Application..useless?

[Sharkteeth88]

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I've heard from a few previous applicants who have gone on several interviews that many schools don't even look at your personal statement, let alone anything else on your application until the day of your interview. In fact, the admissions committee directly said at my friend's interview that "we just read your personal statement today, and..." Does this mean that people like me with mediocre stats but a solid ps and application get screwed unless we get lucky enough to get a chance for an interview?😕

 

[doc toothache]

A solid ps is hardly what is needed to make it through ds.

 

[redchesus]

I don't think anyone here and speak for every adcom at every school.

But unfortunately, I believe this is what happens at most. Just think about the sheer volume of applications that these adcoms have to go through. They have to use objective parameters (i.e. things that can be automated, like numbers) to narrow things down to a manageable amount.

And even after that, there are hundreds of applicants to wade through. It doesn't make sense to read about someone in detail only to have to reread it again before the interview (I just don't see them having that kind of time, they do hold other positions besides being adcoms most likely). Sure they may scan your application for interesting tidbits, but it would make the most sense to read your PS and app in detail the day of (or close to there) so it's fresh in their memory.

Just my thoughts. I think it's humanly impossible to treat the thousands of applicants as individuals, sorry. Numbers get you in the door, then after that your subjective qualities can help you vs. those with similar numbers. But I don't think you should worry, your stats aren't probably as bad as you think.

 

[FutureDent020]

I've heard from a few previous applicants who have gone on several interviews that many schools don't even look at your personal statement, let alone anything else on your application until the day of your interview. In fact, the admissions committee directly said at my friend's interview that "we just read your personal statement today, and..." Does this mean that people like me with mediocre stats but a solid ps and application get screwed unless we get lucky enough to get a chance for an interview?😕

It was mentioned in 2 of my interviews and really emphasized during one. It doesn't make up for mediocre stats, but a strong PS can give you an advantage

 

[Sharkteeth88]

It was mentioned in 2 of my interviews and really emphasized during one. It doesn't make up for mediocre stats, but a strong PS can give you an advantage

What was mentioned? the fact that they don't look at anything but your stats until the day of the interview or the fact that a good ps does help?

 

[erk005]

I bet someone reads you PS before inviting you to interview. It is probably a different person than the one(s) interviewing you. From my understanding the admissions committee decides who to invite, but faculty and even current students can be included in the interview process. Of course the faculty and students would not have time to read every app and PS before interviewing. Anyone know more details?


Sharkteeth88: Awesome GPA/sGPA 👍

 

[JBieber]

is this true of LORs too?