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Rejected!
- Thread starter BRUINGOLD
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Ha dude i feel the same way i have a couple late interview long shots but i am going full bore on mcat again. yes AGAIN, this sucks but well survivie. ill defeintly see u next time around!!
I'm with ya both. Oh well, once more unto the breach.
reapplication isn't bad at all....well...it is definitely expensive....but just make sure you improve your app and you'll have a lot more chances. I definitely like my options this year compared to last. i only had 2 interviews last year and hopefully i get in somewhere this year. still waiting tho. 🙁
I hear ya, Ramoray! Time to break out the MCAT study guides again. Good luck on your interviews!!
Qwerty- it sucks, but hopefully we'll have better luck next time! 🙂 At least we'll be familiar with the process.
UCLAMAN, just out of curiousity, what are some areas that you improved in your app? I'm planning to retake the MCAT and get more medical/health care experience.
Qwerty- it sucks, but hopefully we'll have better luck next time! 🙂 At least we'll be familiar with the process.
UCLAMAN, just out of curiousity, what are some areas that you improved in your app? I'm planning to retake the MCAT and get more medical/health care experience.
i took the aug mcat. i revamped all of my personal statements. i began working at the LA Mission, i became a coordinator in the SHA program, I was one of UCLA's undergraduate research scholars(got 4k 😀 ), i added a LOR from the SHA program to vouch for all of my added actvities and awards, and i continued with my other activities.
Basically I did not stop working hard during the year I was applying(the 1st time). I did not quit any activities instead I added activities, positions, and awards. Mainly because I enjoyed the things I added. I highlighted that fact on my personal statement. I thought it showed not only my perseverance but also my commitment to a career in medicine(as everything i accomplished during my first application cycle was somehow related to medicine). I partook in them because it is what I enjoyed. I didn't do those things because it would get me into medical school(ie by the time my primary was submitted i could no longer add all these accomplishments unless I notified each school individually throughout the year everytime something new happened). I did all those things because I enjoyed doing them and hence would enjoy a career in medicine. I made this idea very visible in my personal statement.
I'm sure you haven't quit any of your activities either. I'm sure you have had significant accomplishments since you first submitted your amcas. Make sure you highlight those accomplishments when you resubmit amcas and explain how they've only confirmed your desires to enter medicine. Reapplication forces you to reasses your commitment to medicine. The experiences you have had this past 6 months(and the next 3 months) should demonstrate a reaffirmation of that desire, despite your rejection that cycle.
Hopefully people who are on the bubble get in this year as it is very frustrating to have to reapply. I am going crazy right now and all I want is an acceptance, anywhere! But rest assured that if you want it it will happen. I just need it to happen already!
good luck all!
Basically I did not stop working hard during the year I was applying(the 1st time). I did not quit any activities instead I added activities, positions, and awards. Mainly because I enjoyed the things I added. I highlighted that fact on my personal statement. I thought it showed not only my perseverance but also my commitment to a career in medicine(as everything i accomplished during my first application cycle was somehow related to medicine). I partook in them because it is what I enjoyed. I didn't do those things because it would get me into medical school(ie by the time my primary was submitted i could no longer add all these accomplishments unless I notified each school individually throughout the year everytime something new happened). I did all those things because I enjoyed doing them and hence would enjoy a career in medicine. I made this idea very visible in my personal statement.
I'm sure you haven't quit any of your activities either. I'm sure you have had significant accomplishments since you first submitted your amcas. Make sure you highlight those accomplishments when you resubmit amcas and explain how they've only confirmed your desires to enter medicine. Reapplication forces you to reasses your commitment to medicine. The experiences you have had this past 6 months(and the next 3 months) should demonstrate a reaffirmation of that desire, despite your rejection that cycle.
Hopefully people who are on the bubble get in this year as it is very frustrating to have to reapply. I am going crazy right now and all I want is an acceptance, anywhere! But rest assured that if you want it it will happen. I just need it to happen already!
good luck all!
OP, unfortunately i think i will be in next years applicant pool for the third time! It really sucks that i have worked my ass off for the past 5-6 years to prove that i am a worthy applicant. doesn't look like the Ad coms are interested. They are primarily interested in numbers. (But they'll NEVER admit that) good luck and see you in the pool next cycle!
