Prompt:"describe yourself" - 1000 characters

then 160 characters to explain which EC you would want to talk about in an interview

LOR requirements: 2 from professors, should have 1 science (otherwise use committee letter of course)

And just b/c I anticipate people who will have questions about which box to check for the LOR requirements I called them and asked today......

If you do not have a committee letter or official letter service at your college (ie. you are individually using Interfolio) then you can check either "using college letter service" OR list the letters individually....the lady assured me that it really doesnt matter either way and it is not that big of a deal.

$105 !!!

Im broke:(

One real essay 1000 characters, "describe yourself"

this is such an open-ended question.. like what am i supposed to write.. 1000 characters worth of adjectives?... this will be tough

this is such an open-ended question.. like what am i supposed to write.. 1000 characters worth of adjectives?... this will be tough
hahaha...well i just submitted and what I did was tell them where I was born, where I grew up. Then I told them a little aboiut my family. Then I told them about my activities during college and how they have prepared me for medicine

With only 1000 characters, you have to be very vague.

hahaha...well i just submitted and what I did was tell them where I was born, where I grew up. Then I told them a little aboiut my family. Then I told them about my activities during college and how they have prepared me for medicine

With only 1000 characters, you have to be very vague.


You are on top of things chubby!! unbelievable

I tried to describe my personality- things like goal oriented, leadership qualities, empathy- and talked about how they tied in with each other.

I just wrote about my hobbies and interests that aren't on AMCAS. I don't like going medically related with those questions, because I feel like they have enough of that, especially with the PS.

Does the status page work for anybody?

Does the status page work for anybody?

Nope...

Does the status page work for anybody?

i was wondering about that too...

I am just a bit nervous about the fact that there was no heading under the list for "top threes" to place non-paid research. I felt like something was missing - Is it just me?

wtf health related community service... I'll only have 1 activity, since that doesn't include volunteer research, shadowing, and volunteering in a radiology lab

yea, i know bozz. i'm in the same boat. research (if not paid) doesn't fit anywhere....

I figure if you think your research is a big deal to your app. that you could list it under EC's, unless of course you dont have any cool ECs.....but I feel the same way you guys do...it seems kinda limited, I hope they dont just look at that list instead of our whole AMCAS list

i was wondering about that too...

Hmm, doesn't work for me either

Hmm, doesn't work for me either

Well, now the status page is working but it says they haven't received anything of mine- including payment and the certified secondary.

What gives? Are you all having the same issue?

Well, now the status page is working but it says they haven't received anything of mine- including payment and the certified secondary.

What gives? Are you all having the same issue?

I'm having the same problem. But when I paid, I did receive an email receipt, so I'm not too worried, especially since I'm not the only one.

I'm having the same problem. But when I paid, I did receive an email receipt, so I'm not too worried, especially since I'm not the only one.

Same problem here :)

Same problem here :)


x2

has albany received anyone's secondary yet?

My status still says they haven't gotten the online submission.

What is their status check/login page?

What is their status check/login page?

Same one as for the secondary except you click "Application Status" after logging in.

http://www.amc.edu/academic/esup/eas/index.cfm?fuseaction=secure.login

has albany received anyone's secondary yet?

My status still says they haven't gotten the online submission.


Mine's there.:)

My AMCAS was verified 2 wks still no secondary from ALBANY? Any suggestion

They only have one annoying Essay Q?

Thanks

My AMCAS was verified 2 wks still no secondary from ALBANY? Any suggestion

They only have one annoying Essay Q?

Thanks
yes.. unless you applied there before...

and its one annoying essay question.. i still cant figure out what to write.. ive written like 3 different versions of "describe yourself" and i dont like any of them

what a stupid question!

I added Albany about 2 weeks ago and haven't received a secondary. Would someone mind posting the link to their login page? Are the username and password something simple and maybe I can access it (ie AMCAS id?)?

Thanks a lot!

-BP

I added Albany about 2 weeks ago and haven't received a secondary. Would someone mind posting the link to their login page? Are the username and password something simple and maybe I can access it (ie AMCAS id?)?

Thanks a lot!

-BP

It is posted above, you cant login without an email from them. I was verifies 7/17 havent gotten an email from them either, which is frustrating since I cant be "early" if they wont send me an email to submit the secondary....

It is posted above, you cant login without an email from them. I was verifies 7/17 havent gotten an email from them either, which is frustrating since I cant be "early" if they wont send me an email to submit the secondary....

I was verified on 7/14 and just got the secondary today. Don't worry. You should be get it soon.

Just got the secondary.

Should we put extracurriculars, employment, etc that is already on our primary...I don't see the point...:scared:

What is unique about Albany?

I hear alot of bad things about this school and the surrounding environment. Of course, these are probably trolls talking about it. :D

yeah I was verified 7/18 and just got the secondary yesterday..don't worry u will get one soon! and hmm I haven't heard anything bad about Albany, but I haven't really searched for anything either

For anybody who has had their letters marked as received, does it say your application is complete also? I had mine marked yesterday, but it still says it's not complete. Just wanted to check before I call them.

It's an excellent question... which is why I cannot figure out what to write either. SIGH

yes.. unless you applied there before...

and its one annoying essay question.. i still cant figure out what to write.. ive written like 3 different versions of "describe yourself" and i dont like any of them

what a stupid question!

For anybody who has had their letters marked as received, does it say your application is complete also? I had mine marked yesterday, but it still says it's not complete. Just wanted to check before I call them.

Just fyi a lot of schools take a bit of time to mark it as complete, definitely not call-worthy imo. UCSF took 2 weeks to go from everything received to complete for me, and I think I was one of the first.

For anybody who has had their letters marked as received, does it say your application is complete also? I had mine marked yesterday, but it still says it's not complete. Just wanted to check before I call them.

As I recall, last year they only said you were complete when you were actually under review.

It's an excellent question... which is why I cannot figure out what to write either. SIGH

i think i finally figured this one out...it is the 160 character life event i can't seem to figure out

It is posted above, you cant login without an email from them. I was verifies 7/17 havent gotten an email from them either, which is frustrating since I cant be "early" if they wont send me an email to submit the secondary....

Being "early" doesn't seem to be quite as important w/ AMC. Their interview season stretches out into April (maybe May) and they definitely accept people who interview that late without putting them on the wait list. I don't believe that they ever interview just for the wait list (i.e. the class is already full in January so everyone interviewing after that is just trying to rank high on the wait list).

As to the poster who said they heard bad things about Albany, you can probably hear bad things about any school if you talk to the right people, and some people complain about everything. Mostly, it's effing expensive and the facilities don't match your expectations of what you should be getting for the $ (it's an old hospital). Or maybe they hated the rain or winter or humidity.

So does volunteering in a Big brother, big sister program for mentally challenged kids count as health related community service or non health related???

Anybody submit without filling out all of the AMCAS category things? (like, i have no health-related volunteering because i've only done shadowing) ...i have an experience that might fit if i stretch it but it isn't one of my AMCAS activities.

think there is any point in submitting without something in each category?

Anybody submit without filling out all of the AMCAS category things? (like, i have no health-related volunteering because i've only done shadowing) ...i have an experience that might fit if i stretch it but it isn't one of my AMCAS activities.

think there is any point in submitting without something in each category?
bump

for those who have applied last year and got an interview, do they really stick to the life experience you mention on the secondary? Or will they talk about other things. Also, how long do they expect you to 'talk' about that life experience?

pooh bear bump... same questions............. also, do you think that NYLF (National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine) would be labeled as a "Life Experience"? What would you guys define as a "Life Experience"? Thanks.

How long is it taking for you guys to have your letters received?

How long is it taking for you guys to have your letters received?

Mine were mailed 7/21 and I'm still waiting for them to be marked as received.

mine still aren't recieved.. what about everyone else. weird.

Anybody submit without filling out all of the AMCAS category things? (like, i have no health-related volunteering because i've only done shadowing) ...i have an experience that might fit if i stretch it but it isn't one of my AMCAS activities.

think there is any point in submitting without something in each category?

did everyone only include college activities? I can fill these all out easily if I can include high school, as well haha. what do you think? it says to list activities you did over your lifetime or something...that would include high school? when I say high school, I mean had hundreds of hours in HS for it but didn't continue it into college.

I had to send my letters twice- they are so bad about organization and losing mail. I would call them to see if they even got the letters. I took me about 2 weeks to have my letters confirmed.

ignore this, im doing administrative stuff

Ugh, I sent my LOR in 18 days ago, but the status still says not received.

Anyone have their number? Im going to give them a taste of my fury...

I also sent letters in 14 days ago and they haven't got it. They told me to wait until next week.

