2011-2012 Penn State Application Thread

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Just got an Interview Invite today!
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I interview next Friday. Anyone care to share their interview experience at Penn State Hershey? Any tough questions that you experienced? Last school I interviewed, I was asked why medical school versus nurse practitioner school!!!

Thanks
 
Ironhorse3 said:
First, CONGRATS on the Acceptance:D!!!!

So just to be clear you interviewed on Friday January 20th? and you heard back in 5 weeks and 6 days?!?!?!

I interviewed the 23rd (the following Monday) and I am just dying to hear back. This gives me hope that it could be closer to 6 weeks rather than 8, especially since I doubt they interviewed on the weekend!
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Thank you!!! Yep, 5 weeks and 6 days, I was really shocked because most people on this thread waited 8 weeks before hearing back. Hopefully you'll hear back soon too so the torture is over :) Good luck! I hope you get a big envelope in the mail with a YES you're accepted letter :)
 
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src922 said:
I interview next Friday. Anyone care to share their interview experience at Penn State Hershey? Any tough questions that you experienced? Last school I interviewed, I was asked why medical school versus nurse practitioner school!!!

Thanks
Click to expand...
I decided to take the 8 am interview slot bc I'm the queen of anticipatory anxiety. There are 3, 45 minute interview slots, but you will only get two of them. I got slots 2 and 3 so my first interview started at 9:15 or something like that. First interview was really laid back. We talked about my research, my work as a therapist, surfing, and whether or not we really use brah, dude, and rad in SoCal :D ... It was a very relaxed, getting to know you, conversational interview. No tricky questions. Second interview threw me off. The Dr hadn't interviewed in a while so when I came in he asked me for my file... I almost passed out bc I thought I forgot something, but I improvised and told him about myself asked him questions about his field of work. I walked out thinking I totally blew it, but I guess not since I got in. Don't sweat it everyone will be sweet and wonderful its not one of those out to get you interviews, like UC Davis. I didn't prepare and did great. Be yourself and I'm sure you'll do great. This has become one epically long response, so I'll stop now. If you have anymore questions PM me :) good luck!!!
 
TurquoiseSurf said:
I decided to take the 8 am interview slot bc I'm the queen of anticipatory anxiety. There are 3, 45 minute interview slots, but you will only get two of them. I got slots 2 and 3 so my first interview started at 9:15 or something like that. First interview was really laid back. We talked about my research, my work as a therapist, surfing, and whether or not we really use brah, dude, and rad in SoCal :D ... It was a very relaxed, getting to know you, conversational interview. No tricky questions. Second interview threw me off. The Dr hadn't interviewed in a while so when I came in he asked me for my file... I almost passed out bc I thought I forgot something, but I improvised and told him about myself asked him questions about his field of work. I walked out thinking I totally blew it, but I guess not since I got in. Don't sweat it everyone will be sweet and wonderful its not one of those out to get you interviews, like UC Davis. I didn't prepare and did great. Be yourself and I'm sure you'll do great. This has become one epically long response, so I'll stop now. If you have anymore questions PM me :) good luck!!!
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Thanks Turquoise!
 
I received an II on Thursday after being put in the continue review pile, so there is hope for those still waiting.
 
Congrats everyone that recieved an interview. Just as someone mentioned before, definately look over the SDN interview page for Penn State...both of my interviews were very relaxed and enjoyable, just be yourself!! (look at previous pages on this thread for advice too)

Also as far as becoming a resident of Pennsylvania goes, the last question on the FAQ page below answers that. I think it's tough to become a resident but it would sure help to know if any current students have successfully changed it.....if you're out there, this NY'er would love to know how you did it!!
http://med.psu.edu/web/md/financialaid/prospective/faqs
 
Shark02 said:
Congrats everyone that recieved an interview. Just as someone mentioned before, definately look over the SDN interview page for Penn State...both of my interviews were very relaxed and enjoyable, just be yourself!! (look at previous pages on this thread for advice too)

Also as far as becoming a resident of Pennsylvania goes, the last question on the FAQ page below answers that. I think it's tough to become a resident but it would sure help to know if any current students have successfully changed it.....if you're out there, this NY'er would love to know how you did it!!
http://med.psu.edu/web/md/financialaid/prospective/faqs
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Could you provide the link to the SDN interview page? I'm having trouble locating it. Thanks!
 
JuneBug356 said:
Under the "Articles & Interviews" tab at the top, click on "Interview Feedback." Then you'll see a list of schools and you can click on Penn State. Good luck!!
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Thank you so much!!!
 
I Interviewed on Jan 11th and got my acceptance this past Friday!
 
I just got the background check email this morning, interviewed 1/20, accepted 3/1, background check email 3/5 :D

Good luck!!!
 
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Congrats Drokatron!!

