Hope is Slowly Dwindling

[FIREitUP]

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Hey guys, I'm a reapplicant who didn't have much success on the interview trail last cycle, despite numerous interview invites. This year, I feel like my interviewing ability has improved a great deal, but have only been invited to interview at 2 schools I previously interviewed at, only to get waitlisted. At one school, I was given very positive feedback as to my interviewing skills, and expected to get the acceptance, but to no avail. I submitted my apps in late July/Early August, but have only gotten a couple rejections from other schools, but that's it. I'm trying to be positive but I'm starting to get nervous ...

 

[mccarty7]

All schools are different, but at some schools the waitlists move pretty quickly. Look at it this way: you were waitlisted at those schools because there was something about you that kept them from turning you away. They weren't ready to let you go because something in your application interested them. Chin up. Waitlists often pay off into acceptances.

 

[skatertudoroga]

At least you got interviews at the schools where you interviewed previously, unlike me.

 

[FIREitUP]

All schools are different, but at some schools the waitlists move pretty quickly. Look at it this way: you were waitlisted at those schools because there was something about you that kept them from turning you away. They weren't ready to let you go because something in your application interested them. Chin up. Waitlists often pay off into acceptances.

i hope so...last year just got waitlisted so i could get rejected in august lol. it's really hard to stay positive, especially when its your second cycle.

 

[BearDownAZ]

At least you got interviews at the schools where you interviewed previously, unlike me.

gotta love getting an interview invite one year, and then straight up rejected the next

 

[FIREitUP]

At least you got interviews at the schools where you interviewed previously, unlike me.

I hope you're getting interviews from new schools

 

[skatertudoroga]

I hope you're getting interviews from new schools

I got nothing. while some schools last year were informed of my improved grades, this year they definitely got all those grad school grades at the beginning of the application cycle. And my new essay was likely better, and definitely not worse. Maybe my gradschool advisor tried to explain why I did not get in last year and that end up as the red flag or maybe they just figure if you are a reapplicant you should have some serious EC's.

 

[FIREitUP]

I got nothing. while some schools last year were informed of my improved grades, this year they definitely got all those grad school grades at the beginning of the application cycle. And my new essay was likely better, and definitely not worse. Maybe my gradschool advisor tried to explain why I did not get in last year and that end up as the red flag or maybe they just figure if you are a reapplicant you should have some serious EC's.

I feel your pain, man. I don't know what these med schools expect from us, I just hope it works out in the end. Good luck!

 

[Barcu]

Hey guys, I'm a reapplicant who didn't have much success on the interview trail last cycle, despite numerous interview invites. This year, I feel like my interviewing ability has improved a great deal, but have only been invited to interview at 2 schools I previously interviewed at, only to get waitlisted. At one school, I was given very positive feedback as to my interviewing skills, and expected to get the acceptance, but to no avail. I submitted my apps in late July/Early August, but have only gotten a couple rejections from other schools, but that's it. I'm trying to be positive but I'm starting to get nervous ...

Keep up the hope! I only can say this about one specific school I was at, but being invited again as a reapplicant is a good thing. It shows that you addressed the problems in your app. This school said that if you reapplied without doing enough, you would get outright rejected.

Go in and rock those interviews with confidence! They saw something they liked last year. This year, they have that and more. Good luck!

 

[skatertudoroga]

I feel your pain, man. I don't know what these med schools expect from us, I just hope it works out in the end. Good luck!

Thanks. You too!

 

[Bernoull]

It's still early in the cycle (interview-wise)...

I had my interviews mostly in october/nov and one in february; acceptances rolled in mid-december & july... so keep ur head up and don't despair!!

Goodluck!!

 

[searun]

Hey guys, I'm a reapplicant who didn't have much success on the interview trail last cycle, despite numerous interview invites. This year, I feel like my interviewing ability has improved a great deal, but have only been invited to interview at 2 schools I previously interviewed at, only to get waitlisted. At one school, I was given very positive feedback as to my interviewing skills, and expected to get the acceptance, but to no avail. I submitted my apps in late July/Early August, but have only gotten a couple rejections from other schools, but that's it. I'm trying to be positive but I'm starting to get nervous ...

Well, your experience demonstrates why it is tough being a reapplicant. There is a stigma that you have to overcome and it is difficult, trying to demonstrate why you have a stronger application. This is why you should only apply when your application is gold, at its absolute peak. I took 2 years after I graduated from college to make myself a stronger applicant before I applied. Don't just throw your application into the pool and figure you can always apply again if it does not work out. It is much tougher.

Good luck. It is hard and difficult, I know.

