2009-2010 Howard University Application Thread

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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Hey Guys, I just called Mrs. Walk and found out I was accepted. Congrats to everyone else who was too.

I was wondering if any of you guys know the deadline for confirming your acceptance. I think I remember someone saying 45 days during my interview. Can anyone confirm that number?

Thanks
 
NicM88 said:
Hey Guys, I just called Mrs. Walk and found out I was accepted. Congrats to everyone else who was too.

I was wondering if any of you guys know the deadline for confirming your acceptance. I think I remember someone saying 45 days during my interview. Can anyone confirm that number?

Thanks
Click to expand...

When did you interview?
 
Is anyone feeling the pain of undergrad with the anticipation of med school? I am having SO much trouble with math...by the way, the pain I'm speaking of is not reaching that "C" minimum to matriculate. I'm concerned about myself...😱 That's my "oh noooo" face. 😴but then I just fall asleep and hope things are ok in the morning (after working really hard!). Pray for me yall.

Also, I guess the purpose of this post is for support from empathetic or sympathetic individuals...

But to everyone that's gotten in:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I look forward to meeting everyone (so long as I get that grade omyefffffff)

And to everyone waiting:
Hang in there (like that poster with the cat--it's so cute!); you haven't been rejected!
 
ThingsHopedFor said:
Is anyone feeling the pain of undergrad with the anticipation of med school? I am having SO much trouble with math...by the way, the pain I'm speaking of is not reaching that "C" minimum to matriculate. I'm concerned about myself...😱 That's my "oh noooo" face. 😴but then I just fall asleep and hope things are ok in the morning (after working really hard!). Pray for me yall.

Also, I guess the purpose of this post is for support from empathetic or sympathetic individuals...

But to everyone that's gotten in:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I look forward to meeting everyone (so long as I get that grade omyefffffff)

And to everyone waiting:
Hang in there (like that poster with the cat--it's so cute!); you haven't been rejected!
Click to expand...
Hey, does that mean you were admitted conditional on a 'C' minimum grade in your math course? If so, that should be quite the motivation to get the job done...lol. I mean, if an admission is riding on that grade, then you should and will pull all stops to bag the moose...lol. I have a physics class but things are going great coz my AP days are helping out great! I just wanna get that acceptance on paper before I can even worry about my physics grade
 
ThingsHopedFor said:
Is anyone feeling the pain of undergrad with the anticipation of med school? I am having SO much trouble with math...by the way, the pain I'm speaking of is not reaching that "C" minimum to matriculate. I'm concerned about myself...😱 That's my "oh noooo" face. 😴but then I just fall asleep and hope things are ok in the morning (after working really hard!). Pray for me yall.

Also, I guess the purpose of this post is for support from empathetic or sympathetic individuals...

But to everyone that's gotten in:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I look forward to meeting everyone (so long as I get that grade omyefffffff)

And to everyone waiting:
Hang in there (like that poster with the cat--it's so cute!); you haven't been rejected!
Click to expand...

Don't get to laxed keep your eye on the prize your there, the hard part "getting in" is done. I know what you're feeling the drive is almost slowing down, it's your senior year, but keep in mind what's at stake. And god only knows how much I hated math " Calculus" I spent hours to do 1 problem I was so bad at it, but I kept plugging away and got the grade. Just pretend you didn't get accepted see if that turns the drive back in you, thats what i would do. Good luck, I'll be rooting for you. Stay positive and focused, no excuses, you can do this.👍
 
ThingsHopedFor said:
Is anyone feeling the pain of undergrad with the anticipation of med school? I am having SO much trouble with math...by the way, the pain I'm speaking of is not reaching that "C" minimum to matriculate. I'm concerned about myself...😱 That's my "oh noooo" face. 😴but then I just fall asleep and hope things are ok in the morning (after working really hard!). Pray for me yall.

Also, I guess the purpose of this post is for support from empathetic or sympathetic individuals...

