when you found out you got in, how did you react ?

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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I love this thread 😀

I was accepted on Oct 20th. It was the afternoon and my boyfriend was out for a run so I was in my apartment all by myself. Someone on the SDN thread for the school mentioned that he/she had just been accepted, so I went to check my status page. I couldn't bring myself to scroll down to see my status....but when I did, sure enough--ACCEPTED!

So here I am, all alone in my apartment, laughing and shaking and crying....so I call my mom. No answer. I call my dad. No answer. Finally after about a half hour my mom calls me back. I totally planned on being all coy and doing the thing where I make it sound like I didn't get in and then be all like "JK, I'm awesome!" but of course all I can say is "I got in!" She cried.

Then my grandma e-mailed me to let me know that my grandpa would have been proud (he died at the end of July) and then of course I really lose it. So when my dad calls me back I'm bawling about how I wish my grandpa could have been around to see me get into medical school, which almost gets my dad crying. Then my boyfriend gets home and I'm crying and then he starts crying and we're both just blubbering idiots.

Then I updated my facebook status.
 
I got the call. They told me I was accepted.

I was all like, "That's cool." And then I did my job. When I took my break a couple hours later, I sent a FYI message to my dad to let him know.










This story may or may not be true. The other version of the story may or may not involve me crying like a little girl, sobbing my thank you over the phone to the dean and then calling everyone on my phone list in a hysterical fit.
 
I got accepted on October 15.

I had been waiting for the day for what seemed like forever (I know, you all feel my pain, too 👍). I made a special trip home in between work and lab to check my mail - to no avail, nothing with my name on it. So, I went to lab dejected, glared at my lab partner for being an ignorant sophomore, and then went to a movie night I had planned with some co-workers. So, we're halfway through the movie when my mom calls me (I had already told her 'no mail'). I didn't answer - because I was watching a movie - so she texted me to tell me I needed to get home because there was more mail for me and it was a BIG envelope. So, then I was like 'hm, thanks mom for giving it away for me.' I was really excited, but after the build-up of stress waiting resulting in what I thought was an even longer waiting process (read: became jaded), it almost didn't seem like that big a deal anymore.

Meanwhile, my boyfriend who is an M2 at the school where I got accepted was mad at me that day for some reason - so instead of calling him all excited, I felt like I had to clear the air first. Torture. :annoyed: So finally when he decided he was over whatever had made him upset, I told him and he sounded surprised and excited. That got me excited more than anything else, so then I proceeded to update my facebook status to tell all my other friend (so much easier than calling each one, right??). I still can't believe though that with a 29/3.8 I was accepted on the very first day. So surreal.

I don't know about everyone else, but now that I know I'm in, I can't help thinking "oh my goodness, now I actually have to GO..." - commence freakout number 2. 😉
 
Lokhtar said:
I got the call. They told me I was accepted.

I was all like, "That's cool." And then I did my job. When I took my break a couple hours later, I sent a FYI message to my dad to let him know.
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I was under the impression most people reacted like this upon hearing the good news. Don't get me wrong, getting into med school is great, but I don't see any reason to start crying just cause you got in (unless it was a total reach school). Finishing med school is the real accomplishment. My 2 cents.
 
I was doing a poster presentation for some psych research, and I checked my email on my phone, and there it was. I called my mom, and I said "I got in" and she asked me where and I told her it was my state school (one of my top choices), and she said "Oh". She thought it was one of the Ivies I interviewed at, so she wasn't as excited but was still happy. Lol.

I texted my wife because she was in class, and she tried to seem really excited but she always says I'm going to get accepted everywhere I interviewed (I wish), so she doesn't get surprised.

I was pretty excited but had to keep my cool because I still had to present and be professional and what not.

It was kind of lame honestly, because everyone I talked to about it thought I meant that one Ivy that I've been really excited about, and didn't seemed as excited when I mentioned it was the state school. Lol. Everyone basically said "big surprise". While I haven't found out from "the one" Ivy, I'm still excited about that acceptance.

