2009-2010 Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU) Application Thread

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iugrad21 said:
Just got my rejection today via snail mail. I guess after 18 weeks of being complete, they decided I didn't fit the criteria as an applicant. It's extremely confusing how it took them this long to come to a decision pre-interview. Frankly, this process has been extremely unprofessional on their side. I'm not that upset because I'll be attending IU in the fall! I'm sure my ability as an MD will not be disadvantaged! 😛
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I understand that it can be frustrating to wait so long only to receive a rejection. 🙁 Granted that OHSU's application review process is pretty non-transparent, I don't think the long turnaround time can be called "unprofessional" behavior on their part. Many schools operate on a simular time table. In fact, I have yet to hear a peep from 12 other schools pre-interview. It's very common for schools to hold onto applicant files and to continue to re-review them throughout the cycle. Not everyone can receive an interview though, so unfortunately there will be individuals who receive rejections pretty late into the year.
 
iugrad21 said:
It's extremely confusing how it took them this long to come to a decision pre-interview.
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I think that OHSU, like many other schools, does this as a way of dealing with the open spaces that result from canceled or declined interviews. If they rejected you back in September, how could they possibly know that they wouldn't be left with a month worth of empty interview seats later? Even if you didn't fit all of their ideal criteria, that was no guarantee that there wouldn't be space left for you to interview.

I'm feel for you. The application process can be confusing and depressing, but most schools aren't intentionally being lazy or trying to string you along.
 
Anyone figure out what it means if we are still just complete...considering it's past the 15th now...

I want to send an update letter, but don't want to look like a fool if I've already been rejected and just don't know it...
 
s2thindi said:
Anyone figure out what it means if we are still just complete...considering it's past the 15th now...

I want to send an update letter, but don't want to look like a fool if I've already been rejected and just don't know it...
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I would check the secondary application web page. There should be a status message indicating if you are within the "pre-interview hold" bullpen.

On that note of updating, how do I email an update to the school? It seems a bit antiquated I can only transmit documents through mail delivery.
 
wepio said:
I would check the secondary application web page. There should be a status message indicating if you are within the "pre-interview hold" bullpen.

On that note of updating, how do I email an update to the school? It seems a bit antiquated I can only transmit documents through mail delivery.
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I did check it and this is exactly what it says:

Your file was complete on 11/25/2009.
We have received your secondary application, all letters of recommendation and supporting documentation.
Your file is currently being screened in the interview selection process. Please note that due to the large number of files in our applicant pool, this screening may take up to 12 weeks. As soon as a decision is made on your application, you will be notified. The Admissions Committee interviews prospective candidates from October through mid-April.


Also, it says on that same page they only accept updates through the mail.
 
Diclofenac said:
Hello everyone. I just interviewed at OHSU last week and I wanted to send Thank You notes to my interviewers. Is there a way to do that through email? Do I have to do it through snail mail?
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When I called in.. the admissions office said to just send it to their office and they would give them to the interviewer. I sent it to the address we sent LOR to which is what they told me to do. I dont know for sure if my interviewers ever got them.. I got in, so maybe they did? haha.

Goodluck..hope you get in!
 
s2thindi said:
I did check it and this is exactly what it says:

Your file was complete on 11/25/2009.
We have received your secondary application, all letters of recommendation and supporting documentation.
Your file is currently being screened in the interview selection process. Please note that due to the large number of files in our applicant pool, this screening may take up to 12 weeks. As soon as a decision is made on your application, you will be notified. The Admissions Committee interviews prospective candidates from October through mid-April.


Also, it says on that same page they only accept updates through the mail.
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I had that exact message for about 14 weeks. I was complete late October and just got an interview invitation last week. The interview dates remaining were in the latter half of March and first week of April. Don't uncross your fingers just yet! There's still some time...good luck 🙂
 
I was on interview hold and today my status is updated with the "final decision sent via US Mail.."

I imagine that's the end of the line at OHSU this year.
 
Arrhenius said:
I had that exact message for about 14 weeks. I was complete late October and just got an interview invitation last week. The interview dates remaining were in the latter half of March and first week of April. Don't uncross your fingers just yet! There's still some time...good luck 🙂
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Same here.

March 16th and 17th still have some dates open.
 
For those who have interviewed, what is a good option for OOSers, student host or hotel, and do you guys think a rental car would be good if its cheap enough.
 
Nafis64 said:
For those who have interviewed, what is a good option for OOSers, student host or hotel, and do you guys think a rental car would be good if its cheap enough.
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Depends on your budget. I stayed at a B&B within walking distance of campus. They have a shuttle service they work with that ends up costing $25 to/from the airport.
 
oze said:
Same here.

March 16th and 17th still have some dates open.
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Thanks guys?? girls?? (Oze and Arrhenius)! Hopefully I have as good of luck as you two!

