Time between complete and II. When is it hopeless?

[BruinBear13]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey Guys,

I have been complete at most schools for roughly 2 months now and have yet to hear anything. I guess my question really boils down to how many schools practice "silent rejections", Davis being one of them, apparently.

I have one II at a top 30 school, 4 rejections, and a small pool.

Thank you!

 

[Plecopotamus]

You've got plenty of time. I got II's all the way into March as did some of my peers. One friend got her one and only II that late and was admitted to that school -- it only takes one! Keep your hopes up for now and plan constructively for what you can do during this year to improve your app if you're unsuccessful (if you really think that's likely).

 

[BruinBear13]

You've got plenty of time. I got II's all the way into March as did some of my peers. One friend got her one and only II that late and was admitted to that school -- it only takes one! Keep your hopes up for now and plan constructively for what you can do during this year to improve your app if you're unsuccessful (if you really think that's likely).

Thank you so much for the response. It's easy to lose optimism in such a vague process.

About gap-year activities, I am currently working full-time as a research associate and thus do not have much time for any other activities. I was wondering, would Adcoms understand that or would they still expect to see volunteering/clinical activities during the gap-year(s) ?

 

[jeghaber]

Thank you so much for the response. It's easy to lose optimism in such a vague process.

About gap-year activities, I am currently working full-time as a research associate and thus do not have much time for any other activities. I was wondering, would Adcoms understand that or would they still expect to see volunteering/clinical activities during the gap-year(s) ?

Some schools, as you know ask about gap year activities in your secondary -- though if you had holes in your application more volunteering, etc might be helpful, but otherwise, I think "just" working full time is understandable. I'm working as an RA as we'll this year and the hours can definitely be life-consuming, not to mention unpredictable 😛 For what it's worth, I haven't been asked about my current activities at either of my interviews so far.

 

[osprey099]

Dartmouth does silent rejections too

 

[DoktorO]

Thank you so much for the response. It's easy to lose optimism in such a vague process.

About gap-year activities, I am currently working full-time as a research associate and thus do not have much time for any other activities. I was wondering, would Adcoms understand that or would they still expect to see volunteering/clinical activities during the gap-year(s) ?

They may ask you about what you are doing in your gap year during your interviews.

 

[DrEnderW]

Thank you so much for the response. It's easy to lose optimism in such a vague process.

About gap-year activities, I am currently working full-time as a research associate and thus do not have much time for any other activities. I was wondering, would Adcoms understand that or would they still expect to see volunteering/clinical activities during the gap-year(s) ?

Don't freak out yet. I was complete late summer and got IIs in Jan/Feb, although I understand that no one wants to wait that long. I worked full-time doing research as well during my gap year. I suggest finding some small commitment to clinical exposure and volunteering if that area is lacking. Saying I was volunteering in an ED department on Saturday mornings (off and on) was well received.

GL

 

[BruinBear13]

Don't freak out yet. I was complete late summer and got IIs in Jan/Feb, although I understand that no one wants to wait that long. I worked full-time doing research as well during my gap year. I suggest finding some small commitment to clinical exposure and volunteering if that area is lacking. Saying I was volunteering in an ED department on Saturday mornings (off and on) was well received.

GL

I'm not exactly sure what counts as lacking. I have about 300 hours of clinical experience as a medical assistant and 50 hours of shadowing a surgeon and anesthesiologist.

As for volunteering, I have ~400 hours of medically-related community service.

 

[DrEnderW]

I'm not exactly sure what counts as lacking. I have about 300 hours of clinical experience as a medical assistant and 50 hours of shadowing a surgeon and anesthesiologist.

As for volunteering, I have ~400 hours of medically-related community service.

I wouldn't consider that anywhere near the realm of lacking haha.

I'd relax and enjoy your year before the grind starts then. In hindsight, I wish I took advantage of that time more than I did. I'd focus my efforts on getting a pub and doing some things you truly enjoy.

 

[Plecopotamus]

You are not lacking, but it is a good idea to continue some sort of volunteer experience outside of your work, because if you need to reapply, they will specifically ask what you have done to improve your application since the last cycle.

You don't need to do anything intense (you're working full time in a medically related field?). Go have fun with your volunteering/community service type of stuff. I went and painted schools on a few weekends and did fund/awareness raising with events for the Crohn's and Colitis foundation of America (seriously, you can go do bowling events and runs/walks, etc. for a good cause). I fostered kittens and some reptiles/amphibians . . . I got asked more times about my slithery little rescues than about my medical experiences, b/c it made me unique and it stood out on my AMCAS.

 

[DocHollywood745]

You are not lacking, but it is a good idea to continue some sort of volunteer experience outside of your work, because if you need to reapply, they will specifically ask what you have done to improve your application since the last cycle.

You don't need to do anything intense (you're working full time in a medically related field?). Go have fun with your volunteering/community service type of stuff. I went and painted schools on a few weekends and did fund/awareness raising with events for the Crohn's and Colitis foundation of America (seriously, you can go do bowling events and runs/walks, etc. for a good cause). I fostered kittens and some reptiles/amphibians . . . I got asked more times about my slithery little rescues than about my medical experiences, b/c it made me unique and it stood out on my AMCAS.

+1, this is brilliant. Perhaps they're taking a long time because of the number of applicants, or maybe they're trying to see what people will do during this time. Best bet would be to do something that can improve or help you stand out.