But to everyone that's gotten in:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I look forward to meeting everyone (so long as I get that grade omyefffffff)

And to everyone waiting:
Hang in there (like that poster with the cat--it's so cute!); you haven't been rejected!
Click to expand...

I don't think Howard rejects...they just leave you hangin' 🙁
 
This is my understanding:
The last set of interview invites will be handed out by March 15. The class is filled by the end of April when interviews are completed. The last set of decision letters are usually sent out by the end of April or beginning of May. If people decline their acceptances anytime around then, they will look at the people who are on the Alternate List (hold status post-interview) to see if they can fill the class from that group. If that doesn't pan out, then they look back at the pre-interview applicant pool to select people for interviews. So in a sense, yes lovemesomeTJ, most pre-interview applicants (unless they are invited within the next week) won't hear for some time. I don't mean to be pessimistic, but I'm in the same boat. Although it would be fantastic to get an interview invite and acceptance at Howard, right now it would probably be best to start on plan B, whether that includes getting ready for the next cycle or whatever else so that all our eggs aren't in one basket.
 
terp89 said:
This is my understanding:
The last set of interview invites will be handed out by March 15. The class is filled by the end of April when interviews are completed. The last set of decision letters are usually sent out by the end of April or beginning of May. If people decline their acceptances anytime around then, they will look at the people who are on the Alternate List (hold status post-interview) to see if they can fill the class from that group. If that doesn't pan out, then they look back at the pre-interview applicant pool to select people for interviews. So in a sense, yes lovemesomeTJ, most pre-interview applicants (unless they are invited within the next week) won't hear for some time. I don't mean to be pessimistic, but I'm in the same boat. Although it would be fantastic to get an interview invite and acceptance at Howard, right now it would probably be best to start on plan B, whether that includes getting ready for the next cycle or whatever else so that all our eggs aren't in one basket.
Click to expand...

You're not being pessimistic; you're being realistic and keepin' it real.

And I LIKE that!!! 😀👍

Still, I can't help but be bummed. I applied to most if not all of those schools whose mission is to serve the underserved, or are in areas of great need, and it sucks that some schools don't recognize your committment. Then again, maybe I didn't explain myself well enough. I'm willing to take responsibility.

ONWARD and UPWARD!!!
 
lovemesomeTJ said:
You're not being pessimistic; you're being realistic and keepin' it real.

And I LIKE that!!! 😀👍

Still, I can't help but be bummed. I applied to most if not all of those schools whose mission is to serve the underserved, or are in areas of great need, and it sucks that some schools don't recognize your committment. Then again, maybe I didn't explain myself well enough. I'm willing to take responsibility.

ONWARD and UPWARD!!!
Click to expand...

I asked Ms. Walk when the last interviewed would be sent out and she said April 15.
 
IndigoBoy0 said:
I asked Ms. Walk when the last interviewed would be sent out and she said April 15.
Click to expand...

Well that's different from the email she sent us around the holidays! And a previous post on this page said that all interviews would be given out by March 15. So many conflicting viewpoints and answers!!

I am just going to sit here until the cycle is over. And if an invite comes my way well...I'll just get up and go. 👍
 
She had told me the same; interviews all the way up until April. She also mentioned that it is now pretty late in the cycle, and there are just too many applications to get through. It seems as though the numbers really got in the way this time around. Lets just hope that qualified applicants do get the attention they deserve. I'm still hopeful and crossing fingers for an invite.
 
Greetings friends, I am posting here after our Mar 9 interview and there were 8 of us present. I felt that this would be great info for all those waiting because I had so many questions that were mostly unanswered before going in.
For starters, there was another interview session offered today (March 10). Ms Walk sent me the interview invitation on Feb 25. By the way, she is so personable and made us feel very relaxed with her wit, charm, and trivia...not to mention she is so young at heart!
It was apparent to me that we all had a very small window of opportunity because Ms walk told us what we all suspected...this late in the cycle, the class is technically full so we are all hanging on to hope that others will drop their spots to let us in.
However, I know that the best blessing that could have happened to me was that email from Ms Walk inviting me. The interview went absolutely well. It is very true that everyone is friendly and everyone seems to know everyone! I got more smiles and hellos here than at any other school I interviewed at and the students interact with each other so positively. If anyone out there doubts the authenticity of the 'family feeling' at HUCM, then I am here to dispell it. If I had to do thank you notes, I'd easily have 10 or more for everyone I felt took the time to be nice to us.

