Totally confused by my app cycle

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Alright, before I get started a quick disclaimer that I am NOT whining or complaining or acting like an entitled brat. I am just actually confused by how my cycle is going so far as it doesn’t follow anything even resembling conventional premed/med application norms. Many of y’all might recognize me from the school specific forums.

I applied to 35 schools and am currently in my single gap year.

MCAT: 515
sGPA: 3.8
150+ hours in every category (and 1000+ in basic science research and part-time employment)
No red flags
T20 undergrad known for “deflation”
Very balanced school list including atleast 20 schools that Goro and others recommend for my stats/profile.

So far I have received ~10 rejections, a few holds, and just a single interview. The interview was for an OOS school. I was fortunate enough to get an acceptance from that school so it’s great to know that I’m going to be a doctor!

But, how is that I have received ZERO additional love? Silence from my state schools (and found out recently that they both are nearing the end of their invites). Both of them have 40%+ IS interview rates. With my single acceptance this early, I think it’s safe to say that I don’t have any red flags (especially because this OOS school is NOT OOS friendly and was a school that I threw in there lol).

Can I expect more interviews? Why haven’t my state schools shown me any love despite solid stats and a complete application? Should I just assume moving forward that I will be attending the school where I have received the acceptance? Thoughts from @Goro and other insiders would be much appreciated.
@gygyn

Final note: I might have ruined my anonymity being this detailed but at this point that’s not an issue as I haven’t done or said anything bad on this forum. I will be becoming a doctor and I am proud of that fact and intend to work my ass off regardless of what school I attend in order to achieve what I want to achieve.
 
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What has this process become where a 34/3.8 only warrants 1 interview out of 35 secondaries. Assuming your LORs, PS, and school lists were good, I would have expected you to receive a good amount of interviews from mid-tier schools. However, congratulations on your acceptance!
 
This has been a weird cycle. I know a dude with a strong GPA, strong MCAT, URM, grad degree, A’s in almost everything, good shadowing, research, pubs, community service etc. that has got 1 DO invite thus far.

Strange cycle for sure...
 
Longtime lurker here. Father of an applicant who has similar stats to unlimited apps (slightly higher). The process makes very little sense to me. Applicants work extremely hard and they (and their families) spend thousands of dollars for what seems to be an extremely inefficient process for all concerned. Why do grades and scores matter for some places (the top ten) who only seem to interview stratospherically high non URM candidates and are ignored at the mid tier schools who seem to favor applicants with lower grades? I know experience and volunteering matter and unlimited apps like my son have those experiences as well. It seems some sought after applicants get a dozen interviews and acceptances and others who seem just as qualified based on their sdn profiles get bupkas (or an interview or two). Why not have some sort of match system or points or draft system where applicants and schools rank each other there is a round of interviews and then decision (with financial information) and then a second round etc until all spots are filled? Why do schools waste time interviewing 1,000 applicants for 120 spots? What a waste of time for all concerned. End of rant. Good luck to all and congrats on your acceptance unlimited! I don’t hate the player but I do hate the game as they say....
 
chemdoctor said:
This has been a weird cycle. I know a dude with a strong GPA, strong MCAT, URM, grad degree, A’s in almost everything, good shadowing, research, pubs, community service etc. that has got 1 DO invite thus far.

Strange cycle for sure...
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I totally agree. Based on my conversations with people currently applying vs those in the past and sdn anecdotes, it seems as though there is a lot more uncertainty this year. Whether or not this is actually true across the board, not quite sure.

That being said, it’s still only December so a lot could certainly change in the next month or so for applicants like me. It sucks though because it feels as though I’m in no mans land: don’t belong with the powerhouse research crowd cause of my borderline stats and also don’t belong with the low stat crowd that is more niche and generally values volunteering and clinical work more so than just stats.
 
You should have more interviews, especially from those state programs. Leading theory, imho, should be that there is a red flag in there and you got lucky with the 1/35 schools that decided to give you an interview in spite of it.

For example if one of your LoRs is killing your app, and you got lucky with one app reader at that random out of state school who decided not to put much stock in it. Or that something in your personal statement is problematic and this school decided to let you make a better second impression in person at the interview.

