I really dont get it!!! 6 interviews and rejected

[hopeles]

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I was complete last year mid september with a 28 mcat, perfect gpa, excellent extra curriculars, letters etc. received 5 MD interviews and 1 DO, everyone I spoke to said i shouldn't have a problem, Ill get in to one school.
Fast forward a few months.. 2 Rejections and 4 waitlists, I thought i did really well on my interviews and was really talkative, answered all questions well etc.
At this point the schools I was waitlisted at I have no chance of getting off.
2 schools I called said there was no movement in the past month or more, and said I mostly won't get accepted.

And one school known to accept even the week of classes, I received a formal rejection off the waitlist, which doesn't make sense. I did call almost every other week to check if there has been any movement , I thought that's recommended to do.

Can anyone help me? where did I possibly go wrong?

I feel really down and discouraged, I don't even know if I have the motivation now to retake my mcat and re-apply?

Update: most of my interviews were october-december

 

[487806]

I applied last year mid september with a 28 mcat, perfect gpa, excellent extra curriculars, letters etc. received 5 MD interviews and 1 DO, everyone I spoke to said i shouldn't have a problem, Ill get in to one school.
Fast forward a few months.. 2 Rejections and 4 waitlists, I thought i did really well on my interviews and was really talkative, answered all questions well etc.
At this point the schools I was waitlisted at I have no chance of getting off.
2 schools I called said there was no movement in the past month or more, and said I mostly won't get accepted.

And one school known to accept even the week of classes, I received a formal rejection off the waitlist, which doesn't make sense. I did call almost every other week to check if there has been any movement , I thought that's recommended to do.

Can anyone help me? where did I possibly go wrong?

I feel really down and discouraged, I don't even know if I have the motivation now to retake my mcat and re-apply?

You applied mid-sept. This is your problem.

And you need to work on your interviewing skills.

 

[hopeles]

You applied mid-sept. This is your problem.

My interviews were early though, 3 were in october / november

 

[jk1006]

no that doesnt seem to make total sense... yea maybe since you applied late spots were already filled

but the fact that you got 6 interviews really seems to hint at the fact that your interview skills were sketchy.

i mean getting an interview, with your stats, and the fact you applied mid-sept is kind of a miracle

most people never hear from med schools that late with low scores.... so although you think your interviews went well, maybe you should call the schools and ask for feedback of what went wrong

not all schools do it but its worth a shot

 

[487806]

My interviews were early though, 3 were in october / november

Right, but applying late will kill you for schools on rolling admissions, because you likely got the last batch (lowest priority) of interviews. With this many interviews and no acceptances, your interviewing skills aren't great. Also, just because you got the interview doesn't mean the adcoms disregarded your stats. They still count

 

[Radon XP]

Applying in September + 28 MCAT = the kiss of death

 

[Ismet]

My interviews were early though, 3 were in october / november

That's really not that early. Most schools start interviewing at the end of August, and many schools start sending out acceptances in November. You weren't super late either, but with a 28 MCAT, applying earlier would have been more beneficial.

I suspect that your interviews probably didn't go quite as well as you thought. Schools don't waste time interviewing applicants that aren't worthy of a spot on paper, so a post-interview rejection indicates something probably went wrong with the interview. Maybe they thought you didn't fit the school's mission, maybe that you wouldn't fit with the student body, anything really. Have you had a chance to do mock interviews and get feedback?

 

[thesauce]

Low MCAT + applied late + bad luck

 

[hopeles]

Right, but applying late will kill you for schools on rolling admissions. With this many interviews and no acceptances, your interviewing skills aren't great. Also, just because you got the interview doesn't mean the adcoms disregarded your stats. They still count

I felt really good coming out of every interview , I felt I was talkative & answered every question really well. I also had mock interviews that went well. So I don't get it.

Maybe theres a prototype DR personality that they're looking for?

 

[487806]

Applying in September + 28 MCAT = the kiss of death

That's really not that early. Most schools start interviewing at the end of August, and many schools start sending out acceptances in November. You weren't super late either, but with a 28 MCAT, applying earlier would have been more beneficial.

I suspect that your interviews probably didn't go quite as well as you thought. Schools don't waste time interviewing applicants that aren't worthy of a spot on paper, so a post-interview rejection indicates something probably went wrong with the interview. Maybe they thought you didn't fit the school's mission, maybe that you wouldn't fit with the student body, anything really. Have you had a chance to do mock interviews and get feedback?

