Anyone else having a hard time withdrawing?

[Senor Fish]

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I'm very blessed to have an early acceptance. Obviously, to be polite to other applicants, I'm withdrawing from some schools that I prefer less than my current acceptance.

But man, it was hard to hit that withdraw button on those websites! All the work, applications, secondaries, $$$$. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but there was still a bit of remorse to close those doors.

I'm not trying to be egotistical, I know for those still waiting for interviews and acceptances this seems silly- but I wonder if anyone else felt the same way...

Good luck everyone.

SF

 

[alwaysaangel]

Yeah, I feel you.

Just that nagging feeling of what if...

What if my contract of notice of acceptance doesn't reach the school I was admitted to? What if something goes wrong?

So yeah, I definitely agree with you. In fact I'm just now writing the letters to all of the schools I'm withdrawing from. 7 in total. $595, about 20 essays.

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

Actually I am not cancelling any. After my acceptance me and my buddy decided to have a competetion (actually he challenged me) to see who could get the most acceptacnces. We almost have the same amout of interviews at the same schools. Kinda like a road trip Competition!😀

 

[silkworm]

I've already withdrawn from 5 schools that I prefer less. There is a little bit of regret, but I think it's the right thing to do and good courtesy toward other applicants.

 

[Erina]

i withdrew from my remaining interviews and i feel completely fine about that because i was getting really stressed out by all the traveling.

i'm going to feel like crap though as i narrow down my acceptances. i was fortunate enough to get 5 and it's going to be really hard to start turning them down. i don't know what i'm going to do really...i like things about all of the schools.

 

[Surf Rx]

Damn Erina, you're a rockstar with those acceptances. Congrats!

 

[Erina]

Damn Erina, you're a rockstar with those acceptances. Congrats!

thank you!!

 

[Senor Fish]

Yeah- we are all blessed to have acceptances. I do feel like it is courtesy to other applicants to withdraw from schools you aren't serious about.

But it is hard to let go of that 'what if' feeling as you withdraw from other schools.

I can't imagine what it will feel like if I have multiple acceptances like Erina to withdraw from those schools! I imagine there might be some guilt there.

 

[Stolenspatulas]

Actually I am not cancelling any. After my acceptance me and my buddy decided to have a competetion (actually he challenged me) to see who could get the most acceptacnces. We almost have the same amout of interviews at the same schools. Kinda like a road trip Competition!😀

nothing like nice healthy competition to take away interview oppurtunities for people who want to go to med school. always a blessing to be on top, eh?

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

nothing like nice healthy competition to take away interview oppurtunities for people who want to go to med school. always a blessing to be on top, eh?

Me and my buddy both want to go to med school, im not sure if i made that clear. We after getting some acceptances want to have some fun with this whole process that (early on kicked our a@@). Just a friendly competetion though, its not like we are betting money, so i really dont see anything wrong with our compet. Correct me if i am wrong.

 

[Stolenspatulas]

Me and my buddy both want to go to med school, im not sure if i made that clear. We after getting some acceptances want to have some fun with this whole process that (early on kicked our a@@). Just a friendly competetion though, its not like we are betting money, so i really dont see anything wrong with our compet. Correct me if i am wrong.

ok so correct me if im wrong.

this is what you sound like.

You got into school A, and you'd rather go there for med school than school B, C, or D. Schools B, C, and D all interview around 750 applicants each year. By going to the interviews for B, C, and D, you are taking away 3 potential interviews from applicants that may not get into any medical school (but may have a chance at B, C, or D... only if they COULD get an interview). Thus, you just slashed 3 dreams. You just made someone adjust their life and take a year off and go through the humiliation and the feeling of defeat... you made them second guess themselves on if they really think theyre cut out for this profession. all in the name of healthy competition right? you're taking away potential interview spots for other applicants. if you dont see your error in this, maybe you arent cut out for this profession.

 

[MT4life]

ok so correct me if im wrong.

this is what you sound like.

