Interviews at UNC-CH and Northwestern but pre-interview Georgetown rejection?

[th88]

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Hi all,
I just wanted to field some opinions on a confusing admission decision.

To start out, I have a 3.74 GPA and 36 MCAT.

I quickly received interview invites from Northwestern and UNC-Chapel Hill, but today I found out that Georgetown rejected me post-secondary. I read my secondary and I don't think there's anything that could turn them off. I wrote a a good primary personal statement with what I think is a unique angle. I have good clinical experience but may be weak on community service.

I'm confused because I received interviews from two schools that I think are better than Georgetown. What could be the reason?

 

[LRAccord624]

Hi all,
I just wanted to field some opinions on a confusing admission decision.

To start out, I have a 3.74 GPA and 36 MCAT.

I quickly received interview invites from Northwestern and UNC-Chapel Hill, but today I found out that Georgetown rejected me post-secondary. I read my secondary and I don't think there's anything that could turn them off. I wrote a a good primary personal statement with what I think is a unique angle. I have good clinical experience but may be weak on community service.

I'm confused because I received interviews from two schools that are objectively better than Georgetown. What could be the reason?

Most likely reason: it's a crapshoot. I (along with many other people) found this out last year. Why let the pre-interview rejection bother you when you got invites from schools you perceive as being better anyway?

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Hi all,
I just wanted to field some opinions on a confusing admission decision.

To start out, I have a 3.74 GPA and 36 MCAT.

I quickly received interview invites from Northwestern and UNC-Chapel Hill, but today I found out that Georgetown rejected me post-secondary. I read my secondary and I don't think there's anything that could turn them off. I wrote a a good primary personal statement with what I think is a unique angle. I have good clinical experience but may be weak on community service.

I'm confused because I received interviews from two schools that are objectively better than Georgetown. What could be the reason?

says you.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

what a boaster.

 

[ssahjm]

From what I've heard, Georgetown is pretty picky about who they interview/accept. They are definitely looking for people who make it clear that GT is more than just a fallback school. (Example: if you are waitlisted at GT, you have to write another "Why GT" essay and send it to the admissions office if you want the chance to be accepted.) They're also very into the whole "cura personalis" thing and Jesuit ideals, so even applicants with amazing stats may not get in. Sorry to hear about it, but congrats on the other schools. You seem like you're in the position to do well this cycle! Good luck. 👍

 

[1nquiry]

One of my friends was accepted to Harvard, Stanford, and Yale for undergrad and rejected by a state school (not even ranked).

Alot of times schools have different agenda for what they select in their applicants. GT probably wasn't a good fit for you. I'm sure your other options will turn out to be great.

 

[kraftsingles]

you got into unc, choice made for you. nothing better than college basketball. and also keep in mind the threads that are wondering why they didn't get into ANY schools far outnumber the ones why they didn't get into ALL schools... quit bitching

 

[ssahjm]

you got into unc, choice made for you. Nothing better than college basketball. and also keep in mind the threads that are wondering why they didn't get into any schools far outnumber the ones why they didn't get into all schools... quit bitching

qft.

 

[th88]

what a boaster.

I'm not too sure how a post about a rejection could really be considered boasting. Posting my stats was relevant to anyone who would be inclined to answer my question.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

I'm not too sure how a post about a rejection could really be considered boasting. Posting my stats was relevant to anyone who would be inclined to answer my question.

if mcdonalds made a sandwich in your honor it would be call the "mcboasterson".

 

[th88]

you got into unc, choice made for you. nothing better than college basketball. and also keep in mind the threads that are wondering why they didn't get into ANY schools far outnumber the ones why they didn't get into ALL schools... quit bitching

I only interviewed there, I haven't heard back yet about an admissions decision.

 

[LizzyM]

I do believe that G'town recognizes that it is a "safety" for some and and I suspect that G'town doesn't want to waste its resources on student who will be admitted to and choose to attend schools that are "objectively better" than G'town.


Question for everyone: is it better to be rejected this early in the season by what you'd see as a second tier school or would you rather sit in "under review" status until April?

 

[RogueUnicorn]

I do believe that G'town recognizes that it is a "safety" for some and and I suspect that G'town doesn't want to waste its resources on student who will be admitted to and choose to attend schools that are "objectively better" than G'town.


