Wait-listed at 6 out of 6 schools, what is going on?!

[CaliBalla]

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Long story short, I have interviewed at 6 schools thus far this application cycle, and have been wait-listed at every single school! With the exception of one average interview, I would say the remaining 5 interviews all went very well. I imagine I was desirable enough on paper to have been granted early interviews at these schools - 2 of them I was interviewed on day 1 - so how the hell did I end up wait-listed at EVERY single school? The positive is that there have been no rejections post-interview, but I would have bet money on at least one acceptance out of 6 interviews; this outcome is quite shocking to me. I have sent a few LOI's and I feel like all that is left to do is sit on my ass and twiddle my thumbs impatiently. Has anyone else experienced anything like this or have any advice for me?

 

[NickNaylor]

First, your perception of the interview has little to no relation to how the interview actually went. A good interviewer won't make it obvious that you didn't do well. In many cases, the interview could actually go well, but you're not the kind of applicant the school is looking for.

Second, what kinds of schools are these? Are they top tier schools? State schools? If the former, I'm not surprised at all. If the latter, I'm somewhat surprised, though if your application isn't strong that might be expected.

My advice: keep the offices updated with your activities, grades, etc., and show interest in the school. With few exceptions, those things will greatly increase the likelihood that you come off the waitlist.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Oh man, that's not good. Hopefully you get an acceptance from one of the waitlists.
If you don't mind, can you share your stats so we can get an insight?

 

[Isoprop]

Maybe you don't interview well.

 

[dmf2682]

Maybe you have an inflated view of how well you interview. 1/6 of your interviews were average and the rest were above average? This makes no sense.

 

[kexy]

I remember several threads about who was the waitlist champion/the person on the most waitlists in an application cycle. I vote we start one for this cycle. I'm sure I'll be rivaling OP come March/April.

And don't worry OP, you just need 1 acceptance. Do you have any interviews coming up? Maybe you should do a mock interview and see if there's anything you need to work on.

 

[CaliBalla]

The list of schools includes Gtown, BU, U of Miami, SUNY Downstate, Stony Brook and a UC. I have no interviews lined up. I have extensive experience interviewing and have always had a successful outcome, I'm pretty sure poor interview skills is not the reason; one of my interviewers claimed she gave the adcom a "glowing recommendation of me post-interview" and that she is "very surprised" that I am on the WL after I sent her an email asking for advice. I've worked in healthcare (ambulance and hospitals) for quite ~5 years and am personable and social, although 6 WL's would make one believe that I'm some introverted socially awkward Bio nerd!

A quick summary of my app: 3.82 cGPA and 3.93 sGPA in BME from a UC. 31R (11/10/10) MCAT. Couple of scholarships (including full ride to my undergrad). 1.5 yr Biomedical Research. 1 yr stem cell research. Philanthropy through fraternity involvement. 3 yrs EMT on ambulance during college (24hrs/wk). Volunteer EMT abroad for 2 weeks. 1 yr ER Tech in a community hospital. Currently full time Trauma Tech (~8 months so far) at a trauma center.

There won't be too many "updates" these next few months as I plan on working full time in Trauma until I hopefully start medical school somewhere in August.....so I don't know what kind of updates I can send schools; I've already sent a few LOI's to the schools I really want to go to and believe to be a good fit for.

 

[Mount Sinai]

The list of schools includes Gtown, BU, U of Miami, SUNY Downstate, Stony Brook and a UC. I have no interviews lined up. I have extensive experience interviewing and have always had a successful outcome, I'm pretty sure poor interview skills is not the reason; one of my interviewers claimed she gave the adcom a "glowing recommendation of me post-interview" and that she is "very surprised" that I am on the WL after I sent her an email asking for advice. I've worked in healthcare (ambulance and hospitals) for quite ~5 years and am personable and social, although 6 WL's would make one believe that I'm some introverted socially awkward Bio nerd!

