2008-2009 OHSU Secondary Application Thread

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I got into the MD/MPH program. 😛

I have a question about the medical spanish/interpreting thing: If you become certified as an interpreter, are you able to work/volunteer around town/at the hospital with that??

That's a good question- my impression is no, but I could be wrong. I think it's just an OHSU thing but I'm not sure. Anyway you won't really have much time to work, but volunteers who speak spanish are always useful and I don't think anyone will care if you are certified or not if you are fluent.

To further clarify the parking situation, you can buy a monthly permit in your clinical years (~$100/mo) but not in your first 2 years. As mentioned, bikes are a good option for some and public transportation is available although not ideal. Parking is not enforced evenings and weekends, but during the weekday the parking office is filled with nazis who won't hesitate to ticket/tow. You can usually find a 2 hr street spot within a short walk, and there are a few metered spots although you can't count on getting one. People will often send emails selling/looking for a space (sometimes people who live on campus and don't need their parking space sell them), usually people sell spaces for $70-80/mo and I would make sure the location is actually close to where you need to go. In general parking at OHSU is either expensive or very difficult (sometimes both), so you should try to figure out another option unless you live on the hill (which I personally don't reccomend, but some people like it).
 
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have they sent out any post secondary rejections or they don't do that? Thanks.
 
I got into the MD/MPH program. 😛

I have a question about the medical spanish/interpreting thing: If you become certified as an interpreter, are you able to work/volunteer around town/at the hospital with that??

To follow up on Mistress S's comment, I became certified as a Medical Interpreter here at OHSU through our Spanish elective. She is right--it's only good at OHSU.

However, one of the safety-net clinics in town, Wallace Medical Concern, utilizes Spanish-speaking volunteers in their clinic, and I doubt they have a formal training program. They may have a basic exam, but likely they just rely on your experience, and maybe interview you. You can certainly do that then without the certification 🙂
 
I got into the MD/MPH program. 😛

I have a question about the medical spanish/interpreting thing: If you become certified as an interpreter, are you able to work/volunteer around town/at the hospital with that??

Hey so I interview for the MD/MPH program this week....any advice? What sorts of questions did you get asked?
 
Hey so I interview for the MD/MPH program this week....any advice? What sorts of questions did you get asked?

If anyone else has any questions about the MD/MPH interview day, PM me and I'll send you a long message... 😀
 
I just got an email from OHSU.

I am accepted. 😀

I am about 95% sure I am not going so my spot should open up for people. Though I am going to sit on it for maybe like a week just to contemplate and think about it first.
 
I just got an email from OHSU.

I am accepted. 😀

I am about 95% sure I am not going so my spot should open up for people. Though I am going to sit on it for maybe like a week just to contemplate and think about it first.


Congrats. When did you interview?
 
I just got an email from OHSU.

I am accepted. 😀

I am about 95% sure I am not going so my spot should open up for people. Though I am going to sit on it for maybe like a week just to contemplate and think about it first.

Well congratz it is always a boost to the ego to be accepted!!!

Did you interview on Dec. 31st? slash was it just for the MD program...

I think you interviewed with me...if so I fear I am rejected because I got no emai😡
 
First off, congratulations to all those accepted! Makes me feel like dreams do come true 🙂

Secondly, this is my first post here, so I apologize if it is not in the right place.

I have wanted to go to OHSU for nearly....forever. 🙂 I am a 3rd year transfer student in California. and I'm a bit worried about the out of state problem. 🙁 I was wondering if it would help me to move to Oregon after I graduate (June 2010). And that summer I would apply. Of course, I know the GPA has to be great, as well as MCAT, and I have to find some juicy work in Oregon while I am there during the application cyle/year. I know I wouldn't be a resident of Oregon until I have lived there for quite some time, but would it help at all.... In any way? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
I don't think it matters if you have lived there. If you aren'ta resident, you aren't a resident and therefore don't have any benefit.

I interviewed December 31st, just for MD
 
I am in, I am blessed. My number one choice and I would not consider any of the other schools unless they offered me close to a full ride...in which case I would probably still go to OHSU.