Those who recently got the II invite, when were you on the pre-interview hold since?
 
just got the II today. I was given the options of special dates for underrepresented ethnicity in medicine, with a choice of march 7th or April 4th. I can also choose a regular date if i want. Im going to call tomorrow and try and get the march 7th date just because i want to get in there ASAP. It doesn't give me much time to prepare but from the sounds of things the whole process is pretty laid back.
 
fj90 said:
Congrats Drokatron!!

Those who recently got the II invite, when were you on the pre-interview hold since?
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I was put in the continue to review pile and received an II less than a week later.
 
is it true we are now interviewing for the waiting list?
 
src922 said:
I interview next Friday. Anyone care to share their interview experience at Penn State Hershey? Any tough questions that you experienced? Last school I interviewed, I was asked why medical school versus nurse practitioner school!!!

Thanks
Click to expand...
I also did the 8am time slot, which I would do again if given the choice. Super laid back and the admissions office are very welcoming and friendly. Being from the midwest, I made sure to ask a lot of questions to the students to get a better feel for the area. Not really any hard questions, they mostly want to get to know you as a person. I talked about sports and fishing for at least 10min. Just relax and make sure they get to know you! Oh and my interviewers knew my file quite well so I didn't have to waste time talking about what I had written in the application.

Good Luck!
 
Hey everyone! Long time lurker and finally decided to join :)

For those interested, I submitted my secondary in early August, was complete in late September, received my interview invite in early December, interviewed in early January, and received my acceptance packet in mid February.

Was just wondering if anyone else is having a hard time turning down a (much) cheaper state school option to go to Penn State. I absolutely LOVED the school when I visited on interview day, and if it cost the same as my state school, I'd go in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, Penn State is double the cost of my state school, so I feel pretty stuck. Anyone else in the same situation? :(
 
I'm waiting to hear from my state school but I'm in the same boat. At the end of the day, it's 4 years of your life. Yes money matters but your going way in debt anyway and it's not like you won't have the income to pay off the extra debt if PSU is where you'll be the happiest. For me, the added issue is family. My mom recently got really ill, almost died and is looking at chemo on top of recovery from pneumonia/sepsis and I don't want to leave her... But we will see if I get accepted to CU or not. If not, PSU <3 I will love spending the next 4 years of my life with you!
 
aluminumleaflet said:
Hey everyone! Long time lurker and finally decided to join :)

For those interested, I submitted my secondary in early August, was complete in late September, received my interview invite in early December, interviewed in early January, and received my acceptance packet in mid February.

Was just wondering if anyone else is having a hard time turning down a (much) cheaper state school option to go to Penn State. I absolutely LOVED the school when I visited on interview day, and if it cost the same as my state school, I'd go in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, Penn State is double the cost of my state school, so I feel pretty stuck. Anyone else in the same situation? :(
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I have been accepted at this point (I interviewed in mid Feb) but if I am :xf: I will be in the exact same situation as you. I really loved Penn State and it is my top choice, but my state school that I've already been accepted to is also half the cost.

I think StephBee is right though. If you think you'll be much happier at Penn State and it will make a big difference to you then it's probably worth the extra debt.
 
If PSU is double your in state school, then you are talking about a savings of $80,000 over 4 years. That's a huge chunk of change! I actually think where you do your residency is more important than medical school location in terms of eventual job placement. Tough choice, but I think I'd pocket the $.
 
StephBee said:
I'm waiting to hear from my state school but I'm in the same boat. At the end of the day, it's 4 years of your life. Yes money matters but your going way in debt anyway and it's not like you won't have the income to pay off the extra debt if PSU is where you'll be the happiest. For me, the added issue is family. My mom recently got really ill, almost died and is looking at chemo on top of recovery from pneumonia/sepsis and I don't want to leave her... But we will see if I get accepted to CU or not. If not, PSU <3 I will love spending the next 4 years of my life with you!
Click to expand...

JuneBug356 said:
I have been accepted at this point (I interviewed in mid Feb) but if I am :xf: I will be in the exact same situation as you. I really loved Penn State and it is my top choice, but my state school that I've already been accepted to is also half the cost.

I think StephBee is right though. If you think you'll be much happier at Penn State and it will make a big difference to you then it's probably worth the extra debt.
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This how my friends (including me) who are applying this cycle feel for the most part.

src922 said:
If PSU is double your in state school, then you are talking about a savings of $80,000 over 4 years. That's a huge chunk of change! I actually think where you do your residency is more important than medical school location in terms of eventual job placement. Tough choice, but I think I'd pocket the $.
Click to expand...

This is the sad realization I've been hit with after talking to every doctor that I know.

For me, it's come down to the fact that, well, should I go for the happy knowing that I will be paying off my loans into my late 30s or early 40s or should I just suck it up for four years and come out debt free (parents have agreed to pay my in-state school rate either way I go, leaving me with about 150K in loans I decide to go to Penn State). It's just so hard b/c I LOVED EVERYTHING about Penn State :(

P.S - Hope your mom recovers well and soon StephBee!
 
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Thanks! Me too. :-(.

Side note , who all is going to second look?
 
