Let's Be Nice

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the title of this thread is now kind of ironic 😀
 
jla314 said:
the title of this thread is now kind of ironic 😀
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lol i realized this. it was just supposed to be a friendly reminder to withdraw sooner rather than later to schools you know you dont want to go to. apparently not.
 
JasonE said:
lol i realized this. it was just supposed to be a friendly reminder to withdraw sooner rather than later to schools you know you dont want to go to. apparently not.
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Yeah... it got a little out of hand but I agree with this message as I would love a few more invites 👍
 
JasonE said:
no one said you need to turn down acceptances. its about the schools you are still waiting on and the interviews not attended.
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why would anyone in their right mind withdraw an application that hasn't decided upon yet? even if they have already gotten an acceptance. You might go to the interview and end up loving it, or they might be the one that gives you the full ride. The smart thing to do, if you still have the money for it, is to wait for their decision on an interview or not, decide if you want to go, and if you do knock it out of the park. Why drop out of the race before it begins?
 
Longshanks said:
why would anyone in their right mind withdraw an application that hasn't decided upon yet? even if they have already gotten an acceptance. You might go to the interview and end up loving it, or they might be the one that gives you the full ride. The smart thing to do, if you still have the money for it, is to wait for their decision on an interview or not, decide if you want to go, and if you do knock it out of the park. Why drop out of the race before it begins?
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because safety schools are by definition safety. you get in somewhere else you know 100% you would attend over another school. even if you got an interview at the safety school, you wouldnt go. even if you interviewed, got accepted with a full ride, you wouldnt go. thats when you withdraw and that was the point.
 
Longshanks said:
why would anyone in their right mind withdraw an application that hasn't decided upon yet? even if they have already gotten an acceptance. You might go to the interview and end up loving it, or they might be the one that gives you the full ride. The smart thing to do, if you still have the money for it, is to wait for their decision on an interview or not, decide if you want to go, and if you do knock it out of the park. Why drop out of the race before it begins?
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For this analogy to work, there must be many simultaneous races occurring for each applicant. One for each school, in fact. So if an applicant 'wins' one of the 'better' races, he or she should feel free to drop out of any others that are less likely to be vitally important. Obviously you would not drop a school that you have any inclination of attending at all.

I canceled my interviews at St. Louis University and the University of Rochester this afternoon, to put some money where my mouth is, so to speak. 😛
 
schools won't know where else someone has been accepted until may right?
 
OpalOnyx said:
schools won't know where else someone has been accepted until may right?
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march, i believe. this has been discussed in old threads and i don't know that there has been any consensus. someone correct me if i'm wrong.
 
dw2158 said:
march, i believe. this has been discussed in old threads and i don't know that there has been any consensus. someone correct me if i'm wrong.
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the traffic rules are set in stone so i don't think we need to reach a "consensus"
 
JasonE said:
because safety schools are by definition safety. you get in somewhere else you know 100% you would attend over another school. even if you got an interview at the safety school, you wouldnt go. even if you interviewed, got accepted with a full ride, you wouldnt go. thats when you withdraw and that was the point.
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You don't know for 100%. Let's look at my interviewing situation. I received an interview to a Virginian school and I adamantly did not want to go to said school. I was an ******* and didn't give up the interview. After I got to the interview, the school went to number two on my list. I ultimately ended where I thought I would, but having another option was a good thing.

The take home message is... you can't assume where you're going to go. There are too many variables. And, like Al said, until the financial aid package is received a decision shouldn't be hastily made. You might not think you're going to attend X school of medicine, but the amount of money that school throws your way could possibly sway you.
 
bleargh said:
the traffic rules are set in stone so i don't think we need to reach a "consensus"
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easy there, cowboy. if i remember correctly, in past threads discussing these issues, it was still slightly unclear when schools could see your list of acceptances, and when they could, whether it was all schools or just schools that accepted you, etc. i believe it's march 15 when schools who accept you can see where else you've been accepted. excuuuuse me for mistakenly using the word consensus 🙄
 
dw2158 said:
easy there, cowboy. if i remember correctly, in past threads discussing these issues, it was still slightly unclear when schools could see your list of acceptances, and when they could, whether it was all schools or just schools that accepted you, etc. i believe it's march 15 when schools who accept you can see where else you've been accepted. excuuuuse me for mistakenly using the word consensus 🙄
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hmm wasn't trying to jump down your throat, but then again i suppose it's hard to tell if i don't end every sentence with a smiley 😀. like so. 🙂

but seriously - according to my premed office (who knows if they're right or wrong) - med schools can withdraw offers after may 15 so i'd imagine they know sometime around then.
 