A quick summary of my app: 3.82 cGPA and 3.93 sGPA in BME from a UC. 31R (11/10/10) MCAT. Couple of scholarships (including full ride to my undergrad). 1.5 yr Biomedical Research. 1 yr stem cell research. Philanthropy through fraternity involvement. 3 yrs EMT on ambulance during college (24hrs/wk). Volunteer EMT abroad for 2 weeks. 1 yr ER Tech in a community hospital. Currently full time Trauma Tech (~8 months so far) at a trauma center.

There won't be too many "updates" these next few months as I plan on working full time in Trauma until I hopefully start medical school somewhere in August.....so I don't know what kind of updates I can send schools; I've already sent a few LOI's to the schools I really want to go to and believe to be a good fit for.

You have good stats, but you had a poor choice of schools, notably those tend to put a majority of their interviewees on WL (e.g. Georgetown).

 

[kexy]

You have good stats, but you had a poor choice of schools, notably those tend to put a majority of their interviewees on WL (e.g. Georgetown).

I can't tell you about the other schools, but Georgetown has a lot of waitlist movement. At my interview day, we were told to address a letter of interest/update (with emphasis on why you want to go to Georgetown and what you could offer to the school/ incoming class) to Dr. Lauerman and to send the letter to Mrs. Sullivan ([email protected]) Mrs. Sullivan said you'd probably have a 50-70% chance of acceptance off the waitlist if you write a letter.

EDIT: It doesn't have to update them on your activities. I think it should be more of a Why Georgetown and why you? kind of letter. Good luck.

 

[CaliBalla]

I can't tell you about the other schools, but Georgetown has a lot of waitlist movement. At my interview day, we were told to address a letter of interest/update (with emphasis on why you want to go to Georgetown and what you could offer to the school/ incoming class) to Dr. Lauerman and to send the letter to Mrs. Sullivan ([email protected]) Mrs. Sullivan said you'd probably have a 50-70% chance of acceptance off the waitlist if you write a letter.

EDIT: It doesn't have to update them on your activities. I think it should be more of a Why Georgetown and why you? kind of letter. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. I have already sent a letter to Mrs. Sullivan so we'll see if it yields a positive result. I just don't know what to think when I have been WL'd at 100% of the schools I have interviewed at. Granted a few may put a lot of applicants on WL, but all SIX?! I don't know if there is a weak point somewhere in my app that's preventing these schools from directly accepting me, or what the reason for it is....I believe my numbers to be pretty good - my MCAT might be a little bit on the low side for me - my research experience to be pretty involved, and my clinical experience to be pretty unique and extensive (in particular the current work in Trauma). My LOR's should also be strong. I believe if there was a red flag or blemish on paper, I wouldn't have received this many interviews thus far. However, if the interview isn't the issue, I don't know what could be causing all of these WL's! It's pretty frustrating...

 

[Mount Sinai]

Thanks for the reply. I have already sent a letter to Mrs. Sullivan so we'll see if it yields a positive result. I just don't know what to think when I have been WL'd at 100% of the schools I have interviewed at. Granted a few may put a lot of applicants on WL, but all SIX?! I don't know if there is a weak point somewhere in my app that's preventing these schools from directly accepting me, or what the reason for it is....I believe my numbers to be pretty good - my MCAT might be a little bit on the low side for me - my research experience to be pretty involved, and my clinical experience to be pretty unique and extensive (in particular the current work in Trauma). My LOR's should also be strong. I believe if there was a red flag or blemish on paper, I wouldn't have received this many interviews thus far. However, if the interview isn't the issue, I don't know what could be causing all of these WL's! It's pretty frustrating...

Did you only apply to six?

 

[CaliBalla]

No. I applied to ~20 schools. 3 pre-interview rejections. 6 WL's post-interview. Waiting to hear from another 8-9 schools.

 

[Mount Sinai]

No. I applied to ~20 schools. 3 pre-interview rejections. 6 WL's post-interview. Waiting to hear from another 8-9 schools.

Mind posting a list, so we can do a semi-analysis?

