Columbia Waitlist 2006

[BlueDiablo]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I got the letter with the request to write and phone frequently, but no hand written note. Did yours? Would you mind telling us what it said?

I got a note at the bottom, it said something like this: "Thanks for your letter. It will be some time before movement occurs on the waitlist, but we will keep you very much in mind."

I sent a letter with the acceptance of the waitlist, which is what he is referring to. Who knows what it all means, I wonder if he knows his every move is analyzed by us?

 

[Wolfgang12345]

I got a note at the bottom, it said something like this: "Thanks for your letter. It will be some time before movement occurs on the waitlist, but we will keep you very much in mind."

I sent a letter with the acceptance of the waitlist, which is what he is referring to. Who knows what it all means, I wonder if he knows his every move is analyzed by us?

I feel a little crazy even asking... I think the concensus last year was that the little notes, and the wording differences didn't make any significant differences... but when you really want to get in, the smallest difference makes you wonder! Anyways, thanks for indulging my curiosity... I hope you get in!

 

[drhouse]

I wrote an email asking him for a second interview. He said he wasn't doing that at this time. But, and here's the kicker, they will keep me very much in mind.

 

[BlueDiablo]

I feel a little crazy even asking... I think the concensus last year was that the little notes, and the wording differences didn't make any significant differences... but when you really want to get in, the smallest difference makes you wonder! Anyways, thanks for indulging my curiosity... I hope you get in!

yeah don't worry, I know what you mean. I can't deny that I was fired up about it when I got it, but now I'm trying to curb my enthusiasm after reading last year's thread.

I also emailed him for a second interview, but didn't get a response. Maybe they'll start doing them towards the end of April when the list starts moving some more. Is that how it went in last year's thread?

 

[Wolfgang12345]

yeah don't worry, I know what you mean. I can't deny that I was fired up about it when I got it, but now I'm trying to curb my enthusiasm after reading last year's thread.

I also emailed him for a second interview, but didn't get a response. Maybe they'll start doing them towards the end of April when the list starts moving some more. Is that how it went in last year's thread?

I PM'd someone who got off the waitlist last year, and he suggested asking for the second interview closer to the May 15th cutoff. I get the impression that sometimes he offers admission at the spur of the moment, so it's better to interview when there are spots available to be filled. I really get the feeling that the process is random, some people asked for and did or didn't get the interview, others didn't even request one, but got it anyways... I don't know, just would love to get in!!!

 

[csbrow02]

That's the exact wording my note had.

I got a note at the bottom, it said something like this: "Thanks for your letter. It will be some time before movement occurs on the waitlist, but we will keep you very much in mind."

I sent a letter with the acceptance of the waitlist, which is what he is referring to. Who knows what it all means, I wonder if he knows his every move is analyzed by us?

 

[Brainsucker]

Wolfgang, I'd be wary of that strategy. You might not be able to schedule an appointment if you try too late.

 

[Wolfgang12345]

Wolfgang, I'd be wary of that strategy. You might not be able to schedule an appointment if you try too late.

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a try in April just to be safe.

 

[StacyCA]

has anyone been or heard of anyone being accepted off the waitlist yet

does it not normally move until may 15

 

[BlueDiablo]

has anyone been or heard of anyone being accepted off the waitlist yet

does it not normally move until may 15

nothing here. from reading the thread from last year it seems to start moving late april with a big push mid and late may. the link for last year's thread is on page 2 of this in a post by wolfgang.

 

[Wildthing]

I was accepted to Cornell on Friday- won't know for sure until after both revisits but as it stands now- I will very likely be giving up my spot for one of you!

Good luck to you all! 😍

 

[PhillyMD2006]

Sweet. Only 207 more to go.

Anyone know when classes usually begin for 1st years?

 

[StacyCA]

thanks for the reply Blue D. and Wildthing I would def go to Cornell 🙂 thanks to both of you

Stacy

I was accepted to Cornell on Friday- won't know for sure until after both revisits but as it stands now- I will very likely be giving up my spot for one of you!

Good luck to you all! 😍

 

[hmmm123]

i just got into penn this morning so i am definitely withdrawing from the waitlist. good luck to all of you!

 

[Lyricist]

I just withdrew my spot; Good luck to all of you!

 

[dbhvt]

Let's keep these withdrawals coming! If you know you're going to withdraw, do it now. Think of all us poor waitlistees who don't want to have to wait untill the end of May to figure out where we are going.

d

 

[TracksuitsRock]

Who did you guys email to withdraw the spot? Frantz? Is there an all-purpose admissions email address? I'm withdrawing mine too!

ps I meant spot on the waitlist - so nobody get too excited

 

[StacyCA]

Lyricist and hmmm123 did you all withdraw from the waitlist or from accepted spots? thanks for the heads up we all appreciate it.

