Columbia Waitlist 2006

[lynn42]

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One of my friends sent in a withdrawl letter last week. He was accepted. So one more spot opens up for all of you waiting!!

 

[airflare]

So I hear a lot of stories about calling and writing letters to get accepted from the waitlist. Has anyone heard of a case where someone did all of this and was still unsuccessful?

 

[mchou]

Hi guys,

I came off the waitlist last year at the very end of April and just wanted to let you all know:

1) Waitlist movement at Columbia is huge. They do not accept much more than the ~150 available spots in the first go-around. I would say half or more than half of my class came off the waitlist -- in fact it is a rare person to find who didn't come off it. Waitlist pride 🙂.

2) If Columbia is where you really want to be, throw aside whatever offended pride or shyness you have and write those letters. Grit your teeth and make those phone calls. State explicitly that Columbia is your first choice, explain why, and say that you would drop everything else and attend if accepted. IT WORKS. I wrote Dean Frantz three letters after I was waitlisted (it was kind of goofy because I didn't really have anything new to say, but I wanted him to keep opening my file), and I called him late April. He gave me the same runaround, "keep you highly in mind," but he called me back in less than a week with an acceptance, no second interview needed. The phone call, with my file open in front of him full of my letters, made it personal. (Just call the admissions office, explain you're a waitlistee and ask to speak to him.)

3) Revisit Weekend starts April 6. We've got a crazy, fantastic time planned, and I can't wait to meet the potential class of 2010!

4) Don't ever outright ask for a "second interview." Say something like, "I'll be around in the NYC area...I'd love to drop by and meet you." And those won't start until much later, from mid-May on.

This first year has been one of the best in my life -- I never imagined medical school could be like this. My classmates are my best friends now, and they are truly some of the most amazing, talented people I know...Dean Frantz knows what he's doing, and you are all included in that pool. If Columbia really is your first choice, don't give up hope, and don't think of yourself as "second-best" or any of that crap. Give it time, write your letters, make the phone calls, and enjoy your senior year or last year of work. And I'll see you in August. 😀

(hi Ken! how's spring break going for ya?)

you emailed him or sent them in snail mail?

 

[bears22]

you emailed him or sent them in snail mail?

i would recommend snail mail. it's much more personal and requires a tad big more effort.. 🙂 in general, i think people send/receive too many emails, so they're not as meaningful.

jeannie and ken are totally right, waitlist movement is huge here. be discrete about asking to meet with dean frantz. and don't read too much into anything, because for every story of something working, there's probably a story of it not working and vice versa. there are ppl in our class who got in after being denied a second interview, but it was no big deal cuz they still got in anyways. there are people who were admitted on the spot, some days later, some a long while later. some people (like myself) got in after calling dean frantz to follow up (rather than getting called _by_ frantz).. some people get off the list before may 15, sometimes not. so... don't think too much, because you can't really predict. just show enthusiasm (no, you don't have to stroke frantz' ego or play rugby, but you DO have to show your enthusiasm for P&S.. of course!) and show it regularly!

good luck to all -- i know it can be a very emotional and nervewracking process, but in the end, it all works out. you'll go to medical school somewhere, learn a lot, and be an awesome doctor.. or, if you don't get in anywhere else.. i'd just like to say that i have a friend who applied to medical school twice, didn't get into a single school either time, and is now going to harvard law school. not a bad deal, right?? 😀 *breathe! it'll be fine!!*

good luck! hope you meet some of you at revisit!

- christine
p&s 2009

haha, this is my first (and maybe last) post on sdn ever!

 

[StacyCA]

That def keeps my spirit up although i'm still in purgatory...thanks so much for your valuable insight🙂 I was wondering if anyone has heard of anyone else getting in off the waitlist so far this year besides the guy who said that he was 27 and had asked for second interview, etc.?

