Space reserved for prompt.

Please PM the essays or lack thereof to me when the secondary is available and I will update this.

Good luck to everyone applying! :luck:

Hi folks!

Anyone else applying for the combined MD/MPH program? I noticed they have added a couple things that I didn't notice last year. Specifically, from the OHSU website:

Policies and requirements for admission (including letters of recommendation) for the MD/MPH Combined Degree Program for entering students are the same as for the MD program, with the exception or addition of the criteria listed below:

In addition to the required letters of recommendation for the MD program, include at least one letter of recommendation from a public health source noting evidence of the unique background that makes the applicant particularly suited to a career in public health.

With the MD/MPH Combined Degree Application Addendum, include a one-page statement of purpose explaining your desire for entering the MD/MPH program and outlining your ambitions regarding your career development.

I am really unsure about whether I am qualified enough for this, but I am sure I could write a full page. The letter...I'm not as sure about. What kind of experience do you have that you are getting a letter from? I have a clinical volunteer supervisor who is also part of a coalition I've worked with that is trying to work on LGBT health issues on a policy level. I've done a survey regarding a particular populations regarding barriers to accessing healthcare and used the data to build cultural competency trainings. I could probably spin that pretty well, but I am curious about what other folks are applying with.

Also, holla to any other Portlanders who I might end up spending the next 4 years with if I'm fortunate.

Does anyone have the secondary essay prompt from last year? I'm really hoping to at least get an interview here, but I know it's going to be a reach with my stats :scared:

Does anyone have the secondary essay prompt from last year? I'm really hoping to at least get an interview here, but I know it's going to be a reach with my stats :scared:

From last (this) year's thread:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=11010210&postcount=1

FWIW, it was different the year before, so take that with a grain of salt.

From last (this) year's thread:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=11010210&postcount=1

FWIW, it was different the year before, so take that with a grain of salt.


Thanks for the link. That's a pretty intense set of questions!

I know OHSU says 3 from teachers, in addition to "carefully select[ing] a well-chosen group of letters that speak to significant experiences in the areas of academics, health care experiences/physician shadowing and extracurricular accomplishments." Any ideas on *how many* this means? How many is too many? I can think of maybe a dozen people that would be happy to write me a character recommendation, but that seems like clearly too many.

They wanted to have their cake and eat it too, as in move to MMIs but still ask you a bunch of personal "traditional interview" style questions. It was really hard to answer them, I hope they don't do the same thing again!

I am a little confused about their letter stuff also. I've been told that OHSU expects a letter from each of the 3 "most significant" activities you listed in AMCAS, which to me says they want a minimum of 6 letters. Which sounds a little ridiculous, since a lot of schools won't accept more than 5.

They wanted to have their cake and eat it too, as in move to MMIs but still ask you a bunch of personal "traditional interview" style questions. It was really hard to answer them, I hope they don't do the same thing again!

For what it's worth, OHSU's questions have always been on the challenging side. They are one of the few schools that tries to base the bulk of an admissions decision on "intangibles", and that means that they weight interviews, LORs, and essays very heavily (when I applied, they said these things made up 80% of our admissions scores.)

I know OHSU says 3 from teachers, in addition to "carefully select[ing] a well-chosen group of letters that speak to significant experiences in the areas of academics, health care experiences/physician shadowing and extracurricular accomplishments." Any ideas on *how many* this means? How many is too many? I can think of maybe a dozen people that would be happy to write me a character recommendation, but that seems like clearly too many.

I am a little confused about their letter stuff also. I've been told that OHSU expects a letter from each of the 3 "most significant" activities you listed in AMCAS, which to me says they want a minimum of 6 letters. Which sounds a little ridiculous, since a lot of schools won't accept more than 5.

I don't know if there is a set answer to this, but I would give the following advice:

1) Try to find multi-purpose letters if at all possible. Did you take a class with someone you also TAed for? Is there a faculty member who taught one of your classes and served as a research mentor? How about faculty members who were academic advisors, or contact people for a student group/hobby? This is a way to create some overlap between faculty letters and "significant experience" letters - it is also likely to create a much stronger letter because the person knows you from more than one setting.

2) You aren't just looking for a character recommendation. You ideally want someone who has objective experience with your work-ethic, response to stress, innate intelligence, communication skills, etc. Make a list of people who fit that bill, and then narrow down from there.

3) For what it's worth, I had 5 letters when I applied (two from research advisors, one from an organic chemistry professor I TAed for, one from a neuroscience professor who was also my academic advisor, and one from a theatre professor who employed me as a stage manager for 2 years)

I know other people who applied (and got in) with a similar number of letters. Personally, I think that 5-6 letters is just fine. More than that is probably overkill if you want faculty members to thoroughly read all of your letters without getting annoyed.

Good luck to all you applicants. If you are invited for an interview, you're in for a treat. The view from the SkyTram will blow your socks off!

can someone comment on how OOS friendly OHSU is? is there a OOS cut-off?

what if my undergrad GPA is lower but I have a high SMP GPA?

thanks!

For what it's worth, OHSU's questions have always been on the challenging side. They are one of the few schools that tries to base the bulk of an admissions decision on "intangibles", and that means that they weight interviews, LORs, and essays very heavily (when I applied, they said these things made up 80% of our admissions scores.) . . .


Wow, if this is true, I might have a great shot!

can someone comment on how OOS friendly OHSU is? is there a OOS cut-off?
. . .


I'd be very interested to know this answer, too. Thanks in advance.

can someone comment on how OOS friendly OHSU is? is there a OOS cut-off?

what if my undergrad GPA is lower but I have a high SMP GPA?

thanks!

On the OHSU website (for the cycle just ending) they state that they "give preference" to IS, WICHE, and:

Non-resident applicants with superior achievements in academics and other related
experiences. For the 2012 cycle, superior academics is defined as a cumulative
Total GPA, as reported by AMCAS, of 3.65 or higher and a cumulative score of
32 or higher on the most recent eligible MCAT.

I'd be willing to bet it's still possible to get an interview as an OOS candidate with a sub 32 MCAT or 3.65 GPA, but it doesn't help the odds any. Once you *get* the interview, OTOH, I think OHSU is pretty open to considering other factors. So... are they OOS friendly? For folks with a 32/3.65+ I'd say absolutely, but for more lopsided candidates possibly not.

So... are they OOS friendly? For folks with a 32/3.65+ I'd say absolutely, but for more lopsided candidates possibly not.
With good stats, I'd say they're very OOS friendly. Most Oregon residents would probably kvetch that they're too OOS friendly, but we don't have enough taxpayer support for education to have much of a leg to stand on.

Submitted my primary two weeks ago and just recently got my MCAT score back. I'm excited for the application cycle and wish the best of luck to all of my fellow Oregonians! and I guess you OOS'ers too :p

Also, I'm a native Oregonian from Portland, so if you have any questions about Portland or OHSU, feel free to ask and I'll see if I can answer them.

PS: this thread needs more activity :)

Also, holla to any other Portlanders who I might end up spending the next 4 years with if I'm fortunate.
Holla! I'm in Portland too, good luck!!!!!!!!!

Good luck everyone! I will be a MS1 this year so feel free to PM with questions.

Submitted my primary two weeks ago and just recently got my MCAT score back. I'm excited for the application cycle and wish the best of luck to all of my fellow Oregonians! and I guess you OOS'ers too :p

Also, I'm a native Oregonian from Portland, so if you have any questions about Portland or OHSU, feel free to ask and I'll see if I can answer them.

PS: this thread needs more activity :)

Agreed. Maybe OHSU should just start sending out some secondaries :)

Agreed. Maybe OHSU should just start sending out some secondaries :)
Don't get too excited there, buddy. Their admissions process is probably the slowest in the nation!

Don't get too excited there, buddy. Their admissions process is probably the slowest in the nation!

OHSU had a slow admissions process BEFORE it was mainstream.

Agreed. Maybe OHSU should just start sending out some secondaries :)

Last year the first secondary was received on 7/22.

OHSU had a slow admissions process BEFORE it was mainstream.

And now the only reason they still have a slow admissions process is so they can be ironic.

And now the only reason they still have a slow admissions process is so they can be ironic.

If I put a bird on my secondary do you think I'd get an auto-accept?

Applying to OHSU... Looking forward to the possibility of interviewing here. I am also an Oregon resident (have lived in the area for the last 12 years, though I attend undergrad in Oklahoma). So, why have people chose OHSU???

Applying to OHSU... Looking forward to the possibility of interviewing here. I am also an Oregon resident (have lived in the area for the last 12 years, though I attend undergrad in Oklahoma). So, why have people chose OHSU???
Because we are Oregon residents, or maybe the Portlanders just love it and want to build a moat across I-5 so that applicants from Oregon's Heart of Darkness don't dare apply.

Because we are Oregon residents, or maybe the Portland snobs just love it and want to build a moat across I-5 so that applicants from Oregon's Heart of Darkness don't dare apply.

Same here. Except the build a moat thing. There are a couple of people in our neighboring state that I can handle hanging with.

I was born in Portland, and have lived less than 30 minutes from the heart of the city my entire life, except the few years that I was away at college (in another Oregon town). I can even go as far as to say that both of my parents were born in Portland.

That being said, I am not looking forward to the amount of time that OHSU makes people wait to know if they are accepted. Glaciers move faster than the OHSU ad-com.

dsoz

So I was born in Portland, lived in oregon until I was 9, moved to Cali (residency) and went up to visit very often since all my family lives around Portland, with ties like this would I be looked at more favorably than an average OOS applicant?

So I was born in Portland, lived in oregon until I was 9, moved to Cali (residency) and went up to visit very often since all my family lives around Portland, with ties like this would I be looked at more favorably than an average OOS applicant?

Meh, no real way to say w/o talking to an adcom, but OHSU is already very OOS friendly as long as you meet the cutoff for OOS applicants for the year with is normally around 3.65 cGPA and 32 MCAT.

Yeah that's the problem...

Anyone know if these cut offs are "no exceptions" or electronically done? I don't they are, but I have a weird GPA of 3.59 with a sci GPA of 3.76. I got a 32 so I think I'm good there.

Anyone know if these cut offs are "no exceptions" or electronically done? I don't they are, but I have a weird GPA of 3.59 with a sci GPA of 3.76. I got a 32 so I think I'm good there.

I have HEARD that if one of your GPA's is above a 3.65 but I can't say that with certainty. It may be best to call and ask or try to find someone who was interviewed with a GPA below that 3.65 who wasn't part of WHICHE or a URM.

Anyone know if these cut offs are "no exceptions" or electronically done?
Electronically?! :laugh:

As far I've seen, most things in the admissions office are either paper-based or at best rudimentary computer technology.

This certainly does contribute to the glacial inefficiency, however the benefit is that because more things are done manually you stand a greater chance of getting a more holistic review. :thumbup:

Wait, OHSU is in Oregon? I thought it stood for Ohio State University!

Wait, OHSU is in Oregon? I thought it stood for Ohio State University!

