2008-2009 OHSU Secondary Application Thread

[limabeans]

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Does anyone have the telephone number of Lori Toner? I've been trying to call in for the past 2 weeks to Katy, but no luck. It's almost been 3 months since my interview and I still haven't heard back! 🙁

 

[RGMass03]

Does anyone have the telephone number of Lori Toner? I've been trying to call in for the past 2 weeks to Katy, but no luck. It's almost been 3 months since my interview and I still haven't heard back! 🙁

Limabeans, sorry to hear about your horribly long wait time. If I were you I would call the school of medicine's main number. Its 503.494.8220. This will get you to their front desk. Ask to speak to someone about admissions and I believe you'll be forwarded to Lori. However it will most likely send you to her voice mail, so just leave a message. But once she hears about your situation you should hear back from her soon. I would also recommend sending her an e-mail at [email protected]. She's pretty good at answering e-mails pretty quickly. Hope that helps!

 

[radxbandit]

this might be a lame question, but i was wondering can just send thank you's to our interviewers through the office of admissions?

 

[limabeans]

Thanks for the suggestion, RGMass - I *finally* got through to someone, but it turns out that my application is STILL being reviewed! Another few weeks of waiting for me . . .

 

[RGMass03]

this might be a lame question, but i was wondering can just send thank you's to our interviewers through the office of admissions?

Nonsense, no such thing as a lame question for kids who want to go to OHSU...haha. But in regards to your question I believe you could probably do that. What I did was just look up each of my interviewers individual OHSU mailing address on the website.

 

[RGMass03]

Thanks for the suggestion, RGMass - I *finally* got through to someone, but it turns out that my application is STILL being reviewed! Another few weeks of waiting for me . . .

Dude, that blows. I can't believe theyre making you wait this long. But anyways if it makes you feel better I've been on hold since the beginning of time. Once May 15th swings by it'll be 7+ months after my interview date...hahaha. Hopefully this eternal wait won't be a wait for a big fat REJECTION. Anyways, I hope everything works out for you lima! Good Luck!!

 

[nina7123]

Hey Nina, I think what Kaya meant was that about 80 people get off the waitlist every year. Last year I think they got somewhere into the 60's. somewhere around 70% of interviewees get placed on hold so don't lose hope.

Oh whoops I misread 80 spots as 80%.

My understanding is that the dual degree admissions process is a whole different ballgame. You essentially get reviewed first by the MD admissions committee with everyone else, after which you may or may not get into the MD side. Then the MPH side reviews you. If you get in on the MD side, you're in on the MD side, with no guarantees of the MPH admit. Now, the MPH side only gets six slots. So they only have six people holding them at any given time. Once they accept someone, the MD side seems to automatically accept them too, since the MPH program holds six untouchable slots in the MD program. Hope this helps! And please, anyone, feel free to correct me if it's different.

Thanks for the help! The MPH director told me you aren't considered with the main MD people for the MD/MPH but I think I was confused there as well.

😳 Oh well, I'll just wait and see. Thanks for the help 🙂

 

[AquaDoc]

Hey Nina, I think what Kaya meant was that about 80 people get off the waitlist every year. Last year I think they got somewhere into the 60's. somewhere around 70% of interviewees get placed on hold so don't lose hope.

I can help here. Last year they got to #57 on the waitlist. I know this because I was #61. And last year was the year that they cut the class size from 120 to 115 because of the tort cap decision. So barring the cutting of the class, I would be in my first year of med school at OHSU right now. So those numbers are burned into my brain.

The silver lining is that I found a great job working with people with mental illness (I want to go into psychiatry). The dark looming clouds are that my secondary is still currently being considered. I did turn in my materials late (since I thought from my waitlist spot that I had a strong chance), but the waiting is killing me.

 

[Kaya12]

I can help here. Last year they got to #57 on the waitlist. I know this because I was #61. And last year was the year that they cut the class size from 120 to 115 because of the tort cap decision. So barring the cutting of the class, I would be in my first year of med school at OHSU right now. So those numbers are burned into my brain.

