2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

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NavyCY, when I say I want to get to 180 its because I looked up my ideal weight and it said 160-200, I just took the middle value of 180. I have 30 lbs to go to get there and 8 months to do it, which is just under 1 lb/week, mathematically very doable.

Of course, what I care about is getting in as good of shape as will be sustainable. I plan to return to weight training as soon as my orthopedist says I can and build up as much muscle as my body will support on a maintenance diet of 2500 calories(which I will climb up from my current 1500 gradually), mostly lean protein, and weight training every other day, (pushups, situps everyday). No matter what that weight is, I don't care as long as I am in the best possible shape for PFT, (I am determined to get 300 points) and under 200 lbs, (I don't want there to be any chance of getting put on remedial).


Whooy89 and Fireheat, welcome to the USUHS class of 2014😀 and I hope you'll join the Uniformed Service University class of 2014 group so we can start to get to know each other as future colleagues!😀

By the way, which services did both of you get?
 
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When I say I want to get to 180 its because I looked up my ideal weight and it said 160-200,

I understand. I wonder how they determined the weight ranges. My brother runs ultramarathons, has zero upper body weight and less than 5% bodyfat, but 160 lbs for a man 6'3" would be a lower BMI than my brother. I guess its possible, but I can't imagine its all that common. Even if you don't make it to 180, you can definitely get to a point where the APFT is cake.
 
I'm Air National Guard (E-5, 4N071) and will not be on orders or active status while interviewing. Should I still wear my Service Dress Uniform? I'm thinking yes, but wanted to "ask the experts". 🙂
(without bothering the admissions office)

[Re: MD/PhD]...I couldn't find the amount of the stipend. You don't stay active duty while in the PhD portion, right? That could be a rough 3 years...
Right. MD/PhD program students don't commission for 3 years and are on a $25K (for 2007-2008) stipend. Rough, I know, but being in Bethesda, it would be hard to resist plugging into an exciting immunology or emerging infectious diseases research lab. MD is my priority, of course, but it's BETHESDA...! I'd be tempted to stay there and soak up the abundance of brain power as long as possible. 👍

The PhD portion is obviously not for everyone -- that's why I asked if I'm the only one interested...?
I have an application completed for the GEO office as well as the medical school.

I'm having fun catching up on this thread today. Congrats, again, to everyone getting accepted! Please save me an AF spot! :xf:
 
I understand. I wonder how they determined the weight ranges. My brother runs ultramarathons, has zero upper body weight and less than 5% bodyfat, but 160 lbs for a man 6'3" would be a lower BMI than my brother. I guess its possible, but I can't imagine its all that common. Even if you don't make it to 180, you can definitely get to a point where the APFT is cake.

I believe they base it on BMI. A measurement that is riddled with flaws. First to make the math easier they assumed that the height should be squared for all heights. This only works for the average man for shorter people it should be less than 2 and for taller people it should be greater. Second, it doesn't distinguish between lean muscle and fat. For healthy weight I should weigh 165 pounds. I'm 6'4"! In my awkward days of frowing up I once weighed 165lbs and I looked malnourished. Never trust the BMI.

XMSR3 use hip to waist ratio or just look in a mirror. We all know what healthy looks like and what fat looks like. If you can bust out a 300 on the PFT you are in no way fat.

Most healthcare professionals know this flaw and how touse the measurement. But I had a run-in with a PA who insisted I needed to lose 20lbs to prolong my life based on a flawed BMI. I even explained the mathematical reasons it was flawed and she looked at me like I was dumb.


Stepping down from soapbox.
 
I believe they base it on BMI. A measurement that is riddled with flaws. First to make the math easier they assumed that the height should be squared for all heights. This only works for the average man for shorter people it should be less than 2 and for taller people it should be greater. Second, it doesn't distinguish between lean muscle and fat. For healthy weight I should weigh 165 pounds. I'm 6'4"! In my awkward days of frowing up I once weighed 165lbs and I looked malnourished. Never trust the BMI.

XMSR3 use hip to waist ratio or just look in a mirror. We all know what healthy looks like and what fat looks like. If you can bust out a 300 on the PFT you are in no way fat.