I've had friends with similar stats, from t20, with boxes checked and a good school list and they got tons of interviews. This is extremely weird and something is wrong.
 
Honestly, I think the red flag is really in your LOR since you are confident with the rest of your applications. LOR is the only thing that you can not see or have control over.
 
Laix said:
Honestly, I think the red flag is really in your LOR since you are confident with the rest of your applications. LOR is the only thing that you can not see or have control over.
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I think sometimes we are the worst judges of our own shortcomings, especially when it comes to things like writing or interviews.

OP, when did you apply? This is huge. Also, if you're looking for something to blame, I would look closely at your primary and secondary application essays and who you had write your recommendations. I'm a successful re-applicant this year and I think the biggest positive change in my application came from 1) applying day 1 and broadly, 2) completely re-writing and polishing my primary and secondaries several times over. The way you articulate your experiences and motivations can make a massive difference in how they are perceived by evaluators.

It could also be your EC's. A combination of cookie-cutter EC's and poor writing/LOR's will probably land you in the "eh pile" at most schools. Anyways, to provide some hope, last cycle I received 3 interviews between December and March. This cycle isn't over yet. Congratulations on your acceptance!
 
OP, my stats are similar to yours. From a top 10 school with ECs that might be a bit better. But I've gotten 11 II so far (along with 4 pre-II rejections)...maybe there is a red flag in your app somewhere? With your stats, it's strange that you don't have more interviews. Also did you apply broadly?
 
Master Thinker said:
OP, my stats are similar to yours. From a top 10 school with ECs that might be a bit better. But I've gotten 11 II so far (along with 4 pre-II rejections)...maybe there is a red flag in your app somewhere? With your stats, it's strange that you don't have more interviews. Also did you apply broadly?
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Were your IIs (and acceptance) from T20 medical schools?
 
^ this is what I saw with friends like OP, mid tier private schools in particular go crazy for 3.8/515/boxes checked. And I don't know anybody with an app that solid that got shut out of their state schools, other than California.
 
Master Thinker said:
OP, my stats are similar to yours. From a top 10 school with ECs that might be a bit better. But I've gotten 11 II so far (along with 4 pre-II rejections)...maybe there is a red flag in your app somewhere? With your stats, it's strange that you don't have more interviews. Also did you apply broadly?
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Congratulations on your success, but c'mon now, show a little more social awareness.
 
efle said:
^ this is what I saw with friends like OP, mid tier private schools in particular go crazy for 3.8/515/boxes checked. And I don't know anybody with an app that solid that got shut out of their state schools, other than California.
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Hmmm.

Please define "boxes checked" in the sense of what's sufficient for mid tier private schools? How many hours? Are cookie cutter ECs sufficient?

Also, how do you define "mid tier private schools"? Case Western? Emory? Cleveland Clinic, Baylor?

As for your comment about state schools, what if your state school is U Mich, UVA, or UTSW?
 
MyOdyssey said:
Hmmm.

Please define "boxes checked" in the sense of what's sufficient for mid tier private schools? How many hours? Are cookie cutter ECs sufficient?

Also, how do you define "mid tier private schools"? Case Western? Emory? Cleveland Clinic, Baylor?

As for your comment about state schools, what if your state school is U Mich, UVA, or UTSW?
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If your state school is umich you have three other md schools that are also open for business where you can apply and will probably take you.
If UVA you have atleast two others and 4 if you include gw and gtown.
UTSW... i cant count that high.
 
MyOdyssey said:
Hmmm.

Please define "boxes checked" in the sense of what's sufficient for mid tier private schools? How many hours? Are cookie cutter ECs sufficient?

Also, how do you define "mid tier private schools"? Case Western? Emory? Cleveland Clinic, Baylor?

As for your comment about state schools, what if your state school is U Mich, UVA, or UTSW?
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Yeah cookie cutter got its name for a reason, it's the norm. As an example, say someone did research-for-credits for a few semesters with some posters, volunteered 150 hours at the nearby hospital, played a sport at the D3 level, and did some shadowing and was involved in a couple clubs. You slap a 514-516 and a 3.7-3.8 from a well known feeder as icing on the cookie and you should easily get half a dozen IIs from an appropriate 30 school list, probably more.

