2020 Cycle Waitlist Support Thread

[coolcat2]

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What did you include in your LOI if you don’t mind? Mine was just like a paragraph long stating that if I get off the waitlist I would definitely attend the school. I thought mine was too short but I didn’t know what else to say and I didn’t have much to update either.

By the way, does everyone send the letter as a pdf or just type it in the email?

I included my achievements and what I've been doing since interviewing in December, like graduating with honors and awards I received. Also included what I like about the school, how my SO has already been accepted there, and that I would without a doubt accept an offer of admission.

I was going to do mine as a PDF attachment in an email

 

[skrrss]

How long is too long for a letter of intent? Mine is about a page and a half single-spaced, should I try to make it fit onto one page?

I think thats a little long, I would shoot for like 3/4 of a page and then have your name and amcas ID at the bottom

 

[minminzee]

I sent a letter of intent/ update in April ( I was waitlisted in Feb) and still haven’t heard anything. I want to send another update/LOI but the thing is I haven’t been doing much due to covid. Should I just reiterate what I stated in the first letter since it’s my top choice? or is it better to not send one? I’m desperate lol

 

[whatdreamsaremadeof]

My paper was recently accepted for publication so I am also thinking about sending an update. Because it is not on pubmed yet and doesn't have a PMID or DOI what should the update include?

 

[Cakepop514]

My paper was recently accepted for publication so I am also thinking about sending an update. Because it is not on pubmed yet and doesn't have a PMID or DOI what should the update include?

Cite the authors, title, and journal like you normally would and then, at the end, put "in press".

 

[gyngyn]

How long is too long for a letter of intent? Mine is about a page and a half single-spaced, should I try to make it fit onto one page?

That's way too long.

 

[kittytower]

For one school, nothing since January

+1, it’s been over 4 months now

 

[whatdreamsaremadeof]

Cite the authors, title, and journal like you normally would and then, at the end, put "in press".

is it common to describe what my contributions were? or to just include the citation?

 

[llamallama10]

is it common to describe what my contributions were? or to just include the citation?

I would recommend citing the paper, describing your role, and summary of the main point

 

[Secondtimeisacharm]

My top choice school has clearly written in my WL notification that they want no updates or LOI Anyone have any experience sending one and was it helpful. Any ideas?

 

[KnightDoc]

My top choice school has clearly written in my WL notification that they want no updates or LOI Anyone have any experience sending one and was it helpful. Any ideas?

When schools don't explicitly invite them, there has been a spirited debate going back and forth here regarding whether or not they are even looked at, and the consensus is that it can't hurt so there is no reason not to try, even if it doesn't help.

In your case, your school is explicitly telling you they don't want them, and you are asking whether or not you should disregard their explicit instruction and dare them to accept you anyway? Is that really what you are asking? What do you think?

 

[medDaisuki]

I sent a letter of intent/ update in April ( I was waitlisted in Feb) and still haven’t heard anything. I want to send another update/LOI but the thing is I haven’t been doing much due to covid. Should I just reiterate what I stated in the first letter since it’s my top choice? or is it better to not send one? I’m desperate lol

Same here. Can we still send LOI if we don’t have anything new?

 

[MontanaGirl2020]

Id assume 10%> chance for most schools at this point 🙁

 

[#wannabemd]

I submitted a LOI to the school I am attending. My school required us to send a letter of interest to maintain our position on the waitlist. I sent a letter of intent instead. My letter was 3/4 page long - 4 paragraphs. I discussed an update on one of the activities I had listed on amcas and used that paragraph to discuss my primary motive to pursue medicine and why that school is my top choice by explaining how the priorities, values, and actions of the school align with my vision because that activity is an EC that speaks to my vision. I used the next paragraph to talk about a new initiative I started at my non profit organization (also In my amcas) that combines one of my hobbies and the mission of the non profit. I used this paragraph to talk about that and how I would partner with x,y,z orgs at the school to bring this initiative there - showing them that I would add to the school and I’m an asset. Also fit with my entire app because a central theme in my entire app is - leadership, innovation, and being proactive. This is how I chose to structure mine but there are, of course, countless other ways as well. I think my acceptance was in part due to my strong LOI as well as other parts of my app.

