Getting the silent treatment

[who999]

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As a non-trad, and maybe one of the older participants on this forum, one particular recurring problem I have is that I have no idea how this system works. I don't have an undergraduate advisor to let me know what the correct steps are, much less a group of students around me with whom we can share experiences.

That said, I think I've followed all the steps correctly - done the AMCAS application, taken the MCAT, heard from virtually all the schools that the AMCAS app went to - most asking me to submit a secondary.

It has been nearly 2 months since my secondaries all went it, and my letters of recommendations were received by the schools. Of the 15 schools I sent secondary applications to:
- 1 has given me an interview 🙂
- 5 have told me "no" 🙁
- 9 haven't told me a thing 😕

For those of the 9 that have websites, I check and can confirm that they have all my materials, but there is no signal as to whether I've been rejected or not.

Sorry for the long-winded into, but the question I have is - should I assume that those 9 have rejected me since it has been so long without a word from them? They all discourage candidates from calling to ask about their status, so I'd rather not do that. I'd be curious if anyone on this forum could shed some light on this for me.

Thank you and good luck!!!

 

[Law2Doc]

As a non-trad, and maybe one of the older participants on this forum, one particular recurring problem I have is that I have no idea how this system works. I don't have an undergraduate advisor to let me know what the correct steps are, much less a group of students around me with whom we can share experiences.

That said, I think I've followed all the steps correctly - done the AMCAS application, taken the MCAT, heard from virtually all the schools that the AMCAS app went to - most asking me to submit a secondary.

It has been nearly 2 months since my secondaries all went it, and my letters of recommendations were received by the schools. Of the 15 schools I sent secondary applications to:
- 1 has given me an interview 🙂
- 5 have told me "no" 🙁
- 9 haven't told me a thing 😕

For those of the 9 that have websites, I check and can confirm that they have all my materials, but there is no signal as to whether I've been rejected or not.

Sorry for the long-winded into, but the question I have is - should I assume that those 9 have rejected me since it has been so long without a word from them? They all discourage candidates from calling to ask about their status, so I'd rather not do that. I'd be curious if anyone on this forum could shed some light on this for me.

Thank you and good luck!!!

Schools generally process apps in the order received, and if you applied in September it's not uncommon to not have heard anything yet (schools get as many as 10,000 applications and a lot of them came in during the summer, many places will be interviewing through Feb/March). Without knowing much about your applicancy (other than that you are an older career changer with a non-stellar MCAT), it would be hard to speculate anything about you and how you are being received. But definitely put your best foot forward on the one interview you have thus far. It may turn out that you ought to have applied to more places, different places, and earlier in the process, but again hard to know without knowing anything about you. Good luck.

 

[Faze2]

Schools generally process apps in the order received, and if you applied in September it's not uncommon to not have heard anything yet (schools get as many as 10,000 applications and a lot of them came in during the summer, many places will be interviewing through Feb/March). Without knowing much about your applicancy (other than that you are an older career changer with a non-stellar MCAT), it would be hard to speculate anything about you and how you are being received. But definitely put your best foot forward on the one interview you have thus far. It may turn out that you ought to have applied to more places, different places, and earlier in the process, but again hard to know without knowing anything about you. Good luck.

I didn't see anything about his/her MCAT. Where'd you get that from?


And to the OP, just remember it is a tough road ahead, but just do your best so you can prove to schools that your undergrad was not reperesentative of your abilities, just your effort. Some schools may be able to look past that GPA, so long as you do well in your post bac and prove yourself now, so just do all that you can to make yourself stand out and show your dedication. And apply broadly and early, that is a MUST!!!!! Every success story I've heard from people in your situation has that little gem in their record. "I applied early." "I applied to 20 schools." You'll here it time and again.

 

[Law2Doc]

I didn't see anything about his/her MCAT. Where'd you get that from?

The OP's prior post --"...my MCAT wasn't great..."

 

[postbacker]

As a non-trad, and maybe one of the older participants on this forum, one particular recurring problem I have is that I have no idea how this system works. I don't have an undergraduate advisor to let me know what the correct steps are, much less a group of students around me with whom we can share experiences.

That said, I think I've followed all the steps correctly - done the AMCAS application, taken the MCAT, heard from virtually all the schools that the AMCAS app went to - most asking me to submit a secondary.

