Applicants With 5+ Interviews at Top 10 Schools

[fartzilla]

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I am super shocked and lucky to have been offered interviews at 5 of the top 10 med schools (according to USNWR). Is anyone else here in a similar situation? If so, congratulations!

I thought it would be nice to start a thread to share general thoughts about schools within this ranking range, talk about strategies for making choices when acceptances come out, and offer advice for dealing with anxiety about impending admissions results (lol).

I'm mostly concerned about the possibility of getting rejected from every single one of these schools. If some statistics genius out there could tell me the probability of getting into at least one of these schools, I would be very grateful 🙂

 

[Sheiko]

Not fooling anyone with this thinly veiled humble brag



But in all seriousness congratulations

 

[Kpw101]

A rule of thumb is that a school accepts 1/3 interviewees. If you are an average interviewee and you have a 1/3rd shot at every school, that would mean you have a (2/3)^5 probability of getting rejected from each one. Which would come out roughly to a 12.5% chance you get rejected to each one. Of course, there are no statistical models for the black magic behind medical school acceptances. Would recommend seeing a theological professor, or a professor of the dark arts.

But in all seriousness I think you should be fine if you have good interviewing skills. Don't let your anxiety get the better of you. Relax and do your interviews as they come and the rest will take care of itself.

 

[Not.a.Doc]

Can you share some advice on how you got accepted? Such as: GPA, MCAT, EC's?

 

[efle]

Depends a lot on the school. Penn interviews something like 4 per 1 admit, while UCSF accepts the majority of interviewed, etc.

 

[fartzilla]

Not fooling anyone with this thinly veiled humble brag



But in all seriousness congratulations

Haha, I appreciate it 🙂

A rule of thumb is that a school accepts 1/3 interviewees. If you are an average interviewee and you have a 1/3rd shot at every school, that would mean you have a (2/3)^5 probability of getting rejected from each one. Which would come out roughly to a 12.5% chance you get rejected to each one. Of course, there are no statistical models for the black magic behind medical school acceptances. Would recommend seeing a theological professor, or a professor of the dark arts.

But in all seriousness I think you should be fine if you have good interviewing skills. Don't let your anxiety get the better of you. Relax and do your interviews as they come and the rest will take care of itself.

That makes me feel a lot better! I feel good about all my interviews so far. I'll just go find Voldemort and see what he can do for me 😉

Depends a lot on the school. Penn interviews something like 4 per 1 admit, while UCSF accepts the majority of interviewed, etc.

UCSF <3

 

[fartzilla]

Can you share some advice on how you got accepted? Such as: GPA, MCAT, EC's?

Undergrad: Top 10 Ivy League school
GPA: 3.90+
MCAT: 36. This is average or slightly below average at some of my schools, so I was very worried haha.
ECs: Had all the prerequisite clinical volunteering (~300 hours) and shadowing (~100 hours). Spent 3+ years in the same laboratory, culminating in international research award. President of large health-related volunteer organization. Health experience abroad.

 

[coffeeandcodeine]

I'm guilty of calculating the odds of getting rejected from all of my interviews. Actually, I calculate the odds of getting accepted to at least one, which I find to be more optimistic. You can find the post interview acceptance rates via USNews, and from there you do the calculations. For instance, taking the two schools mentioned above, if you interviewed at both Penn (post-interview acceptance rate ~.25) and UCSF (post-interview rate ~.65) the odds of getting rejected from both is 0.75*0.35 = ~0.26, so the odds of getting into at least one is ~74%.

Of course, this incredibly basic math, and only works on the assumption that you're an average interviewee, which no one really is. But I enjoy calculating the odds anyway 🙂

Edit: If you dont have USNews premium access, if you let me know where you interviewed, I can give you the post-interview acceptance rates. They can also be found somewhere around this forum, I just forget the thread.