Most healthcare professionals know this flaw and how touse the measurement. But I had a run-in with a PA who insisted I needed to lose 20lbs to prolong my life based on a flawed BMI. I even explained the mathematical reasons it was flawed and she looked at me like I was dumb.


Stepping down from soapbox.

QFT man. I played college basketball and I'm 6'7" - the recommended weight is 230. I haven't weighed that since high school and my knees were knocking together and you could see all of my ribs. It makes no sense but whatever, I'm used to getting taped now.
 
Totally agree, BMI is bull****. It was invented in the late 19th century by a Dutch actuary who was working for a life insurance company. The weight and heights are based on a statistical survey of 19th century dutch people. According to BMI tables Brad Pit and Arnold Swartzeneger are both morbidly obese! I put more stock in % body fat, of which I am 16.5% which is a healthy number.

As for my knee, I had it checked out today, turns out its quadracep tendonitis caused by a small calcified spur that was inflaming my tendon due to overtraining and the weight training was what really set it off. 3 weeks of NSAIDs should result in full recovery. For now I can do everything but running and weight training.

So my Hawaii plans of biking and climbing diamond head are back on! I look forward to returning from my 3 week celebration 10-15 lbs lighter and a heck of a lot more tanned!😀

Good luck to all USUHS applicants! I look forward to reading you joyful acceptance announcements here and seeing you on the Uniformed Service University class of 2014 facebook page.😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
 
Glad to see there are plenty of people here that are taller than me! At 6'3", I'm usually at the front of the group in formations, and the back row in pictures!
 
Accepted. Navy. (AD USMC) Interviewed 9/24. OBTW, never got a complete e-mail.
 
According to BMI tables Brad Pit and Arnold Swartzeneger are both morbidly obese!

Would this be the "Pumping Iron" era Arnold or the current version? Because the time as govenator has not been kind to Arnold. I wonder who would win a competition between Arnold and Lou Ferigno if it was held today.
 
Would this be the "Pumping Iron" era Arnold or the current version? Because the time as govenator has not been kind to Arnold. I wonder who would win a competition between Arnold and Lou Ferigno if it was held today.

Priceless
 
Accepted. Navy. (AD USMC) Interviewed 9/24. OBTW, never got a complete e-mail.

Welcome to the USUHS class of 2014! 😀 Don't forget to join the facebook page!😀
 
Welcome to the USUHS class of 2014! 😀 Don't forget to join the facebook page!😀
congratulations on your acceptance xmsr3. lots of us gave you a lot of (deserved) grief but good to see you're going to live your dream.
 
I'm Air National Guard (E-5, 4N071) and will not be on orders or active status while interviewing. Should I still wear my Service Dress Uniform? I'm thinking yes, but wanted to "ask the experts". 🙂
(without bothering the admissions office)

I actually had a similar question, and I'm wondering if I should wear my uniform as a prior active duty Capt...still on IRR. I'm also leaning towards yes.
 
I actually had a similar question, and I'm wondering if I should wear my uniform as a prior active duty Capt...still on IRR. I'm also leaning towards yes.

I'd wear it. I have a friend on IRR and he wore his uniform to interview without problem. Plus, if you don't wear your uniform you have to pick out civilian clothes that match. I don't know about you, but I've never been very good at picking clothes that match. That's why I joined the military. :laugh:

What branch were you? Army, AF or USMC?
 
I'm flying out for an USUHS interview tomorrow but they never contacted me about what to bring for a background check and I forgot to ask them! Does anybody know????
 
I'm flying out for an USUHS interview tomorrow but they never contacted me about what to bring for a background check and I forgot to ask them! Does anybody know????

http://www.nps.gov/goga/parkmgmt/upload/SF86.pdf

You'll need to complete this which is a bit of a beast and in addition bring your passport or birth certificate. It appears theirs is slightly different PM me with your email and I'll send it to you.

Good luck on your interview!
 
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Has anyone recieved their acceptance letter in the mail yet? Is it supposed to come this week?
 
X- It sounds like you need to do that "smile and laugh" thing again.
 
I'd wear it.

