2009-2010 Duke Application Thread

[longhorn09]

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Lol. Slightly more than 2 weeks left.
Just get it over with.
This wait thing is killing my life. Honestly.

Someone said the big day is not march 1, but march 19 for last year? I guess we should assume for mid-march for this year.

 

[bannie22]

Someone said the big day is not march 1, but march 19 for last year? I guess we should assume for mid-march for this year.

So I guess hafta check SDN to see if the reject emails are out (unless I receive one myself). Then we will all know who got in!

1.5 in 5!

 

[MsTaco]

Someone said the big day is not march 1, but march 19 for last year? I guess we should assume for mid-march for this year.

It was March 13 last year. I know, cuz I kept my rejection email from Richard Wallace for warm, fuzzy feelings. I think I'm going to start resending it to myself every day starting March 1 so I can remember what it feels like...pessimism softens the blow, ya know?

Anyways yeah, mid-march would be about right, though I'm hoping it won't get pushed back that far this year. It was supposed to be March 6 last year but the day came and went with no news all the way until the 13th. I suggest you dig up last year's thread for a sneak peek at the neuroticism that ensues...it's not healthy, haha.

 

[floridakmm]

I had to schedule a virtual interview bc of the terrible weather where i am at. Anybody have an experience with the virtual interview and when they will contact me about the date for the interview. My original interview was suppose to be this week... there was no way i was getting out of my city

 

[Question123]

Expected, Duke interviews A LOT of candidates. That being said, its nice to know they give more people a shot than schools who interview a very select few...

 

[MrBurns10]

Wow. Nice discussion, guys. You're right, though, we're all hideous. In fact, on residency interviews interviewers would often say, "well you're from a great school, you have great research experiences, grades, etc...but damn, girl, put a paper bag over it." Fortunately, I'm going into radiology so attractiveness isn't much of a criterion. Whew! Diosa, what are you going to do in psych?

Whether or not I had those opinions, I'd be hard-pressed to talk about it on an internet forum from anything but a public computer...(but maybe I'm just paranoid).

Oh, and grow up.

 

[Tatastrophy]

It was March 13 last year. I know, cuz I kept my rejection email from Richard Wallace for warm, fuzzy feelings. I think I'm going to start resending it to myself every day starting March 1 so I can remember what it feels like...pessimism softens the blow, ya know?

Send it to me as well pretty please!?>

 

[longhorn09]

I definitely looked it up a few weeks ago, and yeah it was pretty disheartening. A LOT of rejections/waitlists w/ just a couple acceptances sprinkled in.

So Duke is a big WL school?

 

[longhorn09]

Expected, Duke interviews A LOT of candidates. That being said, its nice to know they give more people a shot than schools who interview a very select few...

But they will break many hearts eventually...

 

[BerlinDude]

Wow. Nice discussion, guys. You're right, though, we're all hideous. In fact, on residency interviews interviewers would often say, "well you're from a great school, you have great research experiences, grades, etc...but damn, girl, put a paper bag over it." Fortunately, I'm going into radiology so attractiveness isn't much of a criterion. Whew! Diosa, what are you going to do in psych?

Whether or not I had those opinions, I'd be hard-pressed to talk about it on an internet forum from anything but a public computer...(but maybe I'm just paranoid).

Oh, and grow up.

I think they were just trying to make you feel better because you are so ugly....

 

[bannie22]

Send it to me as well pretty please!?>

Urm... can I also have it so that I can be mentally prepared???

 

[longhorn09]

Duke interviewed over 1200 students for a class size of 100..come on, isn't it too much?

 

[bannie22]

Duke interviewed over 1200 students for a class size of 100..come on, isn't it too much?

Just like some people applying to 28 schoools

*looks at self *

 

[MsTaco]

Urm... can I also have it so that I can be mentally prepared???