 

[Talldoctor96]

@gyngyn @Goro @LizzyM

And anyone else with insight: Are updates even read at this point? And what kind of updates make a difference at this point for the WL? A publication, volunteer work, letter of intent, etc. - what is enough to sway someone borderline?

It’s veryyyyyy late in the cycle.

 

[Talldoctor96]

Same here. Can we still send LOI if we don’t have anything new?

Do you have another acceptance ? A letter of intent with no other acceptance is Pointless because they know you’ll be matriculating if you get in — you have no other option.

 

[Zen Arcade]

It’s veryyyyyy late in the cycle.

I would wait until mid June to July to say this, schools with a late July CTE still have quite a bit of time

 

[MontanaGirl2020]

I would wait until mid June to July to say this, schools with a late July CTE still have quite a bit of time

Trying to stay optimistic but how is it not super late?

 

[Zen Arcade]

Trying to stay optimistic but how is it not super late?

It’s only 3 weeks after the May 1st movement day. Movement is definitely going to slow down a bit, but it almost certainly will keep moving into June. Most schools have a CTE that is at least month away... I mean it’s wise to not assume you’re going to get off any WL, but if you’re still months away from schools starting I personally wouldn’t call it ‘super late’. It’s not uncommon for people to get off the waitlist all the way up to orientation.

 

[Goro]

@gyngyn @Goro @LizzyM

And anyone else with insight: Are updates even read at this point? And what kind of updates make a difference at this point for the WL? A publication, volunteer work, letter of intent, etc. - what is enough to sway someone borderline?

Updates are worth it when you have:
A semester of good grades
a publication (NOT a submission)
A major award (like Fulbright scholarship)

Make sure that your school even welcomes updates.

LOis are treated as lies, except maybe by the needy schools.

 

[Talldoctor96]

I would wait until mid June to July to say this, schools with a late July CTE still have quite a bit of time

I’m not saying its late in the waitlist cycle, I’m sure we’ve probably reached the peak but are right around there. I am arguing its late to be sending updates. At this point schools even the unranked ones already have a good idea of the order in which they are going to accept people. Especially if you have nothing new to add.

 

[Secondtimeisacharm]

When schools don't explicitly invite them, there has been a spirited debate going back and forth here regarding whether or not they are even looked at, and the consensus is that it can't hurt so there is no reason not to try, even if it doesn't help.

In your case, your school is explicitly telling you they don't want them, and you are asking whether or not you should disregard their explicit instruction and dare them to accept you anyway? Is that really what you are asking? What do you think?

Nope I wouldn’t dare send one and risk, just wanted to know anyone who defied and perhaps were successful in getting off WL after that communication.

 

[MontanaGirl2020]

It seems like most people are holding onto an A and a waitlist at this point Doesn’t seem like the list will move much

 

[KnightDoc]

Nope I wouldn’t dare send one and risk, just wanted to know anyone who defied and perhaps were successful in getting off WL after that communication.

If so, it would only be because the school did not hold the failure to follow directions against the person, not because the submission actually helped after being told not to make it. It's not like the school is going to reward the initiative at the expense of being unfair to everyone who actually respected their time by following their instructions. Even if it happened, that person, and anyone else who would do it, would do so having everything to lose and nothing to gain.

 

[ismyexistenceamemeyet]

Paranoid thoughts.. I have an acceptance at school A and am on the WL for my top choice school B. School A sent me an e mail reminding me to choose CTE on AMCAS If I have made my final decision to attend that school. Their CTE date isnt until late June. I can hold my acceptance while still PTE at school A right? They have to notify you prior to recending your acceptance right? Minus failing a class, illegal activities, etc. I have the urge to check-in with school A to make sure I still have the A and haven't done anything wrong but know that is overkill...