Places like Case, Emory and Baylor are very strong programs. I would say more like, I dunno, SLU and Miami and Tufts.

Those all have other state programs that are a lot less competitive. It would be very weird for OP to be from those states and get shut out of schools like EVMS/VCU or Oakland/Wayne/CMU without even an interview.
 
efle said:
Yeah cookie cutter got its name for a reason, it's the norm. As an example, say someone did research-for-credits for a few semesters with some posters, volunteered 150 hours at the nearby hospital, played a sport at the D3 level, and did some shadowing and was involved in a couple clubs. You slap a 514-516 and a 3.7-3.8 from a well known feeder as icing on the cookie and you should easily get half a dozen IIs from an appropriate 30 school list, probably more.

Places like Case, Emory and Baylor are very strong programs. I would say more like, I dunno, SLU and Miami and Tufts.

Those all have other state programs that are a lot less competitive. It would be very weird for OP to be from those states and get shut out of schools like EVMS/VCU or Oakland/Wayne/CMU without even an interview.
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How did we get to a point where that list of ECs plus 516-516/3.7-3.8 = cookie cutter? Div 3 sports is hugely time consuming.
 
Unlimited Apps said:
Alright, before I get started a quick disclaimer that I am NOT whining or complaining or acting like an entitled brat. I am just actually confused by how my cycle is going so far as it doesn’t follow anything even resembling conventional premed/med application norms. Many of y’all might recognize me from the school specific forums.

I applied to 35 schools and am currently in my single gap year.

MCAT: 515
sGPA: 3.8
150+ hours in every category (and 1000+ in basic science research and part-time employment)
No red flags
T20 undergrad known for “deflation”
Very balanced school list including atleast 20 schools that Goro and others recommend for my stats/profile.

So far I have received ~10 rejections, a few holds, and just a single interview. The interview was for an OOS school. I was fortunate enough to get an acceptance from that school so it’s great to know that I’m going to be a doctor!

But, how is that I have received ZERO additional love? Silence from my state schools (and found out recently that they both are nearing the end of their invites). Both of them have 40%+ IS interview rates. With my single acceptance this early, I think it’s safe to say that I don’t have any red flags (especially because this OOS school is NOT OOS friendly and was a school that I threw in there lol).

Can I expect more interviews? Why haven’t my state schools shown me any love despite solid stats and a complete application? Should I just assume moving forward that I will be attending the school where I have received the acceptance? Thoughts from @Goro and other insiders would be much appreciated.
@gygyn

Final note: I might have ruined my anonymity being this detailed but at this point that’s not an issue as I haven’t done or said anything bad on this forum. I will be becoming a doctor and I am proud of that fact and intend to work my ass off regardless of what school I attend in order to achieve what I want to achieve.
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As others have mentioned, there may be a flag of some sort on your app but I doubt it’s a red one. I have slightly lower stats than you and I’m a reapplicant but my cycle is going better in comparison. I’m gonna go against the grain and say that your LORs are probably fine since you got an acceptance. I’d bet that it’s your essays that are weighing you down. That’s the biggest thing I changed from my last cycle to this one and it’s made a drastic difference. If your essays don’t show that you fit their mission, they’re less likely to choose you

I’m sure the confusion of traffic rule changes is also to blame here. Do your state schools accept people like normal state schools? I know there’s some like vcu that are technically a state school but at least half their class is oos. Either way it’s totally possible for you to get more II so don’t give up hope yet!
 
MyOdyssey said:
How did we get to a point where that list of ECs plus 516-516/3.7-3.8 = cookie cutter? Div 3 sports is hugely time consuming.
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Welcome to US MD admissions for people without a friendly state school option! The places I named above are mid tier private schools, their IQRs are 510-517/3.5-3.9 and those ECs are standard checked boxes. A 515/3.8 is exactly who they love to interview, a little above their average and reasonably likely to end up matriculating.