 

[FIREitUP]

Well, your experience demonstrates why it is tough being a reapplicant. There is a stigma that you have to overcome and it is difficult, trying to demonstrate why you have a stronger application. This is why you should only apply when your application is gold, at its absolute peak. I took 2 years after I graduated from college to make myself a stronger applicant before I applied. Don't just throw your application into the pool and figure you can always apply again if it does not work out. It is much tougher.

Good luck. It is hard and difficult, I know.

thanks for your response searun. I think my application was actually very sound; hence the numerous interviews, but just being really apprehensive during my interviews didn't allow me to be myself.

 

[searun]

thanks for your response searun. I think my application was actually very sound; hence the numerous interviews, but just being really apprehensive during my interviews didn't allow me to be myself.

I am very sympathetic. I am back on the interview trail, interviewing for residency in a surgical field that is pretty competitive. Interviews do create psychological pressure that some people handle better than others. You obviously have the intelligence and work ethic to succeed as a doctor, given the interviews that you received last year.

One of my best friends applied to med school three times, and now he is a med school graduate and a first year resident in radiology at a great California med school. So keep the faith. Good luck.

 

[FIREitUP]

I am very sympathetic. I am back on the interview trail, interviewing for residency in a surgical field that is pretty competitive. Interviews do create psychological pressure that some people handle better than others. You obviously have the intelligence and work ethic to succeed as a doctor, given the interviews that you received last year.

One of my best friends applied to med school three times, and now he is a med school graduate and a first year resident in radiology at a great California med school. So keep the faith. Good luck.

thanks for the support! best of luck on your interviews and on match. enjoy your fourth year!

 

[slowbutsteady]

Well, your experience demonstrates why it is tough being a reapplicant. There is a stigma that you have to overcome and it is difficult, trying to demonstrate why you have a stronger application. This is why you should only apply when your application is gold, at its absolute peak. I took 2 years after I graduated from college to make myself a stronger applicant before I applied. Don't just throw your application into the pool and figure you can always apply again if it does not work out. It is much tougher.

Good luck. It is hard and difficult, I know.

I did exactly the same thing -- but took 3 years. I think the best approach is to apply only when your app is as strong as you can possibly make it.

(My MCAT went up 5 points; my GPA went up .3 points; 2 years clinical/research; 6 months in an underdeveloped country teaching English to surgeons in the OR, during surgery!!)

This is a marathon, not a sprint, as the cliché goes. For those who haven't applied yet, be patient and get it right. So you'll be a doctor for 38 years instead of 40. Do you really think that will matter at the end of the day?

 

[Dr Gerrard]

Hey guys, I'm a reapplicant who didn't have much success on the interview trail last cycle, despite numerous interview invites. This year, I feel like my interviewing ability has improved a great deal, but have only been invited to interview at 2 schools I previously interviewed at, only to get waitlisted. At one school, I was given very positive feedback as to my interviewing skills, and expected to get the acceptance, but to no avail. I submitted my apps in late July/Early August, but have only gotten a couple rejections from other schools, but that's it. I'm trying to be positive
but I'm starting to get nervous ...

how many interviews did you get last year dude?
did you ever call them back to see what was wrong?

 

[FIREitUP]

how many interviews did you get last year dude?
did you ever call them back to see what was wrong?

I got enough interviews. One of the weaknesses I was told I had was not enough leadership and low breadth of experience. I tried to address both concerns by teaching MCAT courses and becoming a clinical research intern. I think I also did not portray my experience as a firefighter and emt as a leadership experience. At the end of the day, I know that it was my interview that was holding me back.

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

I got enough interviews. One of the weaknesses I was told I had was not enough leadership and low breadth of experience. I tried to address both concerns by teaching MCAT courses and becoming a clinical research intern. I think I also did not portray my experience as a firefighter and emt as a leadership experience. At the end of the day, I know that it was my interview that was holding me back.

Don't worry, it'll work out. A lot of the application cycle is a statistical gamble. Some of the "feedback"/"weaknesses" I got from interviews were insane. Don't take last-year's results too personally. It's easier said than done, but after seeing some of the people admitted to my school, I wonder why I ever questioned whether or not I "had what it takes" to be a doctor. Keep plugging. It's way early. I'f you're getting interviews, that means there aren't any huge red flags on your app and it's basically 50/50 once you interview. So keep rocking the interviews. Don't get down on yourself. They may be the gatekeepers but it's YOUR career and if YOU want to do it, you can. I wholeheartedly believe that. Don't give up hope. Persistence is key.