Also my MCAT scores came in a few days ago and when I asked them when they'd receive it, they said not until AMCAS sends it to them. But my scores show up on the statuses on other schools so I would've figured AMCAS automatically sent it off to all of my schools? Or does it not work that way?

Ugh, I sent my LOR in 18 days ago, but the status still says not received.

Anyone have their number? Im going to give them a taste of my fury...

are you guys OOS? maybe that's why

Yes, OOS here, but do they have some sort of odd filing system where OOS get funneled somewhere else? The LORs I sent to other OOS schools after Albany have arrived, and I'm complete there (turn around time around 9 times after sending out LORs)

are you guys OOS? maybe that's why

hmm i don't think so because i'm OOS but mine said they have been received. i sent mine about the same time .. 18ish days ago (maybe even 14?) so i would definitely call and see what's up.

anyone know when albany starts giving interviews ?

So, I submitted Albany on 7/21, and my letters were on VirtualEvals as of 7/8. Albany, however, still says "not received".

Thoughts?!

I was verified on 8/11 and still have yet to receive a secondary request.

hey can someone tell me the address letters of recommendations should be sent to? thanks!

day 25 after sending in LORs: still unreceived... anyone received yet?

So, I submitted Albany on 7/21, and my letters were on VirtualEvals as of 7/8. Albany, however, still says "not received".

Thoughts?!


Call. It's almost certainly a mistake on their part. The same thing happened to me with WashU and Case Western. Both promptly fixed it.

Call. It's almost certainly a mistake on their part. The same thing happened to me with WashU and Case Western. Both promptly fixed it.

They are just super slow. My letters were mailed on 7/21 and they still haven't marked them as received... last cycle it took them more than a month to mark them as received as well. But if you call or email them, they will tell you if they have them or not... for some reason they don't immediately input the LOR information on your status page.

email them to ask, they don't change to received until they review your app

Finally complete today.

What should I put for the hours if I haven't started the activity yet?....

I can't put zero.. I'm thinking I'll just put 1. Thoughts?

post deleted

Alright, just a quick question for those who have submitted..

What date does it show on the status page? Mine is still showing "As of 8/29..."

Alright, just a quick question for those who have submitted..

What date does it show on the status page? Mine is still showing "As of 8/29..."

Yeah, mine too. They are a little behind. They usually update it daily.

finally received my LORs on 9/4, when i sent them 7/31, guess they're just a little slow.

yes.. unless you applied there before...

and its one annoying essay question.. i still cant figure out what to write.. ive written like 3 different versions of "describe yourself" and i dont like any of them

what a stupid question!

I applied there before and not accepted...

Do they have new essay topics for a reapplicant like me?

Received an interview invite from Albany yesterday! :)

Good luck to everyone else applying! :luck::luck:

finally received my LORs on 9/4, when i sent them 7/31, guess they're just a little slow.

I called and they told me it was received on 8/27. However, they still didn't update it on the webpage yet. They are rather slow...

Received an interview invite from Albany yesterday! :)

Good luck to everyone else applying! :luck::luck:

Knuck, when were you complete?

Knuck, when were you complete?

I submitted my application very early on July 21, and I'm not sure exactly when I was complete but it was not long after that. I was probably one of the first people complete, so don't worry if you haven't heard anything and I'm sure more will come next week.

I just got a hold and think imma withdraw....how would this letter look as a w/drawal one

Dear albany,

It is unfortunate that i must inform you that I can no longer consider your school as a possible medical school to attend. This year their have been many medical schools who have shown interest in me, and I can not possibly attend all of them or even itnerview at all of them. Im sorry, and wish you best of luck in your future endeavors

I just got a hold from Albany also Chubby, however, unlike yourself, I still have no interview invites :(:scared:........but thanks for posting that you are on hold, because that doesnt make me feel as bad about it when the great Chubby received the same response. Best of luck on your upcoming interviews man.

I got a hold today as well

How long were you guys complete for?

How long were you guys complete for?
Im thinking close to 6 weeks, maybe.

hey guys...new to student doctor...

I have a question..i tried to submit my secondary app with a fee waiver, however, the payment page of credit card popped up. Even though in the application status page, it says that my fee waiver was waived...anyone have this problem? i cannot submit my secondary!!!

I just got a hold and think imma withdraw....how would this letter look as a w/drawal one

Dear albany,

It is unfortunate that i must inform you that I can no longer consider your school as a possible medical school to attend. This year their have been many medical schools who have shown interest in me, and I can not possibly attend all of them or even itnerview at all of them. Im sorry, and wish you best of luck in your future endeavors


*It sounds professional to me. Just make sure you use "there" instead of "their."

*It sounds professional to me. Just make sure you use "there" instead of "their."
ahhh, thank you.

Does anyone know if Albany does phone interviews? Money is really tight at the moment, and tickets are really expensive.

i have completed the secondary and they have my LORs since 7/31 but still not complete. how long did it take you guys to be complete?

By the way, if and when you all get invited for interviews, if there's a specific date you'll be in the area that's not listed as one of the choices on their website, just send them an email or call to let them know. I wanted to schedule my Albany interview the day after NYMC so I could just drive up from Valhalla, and they were able to schedule me for that day even though it wasn't an option in their online scheduling center. FYI, they interview on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday mornings/afternoons.

Good luck everyone! :luck: :thumbup:

<---on hold as of today

<---on hold as of today

Was that just on your status page?

Was that just on your status page?

no, i received an email notification.

i have completed the secondary and they have my LORs since 7/31 but still not complete. how long did it take you guys to be complete?

Over a month...

do you have to be verified to receive the secondary?

UGG the length of describe yourself is too short, its pissing me off. After staring at it for two days I finally started writing a good essay for it but it ends up being way too long.

Wow i just got placed on hold.

Wow i just got placed on hold.

Definitely better than a rejection.. Mind if I ask how they notified you of your status? And how long after you were marked as complete and being reviewed?

Hold here as well, just got the email. At least it is not a rejection. Does anyone know what happened last cycle in regards to people being offered interviews who had been on the hold list?

i was complete 7/28.

I dont know, it seems like this hold is similar to a rejection. Definately dissapointed.

Hi all, I just got this one because I added it kind of late. What did people put for the what would you like to discuss question? I was thinking of writing something about the issues in healthcare i find relevant but i'm not sure this is what they want.

it seems like this hold is similar to a rejection.

What information are you basing this assumption on?

What information are you basing this assumption on?


As we review applications, we inevitably find that the number of
qualified applications exceeds the number of applicants that we are
able to interview. From an applicant pool of approximately 9,000
candidates, roughly 600 hundred will be invited to interview.
Screening is done on an ongoing basis as applications become
complete. Therefore, in some cases a final screening decision is
temporarily deferred. If over the course of the admissions season we
find that too few candidates were initially invited to interview, we
will turn to the "Hold" category and invite selected applicants to
interview.

Although it's just an assumption, i believe the amount of interviews they would give out will be on the upper end, essentially leaving the "hold" pile in the dust.
But there's always that famous quote:

Lloyd: What are the chances of a guy like you and a girl like me... ending up together?
Mary: Well, that's pretty difficult to say.
Lloyd: Hit me with it! I've come a long way to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
Mary: Not good.
Lloyd: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
Mary: I'd say more like one out of a million.
[pause]
Lloyd: So you're telling me there's a chance.

I submitted my secondary on Sept. 8 and it still says they have not received it or my secondary fee. The only item my status page reflects is that they have received my MCAT scores. I have the receipt for the fee being payed, I was thinking of calling them for more info on this situation. Anyone else have the issue?

I submitted my secondary on Sept. 8 and it still says they have not received it or my secondary fee. The only item my status page reflects is that they have received my MCAT scores. I have the receipt for the fee being payed, I was thinking of calling them for more info on this situation. Anyone else have the issue?

Your stuff won't actually be marked as received until they begin processing your application. I wouldn't worry too much about it - whoever got your application is probably a bit slower than the other reviewers.

hold here as well.

No allopathic love yet. :thumbdown

I just got a hold and think imma withdraw....how would this letter look as a w/drawal one

Dear albany,

It is unfortunate that i must inform you that I can no longer consider your school as a possible medical school to attend. This year their have been many medical schools who have shown interest in me, and I can not possibly attend all of them or even itnerview at all of them. Im sorry, and wish you best of luck in your future endeavors


[size=3] LOL, you were actuallly serious?
"Wish you best of luck in your future endeavors"

Did anyone actually get an invite foir intevriew if so please state ur stats as I dont want to waste $$$$ for a rejection letter, I mean I only have 32 and those on hold have stellerrrrrrrrrrrrrr SCORES! I mean what are they looking for This is Albany not Columbia:rolleyes: which I did not apply to for the verry reason

9,000 app seriously?

Any advice?

