Application Organization

[Tepi]

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I just averted my first application crisis. I thought I had missed the deadline for my pre-med committee's LORs (enter a scream here), but it turns out they extended the date anyway (sigh of relief). I think I will mark it on my calendar as my inauguration to the medical school application process. The speed with which October has gotten here has left me dazed, confused, and a little panicked (as I am throttled by a mob of pre-med applicants who have been painstakingly waiting for today to arrive).

So my question is: What did you do to keep yourself organized and on-track with the application process?

My second question: If I am submitting my application in the summer of '08, for entrance '09, does that make me in the '08-'09 application season?

On a completely unrelated note, my third question is: I had a job interview a couple of days ago (for a phlebotomist position) and didn’t take down the names of my interviewers. Now I want to write them a thank-you! Is there a way I can make it general? Is it better to not send it at all? I think I may remember their first names, but I feel that it would be inappropriate to address them as such. Thoughts, opinions, and advice?

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

So my question is: What did you do to keep yourself organized and on-track with the application process?

I am VERY anal rentitive! I created an Excel Spreadsheet that lists each school I am applying to, important dates, phone numbers, emails, names, fees, costs, ect. I am also using it to track factors that are important to me when it comes to which school I want to go to (in the case of multiple acceptances).

Good Luck!

 

[rajaholick]

its all in my head
thats probably not a good thing
but thats just how i've always rolled

 

[Tepi]

Haha, yah, the "keep track in my head" thing didn't work for me. Ill give excel a try. Thanks so much!

 

[Jpc984]

I used the excel method as well. Many people use mdapplicants to keep track as well.

 

[SmallTownEMT]

I had the wonderful experience of going through the application process twice. The first time, well, didn't go too great (just as well, a life experience I wouldn't trade for anything). So I was a pro the second time!

Each time I used an Excell sheet, listing what schools I got the secondaries from, when I completed them, when they were mailed, etc. I also kept track of when I had my composite letter mailed to each school- I didn't use Interfolio or any of those things.

 

[ina1220]

I don't know where i'd be without excel.

 

[Phlame217]

I use my PDA calendar, and also have the details on excel on both my PDA and Calendar. Yes if you are doing as I am, applying in summer '08, you are the 08-09 application group. Finally, a general letter is fine, just make sure to write formally and uniquely so it doesn't seem like a multi-purpose letter.

 

[Punchap]

On a completely unrelated note, my third question is: I had a job interview a couple of days ago (for a phlebotomist position) and didn’t take down the names of my interviewers. Now I want to write them a thank-you! Is there a way I can make it general? Is it better to not send it at all? I think I may remember their first names, but I feel that it would be inappropriate to address them as such. Thoughts, opinions, and advice?

That's tricky...can you try a Google search for their information (like a hospital website or something)? Or if you know the office has a secretary you might ask him/her for the information...

I am VERY anal rentitive! I created an Excel Spreadsheet that lists each school I am applying to, important dates, phone numbers, emails, names, fees, costs, ect. I am also using it to track factors that are important to me when it comes to which school I want to go to (in the case of multiple acceptances).

Good Luck!

Yeah, I Excel too. It was helpful already...helps me keep track of which schools I've paid, letters I've sent and to whom. I turned the raw tuition data into charts, etc. I'm a dork. 😳

 

[IUgrad]

That's tricky...can you try a Google search for their information (like a hospital website or something)? Or if you know the office has a secretary you might ask him/her for the information...



Yeah, I Excel too. It was helpful already...helps me keep track of which schools I've paid, letters I've sent and to whom. I turned the raw tuition data into charts, etc. I'm a dork. 😳

Me, too!! LOL

 

[Punchap]

Me, too!! LOL

It's good to know I'm not alone.

 

[theserbatron]

excel spreadsheet w all the necessary items for each school: red means needs to be done, yellow means in process, green means completed.

i loved seeing my spreadsheet being entirely green 😍