Thank you,

S.CA

i would recommend snail mail. it's much more personal and requires a tad big more effort.. 🙂 in general, i think people send/receive too many emails, so they're not as meaningful.

jeannie and ken are totally right, waitlist movement is huge here. be discrete about asking to meet with dean frantz. and don't read too much into anything, because for every story of something working, there's probably a story of it not working and vice versa. there are ppl in our class who got in after being denied a second interview, but it was no big deal cuz they still got in anyways. there are people who were admitted on the spot, some days later, some a long while later. some people (like myself) got in after calling dean frantz to follow up (rather than getting called _by_ frantz).. some people get off the list before may 15, sometimes not. so... don't think too much, because you can't really predict. just show enthusiasm (no, you don't have to stroke frantz' ego or play rugby, but you DO have to show your enthusiasm for P&S.. of course!) and show it regularly!

good luck to all -- i know it can be a very emotional and nervewracking process, but in the end, it all works out. you'll go to medical school somewhere, learn a lot, and be an awesome doctor.. or, if you don't get in anywhere else.. i'd just like to say that i have a friend who applied to medical school twice, didn't get into a single school either time, and is now going to harvard law school. not a bad deal, right?? 😀 *breathe! it'll be fine!!*

good luck! hope you meet some of you at revisit!

- christine
p&s 2009

haha, this is my first (and maybe last) post on sdn ever!

 

[StacyCA]

What do you all say when you make your personal calls? Do you call the office and ask to speak with Dr. AGF? How many people are doing this?

Thanks

S.CA

That def keeps my spirit up although i'm still in purgatory...thanks so much for your valuable insight🙂 I was wondering if anyone has heard of anyone else getting in off the waitlist so far this year besides the guy who said that he was 27 and had asked for second interview, etc.?

Thank you,

S.CA

 

[gregrennt]

I am not calling the office (yet). While people keep insisting that calling is important, I wonder how much Dean Frantz really enjoys getting calls like that. If I knew otherwise, I'd call. But for now, letters will have to do.

Anyone think this is unwise?

Thanks,
Gregory

 

[StacyCA]

I think he is annoyed by everyone calling and I wish I had not. but it's your call

I am not calling the office (yet). While people keep insisting that calling is important, I wonder how much Dean Frantz really enjoys getting calls like that. If I knew otherwise, I'd call. But for now, letters will have to do.

Anyone think this is unwise?

Thanks,
Gregory

 

[sneaker7]

the answer may be obvious, but i still want to ask: for all those on the waitlist, is columbia your top choice?

 

[Sophie]

...for all those on the waitlist, is columbia your top choice?

Yes. 🙂

 

[StacyCA]

an uneqivocal and dithyrambic YES. I love P&S!!

Yes. 🙂

 

[Saluki]

Yes. 🙂

I probably shouldn't admit this on a public forum, but Columbia isn't my top choice... Mayo is- but of course they've waitlisted me too In any case, I've decided not to do the Columbia letter writing on phone call campaigning, so chances are I won't get off the waitlist...

 

[PhillyMD2006]

an uneqivocal and dithyrambic YES. I love P&S!!

Excellent use of the word "dithyrambic". I'll just follow it up with a simple "yes".

How have the phone calls to Dr. Frantz faired? Does he seem optimistic this year about waitlist movement?

 

[choweee]

So I'm obsessively reading this thread because as it so happens, Columbia was the only place to give me an interview this year. One third-year replied through email to me that "some of my classmates have some incredible stories of how Columbia ended up being the ONLY school that accepted them."

Anyone in the same situation? Let the waitlist movement begin!

 

[selkie14]

I was interviewed at 2 places besides Columbia, but they've all come out as waitlists, even my state school--I guess I was just that late in the cycle. So that's 3 waitlists...what are the chances that I'll come off of one of those? Columbia is by *far* my favorite, but I'd take anything in a heartbeat.

A question: what's the limit to which one can send update letters without sending transcripts? I had some weak coursework last semester--better this semester, though--and have been avoiding sending my transcript along. At this point, do I pretty much have to send it?

