Inquired about Early Decision at my Alma Mater, got meeting with director of admissions, getting second thoughts.

[calcuttaho]

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Okay, I am entering my third cycle. I have a 515 MCAT and 3.76 GPA. This schools average MCAT is 512 and around a 3.8 GPA.

This school has interviewed me twice and waitlisted me twice. In the first cycle, it was one of two interviews from 19 schools, and in this cycle is was one of three from 34 schools.

I contacted this school asking for more information about the Early Decision, just because I thought as an alumni with slightly above average stats, I would be a good fit for the school. They did interview me even though my application kind of sucked the first cycle. They responded to my request with a meeting with director of admissions.

I’m getting second thoughts about the whole idea. For the record, this IS my top school. I would go without hesitation if accepted. Applying early is not my issue, per se, but the risk that I don’t get accepted to a school at all. I just realized that I’m betting my entire third cycle on a school that has waitlisted me twice.

Is there any way to backtrack from this meeting now that it’s offered? Can I enter and tell them that they’re my top choice, but I’m only interested in applying ED if there is a good chance I get accepted? I sent them an update, and it didn’t affect the fact that I’m waitlisted, so I’m concerned that it probably won’t make a difference if I apply with the same application.

 

[wysdoc]

Okay, I am entering my third cycle. I have a 515 MCAT and 3.76 GPA. This schools average MCAT is 512 and around a 3.8 GPA.

This school has interviewed me twice and waitlisted me twice. In the first cycle, it was one of two interviews from 19 schools, and in this cycle is was one of three from 34 schools.

I contacted this school asking for more information about the Early Decision, just because I thought as an alumni with slightly above average stats, I would be a good fit for the school. They did interview me even though my application kind of sucked the first cycle. They responded to my request with a meeting with director of admissions.

I’m getting second thoughts about the whole idea. For the record, this IS my top school. I would go without hesitation if accepted. Applying early is not my issue, per se, but the risk that I don’t get accepted to a school at all. I just realized that I’m betting my entire third cycle on a school that has waitlisted me twice.

Is there any way to backtrack from this meeting now that it’s offered? Can I enter and tell them that they’re my top choice, but I’m only interested in applying ED if there is a good chance I get accepted? I sent them an update, and it didn’t affect the fact that I’m waitlisted, so I’m concerned that it probably won’t make a difference if I apply with the same application.

Keep the meeting, and be ready to share your enthusiasm for their school.

The reason you want the meeting is to see if you are a likely candidate for ED admission.
If he tells you frankly that you are not, you will have your answer and can apply broadly.

 

[calcuttaho]

Keep the meeting, and be ready to share your enthusiasm for their school.

The reason you want the meeting is to see if you are a likely candidate for ED admission.
If he tells you frankly that you are not, you will have your answer and can apply broadly.

Sounds good. I am concerned about the possibility of a not ”100% confident but maybe” answer, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Do I enter the interview being clear that while I AM interested in the school, I’m concerned about the risks of not applying broadly? Is it even possible to get a concrete answer on my odds as an ED applicant? I’m also concerned because I’m still on the waitlist. I sent an update letter a few weeks ago, and it didn’t affect my spot on the waitlist. I have no updates since then. If, even with my update, I’m not good enough for the school, would it be insane to assume I’m a great ED fit?

 

[gyngyn]

Sounds good. I am concerned about the possibility of a not ”100% confident but maybe” answer, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Do I enter the interview being clear that while I AM interested in the school, I’m concerned about the risks of not applying broadly? Is it even possible to get a concrete answer on my odds as an ED applicant? I’m also concerned because I’m still on the waitlist. I sent an update letter a few weeks ago, and it didn’t affect my spot on the waitlist. I have no updates since then. If, even with my update, I’m not good enough for the school, would it be insane to assume I’m a great ED fit?

Concern regarding diminished prospects at other schools is legitimate, but strategically, the ED interview is not the place to express that concern. The director will hopefully address this without the need for you to prompt them.

The director can either encourage or discourage your ED application. Only the admissions committee can accept an applicant, though (not the dean or the director).

There is no way to predict how your interest in the ED program would affect your chances for a waitlist acceptance.

It would seem unlikely that a candidate who has been waitlisted twice would be a prime target for Early Decision. However, schools vary dramatically in how they use these programs. If the director agreed to meet with you, there is at least some chance that you would be considered.

 

[calcuttaho]

Okay, story just got more complicated. Just got my first acceptance off the waitlist at ANOTHER school. This school is still my top choice, but 0% chance I’m going through another cycle for ANY reason.

Do I keep or cancel the appointment? Would cancelling the appointment look bad for my spot on the waitlist? Am I overthinking this? (Yes, I am)

 

[Dr.Freedman MedEdits]

Amazing news! Cancel the appointment respectfully and let the director know that you received an acceptance. I promise the director will be happy that you didn't waste their time!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Okay, story just got more complicated. Just got my first acceptance off the waitlist at ANOTHER school. This school is still my top choice, but 0% chance I’m going through another cycle for ANY reason.

Do I keep or cancel the appointment? Would cancelling the appointment look bad for my spot on the waitlist? Am I overthinking this? (Yes, I am)

Congratulations. Cancel your appointment. Take the offer. (Fill out the Spring 2025 Applicant Experience Survey.)

 

[LunaOri]

Congratulations! Cancel the appointment (but let the director know that you will attend their school if you are accepted off the waitlist this season).