2009-2010 Duke Application Thread

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All of my essays were under 500. I think 2 of them were around 300 and the rest between 300-500. I don't think writing longer essays is the key to get in. They want to get to know you better and if you can answer the prompts well in fewer sentences its probably better for you and them. After all they need to go through too many of them. But if it looks like you did not do a thorough job on them, then it could hurt ur chances of getting in.
 
I'm a little confused as to what they are looking for in regards to: .Provide an example of the kind of professional behavior you will exhibit as a physician. Does this mean hypothetically expanding upon what we say about professional behavior and the roles we hope to fill with our career or using examples from our past to illustrate this?
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kstephan said:
I'm a little confused as to what they are looking for in regards to: .Provide an example of the kind of professional behavior you will exhibit as a physician. Does this mean hypothetically expanding upon what we say about professional behavior and the roles we hope to fill with our career or using examples from our past to illustrate this?
.
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Do you plan to be nice when you are a physician? That's what they want to hear. 🙂 And sure, tie in past examples to illustrate just how nice (or not nice) you generally are! 😛
 
kstephan said:
I'm a little confused as to what they are looking for in regards to: .Provide an example of the kind of professional behavior you will exhibit as a physician. Does this mean hypothetically expanding upon what we say about professional behavior and the roles we hope to fill with our career or using examples from our past to illustrate this?
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Kstephan,

This essay is greatly strengthened by a discussion of your personal experience working as a professional. If you graduated already and have worked since, it is appropriate to expand on what you think means to be the kind of professional you are (perhaps, competence and respectful regard for your profession are hallmarks of professional behavior).

If you are still in school and cannot use such experience in your essay, do not despair. Look at the first two chapters of Atul Gawande's book "Better". He opens with a discussion of professionalism in medicine. He writes very well and in a very straightforward and easy-to-read but informative way. I got a lot of good ideas from this book. It is perfectly appropriate to speculate on what traits you think make a good professional in medicine and how you demonstrate them.

I hope this helps!
 
Modi206 said:
"In order to complete the "Application Audit," you will need to be sure that four names are submitted in the recommendation fields. The system is programmed to look for four names even if you have a committee letter."
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"You are required to provide at least four (4) recommendations. Two of these must come from science faculty."

Damn it, I just now noticed this message. I guess they changed their letter requirements, because they only wanted two science letters and one other letter (three total) last year. I even checked the admissions page in May to confirm that. Now I can't find anything on their website concerning letters.

However, I did stumble upon this fun fact: They admitted someone with a 23 MCAT.
 
That person probably also won a Nobel prize or something.
 
For the one on the ethical/moral dilemma, I can think of a significant experience, but it involves religion. I know it's vague, but it had to with me being questioned about doing something that was clearly contrary to my religion. Moreover, that other person was a teacher who knew something about my religion that I did not. I would say that this event has had an impact on me since I have learned the importance of having a solid value system, but would it be safe to discuss in the application?

Thanks for the help - browsing the forum before I fill out any secondary has really helped out.
 
I know this probably totally a noob question, but I was wondering if I had much chance of getting into Duke with a 3.59 GPA and a 38 MCAT. I have looked at the data out there, but I can’t tell if Duke’s average GPA is so high because that is what good MCAT/extracurricular people tend to have, or if it is a necessary qualification. You know—the whole causation or correlation thing.
Just FYI: I have research experience and some extracurricular, but nothing special.
Thanks for your time.
 
doctor shmoctor said:
I know this probably totally a noob question, but I was wondering if I had much chance of getting into Duke with a 3.59 GPA and a 38 MCAT. I have looked at the data out there, but I can’t tell if Duke’s average GPA is so high because that is what good MCAT/extracurricular people tend to have, or if it is a necessary qualification. You know—the whole causation or correlation thing.
Just FYI: I have research experience and some extracurricular, but nothing special.
Thanks for your time.
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Can't hurt to apply, unless you experience headaches and heartburn during the secondary.
 