I have a feeling I'll probably shed a few tears if I get accepted to my top choice. I'm still shocked I got interviews at some of the places I did. I have more interviews at "reach" schools than safeties..lol
 
chiapet874 said:
I was under the impression most people reacted like this upon hearing the good news. Don't get me wrong, getting into med school is great, but I don't see any reason to start crying just cause you got in (unless it was a total reach school). Finishing med school is the real accomplishment. My 2 cents.
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I'm pretty sure that 98-99% of people who are accepted and matriculate at a medical school, graduate. So that's not really that special, you're expected to graduate if you get in. Not everyone that applies to med school gets in, not even close.. So I do think it's an accomplishment, not the biggest by far, but it's certainly a key step to reaching one's dreams of becoming a physician. It's a little weird to not get excited.
 
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chiapet874 said:
I was under the impression most people reacted like this upon hearing the good news. Don't get me wrong, getting into med school is great, but I don't see any reason to start crying just cause you got in (unless it was a total reach school). Finishing med school is the real accomplishment. My 2 cents.
Click to expand...

Like ilton said, it's awesome to graduate from med school but not rare. Personally, I think getting in is the biggest hurdle. Also, people who have amazing stats are probably not going to get as excited. It's not really a surprise to get in. I, on the other hand, was ecstatic. When I got the call, I told her it was the best xmas present ever. She laughed and said, "I'm so glad to hear that!"...then I had a huge grin on my face all day. Cloud 9 I tell ya.
 
I calmly shared the good news with the completely random stranger sitting next to me on my flight (not related to interviews or anything).
 
I screamed :"OH MY GOSH is this real?!?!" in a hospital cafeteria 😀
 
I go to school 3 1/2 hours from home so my BF got the letter and called me, I was in the commons on campus and screamed, best friend was there.. she cried, my 3 1/2 year old went around telling people. Called someone from sdn who helped me a crap ton applying and then a couple close friends.
My physiology final didn't go so well the next day...
 
Quick question, in what year do people find out if they have made it into med school?

4th year or third year?

Know I may sound clueless but I hear third year students finding out whether or not they got into med school.
 
chiapet874 said:
I was under the impression most people reacted like this upon hearing the good news. Don't get me wrong, getting into med school is great, but I don't see any reason to start crying just cause you got in (unless it was a total reach school). Finishing med school is the real accomplishment. My 2 cents.
Click to expand...

Getting in is definitely one of the largest hurdles for many people, especially if they come from a non-trad background. If you're 22, have a 3.9 GPA and a 30+ MCAT, and you've expected it all your life, it's probably not that big of a deal... I guess.

The doctors I shadow are of the opinion of "Once you're in, you're in." They seem to think that if you are accepted to a US med school they will basically bend over backwards to help you toward graduation. After sitting through med school info sessions, I haven't heard anything to the contrary.

Honestly, 10/16 was one of the best days of my life (so far). The feeling of having a clean slate and a second chance is unbelievable and definitely worthy of a little screaming. 😉
 
Protagonistic said:
Quick question, in what year do people find out if they have made it into med school?

4th year or third year?

Know I may sound clueless but I hear third year students finding out whether or not they got into med school.
Click to expand...

Technically if you go early decision somewhere you could know as early as the beginning of your senior year, but it largely depends on when you apply. Most apply the summer between junior and senior year, but many take a gap year (meaning they apply the summer of graduation and do something else in the year between then and beginning med school).
 
eablackwell said:
Technically if you go early decision somewhere you could know as early as the beginning of your senior year, but it largely depends on when you apply. Most apply the summer between junior and senior year, but many take a gap year (meaning they apply the summer of graduation and do something else in the year between then and beginning med school).
Click to expand...

So technically it is not possible for a junior to know whether or not they have made it into med school, especially if it is their first semester right?
 