You got into school A, and you'd rather go there for med school than school B, C, or D. Schools B, C, and D all interview around 750 applicants each year. By going to the interviews for B, C, and D, you are taking away 3 potential interviews from applicants that may not get into any medical school (but may have a chance at B, C, or D... only if they COULD get an interview). Thus, you just slashed 3 dreams. You just made someone adjust their life and take a year off and go through the humiliation and the feeling of defeat... you made them second guess themselves on if they really think theyre cut out for this profession. all in the name of healthy competition right? you're taking away potential interview spots for other applicants. if you dont see your error in this, maybe you arent cut out for this profession.

ziiiiiiiiiing.

 

[Robizzle]

ok so correct me if im wrong.

this is what you sound like.

You got into school A, and you'd rather go there for med school than school B, C, or D. Schools B, C, and D all interview around 750 applicants each year. By going to the interviews for B, C, and D, you are taking away 3 potential interviews from applicants that may not get into any medical school (but may have a chance at B, C, or D... only if they COULD get an interview). Thus, you just slashed 3 dreams. You just made someone adjust their life and take a year off and go through the humiliation and the feeling of defeat... you made them second guess themselves on if they really think theyre cut out for this profession. all in the name of healthy competition right? you're taking away potential interview spots for other applicants. if you dont see your error in this, maybe you arent cut out for this profession.

zoom zoom zooooom

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

ok so correct me if im wrong.

this is what you sound like.

You got into school A, and you'd rather go there for med school than school B, C, or D. Schools B, C, and D all interview around 750 applicants each year. By going to the interviews for B, C, and D, you are taking away 3 potential interviews from applicants that may not get into any medical school (but may have a chance at B, C, or D... only if they COULD get an interview). Thus, you just slashed 3 dreams. You just made someone adjust their life and take a year off and go through the humiliation and the feeling of defeat... you made them second guess themselves on if they really think theyre cut out for this profession. all in the name of healthy competition right? you're taking away potential interview spots for other applicants. if you dont see your error in this, maybe you arent cut out for this profession.

Actually the schools that accepted me think that i am! I do see your point if you put that negative spin on the situation. But lets play it your way. These people that i am so called taking their places. Well i say if they really wanted to get into med school they should have:

1. realized that their stats arent quite up to par with the schools they applied to (then applied to schools that they had a better chance at)

2. They should have studied harder to get better stats, and would have EARNED an interview outright, without realying on a default interview.

3. When did i say that schools b,c,d arent the ones that i would attend?

correct me if i am wrong!

 

[alwaysaangel]

ok so correct me if im wrong.

this is what you sound like.

You got into school A, and you'd rather go there for med school than school B, C, or D. Schools B, C, and D all interview around 750 applicants each year. By going to the interviews for B, C, and D, you are taking away 3 potential interviews from applicants that may not get into any medical school (but may have a chance at B, C, or D... only if they COULD get an interview). Thus, you just slashed 3 dreams. You just made someone adjust their life and take a year off and go through the humiliation and the feeling of defeat... you made them second guess themselves on if they really think theyre cut out for this profession. all in the name of healthy competition right? you're taking away potential interview spots for other applicants. if you dont see your error in this, maybe you arent cut out for this profession.

Don't feed the troll. You're doing exactly what he wants you to. Just ignore him.

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

Don't feed the troll. You're doing exactly what he wants you to. Just ignore him.

If you have nothing nice to say then dont say anything.thx.

 

[Stolenspatulas]

Actually the schools that accepted me think that i am! I do see your point if you put that negative spin on the situation. But lets play it your way. These people that i am so called taking their places. Well i say if they really wanted to get into med school they should have:

1. realized that their stats arent quite up to par with the schools they applied to (then applied to schools that they had a better chance at)

2. They should have studied harder to get better stats, and would have EARNED an interview outright, without realying on a default interview.

3. When did i say that schools b,c,d arent the ones that i would attend?

correct me if i am wrong!

what it sounded like was you and your friend were having a competition for acceptances... making it appear like you didnt care about going to hte schools your just doing it for the sake of competition.... if you really might want to go to those schools then of course still go to their interviews. if you dont want to go to those schools, then you're being cruel.

scenario:
think about if everyone did what you're planning on doing. if everyone who landed an early acceptance to a school they're really happy about still went to all their lined-up interviews even if they weren't going to go to those schools regardless. think about how many less interview spots there would be for others applying to this process....

the fact is there are much more qualified applicants for medical school than there are seats. you are taking away some of that hope for the left over bunch of qualified applicants that are struggling to get into med school. if you dont see the fault in what you're doin... i dont know what to say.

