5 MD waitlists and 1 DO acceptance

[smooki]

I have been wait listed at:
Yale
SUNY upstate
IcahnSOM
SUNY downstate
Albany
NYCOM

and accepted at TouroCOM Harlem.

I really do not want to reapply and would not have any extra experiences to add to my app. Also, if I do apply again I wouldn't apply DO, just MD, otherwise what would be the point in reapplying since I have a DO acceptance already, right?

Ive been weighing my options and really have decided against reapplying, I want to get on with my life already. Tell me your thoughts!

Little about me: I did Biochem in undergrad at a public university in NYC. Took a year off to work in the ER/apply to schools. AMCAS sGPA 3.61...AACOMAS sGPA 3.85....MCAT 30 (10,10,10)

But I am curious to what YOU would do. If you were in my situation, what would you be thinking/concerned about/glad about. I've asked many people and think I'd get more relevant answers on here.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Gandyy]

I would go DO right now.

Also I'm surprised you even got waitlisted at Yale with a 30 MCAT and a 3.61 sGPA. Not saying those are bad stats but Yale, wow. Icahn too. lol

How many DO schools did you apply to? And how many MD schools?

 

[smooki]

I would go DO right now.

Also I'm surprised you even got waitlisted at Yale with a 30 MCAT and a 3.61 sGPA. Not saying those are bad stats but Yale, wow. Icahn too. lol

How many DO schools did you apply to? And how many MD schools?

Trust me, I was surprised I was invited to interview at Yale let alone be waitlisted in the second tier no less. But no waitlists seem to be moving at all for me.

I applied to 2 DOs both in NY and 15 MDs mostly in NY.

 

[FutureDrB]

That's a tough one. It sounds like you really want to go M.D. Nothing wrong with that...

I say tough one, because I'm on the other side of the fence. I only want D.O., but then TouroCOM Harlem would be about my last choice school.

So, if I were in your shoes, I might just wait with 5 waitlist schools. With that said, I don't know anything about those schools, or the waitlist option. I mean what is the percentage you'll get accepted off of a waitlist?

 

[Gandyy]

Trust me, I was surprised I was invited to interview at Yale let alone be waitlisted in the second tier no less. But no waitlists seem to be moving at all for me.

I applied to 2 DOs both in NY and 15 MDs mostly in NY.

Yea, not bad. What about the other DO school?

 

[smooki]

Yea, not bad. What about the other DO school?

NYCOM waitlist, interviewed early March

 

[Gandyy]

NYCOM waitlist, interviewed early March

Man, a 3.85 and a 30 MCAT and you still get waitlisted at a state DO school while getting into the other state DO school. What a crapshoot.

 

[mk2015]

If it were me, I would go DO now rather than reapply. But if you have your heart set on MD you would probably still be a decently strong reapplicant. I would also factor in whether your MCAT would be accepted next cycle.

 

[smooki]

That's a tough one. It sounds like you really want to go M.D. Nothing wrong with that...

I say tough one, because I'm on the other side of the fence. I only want D.O., but then TouroCOM Harlem would be about my last choice school.

So, if I were in your shoes, I might just wait with 5 waitlist schools. With that said, I don't know anything about those schools, or the waitlist option. I mean what is the percentage you'll get accepted off of a waitlist?

There's so much talk about chances of getting off waitlists but some schools on my list ^ up there sent emails saying the class was full and not much movement is anticipated, but the waitlist lasts until first day of classes at that school. And admissions don't really tell you any detailed info when you call.

I'll admit yes I was hoping for an MD, especially after getting many interviews from great schools and the wait drove/is driving me insane that the thought of doing this again and reapplying makes me want to curl into a ball on the floor, but TouroCOM is close by home, won't have to move, and it is a school that will get me to where I want if I've got the grades and am ready to work hard for opportunities. Also, it's my only choice since it's my only acceptance. How come it's your last choice school?

 

[smooki]

Man, a 3.85 and a 30 MCAT and you still get waitlisted at a state DO school while getting into the other state DO school. What a crapshoot.