Haha, I love that you guys share my masochism. Ok, here's the email that crushed my Duke dreams last year, for the whole world to see now:



March 13, 2008
Thank you for your interest in attending the Duke University School of Medicine.*

The Committee on Admissions has carefully reviewed your application for admission to the School of Medicine and I regret to inform you that you were not selected for a place in our incoming class.

While we recognize this decision may be disappointing, we would like you to know that while we were impressed with your credentials, selecting an incoming class from the number of outstanding candidates required the Admissions Committee to make some difficult choices.* The enrollment parameters mandated by the medical school administration exclude us from accepting more students that we are able to accommodate. As a result, we were unable to offer a seat in the 2009 entering class to many outstanding applicants.* This decision in no way reflects your potential as a future physician.

Once again, we appreciate your interest in attending DukeMed and we wish you great success in your future academic and professional pursuits.

Sincerely,

Brenda E. Armstrong, MD

Associate Dean and Director of Admissions

Duke University School of Medicine

 

[longhorn09]

Haha, I love that you guys share my masochism. Ok, here's the email that crushed my Duke dreams last year, for the whole world to see now:



March 13, 2008
Thank you for your interest in attending the Duke University School of Medicine.*

The Committee on Admissions has carefully reviewed your application for admission to the School of Medicine and I regret to inform you that you were not selected for a place in our incoming class.

While we recognize this decision may be disappointing, we would like you to know that while we were impressed with your credentials, selecting an incoming class from the number of outstanding candidates required the Admissions Committee to make some difficult choices.* The enrollment parameters mandated by the medical school administration exclude us from accepting more students that we are able to accommodate. As a result, we were unable to offer a seat in the 2009 entering class to many outstanding applicants.* This decision in no way reflects your potential as a future physician.

Once again, we appreciate your interest in attending DukeMed and we wish you great success in your future academic and professional pursuits.

Sincerely,

Brenda E. Armstrong, MD

Associate Dean and Director of Admissions

Duke University School of Medicine

Shouldn't it be 2009?

 

[bannie22]

Shouldn't it be 2009?

LOL. How long have you been applying tacobells? 😛

Maybe you are too old to qualify for hot girls who will be accepted to duke in 2010 😛

 

[MsTaco]

Ha you're quicker than I was...yeah I didn't even notice that til umm, today, haha. I guess I was too busy reading the part where I didn't get in. But yeah, go figure, they got the date wrong on my rejection...they know how to make a girl feel special.

 

[BerlinDude]

LOL. How long have you been applying tacobells? 😛

Maybe you are too old to qualify for hot girls who will be accepted to duke in 2010 😛

Her profile says she is 25. That's old MsTaco, but you're in luck - I have a mature babe fetish!

Seriously though (not that I was kidding, I do like older woman), did you have a chance after your rejection to speak with members of the admissions committee about what the problem was?

 

[bannie22]

Thanks tacobells. I just sent it to myself once. Hahaha...

 

[MsTaco]

Her profile says she is 25. That's old MsTaco, but you're in luck - I have a mature babe fetish!

Seriously though (not that I was kidding, I do like older woman), did you have a chance after your rejection to speak with members of the admissions committee what the problem was?

Yup, I'm a mature babe. So chillax, kids, I'm out of your league anyways whether I get accepted to Duke or not. 😛

Nah ok seriously (not that I was kidding, I am out of your league), I did try to speak with the committee after my rejection, but no dice. I'm sure there were lotsa little problems with my app (all you have to do is check my scores to see that coulda been it), but honestly, I actually believe what they said...Duke interviews 800 (not 1200, longhorn) for a class of 100, and I love mysf but I just don't have a big enough ego to believe I was better than 600+ of them....especially not when we're talking about the cream of the crop here in terms of applicants. Same reason I'm really not getting my hopes up this year. It's just that competitive guys...my app certainly had it's weaknesses, and I'm not sure you can afford such weaknesses at a school like Duke.

