Need some serious feedback

[chanjurban]

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OK folks. Here's the situation.

I have a 4.0 undergrad and grad GPA. Got a 37R on the MCAT. 4 years teaching experience. 1.5 years research job. Excellent LORs (as commented on by one of my interviewers). I applied this year and got waitlisted at 100% of the schools I applied to... It looks like I may have to reapply for next year.

There are 2 main reasons that I didn't get in (at least from my own analysis of the situation)...

#1 - I am a teacher, but I decided to change careers. At the time I made this decision and started prepping for the MCAT, I was pregnant. It was suggested to me by an admissions officer to get some clinical experience before I enter the application cycle. However, that person was not aware of my pregnancy. At the time, I didn't think it was something necessary to share. However, my OB/gyn strongly recommended that I NOT begin any clinical work until after the full pregnancy and recovery. As a result, I did not begin volunteering until early fall 2005. I had my interviews within 4 weeks of the start of volunteering. In summary - not enough clinical experience before I applied (I have continued volunteering since then and hope to get some shadowing experience this summer).

#2 - And this one's big... I am adamant about not forcing my husband, son, and myself to pick up and move. Therefore, I only applied to the schools within my city. There are 2. One is a top-tier school. The other is also competitive. Both are private schools. They both granted me an interview within 2 weeks of receiving all of my application materials. Both waitlisted me.

Now, I realize I'm nuts about this, but I have priorities and family comes before career. I am only going to consider applying to these 2 schools again. However, I think that considering my stats, I really do have a good shot.

What do I need to do to make myself more competitive? Serious feedback only please.

Thanks!

 

[BaylorGuy]

yeah, sometimes the adcoms think weird and stuff like this happens. Your stats are excellent...i know a few pre-meds, in addition to myself, who would kill for stats like that. Its also good that you've been doing clinical volunteering for the past year as that will only be a plus.

I think you have a very good shot....but just in case, you may want to go over any part of your application to see if there are any week spots. I know its hard to tell, but since you are reapplying, see if there is anything that could make your application that much better....perhaps more LORs, maybe a better PS. Also, another important factor is to get your app in early. I dont know if you applied early or later in the applicaiton cycle, but i'm assuming that these two schools have rolling admissions and thus the earlier your app is complete the better.

I totally understand the family situation....there are a few in your place.

 

[OSUdoc08]

OK folks. Here's the situation.

I have a 4.0 undergrad and grad GPA. Got a 37R on the MCAT. 4 years teaching experience. 1.5 years research job. Excellent LORs (as commented on by one of my interviewers). I applied this year and got waitlisted at 100% of the schools I applied to... It looks like I may have to reapply for next year.

There are 2 main reasons that I didn't get in (at least from my own analysis of the situation)...

#1 - I am a teacher, but I decided to change careers. At the time I made this decision and started prepping for the MCAT, I was pregnant. It was suggested to me by an admissions officer to get some clinical experience before I enter the application cycle. However, that person was not aware of my pregnancy. At the time, I didn't think it was something necessary to share. However, my OB/gyn strongly recommended that I NOT begin any clinical work until after the full pregnancy and recovery. As a result, I did not begin volunteering until early fall 2005. I had my interviews within 4 weeks of the start of volunteering. In summary - not enough clinical experience before I applied (I have continued volunteering since then and hope to get some shadowing experience this summer).

#2 - And this one's big... I am adamant about not forcing my husband, son, and myself to pick up and move. Therefore, I only applied to the schools within my city. There are 2. One is a top-tier school. The other is also competitive. Both are private schools. They both granted me an interview within 2 weeks of receiving all of my application materials. Both waitlisted me.

Now, I realize I'm nuts about this, but I have priorities and family comes before career. I am only going to consider applying to these 2 schools again. However, I think that considering my stats, I really do have a good shot.

What do I need to do to make myself more competitive? Serious feedback only please.

Thanks!

It looks to me like your lack of clinical experience was the problem. I'd get as much as possible (not just volunteering) and get those physicians to send in recommendations of their own.

Tell them you only applied to 2 schools and plan on staying in the city, and get the applications in as soon as they are available.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

Have you sent letters of interest or intent? Don't give up yet on those waitlists, unless your desperatley low on the list. Make sure those schools know that you want in, and badly. Mention that you are now volunteering to gain clinical experience (if you are, that is.) I know it's tought to fit it into a busy schedule, so that's why I volunteer in an ICU from 8p-12a on Sunday nights.

 

[chanjurban]

Thanks to both of you for your feedback.

OSUdoc, just some clarification... tell the adcoms or tell the docs I'll be shadowing that I'll only be applying within the city? If the adcoms, I assume that I should state this within my PS. If the docs, could I have the reasoning behind it? Not that I have any reason to NOT share the info, but I just want to understand the thought process behind your suggestion.

Thanks again.