Question for everyone: is it better to be rejected this early in the season by what you'd see as a second tier school or would you rather sit in "under review" status until April?

much much much better than being strung along, for any school, regardless of tier. at least imo

 

[phonyreal98]

you got into unc, choice made for you. nothing better than college basketball. and also keep in mind the threads that are wondering why they didn't get into ANY schools far outnumber the ones why they didn't get into ALL schools... quit bitching

qft. 👍

 

[rhesuspieces]

I do believe that G'town recognizes that it is a "safety" for some and and I suspect that G'town doesn't want to waste its resources on student who will be admitted to and choose to attend schools that are "objectively better" than G'town.


Question for everyone: is it better to be rejected this early in the season by what you'd see as a second tier school or would you rather sit in "under review" status until April?

I think this is true of BU as well. I applied there as a "safety" (if there is such a thing in med school admissions) and was rejected pre-interview. A few weeks later I got an invite from Wash U. You can't take this process too personally. A lot of schools are more numbers-focused (especially the research heavy schools), whereas other schools like students who are dedicated to community service. You can't assume that you'll get an interview simply because your numbers are near the top of a school's MCAT/GPA range.

And to answer LizzyM's question, I'd take a rejection any day over the dreaded "under review" status

 

[Dookie2010]

if you really want to know, you should call them and ask.

If, however, you are just looking to feel better, refer to the "it's a crap chute" comments above, or pretend that they rejected you on the sole basis that you are a very attractive candidate, and you wouldn't have even gone to their school if they admitted you since you'd have so many other options, so they just didn't want to YOU to reject THEM...kind of like when you find out from a friend that your girlfriend is going to dump you, so you dump her first 😉

 

[bookfreak89]

Hi all,
I just wanted to field some opinions on a confusing admission decision.

To start out, I have a 3.74 GPA and 36 MCAT.

I quickly received interview invites from Northwestern and UNC-Chapel Hill, but today I found out that Georgetown rejected me post-secondary. I read my secondary and I don't think there's anything that could turn them off. I wrote a a good primary personal statement with what I think is a unique angle. I have good clinical experience but may be weak on community service.

I'm confused because I received interviews from two schools that I think are better than Georgetown. What could be the reason?

Why are you asking this question? Unless you are posting this to....brag? You believe that Georgetown is inferior to Northwestern & Chapel-Hill, thus, it should not matter that you got rejected. Like people posted above, GT usually rejects people who apply there as safety schools and won't consider matriculating there. Move on and rock your interviews. Good luck.

 

[KPCOFGS]

Question for everyone: is it better to be rejected this early in the season by what you'd see as a second tier school or would you rather sit in "under review" status until April?

I dunno, I got rejected by UMich so fast it made my head spin. I wouldn't have minded a rejection maybe in Decemberish, at least so I felt like they were trying to give me a chance to interview. This way it's obvious there was just no saving my application. 🙁

 

[rafflecopter]

Definitely would prefer the rejection. I don't know how other applicants do it, but I keep an excel file detailing where I am in the admissions process with each school and it makes it much easier to know that I don't need to constantly check my status or email waiting for a particular school.

If I have say 15 schools left to hear back from, I'm hopeful that I'll still get an interview from them and will place a certain measure of expectation that I might get one. Knowing I was rejected from all of them early would be better because I could then make other arrangements earlier like applying to DO schools, Carribbean schools, or reapplying.

 

[Raziela]

Question for everyone: is it better to be rejected this early in the season by what you'd see as a second tier school or would you rather sit in "under review" status until April?

I've gotten four rejections so far, and while I was very disappointed by each one, I appreciated the school's prompt decision. This way, I can focus on my remaining schools (and interviews).

 

[dragonbush]

Question for everyone: is it better to be rejected this early in the season by what you'd see as a second tier school or would you rather sit in "under review" status until April?

If there is no chance of me getting in (as in "under review" but am actually rejected), I would want to know ASAP.

 

[bagelbird]

If there is no chance of me getting in (as in "under review" but am actually rejected), I would want to know ASAP.

Agreed. BRING ON THE REJECTIONS!!!! One rejection, one waitlist today... and thats before 2pm!!!

 

[AllDay24]

I know someone very close to me who had almost identical stats, and the same thing happened to him.... Georgetown thinks it's better than it is obviously.

"I have good clinical experience but may be weak on community service"...so Georgetown assumes that you're not a good fit and that you'll be a terrible doctor (sarcasm). I love how admissions people make such arbitrary judgments to separate candidates.

 

[LizzyM]

I know someone very close to me who had almost identical stats, and the same thing happened to him.... Georgetown thinks it's better than it is obviously.