 

[bannie22]

Yup, I'm a mature babe. So chillax, kids, I'm out of your league anyways whether I get accepted to Duke or not. 😛

Nah ok seriously (not that I was kidding, I am out of your league), I did try to speak with the committee after my rejection, but no dice. I'm sure there were lotsa little problems with my app (all you have to do is check my scores to see that coulda been it), but honestly, I actually believe what they said...Duke interviews 800 (not 1200, longhorn) for a class of 100, and I love mysf but I just don't have a big enough ego to believe I was better than 600+ of them....especially not when we're talking about the cream of the crop here in terms of applicants. Same reason I'm really not getting my hopes up this year. It's just that competitive guys...my app certainly had it's weaknesses, and I'm not sure you can afford such weaknesses at a school like Duke.

I bet the arrogance during your interviews must have been the major weakness. 😛😛😛😛😛

 

[BerlinDude]

Yup, I'm a mature babe. So chillax, kids, I'm out of your league anyways whether I get accepted to Duke or not. 😛

Nah ok seriously (not that I was kidding, I am out of your league), I did try to speak with the committee after my rejection, but no dice. I'm sure there were lotsa little problems with my app (all you have to do is check my scores to see that coulda been it), but honestly, I actually believe what they said...Duke interviews 800 (not 1200, longhorn) for a class of 100, and I love mysf but I just don't have a big enough ego to believe I was better than 600+ of them....especially not when we're talking about the cream of the crop here in terms of applicants. Same reason I'm really not getting my hopes up this year. It's just that competitive guys...my app certainly had it's weaknesses, and I'm not sure you can afford such weaknesses at a school like Duke.

Whoa, we haven't even met and you are already trying to imitate my trademark cockiness.

Nah ok seriously (not that I was kidding before, you are moving too fast) you might be out of my league age-wise, but if we both go to Duke I'll give you a shot. Why not? I'm a generous guy.

Nah ok really seriously, I don't think the 800 interviewers are all that competitive. The average MCAT of accepted students at Duke is 35, how competitive is that? Anyway, I guess we'll find out soon enough what's up at Duke.

 

[Tatastrophy]

thanks taco, it is now a stationery in my email client. Whenever I feel too optimistic...I can sent it right away!

 

[MsTaco]

Haha glad that email finally did somebody some good...who knows, maybe I can use this years rejection to fight hunger in Africa or something.

And BerlinDude....so many comebacks I think I'm gonna choke. I think I'll just leave it at...how on earth is a 35 mcat not competitive? And I'd tell you I'm taken/gay/asexual/not interested...but I doubt it'll matter, cuz I'm sincerely expecting another rejection. I knew I shouldn't have told my interviewer I was out of his league...

 

[bannie22]

Haha glad that email finally did somebody some good...who knows, maybe I can use this years rejection to fight hunger in Africa or something.

And BerlinDude....so many comebacks I think I'm gonna choke. I think I'll just leave it at...how on earth is a 35 mcat not competitive? And I'd tell you I'm taken/gay/asexual/not interested...but I doubt it'll matter, cuz I'm sincerely expecting another rejection. I knew I shouldn't have told my interviewer I was out of his league...

Are you lady gaga behind the scenes? 🙂

 

[BerlinDude]

Haha glad that email finally did somebody some good...who knows, maybe I can use this years rejection to fight hunger in Africa or something.

And BerlinDude....so many comebacks I think I'm gonna choke. I think I'll just leave it at...how on earth is a 35 mcat not competitive? And I'd tell you I'm taken/gay/asexual/not interested...but I doubt it'll matter, cuz I'm sincerely expecting another rejection. I knew I shouldn't have told my interviewer I was out of his league...

Well there are over 2500 applicants with an MCAT score 36 or higher, enough to fill out the top 10 med schools twice. For the top schools to have an average MCAT score of ~35 means they are consistently overlooking much more qualified applicants for less qualified ones. That's what I'll tell myself if I get rejected anyway.

BTW, kudos on the comeback joke.

 

[thamsenman]

Are you lady gaga behind the scenes? 🙂

I thought lady gaga was a hermaphrodite? a man maybe?