Yea it was quite a strange cycle for me. I expected interviews/acceptances from other MD schools (ones more realistic with my stats) including lower tier but only received straight rejections from them yet I received interviews and waitlist offers from really great schools...there was no pattern...but I guess that's how med school admissions work....

 

[FutureDrB]

There's so much talk about chances of getting off waitlists but some schools on my list ^ up there sent emails saying the class was full and not much movement is anticipated, but the waitlist lasts until first day of classes at that school. And admissions don't really tell you any detailed info when you call.

I'll admit yes I was hoping for an MD, especially after getting many interviews from great schools and the wait drove/is driving me insane that the thought of doing this again and reapplying makes me want to curl into a ball on the floor, but TouroCOM is close by home, won't have to move, and it is a school that will get me to where I want if I've got the grades and am ready to work hard for opportunities. Also, it's my only choice since it's my only acceptance. How come it's your last choice school?

Ah, okay. Well if you'd be happy either way and the location works for you, then I'd take the acceptance.

Last school choice for me simply because of location. I wouldn't go to a school in New York if it was free. Haha. The state is beautiful though. Same thing applies to the schools in the Northwest.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[smooki]

If it were me, I would go DO now rather than reapply. But if you have your heart set on MD you would probably still be a decently strong reapplicant. I would also factor in whether your MCAT would be accepted next cycle.

I had my heart set on whatever school would accept me. I applied DO because I was fairly certain my stats were not competitive enough to only lean on MD acceptances. Now that a year has passed and I've gotten these waitlists, it seems I missed MD by a hair and almost missed any acceptances at all whether MD or DO. So a part of me is so relieved I have an acceptance and I truly do not want to waste such an opportunity. It's just frustrating that many great schools considered me..

 

[smooki]

Ah, okay. Well if you'd be happy either way and the location works for you, then I'd take the acceptance.

Last school choice for me simply because of location. I wouldn't go to a school in New York if it was free. Haha. The state is beautiful though. Same thing applies to the schools in the Northwest.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Ohh yea many people feel the same way as you about NY. I was born and raised in this city so calmer cities and towns stress me out (basically the opposite of you)! Thanks for your words of support!

 

[Gandyy]

I had my heart set on whatever school would accept me. I applied DO because I was fairly certain my stats were not competitive enough to only lean on MD acceptances. Now that a year has passed and I've gotten these waitlists, it seems I missed MD by a hair and almost missed any acceptances at all whether MD or DO. So a part of me is so relieved I have an acceptance and I truly do not want to waste such an opportunity. It's just frustrating that many great schools considered me..

Honestly you must have had something stellar on your app to be interviewed by Yale.

I say take the DO acceptance and runnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

 

[AM508]

As the old saying goes...a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If you want to be a physician you have the opportunity, take it and run I say.

 

[mathnerd88]

Man, your situation is hard. I would take the DO acceptance if you don't get into MD's this year. They're very picky about reapplicants.

 

[smooki]

Man, your situation is hard. I would take the DO acceptance if you don't get into MD's this year. They're very picky about reapplicants.

Yea it's tough I know. How do you mean picky? As in I'd have to add something more to my app like grades, mcat, or experiences?

 

[mathnerd88]

Yea it's tough I know. How do you mean picky? As in I'd have to add something more to my app like grades, mcat, or experiences?

Yes, you'll need new experiences, new PS, new secondaries, the whole works. You'll need to improve your weaknesses (and perhaps the only weakness I can tell that is possible is your MCAT score.)

I had a friend who was waitlisted at BUMC, and then reapplied and wasn't even invited to interview and rejected.

 

[smooki]

Yes, you'll need new experiences, new PS, new secondaries, the whole works. You'll need to improve your weaknesses (and perhaps the only weakness I can tell that is possible is your MCAT score.)

I had a friend who was waitlisted at BUMC, and then reapplied and wasn't even invited to interview and rejected.

Yea I totally get what you're saying. It's a very risky process that can't really be predicted. That alone has be thinking that this acceptance is a blessing.