I think there are a couple programs that can be done to find out that early.
 
eablackwell said:
There are, I'm sure. I just can't think of the names of any at the moment except Mt. Sinai, but I think you apply for that when you apply for undergrad.
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I can't remember the names either lol. I think maybe Texas Tech has that program
 
I got the phone call while I was cramming for my final, ~30 mins before it (on a Friday afternoon). After I hung up, I closed my books and proceeded to tell the whole world. The exam didn't matter anymore
 
During interviews, they told us that our "status would be updated in mid-December." It's the school where I go to undergrad, so come mid-December, I just waltzed on over to the med school to inquire about which day the decisions would go out.

The dean of admissions recognized my voice (I still think that's a little creepy!), she peeked her head out around her door, and asked me to come into her office for a few minutes. She proceeded to tell me about all these great aspects of my application (which she and I had never discussed) and how much they'd really love to have me here (I have goosebumps at this point), and that I should expect some really great news before the end of the week. Walked out of that 10 minute meeting with maybe the biggest smile of my life.

Well the committee meets on Thursdays to make their final decisions, so I expected an email on Friday. Thursday night I was out shopping with my mom and my aunt (who were both in town for other reasons) when my phone's notification light went off. I opened my gmail and the first thing I see is a subject line..."Congratulations from MU School of Medicine." Goosebumps, tears in my eyes. Opening line: "I am pleased to inform you..."

So I said, "Mom, you're never going to believe what I just got!!!" (Didn't tell her about the great meeting with the dean--didn't want to jinx it!) and before she could even answer, I said "My Mizzou acceptance letter!" She freaked out. I was in shock, a few silent tears. Called all the family to let them know, everyone was thrilled.

Favorite reaction might have been my dad's though. For various reasons, he and I haven't been that close for the past few years. His dad--whom he admired greatly--was a great cardiologist before he passed away ten years ago. He cried a little bit, told me how amazingly proud of me he was (a rare compliment), and how he only wished he could share it with his dad too, because he knew my grandfather would just be beside himself. Another doctor in the family! It was a really special moment for us!

Mom, aunt, friends and I popped a few bottles that night--saved the cork, a nice memento. Later I withdrew applications from all schools I hadn't heard from yet--boy did that feel great! (It didn't really sink in until a few days later.)

Next day, got a med school sweatshirt, turned in my deposit, and shared the happy news with my favorite advisors and mentors. What a merry Christmas present!

It's been two weeks (to the day!) and I'm STILL on cloud nine. The acceptance letter's still in my inbox. Indeed, getting into medical school is one of those things that really IS as great as it's cracked up to be. Looking forward to hearing more great stories!

-KMO
 
I had a few DO acceptances already, but when my VCU acceptance came in, I went absolutely ape****. I started jumping up and down, and called my girlfriend, family, and friends. Then I went out and got hammered with everybody... best hangover the next morning I ever😀
 
My dad has >8 kids and is a doctor himself. He never really pushed me to be a doctor but he has always wanted atleast one more doctor in the family. Almost all of the older kids are far older than I am and have been settled into careers for decades.

I called him and he cried on the phone, it was only the second time I've ever known him to cry. It was a very emotional day, considering most people wonder if I even have emotions, haha.
 
i interviewed on 11/23 and they told me it would take at least two weeks for a decision and they would overnight a letter to my house for either an acceptance or rejection. About two weeks later on 12/8 i open up my house door and saw the fedex letter laying there. I ripped it open and only pulled out the state residency form, and was screaming where is the letter!!!When i finally pulled out the letter i was soo excited. I scream so loud, i scared my dog lol... Congrats to all those of the Class of 2015!!!!!:soexcited:
 
I got home from work and my dad is standing in the den waiting for me and he tells me in a very serious voice that a letter has arrived for me.

Ok, dad... creepy much?

I follow him up the stairs and a thin envelope from my state's medical school is sitting on the counter. I pick it up and think, "Really? Thanks, Dad, hyping me up for a rejection," but then, as if he can hear my thoughts, he says, "It's not bad news."

I was skeptical, to say the least. I opened the letter, unable to comprehend whole phrases but scanning the jumbles of words for one of two words: regret or congratulations. Neither word was in the first sentence. Nor the second. "What is this crap," I thought to myself. It was there, abbreviated to congratulate, nestled in the third sentence of the ridiculously phrased acceptance letter.

