No interviews yet....anyone in the same boat?

[VectreSpectre]

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around when should we start thinking about reapplying? =\

For me, and from what I've heard, no IIs by January, start prepping for next cycle. In my case, I don't really see what that would entail besides making damn sure to submit AMCAS June 1 and secondaries ridiculously quickly.

 

[VectreSpectre]

lol yea, I think it may be more a concern for those that need to retake the mcat.

Talking of secondaries...You know that was the one silver lining I could think of when reapplying -- reusing the secondary essays with a tad of tweaking when necessary prob saves so much time/energy compared to first go-around. 😉

Yeah, the lone silver lining in what would be an absolutely devastating scenario for me... A year of sitting around twiddling my thumbs doing jack ****. I'd feel embarrassed discussing it with friends. Having to tell 2.5 million people the same deal about how I didn't get in, no I don't know why, and yeah I'm reapplying. Having to live at home 🙂thumbdown). I'd catch a ton of flack from my parents. Another couple thousand on a cycle (will be chump change in the longrun, but still annoying). No IIs seems more brutal than getting some and not getting in. It feels like you've been completely passed by, and you don't even get any experience for the next cycle.

In addition to applying absolutely as early as possible, I'd probably add about 10 more schools. Well 10 more reasonable schools, and probably 10 more "no way in hell numberswise" reach schools. Let's face it, there's a lot of dumb luck involved in this process. I reckon being ridiculously early would help.

 

[CaliforniaAppli]

take it from a third time reapplicant:

Do more than just applying more broadly and earlier. You really need to improve you application from the previous cycle.

 

[Flamen04]

I have gotten some interview invites from my state schools, but no love from out of state schools.. What gives??? :'(((

 

[aSagacious]

It is a good thing that they are not blindly bumping up the number of medical school acceptances without making sure that there will be residency spots for all those emerging med students. Imagine if you doubled the number of medical school slots without doubling the residency slots...it would be sort of awful to get out of medical school with a ton of debt and then realize that you can't get into residency. There hasn't been much funding to increase the number of residency positions.

Unfortunately that's exactly what is happening:

DO
New DO school planned for Wisconsin
3 New D.O. Schools for 2013: Marian U., Campbell U., and U of So. Alabama

MD
Institutions with Developing Medical Education Programs that have Applied to the LCME for Preliminary Accreditation

 

[Guero]

Mid 20 MCAT and still got an interview? I think your friend might be bluffing.

It can be done: I have a 23O and landed an interview. Not only did I land an interview, I landed the invite before December and have received 4 pre-interview rejections out of 13. Granted, I had extenuating circumstances surrounding my MCAT score and sent a brief explanation to each school. I've also been very fortunate when it comes to my overall application, with published research, great ECs, etc. If I had made anything above a 30, I'd very likely have had a chance at a top 10 school and a good chance at top a 20. :-( But I've been humbled, am no longer a stat *****, and would be happy with an MD from any school.

According to the AAMC website, the lowest MCAT score for an MSTP (MD/PhD) acceptance last year (or 2009, can't remember) was a 24. These programs are among the most competitive. I actually wanted to pursue an MSTP and still do, but have been rejected by all but 2 of the programs I applied to so far and switched to regular MD paths at the rejected schools. But at this point, it only takes one interview to get in; and I'd be stupid as hell to decline an offer of admission from any school, regardless of MD/PhD or MD. If I still want to do a PhD after med school, there are always residencies and fellowships that offer dual training to pass your board and defend a master's or PhD.

My point is that even if you have a low MCAT, a low GPA, or even if you have great stats and great ECs, I echo the post by digitalsea11010 : Other factors can compensate and hedge your bet on an acceptance. Reapplying sucks; and it sucks hard for all the reasons already mentioned and more. But when it comes down to it, we all want to be physicians and have worked too hard to stop trying after 1 or even 2 attempts. There are med students here at Vandy that have applied 3 times and on the third try got into a top 20 school. I'd rather take the initial flak and chalk it up to the fact that things have changed drastically over the last 100 years when it comes to med school. There are simply too few med school seats and residency slots to allow some of the most competitive applicants to squeeze in on their first, second, and even third tries.