 

[CaliBalla]

All of CA schools (8 of them) - rejected pre-secondary at UCSF, interviewed & WL'd @ UCI
Interviews & WL's @ Gtown, BU, Stony Brook, Downstate & U of Miami
Tulane - rejected pre-interview
Priztker - rejected pre-interview
No news: Rosalind Franklin, Tufts, Harvard, Einstein, NYMC

 

[NickNaylor]

I can't tell you about the other schools, but Georgetown has a lot of waitlist movement. At my interview day, we were told to address a letter of interest/update (with emphasis on why you want to go to Georgetown and what you could offer to the school/ incoming class) to Dr. Lauerman and to send the letter to Mrs. Sullivan ([email protected]) Mrs. Sullivan said you'd probably have a 50-70% chance of acceptance off the waitlist if you write a letter.

EDIT: It doesn't have to update them on your activities. I think it should be more of a Why Georgetown and why you? kind of letter. Good luck.

That's obnoxious. Why not just include that on the application if it's essentially required to get off the waitlist?

 

[Mount Sinai]

That's obnoxious. Why not just include that on the application if it's essentially required to get off the waitlist?

So i'm guessing you are against LOIs?

 

[Sephiroth]

That's obnoxious. Why not just include that on the application if it's essentially required to get off the waitlist?

Funny thing, it actually is on their application. Their secondary essay is basically a "why georgetown?" essay, so this is really redundant and, I agree, somewhat obnoxious.

Just going off what I've been hearing, especially around here, it seems like this is becoming more common practice, which I'm not really keen on. I do plan on sending some letters some time in the coming weeks, because I do feel it could help in certain cases. But that's something I'm not fond of. Honestly does anyone really look at or care about a schools percent matriculation/admission? There are a million reasons someone may choose not to go to an amazing school in favor of another. If schools wouldn't care about this, I think everyone would be better off. Maybe moving up the 1-acceptance date from May 15th would help too, i dunno.

 

[sirenomelia]

Your creds are great and you'll likely get in a couple but your choice of schools seems illogical. Oh and F*** georgetown and that pandering crap.

 

[music2doc]

Funny thing, it actually is on their application. Their secondary essay is basically a "why georgetown?" essay, so this is really redundant and, I agree, somewhat obnoxious.

Just going off what I've been hearing, especially around here, it seems like this is becoming more common practice, which I'm not really keen on. I do plan on sending some letters some time in the coming weeks, because I do feel it could help in certain cases. But that's something I'm not fond of. Honestly does anyone really look at or care about a schools percent matriculation/admission? There are a million reasons someone may choose not to go to an amazing school in favor of another. If schools wouldn't care about this, I think everyone would be better off. Maybe moving up the 1-acceptance date from May 15th would help too, i dunno.

Absolutely. This gives you a base rate of acceptance chances and is a critical factor in determining where to apply (along with things like your stats, their stats, location, mission, etc.).

And no... May 15th is plenty early for the 1-acceptance date since we don't even get our financial aid offers until March. There needs to be time to respond to those offers and haggle with schools a bit before letting go of other acceptances. From May to August, you still have an entire summer to get off the waitlist. It's not like when we let go of acceptances is going to change your chances of being accepted anyway. All it does is give you peace of mind a little earlier (as in like a month earlier), which while nice, IMO pales in comparison to the possibility of saving tens (sometimes even hundreds) of thousands of dollars.... This ultimately the question that inevitably comes up every year with waitlisted students wanting the rest of us to let go of all our acceptances before we know for sure which school we will pick. The fact is going through 5k-15k applicants takes schools a long time and most are still interviewing through at least Feb (many March or April and some even into the summer). As a result, they do not start releasing financial packages until March and, therefore, many of us are basically waiting with our hands tied until schools make their entire offer clear.

 

[Sephiroth]

Absolutely. This gives you a base rate of acceptance chances and is a critical factor in determining where to apply (along with things like your stats, their stats, location, mission, etc.).

