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-   -   2011-2012 University of Utah Application Thread (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=823516)

crazyasian 11-28-2011 12:22 AM
snail mail

HealDreamer 11-28-2011 05:31 AM
I wonder if you could be more specific about what went wrong with your interviews and perhaps share your academics. thanks.

HealDreamer 11-28-2011 05:37 AM
Any applicants from Texas?!
 
I was wondering if there's anyone applying from Texas or other states other than Idaho and Utah! I got an Interview invite scheduled for the 14th of Dec.
Also, does anyone have an idea as to how they rank you as an applicant after the interview?
I know typically schools give you separate scores for cognitive and non-cognitive skills.
Thanks in advance.

byuhusker 11-28-2011 12:33 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyasian (Post 11849575)
snail mail
Does your online status change too? Or is it just snail mail? And I'm sorry about your rejection, best of luck!

etfiedler 11-28-2011 03:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HealDreamer (Post 11849887)
I was wondering if there's anyone applying from Texas or other states other than Idaho and Utah! I got an Interview invite scheduled for the 14th of Dec.
Also, does anyone have an idea as to how they rank you as an applicant after the interview?
I know typically schools give you separate scores for cognitive and non-cognitive skills.
Thanks in advance.
Congrats on the interview. I interviewed here last Wednesday, and they did a pretty in depth explanation of the process for decisions.

As far as being out of state goes, I seem to remember them saying they had about 10 spots for OOS applicants.

Your interviewers will have your secondary, LORs, and AMCAS app minus grades and MCAT scores. They may or may not have looked over them, both of my interviewers had. The style of the interview was up to the individual interviewer. About half of the group had interviewers that asked one or two ethics questions, but it seemed primarily conversational and about your experiences. The interviewers rate you on a scale from 1-5, and these scores as well as their notes are included in your packet when it goes before the admissions committee.

Once your packet makes it to the adcom, the members all give your experiences, personal statements, LORs, and interview notes scores. These categories account for 80% of your score, the remaining 20% is determined by gpa and MCAT score (10% respectively). Your scores are averaged out, and then they rank us all on a list. They accept in order off of the list. The top applicants will probably be offered slots in December or January. The rest of us mortals will find out at the end of March. Some on the bottom of the list will be rejected immediately. All notifications are via snail mail.

Overall I had a really positive experience, and the students I spoke to seemed like a really well adjusted bunch.

Good luck!

HealDreamer 11-28-2011 05:47 PM
Thank you for taking the time to explain about the selection process and your interview experience. My academic credentials are actually in the low range, but all other aspects of my application are good. I hear wonderful things about this school.
One of the main reasons I chose to apply there is because they are willing to see the person in-depth before making a final decision. Sounds like a great challenge to get a seat there, but I'll do my best to demonstrate I deserve one.
Again, thanks for the info, and likewise, good luck to you - although I highly doubt you have less than 80% on the non-cognitive aspect of your application. :)

crazyasian 11-28-2011 07:55 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HealDreamer (Post 11849869)
I wonder if you could be more specific about what went wrong with your interviews and perhaps share your academics. thanks.
3.8-3.9 (my school gpa was different then AMCAS) 31 MCAT. Decent Extracurriculars. Check my mdapps for more specifics. I'll PM you my interview experience a little later. Alot of it was really just nerves. Word of advice know how everything you've done makes you a better person and a better doctor. Also be able to support your reasons for thinking so.

mdbjork 11-28-2011 08:31 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harmonia (Post 11843824)
How well do you feel U of U's curriculum prepares you for step 1? Also, how is the school as far as opportunities to get involved in community outreach, global health missions, early patient contact and student resources? How are the 3rd and 4th year rotations and do you get a lot of hands on work or is it more shadowing type rotations? And lastly, what is the attendance/dress code policy and are lectures recorded for students? I know I have a lot of questions but I REALLY appreciate any info you'd be able to share with me as a student at the U of U. Best. :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by wadslee (Post 11849162)
I'm an M1 and haven't yet taken Step 1. I've been told by third year students, that they felt prepared, however. Our exams are in USMLE format, we get lots of them and much of what we do is integrated, much like Step 1.