You serious? :confused:

We also have an OSU, Oregon State University, but they do not have a med school :(

Wait, OHSU is in Oregon?
No, it's in Portlandia. ;)

Tsk, tsk.

Wait do only Portlanders apply here, or are there "others," like in Lost. I'm applying from Oregon's boonies.

Wait do only Portlanders apply here, or are there "others," like in Lost. I'm applying from Oregon's boonies.

As long as you're not from the State of Jefferson you should be fine. ;)

Wait do only Portlanders apply here, or are there "others," like in Lost. I'm applying from Oregon's boonies.

I think you have an advantage as a non-Portlander; you stand out. If you want to get creative, talk about it in your diversity essay. Honestly, Oregon is ranked so highly in primary care because it's the focus of a state that NEEDS people to go into rural medicine. Having someone FROM that area gives you an edge, I would say.

I have a feeling OHSU's secondary will be coming out in the next few days based on the last two years. Hoping its not as bad as it has been in the past though :xf:

I'm from Missouri and I'm applying because of their reputation for Primary Care excellence. I don't meet the GPA cutoff unless you incorporate my grad school grades (3.5 w/o grad school, 3.7 w/ grad school), but I do have the MCAT score. I also have a Masters of Health Administration and about 5000 hours of work at a hospital. Hoping to just get a secondary!

I have a feeling OHSU's secondary will be coming out in the next few days based on the last two years. Hoping its not as bad as it has been in the past though :xf:

Next Friday, Friday, it's gunna come out next Friday,
Everybody will write it on the weekend, the weekend!

Next Friday, Friday, it's gunna come out next Friday,
Everybody will write it on the weekend, the weekend!

How do you know next Friday? I was thinking more like tomorrow or Monday.

How do you know next Friday? I was thinking more like tomorrow or Monday.

I take it you've never heard of Rebecca Black.

I take it you've never heard of Rebecca Black.

lol, I know who Rebecca Black is, but by saying "next" Friday I thought he/she may know something we don't.

lol, I know who Rebecca Black is, but by saying "next" Friday I thought he/she may know something we don't.

Not surprised, SDN, not surprised at all.

Next Friday, Friday, it's gunna come out next Friday,
Everybody will write it on the weekend, the weekend!

Yo does Oregon screen? I'm not expecting verification until the end of the month.

I'm sort of torn about applying here. I didn't list OHSU on my initial AMCAS submission, because I don't meet the OOS numbers for "superior academic achievement" (>32 MCAT, >3.65 GPA). Anyone know how strict they are with these standards? I don't want apply and pay the secondary fee with absolutely no chance of getting an interview.

I'm sort of torn about applying here. I didn't list OHSU on my initial AMCAS submission, because I don't meet the OOS numbers for "superior academic achievement" (>32 MCAT, >3.65 GPA). Anyone know how strict they are with these standards? I don't want apply and pay the secondary fee with absolutely no chance of getting an interview.

No idea, but those numbers are likely to change as they are based on the current class. Those number looks the same as last year so it may be worth a shot. But if I had to guess I would say those numbers are going to go up if they change, not down.


EDIT: The secondary FAQ says you can apply as long as you have a 24 MCAT and a 2.8 GPA. The numbers you cited are their mission based group for OOS people. So not really sure what that means.

Called it!

Just got the secondary! In State Applicant.

Best of luck everyone!!!!

It says they are rolling it out in batches and I was in the first batch, so if you didn't get it, you will soon!!

Called it!

Just got the secondary! In State Applicant.

Best of luck everyone!!!!

It says they are rolling it out in batches and I was in the first batch, so if you didn't get it, you will soon!!

Wanna post the questions for non-first-batchers like me? :)

Yo does Oregon screen? I'm not expecting verification until the end of the month.

Not for a secondary. Everyone receives a secondary.

Wanna post the questions for non-first-batchers like me? :)
Question 1 - What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve?
Question 2 - What will be your greatest challenge in becoming a physician?
Question 3 - Give an example of a time when you tried your best to work with a person or a group but the problems still remained. What did you learn from the experience?
Question 4 - Describe a time when you did not receive what you felt you deserved, and how you reacted.
Question 5 - Give an example of personal feedback in the last few years that was difficult to receive. How did you respond?
Question 6 - Please discuss the diversity that you would bring to the OHSU School of Medicine and the profession of medicine.

Question 1 - What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve?
Question 2 - What will be your greatest challenge in becoming a physician?
Question 3 - Give an example of a time when you tried your best to work with a person or a group but the problems still remained. What did you learn from the experience?
Question 4 - Describe a time when you did not receive what you felt you deserved, and how you reacted.
Question 5 - Give an example of personal feedback in the last few years that was difficult to receive. How did you respond?
Question 6 - Please discuss the diversity that you would bring to the OHSU School of Medicine and the profession of medicine.

Do you know what the character limits are?

1500 for all but the last one. 2000 for that.

I'm surprised this thread hasn't blown up like the rest when the first secondary comes out.

Great, thanks! Good luck everyone!!

Yikes this is going to be a tough one. Best of luck to all :)

"Question 4 - Describe a time when you did not receive what you felt you deserved, and how you reacted."

Yeah, my secondary man! I can't take this anymore, where is it!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

"Question 4 - Describe a time when you did not receive what you felt you deserved, and how you reacted."

Yeah, my secondary man! I can't take this anymore, where is it!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

:laugh:

"Question 4 - Describe a time when you did not receive what you felt you deserved, and how you reacted."

Yeah, my secondary man! I can't take this anymore, where is it!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Don't be surprised if some of you have to wait a bit. I was verified the first week of June last year and didn't get my OHSU secondary 'til late August. (after I had submitted all my other secondaries and started getting interviews.)
It won't hurt your chances any, but it can be a tough few (several?) weeks.

To all of you who have no started writing this secondary, 1500 characters is WAAAAY too short :(

Good luck on the secondary everyone! I know its brutal cause I did it last year but don't over think it and just write honest answers. I wish you all the best!

Wise writing tips from good ol' K Vonnegut. Although intended for writing fiction, I amended them to be useful for secondary writing. Good luck, friends!

1) Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted.
2) Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for (you).
3) Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water (or to become an Oregon doc...).
4) Every sentence must do one of two things-reveal character or advance the action.
5) Start as close to the end as possible. (1500 characters!!!)
6) Be a Sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them-in order that the reader may see what they are made of. (this one is probably, hopefully irreconcilably irrelevant)
7) Write to please just one person (adcom). If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia (or whooping cough, in Oregon's case)
8) Give your readers as much information as possible as soon as possible. To hell with suspense. Readers should have such complete understanding of what is going on, where and why, that they could finish the story themselves, should cockroaches eat the last few pages. (instead of pages... sentences?)

do you guys think i should i even bother sending in the secondary OOS 3.83/30

boo a 32 is a pretty high cutoff isnt it?

im a nontrad and have some pretty cool experiences and stuff, but if they are just gonna screen me out right after sending in my secondary fee..

do you guys think i should i even bother sending in the secondary OOS 3.83/30

boo a 32 is a pretty high cutoff isnt it?

im a nontrad and have some pretty cool experiences and stuff, but if they are just gonna screen me out right after sending in my secondary fee..

I don't know.... do you often find yourself content with giving up without trying?

I don't know.... do you often find yourself content with giving up without trying?
I wouldn't frame it that way, CsHead. I imagine they are strict with that cutoff, otherwise why would they make one? Do you honestly think there is some sort of honor in spending $134 to ignore someone's instructions?
I hate to say it starsie, but I would take them at their word and not get your hopes up. The way they drag out the admissions process here will only make it even harder on you!

do you guys think i should i even bother sending in the secondary OOS 3.83/30

boo a 32 is a pretty high cutoff isnt it?

im a nontrad and have some pretty cool experiences and stuff, but if they are just gonna screen me out right after sending in my secondary fee..

The 32 is only a cutoff for "mission based groups" not for OOS applicants. Trust me, I don't want to enourage competition at my number one MD choice, but OOS applicants can apply with less than a 3.6 and 32 but they have a harder time getting an interview. The "mission groups" get first crack at interviews and anyone else gets the left overs. It would not be a good place to be, but all hope is not lost.

OHSU is now taking more OOS because they can charge more for tuition. They are also expanding the class sizes over the next few years.

Good luck with your decision, whatever it may be.

dsoz

The 32 is only a cutoff for "mission based groups" not for OOS applicants. Trust me, I don't want to enourage competition at my number one MD choice, but OOS applicants can apply with less than a 3.6 and 32 but they have a harder time getting an interview. The "mission groups" get first crack at interviews and anyone else gets the left overs. It would not be a good place to be, but all hope is not lost.

OHSU is now taking more OOS because they can charge more for tuition. They are also expanding the class sizes over the next few years.

Good luck with your decision, whatever it may be.

dsoz

I looked at your MDapp, OHSU is going to love you. They love non-trads.

Also, your signature is golden!

I looked at your MDapp, OHSU is going to love you. They love non-trads.

Also, your signature is golden!

thanks! I hope OHSU loves me. That way my spouse can keep working and carry the health insurance, and I don't have to figure out what to do with my house in Oregon City.

As for the signature, I have more that I didn't write. Like "the paranoid wants to know who has been drinking out of their glass. The pragmatic wants to know who is going to get the glass full again. The insomniac looses sleep over whether it is half full or half empty. The fundamentalist prays that the glass will become full again. The agnostic wonders if God really made the glass and the drink..."

Probably too much for a signature, but things I think about nonetheless. Ha ha.

dsoz

While you are correct that the 32 is the cutoff for "mission based groups", it should be noted that OHSU has only interviewed candidates that fall into one of their mission groups as of late. I think I remember this being said at either last years interview, or as an update posted in the online portal. So while there is a chance that they might interview OOS applicants that don't meet the mission based academic and MCAT cutoffs, this hasn't occurred in at least the last several years.

Not trying to be a downer, but secondary costs add up quick and OHSU's secondary isn't cheap. Best of luck to all applying this cycle!

do you guys think i should i even bother sending in the secondary OOS 3.83/30

boo a 32 is a pretty high cutoff isnt it?

im a nontrad and have some pretty cool experiences and stuff, but if they are just gonna screen me out right after sending in my secondary fee..

Residents of Oregon.

Non-resident applicants with Oregon Heritage. The School of Medicine uses the Oregon Heritage Policy for student selection, but it is not used as a basis for determining residency, and therefore the tuition a student pays. Oregon Heritage is defined as 1) A student with one or both parents residing in Oregon at the time of application, 2) A student who graduated from high school in Oregon with at least two years at a high school in Oregon, or 3) A student who graduated from an institution of higher education in Oregon with at least two years at an institution in Oregon.

WICHE-Certified residents of Montana and Wyoming.

Applicants applying to the M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./M.P.H. Combined Degree Programs.

Non-resident applicants with superior achievements in academics and other related experiences. For the 2013 cycle, superior academics is defined as a cumulative Total GPA, as reported by AMCAS, of 3.65 or higher and a cumulative score of 32 or higher on the most-recent eligible MCAT.