Alrighty - blues it is... Thanks for the advice! 🙂

edit: I was just getting my paperwork as ready as I can in preparation for my Nov. 5th interview when I stumbled across this DoDMERB forum. I thought it would be a useful resource for anyone with questions/concerns about the DoDMERB process. So, yeah, there it is...
 
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it can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to get your acceptance letter. I submitted DoDMERB after I got a phone call (oct. 15) and got my conditional and unconditional letters on the same day.
 
Alrighty - blues it is... Thanks for the advice! 🙂

edit: I was just getting my paperwork as ready as I can in preparation for my Nov. 5th interview when I stumbled across this DoDMERB forum. I thought it would be a useful resource for anyone with questions/concerns about the DoDMERB process. So, yeah, there it is...

Bless you. This will help me a bunch.👍
 
it can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to get your acceptance letter. I submitted DoDMERB after I got a phone call (oct. 15) and got my conditional and unconditional letters on the same day.

Ok, good to know. I am currently on vacation in Hawaii (plenty of smiling and laughing going on😀) and so I won't be home until Nov 10. I was going to have my dad bring me my acceptance packet when he visits me on Friday but I guess I can have my mom mail it to me here in Honolulu. Or depending on when it arrives, maybe I can just wait until I get back.

We have 2 weeks to sign and return the forms correct?
 
Ok, good to know. I am currently on vacation in Hawaii (plenty of smiling and laughing going on😀) and so I won't be home until Nov 10. I was going to have my dad bring me my acceptance packet when he visits me on Friday but I guess I can have my mom mail it to me here in Honolulu. Or depending on when it arrives, maybe I can just wait until I get back.

We have 2 weeks to sign and return the forms correct?


If you're worried about making the 2 week deadline, call the admissions office and explain the situation; you're not at home and won't be until Nov 10 and it may take you longer than 2 weeks to get it back. I don't know for sure, but I think they would be accommodating about that. So my advice would be, before you spend the money to have it shipped to you and then mailed to MD, just give them a quick call and ask 🙂
 
Thanks silverhorse, I will call tomorrow and inquire as to whether or not the acceptances are in the mail or if they have yet to send them (and report back here of course😀 If they have yet to be sent out I will see if they can hold mine until I get back.
 
Ok, good to know. I am currently on vacation in Hawaii (plenty of smiling and laughing going on😀) and so I won't be home until Nov 10. I was going to have my dad bring me my acceptance packet when he visits me on Friday but I guess I can have my mom mail it to me here in Honolulu. Or depending on when it arrives, maybe I can just wait until I get back.

We have 2 weeks to sign and return the forms correct?

That sounds rough...
 
Xmsr's posts from Hawaii reminded me of a past vacation on Oahu. Check out the military resort located on Waikiki beach.

http://www.halekoa.com/index.cfm

You have to book rooms 6-12 months prior, but if you do you can get a ocean view room for $150. Or you can go next door and spend $400. Either way, its a beautiful location. Wish I was in Hawaii right now. Or at least somewhere where I didn't have to work every day.

Sorry, xmsr. This won't help you right now, but next time you go back maybe you can check it out. Enjoy the beach.
 
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Xmsr's posts from Hawaii reminded me of a past vacation on Oahu. Check out the military resort located on Waikiki beach.

http://www.halekoa.com/index.cfm

You have to book rooms 6-12 months prior, but if you do you can get a ocean view room for $150. Or you can go next door and spend $400. Either way, its a beautiful location. Wish I was in Hawaii right now. Or at least somewhere where I didn't have to work every day.

Sorry, xmsr. This won't help you right now, but next time you go back maybe you can check it out. Enjoy the beach.

I forgot these things cost more as an officer. Moving from an E5 to 01E makes my hotel more expensive 🙁 Still dirt cheap though.
 
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FYI for those of you who are fans of Europe (or have been to Hawaii too many times like me).

That's pretty rough, grotto. I only managed to make it to Hawaii once and only then because they didn't want us to run out of fuel in the middle of the ocean. I did get to visit Korea 14 times though. I hear Donghae is almost as good as Hawaii.
 
Just talked with admissions, letters and paperwork went out already so we should be getting them tomorrow.