 

[StacyCA]

all schools to which I've been offered a spot require transcripts to be sent in (they are automatically sent to one of my state schools). i think it's up to us whether we send them on a waitlist but the worst may be suspected if they aren't sent or maybe they won't notice. that's all i know 🙂

I was interviewed at 2 places besides Columbia, but they've all come out as waitlists, even my state school--I guess I was just that late in the cycle. So that's 3 waitlists...what are the chances that I'll come off of one of those? Columbia is by *far* my favorite, but I'd take anything in a heartbeat.

A question: what's the limit to which one can send update letters without sending transcripts? I had some weak coursework last semester--better this semester, though--and have been avoiding sending my transcript along. At this point, do I pretty much have to send it?

 

[PhillyMD2006]

a little too quiet if you ask me.

anyone making any headway in terms of finding out how much waitlist movement to expect? any more 2nd interviews? any little notes at the bottom of letters? ANYTHING DAMN IT??? give me something b/c this wait is just killing me.

 

[mbadoc]

Is anyone else, besides me, going to go to Cornell if they do not get off the Columbia waitlist?

 

[PhillyMD2006]

Is anyone else, besides me, going to go to Cornell if they do not get off the Columbia waitlist?

I hope this doesn't set off the Cornell v. Columbia tirade. Unfortunately, my second option while nice, isn't as nice as Cornell, so I'm definitely going to keep pushing hard right up until the end.

 

[Catapult]

Have people been calling Dr. Franz to reiterate interest in the program? If so, how was your call received? Continuous contact has been the recommendation from friends who are current P&S students and many on SDN, but I wonder if he has been bombarded with too many calls this year. I've called twice to ask various questions about my application and the waitlist, and both times the admissions coordinator has offered to connect me with Dean Franz (I of course said yes). Dr. Franz was very friendly and forthcoming about the waitlist procedure the first time, but he sounded a little impatient and harassed when I spoke to him again. I wonder if I just caught him at a bad time, if he's sick of receiving calls from waitlisters or if my application is just very low on his list. Anyone else tried calling in?

I also know of at least one more person who has been accepted from the waitlist, so I'm getting nervous!

 

[PhillyMD2006]

Have people been calling Dr. Franz to reiterate interest in the program? If so, how was your call received? Continuous contact has been the recommendation from friends who are current P&S students and many on SDN, but I wonder if he has been bombarded with too many calls this year. I've called twice to ask various questions about my application and the waitlist, and both times the admissions coordinator has offered to connect me with Dean Franz (I of course said yes). Dr. Franz was very friendly and forthcoming about the waitlist procedure the first time, but he sounded a little impatient and harassed when I spoke to him again. I wonder if I just caught him at a bad time, if he's sick of receiving calls from waitlisters or if my application is just very low on his list. Anyone else tried calling in?

I also know of at least one more person who has been accepted from the waitlist, so I'm getting nervous!

In addition to that Univ of Vermont guy with the ridiculous ECs and grades? I think it was Vermont, but I'm too lazy to look.

What's the deal with your friend who got in? Letters, calls, 2nd interview, acceptance on the spot, and any other details you know?

 

[BlueDiablo]

I got a postcard recently saying thanks for a letter I sent in, which probably means......... nothing.

 

[eriol]

but he sounded a little impatient and harassed when I spoke to him again. I wonder if I just caught him at a bad time, if he's sick of receiving calls from waitlisters or if my application is just very low on his list. Anyone else tried calling in?

He sounded like that everytime I called. I guess it's just the way he speaks. Keep the faith.

 

[dbhvt]

In addition to that Univ of Vermont guy with the ridiculous ECs and grades?

How nice of you to say. 😳

 

[Catapult]

In addition to that Univ of Vermont guy with the ridiculous ECs and grades? I think it was Vermont, but I'm too lazy to look.

What's the deal with your friend who got in? Letters, calls, 2nd interview, acceptance on the spot, and any other details you know?

Yeah, someone different, not on SDN. Someone I kept in touch with from the interview. I don't know how she found out or what she did, if anything, to gain acceptance. But I'm jealous!