 

[kalat]

Hm, you're in an interesting situation. You've got some good MD waitlists, but at this point, realistically, they will probably not turn into acceptances (I say this with a waitlist I'd like to hear from as well). If you care about having an MD after your name or if you're interested in primarily academic medicine you should probably try again next cycle if your finances and personal relationships allow it. If you just want to practice medicine and you're not trying to get caught up in the glamour of it I'd go DO. You will be a physician and make your salary either way.

Some other considerations: Do you want to live in New York? How did you feel about the school and faculty? Have you thought about housing and budgeting? Where do you ultimately want to practice? These questions, along with your ultimate career goals, should guide your decision much more than the letters of the degree.

 

[smooki]

Hm, you're in an interesting situation. You've got some good MD waitlists, but at this point, realistically, they will probably not turn into acceptances (I say this with a waitlist I'd like to hear from as well). If you care about having an MD after your name or if you're interested in primarily academic medicine you should probably try again next cycle if your finances and personal relationships allow it. If you just want to practice medicine and you're not trying to get caught up in the glamour of it I'd go DO. You will be a physician and make your salary either way.

Some other considerations: Do you want to live in New York? How did you feel about the school and faculty? Have you thought about housing and budgeting? Where do you ultimately want to practice? These questions, along with your ultimate career goals, should guide your decision much more than the letters of the degree.

Excellent points! I'm from NY so yes I'd like to continues staying here, would be living at home with my family with no expenses other than personal/tuition/books/transportation paid for by loans. Really liked the school when I visited, I went to undergrad 5 minutes away from tourocom harlem. So I my mind, this is a huge win.

 

[Gandyy]

Excellent points! I'm from NY so yes I'd like to continues staying here, would be living at home with my family with no expenses other than personal/tuition/books/transportation paid for by loans. Really liked the school when I visited, I went to undergrad 5 minutes away from tourocom harlem. So I my mind, this is a huge win.

Loll take the DO man. I had a friend who had a 31 and 3.9 and he was adamant about not doing DO and needed MD no matter what. Well this is his 3rd applicant cycle..........

 

[67552931811]

Man, a 3.85 and a 30 MCAT and you still get waitlisted at a state DO school while getting into the other state DO school. What a crapshoot.

? Both of those DO schools are private

 

[kenjixshadow]

"You double-downed on Jack and pulled a five, but the dealer busted. Take your money and walk away. Throwing more money on the table waiting for a blackjack is dumb. The cocktail girl isn't going home with you either way."

If I were you, I'll ask myself do I want to do ENT, Ortho, or Derm. If none of the 3, I'd take the acceptance and laugh my way to the white coat ceremony.

 

[stevesteve123]

write letter of interest (or whatever you call them) to your wait listed school

if you are interested in derm/surgery (any)/ophth/ gi/ rads or have strong regional preference for residency DONT go DO

inb4 people quote the 1-2 people with 270+ from their graduation class of 200 who match competitive specialty in bfe

 

[Oh_Gee]

for Yale, I'd imagine there's little chance to get off waitlist because it's yale and i would assume most of the people they accept end up matriculating? Also, I'm a noob at this. Shouldn't you have picked a school already?

 

[smooki]

write letter of interest (or whatever you call them) to your wait listed school

if you are interested in derm/surgery (any)/ophth/ gi/ rads or have strong regional preference for residency DONT go DO

inb4 people quote the 1-2 people with 270+ from their graduation class of 200 who match competitive specialty in bfe

Would a letter of interest from an applicant with 0 acceptances be significant or help at at all? (as far as I know MD schools cannot see DO acceptances and vice versa)

 

[smooki]

for Yale, I'd imagine there's little chance to get off waitlist because it's yale and i would assume most of the people they accept end up matriculating? Also, I'm a noob at this. Shouldn't you have picked a school already?