The School of Medicine Admissions Committee fully recognizes the importance of diversity in its student body and in the physician workforce in providing for effective delivery of health care. Accordingly, the OHSU School of Medicine strongly encourages applications from persons from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds and from persons from groups underrepresented in medicine.

Those are the mission based groups. As said above, OHSU is big on filling these groups. If you are OOS but don't fit the OOS group then you would have to fit the last option of being part of a group underrepresented in medicine. OHSU is a very good public university so they can be a little more picky about the OOS students they select. It is your choice to apply or not. I just wanted to present you (and others) with the facts so they know what they are up against by applying here. Best of luck to you!

About how long is the interlude between submission of the primary and receiving the secondary from OHSU? I know that OHSU is notoriously slow, but does it start this early in the process?... haha... So, what is appealing to you all about OHSU?

About how long is the interlude between submission of the primary and receiving the secondary from OHSU? I know that OHSU is notoriously slow, but does it start this early in the process?... haha... So, what is appealing to you all about OHSU?

I was verified on the 5th, got the secondary on the 19th, and I was told I was in the first batch. It does not look like, from the posts at least, that another batch has been rolled out. Also, I'm IS, so that may speed the process along for me, but idk.

Maybe check last years thread for more data points.

I was verified on the 5th, got the secondary on the 19th, and I was told I was in the first batch. It does not look like, from the posts at least, that another batch has been rolled out. Also, I'm IS, so that may speed the process along for me, but idk.

Maybe check last years thread for more data points.

I will do that. I just saw a comment from another poster saying that they had to wait a couple of months. That is just crazy. I have an interview already, but not a word from OHSU... I am in-state as well...

So, again, I am soliciting opinions. Apart from living in Portland, which is a pretty nice place, what is appealing to you all about OHSU?

I was verified on the 5th, got the secondary on the 19th, and I was told I was in the first batch. It does not look like, from the posts at least, that another batch has been rolled out. Also, I'm IS, so that may speed the process along for me, but idk.

Maybe check last years thread for more data points.
I applied last year. I was in the second batch, which came out about a month after the first. It was so frustrating to wait that long!!! Good luck waiting everyone, hope you have something to distract you this summer!

I will do that. I just saw a comment from another poster saying that they had to wait a couple of months. That is just crazy. I have an interview already, but not a word from OHSU... I am in-state as well...

So, again, I am soliciting opinions. Apart from living in Portland, which is a pretty nice place, what is appealing to you all about OHSU?


In no particular order:
- AMAZING research facilities at the Knight Cancer Institute (Starting a job there on Monday :love:)
- I know my way around OHSU like the back of my hand
- I know lots of doctors up there already if I ever needed guidance from someone I truly trusted up there
- All of my family lives in Oregon
- Great pediatrics center with Doernbecher
- They use block style curriculum - meaning you learn one subject at a time over a few weeks instead of lots of subjects overlapping throughout the year
- Ascetically pleasing building (well, maybe not the med school buildings, but most of the hospitals)

I think the two biggest let downs of OHSU, and many other schools, is that they use essentially and A,B,C,D,F grading system, rank their class, and have a below average pass rate of step 1. 2010 was their lowest in quite a while at 85%, with past years before that being around 90-91%. I'm not sure if something changed in their curriculum or what. Also, their average scores are often a few points below the national average, consistently around 217 compared to a national average of 221. But honestly, I do not even know how big of difference this is.

I applied last year. I was in the second batch, which came out about a month after the first. It was so frustrating to wait that long!!! Good luck waiting everyone, hope you have something to distract you this summer!

:wow: Thats insane. Well, at least the prompts are posted that people can pre-write them.

In no particular order:
- AMAZING research facilities at the Knight Cancer Institute (Starting a job there on Monday :love:)
- I know my way around OHSU like the back of my hand
- I know lots of doctors up there already if I ever needed guidance from someone I truly trusted up there
- All of my family lives in Oregon
- Great pediatrics center with Doernbecher
- They use block style curriculum - meaning you learn one subject at a time over a few weeks instead of lots of subjects overlapping throughout the year
- Ascetically pleasing building (well, maybe not the med school buildings, but most of the hospitals)

I think the two biggest let downs of OHSU, and many other schools, is that they use essentially and A,B,C,D,F grading system, rank their class, and have a below average pass rate of step 1. 2010 was their lowest in quite a while at 85%, with past years before that being around 90-91%. I'm not sure if something changed in their curriculum or what. Also, their average scores are often a few points below the national average, consistently around 217 compared to a national average of 221. But honestly, I do not even know how big of difference this is.

I am definitely applying. I have lived in Oregon for the better part of 10 years, and my immediate family is still in Hillsboro. But it is just a tough decision. I know several docs who graduated from OHSU, and their impressions are decidedly mixed!!! I've never been up the mountain before... I might have to try visiting before I go back to school. Congrats on your job at the Cancer Institute... What will you be doing? And I'm definitiely not too excited about that kind of grading system. The vast majority of the schools I am applying to have a pass/ fail or honors/pass/fail grading policy. What do they do prior to Step 1 in terms of classes? Is there time built in to the schedule for studying/ reviewing material for Step 1? That seems to be a common thread in schools that do very well on that exam.

And no joke about the surprise... Like I said, there shouldn't be that kind of a huge lag. Some schools are actually giving out interview invites. And OHSU is still not releasing secondaries to everyone... haha... I guess that's just OHSU... I wonder if it is a reflection of the school's attitude toward their students?

I am definitely applying. I have lived in Oregon for the better part of 10 years, and my immediate family is still in Hillsboro.

1) But it is just a tough decision. I know several docs who graduated from OHSU, and their impressions are decidedly mixed!!!

2) I've never been up the mountain before... I might have to try visiting before I go back to school.

3) Congrats on your job at the Cancer Institute... What will you be doing?

4) And I'm definitiely not too excited about that kind of grading system. The vast majority of the schools I am applying to have a pass/ fail or honors/pass/fail grading policy.

5) What do they do prior to Step 1 in terms of classes? Is there time built in to the schedule for studying/ reviewing material for Step 1? That seems to be a common thread in schools that do very well on that exam.

6) And no joke about the surprise... Like I said, there shouldn't be that kind of a huge lag. Some schools are actually giving out interview invites. And OHSU is still not releasing secondaries to everyone... haha... I guess that's just OHSU... I wonder if it is a reflection of the school's attitude toward their students?

1) I have never really talk to doctors that have graduated from OHSU, but I have seen hints of this in the doctors I do know up there. I have never asked for their reasoning though.

2) You need to take a trip up there and just drive around. Maybe the med school will give you a tour if you call ahead, but IDK

3) Thanks! I got a Research Assistant II position doing work on prostate cancer epigenetics looking at histone modification

4) Agreed, but also of note, the grading is not distributed among student scores, its a preset score that gets you an A, B, C, etc. So like a 90% gets you an A, not the top 10% get an A.

5) Here is the curriculum (http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/academic-programs/md-program/curriculum/upload/5-Curriculum-Layout.pdf). I'm not really sure about time for studying for step 1.

6) Yeah, OHSU is just a waiting game. I hope its not a reflection towards their students. I hope it means they do a great holistic review. I mean, that way they have lots of time to review everyones apps between submission waves.

I applied last year. Here is my timeline in case you are interested.

Primary Verified: 9/13
Secondary Received: 9/14
Secondary Submitted: 9/21
File Processed/Complete: 11/8 (They take a very long time to process your secondary before it is ready to review)
Interview Invite: 11/30

You need to take a trip up there and just drive around. Maybe the med school will give you a tour if you call ahead, but IDK

Thanks! I got a Research Assistant II position doing work on prostate cancer epigenetics looking at histone modification


Yeah, OHSU is just a waiting game. I hope its not a reflection towards their students. I hope it means they do a great holistic review. I mean, that way they have lots of time to review everyones apps between submission waves.

I think I'll do that. I've always wanted to go and just take a look around. And epigenetics is definitely an up and coming field. I attended the Drosophila Research Conference in Chicago earlier this year, and everyone was really excited about this kind of stuff. I've never been to big of a fan of the "histone code" type stuff, but definitely incredibly important work. I'm glad!!! And yeah... OHSU is going to be the death of me... haha...

About how long is the interlude between submission of the primary and receiving the secondary from OHSU? I know that OHSU is notoriously slow, but does it start this early in the process?... haha... So, what is appealing to you all about OHSU?

Uh... how many med schools have a ski lift? I'm lookin' to get in some snowboarding.

http://www.portlandbridges.com/photoimagefiles/portland-aerial-tram-5d0img16681-s.jpg

Uh... how many med schools have a ski lift? I'm lookin' to get in some snowboarding.

http://www.portlandbridges.com/photoimagefiles/portland-aerial-tram-5d0img16681-s.jpg

There's no denying that Oregon is a beautiful state, and that there is a lot to do in the area. I was just more interested in what attracted you about the actual school, rather than the surrounding area. Again, the surrounding area is definitely an important factor, but what else?

With the secondary question: "What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve?"

What do you think they are really asking? Is it:
1) What experience do you have with patients/tell me a little about all of your experiences with patients.
2) What's one great experience/long term experience you have had, what insight did you gain, and how will that help you serve your patients?
3) Something else entirely

With the secondary question: "What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve?"

What do you think they are really asking? Is it:
1) What experience do you have with patients/tell me a little about all of your experiences with patients.
2) What's one great experience/long term experience you have had, what insight did you gain, and how will that help you serve your patients?
3) Something else entirely

It's in the eye of the beholder man, at least that's my approach.

It's in the eye of the beholder man, at least that's my approach.

Well my eye is seeing it both ways so I can't decide as they are both very different :(

I think the second option is probably a little better though as its gives more depth to the applicant.

Well my eye is seeing it both ways so I can't decide as they are both very different :(

I think the second option is probably a little better though as its gives more depth to the applicant.

I did number two, I guess. I talked about two of my major clinical experiences and what I was taught through them. I also used the space to talk about cultural diversity (the clinic that I volunteer in is predominantly Spanish speaking and my other trip was to Honduras) and the value of cultural competency in medicine.

Thanks guys. I'll write it the second way. That's what I initially did, but I started questioning myself after reading the question 1000x lol

Secondary Received! OOS

Secondary Received! OOS

Hey are you verified? Just out of curiosity.

Hey are you verified? Just out of curiosity.

I was verified 6/7 but added OHSU in early July.

Ugh so I guess I'm not in the second batch either :(

Not surprised, SDN, not surprised at all.

I LOVE PEOPLE HERE!!!! AHHHHHHH everyone is so crazy!!!! im so including myself btw

:D

Finally secondary!!

I am definitely applying. I have lived in Oregon for the better part of 10 years, and my immediate family is still in Hillsboro. But it is just a tough decision. I know several docs who graduated from OHSU, and their impressions are decidedly mixed!!! I've never been up the mountain before... I might have to try visiting before I go back to school. Congrats on your job at the Cancer Institute... What will you be doing? And I'm definitiely not too excited about that kind of grading system. The vast majority of the schools I am applying to have a pass/ fail or honors/pass/fail grading policy. What do they do prior to Step 1 in terms of classes? Is there time built in to the schedule for studying/ reviewing material for Step 1? That seems to be a common thread in schools that do very well on that exam.