There are more opportunities to get involved (community outreach, global health initiatives, etc.) than you could ever have the time for or want. If you have an idea for community outreach that does not exist you can form it and lead it yourself.

The University of Utah SOM has very early patient experiences--for us our first patient experience was on our first day of class. Volunteer opportunities at local clinics also exist on day one. A "longitudinal clinical experience" (in clinic once a week for 4 hours) begins the second semester of your first year and goes all the way through to third year clinicals.

The third and fourth year rotations are pretty much standardized at all U.S. allopathic medical schools. There are core clerkships your third year and elective clerkships your fourth year. They are NOT shadowing experiences like the ones you have as a premed, but rather hands on, intense, graded rotations that require you to draw upon your knowledge of medicine and to problem solve. Performance in third year rotations is the single biggest factor of "matching" into residency. The University of Utah SOM takes these years very seriously, and according to virtually every upperclassman that I've spoken with, these years are great ones here.

Attendance is mandatory, which I don't have a problem with. I didn't miss class often as an undergrad and didn't see myself skipping class as a med student either, particularly given the cost of education. Much of what we do is "small group based." If students skipped class in large numbers, it wouldn't be too long before these small group experiences fell apart. I also have to say that my classmates are incredibly accomplished and amazing individuals. I'm glad I get to spend more time around them.

Dress code at the U is the same as anywhere: Professional dress (dress shirt, tie and slacks) around patients and relaxed (jeans and a t shirt) everywhere else.

Lectures recordings are made and posted daily--both audio and video.

Just a quick suggestion for anyone who happens to read this thread: Make sure you take anatomy (and learn it well) before attending medical school, anywhere. Most will have taken it and you will be at a severe disadvantage if you haven't.


Good luck everyone!
I'm MS3 - in the first batch of the new curriculum. I agree with most of what wadslee said except for the Step 1 preparation part (and the anatomy part - good to take anatomy before med school but if you're a good student and you don't take it you'll be fine).

Over half of our class of 80 students had to delay starting their 3rd year because they were ill prepared for Step 1 and felt like they needed more time. The administration tried to have us believe that if we just studied hard for class, we didn't need to worry about studying for Step 1 cause class would prepare us for it. They were very, very wrong as evidenced by the large number of students that had to push 3rd year rotations into the 4th year so they could have an extra month and a half to pass (or do well on) Step 1. Over half the class is kind of a big deal. Most of the students that took the exam on time had ignored the administration and had been studying outside of class for 6+ months. Most of these students did very well. The half that took the exam late did not do as well. The distribution was bimodal.

There are a few, but not many schools in the US that "teach to the boards." The U is not one of them. Don't be deceived. If you study hard for Step 1 you will do fine. If you study REALLY hard for Step 1 you will do well. But don't expect class to have you prepped for Step 1 cause the U is not one of those schools. Lots of time outside of class cramming the crap that they say is clinically useless but is high yield for Step 1 is how you do well on Step 1, despite what the admins/professors say.

Harmonia 11-30-2011 02:45 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdbjork (Post 11852547)
I'm MS3 - in the first batch of the new curriculum. I agree with most of what wadslee said except for the Step 1 preparation part (and the anatomy part - good to take anatomy before med school but if you're a good student and you don't take it you'll be fine).

Over half of our class of 80 students had to delay starting their 3rd year because they were ill prepared for Step 1 and felt like they needed more time. The administration tried to have us believe that if we just studied hard for class, we didn't need to worry about studying for Step 1 cause class would prepare us for it. They were very, very wrong as evidenced by the large number of students that had to push 3rd year rotations into the 4th year so they could have an extra month and a half to pass (or do well on) Step 1. Over half the class is kind of a big deal. Most of the students that took the exam on time had ignored the administration and had been studying outside of class for 6+ months. Most of these students did very well. The half that took the exam late did not do as well. The distribution was bimodal.

