(optional) Do you have unique experiences or obstacles that you have overcome that were not covered in your application about which you would like to inform our Admissions Committee? (maximum 3000 characters including spaces)

If you have already completed your education, if your college or graduate education was interrupted, or if you do not plan to be a full-time student during the current year, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (maximum 1800 characters including spaces)

Good luck to everyone applying! :luck:

Does WashU screen secondaries?

EDIT: Also, I have not yet been verified by AMCAS (I estimate that I am just 1-2 days away from verification) but I just received WashU's secondary. I assume I have been verified but that AMCAS hasn't updated my application yet? Has anyone else experienced this?

.

My application hasn't been verified yet -- my last transcript got there 5 days ago. I got a secondary too.

How do people feel about leaving the optional essays blank if they don't really apply?
I'm feeling uneasy doing it, but have nothing to say. For the obstacles, would discussing my status as a re-applicant apply?

secondary is up ... just got email

Just submitted the secondary! Short and sweet.

Oh, and I didn't fill out the optional essay. Judging from last year's thread it seemed kind of unnecessary if you don't have something in particular to put there.

No email of secondary for me yet :( I don't think it has anything to do with screening though, because my stats are at their average.. Hopefully they're just slowly working through sending out the emails?

.

Gotta go dig out my sat scores to complete this secondary

Gotta go dig out my sat scores to complete this secondary

Haha yes! I'm happy I've been using the same password for the past several years so I was able to log in to collegeboard with no problems.

I have a question about the Dean's Certification thing. If I took a few classes from a local CC, but did not get a degree from there (or had any institutional action put against me), do I need to get a Dean's Certification from them, or should it just be from my home university where I actually graduated with a degree?

So it seems last year they required 3 teacher letters of rec (if your school doesn't have a committee). I haven't been able to find the detailed instructions for this year yet. Do you think it's still 3? That's pretty hard for a post-bacc student to get because I've been out of school for a while and therefore can only ask my recent teachers (and you know it's difficult to get letters from 100% of them)

So it seems last year they required 3 teacher letters of rec (if your school doesn't have a committee). I haven't been able to find the detailed instructions for this year yet. Do you think it's still 3? That's pretty hard for a post-bacc student to get because I've been out of school for a while and therefore can only ask my recent teachers (and you know it's difficult to get letters from 100% of them)
It says on the secondary it is three i believe

So it seems last year they required 3 teacher letters of rec (if your school doesn't have a committee). I haven't been able to find the detailed instructions for this year yet. Do you think it's still 3? That's pretty hard for a post-bacc student to get because I've been out of school for a while and therefore can only ask my recent teachers (and you know it's difficult to get letters from 100% of them)
I contacted WU and here is their response: "Thank you for your e-mail. As long as one of your letters comes from a science teacher, the other letters can come from anyone you choose."

I contacted WU and here is their response: "Thank you for your e-mail. As long as one of your letters comes from a science teacher, the other letters can come from anyone you choose."

Thanks bmitw!

Gotta go dig out my sat scores to complete this secondary

Don't have to! It's optional/not used for admissions purposes. I'm pretty sure all of those high-school related questions are for statistics only.

Don't have to! It's optional/not used for admissions purposes. I'm pretty sure all of those high-school related questions are for statistics only.

Are you positive? How do you know that?

Are you positive? How do you know that?

It says "Optional" on the secondary. Also, I think people clarified on past threads that it's only for statistical purposes (you can look there or e-mail WashU to double check). For what it's worth, I'm not including those items.

Edit: Really, I'm not sure. It's optional, though, so I don't think it's a huge deal either way. I'm sure there will be some self-selection--those with good scores/rank will include it, others won't.

I have a question about the Dean's Certification thing. If I took a few classes from a local CC, but did not get a degree from there (or had any institutional action put against me), do I need to get a Dean's Certification from them, or should it just be from my home university where I actually graduated with a degree?
The page where you can print out the form says: "Certification form(s) must be submitted on your behalf by an official at each undergraduate or graduate institution listed on your AMCAS Application from which you have received or expect to receive a degree in addition to any other school in which you were enrolled and were involved in a disciplinary or institutional action."

So it sounds like you shouldn't need to get the Certification from the CC.

Are you positive? How do you know that?
It says it's optional.

What did you guys put down for the Calculus classes? I took Calculus I, but that's it. I also took two semesters of Statistics classes (and it says that they can substitute for the second semester of Calculus), but I'm not sure if I should put down my Stat classes as well on the list needed for the secondary. Any advice?

Anyone applying MSTP?

There is the original essay for MD only:
If you have already completed your education, if your college or graduate education was interrupted, or if you do not plan to be a full-time student during the current year, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (maximum 1800 characters including spaces)


And on the MSTP section there is:
If you plan to complete your undergraduate degree program prior to next spring, briefly describe (maximum of 1800 characters including spaces) your activities from graduation to your anticipated matriculation in our program.

Am i supposed to write two different essays that say the same thing?

I'm also curious about this, because they seem to be the same exact question. I'm guessing MSTP Admissions people receive only the MSTP part so they need to ask it again? Or is that completely wrong?

What did you guys put down for the Calculus classes? I took Calculus I, but that's it. I also took two semesters of Statistics classes (and it says that they can substitute for the second semester of Calculus), but I'm not sure if I should put down my Stat classes as well on the list needed for the secondary. Any advice?

They ask for calculus specifically, or any course involving integrals or differential equations. If your stats classes were that advanced (statistics surely involves those things past the introductory level), then I'd say it's okay to list. Otherwise, no, the calculus I should be sufficient. They'll see the statistics courses on your AMCAS anyway.

They ask for calculus specifically, or any course involving integrals or differential equations. If your stats classes were that advanced (statistics surely involves those things past the introductory level), then I'd say it's okay to list. Otherwise, no, the calculus I should be sufficient. They'll see the statistics courses on your AMCAS anyway.
My stats classes were so long ago that I can't remember if they involved that stuff or not, lol.

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to make sense of this question. From what I can tell, it seems to ask about (unique experiences) OR (obstacles that you have overcome), but my friend says it's more like (unique experiences or obstacles) that you have overcome, which doesn't make much sense to me. What do you guys think? I would call them, but it's the weekend.

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to make sense of this question. From what I can tell, it seems to ask about (unique experiences) OR (obstacles that you have overcome), but my friend says it's more like (unique experiences or obstacles) that you have overcome, which doesn't make much sense to me. What do you guys think? I would call them, but it's the weekend.
We don't have to answer this question, right? I took it as one of those "if there is anything unusual that you had to go through, please tell us" question, and I decided not to answer it.

We don't have to answer this question, right? I took it as one of those "if there is anything unusual that you had to go through, please tell us" question, and I decided not to answer it.

I decided not to answer it. I didn't have any obstacles that I wanted to talk about(at least that weren't elaborated on primary).

For the optional essay, I think that I'm just going to say something along the lines of "The greatest challenges I've overcome -- [insert challenges] -- have already been described in the primary application." just so that they are reminded of those challenges.

If I didn't talk about my study abroad program in my primary -- going off to a foreign country alone, studying in a Medical Practice & Policy program -- do you think I should include that here? Should I just wait for an interview to talk about it? It's pretty important for my experience with medicine but didn't fit into my personal statement.

For the optional essay, I think that I'm just going to say something along the lines of "The greatest challenges I've overcome -- [insert challenges] -- have already been described in the primary application." just so that they are reminded of those challenges.

If I didn't talk about my study abroad program in my primary -- going off to a foreign country alone, studying in a Medical Practice & Policy program -- do you think I should include that here? Should I just wait for an interview to talk about it? It's pretty important for my experience with medicine but didn't fit into my personal statement.

I wouldn't talk about it unless you consider it a negative experience from which you've learned a lot. The prompt is asking for an obstacle/experience you've had to overcome - most people don't see their study abroad experience as an obstacle.

Yeah, I still think it's one of those "if you went through something unusual and would like to let us know, please tell us" type of questions. Plenty of secondaries have those questions. I don't think it's supposed to be used to describe another one of your EC's or as a second PS.

Just a note: The Wash U app doesn't LOOK like it logs you out after an extended period of time, but it does. So don't type your essay unless you've freshly logged in, otherwise when you go to save, it takes you to the log in screen and you'll lose everything.

*Smacks head*

Hey, everyone. So I'm looking at the course requirements for Wash U. "Required course work includes a minimum of one year in biological science, general or inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and calculus through integral and differential equations..." Through integral and differential equations? I took Calculus 2 at my school, and we had an introduction to differential equations. Would that be enough for their requirements, or should I consider taking a course next year?

I believe Calc 1 & Calc 2 would meet the requirement for "differential and integral equations." You might want to email them just to make sure.

I called the admissions office, and they told me that if you're planning on using a Statistics course to substitute for one of the Calculus courses, you SHOULD list it in that "Calculus" part of the secondary application.

I called the admissions office, and they told me that if you're planning on using a Statistics course to substitute for one of the Calculus courses, you SHOULD list it in that "Calculus" part of the secondary application.

Awesome! Thanks!

I need to re-print the WashU Dean's Certification form, but for some reason can no longer access the website even though it says I can log back in to check my status at any time. Can someone PLEASE save the form as a PDF and email me the file?