Oh, and BTW, I got my applications in early and plan on doing so again (one good thing about being a teacher - you can use summer break to get a lot done). I interviewed at both schools in mid-October, right at the beginning of the interview cycle.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Thanks to both of you for your feedback.

OSUdoc, just some clarification... tell the adcoms or tell the docs I'll be shadowing that I'll only be applying within the city? If the adcoms, I assume that I should state this within my PS. If the docs, could I have the reasoning behind it? Not that I have any reason to NOT share the info, but I just want to understand the thought process behind your suggestion.

Thanks again.

Oh, and BTW, I got my applications in early and plan on doing so again (one good thing about being a teacher - you can use summer break to get a lot done). I interviewed at both schools in mid-October, right at the beginning of the interview cycle.

Sorry I was talking about the adcoms.

 

[chanjurban]

Have you sent letters of interest or intent? Don't give up yet on those waitlists, unless your desperatley low on the list. Make sure those schools know that you want in, and badly. Mention that you are now volunteering to gain clinical experience (if you are, that is.) I know it's tought to fit it into a busy schedule, so that's why I volunteer in an ICU from 8p-12a on Sunday nights.

I have been sending update letters - including updates on pertinent activities at my job. I have also sent letters of interest to both schools and letters of intent to one. I have no idea where I stand. WashU doesn't rank their lists. SLU does, but doesn't give the info out.

I've been volunteering 4 hours every other weekend at an ER. I started with 4 hrs every week, but I had to cut back after December b/c I kept getting sick and needed the rest. But I've accumulated over 60 hours. It's not much by some people's standards, but I think it's great b/c I'm getting patient contact, occasionally shadowing some of the physicians there, and learning some basics about diagnosis and treatment. Quality, not quantity - right?!

 

[beanbean]

I was in the same situation with my family and UCONN was the only school in my area.

I recommend scheduling an appointment with the admission deans at both schools and ask to review your application. Much of this process involves demonstrating a commitment to medicine and us non-trads are particularly closely evaluated in this area.

Continue your shadowing and ask if they recommend any other types of ECs. I think you should be fine if you show a consistent EC record.

Hopefully you get a waitlist spot and don't have to follow any of this advice.

As someone who places my husband and children first in my life, I can tell you med school is possible, but be prepared to be flexible and roll with the punches. The last two years have been quite a balancing act at times, but my kids are happy and healthy, I have a great marriage to my husband, I have never been happier, and I have passed everything so far!

 

[Archimedes]

If you're waitlisted, its not over, right?

First off, write to the schools - at this point, if you have any new experiences or additional rec letters that you didn't send with the application, then have them sent.

In your own letters to them (check with the school - some will direct you to write to the dean, others say you can write to your interviewer if you want) - explain to them that you didn't bring up your pregnancy and that was the reason you are lacking in the clinical areas. Doesn't hurt, right? Also explain to them that your family is in the state, and you dont want to leave your state for school - so they'll see you as a more attractive applicant. Schools like it when they know you are really wanting to go to their school and that you're not joking about it, since you have a commitment to your family.

Also let them know that between now and school starting, you're going to get some more clinical experience.

But maybe also try to sell off your experiences in research as clinical as well. Maybe where you worked in research you had some patient interaction in that building? Maybe the team you worked with also worked with doctors, so you were really also working with doctors - and that gave you some insight.

Anything you haven't already told them - just tell them. Anything you want emphasized and that you feel will really make you the better choice - emphasize it. Anything about their school in particular that you like and that you think you'd like to get involved in - tell them. They like to know that you know everything about the school and you're fully aware of what you're getting into.

At least that's what I would do if I were in your situation. Best of luck!

 

[Archimedes]

btw did anyone comment negatively on the teaching experience?

 

[chanjurban]

btw did anyone comment negatively on the teaching experience?

How so? I'm not sure I understand the question or its implications...

 

[Archimedes]

oh i'm sorry - i thought you were attributing the results of the app process to you being a teacher. I guess you meant because you're changing careers, and so you need more clinical experience?

 

[chanjurban]

oh i'm sorry - i thought you were attributing the results of the app process to you being a teacher. I guess you meant because you're changing careers, and so you need more clinical experience?

Exactly! No one's come down on m for being a teacher. But people who are changing careers into medicine are expected to show that they have some clue about what they're getting into

 

[DoctorFunk]

Another option to consider is applying Early Decision to your top choice school. Normally I don't advocate that program to anyone, as it puts your other applications behind schedule, but with your choices limited to two schools it might not be such a bad idea.

You should do some research and try to find out if your top school takes a good number of applicants through EDP, because your numbers would certainly warrant consideration under that program in almost any school.

 

[LizzyM]

You are waitlisted which means that you are good enough to get a seat at either of those schools. They just ran out of seats before they got to you. Most likely you were ranked a little lower than the other applicants because of your lack of clinical experience. You've made that up and you also have the added advantage of having the maturity and wisdom that comes from being a classroom teacher.