doctor shmoctor said:
I know this probably totally a noob question, but I was wondering if I had much chance of getting into Duke with a 3.59 GPA and a 38 MCAT. I have looked at the data out there, but I can’t tell if Duke’s average GPA is so high because that is what good MCAT/extracurricular people tend to have, or if it is a necessary qualification. You know—the whole causation or correlation thing.
Just FYI: I have research experience and some extracurricular, but nothing special.
Thanks for your time.
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Duke is less about numbers than you would think. I interviewed last year with a 3.5 and a 33...granted I didn't get in, so take that as you choose, but during the interview they were very clear that they look beyond numbers. They consider numbers in so far as is necessary to ensure that you can handle the science of medical school. If you are offered an interview, that means that they are confident you can handle the science, and the numbers stop mattering after that point. So in answer to your question, go for it...I wouldn't have thought I had a chance at all with my numbers, but they offered me an interview, which means they considered my numbers good enough, so you'll definitely have a shot with yours.
 
Hey people,

Rising MS3 here (geez that sounds old doesn't it). Anyway, I have one piece of advice for all of you as you think of what to write about in your essays. Please, I beg you, listen to this advice.

Now, I know this is a hard concept for pre-meds and med students alike to grasp, but, in essays, there is no right answer. I repeat, there is no right answer. The point of the essays is to write about what you want to write about. Answer the question the way you think that it is supposed to be answered. Coming on sdn and getting someone else's take is defeating the purpose, and honestly, will not make you stand out amongst your peers. So... if you are having trouble writing your essays, just keep thinking. Surely something will come to you.

:banana:
 
WildcatS11 said:
I called the Duke admissions office, and they said that a committee letter actually suffices for the LOR requirement. Just input the names of the poeple on the committee who signed the letter.
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My school doesn't do committee letters, so I requested two science letters and one non-science letter. After researching schools' requirements in April and May that covered me everywhere (well, UNC's iffy), now that turns out not to be the case. Luckily, I had a physician write me a letter for my state schools, so I don't have to request one more specifically for Duke to meet the 4 minimum but it's still a little unnerving that I somehow missed this.

Good thing it isn't needed to be complete, only for when you interview... in which case I'd love to round up a 4th letter, Duke! 😀
 
FemalesCANTDriv said:
Now, I know this is a hard concept for pre-meds and med students alike to grasp, but, in essays, there is no right answer. I repeat, there is no right answer. The point of the essays is to write about what you want to write about. Answer the question the way you think that it is supposed to be answered. Coming on sdn and getting someone else's take is defeating the purpose, and honestly, will not make you stand out amongst your peers. So... if you are having trouble writing your essays, just keep thinking. Surely something will come to you.

:banana:
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I like this advice a lot, thanks!

So what kinds of things are coming to other people here?
 
This is taking ridiculously long time to finish.

But I'm really determined to submit here!!!! ARGGHHH :scared::scared::scared::scared:
 
Homoochan said:
This is taking ridiculously long time to finish.

But I'm really determined to submit here!!!! ARGGHHH :scared::scared::scared::scared:
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You can do it! 🙂

I just sat with it and wrote for 2 days straight, then let it sit for a couple of days, proofread and submitted. Its your last one anyway isn't it? So you will be so glad to be done with this.
 
trueBelief said:
You can do it! 🙂

I just sat with it and wrote for 2 days straight, then let it sit for a couple of days, proofread and submitted. Its your last one anyway isn't it? So you will be so glad to be done with this.
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Thanks!!!!

I'll definitely submit it this week..

And this is not my last one lol I still have like 10 schools left but they hvn't sent secondaries yet..

But I'll be really happy once I'm done with this one.. 🙂
 
just got an interview invite! my first one!! i think i am dreaming...
 
got my interview invite last night! g'luck everyone
 
When did you complete the secondary if you don't mind my asking?
 
Thanks guys!!! Check out my mdapps if you are interested in stats:
http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=17934

I submitted my secondary to Duke on July 15th. They are so fast!!! They must not use letters of recommendation for interview invites because my letters were just sent to AMCAS this week.
 
amcas complete 6/17
duke secondaries sent in 7/13
interview invite 7/29

stats: GPA 3.9, mcat = 33
 
When are they gonna send me my invite?...As if I am entitled to it.lol. Jokes aside,I really love Duke ....and so I need an invite.
 