Do we really have to put down our SSN on the Dean's Certification form? I don't want that number floating around the Dean's office. Would the AAMC ID# be enough?

What is the Dean's Certification form?

I need to re-print the WashU Dean's Certification form, but for some reason can no longer access the website even though it says I can log back in to check my status at any time. Can someone PLEASE save the form as a PDF and email me the file?

I had that problem too, and I think it's a browser problem. It just kept taking me back to the login page when I tried to log in. I switched to Firefox (was using Chrome before) and it let me back in.

hey guys,
I'm matriculating this fall to Wash U.
I sent in my secondaries in September, got an interview invitation in December. I was waitlisted and got accepted in May. I personally didn't have stellar MCAT score and I applied as an international, but it was possible :)

Wash U. has phenomenal scholarship and financial aid. The school also has stellar opportunities that are incomparable.

I'm afraid I don't really remember much from the primaries/secondaries, but I will try to answer as many questions as possible about interviews (Wash U tends to send out interviews later) and school life once I matriculate in August.

Good luck!

I believe Calc 1 & Calc 2 would meet the requirement for "differential and integral equations." You might want to email them just to make sure.

Sorry for the delayed response. Yeah, I emailed them, and they said it should be sufficient. Back to the topic at hand.

Right when I submitted the 'Supplemental Application,' the corresponding checkmark appeared on the 'Check Application Status' page. Though, it has been several hours since I submitted my 'Application Service Fee' and the checkmark has yet to appear. Was there a delay for anyone else?

Right when I submitted the 'Supplemental Application,' the corresponding checkmark appeared on the 'Check Application Status' page. Though, it has been several hours since I submitted my 'Application Service Fee' and the checkmark has yet to appear. Was there a delay for anyone else?

I submitted the fee on Sunday and only saw the checkmark today.

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i have two questions
1. if i have taken Calculus BC and received AP Credit at my institution and have taken only one other calculus course (Functions of several variables, vector-valued functions, partial derivatives and applications, double and
triple integrals, conic sections, polar coordinates, vectors and vector calculus, first order ordinary
differential equations), should I list the Calc BC and the other calc course?

2. Since I am not completely set on courses for senior year, can i put a calc course down even though i did not put it on my amcas (guessed on future coursework)?

3. can being overweight be an obstacle i discuss

Question, for interfolio sending the letters to AMCAS, when it asks for 3 letter writers, does entering their email mean that they will be prompted to write another letter, or will interfolio send the 3 letters to them? I had no committee at my school, and so I just wanted to clarify how that would work.

Question, for interfolio sending the letters to AMCAS, when it asks for 3 letter writers, does entering their email mean that they will be prompted to write another letter, or will interfolio send the 3 letters to them? I had no committee at my school, and so I just wanted to clarify how that would work.

Interfolio will deliver the letters to AMCAS. Once the letter writers have submitted to Interfolio, they've completed their job.

Interfolio will deliver the letters to AMCAS. Once the letter writers have submitted to Interfolio, they've completed their job.

Thanks. I sometimes hate this application process cause it's confusing some times. and you have to pay extra for secondaries.

NEW QUESTION::::

In regards to the deans certification, if we delay in turning that in, does our application get held up? Like I'm away for summer, and I will have some issue obtaining it for obvious reasons. Is that something that I should just get when the fall rolls around or should I try and get it earlier? I know the app says no admissions decisions can be made, but does that apply towards interview invites and whatnot as well?

NEW QUESTION::::

In regards to the deans certification, if we delay in turning that in, does our application get held up? Like I'm away for summer, and I will have some issue obtaining it for obvious reasons. Is that something that I should just get when the fall rolls around or should I try and get it earlier? I know the app says no admissions decisions can be made, but does that apply towards interview invites and whatnot as well?


My understanding is that it only affects the ultimate decision; your application can still be reviewed and you can still be offered an interview invitation. In that respect, you might as well wait until you hear back for an interview before worrying about it - unless you have nothing better to do :p

I just submitted the secondary today. However after I submitted it, it appears like the application is still editable when I click on the biographical and academic data sections. Did this happen to anyone else? Does it go away once they process the submission during working hours?

I just submitted the secondary today. However after I submitted it, it appears like the application is still editable when I click on the biographical and academic data sections. Did this happen to anyone else? Does it go away once they process the submission during working hours?

I am still able to edit some things(like the name of my recommender but not the type of recommendation) but it has a check mark next to supplemental application so pretty sure I have submitted. Has anyone been marked complete yet?

I can't even log into my application page. Whenever I type in my ID and PW (which are correct) and I click log in, the screen doesn't change. I know the internet is working, but whenever I click enter, a bar at the bottom says logging on, but nothing happens. anyone else getting htis problem?

I can't even log into my application page. Whenever I type in my ID and PW (which are correct) and I click log in, the screen doesn't change. I know the internet is working, but whenever I click enter, a bar at the bottom says logging on, but nothing happens. anyone else getting htis problem?

Hey mohad. I had this problem also when using Chrome. The site worked until I registered and all of that.

Since then I've been doing the WashU secondary in Firefox and it has been working fine.

Does it let you submit if your AMCAS hasn't been verified yet?

People who have submitted everything but the Dean's Certification.

Does the Application Status page consider you 'Incomplete,' or can I be considered 'Complete' without having turned in the Certification. From what I've read in last year's thread the Certification is only required to receive I final decision from WashU.

People who have submitted everything but the Dean's Certification.

Does the Application Status page consider you 'Incomplete,' or can I be considered 'Complete' without having turned in the Certification. From what I've read in last year's thread the Certification is only required to receive I final decision from WashU.

I've submitted everything, including all my letters, and I'm just waiting for them to receive my Dean's Certification. Their website says that no letters will be marked as "received" until the 12th, so I don't think anyone's application should be marked "complete" until then at the earliest. The website says: "Once we receive your recommendations, your supplemental application fee, your MCAT scores and AMCAS has verified your application, your file will be complete and ready for review." It doesn't say anything about the Dean's Certification being necessary for your application to be considered complete. Also FYI I've called them a couple of times with questions and the people on the phone were really helpful and friendly so if you have questions feel free to call.

Is it OK that I exceed the character limit of the optional essay? It seems that they will not cut off your words if it exceed the character limit.

If I submitted my secondary before my amcas was verified, how badly did I dun goof....?

If I submitted my secondary before my amcas was verified, how badly did I dun goof....?

As far as I know, WUMS doesn't care which they get first, as they simply review everything at once as a single application. Some other schools are very particular about this and will invalidate your application if you send the secondary before your AMCAS app was verified, so I would be very careful about this with your other schools (I know that Einstein for sure will invalidate any application received before the verified AMCAS application, but they also won't send you the link until it's verified so you should be okay), but I don't think that's the case with WUMS. If you're really worried, just call them and ask. I've called the WUMS Admissions Committee a couple of times and they were all really nice and helpful.

As far as I know, WUMS doesn't care which they get first, as they simply review everything at once as a single application. Some other schools are very particular about this and will invalidate your application if you send the secondary before your AMCAS app was verified, so I would be very careful about this with your other schools (I know that Einstein for sure will invalidate any application received before the verified AMCAS application, but they also won't send you the link until it's verified so you should be okay), but I don't think that's the case with WUMS. If you're really worried, just call them and ask. I've called the WUMS Admissions Committee a couple of times and they were all really nice and helpful.

thanks. i just got so excited with my secondary invites that I wanted to send them in ASAP. Then I noticed that I wasn't fully verified and wondered how it would affect me. Luckily I only sent it to WUMS.

I received a secondary even though my primary hasn't been verified yet (submitted on 7/6). Apparently there is a 4 week limit on completing the secondary once they have received your primary... does anyone know if this is after verification, or the 4 weeks start as soon as you submit?

I ask because it seems like AMCAS is 3 weeks behind in processing primaries, so I worry my primary won't get processed before the 4 week mark expires.

Thanks!

Anyone marked received for Rec Letters? They said July 12th right. Just wondering for completion sake.

Anyone marked received for Rec Letters? They said July 12th right. Just wondering for completion sake.

Nope not complete. Letters of Recommendations is not even listed on the items list. Is everyone sure you don't need the Deans Certification to be complete?

No idea about the certification, but my Dean sent it the same day I requested it.

Edit: Too bad I'm not actually submitting the secondary.

Nope not complete. Letters of Recommendations is not even listed on the items list. Is everyone sure you don't need the Deans Certification to be complete?

Not needed to be complete, but the cert is needed for a final decision.

My letters are in, but not my Dean's cert. The website still says I'm not complete...

My letters are in, but not my Dean's cert. The website still says I'm not complete...

"Once we receive your recommendations, your supplemental application fee, your MCAT scores and AMCAS has verified your application, your file will be complete and ready for review."

If you really don't believe them, call the admissions office and ask :) I think it should be fine though - it may take a few days for the status page to update. WashU is typically late in reviewing applications and offering interviews anyways.

my letters are in, but not my dean's cert. The website still says i'm not complete...

+1

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

Cool story bro tell it again.

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

:claps: Bravo, bravo! One more time!

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSjs-EI_WOBVcXzaaym002cPapVJ6A3RFOHXVNWfVPvxwv2Rxa5

Just so you know, your sGPA is a good bit below their average. Might as well apply Caribbean, about as close as you'll get to NC or FL with those stats.

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

thought there was a question in this post.. guess not..

