Hello SDN! We hope that you are doing well!
Winter is a key season for every applicant. It offers a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. This is the time to ground yourself, look honestly at your progress, and plan for success. This post begins our Winter Series, which aligns with most schools’ break schedules and holiday time.
We'd like to start with those who are current applicants in the 2025-26 cycle. We will have a Part 2 up for those who will applying fresh next cycle and a part 3 for 2026-27 reapplicants. Other parts will come later in the week!
For us at Asclepius, here are our first two steps for making the most from the Winter season if you're a current cycle applicant.
1. Spend time with those who matter most.
No matter where you are in the application process, your family and friends are your anchor. They will support you no matter what outcomes come your way. The holiday season invites gratitude and reflection, both of which are essential qualities for compassionate physicians. Take time to reconnect before returning to applications and interviews.
2. Evaluate where you are on the Application Mountain.
Winter is a key season for every applicant. It offers a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. This is the time to ground yourself, look honestly at your progress, and plan for success. This post begins our Winter Series, which aligns with most schools’ break schedules and holiday time.
We'd like to start with those who are current applicants in the 2025-26 cycle. We will have a Part 2 up for those who will applying fresh next cycle and a part 3 for 2026-27 reapplicants. Other parts will come later in the week!
For us at Asclepius, here are our first two steps for making the most from the Winter season if you're a current cycle applicant.
1. Spend time with those who matter most.
No matter where you are in the application process, your family and friends are your anchor. They will support you no matter what outcomes come your way. The holiday season invites gratitude and reflection, both of which are essential qualities for compassionate physicians. Take time to reconnect before returning to applications and interviews.
2. Evaluate where you are on the Application Mountain.
- The Peak: You have an acceptance to a school you would attend with enthusiasm. Enjoy this moment and take pride in how far you have climbed.
- Opportunity Camp: You have an acceptance, but not at your first-choice program. MD applicants who have DO As and wish to pursue certain specialties or academic focuses may want to reflect carefully on whether to reapply.
- Re-App Cliff Edge: You have interviews but no acceptances yet. This is the time to think seriously about your next steps and begin planning for a possible reapplication.
- Base Camp: You have not yet received interviews or updates. Here, you are a firmly preparing for a reapplication next cycle or additional gap year to elevate your application. This stage can feel discouraging, but many strong applicants are here and succeed in a future cycle after revising their materials and strategies.
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