2008-2009 University of Washington Secondary Application Thread

[Lacheln]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm OOS, got verified on the 28th of July. Still haven't heard anything from them, not even acknowledgment. Is this normal or does UW hate me?

I was verified on June 17th, acknowledged on July 10th. It takes a while.

 

[tianac2]

Has anyone's letter's been acknowledged? I.e., your status page no longer says:

"A search for your letters of recommendation shows that the following items are still missing:

Premedical committee letter - XXXX University"

Just curious because mine have been available in VE for almost a month and I've emailed them twice about it over the past two weeks and all I keep getting is *cricket, cricket*...

 

[nina7123]

I'm OOS, got verified on the 28th of July. Still haven't heard anything from them, not even acknowledgment. Is this normal or does UW hate me?

I'm also OOS, AMCAS verified June 24 and the first thing I heard from them was a secondary invite on August 4th. Looooong screening process apparently. But good luck!!

 

[neuropeptidey]

My letters have been available via AMCAS for several weeks and I still have a status page that reads, "All sections of your online Supplemental Application were received. A search for your Letters of Evaluation indicates that the following items are missing," and it lists all of my letters. I called them about it today and they responded that they haven't done letter downloads yet and that we shouldn't worry.

 

[tianac2]

My letters have been available via AMCAS for several weeks and I still have a status page that reads, "All sections of your online Supplemental Application were received. A search for your Letters of Evaluation indicates that the following items are missing," and it lists all of my letters. I called them about it today and they responded that they haven't done letter downloads yet and that we shouldn't worry.

Thanks! Goodness...I'm glad it wasn't just me! I swear they were already giving invites around this time last year though....I wonder what's up? Maybe they're having as much trouble with AMCAS LOE as the rest of us!

 

[Calf]

Well I completed the MSTP preliminary secondary a while ago. This school does it kind of weird, in that there are two rounds of MSTP secondaries and they don't get to your letters until the second round... <_<

 

[Gwardafuy]

First time posting...

So I have yet to apply (waiting on my 8/15 MCAT), and I have inconsistent grades... roughly 2.8gpa OA, but this was brought down by a few classes with TERRIBLE grades. These grades were due to maintaining an athletic scholarship to pay for school; I had to make sacrifices academically to allow for the completion of my degree in conjunction with my sport. I'm a 2006 UW grad (and WA resident), athlete (national champion), and just finished my post bac at Penn. Also, I have good employment and research experiences. Furthermore, throughout my undergrad time, my father was sick with Lymphoma and my mother was in a nursing home due to MS. My father passed away my last year of undergrad work. Without going into details, these situations have made my journey pretty challenging, both economically and socially. I welcome all advice.

I also had to 2 questions...

How does applying for the WWAMI program differ from the regular AMCAS app (is it on the secondary)?

and

Should I apply to UW?

Thanks!

 

[ronicajay]

I also had to 2 questions...

How does applying for the WWAMI program differ from the regular AMCAS app (is it on the secondary)?

and

Should I apply to UW?

Thanks!

You would not be applying WWAMI as a Washington state resident. That is for people from Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho to apply as residents. Just fill out the application as normal.

Why not apply? It's the cheapest secondary I've seen!

 

[Meetchy]

Anyone know when they start giving out interviews?

 

[StarStup]

Anyone from Idaho getting sick of waiting for the Legislature to pass the new residency laws? I'm sure UW knows about it but I hope it doesn't take too long!

 

[tianac2]

Anyone know when they start giving out interviews?

Let me just preface this by saying that yes, I do realize that I have way too much time on my hands...

So, I went through the invite threads from last year, and let me tell you, they were a mess! Anyway, the first posted invite came on the first Friday in September. It appears that the majority of invites came on Thursdays and Fridays although there were a couple that came on a Wednesday or a Monday. However, the first several people didn't say what day the invite came on so I had to go by the day that they posted to the thread which could have been a couple of days after they got the invite.

Conclusions:
-We'll probably start hearing during the first week of September (2 weeks from now).
-If they use the same process as last year, we're most likely to hear about interviews on Thursdays and Fridays.
-It appears that they have approximately a 1 month turnaround from complete to invite for apps that were completed AFTER interviews started coming out.
-Most people's scheduled interviews were within 2 weeks of their invite, so once you get that invite you don't have long to wait till the real thing. (The exception to this were the first two interviews that came out in the first week in September because they didn't actually start interviewing until October).
-People were posting invites all the way through December, so be patient!