 

[silkworm]

Me and my buddy both want to go to med school, im not sure if i made that clear. We after getting some acceptances want to have some fun with this whole process that (early on kicked our a@@). Just a friendly competetion though, its not like we are betting money, so i really dont see anything wrong with our compet. Correct me if i am wrong.

I think it makes sense to withdraw from the schools you really aren't interested in after your first acceptances. Your holding on to a interview spot at a school you don't like may be the difference between going or not going to med school for another applicant.

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

what it sounded like was you and your friend were having a competition for acceptances... making it appear like you didnt care about going to hte schools your just doing it for the sake of competition.... if you really might want to go to those schools then of course still go to their interviews. if you dont want to go to those schools, then you're being cruel.

scenario:
think about if everyone did what you're planning on doing. if everyone who landed an early acceptance to a school they're really happy about still went to all their lined-up interviews even if they weren't going to go to those schools regardless. think about how many less interview spots there would be for others applying to this process....

the fact is there are much more qualified applicants for medical school than there are seats. you are taking away some of that hope for the left over bunch of qualified applicants that are struggling to get into med school. if you dont see the fault in what you're doin... i dont know what to say.

Hmmn, sounds kinda bad. But here listen to this. we have an interview next week, if we cancel i doubt someone can get that invite, book an airline, book a hotel with such short notice. Also we have already purchased airline tickets, booked hotels ourselves. DO you propose that we just throw all that money away that we have already spent? And which we cannot get back (no-refunds). Now if someone wants to pay me the money we spent then by all means i will cancel the interviews.

Honestly would you having already paid, just cancel and lose your money?

 

[Stolenspatulas]

Hmmn, sounds kinda bad. But here listen to this. we have an interview next week, if we cancel i doubt someone can get that invite, book an airline, book a hotel with such short notice. Also we have already purchased airline tickets, booked hotels ourselves. DO you propose that we just throw all that money away that we have already spent? And which we cannot get back (no-refunds). Now if someone wants to pay me the money we spent then by all means i will cancel the interviews.

Honestly would you having already paid, just cancel and lose your money?

thats on your conscience to decide. not mine. and most airlines if you call their support line will give you credit (if you purchased a non-refundable tick) that you can use on a later flight within a year or so.

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

thats on your conscience to decide. not mine. and most airlines if you call their support line will give you credit (if you purchased a non-refundable tick) that you can use on a later flight within a year or so.

True, but if i cancel the interviews, where would i be flying to? I have no need to fly OOS otherwise. And most likely when i do have reason to fly OOS they will be expired.

Also what about the booked hotels?

 

[alwaysaangel]

True, but if i cancel the interviews, where would i be flying to? I have no need to fly OOS otherwise. And most likely when i do have reason to fly OOS they will be expired.

Also what about the booked hotels?

Wow. I get that you are a loser who sits at home trolling premed forums all day. But is your life so sad that you have you NEVER reserved a hotel? NO hotel charges your credit card until you check-in/out. And they all let you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

If you're going to make up stories on a premed forum I advise you to at least get some semblance of a life so you can be convincing.

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

Wow. I get that you are a loser who sits at home trolling premed forums all day. But is your life so sad that you have you NEVER reserved a hotel? NO hotel charges your credit card until you check-in/out. And they all let you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

If you're going to make up storied on a premed forum I advise you to at least get some semblance of a life so you can be convincing.

Please other sdners dont feed this bitter troll.

Btw--I hadnt booked a hotel before nor asked about it. Now I know.

 

[Stolenspatulas]

True, but if i cancel the interviews, where would i be flying to? I have no need to fly OOS otherwise. And most likely when i do have reason to fly OOS they will be expired.

Also what about the booked hotels?

it is possible to come out of your situtation with minimal to zero financial loss if you play your cards right. you can cancel most hotel reservations without penalty (if you act fast). i dont know man, do what you want. i know what i would do, and thats not take up someone else's interview spot. what's lost in this profession is the notion that becoming a doctor is not about individual accomplishment... its about becoming a part of something more... having pride in all your acceptances and your gpa and your other whatever does not make others on this site that might not have such great news feel great. you're kicking 'em in the legs when you brag. then you're breaking their legs when you eat up interview spots.