"I have good clinical experience but may be weak on community service"...so Georgetown assumes that you're not a good fit and that you'll be a terrible doctor (sarcasm). I love how admissions people make such arbitrary judgments to separate candidates.

Schools recognize that some people who are not a good fit for their school will be excellent doctors but are better suited for a different educational setting.

 

[BrainBuff]

I do believe that G'town recognizes that it is a "safety" for some and and I suspect that G'town doesn't want to waste its resources on student who will be admitted to and choose to attend schools that are "objectively better" than G'town.

In other words, you have been "tufted" - (from the Tufts Syndrome- Applicants with high stats and without a connection to the school, or to Boston, get rejected because Tufts believes the student may end up in Harvard)

Other schools that suffer from the Tufts Syndrome: Boston University, Georgetown (if no connection to DC)

I have several friends with multiple ivy and top 10 interviews and pre interview rejections from Gtown. (n=4)

 

[AllDay24]

Schools recognize that some people who are not a good fit for their school will be excellent doctors but are better suited for a different educational setting.

What exactly is "fit" though? I love how when everyone applies to college, they say, "Oh, I visited that school, I loved the campus, it's the perfect fit for me." Then, when they don't get in, they choose some other school, which is "the best decision of their life" because "it's a great fit." "Fit" is just our way of rationalizing why we chose a school, but it is such a vague term.

I think that schools people put on their list (for college and med school) is arbitrary, and so is the process of selecting people for admission. I don't think admissions officers can really say that someone is not a good fit for their school (unless they are academically unqualified).

It's same reason why people buy stuff. Cars? Cause they look good or are a certain brand, not because of the engine or reliability. Computers? Cause everyone buys Macs now, not because of the specs. Clothes? Because they're popular, not the quality of the materials or the comfort.

 

[PartyHouse001]

What exactly is "fit" though? I love how when everyone applies to college, they say, "Oh, I visited that school, I loved the campus, it's the perfect fit for me." Then, when they don't get in, they choose some other school, which is "the best decision of their life" because "it's a great fit." "Fit" is just our way of rationalizing why we chose a school, but it is such a vague term.

I think that schools people put on their list (for college and med school) is arbitrary, and so is the process of selecting people for admission. I don't think admissions officers can really say that someone is not a good fit for their school (unless they are academically unqualified).

It's same reason why people buy stuff. Cars? Cause they look good or are a certain brand, not because of the engine or reliability. Computers? Cause everyone buys Macs now, not because of the specs. Clothes? Because they're popular, not the quality of the materials or the comfort.

Sorry my friend, I have to disagree with you here. Picking applicants is not the same as picking cars or computers or clothes. It is like a man, trying to pick up girls. Even the guy is good-looking, "has game," and successful, not every girl is going to fall for him. Hence, the word "Fit."

I am sure you will find the right one (school) for you. For me, the criterion is simple. If they accept me, I like them 🙂

 

[DJtiesto]

.

 

[Evergrey]

What exactly is "fit" though? I love how when everyone applies to college, they say, "Oh, I visited that school, I loved the campus, it's the perfect fit for me." Then, when they don't get in, they choose some other school, which is "the best decision of their life" because "it's a great fit." "Fit" is just our way of rationalizing why we chose a school, but it is such a vague term.

I think that schools people put on their list (for college and med school) is arbitrary, and so is the process of selecting people for admission. I don't think admissions officers can really say that someone is not a good fit for their school (unless they are academically unqualified).

It's same reason why people buy stuff. Cars? Cause they look good or are a certain brand, not because of the engine or reliability. Computers? Cause everyone buys Macs now, not because of the specs. Clothes? Because they're popular, not the quality of the materials or the comfort.

Also gonna disagree with you. I did a lot of research about the schools I applied to, and the schools that I felt I had a best match with, have also been the ones that ended up giving me interview invitations. Schools that didn't fit me as well.... All I've heard from them have been crickets chirping!

 

[AllDay24]

It's clear that I'm wrong about this. I'm not an applicant yet so obviously you guys know better. But it does seem true for undergrad.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

In other words, you have been "tufted" - (from the Tufts Syndrome- Applicants with high stats and without a connection to the school, or to Boston, get rejected because Tufts believes the student may end up in Harvard)

Other schools that suffer from the Tufts Syndrome: Boston University, Georgetown (if no connection to DC)

I have several friends with multiple ivy and top 10 interviews and pre interview rejections from Gtown. (n=4)

these schools also get 10K+ applicants. they can't interview every whiny premed who thinks they're god's gift to mankind.