Good luck everyone!

 

[dancermd07]

Hey everyone,

If your AMCAS has been verified for a couple of weeks and you still haven't heard anything, I would highly suggest you call the admissions office. I was verified on June 30 and hadn't heard anything, so I assumed I got rejected pre-secondary. I called today just out of curiosity and the lady said two emails had been sent to me: one on July 3 saying my AMCAS was received and July 17 saying I was invited to submit the secondary! I don't know how I didn't get those emails, seeing how I check my inbox, trash, and even spam throughout the day to make sure I don't miss anything. The important thing is that I got the secondary, and now I need to finish it pronto so I can get this process rolling! The admissions office is super nice and helpful, so if you're curious about your status, call!

 

[Doc Henry]

So I'm jumping in this thread now that I have FINALLY submitted my primary. Wish me luck because UW is the only place I can apply this year...its a long story, but short answer is that we're broke. I only submitted my primary on 8/22, so I'm guessing I wont even be complete until late September...I hope I'm okay, I figured they are so big on putting people on hold that I might still have a chance. I know other places with true rolling admissions I'd be screwed.

hmm...I rarely go north of Mill Plain :] Actually, I work in Portland so I don't spend a lot of time in the 'Couve. Nice to know there is someone local on here though!

Hey, I'm local too. I live in the Couve just behind the Mall. I also work in Portland.

 

[ronicajay]

Hey, I'm local too. I live in the Couve just behind the Mall. I also work in Portland.

Welcome to the gang!

 

[Doc Henry]

For the "why UWSOM" statement, here are some of my reasons, will you guys give me some input on the ones that are/are not appropriate? Thx in advance


1. Family- My husband and I have shared custody of his ten year old son. He will be living in SW Washington or NW Oregon and moving would be very detrimental to our situation. Also, my grandma is very ill and I currently help my mom care for her here in Vancouver. Obviously Seattle is too far away from Vancouver to continue that, but being close enough to drive home in case of emergency is really important to me.

2. Only place I applied due to financial restraints. It would have been my number one choice anyway, but now it really is!

3. I am dedicated to serving the NW when I graduate and would love to attend school and residency here to get start getting involved in the local medical communities asap.

4. Obviously stuff about the school, like the curriculum etc. I would elaborate of course

So what do you think?

 

[Doc Henry]

Welcome to the gang!

thanks! I'm stressing...I hate being so late in the process like this

 

[ronicajay]

For the "why UWSOM" statement, here are some of my reasons, will you guys give me some input on the ones that are/are not appropriate? Thx in advance


1. Family- My husband and I have shared custody of his ten year old son. He will be living in SW Washington or NW Oregon and moving would be very detrimental to our situation. Also, my grandma is very ill and I currently help my mom care for her here in Vancouver. Obviously Seattle is too far away from Vancouver to continue that, but being close enough to drive home in case of emergency is really important to me.

2. Only place I applied due to financial restraints. It would have been my number one choice anyway, but now it really is!

3. I am dedicated to serving the NW when I graduate and would love to attend school and residency here to get start getting involved in the local medical communities asap.

4. Obviously stuff about the school, like the curriculum etc. I would elaborate of course

So what do you think?

sounds good to me, mine included similar reasons.

 

[ronicajay]

thanks! I'm stressing...I hate being so late in the process like this

although i was pretty early with respect to receiving and submitting uw's secondary, i am still not complete as i am in the process of jumping through hoops to prove my residency through the residency certification office. currently waiting for oregon to send me a copy of my oregon state tax return so i can send that in....i wouldn't worry. just get everything in asap!

 

[Doc Henry]

sounds good to me, mine included similar reasons.

thanks for looking it over. I'm a bit concerned about finding an eloquent way of saying to them "you are my only choice" without making it sound like, "well, its either you or nothing". I'm going to try and spin it like "I could have not applied at all, but I chose to at least try my top choice and if it does not work out, I'll try again next year and still hope for UW"

 

[tianac2]

thanks for looking it over. I'm a bit concerned about finding an eloquent way of saying to them "you are my only choice" without making it sound like, "well, its either you or nothing". I'm going to try and spin it like "I could have not applied at all, but I chose to at least try my top choice and if it does not work out, I'll try again next year and still hope for UW"

I think its somewhat of a risky move to use the "family is tying me down" part. It would be okay if you phrased it as a bonus, for example "I am a very family-oriented person and since most of my family is here in Washington, it will be icing on the cake to be able to pursue my dream and still be near family." Or something like that.