That said, being a realist, there does come a time to consider other options, such as applying to nurse practitioner and physician assistant programs. They're increasing seats drastically to help with the physician shortage. And their scope of practice is very similar to physicians, barring major surgical treatment. (PAs are licensed to perform certain simple surgical procedures.) Perhaps the best perks are time of matriculation to practice and lifestyle with pretty good compensation. Anyway, I'm tired and beginning to rant. I hope this helps and good luck.

 

[blue0rchid]

Unfortunately that's exactly what is happening:

DO
New DO school planned for Wisconsin
3 New D.O. Schools for 2013: Marian U., Campbell U., and U of So. Alabama

MD
Institutions with Developing Medical Education Programs that have Applied to the LCME for Preliminary Accreditation

i guess they figure they stilll have 5 yrs to build more residency spots

 

[VectreSpectre]

Absolutely.

I don't know your history -- did you have anything that really "stood out" in your app (in a positive way)? Anything that would differentiate you from the other applicants?

...or were you one of the applicants that seemed to have "done everything right and all the boxes checked", but fate had it that the system passed you by?

Check my post history... I started a thread explaining my situation in the What Are My Chances forum (feel free to comment on it!). Basically, excellent GPA, averageish MCAT, non medical and clinical volunteering, tons of shadowing, research in medical/non med areas (with pub), varied and deep hobbies, premed club, leadership... I seem to have all areas covered, and combined with my numbers, it's pretty puzzling that I don't have an II. The only downfall, and only reason I can think of (besides some unknown red flag) is that I applied late-ish. (Secondaries in mid Sept to mid Oct)

I'd say that I definitely lean towards your second category of being 'passed over'. Many friends with markedly lower stats and less ECs have received IIs at schools I've applied to already, which is somewhat frustrating.

 

[beargunkarate]

Check my post history... I started a thread explaining my situation in the What Are My Chances forum (feel free to comment on it!). Basically, excellent GPA, averageish MCAT, non medical and clinical volunteering, tons of shadowing, research in medical/non med areas (with pub), varied and deep hobbies, premed club, leadership... I seem to have all areas covered, and combined with my numbers, it's pretty puzzling that I don't have an II. The only downfall, and only reason I can think of (besides some unknown red flag) is that I applied late-ish. (Secondaries in mid Sept to mid Oct)

I'd say that I definitely lean towards your second category of being 'passed over'. Many friends with markedly lower stats and less ECs have received IIs at schools I've applied to already, which is somewhat frustrating.

I think this is it. I had my secondaries in around the same time with very high GPA, average (but over 30) MCAT, substantive biomedical research experience with pubs and posters, good clinical experience, substantive/interesting other EC's, and a very unique background (non-trad student) and have heard little from the vast majority of the 15 schools to which I applied. However, I know some applicants that applied very early in the cycle with, in my somewhat biased opinion, less stellar stats/EC's/etc., and they have all received multiple interviews and acceptances.

If things don't work out on this cycle, I'm planning on getting my application in on day one next year...possibly after an MCAT retake.

That said, an admissions officer for UCF just posted in the UCF thread that they've only accepted 51 students for this fall out of a total of 100, so there seems to still be some time left in the game. Don't give up yet!

 

[DBop]

I had a c3.5 and s3.41 with a 31Q. My EC's were pretty standard save for the fact that I worked/researched at the same lab for 6 years ( I started young haha).

I also applied pretty early. I had my primary in by the end of June and my secondaries done by mid-August.

I think I may have just gotten passed over. Hopefully my update emails will get me noticed again. It's easy to get a little discouraged now, especially when I see that all my friends who applied have 1+ acceptances. 🙁

 

[karmayogi]

For me, and from what I've heard, no IIs by January, start prepping for next cycle. In my case, I don't really see what that would entail besides making damn sure to submit AMCAS June 1 and secondaries ridiculously quickly.

and don't forget to re-write your PS.

I'm rooting for you this cycle, because being a reapplicant myself, i know how much it sucks. Feel free to PM if you have questions, in my opinion, you really have to sell yourself in the application. (esp if you're more towards the "avg" stat side like myself)

good luck

 

[FattySlug]

and don't forget to re-write your PS.

