THE ONGOING APPLICATION PROCESSChange In Status? Not Been Invited To Any Interviews? Ongoing Contact With Schools Interview Etiquette On The Waitlist Getting Accepted Miscellaneous
CHANGE IN STATUS?What do I do if I am not taking a course this fall that I indicated on my AMCAS I would be taking? This is not a problem except if the course is a premedical requirement. Most medical or dental schools are not going to request grades from courses taken during the application year nor will they take the time to match fall semester courses listed on the AMCAS with a submitted transcript.
My degree completion of my Masters degree has just been posted to my transcript. How do I notify my schools? Once your AMCAS has been verified you cannot add additional coursework to your AMCAS application and your medical schools will not be notified. What if my plans during my “gap” year were not set when I submitted by AMCAS application and I know now? Should I send a special letter? We would recommend not sending a special letter for this purpose. This new information is best brought up during an interview, in a follow-up letter to a change in status, etc.
NOT BEEN INVITED TO ANY INTERVIEWS?What do I do if I have not received any invitations to interview?
The medical and dental school application process can be long and stressful, particularly if you do not receive an invitation to interview. Once your file is complete at the medical and dental school, it can be acted upon in a relatively expeditious manner, can be put into status for continuing review or, in some cases, can be put into a "pile" where the likelihood for future review is unlikely. Unfortunately, when applicants are put into the latter category, a rejection is not always forthcoming until later in the winter or spring. If you are an applicant who submitted your application by August and have not been invited for an interview by December of the application year, go ahead and set up an appointment to speak with an advisor to try to help you assess your application status.
Why might I have not received an invitation to interview?
In trying to figure out why you have not received any invitation to interview, it is important to realistically assess your qualifications. A single low score in an MCAT section or a low overall MCAT score can result in an application not being competitive. The same goes with GPA cutoffs. A low science (BCPM) GPA can–in many cases–disqualify an applicant. By this time in your premedical and dental experience at Johns Hopkins, you should know the GPA ranges that are or are not competitive. It is very hard to overcome a low MCAT or GPA. Applicants must also remember that having strong numbers is not enough. The candidate must have a proven commitment to service, notable medically-related experience, leadership, strong communication skills, etc.
I submitted my secondary application materials to schools in September and have not heard anything back from any school. Is it appropriate to follow up with my schools?
Most schools prefer that you do not call or email at this point in the process; however, it is appropriate to verify with the medical and dental schools that your application is complete. Regarding an update, it only makes sense to notify a school if you have something notably different to share with them such as a particularly strong academic performance in the fall semester or a notable new initiative or experience that adds to your application in a manner noticeably different from prior accomplishments. In this case it may be acceptable to send a letter that updates the schools. If you choose to send fall semester grades, an official copy should be requested from the Registrar's Office and sent directly to the medical school admissions office. Pre-Professional Office does not handle transcripts before or after you have applied.
When is it proper to follow-up with a school who has not invited me to interview?
Rarely. The most important information for you to have is that your file is complete. Other than this information, medical and dental schools do not want to receive inquiries from students who have not been invited to interview. A follow-up letter of interest is appropriate after the applicant has received notification from a school especially for hold (no interview). In this case, a “Hold, Not Interviewed” decision, it may be appropriate to send a letter of continuing interest. What does it mean to be “on hold” prior to an interview?
There are a number of schools that set a certain number of files aside for consideration as a later point in the application cycle. If you receive a letter or email notice prior to being invited for an interview that states that your application is “on hold,” this typically means that you are still in the running but it may be some time before you will be reevaluated. Since this is an official contact from a school, you may or may not choose to follow-up this news with a letter of interest.
What do I do if I received a rejection from a school where I was sure I would be invited to interview?
Even the strongest applicant should prepare to receive rejections in the professional school application process. Indeed, the national average for acceptances is less than two per accepted applicant. Most who are accepted receive but one acceptance. In short, you can count on receiving more rejections than acceptances. While it is very difficult to place your goals and hopes "on the line" and then not be invited to attend a particular school, you must work to keep this in perspective. You should realistically evaluate what the rejections mean and celebrate the hoped-for acceptances. Figuring out how a particular medical and dental school makes its admissions decisions can be bewildering. There are a number of factors that may have resulted in the school’s decision not to invite you to interview. Sometimes students can be invited for a multiple interviews only to find out that they were put on hold or rejected from the very school where they believed to be their best bet. The idiosyncrasies and unexplainable parts of the process abound. Don't get fixated on these anomalies. Focus on the schools that show an interest in you and follow up where appropriate.