Thought really hard (embarrassing how much thought I actually gave this considering my stats) about applying since 1. I live/went to undergrad in Saint Louis, 2. Work at WashU's affiliate hospital (barnes jewish) and 3. am a URM. Too bad my GPA and MCAT are in their bottom 1%, if even.

Thought really hard (embarrassing how much thought I actually gave this considering my stats) about applying since 1. I live/went to undergrad in Saint Louis, 2. Work at WashU's affiliate hospital (barnes jewish) and 3. am a URM. Too bad my GPA and MCAT are in their bottom 1%, if even.

I have a feeling the majority of applicants are in their bottom 1%, I wouldn't feel too bad about it. Nothing wrong with having a dream...

I have a feeling the majority of applicants are in their bottom 1%, I wouldn't feel too bad about it. Nothing wrong with having a dream...

It basically took my girlfriend laughing in my face for me to not submit the secondary. 3.14sGPA, 33MCAT, URM.

It basically took my girlfriend laughing in my face for me to not submit the secondary. 3.14sGPA, 33MCAT, URM.

I don't see why you wouldn't apply. Sure, GPA isn't great, but your MCAT is very high for an URM acceptance.

Oops...edited.

I don't see why you wouldn't apply. Sure, GPA isn't great, but your MCAT is very high for an URM acceptance.

I'm sure WashU gets their share of URMs who have stats required of ORMs, but since I just found out VCU requires 2 semesters of math (and I have only 1), I might just send in the app and use my VCU money on WashU instead.

Not holding my breath, but if I got offered an interview I might start believing in miracles ;)

Oops...edited.

My optional essay says

(optional) Do you have unique experiences or obstacles that you have overcome that were not covered in your application about which you would like to inform our Admissions Committee? (maximum 3000 characters including spaces).

Though I guess you figured that out since you edited your post :)

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

don't apply. you're headed to HMS. :thumbup:

Hello all!

Figured I'd pop in and say hello. I'm a current WUSM student. I have finished my second year and am taking a year off from medical school to get a master's degree. Then it'll be back to the clinics for me to finish off the last 2 years of school.

Just to answer a few questions that I've seen come up again and again.

1. Optional essay - it's really optional. I didn't do it. And I'm going to WashU on a full-tuition scholarship. If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what will. But if you do have something you've overcome, write about it!! As much as WashU has the reputation for only caring about numbers, it's not true. The numbers are necessary to get your foot in the door, but they really care about having well-rounded people in their classes.

2. Dean's certification - it's not needed except for a final decision. Meaning, you cannot be accepted unless it is in. There's a delay in having your application be marked "complete", but it's not because you don't have the dean's thing in. It's because they have to double check everything. Patience is a virtue. Learn that now, or be prepared for a very painful year. Med schools love to take their sweet time with everything application-wise.

If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask them here or PM me. I may take a few days to respond to things, but I'll get around to it, I promise. :)

Hello all!

Figured I'd pop in and say hello. I'm a current WUSM student. I have finished my second year and am taking a year off from medical school to get a master's degree. Then it'll be back to the clinics for me to finish off the last 2 years of school.

Just to answer a few questions that I've seen come up again and again.

1. Optional essay - it's really optional. I didn't do it. And I'm going to WashU on a full-tuition scholarship. If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what will. But if you do have something you've overcome, write about it!! As much as WashU has the reputation for only caring about numbers, it's not true. The numbers are necessary to get your foot in the door, but they really care about having well-rounded people in their classes.

2. Dean's certification - it's not needed except for a final decision. Meaning, you cannot be accepted unless it is in. There's a delay in having your application be marked "complete", but it's not because you don't have the dean's thing in. It's because they have to double check everything. Patience is a virtue. Learn that now, or be prepared for a very painful year. Med schools love to take their sweet time with everything application-wise.

If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask them here or PM me. I may take a few days to respond to things, but I'll get around to it, I promise. :)

I know someone in your class that is also attending WUSM on a full tuition scholarship. I wonder how many of those they give out each year.

Edit: The person I know isn't you because the person I know isn't from Louisiana or LSU.

I know someone in your class that is also attending WUSM on a full tuition scholarship. I wonder how many of those they give out each year.

Edit: The person I know isn't you because the person I know isn't from Louisiana or LSU.

That is something I don't know the exact answer to, but I can tell you that it's about 16 each year. Then there's the ~25 MSTPs each year who also have their tuition paid for. The remaining students usually get pretty nice scholarship money too.

So I've submitted everything required (secondary, fee, LOR, dean's certification) about a week and a half ago and when I check my application page there's a check mark by all the items, yet it still says that I'm currently incomplete?

Anyone know how long it should take to get marked as complete?

So I've submitted everything required (secondary, fee, LOR, dean's certification) about a week and a half ago and when I check my application page there's a check mark by all the items, yet it still says that I'm currently incomplete?

Anyone know how long it should take to get marked as complete?

Read Post #85

That is something I don't know the exact answer to, but I can tell you that it's about 16 each year. Then there's the ~25 MSTPs each year who also have their tuition paid for. The remaining students usually get pretty nice scholarship money too.

Getting paid to attend one of the best medical schools in the world. Great reward for hardwork as an UG.

I work at Barnes and I see you guys walking around everyday. Makes me so damn jealous :)

1. Optional essay - it's really optional. I didn't do it. And I'm going to WashU on a full-tuition scholarship. If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what will.

Ditto.

Just got an email notifying me that my application is now marked as complete and currently under review. Submitted my secondary quite a while ago, same with my letters.

Just got an email notifying me that my application is now marked as complete and currently under review. Submitted my secondary quite a while ago, same with my letters.

No email yet but I am marked complete on the status page. Submitted 7/7 and I haven't sent in my certification letter, FYI.

No email yet but I am marked complete on the status page. Submitted 7/7 and I haven't sent in my certification letter, FYI.

Same here. No email but marked complete and no deans certification.

Still incomplete even thought I submitted the secondary on 7/1 with letters already in. (No deans cert.)

Still incomplete. LORs been in to AMCAS since July 4, but still marked as not received on my status.

I'm starting to get the feeling that the Dean's Letter is required for completion... especially considering once I submitted it told me to get it in 'as soon as possible' and in the email confirming this it said the same thing. The application status page also clearly states it's the only thing missing from my application and that I'm still incomplete.

I'm starting to get the feeling that the Dean's Letter is required for completion... especially considering once I submitted it told me to get it in 'as soon as possible' and in the email confirming this it said the same thing.

Nope. I received my complete email yesterday (and was marked complete online the day before) without a Dean's Certification in.

Nope. I received my complete email yesterday (and was marked complete online the day before) without a Dean's Certification in.

Odd, wonder why it takes so long.

Hmm, I submitted June 30th, and still no completion. Everything should be in save for the Dean's Cert - keep waiting or give 'em a call?

Edit: Nevermind, I see others still incomplete that submitted a day or two after me. I previously only saw the comments of people having submitted 7/7 and being complete a few days ago.

Hmm, I submitted June 30th, and still no completion. Everything should be in save for the Dean's Cert - keep waiting or give 'em a call?

Edit: Nevermind, I see others still incomplete that submitted a day or two after me. I previously only saw the comments of people having submitted 7/7 and being complete a few days ago.


I had been incomplete for quite sometime and then I emailed them and found out one of my references had not put their reference letter on "letter-head" and that was actually what was holding my application up from completion... just in case anyone else runs into this issue!

I had been incomplete for quite sometime and then I emailed them and found out one of my references had not put their reference letter on "letter-head" and that was actually what was holding my application up from completion... just in case anyone else runs into this issue!

I've been incomplete for about a week now. I'm not going to email yet but if it gets to around August I certainly will.

They don't send an email out for this kind of thing? That's dirty.

I've been incomplete for about a week now. I'm not going to email yet but if it gets to around August I certainly will.

They don't send an email out for this kind of thing? That's dirty.

It's WUSTL. They can do whatever they want, unfortunately :scared:

Got the complete and under review today...

Got the complete and under review today...

I got it as well.

Do any current students know of Dr. Gerald Dorn and of his role in the medical school?

Do any current students know of Dr. Gerald Dorn and of his role in the medical school?

Yes, I do. He's the director of the center my lab is in.

.

Not sure if anyone has any insight into this, but I'm trying to figure out which math courses to list. I've taken ~12 of them, most of them involving calculus. Should I list the most practical ones, the ones I did best in, the last ones I took, the first ones I took, or something else? I'm thinking of listing applied PDEs, Applied (Complex) Analysis, and I'm not sure what else (maybe Calc I, II, or the combined III/IV I was suckered into taking) Thx for any info!

For those of you curious, I got my complete email today. They seem to be pretty slow at this, considering everything was in two weeks ago. Dean's letter is definitely not required.

Not sure if anyone has any insight into this, but I'm trying to figure out which math courses to list. I've taken ~12 of them, most of them involving calculus. Should I list the most practical ones, the ones I did best in, the last ones I took, the first ones I took, or something else? I'm thinking of listing applied PDEs, Applied (Complex) Analysis, and I'm not sure what else (maybe Calc I, II, or the combined III/IV I was suckered into taking) Thx for any info!

Put in whatever course you feel like, as long as the material covered what is asked for.

Honestly, they don't seem to look into course requirements that much until you're actually matriculating.

