Who's turning down Northwestern HPME? (Wait listed student here)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>Does anybody know how big the HPME wait list is? Also, to those accepted, are you thinking of turning it down? </p>

<p>Currently, I'm deciding among Harvard, Yale (I was considering Princeton but ruled it out based on my visit and things I hear about the grade deflation) so my choices are not bad, but I really want HPME. My sister enrolled at Princeton pre-med (did not know about HPME at the time) and I don't think it was the best idea as her MCAT scores would probably not get her into any med school at this point even though her GPA is respectable. I don't know what happened with her and the MCAT and my family is completely shocked by it. I just don't want to take the same risk and want to have a more relaxing college experience. The stress my sister went through was just unbelievable. </p>

<p>If I don't get in off the wait list, I will probably attend Harvard or Yale-- obviously really good choices so maybe I shouldn't sweat it. However, in the meantime, I really want to maximize my chances of getting off the wait list, and I will attend for sure if admitted. What can I do at this point to stand out?</p>

2

<p>It’s probably very hard to get off the waitlist for a program like HPME as many people who are offered admission to it would take it for the reasons you suggest. In addition they likely offer more acceptances than there are spots available knowing that some would decline it. As a result, unless it’s a strange year, it would be tough, but it may still be worth pursuing if you really want it. Congrats on your other acceptances btw, you are a talented individual and I don’ think, given your record, you shouldn’t have trouble getting into med school, though I’m sorry to hear about your sister’s case. It’s the opposite of what I would have expected from Princeton.</p>