Got waitlisted, should I treat them as an R and start working on a reapplication?

[calcuttaho]

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I’ve interviewed at three schools (Temple, University of Miami and Geisinger), two of which have turned into waitlists, while I’m waiting for a decision from the third.

I’m actually a reapplicant, and my biggest mistake that I made last year was that I took my two early waitlists (both in November), continued blindly hoping that one would turn into an acceptance, and didn’t make any commitments for the next year. Right now, I’ve been considering the possibility of a reapplication, even if it’s just a last resort. I’ve been thinking about doing a volunteer program with a one year commitment, and I’m not sure if it’s the greatest idea since I don’t know where I’m going to be next year. What do you guys think about making year-long commitments when you’ve been waitlisted?

 

[ecobio]

Sorry to hear about your waitlists, friend. I hope you get off them soon.

I personally don't see the issue with joining a year long volunteer program. Things happen & plans change. As long as you stick with it until school starts, you are still helping people in the capacity that you can. I'm sure you wouldn't be the first who left early. Although I suppose you could make the argument that theres a lot of investment in training...

If anything, you could always be transparent with the program and say hey, I might get the opportunity to do this thing, but I would still love to volunteer with you guys, and if i dont get into school I can stay for X amount of time.

 

[LindaAccepted]

I’ve interviewed at three schools (Temple, University of Miami and Geisinger), two of which have turned into waitlists, while I’m waiting for a decision from the third.

I’m actually a reapplicant, and my biggest mistake that I made last year was that I took my two early waitlists (both in November), continued blindly hoping that one would turn into an acceptance, and didn’t make any commitments for the next year. Right now, I’ve been considering the possibility of a reapplication, even if it’s just a last resort. I’ve been thinking about doing a volunteer program with a one year commitment, and I’m not sure if it’s the greatest idea since I don’t know where I’m going to be next year. What do you guys think about making year-long commitments when you’ve been waitlisted?

When waitlisted, you have to pursue parallel tracks:

1. Do everything you can do get accepted from the WL. Work to ameliorate weaknesses. And if the WLing schools are open to updates, send them updates about what you're doing so that they know you are "new and improved" even since your interview.
2. Prepare to reapply. Ameliorating weaknesses is part of that so what you're doing for this cycle will also help you next cycle. But get feedback on your app. Did you apply to the right schools given your stats? Given the different schools' mission and strengths? Where else should you apply? Did you present your qualifications effectively? Did you show fit in your secondaries (presumably the answer is yes to the last 2 questions because you were WLed, but could you improve?) Did you interview well? What could you do better?

 

[pablo213]

I’ve interviewed at three schools (Temple, University of Miami and Geisinger), two of which have turned into waitlists, while I’m waiting for a decision from the third.

I’m actually a reapplicant, and my biggest mistake that I made last year was that I took my two early waitlists (both in November), continued blindly hoping that one would turn into an acceptance, and didn’t make any commitments for the next year. Right now, I’ve been considering the possibility of a reapplication, even if it’s just a last resort. I’ve been thinking about doing a volunteer program with a one year commitment, and I’m not sure if it’s the greatest idea since I don’t know where I’m going to be next year. What do you guys think about making year-long commitments when you’ve been waitlisted?

I think its a smart idea to continue your activities. Waitlist movement can be pretty hit or miss and i think its one of those hope for the best, but prepare for the worst scenarios.

What kind of program is it? If it's something like AmeriCorps, it might be a little sketchy leaving before the year. But if it's something else it's probably fine if you leave. Some clinics try to get you to stay there for a year as like a scribe or something but you can usually still dip without burning too many bridges.

 

[pedneuro6894]

Take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt, as it's going to be a little harsher than what @ecobio said. Also, this doesn't really apply to your situation because it's a volunteer thing, but I would like to get this out there for those in a similar boat unsure whether they get a new job or opportunity while unsure about reapplication.

I'm a believer that at the end of the day, companies only ever have their own interest at heart, so you have to have yours. One of the years that I reapplied, I took a job knowing I was leaving 3 months later but told them I was good for a year when interviewing. Call me selfish, sure, but I needed the hours for my application and knew no job would hire me if I was moving back home from college in a few months. If a company isn't making enough money, they have no problem laying you off, so don't feel bad about giving it back a lil. It's okay to do what's necessary for yourself every once and a while.

Like I said, your situation is different because it's volunteering, but also I would imagine they would be more okay with you leaving early if you have to since it is volunteering. And no matter what, you'd be doing something good in the world for as long as you possibly could, and I only see that as a good thing whether you leave early or not.

 

[Splenda88]

Any DO schools?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I would agree that beggars can't be choosers. Either apply to DO schools and try to become a doctor by summer if they or your waitlists come through, or apply to both in your 3rd cycle.

Read

From Waitlist to Offer: Inside an Admissions Committee | SDN

You are finally done with your interviews, so let the waiting games begin! In March, health professions programs will begin securing seats for the next

www.studentdoctor.net

 

[calcuttaho]

Take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt, as it's going to be a little harsher than what @ecobio said. Also, this doesn't really apply to your situation because it's a volunteer thing, but I would like to get this out there for those in a similar boat unsure whether they get a new job or opportunity while unsure about reapplication.

I'm a believer that at the end of the day, companies only ever have their own interest at heart, so you have to have yours. One of the years that I reapplied, I took a job knowing I was leaving 3 months later but told them I was good for a year when interviewing. Call me selfish, sure, but I needed the hours for my application and knew no job would hire me if I was moving back home from college in a few months. If a company isn't making enough money, they have no problem laying you off, so don't feel bad about giving it back a lil. It's okay to do what's necessary for yourself every once and a while.

Like I said, your situation is different because it's volunteering, but also I would imagine they would be more okay with you leaving early if you have to since it is volunteering. And no matter what, you'd be doing something good in the world for as long as you possibly could, and I only see that as a good thing whether you leave early or not.

Yeah, I’ve thought about it quite a bit. I have no problem with burning bridges for my own future when necessary, but the volunteering is with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Forming a mentor relationship with a kid then dropping them for something I knew was a possibility doesn’t sit right with me.

I think I’m going to be transparent with the waitlists with the people coordinating and maybe do it later in the cycle if I don’t get swept up in WL movement. I *am* going to start looking for year long job commitments though.

 

[calcuttaho]

Any DO schools?

No, just MD.

I’m going to be applying both next cycle, but I think the issue keeping me out of MD schools is fixable (currently working on fixing it now, actually).

 

[chilly_md]

Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen in your area. That will be more flexible.

 

[AJS59]

To add to this the cycle is still young. It's good that you're thinking ahead to the worst case scenario but with 3 II's so far you are in a decently strong position.