Low MCAT + applied late + bad luck

I assume OP applied to DO and low-tier MD schools, so the low MCAT isn't a factor here, since a 28 matches the average and above bottom tenth percentile of such schools respectively.

 

[Goro]

I don't think lateness was the problem, after all, you had plenty of interviews. The DO cycle is longer, anyway.

I suspect that either:
1) you bombed your interviews
2) you have a red flag in your packet. Any IAs? Felonies? Multiple misdemeanors? Possible bad LOR? OR low number of Ecs, especially patient contact experience?

Suggest you contact the schools to get some feedback. I'll be interested in hearing what they say.

I applied last year mid september with a 28 mcat, perfect gpa, excellent extra curriculars, letters etc. received 5 MD interviews and 1 DO, everyone I spoke to said i shouldn't have a problem, Ill get in to one school.
Fast forward a few months.. 2 Rejections and 4 waitlists, I thought i did really well on my interviews and was really talkative, answered all questions well etc.
At this point the schools I was waitlisted at I have no chance of getting off.
2 schools I called said there was no movement in the past month or more, and said I mostly won't get accepted.

And one school known to accept even the week of classes, I received a formal rejection off the waitlist, which doesn't make sense. I did call almost every other week to check if there has been any movement , I thought that's recommended to do.

Can anyone help me? where did I possibly go wrong?

I feel really down and discouraged, I don't even know if I have the motivation now to retake my mcat and re-apply?

 

[hopeles]

Let me refrase that my secondaries were in mid september

 

[Radon XP]

I felt really good coming out of every interview , I felt I was talkative & answered every question really well. I also had mock interviews that went well. So I don't get it.

Maybe theres a prototype DR personality that they're looking for?

I've felt good coming out of interviews that ended up yielding nothing for me.

You could contact your interviewer and asking? Also, see your career center for practice

 

[487806]

I've felt good coming out of interviews that ended up yielding nothing for me.

You could contact your interviewer and asking? Also, see your career center for practice

This exactly.

 

[hopeles]

I don't think lateness was the problem, after all, you had plenty of interviews. The DO cycle is longer, anyway.

I suspect that either:
1) you bombed your interviews
2) you have a red flag in your packet. Any IAs? Felonies? Multiple misdemeanors? Possible bad LOR? OR low number of Ecs, especially patient contact experience?

Suggest you contact the schools to get some feedback. I'll be interested in hearing what they say.

No red flags and really good extra cirriculars that are really unique, which I felt gave me an upper hand

I assume OP applied to DO and low-tier MD schools, so the low MCAT isn't a factor here, since a 28 matches the average and above bottom tenth percentile of such schools respectively.

I assume OP applied to DO and low-tier MD schools, so the low MCAT isn't a factor here, since a 28 matches the average and above bottom tenth percentile of such schools respectively.

Some interviews were high tier in state schools- which I was surprised getting an II

 

[487806]

No red flags and really good extra cirriculars that are really unique, which I felt gave me an upper hand





Some interviews were high tier in state schools- which I was surprised getting an II

I'd contact the schools and find out what went wrong. In the meantime, retake the MCAT, get more ECs or continue with them, and apply next cycle EARLY.

 

[Goro]

OK, I forgot this one. Strongly concur here. I've seen this happen firsthand...your MCAT left interviewers saying "nice guy/gal, but I'm concerned about that MCAT score."

Still, a DO school should have gladly taken you with that score (mine would), so it must have been interview skills. Practice makes perfect!

I'd contact the schools and find out what went wrong. In the meantime, retake the MCAT, get more ECs or continue with them, and apply next cycle EARLY.

 

[chillaxbro]

There's always next (this) year

Fix that MCAT, apply earlier

 

[hopeles]

OK, I forgot this one. Strongly concur here. I've seen this happen firsthand...your MCAT left interviewers saying "nice guy/gal, but I'm concerned about that MCAT score."

Still, a DO school should have gladly taken you with that score (mine would), so it must have been interview skills. Practice makes perfect!

Why didnt though any mention my mcat score during the interview, some though were impressed about my gpa.