If I had a hypothetical 'open acceptance' to any school in the country, I would chose HUCM after that interview experience...I mean, even the cafeteria served jerk chicken and catfish at lunch!! (I know at least a few people feel me on that...lol).

Ok, back on track...everyone that is holding on to an acceptance has until April 15 to decide. I suspect that if the committee meets this month and there are no spots, then we'd all probably end up on a waitlist. If some early birds decline their spots before then, there will be good news for at least some candidates. Either way, hope is not lost at this point. I must say that the committee has a very difficult time...if I was on the committee, it would be hard not to accept all the people I interviewed with. Very very nice people...Ms Walk has the best radar known to man when it comes to choosing interviewees. I would not feel bad losing out to any of them - but that said I'd do anything to see all of us there in the Fall 🙂

On a light closing note, if you think Howard has nice people, then here's your proverbial cherry on the cake...VERY VERY ATTRACTIVE ladies and gents in general!! What a treat for anyone that goes here...they had me at 'nice'...now we are in overkill territory! Hope that helps anyone wondering about HUCM.

Me and everyone I know is on bended knees to God until we hear back from Ms Walk. I have been very blessed given the hardships my existence encountered. When I remember eating the same cheap food daily for months on end, looking at poverty and illiteracy in my family, getting scholarships that sent me to places I never dreamed of, sleeping in my car because even though I had rent money I was still not deemed rent worthy, and all the things that were stacked against me...imagine what it feels like to know a school like HUCM was silently waiting for my application with open arms...one word that describes it all...PRICELESS!

God bless you all, and may your dreams meet with fruition!
 
ResIpsaLoquitur said:
Greetings friends, I am posting here after our Mar 9 interview and there were 8 of us present. I felt that this would be great info for all those waiting because I had so many questions that were mostly unanswered before going in.
For starters, there was another interview session offered today (March 10). Ms Walk sent me the interview invitation on Feb 25. By the way, she is so personable and made us feel very relaxed with her wit, charm, and trivia...not to mention she is so young at heart!
It was apparent to me that we all had a very small window of opportunity because Ms walk told us what we all suspected...this late in the cycle, the class is technically full so we are all hanging on to hope that others will drop their spots to let us in.
However, I know that the best blessing that could have happened to me was that email from Ms Walk inviting me. The interview went absolutely well. It is very true that everyone is friendly and everyone seems to know everyone! I got more smiles and hellos here than at any other school I interviewed at and the students interact with each other so positively. If anyone out there doubts the authenticity of the 'family feeling' at HUCM, then I am here to dispell it. If I had to do thank you notes, I'd easily have 10 or more for everyone I felt took the time to be nice to us.

If I had a hypothetical 'open acceptance' to any school in the country, I would chose HUCM after that interview experience...I mean, even the cafeteria served jerk chicken and catfish at lunch!! (I know at least a few people feel me on that...lol).

Ok, back on track...everyone that is holding on to an acceptance has until April 15 to decide. I suspect that if the committee meets this month and there are no spots, then we'd all probably end up on a waitlist. If some early birds decline their spots before then, there will be good news for at least some candidates. Either way, hope is not lost at this point. I must say that the committee has a very difficult time...if I was on the committee, it would be hard not to accept all the people I interviewed with. Very very nice people...Ms Walk has the best radar known to man when it comes to choosing interviewees. I would not feel bad losing out to any of them - but that said I'd do anything to see all of us there in the Fall 🙂

On a light closing note, if you think Howard has nice people, then here's your proverbial cherry on the cake...VERY VERY ATTRACTIVE ladies and gents in general!! What a treat for anyone that goes here...they had me at 'nice'...now we are in overkill territory! Hope that helps anyone wondering about HUCM.