 

[bannie22]

I thought lady gaga was a hermaphrodite? a man maybe?

yes, gay/asexual/i dont know. she seems to be fine with anything...😎

 

[Jihad]

Well there are over 2500 applicants with an MCAT score 36 or higher, enough to fill out the top 10 med schools twice. For the top schools to have an average MCAT score of ~35 means they are consistently overlooking much more qualified applicants for less qualified ones. That's what I'll tell myself if I get rejected anyway.

BTW, kudos on the comeback joke.

I believe that Duke accepts applicants the same way my Genetics professor suggested. Auto acceptances are given to the top 5% or so and auto rejections to the bottom 20% maybe (aka the ones who are OBVIOUSLY qualified/nonqualified) The rest, because they are all competitive for their own reasons are thrown into a hat. The first 95 chosen are accepted. The next 100 or so names chosen from the hat will be put on the waitlist.

 

[FluffyRabbit]

I believe that Duke accepts applicants the same way my Genetics professor suggested. Auto acceptances are given to the top 5% or so and auto rejections to the bottom 20% maybe (aka the ones who are OBVIOUSLY qualified/nonqualified) The rest, because they are all competitive for their own reasons are thrown into a hat. The first 95 chosen are accepted. The next 100 or so names chosen from the hat will be put on the waitlist.

How can you be sure it's not just *completely* random?

 

[futuredoctor10]

Keeping fingers crossed as we wait to hear back from Duke!!! Potentially in ~2 wks!

 

[madskillz99]

Actually I think we're looking more at Mid-March than early March. Ahhhhhhhh the anticipation.. I love Duke!!

 

[futuredoctor10]

Actually I think we're looking more at Mid-March than early March. Ahhhhhhhh the anticipation.. I love Duke!!

I know Duke is such an amazing place!!! Absolutely in love😍

Why do you think we're looking more at mid-March? (Maybe because earlier posters said it was mid-March last year) Still hoping for early March though!

 

[FluffyRabbit]

Actually I think we're looking more at Mid-March than early March. Ahhhhhhhh the anticipation.. I love Duke!!

I know Duke is such an amazing place!!! Absolutely in love😍

Why do you think we're looking more at mid-March? (Maybe because earlier posters said it was mid-March last year) Still hoping for early March though!

I was told first week of March at my interview, so unless something changed recently...

 

[WahooBME]

I received a letter from Duke last week that said first week in March.

 

[OTTO217]

What kind of letter?

 

[questions99]

Duke interviewed over 1200 students for a class size of 100..come on, isn't it too much?

yup its not 1200. the last 2 years they interviewed 1000-1100, but the year before that 780. they are going back to that number, so around 800

 

[questions99]

Expected, Duke interviews A LOT of candidates. That being said, its nice to know they give more people a shot than schools who interview a very select few...

well it seems like a lot, but it's not really. they only get around 2000 completed secondaries (out of 5000 primaries) cuz it's so long. so 800 out of 2000 is 40% (past two years have been 1000-1100, so about 50-55%), which is a huge percentage, but 800 is about avg for 200-220 acceptances

 

[WahooBME]

What kind of letter?

Just the standard letter thanking me for coming to the interview and requesting me to fill out a survey. I assume everyone received one. This was a fairly recent letter in my case.

 

[MsTaco]

If I had to bet, I'd say March 5 this year. At least I'd bet they'll aim for that...and maybe if they're really interviewing less people this year they'll be better about sticking to it. Yeesh, I didn't even realize there were so many interviews last year...now I don't feel so bad about not making the cut.

Btw, Duke is a big waitlist school; it's a possibility I'm trying not to think about cuz I can't deal with more waiting, but I think we'll see as many waitlists as acceptances initially. Brace yourselves.

 

[Comoroa]

With all this speculation about when Duke is going to start sending out letters, we should start a pool or something. Everyone guess what the date will be and we will see who is right! It can be a rejection letter date, waitlist letter date or acceptance letter date.

I'm thinking....March 15th waitlist letter.