At what point in the process should I be concerned that I might not be accepted?
If you are an applicant who has not been invited for an interview by January of the application year, we strongly recommend that you speak with one of the advisors in Pre-Prof. to try to help you assess the strengths and weaknesses of your application and to develop a plan that will allow you to present a stronger application at a later date. It is very wise to begin this conversation early in the cycle so that actions can be taken that will strengthen your application for the next cycle rather than needing to wait another entire year before an improved application can be presented. ONGOING CONTACT WITH SCHOOLSWhat if I ask for a letter to be uploaded at a later point in the process?
As you all know, the Pre-Prof. Office has uploaded only your Committee packet with recommendations to your medical or dental schools. Following that initial upload, this office does not upload individual letters. In the case of medical schools, if the situation arises where you would like an additional letter uploaded to either all of your schools, a subset, or a single school, you will do so by using the AMCAS Letter Service. The instructions are very complete at the following AMCAS Letters FAQ site. In short, you will log back into your AMCAS and select the letters of recommendation tab. To assign the letter to an participating medical school that you've already applied to you must select the medical school tab and then select edit to the school you'd like to the letters to be received at and select the new letter. Please note: Each time you select a new school and add letters, you must resubmit your application.
Can I change my letter information after it is submitted to AMCAS?
No, you cannot make any changes to letter information after you have submitted it.
Do I have to use the AMCAS Letters Service if the medical school I'm applying to is participating?
Yes, applicants are required to send their letters through AMCAS if the medical school is participating in the service.
Some schools ask for only a certain number of recommendation letters. What do I do?
Do not worry about it. All of your schools will accept the same the Committee Letter package from this office. Our Committee letter system does not allow you to create separate “’quivers” for different schools. However, you may have a separate “quiver” and therefore a different combination of recommendation letters for applying to osteopathic medical schools. In the case of the latter, the Committee letter included the AACOMAS ID# rather than the AMCAS ID#.
What if I apply to additional medical schools?
This is not a problem. To designate additional schools once you have submitted your application to AMCAS, go to the “Medical Schools” section of the AMCAS application, select the additional schools you wish to designate, and re-certify and re-submit your application to AMCAS. This does not mean that your AMCAS application will be re-verified. If you are adding any additional medical schools, you must send an email to either Mrs. Krause or Mrs. Sanders indicating the schools you added.
When is it an appropriate time for me to follow-up with a letter or email a school?
The most appropriate time to follow-up with a school is following an interview after receiving some sort of official notification of your status, etc. In the case of interviews, you might send a formal hand-written thank you note to each of your interviewers. If you know the email addresses of your interviewers, it is perfectly fine to send a brief email. We also recommend that you send a letter to the admissions dean or director to express your appreciation, some of your impressions, etc.
In the case of receiving an update on your status (e.g., placed on hold, on the waitlist, continuing review) we recommend that you send a letter (or perhaps and email) to the admissions dean or director at that school to acknowledge having received notification of this status. It is much more important that your express your specific and strong interest in that school and your hope of being afforded the opportunity to join the incoming class rather than updating them on your activities/accomplished since submitting your AMCAS or AADSAS.
I have interviewed at schools without rolling admissions who do not announce their admission decisions until March. Is there anything I can do to improve my chances?
It is perfectly fine to send a letter updating the medical school of your continuing interest. Do not do so, however, if the school makes requests that they do not want these letters. What if a school told me that I would hear within four weeks and it is now six weeks since I interviewed. What should I do?
Be patient. Sometimes schools cannot meet their stated timeline for notifying an applicant. The fact you have not heard does not necessarily mean bad news. It is fairly common that applicants are put in the position of having to wait – in a number of ways – during this very arduous process.
Is it ever appropriate to notify another medical school in a city you have been invited to interview that you will be in the area interviewing?
In general, it only makes sense to make this request if you will be traveling a very long distance, like across the country; however, schools will vary in their response. Make it clear that you are grateful for their consideration and the opportunity to interview whenever the opportunity may occur. It cannot hurt your candidacy to make the request. It is best to make the request by email.
INTERVIEW ETIQUETTE
Do you have any tips for group interviews, when you’re with multiple applicants? Be aware of the group dynamics. Acknowledge and recognize others in the group; talk as a team.
When we get invited for a med school interview and are given the name of the interviewer, should we contact him/her prior to the interview? No, that’s not necessary.
For lunch interviews with medical schools, what should we say? How reserved should we be? Is this a safe time to let our guard down a little? This is still part of your interview, so you need to maintain a level of appropriateness during interviews with medical students. You may be able to relax a bit, but still remember you are in the middle of a medical school interview.
