2008-2009 University of Rochester Secondary Application Thread

[lacrossefiend73]

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I agree, the school seems very attractive to me from what I've seen and heard so far. What do YOU love about it specifically? If you interviewed at many other schools, what did you like more about rochester than other schools? It is really nice to hear someone talk so enthusiastically about a school.

You're coming this Monday, right? I'll need to come say hello!

What do I love... well, everything. We are in a very difficult/overwhelming/taxing class right now, but I still enjoy the school (which seems like it would be hard to say at many schools). I love my classmates for one... I can't tell you enough what an amazing group of people they are. I love the faculty. They are so receptive and caring. They take our feedback and ideas to heart (you will notice on the admissions office desk that a sign is posted w/ names and schools of interviewees... I asked them to do this earlier this week and it's already done). And they honestly do care about your well-being. My anatomy lab teacher today noticed I was being quieter than usual and came to ask me if I was okay.

I also absolutely love the enormous amount of opportunities available here. There is truly something for everyone. We have so many interest groups, community outreach activities and summer opportunities. Almost 40% of every class researches abroad each summer. If going abroad isn't your thing, there is plenty to do here whether it be research or clinical shadowing... or if you want to go back home, people here can hook you up w/ people elsewhere. I plan on staying here and doing research next summer and my advisory dean gave me the names of people to email and they have already been in contact. Lots of PIs in labs that are PhDs will tell you the med students are spoiled... we are.

Another thing is the set up of our classes. The double helix curriculum is nice in that it lets us take a clinical class and then actually go to work w/ a preceptor at the same time as taking science. Sure, the science is interesting... but it is nice to learn the skills you will be using and reinforce why you are here. Also, because we abide by the biopsychosocial model, they like us to think about things other than the science. You get to take a humanities class once a year and there are a ton to choose from. We even have a latino health pathway and a deaf health pathway which teach you Spanish/ASL so you can incorporate it in your practice.

I could go on and on, but I'll let you see for yourself when you come. I went to 4 interviews and this one by far blew me out of the water. Mostly for the reasons above, but also because everyone was so amazingly nice and excited to be here themselves. All schools will shove more information than you want down your throats, but I came away with the sense that at U of R, they are here to help you along the way.

 

[sarahl86]

Deaf Health Pathway? I had no idea about that and it makes me love the school that much more for it!!!!!

 

[azuldelcielo]

How long is it taking people to hear back from UofR? I have been complete since 8/15 and have heard nothing.

i almost gave up hope...i was complete on 7/31 and got an invite on 9/8

 

[lacrossefiend73]

Deaf Health Pathway? I had no idea about that and it makes me love the school that much more for it!!!!!

Yeah! It's really awesome. We had a day a few weeks back where in the afternoon, we did something called Deaf Strong Hospital and it was a total role reversal situation. We became the patients and members of the Deaf community here (supposedly Rochester has the largest amount of Deaf people per capita or something like that) were our doctors. We had to try to communicate our problems to them and saw how frustrating it is when you can't. Then we got to talk to some Deaf people w/ the help of an interpreter... it was just a really cool experience overall.

As far as the Deaf Health Pathway... I think I'm going to do it. You get to take ASL classes for your humanities class and just learn about the Deaf community so that when you are practicing you will be able to make Deaf patients feel more at ease. 👍

 

[RoadRunner17]

Yeah! It's really awesome. We had a day a few weeks back where in the afternoon, we did something called Deaf Strong Hospital and it was a total role reversal situation. We became the patients and members of the Deaf community here (supposedly Rochester has the largest amount of Deaf people per capita or something like that) were our doctors. We had to try to communicate our problems to them and saw how frustrating it is when you can't. Then we got to talk to some Deaf people w/ the help of an interpreter... it was just a really cool experience overall.

As far as the Deaf Health Pathway... I think I'm going to do it. You get to take ASL classes for your humanities class and just learn about the Deaf community so that when you are practicing you will be able to make Deaf patients feel more at ease. 👍

That's certainly correct, re: deaf people per capita. For those who want to know, it's because of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf that's part of the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Two thumbs up to the people interested in working with the Deaf - we are the "silent minority" as far as healthcare goes due to the various communication barriers that exist between groups that communicate visually rather than verbally.

So you can imagine that my interest in Rochester is quite high. I'm just hoping that's reciprocated at some point in this application cycle.