And no joke about the surprise... Like I said, there shouldn't be that kind of a huge lag. Some schools are actually giving out interview invites. And OHSU is still not releasing secondaries to everyone... haha... I guess that's just OHSU... I wonder if it is a reflection of the school's attitude toward their students?

The now 3rd year med student I know at OHSU told me they give students 5 weeks to study for and take Step 1 but that most students only use 4 weeks and take the last week for vacation since they don't have an official break before 3rd year starts.

received the secondary at like 530 today! OOS.

Secondary received! I I'm OOS, but worked in R&D at a pharmaceutical in Portland for the past 6 months. Maybe that'll give me a leg up god knows. One thing about OHSU ---> $$$$$$$$ Wayyyy too expensive. At $60,000 per year, it would take a whole lot of persuasion for me to rack of that kind of a tab.

Just got a secondary as an OOS student! Woot!

Finally got this beast of a secondary.

Secondary received here as well. It is indeed a beast. Just enough overlap with my other secondaries to be supremely irritating, as it's just different enough to require completely new essays.

Secondary received here as well. It is indeed a beast. Just enough overlap with my other secondaries to be supremely irritating, as it's just different enough to require completely new essays.

Seriously.

I tried reusing some essays, but eventually said screw it and wrote completely new essays for ever question.

I have received mine as well... I had pre-written, so I'm going to try to get my secondary submitted in the very near future... A strange system of "groups have different submission deadlines"...

secondary receieved! 3.8/30 oos. i guess i got through that part as least!! im going to apply md-mph. i think the secondary will deter a lot of ppl tho, im hoping so anyway!!

+x for the secondary....haven't looked at it but sounds beastly

3.8-3.9, 35, oos

Are any of you using up all 1500 characters to elaborate on each question? - asking because for some questions that seems like I would intentionally have to make it wordy... and sometimes less is more.

Are any of you using up all 1500 characters to elaborate on each question? - asking because for some questions that seems like I would intentionally have to make it wordy... and sometimes less is more.

3 of mine are pretty close (~1450) and the other 3 are not (1000-1200).

:luck:

Are any of you using up all 1500 characters to elaborate on each question? - asking because for some questions that seems like I would intentionally have to make it wordy... and sometimes less is more.

Agreed. I would answer the question as succinctly as possible. However, if you have enough room to include another story, or make an additional point, I would take it.

Because we're allocated a whopping 2000 characters for the diversity essay, I would make an attempt to fill it with rich detail. Use interesting, eye-grabbing language and experiences. SHOW, don't just tell, in any secondary but especially on the diversity essay. That's the advice of some OHSU students/professors. Thought I would pass it along ;o

Good luck everyone! At least OHSU has an interesting secondary, albeit time-consuming.

Secondary received here as well. It is indeed a beast. Just enough overlap with my other secondaries to be supremely irritating, as it's just different enough to require completely new essays.

I thought I was going to have this problem... but I could still, for the most part, copy and paste. Only one prompt required an entirely new essay.

submitted! :o)

Submitted! From the good ol' State of Jefferson (Medford), did my undergrad (and currently my master's) down at Tulane in New Orleans. Looking forward to a chance to get back to mountains!

Okay vent session...what is the point of AMCAS if we have to fill out all our activities again??? Isn't that what the whole work/activities section I spent so much time on was for???

Okay vent session...what is the point of AMCAS if we have to fill out all our activities again??? Isn't that what the whole work/activities section I spent so much time on was for???

Here is a hoop. Jump through it. How much do you want to be a doctor?

In all seriousness, I agree. Why do they have stuff for us to enter again when most of it is already on the primary application? It is not like we will suddenly give new and exciting responses. Especially with the word/character limit that is imposed. BLAH!

dsoz

Here is a hoop. Jump through it. How much do you want to be a doctor?

In all seriousness, I agree. Why do they have stuff for us to enter again when most of it is already on the primary application? It is not like we will suddenly give new and exciting responses. Especially with the word/character limit that is imposed. BLAH!

dsoz

Yea, I get it...hoops. It's still busy work, blah...I'll do it, but the inefficiency of it all drives my OCD self crazy.

Primary verified today. Secondary received. SO HAPPY right now!

dsoz

For the question:
Give an example of a time when you tried your best to work with a person or a group but the problems still remained. What did you learn from the experience?

Would it be appropriate to use family conflict? My little brother is 19, a dropout, doing drugs, pathologically lying to family....it's stressing the hell out of everyone, we've all been trying to figure out how to get him on some kind of track, but it hasn't been working. I can't tell if this is an appropriate topic.

Also, I feel like my response to essay 4 could be "Sigh heavily. Have a beer. Be patient. Try harder."

It would be appropriate as long as you actually learned something from it. From your description, it's hard to tell if that's the case. What you learned doesn't have to be deeply insightful, I would guess; just true.

2. What will be your greatest challenge in becoming a physician?

Hmm.. BEFORE being a physician? or AS a physician? I wonder if we can answer either way.. Any opinion appreciated! I don't want to say.. getting into medschool or cost or blah blah lol

Thanks :)

2. What will be your greatest challenge in becoming a physician?

Hmm.. BEFORE being a physician? or AS a physician? I wonder if we can answer either way.. Any opinion appreciated! I don't want to say.. getting into medschool or cost or blah blah lol

Thanks :)

I had to do this secondary last year but I interpreted this as before. If the question asked greatest challenge AS a physician I would interpret that as after. I think you could argue it either way.

A way to approach this question is to maybe consider what your weaknesses are. How are you going to overcome those to become a physician? Will they affect your ability to be a good physician. Hope that helps.

I had to do this secondary last year but I interpreted this as before. If the question asked greatest challenge AS a physician I would interpret that as after. I think you could argue it either way.

A way to approach this question is to maybe consider what your weaknesses are. How are you going to overcome those to become a physician? Will they affect your ability to be a good physician. Hope that helps.

Also, I analyzed some physicians I shadowed. There were definitely moments when I thought "wow, that would be really difficult for me to say/do." My advice: dig into your shadowing experiences for concrete examples to back up any hypotheticals.

For the question:
Give an example of a time when you tried your best to work with a person or a group but the problems still remained. What did you learn from the experience?

Would it be appropriate to use family conflict? My little brother is 19, a dropout, doing drugs, pathologically lying to family....it's stressing the hell out of everyone, we've all been trying to figure out how to get him on some kind of track, but it hasn't been working. I can't tell if this is an appropriate topic.

Also, I feel like my response to essay 4 could be "Sigh heavily. Have a beer. Be patient. Try harder."

I had the same question. I decided against a familial setting in favor of a professional example. I thought it was more relevant to medicine...

Ugh, so annoyed with this secondary. Currently working on the third essay. After submitting 18 previous secondaries, I'm so over essay writing.

Yeah I took like a four day secondary break after turning in OHSU. It drains all your energy and motivation!

Anybody else having trouble accessing the secondary application website today? I cannot get the application to certify. The website does not load.

X

Finally submitted! Took me 8 days. This one was a beast.

Ugh, so annoyed with this secondary. Currently working on the third essay. After submitting 18 previous secondaries, I'm so over essay writing.

+1

well 16, but yeah

Finally have completed and submitted the application. That one was a monster!

Should I put my undergrad in the activities section? It says include major activities and college is pretty major...

jeez this one was the BEASTLIEST of them all!!!!!!!!!!!! BTW, they don't screen, even says so in the secondary email but I guess they send them out in batches...

jeez this one was the BEASTLIEST of them all!!!!!!!!!!!! BTW, they don't screen, even says so in the secondary email but I guess they send them out in batches...

The only secondaries that I have received that even come close to the difficulty of OHSU was East Virginia and Arizona at Tucson. The thread for Arizona at Phoenix has the prompts for that school and they seem difficult as well.

But none of them hold a candle to OHSU. Maybe because I am IS, I want this one to be PERFECT. Just one more proofreader to go over it tomorrow evening, then I can submit it by the end of the week.

dsoz

holy moly I'm starting to think I shouldn't even bother with ohsu - not finding my essays to be captivating at all. wow. lol

What is everyones opinions on writing about getting rejected from med school for the personal feedback question? I cant think of any other good examples and i already wrote a work related situation for the not getting something you deserved one. So do you think that can work if i focus on the feedback and how i reacted and how i improved my app? Or would something else be better? Im just having bad writers block and this is my last essay to write!!

I think as long as you write it well it could be a strong response to that question. It fits the prompt for sure. Someone asked the same question in the duke thread this year for the same "toughest feedback" prompt and someone gave some really good advice on how to do that so you might want to take a look at what was said there maybe.

So besides those questions for the secondary, there is no other section where you mention any adversity or disadvantages you might have faced?? :S I think they had one last year...but not this year?

Since I'm waiting I might as well do all the questions now :X

So besides those questions for the secondary, there is no other section where you mention any adversity or disadvantages you might have faced?? :S I think they had one last year...but not this year?

Since I'm waiting I might as well do all the questions now :X

No.. that section is there. Education, economic, ethnic/cultural, and family disadvantages ranging from none to severe with a given 4000 characters to explain.

You know, except for the diversity question, I really like OHSU's questions. In that, I feel they are actually GOOD questions, much as they're tough to answer.

Anyone find them a bit negative though? I mean, "a time you tried to work with someone but couldn't, a time you didn't get something you deserves, tough criticism, you're biggest challenge" ?

I think I'm doing my riskiest essays here...

Done and submitted. Oy, that was mind numbing. I am taking the rest of the day off from writing essays!

dsoz

No interview invites yet?

Que sorpresa.

No interview invites yet?

Que sorpresa.

Interview invites probably won't come out for another two weeks is my guess. Most people probably aren't even marked complete yet. OHSU is notoriously slow at completing people.

I decided I'm not going to fill this one out. Ridiculous essays and 100 bucks = not worth it for me :p

Good luck everybody!

Done and submitted. Oy, that was mind numbing. I am taking the rest of the day off from writing essays!

dsoz

I submitted today too. I was excited when I finished writing that sixth essay, only to find out I had to write one more on adversity. I nearly cried.

I am so glad to be done with this one!

:thumbup:

You know, except for the diversity question, I really like OHSU's questions. In that, I feel they are actually GOOD questions, much as they're tough to answer.

Anyone find them a bit negative though? I mean, "a time you tried to work with someone but couldn't, a time you didn't get something you deserves, tough criticism, you're biggest challenge" ?

I think I'm doing my riskiest essays here...
I agree. While I really enjoyed answering this same set of questions last year, I thought it was kind of telling that OHSU feels the need to ask such "entitled brat screenout" questions in the first place. ;)

Just submitted. Not my best work but at least it's in.