 

[rhesuspieces]

It's clear that I'm wrong about this. I'm not an applicant yet so obviously you guys know better. But it does seem true for undergrad.

No offense, but undergrad is way different. For undergrad, the most selective schools have 10-15% acceptance rates. For med school, the least selective schools have acceptance rates around 10-15%. "Fit" becomes a much bigger issue for both the applicant and the school.

 

[LizzyM]

Some schools require a thesis... they'd be crazy to take someone who had zero interest in research of any kind.

Some schools require a lot of small group discussion... they'd be crazy to take someone who is unable to speak aloud in a group or who was unable to take turns and listen when others speak.

Some schools are on the look out for gunners who are going to be competitive rather than collaborative in their approach to academics.

Some schools are charged with producing providers for the state's population including primary care providers willing to work in rural areas.

Some students love their cars and/or the great outdoors and wilderness activities if they had a free afternoon once a month. Others would prefer the theatre, opera or art museum on that free afternoon. Not every school is within a 20 minute ride of both and so are better suited to one group or the other.

In some cases, the adcom really can't make a determination of fit but in some cases it is so obvious that it can't help but inform a decision.

 

[wanderer]

You clearly have no idea what you are talking about. Have you been on any medical school interviews? I have gone on 11 now and can easily state what each school is looking for. Some stress global health, some health policy, some helping the underserved, some rural populations, etc.

I don't know, i've been on several interviews myself and after a point many schools seem pretty similar. Sure the percentage of students that do community service or participate in the clinic or intramurals or whatever may differ but generally those opportunities seem to be available in many different schools. The research opportunities definitely seem to differ between different schools though. Also I never got to interact with more than 10% of any given class but I'd imagine that they are roughly similar between schools. Some schools do stand out in some way or another but they seem to be the exception, not the rule.

 

[LizzyM]

I don't know, i've been on several interviews myself and after a point many schools seem pretty similar. Sure the percentage of students that do community service or participate in the clinic or intramurals or whatever may differ but generally those opportunities seem to be available in many different schools. The research opportunities definitely seem to differ between different schools though. Also I never got to interact with more than 10% of any given class but I'd imagine that they are roughly similar between schools. Some schools do stand out in some way or another but they seem to be the exception, not the rule.

Of course they are similar! You did not apply to every school in the country and it is not likely that every one of your applications resulted in an interview. So, both you and the schools were selecting for "fit" and the long list of schools has been narrowed to those where you and the school agree that there is some possibility of "good fit".

 

[Barcu]

What exactly is "fit" though? I love how when everyone applies to college, they say, "Oh, I visited that school, I loved the campus, it's the perfect fit for me." Then, when they don't get in, they choose some other school, which is "the best decision of their life" because "it's a great fit." "Fit" is just our way of rationalizing why we chose a school, but it is such a vague term.

I think that schools people put on their list (for college and med school) is arbitrary, and so is the process of selecting people for admission. I don't think admissions officers can really say that someone is not a good fit for their school (unless they are academically unqualified).

It's same reason why people buy stuff. Cars? Cause they look good or are a certain brand, not because of the engine or reliability. Computers? Cause everyone buys Macs now, not because of the specs. Clothes? Because they're popular, not the quality of the materials or the comfort.

We are arguing about two different "fits." You are arguing from a student perspective. Of course we all think where we get in is a "fit." We do try and rationalize our decisions, even if they have been made for us by only getting one acceptance. "Fit" is important. I know people who went to a school and hated it. But from a student perspective, I bet there are many places we could go and be happy. Therefore, "fit" is the vague term you contend it is.

However, look at it from Georgetown's perspective (the purpose of the thread). They have over 10K applicants. They truly do value "fit" and they have more than enough applicants to find that "fit." So, "fit" is a much less vague term.

And LizzyM pointed out what those criteria might be for a school.

 

[wanderer]

Of course they are similar! You did not apply to every school in the country and it is not likely that every one of your applications resulted in an interview. So, both you and the schools were selecting for "fit" and the long list of schools has been narrowed to those where you and the school agree that there is some possibility of "good fit".

Yea, but I expected slight differences between similar schools, and for the most part have either not witnessed them or have not been able to figure out what those nuances are. Sure some schools differ in their objectives. One school I was accepted at tries to ensure there will be a substantial increase in HCP in a particular region of a particular state (not my own), another seeks to produce doctors who embody "humanistic medicine" (whatever that means), but the experience at each particular school seems to be overly similar.