 

[sarahl86]

That's certainly correct, re: deaf people per capita. For those who want to know, it's because of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf that's part of the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Two thumbs up to the people interested in working with the Deaf - we are the "silent minority" as far as healthcare goes due to the various communication barriers that exist between groups that communicate visually rather than verbally.

So you can imagine that my interest in Rochester is quite high. I'm just hoping that's reciprocated at some point in this application cycle.

I actually know a lot of people who graduated from RIT: all of them told me "its boring up there!", haha. DC (more specifically at Georgetown) has a Deaf program as well because of Gallaudet. Nothing like Rochester's though.

I work with deaf patients right now in a medical/psychiatric setting...its an uphill battle and definitely something I hope to make an impact on as a doctor, thats why I'm really excited about Rochester. I don't have a research background but I'm hoping my experiences with the Deaf/ASL skills will be a huge asset at Rochester - if I had done research, I wouldn't be at this point so I can't say I regret it.

Roadrunner - are you D/HH? Don't answer if you don't want to...just curious.

 

[Leejwwc]

i'm so excited to be making the drive to rochester this weekend! my interview is also on monday 😀

 

[lacrossefiend73]

i'm so excited to be making the drive to rochester this weekend! my interview is also on monday 😀

Hooray! I'll come try to talk to you guys in the morning if I pass you while you're sitting in the admissions office.

 

[cheasus]

You're coming this Monday, right? I'll need to come say hello!

What do I love... well, everything. We are in a very difficult/overwhelming/taxing class right now, but I still enjoy the school (which seems like it would be hard to say at many schools). I love my classmates for one... I can't tell you enough what an amazing group of people they are. I love the faculty. They are so receptive and caring. They take our feedback and ideas to heart (you will notice on the admissions office desk that a sign is posted w/ names and schools of interviewees... I asked them to do this earlier this week and it's already done). And they honestly do care about your well-being. My anatomy lab teacher today noticed I was being quieter than usual and came to ask me if I was okay.

I also absolutely love the enormous amount of opportunities available here. There is truly something for everyone. We have so many interest groups, community outreach activities and summer opportunities. Almost 40% of every class researches abroad each summer. If going abroad isn't your thing, there is plenty to do here whether it be research or clinical shadowing... or if you want to go back home, people here can hook you up w/ people elsewhere. I plan on staying here and doing research next summer and my advisory dean gave me the names of people to email and they have already been in contact. Lots of PIs in labs that are PhDs will tell you the med students are spoiled... we are.

Another thing is the set up of our classes. The double helix curriculum is nice in that it lets us take a clinical class and then actually go to work w/ a preceptor at the same time as taking science. Sure, the science is interesting... but it is nice to learn the skills you will be using and reinforce why you are here. Also, because we abide by the biopsychosocial model, they like us to think about things other than the science. You get to take a humanities class once a year and there are a ton to choose from. We even have a latino health pathway and a deaf health pathway which teach you Spanish/ASL so you can incorporate it in your practice.

I could go on and on, but I'll let you see for yourself when you come. I went to 4 interviews and this one by far blew me out of the water. Mostly for the reasons above, but also because everyone was so amazingly nice and excited to be here themselves. All schools will shove more information than you want down your throats, but I came away with the sense that at U of R, they are here to help you along the way.

Thank you so much for such a detailed response, honestly, just hearing how enthusiastic some students are at this school has really given me a good feeling about it. A lot of what you said seems to match my essays for the interview... especially the international experience, 40% is amazing, and I will definitely participate in that wherever I go. I look forward to the interview, all of us SDN people (interviewees/students) should meet for dinner or something the night before (9/28). I have nothing planned and it would be cool to meet a lot of you.

 

[lacrossefiend73]

Luck tomorrow if you guys see this!

 

[cheasus]

You will all love it! I promise!

I did love it, I hope the feeling was mutual.

😍

 

[franniemeow07]

Congrats to all the people who got interviews so far~~!

Just had a quick question. Does the status page say if they've received your LORs? Right now my status page says:

Application Status: *Payment Received.

* Secondary Application and Payment Received

Or do I have to call and check? Thanks for the info guys!

 

[fuzzywuz]

It won't say specifically, but once you are complete, it will say that you are complete.

You can call, their office seemed nice.

 

[franniemeow07]

Thanks for the into, Fuzz!

 

[sushichopstickz]

I would love to interview at Rochester, too. Come-on lady luck!