Thanks Guys

anyone know whether this student welcoming thing on wednesdays at 7:30pm is worth going to? I have a wednesday interview later this month and was wondering whether i should stick around for it. Thanks.

...and to MDBBLk... 32 sounds like its on par with this school's stats... i have a 33 and got an interview ...don't let other people's outcomes deter you

I think it depends on the day. I went to the one before my thursday interview and there were only two other people that showed up...but that turned out to be really awesome because we got to have a really informal talk with a student, got to go meet a bunch of other random students that happened to be on campus/library/student lounge. It was cool.

One thing that really, really impressed me with Albany was that the students were ALL super energetic, laidback and extremely outgoing. These weren't students that were selected by the adcom or volunteered for a tour guide position, but rather, random students that I met in the halls or in the student lounge. Everyone seemed really happy with where they were.

On my status page, it says "no" for application complete, but yes for receipt of the other four items. Did anyone else have this problem? I submitted my secondary in mid-August so it seems ludicrous that I'm not complete yet, plus they've acknowledged that they have everything they need, so I don't understand why I'm not complete.

On my status page, it says "no" for application complete, but yes for receipt of the other four items. Did anyone else have this problem? I submitted my secondary in mid-August so it seems ludicrous that I'm not complete yet, plus they've acknowledged that they have everything they need, so I don't understand why I'm not complete.

i submitted everything by July 31st and they didn't mark me complete until 9/19. they only mark you complete once they have started reviewing you application from my understanding. plus they have many more apps now so don't worry. if they told you you are complete then everything is fine. you just have to wait it out. good luck!

got put on hold today and really upset about it! anyone else on hold can you guys post your stats? mine's 33S and a cumulative 3.57

got put on hold today and really upset about it! anyone else on hold can you guys post your stats? mine's 33S and a cumulative 3.57

Hey when were you complete?

got put on hold today and really upset about it! anyone else on hold can you guys post your stats? mine's 33S and a cumulative 3.57

i'm really sorry that you got put on hold. i was wondering how do you know if you're on hold. did you get an email? and when were u complete?

i was complete about 9/4 and they emailed me today telling me i've been put on hold

Can someone please tell me where to send my letters of recommendations. thankyou

anyone know the proper procedure to withdraw an application? just email the admissions office? call? both?

anyone know the proper procedure to withdraw an application? just email the admissions office? call? both?

If it's not listed on the website, I just emailed the admissions office for all of mine. Make to sure to include your full legal name and your AAMC ID.

anyone know the proper procedure to withdraw an application? just email the admissions office? call? both?

E-mailing will usually "get it done" so to speak, but I find that it's always a good idea to send a signed, hard copy withdrawl in addition to the e-mail. It gives them a paper record of the withdrawl, and also allows you to confirm that they received an official document. This is actually important as this year I got into two SMP programs and had to withdraw from both. Unfortunately, Georgetown withdrew me from the program, but kept sending me invoices (typical)!

I argued with the billing and accounts office that I did not owe them any money, and it was because I had sent both an e-mail and a paper withdrawl letter that they relented so easily. I guess this scenario could only really happen if you have an acceptance, but still. I'd go with both.

Note: The SMP office itself was extremely helpful during this debacle, and it was definitely no fault of theirs.

Received an e-mail invite to Albany today. Yay... back to new York i go

floja- when were you complete? I've been complete for a month now so I'm wondering when　Ｉ　ｓｈｏｕｌｄ　ｅｘｐｅｃｔ　ｎｅｗｓ．

floja- when were you complete? I've been complete for a month now so I'm wondering when　Ｉ　ｓｈｏｕｌｄ　ｅｘｐｅｃｔ　ｎｅｗｓ．

I sent in my LOR July 31st (which was the last thing I needed to send). They didn't enter it for a long, long time ~6 weeks. So, I'd say I was complete September 12 or so (also one month).

I think Albany is reviewing the file in the order which it was received... Most school say that, but Albany really seems to be doing that. From Floja and previous posters...the timeline matches up..

eekkk!

I think Albany is reviewing the file in the order which it was received... Most school say that, but Albany really seems to be doing that. From Floja and previous posters...the timeline matches up..

eekkk!

I don't know... I was marked as complete in August and haven't heard anything yet.

I don't know... I was marked as complete in August and haven't heard anything yet.


Hmmm...alright... maybe give em a call? They seem nice on the phone

Hmmm...alright... maybe give em a call? They seem nice on the phone

I was just about to call them when a hold email appeared in my inbox. Argh. Oh well, good luck to you!

This is crazy: Albany is in the middle of nowhere, so it's near impossible to find a cheap and efficient way to get there from California.

Does anyone know what's a good way to get from NYC to Albany?

This is crazy: Albany is in the middle of nowhere, so it's near impossible to find a cheap and efficient way to get there from California.

Does anyone know what's a good way to get from NYC to Albany?


Amtrak from Penn station to Albany Rennassalaer (sp?). It cost me like 30 bucks, and it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. That's probably your best bet.

This is crazy: Albany is in the middle of nowhere, so it's near impossible to find a cheap and efficient way to get there from California.

Does anyone know what's a good way to get from NYC to Albany?

You are right, there is no cheap way, but I'd say spend the money and just fly into Albany. Southwest flies into Albany, usually via Midway in Chicago but they also have a few flights direct from Las Vegas (these might only be on the weekend). If you fly into NYC, you'll have to take a bus into Manhattan, then a train up the Rensellaer, then a cab into Albany, and it will take you a long, long time. A cab from Albany airport into Albany costs ~$30, so consider looking for a better deal on a rental car.

I just canceled my interview that was scheduled next week on Thursday (10/23). I hope that opens up a slot for one of you guys that really wants to go! Good luck everyone! :luck:

i emailed them today to find out about my letters... they haven;t been marked as received on my status page. they said they had received my letters but hadnt processed my application yet. is processing it the same as reviewing it?

Quick question, I can't seem to find this on the website, what's their email address?

Quick question, I can't seem to find this on the website, what's their email address?

admissions@mail.amc.edu

admissions@mail.amc.edu

thanks!

Hey, for those of you who have already interviewed, about how long does the interview day last? Specifically, if you were in the afternoon session, when did you get out? I have a flight to catch at 6:30 PM the same day, and I'm not familiar with the area/traffic congestion. I'd really like to avoid being stranded in Albany for the night. :(

hey guys, so I'm wondering what life is like in Albany ... I know that it is the capital of New York, but it is funny that some people call the capital "In the middle of nowhere". Sure it's 2-3 hours away from NYC, but it can't be that bad, right?

I only ask b/c I'm not sure if I can afford 500 dollars to go to a school, when someone can share how life is like there. On the SDN med school ranking, it's one of the lowest in terms of cultural and school life...

Could a student or maybe someone who interviewed there please share the pros and cons of this school? Thanks!

this is such an open-ended question.. like what am i supposed to write.. 1000 characters worth of adjectives?... this will be tough

i'm really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really qualified.

I only ask b/c I'm not sure if I can afford 500 dollars to go to a school, when someone can share how life is like there. On the SDN med school ranking, it's one of the lowest in terms of cultural and school life...

Could a student or maybe someone who interviewed there please share the pros and cons of this school? Thanks!

pros: most laid back and non-competitive student body you will experience compared to other med school cohorts. relatively short drive to new york city, boston, and montreal. abundant skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rafting. lots of clinical experience, even starting in the first year.

cons: looong fall/winter with not much daylight (upstate new york location.) on the pricier end of med schools.

I have an interview at Albany in a week or two and was wondering if someone could tell me

1) How many days of the year is the town "Frozen Over"...meaning that you cannot leave your house or go to school without crashing your car due to ice.

2) How do they grade (Pass/no pass, or A-F)

3) Do the bars stay open until 4am?

4) How far is the Airport from the school (in terms of minutes away)

Thanks

1) How many days of the year is the town "Frozen Over"...meaning that you cannot leave your house or go to school without crashing your car due to ice.

Albany is not Buffalo (which is notorious for its snow and ice storms, because it's right next to Lake Erie). It does get pretty cold and snowy up there in the winter, but I wouldn't call it anything extraordinary. (I.e. it may get to zero occasionally, but never -10.) Also, the worst problems with snow and ice are generally found out in the country, on roads which are slow to be plowed and iced. If you live in Albany proper, I don't think you'll have too many problems.

3) Do the bars stay open until 4am?

No. In fact, it's pretty hard to find something to eat--other than fast food or bar food--after 9 pm (10 on the weekends). I wouldn't call Albany a big nightlife town.

Good to know... I live on the West coast so I only deal with ice/snow/freezing temps like two or three days a year and it will completely shut down the entire city

albany has been rejecting a lot of strong candidates, so being put on hold isnt the worst thing in the world...right?