There are a few, but not many schools in the US that "teach to the boards." The U is not one of them. Don't be deceived. If you study hard for Step 1 you will do fine. If you study REALLY hard for Step 1 you will do well. But don't expect class to have you prepped for Step 1 cause the U is not one of those schools. Lots of time outside of class cramming the crap that they say is clinically useless but is high yield for Step 1 is how you do well on Step 1, despite what the admins/professors say.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wadslee (Post 11849162)
I'm an M1 and haven't yet taken Step 1. I've been told by third year students, that they felt prepared, however. Our exams are in USMLE format, we get lots of them and much of what we do is integrated, much like Step 1.

There are more opportunities to get involved (community outreach, global health initiatives, etc.) than you could ever have the time for or want. If you have an idea for community outreach that does not exist you can form it and lead it yourself.

The University of Utah SOM has very early patient experiences--for us our first patient experience was on our first day of class. Volunteer opportunities at local clinics also exist on day one. A "longitudinal clinical experience" (in clinic once a week for 4 hours) begins the second semester of your first year and goes all the way through to third year clinicals.

The third and fourth year rotations are pretty much standardized at all U.S. allopathic medical schools. There are core clerkships your third year and elective clerkships your fourth year. They are NOT shadowing experiences like the ones you have as a premed, but rather hands on, intense, graded rotations that require you to draw upon your knowledge of medicine and to problem solve. Performance in third year rotations is the single biggest factor of "matching" into residency. The University of Utah SOM takes these years very seriously, and according to virtually every upperclassman that I've spoken with, these years are great ones here.

Attendance is mandatory, which I don't have a problem with. I didn't miss class often as an undergrad and didn't see myself skipping class as a med student either, particularly given the cost of education. Much of what we do is "small group based." If students skipped class in large numbers, it wouldn't be too long before these small group experiences fell apart. I also have to say that my classmates are incredibly accomplished and amazing individuals. I'm glad I get to spend more time around them.

Dress code at the U is the same as anywhere: Professional dress (dress shirt, tie and slacks) around patients and relaxed (jeans and a t shirt) everywhere else.

Lectures recordings are made and posted daily--both audio and video.

Just a quick suggestion for anyone who happens to read this thread: Make sure you take anatomy (and learn it well) before attending medical school, anywhere. Most will have taken it and you will be at a severe disadvantage if you haven't.


Good luck everyone!

Thank you so much, both of you! Lots of very helpful information :)

HealDreamer 11-30-2011 05:24 PM
Looks like you have lots of extracurricular stuff. I doubt that taking the MCAT more than twice makes a great deal of difference. It's a circumstantial matter if you ask me. I really look forward to hear more about your interview.

UVU Guy 12-05-2011 03:56 PM
Got accepted for Interview on Dec. 1rst! Interview in January.

voisinator 12-05-2011 07:29 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by UVU Guy (Post 11881895)
Got accepted for Interview on Dec. 1rst! Interview in January.
When did you turn in your secondary?

DeadlyWarbler 12-06-2011 08:12 AM
Rejected post interview today. Letter dated 11/28. OOS. Bummed.

HomerJayBYU 12-06-2011 08:27 AM
I'm sorry to hear that. When was your interview?

Has anyone been accepted at the U yet?

DeadlyWarbler 12-06-2011 10:00 AM
Interviewed early september

UVU Guy 12-07-2011 02:50 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by voisinator (Post 11882676)
When did you turn in your secondary?
October 19th I think... If not then, a couple days afterward. They said I could interview whenever I wanted in January and they give you three days to select from giving you some options. So far this part has been easy.

Fopo 12-08-2011 07:44 AM
Who's interviewing tomorrow?!? I am! :-D Good luck to everyone!

HealDreamer 12-09-2011 11:06 AM
Interview on the 14th! can you let me know how it goes for you? Any tips are truly welcome.