 

[fartzilla]

I'm guilty of calculating the odds of getting rejected from all of my interviews. Actually, I calculate the odds of getting accepted to at least one, which I find to be more optimistic. You can find the post interview acceptance rates via USNews, and from there you do the calculations. For instance, taking the two schools mentioned above, if you interviewed at both Penn (post-interview acceptance rate ~.25) and UCSF (post-interview rate ~.65) the odds of getting rejected from both is 0.75*0.35 = ~0.26, so the odds of getting into at least one is ~74%.

Of course, this incredibly basic math, and only works on the assumption that you're an average interviewee, which no one really is. But I enjoy calculating the odds anyway 🙂

Edit: If you dont have USNews premium access, if you let me know where you interviewed, I can give you the post-interview acceptance rates. They can also be found somewhere around this forum, I just forget the thread.

You are a treasure!! Would you mind calculating for:

Harvard, Stanford, UCSF, Hopkins, and Columbia?

 

[efle]

You are a treasure!! Would you mind calculating for:

Harvard, Stanford, UCSF, Hopkins, and Columbia?

32 Harvard
35 Johns Hopkins
65 UCSF
35 Stanford
29 Columbia

Total odds of 5 R = 7%

 

[Kpw101]

You are a treasure!! Would you mind calculating for:

Harvard, Stanford, UCSF, Hopkins, and Columbia?

You could do this basic math just by finding the Accepted and Interviewee numbers from each school. Multiply those ratios by each other and you'll have your number.

Edit: Efle just did it for you. What a nice fellow.

 

[fartzilla]

32 Harvard
35 Johns Hopkins
65 UCSF
35 Stanford
29 Columbia

Total odds of 5 R = 7%

Thank you! I like them odds

 

[coffeeandcodeine]

Looks like Efle beat me to it! Although, I have 27% as Harvard's post-interview acceptance rate, not 32. I would very much like it to be 32.... But I'm fairly sure it's lower, because my interviewer confirmed roughly 25%.

On another note, we've interviewed at all the same places, so I wonder if we've ever run into each other!

You are a treasure!! Would you mind calculating for:

Harvard, Stanford, UCSF, Hopkins, and Columbia?

 

[fartzilla]

Looks like Efle beat me to it! Although, I have 27% as Harvard's post-interview acceptance rate, not 32. I would very much like it to be 32.... But I'm fairly sure it's lower, because my interviewer confirmed roughly 25%.

On another note, we've interviewed at all the same places, so I wonder if we've ever run into each other!

Oh no way! Maybe 🙂
Have you formed any serious opinions about any of the schools after interviewing at all of them?

 

[efle]

Looks like Efle beat me to it! Although, I have 27% as Harvard's post-interview acceptance rate, not 32. I would very much like it to be 32.... But I'm fairly sure it's lower, because my interviewer confirmed roughly 25%.

On another note, we've interviewed at all the same places, so I wonder if we've ever run into each other!

I think my numbers are from a year prior, might explain any small differences !

 

[coffeeandcodeine]

I've been trying to avoid doing so, because I don't want to get attached to any single school, knowing that I might get rejected... That said, I thought Stanford was beautiful. So was UCSF, I guess I just really like Cali. I thought the students at all 5 were incredible, but not sure the vibe/culture of NYC is for me. I'd be happy to end up at any of those schools though! What are your post-interview thoughts?

Oh no way! Maybe 🙂
Have you formed any serious opinions about any of the schools after interviewing at all of them?

 

[BombsAway]

Harvard, Stanford, UCSF, Hopkins, and Columbia?

Damn, bruh. Can i read your PS?

 

[fartzilla]

I've been trying to avoid doing so, because I don't want to get attached to any single school, knowing that I might get rejected... That said, I thought Stanford was beautiful. So was UCSF, I guess I just really like Cali. I thought the students at all 5 were incredible, but not sure the vibe/culture of NYC is for me. I'd be happy to end up at any of those schools though! What are your post-interview thoughts?

