Steps to Take If You're Waitlisted for Medical School

Each year, thousands of students aim for a spot in medical school, but not everyone gets an immediate “yes” or “no.” Many find themselves in limbo—on the med school waitlist. But being waitlisted is far from the end of your journey. Here's how to navigate the process, improve your chances of acceptance, and keep your options open.

How the Medical School Waitlist Works

Medical school waitlists are used to fill seats when accepted students decline their offers. Depending on the school, you might be one of a few dozen or one of several hundred candidates on the list. Some programs use rolling admissions, filling spots as they become available, while others notify waitlisted students closer to summer.

Understanding your chosen school’s specific process is key—knowing when they notify applicants and how they assess updates can help you take targeted action.

 
Top Strategies to Get Off the Waitlist 

1. Express Genuine Interest with a Letter of Intent (LOI)

One of the most effective tools is an LOI—a formal statement reaffirming your commitment to that school. Instead of rehashing your application, share what’s new: why you’re more excited than ever to attend and what’s happened since you applied. Be sure to check if your school has LOI guidelines on their website.

2. Highlight Your Recent Achievements

Med schools appreciate applicants who continue growing. Have you recently started a Go Elective clinical internship abroad? Published research? Volunteered at a community health project? Share these updates! Highlight accomplishments that reinforce your commitment to medicine.

3. Stay Proactive and Connected

Attend informational webinars or events specifically for waitlisted applicants. Admissions teams notice candidates who stay engaged without being overbearing. After these events, send a short, personalized thank-you email and maintain occasional communication every few weeks.

 
Should You Keep Other Doors Open?

Absolutely. While you wait for your top-choice school, stay in contact with other institutions that may have already accepted you or placed you on their waitlists. Explore international options too—Go Elective partners with global programs that can help strengthen your application if you decide to reapply next cycle.

What If You Don’t Get Off the Waitlist?

If things don’t go your way this cycle, use it as a chance to boost your credentials. Reflect on potential application gaps:

• Were your clinical hours limited?
• Could you retake the MCAT and aim for a competitive score (512+)?
• Did you lack global healthcare exposure?

Go Elective’s internships in Kenya and Tanzania can help you gain practical experience in resource-limited hospitals—valuable for your next application cycle.

 
Final Thoughts: Turning Waitlist Stress Into Opportunity

Being on the waitlist means you’re still in the running. Be proactive, stay positive, and use this time to strengthen your candidacy. Whether it’s writing a compelling LOI, expanding your clinical skills, or exploring Go Elective’s healthcare internships, taking action now increases your chances of success.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 7, 2025