Interview: 12/31.

Let's get that IM hoops team ready! 😀
 
I am in, I am blessed. My number one choice and I would not consider any of the other schools unless they offered me close to a full ride...in which case I would probably still go to OHSU.

Interview: 12/31.

Let's get that IM hoops team ready! 😀

CONGRATS CRB!!!That is a great blessing! God is good isn't He!
 
I am in, I am blessed. My number one choice and I would not consider any of the other schools unless they offered me close to a full ride...in which case I would probably still go to OHSU.

Interview: 12/31.

Let's get that IM hoops team ready! 😀

Hey CRB! Congratz! See you on the Allopathic Class thread 🙂

You should also get that mid-range jumper ready! 😀
 
does anyone have any tips for the md/mph interview? I am not sure what sort of questions to expect. i'll take my answer off the air.
 
Hey CRB! Congratz! See you on the Allopathic Class thread 🙂

You should also get that mid-range jumper ready! 😀

Oh you know it! Thanks a lot man. This is a great feeling. My dream school. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be accepted outright without the drawn out waitlist business. I am incredibly thankful and honored.

Good Luck to everyone else still waiting. :xf:

CONGRATS CRB!!!That is a great blessing! God is good isn't He!

Haha! Thanks buddy. Your patience will be rewarded soon enough. Can't wait to hear your good news!
 
I am in, I am blessed. My number one choice and I would not consider any of the other schools unless they offered me close to a full ride...in which case I would probably still go to OHSU.

Interview: 12/31.

Let's get that IM hoops team ready! 😀

CRB 717, I HATE YOU!! Nah just kidding...haha. You for sure deserve this man! Nice job getting in! OHSU is definitely one awesome school. Hopefully I'll be joining you this fall and throwing down some shut down defense...Oh wait, I suck at basketball...haha. Indoor soccer anyone??
 
I just got an email from OHSU.

I am accepted. 😀

I am about 95% sure I am not going so my spot should open up for people. Though I am going to sit on it for maybe like a week just to contemplate and think about it first.

congrats and thanks for leaving the space open for me 😉
 
For those of you accepted, are any of you out of state? If it's not too much to ask, could you provide your GPA/MCAT score? Just wondering if I will have any chance at all.. 🙂

And also, this goes for everyone getting accepted, when did you first submit your primary application?

Best of luck to all those waiting to hear back. :luck:
 
I am in, I am blessed. My number one choice and I would not consider any of the other schools unless they offered me close to a full ride...in which case I would probably still go to OHSU.

Interview: 12/31.

Let's get that IM hoops team ready! 😀


Congrats!!
 
Hey all,
I get the impression that OHSU doesn't give out many scholarships/grants. Am I right?? Is it realistic to take out $70,000/year in loans??🙁
 
For those of you accepted, are any of you out of state? If it's not too much to ask, could you provide your GPA/MCAT score? Just wondering if I will have any chance at all.. 🙂

And also, this goes for everyone getting accepted, when did you first submit your primary application?

Best of luck to all those waiting to hear back. :luck:

3.7/36, OOS (Alaska residence, in Boston for school). Very surprised, I thought my "official" interview didn't go well - the "three weaknesses and three strengths" question, I mentioned three and one.
 
Congrats to all of you with acceptances! OHSU is a great school, and I'm happy that things worked out for you guys!

Hey all,
I get the impression that OHSU doesn't give out many scholarships/grants. Am I right?? Is it realistic to take out $70,000/year in loans??🙁

OHSU does give scholarships, but as far as I know, they are all given out AFTER the first year of medical school and not before matriculation. I suppose this makes sense if the school wants to take first year performance into account. Many of my classmates spent the last few months applying for those scholarships.

As far as loans go, I don't think you should have any problem being approved for enough money to live on. I know that some schools expect students to liquify retirement savings, contribute from pocket, etc and won't let them take out the full cost of attendance in loans, but so far as I know, OHSU will let you take out up to the full cost of attendance in loan money.

