2010-2011 Mercer Application Thread

applying EDP again, anyone else?

I am going to do RD...Do you know if they give secondary's do all regular pool if they are GA residents

GatorHater said:

applying EDP again, anyone else?

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I am reapplying as well. This time it will be early decision.

I'm also going the EDP route. How quickly were you guys verified? Did you guys already get your secondary application?

AMCAS is still waiting for my transcripts so I'm getting nervous about getting my application in on time.

kimtaeho said:

I'm also going the EDP route. How quickly were you guys verified? Did you guys already get your secondary application?

AMCAS is still waiting for my transcripts so I'm getting nervous about getting my application in on time.

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I was Regular Applicant but Reapplying this year, but I submitted and Verified my application....I submitted and was verified in about close to two weeks....I haven't declared mercer on my app yet bc I havent taken the mcat yet and I don;t want them to really screen me out just yet...

How far along are you guys on your apps? As an EDP, I just got verified and waiting for my secondaries.

I'm trying to apply to this school on AMCAS but I can't find it when I try to add it.

I'm not from Georgia, but can OOS still apply? How do I apply OOS using AMCAS?

I contacted someone in admissions about this and they just told me that since I was OOS I wouldn't be able to bring it up...hmm

guitarguy23 said:

I'm trying to apply to this school on AMCAS but I can't find it when I try to add it.

I'm not from Georgia, but can OOS still apply? How do I apply OOS using AMCAS?

I contacted someone in admissions about this and they just told me that since I was OOS I wouldn't be able to bring it up...hmm

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i dont think they take any OOS students. It would be a waste of money to apply.

MedicineMike said:

i dont think they take any OOS students. It would be a waste of money to apply.

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Correct. In fact, I just went to the Probate court to certify my Georgia residency for Mercer's application.

I'm so worried I won't get all my materials in on-time-- I hear the supplemental material deadline is August 2nd this year. That's in 2 weeks! Hopefully the judge won't lag too much.

kimtaeho said:

Correct. In fact, I just went to the Probate court to certify my Georgia residency for Mercer's application.

I'm so worried I won't get all my materials in on-time-- I hear the supplemental material deadline is August 2nd this year. That's in 2 weeks! Hopefully the judge won't lag too much.

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Per MSOM website, AMCAS EDP app is due by Aug 1 and secondary by Aug 31, so you've got more time than you think.

Good luck!

is it a good idea to mention you were rejected from med schools in the past? the last question of the secondary asks about your circumstances..

kimtaeho said:

is it a good idea to mention you were rejected from med schools in the past? the last question of the secondary asks about your circumstances..

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I did and got in this year. But like many things it depends. My angle was that in response to being rejected, I sought advice from the schools where I was most interested and then built and executed a plan around this. My hopes were that it would show persistence and capabilities consistent with what they were looking for. I don't know if that's exactly what got me over the line, but I don't think it hurt.

On the other hand, if your app looks essentially the same, it may be better to go the other way b/c mentioning previous rejection simply begs the question, "What have you done to improve?"

Do I take this to mean that some people have received secondaries?

Kinda quiet in here...

BuckFMP said:

I did and got in this year. But like many things it depends. My angle was that in response to being rejected, I sought advice from the schools where I was most interested and then built and executed a plan around this. My hopes were that it would show persistence and capabilities consistent with what they were looking for. I don't know if that's exactly what got me over the line, but I don't think it hurt.

On the other hand, if your app looks essentially the same, it may be better to go the other way b/c mentioning previous rejection simply begs the question, "What have you done to improve?"

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Point well taken. Thanks BuckFMP.

I just submitted mine today!
I really hope I get in this time around

OK, I'm a dumb-dumb...

Called admissions and they said they would send out secondaries to non-EDP applicants in around two weeks.

Never underestimate a pre-med's freak-out potential!

Lorbis said:

OK, I'm a dumb-dumb...

Called admissions and they said they would send out secondaries to non-EDP applicants in around two weeks.

Never underestimate a pre-med's freak-out potential!

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Hey at least you didn't call the admissions like me, asking if they will still accept my secondary three days after the deadline!

I'm late in the game b/c I was going to apply RD but got a call last week wanting me to rush things in for ED - I was given an extension but still haven't gotten the secondary yet. Are they the same as last year? ....Just trying to catch up with the rest of the group.

Lorbis said:

OK, I'm a dumb-dumb...

