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I started out mine with a straightforward statement like “I am writing to u to express intent/interest and provide an update” then I go into reasons the school is a great fit. Give an update if u can and relate it to what it means for you as a potential student of their school and I rounded it off with why I enjoyed my interview day and summarize stuff quick and thank them. Boom one page max


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Gastrula44 said:
I started out mine with a straightforward statement like “I am writing to u to express intent/interest and provide an update” then I go into reasons the school is a great fit. Give an update if u can and relate it to what it means for you as a potential student of their school and I rounded it off with why I enjoyed my interview day and summarize stuff quick and thank them. Boom one page max


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Thank you so much! Mind if I ask how many words your letters were?
 
ChooChooTrain51 said:
Thank you so much! Mind if I ask how many words your letters were?
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Almost exactly a page single spaced so 400-500. Also if ur sending multiple lo interest ( which I’ve heard are useless compared to intent but I got nothing better to do in quarantine), the update portion can be the same thing for all of them which is like almost half the letter for me


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Gastrula44 said:
Almost exactly a page single spaced so 400-500. Also if ur sending multiple lo interest ( which I’ve heard are useless compared to intent but I got nothing better to do in quarantine), the update portion can be the same thing for all of them which is like almost half the letter for me


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For the record that’s a longgggg letter of intent. At this point in the cycle short and to the point. 6-8 sentences. You think committees wanna read your 500 word essay? Think otherwise
 
Talldoctor96 said:
For the record that’s a longgggg letter of intent. At this point in the cycle short and to the point. 6-8 sentences. You think committees wanna read your 500 word essay? Think otherwise
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Oops, to be fair the main part of it (intent) is in the first paragraph. The rest is mostly an update on the past 6-7 months. Most of the “med applicant” consulting websites I’ve seen have it at a page so maybe 300-400 is better? If they don’t have the patience to read a one page letter, then it’s probably useless to send anyway.


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Talldoctor96 said:
For the record that’s a longgggg letter of intent. At this point in the cycle short and to the point. 6-8 sentences. You think committees wanna read your 500 word essay? Think otherwise
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All of the LOI samples I've seen are way over 6-8 sentences and spend at least a paragraph on WHY the applicant want to attend X SOM (i.e. interest in X program/curriculum). I feel like the only way I could shorten my LOI would be to take out this paragraph, but I also feel like that would make my letter disingenuous if I just say "you're my #1" without providing reasoning?
 
Mine was a full page (granted a third was formal letter addressing). Includes intent, why, plus updates and thanks for continued info being passed while on wl
 
jordij94 said:
All of the LOI samples I've seen are way over 6-8 sentences and spend at least a paragraph on WHY the applicant want to attend X SOM (i.e. interest in X program/curriculum). I feel like the only way I could shorten my LOI would be to take out this paragraph, but I also feel like that would make my letter disingenuous if I just say "you're my #1" without providing reasoning?
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My letter of intent was 8 sentences 2 paragraphs: 1st paragraph saying I am committing to attending if accepted after thoughtful consideration. Second paragraph talking about why, how my goals align with theres, giving 1 or 2 specific examples. The letter of intent is really just a box check, just make sure it sounds genuine and real not just a letter where you could cover the school name and insert a random name.

EDIT: The reality is, there are few schools left that give a ton of weight to the LOI. Georgetown, Loyola really still value them. But many don't beyond a reminder you are still interested.
 
Thanks for all the info guys! Is a letter of interest useless then (vs. intent)? My top choice (where I would send a letter of intent to) does not accept updates or letters at all, so I can't send anything to them. The other 2 schools I'm WL'ed at do take letters, but they're not my "unequivocal top choice." Should I send intent letters anyways?
 
ChooChooTrain51 said:
Thanks for all the info guys! Is a letter of interest useless then (vs. intent)? My top choice (where I would send a letter of intent to) does not accept updates or letters at all, so I can't send anything to them. The other 2 schools I'm WL'ed at do take letters, but they're not my "unequivocal top choice." Should I send intent letters anyways?
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If you are asking if we think you should lie to schools? No, don't be dishonest. Would you get away with it ? Probably. Is it the right thing to do? No.
 
