What does it mean to be waitlisted for an interview med school?

Being placed on a waitlist (also referred to as an “alternate list”) at a medical school means that you are not offered an immediate spot in the class, but you are still in consideration and may be offered a spot later should accepted applicants (or others on the waitlist) choose to withdraw or not accept an offer from ...

What does it mean to be waitlisted for interview?

A waiting list for an interview refers to the period of time an individual must wait before being scheduled for an interview. It is a common challenge for many individuals seeking job opportunities as the demand for interviews often exceeds the available slots.

What percentage of waitlisted medical students get accepted?

How many applicants get accepted off the waitlist depends on the school and varies widely, but some schools admit up to 50% of their class from the waitlist. Therefore, if you are on the waitlist at one or multiple medical schools, you may have a very good chance of getting an acceptance.

Is a waitlist a soft rejection?

The meaning of waitlisted is pretty simple: you haven't been offered acceptance, nor have you been rejected. You are currently being held on a waitlist and might eventually be accepted if a spot opens up. Schools use the waiting list to deal with the uncertainty of the admissions process.

What to do while waiting for med school interview?

Use the time to pursue the volunteer work and clinical experiences that you're most excited about. You'll have lots to talk about during your interview and your genuine enthusiasm will shine through. If you have new grades, publications, or awards, you can send an update letter to medical schools.

I Was Waitlisted for Medical School. Now What? | Ask Dr. Gray: Premed Q&A Ep. 133

What percentage of med school applicants get interviews?

Only around 10-15% of applicants get interview invitations each year for each medical school. So if you score a med school interview or even if you're waitlisted, consider it a significant accomplishment and a good sign.

How many interview invites does the average med school applicant get?

Applicants who were accepted to medical school had an average of 2.3 interviews, while those who were not accepted had an average of 1.9 interviews.

Is being waitlisted for med school bad?

Being placed on a waitlist (also referred to as an “alternate list”) at a medical school means that you are not offered an immediate spot in the class, but you are still in consideration and may be offered a spot later should accepted applicants (or others on the waitlist) choose to withdraw or not accept an offer from ...

What is the waitlist movement for medical schools?

Medical schools cannot know for sure how many applicants will reject or accept their offer, so they create waitlists of qualified candidates. When an applicant declines their invitation, the admissions committee can move on to the next candidate whose qualifications best fit what they're looking for.

Do most people who get waitlisted get accepted?

While many colleges will waitlist hundreds or even thousands of students, not all of those students will accept a spot on the waitlist, making the pool and the chances of getting in slightly better in some cases. According to NACAC, 20% of all students who chose to remain on waitlists were ultimately admitted.

Why are so many people rejected from medical school?

Low GPA and MCAT Scores

Even those who do meet the minimum may be rejected on the basis of their scores if their numbers fall below the average. A common misconception is that medical schools only look at an applicant's overall GPA and MCAT score.

What percent of first time applicants get into med school?

Medical schools in the United States have an acceptance rate of around 41%. While these programs are hard to get into, medical school is an attainable goal for many people.

How many first time applicants get into medical school?

Med School Admissions Statistics

During the 2022-2023 admission cycle, 22,712 of the 55,188 students who applied to medical school matriculated. That means approximately 42% of medical school applicants were accepted into a program, which has increased from last year, according to the AAMC.

How long are med school waitlists?

It really depends on the school. It is common for medical schools to have waiting lists until they fill up every spot available in the incoming class, which can take months to finalize. Some med schools keep a waiting list until classes start in August or September.

Should you wait if you get waitlisted?

If you receive a waitlist decision, take time to consider if that college is still a top choice. Remember that many waitlist acceptances don't come until the end of the spring or even in the early summer, so students will have to decide if they're comfortable with waiting that long to receive a final decision.

What not to do when waitlisted?

Don't let them think you've got sour grapes. Don't fill out the card stating that you wish to remain on the waitlist and then do nothing else. You need to submit a powerful Letter of Continued Interest as soon as possible.

How do colleges decide who to take off the waitlist?

If you rank higher, you'll have a greater chance of getting off the waitlist. But some colleges may neither rank waitlisted students nor accept them by priority. Individual colleges may take a more holistic approach. They may make their decision based on factors such as which majors they want represented.

Do med schools send rejections?

It is not uncommon for an applicant to receive a rejection from a medical school because an interview went south. But there are always ways to prepare yourself for your next medical school interview. Look back on your interview(s) you had with prospective medical schools, and think about your performance.

Are med school applications declining?

This year, there were 52,577 applicants, a 4.7% decline compared to 2022-23, and it's the second consecutive year medical schools saw a drop in applicants.

Will med schools reject overqualified applicants?

While there is some anecdotal evidence that overqualified students get rejected, these students aren't usually turned down because of their better-than-average grades or test scores. Most likely, the overqualified student isn't the right fit for a school or they haven't shown enough interest to admission officers.

How often do people get rejected from med school?

If you find yourself in the position of being rejected from medical school, understand that you're not alone. In fact, many students who apply find themselves in your shoes. Every year, over 50,000 students apply to medical school, but 60% are rejected.

Is waitlisted worse than rejected?

Remember that if you have been waitlisted or deferred, it does not mean you have been rejected admission. It's as if you have been asked to stay in the waiting room a little longer, pending an ultimate decision. As with any waiting period, use the time wisely.

When should I worry about med school interviews?

Many programs start sending out interview invitations shortly after the first secondary applications are received. Others seem to dole them out more gradually and their season can stretch well beyond the new year. However, the bulk of interview invites go out between September and January.

How do medical schools decide who gets an interview?

How do reviewers decide whom to interview? Medical schools consider each applicant's academic proficiency, whether they are likely to thrive in the culture of the institution, and if their experiences, attributes, and goals are in line with the school's mission and goals.

When should I expect my medical school interview invites?

Medical school interview invitations are typically sent out beginning in late summer or early fall but can continue through winter or even into the following spring. Whereas interviews are most commonly offered from August to February, each medical school has their own specific timeline and processes.