My dad was already crying. He told me he had spent the last hour holding the envelope up to the light trying to decipher it and had, he was pretty sure, found out that I was going to be an MD.

That was pretty awesome, I thought to myself. Then I went off to fight crime.
 
I was having a rough day at work and I had heard the we should be hearing the news any day now over the school's status website. Finally at 4pm I got an email notification and I saw that I was accepted. Then, since I work in a science lab, we broke out the lab alcohol and froze it on dry ice did a round out of 50ml conical tubes. Then we proceeded to go back to our western blots and tissue culture. =)
 
It was Dec 15th, and i was on sdn because this was he day we were all expecting to hear back. But no one on sdn had received anything, so we concluded that today was not the day...

3 minutes after i logged off i got a phone call.... what area code is this??

and just like that it hit me like a ton of bricks! my roomates huddled around me as i was on the phone wanting to scream their hearts out!

after i got off the phone i ran out the back door, threw my shirt off and continued to run around in the snow in bear feet. it was such an awesome day!

not to mention it was my top choice!

next day we drove to niagara falls got drunk, partied, and gambled, regardless of my exam the next morning =)
 
MB333999 said:
It was Dec 15th, and i was on sdn because this was he day we were all expecting to hear back. But no one on sdn had received anything, so we concluded that today was not the day...

3 minutes after i logged off i got a phone call.... what area code is this??

and just like that it hit me like a ton of bricks! my roomates huddled around me as i was on the phone wanting to scream their hearts out!

after i got off the phone i ran out the back door, threw my shirt off and continued to run around in the snow in bear feet. it was such an awesome day!

not to mention it was my top choice!

next day we drove to niagara falls got drunk, partied, and gambled, regardless of my exam the next morning =)
Click to expand...
pretty funny.

I had just lost my older brother and was preparing for the memorial service... I was happy but felt like it would be a lil selfish to scream my happiness/relief out loud. It was one of the two top choices too. I was in lab so i went outside cuz appearantly there wasnt enough air in the lab. Called my parents but it wasnt as exciting as it should have been cuz of the lost of my brother... But I hope my other top choice come through so I can experience it once more... in a better way
 
4ksibe said:
pretty funny.

I had just lost my older brother and was preparing for the memorial service... I was happy but felt like it would be a lil selfish to scream my happiness/relief out loud. It was one of the two top choices too. I was in lab so i went outside cuz appearantly there wasnt enough air in the lab. Called my parents but it wasnt as exciting as it should have been cuz of the lost of my brother... But I hope my other top choice come through so I can experience it once more... in a better way
Click to expand...

Im so sorry for your loss. 🙁
Your brother would be so proud im sure.

Best of luck with your other top choice :xf:
 
My very first acceptance came on the afternoon of Oct. 15th. I was told I'd get something and was expecting snail mail. Problem was I was in another state staying at my bro's apartment for an interview that same day. I made my parents promise to call me immediately when they get something in the mail and didn't hear from them after I got out of my interview in the afternoon. I expected rejection, was bummed as heck, and went to sleep.

Woke up to check my e-mail and saw the words that made my heart leap: Dear applicant, Congratulations! Blah blah blah. I stopped reading and called my mom, called my dad. When my bro got back to the apartment, we jumped up and down, celebrated with delicious dinner, then he took me to the airport for my flight home. I didn't update my facebook status like most of my friends, but I did frame the actual acceptance letter that arrived a week later. It was a great moment shared with my family, probably best experience of my life so far. Later acceptances made me happy too, but of course the first one sticks with you.
 
tiedyeddog said:
My dad has >8 kids and is a doctor himself. He never really pushed me to be a doctor but he has always wanted atleast one more doctor in the family. Almost all of the older kids are far older than I am and have been settled into careers for decades.

I called him and he cried on the phone, it was only the second time I've ever known him to cry. It was a very emotional day, considering most people wonder if I even have emotions, haha.
Click to expand...

That's an awesome story. Congrats!
 
