protocol for asking for advice on application

[bluemachine]

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i may be a potential re-applicant for next cycle (currently sitting on a few WL's), and am preparing for the worst. ive heard about some people calling schools they applied to and asking them what went wrong and how they can improve for the next cycle.

1. how should i go about doing this? through email or phone?
2. should i only be contacting schools that i interviewed at?
3. when should i be contacting schools (both pre-II and after II decisions)? if im currently waitlisted at some schools, would it be weird if i asked them for feedback on my application before they even reach a decision?

thanks!

 

[ndafife]

1. Call them. Always easier to get in contact and a prompt response. Here is a basic thing to say: "Hello, My name is bluemachine, and I applied to your school but was unfortunately rejected. I will be a reapplicant this upcoming year and would like to know if someone would be willing to take a minute or two to discuss the weaknesses in my application that lead to those decisions so I can work on fixing them this upcoming cycle"

2. I'd only contact schools you interviewed at. They looked at your application more thoroughly than other schools, and contacting a large number of schools you didn't interview at will yield a lot of redundant generic advice.

3. I wouldn't contact schools you are on a waitlist for. Just seems weird to ask why you weren't accepted when your application still is open.

 

[Catalystik]

1. Call them. Always easier to get in contact and a prompt response. Here is a basic thing to say: "Hello, My name is bluemachine, and I applied to your school but was unfortunately rejected. I will be a reapplicant this upcoming year and would like to know if someone would be willing to take a minute or two to discuss the weaknesses in my application that lead to those decisions so I can work on fixing them this upcoming cycle"

I would fine-tune this advice by suggesting you request to make an appointment to call back at a later time so you can speak with a dean/admissions officer at their convenience. Getting advice from Admissions Office desk staff won't be as productive.

And, I think it's fine to also call a school where one was rejected outright, assuming you feel your stats were in line with their acceptance history and you want to be sure you covered their EC expectations before reapplying.

 

[efle]

I would fine-tune this advice by suggesting you request to make an appointment to call back at a later time so you can speak with a dean/admissions officer at their convenience. Getting advice from Admissions Office desk staff won't be as productive.

And, I think it's fine to also call a school where one was rejected outright, assuming you feel your stats were in line with their acceptance history and you want to be sure you covered their EC expectations before reapplying.

Iirc, several times on SDN I've seen adcoms say that below-median GPA/MCAT is often used as an answer since it's much easier and more objective a reason than deeper application flaws like poor interviewing skills. How much can you expect to really hear what needs improvement when your stats are less than stellar? Does it make sense to preface with "please be brutally honest"?

 

[Catalystik]

Does it make sense to preface with "please be brutally honest"?

I have no anecdotal evidence to support that approach. Instead, what about saying, "Disregarding my stats, . . . ?"