I have an interview at Albany in a week or two and was wondering if someone could tell me

1) How many days of the year is the town "Frozen Over"...meaning that you cannot leave your house or go to school without crashing your car due to ice.

0 last year

2) How do they grade (Pass/no pass, or A-F)

it's A-F but disguised as a modified pass/fail. Grades are based totally on the average score. About 80-90% of the class gets a "G" (passing) on each exam. A couple people get an M (marginal) or a U (can't remember what it stands for, but it's like an F). Several people at the upper end get an E (excellent) or EH (excellent w/ honors, between 2 and 8 of these are given per unit). Some units no one fails if the average is high enough.

3) Do the bars stay open until 4am?
Albany has several undergrad universities, so there is some night life. I really dont' know what time the bars close though.

4) How far is the Airport from the school (in terms of minutes away)

20 minutes or so from the campus.

On my status page, it says "no" for application complete, but yes for receipt of the other four items. Did anyone else have this problem? I submitted my secondary in mid-August so it seems ludicrous that I'm not complete yet, plus they've acknowledged that they have everything they need, so I don't understand why I'm not complete.


hey bro...

i came across this SAME problem...

you need to call the admission office and talk to them to have your file MARKED AS COMPLETE.

...

I had all of my ITEMS checked as complete, but my file was NOT COMPLETE...

The problem was that one of the LORs was not correctly marked as a "committee" letter... and thus they did receive my items, however, they didn't have my file MARKED AS COMPLETE because they THOUGHT they didn't have all of the "right" items....

In short, call and figure it out.

On my status page, it says "no" for application complete, but yes for receipt of the other four items. Did anyone else have this problem? I submitted my secondary in mid-August so it seems ludicrous that I'm not complete yet, plus they've acknowledged that they have everything they need, so I don't understand why I'm not complete.


hey bro...

i came across this SAME problem...

you need to call the admission office and talk to them to have your file MARKED AS COMPLETE.

... i typed out a description of my prob w/ albany just a second ago and the page reloaded... sh*t...


to sum it up, YOU NEED TO CALL THEM AND MAKE SURE YOUR FILE IS MARKED AS COMPLETE... there might be some "techincal" problem...
...

I had all of my ITEMS checked as complete, but my file was NOT COMPLETE...

The problem was that one of the LORs was not correctly marked as a "committee" letter... and thus they did receive my items, however, they didn't have my file MARKED AS COMPLETE because they THOUGHT they didn't have all of the "right" items....

In short, call and figure it out. btw,

HOLD-ed.

HOLD-ed.

when were you complete if you don't mind me asking?

when were you complete if you don't mind me asking?

I got an email saying my file was marked "complete and ready for review" on 9/12.

Hey, for those of you who have already interviewed, about how long does the interview day last? Specifically, if you were in the afternoon session, when did you get out? I have a flight to catch at 6:30 PM the same day, and I'm not familiar with the area/traffic congestion. I'd really like to avoid being stranded in Albany for the night. :(

Really depends on the time slots you get the day of. I was done by 3:30, but I know some people were at least an hour behind me since I had the first interviews.

I got an email saying my file was marked "complete and ready for review" on 9/12.

hmm i never got this email? weird ... i wonder if i should call them

hmm i never got this email? weird ... i wonder if i should call them

Never got an email either, but from my status page it looks like it is updated..

Never got an email either, but from my status page it looks like it is updated..

ok good, yeah mine says 'file complete and read for review' check ... so hopefully. plus good luck for us to get interview invites asap! when were your complete do you think?

ok good, yeah mine says 'file complete and read for review' check ... so hopefully. plus good luck for us to get interview invites asap! when were your complete do you think?

It took a while to finally become complete.. not until Sept. 26th for me that they checked off my LORs.

It took a while to finally become complete.. not until Sept. 26th for me that they checked off my LORs.

okay, let's hope for interview invites asap :)

hmm i never got this email? weird ... i wonder if i should call them

yeah they had a question about my physics pre-reqs so they emailed me. After I responded with the necessary info, they emailed me again to say my file was complete. No need to worry.

yeah they had a question about my physics pre-reqs so they emailed me. After I responded with the necessary info, they emailed me again to say my file was complete. No need to worry.

okay thanks, i'm hoping they'll let me know soon about their decision. it's nice they do it by email and actually tell you if you have interview invite or not ... they don't let you hanging!

My application is finally complete today! Keeping fingers AND toes crossed for an interview invite soon... Really hoping for Albany :scared:

Interview invite today.

New York is showing me the love that my own state won't give me.

Interview invite today.

New York is showing me the love that my own state won't give me.

Congrats Fiz - how long did you wait until you were invited?

Congrats Fiz - how long did you wait until you were invited?

I had everything submitted by the end of August, so I'm assuming I was complete around then.

I had everything submitted by the end of August, so I'm assuming I was complete around then.

But what of your status on the EAC? Do you know when that all changed to "yes"?

Does the status change to interview invite or is it solely by e-mail?

But what of your status on the EAC? Do you know when that all changed to "yes"?

I don't know; I haven't been checking the status pages for my schools that frequently.

.

for people who have been rejected, how long after you were complete were you rejected, thanks

Well that's a sunny way of putting it, lol :laugh:

Never received any sort of contact from Albany after submission...which was around 9/29/2008...So I dunno what's goin on.

arghhh, i was put on pre-interview hold.

Well that's a sunny way of putting it, lol :laugh:

sorry! i think this process has caused me to be paranoid and ridiculously obsessive, i submitted late july and was complete mid-september but NO NEWS AT ALL

I jsut got a preinterview hold.....which for me (3.1, 34) has been the only nonrejection thus far from an MD program. Yay. hah.

i have 4 rejections and 15 or so with no respince at all. Complete everywhere since mid july.


Anyone know when there might be movement off the hold list?
or any idea of how good one's chances are once put on hold?

when were u guys complete and how did u find out?snail mail or status update on webpage

been complete since early August. Got an email this morning telling me i've been placed in the "hold" group

sorry! i think this process has caused me to be paranoid and ridiculously obsessive, i submitted late july and was complete mid-september but NO NEWS AT ALL

Hey bluesmd, I'm in the same position as you. hang tight, I'm sure we'll hear soon.

I have about "average" stats (in terms of numbers)

I dont think I ever received any sort of COMPLETE email. I was invited about 1.5 months after I submitted. My interview was yesterday (they have a really great lunch).

I have about "average" stats (in terms of numbers)

I dont think I ever received any sort of COMPLETE email. I was invited about 1.5 months after I submitted. My interview was yesterday (they have a really great lunch).

Yay for great lunch.. Will be interview there in a few weeks :D

Yay for great lunch.. Will be interview there in a few weeks :D

Me too! :love: ALBANY ALBANY ALBANY

Me too! :love: ALBANY ALBANY ALBANY

what are the oos stats for number applied/interviewed/accepted

thanks

what are the oos stats for number applied/interviewed/accepted

thanks

OOS: 6710 applied, 379 interviewed, 86 matriculated (MSAR doesn't give stats on acceptances, but it's obviously higher than matriculated)

OOS: 6710 applied, 379 interviewed, 86 matriculated (MSAR doesn't give stats on acceptances, but it's obviously higher than matriculated)

thanks aznb0y129! does anyone have the stats from usnews as well. and does anyone know if the 86 include the people they accept through their BA/MD program

thanks aznb0y129! does anyone have the stats from usnews as well. and does anyone know if the 86 include the people they accept through their BA/MD program

It does not. The 86 would be traditional route admissions. The total class size is a lot closer to 150.

It does not. The 86 would be traditional route admissions. The total class size is a lot closer to 150.

To further this point,
OOS: 86 regular admit, 19 BA/MD
IS: 55 regular admit, 28 BA/MD

It does not. The 86 would be traditional route admissions. The total class size is a lot closer to 150.

To further this point,
OOS: 86 regular admit, 19 BA/MD
IS: 55 regular admit, 28 BA/MD

thanks guys!

Just FYI
During lunch an adcom member was talking to us and told us that depending on the year they have about 93 traditional slots open and they make anywhere from

2.5 to 3.2 acceptances per matriculant. so I guess that would be about 33%-50% chance roughly if they interviewed 500ppl.
maybe my math is wrong

does albany interview for waitlist spots or does everyone who interviews have a chance to get in?

does albany interview for waitlist spots or does everyone who interviews have a chance to get in?

Everyone interviewed has a chance. My understanding is that they use a point system based on your application and your interview. From what I've heard, it very much favors the interview. There is a specific number above which they offer an acceptance, so whether you interview in September or in April you have an equal shot of being accepted.