Do you have any tips for group interviews, when you’re with multiple applicants? Be aware of the group dynamics. Acknowledge and recognize others in the group; talk as a team.
When we get invited for a med school interview and are given the name of the interviewer, should we contact him/her prior to the interview? No, that’s not necessary.
How should we answer a medical school interviewer who asks, “What others schools have you applied to?” In general, medical schools should not be asking you this question. However, if someone on the interview committee does ask, you need to give careful consideration to your reply. It is best to avoid listing the schools to which you applied, since it is unethical for the medical schools to know this information during the interview process. If you feel pressured to answer, however, be diplomatic and courteous in your reply. Do not be combative.
For lunch interviews with medical schools, what should we say? How reserved should we be? Is this a safe time to let our guard down a little? This is still part of your interview, so you need to maintain a level of appropriateness during interviews with medical students. You may be able to relax a bit, but still remember you are in the middle of a medical school interview.
ON THE WAITLISTWhat does it mean to be “on hold” or in a “waitlist” status following an interview?
Being “on hold” or “waitlisted” takes on different meanings based on timing in the application cycle. If you receive a hold or waitlist letter after interviewing in the fall, it may mean that the admissions committee wants to review more candidates before they make their decision. By late spring, being “on hold” or “waitlisted” means that while the admissions committee has reviewed your application and determined you are a good fit for the program, they have already filled their incoming class. In other words, they didn’t say no to your application but they didn’t say yes, either. Most waitlists are typically numbered, so that each student is assigned a specific numbered spot on the list. If you have a “hold” status before you are interviewed, it means that you may be reconsidered at a later date for an interview. However, schools typically do not offer many interviews to applicants who are on “hold”. Either notification of “hold” or “waitlist” status is a good time to send a follow-up letter to express your continued interest in the school.
How do schools use their waitlists?
Medical schools use waitlists to ensure that their incoming class is full by the beginning of their programs in August. Since they know a certain percentage of students they admit will choose other schools, medical schools accept more students than the number of places available. If a higher number of students decline admission than the medical school anticipated, spots will open up and waitlisted students will be accepted. The number of waitlisted students who are accepted varies greatly from year to year and school to school. For example, Tufts states that “in some years, [they] have filled as many as a third of the seats in the entering class from the wait list; in other years, as few as a dozen.”
If I am on a waitlist, when might I be admitted?
You will only be admitted when a spot opens up. This could happen any time between April until the incoming class matriculates. Many schools report that they accept the highest number of waitlisted students in late May, June, and July but sometimes spots will become available the week or even the day before the program begins. If you begin orientation at a medical school, you should immediately withdraw from schools where you may be on the “waitlist”. You cannot accept an offer of admission from another school after you have started orientation at a school.
Are waitlists ranked based on how qualified the committee thought you were? Will a school tell me what number I am on their waitlist?
In general, schools do not create waitlist rankings based on the quality of your application. If a student has been waitlisted, he/she has been deemed qualified for admission. When students withdraw from the incoming class, many schools will look to admit waitlisted candidates who would best balance the composition of the class. Since this process is ongoing, schools do not create numbered or strictly ranked waitlists.
How should I respond to a waitlist letter?
This is an excellent opportunity to express your strong interest in a school. Send a letter to the school that restates your strong interest in their program, express appreciation for your ongoing consideration, and highlights the unique contribution you would make to the incoming class. The letter should be concise, focused, preferably one page, and no longer than one and a half pages. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your letter, please schedule an appointment with an advisor.
What about sending a “letter of intent” to my school of choice?
We recommend that you do not reference any letter to a medical school as a “letter of intent.” In general, schools are not weighing their decision on you based on whether you say you will attend that school. A “letter of interest” on the other hand, where you may update a school on your recent activities/accomplishments, emphasizes the strength of your interest, and explains how/why you are particularly well matched to the school, is much more appropriate. There are cases, however, when the term “intent” to attend a school that is your top choice is appropriate to be used.
If I am waitlisted, should I make alternative plans for next year? Should I reapply and if so, when?
This is a very difficult and personal decision that involves weighing how long to remain available for a medical school offer versus making alternative plans for the fall and beyond. Some students choose to start the reapplication process in June or July and begin working full-time or pursuing graduate programs. Others choose to wait until August to see if they may be accepted and then make alternative plans once they receive formal notification that their schools of interest have concluded the admissions process. Reapplying right away is not always the best strategy. You want to make sure that your application is as strong as possible, which may mean you need to address areas of weakness in your background before applying again. Your second application should feature new and different experiences. These can range from additional coursework to volunteer work to research and more. Developing a new personal statement also helps demonstrate the additional experience and maturity you have gained since the last time you applied. While waiting before applying again may be frustrating, it often means the difference between being accepted and not. Commit to spending the time to become the most competitive candidate possible.
