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:

I would love to go here.

Where's the UMASS love?

Well I like my chances if nobody else is applying here :D

Does anyone have the secondary yet? Verified but still nothing

I submitted on 6/18 so I'm still not verified and therefore haven't received the secondary.

But I love UMass and hope I have a shot here!

Just got my secondary:laugh:

Same here! Received the secondary yesterday... so many tax questions!

Same here! Received the secondary yesterday... so many tax questions!

I got mine yesterday too. Yeah, lot's of tax questions! And why do they need my registration number for my car and the date I registered to vote? Seems a little excessive.

Could you guys please post the questions?

I got mine yesterday too. Yeah, lot's of tax questions! And why do they need my registration number for my car and the date I registered to vote? Seems a little excessive.
I think they care deeply about residency. I would love to apply as a MA native, but alas I'm no longer a resident!

Ack I've lived outside of Mass. for a year for a fellowship, but that's it. I am still a resident right? My 2011 taxes were for Mass. and Maryland.

Ack I've lived outside of Mass. for a year for a fellowship, but that's it. I am still a resident right? My 2011 taxes were for Mass. and Maryland.
I would guess you'll be fine if you're still a resident/paying taxes, etc. On the other hand, I am most certainly no longer a resident.

If you are reapplying to UMMS, please describe how you have strengthened your credentials since your last application. Limit your answer to 200 words.


Have you ever worked/volunteered or otherwise participated in any UMASS Medical School or UMASS Memorial Health Care sponsored activities/programs (Example: Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Pipeline Program, Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), Research) If Yes, please describe. A letter of recommendation from your program supervisor is strongly encouraged. Limit your answer to 200 words.


Please provide a description of a personal dilemma relating to ONE of the nine following personal compentencies that are important to success in medical education and physician practice. Limit your answer to 500 words. Any additional information beyond one page will not be evaluated.

COMPETENCIES:

Integrity & Ethics Competency - Behaves in an honest and ethical manner; adheres to ethical principles and follows rules and procedures; resists peer pressure to engage in unethical behavior and encourages others to behave in honest and ethical ways.

Reliability & Dependability - Consistently fulfills obligations in a timely and satisfactory manner; takes responsibility for personal actions and performance.

Service Orientation - Demonstrates a desire to help others and sensitivity to others' needs and feelings; demonstrates a desire to alleviate others' distress.

Social & Interpersonal Skills - Demonstrates an awareness of others' needs, goals, feelings, and the ways that social and behavioral cues affect peoples' interactions and behaviors; adjusts behaviors appropriately in response to these cues; and treats others with respect.

Capacity for Improvement - Sets goals for continuous improvement and for learning new concepts and skills; engages in reflective practice for improvement; solicits and responds appropriately to feedback

Resilience and Adaptability - Demonstrates tolerance of stressful or changing environments or situations and adapts effectively to them; is persistent, even under difficult situations; recovers from setbacks.

Cultural Competence - Demonstrates knowledge of social and cultural factors that affect interactions and behaviors; shows an appreciation and respect for multiple dimensions of diversity; recognizes and appropriately addresses bias in themselves and others; interacts effectively with people form diverse backgrounds.

Oral Communication - Effectively conveys information to others using spoken words and sentences listens effectively; recognizes potential communication barriers and adjust approach or clarifies information as needed.

Teamwork - Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals; shares information and knowledge with others and provides feedback; puts team goals ahead of individual goals.


Step1: Review each competency

Carefully read each competency definition to be sure you understand what is important. Carefully reflect on each competency and think about a dilemma you encountered in your activities, experiences, or accomplishments and relate that to it.


Step 2: Choose what you will write about for ONE competency

Choose one dilemma that best describes your demonstration of your chosen competency. The dilemma may be specific, such as a challenging person, situation or assignment. Alternately, it may be an example of a dilemma you witnessed, in which case your relay what your response would have been.


Step 3: Provide a narrative description of the dilemma


Carefully describe the dilemma you have selected. Your response should clearly reflect your individual experience or understanding of this dilemma related to that competency. Your description must reflect the quality of your understanding of the dilemma including how it relates to the specific competency and its scope and impact. Specifically, you should describe:

a) the situation in which the activity, experience or accomplishment occured;

b) actions you took and the resulting consequences of those actions;

c) what you learned from the experience

YIKES! That's much different from last year. Why the hell did I pre-write? :(

lol crap, I submitted a primary to this school without being a MA resident -_-

For "Capacity for Improvement", do you think it would be all right for me to mention becoming healthier and losing ~60 lbs in the past year? No pills or surgery, just slightly healthier eating, cardio, and strength training.

The weight-loss journey has been a significant part of my life since August. I have been taking progress photos, keeping a spreadsheet of my weight loss, and more recently, using a journal for tracking my lifts. I know people my size have lost a lot more in a shorter amount of time, so I worry the adcom will just roll their eyes at my essay and go on to a more interesting read.

For "Capacity for Improvement", do you think it would be all right for me to mention becoming healthier and losing ~60 lbs in the past year? No pills or surgery, just slightly healthier eating, cardio, and strength training.

The weight-loss journey has been a significant part of my life since August. I have been taking progress photos, keeping a spreadsheet of my weight loss, and more recently, using a journal for tracking my lifts. I know people my size have lost a lot more in a shorter amount of time, so I worry the adcom will just roll their eyes at my essay and go on to a more interesting read.

I personally think that's awesome. I would enjoy reading it and I'm sure adcoms would, too.

I personally think that's awesome. I would enjoy reading it and I'm sure adcoms would, too.
+1 That's great! Keep it up : )

Would going further in depth about a disadvantaged status work for "resilience and adaptability?" I barely wrote anything on my AMCAS disadvantaged status section on it, and it feels like the best option for me but I don't want to sound whiny or obnoxious. I would definitely put a positive spin on it.

Also, 500 words is SO SHORT!

Would going further in depth about a disadvantaged status work for "resilience and adaptability?" I barely wrote anything on my AMCAS disadvantaged status section on it, and it feels like the best option for me but I don't want to sound whiny or obnoxious. I would definitely put a positive spin on it.

Also, 500 words is SO SHORT!

With the right spin it should work really well. It only sounds whiny if you start being all "woe is me" and using your disadvantaged status as an excuse for not making positive changes in your life.

Do the taxes questions need to be filled out even if you graduated from a MA highschool? Im out of state right now and feel like it would be a pain if I had to gather all that information.

This question is much harder for me than I thought it would be. :scared:

Why is the online portal so junky? I don't even know how to submit my application. I think it just saves automatically, but in that case, shouldn't my secondary not be on my "to do" list anymore?

Limit your answer to 500 words. Any additional information beyond one page will not be evaluated.


So how strict is this 500-word limit if it's still under a page?

Why is the online portal so junky? I don't even know how to submit my application. I think it just saves automatically, but in that case, shouldn't my secondary not be on my "to do" list anymore?
There is no official submit botton for the UMass Med secondary. Your application status will change to "submitted" as soon as the school receives the secondary fee.

....

I can't believe we have to pay by check, snail-mail style.

Interview invite for 9/19!! :thumbup::thumbup::)

Congrats CJC71! Do you mind sharing roughly what day you were complete? I know it is a little tricky for UMASS...

Thank you!! I think I was complete around 8/6!

How long did it take you to get complete? I sent in my check two weeks ago, and my application is still open...

how long did it take you to get complete? I sent in my check two weeks ago, and my application is still open...

+1

+1

I submitted both my secondary and check around when I got the secondary (July 18). But my letters weren't in until August 2 and I was listed as complete less than a week after that. So my timeline is a little weird. Sorry I can't be of more help!!

Just FYI -- I called the office and they said that processing will take 3-4 weeks... then your file will be marked "complete." :)

Has anyone ever visited the campus to see what it looks like? Is the surrounding area nice? I've lived in Boston my whole life but I have ever been to Worcester >.< thinking to take a trip there in the next few weeks just to check it out.

Has anyone ever visited the campus to see what it looks like? Is the surrounding area nice? I've lived in Boston my whole life but I have ever been to Worcester >.< thinking to take a trip there in the next few weeks just to check it out.

lol it's not the most attractive city... i went to high school nearby and we would go there for tacos because there's a great mexican restaurant. other than that, it's a pain in the ass to drive there and it's kind of ugly.

Sent in my check last Friday, and II today 4 days later. Wow they act fast, I didn't even think I was complete yet

Has anyone ever visited the campus to see what it looks like? Is the surrounding area nice? I've lived in Boston my whole life but I have ever been to Worcester >.< thinking to take a trip there in the next few weeks just to check it out.

Definitely not as nice as Boston, but not as bad as the reputation it gets. Great city to see music, there's minor league sports, colleges (so other college students) and main street seems fun (never been there as a 21 yr old). Also, it's pretty close to Amherst, Hartford, Boston and Providence, so if you want to get out of town you have many choices. As far as safety, a lot of the crime is domestic in nature, so I think the crime statistics are a little skewed. Worcester doesn't have the same type of gang violence as Boston does from what I understand.

