Applying this cycle + received Rhodes/Marshall scholarship

[Tophs]

Earlier this week I found myself in an interesting situation- I was awarded a nationally competitive scholarship (eg Rhodes/Marshall/etc) and I am also applying to med school this cycle.

The consensus of the few old threads I've seen regarding this topic is that this kind of award can be very beneficial to one's med school application, and for that reason I plan to update my schools about it. My one concern is that schools might view this negatively because I would need to defer matriculation by a year or two.

However, I'm thinking the uniqueness/prestige of the award and the way the additional degree would shape my medical career is more valuable than the potential negative view of adcoms. Any thoughts? I'm not sure whether the whole issue of deferring is something I should mention in my updates or not.

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[RogueUnicorn]

if it's that level of award the adcoms will HAPPILY allow deferrals

 

[TipToad]

Landing one of those scholarships is harder than getting into med school. Def update.

 

[FSU2013]

There is no reason not to take it. Immediately update any schools where you have acceptances or interviews. Any med school that wouldn't allow you to defer matriculation for a year because of something like that isn't worth your time.

 

[deleted127837]

If it's a Rhodes or a Marshall, it'll probably get you interviewed/accepted everywhere you're applying, and hopefully you applied to the best schools in the country.

That being said, there is no "etc." when it comes to those two. If it's not a Rhodes or a Marshall, the advice given will be inaccurate.

 

[Narmerguy]

Earlier this week I found myself in an interesting situation- I was awarded a nationally competitive scholarship (eg Rhodes/Marshall/etc) and I am also applying to med school this cycle.

The consensus of the few old threads I've seen regarding this topic is that this kind of award can be very beneficial to one's med school application, and for that reason I plan to update my schools about it. My one concern is that schools might view this negatively because I would need to defer matriculation by a year or two.

However, I'm thinking the uniqueness/prestige of the award and the way the additional degree would shape my medical career is more valuable than the potential negative view of adcoms. Any thoughts? I'm not sure whether the whole issue of deferring is something I should mention in my updates or not.

Congratulations!!

It's certainly possible that a school will have concerns about accepting a student that will have to defer. However, most schools are willing to allow 1-2 years for a scholarship of this nature. More importantly, you can certainly apply again while you're in the UK (assuming the Marshall or Rhodes) with a pretty good chance of being accepted at those same schools (a better chance, in fact, as this can only help your application).

I would definitely update them on this. 👍

If it's a Rhodes or a Marshall, it'll probably get you interviewed/accepted everywhere you're applying, and hopefully you applied to the best schools in the country.

That being said, there is no "etc." when it comes to those two. If it's not a Rhodes or a Marshall, the advice given will be inaccurate.

Eh, I may disagree on account of the Gates Cambridge Scholarships. They're newer so they don't quite have the same clout as the Marshall and Rhodes, but they're well regarded among anyone that knows what it takes to get one.

 

[red7]

That being said, there is no "etc." when it comes to those two. If it's not a Rhodes or a Marshall, the advice given will be inaccurate.

What about Fulbright? I thought that one is a pretty big deal too

 

[peregrinusOD]

...

 

[mcloaf]

What about Fulbright? I thought that one is a pretty big deal too

Fulbrights are great, but keep in mind that ~1100 Fulbright Scholarships are awarded every year vs. 32 Rhodes and 40 Marshalls.

Either way, congrats OP, and definitely update.

 

[gravitywave]

Can't speak for all schools for all of those scholarships, especially when it comes to the newer ones. Agree that Rhodes and Marshall are head and shoulders above the others. Could certainly see some schools forcing you to choose between them and a Fulbright.

definitely update though, regardless.

 

[Sophocles]

Congratulations OP!!

 

[Marika11]

Can't speak for all schools for all of those scholarships, especially when it comes to the newer ones. Agree that Rhodes and Marshall are head and shoulders above the others. Could certainly see some schools forcing you to choose between them and a Fulbright.

definitely update though, regardless.

First off, congrats OP. Secondly, I would think schools would let a student defer 1 year to do a Fulbright. It may not be as prestigious as a Rhodes/Marshall, but it is still a very noteworthy award, especially if its a research grant.

 

[Tophs]

Thanks for all the input! I am definitely going to update. If anyone in later years finds themselves in a similar situation and you are reading this thread, feel free to shoot me a pm and I'll be glad to tell you how it all works out

 

[Chickenaspen]

Bump.
Is it a "kiss of death" to let schools that have waitlisted you know that you were awarded a nationally competitive scholarship?