Decided to check my status today and I am complete. No "complete" email though.

Just According to our records and procedures your file is Complete.



on their status page.

I submitted my secondary app pretty early and was waiting for my rec letters and Dean's Certifications to come in. AMCAS notified me that they received the letters, but WashU didn't update my Application Status page, even for the ones submitted before I turned in my secondary. After a lot of waiting around, I finally just contacted them. Turns out they received my rec letters and certification but didn't update my file. So the ADCOM could have started on my file three weeks earlier if they were on top of things! Make sure you get in touch with them if you think this is happening to you!

Recently received a letter from the Admissions Committee and realized the great opportunities here and decided to apply, thought I'd give this thread a little love since it's been a while since a posting. Hopefully they begin handing out II soon!

MSTP interview invite :)

Yes, I do. He's the director of the center my lab is in.

If I had your stats I would leave my mdapps on my SDN profile a year after matriculating too :thumbup:

MSTP interview invite :)

Congrats! Hopefully they'll start sending out MD invites soon too.

Last year the first invites came out around 9/6 via a status page change (no email), so maybe this coming week they'll start!

MSTP interview invite :)

did you get an email?

I am unable to submit my secondaries here because the program keeps saying "The following items must be entered prior to Submission:
Research Mentor contact information" (I am applying MSTP).....Did someone else also have similar problems? They have space for 5 recommenders but I have only 4...so, for the last one (the admissions office) said to put in just dashes and fake numbers....but still not working!

Could it be that the program doesn't recognize a UK email address, with a @ox.ac.uk?

I am unable to submit my secondaries here because the program keeps saying "The following items must be entered prior to Submission:
Research Mentor contact information" (I am applying MSTP).....Did someone else also have similar problems? They have space for 5 recommenders but I have only 4...so, for the last one (the admissions office) said to put in just dashes and fake numbers....but still not working!

Could it be that the program doesn't recognize a UK email address, with a @ox.ac.uk?

Could be. Put a fake email and then send them an update.

did you get an email?

They sent me a text asking me to check my email box, in which there was an interview invite.

regular MD interview invite! got it today via email, complete mid-July

regular MD interview invite! got it today via email, complete mid-July

Yay! Me too, complete early-July. Does anyone know if Wash U is generally fast about getting back to applicants after an interview? I have a lot going on in the 2 weeks they made available to me, so I was going to ask for a later date... unless they are known to have a fast turnaround, in which case I would suck it up and go on the very first day available to me!

I think that the earliest date that medical schools give decisions to students is 10/15, and for some reason i remember hearing that WUSTL starts releasing acceptances in mid-November.

Congrats on the interview invites!

Yay! Me too, complete early-July. Does anyone know if Wash U is generally fast about getting back to applicants after an interview? I have a lot going on in the 2 weeks they made available to me, so I was going to ask for a later date... unless they are known to have a fast turnaround, in which case I would suck it up and go on the very first day available to me!

They take about 6 weeks.

Interview invite! best day ever

I think that the earliest date that medical schools give decisions to students is 10/15, and for some reason i remember hearing that WUSTL starts releasing acceptances in mid-November.

This is accurate. They release decisions once a month after that basically.

Got an interview invite yesterday! I was complete August 28 :D

I got my secondary too in the email but I am not yet AMCAS verified. I subsequently got a letter in the mail with information on how to submit my secondary. Did anyone get mail in addition to email.

I got my secondary too in the email but I am not yet AMCAS verified. I subsequently got a letter in the mail with information on how to submit my secondary. Did anyone get mail in addition to email.

I got mail too, I think that's just their standard practice.

On the other hand, I've been complete since 8/15 and my status is just 'complete', not even under review yet. :shrug:

I got mail too, I think that's just their standard practice.

On the other hand, I've been complete since 8/15 and my status is just 'complete', not even under review yet. :shrug:

Same here, complete since Aug 18th.

Interview Invite here earlier today! Super excited! Complete mid- July

I was complete and under-review Aug 21st and still haven't heard anything. Think I'm on hold or something?

I was complete and under-review Aug 21st and still haven't heard anything. Think I'm on hold or something?

Nah, WashU takes their time

I was complete and under-review Aug 21st and still haven't heard anything. Think I'm on hold or something?

I've been complete since 8/3 and I still haven't heard anything.

I've been complete since 7/26 and I haven't heard anything either.

I've been complete since 7/26 and I haven't heard anything either.

Scratch that. Just received an invitation to interview! No email; just a status page update. I'll be there 10/16.

Interview Invite! So excited, had to call to schedule, 10/22!

My status page only says my file is complete. Should it say complete and under review?

Scratch that. Just received an invitation to interview! No email; just a status page update. I'll be there 10/16.

Congrats! I wish to hear some good news soon as well! Good luck!

I've been complete since 8/3 and I still haven't heard anything.

Complete since Aug 14th. NOTHING :(

Interview Invite! So excited, had to call to schedule, 10/22!

When were you complete, if you don't mind me asking?

Congrats! I wish to hear some good news soon as well! Good luck!

Thanks! Good luck to you.

When were you complete, if you don't mind me asking?

Don't remember the exact date, but some time in mid-July, although I believe letters got there beginning of August

Interview invite today too, no email, checked status.

Just got the II email! Congrats to all others!

Interview invite! First of the season. :D Complete 8/15.

Ii :)

My status page only says my file is complete. Should it say complete and under review?

i would also like to know the answer to this...

Gotta go dig out my sat scores to complete this secondary

I managed to dig out a copy of my GRE score report that went out to grad schools a decade ago...ETS only maintains score availability for 5 years. Crazy.

Just to confirm: You can be marked complete without the Dean's certification, right? I have everything else checked off, but I'm still marked incomplete.

Yes I am marked complete without the deans certification in.

Interview invite!

II today!!! Complete 9/7. Signed up for 10/17...anyone gonna be there then? :)

For those that have received interview invites, did you write the optional essay?

For those that have received interview invites, did you write the optional essay?
Nope!

Did not write anything for the optional essay.

For those that have received interview invites, did you write the optional essay?

I did...well more had an essay that was applicable

People with II, mind sharing stats? Thanks and congrats!

Idk if WashU has student hosts, but I live in the area and I suggest you stay at the Chase Park Plaza hotel. Not cheap, but it's safe and close to the school.

Idk if WashU has student hosts, but I live in the area and I suggest you stay at the Chase Park Plaza hotel. Not cheap, but it's safe and close to the school.
So they're offering a room for one night, free of charge, at Olin Hall. Any other nights are $36. Seems good to me!

Also, 4.0, 39

So they're offering a room for one night, free of charge, at Olin Hall. Any other nights are $36. Seems good to me!

Also, 4.0, 39

Great deal!

My status page only says my file is complete. Should it say complete and under review?

Id still like to know the answer to this?

Has anyone been rejected yet?

Yes, I got rejected via email.

Yes, I got rejected via email.

Thanks. I'm still waiting for my rejection.. maybe my stats are so low they won't even waste their time emailing me :rolleyes:


How's your cycle going?

Yes, I got rejected via email.
+1 MSTP only reject.

Id still like to know the answer to this?

I think my status only said "Complete" before receiving an II, so you should be fine.

II via status update.

Is there any benefit to interviewing in mid-Oct. versus late-Oct.?

II via status update.

Is there any benefit to interviewing in mid-Oct. versus late-Oct.?

Nope, not really. Congrats!

Alright, thanks PMOD.

Also waiting for a rejection! complete today!

Just to confirm: You can be marked complete without the Dean's certification, right? I have everything else checked off, but I'm still marked incomplete.

I received an II and have yet to complete the Dean's Certification.

Not sure when interviews begin here, but if they have does anyone have any impressions of the program/city? If not, any med students want to give their blurb? Thanks guys!

I received an II and have yet to complete the Dean's Certification.

Not sure when interviews begin here, but if they have does anyone have any impressions of the program/city? If not, any med students want to give their blurb? Thanks guys!

I don't have a blurb, so you'll have to ask a question.

Here is St Louis: http://vimeo.com/48890472
Cardinals = Historic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynveVHqXWls
The Ultimate Med School Lecture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ictqCRakTIY
Tour of the main medical school building: http://fltc.wustl.edu/tour/tourFLTC.html
Some bigwigs talking about the school: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBB_HWffkdk

Thanks. I'm still waiting for my rejection.. maybe my stats are so low they won't even waste their time emailing me :rolleyes:


How's your cycle going?

II's, but not in NY. I don't want to leave because I'll be licenced here and I'd rather not wait 6 months (and not give a **** anymore because of med school obligations) to take a license exam in another state.

I received an II and have yet to complete the Dean's Certification.

Not sure when interviews begin here, but if they have does anyone have any impressions of the program/city? If not, any med students want to give their blurb? Thanks guys!

Saint Louis is a great city. :)

I received an II and have yet to complete the Dean's Certification.

Not sure when interviews begin here, but if they have does anyone have any impressions of the program/city? If not, any med students want to give their blurb? Thanks guys!

Yeah, I don't have a blurb either. But I'm happy to answer any questions. I love WashU and St. Louis is pretty great too.

For those who received II's, are the available dates on the calendar just those highlighted in green, or those with blue text? There are no days in green, but every day is in blue.