Campus has several brand new beautiful buildings. Worcester is a city that is becoming a hub for healthcare, with the new Med City St. Vincents center, and other new science centers such as Worcester Poly's bio science buidling, and Mass College of Pharma which are both part of the 12-college consortium in greater Worcester.

Cost of living in Worcester is not bad, great and affordable restaurants, ever-improving train and bus service to/from Boston/airport. Excellent recreation in the greater Worcester area: hiking, golf, alpine and nordic skiing, rafting, cycling groups from local bike shops, running/clubs/road races & triathlons, nice botanical garden nearby, volunteer opportunities/clinics, agricultural & country fairs, incredible Fall foliage, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, kayaking, ice skating. Rowing on Lake Quinsigamond adjacent to campus. Twilight league adult sports (soccer, etc.). Worcester is within driving distance for trips to coastal Maine, Plum Island, the Vineyard & Nantucket, Newport, plus ski destinations in VT, NH, Maine and local Mt. Wachusett day & night skiing. Worcester concert venue getting a major facelift this year. Does have street crime & knife-crime, as many major cities do.

I have a question about the coursework section for those of you who submitted -- did you enter the year the course was taken (as I believe it states), or did you enter the AMCAS year (as in 2010 S1 and 2010 S2).

No one picked up on the other end at UMASS...

Does anyone who's interviewed here have any tips?

Does anyone who's interviewed here have any tips?

So, I am a current MSI at Umass, so I just went through all of this.

The most important thing to remember about Umass is to be respectful to EVERY single person who you encounter. Adcom members routinely walk around and talk to interviewees to see how they interact with people.

For the actual interview, however, make sure you are at least somewhat informed about healthcare and the current politics. Not every interviewer will ask you about this, but there are a few who will ask you how to make healthcare better. Also, be sure to do some research about the upcoming things at Umass (i.e. the new Albert Sherman Building) and formulate some questions about these things to ask your interviewer. Other than that, Umass is really chill and they do everything to make sure you feel comfortable on the day of the interview. When I had my interview here, everyone was extremely welcoming and encouraging.

After your interview, make sure you send thank you letters to the admissions office for each of your interviewers. Do not get discouraged about not hearing anything right away. I interviewed in September and was accepted in April. I was not waitlisted, so I literally had to suffer that long.

By the way, if you do get accepted, we have a orientation camping trip to Maine in early August. We call this MOE. It is by far the best experience ever and no other medical school has anything quite like it!

Has Umass sent out regular decision invites yet? If so, when are you guys interviewing and when were you complete?

So, I am a current MSI at Umass, so I just went through all of this.

The most important thing to remember about Umass is to be respectful to EVERY single person who you encounter. Adcom members routinely walk around and talk to interviewees to see how they interact with people.

For the actual interview, however, make sure you are at least somewhat informed about healthcare and the current politics. Not every interviewer will ask you about this, but there are a few who will ask you how to make healthcare better. Also, be sure to do some research about the upcoming things at Umass (i.e. the new Albert Sherman Building) and formulate some questions about these things to ask your interviewer. Other than that, Umass is really chill and they do everything to make sure you feel comfortable on the day of the interview. When I had my interview here, everyone was extremely welcoming and encouraging.

After your interview, make sure you send thank you letters to the admissions office for each of your interviewers. Do not get discouraged about not hearing anything right away. I interviewed in September and was accepted in April. I was not waitlisted, so I literally had to suffer that long.

By the way, if you do get accepted, we have a orientation camping trip to Maine in early August. We call this MOE. It is by far the best experience ever and no other medical school has anything quite like it!

I was just wondering, did you have any experience with working at any UMASS affiliated communities before applying? I noticed they asked a question about that both this year and last year in the secondary...I am considering applying ED next year. Thanks!

I was just wondering, did you have any experience with working at any UMASS affiliated communities before applying? I noticed they asked a question about that both this year and last year in the secondary...I am considering applying ED next year. Thanks!

No, I didn't work for any Umass Medical affiliated companies. It will help you as long as you made a good impression with what you did. Don't worry if you didn't though. I would say a good majority of my class has had no prior affiliation with the medical school.

Has Umass sent out regular decision invites yet? If so, when are you guys interviewing and when were you complete?

Yes, I am interviewing 10-02, and I believe I was complete around 8-25 - 8-27, but hard to tell with UMass.

does umass get letters from amcas? mine have been marked as unreceived for weeks now and i've had them on amcas for a while.

Umass!

First II this morning, was just marked as complete last friday (9/14). Initially was scheduled for 10/17, but was forced to reschedule and the only date they gave me was 11/28. Wish I could have interviewed at that original date, but still very happy

Umass!!

does anyone know if reapplicants are at a disadvantage when applying to umass. does umass wait till later on in the application cycle to offers them interviews despite the time they are complete. any knowledge would be greatly appreciated. thanks

It has been the trend in the past that re-applicants are offered interviews later in the application cycle. They change things a little every year, however.

Do those with II mind giving your stats? I am trying to determine if Umass has any particular method of slecting people who to interview first (e.g.high GPA, high MCAT, etc.)

do those with ii mind giving your stats? I am trying to determine if umass has any particular method of slecting people who to interview first (e.g.high gpa, high mcat, etc.)

3.87/36q

My MCAT was low 30s and my GPA was approx 3.8

According to a reliable source that will not be named, they interview approx 500 out of 800 total applicants, so seems like they give a lot of people a shot. don't give up!

3.87/36q

Uggh, how do you live with yourself as a mass resident with a name like that? How do you sleep at night?:confused:

Eep I'm wondering why I havent received an II. :(

did anyone who wrote they preferred an off-campus interview get an invite yet? if so, do you mind posting when you were complete? thanks!

Uggh, how do you live with yourself as a mass resident with a name like that? How do you sleep at night?:confused:

haha my parents are from NY, so I grew up going to jets games. Also probably the only mets and knicks fan within 50 miles

II for Nov. 13:biglove:

II for Nov. 13:biglove:
Mind posting when you were complete?

don't know the exact date I was marked complete; somewhere between late August to early September.

Umass!!!

Any MD/PhD II yet?

By far my top choice; spend my days biting my nails.

Does anybody know how to find out when you registered to vote? I know I'm registered in MA, but I have no idea when it was... Thanks!

Does anybody know how to find out when you registered to vote? I know I'm registered in MA, but I have no idea when it was... Thanks!

go to your town hall

Oh. OK, thanks!

Hi,

I've been complete since 9/11, but haven't heard any status updates. Is it time to panic? My stats are 3.74 overall, 3.7 science, 29 MCAT. I haven't heard back from any schools and since my MCAT is low, I'm wondering if UMass is just going to wait and send me a rejection?

It's the 16th... anyone who interviewed heard back yet...??

Anyone who has interviewed--how long did the interview day run?

Has anyone received an interview invite lately? Does anyone know how far out they are currently scheduling interviews? Also, does anyone know if UMass usually interviews reapplicants later in the cycle. Thanks.

Anyone who has interviewed--how long did the interview day run?
If you have morning interviews you finish around 2pm and if you have afternoon interviews you finish around 4pm, although for the afternoon people, the interviews are the last thing you do so you may get out earlier depending on when they schedule your interviews.

II today, complete early-mid September?

II today, complete early-mid September?

Stats??

Stats??

My info is in my MDApps profile, and I will be more thorough with stats on there once the application cycle is over.

Anyone else who interviewed have one really nice interviewer and the other a challenging, disputatious person?

Hmm....Both of my interviewers were really nice. Very conversational.

I wonder when we will hear back...

It looks like last year people starting posting acceptances on the Friday of the second week in November. I'm nervous!!

Umass!!!

Ahhhhh!!

I talked to someone at the interview whose friend had interviewed in September and was already accepted -- she heard back within 2 weeks.

I am so nervous. UMass is amazing.

Not sure about the Friday thing...

Ahhhhh!!

I talked to someone at the interview whose friend had interviewed in September and was already accepted -- she heard back within 2 weeks.

I am so nervous. UMass is amazing.

Not sure about the Friday thing...


But that should be for early decision because opening day for regular admissions wasn't until 10/16 right? Ugh I'm so nervous too...:scared:

First acceptances last year were 11/18 I think. We still have a few weeks to wait most likely, so sit back and relax.

Oh I totes forgot about early decision. That would make sense for that September person, yup. #friedbrain

Does anyone have any insight/tips/feedback on their interview? I'm interviewing soon but don't really know what to expect!

Does anyone have any insight/tips/feedback on their interview? I'm interviewing soon but don't really know what to expect!
My day was super laid-back. Everyone in the admissions office is very kind and helpful.

2 interviews, either in the morning or afternoon. A few presentations on financial aid/history of the school/curriculum. A tour of the campus by students. A great lunch is provided.

Interviews could be with faculty or students. Mine were both nice and conversational.

If you're driving, give yourself enough time to figure out where the parking garage is. (Free parking - they give you vouchers.)

Have fun :)

I'm a reapplicant to UMass. I was complete August 31 and still haven't heard anything from them. Should I be worried?