S

I just withdrew my spot; Good luck to all of you!

 

[PhillyMD2006]

Anyone giving up any acceptance spots?

 

[mbadoc]

They say the Columbia waitlist is the most active, what are our chances of getting off? 30-40%? Does anyone know?

Also, I got into Cornell, do you think it matters letting the Columbia Admissions know this and telling them that Columbia is still my first choice and that I would attend right away?

 

[PhillyMD2006]

They say the Columbia waitlist is the most active, what are our chances of getting off? 30-40%? Does anyone know?

Also, I got into Cornell, do you think it matters letting the Columbia Admissions know this and telling them that Columbia is still my first choice and that I would attend right away?

Why is that? Is that people who get into Columbia end up getting into slightly better schools like Harvard and Penn? People don't like New York?

I've heard this statement before and want to know...
a) if it's true
b) why

 

[sucksabigone]

I love people who withdraw! i am so happy that this awful process is coming to a close. i'm on the waitlist and am staying there (although i am dropping a vanderbilt waitlist..and probably a WashU waitlist if they ever get around to sending me the damn letter). I have mixed feelings though and am looking for advice....I'm into SUNY Stonybrook which is basically half the price (less when you add in loan stuff) and is a smaller class and is just generally a more touchy feely, let me hold your hand type of school. But Columbia is columbia. if i get in, should i just suck up the debt and go? upon interview, i liked columbia better than Stony but that feels like years ago already.

 

[Rebs]

Anyone giving up any acceptance spots?

Its all yours, I'm withdrawing my acceptance just for you. Good luck .

 

[PhotoMD]

School starts 8/28 next year.

 

[ivy91]

Is that when classes start? Is there an orientation/move-in weekend for first years? Thanks!

 

[StacyCA]

where is everyone tonight, I guess I'm the only one staying in to obsess about the waitlist🙂 i was hoping to log on to see page 4 and some more drops. BUMP

have a good weekend,

Stacy

Is that when classes start? Is there an orientation/move-in weekend for first years? Thanks!

 

[StacyCA]

i read in a previous thread that columbia sends out 250 acceptances...do you guys think this is true? is doesn't seem like a school would send out 100 more acceptances than they have seats available in a single swoop...that would have to rely heavily on some sort of data/formula of past declining acceptances...with potential to overenroll this seems unlikely...what do you all think? maybe the thread meant that after initial acceptances, and secondary, etc. acceptances including spots offered to those on the waitlist there are 250 acceptances sent out...this seems more resasonalbe b/c it negates the potential to overenroll? agree?

is there anyone on here that currently attends P&S that can clarify?

if my assumption is incorrect the implications are that more than 100 students would have to decline acceptances before those waitlisted stood a chance?

does anyone know the number of initial and subsequent acceptances and if anyone has gotten in off the waitlist this year?

Stacy

 

[StacyCA]

I found the following online at
http://t1.berlinprod.com/accounts/columbia/columbiasite8/bbs/426618092.html


do any current students know have any insight to these valuable questions?



Lisa wrote:
Based on last year’s class profile, 1247 students were
interviewed, 310 were accepted and 149 were enrolled. How
many applicants of the eventual class were admitted off of
the waitlist? How large was the waitlist? (# offered to
be on the waitlist and number that accepted the offer and
were placed on the waitlist). Can one find out where they
are on the waitlist (i.e. top 10%, top 25&, top 50%,
etc.)? Has that been the trend for the past few years?
Thank you for your help. I appreciate it!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSES
anxious - Thursday, March 09, 2006 02:46:19 PM


please please please respond!

Also Anxious - Thursday, March 09, 2006 04:51:45 PM


The following information for the past few years would be
extremely helpful in assessing the situation:
# of people offered to be on the waitlist
# of people who accepted offer and were placed on waitlist
# of positions offered from the waitlist
# of people matriculating from the waitlist
Thank you...


Anxious as well - Thursday, March 09, 2006 05:05:05 PM


This information would be really helpful. Also, can anyone tell us what would be the best things to do to improve our chances I being accepted after waitlisted. Thanks!!!!!

i read in a previous thread that columbia sends out 250 acceptances...do you guys think this is true? is doesn't seem like a school would send out 100 more acceptances than they have seats available in a single swoop...that would have to rely heavily on some sort of data/formula of past declining acceptances...with potential to overenroll this seems unlikely...what do you all think? maybe the thread meant that after initial acceptances, and secondary, etc. acceptances including spots offered to those on the waitlist there are 250 acceptances sent out...this seems more resasonalbe b/c it negates the potential to overenroll? agree?

is there anyone on here that currently attends P&S that can clarify?

if my assumption is incorrect the implications are that more than 100 students would have to decline acceptances before those waitlisted stood a chance?

does anyone know the number of initial and subsequent acceptances and if anyone has gotten in off the waitlist this year?