ChooChooTrain51 said:
Does anyone have a solid letter of interest/intent template or list of guidelines to follow? I need to write 2 LOIs ASAP and have no idea where to start. I've searched all over sdn only to find everyone saying not to send one. I've seen templates that seem far too long-winded and detailed. Anything is helpful 🙂
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If you still need help I can DM you a LOI that I wrote for a school!
 
red_pepper12 said:
hey guys quick question about LOI based on your experiences. what types of specific reasons are you guys giving? mission, research opps, academic paths, and student orgs? are there other things that should be mentioned?
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For my LOIs I touched upon all of those points and provided one-two specific experiences based on those points. Also, I included that I had a conversation with either a friend, coworker, or mentor who I know closely who goes to/graduated from that particular school and spoke about how I want to follow their path because of x, y and z.
 
Biogal said:
Do you guys think it's acceptable to send a letter of intent to more than one school?
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i think sending multiple loi's has been talked about a lot in this and other threads. technically u can but it brings your ethics into question but others basically say it's seen as an empty promise and it's importance is school specific. send the LOI (ie i will go to this school bc x,y,z) to the one school you really want and send updates/express continued interest to the others
 
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What are ppl's thoughts on how COVID may impact waitlist movement/ decisions?

I'm wondering if schools will be more eager to fill the class quickly than usual with physicians who are on the committee being extra busy, and just being more prone to making the decision "easier" by picking students geographically closer to try to prevent having a last minute slot needing to be filled due to someone changing schools or deferring for health, travel, etc. reasons ...

Another thought is if ppl may be more prone to pick a school closer to home due to financial hits, unknowns with travel, moving, family/ personal health, or seeing certain areas that are hotspots (nyc, philly, chicago) as more "dangerous"

Or maybe everyone is just really busy and everything will go as normal but slower...

I know this is all purely speculation... but I have nothing better to do since I'm trapped at home and I figure most of you are too so just thought I would throw this conversation out there
 
justaperson274939135 said:
What are ppl's thoughts on how COVID may impact waitlist movement/ decisions?

I'm wondering if schools will be more eager to fill the class quickly than usual with physicians who are on the committee being extra busy, and just being more prone to making the decision "easier" by picking students geographically closer to try to prevent having a last minute slot needing to be filled due to someone changing schools or deferring for health, travel, etc. reasons ...

Another thought is if ppl may be more prone to pick a school closer to home due to financial hits, unknowns with travel, moving, family/ personal health, or seeing certain areas that are hotspots (nyc, philly, chicago) as more "dangerous"

Or maybe everyone is just really busy and everything will go as normal but slower...

I know this is all purely speculation... but I have nothing better to do since I'm trapped at home and I figure most of you are too so just thought I would throw this conversation out there
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Hot take-- there is something every year that is proposed that would impact wait list movement -- and every year it pretty much stays the same. Even last year when everyone thought the sky was falling -- a post mortem revealed just about the same movement even more at some schools when everyone was convinced there woul be less. COVID-19 really is not going to impact whether someone remotely clicks CTE or not on schools. These admissions committees have been doing the same things for years, in my opinion since the process is already so virtual, I can't see it having much of any impact.
 
coffee&scrubs said:
Resisting...? I have given in to every and all urges to refresh. I no longer control myself, I am a slave to SDN and my application email.
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lmao what my iphone sees whenever i refresh my email or sdn
lmao.jpg
 