4.0/37, Interviewed in February last cycle. One of my interviewers essentially told me I was getting accepted no matter what, and then I received a rejection on April 30:(

Just based on what I've read on last year's thread, I don't think you should be worried. It seems like UMass is a bit unpredictable with their timeline.

Anyone hear anything post-interview yet?

The 3rd Friday last year is when the first acceptances went out. That would be tomorrow for this cycle. PLEASE UMASS THROW US A BONE

I am so nervous about tomorrow! Come on, UMass! Fingers crossed....:love::xf:

has anyone heard anything today yet? i have been waiting anxiously for noon but now it has come and gone with nothing in my inbox.

Nothing :(

Next week is Thanksgiving, so no news next week either. Ugh, this sucks.

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3s3deaJ1H1qcwpp9o1_500.gif

Nothing here :/

Accepted this morning by email! Good luck all! :luck:

Accepted this morning by email! Good luck all! :luck:

Mind sharing stats/interview date?

.

Anyone know where UMASS is at with their timeline? There seems to be very little interview/acceptance activity in this thread. I am IS, hoping for an II soon!

Anyone know where UMASS is at with their timeline? There seems to be very little interview/acceptance activity in this thread. I am IS, hoping for an II soon!

All MD applicants are IS. :p

Anyone know where UMASS is at with their timeline? There seems to be very little interview/acceptance activity in this thread. I am IS, hoping for an II soon!

It seems like they sent out a wave of acceptances last year on the third Friday of November, which would've been last Friday. I think a bunch of us post-interviewees were waiting anxiously, but nothing really happened.

I'm praying for some good news soon.....

I hope you get an II. Good luck! :thumbup:

Anyone know the total application:interview:acceptance ratio?

Not exactly an official source, but according to World News and Report, in 2011 they had 972 applicants, 552 interviews, and 206 acceptances, meaning they interviewed 56.8% of applicants, accepted 21.2% of total applicants, and accepted 37.3% of interviewees.

Also, in other news, interview invite recently! So excited! It seems like they're still coming out slowly though, based on the invite dates and interview dates I've heard from others as well.

Good luck to all!

Here's a link to the current M1 class stats, which indicates there were 1,059 applicants for the entering class, along with other useful data on demographics...
http://www.umassmed.edu/uploadedFiles/Class_of_2016newsletter.pdf

does that include people taken off the waitlist?

Sooo its been over 2 months since my interview, should I start freaking out for Friday?

Sorry for the delay. 32 MCAT, 3.66 GPA. Interviewed mid-October, accepted November 16.

.

i'm starting to think that a few people were accepted nov 16th and insideout was the only one that posted here, hence no news this week (maybe news next friday?)... am i correct?

Sigh. I'm so nervous. I vaguely remember reading a post on one of the UMass threads saying that all the different interviewers take different amounts of time in reaching decisions, so it depends on that for each interviewee?

I find it really odd that only one person on SDN got accepted. Last year there were at least 5 or 6 people on the first day of acceptances.

lol I saw this thread got bumped and got all anxious

I'm done trying to figure out this school, I care less and less about UMass by the week

.

i agree, this is a big turnoff for the school, makes me inclined to prefer my other interview-invited schools with clear turnaround times

lol I saw this thread got bumped and got all anxious

I'm done trying to figure out this school, I care less and less about UMass by the week

I think it's hard to really blame them. Their admissions staff is likely much smaller than those of most other schools, and I bet it's a lot tougher to send out acceptances every week like some of the other schools do. And I don't think it's bad that they are thoroughly deliberating applicants' profiles.

Give them some time...there are still a handful of other schools that have not given out a single acceptance yet. I believe I recall being told that UMass hands out two batches over the course of the cycle, so I wouldn't be surprised if the first one is in January. Be thankful that there are schools that have very concrete timelines to ease your nerves, but you shouldn't expect all schools to cater to the anxiety of all of their neurotic applicants.

Well total let down today, no news. I was really hoping that I might hear something (Interviewed mid sept) but I'm starting to believe friends that are students there. Every one of them has laughed and said don't expect a word until April, I was hoping they were just exaggerating or interviewed late.
ugh sad face :(

Another Friday....

Well total let down today, no news. I was really hoping that I might hear something (Interviewed mid sept) but I'm starting to believe friends that are students there. Every one of them has laughed and said don't expect a word until April, I was hoping they were just exaggerating or interviewed late.
ugh sad face :(

I can speak from experience. I interviewed mid September last year and got accepted in April. It is well worth the wait, however. Umass is just amazing. So much opportunity here.

I can speak from experience. I interviewed mid September last year and got accepted in April. It is well worth the wait, however. Umass is just amazing. So much opportunity here.

Thanks for the encouragement, I want this so badly!

UMass, maybe you could get some acceptances out in time for Christmas...? It's the only gift I want this year :p

UMass, maybe you could get some acceptances out in time for Christmas...? It's the only gift I want this year :p

Would. Be. Best. Christmas present. Ever. :thumbup: !!!

:luck::xf:

Umass!!

Some decisions HAVE to have been made by now, don't you guys think? I don't undeerrrssttaanddd thissss PROCESSSSSSSSS. :boom:

....I guess we just have to try to not think about it.

Anyone hear anything? Bueller.. Bueller

I was complete about a month ago. How long should I expect to wait to hear back about an interview at this point. Has anyone recently received an invitation, and if so when did you complete your application? Also wondering if interviews have been scheduled for February and March?

I was complete about a month ago. How long should I expect to wait to hear back about an interview at this point. Has anyone recently received an invitation, and if so when did you complete your application? Also wondering if interviews have been scheduled for February and March?

It seems like there can't be expectations regarding any time frames. You may not hear from them for a while. I've spoken to them, and to a few people at the school, and to my undergrad advisors, and there doesn't seem to be any pattern or predictability.

My app was complete in August, I got an invitation about two months later, and my interview was within weeks of the invitation.

I haven't heard of anyone being accepted yet...?

The problem, if you check out last year's thread, is that sometimes they hold off with news until April or so... And also, the waitlist is very mobile.

I wish they'd let us know sooner.... I just want to plan. :xf:

Yes, the wait itself is tolerable, but the added expense is painful. If UMASS is your first choice and you are a strong candidate, you are now in limbo-land, and will continue to interview at other schools, taking time off work for travel, and spending a lot of dough on flight reservations and possibly hotels & ground trans at other schools from now until April.

Certainly at least a third of the 1000 or so candidates in this finite pool can be considered inevitable acceptances. And surely some of the potential acceptees would withdraw, which would whittle the pool into a more known entity, which is a good thing, yes?

(sorry, accidentally double-posted)

Yes, the wait itself is tolerable, but the added expense is painful. If UMASS is your first choice and you are a strong candidate, you are now in limbo-land, and will continue to interview at other schools, taking time off work for travel, and spending a lot of dough on flight reservations and possibly hotels & ground trans at other schools from now until April.

Certainly at least a third of the 1000 or so candidates in this finite pool can be considered inevitable acceptances. And surely some of the potential acceptees would withdraw, which would whittle the pool into a more known entity, which is a good thing, yes?

I wonder if they respond late because so many students likely withdraw their acceptances in favor of other acceptances they may eventually receive. UMASS definitely has less applicants to choose from, so I bet these withdrawals make things a little tougher down the stretch if applicants also start withdrawing because they've been waitlisted.

I'm so curious as to whether people are getting in every Friday and not posting, or if things really are as quiet as they seem... :confused::confused::confused:

I'm so curious as to whether people are getting in every Friday and not posting, or if things really are as quiet as they seem... :confused::confused::confused:
Got in today. Interview 11/28. :-)

accepted today! :)

Grats guys. Did you get a phone call or email?

Now I'm anxious. Time to get away from the computer

Congrats, you guys!

I'm with you, JFK. I'm so anxious.

How did you receive the news??

Congrats, you guys!

I'm with you, JFK. I'm so anxious.

How did you receive the news??
It was via e-mail.

It was via e-mail.

::sadly refreshes Spam inbox repeatedly::+pity+

:cry: +pissed+

::sadly refreshes Spam inbox repeatedly::+pity+

interview invite yesterday :love:

Got in today. Interview 11/28. :-)
Congrats faithzg. I also interviewed 11/28 but haven't received any good news.

Umass!!

are wednesday interviews only for md/phd or does umass interivew twice a week on tuesday and wednesday? thanks.
I interviewed Wednesday 12/12/12 for the MD program

interview invite yesterday :love:
Was the interview invitation sent by email or did someone call you?

Was the interview invitation sent by email or did someone call you?

Not directed to me, but invitations are emailed

Mine was emailed to me (around noon, not sure if that's a pattern) from the very friendly admissions coordinator Brenda. All caps subject line initially made my brain implode in terror but when I actually read the words, I was happy!

Umass!!

II today for late feb.. complete early September

Umass!!

Do you think there will be a lot of news this Friday since it is now January?

I really hope so... Fingers crossed! Seems like they sent out some news around this time last year. Then again, also seems like UMass is totally unpredictable.

Umass!!

if you get accepted does your status immediately change from a green circle (complete) to a check mark if you log into your account? thanks

Mine didn't.

any news today?