I don't follow... I suspect you may have misread what I wrote. I was talking about the percent of acceptances given that end up matriculating, so I don't see how that has anything to do with acceptance chances.

And no... May 15th is plenty early for the 1-acceptance date since we don't even get our financial aid offers until March. There needs to be time to respond to those offers and haggle with schools a bit before letting go of other acceptances. From May to August, you still have an entire summer to get off the waitlist. It's not like when we let go of acceptances is going to change your chances of being accepted anyway. All it does is give you peace of mind a little earlier (as in like a month earlier), which while nice, IMO pales in comparison to the possibility of saving tens (sometimes even hundreds) of thousands of dollars.... This ultimately the question that inevitably comes up every year with waitlisted students wanting the rest of us to let go of all our acceptances before we know for sure which school we will pick. The fact is going through 5k-15k applicants takes schools a long time and most are still interviewing through at least Feb (many March or April and some even into the summer). As a result, they do not start releasing financial packages until March and, therefore, many of us are basically waiting with our hands tied until schools make their entire offer clear.

Ok, like I said, I don't really know, was just throwing something out there. In absence of anyone else who's been through the process disagreeing, I'll take your word for it.

 

[CaliBalla]

Your creds are great and you'll likely get in a couple but your choice of schools seems illogical. Oh and F*** georgetown and that pandering crap.

Thanks and I hope you are correct. Why is the school choice illogical? It's obviously too late to add schools to my list now, but where else should I have applied? I tried to apply to both reach schools, competitive schools, and so-called "safety" schools.

 

[Mount Sinai]

Thanks and I hope you are correct. Why is the school choice illogical? It's obviously too late to add schools to my list now, but where else should I have applied? I tried to apply to both reach schools, competitive schools, and so-called "safety" schools.

Since you are a Cali resident, my recommendation would be NY schools. They tend to matriculate a large number of west coast students.

 

[music2doc]

I don't follow... I suspect you may have misread what I wrote. I was talking about the percent of acceptances given that end up matriculating, so I don't see how that has anything to do with acceptance chances.

I did, I didn't read it as a ratio but as two separate figures. Those data are difficult to come by, so few use it. It WOULD be useful if someone were to want acceptance rate figures, however.... (Since the MSAR only gives applicants:interviewees:matriculants.)

 

[CaliBalla]

Since you are a Cali resident, my recommendation would be NY schools. They tend to matriculate a large number of west coast students.

Well 4 of the 12 OOS schools I applied to are in NY (Stony Brook, Downstate, Einstein, NYMC). I guess I could have added some more private NY schools (NYU, Cornell, etc.), but I wasn't too confident in my MCAT score. Either way, too late now to revise my school list. I have never heard of such a high WL number as mine, and I don't think my application is so average or mediocre to merit this kind of result. I could be terribly wrong and have an over-inflated view of my application though....lol.

 

[Sephiroth]

I did, I didn't read it as a ratio but as two separate figures. Those data are difficult to come by, so few use it. It WOULD be useful if someone were to want acceptance rate figures, however.... (Since the MSAR only gives applicants:interviewees:matriculants.)

Ok, that makes sense. Yeah, I have been hearing that supposedly schools want to keep that ratio up because having a low percent od accepted applicants matriculating looks bad. However, I don't know where anyone would even find these stats, so I'm not sure how it could have this negative impact. Is it used in the US News ranks perhaps? But this might makes sense of schools wanting applicants to basically beg to get off the waitlist, but it might also be a baseless rumor.

 

[music2doc]

OP, you have decent stats and it appears you've done a lot. It is also evident from your number of interviews that you look good on paper (as you do here). You say you're a good interviewer and you may be; however, I don't really see much of a pattern in your schools applied to. It looks like you basically applied by location. You have some EMS experience and some research and those are great to have, but is there a theme to your application? Is there anything in particular that would make you memorable? If so, it's not evident in your self-description and that makes me wonder whether you presented that theme at your interviews. When schools are considering around a thousand interviewed applicants for their 150 or so spots, the initial picks aren't likely to be "typical" and I wonder if, despite your apparent achievements, you ended up in the "typical premed" pile of applications at these schools.

