Waitlist Support Group

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@gyngyn Can you comment on how the wait list movement this year compares with last year or previous years in general?
Comparing my wait list school with a friends' school in another region, we have seen a similar trend in the last few years, but hard to judge how this year is.
My assessment is that movement is slower than usual.
 
In a related question, does WL mvt tend to strongly vary by school or are there overall some years were movement is little everywhere and years where there's lots of movement basically everywhere.
Waitlists move from the top down. No movement at the top, no trickle down...
 
does this stick out as the most competitive cycle you can recall?
Stats and EC's were higher; interview skills, no change. The waitlist has some very strong candidates with no acceptances yet. That's my sample so it's hard to say if it's reflective of the whole pool, but yes, a very competitive year.
 
Slightly off-topic: I was surprised to discover after browsing SDN too much these past few weeks that there are lot of people with good/above avg stats and at least some average/ok ECs who did not get in anywhere. Where do you think those kind of applicants usually/often messed up? (or did they have a bout of bad luck?) (just too much competition?)
 
Slightly off-topic: I was surprised to discover after browsing SDN too much these past few weeks that there are lot of people with good/above avg stats and at least some average/ok ECs who did not get in anywhere. Where do you think those kind of applicants usually/often messed up? (or did they have a bout of bad luck?) (just too much competition?)

I may have some insight into this.

I applied early last cycle with a 38 MCAT and 3.6+ GPA. I had 600+ hours of clinical experience at the time of submission, strong LORs, and a pretty decent personal statement.

In retrospect, I made a few costly miscalculations. First, I only applied to the western states, which are among the most competitive in the country (at least for OOSers). Second, a substantial proportion of my clinical experience occurred several years ago and adcoms may have preferred to see something more recent. Third, I applied to several schools that emphasize research even though I had very little research experience.

It's important to remember that there's no such thing as a "safety school," even if your state school has an exceedingly high acceptance to applicant ratio, and even if your stats are way above average. This is an extremely competitive process and it's unwise to bank on getting in at any one school. Based on my experience, I think it behooves applicants to target schools carefully and apply broadly within that space.
 
Thanks for the reply. Wow those are really impressive stats. Yeah unless you are IS for CA it is impossible, even as an IS CA resident it is really really hard. And WA is favors IS heavily.
 
So, if I'm on a handful of waitlists now, but still want to reapply, what's the best way of doing it?

I'm thinking of submitting my application with 1 school selected near June 3rd, then around June 28th, if I haven't gotten in anywhere, add the rest of the schools. Does this make sense?
 
So, if I'm on a handful of waitlists now, but still want to reapply, what's the best way of doing it?

I'm thinking of submitting my application with 1 school selected near June 3rd, then around June 28th, if I haven't gotten in anywhere, add the rest of the schools. Does this make sense?
That's what I'm doing.
 
So, if I'm on a handful of waitlists now, but still want to reapply, what's the best way of doing it?

I'm thinking of submitting my application with 1 school selected near June 3rd, then around June 28th, if I haven't gotten in anywhere, add the rest of the schools. Does this make sense?

👍 Yeah, this is also what I'm going to be doing
 
The schools at which I am waitlisted all have unranked waitlists - do you think there's something I could do to tip the scales in my favor?
I have not yet sent an update email this month, and have not done anything particularly aggressive (I.e. calling the office).
 
The schools at which I am waitlisted all have unranked waitlists - do you think there's something I could do to tip the scales in my favor?
I have not yet sent an update email this month, and have not done anything particularly aggressive (I.e. calling the office).

Man, short of actually knowing someone who can speak on your behalf to the dean or other influential individuals, your only option is to call and send letters. Both of which are likely uneffective. However, since everyone else is no doubt doing it, you probably should too. Ughh. It sucks.
 
Waitlists move from the top down. No movement at the top, no trickle down...

@gyngyn in the faculty lounge

untJMOg.jpg
 
2 weeks post may 15. I have no good news to report from my 2 waitlists. It just might be time to give up hope and get ready for june 3rd 🙁
 
2 weeks post may 15. I have no good news to report from my 2 waitlists. It just might be time to give up hope and get ready for june 3rd 🙁

May your next cycle go better than mine did.
 
Definitely helps the stress from med school apps, but then the stress from job searching makes the stress level go right back up...
 
You guys submitting right on June 3rd? I want to, especially based on verification times, but I want my PS and activities to be sharp.

Man, short of actually knowing someone who can speak on your behalf to the dean or other influential individuals, your only option is to call and send letters. Both of which are likely uneffective. However, since everyone else is no doubt doing it, you probably should too. Ughh. It sucks.

Embrace the reality that you will be reapplying. Your stress levels will decrease by 100%. I guarantee it.

Brothers, I was just accepted from the waitlist! Keep the faith and keep hope alive!!!

LOVE THIS. Best progression of SDN replies ever. SO HAPPY FOR YOU! :banana:
 
You guys are smart and talented. I hope this cycle works out for every one of you.

From my end, there has been movement at Ohio State and Hofstra.

Congratulations to the accepted and hang in there to the remaining waitlisters.
 
How about Wake Forest? Other years they've started accepting people off the wait list as early as February/March and this year I've only seen a couple come off - and only in the past two weeks.
 
Last Friday before June. Could this be the day?

Its depressing to think about just how many times I have tried to not loose hope the way you are doing right now....

So many extremely qualified people (more so than myself honestly) that are on stupid WLs! This process is gruesome
 
Its depressing to think about just how many times I have tried to not loose hope the way you are doing right now....

So many extremely qualified people (more so than myself honestly) that are on stupid WLs! This process is gruesome

Either way you are going to be a doctor, just maybe not where you want to be.

A lot of people only have waitlists.
 
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