Funny now the web page says this (they seem to have removed the "you will have hear from us by February 15th"):

We continue to review files. If you have not heard from us, your file is still under review. You will hear from us within the next few weeks. Thank you for your patience. Please check your status online for the most up to date information concerning your file.

I guess I will send an update to their office!
 
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what was the secondary questions this year. I am applying in June and want to get started on the secondary. Does anyone know if they change from year to year? Does anyone know know the average mcat and GPA accepted for just instate?
 
I haven't heard of anyone getting rejected post-interview yet. Does anyone know if this has happened yet or is it just accepted or hold?
 
ohsunumber1 said:
what was the secondary questions this year. I am applying in June and want to get started on the secondary. Does anyone know if they change from year to year? Does anyone know know the average mcat and GPA accepted for just instate?
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I don't have the exact question because they took it off the application once we submitted but I think they were:

1. How will you evaluate your success as a medical student?
2. How will you bring diversity to OHSU?
 
Nafis64 said:
For those who have interviewed, what is a good option for OOSers, student host or hotel, and do you guys think a rental car would be good if its cheap enough.
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Portland has excellent public transportation. Depending on where you're staying, you can take MAX (light rail) from the airport to downtown, and transfer to a bus to go up the hill, or streetcar to go around downtown. See http://trimet.org/

This can be a lot cheaper than getting a rental car, but it just depends on what you want to see and do while you're here. OHSU is only a short bus ride from downtown, and the bus runs about every 15 minutes.
 
ohsunumber1 said:
what was the secondary questions this year. I am applying in June and want to get started on the secondary. Does anyone know if they change from year to year? Does anyone know know the average mcat and GPA accepted for just instate?
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see the very first page of this school thread. the questions should be listed there.
 
Nafis64 said:
For those who have interviewed, what is a good option for OOSers, student host or hotel, and do you guys think a rental car would be good if its cheap enough.
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Nope, you'll pay more to park that rental than you will to drive it.

Get a place downtown on Priceline, walk to Kenny and Zuke's in the morning for a bagel and cream cheese and grab a coffee next door at Stumptown*, then catch the 8 to OHSU. Guaranteed interview success.

*Spella Caffe is actually a bit better, but opens too late for you to make it to your interview probably.

When you're booking that hotel, get another day. This is Portland, have fun.
 
hector219 said:
Nope, you'll pay more to park that rental than you will to drive it.

Get a place downtown on Priceline, walk to Kenny and Zuke's in the morning for a bagel and cream cheese and grab a coffee next door at Stumptown*, then catch the 8 to OHSU. Guaranteed interview success.

*Spella Caffe is actually a bit better, but opens too late for you to make it to your interview probably.

When you're booking that hotel, get another day. This is Portland, have fun.
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Well done, sir.
 
hector219 said:
Nope, you'll pay more to park that rental than you will to drive it.

Get a place downtown on Priceline, walk to Kenny and Zuke's in the morning for a bagel and cream cheese and grab a coffee next door at Stumptown*, then catch the 8 to OHSU. Guaranteed interview success.
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+1.

Even better if you book a room at the Ace Hotel, right upstairs from Stumptown and Kenny & Zukes. I don't think it could get any easier! 😀
 
Any word on when they will start accepting off of the hold list?
 
i would LOVE to see movement off hold (namely an acceptance for me ;o) before May! Somehow the sunshine is making me hopeful ;o)
 
reezer4 said:
i would LOVE to see movement off hold (namely an acceptance for me ;o) before May! Somehow the sunshine is making me hopeful ;o)
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No kidding. Waking up to a blue sky puts a smile on my face. There's no place I'd rather be than Portland on a sunny day.
 
Hey guys - anyone know if OHSU gives out need-based aid (lower % loans or scholarships) to OOSers? I've been reading up on previous year's threads, but it seems OHSU has had a lot of changes recently. Any help is appreciated!
 
At the end of my interview earlier in February they said they could take up to 8 weeks to reach a decision.
 
For those who have been accepted, how long did it take for you to get your application packet in the mail after receiving the initial email?
 
There is now a facebook group for the new entering class at OHSU. The group is brilliantly titled "OHSU School of Medicine Class of 2014".

If you've been accepted and are planning to attend OHSU, please join. For all the people in the Portland area, it would be fun to have a couple social events to meet our fellow classmates throughout the Spring and early Summer.
 
ZaccaZ said:
For those who have been accepted, how long did it take for you to get your application packet in the mail after receiving the initial email?
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Well in the acceptance email it states that the packet will be mailed out in about a month. I was accepted about 3 weeks ago and am still waiting to get mine.
 
MiniMoo said:
Well in the acceptance email it states that the packet will be mailed out in about a month. I was accepted about 3 weeks ago and am still waiting to get mine.
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I got the email on Jan 22 and I'm still waiting too!
 