The silver lining is that I found a great job working with people with mental illness (I want to go into psychiatry). The dark looming clouds are that my secondary is still currently being considered. I did turn in my materials late (since I thought from my waitlist spot that I had a strong chance), but the waiting is killing me.

Wow that must have been terrible. I'm rooting for you this year!!

 

[blah126]

i JUST got an invite 5 minutes ago. =) very happy...but worried too. late much?

 

[AnneS]

OHSU is NOTORIOUSLY late. They are slow on getting out secondaries, slow on interviews and GOODNESS KNOWS THEY ARE SLOW ON DECISION MAKING. I wouldn't worry too much about timing with them. Allot of good applicants don't get interviews/decisions until really late into the spring.

Also, I was wondering if anyone had any word on in-state tuition for this fall? When I got my acceptance package they had costs from LAST years class and I've heard those notorious rumors that tuition will spike again this fall due to the HUGE financial deficit from 08. Anyone have any ideas?

Finally...I'm wondering if I could get a motivational speech from anyone on all the GOOD things that OHSU has to offer. I'm trying to make some decisions about where to head/what to do this fall and wanted to get the good input of potential future classmates! Thanks so much ya'll.

 

[radxbandit]

i JUST got an invite 5 minutes ago. =) very happy...but worried too. late much?

congratulations!

 

[DrBubbles]

OHSU is NOTORIOUSLY late. They are slow on getting out secondaries, slow on interviews and GOODNESS KNOWS THEY ARE SLOW ON DECISION MAKING. I wouldn't worry too much about timing with them. Allot of good applicants don't get interviews/decisions until really late into the spring.

Also, I was wondering if anyone had any word on in-state tuition for this fall? When I got my acceptance package they had costs from LAST years class and I've heard those notorious rumors that tuition will spike again this fall due to the HUGE financial deficit from 08. Anyone have any ideas?

Finally...I'm wondering if I could get a motivational speech from anyone on all the GOOD things that OHSU has to offer. I'm trying to make some decisions about where to head/what to do this fall and wanted to get the good input of potential future classmates! Thanks so much ya'll.

Hey, Congratulations on the acceptance!

First, tuition. It blows. The good news is that you'll be able to pay back what you borrow someday, regardless of what field you go into. History has shown that; the future may be different, but history usually has some truth to it. The other good news is that there is definitely some political movement happening at the Oregon state and federal levels to address medical education issues, especially tuition, loans, and specialty choice. There are two other major downsides I can think of: 1) We're an awesome school, but we score pretty average on Step I. The students and the Deans Office are actively working on improving that, as we speak, so to speak. 2) We have a sticky relationship with the state government, as a 3% 'public' institution, which is part of the reason tuition is so darn high.

So, good things: there are so many! To list my top ones: 1) My fellow students are absolutely awesome. I love that my classmates are so accomplished, motivated, smart, and talented, and they bring such diversity in background experiences--they're really a stellar crowd. Oh, and we work cooperatively and collaboratively; I've never witnessed any malicious competition amongst my classmates. 2) The faculty are awesome. I have gotten to work with so many amazing physicians, and some of our professors are again, stellar. (Although, some are not; that's the nature of teaching without a M.Ed., I guess.) 3) Residency programs really like students from OHSU--our clinical and people skills tend to be strong points, and I've heard from fourth years that people they interviewed with for residency spots sometimes surprisingly tend to know their letter-writers in some capacity. 4) Oregon is amazing. Period. Can't beat it anywhere else. Unless you don't like the rain, and/or have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Then I'd encourage you to strongly consider factoring that into your decision.

Hope this helps!
Bubbles

 

[wepio]

i JUST got an invite 5 minutes ago. =) very happy...but worried too. late much?

Me too! Don't worry, they're just saving the best for last. (*eh-hem, cough, cough*). <-- I know I'm lame for laughing at my own joke, but whatever, I'm too pumped to care!