I agree. While I really enjoyed answering this same set of questions last year, I thought it was kind of telling that OHSU feels the need to ask such "entitled brat screenout" questions in the first place. ;)

Dainyla: I followed your story in the thread from last year. What are you going to do for this year's application cycle? Did you retake the MCAT?

dsoz

Okay guys, I have been stuck on the personal feedback question for quite some time so I'm going to ask your guys' opinions. Are you guys writing about PERSONAL feedback, as in someone thought you are a negative person, or someone thought you were immature, or something like that. Or are you going with basically any old criticism that was difficult to take. Like someone went off on you for messing up on a group project?

Please help. I am going crazy with this question! :confused:

Okay guys, I have been stuck on the personal feedback question for quite some time so I'm going to ask your guys' opinions. Are you guys writing about PERSONAL feedback, as in someone thought you are a negative person, or someone thought you were immature, or something like that. Or are you going with basically any old criticism that was difficult to take. Like someone went off on you for messing up on a group project?

Please help. I am going crazy with this question! :confused:

I wrote about how when I was a smoker, I couldn't hear any of the feedback my loved ones gave me about what a destructive habit it was. It was honest, well-intentioned feedback about my health, but I could only hear it as harping criticism or as naive truisms because I thought I knew best. It took some maturing on my part to realize that the problem wasn't what they were saying: it was what I was hearing. Not sure if this is what the question was looking for, but it felt right for me to talk about it as an example of the difficulty of listening to others' contradictory perspectives of myself.

I wrote about how I was applying last year and my teenage daughter told me I was putting my pre-med stuff before her when all along I told her that family comes before anything else (meaning friends).

So I withdrew my application last year. Now my daughter will be in her last year of high school so when she goes off to college, I can go off to med school.

Probably the cheesiest example, but I hope it tugs on some heartstrings of adcoms. My luck will be that the adcom that reads my essay will have given up everything (family and friends) to become a doctor and he/she will not relate to my story at all.

dsoz

I wrote about how I was applying last year and my teenage daughter told me I was putting my pre-med stuff before her when all along I told her that family comes before anything else (meaning friends).

So I withdrew my application last year. Now my daughter will be in her last year of high school so when she goes off to college, I can go off to med school.

Probably the cheesiest example, but I hope it tugs on some heartstrings of adcoms. My luck will be that the adcom that reads my essay will have given up everything (family and friends) to become a doctor and he/she will not relate to my story at all.

dsoz

I wrote about the same thing for "the greatest challenge question". Developing a work life balance and not neglecting my family.

For the feedback question I wrote about the phone interview I had for my current position. I was talking to the postdoc that interviewed me (I have known her for a year) and I asked her what her one critique of me was during my interview. She said I sounded kind of cocky and arrogant. She said that since the interview, I have backed up what I said with quality work and "knowing my sh*t". My intension was to sound competent and knowledgable in the interview, not cocky. I discussed how interactions such as these may be misinterpreted by patients later when I am a physician. eg. being strait forward and confident in a diagnosis may come across as being cold and indifferent to their situation.

Did everyone fill out the optional "adversity" section??

For someone like me who hasn't gotten their secondary yet...could someone post what the optional adversity essay is about and if there are any questions other that the 6 already posted? Many thanks and good luck, everyone!

For someone like me who hasn't gotten their secondary yet...could someone post what the optional adversity essay is about and if there are any questions other that the 6 already posted? Many thanks and good luck, everyone!

It gives you multiple choice answers ranging from none to severe in four categories: economic, cultural, educational, and family. You select the level of adversity you faced in each category and then have 4,000 charters to explain it.

For someone like me who hasn't gotten their secondary yet...could someone post what the optional adversity essay is about and if there are any questions other that the 6 already posted? Many thanks and good luck, everyone!

It was a section where you chose you level of disadvantage or adversity: Low, medium, high for different aspects of your youth. Medical, economic, family. Then there was an open ended prompt for you to talk about it. It is good for you to know that there is another prompt, but it is not a big deal.

I chose a low level of adversity for family because my father had an affair and divorced my mother. I went on to explain how it made me vow to not do the same thing to my own children, and that I would be faithful to my spouse. Something like that...

I didn't write more than a short paragraph, because face it... More than half our population is divorced and while it may have been bad for me, it was not the end of the world.

I hope you receive your secondary soon. Good luck. Just don't take my spot at OHSU. :)

dsoz

Dianyla: I followed your story in the thread from last year. What are you going to do for this year's application cycle? Did you retake the MCAT?
I haven't retaken the MCAT yet, have been dealing with some health issues this summer (my own, and a parent's).

I haven't decided what I want to do with this cycle. It's getting a bit late to try to cram for the September MCAT so that I can apply to OHSU again. Or I could just apply to the small handful schools that will accept older MCAT scores while preparing for a possible fourth cycle.

Frankly, the past two years have been so emotionally gutting that I'm just not feeling the will to continue beating my head against the wall of this ivory tower. The feedback I've received for the past two cycles does not encourage me to hope that reapplying to OHSU a third/fourth time will result in a different outcome, no matter what I do to change my application.

I haven't retaken the MCAT yet, have been dealing with some health issues this summer (my own, and a parent's).

I haven't decided what I want to do with this cycle. It's getting a bit late to try to cram for the September MCAT so that I can apply to OHSU again. Or I could just apply to the small handful schools that will accept older MCAT scores while preparing for a possible fourth cycle.

Frankly, the past two years have been so emotionally gutting that I'm just not feeling the will to continue beating my head against the wall of this ivory tower. The feedback I've received for the past two cycles does not encourage me to hope that reapplying to OHSU a third/fourth time will result in a different outcome, no matter what I do to change my application.

I sent you a PM.

dsoz

.

Just wanted to let everyone know that my file was marked complete on 8/10. I submitted it on 7/24. The status update says they interview October-April and will let me know something within 12 weeks.

I am filling out the activities and see that they only want activities from the last 5 years. Is that a hard line or are they just saying "not from high school". I have some research and work experience from my undergrad that I really want to include but since I am a non-trad that took 5 years to graduate some are up to 7 years old...

Anyone else having difficulty signing into the website? I just finished the essays and am ready to submit and now the website won't load!

Anyone else having difficulty signing into the website? I just finished the essays and am ready to submit and now the website won't load!

I just logged in no problem, checking on the status, nothing yet.

Just wanted to let everyone know that my file was marked complete on 8/10. I submitted it on 7/24. The status update says they interview October-April and will let me know something within 12 weeks.


:lol:That is funny. You must not know about OHSU and the reputation for moving really slow and not holding to deadlines except the one in May when everyone changes from "on hold" to "waitlist" :bang:

I am only half kidding when I say how slow OHSU is with applicants.

dsoz

Maybe they've got it together this year though! I was marked as complete in less than a week! Here's to hoping/pretending they're getting faster anyway haha :)

Maybe they've got it together this year though! I was marked as complete in less than a week! Here's to hoping/pretending they're getting faster anyway haha :)
I hold a superstitious belief that since I got my app in early, they will be able to let me know in a timely fashion. I want to know BEFORE May 15 if I'm gonna have to move, if at all possible.

I hold a superstitious belief that since I got my app in early, they will be able to let me know in a timely fashion. I want to know BEFORE May 15 if I'm gonna have to move, if at all possible.

I was invited to an interview about 2-3 weeks after being marked complete. I think they just say up to 12 weeks to give themselves extra time. Hopefully it won't take that long especially this early on.

Re-applicant Oregonian reporting in. How's everyone doing, woooo! Any other UofO students applying? Any former Asklepiads members?

Anyone able to get a hard return to show up in the essays? When I click print on the home page, all of my paragraphs just get lumped into one even though the hard returns are saving in the text boxes.

Any ideas?

Had the same problem. Hard returns, tabs, nothing worked, even after typing the entire essay into the application. Ended up putting a note that it wasn't possible to get paragraphs and that // was used to indicate new paragraphs.

Had the same problem. Hard returns, tabs, nothing worked, even after typing the entire essay into the application. Ended up putting a note that it wasn't possible to get paragraphs and that // was used to indicate new paragraphs.

Good lord, I do not know that I have that many characters left. Maybe I can note it in the first essay and just do it all the essays after that :confused:

I wish OHSU had a phone number to call like every other admissions department on the planet :bang:

Edit: Looks like it accepts ¶, so maybe I will insert those at paragraph breaks.... So confused

Edit 2.0: It looks like its using HTML code or something as typing < br > w/o the spaces results in a hard return when you go to print it. Wonder if thats how they receive it.

Yes, just put a short (Paragraphs indicated by //) in the first essay; put note of explanation at the end of the Adversity section.

Agree, called but just got the recording and they never called back.

Yes, just put a short (Paragraphs indicated by //) in the first essay; put note of explanation at the end of the Adversity section.

Agree, called but just got the recording and they never called back.

I could not even find a phone number. You mind posting it or PM'ing it to me?

Edit: Never mind, I stumbled upon it eventually.

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/contact/index.cfm

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/contact/index.cfm

Lol, it's not 541... big time party foul over here.

http://www.whitepages.com/common/images/maps/OR.gif

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/contact/index.cfm

Yeah, they only link to that if you do not click admissions before clicking contact us. Otherwise its just the email thing. They are sneaky

Lol, it's not 541... big time party foul over here.

http://www.whitepages.com/common/images/maps/OR.gif

I'm a native Oregonian and I do not even get what is meant by this...

I'm a native Oregonian and I do not even get what is meant by this...

Then you're from Portland, where you dial 503 instead of 541. All the cool stuff happens in the south with 541.

i.e. I typed in the wrong area code

I work at OHSU so maybe if I call with a 494 number they will answer thinking its important... well, more important than this. We shall see tomorrow.

I work at OHSU so maybe if I call with a 494 number they will answer thinking its important... well, more important than this. We shall see tomorrow.

No dice. It still just went to a message machine. I left a message and we'll see if they call back. Probably not, but I figure I'll give them till Friday evening and then just submit using < br >< br > (w/o spaces) in between paragraphs along with hard returns in the text box with a note at the end. Worst case scenario it will look like:

First Paragraph< br >< br >Second Paragraph

or this:

First Paragraph
< br >< br>
Second Paragraph

but hopefully this:

First Paragraph

Second Paragraph

i wouldn't hold your breath. The two years I've applied, I've never gotten a callback from voicemails left at the general admissions number. Many report similar experiences on the past app cycle threads.

i wouldn't hold your breath. The two years I've applied, I've never gotten a callback from voicemails left at the general admissions number. Many report similar experiences on the past app cycle threads.

Has anyone ever said anything about getting returns to show up between paragraphs in the essays? Because when you click the print button, all the paragraphs just merge into one large paragraph even though the spacing is correct in the essay boxes.

Has anyone ever said anything about getting returns to show up between paragraphs in the essays? Because when you click the print button, all the paragraphs just merge into one large paragraph even though the spacing is correct in the essay boxes.
Yeah, it was like that before. Don't worry about that, it's not as big a deal to them. I liked the idea above of using // as a visual break.

Yeah, it was like that before. Don't worry about that, it's not as big a deal to them. I liked the idea above of using // as a visual break.