Does the status change to interview invite or is it solely by e-mail?

there is an interview link that appears on your status page where you pick the date of your interview

Everyone interviewed has a chance. My understanding is that they use a point system based on your application and your interview. From what I've heard, it very much favors the interview. There is a specific number above which they offer an acceptance, so whether you interview in September or in April you have an equal shot of being accepted.

thanks! do you go to albany? if you do can you tell us more about it, about the life there, social stuff, how it works with people directly accepted from undergraduate etc etc and are there trains that get there from new york?

Never received any sort of contact from Albany after submission...which was around 9/29/2008...So I dunno what's goin on.

i submitted late july and just heard back from them about their decision yesterday, so wait a little while :) good luck

for people that interviewed at albany:

so i was being nosy and i noticed that on the interview sheet on the top row, there was some text and then a range of values next to it. it said something like 3.5-4.6.

anyone know what this was all about?

Just received the HOLD email. I was complete 9/25 I believe for those wondering.. Good luck!

Just received the HOLD email. I was complete 9/25 I believe for those wondering.. Good luck!
Same here!!

Everyone interviewed has a chance. My understanding is that they use a point system based on your application and your interview. From what I've heard, it very much favors the interview. There is a specific number above which they offer an acceptance, so whether you interview in September or in April you have an equal shot of being accepted.

Is the decision to interview in the first place based on that same point system of the application, do you know?

Just FYI
During lunch an adcom member was talking to us and told us that depending on the year they have about 93 traditional slots open and they make anywhere from

2.5 to 3.2 acceptances per matriculant. so I guess that would be about 33%-50% chance roughly if they interviewed 500ppl.
maybe my math is wrong

The general idea here is that Albany interviews a MUCH smaller % of its applicants than other schools. Last year it was only 6%: about 10% of IS applicants and 5% of OOS. But if you are fortunate enough to get an interview, your chances of getting in are quite good: probably 60%+.

The accept rate is a guess, based on the US News numbers, which are for the entire class (including the BA/MD slots). They don't give "accepted" #s for Albany, but I tried to eyeball them using NYMC's accept/matric ratios as a guide. I ended up at about 2.4 accepts/ matriculant (2 for IS, 2.7 for OOS--again, this is just a guess). But based on the numbers the adcom quoted, it's probably a reasonable guess, and maybe even on the low side. Using my guesstimates, Albany admitted about 2/3 of the IS interviewees and 60% of OOS.

using NYMC's accept/matric ratios as a guide.

why did you use NYMC?

why did you use NYMC?

They're both NY private schools with similar reputations, they accept students with similar stats, and they both get a very large number of apps (NYMC 10K, Albany 9K). Therefore, I thought it was a reasonable guess that their accept/matric ratios would look something like each other. Note that I used NYMC's numbers AS A GUIDE--I didn't just apply them literally to Albany. (NYMC accepts 3.2 students for every matriculant, and if I applied that ratio to Albany, they'd be accepting more people than they interviewed!)

The general idea here is that Albany interviews a MUCH smaller % of its applicants than other schools. Last year it was only 6%: about 10% of IS applicants and 5% of OOS. But if you are fortunate enough to get an interview, your chances of getting in are quite good: probably 60%+.

The accept rate is a guess, based on the US News numbers, which are for the entire class (including the BA/MD slots). They don't give "accepted" #s for Albany, but I tried to eyeball them using NYMC's accept/matric ratios as a guide. I ended up at about 2.4 accepts/ matriculant (2 for IS, 2.7 for OOS--again, this is just a guess). But based on the numbers the adcom quoted, it's probably a reasonable guess, and maybe even on the low side. Using my guesstimates, Albany admitted about 2/3 of the IS interviewees and 60% of OOS.

Wow, if what you say is true, this makes me very very optimistic. I have no idea how I got an interview, when 30+ other schools are ignoring me at the moment. :confused: But from everything I hear about this place, it sounds like the kind of place I'd love! Diversity, emphasis on social issues, ethics focus, lectures on improving healthcare delivery, etc.

what is albany's curriculum?

bump

You can usually find this information online if you make an effort to look for it.

http://www.amc.edu/Academic/viewbook/curriculum.html

You can usually find this information online if you make an effort to look for it.

http://www.amc.edu/Academic/viewbook/curriculum.html

thanks, i found this too, but the themes they talk about, i just want to know if anyone had the plan like the courses drawn out the like schools have

Anyone else get this message:

We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with you when
you visited the Albany Medical College for an interview. We
sincerely hope that you enjoyed your day and that your experiences
were all favorable.

As you know, we offer immediate acceptance to a number of
applicants each week during our interview season, which runs through
April. We wish to advise you that although you were not among that
group, your candidacy is still under consideration.

All interviewed applicants not immediately accepted are ranked
on the basis of their average committee vote following their
interview. (The vote and rank are confidential.) When we have
finished interviewing, we will draw, in rank order, from the pool of
applicants still under consideration to create a list of alternates.
Any vacancies in the class will be filled with these applicants.

We will be in touch with you should your present status change.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our
office.

I didn't know they even met this early...

Anyone else get this message:

We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with you when
you visited the Albany Medical College for an interview. We
sincerely hope that you enjoyed your day and that your experiences
were all favorable.

As you know, we offer immediate acceptance to a number of
applicants each week during our interview season, which runs through April. We wish to advise you that although you were not among that group, your candidacy is still under consideration.

All interviewed applicants not immediately accepted are ranked
on the basis of their average committee vote following their
interview. (The vote and rank are confidential.) When we have
finished interviewing, we will draw, in rank order, from the pool of
applicants still under consideration to create a list of alternates.
Any vacancies in the class will be filled with these applicants.

We will be in touch with you should your present status change.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our
office.

I didn't know they even met this early...

i think they started accepting last week. you are now like on their 'waitlist' kinda

Anyone else get this message:

We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with you when
you visited the Albany Medical College for an interview. We
sincerely hope that you enjoyed your day and that your experiences
were all favorable.

As you know, we offer immediate acceptance to a number of
applicants each week during our interview season, which runs through
April. We wish to advise you that although you were not among that
group, your candidacy is still under consideration.

All interviewed applicants not immediately accepted are ranked
on the basis of their average committee vote following their
interview. (The vote and rank are confidential.) When we have
finished interviewing, we will draw, in rank order, from the pool of
applicants still under consideration to create a list of alternates.
Any vacancies in the class will be filled with these applicants.

We will be in touch with you should your present status change.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our
office.

I didn't know they even met this early...

I got this message too. When I interviewed, they said we will hear in mid-December. I guess they are sending the waitlists earlier.

Anyone else get this message:

We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with you when
you visited the Albany Medical College for an interview. We
sincerely hope that you enjoyed your day and that your experiences
were all favorable.

As you know, we offer immediate acceptance to a number of
applicants each week during our interview season, which runs through
April. We wish to advise you that although you were not among that
group, your candidacy is still under consideration.

All interviewed applicants not immediately accepted are ranked
on the basis of their average committee vote following their
interview. (The vote and rank are confidential.) When we have
finished interviewing, we will draw, in rank order, from the pool of
applicants still under consideration to create a list of alternates.
Any vacancies in the class will be filled with these applicants.

We will be in touch with you should your present status change.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our
office.

I got this earlier this week too. Guess I'm on the wait list. I was kind of surprised because they told us we wouldnt know a decision till mid December.

Does anyone know how often they pull people off the waitlist? I'm considering withdrawing if the waitlist to acceptance ratio is low. Even if I did get in, I don't think I can afford that new tablet PC they're mandating.

Does anyone know how often they pull people off the waitlist? I'm considering withdrawing if the waitlist to acceptance ratio is low. Even if I did get in, I don't think I can afford that new tablet PC they're mandating.

i think they accept a good chunk of people from the waitlist. do you have an acceptance yet? because if you don't, maybe you should wait it out and just see what happens. i know the tablet is expensive, but it won't hurt you. good luck!

I got this message too. When I interviewed, they said we will hear in mid-December. I guess they are sending the waitlists earlier.

I got this earlier this week too. Guess I'm on the wait list. I was kind of surprised because they told us we wouldnt know a decision till mid December.

when did you guys interview?

i think they accept a good chunk of people from the waitlist. do you have an acceptance yet? because if you don't, maybe you should wait it out and just see what happens. i know the tablet is expensive, but it won't hurt you. good luck!

Thanks for the advice! I have a couple of acceptances, but it would be nice to have some out of state options as well. I'll just leave it be, and if I get in, that's great, if not, oh well.

when did you guys interview?


Early November.

Early November.

oh ok, well they said they started offering their first acceptances last week

I did not get that waitlist message...I guess I probably got either rejected or accepted.