Question for students who stayed in Olin Hall the night before their interview: should we check out in the morning before our interview and store our stuff with admissions, or is it OK to leave stuff in the room and check out after the interview?

For those who received II's, are the available dates on the calendar just those highlighted in green, or those with blue text? There are no days in green, but every day is in blue.

If you call the admissions office to schedule they have a ton more dates available than what is online. I don't know why that's the case, but it is...

Does this place silent reject or actually send rejection letters?

Question for students who stayed in Olin Hall the night before their interview: should we check out in the morning before our interview and store our stuff with admissions, or is it OK to leave stuff in the room and check out after the interview?

Something I honestly don't remember. But you can definitely ask the security guard at the Olin front desk when you check in.

Does this place silent reject or actually send rejection letters?

They actually reject. But if I recall correctly, the regular MD admissions doesn't reject anyone until March. Could be wrong though.

Not sure when interviews begin here, but if they have does anyone have any impressions of the program/city? If not, any med students want to give their blurb? Thanks guys!

I'm currently doing a research year between 3rd and 4th year, so I will try to offer some impressions about clinicals. I'm intending to match into a competitive surgical subspecialty, so what I say will probably be biased in that direction.

First of all, I think that when I was a premed and while I was interviewing, I paid a lot of attention to the preclinical curriculum because that was more like what I was used to in college, and I mostly regarded the clinical years as a black box that I didn't really pay much attention to. When I became a 3rd year, I realized that it's actually all about the clinicals. How you do and what you do in your clinical years (3rd year in particular) will really mean a world of difference for how you choose your career trajectory. Clinicals at important, so ask about them!

Without getting too much into the specifics of the clinical schedule, WashU offers quite a bit of opportunity for 3rd-year exposure to subspecialties and smaller specialties. For example, you have the option to do an in-patient Cardiology rotation while on Medicine, the option to try out basically any surgical subspecialty you want on Surgery (including ENT, Plastics, Urology, Optho and many different areas of Ortho), and an elective month that you can fill up with everything from Path to Rads to Derm. When I entered medical school, I really didn't have a great idea of what I wanted to do, so it was great for me to be able to try all of these different things without having to wait until 4th year (at which point, you will have less time to decide and prepare for your specialty of choice). In the same vein, there are no required 4th year rotations, so all of 4th year is essentially your opportunity to fill in any gaps that you might have and to strengthen your residency application however you see fit.

I'm told that we have one of the most benign Gen Surg residency programs in the country, and I can attest to the fact that during my entire time as a 3rd year, I've only met maybe 1 person that I would consider "malignant." The vast majority of residents, fellows, and attendings are all very nice and willing to teach. 3rd year is hard work, and you will be taking overnight call on several rotations. Our most hated rotation is probably Neuro, victim to particularly harsh coursemaster, large team sizes, and an extremely busy service. Our Peds rotation is also felt to be harder than most others. On the other hand, our Medicine rotation is universally well-loved.

I'm not sure what else to say at the moment, but I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Thanks to all the current students that have provided feedback so far, I don't really have any questions at the moment except for the one I'm about to ask . . .

I'm currently doing a research year between 3rd and 4th year, so I will try to offer some impressions about clinicals. I'm intending to match into a competitive surgical subspecialty, so what I say will probably be biased in that direction.

First of all, I think that when I was a premed and while I was interviewing, I paid a lot of attention to the preclinical curriculum because that was more like what I was used to in college, and I mostly regarded the clinical years as a black box that I didn't really pay much attention to. When I became a 3rd year, I realized that it's actually all about the clinicals. How you do and what you do in your clinical years (3rd year in particular) will really mean a world of difference for how you choose your career trajectory. Clinicals at important, so ask about them!

Without getting too much into the specifics of the clinical schedule, WashU offers quite a bit of opportunity for 3rd-year exposure to subspecialties and smaller specialties. For example, you have the option to do an in-patient Cardiology rotation while on Medicine, the option to try out basically any surgical subspecialty you want on Surgery (including ENT, Plastics, Urology, Optho and many different areas of Ortho), and an elective month that you can fill up with everything from Path to Rads to Derm. When I entered medical school, I really didn't have a great idea of what I wanted to do, so it was great for me to be able to try all of these different things without having to wait until 4th year (at which point, you will have less time to decide and prepare for your specialty of choice). In the same vein, there are no required 4th year rotations, so all of 4th year is essentially your opportunity to fill in any gaps that you might have and to strengthen your residency application however you see fit.

I'm told that we have one of the most benign Gen Surg residency programs in the country, and I can attest to the fact that during my entire time as a 3rd year, I've only met maybe 1 person that I would consider "malignant." The vast majority of residents, fellows, and attendings are all very nice and willing to teach. 3rd year is hard work, and you will be taking overnight call on several rotations. Our most hated rotation is probably Neuro, victim to particularly harsh coursemaster, large team sizes, and an extremely busy service. Our Peds rotation is also felt to be harder than most others. On the other hand, our Medicine rotation is universally well-loved.

I'm not sure what else to say at the moment, but I'd be happy to answer any questions.

I've heard the importance of clinicals and how it is important to ask about them, but what do you recommend I ask as an interviewee that will give me answers that can help me differentiate between schools. Thus far I've been asking what rotations are like 3rd year and what is the role of the med student and most say something to the effect of "it depends on the rotation and your level of interest." As someone who is not set on one specialty this doesn't give me much to go off of. Any advice?

Thanks to all the current students that have provided feedback so far, I don't really have any questions at the moment except for the one I'm about to ask . . .



I've heard the importance of clinicals and how it is important to ask about them, but what do you recommend I ask as an interviewee that will give me answers that can help me differentiate between schools. Thus far I've been asking what rotations are like 3rd year and what is the role of the med student and most say something to the effect of "it depends on the rotation and your level of interest." As someone who is not set on one specialty this doesn't give me much to go off of. Any advice?

This is kind of the same thing I was wondering. What kind of question would be most helpful to get an idea of what clinical years are like? Thanks for your help!

They actually reject. But if I recall correctly, the regular MD admissions doesn't reject anyone until March. Could be wrong though.

After how long of a silence do you think someone should just assume a rejection? I've been complete since August 21st.

After how long of a silence do you think someone should just assume a rejection? I've been complete since August 21st.

I don't think you should ever assume a rejection until you actually get rejected. Statistically speaking, your chances decrease the longer you've been kept waiting. It's possible that some schools will close your file (or not intend to look over it again) without telling you, but you just don't know. If it helps you get closure, I guess it's personal preference to "assume" a rejection at some point in time though.

I don't think you should ever assume a rejection until you actually get rejected. Statistically speaking, your chances decrease the longer you've been kept waiting. It's possible that some schools will close your file (or not intend to look over it again) without telling you, but you just don't know. If it helps you get closure, I guess it's personal preference to "assume" a rejection at some point in time though.

I'd like some closure! What time would you think is good to assume rejection?

After how long of a silence do you think someone should just assume a rejection? I've been complete since August 21st.

patience man, i recently got II for places where i was complete in early august

I've heard the importance of clinicals and how it is important to ask about them, but what do you recommend I ask as an interviewee that will give me answers that can help me differentiate between schools. Thus far I've been asking what rotations are like 3rd year and what is the role of the med student and most say something to the effect of "it depends on the rotation and your level of interest." As someone who is not set on one specialty this doesn't give me much to go off of. Any advice?

I would recommend asking about the 3rd year schedule in detail. Which rotations are you required to do, and how long do you spend on each rotation? How do clerkship schedules get assigned? Are there elective slots, and if so how many? Which are the most loved and most hated rotations, and why? What is the patient population generally like in your particular area/hospital? If you have a particular field of interest, make sure to ask about that specifically.

For example, many schools require Family Medicine rotations, while WashU does not (though you can have it as an elective or as your ambulatory rotation on Medicine). WashU requires a Neuro rotation, while many other schools do not. We have 3 months of Surgery, while some of my friends at other schools only have 2 months (this could be a good or bad thing depending on your interest in Surgery).

How long do they keep you in the MSTP pile before transferring you to MD only? I've been complete since early July, but haven't been invited for an interview or rejected for MSTP.

I'd like some closure! What time would you think is good to assume rejection?

November 22nd, 5:10 PM

;)

Hmm.. I inadvertently typed in Thanksgiving Day. Moral of the story = gorge yourself over good food and assume rejections from medical schools? :p

After how long of a silence do you think someone should just assume a rejection? I've been complete since August 21st.

You're definitely still considered until interview invites are done in mid-January. It's awhile I know but they re-review people's apps a lot.

:II October 28th Finally

After reading a PDF on research opportunities at WashU I uncovered some material that made it sound as if 36 weeks of 4th year must be spent conducting research. Can any current med students confirm this? Thank you!

After reading a PDF on research opportunities at WashU I uncovered some material that made it sound as if 36 weeks of 4th year must be spent conducting research. Can any current med students confirm this? Thank you!

Most definitely not true. You can do research, but you certainly don't have to.

After reading a PDF on research opportunities at WashU I uncovered some material that made it sound as if 36 weeks of 4th year must be spent conducting research. Can any current med students confirm this? Thank you!

Copied from that PDF of which you speak:
"To qualify for the Doctor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, students are required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 36 weeks of clinical or research electives in the fourth (final) year."