Called admissions and they said they would send out secondaries to non-EDP applicants in around two weeks.

Never underestimate a pre-med's freak-out potential!

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Agreed. I think I've called Gail Coleman at least 5 times already, haha. She's awesome though.

enajhaj said:

I'm late in the game b/c I was going to apply RD but got a call last week wanting me to rush things in for ED - I was given an extension but still haven't gotten the secondary yet. Are they the same as last year? ....Just trying to catch up with the rest of the group.

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Whoa, so they asked you to become an early decision applicant? That's the first time I've heard of something like that. You must be special!

far from special, MCAT is getting some needed ATTN on Sept 11 (that's why i was waiting to apply). i'm not sure really how or what happened the other day, i just got a call asking why i wasn't applying ED and i took that as a GO so i rushed everything in.
I've got great extra curriculars and background maybe that did it.
has anyone gotten interview invites yet?
still no answer.....the secondary the same?

enajhaj said:

far from special, MCAT is getting some needed ATTN on Sept 11 (that's why i was waiting to apply). i'm not sure really how or what happened the other day, i just got a call asking why i wasn't applying ED and i took that as a GO so i rushed everything in.
I've got great extra curriculars and background maybe that did it.
has anyone gotten interview invites yet?
still no answer.....the secondary the same?

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Ahh, I see. That sounds promising-- good luck this cycle

And yeah, the secondary is the same four questions

thanks kimtaeho.
good luck to everyone. Let's all keep posting so we'll know when interviews (invites) are starting up.

enajhaj said:

thanks kimtaeho.
good luck to everyone. Let's all keep posting so we'll know when interviews (invites) are starting up.

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agreed! just to update my progress, i got the "your file is officially, 100% complete" email on aug 11th.

Wow, still no invites??? I figured those that were completed early would have heard something by now.....

I heard that interviews start next Tuesday for EDP

Yeah I have a friend who applied EDP to Mercer and her interview is next Thurs.

I'm Regular Decision and received the secondary last Friday, FYI for anyone who is wondering.

Mercer U Interview on August 31st...anyone else have that day? I am a re-applicant, btw.

Do they screen for secondaries? I am a GA resident regular decision and have not received any email from admissions at all. Should I call?

I don't think they screen for secondaries. I was verified on AMCAS right on 6/1, so I've been in a while. A friend just applied to Mercer about two weeks ago and didn't get a secondary. So I guess if you just applied in the last couple weeks they haven't sent them yet.

I'm pretty sure they do screen for secondaries.

kmoney1 said:

I'm pretty sure they do screen for secondaries.

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What makes you say that, out of curiosity? Other than being a GA resident

When I talked to the admissions people at Mercer they said that you needed to be invited to fill their secondaries, they also mentioned that you needed to meet certain qualifications (I'm assuming GPA and MCAT scores). If you are concerned I would suggest calling.

For anyone who has received an invite for an interview I'm just curious what were your GPA and MCAT scores? I'm still sitting on edge waiting for a phone call.

MCAT- 27
GPA- 3.8
Science GPA- 3.85

chyeajj said:

MCAT- 27
GPA- 3.8
Science GPA- 3.85

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thanks for sharing! if you don't mind, when were you complete?

My file was complete by August 11th, I believe. Did you apply EDP? If so, what were your stats?

Spoke to admissions office they said they do not screen and they are still working on sending out secondaries to everyone. I have been verified and listed Mercer on amcas since early july and have not gotten secondary Did I miss the prompts? I at least want to start working on my secondary so I can send it back in fast when I do get it. Thanks for any info!

hey i got an invite today. i was complete last tue.

GAgrl said:

Spoke to admissions office they said they do not screen and they are still working on sending out secondaries to everyone. I have been verified and listed Mercer on amcas since early july and have not gotten secondary Did I miss the prompts? I at least want to start working on my secondary so I can send it back in fast when I do get it. Thanks for any info!

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hey I just got back secondary today...

The prompts:

1. The mission of the Mercer University School of Medicine is to educate physicians and health professionals to meet the primary care and health care needs of rural and medically underserved areas of Georgia. Please describe how you will contribute to this mission. (250 words maximum)


2. The recruitment of a diverse student body is a major goal of Mercer University School of Medicine's Admissions Committee. Students learn from each other as well as from faculty, and being part of a diverse student body affords additional learning opportunities for every student. Please tell us what facets of your life and education to date would contribute to the achievement of this goal. Such facets might include your early education, socioeconomic status, culture, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and life or work experiences. This question is optional.