In all honesty, I'm terrified as well -- but maybe not for the same reasons as you. This is like my top choice (all my friends and family are there and I would LOVE to move back home) so I really don't want to screw this one up.

 

[djyujin]

In all honesty, I'm terrified as well -- but maybe not for the same reasons as you. This is like my top choice (all my friends and family are there and I would LOVE to move back home) so I really don't want to screw this one up.

Be yourself! I think as trite as it sounds, OHSU is really big on getting to know your personality traits, etc. It is a pretty low key interview. Congratulations to you and everybody else who have received interview invites! 👍

 

[jonahclone]

I can help here. Last year they got to #57 on the waitlist. I know this because I was #61. And last year was the year that they cut the class size from 120 to 115 because of the tort cap decision. So barring the cutting of the class, I would be in my first year of med school at OHSU right now. So those numbers are burned into my brain.

The silver lining is that I found a great job working with people with mental illness (I want to go into psychiatry). The dark looming clouds are that my secondary is still currently being considered. I did turn in my materials late (since I thought from my waitlist spot that I had a strong chance), but the waiting is killing me.

I watched all that happen last year and I hurt for you, man. I've been hoping you'd reappear. If I don't get in, my wound will be salved if you do!!!

My materials were submitted late as well (mailed secondary 12/16 in the middle of the ice/snow storm, “complete” email came 2/21) so I am in the boat with you. At this point my “12 weeks” wait extends into the dead zone of May.

Even went to the mailbox tonight faintly hoping a pre-interview rejection letter had come. How sad is that? So desperate for news that even bad news would be a relief!?

It's a gauntlet and you are tenacious. Good luck this year!!

 

[RGMass03]

Me too! Don't worry, they're just saving the best for last. (*eh-hem, cough, cough*). <-- I know I'm lame for laughing at my own joke, but whatever, I'm too pumped to care!

In all honesty, I'm terrified as well -- but maybe not for the same reasons as you. This is like my top choice (all my friends and family are there and I would LOVE to move back home) so I really don't want to screw this one up.

Congrats Wepio!! Thats awesome. If you don't mind me asking, what were the interview dates they gave you to choose from?

 

[CultureDoc]

I got an interview too, and I am SOOOOOOO stoked about it!!!! (that's right - totally dancing banana-worthy!)

This is the one I've been crossing my fingers and stalking this thread for! I had *almost* given up hope . . . man, what a HUGE mood booster!

Wepio, I'm with you - must not screw this one up!

Speaking of not screwing it up, RGMass - here are the dates I was offered:

Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009

Unfortunately, I have a big meeting at work that I really need to be at during the 31st-2nd, and I have a Tuesday night class that I've missed waaay too much already, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to call shortly and ask if I can do the 9th . . . however, here's a question for the group: my husband is totally freaking out and thinks I should miss the meeting and/or class and take an earlier date. I'm not sure that a week (or a couple of days within a week) is going to make that much of a difference . . . but then again, I have NO IDEA how the committee meetings work/when they happen, etc. Does anyone have any info that you could share? E.g., if the committee meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month, then it probably doesn't matter because the 2nd Tuesday of April is the 14th (and actually, I'd be a little fresher in their minds, then ). . . but I have no clue! Any advice would be appreciated. I (obviously) just want to have the best chance possible, and whatever it takes to make that happen is what I'll do! Thanks!

 

[RGMass03]

I got an interview too, and I am SOOOOOOO stoked about it!!!! (that's right - totally dancing banana-worthy!)

This is the one I've been crossing my fingers and stalking this thread for! I had *almost* given up hope . . . man, what a HUGE mood booster!

Wepio, I'm with you - must not screw this one up!