Talldoctor96 said:
Hot take-- there is something every year that is proposed that would impact wait list movement -- and every year it pretty much stays the same. Even last year when everyone thought the sky was falling -- a post mortem revealed just about the same movement even more at some schools when everyone was convinced there woul be less. COVID-19 really is not going to impact whether someone remotely clicks CTE or not on schools. These admissions committees have been doing the same things for years, in my opinion since the process is already so virtual, I can't see it having much of any impact.
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thx for ur thoughts. a doc I know was called to front lines and said their last few committee meetings were cancelled w other matters taking priority rn w doc shortages. they may have “been doing the same thing for years” but this pandemic may cause more upheaval than traffic rule changes they knew about in advance? unknown territory for everyone. but I can also see your side of things as far as ppl always think something is gona be a game changer but in reality it is minimal. premeds known for always thinking the sky is falling lol. ty for adding ur ideas
 
justaperson274939135 said:
thx for ur thoughts. a doc I know was called to front lines and said their last few committee meetings were cancelled w other matters taking priority rn w doc shortages. they may have “been doing the same thing for years” but this pandemic may cause more upheaval than traffic rule changes they knew about in advance? unknown territory for everyone. but I can also see your side of things as far as ppl always think something is gona be a game changer but in reality it is minimal. premeds known for always thinking the sky is falling lol. ty for adding ur ideas
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I just think its important to remember that the wait list is a really hard place to be. You are basically going to be holding onto hope for 4 more months!!!!! (I gave up hope August 1st last cycle). Instead of speculating on trends, get out learn a new hobby. READ A BOOK, learn how to work out and cook for yourself, and spend as much as time as you can with your family. If your number gets called -- it gets called. But willing it every day, trying to predict patterns-- it just doesn't take you to a happy place. Write your letter of intent, say a prayer to the med school gods and take a walk outside. I know its way easier said than done -- but the waitlist will try and drive you insane if you take it for more than what it really is. A literal list where they probably have already ranked you. <3 love yall
 
Talldoctor96 said:
I just think its important to remember that the wait list is a really hard place to be. You are basically going to be holding onto hope for 4 more months!!!!! (I gave up hope August 1st last cycle). Instead of speculating on trends, get out learn a new hobby. READ A BOOK, learn how to work out and cook for yourself, and spend as much as time as you can with your family. If your number gets called -- it gets called. But willing it every day, trying to predict patterns-- it just doesn't take you to a happy place. Write your letter of intent, say a prayer to the med school gods and take a walk outside. I know its way easier said than done -- but the waitlist will try and drive you insane if you take it for more than what it really is. A literal list where they probably have already ranked you. <3 love yall
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rly great advice!! thank u for this - i promise i was not trying to just be a pot stirrer.. just was something that was on my mind can’t rly talk to family/ friends about who don’t understand process that’s all
 
I am on two priority waitlists and another unranked waitlist. Does anyone think it would be prudent to start applying to SMP programs. I’m ranked in the top 20 for one list but don’t wanna get my hopes up.
 
BTR41 said:
I am on two priority waitlists and another unranked waitlist. Does anyone think it would be prudent to start applying to SMP programs. I’m ranked in the top 20 for one list but don’t wanna get my hopes up.
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I think it wouldn’t hurt to apply to an SMP as a backup. But in my experience they should be used as a last resort. If you do apply to an SMP try attending one that had a strong linkage program but again IMO it’s a hail mary


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Hey guys, I emailed one of the schools I'm WL'd at about whether they will accept a LOI. They replied, "We can accept letters of intent but please be aware that the admissions committee and/or Dean will not review this."

I've already written most of it, but I'm wondering who I should address it to? It seems standard to address it to the adcom, but they clearly stated the adcom won't review it. Will this make me look dumb if I address it to the adcom?
 
ChooChooTrain51 said:
Hey guys, I emailed one of the schools I'm WL'd at about whether they will accept a LOI. They replied, "We can accept letters of intent but please be aware that the admissions committee and/or Dean will not review this."

I've already written most of it, but I'm wondering who I should address it to? It seems standard to address it to the adcom, but they clearly stated the adcom won't review it. Will this make me look dumb if I address it to the adcom?
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Wait, what’s the point if the adcom won’t read it? Why are they saying they accept it then? I am confusion


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Gastrula44 said:
Wait, what’s the point if the adcom won’t read it? Why are they saying they accept it then? I am confusion


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Telling applicants that updates (or LoI's) are not accepted seems to infuriate some of them. Accepting it does not mean that they have any bearing on the decision. At least this school is being honest.
 
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