Should I mention mistake made by school in re-application?

[LettingGo]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello all,
Here is the story. I received an e-mail about being waitlisted for 2009 and I immediately called the next day and was told that I had a guaranteed spot for the upcoming year 2010 if I did not get off the waitlist 2009...I was relelaved and took the summer off.
Come to find out that the person telling me this had made a mistake as they said there was a miscommunication and I had no guaranteed spot now I have to re-apply...I feel it is late in the game now being August. You can imagine how frustrated I am right now!!! I would have been ready to apply last june when apps began but I was guaranteed that spot. I had nothing in writing and therefore I don't feel as if I have anything backing me up. My question is should I explain this incidence in my personal statement? Any suggestions?

 

[IneedMoreTime]

I think that you already know what is the purpose of the personal statement. Thus I don't think is a good idea to mention this, i don't think that i will help in anything.

 

[LettingGo]

Thanks for the input...ya I think it is just mostly my frustration...feeling I have no control over this...once apps are out..they're out!

 

[Ariodant]

You absolutely should not put that on your personal statement. What that medschool has done to you is irresponsible on their part, but ranting about such things on your personal statement would be immature on your part. Don't respond to mistakes by making one yourself, especially one that would destroy your application. Some adcoms (and office staff) tell applicants inappropriate things, eg you are accepted (right at the end of the interview), you have a guaranteed spot next year (when you are on the waitlist). You've learnt your lesson: only trust things in writing, with their signature on it!

 

[LettingGo]

You absolutely should not put that on your personal statement. What that medschool has done to you is irresponsible on their part, but ranting about such things on your personal statement would be immature on your part. Don't respond to mistakes by making one yourself, especially one that would destroy your application. Some adcoms (and office staff) tell applicants inappropriate things, eg you are accepted (right at the end of the interview), you have a guaranteed spot next year (when you are on the waitlist). You've learnt your lesson: only trust things in writing, with their signature on it!

I appreciate the input...you are right, I think I always knew that not adding this incident in was the right thing to do...It was just my frustration and people not understanding this process convincing me of taking action...I have definetly learned my lesson! Back to working hard and getting all those apps. in!!!

 

[gman33]

The only thing you can do is talk to the dean of admissions at that school.
Since you have nothing in writing, you probably have little hope.

It sucks, but you just need to move on.
Get the apps in ASAP.

 

[LettingGo]

The only thing you can do is talk to the dean of admissions at that school.
Since you have nothing in writing, you probably have little hope.

It sucks, but you just need to move on.
Get the apps in ASAP.

Thanks....I will submit apps by tomorrow...hopefully it's not too late...

 

[Food]

If someone verbally told you that you had a guaranteed acceptance, you should really follow up thoroughly with the Dean of the school. This is absolutely unacceptable. They should at least guarantee you an interview this time around EVEN if you submit a late AMCAS with the same exact personal statement.

Such incredible irresponsibility on the part of a US Medical school is BEYOND me. These schools are perfectly okay with making the entire process as intimidating as possible, they are allowed to be as vague as they wish with timing and admissions procedures, and they are supposed to be scrutinizing US for our level of motivation and responsibility.

The fact that someone representing the admissions committee gave you verbal confirmation that you were guaranteed a deferred acceptance only to later tell you that it was a "mis communication" is insane.

You should not hesitate to actively voice your concern that since you were given the WRONG impression by someone on THEIR staff - an entire year of your life is in jeopardy.

EDIT: I don't mean put this in your PS for your AMCAS - But by all means be aggressive with the school that did this to you.

 

[njbmd]

Word of caution to anyone: Unless you have an admissions letter in hand (meaning confirmation of acceptance in black and white), you have nothing. If you get a phone call, ask for the person's name and title and ask for a confirmatory e-mail. Unless you have a certified taped recording of the phone conversation, you have nothing.

There are schools that notify applicants of acceptance by phone but these calls are followed up by e-mail. Unless you have that confirmatory e-mail/letter, your acceptance is not "guaranteed". In today's climate of litigation, you can bet your life that everything that has to do with medical school admissions needs to be in "black and white" with official seals and signatures too.

As for the OP's question: Don't use valuable personal statement space to essentially illustrate that you were naive last year. This will send a message that will not enhance your chances of getting into medical school.