So, I just wanted to see if this happened to anyone else. My status for the last three or four months was: your file has been reviewed, and is on hold for an interview. It changed today to: your file is under review for the interview process, this may take up to 12 weeks...similar to what the status was when your secondary was first submitted. I just wanted to know if this happened to anyone else, and what everybody else thinks this means. I'm hoping that it's good news.

Also, for those who received interviews, was the invitation via a phone call or email? I worry while sitting in class with my phone silent that I'll miss that important phone call and miss my shot at an interview.
 
mariner185 said:
So, I just wanted to see if this happened to anyone else. My status for the last three or four months was: your file has been reviewed, and is on hold for an interview. It changed today to: your file is under review for the interview process, this may take up to 12 weeks...similar to what the status was when your secondary was first submitted. I just wanted to know if this happened to anyone else, and what everybody else thinks this means. I'm hoping that it's good news.

Also, for those who received interviews, was the invitation via a phone call or email? I worry while sitting in class with my phone silent that I'll miss that important phone call and miss my shot at an interview.
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Hey mariner. I've been in the same boat as you with the whole hold for an interview for the past five months. Thats an interesting change you mentioned on your profile. Maybe it means they're re-reviewing your hold status to see if you will get an interview or not. Anyways, good luck!
 
mariner185 said:
So, I just wanted to see if this happened to anyone else...
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I just checked, and no status change over here. It is still the same:

"Your file has been screened and is currently on hold for an interview, pending further review."

So, if they are to make decisions "by the end of February", is it too late to submit an update/LoI? I mean, assuming they hold true to their schedule, they would probably have made a decision already. Or, by the time USPS gets to them, they would have. Is there a way to email them in case of emergency (and yes, I'm considering this as an all out emergency)

Blah. Website status update: "Rejection letter is in the mail".
 
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Hey does anyone know how long it takes to receive the official acceptance package from OHSU? the email said with in a month of the acceptance email...and I have yet to receive anything at the end of the month's mark.
 
ZaccaZ said:
For those who have been accepted, how long did it take for you to get your application packet in the mail after receiving the initial email?
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I was accepted Jan. 26th and have not received an application packet. 😴
 
has anyone who was placed on pre-interview hold heard any good news?
 
I just received an interview invite :soexcited:...Now I just have to start reading up on the interview style. Good luck to everyone still waiting!
 
Toasts said:
I just received an interview invite :soexcited:...Now I just have to start reading up on the interview style. Good luck to everyone still waiting!
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Congrats! 🙂 Their interviews I felt were pretty conversational. Lasted awhile though -- both of mine went for a full hour. Bring a book to read. You may have lots of down time in between. Good luck!
 
MiniMoo said:
Congrats! 🙂 Their interviews I felt were pretty conversational. Lasted awhile though -- both of mine went for a full hour. Bring a book to read. You may have lots of down time in between. Good luck!
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Thank you! I am interviewing for the MD/MPH so it is going to be a long day!
 
I don't want to get people's hopes up, but I talked to a second year medical student at OHSU who told me that he was put on hold in March and then accepted about a month later (before May).

So I think it is definitely possible to see movement. From what I remember at the interview, they rank/score all candidates. Then they start the acceptance bar very high and gradually lower it. So when it reaches your score, you are accepted.

BTW I was put on hold after waiting over 6+ weeks to hear back 🙂
 
HMAN2009 said:
I don't want to get people's hopes up, but I talked to a second year medical student at OHSU who told me that he was put on hold in March and then accepted about a month later (before May).

So I think it is definitely possible to see movement. From what I remember at the interview, they rank/score all candidates. Then they start the acceptance bar very high and gradually lower it. So when it reaches your score, you are accepted.

BTW I was put on hold after waiting over 6+ weeks to hear back 🙂
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thank you for this! i need just a little hope at this point ;o)
 
Interview invite today! 😍 They only have from March 30th-April 8th left.

I hope I'm not interviewing for the waitlist!
 
Invited for an interview today! Gonna try to get March 30 or 31!!!!!!
 
Does anybody have any tips for those of us interviewing? What to expect, questions asked, who interviewed them? Anything would be appreciated, thanks!
 
mariner185 said:
Does anybody have any tips for those of us interviewing? What to expect, questions asked, who interviewed them? Anything would be appreciated, thanks!
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Both of my interviewers knew my file forward and backward. We talked about stuff from my app, Portland, the admissions process. Both were really nice and the interviews were relaxed. No ethical questions - just questions about my motivations and goals.

Bring a book, tons of downtime built into the day.
 
RunningDiva said:
Both of my interviewers knew my file forward and backward. We talked about stuff from my app, Portland, the admissions process. Both were really nice and the interviews were relaxed. No ethical questions - just questions about my motivations and goals.

Bring a book, tons of downtime built into the day.
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Definitely the bolded part. Interviewers have access to everything, including your LOR, and both of my interviewers seemed to have gone over my application with a fine-toothed comb. So be sure to know yourself and your application very well.
 
Has anyone that interviewed in mid-December heard back with a decision yet???
 
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