Also, given your experiences, a lot is expected of you in communicating what you've seen. Were you able to utilize that background to demonstrate why you would make a good physician?

Ok, that makes sense. Yeah, I have been hearing that supposedly schools want to keep that ratio up because having a low percent od accepted applicants matriculating looks bad. However, I don't know where anyone would even find these stats, so I'm not sure how it could have this negative impact. Is it used in the US News ranks perhaps? But this might makes sense of schools wanting applicants to basically beg to get off the waitlist, but it might also be a baseless rumor.

Some schools do yield protect and my guess would be US News may use it in their rankings, although I haven't checked the criteria recently so I don't recall whether or not they do. I do know they are one of the few sources from which you can obtain the accepted vs matriculated data, however.

 

[BHaus9]

Some schools do yield protect and my guess would be US News may use it in their rankings, although I haven't checked the criteria recently so I don't recall whether or not they do. I do know they are one of the few sources from which you can obtain the accepted vs matriculated data, however.

Yeah, one of the schools at which I interviewed claimed the highest yield in the nation, and extolled this as a measure of their desirability. Thing is, I'm not sure how much this really tells us. The school in question is a middling public institution, and I think this "distinction" may just be a consequence of the fact that many of their in-state admits have no other options.

 

[NickNaylor]

So i'm guessing you are against LOIs?

Not necessarily, though I do think it says something (negative) about the process that people are essentially required at times to get on their knees and ask really nicely with a cherry on top to please, please be accepted to a medical school. Something about that doesn't seem right.

 

[darkhope]

similar experience waitlisted at three schools consequetively =( ... i feel some of that frustration, is there a thread on interviewing guide? or is there a website which people feel will help us how to interview better?

 

[Mount Sinai]

similar experience waitlisted at three schools consequetively =( ... i feel some of that frustration, is there a thread on interviewing guide? or is there a website which people feel will help us how to interview better?

Dr. Iserson wrote a book called Medical School: A Guide for the Perplexed.

There is a whole unit dedicated to interviewing skills. Check it out.

 

[music2doc]

Dr. Iserson wrote a book called Medical School: A Guide for the Perplexed.

There is a whole unit dedicated to interviewing skills. Check it out.

Does it really add much to the commonplace knowledge? Does it cover MMI?

Otherwise, I'd strongly suggest doing a simply search on SDN and searching Google. Traditional med school interviews, for all their mystery and intrigue, really aren't that different from any other interview. I'd suggest a STAR approach whenever appropriate. (Utilize your volunteer experiences, ECs, clinical experiences, life experience, etc.) Also, in an interview, what you don't say is at least as important as what you do -- both in terms of body language and omission. You don't have to repeatedly tell the interviewer you want to be a doctor or are sensitive and empathetic if everything you've done screams those things. You simply have to demonstrate it. Remember the old adage: Actions speak louder than words.

 

[bassvp]

Not necessarily, though I do think it says something (negative) about the process that people are essentially required at times to get on their knees and ask really nicely with a cherry on top to please, please be accepted to a medical school. Something about that doesn't seem right.

I was starting to wonder if I was the only one who felt this way...

 

[Kadava Reviva]

Long story short, I have interviewed at 6 schools thus far this application cycle, and have been wait-listed at every single school! With the exception of one average interview, I would say the remaining 5 interviews all went very well. I imagine I was desirable enough on paper to have been granted early interviews at these schools - 2 of them I was interviewed on day 1 - so how the hell did I end up wait-listed at EVERY single school? The positive is that there have been no rejections post-interview, but I would have bet money on at least one acceptance out of 6 interviews; this outcome is quite shocking to me. I have sent a few LOI's and I feel like all that is left to do is sit on my ass and twiddle my thumbs impatiently. Has anyone else experienced anything like this or have any advice for me?