I did not get that waitlist message...I guess I probably got either rejected or accepted.

when did you interview, they may not have got to your app yet. sometimes your interviewer may not be able to make it to ALL meetings

when did you interview, they may not have got to your app yet. sometimes your interviewer may not be able to make it to ALL meetings

I interviewed on Nov. 6th

by the way after my interview (I only had one) she told me that I interviewed well and I should give Albany serious consideration.

I interviewed on Nov. 6th

by the way after my interview (I only had one) she told me that I interviewed well and I should give Albany serious consideration.

hmm, i wonder why you haven't got your decision yet. they said they meet last tuesday and started offering acceptances. now they will meet every tuesday onwards. congrats, i hope it is just because your interviewers haven't had time to go to the meetings. but you already have a couple of acceptances, you're golden!

As I go through Albany's feedback... I get the feeling that this school is out to pick your brains. Is this school doing stress interviews? Or are they more intense than usual?

As I go through Albany's feedback... I get the feeling that this school is out to pick your brains. Is this school doing stress interviews? Or are they more intense than usual?
I think it depends on the interviewer that you have. Word on the street (at least when I was there) was that there was an older gentlemen that was very tough.

The person I had was easy, she was very interested in hearing about my volunteer experiences and learning more about what I wanted to accomplish in medicine.

I think it depends on the interviewer that you have. Word on the street (at least when I was there) was that there was an older gentlemen that was very tough.

The person I had was easy, she was very interested in hearing about my volunteer experiences and learning more about what I wanted to accomplish in medicine.

i agree with sankondbest. i had two interviewers, one was a doc and the other was a student. both were super nice, some of the nicest interviewers i have had on the interview trail. there were only like two ethics questions from the student and they were really easy, it was more like they were wanting to see reasoning behind what i said. BUT when i talked to the other 7 people getting interviewed, all except one had difficult interviewers that grilled them on ethics questions for 45 minutes. but most had 2 interviewers and only one is like this so it balances out. unless you are really lucky like me. the thing is, i hope that there is enough substance for them to present me well to the committee! good luck to you fuzzy

Thanks for the feedback!!! Appreciate your insights! =)

i agree with sankondbest. i had two interviewers, one was a doc and the other was a student. both were super nice, some of the nicest interviewers i have had on the interview trail. there were only like two ethics questions from the student and they were really easy, it was more like they were wanting to see reasoning behind what i said. BUT when i talked to the other 7 people getting interviewed, all except one had difficult interviewers that grilled them on ethics questions for 45 minutes. but most had 2 interviewers and only one is like this so it balances out. unless you are really lucky like me. the thing is, i hope that there is enough substance for them to present me well to the committee! good luck to you fuzzy


do you remember what the ethics questions were, exactly?

do you remember what the ethics questions were, exactly?

mine was just the normal stuff: young kid wants abortion, stuff like that, but i can't help you with the hard ones. i just know they kept giving extra pieces of information and follow up questions

Anyone hear back yet, post interview? If yes, when was your interview? I interviewed on the 18th and am hoping we will hear back sometime this week.

Anyone hear back yet, post interview? If yes, when was your interview? I interviewed on the 18th and am hoping we will hear back sometime this week.

i interviewed late november and they said they had started to give acceptances the week before. so yes people have started to hear back. for ANYONE with an albany acceptance can you please tell us did you get an email or just snail mail. thanks!

I just got accepted.
I interviewed on 11/6 or something
accepted on 11/29 (I think it would have been less time but their committee did not begin meeting until the week before thanksgiving)

Acceptance via email today with an subject like this:

Albany Medical College Application Status- accept


interviewed 11/20

:laugh::laugh:

congrats mcgyver and sankondbest. i was waitlisted :(

for those on the waitlist, did you find out by email? has anyone's status page changed post-decision?

thanks!

for those on the waitlist, did you find out by email? has anyone's status page changed post-decision?

thanks!

yeah email

Did you get waitlisted? Or in the "further consideration" category? I got the latter. I wasnt really planning on going to an MD school anyways with my 29 mcat and 3.4 gpa, anyways:( Oh well.

Did you get waitlisted? Or in the "further consideration" category? I got the latter. I wasnt really planning on going to an MD school anyways with my 29 mcat and 3.4 gpa, anyways:( Oh well.

wait there's a difference. i thought they were the same thing. in their exact words "still under consideration." don't give up though, it's still early. keep hopeful, :cool:, it's hard but you got til june/july. long wait, sux, but hopefully in the end it will be all worth it.

I recall from the info session, waitlist is where they pick their students from. If you are in the "further consideration" category, you need to move into the waitlist before you have a shot at being picked for a spot.

Best of luck to you!

I recall from the info session, waitlist is where they pick their students from. If you are in the "further consideration" category, you need to move into the waitlist before you have a shot at being picked for a spot.

Best of luck to you!

oh crap. are you serious!?!?!? :( anyone else have any input. it's not that i don't believe you fuzzy, but i just want to make sure before i throw a fit haha.

this is what it says in the email:
All interviewed applicants not immediately accepted are ranked
on the basis of their average committee vote following their
interview. (The vote and rank are confidential.) When we have
finished interviewing, we will draw, in rank order, from the pool of
applicants still under consideration to create a list of alternates.
Any vacancies in the class will be filled with these applicants.

any suggestions on deciphering it?

oh crap. are you serious!?!?!? :( anyone else have any input. it's not that i don't believe you fuzzy, but i just want to make sure before i throw a fit haha.

this is what it says in the email:
All interviewed applicants not immediately accepted are ranked
on the basis of their average committee vote following their
interview. (The vote and rank are confidential.) When we have
finished interviewing, we will draw, in rank order, from the pool of
applicants still under consideration to create a list of alternates.
Any vacancies in the class will be filled with these applicants.

any suggestions on deciphering it?

I bold-ed the stuff you need to look at.

List of alternates = wait list

applicants still under consideration = still under consideration, but not waitlist status just yet.

EDIT: As last line in the email states, vacancies in the class will be filled with "these" applicants. (These refers to applicants from list of alternates, aka, waitlist)

Good luck buddy!

I think they said that of the interviewees, 1/3 will be accepted, 1/3 will be rejected, and 1/3 will be waitlisted. I don't recall them saying anything about "still under consideration" vs. "waitlist"

I bold-ed the stuff you need to look at.

List of alternates = wait list

applicants still under consideration = still under consideration, but not waitlist status just yet.

EDIT: As last line in the email states, vacancies in the class will be filled with "these" applicants. (These refers to applicants from list of alternates, aka, waitlist)

Good luck buddy!

ooo ok, thanks fuzzy!!! so i'm am okay at this point. keep 'fit' for later use.:D

I think they said that of the interviewees, 1/3 will be accepted, 1/3 will be rejected, and 1/3 will be waitlisted. I don't recall them saying anything about "still under consideration" vs. "waitlist"

thanks ncb as well

I think they said that of the interviewees, 1/3 will be accepted, 1/3 will be rejected, and 1/3 will be waitlisted. I don't recall them saying anything about "still under consideration" vs. "waitlist"

There is a difference. Each applicant gets a score. Depending on the cutoff, an applicant will be categorized as either accepted, rejected, waitlist, or active consideration.

During the info session, we were told how the cutoff is constantly changing as the cycle progresses. So yep, I'm actually pretty sure there is a diff between the two.

At my info session they said everyone would be put into one of 3 groups, not 4. Maybe I will call....not that it matters.

There is a difference. Each applicant gets a score. Depending on the cutoff, an applicant will be categorized as either accepted, rejected, waitlist, or active consideration.

During the info session, we were told how the cutoff is constantly changing as the cycle progresses. So yep, I'm actually pretty sure there is a diff between the two.

But the email made it sound like, that at this point in time, there is no waitlist and that everyone who was not admitted or rejected is in this pool.

But the email made it sound like, that at this point in time, there is no waitlist and that everyone who was not admitted or rejected is in this pool.

What you said is correct. But if you read the email closely they will "draw, in rank order, from the pool of applicants still under consideration to create a list of alternates"

That means, those who are not rejected or not accepted fall into this category. Based on their ranking of you, you will either make the wait list or you will remain in the active consideration list.

If you are still unsure, I guess you guys can call them and ask directly, but that is my understanding of how it works based on what I heard from the session.

Yes, that was my udnerstanding, so in essence, there is no waitlist currently, just a pool.

Yes, that was my udnerstanding, so in essence, there is no waitlist currently, just a pool.

Yup.. wait list will be created in June.

are we sure people have been rejected though, there is no one in the rejection list post-interview

i'm not trying to create confusion, but I got the "under consideration" message around last week and I called the office. the lady who I spoke with told me they're being conservative with acceptances right now because they started accepting early, under consideration is "not like a waitlist," and i will probably hear a final decision in a couple of weeks to a month. she didn't ask for my name or any personal information so it was just general info. maybe someone else should call to clarify..