 

[linguini]

I would love to interview at Rochester, too. Come-on lady luck!

Seems like it's been kind of quiet on the Rochester interview front lately...anyone else agree?

 

[funkydrmonkey]

I have been complete forever and a day. I keep calling the adcom, but they always tell me that they review apps randomly, so it does not matter if you are complete early!

 

[sushichopstickz]

Is it me or has interview invites been coming out kinda slowly lately, not just with Rochester, but with all other schools. Sigh...

 

[cheasus]

Is it me or has interview invites been coming out kinda slowly lately, not just with Rochester, but with all other schools. Sigh...

It certianly appears that way. Makes me wonder that if a school hasnt contacted me by now, will they ever? 😱 Just have to hope for the best.

 

[fuzzywuz]

Status just changed for me.

It says "Invite."

No email yet. Check your pages!

 

[chad5871]

Status just changed for me.

It says "Invite."

No email yet. Check your pages!

Application Status: Application Complete.

🙁

 

[trojanMD]

Status just changed for me.

It says "Invite."

No email yet. Check your pages!

Congrats!!! I am dying for an interview from this school! My app status still just says: Application Complete 👎

 

[fuzzywuz]

Thanks all! Good luck, I'm rooting for all of you!

 

[trojanMD]

If I may ask, when were you marked complete fuzzywuz?

 

[fuzzywuz]

My status changed to complete on 8/27.

Stats and other dates are in my MDapp profile. Feel free to browse through it!

 

[geenelln]

what did people think of their interview day?

I was kind of disappointed when I asked my faculty interviewer about the effects of the double helix curriculum on board scores, and he said he was worried the students would do worse because they don't learn as much basic science as the traditional curric. What did other people think of the trade off?

Otherwise, I really liked it.

 

[zpiff]

I'm really excited about this school! Interview in 2 days!

 

[fuzzywuz]

Hey all,

For those who are interviewing or have interviewed at U of R, did you guys stay with students? Or did you choose a hotel? I want to stay with students since I don't want to waste money, but I really want to have a good nights rest to prepare for my interview...

I'm just wondering how the dorms are like and other relevant info..Any ideas/suggestions??

 

[cheasus]

Hey all,

For those who are interviewing or have interviewed at U of R, did you guys stay with students? Or did you choose a hotel? I want to stay with students since I don't want to waste money, but I really want to have a good nights rest to prepare for my interview...

I'm just wondering how the dorms are like and other relevant info..Any ideas/suggestions??

Most students seemed to stay in houses that were across the street from the hospital. I think if you call and ask several people, some of them will probably have a comfortable spare room. I would recommend staying with students, it really made an impression on me.

 

[Leejwwc]

Most students seemed to stay in houses that were across the street from the hospital. I think if you call and ask several people, some of them will probably have a comfortable spare room. I would recommend staying with students, it really made an impression on me.

i drove in from ct so i was super tired and stayed at the best western, about 10-15 mins from campus. they have a discounted rate of $79 for interviewees.

 

[lacrossefiend73]

what did people think of their interview day?

I was kind of disappointed when I asked my faculty interviewer about the effects of the double helix curriculum on board scores, and he said he was worried the students would do worse because they don't learn as much basic science as the traditional curric. What did other people think of the trade off?

Otherwise, I really liked it.

Really? Someone said that? Our board scores are above average (not sure of the exact range)... and everyone seems to be quite happy with it. Personally, I think I'm learning a ton, and I'm only 7 weeks in.

One thing I enjoy about the double helix curriculum is that it makes you look at the big picture. To me, it is easier to see the big picture and fill in the details rather than the other way around. And what do the details matter if you don't see the overall idea? Plus, it helps me to be a thinker rather than just a memorizer.

 

[fuzzywuz]

Most students seemed to stay in houses that were across the street from the hospital. I think if you call and ask several people, some of them will probably have a comfortable spare room. I would recommend staying with students, it really made an impression on me.

Thanks! Will definitely do that!👍

 

[fuzzywuz]

Oh I forgot to ask... do you guys happen to know if:

(1) Those students on the host list are all living on campus?
(2) For those students who are willing to host, do they have extra space in their room or an extra spare/empty room in their suite/living complex?

Just a lil curious..

 

[lacrossefiend73]

Oh I forgot to ask... do you guys happen to know if:

(1) Those students on the host list are all living on campus?
(2) For those students who are willing to host, do they have extra space in their room or an extra spare/empty room in their suite/living complex?