Fetch me my lightning bolts and tablets of stone.

Medical Schools can't act on your other acceptances until May.

As it is written, so shall it be.

Unless it's an early starting school. Then they can in April I believe.
 
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thanks folks,

oh and for the lightning and tablets of stone too 🙂
 
I'm not applying this cycle, so don't worry about me.

It isn't about being nice, it's about being pragmatic.

It seems to me, as a former humble government/political science major (it was my first degree), you are in the school of classic collectivism, i.e. let's all help each other out. Unfortunately, in the real world, the rational way to act is individually when you are competing for limited resources.

Seats in medical schools are definitely a limited resource. As individuals we want to maximize our chances by keeping our options open, which is done by 1) continuing to schedule and attend interviews - who knows, even if you have an acceptance or several acceptances in hand, you may fall in love and have a potentially better fit with a different school; and 2) wait on hearing about financial aid packages.

It doesn't make you "not nice" to other applicants by holding on to acceptances. It's nothing personal against them, you do not know a lot of the people applying, but it's a competitive endeavor. That is how the system is set up, as other people mentioning as well how the schools do not know who holds which acceptance until March 15th. You implicitly agree to the way the system is set up when you begin to jump through the hoops of being a pre-med and lining up your prereqs, MCAT, LORs, ECs, etc.

The only advice I do agree with is do not apply to a school you have no intention of attending, if accepted.
 
akinetopsia said:
The only advice I do agree with is do not apply to a school you have no intention of attending, if accepted.
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not possible.

unless there is a face or a name behind the person you may be hurting, it will continue.
 
dw2158 said:
:laugh: what?
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people generally will allow things to go on if they don't know who they are hurting. for example, some governments will fund kidney dialysis because they know if it isnt provided, they can see who dies. they wont, however, fund high blood pressure meds for gray area ppl because if they died, you would never know who or why (even though the meds would probably save more lives than dialysis)
 
JasonE said:
people generally will allow things to go on if they don't know who they are hurting. for example, some governments will fund kidney dialysis because they know if it isnt provided, they can see who dies. they wont, however, fund high blood pressure meds for gray area ppl because if they died, you would never know who or why (even though the meds would probably save more lives than dialysis)
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Knowing that I'm taking an interview from Johnny Joe or Sarah Sue is not going to stop me from said interview. Most, if not all people, realize that to get some things they must displease or "hurt" others. I felt bad that I got interviews at institutions my close friends weren't invited to, even though they are of the same caliber, but I don't consider this hurting them. You're attaching too many emotions to the application process. If you're of the caliber for a program, and that program likes you, someone holding an interview or acceptance isn't going to necessarily put you at a disadvantage.
 
JasonE said:
people generally will allow things to go on if they don't know who they are hurting. for example, some governments will fund kidney dialysis because they know if it isnt provided, they can see who dies. they wont, however, fund high blood pressure meds for gray area ppl because if they died, you would never know who or why (even though the meds would probably save more lives than dialysis)
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Did you ever read that bit you quoted? It isn't about selflessness, it's about "Don't be an idiot and waste money applying somewhere that you'd never actually consider attending because that's just stupid". Also, way to make a completely irrelevant connection between denying medical care and making a smart application decision.
 
austinap said:
Did you ever read that bit you quoted? It isn't about selflessness, it's about "Don't be an idiot and waste money applying somewhere that you'd never actually consider attending because that's just stupid". Also, way to make a completely irrelevant connection between denying medical care and making a smart application decision.
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ditto. I didn't apply to schools that I absolutely would NOT attend for the sole sake of saving app $$$$.

also, the only reason I may attend more interviews is because you never know with life... what if something unexpected happens and for some reason, I can't attend school X. Well, I'm going to stay in the game and hope that school X is not the only place where I have an acceptance. It's just being smart. And every person has the right to do that.

Withdrawing from places where you wouldn't attend an interview even if you got one... that's a different issue. And I think ppl should withdraw asap if that location/travel is just not feasible to give others a chance.
 
austinap said:
Did you ever read that bit you quoted? It isn't about selflessness, it's about "Don't be an idiot and waste money applying somewhere that you'd never actually consider attending because that's just stupid". Also, way to make a completely irrelevant connection between denying medical care and making a smart application decision.
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it was just an example. if you dont like it, too bad for you. when someone isnt clear about what you mean, examples help. just because it has to do with medicine is irrelevent

and almost EVERYONE applies to safety schools. does that mean you would never go there? NO it doesnt. its a SAFETY, repeat, SAFETY school. need a definition? jesus

why interview at your safety schools if you got into a reach school?
 