 

[mbadoc]

I got a postcard recently saying thanks for a letter I sent in, which probably means......... nothing.

You got a postcard? I got a form letter saying thanks for the letter I sent in. Does it matter if you receive a postcard or a form letter? Maybe that indicates something....

 

[StacyCA]

got personal notes on 1 postcard and 3 letters, in my case at least i don't think it means anything. happy for anyone that gets in off waitlist so far but i know people with 40+ mcat and grades that haven't with cv to match so i'm not sure how much suspicious. i hope it's true to give us all hope. glad to see this list finally gt some activity. does anyone like to run i hope i have some people to run/workout with should we ever get in.

please some people who got in off the waitlist renew our hope.

how many publications as primary and co- do people have and do you think it matters? what about impact factors

columbia is sine qua non to quality education

Yeah, someone different, not on SDN. Someone I kept in touch with from the interview. I don't know how she found out or what she did, if anything, to gain acceptance. But I'm jealous!

 

[ssc_396]

how many publications as primary and co- do people have and do you think it matters? what about impact factors

columbia is sine qua non to quality education

I am 99% sure that I'll withdraw my spot at Columbia within the next couple of weeks. I love the school but it's too $$.

Btw I have 12 publications and 10 first author in journals with impact factor 5-15. I don't know about other people but these were brought up repeatedly during my interview and I'm sure played a huge role in my acceptance.

 

[PhillyMD2006]

I am 99% sure that I'll withdraw my spot at Columbia within the next couple of weeks. I love the school but it's too $$.

Btw I have 12 publications and 10 first author in journals with impact factor 5-15. I don't know about other people but these were brought up repeatedly during my interview and I'm sure played a huge role in my acceptance.

What??? Please tell me you have already gotten your PhD or at least been out of school for a couple of years. That is a pretty phenomenal feat though.

 

[Saluki]

Does anyone know Dean Frant's email address? I'm sending a question, not a letter of interest...

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

Google his name along with Columbia and you'll find his email 👍

P.S. I would just post it, but I think it might be innapropriate to do so

 

[Saluki]

Google his name along with Columbia and you'll find his email 👍

P.S. I would just post it, but I think it might be innapropriate to do so

The email address I found from google gave me a delivery failure... Can someone pm me with his email address?

 

[ssc_396]

What??? Please tell me you have already gotten your PhD or at least been out of school for a couple of years. That is a pretty phenomenal feat though.

Thanks - yes, I've been out of school forever and those are from a MSc and PhD

 

[BlueDiablo]

I feel like Columbia gets a lot of students who have been out of school for a while. My question.... how do you put up with Bard Hall?? I'm not liking the thought of a shared bathroom and I'm right out of college.

 

[ssc_396]

I feel like Columbia gets a lot of students who have been out of school for a while. My question.... how do you put up with Bard Hall?? I'm not liking the thought of a shared bathroom and I'm right out of college.

Thankfully I am married with kids so we'd be in one of the towers. I'd say it's almost worth getting married so you don't need to live at Bard. But hey, what does not kill you will make you stronger 🙂

 

[PhillyMD2006]

Thankfully I am married with kids so we'd be in one of the towers. I'd say it's almost worth getting married so you don't need to live at Bard. But hey, what does not kill you will make you stronger 🙂

let's see if you'll be saying that 10 years from now.... j/k.

-single and loving it

 

[StacyCA]

BUMP

that's funny 🙂

let's see if you'll be saying that 10 years from now.... j/k.

-single and loving it

 

[Saluki]

I emailed Dean Frantz asking him about the policy on letting waitlistees defer, and he didn't even write me back. So, if we're thinking correspondence is some kind of positive sign, then I'm in trouble.... 😛

 

[luvbugstarsky]

I emailed Dean Frantz asking him about the policy on letting waitlistees defer, and he didn't even write me back. So, if we're thinking correspondence is some kind of positive sign, then I'm in trouble.... 😛

I spoke somone in the admis office. They said alternates are generally expected to matriculate, but that requests can be made for deferals. She said they would be reviewed and considered but she emphasized that alternates that come off the list are generally expected to matriculate. I take it as meaning... unless you've a really good reason... probably not. Hope that helps.

