The most difficult time in the admissions office always revolves around the several days after the interview offers are sent out. We are well aware that there are more applicants that will be disappointed than those who are pleased. We also acknowledge that that there is an element of subjectivity in the process and we are continuously working on ways to eliminate this and any bias that may exist within our file review pool. We can only strive to do better, be transparent, about the process and implement a procedure that is deemed fair across the applicant pool. The files of our applicants are reviewed by more individuals than any other program across the country. This year we anonymized all files and blinded general file reviewers to the GPA and MCAT in an effort to improve the process. In essence, the difference between receiving an interview invite versus not comes down to consistency in the scores across reviewers.
We recognize that there are individuals each year looking from the outside-in that would make fantastic physicians and colleagues but it remains a game of numbers and feasibility of how many individuals we can accommodate and interview. Not getting an interview at the U of C or any other school should never be interpreted as a reflection of ones self-worth. The very fact that an individual has the fortitude to endure the process and the courage to put themselves into a “competition” that is comprised of elite group of individuals speaks volumes about all applicants.
So to everyone, keep your head high, take time to reflect, and I’m confident that everyone will eventually find their way forward.
