Haven't heard back from 20/28 schools

[Mother Teresa]

Is this normal? Should I expect rejections from the rest of these schools since interview season is almost over?

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[ClashRoyaleKing]

Depends on the schools. Many are towards the end of their application cycles. Assume you’re rejected from all of them and proceed with your next steps (reapplication, matriculate to other school, or sending a letter of intent).

 

[AJS59]

Is this normal? Should I expect rejections from the rest of these schools since interview season is almost over?

I disagree with your characterization that interview season is almost over (case in point: I got my first and only II last cycle in late January, and now I'm on winter break for M1 year). That being said, if you haven't already gotten a II, now is the time for some deep introspection

 

[premed2024_123456]

I've heard a lot of mixed things ... some people say that it is really late, others say (like, for example, Dartmouth) that they won't even be getting to a lot of applications until January, and so not to worry. For what my opinion is worth (probably not a lot) I'd start looking at other options but don't despair. Plenty of people ik have gotten stuff later than this and got in the same cycle.

 

[pedneuro6894]

All above are correct. You could get some love into January and February (and even March sometimes), but the deeper you go, the less likely it is. So plan for the worst, hope for the best.

 

[Goro]

Is this normal? Should I expect rejections from the rest of these schools since interview season is almost over?

Sadly, yes

 

[LindaAccepted]

Is this normal? Should I expect rejections from the rest of these schools since interview season is almost over?

Yes. It's normal. And it doesn't mean you are rejected.

That being said, until you are accepted you have to assume that you -- like most med school applicants -- will not get in. That means that you need to pursue parallel tracks to maximize your chances of acceptance this cycle while at the same time preparing to reapply.

Track 1. Do everything you can to get in this cycle: Attend all interviews until you are accepted at a school that you'd be happy to attend. Send updates to programs that accept them.

Track 2. Assume you are rejected and start preparing for a reapplication. Evaluate your qualifications vis a vis the profiles of the schools you applied to: Did you aim to high? Could you improve your stats via a post-bac program or another MCAT sitting? Should you invest more time in clinical experience, community service, and/or research which is more important at some schools and really not required at others? Did your primary and secondary application fail to present you as an articulate, thoughtful, compassionate, committed future physician and leader? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," then you know what you need to improve before you apply again.

Frankly, improving on any of the question asked in the previous paragraph, except the last one, will also help you if you are waitlisted or received a an interview invitation later in the cycle. You'll be able to show them that you are even better than you were when they issued the interview invitation or or put you on the waitlist.