Thanks, I guess I'll just go head an submit this evening when I get home.

I did not get an email, but I checked the portal today. I was marked file complete on 8/16/2012.

This is what it said
https://www.ohsu.edu/som/md/admissions/images/icons/imnblank.png Your file was complete on 08/16/2012.
We have received your secondary application, all letters of recommendation and supporting documentation.


To applicants who meet one or more Mission-Based groups (http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/academic-programs/md-program/admissions/academic-and-selection-factors.cfm): Your file is currently being screened in the interview selection process. Please note that due to the large number of files in our applicant pool, this screening may take up to 12 weeks. As soon as a decision is made on your application, you will be notified. The Admissions Committee interviews prospective candidates from October through mid-April.


To all other applicants (Non Mission-Based): OHSU screens Mission-Based applicants (http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/academic-programs/md-program/admissions/academic-and-selection-factors.cfm) first for interview eligibility. By mid January, the committee will evaluate Non Mission-Based applicants for interview eligibility.


Good luck everybody!

dsoz

I did not get an email, but I checked the portal today. I was marked file complete on 8/16/2012.

This is what it said


Good luck everybody!

dsoz

That only took a little over a week for you right? That's not bad at all :)

ugh I'm struggling with the diversity and personal feedback questions. I'm an affluent white male with no economic/physical issues and I can't think of any negative feedback that I didn't expect or agree with.

I'm tempted to talk about getting rejected in the previous application cycle but I didn't really get any feedback as to why I was rejected besides applying too late and not interviewing well, but I knew about each of those as they happened. As far as diversity goes, I'll have 2 years of professional laboratory experience between college and med school but that seems tenuous as far as contributing to the diversity of a med school class.

[QUOTE=Mr Lahey;12957293]ugh I'm struggling with the diversity and personal feedback questions. I'm an affluent white male with no economic/physical issues and I can't think of any negative feedback that I didn't expect or agree with.

You are thinking of diversity very literally and inside the box... I'm mixed race and didn't mention anything about this "diversity"... try thinking OUTSIDE the box lol

Agreed with what was said above me. those two years definitely are something that can make you unique and give you something special to add to an incoming class! Also for the personal feedback thing i don't think it has to be anything crazy intense. Remember that all the questions they're asking are to get a feel for what kind of person you are and to get to know you better. It's not necessarily a competition for who has had the most critical feedback ever haha if that makes sense which I know seems kind of obvious but i know sometimes it's hard to remember this when you're stressed about writing.

Sorry for the long post haha good luck though!

Finally submitted! Too. Much. Writing. Here's to hoping!

Guys, I'm having a ridiculously difficult time answering the "biggest challenge in becoming a physician?" question. Any one have thoughts or suggestions on what they are looking for here? :confused:

Guys, I'm having a ridiculously difficult time answering the "biggest challenge in becoming a physician?" question. Any one have thoughts or suggestions on what they are looking for here? :confused:

They want to see that you have considered the difficulties of a medical career. Just show them that you have.

Anyone know how frequently grades (earned post-amcas) should submission be sent to schools? -thanks!

Anyone know how frequently grades (earned post-amcas) should submission be sent to schools? -thanks!

Most of the schools I've applied to have addressed this somewhere in the secondary application website. It really varies for each school whether or not they'll even consider future updates. Many of the schools I've looked at will only consider updates if they request them from you, and that's usually post interview.

Anyone know how frequently grades (earned post-amcas) should submission be sent to schools? -thanks!

From the OHSU portal:
Updates are not required, but any sent mustbe submitted by U.S. mail directly to the Office of Admissions. Include your full name, AAMC ID#, and mail to:
Oregon Health & Science University
School of Medicine
Office of Admissions, L102
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97239-3098 All updates to contact information must be done by clicking on the "Update Your Contact Information" at the top of this page.

Please note: Updates submitted after the secondary application is complete may not impact your file.

HTH
dsoz

Anyone who's familiar with the process wanna address this -- should we not waste our time really sending transcript updates for summer courses (for example I took an intensive writing course) unless we've been accepted? I just was wondering because I feel like sending a transcript for one or two courses to 20+ schools would take a while and wasn't sure it was necessary!

Sorry if this seems off topic but its sort of relevant to the question above and im sure others might have a similar question about this :)

Ah also I just noticed that was addressed pretty well above sorry but any other input from anyone else too would be appreciated!

Maybe they've got it together this year though! I was marked as complete in less than a week! Here's to hoping/pretending they're getting faster anyway haha :)
I have been trying to apply this quote from Life of Pi, on how to survive a very long and boring wait without going insane: "I did not count the days or the weeks or the months. Time is an illusion that only makes us pant. I survived because I forgot even the very notion of time."

It's a good book to read during application season! :)

I have been trying to apply this quote from Life of Pi, on how to survive a very long and boring wait without going insane: "I did not count the days or the weeks or the months. Time is an illusion that only makes us pant. I survived because I forgot even the very notion of time."

It's a good book to read during application season! :)

It's a great book to read during any season! I've been forcing my lady to read the Song of Ice and Fire series and I've been trying to hack through The Lovely Bones, which is a horribly depressing read. I should probably get back to something upbeat..
By the way, if any applicants are fellow bibliophiliacs, I highly suggest "Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures"; it's non-fict. but still a good read ;)

Life of Pi is a fabulous book. I choose to believe his first account...

My first interview invite finally motivated me to read "The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity (http://www.amazon.com/The-Greatest-Benefit-Mankind-Humanity/dp/0393319806)," by Roy Porter. All I have to say is, holy ****, this is a good book. SO MUCH LEARNING. Highly recommended.

Life of Pi is a fabulous book. I choose to believe his first account...

My first interview invite finally motivated me to read "The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity (http://www.amazon.com/The-Greatest-Benefit-Mankind-Humanity/dp/0393319806)," by Roy Porter. All I have to say is, holy ****, this is a good book. SO MUCH LEARNING. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the book tips, guys. Never heard of either one, but I might have to check them out.

I just finished the 3rd book of GoT: A Slash of Swords, and boy what a book that was. I can't wait to see how HBO portrays the book in their upcoming season.

Onto book 4!

I just finished the 3rd book of GoT: A Slash of Swords, and boy what a book that was. I can't wait to see how HBO portrays the book in their upcoming season.

Onto book 4!

I feel like reading the book would spoil the TV show cause you would know what's going to happen. Maybe that's just me though as I don't particularly enjoy reading novels to begin with, but boy do I love a good TV series.

So, I'm URM with significant volunteer, a 3.67 GPA/3.7 sGPA but a 30R MCAT score. My score is 10/10/10, so it's about as good as a 30 can be, How does my "good" 30 measure up given their imaginary cutoff?

Also, does anyone have their secondary?

So, I'm URM with significant volunteer, a 3.67 GPA/3.7 sGPA but a 30R MCAT score. My score is 10/10/10, so it's about as good as a 30 can be, How does my "good" 30 measure up given their imaginary cutoff?

Also, does anyone have their secondary?

I'm not so sure I would say they are using "imaginary" cut-offs, as I would suspect they are actually quite real at OHSU and quite stringent.

After submitting the secondary, it appears that OHSU does a quick review to see if you are in the mission based groups (http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/academic-programs/md-program/admissions/academic-and-selection-factors.cfm). OHSU first reviews the mission based students for interviews and then non-mission based students around January.

From the secondary after being marked complete: To applicants who meet one or more Mission-Based groups: Your file is currently being screened in the interview selection process. Please note that due to the large number of files in our applicant pool, this screening may take up to 12 weeks. As soon as a decision is made on your application, you will be notified. The Admissions Committee interviews prospective candidates from October through mid-April.

To all other applicants (Non Mission-Based): OHSU screens Mission-Based applicants first for interview eligibility. By mid January, the committee will evaluate Non Mission-Based applicants for interview eligibility.

So if you are a URM and OHSU identifies you as a diversity applicant, you are probably fine and will be reviewed in the mission based group. If OHSU does not see it that way, I would imagine you have a large uphill battle. Of note: each school has their own definition of "diversity" and just because you identify as URM does not necessarily mean OHSU will consider you diverse.

And yes, lots of people have the secondary. Scroll back a few page and you'll find the prompts.

Whew. Finally finished this thing. I just have to wait to certify because a job I put in the activities section is one that I interviewed for last week & hope to be offered in the next couple days.

But hey, of all my secondaries, it looks like the worst is over.

Do you know if OHSU identifies you as a diversity mission group applicant? I guess if you receive a pre january II and aren't in any other mission groups...

Has anyone successfully contacted the admission office?

Has anyone successfully contacted the admission office?

Unlikely :(

I tried a few weeks back and got nothing.

Has anyone successfully contacted the admission office?

Somewhere, either on this thread or on the thread from last year, there is a phone number direct to the admissions office. I used it once and spoke to a real person right away and was transferred to an admissions counselor and spoke to her. If you can find that number you can probably get through.

EDIT: I found the link to the numbers http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/contact/index.cfm

dsoz

Somewhere, either on this thread or on the thread from last year, there is a phone number direct to the admissions office. I used it once and spoke to a real person right away and was transferred to an admissions counselor and spoke to her. If you can find that number you can probably get through.

EDIT: I found the link to the numbers http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/contact/index.cfm

dsoz

thanks dsoz. I tried calling that earlier today, and it took me straight to voicemail. it seems like they dont ever pick up their phones. :(

If you have the direct number for one of the admin assistants then it is possible to reach a real live human. Those numbers are not posted anywhere and you would only be given the info if you are invited to interview.

Otherwise, no way. Never seen anything other than the dead-end voicemail box with no callbacks. Just lower your expectations of being treated like a human being now, and the applications process will be slightly less excruciating. :laugh:

It's Portlandia, man. ;)

True dat. Just put a bird on it. We'll all be fine.

No one here puts birds on anything!

No one here puts birds on anything!


BIRD (http://blog.lib.umn.edu/stoe0062/psy_1001%20section%2021%20spring%202012/Bird.jpg)

No one here puts birds on anything!

Yeah. I don't get it either :confused:

Yeah. I don't get it either :confused:

Google "put a bird on it"

It was a segment on the show Portlandia. Someone was trying to sell a shirt (or something) and it was not selling. Someone else said "put a bird on it" and when they put the picture of a bird on a thing it sold out. They started putting birds on everything.

Now everyone thinks that because we are in Portland, we put birds of stuff...

dsoz

Would any other Portland-area applicants be interested in meeting up this fall to hang out? I'm a non-trad student and so I'm feeling like I don't nkow anyone else who is going through the application process. Several of you other locals are also non-trads, and maybe you're feeling the same way?

Would any other Portland-area applicants be interested in meeting up this fall to hang out? I'm a non-trad student and so I'm feeling like I don't nkow anyone else who is going through the application process. Several of you other locals are also non-trads, and maybe you're feeling the same way?

I'm a fellow non-trad. I'm in Portland a lot so if I'm there again this fall I'll PM you!