I'd contact the schools and find out what went wrong. In the meantime, retake the MCAT, get more ECs or continue with them, and apply next cycle EARLY.

You mean this Cycle? I plan on submitting now and retake next 2 weeks.

But feel discouraged ...bec. maybe a better mcat wont help

 

[Goro]

Do not take MCAT unless you're fully ready, and even if it means applying next year, apply with the best possible packet. You're fine this cycle for DO programs, but it's getting really late for MD.

You mean this Cycle? I plan on submitting now and retake next 2 weeks.

But feel discouraged ...bec. maybe a better mcat wont help

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

OK, I forgot this one. Strongly concur here. I've seen this happen firsthand...your MCAT left interviewers saying "nice guy/gal, but I'm concerned about that MCAT score."

Still, a DO school should have gladly taken you with that score (mine would), so it must have been interview skills. Practice makes perfect!

Why would they interview you if they're concerned about the score? This always baffled me.

 

[Freeinfinity]

I've felt good coming out of interviews that ended up yielding nothing for me.

This has happened to me twice as well. You just never know.

 

[487806]

Why would they interview you if they're concerned about the score? This always baffled me.

Strong ECs and GPA supposedly override low MCAT, so OP made the cut and got the II

 

[Goro]

Admissions office doesn't care about the score, as long as it's within the school's limits; the AdCom does. Admissions officers are concerned with getting bodies into seats.

The AdCom doesn't alas, schedule the interviews.

Why would they interview you if they're concerned about the score? This always baffled me.

 

[hopeles]

Do not take MCAT unless you're fully ready, and even if it means applying next year, apply with the best possible packet. You're fine this cycle for DO programs, but it's getting really late for MD.

I would submit now, and by the time im complete I would get back my score, mid september. Is that fine?

 

[Radon XP]

I would submit now, and by the time im complete I would get back my score, mid september. Is that fine?

You should have submitted many weeks ago.

 

[hopeles]

You should have submitted many weeks ago.

But don't I need to retake the mcat?

I really didnt expect this. I thought I would get off a waitlist

 

[hopeles]

You should have submitted many weeks ago.

But don't I need to retake the mcat , I was supposed to submit with my current score?

I really didnt expect this. I thought I would get off a waitlist

 

[487806]

You mean this Cycle? I plan on submitting now and retake next 2 weeks.

But feel discouraged ...bec. maybe a better mcat wont help

No. By the time you're verified, it'll likely be in September, hence repeating the outcomes of the previous cycle. Apply next cycle early and prepare a much better app.

 

[hopeles]

No. By the time you're verified, it'll likely be in September, hence repeating the outcomes of the previous cycle. Apply next cycle early and prepare a much better app.

Theres no way to apply this cycle?

 

[Radon XP]

Theres no way to apply this cycle?

That depends. How confident are you that you'll get a great MCAT score this time round?

 

[The Kraken]

But don't I need to retake the mcat , I was supposed to submit with my current score?

I really didnt expect this. I thought I would get off a waitlist

This is hindsight but all waitlists back after movement day means you better be fixing a 28 mcat. Its relatively easy to break 30 than it is to get a high gpa (at my school at least) with good prep. 3 months of sn2ed schedule faithfully is pretty much 30 guaranteed.

 

[487806]

Theres no way to apply this cycle?

I didn't say that. You can apply but I don't know whether you'll get in. I wouldn't waste the cash and apply next cycle instead. Meanwhile, use that time and bump your MCAT score.

 

[hopeles]

I didn't say that. You can apply but I don't know whether you'll get in. I wouldn't waste the cash and apply next cycle instead. Meanwhile, use that time and bump your MCAT score.

I feel like I could get a 30+ as those were my practice tests range

 

[pathologyDO]

I will ask again for the other people who already did - have you called and asked what the interviewers felt that you were lacking?

 

[hopeles]

I will ask again for the other people who already did - have you called and asked what the interviewers felt that you were lacking?

I asked a few schools they didn't really give much feedback,
One said they'll get back to me
Second said waitlisted it doesn't really mean I necessary did bad on the interview
Third school said that if i wouldve done bad I would've been rejected flat out but from the fact that I was waitlisted , I didn't blow them away either.

But ill call again especially since the 1st school didn't get back to me.