Oh and regarding military hotels and resorts there appears to be several more military recreation centers.

http://old.armymwr.com/portal/travel/recreationcenters/

Virginia
Germany
Florida
Hawaii
Korea

and the one above in Tokyo

Also there are military condo rentals you can get for $300/week and on base housing for each branch of the service.

http://www.military.com/Travel/Content1/0,,ML_condo,00.html

Oh and a USO at every major airport, as someone who has used my dad's northwest worlds club in the past I know how nice it is to pop in for a quick bite and a drink. Nice to know our service men and women can do the same but for free.
 
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Bless you. This will help me a bunch.👍

No kidding, it's a great resource; the Deputy Director of DoDMERB (Larry Mullen) is incredibly active on those forums, and offers direct and responsive assistance on a personal basis, in case anyone needs it. See his "leave no applicant behind" statement here.

I've managed to arrange a back-to-back interview schedule with both the School of Medicine and the Graduate Cell & Molecular Biology program for Nov. 5th & 6th, so even if I do get in I may be on a somewhat different path than the rest of y'all starting next year... You'll all be living it up as O-1's while I'm still scraping by on a stipend for 3 years! 😳
 
Erald take heart in the fact that its only 3 years of poverty 😀(while pursuing your passion for research) and then you too will be living the dream😀

By the way, has anyone heard anything from scooter2 lately? Scooter you out there? What's going on? Pumpkin carving keeping you super busy?😀
 
By the way, has anyone heard anything from scooter2 lately? Scooter you out there? What's going on? Pumpkin carving keeping you super busy?😀

I'm still here! Since I whined and stressed for like 3 days straight last week I'm trying not to post "why didn't they call yet??" like every single day! 😳

I haven't gotten a rejection letter yet... I hope that's a good sign... I'm just trying to do my thing and not stare at the phone constantly.

Hope you are having a blast in Hawaii! And good luck to everyone still waiting for acceptances or interviews!!
 
i have an interview invite for 11/19

what's the best hotel to stay at (nearest/cheapest)?
btw, what are the demographics of USUHS in terms of ethnicity/race?
 
i have an interview invite for 11/19

what's the best hotel to stay at (nearest/cheapest)?
btw, what are the demographics of USUHS in terms of ethnicity/race?

The *best* way to do go in my opinion would be to put in for a student host. We don't bite!

If you really would rather pay for a hotel I personally really liked the Bethesda Court Hotel when I stayed there while apartment hunting this summer. It's a nice but not super expensive hotel and right in downtown Bethesda. Probably not the cheapest place you could get though. (just looked and apparently it is a lot cheaper on the weekends than during the week, but on the weekend I felt like it was a decent deal) I haven't stayed in any other hotels in the area. Sorry I couldn't be more informative.
 
Well the Navy got around to signing my paperwork, so I officially have permission to apply to medical school. That's good since I already interviewed. Now I get to join all the rest of you sitting and waiting for phone calls. :laugh:

what's the best hotel to stay at (nearest/cheapest)?
btw, what are the demographics of USUHS in terms of ethnicity/race?

In previous years I stayed with a student host and I thought that it was a very good experience. Staying with a host gives you a chance to see a side of the school that you won't get from the admissions staff. This year I stayed at the American Inn on Wisconsin Ave. It wasn't the cheapest, but it is only a mile from the gate and was very convenient. You can also get a discount if you are part of AAA or if you tell them you are interviewing at USUHS and ask for the gov't rate. Good luck.
 
Hey gang, finally decided to chime in after "observing" a lot of the convo on this board. Interviewed on 9/24 and still waiting for my LOA to clear, and hopefully a phone call soon.

NavyCy: Any word for you yet? Did that LOA get processed through PERS? Probably gonna pick up a mountain bike soon, any recommendations?

Kleos: Perhaps you thought Ruiner was me. I'm a fellow alum from your UG institution. Any more interview invites?

Ruiner & Brocimus: I think we were in the same interview group, we spoke briefly and I think we rode the same van to the "holo-deck."

xmsr3: You are definitely a character bro and its cool that you don't take the gentle ribbing on this forum too personally. Congrats! You have accomplished great things personally (weight loss/better shape) and professionally (med school acceptance). I sure hope to hear that "smile & laugh" motivational speech in person and also get the coveted "be sure to join the USUHS class of 2014 facebook page" invite! Enjoy Hawaii man!