The question is more aptly phrased "Out of the 120+ medical schools in the US, you chose to apply to our school. What was it about us that led you to that decision? Have you done your research? Do you know what our school is about? Have you thought about who you want to be as a doctor? Do the two go well together? How so?" At least that's how I took it. They realize that practically, of course its easiest for Washington residents to come to their school, its closer to home and family, its in at least somewhat familiar territory, the tuition is vastly less expensive...They know all this. What they want to know is that sure, you'd move to a tiny town in the middle of nowhere on the east coast if that's what it would take for you to be a doctor, but that you want to come to their school because of THEM not just whats going on in your life (even if that is your main reason). Basically, they want you to say, if all medical schools were PRACTICALLY (tuition cost, location, etc.) equal, what is it about us that made you apply?

Also, you're not that late, believe it or not! When I applied last year I wasn't complete until the end of September, got an interview invite 2 weeks later and went to the interview 2 weeks after that (another 2 weeks and I was on hold, all the way until the very last minute when I finally got the axe, but that was my own fault).

Anyway, I hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[Doc Henry]

I think its somewhat of a risky move to use the "family is tying me down" part. It would be okay if you phrased it as a bonus, for example "I am a very family-oriented person and since most of my family is here in Washington, it will be icing on the cake to be able to pursue my dream and still be near family." Or something like that.

The question is more aptly phrased "Out of the 120+ medical schools in the US, you chose to apply to our school. What was it about us that led you to that decision? Have you done your research? Do you know what our school is about? Have you thought about who you want to be as a doctor? Do the two go well together? How so?" At least that's how I took it. They realize that practically, of course its easiest for Washington residents to come to their school, its closer to home and family, its in at least somewhat familiar territory, the tuition is vastly less expensive...They know all this. What they want to know is that sure, you'd move to a tiny town in the middle of nowhere on the east coast if that's what it would take for you to be a doctor, but that you want to come to their school because of THEM not just whats going on in your life (even if that is your main reason). Basically, they want you to say, if all medical schools were PRACTICALLY (tuition cost, location, etc.) equal, what is it about us that made you apply?

Also, you're not that late, believe it or not! When I applied last year I wasn't complete until the end of September, got an interview invite 2 weeks later and went to the interview 2 weeks after that (another 2 weeks and I was on hold, all the way until the very last minute when I finally got the axe, but that was my own fault).

Anyway, I hope this helps! Good luck!

thanks for the input! I definitely will go in to the specifics about the school, like the great mentor/college system, etc. I am very impressed by the school, and I want them to know that.

 

[neuropeptidey]

I recently checked my status page and it told me that I was complete; however, I did not get an email telling me so. I'm wondering if anyone has received such an email. Thanks!

 

[Calf]

Submitted the MSTP supplementary secondary yesterday 🙂!

 

[Lacheln]

Have any OOS applicants heard back about the secondary or a rejection yet? I'm OOS and it's been over six weeks since I got the email that I was under review. I called this morning and they said I was in the "final stages" of review, and it could be 1-2 weeks longer. (How that indicates final, who knows. 😛)

 

[nina7123]

Have any OOS applicants heard back about the secondary or a rejection yet? I'm OOS and it's been over six weeks since I got the email that I was under review. I called this morning and they said I was in the "final stages" of review, and it could be 1-2 weeks longer. (How that indicates final, who knows. 😛)

Not sure if I posted this earlier or not

AMCAS Submitted: June 24
UW Primary Email: July 3
Secondary Received: Aug 7

I'm from California by the way.
I know that quite a few OOS have been rejected pre-sec already so I would guess the fact that you are still under review is good!!

 

[tianac2]

Have any OOS applicants heard back about the secondary or a rejection yet? I'm OOS and it's been over six weeks since I got the email that I was under review. I called this morning and they said I was in the "final stages" of review, and it could be 1-2 weeks longer. (How that indicates final, who knows. 😛)

They have a crazy meticulous review process, consider it a good sign that you weren't rejected at first glance, because something like 85-90% of OOS applicants are! If I remember correctly, the "final stage" of review is just a vote of the EXCOM, so if you've already convinced your initial reviewer, you've probably got a really good chance!

