2008-2009 University of Rochester Secondary Application Thread

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Does anyone happen to know how much time Rochester provides for students to take their Step 1?
 
Tekbright510 said:
Does anyone happen to know how much time Rochester provides for students to take their Step 1?
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The 2nd years get a six week summer starting in early/mid May for the full time job of studying/taking Step 1 🙂

The last course the 2nd years take is called Year 2 Case Studies which also helps for studying.
 
Is Rochester known for not "teaching to the test?"
 
jmillski said:
Is Rochester known for not "teaching to the test?"
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Rochester doesn't teach to the test. You rarely hear lecturers mention it. Of course, the curriculum covers step 1 material, just like every other med school!

I'd also have to disagree with lacrossefiend, Year 2 Case Seminars doesn't really help you prepare for step 1. Although it may be changing a bit since I took it, it is nothing like the review courses a lot of schools offer at the end of 2nd year, and really isn't a help for step 1 studying.

That said, we do get 6 weeks, everyone does well, and the largest predictor for step 1 success is your ability to take standardized tests, and not your first and second year curriculum. The only way to do well on step 1 is to put in the hours and study hard.
 
whoknows2010 said:
I'd also have to disagree with lacrossefiend, Year 2 Case Seminars doesn't really help you prepare for step 1. Although it may be changing a bit since I took it, it is nothing like the review courses a lot of schools offer at the end of 2nd year, and really isn't a help for step 1 studying.
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I was just going based on what some current 2nd years were saying since I obviously haven't taken the course myself... not that they have either. I didn't mean it was a review course like some other schools have, just topics that may pop up.

So whatever you say works!
 
Hey, I was just at rochester and I'd have to agree with those two about not teaching to the test. The dean straight up said that to us.

I really liked the school but I got grilled by my second interviewer. Darn ethical questions destroyed me so I don't think I'll be accepted! Would a letter of interest help?
 
lacrossefiend73 said:
I was just going based on what some current 2nd years were saying since I obviously haven't taken the course myself... not that they have either. I didn't mean it was a review course like some other schools have, just topics that may pop up.

So whatever you say works!
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Yeah, it's more along the lines of "kinda random stuff we haven't taught you." Not that it's unimportant, but it's not so boards-y... other than being maybe a bit lighter so you can fit in some boards study time (you basically just have to attend to do well on the tests).

For those curious, it's four mini-blocks each about a week long, and each block is generally based on the major courses over the 2 years. So, in the "Human Structure And Function" block, you focus on challenges to hemodynamics, "Molecules to Cells" - lab medicine/blood banking/etc, "Host Defense" - environmental/occupational medicine, and "Mind Brain Behavior" - neuromuscular disorders. It's really PBL heavy - hence the name Case Seminars, and you also have a "clinical practice essay" to write (they give you fridays off each week to do it).

Like i said before, they are changing it a bit this year, but I doubt it will be very different.
 
droshan said:
Hey, I was just at rochester and I'd have to agree with those two about not teaching to the test. The dean straight up said that to us.

I really liked the school but I got grilled by my second interviewer. Darn ethical questions destroyed me so I don't think I'll be accepted! Would a letter of interest help?
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Don't give up hope! A letter of interest can't hurt if you really wanna go here.
 
I was browsing the URSMD website when I came cross the latest edition of the Dean's Newsletter:

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/newsletter/article.cfm?id=141

This particular edition is about looking ahead to the next several months with regards to clinical affairs and education. I found an excerpt which I found interesting as a prospective student -

Looking Forward

Applicants to the medical school for entry in August of 2009 have remained stable while applications nationally are down slightly—testimony of the strength of our program. 2009 will see the school finalize the specifics of the fine tuning of the curriculum with further progress and finalization on the Domains of Excellence initiative. In response to student feedback and Task Force recommendations, the Surgery Clerkship will increase from 5 to 6 weeks beginning in July of 2009 in addition to two weeks of required sub-specialty surgery before graduation. In August of 2009, we will roll-out our new computerized examination system. We will also continue to look for ways to incorporate technology in teaching and hope to create interdisciplinary experiences for students. Advisory Deans and faculty will continue to provide students with excellent career counseling, assisting them in securing the best residency positions to meet their needs. We will also encourage students wishing to take a year out for research through the Academic Research Track and other prestigious, competitive funding opportunities.