Just a lil curious..

Most students who host live within walking distance of the hospital. A few live in the student housing, and many live in the houses right behind the hospital (lovingly termed "The White Coat Ghetto"). So, if you stay with someone, they will most likely walk w/ you to school. Some people live a little further out, and if you stay w/ them, they will definitely drive you.

As far as space... it depends. A lot of people who host have a couch/futon to share, few have a whole extra room. But it's usually not cramped... the houses around here are really nice and most students live in them.

 

[fuzzywuz]

Most students who host live within walking distance of the hospital. A few live in the student housing, and many live in the houses right behind the hospital (lovingly termed "The White Coat Ghetto"). So, if you stay with someone, they will most likely walk w/ you to school. Some people live a little further out, and if you stay w/ them, they will definitely drive you.

As far as space... it depends. A lot of people who host have a couch/futon to share, few have a whole extra room. But it's usually not cramped... the houses around here are really nice and most students live in them.

Thanks for the information! Look forward to checking out the school!

 

[butac]

I interviewed in mid September, Rochester said all September interviews would go to the admissions committee in October. If they do let us know around October 15th, will they call or will I just have to check my status page? Also - if you get rejected from schools in general do they send you snail mail and not call? If so I want my phone ringing all day on the 15th and 16th.

 

[DocI]

I interviewed in mid September, Rochester said all September interviews would go to the admissions committee in October. If they do let us know around October 15th, will they call or will I just have to check my status page? Also - if you get rejected from schools in general do they send you snail mail and not call? If so I want my phone ringing all day on the 15th and 16th.

You'll get an email, then phone call if accepted and snail mail if rejected. Best of luck

 

[lacrossefiend73]

Good luck in the coming days, hopeful Rochesterians!

 

[Soccerdoc11]

Good luck in the coming days, hopeful Rochesterians!

Lacrossefiend you really liking Rochester?? I have been complete about a month and hoping for some hometown love...

 

[jmillski]

ditto, minus the hometowness

 

[fuzzywuz]

Good luck in the coming days, hopeful Rochesterians!

hehe you would make a good promoter for the school. They should give you an official position or something..

 

[lacrossefiend73]

Lacrossefiend you really liking Rochester?? I have been complete about a month and hoping for some hometown love...

Loving it... loads of work (obviously), but great classmates and great faculty that actually care if you learn the material and want you to do well.

Oh... and tons upon tons of opportunities!

hehe you would make a good promoter for the school. They should give you an official position or something..

Haha... I actually do have one... 😉

 

[kac714]

ditto, minus the hometowness

me too... i did my undergrad there and would love to go back. i love the biopsychosocial thing.

 

[cheasus]

Anyone get a phone call? I am excited to hear from them...

 

[butac]

Trying to bump this up. I want to know if anyone is getting calls yet too.

 

[KEEK]

I'm contributing to bumping this one up? Does anyone know when we should be finding out it we interviewed 9/19... ? Or has anyone heard yet?

 

[chewwy025]

my student interviewer (MS2), who himself interviewed at Rochester during one of the first dates in September, said that they start sending out acceptances out around this time. however, he said the he didn't receive his acceptance until october 24th and was pretty antsy from the 15th-24th...so i guess, be prepared to wait.

 

[virusgirl]

I interviewed on 9/22 and haven't heard anything yet. I was going to be all stoic and patient, but then this morning I cracked under the stress and called admissions. I was (very nicely) informed that they are still making decisions and will let me know... someday.

I LOVED this school. I'd feel a lot better if I heard back from anyone, but if Rochester gave me some love I would definitely do a happy dance 🙂

 

[cheasus]

I interviewed on 9/22 and haven't heard anything yet. I was going to be all stoic and patient, but then this morning I cracked under the stress and called admissions. I was (very nicely) informed that they are still making decisions and will let me know... someday.

I LOVED this school. I'd feel a lot better if I heard back from anyone, but if Rochester gave me some love I would definitely do a happy dance 🙂

I really loved the school too, they do a really good job of selling their positive qualities. Since no one has talked about acceptance, can I assume no one has been admitted yet? I would do a happy dancethon if they accepted me.

 

[Leejwwc]

yeah, i'm also super antsy about hearing back from U of R (interviewed 9/29). they really have an amazing program there. if you check the acceptances thread, there is one person who interviewed 9/5 and heard back 10/15.