Hi, I know I should have applied a little earlier but didn't have enough money to pay for everything in time. I basically finished my secondaries around November and I only have one interview at the moment. My other schools never got back to me. One of the schools says "decision still pending" and they told me they would get back to me by New Years. Lol am I screwed for this year? Does it mean I got silently rejected from these other schools? thanks
I only have one interview. I am getting pretty scared.
- Thread starter Jeterfan2
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Could be some silent rejections, who knows... Look at it in a positive light, at least you have an interview.
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At the minimum, call the schools to at least make sure your application packets are complete. How are your numbers. If you're a GPA 2.95 and MCAT 20, you're NOT going to get many interviews!
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ill just say it..
its the mcat
...make sure u get in with the interview you had...ud need at least a 27-28 for clear cut acceptances
its the mcat
...make sure u get in with the interview you had...ud need at least a 27-28 for clear cut acceptances
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I would say that you're pretty late in the game and have a mediocre mcat score. I would recommend preparing for a retake if you potentially do not get in this cycle ( Use the 90 day method as described on the mcat forum).
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These are basically my numbers and I completed in March last year (due to late MCAT). I ended up with 2 interviews--so call the schools and find out if you are complete.
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What school is it, if you don't mind telling?
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I had a lower GPA and a 26, and I had 4 but applied the first day... and my PB GPA is higher...
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I think your above-average GPA may have compensated for your lower MCAT score if you had applied early. However, much like the universe, the "rules" that we are accustomed to seeing around us change the further and further we move outward from the starting point. 😀 Man, I'm annoying.
The fact that you got an interview with your lower MCAT is evidence that either your GPA or ECs are making up for it... especially so late in the cycle. There's no need to withdraw your applications at the other schools... just let them sit in the adcom's pile in case they want to check out your application again.
As people usually say around here... 1 acceptance is all you need. You have an interview coming up... just relax, think about some answers to questions you expect them to ask, perhaps think about how you'll defend your lower MCAT score in case they ask about it, and do your best!!! If things don't end up going well this cycle, retake the MCAT and do this application stuff again...
... except EARLIER!
Good luck
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Unless your 25 is a 10-10-5 kind of score, i agree with toytles. The above average GPA looks good and all you need is one. Whatever school you have an interview at, read every single post in the school thread for information, read the interview feedback, do mock interviews if you haven't done interviews before, etc. You only need one, but if all you get is one, then you need to rock it.
Have faith in yourself, but don't come through as cocky. Basically, the spot is yours to lose. Good luck on the interview and I am sure we are all (at least most of us) are rooting for other schools to come through for you.
Have faith in yourself, but don't come through as cocky. Basically, the spot is yours to lose. Good luck on the interview and I am sure we are all (at least most of us) are rooting for other schools to come through for you.
Ok thanks. Yeah the thing is I took the MCAT 3 times already! And I improved so much from my previous one. I don't know how much more I can take on the MCAT. I just hope I do well on this interview, I have been practicing so hard.
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what is your mcat breakdown? and what were the subscores in the other tests? just curious to see if it could adversely affect your app.
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totally not trying to hijack this thread and I'm not an expert BY ANY MEANS but I'm in a similar situation as you but with way worse stats (2.66sci, 3.1 cum, 28S/26R MCAT but lots lots lots of ECs and clinical work).
I got the one interview because I emailed the adcom for the school and told them that I want to go to THEIR school and if they can tell me what I can do to better my application, I'd be really appreciative. I emailed a bunch of other schools earlier in the cycle and it had turned out that there was some error over where my LOR got sent (I wouldn't have known this had I not emailed).
So basically, because your stats are way better than mine, I'd be curious as to why they aren't getting back to you...email them. You'll never know if you don't ask!
Good luck! 🙂
I got the one interview because I emailed the adcom for the school and told them that I want to go to THEIR school and if they can tell me what I can do to better my application, I'd be really appreciative. I emailed a bunch of other schools earlier in the cycle and it had turned out that there was some error over where my LOR got sent (I wouldn't have known this had I not emailed).
So basically, because your stats are way better than mine, I'd be curious as to why they aren't getting back to you...email them. You'll never know if you don't ask!
Good luck! 🙂
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I was going to ask this myself. If a section is in the 5-6 range, that could be a screen out at many schools. OP, if you think you can do better on the MCAT, give it one more try at the end of April, and then apply on June 1st for the '13 cycle. 3-4 more points, and you have a shot at alo schools as well, unless you're dead-set on osteo.
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and I agree with emailing them. Schools are often too busy to update the applicants with minor stuff, and I have heard many stories of people e-mailing with the schools saying "oh yeah, we need this or that."
Yeah I got a 6 on verbal lol. I can't do much on verbal I don't know why. My physical sciences are 11 and biology is 8. I have a lot of ECs and volunteer work but I feel like the MCAT is stressed upon a lot. You had a 28s on your MCAT I think it counters your GPA. I feel like MCAT >>> GPA for medical schools. God I should have applied earlier I just had to work a little to get enough money to pay for application fees. I should go to the interview and just get down on my knees and just beg to be accepted. anyway thanks for the help.
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At least you weren't procrastinating on your application... you have a legitimate financial reason as to why you didn't apply earlier. That won't make much difference to adcoms... but at least you won't have the "I could've applied earlier, but was too lazy" guilt looming over your head. *trying to be optimistic* 😎
Either way, no need to sound desperate during your interview. This is a HUGE turnoff. Just be yourself, be honest, and try to relax! You'll be surprised at how laid back the interviews are. Normally, the first interview someone has ends up being a "oh, this wasn't as stressful as I thought!" realization. If you can overcome that before your first interview, then you'll be at your best going into it! 🙂
And if it just so happens that you don't get accepted... just keep up your ECs and try to build enough finances so you can apply early next cycle. You might not even need to retake your MCAT (be sure to look at the cut-offs for all the schools you apply to beforehand though, so you don't waste time and money). Retake if necessary.
