ornis4 said:
Thanks. I definitely need/want all the luck I can get. Yeah, I sent Paula an email yesterday re-stating my continued interest in the school, and described my situation a bit. I realize e-mail is not the most official way to go about it, but I'm really trying to avoid this PCOM deposit due in a few days, so the timing of the letter seemed more important. I still plan on sending something in writing, updating my situation, etc. and perhaps giving a call, though I never know how people are going to respond to phone calls of that nature. Regardless, even if I end up having to pay PCOM to hold the spot, I'm still going to put all my effort towards getting into UMDNJ-SOM. Thanks again!
General advice to all those on the waiting list at SOM:
1) In-person appointments are MUCH more effective at stating you intent than any other form of communication, i.e. letters, email, phone calls, etc. But don't overdo it (i.e. go to to the admissions office every day or every week). In that situation, it can work to your disadvantage. One or two visits to the admissions office to talk to Dean Wallace or Paula Slade can do wonders.
2) Being on the waiting list isn't so bad....I was there once. What sucks is that you may have to wait until the week before classes begin before you know your status. Unfortunately, that's how it all works out. At the end of the admissions season, when people are being chosen off of the waiting w/o regard to raw scores (which is what happens at SOM as I have seen it), #1 will matter A LOT.
3) If you have to pay a deposit to another school, you might as well do it. It may be hundreds or thousands of dollars, but when all is said and done, it's a negligible amount. If you have the financial means or know someone who does (i.e. parents, friends, etc.), I would recommend that you do it. At least you know you will be a physician. Also, as a last ditch effort, try (gracefully and cautiously!!) letting the other school know your situation. May sound dumb or it may sound self-defeating, but actually I have heard of people who have received time extentions for deposits b/c of special situations. I warn you, however, it's got to be a realistic and understandable situation. "I like the weather better in New Jersey" is NOT an acceptable circumstance to use when inquiring about this with another school.
4) If you wind up not getting into the med school of your choice, most people will be just fine going to any med school, really. Of course there are some major exceptions like family issues, etc. If these exceptions don't apply to you, then go where you get in. I promise, in the end it won't make a damn bit of difference. In fact, a lot of times it works out better than you think. I have a friend in my residency who didn't get into either if the two med schools in this state and wound up going to AZCOM for med school. In the end, I don't think he would have gone back and changed it even if he could. And IMHO, he's probably a better physician b/c of where he went to school.
5) If you really want to be a physician, don't give up hope. If you don't get in this year, apply again next year. Many successful medical students/physicians that I know or have met were guys and gals that DID NOT get accepted on the 1st try. And that's not just bullsh1t rhetoric; its the truth. Unfortunately, the admissions process including the MCAT is unfair and at times can suck a big toe. Remember, don't give up if medicine is what you desire in your heart.
Good Luck!!