Disclaimer: As an MD/PhD kid, I don't know as much about scholarships and loans as most of my classmates do, so take anything I say on that matter with a slight grain of salt.
 
Does anyone know when the waitlist is going to be made official? I know that it is after all interviews are done, but are we talking late April, early May, after May 15th? Thanks in advance.
 
If you're put on Hold, decisions are usually made May 15th, whether its accept/waitlist/reject. I don't think OHSU waitlists anybody until May 15th. After that, they make a ranked waitlist and that is released I think sometime in early June (this is from reading older threads, might be different this year).
 
If you're put on Hold, decisions are usually made May 15th, whether its accept/waitlist/reject. I don't think OHSU waitlists anybody until May 15th. After that, they make a ranked waitlist and that is released I think sometime in early June (this is from reading older threads, might be different this year).

OHSU scores applicants on their primary/secondary app elements (20%) and interviews (80%), from what my interviewer told me. They then have a threshold score for acceptance that is very high in December, and lowers every couple weeks until May 15th or they fill their class. So if you're post-interview six weeks or sixteen, once your score meets threshold, you'll get contacted, after that the list becomes a waitlist.
 
CRB 717, I HATE YOU!! Nah just kidding...haha. You for sure deserve this man! Nice job getting in! OHSU is definitely one awesome school. Hopefully I'll be joining you this fall and throwing down some shut down defense...Oh wait, I suck at basketball...haha. Indoor soccer anyone??

Haha. Hey I hope you get some good news soon man, you're welcome on my basketball team any day!
 
OHSU scores applicants on their primary/secondary app elements (20%) and interviews (80%), from what my interviewer told me. They then have a threshold score for acceptance that is very high in December, and lowers every couple weeks until May 15th or they fill their class. So if you're post-interview six weeks or sixteen, once your score meets threshold, you'll get contacted, after that the list becomes a waitlist.

Yeah, that's basically what they do, but their official line is that the Hold list is not equal to the waitlist, until after May 15th. So theoretically, you can get off the hold list anytime until May 15th, though it never/rarely happens.

I was told at my interview that the numbers (MCAT/GPA) count for 20%, and that the 80% is for the less quantifiable aspects of an individuals application, (i.e., essays, interviews, activities, etc.).
 
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Hey all,
I get the impression that OHSU doesn't give out many scholarships/grants. Am I right?? Is it realistic to take out $70,000/year in loans??🙁

I don't think many med schools give out a lot of scholarship/grant money (with the exception of Mayo, unless that has changed since I applied), and OHSU is no exception in this area. However, as URHere mentioned there is some scholarship money you can apply for after you start (usually around Nov/Dec); if awarded, they generally amount to a few thousand dollars that is substituted for loans in your spring fin aid. From my experience, I can say they do give out some scholarships before matriculation because I was awarded one- I think I was told about it in May or June before starting. However, it was not anything I had applied for, apparently I just got incredibly lucky and they decided to give it to me. Also this was in 2005, and OHSU isn't exactly rolling in dough at the moment so they may not be able to do this anymore.

I haven't heard of anyone not being able to borrow enough to go so I wouldn't worry about that, although keep in mind that it is real money you will have to pay back someday (something I put out of my mind the past 4 years and am now being made painfully aware of) and the government seems hellbent on making this harder rather than easier for us, so be smart about what loans you take out and try to educate yourself about your options. Unfortunately, as I believe I described elsewhere on this thread the fin aid office is NOT one of OHSU's strengths so you will need to take the initiative to research this a bit yourself rather than relying on them for a lot of advice and assistance.
 
Out of curiosity, what about the financial aid office do you find lacking MistressS?

I don't think many med schools give out a lot of scholarship/grant money (with the exception of Mayo, unless that has changed since I applied), and OHSU is no exception in this area. However, as URHere mentioned there is some scholarship money you can apply for after you start (usually around Nov/Dec); if awarded, they generally amount to a few thousand dollars that is substituted for loans in your spring fin aid. From my experience, I can say they do give out some scholarships before matriculation because I was awarded one- I think I was told about it in May or June before starting. However, it was not anything I had applied for, apparently I just got incredibly lucky and they decided to give it to me. Also this was in 2005, and OHSU isn't exactly rolling in dough at the moment so they may not be able to do this anymore.