Hmm...have you made significant changes to your application since last year? If you think numbers were a problem was there something you did to remedy that?(ie retake mcat, do better in classes)
For the most part I think you are right...numbers are certainly important. But you have to realize though that lots of people have 3.6's and 30+, and these people probably have great ECs too. Furthermore the majority of these people are normal, compassionate, nice people. Yes, they are primarily interested in applicants hitting a certain plateau(plateau varies depending on school). They need to screen out people below that plateau because there are just too many applicants for spots. How else are they going to screen out from 6000 apps? Every one of those 6000 applicants has "wroked their arses off." (yes some people deviate and are accepted to a school while having numbers extremely below a school's general plateau but those are the exception I'd say) They'll never admit it because they can say for the most part we want lets say around 3.5+ and 30+ (maybe less if the applicant started a hospital in brazil, maybe a lot higher if the applicant doesn't have the greatest ECs) and then can cut out maybe half of the applicant pool and still compose a very diverse class from the remaining 3000 applicants.
So if you aren't hitting that 3.6 30 plateau then perhaps you should take a year off to improve those numbers rather than just applying again? If it is your grades then take more classes maybe? If it is MCAT then really devote your time to improving your score? Not trying to rip you down at all just trying to help with my 2 pennies. I understand your frustration. Your perseverance will be rewarded. Just make sure you aren't just reapplying without making any significant changes in your app. Don't use the same essays either. Schools WILL read your old ones.
good luck!
UCLAMAN, thanks for sharing your experiences. I haven't quit any activities, but I haven't had much time to get involved in more b/c I've been mainly focused on school and bringing up my grades. I'm hoping to get more exposure to medicine this starting in the spring. It sounds like you've been working really hard. Good luck to you! 😀
Perseverant- have you talked to some schools that rejected you and asked about ways to improve?
Perseverant- have you talked to some schools that rejected you and asked about ways to improve?
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I know my MCAT scores weeded me out of a lot schools, but somehow I managed 3 interviews with a 24. I'm waitlisted at all 3 schools and so I'm studying for the MCAT again too. I just graduated and work part-time in a medical research clinic, so between work and studying for the MCAT I don't have much time to do any extra-curriculars. How much improvement do they really want to see? Do I really need to go out and do more volunteering right at this moment? Before you guys ask me why I applied with a 24...I was crazy!!! And, hopeful...I looked at the data for number of people with a 24 getting accepted in the MSAR and prayed I might be one.
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the fact that you are getting interviews with a 24 MCAT means everything else in your application is fine, which means, if you were to apply again, an improvement in your score would be the only thing that you need to do imho. g'luck on those waitlists.
-jj
That's great that you got 3 interviews. I think that if you don't get in this year and you up your MCAT, you will definitely have a good chance. I think schools are more interested in depth of your commitment so you probably don't have to sign up for a bunch of ec's, maybe 1 or 2 and focus on them. Good luck to ya!
Anyone else have tips for us?
if you live in CA especially, take some Spanish classes. In one of my interviews, the interviewer specifically said "people who want to be doctors should all speak a second language." She was referring to Spanish in our conversation, but other commonly spoken languages would probably help too. Anyhow, at the time I was extremely happy I was a Spanish minor in college. I really think it helped my app.
I know a girl who graduated my year with a 24 mcat, she just got into Univ. of Nevada last week. She is a Nevada resident though.
As for tips for my fellow bruin, here goes. I didn't get in my first cycle either w/3.5 gpa and 30N mcat (7v,11p,12b). It was the verbal and written that killed me, english isn't my primary language. So if it is your mcat, this is what I did to impove my application. I'm not naturally smart so I knew I had to do everything I could get my hands on, Kaplan, TPR, Berkeley, and AAMC practice test 1-6. I did all this material at least twice, starting in Oct up to the April mcat. I got my score up to 36M(9v,12p,15b), my written and verbal still sucks, but hey I got in this time. Good luck, and go bruins.
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A few suggestions for those of you who are reapplying.