Scooter: I have a dog too. Roscoe, he is a puggle (pug + beagle) and definitely keeps me busy waiting for that phone call. Good luck.

Tenbusu: Were you in Japan? I was out there a few times.

RLTW: Epic avatar man!

To all the other applicants: post-interview waiting to hear back, interview invites, and pre-interview candidates, good luck and congrats for getting this far!

cheers,
SONIC
 
Kleos: Perhaps you thought Ruiner was me. I'm a fellow alum from your UG institution. Any more interview invites?

Hey man. Nah, wouldn't confuse you two lol. No luck yet...definitely putting a lot of chips into this USUHS pot. How's your app season going? I want a call next Friday so badly.
 
Well the Navy got around to signing my paperwork, so I officially have permission to apply to medical school. That's good since I already interviewed. Now I get to join all the rest of you sitting and waiting for phone calls. :laugh:

About time. Congrats hopefully you get a call soon.
 
Hey gang, finally decided to chime in after "observing" a lot of the convo on this board. Interviewed on 9/24 and still waiting for my LOA to clear, and hopefully a phone call soon.

NavyCy: Any word for you yet? Did that LOA get processed through PERS? Probably gonna pick up a mountain bike soon, any recommendations?

Kleos: Perhaps you thought Ruiner was me. I'm a fellow alum from your UG institution. Any more interview invites?

Ruiner & Brocimus: I think we were in the same interview group, we spoke briefly and I think we rode the same van to the "holo-deck."

xmsr3: You are definitely a character bro and its cool that you don't take the gentle ribbing on this forum too personally. Congrats! You have accomplished great things personally (weight loss/better shape) and professionally (med school acceptance). I sure hope to hear that "smile & laugh" motivational speech in person and also get the coveted "be sure to join the USUHS class of 2014 facebook page" invite! Enjoy Hawaii man!

Scooter: I have a dog too. Roscoe, he is a puggle (pug + beagle) and definitely keeps me busy waiting for that phone call. Good luck.

Tenbusu: Were you in Japan? I was out there a few times.

RLTW: Epic avatar man!

To all the other applicants: post-interview waiting to hear back, interview invites, and pre-interview candidates, good luck and congrats for getting this far!

cheers,
SONIC

Good luck on both the LOA and USUHS. What branch are you? (just saw you used pers so I'm gonna guesss Navy)
 
NavyCy: Any word for you yet? Did that LOA get processed through PERS? Probably gonna pick up a mountain bike soon, any recommendations?

Yeah man. It took 3 months and about 47 calls to BUPERS, but they sent me my letter this morning. Give me a call anytime. I'd be glad to help you find a bike. You know how much I enjoy talking about bikes. :laugh:
 
Ruiner & Brocimus: I think we were in the same interview group, we spoke briefly and I think we rode the same van to the "holo-deck."

Naw bud not me. I had to catch a train so couldn't go to the optional part. I do think we talked a couple times, you are one of the pilots? I was the only guy from the great state of MI (that I know of). Kleos and I talked after the interviews were done. He had just said something that made me think he was one of the guys from Utah but now I know. I got into MSU's MD school now so I'm starting to lean towards going there and doing HPSP if I don't get the call soon.

To the person asking about demographics, it was definitely mostly white male, but I saw ever race/gender demographic and I'm sure there were different religions.
 
No kidding, it's a great resource; the Deputy Director of DoDMERB (Larry Mullen) is incredibly active on those forums, and offers direct and responsive assistance on a personal basis, in case anyone needs it. See his "leave no applicant behind" statement here.

I've managed to arrange a back-to-back interview schedule with both the School of Medicine and the Graduate Cell & Molecular Biology program for Nov. 5th & 6th, so even if I do get in I may be on a somewhat different path than the rest of y'all starting next year... You'll all be living it up as O-1's while I'm still scraping by on a stipend for 3 years! 😳

Yeah, that Larry guy really seems to be in every thread and really cuts to the chase. I will have to use that guy without a doubt, because I will likely need some waivers.