I feel you! I really don't want to get attached either, but it's so hard 🙁

Personally, I loved every school but was drawn more toward the big cities. Especially loved the energy around UCSF. ALSO, I feel like I shouldn't judge schools by the medical students/faculty members I meet on my interview day since it's definitely not a perfect snapshot of the university (there are nice people everywhere), but it's soooo hard not to. The people I happened to meet at UCSF on my day were soooo much nicer than I had met anywhere else...

 

[Lucca]

Demographics: Asian male, taking gap year working at non-profit
Undergrad: Top 10 Ivy League school
GPA: 3.90+
MCAT: 36. This is average or slightly below average at some of my schools, so I was very worried haha.
ECs: Had all the prerequisite clinical volunteering (~300 hours) and shadowing (~100 hours). Spent 3+ years in the same laboratory, culminating in international research award. President of large health-related volunteer organization. Health experience abroad.

Yah this profile matches just about everyone I know who had cycles such as yours (minus health xp abroad), though MCAT were usually higher (maybe cuz they are mostly from a public flagship and not a private undergrad!).

In any case, congratulations, I think your profile is probably a really good fit for UCSF so if you have interviewed there id bet on u getting in

 

[fartzilla]

Damn, bruh. Can i read your PS?

Don't know if I want to share my PS but would be happy to talk more in depth about general strategies if you private message me 🙂

 

[aalamruad]

32 Harvard
35 Johns Hopkins
65 UCSF
35 Stanford
29 Columbia

Total odds of 5 R = 7%

Thank you! I like them odds

UCSF is supposed to be about 55 this year

 

[fartzilla]

UCSF is supposed to be about 55 this year

Yeah I thought I remembered Dean Wofsy saying 275 acceptances out of 500 interviews

 

[coffeeandcodeine]

I love SF as well, it's such an incredible city! Also the highest post-interview acceptance rate, so fingers crossed! I agree about not judging the school by the people you meet at your interview, even though thats hard for me, since they contribute so much to the overall vibe of the school. I'm sure second look weekends will provide an even better snapshot. The people I met at Hopkins were actually some of the sweetest/kindest out of all my interview days, which totally surprised since the school intimidated the hell out of me before my interview haha.

I feel you! I really don't want to get attached either, but it's so hard 🙁

Personally, I loved every school but was drawn more toward the big cities. Especially loved the energy around UCSF. ALSO, I feel like I shouldn't judge schools by the medical students/faculty members I meet on my interview day since it's definitely not a perfect snapshot of the university (there are nice people everywhere), but it's soooo hard not to. The people I happened to meet at UCSF on my day were soooo much nicer than I had met anywhere else...

 

[BombsAway]

Don't know if I want to share my PS but would be happy to talk more in depth about general strategies if you private message me 🙂

i'm not smart enough to be worth your time, but i appreciate it! Just curious if the top schools liked you to write in a no-nonsense style, or if they prefer applicants that make everything super grandiose, and church everything up. ex: "reflecting on my time doing X I learned so much about XYZ and how I could use those qualities to help my future patients". VS: "As the sirens rang through the night, finding their way through the hospital doors until they ushered a desperate patient into the trauma bay, I was reminded of my research that i'll pretend is a way bigger deal than it really was. The small minority child I made a deep connection with in my 1 hour of nonclinical volunteering peered up at me and inspired my decision to do whatever it is that your school's mission is looking for. Extra adjectives and drama for effect." I prefer the first one.

 

[cactusman]

Of course, all these statistical calculations assume that admissions decisions are entirely independent events. I'm guessing that since you've gotten interviews at 5 of the USNWR Top 10 med schools, your application is above-average.