Since it's my only acceptance I didn't really pick anything, I just paid my deposits by their deadlines that's it

 

[stevesteve123]

Would a letter of interest from an applicant with 0 acceptances be significant or help at at all? (as far as I know MD schools cannot see DO acceptances and vice versa)

do a through google for tips i dont have personal experience

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...&q=letter+of+interest+waitlist+medical+school

get them out asap, have someone knowledgeable professional to look over it preferably. these are the things you can do proactively to help your chances (however small) to get that life changing acceptance letter. i dont know how bad you want it but if i put myself in your shoes i'd gladly to pretty much drag my balls through a mile of broken glass just for any extra odds of being accepted.

o btw congrats on your DO acceptance if you feel ok with the caveats in my post above then go for it and relax before school starts

 

[WedgeDawg]

for Yale, I'd imagine there's little chance to get off waitlist because it's yale and i would assume most of the people they accept end up matriculating? Also, I'm a noob at this. Shouldn't you have picked a school already?

There was a decent amount of movement earlier (the WL is separated into three tiers) but according to currently waitlisted people, they sent an email saying they don't expect any more movement.

 

[smooki]

do a through google for tips i dont have personal experience

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...&q=letter+of+interest+waitlist+medical+school

get them out asap, have someone knowledgeable professional to look over it preferably. these are the things you can do proactively to help your chances (however small) to get that life changing acceptance letter. i dont know how bad you want it but if i put myself in your shoes i'd gladly to pretty much drag my balls through a mile of broken glass just for any extra odds of being accepted.

o btw congrats on your DO acceptance if you feel ok with the caveats in my post above then go for it and relax before school starts

Thanks for the info! Yea I'm trying to relax this month and the next but I can't stay away from this site hahaha.

I've been told by an adcom that a letter of interest/intent is not significant when an applicant has no acceptances, mainly because if that school accepts the applicant, he/she will obviously attend because he/she doesnt have any other acceptances, and they can see that. I accepted these schools waitlist offers, which means I am still interested and have submit all my required medical and other forms (all that's missing at these schools is me handing in an acceptance form and paying tuition deposits) so my interest is apparent, in my opinion. I've decided a letter of interest would most likely not effect my movement on the waitlist.

 

[Stagg737]

Take the acceptance and run with it. Keep communicating with the MD schools and let them know you're still very interested. You can always decline the DO acceptance if you get off the waitlist somewhere else. You can even let them know you've been accepted somewhere else but would prefer to attend their school. It's not like it would hurt you at this point.

"You double-downed on Jack and pulled a five, but the dealer busted. Take your money and walk away. Throwing more money on the table waiting for a blackjack is dumb. The cocktail girl isn't going home with you either way."

If I were you, I'll ask myself do I want to do ENT, Ortho, or Derm. If none of the 3, I'd take the acceptance and laugh my way to the white coat ceremony.

I'd also add in plastics to that list. Much better chances of ortho or derm as a DO than plastics.

 

[docmartin99]

I have been wait listed at:
Yale
SUNY upstate
IcahnSOM
SUNY downstate
Albany
NYCOM

and accepted at TouroCOM Harlem.

I really do not want to reapply and would not have any extra experiences to add to my app. Also, if I do apply again I wouldn't apply DO, just MD, otherwise what would be the point in reapplying since I have a DO acceptance already, right?

Ive been weighing my options and really have decided against reapplying, I want to get on with my life already. Tell me your thoughts!

Little about me: I did Biochem in undergrad at a public university in NYC. Took a year off to work in the ER/apply to schools. AMCAS sGPA 3.61...AACOMAS sGPA 3.85....MCAT 30 (10,10,10)

But I am curious to what YOU would do. If you were in my situation, what would you be thinking/concerned about/glad about. I've asked many people and think I'd get more relevant answers on here.

 

[Goro]

A bird in the hand....

I have been wait listed at:
Yale
SUNY upstate
IcahnSOM
SUNY downstate
Albany
NYCOM

and accepted at TouroCOM Harlem.

I really do not want to reapply and would not have any extra experiences to add to my app. Also, if I do apply again I wouldn't apply DO, just MD, otherwise what would be the point in reapplying since I have a DO acceptance already, right?

Ive been weighing my options and really have decided against reapplying, I want to get on with my life already. Tell me your thoughts!

You're aware that LOI are ignored? How would you interpret a non-binding contract from a desperate applicant?

