Sorry if I seem like I'm griping unnecessarily. I have just gotten to the point where I have become overly frustrated and needed to see if anyone else was in the same or similar sinking boat.
You have every right to be frustrated, and with your stats- even angry. That said, Han BROlo, you're not alone. There are so many qualified applicants that being "qualified" isn't enough. Be angry. Be frustrated. Be disappointed. When you manage to cool off a bit (took me the better half of a year), contact these schools and find out where you can improve. If you end up getting shut out this cycle, apply again early and broadly. Nine schools, when you don't have any connections or considerations, is a huge risk.
My recommendations:
-Realize there are a ton of guys like me who are "in this hell hole with you."
-Set meetings with deans to find areas to improve (which is frustrating, when you've already worked your ass off to be a strong candidate).
-Apply broadly to at least 12-15 schools.
-MOST Importantly: Apply to schools where you can demonstrate interest, connection, and preference. Follow through with letters of intent, visits to show interest, and potentially a LOR from faculty at the school. At a school like EVMS you can be accepted with a 29/3.5 and standard strong EC's provided you can demonstrate a connection to the school and a probability of matriculation.
It sucks dude. It does. It hurts a lot. IF anyone sits you down and says "well here's where you went wrong," you're a saint not to punch 'em in the mouth. You didn't "screw up." It's just a flawed system and more competitive than a salmon run.
-C.J.