GETTING ACCEPTEDI just received an acceptance letter. What do I do?
Congratulations! Your first step is to celebrate your success! Next, you need to decide whether to accept the school’s offer of admission. Throughout the spring, you can continue to wait and see if you are accepted by any other schools. You have until May 15th to consider multiple admissions offers; after that point, you are in danger of having offers rescinded. Once you have decided on your school, follow their instructions about submitting a deposit and any other steps they require. Also, continue to investigate ways to fund your medical school education. It is important that you closely follow the acceptance procedures for entering first-year med students which includes your responsibilities as a professional school applicant and the procedures and rules that medical schools must abide by in offering acceptances and waitlist decisions to applicants.
Are there any advantages to interviewing at schools after I have already been admitted to my top school?
No. In fact, we strongly recommend that you do not interview at any school if you have been admitted to your top school. You are taking up valuable interview slots at schools for candidates who may be interested in and seriously considering that medical school. If you have been admitted to a preferred school, you have an ethical obligation to notify all of your remaining non-preferred schools that you have accepted an invitation to attend another medical or dental school.
I am thinking about deferring admission for a year. Can I do that?
Each medical school usually has its own deferral policy. Some will only allow students to defer if they have received a significant opportunity (Fulbright, Rhodes, etc) whereas others will allow you to defer, no questions asked. Check with the individual medical school regarding their policy. In general, however, it is not advised to apply to medical or dental school if your intention is to defer your admission.
What happens on May 15?
AMCAS "traffic rules" state that medical school applicants can hold multiple acceptances until May 15 of the year of matriculation. After May 15, applicants select one school. Students must notify all schools of their decision or they risk having all offers of admission rescinded. Once schools know how many students will be matriculating, they may begin using their waitlists to fill any open spots. Please refer the AAMC TRAFFIC RULES.
What do I do about schools that require a deposit? Will I get that money back if I choose not to matriculate?
Most allopathic (MD) medical schools have deposits of $100 or greater. The deposits are usually refundable or will be applied toward your tuition if you ultimately attend the school. For most osteopathic (DO) schools, the deposits are between $500 and $1,500 and typically not refundable. MISCELLANEOUSWhat are the deadlines for combined degrees, such as MD/MPH or MD/MBA? For some schools, you apply to the program through the secondary application. For other programs, you apply as a first year student, once you’re already accepted to the MD program. See each school for specific information regarding their application process.
If you know someone at the medical school, and that person contacts admissions on your behalf, is that okay? It won’t hurt your application, but make sure it’s handled in a professional manner.
Do grades matter for this semester? Yes!
What do we do with dean certification forms? Forward them to Dr. Verrier.
When is the appropriate time to meet with the Pre-Prof staff is you’re not hearing from the medical schools? Generally speaking, if you have not received interviews by January, you should meet with a Pre-Prof advisor. Likewise, if you find you are sitting on waitlists or holds in May, you should speak to an advisor.
For schools having information sessions at JHU, is it appropriate to introduce yourself? Sure! If the medical school to which you are applying is on campus, you should introduce yourself after the information session, particularly if you have been invited to or atttended an interview. It shows an added interest the school and allows you to network with their admissions office.
Do I have to do anything special to forward my MCAT scores in the universities or is it part of the AMCAS verification process? MCAT scores are automatically uploaded to your AMCAS application at all of your medical schools.
Can you provide me with a few more suggestions about communicating with medical schools? After an interview, quickly follow up with a thank you note to those who interviewed you. Hand written thank you notes are always best, but in today’s day and age, an email is fine. If a medical school contacts you (waitlist, hold, rejection, acceptance), this is your opportunity to write back to them—they’ve opened the lines of communication with you. Acknowledge whatever status they have assigned to you and express your appreciation/thanks for having your application reviewed. - If accepted, you can accept the offer. (If offered multiple acceptances, you do not need to narrow it down to one until May 15.)
- If waitlisted, an alternate, or on hold, you can express what you like about the medical school and why you are a good fit for their program.
- If rejected, send a professional thank you. You never know if someone from the medical school will be a future colleague of yours.
An “update letter” is often better in a few months, when there is something to truly update in regard to your application. Many students send update letters in January, when they have master’s degree transcripts to share or have been employed in a position that was not previously stated on the application or in an interview.
10/2011 |
