I am not just an underdog, but a super underdog. You can check my stats for last year in last years thread. It was my third cycle applying. I changed a few things between my second and third application years. Raised my MCAT score (only by two points), volunteered more, prayed more, and most importantly changed my personal statement. My first two cycles I received nothing but pre-interview holds
My third cycle I received 5 interview invites. Some things I picked up along the way (also mimicking the other underdogs that came before me) I would like to share with you.
~Apply broadly, but only places that you would WITHOUT A DOUBT go to if accepted.
For example, I spent time and money on applying to some schools that dont consider at out of state applicants. Other schools I spent time and money on that I wouldnt really want to attend, even if accepted. Spend your money wisely, this process is not for the faint of wallet, especially when you have to do it 3 times
lol
~ Make sure your personal statement is from the heart. Nobody wants a personal statement that is just a rehash of every other applicants.
~ If by any means you are going to retake the MCAT, YOU STUDY MATERIALS DO MATTER. The first time I studied for the test I bought some off brand book. I was ill prepared for the test and my grad reflected that. When I retook the exam all I used was Kaplan. While I did better it was still poor (my current grade). I have been studying with the TBR books and EK 1001 books now (in case I wasnt accepted) and am getting 27-31s on my practice AAMCs.
~Youre secondaries count. Believe me. I know if you are applying broadly sometimes you copy paste information, because its a good essay. But if a school asks why them, etc. Make a connection, why would you want to go there? What connects you to that school? Why would you drop any other school that accepts you to matriculate there (even if you wouldnt
. use this through process to bring out that particular schools strengths and your connections to that school.)
~If you are invited to an interview, forget about your weaknesses. A school invites you to interview because they are genuinely interested in you. While there is a small chance that they might bring up it in the interview, most D.O. interviews will focus on finding out who you are not what you have done (MOST). This being said, bolster your confidence, look around in your group of interviewees, and say to yourself, Self, I am as good or better than every applicant here and go with that attitude.
~ Be on time. If you are in another state, know where you have to go before you get there. I have seen it. It was quite embarrassing.
~Dont stress the night before. Just prepare for the interview by briefly looking over your personal statement, your secondaries, and maybe a CV. Also, DO CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ON SDN, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE NOT THE FIRST INTERVIEW OF THE CYCLE. But dont stress out over them.
~Eat breakfast. Falling asleep or being distracted in their presentation doesnt show interest. Get a good breakfast in.
~If you have back to back interviews (and I speak from experience here) Reflect and learn but DO NOT DWELL on the previous interview. It is in the past and you need to put your best foot forward for the next one.
~Dont be nervous during your interview. Seriously it may seem that these professionals are scary. But really the basis of the interview is fellow professionals seeing if they would like you to be their collage one day. Show them who you are, why youre there, and why medicine is your future.
~ALWAYS ask for business cards from your interviewers or for some sort of contact and send thank you notes.
~Schools DO read SDN
Believe me, its not a myth. If there is any way they can connect you to some derogatory post, you are hurting your chances.
~If you do get waitlisted NEVER GIVE UP HOPE
and this is where my story comes in. I was waitlisted at my top choice schools. Waitlists are NOT a bad thing. It means they like you but just want to see what is out there. I sent an update once a month with new volunteer activities, experiences, etc. One of the reasons I was pulled off was because over the course of these emails, the faculty got to know me better and saw that my heart was in the right place.
~Above all else
. Realize that if you want to be a doctor, there is a way. There always is a way. Never give up that dream.
Good luck underdogs, Ill be rooting for you between my classes this year. J