contingency plan?

[Sartre]

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I apologize if this has been addressed recently, but I was hoping to get some opinions on contingency plans for current applicants. I have been waitlisted at three schools, have two upcoming interviews, and am still awaiting decisions from most of the others. By the time I hear from my waitlist schools, it will be late May or June at the earliest (about the same time I would need to reapply for next cycle).

I feel I need to start preparing to reapply now. I would retake the MCAT, for example, requiring me to start studying pretty seriously as soon as possible. For everyone else out there without an acceptance yet -- how do you balance being hopeful/positive with being realistic? I loathe the idea of studying every night for an MCAT I might not even take, but I don't feel I can wait any longer 🙁

 

[Tofutti27]

I am also waitlisted at 3 schools - with no upcoming interviews scheduled. I've started to look into post-bacc programs designed to help pre-meds boost their academic record. The following site has been pretty helpful with starting to look into these programs.

http://services.aamc.org/postbac/

Other than that, I am looking into new volunteer and clinical opportunities that seem interesting (and possibly helpful for future applications).

Thanks for starting this post, I think it is a great idea for all of us waitlisters to help each other develop contingency plans - I know I can use some more ideas and suggestions!

 

[Sartre]

Thanks for the input! This whole application process is torture -- let's hope we get in somewhere and can throw out our contingency plans 😉

This is already my second time around, so I'm praying I don't have to repeat the process yet again. Anyone else have any insight?

 

[Frank Hardy]

No insight

6 waitlists for me. 1 interview coming up at my state school. Talk about pressure. 😛. I'm trying to think of plans too while I look for a job. Contingency plans cost money.

 

[mocha_lvr]

I feel I need to start preparing to reapply now. I would retake the MCAT, for example, requiring me to start studying pretty seriously as soon as possible. For everyone else out there without an acceptance yet -- how do you balance being hopeful/positive with being realistic? I loathe the idea of studying every night for an MCAT I might not even take, but I don't feel I can wait any longer 🙁

I am on 3 waitlists, waiting to hear back from one other school, no further interviews planned. I too think retaking my MCAT would help my app but there's just no way I can do it now. I'm planning to spend next year getting more volunteering/shadowing/ (maybe post bac??) and taking the MCAT and reapply for the next cycle in 2009.

 

[SurferBoyMD]

If your GPA or MCAT score is lacking, then i would recommend a post bac and retaking the MCAT. If they aren't try finding a job researching or something health related. Reassess your goals during your year working, and pump out a kick arse application...just my 2 cents

 

[batman1983]

Maybe its the frustration talking, but I am really starting to doubt medical school. So far, my 2nd application cycle has been worst than my first time in terms of getting interviews, and I applied really late the first time. The worse part is that I really dont know what else to improve upon, and the medical schools Ive talked to have not been of much support. Maybe I should just be a malpractice lawyer and try to get back at the system.........

 

[life1chance]

Although I don't share your current situation, have you ever thought of just taking a year and doing something exciting? Enough with jobs, school, research, etc. Maybe you could investigate joining the Peace Corps, Teach for America, traveling the world, backpacking over Europe? Take a "you" year! 🙂 At least, that is what I would do. Real life experiences are just as impressive as hours in a laboratory, another 32 credit hours, $20,000 worth of work, etc. Take this as an opportunity to take a break before four years of intense study!

And good luck, nonetheless.

 

[mvenus929]

I have one waitlist, 2 rejections, probably two more pre-interview rejections on the way (though I'm hoping to stem that for one school), and who knows what else at my other 2 schools.

I'm not retaking my MCAT, and there's no reason to try to boost my GPA, because I'd probably bring it down. I'm taking a year completely off, though... no reapplying in June, because I don't think my application has improved that much that schools don't know about. I'm applying to a couple training programs and research opportunities, and if I don't get accepted come May, I'll start looking for a job. Anything that results in me getting paid, cause I'm saving up this next go around.

 

[Vihsadas]

I already applied to 2 SMP programs and the Loyola 'MAMS' program. I'll probably throw a few more in there too...

 

[mocha_lvr]

I've been researching some post-bac programs and a lot of their deadlines are in June. Is it prudent to apply right away to have the best shot to get in, or is it okay to hold out and hope for an MD acceptance a little while longer?

Also, I hear that the Loyola program will guarantee an interview with completion of their program and that Drexel offers conditional acceptance in one of their programs. Does anyone know of any other post-bacc programs with similar policies? It would be great to get a foot in the door...

 

[Vihsadas]

I've been researching some post-bac programs and a lot of their deadlines are in June. Is it prudent to apply right away to have the best shot to get in?

Yes. These programs have limited spots and are highly rolling.