Any clue if you are on "good" or "bad" waiting lists? Did they tell you how far down the list you were? There probably be students at most school who will decline and matriculate in a prefered school, so you may be on the 2nd wave of acceptance letters. For those on the bad waiting list, the letter usually says something to the effect of, "... should consider other options... "

From what read above, I think your chances are still pretty good.

Now, don't leave us hanging. Let us know if and when you get an acceptance.

Good luck.

 

[GS Mikami]

I was starting to wonder if I was the only one who felt this way...

Nope, you're not the only one.

I was pretty disappointed after my interview day at Georgetown.

 

[CaliBalla]

OP, you have decent stats and it appears you've done a lot. It is also evident from your number of interviews that you look good on paper (as you do here). You say you're a good interviewer and you may be; however, I don't really see much of a pattern in your schools applied to. It looks like you basically applied by location. You have some EMS experience and some research and those are great to have, but is there a theme to your application? Is there anything in particular that would make you memorable? If so, it's not evident in your self-description and that makes me wonder whether you presented that theme at your interviews. When schools are considering around a thousand interviewed applicants for their 150 or so spots, the initial picks aren't likely to be "typical" and I wonder if, despite your apparent achievements, you ended up in the "typical premed" pile of applications at these schools.

Also, given your experiences, a lot is expected of you in communicating what you've seen. Were you able to utilize that background to demonstrate why you would make a good physician?

I certainly wrote about two specific experiences from the ambulance and the hospital in my PS, and mentioned my clinical experiences in most of the secondaries for the schools I applied to. I don't really know what kind of "theme" you are referring to; perhaps that could be all of my EMS/ER experience? To me the "typical premed" is a Biology major, does some research, and volunteers at a hospital. I have an engineering background, biomedical and stem cell research and very unique clinical experiences (I see and do more than most medical students and even interns in trauma); so if that's typical than I don't know what makes up a "unique" candidate.

Also you're right, I chose my school list predominantly on location and stats similar to mine. As I mentioned, I tried to apply to a range of reach schools, mid-tier and "safeties". However I think my list of schools is irrelevant to the discussion as to why I have been WL'd at every single school I have interviewed at. Further, it is too late to do anything about my school list, so it's irrelevant to analyze it in my opinion...

Any clue if you are on "good" or "bad" waiting lists? Did they tell you how far down the list you were? There probably be students at most school who will decline and matriculate in a prefered school, so you may be on the 2nd wave of acceptance letters. For those on the bad waiting list, the letter usually says something to the effect of, "... should consider other options... "

From what read above, I think your chances are still pretty good.

Now, don't leave us hanging. Let us know if and when you get an acceptance.

Good luck.

None of the schools mentioned anything in terms of order of the wait-list or did I get the impression that I should "consider other options". I certainly hope you're right about the 2nd wave of acceptances...

 

[jcruiser]

I am appalled you got waitlisted at all 6. If you could think of any negative factors in your application at all, what were they? Do you have a clean record? LoRs?

 

[Kadava Reviva]

A word of advice for those of you who haven't yet interviewed:

1- Read a couple of books on job interviews.
2- Read a book on biomedical ethics.
3- Make sure every time they ask you an ethical question, your answer should always reflect what is best for the patient, as long as it is reasonable. Remember - The Patient. Not what his/her family wants, not what his/her friends want, not what his/her family doctor wants. Your patient may even want to know if he is going to die, even without your having permission from your supervisor. He/she may have a bucket list, may want to change his/her will, insurance, etc. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge!) I'm not saying there is an interview question regarding this subject at most med school (wink, wink), but it is "GOOD TO KNOW". You have to be your patient's advocate and make sure you will give them this info, even if your theoretical job (nudge, nudge) is jeopardized.

I'm just saying.