Fopo 12-13-2011 09:32 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HealDreamer (Post 11896006)
Interview on the 14th! can you let me know how it goes for you? Any tips are truly welcome.

Sorry about the late response. I have to say that my interview at Utah was actually my worst interviewing experience to date, it was my 7th interview attended also. My first interviewer was very dry and did not come across as being very friendly but also I was just nervous since Utah is probably one of my top choices for schools and one to which I have/had a great chance for gaining admission. Anyway, the only advice I can offer is be prepared to talk about specific examples in your life to show some strong traits. For example, I was asked to specifically name one instance where I showed conflict resolution skills. That was my worst response for the interview since it was so hard for me to come up with that and make it meaningful.
On the other hand, maybe she wasn't looking for a super meaningful example and instead just to see how quickly I could come up with something. Who knows. Let me know if you have any other questions.

It may have just been me, but I have never enjoyed those super specific example questions. Another one I was asked was to name a non-religious book that I've recently read that has had a significant impact on my life.

Harmonia 12-13-2011 11:31 AM
I interviewed here as well. My interviews went really well IMO. Both of my interviewers were nice and there weren't many out of left field questions. I was, however, a little disappointed on interview day. During the interview, we toured around a couple of buildings where we saw their 1 lecture hall and some labs, but we weren't allowed in the gross anatomy lab. From what I observed through different conversations, I felt that most of the students were in a rush to just graduate and get out of there. I didn't feel they were very happy with the curriculum or in general, as I did with other schools I interviewed at. Being OOS, I wasn't that impressed with the region either- beautiful mountains but not much else to do. Bummer.

They do have some pretty sweet facilities and research going on though. Sorry, I really don't mean to bash at all, I am just really disappointed :/ Any good feedback from current students to disprove my theory would be wonderful.

Thanks!

CamIsRad 12-14-2011 03:56 PM
Does anybody have an idea when the first batch of acceptances will be released? I keep hearing December but I would assume it is before the holiday.

Anybody?

HealDreamer 12-15-2011 09:30 PM
Nice school. Hope to get an acceptance!

HealDreamer 12-15-2011 10:12 PM
I'm sorry to hear about how you feel about the school. I will make some comments just to expose my mentality and how I perceived some of the things you mentioned.
-Most medical schools try to impress students with fancy technology and very happy environments. To me none of those are real indicators of how well a school can prepare you for reality.
-Medicine is real complex, an unfortunately, the happiness you find in practicing is a different kind of happiness from the one we encounter in most aspects of life. Seriously, medical school can be anything but an experience of happiness. It is, though, a way to achieve happiness.
-The 2nd year students seemed tired, true. But they were also going through one of the hardest blocks in the curriculum, plus they're stressed out about starting to study for the Board step 1. The three of them I was able to talk to were very honest and seemed like real medical students to me (our world is sometimes so dishonest, that you may be thrown off when you actually find an honest person - i.e. not a sales person)
-They also seemed ready to embrace the next challenge and start to put to use all the classroom knowledge during the 3rd and 4th years, which I think is only natural and, quite frankly, very admirable. You study to move on to the next level, once you're ready...you act like you're ready.
-Again, you want a curriculum that makes you stronger and gives you skills. It may not make you happy right when you're going through it, but I'm sure it will save you a lot of pain once you transition from the 2nd traditional "theory year" to your first rotations. Guaranteed. When was the last time you ran for 30 mins to get your cardio going and felt happy about it (seriously)?
-Mountains? Utah is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. I think I will be happy to see the mountains every day of my life. You can bike, hike, ski, etc. I personally find the most amusing things of this universe in the minds of friends.
-You will dissect a cadaver during the first year, what's important there is a cadaver, a group member that knows how dissect, another one that can follow directions, and a bunch of real sharp blades.

Hope my comments help you in some way. It might sound like a bunch of bad stuff and you may think I'm nuts; it's also common if that happens.

