Vanderbilt: Waitlist Movement and Important Information for 2003 Applicants

Waitlist Movement
I just want to inform those who are interested that waitlist movement is occurring at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. I received a call this morning (July 22, 2002; 9:30 am PST) from Pat Sagan informing me of my acceptance. Unfortunately, I had to say "no" in favor of a school in California. I felt bad for turning her down.

I hope this information is helpful to someone who is still waiting to hear from Vanderbilt. However, I am sure interest has died down here on SDN because our beloved Legend finally got what he deserved: an acceptance!

Helpful Information for 2003 Applicants
I want to let you know that the appeal process at Vanderbilt does work. Initially, I was not invited for an interview and, for whatever reason, this left me quite upset. I guess it was because I still had not submitted my secondary application. I subsequently contacted Dr. Helderman, the Chair of the Admissions Committee, and explained to him my situation. He told me that I did not receive an interview because my AMCAS application did not have my current activities. I told him that this information was in my supplementary applciation. He said, "Okay, go ahead and send the supplementary application. I can't guarantee anything, but the Admissions Committee will look over your application again." Six days later, I received an invitation for an interview. Needless to say, I was eventually accepted to the school (from the waitlist). Moral of story: Appeals do work if they are legitimate. Good luck to all those applying to Vanderbilt this cycle!

 

I also want to add one more thing. After I was waitlisted, I sent a letter to the Admissions Committee explaining my interest in Vanderbilt as one of my top choices. I think this helped my cause because Pat Sagan specifically mentioned the letter during the *acceptance* phone call.