The Medical School Waiting Game:

As October ends and we enter November waiting for Medical School Interviews and Decisions can be really hard! At this point in the application cycle, many medical school candidates often find themselves asking similar questions:

• Is it too late to hear back from schools?

• Should I be concerned?

• What should I be doing during this waiting period?

  
  

The simple answer is no, it is not too late, and there is no cause for alarm. Each medical school operates on its own timeline for extending interview invitations, and while this process can vary greatly, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.

Typically, medical schools issue interview invitations through mid-December and then resume in January. However, some schools continue extending interviews well into February, March, and even April. If you are unsure about a particular school's timeline, it is always acceptable to inquire about their process during admissions events, such as medical school fairs, info sessions, or open houses. It's also important to acknowledge that interview slots become more limited as the application cycle progresses. While this is a fact, it is crucial to focus on actionable steps rather than worry about things beyond your control.

To stay engaged with medical schools and demonstrate your continued interest, here are three effective strategies you can pursue:

1. Attend information sessions: If the sessions aren’t posted online, contact the admissions office directly to inquire about upcoming opportunities to engage with the school.

2. Network with admissions representatives: Medical school fairs provide an excellent platform to establish connections with admissions staff and leave a positive impression. The AAMC fair in Nashville on November 9th or the UC-Davis Pre-Health Conference on November 2nd are great places to network. 

3. Submit updates: If permitted by the school, update letters can serve as a valuable tool to share any new achievements, experiences, or developments since your initial application. Before sending updates, verify whether the school accepts them, as some institutions have restrictions. This information is now available on the MSAR.

For those who have not yet received an interview invitation, submitting a well-crafted update letter is important and should be concise and substantive. Focus on new experiences or achievements that align with the school’s mission or programs, demonstrating your fit with their values. You may feel like nothing significant has changed, but often, subtle growth and ongoing involvement can be meaningful. Examples of updates could include new responsibilities at work, additional volunteer experience, or securing an updated letter of recommendation that highlights recent accomplishments.

Requesting an updated letter of recommendation can also strengthen your application. Supervisors, mentors, or PIs can provide new insights into your growth since submitting your application, offering valuable context to the admissions committee.

If you have already interviewed, sending a thank you note to your interviewer and/or the admissions office can further solidify your candidacy. In your thank you note, you should reference key points from your conversation and your alignment with the school’s values. Use this opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to the school, highlight specific programs or opportunities that resonate with you, and convey your continued enthusiasm.

Consistent, professional communication with the admissions office—such as sending a brief email reaffirming your interest in the school—can also keep you on their radar. Alternating between personal reasons for your interest (e.g., geographic location) and professional reasons (e.g., curriculum or unique programs) can add depth to your communications.

It’s not too late, so there is no need to worry. Just because some of your peers may have received interview invitations doesn’t mean your opportunity has passed. Stay proactive, continue to build meaningful connections with the schools that interest you, and take full advantage of the tools available to strengthen your application.