Would any other Portland-area applicants be interested in meeting up this fall to hang out? I'm a non-trad student and so I'm feeling like I don't nkow anyone else who is going through the application process. Several of you other locals are also non-trads, and maybe you're feeling the same way?

Hey, I'm not quite a non-trad, but I'd still love to meet up :) Support is always welcomed in my eyes and I love dishing it out too

Google "put a bird on it"

It was a segment on the show Portlandia. Someone was trying to sell a shirt (or something) and it was not selling. Someone else said "put a bird on it" and when they put the picture of a bird on a thing it sold out. They started putting birds on everything.

Now everyone thinks that because we are in Portland, we put birds of stuff...

dsoz

I don't think I'll put a bird on it if this is how its going to end...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XM3vWJmpfo

(You have to watch till the end-ish)

Hey, I'm not quite a non-trad, but I'd still love to meet up :) Support is always welcomed in my eyes and I love dishing it out too
Of course traditional applications would be welcome as well! I'm thinking we should do it a little bit later in the fall once things get rolling at OHSU.

I don't think I'll put a bird on it if this is how its going to end...

0XM3vWJmpfo

(You have to watch till the end-ish)

Bwuahahaha! My point exactly! I've been posting so many of these around SDN that I hoped someone else would do the honors. Thanks!

Are any of you folks at PSU? I would guess there is probably an off chance.

MD/MPH secondary complete. My fingers are nearly broken they're crossed so hard! GL everyone.

Anyone applying to the above program receive an II yet?

I don't think they have sent out any II's yet. Hopefully they send em out soon as I believe the first dates are in October for regular MD.

I don't think they have sent out any II's yet. Hopefully they send em out soon as I believe the first dates are in October for regular MD.
Thanks, I hadn't been following this thread as closely as I should have considering how high up OHSU is on my list. Good luck!

So if I am middle eastern, does that put me under the mission based groups? On the AMCAS I am considered white, but obviously I am of different racial and ethnic background than an American...

So if I am middle eastern, does that put me under the mission based groups? On the AMCAS I am considered white, but obviously I am of different racial and ethnic background than an American...

What do you mean American? Are you international? Any way:

MISSION-BASED GROUPS

The committee adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, military service, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. The School of Medicine gives preference to the following applicants:

Residents of Oregon.

Non-resident applicants with Oregon Heritage. The School of Medicine uses the Oregon Heritage Policy for student selection, but it is not used as a basis for determining residency, and therefore the tuition a student pays. Oregon Heritage is defined as 1) A student with one or both parents residing in Oregon at the time of application, 2) A student who graduated from high school in Oregon with at least two years at a high school in Oregon, or 3) A student who graduated from an institution of higher education in Oregon with at least two years at an institution in Oregon.

WICHE-Certified residents of Montana and Wyoming.

Applicants applying to the M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./M.P.H. Combined Degree Programs.

Non-resident applicants with superior achievements in academics and other related experiences. For the 2013 cycle, superior academics is defined as a cumulative Total GPA, as reported by AMCAS, of 3.65 or higher and a cumulative score of 32 or higher on the most-recent eligible MCAT.

The School of Medicine Admissions Committee fully recognizes the importance of diversity in its student body and in the physician workforce in providing for effective delivery of health care. Accordingly, the OHSU School of Medicine strongly encourages applications from persons from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds and from persons from groups underrepresented in medicine.

Citizenship Status

All applicants must have United States citizenship or resident alien status with a current green card indicating they are a permanent resident of the United States. Resident aliens are encouraged to have at least one year of full-time college work at a university or college in the United States. Resident aliens are more competitive if they can speak English fluently.

Did you have a chance to put middle eastern down in the optional section of the secondary?

Did you have a chance to put middle eastern down in the optional section of the secondary?

I have not had the chance to finish my secondary. I look forward to completing it by next week. Is there a section which I could mention that?

I was born and raised in America, however my parents are both foreign and I grew up around a foreign language speaking family. I am middle eastern and speak fluent farsi. Because of my ethnic background, do you guys think I am considered as a mission-based group? I really hope I am because my GPA and MCAT are not high enough to be considered mission-based in that regard..Thanks!

So if I am middle eastern, does that put me under the mission based groups? On the AMCAS I am considered white, but obviously I am of different racial and ethnic background than an American...

Unless you can wrap this into a beautiful package in the diversity essay on the secondary I think you're out of luck. Just saying it is probably not going to make you 'diverse' (defined by the adcoms of OHSU) so you are really going to have to sell it IMO.

hah this thread made me go check but im finally complete!

submitted 8/10
complete 9/11 (dun dun dun)

hah this thread made me go check but im finally complete!

submitted 8/10
complete 9/11 (dun dun dun)
Congrats. Does your status page just say "complete" at the top?

hah this thread made me go check but im finally complete!

submitted 8/10
complete 9/11 (dun dun dun)

Jeez, wonder what took them so long with your app (unless you were waiting on a LOR or something).

I submitted 8/16 and was complete 8/24.

Jeez, wonder what took them so long with your app (unless you were waiting on a LOR or something).

I submitted 8/16 and was complete 8/24.

probably because im OOS (cali).

is the academic excellence mission based group given equal footing to other ones? or is it like backseat to the youre from oregon ones.

probably because im OOS (cali).

is the academic excellence mission based group given equal footing to other ones? or is it like backseat to the youre from oregon ones.

I don't know for sure, but I would guess being an Oregon resident trumps the others as a lot of schools seem to do this for their IS applicants just cause they know they are the most likely to actually attend if accepted.

And the classes are made up of ~70% IS so I figure there are IS people accepted with less than the 3.65/32 required for the OOS mission group.

Jeez, wonder what took them so long with your app (unless you were waiting on a LOR or something).

I submitted 8/16 and was complete 8/24.

Uhhhh I submitted 8/16 and still not complete. Everything is in order (LORs, MCAT, et.)

I am not IS but do qualify for at least one of the mission groups.

Should I be worried?

Uhhhh I submitted 8/16 and still not complete. Everything is in order (LORs, MCAT, et.)

I am not IS but do qualify for at least one of the mission groups.

Should I be worried?

No. OHSU is known to be slow. They probably either give preference to IS applicants, puting them towards the top of the pile automatically, or review them as two separate groups meaning they would process IS quicker because there are fewer applicants.

But I do not know that for sure. Maybe there are other OOS applicants that have/have not been reviewed that can say how long it took them.

It took me I think about 1-2 weeks from OOS

It took me I think about 1-2 weeks from OOS


When did you submit your secondary?

I submitted in mid Aug so maybe they were busier?

I know OHSU has a rep for being slow, so I wasn't too worried until I saw these postings. Leave it to SDN to make me nervous! :)

They probably have a ton of apps now and had their first year orientation a few weeks ago which may have slowed them down for a week.

When did you submit your secondary?

I submitted in mid Aug so maybe they were busier?

I know OHSU has a rep for being slow, so I wasn't too worried until I saw these postings. Leave it to SDN to make me nervous! :)

Im pretty sure I submitted within the first few days of August. So you're probably right and they probably got really busy around mid August!

Any 2nd year OHSU students lurking here? I'm co-facilitating your PCM class next tuesday! Pretty excited about that.

Checked the status page today and it finally said that my application had been processed, completed, and had entered the mission group screening phase (MD/MPH). It also says that it could take up to 12 weeks to receive an interview decision. Good luck!

should i be concerned if i submitted my secondary 8/28, and my application is still not processed?

I don't think so. Considering they havent sent out any interviews they are probably busy processing applications, sorting them into mission groups, confirming Oregon residency (not sure of they do that at this stage)...

should i be concerned if i submitted my secondary 8/28, and my application is still not processed?
Are you OOS? If you don't meet one of the mission groups, don't fret. Otherwise, I'd give them a call. But that's just me. Degree of neuroticism is very subjective in this process. :-)

I submitted 8/29 & I fit at least 3 of the mission criteria (Oregon Resident, MD/MPH, diversity factors, and also fit their definition of "superior academics"), nothing yet.

Are you OOS? If you don't meet one of the mission groups, don't fret. Otherwise, I'd give them a call. But that's just me. Degree of neuroticism is very subjective in this process. :-)

I don't think OHSU answers phone calls or emails till after an II has been sent (or so it seems). So I would just hold tight for a bit.

I don't think OHSU answers phone calls or emails till after an II has been sent (or so it seems). So I would just hold tight for a bit.
Oh yeah, I forgot they haven't even been answering the phones or returning voicemails. Good point.

Just got an interview. I'm an OOS'er for the MD/PhD program. Anyone else going to be around for the 10/10-11 interview? I've never been west of Missouri, so I'll probably get the red eye or leave the next morning so I have some free time afterwards to explore Portland.

Just got an interview. I'm an OOS'er for the MD/PhD program. Anyone else going to be around for the 10/10-11 interview? I've never been west of Missouri, so I'll probably get the red eye or leave the next morning so I have some free time afterwards to explore Portland.
Congrats! Mind sharing or PMing your stats and timeline? No worries if you're too bashful. :-) Good luck!

Congrats! Exciting about the interview!

Advice?
I submitted my app 5 weeks ago and still not complete...OOS, Mission Group(s). Should I attempt to call? I am worried.

Congrats! Exciting about the interview!

Advice?
I submitted my app 5 weeks ago and still not complete...OOS, Mission Group(s). Should I attempt to call? I am worried.
No, I wouldn't. They won't answer and won't return your voicemail. I'd sit tight a little while longer.

Congrats! Exciting about the interview!

Advice?
I submitted my app 5 weeks ago and still not complete...OOS, Mission Group(s). Should I attempt to call? I am worried.

My secondary was just marked complete. I am OOS and in a mission group. Application was submitted 8/13 and marked complete 9/21

Last cycle, the first interview invitations were issued 9/23, so heads up and good luck all!

Last cycle, the first interview invitations were issued 9/23, so heads up and good luck all!

Pick me OHSU! Pick me!! :xf:

My secondary was just marked complete. I am OOS and in a mission group. Application was submitted 8/13 and marked complete 9/21

Thanks for the info. I'll hope to be complete this week then!

I am almost done with my secondary. I am totally stumped on the "What is your greatest challenge in becoming a physician" question. Since I worked while I went to college, the work-load in medical school doesn't seem to me as the greatest challenge. I am also fairly confident in scientific material. I really don't know how to answer this question since I also don't know what it is going to be like in medical school. Any suggestions on how you guys approached this question? The only thing I can think of is being far away from my family since I have been living with them the past 24 years, but I have no idea how that will play out with me emotionally and maybe this concept will be highly looked down upon?

I am almost done with my secondary. I am totally stumped on the "What is your greatest challenge in becoming a physician" question. Since I worked while I went to college, the work-load in medical school doesn't seem to me as the greatest challenge. I am also fairly confident in the material. I really don't know how to answer this question since I don't know what it is going to be like in medical school. Any suggestions on how you guys approached this question? The only thing I can think of is being far away from my family since I have been living with them the past 24 years...but that doesn't seem like it should be a challenge and could be looked down upon, right?