 

[mw18]

i'm not smart enough to be worth your time, but i appreciate it! Just curious if the top schools liked you to write in a no-nonsense style, or if they prefer applicants that make everything super grandiose, and church everything up. ex: "reflecting on my time doing X I learned so much about XYZ and how I could use those qualities to help my future patients". VS: "As the sirens rang through the night, finding their way through the hospital doors until they ushered a desperate patient into the trauma bay, I was reminded of my research that i'll pretend is a way bigger deal than it really was. The small minority child I made a deep connection with in my 1 hour of nonclinical volunteering peered up at me and inspired my decision to do whatever it is that your school's mission is looking for. Extra adjectives and drama for effect." I prefer the first one.

I interviewed at a few of them (attend one) and I wrote in the first style. I would have felt ridiculous and over the top doing anything else. Be articulate and insightful, but not overly stylized.

 

[fartzilla]

I love SF as well, it's such an incredible city! Also the highest post-interview acceptance rate, so fingers crossed! I agree about not judging the school by the people you meet at your interview, even though thats hard for me, since they contribute so much to the overall vibe of the school. I'm sure second look weekends will provide an even better snapshot. The people I met at Hopkins were actually some of the sweetest/kindest out of all my interview days, which totally surprised since the school intimidated the hell out of me before my interview haha.

I think Hopkins' interview day was the most successful at actually changing my opinion of it. Was not as excited about it as I was about some other schools before my day, but now I could really see myself loving it there. I think that's honestly because I got to talk to current students so much during the fishbowl session. I kind of hated that format but am now realizing it really helped me learn what the school is like.

I didn't know much about the culture of each of these schools and was surprised to learn from a friend that Hopkins has a reputation for having a cutthroat/competitive vibe. I don't really think it's true, at least based on the few students I talked to.

What did you think of Harvard?

 

[fartzilla]

Of course, all these statistical calculations assume that admissions decisions are entirely independent events. I'm guessing that since you've gotten interviews at 5 of the USNWR Top 10 med schools, your application is above-average.

 

[Gurby]

Just curious if the top schools liked you to write in a no-nonsense style, or if they prefer applicants that make everything super grandiose, and church everything up. ex: "reflecting on my time doing X I learned so much about XYZ and how I could use those qualities to help my future patients". VS: "As the sirens rang through the night, finding their way through the hospital doors until they ushered a desperate patient into the trauma bay, I was reminded of my research that i'll pretend is a way bigger deal than it really was. The small minority child I made a deep connection with in my 1 hour of nonclinical volunteering peered up at me and inspired my decision to do whatever it is that your school's mission is looking for. Extra adjectives and drama for effect." I prefer the first one.

I'm a mediocre writer and definitely leaned more on the straightforward, "actions speak louder than words" approach. I think this approach is probably a lot safer. You walk a fine line and could really rub someone the wrong way if you aren't extremely careful and tasteful with a "churched up" PS. Just IMO.

 

[aldol16]

i'm not smart enough to be worth your time, but i appreciate it! Just curious if the top schools liked you to write in a no-nonsense style, or if they prefer applicants that make everything super grandiose, and church everything up. ex: "reflecting on my time doing X I learned so much about XYZ and how I could use those qualities to help my future patients". VS: "As the sirens rang through the night, finding their way through the hospital doors until they ushered a desperate patient into the trauma bay, I was reminded of my research that i'll pretend is a way bigger deal than it really was. The small minority child I made a deep connection with in my 1 hour of nonclinical volunteering peered up at me and inspired my decision to do whatever it is that your school's mission is looking for. Extra adjectives and drama for effect." I prefer the first one.

Tell a story. How you write doesn't matter if you can't tell a good story. Good stories will obviously have vivid, descriptive language, but they also won't be over-the-top. Think Hemingway. He says only a little with simple words, but you know that those words were very carefully chosen to have the exact intended effect.

 

[efle]

I still don't believe your essay style matters nearly as much as people think. It's what you've done that you tell them about in your essays that get their interest. A mediocre writer describing how they immigrated from a war torn nation and how much they've gained from their Rhodes fellowship >> the best essay ever written about cookie cutter research/volunteering/clinical time. Everyone I've asked about this in admissions/advising has said a small fraction of essays are incoherent garbage, another small fraction are very memorable because of the incredible experiences the person is recounting. Writing well about common app components is not the secret key to top school interviews!