 

[CriticalCond]

Getting back an MCAT score in September is late, but since you already have one you should be verified before your second score comes in. I hadnt even submitted my primary this time last year. I would however wait to submit until after the MCAT and see how you felt about it because you need to break a 30 as a reapp.

What plans have you made for this next year?

 

[thesauce]

I definitely think the importance of the interview is highly overstated. Maybe someone is a little better prepared and another is a little less, but most everyone falls into probably plus or minus 10%. That's rarely enough to swing you one way or another. It's your stats that really get you in. There is, of course, some luck involved as well.

 

[SilverCat]

I definitely think the importance of the interview is highly overstated. Maybe someone is a little better prepared and another is a little less, but most everyone falls into probably plus or minus 10%. That's rarely enough to swing you one way or another. It's your stats that really get you in. There is, of course, some luck involved as well.

This.

I've called all the schools where I was rejected post- interview, and while some said it was the interview which was poor, many others have claimed either my stats (lower sGPA) or ECs were lacking. Just because you score an interview doesn't mean that your stats and ECs are great, and all it will take is a good interview to get an acceptance.

If I were you, I'd call the schools where I interviewed, plan to retake the MCAT sometime this year, and reapply for the next cycle, because in this cycle you would be considered late ( we're just about in August, now).

 

[jk1006]

Realistically the next MCAT you could take would be the August 9th one, that leaves your primary unverified until mid to late september, assuming you had all your secondaries prewritten it actually leaves you in worse shape than you were last year, and that all hinges on a successful MCAT

you shouldve been thinking about reapplying when you were on the waitlists into april may june, instead of waiting until now

as it is if you want to maximize your chances the best advice is to wait a year and take the MCAT early and then apply early.

 

[jw3600]

I definitely think the importance of the interview is highly overstated. Maybe someone is a little better prepared and another is a little less, but most everyone falls into probably plus or minus 10%. That's rarely enough to swing you one way or another. It's your stats that really get you in. There is, of course, some luck involved as well.

I pretty much agree with this. LizzyM had a nice explanation once about how it is similar to a ladder. Applicants that get to the interview stage are placed on a rung of the "ladder" An interview will rarely move you up or down 2 rungs, sometimes 1, but mainly people end up sitting on the rung they started on. This is why stats still matter very much after the interview. The applicant who came in on rung X+2 will still be 2 ahead of the guy on X if they both have competent, but not earth shattering interviews. Sometime, I feel SDN tries to spread that all applicants are equal once they are invited to interview. While some schools may be like this, I think most aren't.

 

[hopeles]

Realistically the next MCAT you could take would be the August 9th one, that leaves your primary unverified until mid to late september, assuming you had all your secondaries prewritten it actually leaves you in worse shape than you were last year, and that all hinges on a successful MCAT

you shouldve been thinking about reapplying when you were on the waitlists into april may june, instead of waiting until now

as it is if you want to maximize your chances the best advice is to wait a year and take the MCAT early and then apply early.

I was planning applying now and taking August 9, i really don't want to wait another year as already took off last year to study for my mcat.

Can i apply now assuming i break a 30?
I would submit now to only 1 school and if my mcat comes back favorable I'll add the rest of the schools and also have my secondaries ready as ill do them while waiting to get my score back.

 

[StephanieZ]

Realistically the next MCAT you could take would be the August 9th one, that leaves your primary unverified until mid to late september, assuming you had all your secondaries prewritten it actually leaves you in worse shape than you were last year, and that all hinges on a successful MCAT

you shouldve been thinking about reapplying when you were on the waitlists into april may june, instead of waiting until now

as it is if you want to maximize your chances the best advice is to wait a year and take the MCAT early and then apply early.

This. OP, sorry you don't want to wait, but at this point I wouldn't suggest you apply this time around unless you just have nothing to lose (i.e. you are financially able to do so and have ample time to both apply for this cycle and continue to improve your application for next cycle) because there is a good chance you will end up needing to reapply next year anyway. If the MCAT is all you are improving and you can only bring it up a few points, what are you really adding to your app that will make you look good as a reapplicant?

 

[hopeles]

This. OP, sorry you don't want to wait, but at this point I wouldn't suggest you apply this time around unless you just have nothing to lose (i.e. you are financially able to do so and have ample time to both apply for this cycle and continue to improve your application for next cycle) because there is a good chance you will end up needing to reapply next year anyway. If the MCAT is all you are improving and you can only bring it up a few points, what are you really adding to your app that will make you look good as a reapplicant?