Always gotta keep in mind that only 20% of medical applicants end up with multiple admits, and that's including admits to public schools. For someone aiming at private schools - like say our example applicant is Californian - going in with that app and coming out of the cycle with 3 admits to SLU/Tufts/Miami shouldn't feel disappointing at all
 
medschoolzombie said:
As others have mentioned, there may be a flag of some sort on your app but I doubt it’s a red one. I have slightly lower stats than you and I’m a reapplicant but my cycle is going better in comparison. I’m gonna go against the grain and say that your LORs are probably fine since you got an acceptance. I’d bet that it’s your essays that are weighing you down. That’s the biggest thing I changed from my last cycle to this one and it’s made a drastic difference. If your essays don’t show that you fit their mission, they’re less likely to choose you

I’m sure the confusion of traffic rule changes is also to blame here. Do your state schools accept people like normal state schools? I know there’s some like vcu that are technically a state school but at least half their class is oos. Either way it’s totally possible for you to get more II so don’t give up hope yet!
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Agreed. Many state schools or low tier MD programs also have missions that justify the slightly lower stats. Schools like CMU or MSU do an initial stat-blind screen of the essays to see how strong a fit the applicant is for their missions; only after passing are the applicant's metrics considered. Goodness of fit in essays definitely matters.

My stats aren't that much better than yours, but I've had decent luck with my state programs so far. Maybe your app came off as too research heavy, who knows man.

But really OP, I appreciate the fact that you're thankful for your acceptance, but try to let that sink in. From what you're saying, it doesn't sound like a bad program. You have a 3.8 sgpa from a grade deflater; with hard work in med school you'll prob have a shot at a competitive specialty. It'll get you to where you want to go. I'd been hoping for Pitt, Michigan, Emory or Case, but those don't seem to be happening (and def not at Pitt...). Yet I still get an excellent chance at my dreams.
 
MyOdyssey said:
How did we get to a point where that list of ECs plus 516-516/3.7-3.8 = cookie cutter? Div 3 sports is hugely time consuming.
Click to expand...

I make a cookie at this time of year that consists of 2 rolled and cut out cookies sandwiched together with jam, topped with a cut out of rolled almond paste and topped with chocolate glaze and a half walnut. They are hugely time consuming but every one of them is identical because I make them using a cookie cutter. They are really special and highly prized when the cookie tray gets passed around but that doesn't change the fact that you might want more variety during the season than the same fancy, identical cookie day after day.
 
MyOdyssey said:
Hmmm.

Please define "boxes checked" in the sense of what's sufficient for mid tier private schools? How many hours? Are cookie cutter ECs sufficient?

Also, how do you define "mid tier private schools"? Case Western? Emory? Cleveland Clinic, Baylor?

As for your comment about state schools, what if your state school is U Mich, UVA, or UTSW?
Click to expand...

Those are all top 20 schools though?
 
LizzyM said:
I make a cookie at this time of year that consists of 2 rolled and cut out cookies sandwiched together with jam, topped with a cut out of rolled almond paste and topped with chocolate glaze and a half walnut. They are hugely time consuming but every one of them is identical because I make them using a cookie cutter. They are really special and highly prized when the cookie tray gets passed around but that doesn't change the fact that you might want more variety during the season than the same fancy, identical cookie day after day.
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I want this recipe...
 
LizzyM said:
I make a cookie at this time of year that consists of 2 rolled and cut out cookies sandwiched together with jam, topped with a cut out of rolled almond paste and topped with chocolate glaze and a half walnut. They are hugely time consuming but every one of them is identical because I make them using a cookie cutter. They are really special and highly prized when the cookie tray gets passed around but that doesn't change the fact that you might want more variety during the season than the same fancy, identical cookie day after day.
Click to expand...
That’s a great analogy and all, but that recipe sounds freakin delicious
 
Wow, certainly didn't expect this thread to blow up lol. I must be pretty special 😉 haha.