 

[Lacheln]

Not sure if I posted this earlier or not

AMCAS Submitted: June 24
UW Primary Email: July 3
Secondary Received: Aug 7

I'm from California by the way.
I know that quite a few OOS have been rejected pre-sec already so I would guess the fact that you are still under review is good!!

Ok, thanks for the info. I have the sort of app that makes you go "hmm", so I guess we'll see.

 

[Lacheln]

They have a crazy meticulous review process, consider it a good sign that you weren't rejected at first glance, because something like 85-90% of OOS applicants are! If I remember correctly, the "final stage" of review is just a vote of the EXCOM, so if you've already convinced your initial reviewer, you've probably got a really good chance!

Very interesting...I do know the oos rejection rate is ridiculous, so I'm hardly holding my breath...UW is my top choice though so cross your fingers for me, I'll take all the help I can get. 😀

 

[tianac2]

Very interesting...I do know the oos rejection rate is ridiculous, so I'm hardly holding my breath...UW is my top choice though so cross your fingers for me, I'll take all the help I can get. 😀

Fingers, toes, eyes, heck, I'll even braid my hair....

 

[Lacheln]

Fingers, toes, eyes, heck, I'll even braid my hair....

Thanks. 🙂

 

[ronicajay]

when i spoke with admissions last season, i had three individual reviews of my application. and i didn't end up getting an interview. their review is definitely thorough. so im guessing if 2 of the 3 reviews are "yes" to interview, you move to the next phase (interview).

 

[Doc Henry]

when i spoke with admissions last season, i had three individual reviews of my application. and i didn't end up getting an interview. their review is definitely thorough. so im guessing if 2 of the 3 reviews are "yes" to interview, you move to the next phase (interview).

I already put this on your mdapps, but I'll say it again here. I can't believe you didn't get an interview! Did they say why? Better luck this year!

 

[b33sharp]

I wasn't able to reach admissions to ask about this section. Anyone write stuff here? I listed publication info in the primary, but it looks like they want full abstracts...? Would mentioning ties to the area (I'm OOS) be appropriate, since I couldn't fit it into the 200 word "why UW" essay? Thanks for any replies!

 

[ronicajay]

I already put this on your mdapps, but I'll say it again here. I can't believe you didn't get an interview! Did they say why? Better luck this year!

When I applied last year I had just started volunteering in a hospital and had shadowed a doctor once during surgery. There were other, less significant concerns, and I have since done a lot more shadowing and volunteering in clinical settings. I am hoping these additions will get me an interview this year! 🙄

Good luck, you seem to have a pretty well rounded app. I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[Lacheln]

when i spoke with admissions last season, i had three individual reviews of my application. and i didn't end up getting an interview. their review is definitely thorough. so im guessing if 2 of the 3 reviews are "yes" to interview, you move to the next phase (interview).

Hmm, ok, I will keep that in mind in the (unlikely) event I get that far. I love this sort of info, thanks a bunch. 🙂

 

[ronicajay]

Hmm, ok, I will keep that in mind in the (unlikely) event I get that far. I love this sort of info, thanks a bunch. 🙂

I should also mention that with all these "concerns" that the adcom had, I still got 1 reviewer to give me a "yes". It definitely seems like UW is part luck of the draw with reviewers but it also seems pretty fair.

Glad I could help!

 

[Calf]

I wasn't able to reach admissions to ask about this section. Anyone write stuff here? I listed publication info in the primary, but it looks like they want full abstracts...? Would mentioning ties to the area (I'm OOS) be appropriate, since I couldn't fit it into the 200 word "why UW" essay? Thanks for any replies!

I would say "personal comments" means whatever you want to write about. Just put whatever you think will help.

 

[MorCwbll]

I don't seem to follow the trend...UW is my top choice...
AMCAS verified: 8/15
UW Secondary Request: 8/18

I am going to try to finish the secondary tomorrow morning since I have to also fill out the MT supplementary portion and I am interested in the TRUST program. Then, working full time in the ED as a tech, per diem at an assisted living facility as a CNA, and volunteering sure doesn't leave much time! Whew!