I'm rooting for you this cycle, because being a reapplicant myself, i know how much it sucks. Feel free to PM if you have questions, in my opinion, you really have to sell yourself in the application. (esp if you're more towards the "avg" stat side like myself)

good luck

What else did you do to improve your application the second time? All my ECs are pretty standard I don't know what else I can do to add to it. I am working full time as well so that makes it harder. Our stats are similar
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=11016583#post11016583

 

[r1d1]

Yep, being passed over for being mediocre and late.🙁

 

[camierz]

I had a c3.5 and s3.41 with a 31Q. My EC's were pretty standard save for the fact that I worked/researched at the same lab for 6 years ( I started young haha).

I also applied pretty early. I had my primary in by the end of June and my secondaries done by mid-August.

I think I may have just gotten passed over. Hopefully my update emails will get me noticed again. It's easy to get a little discouraged now, especially when I see that all my friends who applied have 1+ acceptances. 🙁

I have the exact same cGPA and sGPA as you and same MCAT with only a P on the writing section and I have received only one interview (Hofstra). I was also complete at the same time you were. However, I decided to apply to a DO school as a backup and I was accepted. That DO school has an average acceptance GPA of 3.66 this year and MCAT of I believe 27. Medical school is just getting harder and harder to get into every year. I think we still have a shot at MD schools though, just give it a few more months.

 

[DBop]

I have the exact same cGPA and sGPA as you and same MCAT with only a P on the writing section and I have received only one interview (Hofstra). I was also complete at the same time you were. However, I decided to apply to a DO school as a backup and I was accepted. That DO school has an average acceptance GPA of 3.66 this year and MCAT of I believe 27. Medical school is just getting harder and harder to get into every year. I think we still have a shot at MD schools though, just give it a few more months.

Yeah I haven't given up hope quite yet...I'm too stubborn. I should've applied to DO schools but it's too late in the cycle now. I'm applying to the Big 4 Caribbean schools at the moment.

 

[Northwesterly]

Yeah I haven't given up hope quite yet...I'm too stubborn. I should've applied to DO schools but it's too late in the cycle now. I'm applying to the Big 4 Caribbean schools at the moment.

Um, I think you still have time to fill out AACOMAS--it's not ideal to apply this late, but still a way, way better idea than going Caribbean.

 

[Guero]

Um, I think you still have time to fill out AACOMAS--it's not ideal to apply this late, but still a way, way better idea than going Caribbean.

+1 on both accounts. I considered applying DO and found the same info, but decided against it for personal reasons. If I don't get in this year, I'll simultaneously apply to DO and MD next year.

 

[octupus]

Um, I think you still have time to fill out AACOMAS--it's not ideal to apply this late, but still a way, way better idea than going Caribbean.

+1 on both accounts. I considered applying DO and found the same info, but decided against it for personal reasons. If I don't get in this year, I'll simultaneously apply to DO and MD next year.

+1, submit your aacomas asap. some schools secondary deadlines aren't until March I believe.

 

[kpcrew]

*eyetwitch* 3.6 is NOT low. And not low enough for an SMP, if you ask me. I have a 3.35/3.25/30R.

my premed adviser told me that i should do a post-bacc cause i have a 3.6

 

[phnerd1105]

Interview gods...Y U NO LIKE ME!?

3.63 cgpa/ 3.6 sgpa/ 30Q (retake)
Submitted most secondaries mid august-mid sept
Dual degree student (ba/mph) in 4 years
EC's up the wazoo
Excellent personal statement

I don't know what I can do differently 🙁 An MCAT retake might be on my horizon....

🙁🙁

 

[VectreSpectre]

Interview gods...Y U NO LIKE ME!?

3.63 cgpa/ 3.6 sgpa/ 30Q (retake)
Submitted most secondaries mid august-mid sept
Dual degree student (ba/mph) in 4 years
EC's up the wazoo
Excellent personal statement

I don't know what I can do differently 🙁 An MCAT retake might be on my horizon....

🙁🙁

This entire process is a crapshoot sometimes. Like Frazier brought up, I have a feeling that a large number of applicants may have caused alot of averageish applicants to just be passed over. Frustrating, but seems like there's some truth to it. Barring of course, a decent school selection and no red flags.

