wldhokie said:
Could you guys give me some advice? I submitted my amcas last month to 7 schools before getting my MCAT's back. EVMS is definitely my top choice and the only place I really want to go, but I applied to more if I didn't get in. After getting my MCAT scores my premed advisor suggested going to talk to the dean of admissions and let him know that EVMS is my top choice and to possibly ask whether I would be too late for early decision or if I could have an earlier interview, since I don't think I can afford the money or time away from classes to attend all these interviews. If I was accepted to EVMS I would immediately w/draw from any other schools. I also shadowed an EVMS faculty member that offered to write me an LOR. Do you think it would be alright to talk to the dean? It sorta sounds a little presumptuous to me, but my pre med advisor recommended it. What do you guys think, is it worth a try? Thanks so much! 🙂
What did you score on your MCAT? I think you are implying your MCAT scores were lower than you assumed they would be. Thus, you think your chances may improve by EDP.
Sounds as if you are very set on attending EVMS. Personally, I cannot offer you any insight on being able to switch to EDP. Call AMCAS?.you will learn through the application process to be proactive, this is your future so take some initiative. Call Call Call. Call EVMS admissions and just tell them your problem, ask enough people and you will get the answer you seek. Seems as though you could switch to EDP (deadline is Aug. 1), but you would be down the money you have already spent sending out your AMCAS to your seven schools?then if you don?t get EDP you would probably put more money down for your AMCAS to the schools you were originally going to apply to?.do you gamble??.put your money down on the best odds I say, for you to figure out.
According to AMCAS ?You will be eligible for a refund of your AMCAS application fees - - minus a $160 non-refundable service fee - - if you withdraw your application before it has completed the verification process.??.withdraw and reapply?.logistical mess I say?
There are other factors you may want to consider. Applicants apply to many many more schools than you anticipate on applying to (seven). I believe the national average is around 11-12?.go talk to some California applicants and 25+ is not out of the norm. Remember its not easy to get in?3.9, 35+ don?t get in, take nothing for granted?interviews go bad, essays push someone the wrong way?.basically the more schools you apply the less of worry this will be to you?find a way to borrow the money.
Also, what is it about your current situation that is so time limiting that you can?t spend one day in Richmond, DC, Charlottesville as I assume you have applied to these localities. Looking back, once in medical school being burdened and busy as you are now will seem like a joke! Are you still in undergrad?...if so professors are usually very receptive to students missing class for a med. school interview. Let the professors know at the beginning of the semester that there may be a possibility of you missing a class or two. I did this and everything worked out perfectly. I know you may be financially limited at the moment...this will only worsen once in medical school. Don't you agree that the money spent applying is a sound investment vs. the alternative of putting all your eggs in one basket and not getting in! Also think about this, EDP is a binding contract and if you decline to attend EVMS you will have to wait an entire year to apply to a US medical school. In the future attempts to gain acceptance to schools your unethical character will be questioned. Next, say you apply EDP to EVMS and do not get in! Well, on Oct. first you will add your other choices?probably paying the fee you already paid again! Submitting at this date will put you at a disadvantage. I cannot say how strong your application is, if it is not ?superior? I would not go this route. As you can see EDP can save you money but is walking a thin line. Personally, I would not do EDP. My school preferences changed immensely over the application process (just a heads up). Here is what I would do. Keep all 7 schools (a few more maybe too)?. Financially?. borrow some money from a parent, sibling, relative, don?t worry about how busy you may be when interviews come, forget it?you are moving on to bigger and better things and you will make time, trust me you will be happy that you get to go on interviews?these are good things. Also, sounds like you might want to write a letter of intent to EVMS. Address this letter to the Admissions committee in care of the Dean. Basically, it should say something like?.EVMS is my number one choice and if I am accepted I will withdraw my consideration from all other schools and attend. Medical schools want people to go to their school if they accept them?these stats look GOOD for them?though not documented in any book or protocol, such a letter I would venture to say must hold something. Don?t write this letter unless you will attend EVMS?.letters of intent are usually written for individuals who are on waitlists?further down the line?.a little more certain of where they will attend. Very unethical if you don?t fulfill your letter of intent (this is different then a letter of interest?can be sent to multiple schools).
