Getting Waitlisted

Class Location: The Internet.

Description: Learn how to maximize you chances of turning that waitlist letter into an acceptance letter.

Objective: Get accepted!

You’ll probably feel disappointed after getting waitlisted to medical school, but don’t let that disappointment keep you from pursuing acceptance into the school. Use the extra time to continue to sell yourself to the admissions board and to convince the school that you’re right for it. Many students get accepted to medical school after being waitlisted. A few helpful hints can make you one of them:

• If your GPA has improved since you first applied to the school, submit your updated grades. This will help convince the admissions committee of your academic promise and commitment to excellence.
• Let the school know that there’s nowhere you’d rather go and that you’re a perfect fit for its academic program. Explain specifically why this school’s curriculum, program, and rotation sites make it your first choice. Also make sure the admissions committee knows why you’re the right candidate for the school.
• Let the admissions committee know of any achievements you’ve made since your original application. If you’ve been elected to student council or had a research paper published, this information will add to your credentials.
• If any of your professors have connections at the medical school, such as faculty or staff members, ask them to put in a good word for you.
• Contact the school representative who interviewed you. Thank him or her for helping you, and ask for any advice on what you can do to get into the school.
• Learn as much about the school as you can. Ask the admissions office if you can talk to current students and sit in on classes. Try to speak to someone from the admissions committee about your application.

Continue to be polite and professional with everyone you contact from the school. If everything goes well, you’ll be seeing these people for several years to come.