Also, don't sweat the non-reply... I think Frantz and the admis office doesn't reply to e-mails as diligently. I've sent him both e-mails and letters, my letters have all been responded to to... non of my e-mails.

Good luck

 

[Sophie]

I emailed Dean Frantz asking him about the policy on letting waitlistees defer, and he didn't even write me back. So, if we're thinking correspondence is some kind of positive sign, then I'm in trouble.... 😛

I sent him an email a few weeks ago and still haven't received a reply. I'm not worried so much about not getting a reply - I'm sure he's busy - but I hope my email still counts as a sign of my interest in going to Columbia.

 

[Faust]

I emailed Dean Frantz asking him about the policy on letting waitlistees defer, and he didn't even write me back. So, if we're thinking correspondence is some kind of positive sign, then I'm in trouble.... 😛

Try emailing Dr. Frantz on Fridays!


By the way, I just sent in my withdrawal letter. Peace. 👍

 

[Saluki]

Try emailing Dr. Frantz on Fridays!


By the way, I just sent in my withdrawal letter. Peace. 👍

Congrats on Yale, Faust!

 

[drhouse]

Is May 15 the day they start notifying alternates? Or is it the day that the spots start opening up? How do they let you know? And how many spots typically open up on the 15th (and not later on)?...

Anybody have some insight?

 

[Saluki]

Is May 15 the day they start notifying alternates? Or is it the day that the spots start opening up? How do they let you know? And how many spots typically open up on the 15th (and not later on)?...

Anybody have some insight?

I have some guesses if you're willing to hear those 😛

May 15 is the day that people have to give up multiple acceptances, so I'd assume that they would start notifying alternates a few days to a couple weeks after that... I've heard that the majority of spaces at schools open up right after that because all the people with twelve acceptances have to give up eleven, etc. But there will still be a little movement after that... i.e. When someone gives up Harvard, then a person from their waitlist will move up and might give up a spot at UCSF, then a person moves up from their waitlist and has to give up Columbia and so on. However, I think this would mean that there would be more movement at the bottom schools than at top ranked ones....

 

[StacyCA]

Has anyone notice on the old threads when movement generally begins and did the date for narrowing down multiple acceptances 1 used to be May 15th also? Does anyone know when all of the FAFSA aid is declared I would think that may effect some people's decisions?

SCA

I have some guesses if you're willing to hear those 😛

May 15 is the day that people have to give up multiple acceptances, so I'd assume that they would start notifying alternates a few days to a couple weeks after that... I've heard that the majority of spaces at schools open up right after that because all the people with twelve acceptances have to give up eleven, etc. But there will still be a little movement after that... i.e. When someone gives up Harvard, then a person from their waitlist will move up and might give up a spot at UCSF, then a person moves up from their waitlist and has to give up Columbia and so on. However, I think this would mean that there would be more movement at the bottom schools than at top ranked ones....

 

[sneaker7]

spoke with admissions not too long ago and they mentioned that most notifications go out by end of may, some in june, and just a few in july

 

[PhillyMD2006]

spoke with admissions not too long ago and they mentioned that most notifications go out by end of may, some in june, and just a few in july

so essentially if you don't hear by early June, it's time to move on?

anyone hear of any other waitlistees getting off so far? according to my count (of people who post on SDN), it is 2.

 

[sneaker7]

so essentially if you don't hear by early June, it's time to move on?

that's basically my plan

 

[Brainsucker]

As someone has said, the big movement is after 5/15. I heard on 5/17 last year. A couple of my classmates got off the waitlist in the late summer, I believe, so don't give up hope entirely, but start setting up plan b.

 

[sneaker7]

anybody know how people getting off the waitlist post-may 15th will be notified?