 

[Goro]

The probability of getting accepted is 100% on you.

But congrats on the IIs!

Can you share stats and ECs? PM if needed; this will help me better advise future SDNers.

I'm mostly concerned about the possibility of getting rejected from every single one of these schools. If some statistics genius out there could tell me the probability of getting into at least one of these schools, I would be very grateful 🙂

 

[fartzilla]

The probability of getting accepted is 100% on you.

But congrats on the IIs!

Can you share stats and ECs? PM if needed; this will help me better advise future SDNers.

Will PM 🙂

 

[WedgeDawg]

Demographics: Asian male, taking gap year working at non-profit
Undergrad: Top 10 Ivy League school
GPA: 3.90+
MCAT: 36. This is average or slightly below average at some of my schools, so I was very worried haha.
ECs: Had all the prerequisite clinical volunteering (~300 hours) and shadowing (~100 hours). Spent 3+ years in the same laboratory, culminating in international research award. President of large health-related volunteer organization. Health experience abroad.

Very similar applicant profile to you - ended up at one of the schools you interviewed at. You're gonna be fine. Congrats on your interviews.

 

[alex.jl1994]

I am super shocked and lucky to have been offered interviews at 5 of the top 10 med schools (according to USNWR). Is anyone else here in a similar situation? If so, congratulations!

I thought it would be nice to start a thread to share general thoughts about schools within this ranking range, talk about strategies for making choices when acceptances come out, and offer advice for dealing with anxiety about impending admissions results (lol).

I'm mostly concerned about the possibility of getting rejected from every single one of these schools. If some statistics genius out there could tell me the probability of getting into at least one of these schools, I would be very grateful 🙂

Lol I posted a similar thread a while back also kinda worried about getting rejected from every single "good" school, just cause most of them do have low post-interview acceptance rates. Plus at my interviews, everyone else (both current students and other interviewees) seemed amazing/nice and, with let's say a 1:3 or 1:4 acceptance ratio, I couldn't imagine myself being that lucky 1 over any of the other interviewees.

 

[fartzilla]

Lol I posted a similar thread a while back also kinda worried about getting rejected from every single "good" school, just cause most of them do have low post-interview acceptance rates. Plus at my interviews, everyone else (both current students and other interviewees) seemed amazing/nice and, with let's say a 1:3 or 1:4 acceptance ratio, I couldn't imagine myself being that lucky 1 over any of the other interviewees.

The numbers don't lie. We'd have to be REALLY unlucky to have an unhappy end to our cycles at this point... but it still isn't keeping me from feeling nervous haha. I don't hear back from my first one of these schools until early Feb and don't hear back from the rest of them until March. The wait really HURTS! 😛

 

[kb1900]

On a side note, could you tell me the post interview acceptance rate for NYU? I would love you forever.........

I think it's like 30-33% if I recall correctly

Any day now...

 

[Lucca]

Lol I posted a similar thread a while back also kinda worried about getting rejected from every single "good" school, just cause most of them do have low post-interview acceptance rates. Plus at my interviews, everyone else (both current students and other interviewees) seemed amazing/nice and, with let's say a 1:3 or 1:4 acceptance ratio, I couldn't imagine myself being that lucky 1 over any of the other interviewees.

Or...everyone at your interview day could have gotten in!

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

You are a treasure!! Would you mind calculating for:

Harvard, Stanford, UCSF, Hopkins, and Columbia?

Ouch sorry to hear you didn't get an interview at Yale, what mistakes do you think you made that led to this?

 

[fartzilla]

Ouch sorry to hear you didn't get an interview at Yale, what mistakes do you think you made that led to this?

Yale just hates me. They rejected me for undergrad applications too... totally not bitter......