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JasonE said:
it was just an example. if you dont like it, too bad for you.

and almost EVERYONE applies to safety schools. does that mean you would never go there? NO it doesnt. its a SAFETY, repeat, SAFETY school. need a definition? jesus

why interview at your safety schools if you got into a reach school?
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No, it's not an example, it's a stupid analogy. You're trying to imply that people who play the game smart at the risk of possibly inconveniencing someone that they don't know is different from governments denying medical coverage to people only in degree. That's absurd.

A safety also apparently means something different to you than to everyone else. Someone else suggested it, but put up a poll: how many people would take their second choice over their first if the former paid the majority of their tuition? I'll cast my vote right now: I'd happily turn down Harvard for a less prestigious school if it meant that I could avoid taking out $66k/yr in loans. At very least, I'd certainly like to keep that option open even if I did decide to go to Harvard in the end.

The only point that you've managed to make in two pages here is that people should not attend interviews at schools they would never consider going to. I think everyone agrees with you on that, they just make the point that they would actually consider going to their current second or third choice given the right financial (or other) incentives. That's why they're still willing to put in the time, effort, and money to go to the interview. You apparently are the only person here that is going to choose their med school without regard to financial and other non-US NEWS ranking factors.
 
austinap said:
No, it's not an example, it's a stupid analogy. You're trying to imply that people who play the game smart at the risk of possibly inconveniencing someone that they don't know is different from governments denying medical coverage to people only in degree. That's absurd.

A safety also apparently means something different to you than to everyone else. Someone else suggested it, but put up a poll: how many people would take their second choice over their first if the former paid the majority of their tuition? I'll cast my vote right now: I'd happily turn down Harvard for a less prestigious school if it meant that I could avoid taking out $66k/yr in loans. At very least, I'd certainly like to keep that option open even if I did decide to go to Harvard in the end.

The only point that you've managed to make in two pages here is that people should not attend interviews at schools they would never consider going to. I think everyone agrees with you on that, they just make the point that they would actually consider going to their current second or third choice given the right financial (or other) incentives. That's why they're still willing to put in the time, effort, and money to go to the interview. You apparently are the only person here that is going to choose their med school without regard to financial and other non-US NEWS ranking factors.
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and i agreed with that. go to those interviews!! no one said not to. i never said drop your second/third/fourth. but maybe your 15th or 20th if you applied to a lot of schools.

the whole point was just to remind ppl to withdraw if you were happy with your situation.

and tons of ppl would go to a higher ranked med school over other med schools. residency placement is drastically different. whether you want to believe that or not is up to you.

"You apparently are the only person here that is going to choose their med school without regard to financial and other non-US NEWS ranking factors. "

watch what you say buddy. assumptions flying around
 
JasonE said:
and i agreed with that. go to those interviews!! no one said not to. i never said drop your second/third/fourth. but maybe your 15th or 20th if you applied to a lot of schools.

the whole point was just to remind ppl to withdraw if you were happy with your situation.

and tons of ppl would go to a higher ranked med school over other med schools. residency placement is drastically different. whether you want to believe that or not is up to you.

"You apparently are the only person here that is going to choose their med school without regard to financial and other non-US NEWS ranking factors. "

watch what you say buddy. assumptions flying around
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That point that everyone's been making that you haven't picked up on is that they won't attend interviews at schools they would never consider attending simply because it's expensive and a waste of time to do so. That means that if people DO go to an interview at their #15 even after they have an acceptance from their #2, it means that they would actually consider going to their #15.
 
austinap said:
That point that everyone's been making that you haven't picked up on is that they won't attend interviews at schools they would never consider attending simply because it's expensive and a waste of time to do so. That means that if people DO go to an interview at their #15 even after they have an acceptance from their #2, it means that they would actually consider going to their #15.
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and thats what i said from the start. READ MY FIRST POST.

but then it just opened up a can of bs. my guess is you wouldnt be so bitter if you had got in somwhere on the 15th
 
JasonE said:
it was just an example. if you dont like it, too bad for you. when someone isnt clear about what you mean, examples help. just because it has to do with medicine is irrelevent

and almost EVERYONE applies to safety schools. does that mean you would never go there? NO it doesnt. its a SAFETY, repeat, SAFETY school. need a definition? jesus

why interview at your safety schools if you got into a reach school?
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Jason, you're sounding like a flaming ***** here. Seriously, man, chill out.