No news over here. :/

II earlier this week. Complete early August

Guess todays not the day.. Bummer

Ugh just got a rejection from a different school.

COME ON UMASS. :luck:

I've heard multiple ppl saying their friend is waiting or so and so has a kid that hasn't heard yet...

Seems like a lot of us are in the same boat!

Umass!

does anyone know how often the admissions Committee meets and what day they meet? Does Umass hold off on post interview rejections until march/spring? thanks

I'm not sure. They didn't give us any idea on my interview day, either. Looking at past threads, it seems like they don't reject until the spring.... which I find terrifying, because I could be holding out for nothing.

Here's what I don't understand: There's an entire Admissions Office dedicated to...admissions. They don't send out that many interview invites, and the invitations they do send out are well spaced. They also haven't send out many acceptances, seemingly zero wait lists, zero rejections. So.... What.... Exactly.... Is going on in the office? I mean, genuinely, what happens from 9-5 each day in there? I'm really curious. Admissions is so mysterious.

I'm not sure. They didn't give us any idea on my interview day, either. Looking at past threads, it seems like they don't reject until the spring.... which I find terrifying, because I could be holding out for nothing.

Here's what I don't understand: There's an entire Admissions Office dedicated to...admissions. They don't send out that many interview invites, and the invitations they do send out are well spaced. They also haven't send out many acceptances, seemingly zero wait lists, zero rejections. So.... What.... Exactly.... Is going on in the office? I mean, genuinely, what happens from 9-5 each day in there? I'm really curious. Admissions is so mysterious.

Now that I think about it... Maybe UMass seriously only has one person in the office juggling everything.

But I still want to creep on an office for a day!

I wish I had the guts to call and ask but from what I understand they will explicitly say you may hear anytime from now to 5/15

I wish I had the guts to call and ask but from what I understand they will explicitly say you may hear anytime from now to 5/15

Unfortunately, yes. :scared:+pissed+

Pre-interview rejection by email. Complete back in August. 3.8 / 36Q

Pre-interview rejection by email. Complete back in August. 3.8 / 36Q

Whaa...how??

As for everyone else post-interview, I'm in the same boat. Interviewed ~2 months ago and nothing... unfortunately this school has me by the balls until they decide to send out decisions.

Whaa...how??

As for everyone else post-interview, I'm in the same boat. Interviewed ~2 months ago and nothing... unfortunately this school has me by the balls until they decide to send out decisions.

Hm, maybe they do rejections for MD/PhD candidates?

Whaa...how??

As for everyone else post-interview, I'm in the same boat. Interviewed ~2 months ago and nothing... unfortunately this school has me by the balls until they decide to send out decisions.

This!

I'm at ~4 months post interview :(

Hm, maybe they do rejections for MD/PhD candidates?

Straight MD for UMass. Hah, perhaps they just reached their quota for white, male, non-legacies. A bit surprised myself, but this is a slightly random game sometimes.

Rejected preinterview today by email. Straight md. Submitted early october, update sent late December. 35, 3.5ish cgpa and sgpa. Interviewed last year and rejected. Loved the school, so I'm kind of disappointed, especially since I got an interview last year, and I thought I improved my application and would have made a better impression at an interview than last year. But oh well. Good luck to everyone still waiting! :)

Umass give me an interview!!

have their been any interview invites recently. been complete since july/august and still no response. when does umass start accepting people?

Aaaand another Friday rolls around...any news?

None here. I am resigned at this point that we probably won't be hearing anything until April -_-

None here. I am resigned at this point that we probably won't be hearing anything until April -_-

Nothing here either. More and more nervous......:confused:

Nothing here either. More and more nervous......:confused:

Me too
Sad face friday again :(

.....

+1

+1

+1 = 2

did umass mention during anyone's interview day how many people they plan to interview and how many they usually accept?

Can any current students respond to this? I found this in last year's thread and it is freaking me out a little bit:

"Hey guys. I'm a current clinical years UMMS student, and long-time SDN member. I created this acct for anonymity, because there are some things I wish I'd known more about before deciding to come to UMMS, so I thought I would share them with you all so that you can make a fully informed choice.

First of all, the positives: the people at UMMS are really nice. Deans and other administrators, faculty, the majority of the clinical staff - noticably warm and welcoming, especially, or so I've been told by a number of visiting students, when compared to other schools. The price is indeed excellent, especially given the low cost of living in Worcester. There is a lot of development going on at UMMS, new construction, pretty buildings - there's a sense of energy, which is cool. There is school support, both administratively and financially, for research, public health, and international work.

Now, the cons. As you probably are aware, there's a massive curriculum redesign in progress. You can hear more about that from current students in MS1 or MS2. It's been a bit of a cluster**** at times, with materials not ready or changes to classes made at the last minute, but I actually don't think the preclinical curriculum matters all that much, and I do think it's getting better. There are a lot of motivated people working on it, and the professors are very dedicated. The medical school preclinical years are very standardized in terms of material to cover, so if you take responsibility early on for staying aware of what you need to be learning for step 1, you can do just fine regardless of what the school does. More than 10 people failed step 1 in the class of 2012, and a large percentage of the class of 2013 delayed taking it. A lot of people also scored very highly - just ignore what Dean Rogoff says (repeatedly!) about step 1 not mattering all that much and go your own way in terms of preparation.

The biggest con, however, has been the clinical years experience. You will have limited chances to talk to MS3 and MS4s during your interviews/second looks, so it's hard to get a feel. And while preclinical weaknesses aren't that big of a deal because you can do your own thing, that's not the case with clinical years. So here they are - I don't know how different these things would be at other schools you are considering, but I didn't even really know to ask about them when I was applying. Just take it as a list of issues to consider.

1. Clinical rotations are scattered all over the state (and beyond), from the Berkshires to Connecticut and Rhode Island. The housing provided in the Berks is extremely ghetto. The driving gets expensive and tiring. The scattered sites make it difficult to provide a standardized experience. One of the inpatient pediatric sites had literally 2 patients while a student was there for his MS3 pediatric rotation this year. That is not a rotation, IMO. The sites have always been a little scattered, but from what I understand it has gotten a lot worse recently because the class size expanded before slots for clinical students had been lined up.

2. The residency programs at UMMS are not very strong. I had absolutely not understood that before starting clinical years. There are a lot of preliminary people who scrambled for spots and got them here. There are a lot of IMG/FMG/DOs. BTW, some of those folks are the best, and I've really enjoyed working with the FMGs/DOs, but the rest of them are visibly struggling compared to the US MD grads we see. And there are two reasons that matters to you as a medical student. First, when your intern/residents are struggling, it's miserable to work with them. They dump more scut, they radiate more anxiety, and the teaching is not as good because they don't have time and/or energy. Second, given the realities of home-field advantage, you'd be better off going to school somewhere you would like to stay. That is not to say, however, that you can't leave. Most people do. Regardless, you'll come to find out that your team makes or breaks a rotation.

3. You will hear a lot about how many people extend for a 5th year, and you will hear it framed as a good thing. Oh, opportunities for research, travel, fellowships! And that's somewhat true. Except that a significant number of people are doing that research because they need to be more competitive for the specialty they want. Or because they had little exposure to fields outside of primary care until it was too late to apply on time. There is a big uproar in the class of 2013 because the cost of a 5th year is going to be raised to ~$8000...which the administration says is still very cheap. Except that a 5th year doesn't cost you the tuition and living expenses for that year, it costs you whatever your salary would have been for that year were you applying on time, so who cares if it was $800 or $8000? It costs you 200k. Which is fine if you are making that choice because you are doing something awesome that year and it's necessary to get you to where you want to go, but if you are doing it because you weren't adequately prepared to apply on time, that's not cool.

So, like I said, some of these things may be the same or worse at other places you are considering. I don't know. But ask about them. I'm not saying don't come to UMass, I'm just saying compare your options carefully. "

scary stuff...I interviewed at Umass last november and I don't recall hearing the above from current 1st and 2nd year students...Perhaps a 3rd or 4th year student should respond to this

Thank you. this is really important info to know. Can a 3rd or 4th year student comment on this please?

If you go back to that thread there is a whole set of responses from other 4th years. From what I got from it, this is just one students opinion and, although the school is not perfect (dealing with issues that many schools are facing), there are many really compelling reasons to attend UMASS. Honestly, based on my interview day and meeting the students at UMASS, think that it would be a pretty awesome place to spend 4 years.

LGreen89, thank you for the valuable re-post! It certainly raises awareness of some issues that most pre-meds (myself included) didn't know existed. Obviously everything at SDN should be taken with a grain of salt, however speaking from my own interview experience, I got the impression that the quality of education is greatly compromised at UMMS for the sake of keeping the tuition low.

Not directed to me, but invitations are emailed

LGreen89, thank you for the valuable re-post! It certainly raises awareness of some issues that most pre-meds (myself included) didn't know existed. Obviously everything at SDN should be taken with a grain of salt, however speaking from my own interview experience, I got the impression that the quality of education is greatly compromised at UMMS for the sake of keeping the tuition low.

Your interview day gave that impression? Could you tell a bit more about that?