I'm just got the under consideration email. Disappointed.. not sure what went wrong at the interview....

Accepted! My first one! :D

Man, that was fast...less than a month between the interview invite and the acceptance.

I haven't heard anything from them since my application was complete almost two months ago.:confused:

I haven't heard anything from them since my application was complete almost two months ago.:confused:

Me either, but it was almost 3 months ago! I've called 2 times, and both times they've told me that the reviewer still has the file. I'm thinking the reviewer is using it as a coaster for his or her coffee.

"We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with you when
you visited the Albany Medical College for an interview. We
sincerely hope that you enjoyed your day and that your experiences
were all favorable.

As you know, we offer immediate acceptance to a number of
applicants each week during our interview season, which runs through
April. We wish to advise you that although you were not among that
group, your candidacy is still under consideration.

All interviewed applicants not immediately accepted are ranked
on the basis of their average committee vote following their
interview. (The vote and rank are confidential.) When we have
finished interviewing, we will draw, in rank order, from the pool of
applicants still under consideration to create a list of alternates.
Any vacancies in the class will be filled with these applicants.

We will be in touch with you should your present status change.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our
office."

I guess.... is this saying I'm waitlisted ?? What is "still under consideration"? How likely am I to get accepted with this status? :scared:

Man, I just got an interview invite for albany and idk idk idk if i shld go to it...from reading this thread idk idk if i shld go for it even more...it seems to be priceyyyy and colddddd ahhhh

anybody interviewing next thursday? also, are the interviews open or closed file?

anybody interviewing next thursday? also, are the interviews open or closed file?

i had two interviews one with a faculty one with an M4. faculty was open file, i'm not too sure about M4 but i don't think so. good luck!

i had two interviews one with a faculty one with an M4. faculty was open file, i'm not too sure about M4 but i don't think so. good luck!

thanks! what did you think of the interviews, were they conversational or did you get some tough questions?

thanks! what did you think of the interviews, were they conversational or did you get some tough questions?

look on the previous page of this thread, me and some other people talked about our interviews, i can't be bothered to type it out again, good luck

thanks! what did you think of the interviews, were they conversational or did you get some tough questions?

I hear that most applicants got tough ethics questions in one of their two interviews.

If you're lucky like me, though, you won't get any. I only had one interview, and it was a conversational one. Talk about luck! :D

has anyone gotten rejected post-interview yet? all I'm seeing are either acceptances or UCs.

interviewed late october got my acceptance package today.

interviewed late october got my acceptance package today.

congrats!! did you get the accepted email right away or were you just under consideration. and if you were the latter, did you get an email updating you of your status. thanks

does anyone know how likely or unlikely it is to receive an interview invite after Christmas? I haven't heard a peep from any of the schools i've applied to, including albany, and i've just copped it up to 'they're waiting for my fall 2008 transcripts'.

now i'm second guessing myself. most of my applications have been complete for months now and no sign of anything on the horizon. should i take silence to mean rejection? does albany send out rejection letters or do they leave people hanging? ie. should i stay hopeful bc i haven't heard anything?

does anyone know how likely or unlikely it is to receive an interview invite after Christmas? I haven't heard a peep from any of the schools i've applied to, including albany, and i've just copped it up to 'they're waiting for my fall 2008 transcripts'.

now i'm second guessing myself. most of my applications have been complete for months now and no sign of anything on the horizon. should i take silence to mean rejection? does albany send out rejection letters or do they leave people hanging? ie. should i stay hopeful bc i haven't heard anything?

I'm in the same boat as you, buddy. Complete for months...and no word. It sucks. I'm still hopeful though...no news...is not a rejection at least!

so i was put on the pre-interview hold list. have they officially rejected anyone pre-interview or the pre-interview hold means rejection? thanks

so i was put on the pre-interview hold list. have they officially rejected anyone pre-interview or the pre-interview hold means rejection? thanks


how do you find out if you're on pre-interview hold? i haven't heard ANYTHING since i submitted my secondary

how do you find out if you're on pre-interview hold? i haven't heard ANYTHING since i submitted my secondary

i was complete in early oct and got the hold email today. im getting a bit nervous now because i have no interviews at all. i have a 3.6/31Q. i hope i still have a shot at albany!

congrats!! did you get the accepted email right away or were you just under consideration. and if you were the latter, did you get an email updating you of your status. thanks
no e-mail which is why i thought i got rejected.

so i was put on the pre-interview hold list. have they officially rejected anyone pre-interview or the pre-interview hold means rejection? thanks

look in the rejection thread, i'm pretty sure some people have been rejected pre-interview, but don't quote me on that

no e-mail which is why i thought i got rejected.

sorry do you think you could clarify how you found out. did you just get an acceptance package and no email. were you ever on the 'under consideration' list?

interviewed with them, didn't send an email or follow up or anything. quiet since then, didn't hear a peep from them and got an acceptance package from them this weekend. if you dont hear from them at all, dont assume the worst, its probably a good thing!

wow congratulations! when did you interview? i interviewed with them and got the 'under consideration' email so i was wondering has anyone been accepted from that list

interviewed end of october, gl with hearing, i hope you get in!

thanks :) i'm on the under consideration list. i hope they don't send a package in the next two weeks when i can't check my mail! are you decided on albany?

I'm in the same boat... complete in September, and I haven't heard a peep since (from Albany and a host of others). Does Albany have a status page online? I can't seem to find anything on their website...

I'm in the same boat... complete in September, and I haven't heard a peep since (from Albany and a host of others). Does Albany have a status page online? I can't seem to find anything on their website...

Here you go: http://www.amc.edu/academic/esup/eas/index.cfm?fuseaction=secure.login

Thanks... my bad I should have remembered that e-mail. My status says app complete ready to be reviewed, so I guess (as usual) I'm just a player in their waiting game...

anyone else "still under consideration" post-interview? This limbo is killing me. I just want to hear something...

also, btw, can we get REJECTED from this pool? Or can we only get either accepted right off it or waitlisted (when list is set in June)?

interviewed with them, didn't send an email or follow up or anything. quiet since then, didn't hear a peep from them and got an acceptance package from them this weekend. if you dont hear from them at all, dont assume the worst, its probably a good thing!

I received an acceptance email from their admissions roughly 1 week after interviewing, and received the package in the mail ~2 weeks after that. It was a very very friendly email, but still looked pretty standard, ie one that they would send to everyone. They also give you a very very small window of time to respond, which gives the impression that they are giving out a lot of acceptances continually.

Best of luck to those still waiting for a response!

I withdrew my acceptance. you all can thank me later.

anyone else "still under consideration" post-interview? This limbo is killing me. I just want to hear something...

also, btw, can we get REJECTED from this pool? Or can we only get either accepted right off it or waitlisted (when list is set in June)?


I am still in this category. My understanding is that we can be rejected or accepted anytime up until the week before class. I know, its kind of lame.

Here you go: http://www.amc.edu/academic/esup/eas/index.cfm?fuseaction=secure.login

Thanks for the link. I have been looking for it for weeks.

Does anyone know what my pin might be? I tried my date of birth and last digits of my SS# and nothing works. Calling Albany doesn't help because I always get stuck listening to their long introduction of how to apply and can never talk to a real person. It's like doing business with AT&T.

Thanks for the link. I have been looking for it for weeks.

Does anyone know what my pin might be? I tried my date of birth and last digits of my SS# and nothing works. Calling Albany doesn't help because I always get stuck listening to their long introduction of how to apply and can never talk to a real person. It's like doing business with AT&T.

Albany uses a random password that is in the email they send you. It won't be your birthday or SS number. Try emailing them to say that you lost your password, they can probably reset it for you.

Thanks!!

For those that were interviewed, were you all asked about the experience that you'd most like to discuss (as asked on the secondary)? I wrote about an event that is unlikely to naturally come up in conversation, and I am wondering if interviewees were all asked about this experience explicitly or if you initiated the topic. Thanks!

For those that were interviewed, were you all asked about the experience that you'd most like to discuss (as asked on the secondary)? I wrote about an event that is unlikely to naturally come up in conversation, and I am wondering if interviewees were all asked about this experience explicitly or if you initiated the topic. Thanks!

The activity I put down never even got a mention during the interview.

The activity I put down never even got a mention during the interview.

Me neither, and I had two interviews. My interviewers were more concerned with ethics questions and whether I was sure about medicine.

The activity I put down never even got a mention during the interview.

Thanks fizzle, good to know. I suppose it is up to the individual interviewer to choose if they want to resort to this topic. The last few posts on Albany's interview forum have been pretty negative; I would rather the interviewer grill me on my application than some of the topics posters mentioned!