And if you don't think that DOs can be ENT specialists, tell it to these epeople:
http://www.aocoohns.org/

And if you don't think they can't be GI specialists, tell it these guys:
https://www.acoi.org/education/gme/...d-subspecialty-programs/gastroenterology.html

write letter of interest (or whatever you call them) to your wait listed school

if you are interested in derm/surgery (any)/ophth/ gi/ rads or have strong regional preference for residency DONT go DO

inb4 people quote the 1-2 people with 270+ from their graduation class of 200 who match competitive specialty in bfe

 

[smooki]

Take the acceptance and run with it. Keep communicating with the MD schools and let them know you're still very interested. You can always decline the DO acceptance if you get off the waitlist somewhere else. You can even let them know you've been accepted somewhere else but would prefer to attend their school. It's not like it would hurt you at this point.

Interesting...so telling them of my DO acceptance wouldn't hurt? I haven't thought about mentioning that at all.

 

[smooki]

You're aware that LOI are ignored? How would you interpret a non-binding contract from a desperate applicant?

This was my impression as well...it makes sense

 

[Stagg737]

Interesting...so telling them of my DO acceptance wouldn't hurt? I haven't thought about mentioning that at all.

Why would it? You haven't been accepted to any of the places, so the worst they do is reject you (which there's already a good chance they might). If you tell them you've got a DO acceptance but would rather go MD because of good reason X, it's worth a shot. It's not like you're going to lose your acceptance either way, so why not go for it?

Edit: I'm not saying to write a LOI, just keep in touch with the schools and let them know you do want it. I actually was granted an interview after a rejection in a past cycle because I showed significant and genuine interest.

 

[MedNation907]

Personally I think LOI's are a senseless trend. Is my primary/secondary application and presence at the interview not showing enough intent? Do you think I'm here for free food? Lol but I wanted to point out that following an interview this past cycle, the Dean himself encouraged any future WLer's to write a LOI. So, I guess i.e. to each his own. Some will toss it in the trash (Goro), others will add it to your application (which I know this to be a fact, unless the Dean I reference likes to lie for sport).

However, I absolutely would at the very least call and mention your current acceptance as you convey interest.

 

[kalat]

Everyone takes things different ways. If I was an admissions committee member and got a call where someone told me they already had an acceptance I'd probably want to give my acceptance to someone who didn't have one already. Let's face it, if an applicant is particularly desirable you don't put them on a wait list in the first place. I don't know if anyone actually thinks like this, but that's just my two cents on it. I think everyone would like to think putting a lot of effort into something increases chance of success, but I'd be willing to bet it can hurt it as much as it can help. I guess if you've got nothing to lose anyway!

 

[allhenyia]

I say tough one, because I'm on the other side of the fence.

 

[smooki]

I say tough one, because I'm on the other side of the fence.

What do you mean

 

[mw18]

.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

But I am curious to what YOU would do. If you were in my situation, what would you be thinking/concerned about/glad about. I've asked many people and think I'd get more relevant answers on here.

Do your best to get a deferred admission and re-apply MD, especially if you're young.

I think LOIs mean different things to other people. I know at Georgetown they won't even consider pulling you off the waitlist unless you write a letter.

This. I like Goro a lot, but his advice is not always the best. He's an ADCOM at a single institution. I know my school loves being drowned with attention, so an LOI can only be seen positively. At worse you're sending something that'll be ignored, but why take the chance of not sending?

 

[mw18]

This. I like Goro a lot, but his advice is not always the best. He's an ADCOM at a single institution. I know my school loves being drowned with attention, so an LOI can only be seen positively. At worse you're sending something that'll be ignored, but why take the chance of not sending?

I actually should have typed different things to different people, instead of "other" people. I wasn't being argumentative, at all, but I see your point how attention can be seen positively. I was just saying that different schools view things differently.