 

[EBTrailRunner]

A word of advice for those of you who haven't yet interviewed:

1- Read a couple of books on job interviews.
2- Read a book on biomedical ethics.
3- Make sure every time they ask you an ethical question, your answer should always reflect what is best for the patient, as long as it is reasonable. Remember - The Patient. Not what his/her family wants, not what his/her friends want, not what his/her family doctor wants. Your patient may even want to know if he is going to die, even without your having permission from your supervisor. He/she may have a bucket list, may want to change his/her will, insurance, etc. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge!) I'm not saying there is an interview question regarding this subject at most med school (wink, wink), but it is "GOOD TO KNOW". You have to be your patient's advocate and make sure you will give them this info, even if your theoretical job (nudge, nudge) is jeopardized.

I'm just saying.

What's with all the winking and nudging???

Sound advice.

 

[CaliBalla]

I am appalled you got waitlisted at all 6. If you could think of any negative factors in your application at all, what were they? Do you have a clean record? LoRs?

LORs are good; 2 from science/BME professors, 1 from non-science Business professor, 1 from ER Doc I worked with (supposedly best LOR he's written), and 1 from research PI.

Record is clean - no DUIs, misdemeanors, felonies or plagiary accusations lol.

As I said, I feel like if there was a redflag or blemish on my record/on paper, I wouldn't have been granted interviews to begin with. On the other hand, I find it hard to believe that all 6 of my interviews were so bad that it merited a WL at every single school. I am adept at interacting with people and communicating through years of dealing with patients, nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers. I have interviewed for research positions, multiple jobs in industry and healthcare, and have landed the position 9 times out of 10, thus I find it hard to believe that my interview skills are to blame. I'm honestly at a loss for words and can't seem to get to the bottom of this unexpected outcome!

 

[Mount Sinai]

LORs are good; 2 from science/BME professors, 1 from non-science Business professor, 1 from ER Doc I worked with (supposedly best LOR he's written), and 1 from research PI.

Record is clean - no DUIs, misdemeanors, felonies or plagiary accusations lol.

As I said, I feel like if there was a redflag or blemish on my record/on paper, I wouldn't have been granted interviews to begin with. On the other hand, I find it hard to believe that all 6 of my interviews were so bad that it merited a WL at every single school. I am adept at interacting with people and communicating through years of dealing with patients, nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers. I have interviewed for research positions, multiple jobs in industry and healthcare, and have landed the position 9 times out of 10, thus I find it hard to believe that my interview skills are to blame. I'm honestly at a loss for words and can't seem to get to the bottom of this unexpected outcome!

Maybe it was because you were full of yourself...jk..jk

 

[EBTrailRunner]

OP, you seem to be a well-qualified candidate and I'm sure you'd be a strong addition to at least one of those schools. But I have to ask, and don't take this the wrong way, is there even a slight chance that you appeared arrogant at any of your interviews?

 

[NickNaylor]

LORs are good; 2 from science/BME professors, 1 from non-science Business professor, 1 from ER Doc I worked with (supposedly best LOR he's written), and 1 from research PI.

Record is clean - no DUIs, misdemeanors, felonies or plagiary accusations lol.

As I said, I feel like if there was a redflag or blemish on my record/on paper, I wouldn't have been granted interviews to begin with. On the other hand, I find it hard to believe that all 6 of my interviews were so bad that it merited a WL at every single school. I am adept at interacting with people and communicating through years of dealing with patients, nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers. I have interviewed for research positions, multiple jobs in industry and healthcare, and have landed the position 9 times out of 10, thus I find it hard to believe that my interview skills are to blame. I'm honestly at a loss for words and can't seem to get to the bottom of this unexpected outcome!

You keep saying that everything is excellent and there's no problem with your application/interviews, and yet, here you are with six waitlists.

Something isn't adding up.

 

[CaliBalla]

OP, you seem to be a well-qualified candidate and I'm sure you'd be a strong addition to at least one of those schools. But I have to ask, and don't take this the wrong way, is there even a slight chance that you appeared arrogant at any of your interviews?