Speaking of not screwing it up, RGMass - here are the dates I was offered:

Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009

Unfortunately, I have a big meeting at work that I really need to be at during the 31st-2nd, and I have a Tuesday night class that I've missed waaay too much already, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to call shortly and ask if I can do the 9th . . . however, here's a question for the group: my husband is totally freaking out and thinks I should miss the meeting and/or class and take an earlier date. I'm not sure that a week (or a couple of days within a week) is going to make that much of a difference . . . but then again, I have NO IDEA how the committee meetings work/when they happen, etc. Does anyone have any info that you could share? E.g., if the committee meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month, then it probably doesn't matter because the 2nd Tuesday of April is the 14th (and actually, I'd be a little fresher in their minds, then ). . . but I have no clue! Any advice would be appreciated. I (obviously) just want to have the best chance possible, and whatever it takes to make that happen is what I'll do! Thanks!

Woah!! Congrats CultureDoc!! I'm glad you got the invite. I knew you wanted this so much after reading all your previous posts. Thanks again for posting those dates. In regards to your question, I believe the committee meets every thursday during the admission cycle. At least thats what Katy told me and the other interviewees when I interviewed. However that was back in October and things could've easily changed. I'm not sure if I'd worry about the date too much. OHSU is one of the few schools that doesn't have a traditional rolling admission. So every interviewee has an equal shot at getting in no matter when they interview. I've seen people who interview in April and will get straight out acceptances the week before May 15th when they actually put out their final class. The only benefit I would see in interviewing a week earlier is the potential to get a decision a little earlier. But with my experience, they'll probably group all the late march and april interviews together, review them as a group, and give out their decisions for that group all together. So to make this long explanation short, I would say take the date youre most comfortable with. Its not like its gonna matter, youre gonna rock their socks off not matter what!! Good luck dude!!

 

[CultureDoc]

Woah!! Congrats CultureDoc!! I'm glad you got the invite. I knew you wanted this so much after reading all your previous posts. Thanks again for posting those dates. In regards to your question, I believe the committee meets every thursday during the admission cycle. At least thats what Katy told me and the other interviewees when I interviewed. However that was back in October and things could've easily changed. I'm not sure if I'd worry about the date too much. OHSU is one of the few schools that doesn't have a traditional rolling admission. So every interviewee has an equal shot at getting in no matter when they interview. I've seen people who interview in April and will get straight out acceptances the week before May 15th when they actually put out their final class. The only benefit I would see in interviewing a week earlier is the potential to get a decision a little earlier. But with my experience, they'll probably group all the late march and april interviews together, review them as a group, and give out their decisions for that group all together. So to make this long explanation short, I would say take the date youre most comfortable with. Its not like its gonna matter, youre gonna rock their socks off not matter what!! Good luck dude!!

Aw! How sweet - thanks so much for the info, advice, and the vote of confidence! I am REALLY looking forward to the interview and to visiting Portland! 😍 And yeah, I think I'll ask for the 9th . . . if it's not available, I'll have to make some decisions as to what to miss. Hopefully that's not the case - in thinking about it more, I'd probably be pretty stressed out if I went the previous week, as I'd have to work extra hard to get this meeting off the ground before I left.

 

[djyujin]

Aw! How sweet - thanks so much for the info, advice, and the vote of confidence! I am REALLY looking forward to the interview and to visiting Portland! 😍 And yeah, I think I'll ask for the 9th . . . if it's not available, I'll have to make some decisions as to what to miss. Hopefully that's not the case - in thinking about it more, I'd probably be pretty stressed out if I went the previous week, as I'd have to work extra hard to get this meeting off the ground before I left.

Hey Congratulations! 👍

 

[Dilophosaurus]

With 70% of applicants ending up on post-interview hold, is it possible to go from hold to acceptance and bypass the whole waitlist. If so, does anyone know about how many they take from the hold list to make up the final class May 15th. Thanks

 

[airplanes]

Congrats on the recent interview invites guys!!! Good Luck 🙂

With 70% of applicants ending up on post-interview hold, is it possible to go from hold to acceptance and bypass the whole waitlist. If so, does anyone know about how many they take from the hold list to make up the final class May 15th. Thanks

They mentioned it was definitely possible as the cutoff score for offering an acceptance lowers incrementally as the date approaches May 15th. I don't know any specifics beyond that though, perhaps a more informed person on here can give you some more details.

