Latest HCEC FAQs

Going On Hold

I have decided not to apply right now, but I registered with the HCEC in 2007. What do I do?
Email hcec@cornell.edu asking that your file be put on hold for now. Make sure to indicate if you have had your HCEC interview before making this decision. You may change your mind at any time. We will hold your folder for five years, unless you send us a new File Retention form on or before the fifth year.  

The HCEC Interview

How should I prepare for my HCEC interview?
Dress in clothes that you feel comfortable in and convey a professional appearance. For additional information on interviewing, read pages 49—50 of your Applicant Guide.

What if I can’t reach my interviewer?
Three methods are available: Email (after a week, you can email a second time), phone and contacting the departmental office to find out when your interviewer is expected in the office.

After you have exhausted the above approaches, contact Janet Snoyer.

Why haven’t you contacted me about my interviewer match?
Only applicants with complete files and two letters of recommendation are matched with interviewers. We do not contact you. When you have been assigned an interviewer, their name and contact information will appear in your HCEC File Content page located in your HCEC File Status Check.

The Letters of Recommendation

My file status check says Waiver Missing next to my letter. How/when can I correct that?
Refer to the email with subject header: “Important Reminder About Waivers.” If you can’t find it, request it from hcec@cornell.edu

My file status check says Waive/Retain Box Blank next to my letter. How/when can I correct that?
Refer to the email with subject header: “Important Reminder About Waivers.” If you can’t find it, request it from hcec@cornell.edu

Did you get my first, second or third letter yet? How often do you update the file status check?
You can find out what letters we have in your HCEC File Status Check. We log in letters every morning, Monday through Friday. After checking for several days, if you still don't see your letter show up, contact your recommender and ask them to resend it.

What if my third letter is late? Will you send my third letter to my interviewer?
It depends on when we receive it. If your interviewer has possession of your file, we will send him or her a copy of your letter.

I am an undergraduate. What happens if I complete my file late?
You will be assigned an interviewer later than others. You may be asked to explain why your information is late.

Background Information Form

My information won't fit inside those boxes on the background form. What can I do?
You can recreate the form in Microsoft Word and print it out. Make sure you include all of the questions on the original form. Remember to also include the personal information found in the top section of the first page of the BIF form.

I am updating my file. Do I have to include all of the same information on my background form as I did when I first applied?
No. We only want you to tell us what activities you've been doing since you last went through the HCEC process. Only provide updated information.

Information we do not require to complete your file

Would you like to have my MCAT scores?
No. We do not use MCAT scores in writing your evaluation letter.

Can I just send a resume instead of the Background Form?
No. Resumes are not accepted.

When will my HCEC evaluation packet be done?
We do not inform applicants about the completion of their packet. If you are applying Early Decision, please let us know as soon as possible. This is the only exception to our universal release date.

FAQs for Alumni

What is my timetable as an Alumni, Update or Reactivate registrant?
A minimum of one month is required normally to produce the letter of evaluation after the HCEC has received all required materials from an alumni registrant. If you want your letter ready for timely distribution, it is highly recommended that all materials and letters be received by the HCEC by the end of the first week in July at the latest. For further information, Alumni can download the pdf entitled: A New Registrant: first-time Alumna/ae (Scroll to second page). Reactivates and Updates can click on the links below.

When you need to apply again: Reapplicants and Updates

What is the difference between reactivating and updating?
When you reactivate, the HCEC simply sends your original HCEC packet to schools you request. When you update, you add new information to your file. For additional information, please download the pdf entitled: A Reactivate: a reapplicant who wants to send out an established file or An Update: a reapplicant who wants to add information to an established file.

What do you need from me as a reactivating or updating applicant?
Please download the pdf information pertaining to reactivating and updating an HCEC file.