Thanks fizzle, good to know. I suppose it is up to the individual interviewer to choose if they want to resort to this topic. The last few posts on Albany's interview forum have been pretty negative; I would rather the interviewer grill me on my application than some of the topics posters mentioned!


It was mentioned in one of my interviews, but not the other. Of course, ymmv.

Just got the rejection e-mail. Bah.

engineeredout, when were you complete?

engineeredout, when were you complete?

When they recieved my MCAT scores, so roughly 9/25?


I just wish I could have shown them my fall semester grades. Six As and just waiting on the 7th grade before sending them out. Oh well.

I received an rejection email today...at least I won't be freezing in upstate ny!

complete mid September
rejected today via email

Dear ME
I regret to inform you that you have not been selected for interview
this year at Albany Medical College.

It is important to know that members of our admissions committee
carefully evaluated your application. It is a responsibility that we
take very seriously. There are no automatic cut-offs with
regard to a grade point average or MCAT scores that would
automatically preclude a favorable review. Similarly, strong MCAT
scores and high levels of academic achievement do not guarantee an
interview or admission. All information available to us was taken
into account when a decision was made. This includes letters of
recommendation, your personal comments, and the range and breadth of
your activities.

To help guide you in assessing your own credentials, it may be
helpful to know that the mean undergraduate grade point average of
our present freshman class is 3.6 and 3.6 for those that were
enrolled in a graduate program. Their MCAT score averages are 10.0
verbal, 10.4 physical science, and 10.9 biology.
This is composite data; therefore, there are applicants who have
generally demonstrated both higher and lower levels of achievement in
these assessment areas. If an applicant has weaker than average
credentials in one area, these are typically offset by much stronger
results in another area.

This year we anticipate receiving over 9,000 applications.
Unfortunately, we must restrict the number of applicants we interview
to approximately 600 from which a class of 130-135 students is
selected. There is no doubt in our minds that there are many
applicants who, given the opportunity, would be caring and competent
physicians.

We suggest that you carefully evaluate your credentials with the
assistance of a premedical advisor. In addition, you may wish to
refer to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website:
www.aamc.org. This website contains a wealth of information
concerning medical education. Also, the AAMC publishes a book
entitled Medical School Admissions Requirements; you may obtain
ordering information from the publications section of the AAMC
website.

After obtaining advice from your premedical advisor and
self-evaluation, you may be able to identify areas of your
application that need improvement. The next step is to strengthen
these areas and re-apply. Although we would like to be of further
assistance in providing feedback to applicants, we do not have the
capability to provide any further counseling concerning your
application.

Thank you for your interest in the Albany Medical College. Best
wishes for success in your future endeavor.

I turned down an acceptance to Albany yesterday. Here's hoping that the gods of SDN karma give it to one of you guys. :) GL!

I was placed on pre interview hold... anyone know if people actually get interviews after this or is it basically a rejection?

I was placed on pre interview hold... anyone know if people actually get interviews after this or is it basically a rejection?

Not sure how they handle pre-interview holds.. but may I ask when you were complete?

complete mid September
rejected today via email

Dear ME
I regret to inform you that you have not been selected for interview
this year at Albany Medical College.

It is important to know that members of our admissions committee
carefully evaluated your application. It is a responsibility that we
take very seriously. There are no automatic cut-offs with
regard to a grade point average or MCAT scores that would
automatically preclude a favorable review. Similarly, strong MCAT
scores and high levels of academic achievement do not guarantee an
interview or admission. All information available to us was taken
into account when a decision was made. This includes letters of
recommendation, your personal comments, and the range and breadth of
your activities.

To help guide you in assessing your own credentials, it may be
helpful to know that the mean undergraduate grade point average of
our present freshman class is 3.6 and 3.6 for those that were
enrolled in a graduate program. Their MCAT score averages are 10.0
verbal, 10.4 physical science, and 10.9 biology.
This is composite data; therefore, there are applicants who have
generally demonstrated both higher and lower levels of achievement in
these assessment areas. If an applicant has weaker than average
credentials in one area, these are typically offset by much stronger
results in another area.

This year we anticipate receiving over 9,000 applications.
Unfortunately, we must restrict the number of applicants we interview
to approximately 600 from which a class of 130-135 students is
selected. There is no doubt in our minds that there are many
applicants who, given the opportunity, would be caring and competent
physicians.

We suggest that you carefully evaluate your credentials with the
assistance of a premedical advisor. In addition, you may wish to
refer to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website:
www.aamc.org (http://www.aamc.org). This website contains a wealth of information
concerning medical education. Also, the AAMC publishes a book
entitled Medical School Admissions Requirements; you may obtain
ordering information from the publications section of the AAMC
website.

After obtaining advice from your premedical advisor and
self-evaluation, you may be able to identify areas of your
application that need improvement. The next step is to strengthen
these areas and re-apply. Although we would like to be of further
assistance in providing feedback to applicants, we do not have the
capability to provide any further counseling concerning your
application.

Thank you for your interest in the Albany Medical College. Best
wishes for success in your future endeavor.



Hey thats the same e-mail I got! And here I was thinking that they truly considered me as an applicant and wrote me a personalized letter detailing why they couldn't take me. Now to find out it was a form letter, I'm going to go cry:cry:.

I bet they took the secondary application fee and bought a bottle of scotch so they could laugh at applicants. Hell thats what I would do.

Not sure how they handle pre-interview holds.. but may I ask when you were complete?

I was complete mid-Sept... Received the pre-interview hold e-mail on Nov 24th. However, my stats are not that competitive for MD (3.5c, 3.3s, 30) and I have only received one MD interview so far... so I wasn't really expecting an interview from albany!

I was also placed on hold today. I guess it's better than being rejected outright, but I'm not sure if there's really a lot of difference. (Anyone on hold actually get an interview subsequently?)

for people placed on hold, does it show on the status page? thanks!

I was also placed on hold today. I guess it's better than being rejected outright, but I'm not sure if there's really a lot of difference. (Anyone on hold actually get an interview subsequently?)


Were you notified by email, or snail mail? And when were you complete? Thanks

for people placed on hold, does it show on the status page? thanks!

Nope, the status page still says complete and ready for review (for me at least)

and nico, it comes by e-mail

Interviewed here yesterday... crossin my fingers for that acceptance e-mail

i thought acceptances only came by mail? can someone confirm?

i thought acceptances only came by mail? can someone confirm?
They told us that they discuss the interviewees every Tuesday, and if accepted we'll first get an email followed by an acceptance letter in the mail. I got the acceptance email the Wednesday after my interview. Waiting for the letter now...

Received an e-mail today explaining I am 'Still Under Consideration.' Anyone know if there's much movement? And even better, anyone know what SCORE they automatically accept from?

Received an e-mail today explaining I am 'Still Under Consideration.' Anyone know if there's much movement? And even better, anyone know what SCORE they automatically accept from?


their score is internal

their score is internal

:laugh: some people are just too neurotic

:laugh: some people are just too neurotic

I'm curious about my score too, because if it's too low, I basically have no chance at getting on the WL, much less scoring an immediate acceptance in coming months. It'd be nice to know at least if I were like in the top 3rd, middle 3rd, or bottom 3rd of the "still under consideration" pool. Or failing that, in the top half or bottom half. I don't know why they have to be so secretive with their internal scores... what's the harm in us knowing where we stand with them ?

I'm curious about my score too, because if it's too low, I basically have no chance at getting on the WL, much less scoring an immediate acceptance in coming months. It'd be nice to know at least if I were like in the top 3rd, middle 3rd, or bottom 3rd of the "still under consideration" pool. Or failing that, in the top half or bottom half. I don't know why they have to be so secretive with their internal scores... what's the harm in us knowing where we stand with them ?

well, i agree with knowing top 1/3, etc. that would be useful. the other poster just sounded like they wanted to know their score to like the thousandths place :laugh: but i agreee, some kind of indication of where we stand would be nice

We were actually told during the info session there is a score cutoff. That's the number I was asking about. I don't really understand how my question could have been misunderstood. Since my interviewer literally flashed my pre-interview score in front of my face, the cutoff would be nice to know.

Sorry for your misunderstanding. Good luck!

We were actually told during the info session there is a score cutoff. That's the number I was asking about. I don't really understand how my question could have been misunderstood. Since my interviewer literally flashed my pre-interview score in front of my face, the cutoff would be nice to know.

Sorry for your misunderstanding. Good luck!

Well, the cutoff is most likely flexible and will change depending on the number and quality of applicants, so even if they gave you a cutoff number, it might not mean much.

Very true....I thought it would be a reasonable assumption that the distribution should be relatively similar year to year. But then again, who knows how the interview actually went down? We can drop the topic...just keeping myself occupied.