My interview day was really great....

has anyone who interviewed in december heard anything?

............

I interviewed in November as still haven't heard anything. From what I understand, waiting for UMass' answer is really not a quick and painless process. Pretty much the opposite.

Same-sies! I interviewed in mid-October, and haven't heard anything yet :-(

Mid-September interviewer here and still nothing... :thumbdown

Mid-September interviewer here and still nothing... :thumbdown

same here

same here

Same here. Scares me whenever I see this thread refreshed, especially on Fridays! I saw that in previous years, next Friday is a big admissions day.....

for anyone who interviewed more recently, did they mention when you might hear of a decision? thanks

are they still handing put invites?

This kid ^ spent a good portion of his Saturday night writing offensive things on a bunch of school threads. Great.

Anyways........ Biggurl it seems like they are still inviting.

I interviewed in the middle of October and I also haven't heard a word since then. I have a 33 and a little over a 3.6 GPA. However, I'm a non-traditional student with a masters degree and Peace Corps experience. I also graduated from UMass Amherst. I submitted my secondary in the middle of September and was invited only a couple weeks later. I found the interview process a little strange. On of the docs hadn't looked at my application materials at all when I walked into the room. He more or less said that people who are interviewed in October tend to get in. It seemed a little inappropriate for him to say, a potential false hope. Regardless, I thought I would have heard by now. However, it sounds as though a lot of people are having the same experience. Do they definitely send out acceptances on Fridays? I wasn't aware of that.

PiExactlyThree, you clearly got rejected because your scores are high. You should have gone for early decision like a friend of mine did out of college. Then they would have known for sure you were coming. UMass could of course accept a hundred people with GPAs and MCAT scores like yours. However, 75% of them would choose to go elsewhere. That would make the admissions process even longer and more confusing for an obviously understaffed office. I don't feel all that sorry for you though. I'm sure you're getting into a lot of great schools with those numbers.

PiExactlyThree, you clearly got rejected because your scores are high. You should have gone for early decision like a friend of mine did out of college. Then they would have known for sure you were coming. UMass could of course accept a hundred people with GPAs and MCAT scores like yours. However, 75% of them would choose to go elsewhere. That would make the admissions process even longer and more confusing for an obviously understaffed office. I don't feel all that sorry for you though. I'm sure you're getting into a lot of great schools with those numbers.

According to my MSAR, almost half the class has scores in the 34-37 range. I have similar numbers to him, and got an interview. UMass will also likely be my only acceptance... this whole process is just bonkers.

PiExactlyThree, you clearly got rejected because your scores are high. You should have gone for early decision like a friend of mine did out of college. Then they would have known for sure you were coming. UMass could of course accept a hundred people with GPAs and MCAT scores like yours. However, 75% of them would choose to go elsewhere. That would make the admissions process even longer and more confusing for an obviously understaffed office. I don't feel all that sorry for you though. I'm sure you're getting into a lot of great schools with those numbers.

According to my MSAR, almost half the class has scores in the 34-37 range. I have similar numbers to him, and got an interview. UMass will also likely be my only acceptance... this whole process is just bonkers.

I'm going to agree with LGreen89. It'd be a bit foolish for UMass to guess which applicants would eventually attend the school and thus not even offer interviews. UMass has a good program and coupled with their low tuition price makes them attractive over schools with a more prestigious name.

does anyone know how often the committee meets to make decisions and if most of the interviewers are on the committee.

I interviewed here last week and the day was great. the only concern i have is that the school seemed to emphasize the fact that about 80% of the class is non-traditional and a good portion of the class is 25+. Does umass looking more favorably on older applicants and do you think those who apply as college seniors are at a disadvantage.

Interesting. I certainly hadn't heard a number as high as 80% but I definitely have heard that UMass takes a lot of non-traditionals. I don't know how old you all are, but take some advice from a 30-year-old. Slow down, chill out, take a couple of years. Do some research, join the Peace Corps or Americorp, work for an NGO. There's no rush. You might find out you want to do something else entirely with your intelligence. I had a couple friends go straight to medical school from college. She got all the way to her residency and then had a complete nervous breakdown because she had never done anything else with her life and she didn't know if she really wanted to be a doctor. Trust me, you're going to be young for a really long time.

I'm going to agree with LGreen89. It'd be a bit foolish for UMass to guess which applicants would eventually attend the school and thus not even offer interviews. UMass has a good program and coupled with their low tuition price makes them attractive over schools with a more prestigious name.
I don't think it's foolish at all. Think about it. People apply to like 20 schools on average right? If all schools only interviewed their best MCAT and GPA candidates then no one under a 34 MCAT score would get an interview initially. Then all those people that applied to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd tier schools would all choose 1st or 2nd tier schools. Then the 2nd/3rd tier schools, after having gone through an entire round of interviews, would have to start all over from scratch with a new batch of applicants. It makes sense for schools to hedge their bets and interview applicants that resemble their previous class. Also, half the UMass class may have MCAT scores between 34 and 37, but I would be willing to bet if you looked at those people, their average MCAT score would be closer to a 34 than a 37. Anything above a 36 is 99th percentile and is top tier material. I doubt there are a lot of 36's and higher going to UMass.

according to us news 75% of last years class was non-traditional and Umass says there mean age is a little more than 25. So i am just thinking that older applicants are at an advantage at this school. most schools have an average age of 23 which means you applied during school but will have a year off.

According to my MSAR, almost half the class has scores in the 34-37 range. I have similar numbers to him, and got an interview. UMass will also likely be my only acceptance... this whole process is just bonkers.
LGreen89,

If you applied early and applied to a good number of schools and UMass is going to be your only acceptance, that should probably be an indication to you that your resume lacks something that medical schools are looking for. I wish you all the best getting into UMass, but if you don't, perhaps take a year or two to think about what you can show schools that you haven't showed them already. I know people applying right now who have your scores, applied late, and have had 7 or 8 interviews. Granted, most people I know who are applying are at least a year out of college. I honestly don't understand why there are so many college seniors applying to medical school. Aren't you sick of school?

I don't think it's foolish at all. Think about it. People apply to like 20 schools on average right? If all schools only interviewed their best MCAT and GPA candidates then no one under a 34 MCAT score would get an interview initially. Then all those people that applied to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd tier schools would all choose 1st or 2nd tier schools. Then the 2nd/3rd tier schools, after having gone through an entire round of interviews, would have to start all over from scratch with a new batch of applicants. It makes sense for schools to hedge their bets and interview applicants that resemble their previous class. Also, half the UMass class may have MCAT scores between 34 and 37, but I would be willing to bet if you looked at those people, their average MCAT score would be closer to a 34 than a 37. Anything above a 36 is 99th percentile and is top tier material. I doubt there are a lot of 36's and higher going to UMass.

I think you are underestimating the appeal of very low tuition. UMass is not a 3rd tier school, and routinely wins the cross admit battle bewtween much more highly ranked schools due to the low COA.

In any event, does anyone have ANY idea when UMass will be making decisions...the wait here is honestly killing me...

I think you are underestimating the appeal of very low tuition. UMass is not a 3rd tier school, and routinely wins the cross admit battle bewtween much more highly ranked schools due to the low COA.

In any event, does anyone have ANY idea when UMass will be making decisions...the wait here is honestly killing me...
Someone above said that this coming Friday is a big admissions day? What are they basing that on? I think the wait is killing all of us. I suppose it makes me feel a little better that most people are having the same experience. I'd feel worse if they were handing out acceptances left and right.

Someone above said that this coming Friday is a big admissions day? What are they basing that on? I think the wait is killing all of us. I suppose it makes me feel a little better that most people are having the same experience. I'd feel worse if they were handing out acceptances left and right.
Also, I know that UMass isn't a 3rd tier school but I think it could arguably be classified as a 2nd tier school, especially since it's in MA where we most likely have the highest GPA and MCAT averages in the country. I know the COA is an appeal, but there are also a lot of people applying to medical school for whom tuition is not an issue because their parents are successful (1-percenters). Also, for those super smart people who know they want to become neurosurgeons and the like, a difference of 200K is really not a crippling percentage of future income. For those of us hoping to go into pediatrics or internal medicine, the lower cost is much more crucial.

My suspicion is that UMass will wait for the dominoes to fall in March with all the non-rolling schools. At that point a few people will likely withdraw, and the school will have a better idea of who wants to go there.

Of course I hope I am wrong and that this Friday is indeed a big day... but I doubt it.

LGreen89,

If you applied early and applied to a good number of schools and UMass is going to be your only acceptance, that should probably be an indication to you that your resume lacks something that medical schools are looking for. I wish you all the best getting into UMass, but if you don't, perhaps take a year or two to think about what you can show schools that you haven't showed them already. I know people applying right now who have your scores, applied late, and have had 7 or 8 interviews. Granted, most people I know who are applying are at least a year out of college. I honestly don't understand why there are so many college seniors applying to medical school. Aren't you sick of school?

with all due respect, I see nothing wrong with a college senior applying to college. If they are sick of school, they wouldn't be applying to med school in the first place...Good luck everybody!