I think being truthful is the way to go here. If you think that being away from your family during your medical training is going to be a challenge you can spin this. "During medical school and my training it will be challenging to be apart from my family. For the past 24 years my family has been my support network...blah blah. However, I am confident that I will be able to overcome this challenge by..."

I wouldn't be too worried about something being "looked down upon" because the question does ask you for a challenge. Recognizing a challenge and determining way to overcome the challenge shows maturity!

I think being truthful is the way to go here. If you think that being away from your family during your medical training is going to be a challenge you can spin this. "During medical school and my training it will be challenging to be apart from my family. For the past 24 years my family has been my support network...blah blah. However, I am confident that I will be able to overcome this challenge by..."

I wouldn't be too worried about something being "looked down upon" because the question does ask you for a challenge. Recognizing a challenge and determining way to overcome the challenge shows maturity!

+1.

For every challenge that I presented (a list of three or four things), I countered with a way that I will be able to overcome the challenge, or a reason that the challenge is not a valid issue.

dsoz

Interview Invite this afternoon! I'm in-state, and I was complete on 8/10. The dates offered were 10/10 and 10/12.

I think being truthful is the way to go here. If you think that being away from your family during your medical training is going to be a challenge you can spin this. "During medical school and my training it will be challenging to be apart from my family. For the past 24 years my family has been my support network...blah blah. However, I am confident that I will be able to overcome this challenge by..."

I wouldn't be too worried about something being "looked down upon" because the question does ask you for a challenge. Recognizing a challenge and determining way to overcome the challenge shows maturity!
I agree about being honest, but be super careful to spin it positively. I was rejected last year and in the feedback they explicitly mentioned my response to this question as raising concerns for them. Not to scare anyone, but these answers can make or break you.

EDIT: Not that your idea has much risk for being interpreted negatively! I meant that tip for a general audience. As long as you don't make it sound like you're going to fail because you won't have any support. You have to make sure to say how you're going to overcome it, as dsoz and init2winit said. :)

Oops. In retrospect, now I'm hoping mine didn't sound glib. :-o

Interview Invite this afternoon! I'm in-state, and I was complete on 8/10. The dates offered were 10/10 and 10/12.

Congrats! That means that the rest of us should be hearing any time now.

Was it email or phone call?

dsoz

Woohoo! Interview invite this afternoon via email! My app was complete on 8/03. Scheduled interview for 10/10.

Oops. In retrospect, now I'm hoping mine didn't sound glib. :-o

Eeks me too. Off to re-read my answer to this question and worry.

And congrats on the interview invites folks!!!

Eeks me too. Off to re-read my answer to this question and worry.

And congrats on the interview invites folks!!!
LoL, at least I've been able to resist rereading. :-)

Eeks me too. Off to re-read my answer to this question and worry.

And congrats on the interview invites folks!!!
Sorry guys, I'm not trying to make anyone worry! I think my problem was that I cast myself in a negative light and didn't offer enough positives or chance for improvements. Sorry if I stressed anyone out! :)

Sorry guys, I'm not trying to make anyone worry! I think my problem was that I cast myself in a negative light and didn't offer enough positives or chance for improvements. Sorry if I stressed anyone out! :)

No problem--not your fault. I am overly worried about OHSU, that's all. :)

Btw (via MDapps) you and I have similar backgrounds--non-trad/MPH, etc. Best of luck!

Congrats to all of you getting interviews! I hope you all are getting excited to visit OHSU because I'm definitely excited to welcome you guys to our campus. The weather has been unexpectedly wonderful recently, so hopefully if you schedule an early interview, you'll get to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and the great outdoors during your visit. :)

No problem--not your fault. I am overly worried about OHSU, that's all. :)

Btw (via MDapps) you and I have similar backgrounds--non-trad/MPH, etc. Best of luck!
Thanks! Good luck to you too! Do you have any specific vision of integrating your MPH or other background experience into your MD, or is this more of a career switch for you? I'm interested in seeing how others view their return to school and what schools are best for those goals. Maybe I should start a new thread in the non-trad forum. :)

Woot woot! Interview invite this morning, excited to show 'em what I'm all about.

Finally complete. Took a full 6 weeks.

Now the real waiting begins!

Finally complete. Took a full 6 weeks.

Now the real waiting begins!

Well heck, I guess I have another couple weeks then.

Edit: I'm still not complete at OHSU either. Freaking slowest school ever.

Can someone tell me how you tell if you are complete? Thanks!

Can someone tell me how you tell if you are complete? Thanks!

On the portal under "Your secondary application has been processed." It says, "Your file was complete on [insert date]."

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile.

On the portal under "Your secondary application has been processed." It says, "Your file was complete on [insert date]."

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile.
Make sure you scroll all the way down, too. It's kind of hidden.

Is there some kind of OOS grade requirement?

Edit: Oh i guess it's 3.65.. nevermind! Answering my own question lol

Is there some kind of OOS grade requirement?

Edit: Oh i guess it's 3.65.. nevermind! Answering my own question lol

This is the GPA requirement for OOS? I didn't think they had requirements...

"The most successful applicants," have scores that meet the requirements, but I know for a fact that they make exceptions.

This is the GPA requirement for OOS? I didn't think they had requirements...

For OOS, to be considered you need to meet one of the "mission based groups" which include GPA and MCAT minimums.



Residents of Oregon.
Non-resident applicants with Oregon Heritage. The School of Medicine uses the Oregon Heritage Policy for student selection, but it is not used as a basis for determining residency, and therefore the tuition a student pays. Oregon Heritage is defined as 1) A student with one or both parents residing in Oregon at the time of application, 2) A student who graduated from high school in Oregon with at least two years at a high school in Oregon, or 3) A student who graduated from an institution of higher education in Oregon with at least two years at an institution in Oregon.
WICHE-Certified residents of Montana and Wyoming.
Applicants applying to the M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./M.P.H. Combined Degree Programs.
Non-resident applicants with superior achievements in academics and other related experiences. For the 2013 cycle, superior academics is defined as a cumulative Total GPA, as reported by AMCAS, of 3.65 or higher and a cumulative score of 32 or higher on the most-recent eligible MCAT.
The School of Medicine Admissions Committee fully recognizes the importance of diversity in its student body and in the physician workforce in providing for effective delivery of health care. Accordingly, the OHSU School of Medicine strongly encourages applications from persons from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds and from persons from groups underrepresented in medicine.



They say that for the past few years, they have not had to extend acceptances past people that have met a "mission group."

HTH
dsoz

:banana: INTERVIEW INVITE!!!! :banana:

See MD App for details.

Edit: Dates available: October 26, November 9, November 16

:banana: INTERVIEW INVITE!!!! :banana:

See MD App for details.
Gratz!!!!! *so benignly jealous* :-)

Congrats/so jealous/love OHSU/good luck all!!!

:banana: INTERVIEW INVITE!!!! :banana:

See MD App for details.

Edit: Dates available: October 26, November 9, November 16

Same for me today. Congrats to you!

I had almost given up on OHSU.

dsoz

Same for me today. Congrats to you!

I had almost given up on OHSU.

dsoz

Oh dsoz, I'm so happy we got it together! I feel like you're one of the few other very active Oregon residents on here and I think of you as a buddy lol.

Maybe we will meet if we have our interviews on the same day! Best of luck to you!

Thanks to everyone else too! Your time will come!

Oh dsoz, I'm so happy we got it together! I feel like you're one of the few other very active Oregon residents on here and I think of you as a buddy lol.

Maybe we will meet if we have our interviews on the same day! Best of luck to you!

Thanks to everyone else too! Your time will come!

I agree. I requested the October date. If that one if full then I asked for the Nov 9.

If we are on the same date, make sure we find each other so we can at least say that we met in real life.

I share the same feeling towards anyone that is also from Oregon.

dsoz

Congratulations you too! Don't forget about our plan to meet up in Portland sometime this fall. We should start thinking about that now, I guess.

I recommend Henry's Tavern. They have the best beer selection in town and some mighty fine food.

I recommend Henry's Tavern. They have the best beer selection in town and some mighty fine food.

Henry's is expensive though, so over-priced! They get away with it though because of the reputation/atmosphere.

Henry's is expensive though, so over-priced! They get away with it though because of the reputation/atmosphere.

Just a recommendation, but I think the extra dollar or two makes it worth it when you compare it to Rock Bottom. If you want over priced try Brix Tavern.

Congrats on the interviews! Maybe I will see you guys on campus! I think I will be giving tours on some interview days. OHSU is very slow with giving interview invites so don't give up hope if you haven't gotten one yet.

So, who is psyched to try this new MMI format??? It's going to be a really interesting experience, I think!

I agree. I requested the October date. If that one if full then I asked for the Nov 9.

If we are on the same date, make sure we find each other so we can at least say that we met in real life.

I share the same feeling towards anyone that is also from Oregon.

dsoz

Just got an email confirming the October 26th date! Let me know if you get that date too!

Just got an email confirming the October 26th date! Let me know if you get that date too!

They are working late. Yes, I have October 26. Let's talk about getting coffee before the fun starts.

dsoz

So, who is psyched to try this new MMI format??? It's going to be a really interesting experience, I think!

I had a two station MMI at the COMP-NW interview on Saturday, then a ten station MMI at the U of A, Phoenix interview that I was at on Monday.

They are not bad. Just play their game. If you have had acting classes before, it is a lot like improvisation. Also, some of the stations are like a traditional interview question, just you have only a few minutes to give a clear, concise, answer. You cannot ramble on about some nonsense. Answer the question, and any followups that the interviewer has.

I think that I do well in the traditional interview model. I can usually tell my story in a way that is entertaining and engaging. (I am used to working with high school students). I did not like the group interview (LECOM-B style). I was OK with the MMI at Phoenix (still waiting to hear how I did). I can't imagine that the MMI at OHSU will be much different.

Also, it is not really new. I believe that they used it last year at OHSU. That is why so many people were put on post-interview hold until May. My only hope is that they have some working knowledge of how it will work out this year and not put so many people on post-interview hold this year. Ya, right (sarcasm)

dsoz

Also, it is not really new. I believe that they used it last year at OHSU.
Correct, they used MMI last year. I was glad I interviewed late in the season, after they had worked out more of their kinks. I really enjoyed it, it was lots of fun.
That is why so many people were put on post-interview hold until May. My only hope is that they have some working knowledge of how it will work out this year and not put so many people on post-interview hold this year. Ya, right (sarcasm)

No. They put most people on hold because they put most people on hold. That's just how they roll. :rolleyes:

I'm a fan of little eastside neighborhood bars, myself. But throw a rock in Portland and you'll probably hit good beer.

I'm a fan of little eastside neighborhood bars, myself. But throw a rock in Portland and you'll probably hit good beer.

Ever been out to Hop & Vine out in North Portland (but on the east side)? That's a pretty good place.

Ever been out to Hop & Vine out in North Portland (but on the east side)? That's a pretty good place.

Somehow I didn't know that existed, and it's a mile from my house. And like 5 blocks from my favorite coffee shop. I like the Bye & Bye when it's not too crowded, & the Mash Tun is nice also.