 

[nina7123]

I don't seem to follow the trend...UW is my top choice...
AMCAS verified: 8/15
UW Secondary Request: 8/18

I am going to try to finish the secondary tomorrow morning since I have to also fill out the MT supplementary portion and I am interested in the TRUST program. Then, working full time in the ED as a tech, per diem at an assisted living facility as a CNA, and volunteering sure doesn't leave much time! Whew!

So you're from Montana then? The screen is completely different for in region and out of region. Since you're in region, that's probably why you got it so fast.

 

[MorCwbll]

So you're from Montana then? The screen is completely different for in region and out of region. Since you're in region, that's probably why you got it so fast.

Gotcha.

 

[nina7123]

Ahhh. I am having the most horrible time writing this secondary! I've been sitting on it for a MONTH and it still isn't sounding good. My autobiography is basically my personal statement but you can't NOT write the essay right? I keep waiting to discover there is some character limit...there isn't right??

UW Secondary = stress + spazz -->

All I want is to have reason to use the "so excited" smiley on this thread

 

[tianac2]

Ahhh. I am having the most horrible time writing this secondary! I've been sitting on it for a MONTH and it still isn't sounding good. My autobiography is basically my personal statement but you can't NOT write the essay right? I keep waiting to discover there is some character limit...there isn't right??

UW Secondary = stress + spazz -->

All I want is to have reason to use the "so excited" smiley on this thread

Right. The autobiography part can be satisfied by your PS, the "Why UWSOM" essay can't, it has to be separate.

 

[nina7123]

Right. The autobiography part can be satisfied by your PS, the "Why UWSOM" essay can't, it has to be separate.

I understand it's optional, but it probably looks bad if you don't put in the effort to write anything right? Anyway, I'm an out of region applicant so this essay is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO important and it's stressing me out.

I hope interviews start coming out soon!

 

[HIVdoc2b]

My feeling is, if you have to choose between BSing the autobiography, rehashing your PS, or leaving it blank, the AdCom has enough to do that they'll appreciate you for not wasting their time.

Based on this rationale, I left it blank last year. I just missed getting in off the waitlist. Draw your own conclusions. (Before you say it, I asked... the only reason I was waitlisted was my MCAT score.)

 

[Doc Henry]

My feeling is, if you have to choose between BSing the autobiography, rehashing your PS, or leaving it blank, the AdCom has enough to do that they'll appreciate you for not wasting their time.

Based on this rationale, I left it blank last year. I just missed getting in off the waitlist. Draw your own conclusions. (Before you say it, I asked... the only reason I was waitlisted was my MCAT score.)

So HIVdoc, do you think I'll be auto waitlisted with my crap score of 9-9-9? Do you mind telling me yours (can pm if you want). Also, are you reapplying this year, or going somewhere else?

 

[nina7123]

I am confused on the pre-req grid.

They say they want 3 quarters or 2 semesters of XYZ and only want you to list the classes that fulfill the requirement. But then they give you 5 boxes....

I'm on quarter, so if the max you should list is 3 courses, why the extra 2 spaces?? Should I fill up all 5? What did you guys do?

 

[somemom]

If you are filling out a residency form for fall of entry to UW, the 12 months would be the summer prior, which is when you are applying. To be considered as a WA resident, do you need to be a resident for 12 months PRIOR to the application date?

Is there still an auto interview for residents over some minimum score?

 

[Doc Henry]

If you are filling out a residency form for fall of entry to UW, the 12 months would be the summer prior, which is when you are applying. To be considered as a WA resident, do you need to be a resident for 12 months PRIOR to the application date?

Is there still an auto interview for residents over some minimum score?

IDK about residency. As far as a cut off goes, that seems to be gone this year. Last year it was 3.5 and min of 9 on every section of the MCAT. I first heard it was going to be a min of 30 this year, but now I hear there are no auto interviews.

 

[b33sharp]

I am confused on the pre-req grid.

They say they want 3 quarters or 2 semesters of XYZ and only want you to list the classes that fulfill the requirement. But then they give you 5 boxes....

I'm on quarter, so if the max you should list is 3 courses, why the extra 2 spaces?? Should I fill up all 5? What did you guys do?

I just filled the minimal requirements and left extra spaces blank.

 

[nina7123]

I just filled the minimal requirements and left extra spaces blank.

Cool thanks 🙂

On another note, are people having trouble with the "status check" page? Whenever I click on the link it says "loading UW page...." and then goes blank. It did work ONCE, but ever since --> nothing. I'm on Mozilla if that makes any difference.