Good luck in choosing the right school for you!

wadslee 12-21-2011 11:08 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harmonia (Post 11908297)
... but we weren't allowed in the gross anatomy lab.
The anatomy lab for medical students is located in "Research Park"--the southernmost portion of campus, about 15 minutes away by foot, or a few minutes away by free shuttle. That's why you didn't get an opportunity to tour it.

Having just completed 16 weeks of dissection there--every Wed. morning for 4 hours--I can tell you that it's on par with virtually any anatomy facility you'll find at any other medical school.

Let me know if you have any other questions...

BustaE 01-04-2012 09:58 AM
Interview
 
I have an interview here tomorrow does anyone have any suggestions/hints/helps?

UtahMD 01-04-2012 10:13 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by BustaE (Post 11971157)
I have an interview here tomorrow does anyone have any suggestions/hints/helps?
Know your research.

GoZags 01-04-2012 10:26 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by BustaE (Post 11971157)
I have an interview here tomorrow does anyone have any suggestions/hints/helps?
Be yourself, know your app inside and out, why Utah, you'll do fine

BustaE 01-04-2012 12:02 PM
Thanks for the suggestions and help.

Jelybrd 01-04-2012 10:04 PM
Interview Time
 
In the pre-interview packet it says to not be discouraged if your interview is under 30 minutes long. For those that have received rejection letters I was wondering how long your interviews lasted?

GoZags 01-04-2012 11:09 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jelybrd (Post 11973858)
In the pre-interview packet it says to not be discouraged if your interview is under 30 minutes long. For those that have received rejection letters I was wondering how long your interviews lasted?
I would guess that if you got rejected it likely had no correlation with the length of your interview -- probably the performance in that 30 minute window that would do you in. That being said, I doubt many have been rejected at this point, as the director of admissions informed us that most decisions will be in late march

H2Oski9 01-06-2012 09:10 AM
Increased class size for 2012?
 
I heard from a current MS3 that they are increasing the class size back to 102 for the 2012 entering class. I looked online and this is all I could find.

http://www.medicine.utah.edu/alumni/...Size/index.htm

This sounds like they may return to 102 seats this year and then increase to 122 in two years. Has anyone else heard anything?

UtahMD 01-06-2012 09:44 AM
Letter of Rejection today. Depressing really. My buddy got one a few weeks ago so they aren't waiting til March FYI. Good luck to all!

GoZags 01-06-2012 10:38 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by UtahMD (Post 11978938)
Letter of Rejection today. Depressing really. My buddy got one a few weeks ago so they aren't waiting til March FYI. Good luck to all!
Ah man :( bummer. Are you a Utah resident? Any other offers?

UtahMD 01-06-2012 11:11 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoZags (Post 11979107)
Ah man :( bummer. Are you a Utah resident? Any other offers?
Yep IN-State 27Q 3.4o/3.5s tons of extracurriculars and all that, interviews went well so it must have been bc of my scores. I got a few DO offers but not sure at this point. Good luck.

GoZags 01-06-2012 11:29 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by UtahMD (Post 11979241)
Yep IN-State 27Q 3.4o/3.5s tons of extracurriculars and all that, interviews went well so it must have been bc of my scores. I got a few DO offers but not sure at this point. Good luck.
Yeah I got denied last year, Idaho resident though so not a big surprise since there are only 8 seats and my scores about the same as yours with all the ECs etc. interviewed again this hear hoping for a prayer of a chance. Sorry to hear that though hang in there

lakers MD 01-06-2012 03:05 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by UtahMD (Post 11979241)
Yep IN-State 27Q 3.4o/3.5s tons of extracurriculars and all that, interviews went well so it must have been bc of my scores. I got a few DO offers but not sure at this point. Good luck.
Hey man sorry to hear that. If you don't mind me asking, could you share when you and your buddy interviewed? If you can't give an exact date, maybe you wouldn't mind sharing an approximate time (like the week?)? Best of luck with your other apps, and congrats on having at least a contingency plan just in case!

bholt1313 01-07-2012 12:53 AM
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7...al-school.html

Looks like 2013... And I was so excited......