I mean I spoke about some incredible experiences I've had working in trauma. I don't know if sharing these stories came across as cocky or arrogant in an attempt to show how much clinical experience I have. I guess one has to balance between selling oneself and appearing too arrogant! I don't THINK I appeared too arrogant, most of my interviews felt like normal conversations and very laid back. I feel like I answered questions appropriately and was pretty succinct. Two of my interviewers that I stayed in contact with post-interview commented on how impressed they were with my application, etc. etc., yet I still ended up on WL at the respective schools...

You keep saying that everything is excellent and there's no problem with your application/interviews, and yet, here you are with six waitlists.

Something isn't adding up.

I don't know what to tell ya, I'm being as open as I can to get some legitimate feedback. I wouldn't sit here and hide what I know to be obvious negatives or weak points in my application. Besides an MCAT that I am still pissed about (scored significantly lower than practice scores, but that's old news), I don't know what else could be holding me back. However if it's a numbers issue, I don't know if I would have gotten an interview to begin with, let alone on early dates.

 

[GS Mikami]

Occam's razor:

California is a competitive state and a 31 MCAT could be an average score at the places you interview.

 

[EBTrailRunner]

Occam's razor:

California is a competitive state and a 31 MCAT could be an average score at the places you interview.

Yeah, but most (5/6) of the schools the OP interviewed at are OOS. If he's being invited to interview, then his MCAT score doesn't appear to be that big of an issue. Given everything that's been said so far, the only conclusion I can draw is that medical school admissions is a crapshoot and it's based on a committee's decision, not that of an individual interviewer. While being waitlisted at 6 schools is not all that common, I wouldn't say it's unheard of. OP, keep your head up, it's only January.

 

[Mount Sinai]

Yeah, but most (5/6) of the schools the OP interviewed at are OOS. If he's being invited to interview, then his MCAT score doesn't appear to be that big of an issue. Given everything that's been said so far, the only conclusion I can draw is that medical school admissions is a crapshoot and it's based on a committee's decision, not that of an individual interviewer. While being waitlisted at 6 schools is not all that common, I wouldn't say it's unheard of. OP, keep your head up, it's only January.

right. i am actually scratching my brains out. Almost every aspect has been discussed....except external (PS, LORs), but I am not expecting you to post those..

Your poor choice of schools also nbaffles me. I am very sore on GT...It is such a surprise that people actually get accepted there.

 

[Musclemass]

You keep saying that everything is excellent and there's no problem with your application/interviews, and yet, here you are with six waitlists.

Something isn't adding up.

I agree. OP's self-proclaimed uniqueness, "adeptness" for dealing with people, and "incredible experiences" lead me to believe there may be an immodesty issue that didn't leave a good impression.

It's hard to know.

 

[chiapet874]

Yeah, but most (5/6) of the schools the OP interviewed at are OOS. If he's being invited to interview, then his MCAT score doesn't appear to be that big of an issue. Given everything that's been said so far, the only conclusion I can draw is that medical school admissions is a crapshoot and it's based on a committee's decision, not that of an individual interviewer. While being waitlisted at 6 schools is not all that common, I wouldn't say it's unheard of. OP, keep your head up, it's only January.

Medical school admissions ARE based on a committee's haggling/decision. Your interviewer's recommendation is only 1 written recommendation out of a bunch of other admission members' recommendations.

An interview only means you were qualified on paper and that the preliminary admission's group though you were interesting enough to be offered a more in-depth look, I doubt a good interview actually adds all that much to your application (though a bad one can be detrimental).

The majority of people will have decent interviews, thus making your "good" interview zero-sum gain.

 

[CaliBalla]

If I had to guess, it might be my average MCAT preventing these schools from accepting me right off the bat. Perhaps I am on the back burner until those with higher numbers who are accepted withdraw to free up some spots. Whether I am a unique applicant or a good interviewer seems to be irrelevant, because at the end of the day it appears to be all numbers with these schools. I could be totally wrong, but I don't know what else to pin it on..

 

[kpcrew]

i doubt that it's a numbers game thing. it may be the fact that there are so many outstanding applicants and schools don't want to commit to someone that they don't know will choose their school.