 

[10Acious]

.

 

[VectreSpectre]

36Q 3.7 cum GPA (transferred w fresh start major 3.5 years ago- since then 3.9 cum...)
Applied schools= 13, Number of rejections so far= 6, Number of interviews= 0

Apply late? Apply broadly?

 

[FattySlug]

Does having 1 interview mean you have no red flags in your application? I am trying to think of how to improve my app for next years and one of the goals is to make sure there is no red flag.

 

[FTFY]

my premed adviser told me that i should do a post-bacc cause i have a 3.6

Are you positive that your pre-med advisor is not a troll? Or a sales representative for post bacc programs/courses?

 

[r1d1]

my premed adviser told me that i should do a post-bacc cause i have a 3.6

3.6 is not high but you should be fine for most schools if you score 35+ on MCAT.

 

[kpcrew]

Are you positive that your pre-med advisor is not a troll? Or a sales representative for post bacc programs/courses?

3.6 is not high but you should be fine for most schools if you score 35+ on MCAT.

I don't know, I'd like to think that he's just being safe because the premed office values their high success rate with applicants. And yeah, I know it's not high, but it seems to be between the 10th and 50th percentile for most schools so it's not too terrible.

36Q 3.7 cum GPA (transferred w fresh start major 3.5 years ago- since then 3.9 cum...)
Applied schools= 13, Number of rejections so far= 6, Number of interviews= 0

Did you neglect volunteering + shadowing?
I know someone who didn't do them and got one interview out of 40 applications.

 

[Stumpyman]

36Q 3.7 cum GPA (transferred w fresh start major 3.5 years ago- since then 3.9 cum...)
Applied schools= 13, Number of rejections so far= 6, Number of interviews= 0

😱

Seriously?

 

[r1d1]

I don't know, I'd like to think that he's just being safe because the premed office values their high success rate with applicants. And yeah, I know it's not high, but it seems to be between the 10th and 50th percentile for most schools so it's not too terrible.

Personally I wouldn't do an SMP. Helping AIDS patients in Africa for a year would probably do you more good, just saying. There are just too many qualified applicants. I feel we need something special to shine among the mountain of files.

 

[FTFY]

3.6 is not high but you should be fine for most schools if you score 35+ on MCAT.

You sound like her/his pre-med advisor.

A 3.6 may not be a top grade, but if shooting for a good mix of reach and non-reach schools, a 30+ MCAT should be sufficient. Unless of course the ECs are lacking and the PS needs work and the LORs are weak.

 

[FattySlug]

Monday without emails is the worst.

 

[JosefStalin87]

Woke up this morning to 2 rejections - almost half of the schools have now rejected me and I have not yet received a single II. Is this the craziest cycle or what? A 3.7 + 33 + leadership/clinical/non-clinical/shadowing/research/teaching ECs spanning over 4 years didn't even net me a single interview.

 

[tory]

Woke up this morning to 2 rejections - almost half of the schools have now rejected me and I have not yet received a single II. Is this the craziest cycle or what? A 3.7 + 33 + leadership/clinical/non-clinical/shadowing/research/teaching ECs spanning over 4 years didn't even net me a single interview.

🙁

 

[Guero]

Woke up this morning to 2 rejections - almost half of the schools have now rejected me and I have not yet received a single II. Is this the craziest cycle or what? A 3.7 + 33 + leadership/clinical/non-clinical/shadowing/research/teaching ECs spanning over 4 years didn't even net me a single interview.

First off, that blows. I'm sorry. Second, what does your application spread look like (e.g., three top 10 schools, five top 20, 10 top 40, etc.)?

 

[flodhi1]

36Q 3.7 cum GPA (transferred w fresh start major 3.5 years ago- since then 3.9 cum...)
Applied schools= 13, Number of rejections so far= 6, Number of interviews= 0

I have a feeling that you might have applied very top heavy and even if you applied to some "safety schools", your ECs might not be matching up with the mission/tradition of the schools. I'm pretty sure if those 15 schools were mostly low to mid tiered schools you would have been accepted into at least half assuming you're not hiding any red flags such as no ECs, criminal record, serious IAs and have decent LORs.