HealDreamer 01-07-2012 08:00 AM
When did you interview?

UVU Guy 01-08-2012 05:12 PM
Interview tomorrow! Who wants to join me?

JC9 01-09-2012 02:20 PM
MD/PhD
 
Has anyone heard from/received an interview for the MD/PhD program? Thanks in advance!

rgll 01-09-2012 03:38 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JC9 (Post 11989203)
Has anyone heard from/received an interview for the MD/PhD program? Thanks in advance!
Nope, I haven't heard anything. I applied MD/PhD, but received an MD-only interview invite in late October. When I called to ask about my status as an MD/PhD applicant, the admissions rep said that I had been placed in the wrong pile and that the MD/PhD committee would be reviewing the applications soon. 2.5 months later, I still haven't heard anything. I'm hoping it's because they still haven't extended invitations yet, otherwise I'm worried that my file might still be in the wrong pile (my status page still says that I can sign up for an MD-only interview).

UVU Guy 01-09-2012 05:28 PM
Interviews today went great! They said it was the biggest group of interviewees they have had this year. There were eight of us total. If anyone has any questions about interview day give me a shout!

bholt1313 01-09-2012 11:40 PM
Hey all. I just wanted to let everyone know acceptances have gone out. A friend and I both received the news via our online portal today. If/when accepted, a new category appears within the main menu titled 'acceptance information'. I would assume a letter is in route.... For all who are wondering, I am IS with average MCAT & GPA, and a lot of volunteer, research, and patient care experience. I am extremely blessed and wish everyone the best of luck!

UtahMD 01-09-2012 11:43 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by lakers MD (Post 11980155)
Hey man sorry to hear that. If you don't mind me asking, could you share when you and your buddy interviewed? If you can't give an exact date, maybe you wouldn't mind sharing an approximate time (like the week?)? Best of luck with your other apps, and congrats on having at least a contingency plan just in case!
Middle of November

JC9 01-10-2012 01:12 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgll (Post 11989445)
Nope, I haven't heard anything. I applied MD/PhD, but received an MD-only interview invite in late October. When I called to ask about my status as an MD/PhD applicant, the admissions rep said that I had been placed in the wrong pile and that the MD/PhD committee would be reviewing the applications soon. 2.5 months later, I still haven't heard anything. I'm hoping it's because they still haven't extended invitations yet, otherwise I'm worried that my file might still be in the wrong pile (my status page still says that I can sign up for an MD-only interview).
Thanks rgll, I am hoping to hear from them soon!

doctorc88 01-10-2012 01:44 PM
Quote:
Hey all. I just wanted to let everyone know acceptances have gone out. A friend and I both received the news via our online portal today. If/when accepted, a new category appears within the main menu titled 'acceptance information'. I would assume a letter is in route.... For all who are wondering, I am IS with average MCAT & GPA, and a lot of volunteer, research, and patient care experience. I am extremely blessed and wish everyone the best of luck!
Congratulations! That is awesome! When did you and your friend interview?

bholt1313 01-10-2012 02:08 PM
I interviewed mid November. He interviewed late October.

HealDreamer 01-11-2012 06:22 PM
I learned that the school gives an opportunity to those MD students that interested in research to switch to a MD/PhD right after the 2nd year.

Harmonia 01-15-2012 07:46 AM
Accepted. OOS interviewed 12/13/11. For those already accepted, have you all started filling out your Admissions Application? Im having trouble uploading a copy of my transcripts where it asks How did you all save your transcripts off of your University's Banner system? May have to request official printed ones and scan it onto a pdf.

Harmonia 01-15-2012 07:48 AM
Oops, nevermind. Just read the following on their site:

Graduate School Application
In completing this form, you will be asked to upload your transcripts. In Word, write a sentence explaining that you will be sending the transcripts to the School of Medicine Office of Admissions. Upload this document instead of the transcripts.


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