Status and Interview Advice

[PistolPete3]

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Hello everyone. First off let me say thank you to all the people who have made this forum a great resource for applicants such as myself. I have referred to this site many times without ever actually posting, but I thought it was time to finally register.

I had a few questions that I was also hoping to get answers too/reflection on.

First of all, like most everyone else posting on this topic, I am simply wondering where I stand in the process. I am currently a senior Mechanical Engineering Major with a 3.69 GPA and 33T MCAT and I submitted secondaries to 11 MD programs in early September.

I am an undergraduate intern and volunteer at the Mayo Clinic and have started my own biomedical company to design an innovative respiratory sensor. This sensor stems from my experience with the birth, hospital stay, and passing of my premature daughter who died at home from SIDS at 3 months. From this personal tragedy I have found success in designing a new type of SIDS monitor and have been funding as well as leading this research for almost a year now. All of this figured heavily in my decision to pursue a medical career - something for which I have tremendous passion.

I was expecting my story and my business/research success to translate into a positive application process. After quickly receiving one interview invite in September I have been surprised to receive four denials only in the last week - two from my "safety" schools. Given that it is now nearly November and I need to make business decisions based on my future, I was wondering if I could get some advice. Mainly I am wondering what my likelihood of receiving interviews from the remaining six schools is at this point in the process.

Finally, I have my one interview this Thursday and I guess I am mainly questioning what to focus on. My focus thus far has been the transition from immense personal tragedy to meaningful, self-led research. I am worried, however, that this might somehow appeal less than just detailing my volunteer hours and clinical experience - the usual medical student fair. I was hoping to differentiate myself with the story, as it is truly the reason I am here, but so far it has not brought me much success in the application process.

There is a lot of text above, so thank you if you read through it all, and thank you for responding. If nothing else a confidence boost before Thursday's interview would be a great help given the four recent denials.

 

[PistolPete3]

Also, I will be in the area of two schools I have yet to here from for the interview on Thursday. Is it in my interest to try and reach out to those schools for a tour or meeting with admissions faculty?

 

[stolen_biscuit]

First of all, I was saddened to read about your daughter. It is impressive how you have turned that event into a positive action. In terms of med school, I'm sure you're right: the progress you've made and the leadership should set you apart from the crowd.

Secondly, your stats are fine, so the reason for rejection (unless you're talking top tier) is likely somewhere else in your app. You didn't really detail all, so it will be hard for people to guess.

Lastly, I have been told it's perfectly acceptable to call schools in the same area to which you will be traveling. I'm sure many people are in this situation each year, so the admissions offices probably get calls all the time. I would just explain the situation. It would be unfortunate not to call, and then to come home to an interview request from one of those schools next week!

Best of luck to you!

 

[FrkyBgStok]

My condolences. Truly sad. Did you apply top heavy? There has to be a reason schools arent biting. Hopefully you applied broadly, but it could be the source of the problem. Another issue is you have a negative story, yet it should be portrayed in a positive manner for yor PS. Maybe you had some medium LORs. There are a lot of issues and problems. Where all did you apply?

 

[centrigeugle]

Finally, I have my one interview this Thursday and I guess I am mainly questioning what to focus on. My focus thus far has been the transition from immense personal tragedy to meaningful, self-led research. I am worried, however, that this might somehow appeal less than just detailing my volunteer hours and clinical experience - the usual medical student fair. I was hoping to differentiate myself with the story, as it is truly the reason I am here, but so far it has not brought me much success in the application process.

In my admittedly uninformed opinion, I would say; don't worry about it! It's a great story, and as others have said, the way you've used it as a productive step in your life that will ultimately benefit others is pure gold.

Just try not to make the story too sad or imply that you haven't coped with it well. I too am perplexed at the lack of interest, but it's still not-late in the interview season (as I'm told).

 

[Catalystik]

I am currently a senior Mechanical Engineering Major
-3.69 GPA and
-33T MCAT and
-I submitted secondaries to 11 MD programs in early September.

- started my own biomedical company to design an innovative respiratory sensor.
- leading this research for almost a year now.
- volunteer at the Mayo Clinic
- I submitted secondaries to 11 MD programs in early September.
- four denials only in the last week

I am wondering what my likelihood of receiving interviews from the remaining six schools is at this point in the process.

Good Luck with today's interview.

In order to give you meaningful input, it would help to have more information.

What is your BCPM?
What are your ECs and duration of involvement?
What is your level of confidence in your LORs? Did you substitute any from what was requested?
Any legal issues?
What percentage of your PS was directly related to your daughter's story?
At how many schools did you further discuss her passing in a Secondary essay?
If you want to know chances of an interview at the remaining schools, you'd have to give their names.

Have you considered adding more safety schools whose deadlines haven't yet passed?