I read the email to my family and kissed my girlfriend. We had just gotten in the car from doing a little diamond ring shopping. 🙂
 
I read "Congratulations..." and I ejaculated. No erection. Didn't even know it was possible.
 
Ursa said:
I read the email to my family and kissed my girlfriend. We had just gotten in the car from doing a little diamond ring shopping. 🙂
Click to expand...


awwww congrats 🙂 i'm sure that's a great way to celebrate!
 
Got my first one on Oct. 18 and did the usual. Jumping up and down. Yelling "OMIGOD OMIGOD OMIGOD" over and over at top of my lungs while jumping up and down. Waking my daughter up from her nap with my yelling and jumping. You know, same old, same old. 😛 Then I simultaneously updated my facebook, emailed my husband at work, and called my family. Couldn't stop smiling all day, and I still haven't stopped!
 
teddy bear doc said:
Got my first one on Oct. 18 and did the usual. Jumping up and down. Yelling "OMIGOD OMIGOD OMIGOD" over and over at top of my lungs while jumping up and down. Waking my daughter up from her nap with my yelling and jumping. You know, same old, same old. 😛 Then I simultaneously updated my facebook, emailed my husband at work, and called my family. Couldn't stop smiling all day, and I still haven't stopped!
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Mine was a phone call so I said the OMG repeatedly the dean was a lil afraid i was having a heart attack or some lol couldnt scream cuz i was at work thou
 
4ksibe said:
Mine was a phone call so I said the OMG repeatedly the dean was a lil afraid i was having a heart attack or some lol couldnt scream cuz i was at work thou
Click to expand...

I got one that was a phone call a couple months later (to my top choice!), and all I could do was stutter out "thank you, thank you, thank you" to everything the guy said. At least I managed to spit out "have a nice holiday" before thanking him again at the end of the conversation. Phone call acceptance = SUPER awkward. :laugh:
 
teddy bear doc said:
I got one that was a phone call a couple months later (to my top choice!), and all I could do was stutter out "thank you, thank you, thank you" to everything the guy said. At least I managed to spit out "have a nice holiday" before thanking him again at the end of the conversation. Phone call acceptance = SUPER awkward. :laugh:
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lol she first started by asking me if i had any question since my interview i was like uhhh no. In my head i was like spill it. then she said congratulations and i dont know anything else she said till she hung up the phone
 
On my way from work on an especially BAD day, January 5th, ( I work at a cancer research center in Philly, and I especially had a bad day with one of our machines). On my way driving home, I got an email from the criminal background check people, and i was like something is happening. I started praying for red lights so that i could stop and check my status on my cell phone, but none came. Eventually, at a red light I managed to log on, and read the words, " Congratulations, you have been accepted blah blah...I screamed out in my car and people looked at me like I was crazy. I cried and cried. Called my fiancée, my mum and brothers and shared the news with them, and cried some more, because my dad had passed away and he's one of the major inspirations why I chose to be a doctor.:meanie: I still don't know how I made it home on that day on I-95, but I eventually did. i got home and gave my fiancée a big hug and kiss and thanked God. It's a day I will never forget, and suffice to say I've been smiling since. What a new year's present from God.:laugh:😀
Congrats everyone!!!!!!
 
Thank you everyone for your submissions, its incredible we can all share in one another's happiness (apparent or not). My first acceptance was anti-climatic, a quick email check over my blackberry while in a clinical lab (probably not supposed to do that). Smiled. Kept it to myself for a couple of days. Second acceptance, even more anti-climatic; I was asleep after working all-night. The dean asked if I wanted to have her call at better time. Told me I was accepted, I said "goodnight". She informed me it was indeed morning.

The culmination of so much hard work only leads to the realization that we have only just begun. C'est la vie.
 
Bump for the end of the 2011 cycle (at least by the May 15th date)
 
I was on a waitlist, in the second quartile, and decision pending at another school. I was really pessimitic about my odds. I was waiting for May 15th before I'd call in and inquire about my status. I was planning on going to an SMP in the fall. Very much in a strange pessimistic/optimistic haze. Hoping for the best, planning for the worst.