Me and everyone I know is on bended knees to God until we hear back from Ms Walk. I have been very blessed given the hardships my existence encountered. When I remember eating the same cheap food daily for months on end, looking at poverty and illiteracy in my family, getting scholarships that sent me to places I never dreamed of, sleeping in my car because even though I had rent money I was still not deemed rent worthy, and all the things that were stacked against me...imagine what it feels like to know a school like HUCM was silently waiting for my application with open arms...one word that describes it all...PRICELESS!

God bless you all, and may your dreams meet with fruition!
Click to expand...
Well said! 🙂 I interviewed March 2nd (waiting to hear back now) and it too was a wonderful experience! 😀 Best of luck & hope to you and all those waiting for offers & interviews! :luck:
 
Are decision letters ALWAYS signed on the 15th of each month or does it occur before/after the 15th sometimes???
 
MedBoundForSure said:
Did any recent acceptances get the background check email yet?
Click to expand...

I called and found out I was accepted on February 23. and got the background check email on March 10. So it takes quite a bit of time [about two weeks for me]. If you don't get it by the end of next week, I'd give Mrs. Walk a call.

Congrats on being accepted.
 
NicM88 said:
I called and found out I was accepted on February 23. and got the background check email on March 10. So it takes quite a bit of time [about two weeks for me]. If you don't get it by the end of next week, I'd give Mrs. Walk a call.

Congrats on being accepted.
Click to expand...

ok thanks, we found out the same day. I wonder what is taking so long for mine...
 
Do all interviewed applicants get sent the out of committee email? Also, normally how long before it is ok to contact Ms. Walk concerning the decision? Any feedback is appreciated!!!
 
Hi everyone. Is being selected as an alternate this late in the game bad news? Is this a probable rejection? I am sad this is the case b/c I truly love this school, and it is my #1 choice. Any words of wisdom will be appreciated. Thank you.
 
Bearrie said:
Just got invitation. So excited I thought I would stop lurking here! 🙂

I'm not a URM, but come from a disadvantaged background and have worked with URM patient populations. High stats (34, 3.9), but Howard doesn't seem to be too focused on stats.

I noticed this from US News:
5635 applied, 328 interviewed, 261 were accepted, 114 enrolled

Does that mean 80% of those interviewed are offered admissions?
Click to expand...

Does this mean that alternates have a good chance at being selected??? How many of alternates usually get off the waitlist?
 
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I havent heard anything from howard since they sent that email before christmas on how they have SO many applications this year...does anyone know if they are done w interview invites?
 
FutureMed1 said:
Does this mean that alternates have a good chance at being selected??? How many of alternates usually get off the waitlist?
Click to expand...


The data posted above. Unfortunately. Does not distinguish between waitlisted then accepted from accepted. So 83% or so based on the old data. Supposedly med school app numbers are hitting record highs this year. Anecdotally--I haven't checked myself. I'm not sure if Howard has altered their process from previous application cycles to reflect this. But I am resonably sure their philosophy is the same in that they choose carefully who they want to interview. Meaning if you interview there overall your chances are really good. If your waitlisted at this point I wouldn't think of it as a bad thing. When I was there in January they were already indicating that their class was topping off.

Look for your opportunities to get off the waitlist as people withdraw their applications April thru late may an into June. This per last year's thread and the helpful, friendly Howard students who've given us this info here.

Best of luck to you.

One thought more:

When I said they were filling up in January its important to note that the idea is not fixed. But rather a point at which they begin to fill the waitlist which is undergoing continuous flux. Maximum Flux being April/May. So interviewing still means chances are great at any point.
 
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Does Howard reject some applicants post-interview, or is everyone waitlisted if they are not accepted?
 
FutureMed1 said:
Does Howard reject some applicants post-interview, or is everyone waitlisted if they are not accepted?
Click to expand...
Post-interview you can be accepted, accepted (but must complete PARP program), placed on the alternate list or rejected.