Copied from that PDF of which you speak:
"To qualify for the Doctor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, students are required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 36 weeks of clinical or research electives in the fourth (final) year."

Looking back now I see that, sorry! It must have been my tired eyes that misread that, it seemed like quite the commitment to research for the MD program which is why I asked. Thanks!

As has been said previously, no blurb from me, but I'm a WUSM MD/PhD student willing to answer any questions.

You'll get the view of someone very, very happy with the decision to come here, but I'll be as honest as I possibly can be.

Copied from that PDF of which you speak:
"To qualify for the Doctor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, students are required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 36 weeks of clinical or research electives in the fourth (final) year."

You're actually limited to about 12 weeks max of research electives during 4th year.

You're actually limited to about 12 weeks max of research electives during 4th year.

:thumbup: Thanks!

Question for students who stayed in Olin Hall the night before their interview: should we check out in the morning before our interview and store our stuff with admissions, or is it OK to leave stuff in the room and check out after the interview?

I'm pretty sure you bring your stuff down in the morning, store it in the closet next to the security desk, and pick it up after you're done :) good luck!!!

I'm pretty sure you bring your stuff down in the morning, store it in the closet next to the security desk, and pick it up after you're done :) good luck!!!

That's what I ended up doing--thanks though!

current 2nd year (NOT full scholarship) student here planning on doing a research year between 3rd/4th year.... happy to answer questions as well.

Do most people at your school go into academic medicine?

delete

I have decent GPA and MCAT score without leadership experience. Is leadership experience mandatory for admission to WU's MD program?

I didn't even realize leadership experience was something Wash U is particularly into. I have basically no leadership experience, and I got an interview invite :)

Do most people at your school go into academic medicine?

Yes, I'd say that most do go into academic medicine. But not everyone, of course.

First II!

Complete 9/21

First II! Anybody else going to be here Nov 8/9/10? I decided to stay for 2 nights :)

Complete 9/21, II 10/6

Nice! Mind sharing stats?

3.9+, 35+

What are the dates the current interview invites are for? I got my email notifying me that my secondary was complete Sept. 27, which I know is somewhat late; I'm hopeful that if I get that II that it isn't for a really late date! To those who have gone through this, does Wash U generally interview a little bit later than other schools? I have an II at UK and they were already into January

.

Hey for people who have already interviewed:

I read somewhere that it is usually one interview with a professor, but how long does it last?
Also did you guys get an email about who will be interviewing you? On the website there is a link for the Admissions Committee Bios page but I didn't get any information on my interviewer and my interview is next Tuesday.

Thanks!

Hey for people who have already interviewed:

I read somewhere that it is usually one interview with a professor, but how long does it last?
Also did you guys get an email about who will be interviewing you? On the website there is a link for the Admissions Committee Bios page but I didn't get any information on my interviewer and my interview is next Tuesday.

Thanks!

The interview is about an hour. And ~30% of interviewees get a second shorter interview, which is just supposedly used to check up on the interview process.

And to find out who your interviewer is, log into the WUMSapply site (just the site used to check your application status and stuff), and there should be something to click on called "Visit information" or something like that, and that will have a little table that lists your schedule for the day including the name(s) of your interviewer(s).

The interview is about an hour. And ~30% of interviewees get a second shorter interview, which is just supposedly used to check up on the interview process.

And to find out who your interviewer is, log into the WUMSapply site (just the site used to check your application status and stuff), and there should be something to click on called "Visit information" or something like that, and that will have a little table that lists your schedule for the day including the name(s) of your interviewer(s).

Do you mean the "Visit Arrangement" tab? I only see Lodging Preferences, Pizza Party, and Breakfast information. Then there is a link to the main website...but that's just traveling information.

Do you mean the "Visit Arrangement" tab? I only see Lodging Preferences, Pizza Party, and Breakfast information. Then there is a link to the main website...but that's just traveling information.

I believe that's the correct tab. They don't always have the interviews scheduled way in advance. But it should definitely be up on the website by the day before your interview.

Do you mean the "Visit Arrangement" tab? I only see Lodging Preferences, Pizza Party, and Breakfast information. Then there is a link to the main website...but that's just traveling information.

Yeah, it's definitely Visit Arrangement. There is/will be a table listing the day's events such as pizza the night before, breakfast, check-in, etc.

Does anyone know the statistics on how many interviewees were ultimately accepted to Wash U's med school?

Can anyone comment on the neighborhoods where the med school is located and most students live? I've heard that some parts of St. Louis are very dangerous.

Can anyone comment on the neighborhoods where the med school is located and most students live? I've heard that some parts of St. Louis are very dangerous.

Most students live within walking distance of the school in the Central West End. I've lived here for 2+ years. It's true that some parts of St. Louis (North St. Louis, East St. Louis) are quite dangerous. But there's really never reason to go to those parts of town. Because it is a big city there's gonna be crime. And yes, some has happened in the CWE. But I guess a general rule of thumb I follow is to not be stupid. Don't walk places at night by yourself if you're a girl. Things like that. There are cops that patrol the CWE at all hours, so I don't really ever feel terribly unsafe, but of course I'd prefer there be less crime.

All in all, the Central West End is probably one of the safest, if not the safest, areas in the city of St. Louis. But crime does still happen here even to people who aren't being stupid, just like it does anywhere.

Been complete almost 2 months and no word. Think it's a good idea to email or call and inquire on my app's status?

Been complete almost 2 months and no word. Think it's a good idea to email or call and inquire on my app's status?

I was complete for more than two months before getting my II, so I wouldn't worry.

Most students live within walking distance of the school in the Central West End. I've lived here for 2+ years. It's true that some parts of St. Louis (North St. Louis, East St. Louis) are quite dangerous. But there's really never reason to go to those parts of town. Because it is a big city there's gonna be crime. And yes, some has happened in the CWE. But I guess a general rule of thumb I follow is to not be stupid. Don't walk places at night by yourself if you're a girl. Things like that. There are cops that patrol the CWE at all hours, so I don't really ever feel terribly unsafe, but of course I'd prefer there be less crime.

All in all, the Central West End is probably one of the safest, if not the safest, areas in the city of St. Louis. But crime does still happen here even to people who aren't being stupid, just like it does anywhere.

Thanks for the info!

Does anyone know the statistics on how many interviewees were ultimately accepted to Wash U's med school?

In 2010, 335 of 1177 interviewees were accepted (28.5%).

Can anyone comment on the neighborhoods where the med school is located and most students live? I've heard that some parts of St. Louis are very dangerous.

The CWE is one of the safest, most affluent neighborhoods in St. Louis. Lots of young doctors and nurses live here. The asst dean of education also lives here. That said, St. Louis is a dangerous city. The per capita all-crime rate in the CWE is about 80 crimes (personal and property) per 1000 residents per year (and the violent crime rate is maybe 10 per 1000). Source here (http://nextstl.com/urban-living/understanding-st-louis-total-crime-index-violent-crimes-and-property-crimes-in-city-neighborhoods).

Nevertheless, I feel safe. At the very least, I'm confident that the mile radius around WashU is much safer than the mile radius around Hopkins.

If this is a major concern for you when choosing schools, look through the stats and maps on this website (http://homes.point2.com/Neighborhood/US/Maryland/Baltimore-Demographics.aspx) and this website (http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/md/baltimore/crime/). You can shell out $40 for a detailed crime report for the specific neighborhood.

Thanks for the admissions info! I really appreciate it.

Just got my II from WUSM! So excited. Does anyone know what day(s) of the week they generally interview on?

Just got my II from WUSM! So excited. Does anyone know what day(s) of the week they generally interview on?

Monday through friday from end of September to early February. Breaks for holidays. But they have interviews all week.

Interviewed yesterday. What a great school! The students I met were super happy. Does anybody know about how long it takes for them to make a decision? Six weeks? Twelve weeks?

Interviewed yesterday. What a great school! The students I met were super happy. Does anybody know about how long it takes for them to make a decision? Six weeks? Twelve weeks?

They have set days that they will send out decision. The first will be in mid-November. If there is an MSTP interviewee around, they should know the dates that they will hear about their decision, and the MD releases decisions on the same/next day.

Sometimes your interviewer will call to accept, but not everyone does that. But everyone who is accepted will see their status update page change at 11:59:59 PM on that Friday night.

Thanks. Fingers crossed.

delete

First II! Anybody else going to be here Nov 8/9/10? I decided to stay for 2 nights :)

Complete 9/21, II 10/6
hey ill be there those same days, nov 8/9/10, wanna do something friday night? im trying to find people to hang out with up there.

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does anyone know the curriculum setup of Wash U? I couldnt find it online! Is it a 2 year pre-clinical? class 8-5? etc

2 yr preclinical
Class is never 8-5. First yr starts at 8:30, second yr at 9. Ends at noon or 2-3ish.

2 yr preclinical
Class is never 8-5. First yr starts at 8:30, second yr at 9. Ends at noon or 2-3ish.

In second year there were like 3-5 days the whole year maybe when class goes to 5, but it does always start at 9. First years get out at 12 at least 2 days a week I'd say. Second years, maybe 1 day a week.

Other things about the curriculum: first year is pass/fail, while second year is H/HP/P/F. Set up as first year: physio and second year: pathophys so more traditional style. They try to have lots of small groups especially in the practice of medicine course so you can get to know professors well which is nice. You start going into the hospital and interviewing patients within the first few weeks of first year. Less patient time in second year because of the increased amount of material to learn, but still a fair amount.

second year is H/HP/P/F.