Contact the schools you are interested in attending and set up a consultation appointment. Most admissions offices are extremely helpful. The most basic question to ask is: What do I have to do to get into your school? The bottom line of the schools I contacted is that they are looking for applicants that have done things that make them stand out in a crowd. Cookie-cutter biology majors with good stats, volunteer experience, and good LOR's are a dime-a-dozen in the application process.
I got in on my first try and did not have superior stats (just average), was not a science major, but I did have very interesting extracurricular and professional experiences. I have travelled extensively and lived all over the US. I think that adcoms are looking for applicants that demonstrate a passion for life, applicants that can adapt to any environment and thrive, and applicants who are success and goal oriented in every aspect of their lives.
Find out how you are unique from all the other applicants and stress that in your personal statement. Most schools receive 4000+ applications. Give them a reason to pull yours out of the pile for more than just a second look.
Good luck!!!!!!!!
Contact the schools you are interested in attending and set up a consultation appointment. Most admissions offices are extremely helpful. The most basic question to ask is: What do I have to do to get into your school? The bottom line of the schools I contacted is that they are looking for applicants that have done things that make them stand out in a crowd. Cookie-cutter biology majors with good stats, volunteer experience, and good LOR's are a dime-a-dozen in the application process.
I got in on my first try and did not have superior stats (just average), was not a science major, but I did have very interesting extracurricular and professional experiences. I have travelled extensively and lived all over the US. I think that adcoms are looking for applicants that demonstrate a passion for life, applicants that can adapt to any environment and thrive, and applicants who are success and goal oriented in every aspect of their lives.
Find out how you are unique from all the other applicants and stress that in your personal statement. Most schools receive 4000+ applications. Give them a reason to pull yours out of the pile for more than just a second look.
Good luck!!!!!!!!
Thanks for all the tips, guys! All good ideas, I really appreciate it. I'm planning on setting up some appointments with the UC's to go over my app to see what went wrong. Has anyone done this at a UC and were they responsive?
There is a girl (and I think she's on SDN, but I don't know her nickname) who was one of my student hosts. She applied to med school three years in a row, and in the third year she got into Duke! She's at Duke now! She said that she was actually waitlisted in the third year, and she just pulled out all the stops. Sent frequent letters of interest, called all of her interviewers...
So that story was inspiring to me. I hope it shows a light at the end of the tunnel for anyone reapplying.
So that story was inspiring to me. I hope it shows a light at the end of the tunnel for anyone reapplying.
Thanks for sharing that with us! Definitely gives me hope! 😀
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Make sure that you bring in the perseverence factor in the reapplication and state how you have improved the numbers and maturity to deal with the situation.
Also aside from the application point of view do things which mean to you. For example while I improved my application to apply again I also learnt to play violin and it added another dimension to my app and my own self worth.
In many cases everything is fine but the timing isn't. SO, meticulously in the reapp ensure that your app goes in with the first batch. And take April MCAT (I know some people will disagree). Talk to as many schools you can and ask them what areas they considered weak (it is better to state it as what areas you can improve upon). Keep in touch with a few of the med school mentors if you can.
Let the LOR people know that you will be reapplying and let them also improve their letter if you are taking any of their current courses or if they are you research guides etc.
Despite all efforts many brilliant apps are bypassed and that also makes me believe that it is also a crapshoot....so kep your sanity and don't let this take you away from your goal.
I feel your pain and have been there. Just keep at it.
All the best
Zingy
Also aside from the application point of view do things which mean to you. For example while I improved my application to apply again I also learnt to play violin and it added another dimension to my app and my own self worth.
In many cases everything is fine but the timing isn't. SO, meticulously in the reapp ensure that your app goes in with the first batch. And take April MCAT (I know some people will disagree). Talk to as many schools you can and ask them what areas they considered weak (it is better to state it as what areas you can improve upon). Keep in touch with a few of the med school mentors if you can.
Let the LOR people know that you will be reapplying and let them also improve their letter if you are taking any of their current courses or if they are you research guides etc.
Despite all efforts many brilliant apps are bypassed and that also makes me believe that it is also a crapshoot....so kep your sanity and don't let this take you away from your goal.
I feel your pain and have been there. Just keep at it.
All the best
Zingy
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