Stacy

 

[dbhvt]

I'm in off the wait list. I'm told I'm the first one, and that there won't be anymore movement for some time. I called on my birthday a few weeks ago to ask for a second interview. I talked to Dean Frantz. He told me that word had gotten out on the web about second interviews, and he just couldn't do them anymore because so many people had requested them. It sounded like something caught his eye in my application then, though, because then he said he would like to meet me. I had the second interview today and was admitted on the spot. I think it helped that I'm playing his favorite piano concerto in a concert later this spring. We talked about everything from Bach to Rachmaninoff to Eric Kandel to Stoppard to Shakespeare to research presentations to religion to difficult families to... he's an incredible guy. Columbia is an incredible place, and I can't believe I made it. Good luck to everyone.

 

[Pinner Doc]

I'm in off the wait list. I'm told I'm the first one, and that there won't be anymore movement for some time. I called on my birthday a few weeks ago to ask for a second interview. I talked to Dean Frantz. He told me that word had gotten out on the web about second interviews, and he just couldn't do them anymore because so many people had requested them. It sounded like something caught his eye in my application then, though, because then he said he would like to meet me. I had the second interview today and was admitted on the spot. I think it helped that I'm playing his favorite piano concerto in a concert later this spring. We talked about everything from Bach to Rachmaninoff to Eric Kandel to Stoppard to Shakespeare to research presentations to religion to difficult families to... he's an incredible guy. Columbia is an incredible place, and I can't believe I made it. Good luck to everyone.

And dbhvt (just to keep it anonymous, wink wink nudge nudge) is a wonderful guy. Very deserving of everything he has worked so hard for!!

~One thrilled friend and now fellow student

 

[BlueDiablo]

dbhvt, did you not have your first interview with Frantz?

 

[ivy91]

I'm in off the wait list. I'm told I'm the first one, and that there won't be anymore movement for some time. I called on my birthday a few weeks ago to ask for a second interview. I talked to Dean Frantz. He told me that word had gotten out on the web about second interviews, and he just couldn't do them anymore because so many people had requested them. It sounded like something caught his eye in my application then, though, because then he said he would like to meet me. I had the second interview today and was admitted on the spot. I think it helped that I'm playing his favorite piano concerto in a concert later this spring. We talked about everything from Bach to Rachmaninoff to Eric Kandel to Stoppard to Shakespeare to research presentations to religion to difficult families to... he's an incredible guy. Columbia is an incredible place, and I can't believe I made it. Good luck to everyone.

AHHH CONGRATS!!! Yaaaaaay, another classmate!! Are you coming to second look?

 

[dbhvt]

no, didn't interview with frantz first time round

yes, I'm coming to second look. It should be a blast!

 

[PhillyMD2006]

Congrats again dbhvt.

To the others still waiting, do you think this means that close to 100 people have already turned down acceptances, and he is beginning to crack the waitlist? I find it hard to believe, but I would definitely like to believe it.

My feeling is he saw dbhvt's file and realized that he probably deserved an acceptance and just went ahead and gave it to him knowing that at least some people have to get off the waitlist.

Any others get 2nd interviews?

 

[sucksabigone]

I'm in off the wait list. I'm told I'm the first one, and that there won't be anymore movement for some time. I called on my birthday a few weeks ago to ask for a second interview. I talked to Dean Frantz. He told me that word had gotten out on the web about second interviews, and he just couldn't do them anymore because so many people had requested them. It sounded like something caught his eye in my application then, though, because then he said he would like to meet me. I had the second interview today and was admitted on the spot. I think it helped that I'm playing his favorite piano concerto in a concert later this spring. We talked about everything from Bach to Rachmaninoff to Eric Kandel to Stoppard to Shakespeare to research presentations to religion to difficult families to... he's an incredible guy. Columbia is an incredible place, and I can't believe I made it. Good luck to everyone.

Congratulations!!!!! that is so exciting for you 🙂 did you just call the regular admissions line and ask to speak to the dean? i've heard the same thing about the interviews..that the poor guy is just really overwhelmed becasue the entire wait list called and asked for a second interview. 😉

 

[gregrennt]

A few points I'd like to add as a first-time poster (I only came here because I heard about student doctor while on a second look weekend, and with a family and full-time job, it's hard to dedicate time to keeping up with a message board as lively as this one):

--the handwritten note at the bottom of the confirmation letter for the wait list is standard; I now know 5 instances with the same wording. Apparently, we are all "very much in mind." That said, I'm glad Dean Frantz took the time to write it each time.