Does anyone know when the admissions committee meets or is it shrouded in mystery? (Day of the week, every 1, 2, 4 weeks, etc)

Thanks for satisfying my curiosity!
 
The quoted status below has been up on my status page for the past three weeks. Are interview invitations over? It seems I'm done here.

"Our records indicate that your application is complete and is currently being reviewed by the Admissions Committee. You will be contacted by mail and/or phone during the next several weeks with its decision. "
 
aluminumleaflet said:
Hey everyone! Long time lurker and finally decided to join :)

For those interested, I submitted my secondary in early August, was complete in late September, received my interview invite in early December, interviewed in early January, and received my acceptance packet in mid February.

Was just wondering if anyone else is having a hard time turning down a (much) cheaper state school option to go to Penn State. I absolutely LOVED the school when I visited on interview day, and if it cost the same as my state school, I'd go in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, Penn State is double the cost of my state school, so I feel pretty stuck. Anyone else in the same situation? :(
Click to expand...

Yupe!!! That's been on my mind for a while now. I interviewed at a SUNY recently and although I would muuuuch rather go to PSU, the difference in tuition is huge.

There is some hope though. I spoke to someone in the financial aid office recently and they said that they will be sending out information about our eligibility for different types of loans and need-based scholarships in the mail as long as you've filled out your FAFSA. They send that out in April and we don't have to pay our deposits till mid-May sooo it'll give us some time to figure out which school would be a better choice (especially if we qualify for any scholarships)... still leaning towards PSU though and just as mentioned above, it's far more important to go to a school where you know you'll be happy then go somewhere that you may regret later on... hope that helps a bit!!
 
do they not give out pre-interview rejections? been waiting on some sort of movement haha.
 
Accepted! Interviewed 1/11 8:30AM, got the letter yesterday 3/10.
 
Has anyone who interviewed on 1/25 heard back yet?
 
Interviewed 1/20 at 8:30AM. Expecting news (hopefully good) anytime soon...
 
I just got a letter that I was put on hold. Does anyone know how much movement there is on the the wait list? I'm feeling like its sort of a rejection considering they don't allow any updates or additional LOIs or LORs
 
jr17842 said:
I just got a letter that I was put on hold. Does anyone know how much movement there is on the the wait list? I'm feeling like its sort of a rejection considering they don't allow any updates or additional LOIs or LORs
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When did you interview?
 
Interviewed 1/27..... ACCEPTED 3/12!!!!!

Congrats to those of you accepted, and best of luck to those of you waiting!!!!!
 
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Is there anyone on the post-interview hold list that has heard back from Penn State?
 
I have an interview scheduled here but neither of the emails actually give info regarding where I'm supposed to go...can someone who interviewed let me know where it is you show up in the morn? It's a huuuge medical center and I'd hate to just wander around aimlessly
 
123Cookie123 said:
I have an interview scheduled here but neither of the emails actually give info regarding where I'm supposed to go...can someone who interviewed let me know where it is you show up in the morn? It's a huuuge medical center and I'd hate to just wander around aimlessly
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In the morning, you should go to the Admissions Office - contact (717)531-8755 and ask them specifically how to get there; The people there are extremely friendly and helpful. I'm sure they'll give you good directions or have someone escort you there. Once you sign in there, they have someone walk you over to every station you need to go to.
 
Thanks! I just wasn't sure where to "sign in" and since I have a morn interview I reaaaallly don't want to be late
 
123Cookie123 said:
Thanks! I just wasn't sure where to "sign in" and since I have a morn interview I reaaaallly don't want to be late
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There's a big curving road leading up to the medical center (From Google Maps, I'm pretty sure it was University Drive) If you enter this building, you're in the right place. :) As previously stated there are lots of friendly people that will point you in the right direction to the admission's office (basically walk straight all the way to the back of the building. I was happy to come across a cafeteria on the way where I picked up a coffee).

Others who were parking I believe went all the way to the end of University, turned right, and parked in a side lot. Again, lots of friendly people pointing you in the right direction.

Good Luck!!!
 
123Cookie123 said:
I have an interview scheduled here but neither of the emails actually give info regarding where I'm supposed to go...can someone who interviewed let me know where it is you show up in the morn? It's a huuuge medical center and I'd hate to just wander around aimlessly
Click to expand...

Also, you could ask to be hosted by a current medical student (if that's still available, check your email invite). Not sure how far you're traveling to get on campus but I was hosted and it was definitely worth it. Got to see a bit of what life's like for a first-year student, good nights sleep before the interview, and the hosting student even walked me from his dorm to the office the night before just so I knew where I was going in the morning...greatly recommend that especially if you're traveling a great distance!!

...ohhh yea and best of luck!!
 
Does everyone get an email indicating a background check before they receive a snail mail acceptance?
 
Interview Invite! Considering that my extremely late application killed me at many places, I thought I was done here. Submitted primary around mid-October and secondary late November.
 
Were you placed in the "continue to review" category before getting the invite? What dates were you given to choose from?
 
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