 

[Grace184]

Do your best to get a deferred admission and re-apply MD, especially if you're young

I think that there will be something in your contract about not applying (there usually is) so you can lose acceptances across the board- your DO, as well as any schools you may get into. I believe I've seen posts like this before. Do a search.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I think you've got to take the DO acceptance and run. I'm a bit surprised you only got into one DO school with you stats, but as you said, there would be nothing new in your application next year, so I'm not sure why the result would be any different

 

[iamADIPOSE]

I would put a deposit on the DO school while waiting to get off the wait list for the MD schools. You rather have a safety net than not because application cycles are a crap shoot. You never know if you would get interviews again at the same schools next cycle. To give you an example my friend who you would consider top 90% on everything (think 3.8ish gpa with 33 mcat score) did not have luck hearing back from previous schools that she was wait listed on.

 

[johnnytest]

You have already experienced firsthand how crapshoot of a process this is? Do you really want to go through this again as a reapplicant? DO may not be MD but no one really cares. I hate that there is a separate degree. Both fields should just be MD and you can have a subtitle Osteopathic/Allopathic Physician or w/e. Stay on the waitlists but claim your spot at Touro and good luck! You're gonna be a doctor!

 

[Gandyy]

You have already experienced firsthand how crapshoot of a process this is? Do you really want to go through this again as a reapplicant? DO may not be MD but no one really cares. I hate that there is a separate degree. Both fields should just be MD and you can have a subtitle Osteopathic/Allopathic Physician or w/e. Stay on the waitlists but claim your spot at Touro and good luck! You're gonna be a doctor!

Yea, this process has so many variables. Many of them you cannot control.

You can control the acceptance you got. Here is exactly what I would do if I wanted the MD at those schools like you do.

1. Put Deposit down for DO school.
2. Call schools on waitlist periodically and let them know that you are interested in them.
3. Wait it out while you do this.
4. Maybe get pulled off the waitlist. If you dont, then who cares? You get to be a doctor.
5. Take pride in the fact that Yale somehow interviewed you.
6. Matriculate into the DO or MD school.

I've heard a lot of mixed things about LOI so I wont comment too much on it. I will say that if the worst thing that comes from sending a LOI is they just ignore it, then I would probably send it to the MD schools. Worst thing they can do is keep you on the waitlist.

 

[greenroses]

A bird in the hand....



You're aware that LOI are ignored? How would you interpret a non-binding contract from a desperate applicant?

And if you don't think that DOs can be ENT specialists, tell it to these epeople:
http://www.aocoohns.org/

And if you don't think they can't be GI specialists, tell it these guys:
https://www.acoi.org/education/gme/...d-subspecialty-programs/gastroenterology.html

Personally I think LOI's are a senseless trend. Is my primary/secondary application and presence at the interview not showing enough intent? Do you think I'm here for free food? Lol but I wanted to point out that following an interview this past cycle, the Dean himself encouraged any future WLer's to write a LOI. So, I guess i.e. to each his own. Some will toss it in the trash (Goro), others will add it to your application (which I know this to be a fact, unless the Dean I reference likes to lie for sport).

However, I absolutely would at the very least call and mention your current acceptance as you convey interest.

I think LOIs mean different things to other people. I know at Georgetown they won't even consider pulling you off the waitlist unless you write a letter. They also get 9845034985095435043 applications a year (all numbers estimate) at Georgetown, so it would be more important there. I didn't write any letters of intent because I didn't want to commit to a school until I definitively knew my options (when you have no real options, I'm not sure they have inherent value).

This doesn't help you, OP, just commenting on the tangent. If I were you I would date the pretty girl who likes you now (DO) and not try to ask out the super hot girl that flirted with you a few months ago (Yale) again next year. But it's your life and your dreams, specialty-wise. No offense, but I think the high-tier MD interviews you got this year are more of an aberration than what should have been expected, or what will happen next year barring significant improvements (still far from a guarantee even with them, though).

Do your best to get a deferred admission and re-apply MD, especially if you're young.


This. I like Goro a lot, but his advice is not always the best. He's an ADCOM at a single institution. I know my school loves being drowned with attention, so an LOI can only be seen positively. At worse you're sending something that'll be ignored, but why take the chance of not sending?

I was always under the impression to not send LOIs but I guess it is institutional dependent! @gyngyn @Goro