 

[JosefStalin87]

I have a feeling that you might have applied very top heavy and even if you applied to some "safety schools", your ECs might not be matching up with the mission/tradition of the schools. I'm pretty sure if those 15 schools were mostly low to mid tiered schools you would have been accepted into at least half assuming you're not hiding any red flags such as no ECs, criminal record, serious IAs and have decent LORs.

With a LizzyM score of 70 here are my school list:

Here are the schools I applied to:

My home state is NY: so all the SUNYs

1) Temple
2) Drexel
3) Georgetown
4) VCU
5) Wayne State
6) Oakland
7) NYMC
8) Rosalind Franklin
9) Albert Einstein Yeshiva
10) Jefferson
11) Hofstra
12) Medical College of Wisconsin
13) Tulane
14) St.Louis
15) Emory
16) Michigan State


As you see, almost ALL the schools within my stat range, and just a couple reaches


My ECs are very strong in leadership, service, clinical experience, and research. I was complete everywhere by middle-late August.

 

[elblackwell]

^
Have you tried calling the schools that already rejected you? They may not want to talk to you about it this early in the cycle, but if one of them does agree, maybe they will let you know if there are any red flags.
Also, what did the Admissions Council rate or say about your LoRs? (besides that they wont prevent you from getting an interview?)

 

[JosefStalin87]

^
Have you tried calling the schools that already rejected you? They may not want to talk to you about it this early in the cycle, but if one of them does agree, maybe they will let you know if there are any red flags.
Also, what did the Admissions Council rate or say about your LoRs? (besides that they wont prevent you from getting an interview?)

I called Jefferson, MCW, and Emory who have rejected me last month and all of them were secretaries who simply checked my file on their computer and said "you know, I can't really tell why - we have a very competitive cycle." I requested to speak with the Dean him/herself and for ALL 3 schools the secretary was unwilling to transfer me to them to discuss this issue saying only "we have many applicants." When I call the deans myself - only the secretary picks up the phone.

 

[Guero]

I called Jefferson, MCW, and Emory who have rejected me last month and all of them were secretaries who simply checked my file on their computer and said "you know, I can't really tell why - we have a very competitive cycle." I requested to speak with the Dean him/herself and for ALL 3 schools the secretary was unwilling to transfer me to them to discuss this issue saying only "we have many applicants." When I call the deans myself - only the secretary picks up the phone.

Did you apply MSTP or regular MD for Emory?

 

[JosefStalin87]

Did you apply MSTP or regular MD for Emory?

I applied regular MD for all the schools.

 

[flodhi1]

With a LizzyM score of 70 here are my school list:

Here are the schools I applied to:

My home state is NY: so all the SUNYs

1) Temple
2) Drexel
3) Georgetown
4) VCU
5) Wayne State
6) Oakland
7) NYMC
8) Rosalind Franklin
9) Albert Einstein Yeshiva
10) Jefferson
11) Hofstra
12) Medical College of Wisconsin
13) Tulane
14) St.Louis
15) Emory
16) Michigan State


As you see, almost ALL the schools within my stat range, and just a couple reaches


My ECs are very strong in leadership, service, clinical experience, and research. I was complete everywhere by middle-late August.

To break down what I have:

Leadership - founded and is editor-in-chief of an undergraduate academic journal

Community Service - boys & girls club (2 years)

Clinical experience - hospital volunteering (4 years, 700 hours), hospice volunteering (1 year, 100 hours).

Teaching - immigrant English and math tutor (1 year), writing tutor (1 year)

Shadowing - 60 hours with internal medicine physician

Research - 2 years spanning 3 labs, 6 first author poster/oral presentations at national conferences, A+ in honors thesis.