Same here. I was all done (secondary + letters) by 7/19 and nothing my way. Makes me sad 🙁
 
aquamarine said:
they're not rolling, interviewing sooner rather than later isn't going to make that much of a difference.
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Yeah I know but I wanna schedule my best interviews for later in the cycle so I gain experience interviewing on the trail. As we speak, I already have 4 interview invites and so will need emails from my top choices like Duke..quick quick.lol
 
I know that you don't have to send in letters of rec until interviews, but do you need to input all the LOR information before you can submit your secondary? As in can you still submit your secondary and be considered complete without having filled out the names on the LOR section?

NM-I guess you can't audit your applicaiton without putting LOR info down.
 
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archimedesxx said:
Yeah I know but I wanna schedule my best interviews for later in the cycle so I gain experience interviewing on the trail. As we speak, I already have 4 interview invites and so will need emails from my top choices like Duke..quick quick.lol
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You have FOUR invites already?

what's your stats like if you don't mind me asking? :scared:
 
If I have my letters ready and waiting should I submit via AMCAS? I thought they said not to send any letters until an interview invite... are the rest of you holding off?
 
linkin06 said:
did u make your alligator eat the wrong side?
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I have done more than that.lol. Ok some EC...For example....raising large guap to build the only clinic in a peri-urban town in Mali.

There's more actually...lol
 
They don't take the AMCAS letters. You'll have to go through VirtualEvals or send them when the time comes.
 
Would be a bad idea to put parents as the relationship I established to best prepare me for a career as a physician?

I actually learned the most from my parents than any others but won't be considered "unique" from the adcom standpoint.. :scared:
 
Homoochan said:
Would be a bad idea to put parents as the relationship I established to best prepare me for a career as a physician?

I actually learned the most from my parents than any others but won't be considered "unique" from the adcom standpoint.. :scared:
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Be honest because that's the essay that will stand out.
 
Just finished my essays and getting ready to submit. Super nervous, with so much writing I can't help but feeling as though one or two errors might make it through editing :scared:
 
bigman225 said:
Just finished my essays and getting ready to submit. Super nervous, with so much writing I can't help but feeling as though one or two errors might make it through editing :scared:
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Don't worry. Take a deep breath, read once again carefully and submit. Good Luck! 🙂
 
Homoochan said:
Would be a bad idea to put parents as the relationship I established to best prepare me for a career as a physician?

I actually learned the most from my parents than any others but won't be considered "unique" from the adcom standpoint.. :scared:
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I talked about my father, the cardiologist. I don't think it's bad to talk about parents in this essay.
 
hey guys, i submitted on july 19 but haven't gotten the email for the secondary yet. i know i'm not verified yet, but i heard that duke is usually one of the first ones you get. anyone else had this delay?
 
I think I had to wait til I was verified.

I just checked and I got an email the day I was verified.
 
Doe87 said:
I think I had to wait til I was verified.

I just checked and I got an email the day I was verified.
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Thanks!

Just wondering, have any MSTP applicants gotten interviews invites yet?
 
congrats!

how long does it take to hear back after you su'mit your secodary to this school with the most annoying basketball team
 
congrats!!! when did you submit your secondary?
 
brooklynblunder said:
congrats!

how long does it take to hear back after you su'mit your secodary to this school with the most annoying basketball team
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haha! great one. i really enjoyed that
 
Yes, invite by email, and it does also show on the status screen.
Secondary submitted/complete: July 13

And they let you select your meal/side/drink that they serve you... do you think they profile the interviewees based on what they order?? (jk)

And finally, I actually like their basketball team... (no, I didn't mention that in my application)
 
AyCaramba said:
Yes, invite by email, and it does also show on the status screen.
Secondary submitted/complete: July 13

And they let you select your meal/side/drink that they serve you... do you think they profile the interviewees based on what they order?? (jk)

And finally, I actually like their basketball team... (no, I didn't mention that in my application)
Click to expand...

Congrats bud. I submitted mine on July 22 so I guess I'm way down the pile. Duke is my top choice so I'm hoping I get some interview love from them
 
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