Honestly, does this make the atmosphere pretty cutthroat? An alum was telling me that it was.

Honestly, does this make the atmosphere pretty cutthroat? An alum was telling me that it was.

I didn't think it was cutthroat. It's not graded on a curve so you aren't jugded against each other. My class still shared their notes with each other before exams, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't make people more stressed. I'd prefer it be P/F but it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be.

It's not graded on a curve so you aren't jugded against each other.

Well. You can help your whole class get honors in a course but that makes it harder for you in terms of class rank.

Well. You can help your whole class get honors in a course but that makes it harder for you in terms of class rank.

They have class rank?? :(

Well. You can help your whole class get honors in a course but that makes it harder for you in terms of class rank.

Clinical grades count waaaaaay more in terms of final gpa. So I don't see the point in making second year more stressful than it is.

They have class rank?? :(

No. We have class thirds. So its a form of rank but not as bad. Also the lower third ends up being like 20% of the class. So its not even thirds. I honestly don't know how they figure that all out.

Clinical grades count waaaaaay more in terms of final gpa. So I don't see the point in making second year more stressful than it is.



No. We have class thirds. So its a form of rank but not as bad. Also the lower third ends up being like 20% of the class. So its not even thirds. I honestly don't know how they figure that all out.

OK, thanks. Still, why they have to do that? =/

OK, thanks. Still, why they have to do that? =/

Beats me. Something I like even less than grades second year. But it is what it is.

Does anybody know what sort of questions theyre gonna ask me? Are they going to grill me with questions about my GPA or applications or will it be more conversational?

Does anybody know what sort of questions theyre gonna ask me? Are they going to grill me with questions about my GPA or applications or will it be more conversational?

This was my most relaxed interview of the season. I highly doubt they're going to ask questions about your GPA... in any interview you should be prepared to talk about your application, but during my interview it was almost all casual conversation

I'll second what KDizzle says. For an interview, it seemed relaxed and conversational.

Agreed, mine was relaxed too, and on my interview day, the Assistant Dean of Admissions directly stated that grades/MCAT have been blacked out from your application when given to your interviewers.

Agreed, mine was relaxed too, and on my interview day, the Assistant Dean of Admissions directly stated that grades/MCAT have been blacked out from your application when given to your interviewers.

Oh interesting! I didn't know that.

Agreed, mine was relaxed too, and on my interview day, the Assistant Dean of Admissions directly stated that grades/MCAT have been blacked out from your application when given to your interviewers.

I'm not sure if that's true, my interviewer made a specific comment about my GPA during my interview.

Clinical grades count waaaaaay more in terms of final gpa.

Waaaaaay = 2x

Clinical grades count waaaaaay more in terms of final gpa. So I don't see the point in making second year more stressful than it is.

No. We have class thirds. So its a form of rank but not as bad. Also the lower third ends up being like 20% of the class. So its not even thirds. I honestly don't know how they figure that all out.

Our adviser has repeatedly told me that class rank is almost entirely dependent on 3rd year grades. 2nd year grades will not make a difference except that, if you're on the border between say top 1/3 and middle 1/3 and you have good 2nd year grades, it may push you over.

I've also been told that they try to give everyone the highest class rank possible. This means that they will tend to round GPAs in your favor. Only students in the top 1/3 are eligible for AOA, and of those, about half will actually be elected in to AOA.

Our adviser has repeatedly told me that class rank is almost entirely dependent on 3rd year grades.

"almost entirely dependent" = 60% dependent.

Interview Invite!! (sent 7:13 central time)

I'm bouncing-off-the-walls happy about this invite!

:soexcited::highfive::claps::biglove:

Interview Invite!! (sent 7:13 central time)

I'm bouncing-off-the-walls happy about this invite!

:soexcited::highfive::claps::biglove:

I got an II at precisely the same time!

Very excited to come interview here!

Do they have rolling admission?

Do they have rolling admission?

Yes, the first decisions should come out mid-November.

I got an II at precisely the same time!

Very excited to come interview here!


When did you guys submit your applications and what were your stats??? I've been waiting for a little over a month and still haven't heard anything.

When did you guys submit your applications and what were your stats??? I've been waiting for a little over a month and still haven't heard anything.

Complete 8/08, 3.86/39

Complete 8/08, 3.86/39

Nice work on the MCAT! I have a 4.0/37 and submitted 9/4, but I'm still waiting. WashU is my #1 choice, so the lack of a response for this long has me worried. Your wait time is reassuring though! What is your interview date?

Nice work on the MCAT! I have a 4.0/37 and submitted 9/4, but I'm still waiting. WashU is my #1 choice, so the lack of a response for this long has me worried. Your wait time is reassuring though! What is your interview date?

Thanks, my interview is on Nov 28th. Yeah I wouldn't worry at all until at least a month from now or so.

Nice work on the MCAT! I have a 4.0/37 and submitted 9/4, but I'm still waiting. WashU is my #1 choice, so the lack of a response for this long has me worried. Your wait time is reassuring though! What is your interview date?


For what it's worth, I have a 4.0/39 and I waited almost 3 months for my II (submitted 7/6, invited 10/12, interview on 11/8), so don't worry yourself too much.

Any chance there's anyone her who's interviewed at WUMS and UF? The descriptions of both interview experiences are very similar (being called "the most relaxed interview ever," no grilling questions, blacked out grades/MCAT scores, interviews aimed at getting to know you as a person, etc.), and since I interviewed at UF I wanted to know how they compared.

Serious question here, why is it that so many super high stat applicants choose WashU over other top schools?

Serious question here, why is it that so many super high stat applicants choose WashU over other top schools?

They are very generous with merit scholarships for one.

They are very generous with merit scholarships for one.

I guess for comparison, aren't UChicago and Vanderbilt also quite generous with these? And many top schools offer research grants for students...

I suppose I'll have to see for myself :)

I guess for comparison, aren't UChicago and Vanderbilt also quite generous with these? And many top schools offer research grants for students...

I suppose I'll have to see for myself :)

The implication is that either 1) WashU > UChicago and Vanderbilt, or 2) WashU accepts and offers proportionately more scholarships to "super high stat applicants." IMO, the first is definitely true and the second is possibly true.

Also, research grants don't come close to making up for your $110k in loans plus whatever else your family can afford to pay.

The implication is that either 1) WashU > UChicago and Vanderbilt, or 2) WashU accepts and offers proportionately more scholarships to "super high stat applicants." IMO, the first is definitely true and the second is possibly true.

Also, research grants don't come close to making up for your $110k in loans plus whatever else your family can afford to pay.

Wait, where's the $110K figure coming from? I thought it should be $96K? (http://medadmissions.wustl.edu/HowtoApply/financialaid/Pages/FinancialAid.aspx) (obviously $14K wouldn't make me change my mind on my top school but i'm still wondering)

The implication is that either 1) WashU > UChicago and Vanderbilt, or 2) WashU accepts and offers proportionately more scholarships to "super high stat applicants." IMO, the first is definitely true and the second is possibly true.

Also, research grants don't come close to making up for your $110k in loans plus whatever else your family can afford to pay.

Hm, I also suppose WashU likes these types more as well. I'm surprised that WashU doesn't have the familiar name like Harvard and Hopkins outside of the medical world though. Saying I got an interview at HMS is extremely well received whereas WashU is more of a congrats! What's that?

Not that it matters, but interesting.

I was complete early August but my new MCAT scores came out beg of September. I've been "complete" but not under review for forever -- should I be concerned or do anything?

Hm, I also suppose WashU likes these types more as well. I'm surprised that WashU doesn't have the familiar name like Harvard and Hopkins outside of the medical world though. Saying I got an interview at HMS is extremely well received whereas WashU is more of a congrats! What's that?

Not that it matters, but interesting.

Yeah, I always have to explain that no, it's not in Washington State, it's in St. Louis, and then I have to explain why I'd rather go to "some school in Missouri" than the best school in my state. :laugh:

Hm, I also suppose WashU likes these types more as well. I'm surprised that WashU doesn't have the familiar name like Harvard and Hopkins outside of the medical world though. Saying I got an interview at HMS is extremely well received whereas WashU is more of a congrats! What's that?

Not that it matters, but interesting.

That seems to be the case with most of the non-Ivies/Stanford/UCSF. Although reputation in the medical field is more important than rep in the general public.

That seems to be the case with most of the non-Ivies/Stanford/UCSF. reputation in the medical field is more important than rep in the general public.

True, though I think the Stanford name is pretty strong. Along the lines of JHU and HMS. I'd say top tens like WashU, UMich, Pitt, NU, and UChicago take a bit more explaining behind their strength. At least where I'm from, but obviously varies place to place. To be honest, I didn't even know Penn was an ivy. :lol:

.

I'd say WashU is comparable to UCSF in terms of a name recognition pattern - pretty well known in medicine and roughly equally not well known outside of medicine. Non-med people think UCSF is some random school that got tacked onto the UC system (because they've heard of Berkeley and UCLA and UCSD but never UCSF), just as people confuse WashU with UW or, occasionally, GWU. The reason, I think, for this is a relative disparity between the reputation between the medical school and the undergraduate.