There has to be a major issue going on because I can be very upfront with you and tell you that with a 3.2 (extreme upward trend in the past 2 and half years) and a 29 N I have already interviewed (3 of the schools you listed) and been accepted (2 of the schools you listed). Now your stats are wonderful. Your clinical experience is wonderful too. I'm going to have to say that your PS might not be as great as you or others think, your secondary might not be matching with the mission of the schools or there's a LOR that has really dented your application. For example Georgetown, VCU and Drexel tend to be very focused towards diversity and are mission based. Even though these schools match in a wide variety of specialties they love community work, primary care and working for disadvantaged communities. If you indicated any where in your PS or Secondary that you're not up for that or did not indicate anything at all then most likely those schools would put you aside and look at other applicants first that are more focused towards their specific mission. Also tell me a little bit about your LORs? does your school have a prehealth committee, did you receive a letter from the prehealth committee, what was the time span of the 60 hours of shadowing and did you receive a LOR from an actual MD Physician? Also tell me about this boys and girls club please (is it a club for humanitarian work?)

 

[JosefStalin87]

There has to be a major issue going on because I can be very upfront with you and tell you that with a 3.2 (extreme upward trend in the past 2 and half years) and a 29 N I have already interviewed (3 of the schools you listed) and been accepted (2 of the schools you listed). Now your stats are wonderful. Your clinical experience is wonderful too. I'm going to have to say that your PS might not be as great as you or others think, your secondary might not be matching with the mission of the schools or there's a LOR that has really dented your application. For example VCU and Drexel tend to be very focused towards diversity and are mission based. Even though both schools match in a wide variety of specialties they both love community work, primary care and working for disadvantaged communities. If you indicated any where in your PS or Secondary that you're not up for that or did not indicate anything at all then most likely those schools would put you aside and look at other applicants more focused towards their mission. Also tell me a little bit about your LORs? does your school have a prehealth committee, did you receive a letter from the prehealth committee, did you receive a LOR from an actual MD Physician?

Trust me, I adjusted my secondary to the mission of each school. For schools ranked in research, I discussed 60% research/academic and 40% clinical/teaching/leadership experience. For schools ranked in primary care, I discussed 70% community service/volunteering/teaching/clinical experience, and 30% research and academic. This is to their open essay questions why ar you are a good fit...etc etc. Other questions outright asks you about particular experiences - so its mentioned there as well.

Drexel gets almost 10,000 applicants, the admission process is truly a crapshoot.

 

[JosefStalin87]

There has to be a major issue going on because I can be very upfront with you and tell you that with a 3.2 (extreme upward trend in the past 2 and half years) and a 29 N I have already interviewed (3 of the schools you listed) and been accepted (2 of the schools you listed). Now your stats are wonderful. Your clinical experience is wonderful too. I'm going to have to say that your PS might not be as great as you or others think, your secondary might not be matching with the mission of the schools or there's a LOR that has really dented your application. For example Georgetown, VCU and Drexel tend to be very focused towards diversity and are mission based. Even though these schools match in a wide variety of specialties they love community work, primary care and working for disadvantaged communities. If you indicated any where in your PS or Secondary that you're not up for that or did not indicate anything at all then most likely those schools would put you aside and look at other applicants first that are more focused towards their specific mission. Also tell me a little bit about your LORs? does your school have a prehealth committee, did you receive a letter from the prehealth committee, what was the time span of the 60 hours of shadowing and did you receive a LOR from an actual MD Physician? Also tell me about this boys and girls club please (is it a club for humanitarian work?)

My LORs were 2 science, 1 of which is also research, and 1 non-science (psychology) prof. I also included a LOR from hospice volunteering. I shadowed 60 hours at 4 hours a week over several months, but I did not get a LOR from this physician.

Boys and girls club is humanitarian work, I tutored disadvantaged youth, served food in kitchen, acted as role model, and set up various activities for them to engage in.

 

[flodhi1]

Trust me, I adjusted my secondary to the mission of each school. For schools ranked in research, I discussed 60% research/academic and 40% clinical/teaching/leadership experience. For schools ranked in primary care, I discussed 70% community service/volunteering/teaching/clinical experience, and 30% research and academic. This is to their open essay questions why ar you are a good fit...etc etc. Other questions outright asks you about particular experiences - so its mentioned there as well.

Drexel gets almost 10,000 applicants, the admission process is truly a crapshoot.

It doesn't matter if there are 10,000 applicants if your personal statement or your ECs are extremely strong then they will catch somebodies eye.