There's nothing wrong with college seniors applying to medical school. However, in my opinion they shouldn't be taken as seriously as those who are a few years out of college. Trust me, I was 21 not that long ago. I know it feels like you know exactly what you want to do. When I left college I knew for sure I was going into government. I was going to work for an elected official and become an influential staffer. But my interests changed once I spent a little time in the world. People really need a little bit of time after college to get some interesting experiences and find their calling. Medical schools are starting to recognize this. The common story you hear is about the patient who feels no connection to their physician because, frankly, their physician did nothing but go to school until he/she was almost 30 years old and then was suddenly supposed to be able to relate to normal every day people. Add to that the fact that most people that become doctors have led privileged lives to begin with and you can see why we are having this problem. As people live longer and change their careers more often, medical schools are slowly going to smarten up and realize there is no benefit to taking someone who is 22 vs 25 or 26 years old.

There's nothing wrong with college seniors applying to medical school. However, in my opinion they shouldn't be taken as seriously as those who are a few years out of college. Trust me, I was 21 not that long ago. I know it feels like you know exactly what you want to do. When I left college I knew for sure I was going into government. I was going to work for an elected official and become an influential staffer. But my interests changed once I spent a little time in the world. People really need a little bit of time after college to get some interesting experiences and find their calling. Medical schools are starting to recognize this. The common story you hear is about the patient who feels no connection to their physician because, frankly, their physician did nothing but go to school until he/she was almost 30 years old and then was suddenly supposed to be able to relate to normal every day people. Add to that the fact that most people that become doctors have led privileged lives to begin with and you can see why we are having this problem. As people live longer and change their careers more often, medical schools are slowly going to smarten up and realize there is no benefit to taking someone who is 22 vs 25 or 26 years old.
:thumbup: this

Just because you didn't know what you wanted to do until you were older doesn't mean that's the case for everyone. Personally, I am not applying as a college senior, but if someone knows what they want to do and it's apparent in their experiences and application then it shouldn't matter. Couldn't someone throw it in your face and say, maybe someone who didn't ALWAYS know they wanted to be a doctor shouldn't be taken as seriously as those who did? There is value to both paths, and room for both types in medical school. Anyone who has made the choice to pursue medicine and gone through everything you need to be able to apply to med school deserves the respect to be "taken seriously".

There's nothing wrong with college seniors applying to medical school. However, in my opinion they shouldn't be taken as seriously as those who are a few years out of college. Trust me, I was 21 not that long ago. I know it feels like you know exactly what you want to do. When I left college I knew for sure I was going into government. I was going to work for an elected official and become an influential staffer. But my interests changed once I spent a little time in the world. People really need a little bit of time after college to get some interesting experiences and find their calling. Medical schools are starting to recognize this. The common story you hear is about the patient who feels no connection to their physician because, frankly, their physician did nothing but go to school until he/she was almost 30 years old and then was suddenly supposed to be able to relate to normal every day people. Add to that the fact that most people that become doctors have led privileged lives to begin with and you can see why we are having this problem. As people live longer and change their careers more often, medical schools are slowly going to smarten up and realize there is no benefit to taking someone who is 22 vs 25 or 26 years old.

How do you know it's what you want to do now that you're all grown up and 30? Why don't you take 5 more years off and see if it's really what you want to do? Better yet, why don't you wait until you're 50 and then by the time you've completed your residency, you can practice for about 5 years before retirement. Stop preaching, Old-man Jordan!

How do you know it's what you want to do now that you're all grown up and 30? Why don't you take 5 more years off and see if it's really what you want to do? Better yet, why don't you wait until you're 50 and then by the time you've completed your residency, you can practice for about 5 years before retirement. Stop preaching, Old-man Jordan!

The ol' man just got SHUTDOWN by the WOLF! :laugh:

I think its dumb that med school look positively on applicants ( around 30). Med schools constantly complain that the very high tuition doesn't even cover the cost to train medical students. Med schools do receive public funding and there is a lack of physicians. A 30+ year old medical school applicant is a bad investment. he is she will probably practice 5+ years than a 22, 23, 24 year old.

You guys should be nice to the old man. I admire him. He gave up his opportunity to be an "influential" staffer :laugh: to pursue a career that most likely will pay 300K+ for many years. That real sacrifice. :bullcrap: jajajajajajajaj

:hijacked:

Love the pirate.

wtf bro I don't want to have to see some disgusting fatass buddha thing for the next several weeks.

wtf bro I don't want to have to see some disgusting fatass buddha thing for the next several weeks.

This guy is pre-med? Man, I feel bad for us.

This guy is pre-med? Man, I feel bad for us.

What in the world happened on this thread? Hahaha

Hey, lots of people were admitted on this day last year. Maybe we'll have some good luck!

What in the world happened on this thread? Hahaha

Hey, lots of people were admitted on this day last year. Maybe we'll have some good luck!

yep, acceptances are out!

yep, acceptances are out!

Please tell me you are joking... empty inox -_- I interviewed almost 4 months ago, why are you doing this to me UMass?

WHAT. AcceptanceS? Do you know a few people who got in today?

Ahhhhhhhhhh come onnnnnnn

Anyone else?

LGreen, I interviewed about that long ago, too. I'm right with you!

Please tell me you are joking... empty inox -_- I interviewed almost 4 months ago, why are you doing this to me UMass?

Nope, not joking. My friend told me, and he interviewed in September and got in this morning.

Nope, not joking. My friend told me, and he interviewed in September and got in this morning.

Do you know if he was someone with super stats 35+ Mcat, 3.8+ Gpa, etc

Sad face friday again :(

empty inbox...:scared: *commence panic attack*

3.6/38, empty inbox, sad face.

3.6/38, empty inbox, sad face.

This is going to be every Friday until April, isn't it?

Sigh.

Umass, why can't we be friends?

This is going to be every Friday until April, isn't it?

Sigh.

Hope not, but looks like so... :(

I wanted to know if people are suppose to fill out the financial aid paperwork prior to receiving your acceptance.

I wanted to know if people are suppose to fill out the financial aid paperwork prior to receiving your acceptance.

I'm really confused about this, and really wish my college would step it up and warn us about these things, but apparently YES, you should be filling out FAFSA right now, even if you don't have an acceptance.

On the "Schools" part, just plug in all of your potential schools -- the placed you've interviewed, any waitlists.

It actually only takes about 5 minutes - I was picturing the hell that we went through with the college FAFSA crap.

There's a really helpful thread on the pre-medical forums here on SDN that was recently updated, fyi. Just titled "fafsa"

My problem is that my parents do my taxes, so I'm still waiting on those results to plug into the form.

Be sure to get it done asap. Def before March.

:thumbup:

Against my better judgement, I read last year's thread... lots of people getting rejected in April after waiting months. I am scared as hell now :scared:

Against my better judgement, I read last year's thread... lots of people getting rejected in April after waiting months. I am scared as hell now :scared:

Oh man, the number of times I've read that thread.... I feel ya. Terrifying.

Impeding blizzard tomorrow = another "sad face Friday" (as coined so eloquently by sunnyfricassee).

Impeding blizzard tomorrow = another "sad face Friday" (as coined so eloquently by sunnyfricassee).

I'm just gonna go ahead and not get my hopes up for this week, so many sad face Fridays for so many thus far. Hope it turns around soon!

A friend of mine who knows someone in admissions say this friday is the day!! Smitty gonna get a nice surprise in his inbox tomorrow.

Really, though? I feel like admissions staff won't be going to work today....?:whoa:

Mmm maybe today was the day before Nemo crashed the party. I know that non-essential employees were supposed to cut out at noon..

He's either A) a troll (likely) or B) has a personal connection to admissions. I'm going to trust what Youthink said and move on. I just think the wait at this school is unnecessarily long, and it is causing all of us to make up conspiracies in our heads on a weekly basis about why we haven't heard any news yet. In my case, I want to know whether I need to consider a reapp, and not being able to know until April is pretty unfair IMHO.

Mmm maybe today was the day before Nemo crashed the party. I know that non-essential employees were supposed to cut out at noon..

He's either A) a troll (likely) or B) has a personal connection to admissions. I'm going to trust what Youthink said and move on. I just think the wait at this school is unnecessarily long, and it is causing us all to make up conspiracies in our head on a weekly basis about why we haven't heard any news yet.

Aw man, you guys, I'm getting so desperate, I'm falling for trolls!

Agreed

The university campus is closed today as of 12 PM so I don't think any decisions will be going out today.

Accepted just now via email! Interviewed 10/10

Accepted just now via email! Interviewed 10/10

Congrats!

Accepted just now via email! Interviewed 10/10

Congrats!

Congratulations!! So awesome.

....This means they are sending out decisions on days that aren't Fridays. Does that make every day sadface day?

Sad face tuesday just doesn't have the same ring to it lol

I was wondering, for the second look weekend, do we have to go both days or just one of the days? Two of the schools I was accepted to have the second look weekend on the same dates. :/

I was wondering, for the second look weekend, do we have to go both days or just one of the days? Two of the schools I was accepted to have the second look weekend on the same dates. :/

Out of curiosity, do you know the dates of UMass' second look weekend?