I don't know of anyone personally who has been rejected. Howard tends to accept majority of the applicants that are interviewed (especially if you interviewed during the first semester).
 
Last edited:
I've heard that the committee that signs the (offer) letters meets on the 15th of every month. How long after the 15th have you all been receiving the "OK to Call" email?😕
 
Nasrudin said:
The data posted above. Unfortunately. Does not distinguish between waitlisted then accepted from accepted. So 83% or so based on the old data. Supposedly med school app numbers are hitting record highs this year. Anecdotally--I haven't checked myself. I'm not sure if Howard has altered their process from previous application cycles to reflect this. But I am resonably sure their philosophy is the same in that they choose carefully who they want to interview. Meaning if you interview there overall your chances are really good. If your waitlisted at this point I wouldn't think of it as a bad thing. When I was there in January they were already indicating that their class was topping off.

Look for your opportunities to get off the waitlist as people withdraw their applications April thru late may an into June. This per last year's thread and the helpful, friendly Howard students who've given us this info here.

Best of luck to you.

One thought more:

When I said they were filling up in January its important to note that the idea is not fixed. But rather a point at which they begin to fill the waitlist which is undergoing continuous flux. Maximum Flux being April/May. So interviewing still means chances are great at any point.
Click to expand...


Do you know when Ms. Walk normally sends the ok to call email after the letters have been signed on the 15th?
 
quepid said:
I've heard that the committee that signs the (offer) letters meets on the 15th of every month. How long after the 15th have you all been receiving the "OK to Call" email?😕
Click to expand...
The decision letters are usually signed around the 15th. However, your file can go to committee before or after that date (depending on when you interviewed).

My file went to committee on the 7th of January and I received the e-mail to call Ms. Walk on the 14th of January.

If you go to committee after the 15th, you're decision letter is usually not signed until around the 15th of the next month.
 
SouthernBelle08 said:
The decision letters are usually signed around the 15th. However, your file can go to committee before or after that date (depending on when you interviewed).

My file went to committee on the 7th of January and I received the e-mail to call Ms. Walk on the 14th of January.

If you go to committee after the 15th, you're decision letter is usually not signed until around the 15th of the next month.
Click to expand...


I got the out of committee email a couple of weeks ago. Since today is the 15th, I didn't know when I should expect the "ok to call" email.:xf:
 
Got this today from Howard:

PLEASE DO NOT CALL or EMAIL THIS OFFICE IN RESPONSE COMMUNICATION.


NOTIFICATION: COMPLETION OF HUCM APPLICATION REVIEW

Dear Applicant:

In previous emails, we have notified you that we have received and reviewed your AMCAS application and your Howard secondary application. This "INTERIM" email will provide information about your CURRENT application status.

We expect to continue interviewing through the end of April. If the College of Medicine decides to invite you for an interview, we will inform you of available dates via email; the last invitations will be sent in early April. We only have about 40 interview slots (out of 300 total interviews per year) remaining. (Please note: A competitive applicant will have a Science GPA of 3.0, a total MCAT of at least 22, and an obvious interest in and quality experiences working in underserved communities. All three attributes must be present.) This year, we have received over 6,000 AMCAS applications. Unfortunately, we are not able to interview every worthy candidate.

If we are not able to invite you for an interview, you will receive no further email correspondence from the Admissions Office regarding your status.

Applicants who have completed the application process and have not received an invitation to interview will receive written notification of their final status via U.S mail at the END OF THE ADMISSIONS CYCLE - AFTER MAY 20.

We are not able to respond to requests for an interview.

If you will be attending another school and no longer have an interest in attending Howard, please send an email withdrawing your application to [email protected]. Please include your full name and AMCAS identification number. We will confirm your withdrawal via email.

Again, we thank you for your interest in the College of Medicine and wish you much success in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Judith M. Walk, Director of Admissions
Click to expand...