Keep in touch with the admissions offices at both schools. You don't want to be a pest but stay on the radar screen. One big plus for you at this point is that you are already settled in the city. You could fill an unfilled spot in a minute, unlike someone who would have to drop everything and relocate. Sometimes an applicant puts down a deposit & then asks for a deferral because of illness or some extraordinary circumstance. You want to be sure that an adcom knows that if anything comes up in July/August/ one day before orientation -- you can be there.

You still have a shot. Go for it!

You can also ask to talk with the deans of admission in the next few weeks (quiet time of year in their depts) and let them know that you intend to reapply if you don't get off the waitlist. Ask what you can do to improve your chances next year.

 

[dcratamt]

OK folks. Here's the situation.

I have a 4.0 undergrad and grad GPA. Got a 37R on the MCAT. 4 years teaching experience. 1.5 years research job. Excellent LORs (as commented on by one of my interviewers). I applied this year and got waitlisted at 100% of the schools I applied to... It looks like I may have to reapply for next year.

There are 2 main reasons that I didn't get in (at least from my own analysis of the situation)...

#1 - I am a teacher, but I decided to change careers. At the time I made this decision and started prepping for the MCAT, I was pregnant. It was suggested to me by an admissions officer to get some clinical experience before I enter the application cycle. However, that person was not aware of my pregnancy. At the time, I didn't think it was something necessary to share. However, my OB/gyn strongly recommended that I NOT begin any clinical work until after the full pregnancy and recovery. As a result, I did not begin volunteering until early fall 2005. I had my interviews within 4 weeks of the start of volunteering. In summary - not enough clinical experience before I applied (I have continued volunteering since then and hope to get some shadowing experience this summer).

#2 - And this one's big... I am adamant about not forcing my husband, son, and myself to pick up and move. Therefore, I only applied to the schools within my city. There are 2. One is a top-tier school. The other is also competitive. Both are private schools. They both granted me an interview within 2 weeks of receiving all of my application materials. Both waitlisted me.

Now, I realize I'm nuts about this, but I have priorities and family comes before career. I am only going to consider applying to these 2 schools again. However, I think that considering my stats, I really do have a good shot.

What do I need to do to make myself more competitive? Serious feedback only please.

Thanks!

Hey,
I have no idea what is going on with your situation. Personally the people on the adcom must be crazy not to take you. I am sure you will get in next year or this year off the waitlist. Your GPA and MCAT are awesome, but most impressive is the way you put your family first on your priority list. Any school that does not take you should be closed down. I would say good luck but i have a feeling you won't need it.

 

[t33sg1rl]

If I were an AdCom right now, I would not accept you into my medical school. You've made it clear that your family comes first. Personally, I think that's great, and I'm in the same boat-I would never go to a school that my spouse wasn't happy with. I believe that having a supportive spouse is a plus in the admissions process-they like to see that you have a support network. But, you need to project the idea that both you and your spouse will devote your lives to making you a doctor. You really need to work on your I'd-kill-my-children-with-my-bare-hands attitude that adcoms want to see. Telling adcoms that you have only applied to the two in-city schools to avoid upsetting your family only sends negative messages-your spouse is not supporting your career change, you are not really committed to the process, or you are so involved with children that you don't have the time or energy for medical school. If I were you, I'd apply to at least two or three additional schools just to make it look like your family is willing to move.

 

[chanjurban]

You really need to work on your I'd-kill-my-children-with-my-bare-hands attitude that adcoms want to see. Telling adcoms that you have only applied to the two in-city schools to avoid upsetting your family only sends negative messages-your spouse is not supporting your career change, you are not really committed to the process, or you are so involved with children that you don't have the time or energy for medical school. If I were you, I'd apply to at least two or three additional schools just to make it look like your family is willing to move.

😕 😕 😕
I'm sorry... do you have children? I can't help but think not b/c every other med school applicant/student with kids (that I have heard of) understands that Kids Come First. Med schools are NOT looking for students who have a "kill-my-children-with-my-bare-hands attitude."

I appreciate your input if it was given in earnest. And I also want to thank everyone for their advice. But if I honestly thought that medical schools are only looking for people who are willing to sacrifice their children's upbringings ... I would have to seriously reconsider doing this. Furthermore, my husband is and has been extremely supportive throughout all of this. It was MY decision to apply in town. I have not told either school that I only applied to 2 schools. They have no way of knowing that I only applied to 2 schools (at least as far as my understanding of the process goes). All they need to know is that I am a serious applicant that wants to go there.

My request for advice was in that vein... how can I show them that I am a "serious applicant that wants to go there."

Thanks

 

[Archimedes]

I would think a medical school would not even take into account that she's got kids?

And just getting your family to move off and away to whatever random med school accepts you is not easy. I'm not married, nor do I have kids. But asking your spouse to just leave their job and relocate is a bit unfair to them. I see no problem with just applying to the medical schools in your state if moving is not an option.

And I dont see why medical schools should think any differently. Most deans of med schools are married and have kids - they should know!