3. Please describe an ethical dilemma in which you were involved and how you resolved it. (250 words maximum)


4. Is there anything you would like to explain to the Admissions Committee about your application that would help them better understand your circumstances?




For those who completed the secondary already..What do you believe they are looking for in the 3rd quesiton...Thanks...

I was complete on Friday (kind of late for EDP, I know), and I got an invite today. I have a vague idea of what to expect on interview day, thanks to one person I know who got in last year off the wait list. But does anyone who has interviewed already want to share about their interview day?

ETA: My interview is in two weeks -- first available in Macon. I couldn't make it to Savannah this week.

I got a call Monday inviting me to interview this Thursday in Savannah or Thursday (the 16th) after next in Macon (which I was told would be the last available day for interviews for ED). I preferred the Macon campus as I live on the West side of Georgia, but I have an Organic 3 test on the 16th so I had the surprise of preparing for an interview in 3 days along with booking a hotel and getting off work. Crazy. But luckily (or not so luckily) this is not my first rodeo as I interviewed earlier this year at the Macon campus. In regards to the interview it was very laid back. The first gentleman was non-admission retired faculty and was only there to provide feedback to the committee. He was a retired psychology professor of some sort and he was pretty scary at first, because I knew he was psychoanalyzing me the whole time. But, he sort of grew on me as I pleased him with some of my philosophy debates on the meaning of altruism and how I rectified my conservative politics with my socialist nature. He seemed to be all bark an no bite and he ended the interview back escorting me out and slapping me on the back saying, "you're a good kid. Really, you are." Then next interviewer was a committee member as well as a practicing microbiologist. She was very nice and was more interested in the various mission trips I had gone on and she told me about the trips she had been on. Then she didn't go into my application anymore and just opened up for questions. We had a very nice talk as she was very kind. We then had lunch with 3rd and 4th year students (if I recall correctly) and they were great. The conversations were non-ending. It was a very stress-free day overall. Nothing to worry about.

Stay on top of your deadlines though, because they can't stress enough that the early you apply the better your chances. I found that out the hard way last year. After speaking with the counselors they said my application was as solid as it could be and that the only thing they could point to was that I was in the last cycle of applications and more than 80% of the spots had been filled, which means they were going to be very selective with the remaining spots. She told me she heard around 30-40% of the accepted applicants came from the EDP last year.

P.S. I did get the dreaded healthcare reform question last time, and I was prepared, but no one else who I interviewed with got anything near that hard in their interview. So like I said, no sweat.

so 30-40% get in from EDP.... how many apply/interview EDP though?

The first day of EDP interviews were Aug 23. They do interviews Tues., Wed, Thurs. and they have 6 in each group. Some groups may have 5 or 7 but they average 6. The last day of EDP interviews are Sept 23. I think there will be roughly 90 EDP interviews total.

So I had my interview on September 2nd and it was very straight forward and almost identical to the one I described previously (except there were only 2 of us there to interview, which was cool). I was told there would be a committee meeting on September 15th and one on September 29th. If I am accepted I will be notified by phone within a day or two of the meeting by the committee member who interviewed me. The final committee meeting will be March 24th, and they will begin compiling a waiting list on March 31st. By April 5th, every applicant will know their status.

**Fingers crossed**

I was thinking they did interviews Tuesdays and Thursdays

I was told they were Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Two people on the 3rd? That's weird.. I'm just anxious for tomorrow, does anyone know what time the committee meets?

I'm not sure, but theyre usually at night. I am realllly nervous though!!

My MCAT scores havent came in yet. Is this what is preventing me from receiving a secondary?

Also, don't forget they have two campuses interviewing. I'm going to assume the Savannah campus doesn't interview as many people as Macon (9/2-- 2 people interviewing) so I'd say there should be about ~120 early decision applicants. I also thought they only interviewed Tuesday/Thursday but I guess I was mis-informed.

Anyways, just to confirm I heard right, if you don't get called this week, that only means your file wasn't up for review at today's meeting, correct? As in, they ran out of time? Or does it also mean you could potentially be on hold..?

Sooooooooooo anxious.

I'm not sure if they were handing out acceptances today. At my interview, they said all acceptances would be held until September 29th. Originally my post interview letter said they were only having one meeting on the 29th. Then a week later, I received another stating the two different meeting dates. If anyone gets a call let us know.

I haven't got a call yet...