Dropping Honors Thesis after Application

[exothermicrxn]

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Hi all,

I was planning on writing an honors thesis this year and included this on my primary and some supplemental applications. For various reasons, I am now considering dropping the honors thesis (and if I continue to pursue it, am not sure I'll have any data to write about). I would still be doing the same amount of research but not writing the thesis or receiving "honors" from my department. If I receive acceptances from medical schools, will this be grounds for the schools to rescind or will it cause any other problems? When in the application timeline should I alert medical schools that I am no longer planning on writing a thesis.

Would love input from adcoms or others who have been in similar positions.

Thanks in advance!
exo

P.S. Sorry for the double post - accidentally posted this originally in the wrong forum

 

[625233]

Only way they'd know is if they call your contact. Up to you to assess the risk. There's also a good chance this will come up at II (research type questions), and you'll blunder your way into trying to explain how you were planning to do one then dropped it because etc...


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[Tenk]

Looks like you need to get to writing.

 

[Umyo]

Honestly you will be fine. I am in the same position as you. If the said school even asks, you have a logical explanation behind the drop. I don't see this as grounds to rescind an acceptance. The acceptance wasn't handed because of a "potential" thesis that you were going to maybe write in the future.


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[aalamruad]

Hi all,

I was planning on writing an honors thesis this year and included this on my primary and some supplemental applications. For various reasons, I am now considering dropping the honors thesis (and if I continue to pursue it, am not sure I'll have any data to write about). I would still be doing the same amount of research but not writing the thesis or receiving "honors" from my department. If I receive acceptances from medical schools, will this be grounds for the schools to rescind or will it cause any other problems? When in the application timeline should I alert medical schools that I am no longer planning on writing a thesis.

Would love input from adcoms or others who have been in similar positions.

Thanks in advance!
exo

P.S. Sorry for the double post - accidentally posted this originally in the wrong forum

From my understanding, future coursework and activities aren't considered binding at all, so this shouldn't be grounds for rescinding an acceptance, though it could potentially be interpreted as an ethical gray area if you don't explain the situation clearly should it come up at interviews.

 

[Catalystik]

1) If I receive acceptances from medical schools, will this be grounds for the schools to rescind or will it cause any other problems?
2) When in the application timeline should I alert medical schools that I am no longer planning on writing a thesis.

1) I have never heard of an acceptance letter stating a contingency that an honors thesis must be completed or that one must graduate with honors.

2) If you get an interview invitation, it won't be because of a future plan to complete a thesis. I suggest you not bring it up, but have a very good answer ready if the subject is raised at an interview. It would help if your advisor is on board with your decision and can be cited.

JMO.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

I would at least try to put something together. It's really nice to have honors at graduation and to be able to put an honors thesis on CV/ERAS. Try to come up with a way to make it happen.

 

[LilKangaroo]

^^^Agree. It won't hurt your acceptance to medical school, but medical school isn't the end of the road. I also had basically nothing to write about for my honors thesis, but I'm glad I did it anyway. I would stick it out, but that's me. Again, it won't hurt your acceptance to medical school.

Best of luck with the cycle and enjoy your senior year!!

 

[LizzyM]

1) I have never heard of an acceptance letter stating a contingency that an honors thesis must be completed or that one must graduate with honors.

2) If you get an interview invitation, it won't be because of a future plan to complete a thesis. I suggest you not bring it up, but have a very good answer ready if the subject is raised at an interview. It would help if your advisor is on board with your decision and can be cited.

JMO.

I strong occur with the 'Cat on this. It is unlikely to be an issue.

Let's make in unanimous. Not an issue.

 

[exothermicrxn]

Thank you all for the knowledgeable input. I really appreciate it!