 

[VBaller12]

I think... March 12th- rejection email

(disappointing because that's my birthday, so i hope i'm wrong)

edit: actually, it looks like they're snail mailing everything this year.

 

[Tatastrophy]

edit: actually, it looks like they're snail mailing everything this year.

what makes you think that? you have inside info? spill it!

I say acceptances will be mailed out on 15th.

 

[BubbaChuck3]

We sincerely hope that your visit to DukeMed provided you with an opportunity to witness first-hand the extraordinary community of scholars and clinicians that we call our "Duke Family."

Our timetable for the remainder of our admission season is as follows: interviews will conclude in late February with a target date for mailing decision letters at the end of February through the first week of March 2010. Duke does not roll.

Always feel free to write or call the Office of Admissions if! you have questions.

Once again, on behalf of our entire community, we thank you for your interest in the Duke University School of Medicine and wish you luck!


Sincerely,

THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

 

[VBaller12]

Last year, Duke said decisions would go out March 6th. Waitlists and rejections came out March 13th (emails), and acceptances a few days later (snail mail).

I got this information from last year's thread. I think this is why a lot of us are guessing mid-March instead of the first week of March decision date that Duke is giving.

According to the dashboard page on Duke's status site, all decisions are being mailed by the U.S. Postal service this year.

 

[squrlgrl007]

Just an FYI for those waiting on decisions, they're still not done scheduling interviews. I'm a virtual interview and I've been waiting to be scheduled since November. I called the office today (it has become an almost daily thing now, as 4+ months to schedule an interview seems a bit excessive and I didn't want to be forgotten), and they're going to extend the interview deadline past Feb19.

 

[floridakmm]

Just an FYI for those waiting on decisions, they're still not done scheduling interviews. I'm a virtual interview and I've been waiting to be scheduled since November. I called the office today (it has become an almost daily thing now, as 4+ months to schedule an interview seems a bit excessive and I didn't want to be forgotten), and they're going to extend the interview deadline past Feb19.

I am also waiting for a virtual interview. Glad to hear I am not alone and that maybe i will get interviewed. I thought they forgotten me or I was too late to get one, even though I was asked to interview

 

[Tatastrophy]

Last year, Duke said decisions would go out March 6th. Waitlists and rejections came out March 13th (emails), and acceptances a few days later (snail mail).

I got this information from last year's thread. I think this is why a lot of us are guessing mid-March instead of the first week of March decision date that Duke is giving.

According to the dashboard page on Duke's status site, all decisions are being mailed by the U.S. Postal service this year

I just saw that too.
It would be nice to get the thick envelope from DukeMed but I have a bad feeling about this 🙁

 

[MsTaco]

Just an FYI for those waiting on decisions, they're still not done scheduling interviews. I'm a virtual interview and I've been waiting to be scheduled since November. I called the office today (it has become an almost daily thing now, as 4+ months to schedule an interview seems a bit excessive and I didn't want to be forgotten), and they're going to extend the interview deadline past Feb19.

Crap, that's bad news for a March 6 release date...I'm going to lose my bet 🙁. But good luck to you squrlgrl, you're a reapplicant too right? Fingers crossed for us!!

 

[MsTaco]

Last year, Duke said decisions would go out March 6th. Waitlists and rejections came out March 13th (emails), and acceptances a few days later (snail mail).

I got this information from last year's thread. I think this is why a lot of us are guessing mid-March instead of the first week of March decision date that Duke is giving.

According to the dashboard page on Duke's status site, all decisions are being mailed by the U.S. Postal service this year.

I believe it said that last year too, and they went with the email rejections/WL, snail mail acceptance scheme. We'll just have to wait and see.

Also, the office did try to time it so that most acceptance envelopes arrived (not went out) on the same day the emails went out. I know at least one CA person got an acceptance envelope on the 13th. Obviously some got caught in some lag, but I know that was at least their intention that everyone receive their decisions on the same date, whether it was via snail mail or email and whether east coast or west coast.