Is it a bad look to not attend a second look day?

[coffeelover347]

So one of my top schools I've been accepted to has a second look day coming up on a weekend I already have a trip planned to be out of town. I was wanting to contact this school's financial aid department at some point to discuss potential scholarships or financial aid packages, but if I don't attend the second look day does it come across as I am not interested in them? I don't want them to think I have already decided on going somewhere else by not attending and also giving financial aid preference to those that attend their second look day. Is this something I could/should communicate to their admissions team so they know they are at the top of my list? Or should I cancel my trip and go to the second look event? Thank you!

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[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

Schools know that second look days are financially burdensome, and because of this if you attend it shows the directors of admissions that you are seriously considering their school. You WILL meet the entire "C-Suite" of the medical school on second look, and their job is to convince you to enroll. If this school is at the top off your list, the best way to discuss financial aid preference (if they have not already disclosed) is to go to second look and meet with the financial aid office or director of admissions and discuss your interest in the school but concern about the cost. The reality is that schools know that you will attend a program regardless of financial aid offers, and this is why few schools give them to prospective students.

 

[coffeelover347]

Schools know that second look days are financially burdensome, and because of this if you attend it shows the directors of admissions that you are seriously considering their school. You WILL meet the entire "C-Suite" of the medical school on second look, and their job is to convince you to enroll. If this school is at the top off your list, the best way to discuss financial aid preference (if they have not already disclosed) is to go to second look and meet with the financial aid office or director of admissions and discuss your interest in the school but concern about the cost. The reality is that schools know that you will attend a program regardless of financial aid offers, and this is why few schools give them to prospective students.

Got it, thank you! So it is not that common for a private medical school to give the majority of their incoming class some sort of financial aid package? Most people pay the full COA?

 

[LizzyM]

Doesn't the MSAR have info on what proportion of matriculants have some financial aid?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

So one of my top schools I've been accepted to has a second look day coming up on a weekend I already have a trip planned to be out of town. I was wanting to contact this school's financial aid department at some point to discuss potential scholarships or financial aid packages, but if I don't attend the second look day does it come across as I am not interested in them? I don't want them to think I have already decided on going somewhere else by not attending and also giving financial aid preference to those that attend their second look day. Is this something I could/should communicate to their admissions team so they know they are at the top of my list? Or should I cancel my trip and go to the second look event? Thank you!

Second-look weekends are not "mandatory," but they can be very helpful in the age of virtual meetings to have opportunity to talk to people face-to-face.

That said, you should be empowered to reach out to your financial aid office with your questions. Most of us know that until we get to your "commit" deadline at your school, everyone can still be shopping, so give the best service you can.

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

Got it, thank you! So it is not that common for a private medical school to give the majority of their incoming class some sort of financial aid package? Most people pay the full COA?

Needs based aid is always available and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. International students often qualify for full-scholarship because they do not qualify for federal loans. As far as merit scholarship goes, this is where options are very limited. If you have any questions, you should reach out to the schools directly but the bottom line is that the average medical student will graduate with an estimated 200-300k in loan debt which today is evaluated at 8-9% interest. It is very important to consider the financial burden of each program, but know that most medical students have to take out significant loans in order to finance their education.

 

[pedneuro6894]

What if my wife is due to give birth the same weekend that EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL has their second look day? 😭

Should I email schools that I won’t be able to attend for that reason or just leave it be?

 

[AJS59]

What if my wife is due to give birth the same weekend that EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL has their second look day? 😭

Should I email schools that I won’t be able to attend for that reason or just leave it be?

I'd say leave it be. There's nothing you can do.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

What if my wife is due to give birth the same weekend that EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL has their second look day? 😭

Should I email schools that I won’t be able to attend for that reason or just leave it be?

Be there because your wife wants you/needs you there. Most med schools can handle that. The one you commit to can't wait to line up some babysitters for you.

Of course, I don't wish for a worst-case scenario, but don't tell them why. You may not want to tip anyone off that you could request a deferral. Not that you would, but you never know.