 

[bookfreak89]

No offense, but undergrad is way different. For undergrad, the most selective schools have 10-15% acceptance rates. For med school, the least selective schools have acceptance rates around 10-15%. "Fit" becomes a much bigger issue for both the applicant and the school.

More like 6-10%.

 

[BrainBuff]

these schools also get 10K+ applicants. they can't interview every whiny premed who thinks they're god's gift to mankind.

A school that gets 10k applicants is going to try to interview those who are likely to attend. It would be stupid to waste the resources otherwise. When you see a school like G'town with a GPA of 3.68 (entering class) and average MCAT of 10.6 (entering class), it makes you wonder why would they be rejecting people with 3.9s and 12s averages without even offering an interview.

If those higher stat students were "likely to attend", then the school averages would be much higher.

Just like LizzyM mentioned. They do not want to be considered a safety. It may have to do with yields and resources.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

A school that gets 10k applicants is going to try to interview those who are likely to attend. It would be stupid to waste the resources otherwise. When you see a school like G'town with a GPA of 3.68 (entering class) and average MCAT of 10.6 (entering class), it makes you wonder why would they be rejecting people with 3.9s and 12s averages without even offering an interview.

If those higher stat students were "likely to attend", then the school averages would be much higher.

Just like LizzyM mentioned. They do not want to be considered a safety. It may have to do with yields and resources.

what's interesting to me is how you keep flipping these two in terms of importance.

 

[vickpick]

In the words of Eminem: (to OP)

bitch, you get NO LOVE!

 

[bamtuba]

OP:

Not all schools are impressed by high numbers, but rather see them as a means to an end.

You didn't impress G'town for some reason.

Congrats on the schools you did impress.

Move on and enjoy the ride.

👍

 

[BrainBuff]

what's interesting to me is how you keep flipping these two in terms of importance.

Amusing. You are reading too much into it. Not flipping the terms intentionally. Here, now you have them the other way around so that you can feel better.

Just like LizzyM mentioned. They do not want to be considered a safety. It may have to do with resources and yields.

 

[DM3]

i got rejected by umich so fast it made my head spin. I wouldn't have minded a rejection maybe in decemberish, at least so i felt like they were trying to give me a chance to interview. This way it's obvious there was just no saving my application. 🙁

+1

 

[45408]

It happens. I got interviews at "better" places and rejections at "worse" places. Sometimes, you're just not what they're looking for.

 

[Suenya]

Hi all,
I just wanted to field some opinions on a confusing admission decision.

To start out, I have a 3.74 GPA and 36 MCAT.

I quickly received interview invites from Northwestern and UNC-Chapel Hill, but today I found out that Georgetown rejected me post-secondary. I read my secondary and I don't think there's anything that could turn them off. I wrote a a good primary personal statement with what I think is a unique angle. I have good clinical experience but may be weak on community service.

I'm confused because I received interviews from two schools that I think are better than Georgetown. What could be the reason?

The three first responses I got from schools last year were: Interview Invite at Harvard in their first group of interviews, interview invite at UB (where I am now) in one of their earlier interview sets, and rejection from BU. This all happened in the same week or so.

I think there is something to be said about fit, but I also think with the huge numbers of applicants per space, randomness enters into it highly.

Once again, I questions that it all has to do with schools seeing you thinking of them as a safety. I got a fairly random response from schools, getting interviews at top, very good, moderate, and low competition schools, in roughly the same proportion as I applied to them. It left me confused and thinking the whole thing was random.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Amusing. You are reading too much into it. Not flipping the terms intentionally. Here, now you have them the other way around so that you can feel better.

no you flipped the relative importance of your two sentences, no sane person would consider the order of the two words to be of any consequence. that's why both sentences are highlighted.

 

[BrainBuff]

no you flipped the relative importance of your two sentences, no sane person would consider the order of the two words to be of any consequence. that's why both sentences are highlighted.

Sure. Now go and eat a cupcake.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Sure. Now go and eat a cupcake.

i will, just in time for you to put on your fake bubbly optimism for the school specific threads of top schools.

positive vibezzz everyone!!

 

[BrainBuff]

i will, just in time for you to put on your fake bubbly optimism for the school specific threads of top schools.

positive vibezzz everyone!!

Hell yeah, but real positive vibezzz everyone, you included!!