Thanks. It was an outright acceptance, and I did not expect it at all. I didn't even submit my application until late October, and I took the August MCAT. I really only applied this year to see what the process was like. My plan was to do a post-bacc (I am accepted into the one at EVMS - but I guess I can withdraw now) program, try to redeem my GPA a little bit, do more hospital stuff and apply again in 2004. I think things that made a difference were:
1. I really resonated with my interviewer - he was extremely personal...almost to the point of making me uncomfortable...I had to adjust my perspective during the interview...he wanted to know about me as a whole person (he asked me how my relationship with my parents had evolved over time and how it has molded me??? and every other interview question was just like that one).
2. I have some life experience (was in the Army, have a kid, have a hubby, previous accounting career).
3. Really spent time on the essays.
4. Repeated every pre-med class and earned straight A's (not that impressive considering they were mostly REPEATS).
5. The tiny bit of hospital work I did have I made the most of -- talked to patients, doctors, nurses (well...they mostly just wanted to talk about their families, but were nice anyway).
6. Never anywhere in person or writing did I assign the blame for my yucky grades to anyone but me and my own immaturity and laziness. And nobody ever even asked about my grades.
Then again, I suspect that none of the above made any difference whatsoever and somebody just hit the wrong button. But I'll take it anyway.
Good luck guys...God knows if I can do it, anybody can.
jess
Congratulations