You're fine, just PTE at school A till late June (or better yet, till you get off the WL at your top choice). They should notify you prior to rescinding your acceptance, but barring any risky behavior, you shouldn't worry about this.

 

[KnightDoc]

Paranoid thoughts.. I have an acceptance at school A and am on the WL for my top choice school B. School A sent me an e mail reminding me to choose CTE on AMCAS If I have made my final decision to attend that school. Their CTE date isnt until late June. I can hold my acceptance while still PTE at school A right? They have to notify you prior to recending your acceptance right? Minus failing a class, illegal activities, etc. I have the urge to check-in with school A to make sure I still have the A and haven't done anything wrong but know that is overkill...

You're totally fine; they are just trying to nudge you along to boost their CTE numbers. You are under no obligation to CTE before the deadline. Remember, they cannot see your WLs, although they can certainly assume them. There is absolutely no need to contact them -- if you didn't still have the A, there would be no reason to remind you about the availability of CTE!!!

 

[sun_flower580]

Wellp I am throwing up the white flag. I give up. Tbh holding out hope just makes my mental health even worse and I’m tired of being depressed and anxious over something that has a 0.0001% chance of happening. Congrats in advance to those who will get the A’s!!!!! So so proud and happy for you. And to those of us who are less fortunate, I’m sure I’ll see you in a bunch of diff threads soon during re-app time.
Thankful for everyone in this thread, you guys are the definition of a wonderful support group. Best wishes my dudes. 🙂 catch some of y’all on the flip side

 

[sun_flower580]

Wellp I am throwing up the white flag. I give up. Tbh holding out hope just makes my mental health even worse and I’m tired of being depressed and anxious over something that has a 0.0001% chance of happening. Congrats in advance to those who will get the A’s!!!!! So so proud and happy for you. And to those of us who are less fortunate, I’m sure I’ll see you in a bunch of diff threads soon during re-app time.
Thankful for everyone in this thread, you guys are the definition of a wonderful support group. Best wishes my dudes. 🙂 catch some of y’all on the flip side

If anyone has re-app questions I made a thread so we can help each other out 2020-2021 Re-Applicant Support Thread

 

[Biogal]

Hi all, If I have an A at one school but am on a waitlist at another, am I required to select plan to enroll for The school that accepted me? They didn’t explicitly mention any deadlines for plan to enroll

 

[catladybutnormal]

Hi all, If I have an A at one school but am on a waitlist at another, am I required to select plan to enroll for The school that accepted me? They didn’t explicitly mention any deadlines for plan to enroll

pls PTE immediately

 

[penguinsfan71]

Hi all, If I have an A at one school but am on a waitlist at another, am I required to select plan to enroll for The school that accepted me? They didn’t explicitly mention any deadlines for plan to enroll

PTE now. All that does is commit you to withdrawing other acceptances, you can remain on any number of waitlists. If you are accepted off of one of them you can switch your PTE/CTE selection up until the CTE deadline. This is of course assuming you aren't holding any other acceptances, but at this point you should be narrowed down to one PTE.

 

[gyngyn]

@gyngyn @Goro @LizzyM

And anyone else with insight: Are updates even read at this point?

If a school takes these into consideration and has an open seat and the person was next anyway...sure.

 

[pomegranate22]

Just got off the waitlist at my top choice school!! (Weirdly it was the one that said their class was full and released some people from the WL, so I guess movement can still happen at those schools!) Wishing the best for all of you and thank you for providing camaraderie during this crazy time. Will be withdrawing from 1A/3WL so I hope some of you will benefit from that WL movement!!

 

[NY-premed]

Hi all, need some advice.

I am currently waitlisted at my top choice DO school. I sent an LOI over a month ago and got a haven’t received an A.I would keep waiting but the school I’m attending as of right now is requiring us to be there two weeks early to quarantine. Furthermore, and my most concerning part, is my fall tuition is due June 15th and I confirmed with FAFSA that if I use my loans to pay that tuition it needs to be paid back even if I get into the second school and attend thereinstead. Given all this, do you think I should call/email my top choice waitlisted school and explain my quarantine/financial situation? I also got a 4.0 this semester so I can add that in as part of an update letter if I send it.
thank you all for taking the time to read this and help me out!