Also, from my understanding, second look weekends aren't mandatory, so it'd be up to you where you'd like to spend your time?

Out of curiosity, do you know the dates of UMass' second look weekend?

Also, from my understanding, second look weekends aren't mandatory, so it'd be up to you where you'd like to spend your time?

According to the website, http://www.umassmed.edu/accepted_students.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=161512, it is April 26 and 27.

I know it is not mandatory but I would like to go. So what I meant is, do ppl usually go both days or only one? Are there different program/activities for each of the days or not really?

According to the website, http://www.umassmed.edu/accepted_students.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=161512, it is April 26 and 27.

I know it is not mandatory but I would like to go. So what I meant is, do ppl usually go both days or only one? Are there different program/activities for each of the days or not really?

Accepted students, join the facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/groups/338565609593290/

Second Look is indeed April 26th and 27th. There are different activities on both days, some educational and some pure fun. Guests (like parents or SO's) are invited for different activities on Saturday only. People can go both days or one, depending on their schedules, but if you CAN go to both you should! You'll be able to stay with a first-year student Friday night (and participate in some very fun social events) if you stay overnight and come to both days. Accepted students will be receiving their official invitations to Second Look in the next couple of weeks.

If you guys have any questions about life at UMass, let me know! I *love* this school and I couldn't be happier to welcome new students in August.

Are there really enough students already for a facebook group? Long time lurker of this thread, I am still waiting for news post-interview. Starting to get very concerned... UMass is my top choice :(

Are there really enough students already for a facebook group? Long time lurker of this thread, I am still waiting for news post-interview. Starting to get very concerned... UMass is my top choice :(

I don't know, actually--my guess is that there aren't THAT many accepted students yet (but that is puuuuurely a guess). We just have some very enthusiastic first-years who are planning Second Look weekend, the pre-orientation rafting trip, etc, and we want to find out who the class of 2017 will be!

Are there really enough students already for a facebook group? Long time lurker of this thread, I am still waiting for news post-interview. Starting to get very concerned... UMass is my top choice :(

Welcome to the party, cookiemonsters.

UMass2017, that's so nice... hope some more of us get to join your group soon! Fingers crossed.

Accepted students, join the facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/groups/338565609593290/

Second Look is indeed April 26th and 27th. There are different activities on both days, some educational and some pure fun. Guests (like parents or SO's) are invited for different activities on Saturday only. People can go both days or one, depending on their schedules, but if you CAN go to both you should! You'll be able to stay with a first-year student Friday night (and participate in some very fun social events) if you stay overnight and come to both days. Accepted students will be receiving their official invitations to Second Look in the next couple of weeks.

If you guys have any questions about life at UMass, let me know! I *love* this school and I couldn't be happier to welcome new students in August.

Thank you for clarifying. I got the invitation for the Second Look today. I really wanted to go both days, but I want to go to the second look at another school too! :/

Any news lately from anyone?

Any news lately from anyone?

All quiet on the Umass front for me.

NOTHING. Almost 5 months post-interview now. Really?? REALLY?? +pissed+

Have any undergrad UMass students/alumni heard anything? The incoming class is usually like 20% UMass grads, but nobody I know has heard anything post-interview :confused: maybe they are trying to move away from so many UMass students. I just can't help but I am bracing for disappointment at this point.

I know you don't believe it (because I was in the same position last year!), but don't give up hope yet. We have people in our class this year who interviewed in September and didn't hear a peep until they got in in April/May/June. It sucks that UMass can be so slow but you shouldn't assume the worst quite yet! I know for a fact that they have not given out even 1 full class' worth of acceptances yet (125). That doesn't happen until about April, I believe...so that means only a very few people have heard back yet. Keep your fingers crossed :)

.

I'm fortunate to have been considered at UMass and other MA schools like Tufts. Cost is a key consideration for me. Both are obviously tremendous schools.

UMass is about 8,000 tuition + 10-12,000 "fees" = $20,000/yr
Tufts is about 55,000 tuition and a few hundred in fees... BUT, per the financial aid website, the majority of those who get aid get either 1/4 or 1/2 tuition.

So it's conceivable that it would become Umass 20,0000 (unclear what aid they give, and I'm not currently interested in primary care so wouldn't necessarily qualify for the 'learning contract') vs Tufts 28,000. Anyone else in a similar position? Am I missing something? It just seems like the 'fees' at UMass (which are probably exempt from aid) make the actual cost of attendance much closer to the other schools than I initially thought.

Good luck to all those waiting to hear!!! :)

According to my MSAR, the average indebtedness at Tufts was around 200K, and at UMass 100K... maybe some of Tuft's class gets merit scholarships, but I don't think the majority do. But yeah the tuition for UMass is severely overrated, after 'fees' it's closer to 20K which is in line with most state schools.

Still waiting over here for news...

Cookie you a umass student? When did you interview...just trying to understand this process

I'm fortunate to have been considered at UMass and other MA schools like Tufts. Cost is a key consideration for me. Both are obviously tremendous schools.

UMass is about 8,000 tuition + 10-12,000 "fees" = $20,000/yr
Tufts is about 55,000 tuition and a few hundred in fees... BUT, per the financial aid website, the majority of those who get aid get either 1/4 or 1/2 tuition.

So it's conceivable that it would become Umass 20,0000 (unclear what aid they give, and I'm not currently interested in primary care so wouldn't necessarily qualify for the 'learning contract') vs Tufts 28,000. Anyone else in a similar position? Am I missing something? It just seems like the 'fees' at UMass (which are probably exempt from aid) make the actual cost of attendance much closer to the other schools than I initially thought.

Good luck to all those waiting to hear!!! :)

I have a couple of points that might help you make this decision.

1) The Learning Contract: everyone is eligible for the learning contract. It's about $6,000/year of an interest-free loan from the school. When you graduate, you either start paying it back with service (either primary care in MA or any specialty in an "underserved" area in MA), or you start paying it back with interest. So that's money you don't have to pay up-front and you don't have to earn interest on while you're in school. You never know what specialty you'll end up in so I think the vast majority of students do take it. Also keep in mind that OB/GYN and Peds also count as primary care (I think there are others too but I don't remember off the top of my head).

2) The cost of living in Boston v. Worcester: you're looking just at tuition and fees, which may end up being pretty similar. But rent is about twice as much per month near Tufts as it is near UMass, and in general living in Boston is more expensive. I lived there for a long time before I came to UMass so I know it's definitely worth it! But it's worth considering when you think about cost of attendance.

3) Fees are ABSOLUTELY considered part of your cost of attendance, as are all of your living expenses. This is the universal "cost of attendance" number from MSAR. UMass is very generous with the allowance for living expenses that you can take out Stafford loans for, so if you're like me and you're on your own for paying for school, you'll be able to afford to pay rent, have a car, buy groceries, etc with low-interest federal loans (as opposed to private loans). There is a limit to how much you can take out every year in Stafford loans, so I believe at Tufts you'd have to take out additional private loans (or find private money, which means wealthy family) to pay for your life.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Edited to add: UMass surprisingly does give out scholarships! I got a few for several thousand for the year and I absolutely wasn't expecting that. It's not much, but Tufts gave me zip, if that gives you any more food for thought.

When did you hear back Umass 2017 and is Umass receptive to letter of intent?

...

A friend of mine heard back from the MD/PhD program so i guess they are still giving out acceptances...just not to us :(

could you share some of your favorite aspects about UMMS and being a student there?

could you share some of your favorite aspects about UMMS and being a student there?

Sure!

a) obviously the price is amazing. AND umass gave me more financial aid than the private schools i was accepted to, which is not what i expected.

b) the student body is so much cooler than i expected. we're all a little nerdy of course, but people here do a lot of different things (sports, music, non-profit work, different careers, travel, family, etc) and it makes the class a really great mix of interesting, nice, smart people. i also thought that since umass has a residency requirement, everyone would be pretty similar, but there's a surprising amount of diversity, especially because the md/phd program takes 10-15 students who aren't necessarily from mass. we also just have a wide range of age, life experience, career experience, college majors, and so on. a lot of this is probably true to some degree at all medical schools but students at umass seem uniquely happy and enthusiastic about school and extracurricular activities. there is also a GREAT partnership between the second year and first year students--lots of support, mentoring, and socializing. there's a big work hard/play hard mentality here!

c) faculty seem to really care about us learning. there are tough professors but ultimately we end up with mostly affection for the people who lead our courses because they obviously love teaching and love seeing us learn and develop as students.

d) the school is constantly seeking feedback from students on so many things: the curriculum, the library hours (and temperature?!), food served in the hospital cafeteria, specific concerns about how courses are laid out and run, etc. not only do they seek our feedback...they actually implement change quickly! i like that a lot because it makes me feel like a respected adult rather than a middle school student.

e) worcester is not the fanciest looking city, but i actually really enjoy it here. there are a lot of great restaurants (surprisingly, a lot of vegetarian places too), enough fun bars and clubs, and it's easy to access a lot of outdoor activities. people in my class definitely take advantage of what worcester has to offer--at least now, while we have time in first year :)

f) there are 2 other graduate schools on campus and something like 10 colleges in worcester, so there are a surprising number of young educated people around who aren't in the medical school. it's nice to have a mix of friends who do different things.

does that help? is there anything specifically i can give more detailed responses to?