Have any current students heard about this computerized examination system? What do you guys think?
 
Tekbright510 said:
Have any current students heard about this computerized examination system? What do you guys think?
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I've heard about it, but there hasn't been much talk about it. In 2nd year, they take a class called Disease Processes and Therapeutics and their exams are on the computer. A 2nd year told me he thinks it is good since boards are computer based. Other than that, I don't really have much info on it for you.
 
Just got an email about the second look weekend. Is anybody planning on going to this? Did any of you M1s/M2s browsing this thread go? It sounds pretty cool, I'm thinking i'll be there...
 
Poiu86 said:
Just got an email about the second look weekend. Is anybody planning on going to this? Did any of you M1s/M2s browsing this thread go? It sounds pretty cool, I'm thinking i'll be there...
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I assure you it will be a good time 😀
 
Poiu86 said:
Just got an email about the second look weekend. Is anybody planning on going to this? Did any of you M1s/M2s browsing this thread go? It sounds pretty cool, I'm thinking i'll be there...
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i didnt get the email. when is it?
 
April 23 thru 25...arrive evening of 23, but the activities start at 7am on the 24 (breakfast) thru 2PM on the 25
 
Does anyone have any idea of when the adcom is meeting this month?
 
I just got the phone call this morning! My first acceptance, and I am incredibly relieved. I only interviewed two weeks ago (Jan 24), so I was very pleasantly surprised to hear. Yay! The months and months of waiting to know if I can be a doctor are over!!!!
 
Congratulations!!! Yeah, knowing your future isn't in limbo anymore is definitely a relief! Don't forget to post in the allopathic class thread and join the facebook group!! :-D
 
Mugunson said:
I just got the phone call this morning! My first acceptance, and I am incredibly relieved. I only interviewed two weeks ago (Jan 24), so I was very pleasantly surprised to hear. Yay! The months and months of waiting to know if I can be a doctor are over!!!!
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Congrats! Is this necessarily bad news that I interviewed Jan 5th and still haven't heard? Do those waitlisted or rejected usually hear around the same time? Thanks for any info..
 
Soccerdoc11 said:
Congrats! Is this necessarily bad news that I interviewed Jan 5th and still haven't heard? Do those waitlisted or rejected usually hear around the same time? Thanks for any info..
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i wouldn't think so, cause the adcom reviews everyone for that month (or previous month). when i interviewed, it was nov 6 but the adcom had just had their meeting, so our interviews got reviewed in the december bunch. so, nov 6 (and on) got decisions the same time december interviewees got theres.
 
EtherealEyez said:
i wouldn't think so, cause the adcom reviews everyone for that month (or previous month). when i interviewed, it was nov 6 but the adcom had just had their meeting, so our interviews got reviewed in the december bunch. so, nov 6 (and on) got decisions the same time december interviewees got theres.
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Yeah, the same situation. Well all I can do is hope for the best and maybe I'll find out tomorrow.. Still no change to my status page.
 
Tekbright510 said:
I was browsing the URSMD website when I came cross the latest edition of the Dean's Newsletter:

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/newsletter/article.cfm?id=141

This particular edition is about looking ahead to the next several months with regards to clinical affairs and education. I found an excerpt which I found interesting as a prospective student -

Looking Forward

Applicants to the medical school for entry in August of 2009 have remained stable while applications nationally are down slightly—testimony of the strength of our program. 2009 will see the school finalize the specifics of the fine tuning of the curriculum with further progress and finalization on the Domains of Excellence initiative. In response to student feedback and Task Force recommendations, the Surgery Clerkship will increase from 5 to 6 weeks beginning in July of 2009 in addition to two weeks of required sub-specialty surgery before graduation. In August of 2009, we will roll-out our new computerized examination system. We will also continue to look for ways to incorporate technology in teaching and hope to create interdisciplinary experiences for students. Advisory Deans and faculty will continue to provide students with excellent career counseling, assisting them in securing the best residency positions to meet their needs. We will also encourage students wishing to take a year out for research through the Academic Research Track and other prestigious, competitive funding opportunities.


Have any current students heard about this computerized examination system? What do you guys think?
Click to expand...