 

[wanderer]

I did exactly the same thing -- but took 3 years. I think the best approach is to apply only when your app is as strong as you can possibly make it.

(My MCAT went up 5 points; my GPA went up .3 points; 2 years clinical/research; 6 months in an underdeveloped country teaching English to surgeons in the OR, during surgery!!)

This is a marathon, not a sprint, as the cliché goes. For those who haven't applied yet, be patient and get it right. So you'll be a doctor for 38 years instead of 40. Do you really think that will matter at the end of the day?

I didn't take that long but I definitely agree. I got rejected from all schools last year (interviewed at a few places), likely because schools felt I wasn't ready. Getting rejected everywhere takes it's toll, at least in the short-run. If I waited another year or two I would probably have a good shot at top 10-15 schools but I have other objectives on my mind.

 

[FIREitUP]

Should I give up on expecting to get any more invites after submitting in late july/early august?

 

[glasshalfMD]

Should I give up on expecting to get any more invites after submitting in late july/early august?

...no.

Didn't we just tell you to be patient a week ago?

 

[FIREitUP]

...no.

Didn't we just tell you to be patient a week ago?

lol, I dont know if it was me but I guess I should be more patient, it's just tough because last year I received more invites at this time despite being complete more than 1 month later.

 

[barcoderider]

So you're saying you've been an EMT and a firefighter, scored well enough on the MCAT to teach it, and got a bunch of interviews but still didn't get in? Your thread is scary.

I think we're all nervous until that first acceptance rolls in, so many of us out there, myself included, feel your pain!

 

[FIREitUP]

So you're saying you've been an EMT and a firefighter, scored well enough on the MCAT to teach it, and got a bunch of interviews but still didn't get in? Your thread is scary.

I think we're all nervous until that first acceptance rolls in, so many of us out there, myself included, feel your pain!

yes that's what I'm saying! My interviews last year weren't great; I was extremely nervous and had difficulty communicating. Now this year I felt like my interviews went much better, but now schools aren't giving me another chance, unfortunately 🙁

 

[FIREitUP]

arggggggg still no new invites....

 

[carbear02]

yea .... the waiting sux.

 

[OGMD]

Reapplicant here also. I had 2 interviews -> waitlist -> august rejection last cycle as well. Didn't do anything to my GPA/MCAT for this year and I've had a ton more success so be patient and keep your fingers crossed. I did get an interview at a school from last time around too and waitlisted again (no idea why since my interviewer said I did exceptionally well). This process blows. hahah, I've still yet to be accepted anywhere

 

[TjChamp]

I'm not a reapplicant but I'm a 3.5/ 27 applicant and I have 7 invites so far. Apparently personal statement is heavy at a lot of schools. If yours is solid I wouldn't worry about getting the invites.. It's WAAY early.. no worries. Keep ya head up!

 

[GlamDoc]

I'm not a reapplicant but I'm a 3.5/ 27 applicant and I have 7 invites so far. Apparently personal statement is heavy at a lot of schools. If yours is solid I wouldn't worry about getting the invites.. It's WAAY early.. no worries. Keep ya head up!

Wow.

I'm super jealous. 👍

 

[FIREitUP]

bahhh no new invites for 2.5 months!

 

[TjChamp]

Wow.

I'm super jealous. 👍

No need to be.. just have faith in your app. If you believe it's strong/decent I wouldn't worry🙂

 

[Lccjblu]

I'm not a reapplicant but I'm a 3.5/ 27 applicant and I have 7 invites so far. Apparently personal statement is heavy at a lot of schools. If yours is solid I wouldn't worry about getting the invites.. It's WAAY early.. no worries. Keep ya head up!

whoaaa 7?? thats amazing. which schools were these and do you have amazing ECs and/or are a URM?

 

[Ursa]

So you're saying you've been an EMT and a firefighter, scored well enough on the MCAT to teach it, and got a bunch of interviews but still didn't get in? Your thread is scary.

I think we're all nervous until that first acceptance rolls in, so many of us out there, myself included, feel your pain!

Just FYI, you do not have to have a certain score to teach MCAT for most of the big companies...I am an MCAT instructor as well, and I know from experience you just have to pass a mid-level qualifying exam (that you get to take home) and go through training. 😀 😀

 

[carbear02]

bahhh no new invites for 2.5 months!

i know right? wth is taking so long? how long do you have to wait for an interview if youre oos?

 

[FIREitUP]

Just FYI, you do not have to have a certain score to teach MCAT for most of the big companies...I am an MCAT instructor as well, and I know from experience you just have to pass a mid-level qualifying exam (that you get to take home) and go through training. 😀 😀

that wasnt the case with mine. I scored a 13 on PS, so I taught it.

