Being in the small pool evidence of no red flags?

[About28]

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So this cycle I applied super late with a pretty decent app. I got one interview that ended in a rejection and now I'm in some kind of pre interview waitlist at a bunch of schools.

While I still have hope, I need to be realistic. I applied way too late. But something that has crossed my mind is maybe my application has a red flag. In your opinion does my one interview plus being put on a bunch of pre interview waitlists mean my only red flag was applying in November? Would I still have gotten the interview and the small pool stuff if I had a red flag?

 

[Stoptheclot]

I would be inclined to say no - to be small pooled doesn't mean no red flags. Small pools are often established by metrics (MCAT/GPA) and simply means that you make the cut but aren't reviewed yet OR don't make the current cut for an ii. I WOULD definitely agree that an early application would significantly increase your chances if you have competitive stats.

Another huge advantage would be to call the schools you get rejected, find out what THEY would recommend you improve on your app, do what they say and submit ASAP - good luck!!

 

[Goro]

I suspect that your timing, and not your history, was the problem.

So, get ready to apply June 1 this year.

So this cycle I applied super late with a pretty decent app. I got one interview that ended in a rejection and now I'm in some kind of pre interview waitlist at a bunch of schools.

While I still have hope, I need to be realistic. I applied way too late. But something that has crossed my mind is maybe my application has a red flag. In your opinion does my one interview plus being put on a bunch of pre interview waitlists mean my only red flag was applying in November? Would I still have gotten the interview and the small pool stuff if I had a red flag?

 

[About28]

I would be inclined to say no - to be small pooled doesn't mean no red flags. Small pools are often established by metrics (MCAT/GPA) and simply means that you make the cut but aren't reviewed yet OR don't make the current cut for an ii. I WOULD definitely agree that an early application would significantly increase your chances if you have competitive stats.

Another huge advantage would be to call the schools you get rejected, find out what THEY would recommend you improve on your app, do what they say and submit ASAP - good luck!!

They said that they reviewed my app in a lot of the notifications, do you still think they only looked at my stats? Also, I have a meeting with one school in early march to discuss my rejection, so that should be good.

 

[darklabel]

Depends on the pool. Some small pools can have well over 1,000 applicants and look at only GPA/MCAT. Others do a little more "in-depth".

Get ready to apply first day on June 1st and I think your options will widen.

 

[About28]

Depends on the pool. Some small pools can have well over 1,000 applicants and look at only GPA/MCAT. Others do a little more "in-depth".

Get ready to apply first day on June 1st and I think your options will widen.

Yeah I always had a back up plan so I stayed up to date with EC's and got a few great new LOR's. I just wanted to make 100% sure that my only mistake was applying late. I'm doing all the research I can. Thanks for your input!

 

[Pacna]

I know this is a common picture thrown around in discussions of "small pools." It seems like everyone gets into them.