Also, I hear that the Loyola program will guarantee an interview with completion of their program and that Drexel offers conditional acceptance in one of their programs. Does anyone know of any other post-bacc programs with similar policies? It would be great to get a foot in the door...

Tualne's program is a linkage program to tulane, however to apply to it you have to have been waitlisted at medical school already (I'm not eligibile). Georgetown's SMP isn't linked so heavily anymore although its still probably the most well respected of the SMPs.

 

[anony mouse]

Yep, with a few waitlists and only one interview left to go I've definitely started looking into plans for next year. Thinking about an MPH program, something I am interested in and would probably enjoy. Anyone else thinking about this route? Seems that most of the programs have open rolling admissions until June (to start this summer/fall), what do you guys think about applying to MPH or SMP programs while still unsure of the outcome of this application cycle? Better to go ahead with them as a back up? Bad sign to the schools you are waitlisted at? Would they even know?

 

[Sartre]

What if we can't afford to quit our jobs and enter a full-time MPH or post-bacc program? I work in research full-time, volunteer at a hospital every week, and I've been taking as many post-bacc evening courses as I possibly can (I'm now up to 34 post-bacc credits with a 4.0). I guess it still isn't good enough.

Like all of us, I would do just about anything to get into med school. But I just can't justify quitting my job and taking a full-time "linked" post-bacc program. I really can't afford it.

 

[shiftingmirage]

I would think that if you guys are getting several waitlists, the problem is not your stats. My guess is that you either applied late and the schools are mostly full and more selective, or something is not happening in the interview.

 

[mvenus929]

do you guys think about applying to MPH or SMP programs while still unsure of the outcome of this application cycle? Better to go ahead with them as a back up? Bad sign to the schools you are waitlisted at? Would they even know?

I'll be applying to a couple Masters of Nutrition programs, to see how that works out. I don't see any harm in it, since the MPH or SMP programs will be the ones to be dropped should you get pulled from the waitlist. And you're trying to improve your application with the idea in mind that you won't be getting in, which I can't see adcoms not favoring.

 

[Sartre]

I would think that if you guys are getting several waitlists, the problem is not your stats. My guess is that you either applied late and the schools are mostly full and more selective, or something is not happening in the interview.

I have to disagree. I applied very early, and turned in secondaries within days of receiving them. And my interviews have gone very well. I know the limitations of my stats (3.4 BCPM GPA, 29 MCAT), but my strength is definitely my communication/interview skills. I think a number of other applicants in my position feel the same way.

I think there is a misconception that if you are offered interview, the only way you won't get in is if you bomb it. This can't be the case -- look at the number of applicants schools interview, versus the number accepted. The committee still reviews your entire application post-interview before making a decision. I think many of us feel that no matter how well we do in our interviews, it still won't be enough to push us ahead of applicants with better stats.

 

[lisichka]

I would think that if you guys are getting several waitlists, the problem is not your stats. My guess is that you either applied late and the schools are mostly full and more selective, or something is not happening in the interview.

my guess is that we, the waitlist people, are cursed... and should be wearing a big W letter on our heads 🙄

gees, people, please think before you post.

 

[Sartre]

my guess is that we, the waitlist people, are cursed... and should be wearing a big W letter on our heads 🙄

gees, people, please think before you post.

Thanks, lisichka 🙂

 

[ellie2625]

Hey guys. Just thought I'd share my story with you...

I applied last year, my senior year of college, with pretty average stats (30, 3.5). I sent in my app and all of the secondaries early and my EC's and LOR's were good. To my surprise (and disappointment and horror), I had only 1 interview, in March, and was wait-listed. So I can definitely sympathize with how many of you are feeling right about now.

On to the more encouraging part...I busted my ass senior year to get a 4.0 in my upper division science classes, busted my ass for 2 months over the summer to retake the mcat (and go up 6 points!) and now work in a neuroscience research lab during my year off. I reapplied in July and I've had 8 interviews (only went to 6) and have 3 acceptances so far.

Honestly, I think not getting in the first time around was one of the best things that's happened to me (well, best and worst). While I was able to improve my gpa and mcat, which were both a little weak, I think the most important improvement I made was within my application and essays. This experience put everything into perspective - my interest in medicine, my achievements - and gave me the maturity that was missing from my first application. Not only did I become a better applicant stats-wise but I was able to show that I've done a lot of thinking and growing as a person and am truly ready to go into medicine.

Last bit of advice...It's important to work hard to improve your application, especially in its weak spots (make sure to honestly evaluate what those weak spots are), but do your best to enjoy your year off! Read books, spend time with family and friends, and do anything that makes you happy (whether this involves medicine or not). Even though I'm a scientist, I tend to believe that most things happen for a reason, so whatever reason that may be, just go with it and make your year off the best it can possibly be. You have the rest of your lives to be doctors!

Hope this helps! 🙂