 

[samuraiR]

bahhh no new invites for 2.5 months!

I'm not trying to hijack your thread but I feel like I'm in the same boat. I had a few interviews recently (oct), but for the most part its been pretty dead silent. Everyone says its not too late to expect another interview invite but...I read on another thread someone mentioned that "since you applied early (complete early/mid aug) they've probably looked through your app and dont want to interview you".

That got me a bit frazzled. I am a non-trad as well so I'm very anxious and hope I don't have to reapply. I know this is childish of me, but I just want some reassurance that its not too late and I may actually hear back from more schools for interviews.

 

[goldnuts13]

That got me a bit frazzled. I am a non-trad as well so I'm very anxious and hope I don't have to reapply. I know this is childish of me, but I just want some reassurance that its not too late and I may actually hear back from more schools for interviews.

I just got another interview yesterday and I submitted in early June and completed secondaries quickly. I got a few interviews early (September) and I thought I was done too. Also non-trad.

 

[samuraiR]

I just got another interview yesterday and I submitted in early June and completed secondaries quickly. I got a few interviews early (September) and I thought I was done too. Also non-trad.

definitely reassuring! I know most schools interview till...Feb or something right? Hoping for the best, still have 2-3 more months

 

[Mbeas]

definitely reassuring! I know most schools interview till...Feb or something right? Hoping for the best, still have 2-3 more months

yea i know someone who received an interview offer in mid-Feb. They ended up interviewing on the last day in March, so there is still hope!

 

[Nessy]

...no.

Didn't we just tell you to be patient a week ago?

Glass half, I've been following your profile, congratulations on your acceptance!!

 

[FIREitUP]

frustration bump!

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

Don't give up hope! You seem to be intelligent and very committed. You will reach your goal eventually. Nothing can replace human passion and perseverence. 🙂

 

[Maxwell7301]

Hey OP, I know how you feel. I applied to 15+ schools this cycle, and so far got just one interview at my hometown state school, which resulted in a waitlist. At that particular school (SUNY Buffalo), their waitlist is known to be extremely fast moving and active, so I continue to keep my hopes up.

Just stay positive, as people tend to get interviews when they least expect them. Waitlists can definitely turn into acceptances, and you were most likely extremely close last year.

 

[apumic]

gotta love getting an interview invite one year, and then straight up rejected the next

Did you speak w/ the schools and ask them for feedback the previous time? If you weren't invited to interview the second time around (and instead straight-up turned down), I'd wonder if your interview went very poorly the previous year. It sort of sounds like a case where the school strongly believed you weren't a good fit and so when they saw your app the second time, they simply turned you down and moved on to the next candidate. Sucks, but it might be something to consider -- see what there is to learn from it (if anything) and then let it go. Best of luck this cycle!

 

[FIREitUP]

Hey OP, I know how you feel. I applied to 15+ schools this cycle, and so far got just one interview at my hometown state school, which resulted in a waitlist. At that particular school (SUNY Buffalo), their waitlist is known to be extremely fast moving and active, so I continue to keep my hopes up.

Just stay positive, as people tend to get interviews when they least expect them. Waitlists can definitely turn into acceptances, and you were most likely extremely close last year.

Thanks for the kind words. Just trying to keep sane here; but in vain, unfortunately.

 

[FIREitUP]

Just in case you don't get in again this cycle here's a link to an excellent program Tulane has for people who were waitlisted at a medical school. It has about a 95% acceptance rate to Tulane for the following year.
http://tulane.edu/som/departments/scb/acp.cfm

thanks for the suggestion. However, I'm completely and utterly exasperated and can't imagine waiting another year on the chance that I could get into medical school.

 

[FIREitUP]

If you got into the program I linked, while it would be another year before you started, it wouldn't really be a 'chance'. You beat the class average in the program and you get in to Tulane, guarenteed.

Also when you start first year you don't need to retake any of the classes you took in the program, which is nice because you basically get your a lot of your first year off. Your only responsibility is to TA for some anatomy labs. A stress free year to get an MPH/do research/go to every party in New Orleans is a nice consolation prize for not getting in the first time.

interesting, but what happens if you dont get above average?

 

[Musclemass]

interesting, but what happens if you dont get above average?

Then you'd have nothing and no one to blame but yourself.

Man up time.

 

[Perrotfish]

interesting, but what happens if you dont get above average?

Then it's up to the Deans, and the strength of your application/personality comes back into play. Obviously being at least close to the average also helps. Last year several people didn't quite hit the average: some got in and some didn't.