--During my interview, I spoke to as many current students as possible; I would reckon that, out of a sample of 20, 5 explicitly stated they were admitted from the wait list. So a significant portion of the "highly qualified" members are accepted.

--also from the interview, apparently it's Dean Frantz's m.o. to have someone up for a second interview--usually on HIS request--and, if he thinks you're as nice/normal/motivated as he expects (remember, everyone at this stage is bright and will make a great physician somewhere), he admits them on the spot.

--someone pointed out that a large portion of individuals on student doctor seem to hav been wait-listed; I would reply that the individuals admitted have bigger fish to fry (how to pay for it, do they accept admission, preparing for second look weekend, etc.) and those who were neither admitted nor wait-listed have little reason to post, thus the distorted impression.


All that said, I appreciate very much all of your enthusiasm; my wife and I are apprehensive about Washington Heights (we're used to lots of parks and having a yard) but are VERY much thrilled at the thought of interacting, studying, and befriending so many of you.

Finally, a question: does anyone know when Columbia's second look weekend occurs?

Cheers,
Greg

 

[Faust]

For those waiting, I am pretty sure I will be withdrawing my P&S acceptance in a few weeks...

 

[PhillyMD2006]

For those waiting, I am pretty sure I will be withdrawing my P&S acceptance in a few weeks...

wohoo. one more spot opening up. how much do you want for it Faust? how's about a kidney?

 

[Faust]

wohoo. one more spot opening up. how much do you want for it Faust? how's about a kidney?

Let me tell you, it is a heartbreaker. Yale has been my dream school so I will have to think hard about all this, but good luck. But then again, I would rather take a heart than a kidney.... 😀

By the way, I have two friends who my drop columbia as well one I think is going to UCSF and the other is on her way to WashU . So there things should be moving near the end of april early may.

good luck

 

[ivy91]

Yea, I have two friends who are dropping Columbia for Harvard and UPenn. Hope that waitlist starts moving soon for those of you waiting!

 

[Scoot]

My feeling is he saw dbhvt's file and realized that he probably deserved an acceptance and just went ahead and gave it to him knowing that at least some people have to get off the waitlist.
QUOTE]
This is my feeling and I'm not going to get to anxious yet about hearing anytime soon

 

[PhillyMD2006]

Are there any top schools out there that have not yet released any acceptances yet? I know Yale's recently went out which I hope leads to some people dropping Columbia's acceptance. Any others?

 

[StacyCA]

do any curren erudites have any insightin on the posts/questions above

Are there any top schools out there that have not yet released any acceptances yet? I know Yale's recently went out which I hope leads to some people dropping Columbia's acceptance. Any others?

 

[jeannieC]

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?)

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

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. 😀

That little pep talk nearly gave me chills. Waitlist pride mutha fu... Nevermind! Go Columbia! 🙂

 

[PHECT]

Finally, a question: does anyone know when Columbia's second look weekend occurs?

It starts on Thursday, April 6th for students... then, the weekend is a parent thing (which mind you Columbia is making parents pay $10 per parent... a little ridiculous, but I guess nothing compared to what we'll be paying next year)

 

[PhillyMD2006]

Anyone getting any responses back from Dr. Frantz other than the standard typed letter? Clearly not a good sign for me, but just wanted to gauge his responses to other people.

 

[PhillyMD2006]

bump

 

[BlueDiablo]

Philly,

I got a note at the bottom of the waitlist acceptance letter, and he wrote back to someone that wrote me a new letter of recommendation (added on to the ones in the initial application) this past week. Those are the responses I've had.

 

[eriol]

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?)

Jeannie's right on the money with all of this. I was a waitlist run-around last year as well and all the little bits like "being kept strongly in mind" and other handwritten notes drove me bonkers. So, just to reiterate/emphasize what she said:

1) Do your best not to read into little handwritten notes / other variances. Ignore them as much as possible.

2) If you want to be there let him know. Good lord, let him know. I probably wrote or called just about every two weeks. Some consider this groveling; I saw it as a reminder of my enthusiasm. While there is an admissions committee, the waitlist is entirely up to Dean Frantz, so he's the guy you want to be talking with. Enthusiasm for the school counts for many, many points in his book.

3) I literally got in on a phone call. I had called Dean Frantz to check on my status and reiterate how much I liked P&S. He called me back less than an hour later and told me that after reviewing my file again he could make me an offer of admission. Reminding them how much you love it really does work.

4) During orientation week we were sharing acceptance stories and a huge part of my class stood up to talk about getting off the waitlist - we're not lying when we say a ton of us were on it! Waitlist pride fo' life 😉

Good luck to you all.