A friend of mine heard back from the MD/PhD program so i guess they are still giving out acceptances...just not to us :(

Remember that the MD/PhD program operates totally separately from the MD admissions program. There will be acceptances through June so don't worry yet. I would think April will be a heavy month for receiving acceptances, but that's just conjecture.

Also, since you asked about my acceptance--I interviewed in December and heard back in late April. I sent a letter of interest in February or so and they said they'd add it to my file. They certainly won't think negatively of one so I wouldn't hesitate to do it!

does that help? is there anything specifically i can give more detailed responses to?

Someone posted a few pages back about some pretty valid complaints in the 3rd/4th year rotations. Can you comment on that? You are anonymous here (I think?) so please don't hold back, this is important stuff to know.

edit: link http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13566930&postcount=173

Also, are people working in the new research building open yet? Or are things still mostly being moved?

A friend of mine heard back from the MD/PhD program so i guess they are still giving out acceptances...just not to us :(

Is your friend a MA resident? Has anyone else heard from MD/PhD yet?

Still nothing -__- :sleep::thumbdown

9/19 Interview.

:o:(:scared:
I interviewed with UMass Worcester on Jan 29th.

I also have not heard anything back, but they did say they try to have acceptances out by March 15th so students have a month to fill out the FASFA. They did say the weight list students could be longer than that.

I sent a letter of intent shortly after I interviewed, and my PI also sent in an additional recommendation. I've been anxiously waiting, so I had two other previous faculty write me additional letters of recommendation this last week, in the hopes of increasing my chances.

Anyone heard back yet that is still waiting to here from UMass?

:o:(:scared:
I interviewed with UMass Worcester on Jan 29th.

I also have not heard anything back, but they did say they try to have acceptances out by March 15th so students have a month to fill out the FASFA. They did say the weight list students could be longer than that.

I sent a letter of intent shortly after I interviewed, and my PI also sent in an additional recommendation. I've been anxiously waiting, so I had two other previous faculty write me additional letters of recommendation this last week, in the hopes of increasing my chances.

Anyone heard back yet that is still waiting to here from UMass?

Nope, haven't heard anything at all. Don't know anyone who has heard, either.
I interviewed in the fall.

:confused:

.

.

You can see how many people have been accepted on the class facebook page... minus the current MS1s in the group, it looks like 25 or so people have been accepted so far. My mindset is to expect news in May and be pleasantly surprised if I hear something sooner. I also interviewed a long time ago so I empathize how much this sucks with you guys.
Thanks for the facebook page info, cookie. I was perusing through the members and noticed that there were a couple who had also accepted facebook acceptances from other med schools, so this may not be a final tally, as some of these students may end up shifting to another school before all is said in done.

Do you have to buy a laptop through UMass?

Do you have to buy a laptop through UMass?
Yes, there's a requirement to purchase a laptop that fills all of the tech needs of the school/courses. There were two options, a Dell and a Mac, though I don't recall the exact models.

Well I mean can i purchase a laptop that is equal/better than the requirements outside of Umass? It seems like they're forcing you to buy through their system

Well I mean can i purchase a laptop that is equal/better than the requirements outside of Umass? It seems like they're forcing you to buy through their system
From the conversation I had with a student on my interview day, I think you can only go for the school-approved comps. Also, this seems to be supported by the website:

http://www.umassmed.edu/accepted_students.aspx

The School of Medicine sponsors a custom Student Laptop Program to provide a reliable portal to all digital resources and support student learning. All matriculated students are required to participate in the program.

Laptop Models:
· Dell—Microsoft Windows with Intel Core i5-2520M (2.50GHz, 3M cache) processor.
· Apple MacBook Pro with 2.3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 processor
Cost: Models and cost for students will be released in the spring of 2013.
Distribution Date: TBD

Did anyone else hear that they try to get a good deal of acceptances out by the 15th? On my interview day they did not really give a time frame when one would hear back.


:o:(:scared:
I interviewed with UMass Worcester on Jan 29th.

I also have not heard anything back, but they did say they try to have acceptances out by March 15th so students have a month to fill out the FASFA. They did say the weight list students could be longer than that.

I sent a letter of intent shortly after I interviewed, and my PI also sent in an additional recommendation. I've been anxiously waiting, so I had two other previous faculty write me additional letters of recommendation this last week, in the hopes of increasing my chances.

Anyone heard back yet that is still waiting to here from UMass?

From the conversation I had with a student on my interview day, I think you can only go for the school-approved comps. Also, this seems to be supported by the website:

http://www.umassmed.edu/accepted_students.aspx

The School of Medicine sponsors a custom Student Laptop Program to provide a reliable portal to all digital resources and support student learning. All matriculated students are required to participate in the program.

Laptop Models:
· Dell—Microsoft Windows with Intel Core i5-2520M (2.50GHz, 3M cache) processor.
· Apple MacBook Pro with 2.3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 processor
Cost: Models and cost for students will be released in the spring of 2013.
Distribution Date: TBD

That is so dumb...

That is so dumb...

Just confirming that yes, you must buy a laptop through the school. I didn't mind too much because it means I have a "work" laptop and a "personal" laptop, but some people definitely sold the laptop the school made them buy and just use their personal laptop for school.

Last year the prices ranged from about $1,300-$2,000 depending on whether you chose a Dell or an Apple and how big you wanted your screen.

Did anyone else hear that they try to get a good deal of acceptances out by the 15th? On my interview day they did not really give a time frame when one would hear back.

I definitely don't recall hearing a set time frame for acceptances. I remember thinking they were being intentionally vague during the interview presentation.

Considering the UMass website states that financial aid deadlines are different for people who are accepted after March 18th, I'm pretty sure people are still accepted after March 18th.

source: http://www.umassmed.edu/uploadedFiles/App%20Process%20Inst%20Aid%20%2013-14%20REVISED%20TMS.pdf

Just confirming that yes, you must buy a laptop through the school. I didn't mind too much because it means I have a "work" laptop and a "personal" laptop, but some people definitely sold the laptop the school made them buy and just use their personal laptop for school.

Last year the prices ranged from about $1,300-$2,000 depending on whether you chose a Dell or an Apple and how big you wanted your screen.
when's the next news coming out?

did anyone else hear that they would send out acceptances around march 15th? thanks

Hi all, I interviewed in October and was just admitted 3 weeks ago...so keep faith!!

Empty inbox... no surprise there.

I am almost rooting to see if I can get to 6 months post interview lol just a few more weeks to go

....

.

congrats. what time did they send out the decision?

Interviewed 12/04/12
Accepted today!

.

Interviewed 12/04/12
Accepted today!

Congrats!

Interviewed 12/04/12
Accepted today!

Congrats! If you don't mind me asking, what were your stats? Also, did you send an update letter?

.

For those people deciding between umass and other schools, the match list came out today. This years umass class matched extremely well with an usually large amount going into very competitive specialties (dermatology, plastic surgery, emergency medicine), and of course lots going into primary care. I think only a couple people out of the 125 person class didn't match anywhere.

Sure!

3.5 cumulative GPA
3.0 science GPA
38Q

Not the best but I'm glad to be given a chance!

I did send an update letter late January, with my fall semester grades.

Saw you were a reapp, congrats!

edit: if anybody gets hold of the match list, post it please. Read online that 7 people matched into derm :O

does anyone know if anyone who interviewed after Dec. 4 was accepted?

Congratulations to those of you who've been accepted!! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about UMass.

Don't forget to join the facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/338565609593290/

And we'll see you at Second Look, I hope!

Hey all,

Admissions told me that we might be waiting for news 'til MAY.

Aahhhhhhhhh

Hey all,

Admissions told me that we might be waiting for news 'til MAY.

Aahhhhhhhhh

Did you call admissions and they told you that many applicants will not hear till may? thanks.

Hey all,

Admissions told me that we might be waiting for news 'til MAY.

Aahhhhhhhhh

wow

That is completely ****ed up. Admissions at this school should be ashamed of themselves.
Unfortunately that is how it works at UMMS. I went through it last year and it was extremely brutal. And now I'm going through it all over again this year. It shouldn't be a surprise though - just look at the threads from previous years. I know this isn't much of a consolation - knowing you might have to wait doesn't make waiting suck any less.

I know you don't believe it (because I was in the same position last year!), but don't give up hope yet. We have people in our class this year who interviewed in September and didn't hear a peep until they got in in April/May/June. It sucks that UMass can be so slow but you shouldn't assume the worst quite yet! I know for a fact that they have not given out even 1 full class' worth of acceptances yet (125). That doesn't happen until about April, I believe...so that means only a very few people have heard back yet. Keep your fingers crossed :)

I know UMass sends out acceptances later than the average school, but at what point in time should we assume UMass has sent out an entire class' worth of acceptances (leaving the rest of us unofficially on the wait list at best)? April? May? Or was that time point March 15th?