A few additional details that might be helpful (again risking anonymity but trying to figure out whats going on lol):
  • Submitted majority of secondaries in July but late committee letter release was in mid-August so was complete everywhere in mid-August.
  • NC resident (if UNC was my single accept, I could care less about the other 34 schools. Its my favorite, "practical top choice," and the cause of majority of my disappointment!)
  • 8 rejections: 6 are from schools where median MCAT is 2+ above my 515, the other 2 are Georgetown and WF (both low yield schools)
  • Basically silence from every school on my list that has a MCAT median between 512-516 (except for the OOS stats of my accept school)
  • The last thing I expect is my LoRs having some flag in them. Have known all three writers for 2 years or more, and my research letter should be stellar (not being arrogant but I was definitely one of the most productive undergrads in the lab and my work ethic was legit)
  • Currently in a clinical-related position (clinical research)
  • Also should note that my undergrad is (on the rumor mill atleast) a feeder school for the school where I have received an acceptance. It is an OOS state school, and their interview rate for OOS is like under 7 percent lol. I received their interview invite less than a week after my application was complete there.
  • Yes, I have a lot of research but I have made clear as much as possible that I don't know what I want to do and that I am not naive in prematurely choosing a medical career or field, primary care included. I have interests here and there but I expect to make that informed decision in medical school.
Regarding what I am feeling right now: the majority of the concern right now for me is finances to be honest (OOS fees are 60k+). The school where I have an acceptance is very solid and I liked a lot about it on my visit. I won't lie, it certainly isn't high on my "ranking" list but career-wise if I had to attend I would be more concerned about finances than the education or any other factor.

It has every residency program and majority of the fellowships so I know that I would have opportunities to pursue any field or speciality I want. A representative example is that they match neurosurgery 2-3 every year. And I am prepared to work my ass off if I end up figuring out in the future that I am interested in a competitive speciality.
 
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Med Ed said:
The most common reason I see is a frightening personal statement.
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The last word I would I use for my personal statement is "frightening," and I think the 3 people that reviewed it would all agree. I wouldn't say that it is stellar or anything, but it certainly got the point across that I was trying to make regarding my journey to medicine, etc. And the anecdote that I used was well-received by the people I had read it.

If anything, my secondaries might be ehhh at worst at some schools but that can't be the global reason because more than half of my schools had very short secondaries which I would call decent to good.
 
Unlimited Apps said:
The last word I would I use for my personal statement is "frightening," and I think the 3 people that reviewed it would all agree. I wouldn't say that it is stellar or anything, but it certainly got the point across that I was trying to make regarding my journey to medicine, etc. And the anecdote that I used was well-received by the people I had read it.

If anything, my secondaries might be ehhh at worst at some schools but that can't be the global reason because more than half of my schools had very short secondaries which I would call decent to good.
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You said 150+ hours in “every category”. Which ones exactly? Shadowing and service to underserved in there?
 
subdermallight said:
You said 150+ hours in “every category”. Which ones exactly? Shadowing and service to underserved in there?
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Shadowing is ~75 hours across four different fields. And service to underserved is also in there (inner city work with high schoolers and middle schoolers).

The only “weakness” is only ~200 hours clinical volunteering (though over 3 years).

Is it possible that I’ll have good luck with mid tiers later in the cycle? I’m ORM and if my app comes across as cookie cutter maybe those schools will revisit my app favorably later in the cycle to fill out their interviews? Something similar happened to a friend of mine with the same stats last year (single interview and accept at this school before the new year but then 5 interviews from December to February at mid tier schools).
 
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Unlimited Apps said:
Shadowing is ~75 hours across four different fields. And service to underserved is also in there (inner city work with high schoolers and middle schoolers).

The only “weakness” is only ~200 hours clinical volunteering (though over 3 years).

Is it possible that I’ll have good luck with mid tiers later in the cycle? I’m ORM and if my app comes across as cookie cutter maybe those schools will revisit my app favorably later in the cycle to fill out their interviews? Something similar happened to a friend of mine with the same stats last year (single interview and accept at this school before the new year but then 5 interviews from December to February at mid tier schools).
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I don’t know what to tell you.. maybe you’re too cookie cutter but it’s hard to say that’s why without, like, reading your entire PS.. it is odd.