 

[joanofarc0907]

Wow. I get that you are a loser who sits at home trolling premed forums all day. But is your life so sad that you have you NEVER reserved a hotel? NO hotel charges your credit card until you check-in/out. And they all let you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

If you're going to make up stories on a premed forum I advise you to at least get some semblance of a life so you can be convincing.

Actually I was charged for cancelling a hotel reservation because I did it through hotels.com Not all the hotels on hotels.com did this, but one particular one charged me 25 dollars for cancelling when i found a better deal (the deal was so much better it was still cheaper with the 25 dollar charge added)

 

[alwaysaangel]

Actually I was charged for cancelling a hotel reservation because I did it through hotels.com Not all the hotels on hotels.com did this, but one particular one charged me 25 dollars for cancelling when i found a better deal (the deal was so much better it was still cheaper with the 25 dollar charge added)

Yeah well thats a minority of hotels - most don't do that.

And it doesn't change the fact that he's the same old troll that the mods won't ban for some reason.

 

[Stolenspatulas]

Yeah well thats a minority of hotels - most don't do that.

And it doesn't change the fact that he's the same old troll that the mods won't ban for some reason.

i dont think he's a troll. he just might have really wierd views on things that dont very much agree with the personality qualities of what i think make not only good human beings, but good doctors. why do you say he's an outright troll?

 

[alwaysaangel]

i dont think he's a troll. he just might have really wierd views on things that dont very much agree with the personality qualities of what i think make not only good human beings, but good doctors. why do you say he's an outright troll?

Read his early posts - they're the same style as the troll that came through here with 80 different names in a month. He's toned it down a bit, but its the same exact style and manner as those trolls.

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

Actually I was charged for cancelling a hotel reservation because I did it through hotels.com Not all the hotels on hotels.com did this, but one particular one charged me 25 dollars for cancelling when i found a better deal (the deal was so much better it was still cheaper with the 25 dollar charge added)

Thats what i am afraid of. I mean i already am a poor student!

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

i dont think he's a troll. he just might have really wierd views on things that dont very much agree with the personality qualities of what i think make not only good human beings, but good doctors. why do you say he's an outright troll?

Its the same thing in real life spat, some people dont agree with your views so they "hate" on you and call you names. I believe they call this "discrimination" and or "racists".I just try to ignore those people and remember that i am being the mature adult.

 

[joanofarc0907]

I think sometimes he trolls, and sometimes he is helpful hence the reason he hasn't been banned. He isn't like other trolls in that recently at least, most information he has been giving has contributed to discussions and has been helpful. i will admit i didn't read his first posts, but i have to say, i like denmark

EDIT: In fact, all of his threads are actually not bad at all. Therefore I wouldn't even say he is a troll, he just likes to talk about his success and well, though people who aren't doing well might not enjoy hearing about it, it isn't trolling

 

[Stolenspatulas]

Read his early posts - they're the same style as the troll that came through here with 80 different names in a month. He's toned it down a bit, but its the same exact style and manner as those trolls.

wow... since im hungover then...





DenmarkDoctor

 

[lilold3chordme]

in an effort to defuse some of the tension in this thread, what are people's thoughts on withdrawing from schools that you've already interviewed at? i see accepted people withdrawing from places that they have scheduled interviews for, but not necessarily from places they're waiting to hear from.

does it help others to withdraw before a decision is made? i only ask because since the time/money/effort has been made, is it socially acceptable to see if you did get in and might be able to get better aid packages from them?

thoughts, anyone?

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

I think sometimes he trolls, and sometimes he is helpful hence the reason he hasn't been banned. He isn't like other trolls in that recently at least, most information he has been giving has contributed to discussions and has been helpful. i will admit i didn't read his first posts, but i have to say, i like denmark

😍

 

[Stolenspatulas]

in an effort to defuse some of the tension in this thread, what are people's thoughts on withdrawing from schools that you've already interviewed at? i see accepted people withdrawing from places that they have scheduled interviews for, but not necessarily from places they're waiting to hear from.

does it help others to withdraw before a decision is made? i only ask because since the time/money/effort has been made, is it socially acceptable to see if you did get in and might be able to get better aid packages from them?

thoughts, anyone?

it definitely helps to withdraw before a decision is made. think of the domino effect. you withdraw a potential acceptance you dont care about... someone else may get in because of that...then they wont be selfish about other interview invites and cancel those...etc

 

[MadHopsMD]

Please other sdners dont feed this bitter troll.