The bolded phrase would seem to suggest that I have been rejected and they just don't want to tell me yet. Anyone with any experience on this here?
 
quepid said:
I got the out of committee email a couple of weeks ago. Since today is the 15th, I didn't know when I should expect the "ok to call" email.:xf:
Click to expand...
All of my e-mails post-interview have been sent on a Thursday, so I would look out for that day to receive something. If you don't hear anything by the end of the week, I would definitely call. Also, they don't sign decision letters exactly on the 15th, but around that date (depending on what's going on at HUCM). In my e-mail from Ms. Walk that told me it was OK to call (which I received on Thursday), she stated that it was signed a couple of days before (on a Monday).
 
Howisbabbyformd said:
Got this today from Howard:

The bolded phrase would seem to suggest that I have been rejected and they just don't want to tell me yet. Anyone with any experience on this here?
Click to expand...

Ha. Received this too. Funny thing is I formally withdrew quite some time ago. Only confirms my theory that they don't actually read through things you send them.

But, I don't think you're necessarily rejected. I think a few people still will receive interview invites from them, just not most.

Good luck! :xf:
 
SouthernBelle08 said:
All of my e-mails post-interview have been sent on a Thursday, so I would look out for that day to receive something. If you don't hear anything by the end of the week, I would definitely call. Also, they don't sign decision letters exactly on the 15th, but around that date (depending on what's going on at HUCM). In my e-mail from Ms. Walk that told me it was OK to call (which I received on Thursday), she stated that it was signed a couple of days before (on a Monday).
Click to expand...


Thank you so much for your feedback. I greatly appreciate it. I have been trying to be patient, but it is difficult! I guess I will try harder 🙁
 
Howisbabbyformd said:
Got this today from Howard:



The bolded phrase would seem to suggest that I have been rejected and they just don't want to tell me yet. Anyone with any experience on this here?
Click to expand...


I received this email as well and I interviewed with them. They are sent to everyone that is active in their system so don't worry. Everyone that hasn't been formally accepted received this email! Just keep praying and make sure to let us know when you get that interview offer. Good luck!
 
No problem! I know what it's like to have to wait for a decision, so I'm glad I could help.

Throughout this medical school process, I think it's important to keep in mind that everything is done on God's time. If HUCM is the place that God intended for you to be, it will happen when God says the time is right.

Much love and positivity to everyone this application cycle!!
 
quepid said:
Do you know when Ms. Walk normally sends the ok to call email after the letters have been signed on the 15th?
Click to expand...

Not sure exactly. Sorry. I checked through my emails but it's not clear. It was a blur of memory from interview to decision time. I think I held my breath the whole time.

But it must have been in the week after the 15th. Best of luck y'all.
 
I also received that email. I guess there is still hope. about 4 more weeks for them to send out invites.
I guess they really had a lot more applications this year.
UGH, I want to get an interview

I guess all we can do now is pray. 😀
 
could people here tell me a little bit about how howard's students are involved with improving health care services for the underserved?
 
medhearter said:
could people here tell me a little bit about how howard's students are involved with improving health care services for the underserved?
Click to expand...
You should take a look at this article ... http://medicine.howard.edu/about/news/events/releases/freeclinic.htm

Also, Howard University Hospital in general serves a large portion of people in DC who are underserved. I know that the medical students do a lot of activities within the surrounding community (such as health fares for children and screenings for the elderly).
 
medhearter said:
could people here tell me a little bit about how howard's students are involved with improving health care services for the underserved?
Click to expand...

There are many levels. First, Howard students in the classroom are more exposed to health concerns that disproportionally affect disadvantaged and minority communities such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Second, they give back during med school through involvement in the DC community, specifically the most underserved areas, and lastly those graduates are likely to return to similar areas around the country as practicing physicians.
 
quepid said:
I received this email as well and I interviewed with them. They are sent to everyone that is active in their system so don't worry. Everyone that hasn't been formally accepted received this email! Just keep praying and make sure to let us know when you get that interview offer. Good luck!
Click to expand...


I'm supposed to be active in their system, but I didn't get it.

Did I tick somebody off??
 
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