Not sure what you’ve been up to since August but I know for me, a good app update led to a few II’s. Granted, it did end up filling in a “weakness” of 170 clinical volunteer hours with another 150, but I feel like it did get them to notice me somehow. I got 3 of my II’s within 2-5 days of my update
 
subdermallight said:
I don’t know what to tell you.. maybe you’re too cookie cutter but it’s hard to say that’s why without, like, reading your entire PS.. it is odd.

Not sure what you’ve been up to since August but I know for me, a good app update led to a few II’s. Granted, it did end up filling in a “weakness” of 170 clinical volunteer hours with another 150, but I feel like it did get them to notice me somehow. I got 3 of my II’s within 2-5 days of my update
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Yea I guess I could try updating schools. But apart from my clinical research position I haven’t been doing much. I guess I could update them on the projects I am working on and include the additional number of clinical hours I have accumulated working with patients?

But I don’t know if that’s enough for an update though. I am also waiting for a publication to go through.
 
Unlimited Apps said:
Yea I guess I could try updating schools. But apart from my clinical research position I haven’t been doing much. I guess I could update them on the projects I am working on and include the additional number of clinical hours I have accumulated working with patients?

But I don’t know if that’s enough for an update though. I am also waiting for a publication to go through.
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I say, find something compelling to add. Maybe you can find a service related to the holidays. Go start volunteering for hospice, or a free clinic, or something that relates to your “why medicine” answer or makes sense in your narrative. Research how to start a donation drive for gifts for low-income children or work with an existing program, or see if you can do something nice for the holidays for children at a children’s hospital.

I’m just pulling these out of nowhere, some of them won’t be feasible in this timeframe, but I guess my point is don’t stop fighting yet. Send an update in 20-30 days with the clinical hours etc you discussed but see if you can tack something else on there to show what you’re willing to do for a cause you believe in.
 
Also, because you’ve been accepted, I think LizzyM talked about a LOI scenario where you can say to your top school “hey I’ve been accepted at xyz, but you’re my top school because abc and I’d love the opportunity to interview”. Definitely don’t use that wording but I think that could help you get an II
 
subdermallight said:
Also, because you’ve been accepted, I think LizzyM talked about a LOI scenario where you can say to your top school “hey I’ve been accepted at xyz, but you’re my top school because abc and I’d love the opportunity to interview”. Definitely don’t use that wording but I think that could help you get an II
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I thought this scenario was only for when you have an acceptance at a highly ranked school and your top choice is a school below that level? Would it still be appropriate for me to do something like this with an acceptance at a mid tier OOS school?

@LizzyM
 
LizzyM said:
I make a cookie at this time of year that consists of 2 rolled and cut out cookies sandwiched together with jam, topped with a cut out of rolled almond paste and topped with chocolate glaze and a half walnut. They are hugely time consuming but every one of them is identical because I make them using a cookie cutter. They are really special and highly prized when the cookie tray gets passed around but that doesn't change the fact that you might want more variety during the season than the same fancy, identical cookie day after day.
Click to expand...

The cookie sounds delicious. I imagine the whole tray goes faster than the plate of hohos I’d bring, which is the way I’d expect it to work.
Harvard undergrad admissions didn’t pick the gourmet cookies presented to them for years I guess for the reasons you are describing - Boredom? Need for variety? I imagine once that court decision comes out there will be an greater demand for your gourmet cookies that have been overlooked.
 
Unlimited Apps said:
I thought this scenario was only for when you have an acceptance at a highly ranked school and your top choice is a school below that level? Would it still be appropriate for me to do something like this with an acceptance at a mid tier OOS school?

@LizzyM
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I don’t think so. I sent an LOI to a school even though my other acceptance was at a school ranked very low. I ended up getting accepted at the 2ns school but I also think that LOIs are only worth it if you’ve already interviewed and are waiting on an acceptance
 
Unlimited Apps said:
I thought this scenario was only for when you have an acceptance at a highly ranked school and your top choice is a school below that level? Would it still be appropriate for me to do something like this with an acceptance at a mid tier OOS school?

@LizzyM
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IMO the rules of the game are changing because of the new traffic rules. So things that were no brainers in the past(like dont send an update) may warrant re-evaluation.
 