I haven't heard anything specific about it, but they got a set of laptops 2.5 years ago for computerized testing and students have been using them on and off since then for tests - some faculty has embraced it, other's have not.

Considering every standardized test you will take for the rest of your life will be on a computer, it makes sense. Not to mention that it eliminates weird xerox problems with images, and for most people our age, we'd rather type short answer questions. I don't think it makes any difference in testing, otherwise, and have never heard students complain about them (other than the time the system wouldn't load our exam and we sat around while the computer folks freaked out and someone ran and printed a batch for all of us).

I don't know if "new computer exam system" means that they got a new software program for their computer testing, or if it means they are expanding what tests are on computers. Either way, it's not a big deal.
 
Wait listed today by e-mail 🙁. You think they would give a Rochester resident the benefit of a doubt. Anyone know the earliest they start pulling off the wait list?
 
Soccerdoc11 said:
Wait listed today by e-mail 🙁. You think they would give a Rochester resident the benefit of a doubt. Anyone know the earliest they start pulling off the wait list?
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Last year, it was May 16th IIRC. They pulled a couple off throughout the interview season, but they were few and far between. I know its a long wait, but don't lose hope! :luck:
 
Got waitlisted here too! haha, its alright mate, we'll just have to wait it out. I think they reject so atleast we aren't there.
 
does anyone know if they are done interviewing for the season? or any recent interviews?
 
Soccerdoc11 said:
Wait listed today by e-mail 🙁. You think they would give a Rochester resident the benefit of a doubt. Anyone know the earliest they start pulling off the wait list?
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That's too bad, man. From all your posting on this forum, I can tell you have a genuine desire to go there. I'm actually pretty surprised they didn't accept you with your numbers and your rochester connection. I'd be even more surprised though if you didn't eventually get in off the waitlist, so don't give up 👍
 
chalk up 1 more for the waitlist 🙁. I guess i'll be waiting with you guys too. I was kinda surprised, as even my interviewer had said she thought I woul d ea good fit for the school. I guess that 3.69 GPA is still hurting me.
 
takhara said:
That's too bad, man. From all your posting on this forum, I can tell you have a genuine desire to go there. I'm actually pretty surprised they didn't accept you with your numbers and your rochester connection. I'd be even more surprised though if you didn't eventually get in off the waitlist, so don't give up 👍
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Thanks Takhara... we can't win em all but yeah of course I will still be hoping for a shot..
 
To all of you who just made the WL... please, please, please don't lose hope! If you think Rochester is where you want to be and got good vibes from your interviewer, its not over! Remember that it is late in the season so fewer and fewer acceptances go out post-interview. But, this does not mean that you are not in very high graces w/ our admissions committee! Write letters, stay in touch, let them know Rochester is where you want to be 👍
 
Anyone heard anything from Rochester post-interview lately? I am waiting and I want to get in here VERY badly- loved the school...
 
I interviewed around the middle of Feb, and received a phone call about a week later letting me know I'd been accepted. Very excited because I loved the school.

Good luck to those still waiting, I'm sure there will be a lot of movement.
 
Congratulaions! I think we are all pretty excited; I know I am! Are you planning on going to second look?
 
Did anyone's status change prior to receiving a decision post-interview? Thanks guys!
 
Mine did after the acceptance call and email
 
Who can I expect to see at second look??
 
cheasus said:
how many people do you think will come?
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Hard to say. I think last year was somewhere in the 70s.

If you haven't RSVPed yet and are planning on coming, please do! We have to call everyone on the accepted list who hasn't RSVPed to see what their plans are, and a few less phone calls would be lovely 😀
 
does rochester overaccept? are there more than 100 people invited?
 
So, does Rochester have a ranked waitlist? If so, when do the numbers go up?
 
Lacrossefiend,

I'm signed up to go, but was just called by the airline and my flight OUT of ROC on saturday has to be changed to 2:50 pm. Is that going to work??


thanks..
 
Poiu86 said:
Lacrossefiend,

I'm signed up to go, but was just called by the airline and my flight OUT of ROC on saturday has to be changed to 2:50 pm. Is that going to work??


thanks..
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Yep! Should be done in plenty of time... and even if we aren't, you can always cut out early. The nice thing about the Rochester airport is that there are hardly ever any lines, so you don't need to get there super early. Excited you're coming!
 
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