As a side note, the name thing is really an unfortunate accident of history. The institution was originally named after its founder William Greenleaf Eliot, aka TS Eliot's grandfather. Eliot, being a humble guy, didn't feel comfortable with having it named after himself. The institution was re-named in George Washington's honor as a symbol of unity in the run up to the civil war and Missouri's place as a border state. Washington Territory was newly established during this period, so the State of Washington and certainly the University of Washington came much after Washington University.

I speculate that if this place were called Eliot University, it would have just as good name recognition today outside of medicine as Hopkins, another place where the reputation in medicine relatively outpaces the reputation of the college.

Rest assured though that WashU's reputation within medicine has been steady as a top 10 institution for many decades (at least since the '70s, the oldest national reputation surveys I can find), well before the undergraduate campus gained any significant national reputation. (The chancellor responsible for the latter, Bill Danforth, was previously in charge of the med school and did his residency at Barnes.) If you put any weight on USNWR rankings despite the arbitrariness of their criteria and how often they change, WashU was ranked the #2 medical school in 2003 and 2004, and is consistently #1 in student selectivity. WashU is

where Nobelists Sutherland, Nathans, Krebs got their MDs;
where Nobelists Sutherland, Krebs, and Kobilka (who won this year's prize in chemistry) did their medical residencies;
where Nobelists Erlanger, the Coris, A. Kornberg, Cohen, and Levi-Montalcini did their award-winning research as faculty;
where the Washington Manuals (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=washington+manual) originate;
where PET scans were developed;
where a third of the human genome was decoded and current genetics research is cutting edge (see recent NYTimes articles here (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/health/genetic-test-changes-game-in-cancer-prognosis.html?ref=washingtonuniversity&_r=0) and here (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/health/in-gene-sequencing-treatment-for-leukemia-glimpses-of-the-future.html?ref=washingtonuniversity));


Some notes on size: WashU has the biggest MSTP program in the country. Barnes Jewish Hospital is clinically bigger than MGH, Hopkins, BWH, UCSF, i.e. in terms of beds and annual admissions.

An unsolicited side note on interpreting match lists that I was not aware of when I was applying: Taking extra time to do research helps you in residency applications a little, but sacrificing that time is not a choice everyone wants to make for a possible boost. At some schools but not others, it's more in the culture to take five or more years, even if you don't get an extra degree. Probably 90% of the non-MSTP students at WashU graduate in four years, even though there is more than enough funding for people who want to take research years. I won't believe you if you tell me that the students at WashU are not interested in academics and that's why they don't take a research year like half of HMS students do.

===
The $110k was from the unit loan at HMS ($26,950), which was what I thought of when you mentioned research grants, as the HST program offers some research funding for its students during the academic year. A lot of schools, like WashU, have some funding for the summer.

How many people applied to wash u this year? Msar data says 3000+ people applied in 2010. Why so little?

I don't think anyone would ever challenge the strength of WashU's medical program. That was never in question. It was just a general observation regarding the school's name and reputation outside of medicine.

Great post, thanks chronicidal.

Interesting about the affiliation with the Eliot family. I think there might be something to the idea that the name of the school contributes its having less name recognition with the general public than its reputation merits. It does seem like "Washington University in St. Louis" (especially the need to include the St. Louis part, so people aren't confused about Washington state or Washington, DC) is a bit of a mouthful!

Easy solution, WashU just needs someone named Badass to donate billions and ask for his name to be recognized.

" I'd like to welcome the Badass School of Medicine class of 2017 to four years of awesome!"

Woah interview invite! And I thought I was done with interviews...I guess I will be visiting St. Louis

Woah interview invite! And I thought I was done with interviews...I guess I will be visiting St. Louis

Congrats!

Your current avatar reminds me of this little guy...

http://www.webanswers.com/post-images/E/ED/F26B14DC-138B-1444-F844184D7B374EA9.jpg

...either you should go to your next interview dressed likewise or at bare minimum something similar should be your next avatar ;)

Woah interview invite! And I thought I was done with interviews...I guess I will be visiting St. Louis

When were you complete and what're your stats?? If you don't mind me asking! lol

When were you complete and what're your stats?? If you don't mind me asking! lol

check his mdapps profile. under his username on the left.

When were you complete and what're your stats?? If you don't mind me asking! lol

3.95 GPA, 40Q MCAT, SR: 6/30/12 | SS: 7/1/12 | C: 7/17/12 | II: 10/31/12

A neat trick is that some accounts have MDApps profiles, which is located under their avatar next to their post count/join date. You can click on those and see any information they've shared regarding their application. Click on Tots' profile, it's pretty impressive.

Edit: Before you get confused, mine is a novelty profile and doesn't actually work. Did this for both anonymity's sake as well as multiple users having access to the account.

3.95 GPA, 40Q MCAT, SR: 6/30/12 | SS: 7/1/12 | C: 7/17/12 | II: 10/31/12

A neat trick is that some accounts have MDApps profiles, which is located under their avatar next to their post count/join date. You can click on those and see any information they've shared regarding their application. Click on Tots' profile, it's pretty impressive.

Edit: Before you get confused, mine is a novelty profile and doesn't actually work. Did this for both anonymity's sake as well as multiple users having access to the account.

Thanks! That was very helpful... I'm still playing the waiting game with WashU!

Woah interview invite! And I thought I was done with interviews...I guess I will be visiting St. Louis


Hey tots- I got an II last night too, I haven't signed up for a date because none of the currently available ones work for me. After you picked a date do they send you information about student hosts?

Hey tots- I got an II last night too, I haven't signed up for a date because none of the currently available ones work for me. After you picked a date do they send you information about student hosts?

After you pick a date, you'll have the option to stay in Olin Hall for free. WashU does this instead of student hosting.

After you pick a date, you'll have the option to stay in Olin Hall for free. WashU does this instead of student hosting.

Oh thanks! Did you do this? How was it?

Oh thanks! Did you do this? How was it?

Yep. Olin is connected to everything else in the med complex, so you just walk downstairs on the morning of the interview. Quite convenient.

Yep. Olin is connected to everything else in the med complex, so you just walk downstairs on the morning of the interview. Quite convenient.

Can we stay two nights? Or just one? What time does the interview day end? Just trying to figure out booking my return flight.

Can we stay two nights? Or just one? What time does the interview day end? Just trying to figure out booking my return flight.

1st night is free; subsequent nights are $36 IIRC

1st night is free; subsequent nights are $36 IIRC

Thanks KD. Does the interview day end at 5pm? I have no hope of catching a 6:15pm flight that night right? Better to wait till the next day and pay the 36 I think.

Thanks KD. Does the interview day end at 5pm? I have no hope of catching a 6:15pm flight that night right? Better to wait till the next day and pay the 36 I think.

I don't remember exactly what they told us anymore, but I for one finished pretty early (2 pm?) with lots of spare time to make my 6:30pm flight out of St. Louis

Thanks KD. Does the interview day end at 5pm? I have no hope of catching a 6:15pm flight that night right? Better to wait till the next day and pay the 36 I think.

After you schedule a date they tell you the day should end around 3 pm. I think I will be flying out at 6:15(latest flight I can find).

Even if you were done at 5, you'd still be able to make a 6:15 flight. The STL airport is the fastest airport ever.

But you'll definitely be done before 5 anyway.

Oh thanks! Did you do this? How was it?

I stayed in Olin Hall before my interview, and it was wondefully convenient, but I was freezing!! I interviewed in early October though, probably before they turned the heat on, so it might not be an issue any more. I would bring warm sleepwear though! :)

I stayed in Olin Hall before my interview, and it was wondefully convenient, but I was freezing!! I interviewed in early October though, probably before they turned the heat on, so it might not be an issue any more. I would bring warm sleepwear though! :)

:laugh: Thanks for the advice! Being from California I am not even sure I own any warm sleep ware...but I will be prepared. I don't understand cold...this is going to be fun(going in December).

I stayed in Olin Hall before my interview, and it was wondefully convenient, but I was freezing!! I interviewed in early October though, probably before they turned the heat on, so it might not be an issue any more. I would bring warm sleepwear though! :)

Haha I interviewed in mid-October and the heat was blazin. It was actually just a tad too warm for me, and I'm from Southern California. But they also have an extra blanket in the closet if you want extra warmth (at least in my room). The towels were a bit on the thin and stiff side, but I can't really complain since they're provided for free :)

I'll be getting in around 4pm the day before my interview. What would you recommend I do in the ~4 hours before the pizza party? I'd like to look around the city a bit; where should I go?

I'll be getting in around 4pm the day before my interview. What would you recommend I do in the ~4 hours before the pizza party? I'd like to look around the city a bit; where should I go?

The Gateway Arch is pretty cool if you've never been there. You can get there quickly taking the metro as well.

I'll be getting in around 4pm the day before my interview. What would you recommend I do in the ~4 hours before the pizza party? I'd like to look around the city a bit; where should I go?

The arch is a must-see! I was in St. Louis for the first time at my interview, and I was really impressed by the arch :) And one thing I wish I had more time to do is check out the Central West End, which is where a lot of Wash U med students live (if they don't live in Olin Hall). I didn't get the chance to see much of it, but it's supposed to be an unusually nice neighborhood of the city. It's right next to the medical campus (and very accessible by the metro).

Anyone have an idea of when the first acceptance release date will be? I remember them saying mid/late November?