multiple acceptances

[GGale]

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I've been fortunate enough to have multiple acceptances. I know that the proper thing to do is to formally withdraw from all but one but I really need to hear back about financial aid before I make a final choice. I've read everything that the books have to say on this subject (which isn't very much) but I'm still not quite certain how to handle this correctly. Any suggestions?

 

[mophead]

You don't *have to* formally withdraw from any of them until May 15th. I'm holding onto four acceptances and will probably keep them until my fiance resolves his job situation this spring. I did let go of two acceptances at places that I knew I would not attend over the others even if he got a job in the very same town. You should wait until you get the financial aid letters, and then withdraw in writing.

 

[GGale]

Thanks for the reply. I'm currently holding three and have formally withdrawn from two.

Say, I have one interview left at the University of Pittsburg in March. It's ranked slightly higher than some of the acceptances that I'm already holding. Do you think it's worth doing the interview? The school seemed really cool in the brochures and online and Pittsburg seemed like a nice place to live. Have you interviewed there?

 

[Christiangirl]

Hey GGale. I know the question was not intended for me, but I thought I would offer some advice anyway. I interviewed back at Pitt in January. It was an awesome interview.... They really are into non stress interviews and the students were super nice. The other interviewees were great on the day I interviewed as well!! They so made me feel comfortable and relaxed!! We were interviewed by 1st years and one faculty member. Basically, the school is PBL based, so the students are there to decide whether you would be someone with whom others would enjoy being in a PBL. The school is awesome. But I don't know which other schools you are considering as well, which could be equally awesome...

I only had reservations about the city/town, because I am from a big city and wish to stay in one, since I hope to practice in an urban environment. So, in the end, you have to ask yourself would you rather go there than some of the other places you have applied? If so, I say take the interview. If not, I say save the money and spend it on a well-deserved vacation for this summer!!

Good luck with your decision!!

[This message has been edited by Christiangirl (edited 02-23-2001).]

 

[Cobragirl]

First I want to say Congrats to you guys! I thinks it's great that you've recieved multiple acceptances!!!! (I wish I was in your shoes!)

On the same note however, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do NOT hold on to those acceptances (til May 15th)just for the sake of having them. I realize you have to figure out what school is best for you financially and personally, but at the same time, there are many of us on multiple WAITLISTS that are chomping at the bit for open slots. We too need to find places to live, have spouses that need to find jobs, etc., and by holding on to those acceptances, you're potentially causing problems for other people. I'm not trying to be ugly (really), but as you receive acceptances, you should already have a fairly good idea of where you REALLY want to go...try to eliminate other schools as you receive acceptances to schools you're truly interested in. Holding 4 acceptances is at least 2 too many! Thanks and good luck next year!

Cobragirl

 

[alshepard]

I, like cobragirl, am stuck in the land of waitlists. My husband is being very patient but I hope we can start planning our lives soon. I don't blame you for wanting to keep your options open (I wish I was in your situation ) but do try to remember those of us salivating for a spot. Good luck and congratulations.

 

[jimi]

After developing my comprehensive, super-mega, ranking system (...ok...maybe it's not that great...) I have realized that it is possible to narrow down the choices greatly. I can understand waiting for financial aid packages...but one quick way to estimate your eligibility is to use the on-line calculators. Hopkins for example was very helpful in telling me exactly how the aid will be broken down. Say I have $X in need (estimated with the need-calculator), $Y will be subsidized loans, $A will be unsubsidized, $Z will be institutional loans, anything after that will be a scholarship. This of course is just an example...but it helped me out in that I know in general what I can expect from Hopkins in terms of money. So I suggest you contact the financial aid offices and see about your schools' breakdown of aid. Who knows, that may quickly help narrow down the choices.

Congrats and GOOD LUCK!!

 

[caffeinegirl]

just an fyi
call to make sure you know when your schools deliver the fin aid packages....
some don't send out awards until mid summer (e.g. mount sinai)

congrats!

 

[scully]

Hi all-

This is a bit off the subject of financial aid, but it is about dropping acceptances...

I am holding onto my second choices while waiting to hear from my top one. But I am a bit paranoid after receiving these letters that say "Your acceptance is conditional, pending the satisfactory completion of the classes or degrees which were presented in your application" or something like that. I did not end up taking the classes this year that I put on the AMCAS last June. I apologize for the silliness of this, but does anyone know if this matters? None of the classes were prerequisites, and I am not in a degree program (just taking extra classes.) I am just afraid to drop acceptances if some schools might change their minds about me!

Does anyone have any input? Thanks!

 

[Cobragirl]

I am almost 100% positive that the letter is meant as a disclaimer for pre-reqs....i.e: if you were taking Organic II and dropped (or failed) it, obviously you wouldn't have completed your prereqs and wouldn't be "eligible" to attend med-school. I too, started a couple of (fun)classes last semester that I ended up dropping...they didn't make a difference because I'd already completed my degree the semester prior. The schools may ask you WHY you dropped the classes, but they shouldn't prevent you from matriculating if they were just "fun" courses and not needed for your degree.

PS- this should be the same type of disclaimer you see the last semester before graduating (undergraduate). If you don't finish your classes, you can't graduate, obviously...but if you took 1 additional course (not needed for your degree) you could still graduate even if you dropped it.

 

[richierich]

1. On the finacial aid tip, the max that is allowed for loans is 38,500/year (subject to yearly review by congress but, it should not be a problem) dependent upon your school's cost/budget. You can contact each school and ask what there projected budget is. Of the 38,500 8500 is elidgeable in Subsidized and the rest will be Unsubsidized.
No school will offer you an offical finacial aid package until all acceptances are final ie after May 15. This may answer your fin aid questions.

2. Do not worry about money, unless there are tens of thousands of difference, go where you feel the most comfortable. That will be more benefical than having 20k less in loans in the end. So if there are any that you can absolutely rule out, you should let the school know asap, as you obviously have.

3. About Pitt, the only thing I would have to say do not eliminate a school that still has potential untill you visit. Personally, I almost canceled a visit to a school that I had had as #10 on a list of 9 but, after my visit it jump into the top 3 and I really contemplated matriculating there.

4. I too was woried about not completing the classes that I had included on my AMCAS app. Schools usually do not care if you complete all of the classes unless, as previously stated, they are prerequisites or preclude you from completing a degree that you have indicated you will obtain. Do not sweat the extras.

Hopefully I have said something worth value to someone.

Best wishes,

Richard

 

[mophead]

Hey GGale -- about Pitt: I recommend you check it out. I have interviewed there and in fact as of today have been officially accepted

To tell the truth, the interview day didn't give me as much of a feel for it as living in Pittsburgh (and yes there is an "h" on the end of it!) for over a year and working in the hospitals alot has. I mostly just have liked the students that I've met, and the docs. Friendly and laid back characterizes the city, too, compared to the East Coast anyways. I liked the hybrid PBL curriculum, too. So I'll probably end up coming just down the street for med school!

 

[alshepard]

Hey, mophead, I thought Pitt didn't make official announcements until March 1. How did you find out? I am dying to hear since I interviewed in December.