Getting off wait list

[Youknowgo]

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I have been waitlisted at several schools that are open to updates. What should I do in these next two months to increase my chances of getting in? I am already pushing to get published before May but is it worth volunteering or shadowing in these two months?

 

[Goro]

Truthfully, there's nothing you can do but wait. Do you really that the Admissions dean, or the Dean of the school are going to be swayed by an update stating that you have 150 more hrs of volunteering at the local nursing home, or one more LOR?

Think about the worst-case scenario and how you can improve for the next cycle.

Then, if you're accepted, in, say, June, it's a moot point, and you can plan on getting ready for med school in the Fall.

I have been waitlisted at several schools that are open to updates. What should I do in these next two months to increase my chances of getting in? I am already pushing to get published before May but is it worth volunteering or shadowing in these two months?

 

[gyngyn]

If you receive an acceptance at one school and would prefer to go to one where you are on a wait list, it is reasonable to let admissions at the preferred school know. The best timing is when the wait list starts moving. This is commonly around the end of May. If, upon checking old school specific threads you see that wait list activity began before this, then send your email at the historic activity date for that school.

If you are holding no acceptances, they already know you are as motivated as possible so "updates" are of little use.

 

[Lya]

If you receive an acceptance at one school and would prefer to go to one where you are on a wait list, it is reasonable to let admissions at the preferred school know. The best timing is when the wait list starts moving. This is commonly around the end of May. If, upon checking old school specific threads you see that wait list activity began before this, then send your email at the historic activity date for that school.

If you are holding no acceptances, they already know you are as motivated as possible so "updates" are of little use.

Thank you for your comments.

In the letter, does it matter if students explicitly indicate the name of school(s) they've been accepted at? Or should it be generic, saying "accepted to other schools" or "another school?"

 

[tantacles]

Thank you for your comments.

In the letter, does it matter if students explicitly indicate the name of school(s) they've been accepted at? Or should it be generic, saying "accepted to other schools" or "another school?"

You don't have to, and shouldn't, say anything about other schools. Your letter should focus on the school you're interested in exclusively and mention that it's your first choice (or one of your top choices if you're playing this game with multiple schools).

 

[DRteacher]

I think it is best not to mention a specific school and stick to "I've been accepted to another school". Make sure to follow that up with reasons why you think their school is a better option for you and that you would go there if accepted.

Ultimately, a letter of interest where you briefly state that you still want to go there, show enthusiasm and explain a few reasons why you would be a great addition to their class cannot hurt! I was waitlisted and sent several brief letters of intent and I was eventually accepted. I think those schools will appreciate your enthusiasm for going there and going the extra mile to let them know that. Good luck to you!! Stay positive!

 

[gyngyn]

Thank you for your comments.

In the letter, does it matter if students explicitly indicate the name of school(s) they've been accepted at? Or should it be generic, saying "accepted to other schools" or "another school?"

Don't mention the other school! This can come off as crass. We can see where the waitlisters are holding an acceptance. You don't have to mention it.

 

[QuinnTheEskimo]

Don't mention the other school! This can come off as crass. We can see where the waitlisters are holding an acceptance. You don't have to mention it.

When can schools see this? Now, or after May 15?

 

[Lya]

Thank you for clarifications. That makes sense!

 

[thegypsyqueen]

When can schools see this? Now, or after May 15?

Only after.

 

[neilpryde21]

A little off topic but - if a school does not give you a decision (not even a wait list decision) by May 15th, can they still see where you are holding an acceptance?

 

[gyngyn]

A little off topic but - if a school does not give you a decision (not even a wait list decision) by May 15th, can they still see where you are holding an acceptance?

No.

 

[Youknowgo]

I just had a manuscript submitted for publication that is under review and am going to have another one submitted by the end of May for sure. Even though they are not published yet, is it appropriate to mention them in my update letter?