It has been nearly 2 months since my secondaries all went it, and my letters of recommendations were received by the schools. Of the 15 schools I sent secondary applications to:
- 1 has given me an interview 🙂
- 5 have told me "no" 🙁
- 9 haven't told me a thing 😕

For those of the 9 that have websites, I check and can confirm that they have all my materials, but there is no signal as to whether I've been rejected or not.

Sorry for the long-winded into, but the question I have is - should I assume that those 9 have rejected me since it has been so long without a word from them? They all discourage candidates from calling to ask about their status, so I'd rather not do that. I'd be curious if anyone on this forum could shed some light on this for me.

Thank you and good luck!!!

You were late with secondaries...not sure what you expected...but don't assume anything yet on the ones you haven't heard anything..."no news is good news" at this stage...this process drags out another 6 or 7 months...

 

[who999]

Thanks for those responses. I didn't realize how late I was in the process - another problem that comes with doing this without any guidance.

I took the July MCAT, so the results came out mid-August. I had already gotten the OK from AMCAS for the application, so it went out as soon as that MCAT score came it. I got the invitations for secondaries almost immediately and it took 2 weeks to get all the applications completed and the letters of recommendation mailed from Interfolio. I suppose in retrospect that I needed to take the MCAT in January or something like that... a lesson for everyone else.

As for the person who mentioned my MCAT score - though I didn't say anything about it in the original post, it was a 28 - much worse that I had hoped for or expected. My undergraduate GPA was 3.8 and I've taken the pre-med classes at night school and have a 3.95 GPA on those. I'm guessing that my MCAT will sink me, if my age (36) or background (I run a Mergers & Acquisitions department for a healthcare company) don't do it first.

All the best...

 

[gman33]

great GPA, and MCAT is not as bad as you think. Your age should not be a negative factor in the admissions process. Prepare well for the one interview you have. Remember all you need is one yes.

If for some reason you don't get in this time, retake the MCAT in April or May, and spend a lot of time preparing for it. Bringing your score up just a few points would make you a very competitive applicant academically.

What about the other parts of your app (LORs, essay, volunteering)?
Don't underestimate their importance. With schools getting 10,000+ apps, a high number with similar stats, you need to do something to stand out. As an older app, you automatically do, but you need to show how your life experience will contribute to enhancing their med school class.

Keep posting and looking around SDN. There are plenty of people out here who will help you and give you the information you need. Just because you are an older app, you are not on you own.

Good luck with your interview.

 

[Faze2]

The OP's prior post --"...my MCAT wasn't great..."

Word.

 

[QofQuimica]

OP, if the schools discouraged you from contacting them for status checks and you already know that your file is complete, then don't contact them unless you have an update for your file. I know it's hard to wait with no word for several months, but annoying people who have told you to leave them alone is not going to improve your situation.

I suspect that you may not have not heard from several schools yet because your stats kind of put you in the middle of the pile for further review. At my school, the people with applications that are complete no-brainers hear back first. In other words, the most competitive applicants who are definite invites, as well as the ones who will definitely get rejected pre-interview have a very fast turnaround time. (So it's not always a good thing to hear back right away.) Many people in the middle are put on a sort of preinterview hold. They might still get an invite near the end of the season after all of that year's apps are in and the adcom knows how many invite slots are still available for the entire remaining pool of applicants. I can't tell you if other schools tier invites like this. But I suspect that many if not most do have some kind of analogous system, because otherwise they run the risk of having no late slots left to invite some really stellar applicants who get complete right before the deadline.

 

[tony montana]

OP

Have you considered/applied to DO schools?

 

[Old Grunt]

As for the person who mentioned my MCAT score - though I didn't say anything about it in the original post, it was a 28 - much worse that I had hoped for or expected. My undergraduate GPA was 3.8 and I've taken the pre-med classes at night school and have a 3.95 GPA on those. I'm guessing that my MCAT will sink me, if my age (36) or background (I run a Mergers & Acquisitions department for a healthcare company) don't do it first.

All the best...

Those are pretty good numbers. Despite what the kids in the pre-allo forum say, a 28 isn't a bad score. Keep in mind that the average at most schools is a 30-31.