My LORs were 2 science, 1 of which is also research, and 1 non-science (psychology) prof. I also included a LOR from hospice volunteering. I shadowed 60 hours at 4 hours a week over several months, but I did not get a LOR from this physician.

Boys and girls club is humanitarian work, I tutored disadvantaged youth, served food in kitchen, acted as role model, and set up various activities for them to engage in.

By the way you didn't answer my prehealth committee question. Does your school have a prehealth committee and were those letters that you listed sent through that committee? VCU automatically puts you to the bottom of the pile or rejects you if your school has a prehealth committee but you don't have a LOR from them even if your stats are absolutely amazing.

 

[JosefStalin87]

It doesn't matter if there are 10,000 applicants if your personal statement or your ECs are extremely strong then they will catch somebodies eye.





By the way you didn't answer my prehealth committee question. Does your school have a prehealth committee and were those letters that you listed sent through that committee? VCU automatically puts you to the bottom of the pile or rejects you if your school has a prehealth committee but you don't have a LOR from them even if your stats are absolutely amazing.

No, my school does NOT have a pre-med/health committee.

Also, regarding my PS, it is fairly balanced. I discussed research/academics experience - explaining my passion to study human science (this was about 35% of my PS). I also discussed my passion for advocating the disadvantaged based on my disadvantaged background. This is 50% of my PS where I discussed how my mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, shadowing shaped my vision. To finish off my PS, I mentioned being a leader in the school's research community by founding an academic journal.

 

[flodhi1]

No, my school does NOT have a pre-med/health committee.

Also, regarding my PS, it is fairly balanced. I discussed research/academics experience - explaining my passion to study human science (this was about 35% of my PS). I also discussed my passion for advocating the disadvantaged based on my disadvantaged background. This is 50% of my PS where I discussed how my mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, shadowing shaped my vision. To finish off my PS, I mentioned being a leader in the school's research community by founding an academic journal.

If you had received a strong LOR from the physician you shadowed/volunteered with it would have done wonders. At every single interview that I have attended they have talked about my LOR from my Physician. By the way you can private message me your PS if you would like to share it. I know it's something personal so no pressure.

 

[IMSingular]

No, my school does NOT have a pre-med/health committee.

Also, regarding my PS, it is fairly balanced. I discussed research/academics experience - explaining my passion to study human science (this was about 35% of my PS). I also discussed my passion for advocating the disadvantaged based on my disadvantaged background. This is 50% of my PS where I discussed how my mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, shadowing shaped my vision. To finish off my PS, I mentioned being a leader in the school's research community by founding an academic journal.

May be you should send, through PM, your PS to NickNaylor if he is willing to examine. His PS is amazing. See what is his judgement. You might need rhetoric of course backed by actual experience. If not this cycle it would help you next cycle.

 

[JosefStalin87]

If you had received a strong LOR from the physician you shadowed/volunteered with it would have done wonders. At every single interview that I have attended they have talked about my LOR from my Physician. By the way you can private message me your PS if you would like to share it. I know it's something personal so no pressure.

What would my physician talk about in this LOR? In the purist sense, I shadowed him - I silently stood in the corner while he spoke to and treated patients. I can't imagine how this can turn up to be a strong LOR.

 

[flodhi1]

What would my physician talk about in this LOR? In the purist sense, I shadowed him - I silently stood in the corner while he spoke to and treated patients. I can't imagine how this can turn up to be a strong LOR.

Ahh well I guess our shadowing experience was very different. My Physician allowed me to actually interact with the patients and himself during the routine check ups which I know is not common. I took a lot of notes and asked tons of questions before and after the treatment of patients. I think standing around in the corner silently and not interacting with the physician before or after the treatment can really halt you from building a personal relationship with the Physician. I admit in the beginning the doctor was annoyed by a lot of my questions but later down the road he actually thanked me for making a genuine effort in trying to learn and he probably made that clear in his LOR to med schools. Regardless, I'm sending you my personal statement so maybe you can compare it with yours and see how others have written their PS.

 

[Guero]

I applied regular MD for all the schools.

That's odd, because they specifically state that they don't send rejections until the end of the season, if at all. "If you have not received an interview, there is no status update to report." Were they that eager to reject? 🙁