I haven't heard of anyone not being able to borrow enough to go so I wouldn't worry about that, although keep in mind that it is real money you will have to pay back someday (something I put out of my mind the past 4 years and am now being made painfully aware of) and the government seems hellbent on making this harder rather than easier for us, so be smart about what loans you take out and try to educate yourself about your options. Unfortunately, as I believe I described elsewhere on this thread the fin aid office is NOT one of OHSU's strengths so you will need to take the initiative to research this a bit yourself rather than relying on them for a lot of advice and assistance.
 
Huruck it.

I got put on the hold list (whatever that means)...

Ohh well. Guess sunny california is the place for me. (I am bitter because I am a 23 year resident of Oregon who was 5/5 at all the other OOS schools I applied to...now I get waitlisted by my own state school after what I thought was my best interview...ugg...)

Sorry about the rant. Guess this "rejection" or whatever they are giving me will keep me grounded.
 
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Out of curiosity, what about the financial aid office do you find lacking MistressS?

I don't mean to come across as overly negative- the fin aid office has always done its job in terms of getting money to me on time and such. It's mainly lacking in terms of providing correct advice or guidance. The fin aid office does not have anyone you can sit down with and discuss, for example, your loan repayment options, nor do they provide any kind of competent overview of fin aid to students (both things that fin aid offices at some schools provide). I can only think of one talk that fin aid gave us, in the first year I think, and it was very basic (e.g., "you need to fill out a FAFSA each year"). When I have gone to them with questions, they have often either not known the answer or provided incorrect information (an example would be when I was looking for a loan in second year for funds over the projected "cost of attendance" to help with the expense of Step 1, and was told by three different people in that office that no such loan existed, period. A few minutes of internet searching revealed that my bank in fact offered such a loan, which I then applied for and received on my own).

In general, I would say they are able to perform the minimum necessary functions of a fin aid office- administering loans, sending out award letters, etc.- but do not expect them to be a reliable source of information about loan and scholarship options. I would not trust them for guidance, as they don't seem interested in or knowledgeable about helping students navigate this unfortunately complicated world. However, all of the information you need is available online, so if you take the initiative to do research on your own you should be fine. There are many great things about the school; this is just not one of them.
 
I don't mean to come across as overly negative- the fin aid office has always done its job in terms of getting money to me on time and such. It's mainly lacking in terms of providing correct advice or guidance. The fin aid office does not have anyone you can sit down with and discuss, for example, your loan repayment options, nor do they provide any kind of competent overview of fin aid to students (both things that fin aid offices at some schools provide). I can only think of one talk that fin aid gave us, in the first year I think, and it was very basic (e.g., "you need to fill out a FAFSA each year"). When I have gone to them with questions, they have often either not known the answer or provided incorrect information (an example would be when I was looking for a loan in second year for funds over the projected "cost of attendance" to help with the expense of Step 1, and was told by three different people in that office that no such loan existed, period. A few minutes of internet searching revealed that my bank in fact offered such a loan, which I then applied for and received on my own).

In general, I would say they are able to perform the minimum necessary functions of a fin aid office- administering loans, sending out award letters, etc.- but do not expect them to be a reliable source of information about loan and scholarship options. I would not trust them for guidance, as they don't seem interested in or knowledgeable about helping students navigate this unfortunately complicated world. However, all of the information you need is available online, so if you take the initiative to do research on your own you should be fine. There are many great things about the school; this is just not one of them.

Hm, thanks for all the help MistressS. I've also heard similar things about many other bureaucratic aspects of OHSU, i.e. Step 1 preparation. Very little hand-holding or even guidance is offered, and that the student has to take the initiative for the most part... It is a concern of mine. 😕

I guess you can't have it all...
 