 

[djyujin]

Congrats on the recent interview invites guys!!! Good Luck 🙂



They mentioned it was definitely possible as the cutoff score for offering an acceptance lowers incrementally as the date approaches May 15th. I don't know any specifics beyond that though, perhaps a more informed person on here can give you some more details.

I think if you're on hold, the adcom waits until May 15th, and then you can either be: accepted, rejected, waitlisted.

 

[blah126]

for the recently invited sdners:

any luck in reaching Katy Guertin? I've been calling all morning...and can't get through. On the invite, it just says call in to schedule....

 

[sirius08]

any luck in reaching Katy Guertin? I've been calling all morning...and can't get through. On the invite, it just says call in to schedule....

I think they're just really busy. Did you try leaving a message?

 

[djyujin]

When I scheduled my interview, I just left a message. She got back to me within 48 hours.

 

[RGMass03]

for the recently invited sdners:

any luck in reaching Katy Guertin? I've been calling all morning...and can't get through. On the invite, it just says call in to schedule....

It sounds like your invite e-mail was cut short. On mine it says to call Katy and if shes not there leave a message with her. She will call back in the order that the messages were left. So no worries if you can't talk to her right away. Just leave a message asap so you can get first dibs at the open slots. Hope that helps!!

 

[imaginaryfriend]

For those of you who received interviews, when did you receive the complete email? Congratulations by the way. P-town is beautiful.

 

[ami1983]

I got an invite today for OHSU, submitted in November. I applied to the MD/MPH, but I don't think I will go.... Offered 4 dates end of March/early April.

 

[CultureDoc]

for the recently invited sdners:

any luck in reaching Katy Guertin? I've been calling all morning...and can't get through. On the invite, it just says call in to schedule....

Good to know I wasn't alone in having to leave a message! I'm anxious to get the date set as well (I'm excited to book my flight!), but it sounds like we'll get a return call soon.

For those of you who received interviews, when did you receive the complete email? Congratulations by the way. P-town is beautiful.

I received the secondary in late Oct., submitted it in November, got the complete message 12/9, and I'm OOS. Good luck if you're still waiting for an interview!

 

[JuliaGulia2789]

I got an invite today for OHSU, submitted in November. I applied to the MD/MPH, but I don't think I will go.... Offered 4 dates end of March/early April.

me too! Excited but confused... It's sooo late🙄

 

[RGMass03]

Haha...did any of you watch ER last night? The actor that was supposedly suppose to be a transplant doc from OHSU totally butchered the name saying he was from O.S.H.U. when he was asked. Not to mention they pronounced Spokane wrong when the setting was suppose to be in a Seattle hospital...never would've happened in a real Seattle hospital...haha.

 

[sirius08]

Just got the email - accepted! 😀

 

[RGMass03]

Just got the email - accepted! 😀

Woah!!! Nice job sirius!! Way to go!! Is this your #1??

 

[djyujin]

Congrats on the acceptance! 😀 See you in the allo class threads!

RGMass, you think the medical advisors for the show would catch something as obvious as that...! Did they pronounce Spokane like Spo-Kane (not like spo-can)?

 

[RGMass03]

Congrats on the acceptance! 😀 See you in the allo class threads!

RGMass, you think the medical advisors for the show would catch something as obvious as that...! Did they pronounce Spokane like Spo-Kane (not like spo-can)?

Yeah you nailed it. They totally pronounced it like Spo-Kane. Insult to my gf since thats where shes from...haha. It happens quite a bit with washington cities. I remember when I first moved up to the NW I couldn't pronounce the names of half the little towns in washington...haha.

 

[sirius08]

Woah!!! Nice job sirius!! Way to go!! Is this your #1??

Thanks! It's my third acceptance, but definitely a top choice... Portland! 😍

Best of luck to everyone waiting!

 

[TheNightMan]

Just got the email - accepted! 😀

Congrats Sirius. Sorry but I gotta ask - what day or week did you interview? thanks

 

[sirius08]

Congrats Sirius. Sorry but I gotta ask - what day or week did you interview? thanks

Thanks! I interviewed in mid-December, so it took awhile to get my decision.