Now as for what you're saying, I agree that people should drop those schools below what they have been accepted to on a list of schools ranked by preference after they have interviewed and are able to decide which school to attend. People don't really know what school would be best for them until they have at least been there and interviewed (at minimum). Rushing people to let go of acceptances or interview invites in October is irresponsible advice and your attitude on this thread has become pretty demanding from what I've read. It makes sense to begin withdrawing your applications once you have solid financial aid offers and have decided upon a program, but not before then. People who have been waitlisted expect to wait awhile. There have been dates set (i.e., May 15) for final decisions for a reason. Those are when you, presumably as a waitlisted applicant, can expect to receive any offers coming your way. Please have patience with other people as they get offers and take the time allotted to them to make the best decision they are able. If you dislike how much time has been allotted (and admittedly, May 15 seems a bit late to me, esp. considering just how early the process begins -- seems a tiered system might work better, but 'tis life), you can contact AAMC yourself and make a complaint about it....
 
apumic said:
Jason, you're sounding like a flaming ***** here. Seriously, man, chill out.

Now as for what you're saying, I agree that people should drop those schools below what they have been accepted to on a list of schools ranked by preference after they have interviewed and are able to decide which school to attend. People don't really know what school would be best for them until they have at least been there and interviewed (at minimum). Rushing people to let go of acceptances or interview invites in October is irresponsible advice and your attitude on this thread has become pretty demanding from what I've read. It makes sense to begin withdrawing your applications once you have solid financial aid offers and have decided upon a program, but not before then. People who have been waitlisted expect to wait awhile. There have been dates set (i.e., May 15) for final decisions for a reason. Those are when you, presumably as a waitlisted applicant, can expect to receive any offers coming your way. Please have patience with other people as they get offers and take the time allotted to them to make the best decision they are able. If you dislike how much time has been allotted (and admittedly, May 15 seems a bit late to me, esp. considering just how early the process begins -- seems a tiered system might work better, but 'tis life), you can contact AAMC yourself and make a complaint about it....
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no one "demanded" anyone to do anything. read my first post. end of discussion
 
I think it's kind of funny what a huge misunderstanding this all is.

I think all JasonE was trying to say (and definitely correct me if I'm wrong, JasonE) is that you should withdraw from schools that you would definitely not go to (even if you got a full scholarship [assuming they offer them]) over a school that you currently got into.

And the funny part is....I think almost everyone agreed with him!

However, at some point in this thread, people thought JasonE was arguing to either "withdraw from all schools that you're somewhat considering even if you don't have full financial information from them" or "withdraw from all schools that are lower ranked than the schools you got into" ... which I don't think he ever said.

So can we be nice now?
 
bobsmith said:
I think it's kind of funny what a huge misunderstanding this all is.

I think all JasonE was trying to say (and definitely correct me if I'm wrong, JasonE) is that you should withdraw from schools that you would definitely not go to (even if you got a full scholarship [assuming they offer them]) over a school that you currently got into.

And the funny part is....I think almost everyone agreed with him!

However, at some point in this thread, people thought JasonE was arguing to either "withdraw from all schools that you're somewhat considering even if you don't have full financial information from them" or "withdraw from all schools that are lower ranked than the schools you got into" ... which I don't think he ever said.

So can we be nice now?
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yes thats it. thank you.
 
JasonE said:
it was just an example. if you dont like it, too bad for you. when someone isnt clear about what you mean, examples help. just because it has to do with medicine is irrelevent

and almost EVERYONE applies to safety schools. does that mean you would never go there? NO it doesnt. its a SAFETY, repeat, SAFETY school. need a definition? jesus

why interview at your safety schools if you got into a reach school?
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$$$.
Leverage.
 
JasonE said:
and thats what i said from the start. READ MY FIRST POST.

but then it just opened up a can of bs. my guess is you wouldnt be so bitter if you had got in somwhere on the 15th
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Hey! An idiot and a tool! 🤣

I read your posts, and you're making the implication that a lot of people go to interviews at schools that they wouldn't consider at all regardless of cost, and that's simply not true. You then managed to get pretty high and mighty about everything, and made the suggestion that anyone that holds onto multiple acceptances is an ******* not much better than a government agents refusing medical care to a deserving patient.

As you said earlier, I really hope we don't end up at the same schools.
 
I think all JasonE was trying to say (and definitely correct me if I'm wrong, JasonE) is that you should withdraw from schools that you would definitely not go to (even if you got a full scholarship [assuming they offer them]) over a school that you currently got into.
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If that's all he meant, then there's no reason to start a thread for it because people simply will do that on their own. Given that it's expensive and time consuming, nobody's going to go through that effort if they wouldn't at least consider that school's offer.
 
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