I don't mean to come across as overly negative- the fin aid office has always done its job in terms of getting money to me on time and such. It's mainly lacking in terms of providing correct advice or guidance. The fin aid office does not have anyone you can sit down with and discuss, for example, your loan repayment options, nor do they provide any kind of competent overview of fin aid to students (both things that fin aid offices at some schools provide). I can only think of one talk that fin aid gave us, in the first year I think, and it was very basic (e.g., "you need to fill out a FAFSA each year"). When I have gone to them with questions, they have often either not known the answer or provided incorrect information (an example would be when I was looking for a loan in second year for funds over the projected "cost of attendance" to help with the expense of Step 1, and was told by three different people in that office that no such loan existed, period. A few minutes of internet searching revealed that my bank in fact offered such a loan, which I then applied for and received on my own).

In general, I would say they are able to perform the minimum necessary functions of a fin aid office- administering loans, sending out award letters, etc.- but do not expect them to be a reliable source of information about loan and scholarship options. I would not trust them for guidance, as they don't seem interested in or knowledgeable about helping students navigate this unfortunately complicated world. However, all of the information you need is available online, so if you take the initiative to do research on your own you should be fine. There are many great things about the school; this is just not one of them.

Would you (or anyone) mind suggesting a few websites that you found helpful for researching loans and such? I would like to get a head start- thanks!
 
Huruck it.

I got put on the hold list (whatever that means)...

Ohh well. Guess sunny california is the place for me. (I am bitter because I am a 23 year resident of Oregon who was 5/5 at all the other OOS schools I applied to...now I get waitlisted by my own state school after what I thought was my best interview...ugg...)

Sorry about the rant. Guess this "rejection" or whatever they are giving me will keep me grounded.

Ahh. sucks man. You can still get in off the WL and you should have a good idea if that's possible or not once they give you your number in May. Regardless, you have some other great schools to choose from. you'll be alright!!
 
I didn't read the whole thread so there may be others who had this same experience, but I wanted to make sure I shared since this forum has been very helpful to me.

This week I got a letter from OHSU saying "We offered you a secondary and you didn't complete it, so we're throwing out your application." Only I never got a secondary invite. I emailed the admissions office and within minutes got a call back, explaining that this happened to a lot of people, i.e. that email were sent but never received, especially with Gmail users (which is me).

She said I could still fill out the secondary, but unless I was in one of the "mission groups" (first time I heard this term) or considered a fit for one of the dual degree programs, I wouldn't get an interview. Those mission groups are: 1) one of the special states (OR, MT, WY; not me, I'm in CA) 2) academic excellence - at least 3.65 GPA and 32 MCAT. I have 37 MCAT and 3.63 GPA. No dice. 3) Diversity - did I grow up poor (no).

Upshot: she told me even if I did fill out the secondary I would definitely not get an interview. She told me that this is probably true for next year too, although if I get in early in the season there's a miniscule chance I could get an interview.

If I end up re-applying next year, I will send in a letter saying that my lack of secondary completion was due to miscommunication rather than disinterest, so they don't think I'm flaky. Hopefully I won't have to worry about that, since I did get interviews at my #1 and #2 choices for med schools and I'm right now waiting to hear back.
 
I didn't read the whole thread so there may be others who had this same experience, but I wanted to make sure I shared since this forum has been very helpful to me.

This week I got a letter from OHSU saying "We offered you a secondary and you didn't complete it, so we're throwing out your application." Only I never got a secondary invite. I emailed the admissions office and within minutes got a call back, explaining that this happened to a lot of people, i.e. that email were sent but never received, especially with Gmail users (which is me).

She said I could still fill out the secondary, but unless I was in one of the "mission groups" (first time I heard this term) or considered a fit for one of the dual degree programs, I wouldn't get an interview. Those mission groups are: 1) one of the special states (OR, MT, WY; not me, I'm in CA) 2) academic excellence - at least 3.65 GPA and 32 MCAT. I have 37 MCAT and 3.63 GPA. No dice. 3) Diversity - did I grow up poor (no).