Btw--I hadnt booked a hotel before nor asked about it. Now I know.

They are right dude. You should not go to places YOU do not want to go.

1) You can get refunds for plane ticket, or give you credit (you will travel in the future I am sure). As for hotels, one week isnt too late to cancel. Not to mention the time you will waste interviewing. Unless you love to talk about yourself, no one likes to spend their time interviewing...

2) You are taking away spots for other interviewers. Usually what happens if someone cancels within a week. The interview seat usually goes to a student who has applied to that school and lives in that area. So, do not fret, your interview seat will definitely be filled.

Again, if you are doing if for competition, you are just wasting your time and money.

My suggestion: Save the money (from the hotel and airplane tickets). And celebrate with your buddy by going to mexico or cuba or dominican republic. 500 bucks/week all expense paid (including all you can drink!!!). Hey, you can use your travel credit here! You will meet lots of local and vacationing ladies also 😀 . Instead of polishing up your skills talking to the interviewers about yourself, spend it, taking to the ladies bud. Trust me, the payoff could be as good 😉

Again, now that you have your acceptance, dont go to the schools you have NO intention of going to. Let others have a chance.

 

[mintendo]

I don't see how withdrawing from interview invites increases anyone else's chance to getting into that school.

In theory, for a class of 100 students, 100 of the best qualified students will get in.

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

They are right dude. You should not go to places YOU do not want to go.

1) You can get refunds for plane ticket, or give you credit (you will travel in the future I am sure). As for hotels, one week isnt too late to cancel. Not to mention the time you will waste interviewing. Unless you love to talk about yourself, no one likes to spend their time interviewing...

2) You are taking away spots for other interviewers. Usually what happens if someone cancels within a week. The interview seat usually goes to a student who has applied to that school and lives in that area. So, do not fret, your interview seat will definitely be filled.

Again, if you are doing if for competition, you are just wasting your time and money.

My suggestion: Save the money (from the hotel and airplane tickets). And celebrate with your buddy by going to mexico or cuba or dominican republic. 500 bucks/week all expense paid (including all you can drink!!!). Hey, you can use your travel credit here! You will meet lots of local and vacationing ladies also 😀 . Instead of polishing up your skills talking to the interviewers about yourself, spend it, taking to the ladies bud. Trust me, the payoff could be as good 😉

Again, now that you have your acceptance, dont go to the schools you have NO intention of going to. Let others have a chance.

Although your avatar is "full of sh-T", your post makes some good sense. Taking a trip with those vouchers could be a good idea.

But another reason for going on interviews at my lower ranked schools is the possibility of getting a full/partial sholarship which would then increase their standings with me. Sorry if i am planning for my future (debt wise), but dont you guys think about this as well?

 

[joanofarc0907]

My advice: do what you want to do. It may be dicking 1 person out of an interview for that school, and say you go to 5 interviews you would have otherwise cancelled, thats only 5 people who are even slightly effected and who knows if they would have gotten an interview there anyways. if you really don't think you will even consider the schools you are interviewing at, then i personally believe it is a waste of time and money that could be used other ways (like vacationing somewhere fabulous and warm) but like i said before, do what you want

 

[DenmarkDoctor]

I don't see how withdrawing from interview invites increases anyone else's chance to getting into that school.

In theory, for a class of 100 students, 100 of the best qualified students will get in.

In there minds, If i withdraw from school X then the applicant with a mcat 19 gpa 2.1 will have more of a chance to get that interview spot. But this like you said isnt the case.

FYI--Me and my buddy have cancelled those that there is no chance of us attending. If there is a slight chance of attending (with scholarships) then we shouldnt be flamed for not canceling!

 

[Stolenspatulas]

I don't see how withdrawing from interview invites increases anyone else's chance to getting into that school.

