Key: S=Secondary, I=Interview, R=Rejection, W=Waitlist, A=Acceptance
First time applying (for C/O 2012), really excited about the whole process. I applied realistically considering my stats. My GPAs pretty low, but sort of solid MCAT and good ECs, plus excellent LOR, so hopefully that's an advantage
Finished primary 6/22, verified 7/26. Ridiculous how long it took.
08/20/07 - Got first interview from USUHS, scheduled for 10/11. Looking forward to seeing what military medicine is all about. I only applied because it's tuition free (but you have to give up 7 years for servitude afterwards)
09/04/07 - Finally got some UC love from Davis, but it came with my first rejection. I really like Boston too. At least there's still Tufts...
10/23/07 - Went to USUHS on 10/11... flat out amazed/impressed/excited... there was something about seeing all the dissection tables haha. Anyhow spoke with the admissions officer who said that I was pretty much in already but wouldn't hear back til Nov due to security background checks. Anyhow looking forward to CWRU on Nov 6, got a student host lined up. Also rejected from a few more schools which was annoying but not letting it get me down too much. The way I figure it I save airfare and hotel money anyhow, not to mention class time
11/11/07 - Case Western Interview on 11/07 - it was an unbelieveably awesome school. Everyone I met was personable and helpful and the facilities were impressive. Got to sit in a few lectures and tour the hospital and everything was well organized and planned out. Plus cost of living is a fraction of what it is in California.
12/12/07 - I'M IN! First acceptance today, call from USUHS dean of admissions. I cannot explain how relieved I am that I finally got in somewhere. With the waitlist at Case I was just about to give up for this cycle but the military came through for me. I was really impressed by their school and would be honored to attend. Plus free tuition and proximity to DC and some nearby relatives are all bonuses.
01/23/08 - Still waiting on everyone else. It looks like in all likelihood I'll be at USUHS next year. I'm planning on sending a letter of intent to Case Western soon along with another LOR. I figure it can't hurt in the long run.
02/05/08 - I've thought hard about it and decided that military medicine probably isn't for me, no offense to USU because they're a terrific school. This does however presents a problem seeing how I was only accepted to USUHS. If I don't get off the waitlist at Case, I'll probably have to go through with it, but of course having a negative opinion going in isn't going to help much.
04/12/08 - Sigh. Why do people feel the need to be so rude all the time? I know I'm not the only one with this sort of problem on mdapps. I guess it could be worse... a lot worse, but this one hurt. I guess I shouldn't expect people from other places to be as open as in California. Fortunately mdapps logs ip addresses, so it's easy to trace these sorts of comments. Like I said, I'll approve anything, even from ignorant rednecks who give Wisconsin a bad name.
Anyhow still on the alternate list at Case. I dunno, doubt there will be any movement at all but if there is any it won't be until May.
06/20/08 - Well, this is the end of the line for my applications process. I never figured I'd end up where I am now, but I am grateful that I got my foot in the door. After worrying and fretting for months and feeling bad for myself, I finally decided to grow up and move on. I'm not going to reapply and instead I'll take the Air Force up on their scholarship. I've spoken with many, many people who have had military medical careers and the more I hear the more reassured I feel. I am looking forward to matriculating in a few months, and I am determined to make the most of my opportunities.
Thanks for reading, I guess. This isn't supposed to be a sob story, nor do I want to appear arrogant or stuck up. If you'd like to judge me based on a few paragraphs that appear online, then go ahead, I don't care, I'll be a doctor in four years, and that knowledge makes me happier than I could have ever imagined. Good luck to others in this process.
