Hold status before interview. What can I do to get the interview?

[tab33b]

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Hey all, I've read a # of threads on here about this, but haven't seen anything too helpful.

I've been placed on hold at 9 U.S. MD programs for potential interview consideration. BCPM 3.5, MCAT 70th percentile. What are the chances of getting off the hold list and actually getting an interview? Most schools say they will reconsider the applications between Dec 2009 and Feb 2010.

Is a hold better than no response from schools? There are 20 other schools that I completed secondaries for that I have heard nothing from in 2+ months, should I be worried? I know most schools will take the top number-wise people first and then get to those with lower scores, but will there be any room in entering classes come Feb?

Lastly, what do you all think about doing an new extra-curricular, like research coordinator and then sending each school a "letter of continued interest" informing them of what I am doing to make myself a more well rounded candidate? Will they like that, hate it, or really does nothing I do at this point make any difference?

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

 

[mattng]

Hey all, I've read a # of threads on here about this, but haven't seen anything too helpful.

I've been placed on hold at 9 U.S. MD programs for potential interview consideration. BCPM 3.5, MCAT 70th percentile. What are the chances of getting off the hold list and actually getting an interview? Most schools say they will reconsider the applications between Dec 2009 and Feb 2010.

Is a hold better than no response from schools? There are 20 other schools that I completed secondaries for that I have heard nothing from in 2+ months, should I be worried? I know most schools will take the top number-wise people first and then get to those with lower scores, but will there be any room in entering classes come Feb?

Lastly, what do you all think about doing an new extra-curricular, like research coordinator and then sending each school a "letter of continued interest" informing them of what I am doing to make myself a more well rounded candidate? Will they like that, hate it, or really does nothing I do at this point make any difference?

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

So first, it is not unusual for one to be placed on a pre-interview hold. It just means that the admissions committee will review your application again. You have potential for an interview, but maybe they want to see what kind of other applicants they might get or they are a little hesitant about granting you an interview. It is definitely better than being rejected and also knowing that you are on hold means that they have reviewed your application in some shape or form.

While it may seem that interviews are happening as we speak, keep in mind that many schools interview into the spring (March/April). Come February, many schools will eventually start interviewing for their waitlist as they start accepting people and start filling their class. You also have to keep in mind that depending on which school it is, there can be a lot of waitlist fluctuations.

My suggestions since I have gone through this before is to your updated grades after this fall semester. If you do decide to take on that research coordinator position, you can include that in a letter of interest as well. You can search the forums for tips on writing said letter of interest. There are still many months left in the interviewing season, but it is good to stay on top of the schools that you applied to. Good luck!

 

[tab33b]

So first, it is not unusual for one to be placed on a pre-interview hold. It just means that the admissions committee will review your application again. You have potential for an interview, but maybe they want to see what kind of other applicants they might get or they are a little hesitant about granting you an interview. It is definitely better than being rejected and also knowing that you are on hold means that they have reviewed your application in some shape or form.

While it may seem that interviews are happening as we speak, keep in mind that many schools interview into the spring (March/April). Come February, many schools will eventually start interviewing for their waitlist as they start accepting people and start filling their class. You also have to keep in mind that depending on which school it is, there can be a lot of waitlist fluctuations.

My suggestions since I have gone through this before is to your updated grades after this fall semester. If you do decide to take on that research coordinator position, you can include that in a letter of interest as well. You can search the forums for tips on writing said letter of interest. There are still many months left in the interviewing season, but it is good to stay on top of the schools that you applied to. Good luck!

Thanks for your positive words of encouragement. I've already graduated, so no new classes to speak of. I just don't know if the research position (if I can get it) will be enough to wow adcoms into granting me an interview. I will have a look on the forum. Did you see any threads in particular that you think I should check out? In addition, you mentioned having gone thru the process yourself. Were you on hold for interview and then were later granted for an interview?

 

[mattng]

I was placed on hold a number of schools; some I got interviews from, some because rejections, but regardless, you never know what could happen. All you can really do on your end is to send them significant update letters, such as a new position in research. As for the letter of interests, I just recommended perusing through the forum, there is no one in particular that I recall as being the all knowing thread. In the end, it's how you make it.