In theory, for a class of 100 students, 100 of the best qualified students will get in.

ok lets say hypothetically there's this person a school really wants.....or WOULD want... but for some reason through pre-screening (maybe a low gpa, low mcat, or combination of both) they are a borderline selection for an interview.... now if this hypothetical person would get an interview, they would WOW the interviewer and DEFINITELY get in... so now they just have to get that interview..... and if someone who's not interested in going to the school takes their interview invite....thats one less chance that they would be granted an interview...dont you think thats cruel?

btw, this does not describe me so im not bitchin about my own situation.

 

[Stolenspatulas]

If there is a slight chance of attending (with scholarships) then we shouldnt be flamed for not canceling!

i agree with this. if you're legitimately interested in the school, then of course you should interview. what you wrote about before made it appear that you were just interviewing for the sake of competition.

 

[Stolenspatulas]

In there minds, If i withdraw from school X then the applicant with a mcat 19 gpa 2.1 will have more of a chance to get that interview spot. But this like you said isnt the case.

wow you're really in love with your own accomplishments arent ya?

 

[mintendo]

ok lets say hypothetically there's this person a school really wants.....or WOULD want... but for some reason through pre-screening (maybe a low gpa, low mcat, or combination of both) they are a borderline selection for an interview.... now if this hypothetical person would get an interview, they would WOW the interviewer and DEFINITELY get in... so now they just have to get that interview..... and if someone who's not interested in going to the school takes their interview invite....thats one less chance that they would be granted an interview...dont you think thats cruel?

btw, this does not describe me so im not bitchin about my own situation.

This could happen I supposed, except highly unlikely, going from barely getting an interview to "DEFINITELY" getting an acceptance.

 

[MadHopsMD]

In there minds, If i withdraw from school X then the applicant with a mcat 19 gpa 2.1 will have more of a chance to get that interview spot. But this like you said isnt the case.

FYI--Me and my buddy have cancelled those that there is no chance of us attending. If there is a slight chance of attending (with scholarships) then we shouldnt be flamed for not canceling!

its a trickle down effect. A guy with stats just lower than a schools stats get an interview, and thus a chance to WOW the interviewer and school, thus earning an acceptance. Now the same person would decline another interview from another school, that will help another person...and so on, till we go to lower tier schools.

but unless I read your posts differently, you never stated that you were going there in the hopes of earning a "scholarship". It seemed to us, that you were just going to show off to your friends about how many acceptances you can get. Do you understand why ppl are angry?

But yes, if you are going to an interview for "potential scholarships" that could influence your decision, then it is a legimate reason to go 👍

 

[Stolenspatulas]

This could happen I supposed, except highly unlikely, going from barely getting an interview to "DEFINITELY" getting an acceptance.

ok, well whatever, not DEFINITELY gettin in, but giving them a chance to make a strong impression. give 'em a chance right?

and btw, there are some people every year with MCAT section scores of 6-7s that still get into harvard and other top schools. these applicants may be overlooked if everyone went to itnerviews they didnt care about.

 

[mintendo]

Denmarkdoc has every right to go to all the interview that he wants to.

Though it'd be nice of him to withdraw from schools he has no interest in, especially the ones I haven't heard from 😀

 

[peterpansy]

After reading through a bunch of threads about withdrawing, or people asking others to withdraw and attacking those who don't, I'm getting more and more frustrated. I understand that everyone wants a chance to interview, and that every applicant who interviews is taking someone else's spot. I understand that we, as future doctors, should value altruism. Still, I don't want to give up the interview offers I have simply because I have an acceptance at a school I like and others don't. What if I really like a different school after I visit? What if they offer me a better financial aid package, if I am accepted? If there is a chance that I will go to a school, why should I give it up for someone else's sake?
Secondly, do people ever stop to think that out of 800-900 people interviewed, only 300 or so are accepted and the rest are waitlisted/rejected? While interview does carry weight in the process, if your application isn't strong enough to secure an invite in the first place, how exactly would an interview change the committee's opinion so drastically as to extend an acceptance offer? I hate that people spend their lives blaming others for their own lack of success. If it's not the "underqualified" URM applicants, then it must be the overqualified ones. Why can't everyone just focus on their own efforts?
I am not trying to say that people should hold on to interviews/acceptances at places they definitely know they won't attend. The problem is, it is difficult to decide which school to attend (as evidenced by countless School A vs. School B threads) and having the extra guilt pressure added to the mix only makes it harder. Besides, schools know that not every applicant they interview and accept will attend their institution. They decide how many to interview and accept based on that assumption. So stop biting people's heads off for trying to decide where to spend the next 4 years of their lives, and try to do your best in the process so that you end up in their position instead. Rant over, and good luck to everyone, even trolls (they need love too, they probably didn't get enough in their childhood 😛 )