 

[Talldoctor96]

If a school takes these into consideration and has an open seat and the person was next anyway...sure.

Key word “and the person was next anyway”

 

[llamallama10]

Hi all, need some advice.

I am currently waitlisted at my top choice DO school. I sent an LOI over a month ago and got a haven’t received an A.I would keep waiting but the school I’m attending as of right now is requiring us to be there two weeks early to quarantine. Furthermore, and my most concerning part, is my fall tuition is due June 15th and I confirmed with FAFSA that if I use my loans to pay that tuition it needs to be paid back even if I get into the second school and attend thereinstead. Given all this, do you think I should call/email my top choice waitlisted school and explain my quarantine/financial situation? I also got a 4.0 this semester so I can add that in as part of an update letter if I send it.
thank you all for taking the time to read this and help me out!

Someone correct me if this is wrong, but I believe that most schools will return the money if you withdraw within a certain time period and government loans can be returned within 3 months without any penalty. So, you should be able to get your money back and the loan will go away essentially. The new school would put in a request for the loan.

 

[yoyogotti]

If a school takes these into consideration and has an open seat and the person was next anyway...sure.

What about for schools that do unranked waitlists? I would think there wouldn't be a person that was next in line for an acceptance since the waitlist is unranked... right?

 

[gyngyn]

What about for schools that do unranked waitlists? I would think there wouldn't be a person that was next in line for an acceptance since the waitlist is unranked... right?

All lists have a "next" candidate.
"Ranked" and "unranked" are terms of art that have an explicit meaning for LCME audits.
Unranked does not mean that all are on equal footing.

 

[AnonymousDoctorGuyPerson]

What about for schools that do unranked waitlists? I would think there wouldn't be a person that was next in line for an acceptance since the waitlist is unranked... right?

Those schools probably try and find a similar candidate with whatever metrics they're trying to match (demographics, MCAT, maybe a type of EC, etc). Though I suppose if they had a pool of "similar" applicants, they may have preference for the candidate most likely to attend which could potentially be swayed by an LoI - but as others have said, LoIs are non-binding so they may not actually have an impact in this regard.

I'm no ADCOM though so that's just pure speculation on my part.

 

[Talldoctor96]

All lists have a "next" candidate.
"Ranked" and "unranked" are terms of art that have an explicit meaning for LCME audits.
Unranked does not mean that all are on equal footing.

Can you expand a little on this because there has been a lot of speculation about what unranked means. Would you say at this point that even the unranked WL schools have a good idea of who they’re gonna take ?

 

[KnightDoc]

Someone correct me if this is wrong, but I believe that most schools will return the money if you withdraw within a certain time period and government loans can be returned within 3 months without any penalty. So, you should be able to get your money back and the loan will go away essentially. The new school would put in a request for the loan.

Maybe not DO schools, especially after the tuition due date?

 

[openstage]

Just got off the waitlist at my top choice school!! (Weirdly it was the one that said their class was full and released some people from the WL, so I guess movement can still happen at those schools!) Wishing the best for all of you and thank you for providing camaraderie during this crazy time. Will be withdrawing from 1A/3WL so I hope some of you will benefit from that WL movement!!

Great news - please release your other schools ASAP to help others. Congrats!

 

[KnightDoc]

Hi all, need some advice.

I am currently waitlisted at my top choice DO school. I sent an LOI over a month ago and got a haven’t received an A.I would keep waiting but the school I’m attending as of right now is requiring us to be there two weeks early to quarantine. Furthermore, and my most concerning part, is my fall tuition is due June 15th and I confirmed with FAFSA that if I use my loans to pay that tuition it needs to be paid back even if I get into the second school and attend thereinstead. Given all this, do you think I should call/email my top choice waitlisted school and explain my quarantine/financial situation? I also got a 4.0 this semester so I can add that in as part of an update letter if I send it.
thank you all for taking the time to read this and help me out!