 

[djyujin]

Holy...mid December??? I interviewed late December and found out a month ago... wow they must be going crazy up there on Pill Hill or something.

 

[disorder]

it's been a while, and this question may have already been asked... to whom/where can i send an update letter/letter of interest to?

i interviewed back in october, and i am on hold.

congrats to all of you who were accepted!

 

[djyujin]

it's been a while, and this question may have already been asked... to whom/where can i send an update letter/letter of interest to?

i interviewed back in october, and i am on hold.

congrats to all of you who were accepted!

If you've been reviewed by the adcom already, your internal score has already been decided and tabulated, I don't think they will take your letter/update into consideration. That's what I've been told. It had to have gone in before your review was done by the ad-com.

 

[disorder]

If you've been reviewed by the adcom already, your internal score has already been decided and tabulated, I don't think they will take your letter/update into consideration. That's what I've been told. It had to have gone in before your review was done by the ad-com.

So, basically before their decision was made...? That makes it rough. Thanks for the info.

 

[djyujin]

So, basically before their decision was made...? That makes it rough. Thanks for the info.

Well, its more like your final internal OHSU score has been assigned/determined at this point, depending on how others do, you can most definitely still be accepted! Don't lose hope! Good luck 👍

 

[URHere]

Yeah you nailed it. They totally pronounced it like Spo-Kane. Insult to my gf since thats where shes from...haha. It happens quite a bit with washington cities. I remember when I first moved up to the NW I couldn't pronounce the names of half the little towns in washington...haha.

Haha. When I moved out to Portland, I massacred most of the tricky words. I walked around for weeks calling the Willamette the "Will-Ah-Met" until one of my classmates finally called me on it and taught me how to pronounce things the right way.

As for those of you with new interviews/acceptances, CONGRATS!

And as the for LOI situation with OHSU, I'm not sure how/if sending one would affect your ultimate score, but there's really not any harm in sending one. Who knows, when waitlist time comes around, it may push you up a spot or two.

 

[OSUbeavers07]

Hello everyone! I thought I would throw in that I got the interview invitation on Wednesday 3/11, complete 1/22, turned in 11/25. I chose April 7th for my interview so hopefully I will see someone from here then. I got the aforementioned 3/31, 4/1, 4/2, 4/7-4/9 interview dates. When I talked to Katy today she was telling me that they are hoping that will be the last week they are interviewing candidates. This is my #1 choice school and unfortunately will be my first interview. I am just hoping that everyone who interviewed at OHSU has shared their experience in the interview section. Thanks!

 

[sm007thie]

Can anyone recommend decent hotels within walking distance to the school?

 

[DrBubbles]

Can anyone recommend decent hotels within walking distance to the school?

There's a Residence Inn on SW Moody, and you can just hop on the streetcar one stop going south and take the OHSU tram to the campus on the hill. Also, I think they have a free shuttle that'll drive you up, but taking the streetcar and the tram is a much nicer, more fun, more relaxing, and happier way to go! (Although the streetcar is $2, and the tram is $4.) Or, you can stay with a student.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the interviews and acceptances! How exciting to be hearing good news 🙂

 

[radxbandit]

Hello everyone! I thought I would throw in that I got the interview invitation on Wednesday 3/11, complete 1/22, turned in 11/25. I chose April 7th for my interview so hopefully I will see someone from here then. I got the aforementioned 3/31, 4/1, 4/2, 4/7-4/9 interview dates. When I talked to Katy today she was telling me that they are hoping that will be the last week they are interviewing candidates. This is my #1 choice school and unfortunately will be my first interview. I am just hoping that everyone who interviewed at OHSU has shared their experience in the interview section. Thanks!

I didn't post in the interview section, but I will say that mine were quite low-stress, and basically just a good conversation. Just do what you'd normally do to prepare for any interview (review your app stuff, think about what you want to get across, etc). Good luck, and congratulations! Here's to hoping we both get in