May 10th. I had spent the whole morning sacrificing six rats in my research lab (by decapitation). It is a really nerve wracking and somewhat emotional process, and I am not very experienced in it. Immediately after we finished I went to get my lunch and then sat down at my desk. My email is always up on my computer, and I saw that I had a new email from admissions titled "Application Notification." I thought, what could they want? Clicked on it, read the first sentence "We would like to congratulate you on your acceptance into the MD program..."

Wait, what? Totally shocked. Then, OMGOMG is this happening? Is this really happening right now? This moment that I've been waiting for...just happened. This is happening. I was shaking and emotional, realizing that I didn't need to reapply, didn't need to do an SMP, didn't even have to pass the post-bacc classes I was taking. I was going to start the journey. My whole life just changed.

I then called my mom first. She was REALLY happy and surprised. She always expects the worst so it was nice to tell her something THIS good.

Then called my boyfriend at work. He was in the lab working on something. "What's up?" "Your girlfriend is going to be an MD." "NO SCHIT???" lol.

Overall, the acceptance was emotional and joyous. I was literally feeling like this: :banana: for 2 weeks afterward.
 
So if they call you and you don't pick up, do they just leave a message?
 
startswithb said:
I was on a waitlist, in the second quartile, and decision pending at another school. I was really pessimitic about my odds. I was waiting for May 15th before I'd call in and inquire about my status. I was planning on going to an SMP in the fall. Very much in a strange pessimistic/optimistic haze. Hoping for the best, planning for the worst.

May 10th. I had spent the whole morning sacrificing six rats in my research lab (by decapitation). It is a really nerve wracking and somewhat emotional process, and I am not very experienced in it. Immediately after we finished I went to get my lunch and then sat down at my desk. My email is always up on my computer, and I saw that I had a new email from admissions titled "Application Notification." I thought, what could they want? Clicked on it, read the first sentence "We would like to congratulate you on your acceptance into the MD program..."

Wait, what? Totally shocked. Then, OMGOMG is this happening? Is this really happening right now? This moment that I've been waiting for...just happened. This is happening. I was shaking and emotional, realizing that I didn't need to reapply, didn't need to do an SMP, didn't even have to pass the post-bacc classes I was taking. I was going to start the journey. My whole life just changed.

I then called my mom first. She was REALLY happy and surprised. She always expects the worst so it was nice to tell her something THIS good.

Then called my boyfriend at work. He was in the lab working on something. "What's up?" "Your girlfriend is going to be an MD." "NO SCHIT???" lol.

Overall, the acceptance was emotional and joyous. I was literally feeling like this: :banana: for 2 weeks afterward.
Click to expand...

I feel so happy for you after reading this! Congratulations on your success, you totally deserve it! Good luck in medical school! :clap:
 
mauberley said:
No, they count that as an implicit rejection and offer the spot to someone else. :meanie:
Click to expand...

I suppose that was a dumb question in retrospect. I always hang up when I see an area code that I don't recognize, so my greatest fear is that I end up ignoring the wrong call at the wrong time. :scared:
 
StarryNights said:
My very first acceptance came on the afternoon of Oct. 15th. I was told I'd get something and was expecting snail mail. Problem was I was in another state staying at my bro's apartment for an interview that same day. I made my parents promise to call me immediately when they get something in the mail and didn't hear from them after I got out of my interview in the afternoon. I expected rejection, was bummed as heck, and went to sleep.

Woke up to check my e-mail and saw the words that made my heart leap: Dear applicant, Congratulations! Blah blah blah. I stopped reading and called my mom, called my dad. When my bro got back to the apartment, we jumped up and down, celebrated with delicious dinner, then he took me to the airport for my flight home. I didn't update my facebook status like most of my friends, but I did frame the actual acceptance letter that arrived a week later. It was a great moment shared with my family, probably best experience of my life so far. Later acceptances made me happy too, but of course the first one sticks with you.
Click to expand...

I framed my letter, too. It's right here on my desk. 🙂
 
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