LizzyM said:
Google Hausfreunde. The recipe was in Food & Wine magazine.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
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Wow, thanks for the link to the recipe. Those look phenomenal. Too late for this years cookie assortment...but I may have to give those a try in the future.
 
Unlimited Apps said:
Wow, certainly didn't expect this thread to blow up lol. I must be pretty special 😉 haha.

A few additional details that might be helpful (again risking anonymity but trying to figure out whats going on lol):
  • Submitted majority of secondaries in July but late committee letter release was in mid-August so was complete everywhere in mid-August.
  • NC resident (if UNC was my single accept, I could care less about the other 34 schools. Its my favorite, "practical top choice," and the cause of majority of my disappointment!)
  • 8 rejections: 6 are from schools where median MCAT is 2+ above my 515, the other 2 are Georgetown and WF (both low yield schools)
  • Basically silence from every school on my list that has a MCAT median between 512-516 (except for the OOS stats of my accept school)
  • The last thing I expect is my LoRs having some flag in them. Have known all three writers for 2 years or more, and my research letter should be stellar (not being arrogant but I was definitely one of the most productive undergrads in the lab and my work ethic was legit)
  • Currently in a clinical-related position (clinical research)
  • Also should note that my undergrad is (on the rumor mill atleast) a feeder school for the school where I have received an acceptance. It is an OOS state school, and their interview rate for OOS is like under 7 percent lol. I received their interview invite less than a week after my application was complete there.
  • Yes, I have a lot of research but I have made clear as much as possible that I don't know what I want to do and that I am not naive in prematurely choosing a medical career or field, primary care included. I have interests here and there but I expect to make that informed decision in medical school.
Regarding what I am feeling right now: the majority of the concern right now for me is finances to be honest (OOS fees are 60k+). The school where I have an acceptance is very solid and I liked a lot about it on my visit. I won't lie, it certainly isn't high on my "ranking" list but career-wise if I had to attend I would be more concerned about finances than the education or any other factor.

It has every residency program and majority of the fellowships so I know that I would have opportunities to pursue any field or speciality I want. A representative example is that they match neurosurgery 2-3 every year. And I am prepared to work my ass off if I end up figuring out in the future that I am interested in a competitive speciality.
Click to expand...
I think this adds to my theory, if that 1/35 that went for your app is a considerably less competitive school that takes a lot of people from your college and interviewed you immediately at the start. They were eager to admit you, can completely believe they overlooked something that held the other competitive 512-517+ schools back.

I doubt your LoR writers did anything intentionally harmful, but they might have included something they didn't realize would be a problem. Similarly I've seen personal statements that the writer was very proud of and had shown other people that looked like a red flag to me. Keeping it vague, one example would be an anecdote where they essentially told a physician how to do their job better, which I think sends a very different message than they realized. Unless you had the experienced premed advising committee at your t20 read your statement and letters I don't think you can rule out red flags in one of them. Did your committee curate a letter packet they sent out for you, or did they just send in an additional committee letter separate from your other LoRs? Did you have at least one experienced premed advisor read your statement?
 
Unlimited Apps said:
The last word I would I use for my personal statement is "frightening," and I think the 3 people that reviewed it would all agree. I wouldn't say that it is stellar or anything, but it certainly got the point across that I was trying to make regarding my journey to medicine, etc. And the anecdote that I used was well-received by the people I had read it.

If anything, my secondaries might be ehhh at worst at some schools but that can't be the global reason because more than half of my schools had very short secondaries which I would call decent to good.
Click to expand...

The cycle is still alive, so hold tight.

No one on this thread is likely to pinpoint the reason(s) for your lackluster outcome to date. If you do not get any acceptances this year please call every school you applied to and ask for feedback. Even if only one or two respond it may help you understand your situation.
 
Med Ed said:
The cycle is still alive, so hold tight.

No one on this thread is likely to pinpoint the reason(s) for your lackluster outcome to date. If you do not get any acceptances this year please call every school you applied to and ask for feedback. Even if only one or two respond it may help you understand your situation.
Click to expand...


OP has gotten an acceptance, I think this thread is more him just wondering why this was the outcome.
 
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