That means plenty of people are getting in with scores above and below 30.

You've already gotten one interview and you just applied in September. It takes a while for schools to get to your stuff. You aren't in bad shape at all.

Make sure you apply to your state school!

 

[QofQuimica]

Those are pretty good numbers. Despite what the kids in the pre-allo forum say, a 28 isn't a bad score. Keep in mind that the average at most schools is a 30-31.

That means plenty of people are getting in with scores above and below 30.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that a 28 is an awful score, at least not in this thread. 😉 I certainly didn't intend to imply that. But there are so many apps right now with 35+ MCATs and equally good grades that the admissions office here at least hasn't been inviting too many people with scores in the high 20s unless they have something really standout about them. (Just being over age 30 isn't going to make you a standout, unfortunately, because there are myriads of us.) Overall, the OP is an average stat applicant (GPA a bit higher than average, MCAT a bit low but still acceptable), so I think s/he could realistically get some more invites over the next few months. I'm assuming s/he picked schools wisely and isn't mainly applying to schools that have average MCATs in the mid 30s.

 

[Old Grunt]

I don't think anyone is suggesting that a 28 is an awful score, at least not in this thread. 😉 I certainly didn't intend to imply that. But there are so many apps right now with 35+ MCATs and equally good grades that the admissions office here at least hasn't been inviting too many people with scores in the high 20s unless they have something really standout about them. (Just being over age 30 isn't going to make you a standout, unfortunately, because there are myriads of us.) Overall, the OP is an average stat applicant (GPA a bit higher than average, MCAT a bit low but still acceptable), so I think s/he could realistically get some more invites over the next few months. I'm assuming s/he picked schools wisely and isn't mainly applying to schools that have average MCATs in the mid 30s.

I wasn't really speaking about this thread. However, there are certain places on SDN *cough* *cough* the pre-allo forum *cough* *cough* where posters will perpetuate all sorts of bad information about your chances based on having an MCAT that isn't a 36.

You are probably more involved in this process than I am, but I have a feeling that in the end of the cycle, the averages MCATs will increase by a factor virtually identical to what has occurred over the past four years. I just don't think schools that have an average MCAT of 30 are going to be posting a 35 or even a 33 next year.

I could be wrong, but the laws of statistics and all.

 

[postbacker]

Thanks for those responses. I didn't realize how late I was in the process - another problem that comes with doing this without any guidance.

I took the July MCAT, so the results came out mid-August. I had already gotten the OK from AMCAS for the application, so it went out as soon as that MCAT score came it. I got the invitations for secondaries almost immediately and it took 2 weeks to get all the applications completed and the letters of recommendation mailed from Interfolio. I suppose in retrospect that I needed to take the MCAT in January or something like that... a lesson for everyone else.

As for the person who mentioned my MCAT score - though I didn't say anything about it in the original post, it was a 28 - much worse that I had hoped for or expected. My undergraduate GPA was 3.8 and I've taken the pre-med classes at night school and have a 3.95 GPA on those. I'm guessing that my MCAT will sink me, if my age (36) or background (I run a Mergers & Acquisitions department for a healthcare company) don't do it first.

All the best...

You may get lucky this cycle, but I think you should already be plotting your next move to improve your app for next year - develop a plan to retake the MCAT in the Spring, and get all your ducks lined up to apply to AMCAS in early June. Any additional volunteering and shadowing would be helpful, too...your age and background have next to nothing to do with it if you have a compelling story for wanting to be a doctor...

You say you expected a better MCAT - had you done practice exams? - did you do a test prep course? Get that MCAT to 30+ and apply in early June and your chances will increase considerably...

 

[Law2Doc]

I wasn't really speaking about this thread. However, there are certain places on SDN *cough* *cough* the pre-allo forum *cough* *cough* where posters will perpetuate all sorts of bad information about your chances based on having an MCAT that isn't a 36.

You are probably more involved in this process than I am, but I have a feeling that in the end of the cycle, the averages MCATs will increase by a factor virtually identical to what has occurred over the past four years. I just don't think schools that have an average MCAT of 30 are going to be posting a 35 or even a 33 next year.

I could be wrong, but the laws of statistics and all.