 

[aldol16]

I can't imagine any admissions dean saying, "Oh, that guy was awarded the Rhodes. Let's reject him because he'll have to defer a year." Schools love telling people how many Rhodes scholars are in their entering class.

 

[Chickenaspen]

I can't imagine any admissions dean saying, "Oh, that guy was awarded the Rhodes. Let's reject him because he'll have to defer a year." Schools love telling people how many Rhodes scholars are in their entering class.

 

[Chickenaspen]

Same for Fulbright research grants?

 

[mariposas905]

Speaking of scholarships, would schools let you defer to do a very prestigious (less than 1% acceptance rate) but less well-known, newer program?

 

[sat0ri]

Same for Fulbright research grants?

Fulbrights are great, but keep in mind that ~1100 Fulbright Scholarships are awarded every year vs. 32 Rhodes and 40 Marshalls

I think McLoaf put it into context 5 years ago already. I think it's just a bit complicated because a few Fulbrights are very competitive (<5% acceptance) while a great many are moderately competitive and some aren't very competitive at all (40-60% or higher). I don't think the adcoms will necessarily know which ones are very competitive though they'll likely know the name "Fulbright". Where Fulbright lacks in prestige and competitiveness of applicants (still very prestigious/competitive in grand scheme) I think there are elements like cultural exchange and global community that are very unique and would make for interesting applicants and personal statements.

Speaking of scholarships, would schools let you defer to do a very prestigious (less than 1% acceptance rate) but less well-known, newer program?

Which one are you speaking of? I'm also interested in other well-known competitive scholarships are close to this level, e.g., Churchill and Gates Cambridge, and possibly even Fulbright. I have also been looking a DAAD to go to Germany.

 

[sat0ri]

Do not assume that. Some of the top medical schools have policies that do not allow for educational deferment; only health reasons. Additionally some only allow for a single year deferment. There is no obligation for any medical school to give a deferment so do not assume

Their comment is old, but to add to this anyways... My friend received the Gates Cambridge scholarship for a 1-year masters degree and was accepted into many top 5 schools. However, only UPenn would allow for the deferment so he went there.

 

[Chickenaspen]

Well, I was already accepted at school A but really wanted to go to school B. After May 1, I contacted school B to reinforce my interest in staying on their waitlist. They already knew of my Fulbright offer and indicated previously that "of course" I could defer IF accepted off their waitlist. After May 1, I notified school B of my continued interest in their school and desire to stay on their waitlist. The Dean contacted me and asked why I was still listed as "accepted" on school A's list to which I replied I only recently requested a deferral (since I was still waiting on school B and since it was now after May 1, I thought it was only fair to open that spot to someone waiting for enrollment for this cycle). I let him know of my successful request for a deferral, acknowledged my gratitude for such good fortune, and reinforced my interest in his school- even offering to fly back for another visit. With that I was told that they would not be able to offer me a deferred or conditional acceptance for next year. Very sad. Now I'm reluctant to mention anything to my second choice school where I'm still waitlisted.

 

[sat0ri]

Well, I was already accepted at school A but really wanted to go to school B. After May 1, I contacted school B to reinforce my interest in staying on their waitlist. They already knew of my Fulbright offer and indicated previously that "of course" I could defer IF accepted off their waitlist. After May 1, I notified school B of my continued interest in their school and desire to stay on their waitlist. The Dean contacted me and asked why I was still listed as "accepted" on school A's list to which I replied I only recently requested a deferral (since I was still waiting on school B and since it was now after May 1, I thought it was only fair to open that spot to someone waiting for enrollment for this cycle). I let him know of my successful request for a deferral, acknowledged my gratitude for such good fortune, and reinforced my interest in his school- even offering to fly back for another visit. With that I was told that they would not be able to offer me a deferred or conditional acceptance for next year. Very sad. Now I'm reluctant to mention anything to my second choice school where I'm still waitlisted.

Take this with less than a grain of salt, but I would just update and tell them you were awarded a Fulbright. You can put in the frame on doing "the responsible thing" by informing the school and possibly get them to notify you faster while also getting a simultaneous "humble brag" by telling the school you won a very prestigious and notable scholarship which might tip things in your favor. Of course, the Fulbright is not meant to be merely an accolade to distinguish yourself (rather about cultural exchange, improving humanity in some form etc), but at the same time, I don't see why you can't also benefit from the prestige of it. (In the update I would focus on the good things you'll be doing as I think the Fulbright name well speak for itself when it comes to the prestige aspects.) The fact that you already have an acceptance is even more reason to just go for it, in my view.

Again, I'm uninformed and haven't applied yet so I could by way off with my assessment of your situation. At any rate, congrats!