I received financial assistance so essentially I'm not paying to apply. Do i have anything to lose. I really don't have a shot this cycle?

 

[candbgirl]

You said you took last year off to study for the MCAT. When did you take it and what have you done since to show improvement on your app? You also stated that you were getting 30+ on your practice exams. If that was last year what makes you think you can score 30+ this year(in 12 days)? You will be lucky to score 28 again. Is it really the MCAT holding you back? I'm not certain since you had 6 interviews. But as all reapplicants will tell you there must be improvement in your application when you reapply. Would it be better to wait a year and have a stellar application or be a 3x applicant?

 

[Arbor Vitae]

I applied last year mid september with a 28 mcat, perfect gpa, excellent extra curriculars, letters etc. received 5 MD interviews and 1 DO, everyone I spoke to said i shouldn't have a problem, Ill get in to one school.
Fast forward a few months.. 2 Rejections and 4 waitlists, I thought i did really well on my interviews and was really talkative, answered all questions well etc.
At this point the schools I was waitlisted at I have no chance of getting off.
2 schools I called said there was no movement in the past month or more, and said I mostly won't get accepted.

And one school known to accept even the week of classes, I received a formal rejection off the waitlist, which doesn't make sense. I did call almost every other week to check if there has been any movement , I thought that's recommended to do.

Can anyone help me? where did I possibly go wrong?

I feel really down and discouraged, I don't even know if I have the motivation now to retake my mcat and re-apply?

mid September + 28 MCAT. I know a lot of people in similar situations, with late apps and high 20s MCAT, 5+ interviews and no acceptance

 

[hopeles]

You said you took last year off to study for the MCAT. When did you take it and what have you done since to show improvement on your app? You also stated that you were getting 30+ on your practice exams. If that was last year what makes you think you can score 30+ this year(in 12 days)? You will be lucky to score 28 again. Is it really the MCAT holding you back? I'm not certain since you had 6 interviews. But as all reapplicants will tell you there must be improvement in your application when you reapply. Would it be better to wait a year and have a stellar application or be a 3x applicant?

OP here

I have improved from last year , i did read a lot throughout the year and did some practice tests . The only issue is i used up all aamc +Kaplan +tbr from last year. But I'm using gold standard

I did have some new experiences past year that i can add.

Let me know really appreciate it

Sent from my Sph-710

 

[thesauce]

I pretty much agree with this. LizzyM had a nice explanation once about how it is similar to a ladder. Applicants that get to the interview stage are placed on a rung of the "ladder" An interview will rarely move you up or down 2 rungs, sometimes 1, but mainly people end up sitting on the rung they started on. This is why stats still matter very much after the interview. The applicant who came in on rung X+2 will still be 2 ahead of the guy on X if they both have competent, but not earth shattering interviews. Sometime, I feel SDN tries to spread that all applicants are equal once they are invited to interview. While some schools may be like this, I think most aren't.

That's a great way to put it. Moreover, a lot of what allows someone to really blow away an interview is out of your control. For instance, I know a girl who rode horses competitively for several years and just happened to be interviewed by a physician who also rode horses in the same circuit years back. It wasn't planned that way - that physician interviewer filled in in a punch. They talked for an hour and a half about horses and not a single question about medicine. Of course she was accepted. Without the stars aligning, there was no way in heck she was getting into that school.

 

[ClamzoniofRI]

OP here

I have improved from last year , i did read a lot throughout the year and did some practice tests . The only issue is i used up all aamc +Kaplan +tbr from last year. But I'm using gold standard

How many tests is that? You have an impressive drive! After 10, I was so sick of the thing...

 

[Back 5]

My personal take, from reading this thread: There are some really good posts filled with information and OP seems to have either ignored them or glossed over and instead only replies with "Why can't I apply now and get in" (paraphrased). This makes me think he is not completely aware of his surroundings or might not have the self awareness that the ADCOMs are looking for.

Either way, OP, settle down and retake your MCAT. You are a year removed from undergrad? 22 years old? A year will not kill you. When you're applying to school at 32, a year matters. At 22 a year is nothing.