The average MCAT at most schools is just above 30 these days. But it's a very tight distribution around the mean, so the drop off in acceptances for those below eg 28 is quite precipitous. And you have to factor in that many of the people with below average scores have some sort of a "hook" you may not be able to duplicate which is getting them considered despite their numbers. So sure, some people with below 30 will get in. But the further below that mark you are, the less comfortable you have to be with your chances.

 

[njbmd]

As a non-trad, and maybe one of the older participants on this forum, one particular recurring problem I have is that I have no idea how this system works. I don't have an undergraduate advisor to let me know what the correct steps are, much less a group of students around me with whom we can share experiences.

That said, I think I've followed all the steps correctly - done the AMCAS application, taken the MCAT, heard from virtually all the schools that the AMCAS app went to - most asking me to submit a secondary.

It has been nearly 2 months since my secondaries all went it, and my letters of recommendations were received by the schools. Of the 15 schools I sent secondary applications to:
- 1 has given me an interview 🙂
- 5 have told me "no" 🙁
- 9 haven't told me a thing 😕

For those of the 9 that have websites, I check and can confirm that they have all my materials, but there is no signal as to whether I've been rejected or not.

Sorry for the long-winded into, but the question I have is - should I assume that those 9 have rejected me since it has been so long without a word from them? They all discourage candidates from calling to ask about their status, so I'd rather not do that. I'd be curious if anyone on this forum could shed some light on this for me.

Thank you and good luck!!!

Why do you "assume rejection"? Why not assume acceptance? If you are not holding a rejection letter, you are still under consideration. This year, both of the schools for which I serve on admissions committee have a record number of application. At this time (early Nov), we are not even close to completely evaluating all of our applications. Yes, your stuff has been received but your application may be in a stack of unevaluated applications somewhere. Chill out and find something else to do. There is no "silent treatment".

Something prudent to do would be to have a Plan B that you have thought out and prepared for in detail. You may not have to use it but if you do, you want it there. Work on your Plan B.

Something else to think about might be if you plan to reapply next year should you not get into medical school. If this is the case, you need to do something that upgrades your application. These upgrades take some planning and take some time.

Another thing that you might want to investigate should you have to reapply next year is getting a professional admissions counselor. Do a Google search and look at some of your options. You say that you don't have an adviser so you can look into getting an adviser (and advocate in some cases) should you need these services. My advice would be to look very carefully at what a professional admissions counselor offers and get as much information as you can find out there. In any event, use this time to do something constructive that will get you closer to your goal. Good luck!

 

[Old Grunt]

The average MCAT at most schools is just above 30 these days. But it's a very tight distribution around the mean, so the drop off in acceptances for those below eg 28 is quite precipitous. And you have to factor in that many of the people with below average scores have some sort of a "hook" you may not be able to duplicate which is getting them considered despite their numbers. So sure, some people with below 30 will get in. But the further below that mark you are, the less comfortable you have to be with your chances.

Of course, bigger is better. However, not having a 30 doesn't mean you are doomed. Especially if you can make a compelling case for yourself.

There is nothing this applicant can do at this point to improve his candidacy for this year, however, based on what he has said, he's not in bad shape. Especially with a great GPA.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

About the premed advisor thing, have you checked with your ugrad or postbacc school to see if they'll talk to you. The premed advisor at my ugrad was willing to talk to me even though I graduated several years before.

 

[MeowMix]

I disagree that there is nothing that can improve one's chances for this year. If you have a significant area of weakness (almost no shadowing, almost no clinical volunteering, etc.), that can be easily improved within a month and then you can send an update letter.

 

[ORBeaver]

z

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

As a non-trad, and maybe one of the older participants on this forum, one particular recurring problem I have is that I have no idea how this system works. I don't have an undergraduate advisor to let me know what the correct steps are, much less a group of students around me with whom we can share experiences.

Hey, who999. SDN is far from a perfect world, but the non-trad forum - I think - is the place to come for help. I think I understand a lot about your story - I was a financial professional in healthcare for 22 years when I decided to go to medical school at age 42 (I was 44 when I applied and 45 just a few days after the first day of school). While I think a got an excellent pre-med education through night classes while I continued to work as a CPA at a hospital, my schools didn't offer pre-med counseling.