At this point, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. The train is leaving the station on 6/15, so it's now or never. It does not seem reasonable to forfeit an entire semester's tuition to go to one DO school over another. I'd call and explain the situation, and be at peace with whatever happens, one way or the other.

 

[gyngyn]

Can you expand a little on this because there has been a lot of speculation about what unranked means. Would you say at this point that even the unranked WL schools have a good idea of who they’re gonna take ?

It's easier to explain what it isn't!
A ranked waitlist offers acceptances (without deviation) from a pre-determined and enumerated list. Failure to follow this method exactly (when it is chosen) will result in sanctions.

An unranked waitlist is any other method. There are as many ways to manage an unranked waitlist as there are schools.
The advantage of an unranked waitlist is that it allows for the flexibility to accommodate unanticipated surfeits. For example, there may be a large excess of one sex. Within a given stratum, the other sex would be offered positions until balance was achieved. The only requirement is that the admissions committee is the only group with the authority to offer a seat.

 

[AnonymousDoctorGuyPerson]

It's easier to explain what it isn't!
A ranked waitlist offers acceptances (without deviation) from a pre-determined list. Failure to follow this method (when it is chosen) will result in sanctions.

An unranked waitlist is any other method. There are as many ways to manage an unranked waitlist as there are schools.
The advantage of an unranked waitlist is that it allows for the flexibility to accommodate unanticipated surfeits. For example, there may be a large excess of one sex. Within a given stratum, the other sex would offered positions until balance was achieved. The only requirement is that the admissions committee is the only group with the authority to offer a seat.

I assume this is in line with some sort of standards set by the LCME. Do things like high priority waitlists have to fall under one of those categories, or could they be either ranked or unranked?

 

[gyngyn]

I assume this is in line with some sort of standards set by the LCME. Do things like high priority waitlists have to fall under one of those categories, or could they be either ranked or unranked?

The committee can stratify an unranked waitlist any way they like.

 

[Zen Arcade]

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.

I'm happy to say I finally got off the WL! Being in this pool of ambiguity is awful and beyond stressful... I truly hope the best news for you all in the coming days/weeks.

 

[Talldoctor96]

The committee can stratify an unranked waitlist any way they like.

Why would any school not want to do this? Seems way more advantageous and flexible than ranked? Maybe ranked is less work?

 

[getlucky]

Story time! (i'll try to be brief)
3 years ago I applied to MD-PhD and MD only programs. I applied early and only got 1 interview late in the cycle. Ultimately I was waitlisted and didn't get the A. Around this time 3 years ago I was reflecting on what I needed to fix on my application moving forward. I approached my mentor and shared my thoughts and asked for feedback. My mentor told me that they didn't think that I was committed enough, that I didn't want to be in this field, and that I had not sacrificed enough.
I was shattered. Looking back I know that my application was not the strongest, but if my mentor held those sentiments and communicated them into their letter of recommendation, that surely did not help my case.
So I spent the summer crying and reflecting and wondering if my mentor was right. Did I not want this enough? I spoke with every one of my other letter writers, my advisors, and confidants. None of them could understand why my mentor would say such things.
Ultimately I decided that I would take as much time as I needed to fix my application and make it solid. It took 3 years (which included an MCAT retake). This past cycle I ended up with 6 MD-PhD acceptances. My world has changed. I still have the blog post I wrote the night after that conversation with my mentor, where I felt like my life was over. It is so humbling to go through this process and want it so badly and not get the A on your first try. It is humbling and painful, but in the end I don't regret it. I have experienced so much growth in the last 3 years. I know that gap years are daunting, and yes your student loans start collecting and it's terrifying, but please don't ever think less of yourself for not getting in the first time or for taking a few gap years. I believe in all of you. You are so incredibly supportive of each other in this thread, it's been a privilege to lurk on yall!

Best of luck everyone!

 

[gyngyn]

Why would any school not want to do this? Seems way more advantageous and flexible than ranked? Maybe ranked is less work?

Beats me.