Getting off the MD/PhD waiting list?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

medicalhopeful09

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2014
Messages
35
Reaction score
69
Hi everyone,

So I'm currently on the waiting list at an MD/PhD program that I've recently interviewed for. It's the only interview that I have received and thus probably the only program that I have hope for. I really like the program, and I think that I could be a great fit for the program. I would like to write a letter of intent/interest, but I don't really have any new information. I've recently gotten a slight promotion in my job (I'm currently working, i.e. I'm not in school so I can't update with any grades) but I don't know if it's substantial enough to warrant an update letter. So if I do send in a letter of intent, it would just basically express my interest in the program and that I would definitely attend if accepted. Also, the decision email said that I should wait for further notification instead of calling about my status.

Should I write this letter of intent/interest? If you think I should, when do you think would be the best time to send it in? After March 15th? Before April 30th? (Second look day is end of march/beginning of April, if that matters.) Who should I send it to? What should it say, besides my interest in the program and school? Do you have any other suggestions for what I should do to get off the waiting list and get an acceptance?

I know that my stats and credentials aren't spectacular, but I know that becoming a physician scientist is truly what I want to do, and I would do anything to get there regardless of how frustrating this process can be. I'd really appreciate any help that I can get, from @Fencer, @Goro, @LizzyM, @GrapesofRath, and everyone else.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
So, you are on the bench as a second string. If some of those superstars who got outright offers decide to matriculate elsewhere, there may be a spot for you in the line-up. You know that those stars can wait until April 30 before signing. That means that schools might not know until May 1 if they have an opening. Some movement can after that as someone who accepts the offer at School A gets off the waitlist at School B and dumps School A on May 15 setting off a chain reaction as someone gets off the School A's waitlist perhaps opening a slot for someone at yet another school.

Will it help to tell the school that you are still interested? It might not hurt. This is where a "thank you for the opportunity to have interviewed." letter isn't half bad.

In the end, neither the school nor you are in control at this point... it all hinges on the decisions of the applicants holding more than one offer.
 
Thank you so much for responding @LizzyM!! I'm not sure if you'll know the answer to this because it could be school specific, but I have a question about a scenario. Suppose a school is aiming for a class of 8 students and they've accepted 20. Do they wait until 12 students decline the acceptance before moving on to the waitlist? Or as soon as 1 or 2 students decline, they move onto the waitlist?

Thank you again! I really appreciate your help 🙂
 
Thank you so much for responding @LizzyM!! I'm not sure if you'll know the answer to this because it could be school specific, but I have a question about a scenario. Suppose a school is aiming for a class of 8 students and they've accepted 20. Do they wait until 12 students decline the acceptance before moving on to the waitlist? Or as soon as 1 or 2 students decline, they move onto the waitlist?

Thank you again! I really appreciate your help 🙂

It is every school's nightmare to want a class of 8 and end up with 16. So, you can imagine if the models show that they need to make 20 offers to matriculate 8, they will be holding their breath, praying and popping antacids until 12 of the 20 candidates decline. If I were making the decisions, I would not go to the waitlist until my number of declined offers was up to 13 with 7 accepted or undecided.
 
@LizzyM; that's what I figured 🙁 It's kind of a depressing thought but I guess it is the reality. Thanks again for your help though!
 
I welcome all other assistance/criticisms/feedback regarding waiting lists and letters of intent/interest (especially when to send them and who to send them to if I do decided to send them).
 
Hi @medicalhopeful09 ,
I am in no way affiliated with any school or admissions committee, just a fellow applicant. I would suggest addressing the letter to the Program Director. I also think it makes more sense for you to send it in earlier rather than later. I don't see any benefit to you waiting for a certain date (March 15 as you mentioned earlier) or a certain amount of time since receiving the waitlist decision. To me the earlier they receive the letter, the more interested in the program you seem. I'm sure there are other opinions on this too, but those are just my thoughts! Good luck! 🙂
 
Is the job a clinical/academic job? If so, it could be worth mentioning the promotion in a LoI. Bonus points if you can make the promotion seem more substantial than you are currently making it sound.

If anything, it's at least an excuse to reaffirm your interest in the program. I'm sure medical schools realize applicants are still going to bombard them with LoIs either way, so I don't think it will hurt you so long as you aren't sending them one every week or so. Don't get too optimistic though...LizzyM's perspective is still solid.

Good luck!
 
Thank you for responding @Neuro_Guy and @Datypicalpremed.

The job I currently have is as Biomedical Engineer in the medical device regulation industry. It is fairly substantial promotion (just wasn't sure what the standards for substantial were on here) so I think it could be worth mentioning.

Thank you again everyone! If anyone else wants add something please do!
 
Last edited:
It's truly a black art as to how Admissions deans pull this stuff off year after year.

It is every school's nightmare to want a class of 8 and end up with 16. So, you can imagine if the models show that they need to make 20 offers to matriculate 8, they will be holding their breath, praying and popping antacids until 12 of the 20 candidates decline. If I were making the decisions, I would not go to the waitlist until my number of declined offers was up to 13 with 7 accepted or undecided.
 
One other thing to consider is that many smaller programs (mine included) will never over-accept. If 5 spots are available, there may only be 5 offers out at a time and the waitlist will move as soon as any one of those candidates declines.

It's hard to tell how your particular program operates, but there's always hope. And beer. And compulsively stalking SDN.
 
Top