To be honest, I learned just about everything about the admissions process from reading SDN over and over and over, especially the non-trad forum. I also had a small group of over-30 buddies in my night school classes and we shared everything we'd learned with each other.

My stats were a little different than yours - I had a similar GPA in pre-med classes and no academic problems from my previous life. I did have an MCAT that was a few points above the mean rather than below. I don't know what state you're from - that might help.

You're not an exceptionally old non-trad and definitely not in the oldest group of posters here. What my experience was (and I'll get shot at for this - I always do, because everyone has an anecdotal story to prove me wrong) that I did not get interviews from schools where my stats were above people who did get interviews - and I had 10 years of ECs and activities from charitable and clinical activities at a Catholic hospital - I honestly think there was no hidden flaw in my app other than age. I would have to say, however, that for my out-of-state apps I pretty much shot the moon and applied to tough schools (like the California and Texas schools) - and I did get some late secondaries that I never finished after I got early acceptance at my state school - I also cancelled my AACOMAS after I was accepted. I do think, whether it's legal or not (and it isn't), that while some schools welcome "non-traditional" students they are still not entirely comfortable with the idea of students older than 35 (especially not 44, apparently). Although non-science majors are welcomed, not everybody loves a business major, either.

I would say that if you have some good ECs and volunteering, there will be a spot for you somewhere if you don't give up. If you don't get in this year, re-take the MCAT and go for it again next cycle - your 28 is certainly within an acceptable range, but it's much easier to surf when you're just ahead of the wave crest rather than just a tad behind it. 🙂 I got a first-round interview at my state allopathic school, which is a mid-tier, well-respected school. They took me - and they've been very generous with scholarship money. I'm having a blast and have come to love it - I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. You'll make it - and, if you have more questions, just ask!

 

[QofQuimica]

You're not an exceptionally old non-trad and definitely not in the oldest group of posters here. What my experience was (and I'll get shot at for this - I always do, because everyone has an anecdotal story to prove me wrong) that I did not get interviews from schools where my stats were above people who did get interviews - and I had 10 years of ECs and activities from charitable and clinical activities at a Catholic hospital - I honestly think there was no hidden flaw in my app other than age. I would have to say, however, that for my out-of-state apps I pretty much shot the moon and applied to tough schools (like the California and Texas schools) - and I did get some late secondaries that I never finished after I got early acceptance at my state school - I also cancelled my AACOMAS after I was accepted. I do think, whether it's legal or not (and it isn't), that while some schools welcome "non-traditional" students they are still not entirely comfortable with the idea of students older than 35 (especially not 44, apparently). Although non-science majors are welcomed, not everybody loves a business major, either.

Far from jumping on you, actually, I agree with you: there are some schools that aren't as keen on taking older students. And unfortunately, I don't think you even have to be over 35 to have this experience. When I applied at age *30*, I got some rather impolite questions about my age at one or two programs. I was thinking, geez, it's not like being 30 means I'm about to file for social security benefits next year or something! On the bright side, you only need one school to take a chance on you, not dozens of them. 🙂

 

[who999]

Thanks for all those who replied to my original post. I didn't come across this forum until recently, and it would have helped. I didn't realize that taking the MCAT in early July would put me so far at the back of the queue.

Unfortunately I moved to Massachusetts 2 years ago, and am not considered a "resident" by the schools here until I've lived here 5 years. Therefore, I have no in-state schools to try. For this, and a host of personal reasons with which I won't bore anyone, this is really the last year I can try for med school.

The nexus of my original question was whether other people had gotten no response from schools to which they sent a secondary application. At this point, it has been 3 months (+/-) since the following schools have confirmed that they received all my application materials, but haven't given me any idea of their decision:
- Southern California
- Miami
- Rush
- Michigan
- New York MC
- Georgetown
- UConn
- Oregon Health & Science
- Drexel
- Jefferson
- Medical College of Wisconsin

Any idea if it is normal to hear nothing for so long? Maybe it is and I should sit tight, but I'm just not sure.

Thank you all and good luck!