 

[MadHopsMD]

After reading through a bunch of threads about withdrawing, or people asking others to withdraw and attacking those who don't, I'm getting more and more frustrated. I understand that everyone wants a chance to interview, and that every applicant who interviews is taking someone else's spot. I understand that we, as future doctors, should value altruism. Still, I don't want to give up the interview offers I have simply because I have an acceptance at a school I like and others don't. What if I really like a different school after I visit? What if they offer me a better financial aid package, if I am accepted? If there is a chance that I will go to a school, why should I give it up for someone else's sake?
Secondly, do people ever stop to think that out of 800-900 people interviewed, only 300 or so are accepted and the rest are waitlisted/rejected? While interview does carry weight in the process, if your application isn't strong enough to secure an invite in the first place, how exactly would an interview change the committee's opinion so drastically as to extend an acceptance offer? I hate that people spend their lives blaming others for their own lack of success. If it's not the "underqualified" URM applicants, then it must be the overqualified ones. Why can't everyone just focus on their own efforts?
I am not trying to say that people should hold on to interviews/acceptances at places they definitely know they won't attend. The problem is, it is difficult to decide which school to attend (as evidenced by countless School A vs. School B threads) and having the extra guilt pressure added to the mix only makes it harder. Besides, schools know that not every applicant they interview and accept will attend their institution. They decide how many to interview and accept based on that assumption. So stop biting people's heads off for trying to decide where to spend the next 4 years of their lives, and try to do your best in the process so that you end up in their position instead. Rant over, and good luck to everyone, even trolls (they need love too, they probably didn't get enough in their childhood 😛 )

I think ppl were more angry at his attitude. He was "competing" with his friends to see who gets the number of acceptances... that doesnt sound very nice for ppl who are struggling to get ONE interview, not just an acceptance... 😀

 

[Stolenspatulas]

After reading through a bunch of threads about withdrawing, or people asking others to withdraw and attacking those who don't, I'm getting more and more frustrated. I understand that everyone wants a chance to interview, and that every applicant who interviews is taking someone else's spot. I understand that we, as future doctors, should value altruism. Still, I don't want to give up the interview offers I have simply because I have an acceptance at a school I like and others don't. What if I really like a different school after I visit? What if they offer me a better financial aid package, if I am accepted? If there is a chance that I will go to a school, why should I give it up for someone else's sake?
Secondly, do people ever stop to think that out of 800-900 people interviewed, only 300 or so are accepted and the rest are waitlisted/rejected? While interview does carry weight in the process, if your application isn't strong enough to secure an invite in the first place, how exactly would an interview change the committee's opinion so drastically as to extend an acceptance offer? I hate that people spend their lives blaming others for their own lack of success. If it's not the "underqualified" URM applicants, then it must be the overqualified ones. Why can't everyone just focus on their own efforts?
I am not trying to say that people should hold on to interviews/acceptances at places they definitely know they won't attend. The problem is, it is difficult to decide which school to attend (as evidenced by countless School A vs. School B threads) and having the extra guilt pressure added to the mix only makes it harder. Besides, schools know that not every applicant they interview and accept will attend their institution. They decide how many to interview and accept based on that assumption. So stop biting people's heads off for trying to decide where to spend the next 4 years of their lives, and try to do your best in the process so that you end up in their position instead. Rant over, and good luck to everyone, even trolls (they need love too, they probably didn't get enough in their childhood 😛 )

i was only irritated because denmarkdoc made it seem he was going to interviews at schools that he was not considering at all, just for competition. of course if there is a very slim chance he would attend a school that he's recieved an interview from (be it because of financial aid, merit scholarship, whatever), he should GO to the interview.

nobody here was bitching for no reason.