For those of you that have already interviewed, I just want to make sure I have my ducks in a row for this week. So, I need to bring:

(1) Birth certificate along with other forms of ID.
(2) Preference sheet
(3) Activity update essay/class list
(4) Security paperwork

What else am I missing? Oh, and I have another question about the security paperwork. My HPSP recruiter gave me access to the online security forms, and there was a mention in my invitation email about HPSP paperwork being kosher to bring to the interview. I ask this because USUHS has never sent me the security paperwork (the stuff they say will be sent 7 days prior to my interview). Well my interview is in 5 days, and nothing. So,

Did anybody use HPSP security paperwork at their interview? From what I can tell the only difference is that one is pdf format and the other is an automated form. Any thoughts/suggestions?
 
Hey Gang,

I have been reading this thread and wanted to post a note for those who, like me, are still waiting on the acceptance phone call...or the other thing. I had my interview on 9/24 and was pretty anxious this week. Having not heard anything, I called the SOM admissions office. They said that they only make acceptance phone calls twice a month. This means that most of us 9/24ers will probably not hear anything until November 2 or thereabouts. So stay cool😎, the wait probably does not mean anything.
 
My HPSP recruiter gave me access to the online security forms, and there was a mention in my invitation email about HPSP paperwork being kosher to bring to the interview. I ask this because USUHS has never sent me the security paperwork (the stuff they say will be sent 7 days prior to my interview). Well my interview is in 5 days, and nothing. So,

Did anybody use HPSP security paperwork at their interview? From what I can tell the only difference is that one is pdf format and the other is an automated form. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Segovia, are you talking about the JPAS system or something else? Also did you previously have a security clearance? I'm assuming you had to have at least a secret to work with avionics, right? If you want to send me your email in a private message, I can forward you the pre-interview emails that were sent out. It is just general information about the interview day and doesn't address security issues. You did receive the security information email from the security dept, right?

If you already have had a clearance, things become very easy because you'll already be in the JPAS system and they can just look you up. I never had to show my SF86 but I took it with me just to be sure. I would say your best bet is to call them explain your situation and see what they want. I can make guesses about what they might want, but since I don't work for the USUHS security department it would be just guesses.

Good luck. Let me know if you want those emails.
 
The *best* way to do go in my opinion would be to put in for a student host. We don't bite!

If you really would rather pay for a hotel I personally really liked the Bethesda Court Hotel when I stayed there while apartment hunting this summer. It's a nice but not super expensive hotel and right in downtown Bethesda. Probably not the cheapest place you could get though. (just looked and apparently it is a lot cheaper on the weekends than during the week, but on the weekend I felt like it was a decent deal) I haven't stayed in any other hotels in the area. Sorry I couldn't be more informative.

Thank you SirGecko for your response. I actually would do the student host but my bus ticket for arrival to DC is at 9:30 PM, I don't want to burden anyone that late.
 
Thank you SirGecko for your response. I actually would do the student host but my bus ticket for arrival to DC is at 9:30 PM, I don't want to burden anyone that late.

They don't assign you all to us, we pick who we host. So we get a list of names, UG institution, service preference, and the time the person gets in. So, when someone wanting to host looks at the list they'll know you're getting in late. If they don't mind that, they'll pick you; If they do, then they won't. So you don't have to worry about burdening someone, they'll already know. Just fyi 🙂
 
Segovia, are you talking about the JPAS system or something else? Also did you previously have a security clearance? I'm assuming you had to have at least a secret to work with avionics, right? If you want to send me your email in a private message, I can forward you the pre-interview emails that were sent out. It is just general information about the interview day and doesn't address security issues. You did receive the security information email from the security dept, right?

If you already have had a clearance, things become very easy because you'll already be in the JPAS system and they can just look you up. I never had to show my SF86 but I took it with me just to be sure. I would say your best bet is to call them explain your situation and see what they want. I can make guesses about what they might want, but since I don't work for the USUHS security department it would be just guesses.



Good luck. Let me know if you want those emails.

I sent you a PM. I think I am also going to call the Security Division Monday morning as well. I never got the security emails, just the original invite and a couple of confirmation emails.

Did they read through your activity update sheet, or did you just have to submit it for later review?
 
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