 

[thoffen]

You can't control your MCAT for this cycle, so don't speculate about how much it's hurting you. The schools that you haven't heard from like you -- make no mistake about that. They are just interviewing their first cut of applicants right now, and you're not in it. If you had a 32+ MCAT, you might have been. So what. If you had below average stats AND an uninteresting application, you'd have been rejected by now at a lot of those schools. All you can do is wait, prepare for the MCAT next year if you don't make it in this time, and keep all your schools updated with any new things you are doing.

 

[DrMidlife]

I don't know about 3 months, but I have "dead" secondaries at 5 of the schools on your list, plus ten more. I was complete around October 1. I'm 41. I have one in-state interview (today).

I had no premed advisor of any substance. The basis of my understanding of this process came from reading about a dozen books, the best of which was Iserson's "Getting into Med School: A Guide for the Perplexed." The info on SDN supplements this pretty well, but it was Iserson that made me feel a bit more like I had a dad who's a doctor explaining the whole crazy thing.

It's very difficult to be in this space where I've done this huge vast boatload of work and shelled out so much money for a maybe, and I'm simultaneously supposed to be preparing for another go. I made friends with DO this month, and I've already got a DO interview in January.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Beast11]

Sen Who99 Blutarsky (soon to be M.D.-are you going to be a gyno like otter?! )

I am in a similar situation except for the "nos". I have 1 interview (in state) scheduled and a whole lotta non response. I think my stats may be similar (MCAT a little higher but age higher as well)

In any event, and if you are willing to divulge...-

Were the "nos" expected (i.e. out of state) or due to the almost legendary reps of some of the top tiers (i.e. send a rejection the moment the secondary check is cashed).

That said (and as a general question to all of the non-trads)

If, by virtue of my late submission in this cycle, and all other things being equal-would you resubmit the exact same app next cycle (same PS, small updates-say in hours of volunteerism, and use "dated" letters from Interfolio) or would you perhaps send an update letter this cycle to emphasize interest (and how would one show a school that you are really sincere, just non-trad?)

Thanks!

 

[QofQuimica]

Any idea if it is normal to hear nothing for so long? Maybe it is and I should sit tight, but I'm just not sure.

Thank you all and good luck!

As long as you're sure your file is complete, all you can do is wait. It's totally normal, albeit aggravating. Two years ago when I applied, I submitted my AMCAS on June 1 and was complete nearly everywhere by the end of July. Most of my interviews were done by the end of October, but a few invites trickled in later, and my last interview was in February. Why did a few schools decide to wait 5-6 months after I was complete to invite me? Who knows?

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I can tell you that Drexel and OHSU are notoriously slow, but both interview through at least April. I think Drexel even interviews through May. When I applied, I think I heard from Drexel about 4 months after submitting my secondary, and I didn't hear from OHSU until late January (and I was instate).

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Last time I applied, Drexel sent me an interview invite about 2 seconds after I submitted the secondary. This time, I don't think they've even gotten to my application. I was complete really early last time though.

 

[dogsnme2]

Thanks for all those who replied to my original post. I didn't come across this forum until recently, and it would have helped. I didn't realize that taking the MCAT in early July would put me so far at the back of the queue.

Unfortunately I moved to Massachusetts 2 years ago, and am not considered a "resident" by the schools here until I've lived here 5 years. Therefore, I have no in-state schools to try. For this, and a host of personal reasons with which I won't bore anyone, this is really the last year I can try for med school.

The nexus of my original question was whether other people had gotten no response from schools to which they sent a secondary application. At this point, it has been 3 months (+/-) since the following schools have confirmed that they received all my application materials, but haven't given me any idea of their decision:
- Southern California
- Miami
- Rush
- Michigan
- New York MC
- Georgetown
- UConn
- Oregon Health & Science
- Drexel
- Jefferson
- Medical College of Wisconsin

Any idea if it is normal to hear nothing for so long? Maybe it is and I should sit tight, but I'm just not sure.

Thank you all and good luck!

Several weeks ago, I spoke with someone in admissions at Drexel, and at that time, she informed me that applications which were received in September have still not been reviewed yet. I would imagine that they are still incredibly backlogged. I received my interview invitation for Drexel in mid-January, and was admitted two weeks later. Having a late interview does not affect your chances of admission, at least to Drexel. I had late interviews at other schools, and for those particular schools, I am sure that had I interviewed earlier in the cycle, I would not have been rejected.