We're all rooting for ya. 👍
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This thread made me realize why I love the SDN community (even if I've just been a lonely lurker for quite some time 🙂 ) the support here is great to see. well from the DO section at least haha
Anyway, as previously mentioned, I do believe that 6 on the verbal might be holding you back a bit. email all the schools you haven't heard from, it can't hurt. Prepare as best you can for that interview, if it's meant to be it'll work out. otherwise, keep banging away on your ECs and study again for the MCAT. You'll have a great shot if you apply early next cycle. Good luck!
Anyway, as previously mentioned, I do believe that 6 on the verbal might be holding you back a bit. email all the schools you haven't heard from, it can't hurt. Prepare as best you can for that interview, if it's meant to be it'll work out. otherwise, keep banging away on your ECs and study again for the MCAT. You'll have a great shot if you apply early next cycle. Good luck!
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How were your personal statements? I think that mine were the reason that I got a chance to interview since I was able to give them a reason about my grades and show that I do want this...
also (again, not an expert) but I got weeded out at some schools automatically. The one that offered me the interview has been on my list of "top schools" because they seem to emphasize a lot of things besides numbers/gpa...maybe that school that you got the interview sees something in your application that other schools missed out on?
Don't give up hope, I'm rooting for you! 🙂 Hopefully this one interview leads to an acceptance...for both of us!
If you don't mind me asking, what school is your interview at?
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No, it doesn't mean you got silently rejected. My application was complete for MSUCOM in early December. Even though the class was full, I got a high wait list and a pre-acceptance for the class of 2017 (if space doesn't open up in the class of 2016)- I hadn't heard a peep out of them until I got accepted. Don't come off scared in your interview- be confident and professional.
Don't give up hope. What are your grades/MCAT?
I'd definitely say to keep up hope and don't give up!!
The one thing I'd advise, though, is not to retake the mcat. You've already taken it three times and it sounds like you've already made a big improvement over that time. It is extraordinarily difficult to significantly change scores on standardized tests (though some, including you, do!). You'd unfortunately just be taking the chance that, on a fourth try, your score doesn't change or goes down. It's a huge gamble not to mention an even bigger source of stress. I'd focus on trying to improve your application in other ways- i.e.- unique experiences, research etc.
Best of luck- rock that interview!
The one thing I'd advise, though, is not to retake the mcat. You've already taken it three times and it sounds like you've already made a big improvement over that time. It is extraordinarily difficult to significantly change scores on standardized tests (though some, including you, do!). You'd unfortunately just be taking the chance that, on a fourth try, your score doesn't change or goes down. It's a huge gamble not to mention an even bigger source of stress. I'd focus on trying to improve your application in other ways- i.e.- unique experiences, research etc.
Best of luck- rock that interview!
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I am a reapplicant so I know how anxious the whole process can be, but a few things to keep in mind:
1. Some schools do run late interviews, it is not ideal but you still have a chance. I just interviewed at TUCOM-CA and they said interviews often run into mid May, and that they usually don't have to ration seats until mid February (in other words this late is still not too late to have early applicant advantage at some schools)
2. I have a friend who got in to WVSOM last year with a 25 on MCAT and similar GPA to you, its not unheard of
3. EC's are huge at some schools. Each school weights different aspects more, and even at some of the top MD programs people with average stats but excellent EC's often get in over people with excellent stats but average EC's.
4. If they offer an interview it means they have thoroughly screened your application and think you are a good enough candidate to admit, while having better stats still help when they decide your fate just getting the offer is a positive sign (for the majority of schools, there are a few that interview for the waitlist or have otherwise unpleasant policies, but they are usually upfront about it and in my experience these tend to be MD programs)
5. Even if you don't get in, if its in your heart don't give up and you will get there. Just focus on what you perceive as weaknesses, save up for applications and apply early.
This is my third year applying, about 10 schools per year, the first two years I received 2 interviews each and waitlist/rejections, this year I received 7 interviews and 3 acceptances so far! Take it from me that if you want it badly enough, it will be just as sweet if you get it this year or next year.
1. Some schools do run late interviews, it is not ideal but you still have a chance. I just interviewed at TUCOM-CA and they said interviews often run into mid May, and that they usually don't have to ration seats until mid February (in other words this late is still not too late to have early applicant advantage at some schools)
2. I have a friend who got in to WVSOM last year with a 25 on MCAT and similar GPA to you, its not unheard of
3. EC's are huge at some schools. Each school weights different aspects more, and even at some of the top MD programs people with average stats but excellent EC's often get in over people with excellent stats but average EC's.
4. If they offer an interview it means they have thoroughly screened your application and think you are a good enough candidate to admit, while having better stats still help when they decide your fate just getting the offer is a positive sign (for the majority of schools, there are a few that interview for the waitlist or have otherwise unpleasant policies, but they are usually upfront about it and in my experience these tend to be MD programs)
5. Even if you don't get in, if its in your heart don't give up and you will get there. Just focus on what you perceive as weaknesses, save up for applications and apply early.
This is my third year applying, about 10 schools per year, the first two years I received 2 interviews each and waitlist/rejections, this year I received 7 interviews and 3 acceptances so far! Take it from me that if you want it badly enough, it will be just as sweet if you get it this year or next year.