Upshot: she told me even if I did fill out the secondary I would definitely not get an interview. She told me that this is probably true for next year too, although if I get in early in the season there's a miniscule chance I could get an interview.

If I end up re-applying next year, I will send in a letter saying that my lack of secondary completion was due to miscommunication rather than disinterest, so they don't think I'm flaky. Hopefully I won't have to worry about that, since I did get interviews at my #1 and #2 choices for med schools and I'm right now waiting to hear back.

Sorry to hear that Mike, hopefully you get an acceptance into one of your top choices! 👍
 
Huruck it.

I got put on the hold list (whatever that means)...

Ohh well. Guess sunny california is the place for me. (I am bitter because I am a 23 year resident of Oregon who was 5/5 at all the other OOS schools I applied to...now I get waitlisted by my own state school after what I thought was my best interview...ugg...)

Sorry about the rant. Guess this "rejection" or whatever they are giving me will keep me grounded.

Sorry you didn't get a direct admit--only about 15% of interviewees do. With that said, about 50% of interviewees ultimately end up getting accepted.

So, I congratulate you on all your other acceptances--that's awesome! And, if you do want to be at OHSU, you still have a decent shot--'hold' is by no means a rejection, it just means you weren't in the top 15%.

Best of luck to you, wherever you end up!
 
do the hold letters come via email or snail mail?
 
Haven't been on here in a while, but I got an interview request (2/20) (submitted 10/26). From what it sounded like from the email my long wait was due to the fact that I applied to the MD/MPH program. If you aren't selected for this, it only prolongs your MD interview. Interview March 17th! Can't wait!!!
 
Hey Congratulations PDXSwimmer! Good luck! 😀
 
Pre-interview rejections are starting to come... or at least mine did, today, in the mail. At least it was nicely worded...
 
I interviewed for MD/MPH and am now on hold...I think I saw someone got accepted MD/MPH right?

So do you think a hold is good, bad, or neutral? Or is the process is a big mystery to everyone else too...?
 
Nina,

This may be speculation, but I believe that "hold" is a common thing for OHSU to do (~70% of their applicants) initially. I believe they reject 15% after interview, accept 15% after interview, and put the rest on hold. From looking at last year's posts, it seems that they start to waitlist people in mid to late May, and come up with a ranked waitlist by June. It seems like they have historically accepted up to 80 or so people off the waitlist, and everyone on the waitlist knows exactly what number they are and who is next in line to be accepted as others withdraw from their OHSU acceptance. So, I do believe being put on hold is common and you still have an excellent chance of being accepted. :luck:
 
Has anyone been rejected post-interview? Has anyone else been waiting for a decision more than 2 months post-interview?
 
Has anyone been rejected post-interview? Has anyone else been waiting for a decision more than 2 months post-interview?

Hmmm...if its been longer than 2 months you for sure need to e-mail or call Lori or Katy. Their contact info is in the packet they gave you during your interview. At least, this is what I would do.
 
Nina,

This may be speculation, but I believe that "hold" is a common thing for OHSU to do (~70% of their applicants) initially. I believe they reject 15% after interview, accept 15% after interview, and put the rest on hold. From looking at last year's posts, it seems that they start to waitlist people in mid to late May, and come up with a ranked waitlist by June. It seems like they have historically accepted up to 80 or so people off the waitlist, and everyone on the waitlist knows exactly what number they are and who is next in line to be accepted as others withdraw from their OHSU acceptance. So, I do believe being put on hold is common and you still have an excellent chance of being accepted. :luck:

Splendid! Thanks Kaya 🙂 I know the MD/MPH only has 6 spots...so it might be different. 80% off the waitlist is amazing though
 
I interviewed for MD/MPH and am now on hold...I think I saw someone got accepted MD/MPH right?

So do you think a hold is good, bad, or neutral? Or is the process is a big mystery to everyone else too...?

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.
 
Splendid! Thanks Kaya 🙂 I know the MD/MPH only has 6 spots...so it might be different. 80% off the waitlist is amazing though

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 think last year, they got to #56 or something like that (give or take a spot or two).
 
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