Additionally, you are right--all schools generally discourage contacting them about your status. As it is, they are all incredibly backlogged, so they consider it to be wasting their time. After you receive an interview, I can assure you, you will be treated like a 'real person.' Don't worry about the silence--it's sometimes good, and sometimes bad. You will get this period of silence after you interview, as well. Most schools say that their turn-around time is 4-6 weeks, if not longer. Often, your decision will be made sooner, and often, your decision will be made later. Unfortunately, you will not know until you get A) the interview invite, and B) the decision letter.

Hope this helps. Sorry if it's a bit of a downer.

 

[LizBlackwellFan]

Thanks for all those who replied to my original post. I didn't come across this forum until recently, and it would have helped. I didn't realize that taking the MCAT in early July would put me so far at the back of the queue.

Unfortunately I moved to Massachusetts 2 years ago, and am not considered a "resident" by the schools here until I've lived here 5 years. Therefore, I have no in-state schools to try. For this, and a host of personal reasons with which I won't bore anyone, this is really the last year I can try for med school.

The nexus of my original question was whether other people had gotten no response from schools to which they sent a secondary application. At this point, it has been 3 months (+/-) since the following schools have confirmed that they received all my application materials, but haven't given me any idea of their decision:
- Southern California
- Miami
- Rush
- Michigan
- New York MC
- Georgetown
- UConn
- Oregon Health & Science
- Drexel
- Jefferson
- Medical College of Wisconsin

Any idea if it is normal to hear nothing for so long? Maybe it is and I should sit tight, but I'm just not sure.

Thank you all and good luck!

Thanks for opening up this discussion.
I'm a non-trad, scored a 31 and have a 3.5+ GPA with loads of ECs, years of research experience, 2 publications, 2 posters, a good deal of clinical experience, and (from what I've heard) really strong LORs. I was complete at Drexel, USC, NYMC, Rush, OHSU, and Jefferson in early-mid September and have heard nothin'. I've had 4 interviews from fairly random schools (in-state, OOS, and a range of competitiveness) and have yet to be accepted or rejected.

One dean mentioned that schools are being particularly conservative with both interviews and acceptances this year. Last year, this particular school granted admission to the "historic normal" number of applicants, counting on a certain percentage to decline. That certain percentage didn't decline, and the school's 2011 class is now stretching the limits of capacity (space, resources, rotation availability) at the school. Given the increase in the number of applicants these past few years, schools are being cautious.

It's frustrating, but hang in there. Plan B is always a good idea. Still, if you haven't been rejected, you're still being considered! Live your life now, because you just may end up bound by med school indenture by August... and here's hoping you will!

 

[notdeadyet]

I'm guessing that my MCAT will sink me, if my age (36) or background (I run a Mergers & Acquisitions department for a healthcare company) don't do it first.

Your age won't get you, but whining might.

This is meant to be constructive. I applied at 35 with a solid but uninspired app and age only helped. Interviewers seemed very refreshed to be talking to someone with a history instead of plans. The interviews were smooth and conversational and focused on what I'd done with my life. The only interviews I had that didn't result in acceptances were one in which I was applying for waitlist anyway and at UCSF.

And I had no business even applying to UCSF, especially with my 8 in Bio. The reason they interviewed me instead of folks with much better stats was because I was older and had other experience (not in spite of).

You'll find that being an older, non-traditional applicant will be a great asset at most schools. But be careful not to complain about not knowing about the system (the facts are all out there if you do your research) or complaining how it wasn't fair (it's not meant to be fair on anyone).

Your older/non-trad thing can be a big selling point in this process, unless you make it negative by using it to explain some of the problems you've had. Then it becomes a liability and leaves adcoms with the thought, "if his age is a problem in the application process, will it be a problem for him in medical school."

Several of the schools on your list never contacted me for an interview and did not tell me I was no longer under consideration until summer. One school did not contact me for an interview until February for a late-April interview date. But it's the med school I'm at now. Best of luck with the cycle.

 

[notdeadyet]

One dean mentioned that schools are being particularly conservative with both interviews and acceptances this year.

I heard that last year when I was applying. And folks the previous cycle had heard it their year. I don't know if it's an SDN thing, but folks every year hear how this cycle has more applicants with better scores and schools are being tight with interviews and acceptances.