2009-2010 University of Alabama Application Thread

[Thacked]

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Yeah I remember that happened last year to me too. Mine changed to the "remain under consideration for an interview" about a month ago... it got me all excited for nothing.

I'm more relaxed this go around too (not obsessing about it every day like I was last year), but now that it is getting close to cruch time I'm starting to get a little more worried. I mean surely I won't have to apply 3 F'in times...

And yes, I hope with every fiber of my being that this is the last time I apply.

 

[auburnO5]

When did you interview last year? Mine was on the last possible day.

Good to know that there are other reapplicants out there. When was your application finished? I got mine in earlier this year (than last), so I was kind of surprised to not have had an invite yet.

I interviewed last year in early October, and I also got my app in earlier this year than last year, so I am VERY surprised (and worried and don't G.A.S. all at the same time) that I haven't gotten an invite.

 

[Thacked]

I interviewed last year in early October, and I also got my app in earlier this year than last year, so I am VERY surprised (and worried and don't G.A.S. all at the same time) that I haven't gotten an invite.

A friend of mine mentioned that she had talked to someone (an important someone) and she said that reapplicants are saved for the end. Why this would be the case, I'm not sure--seems like our applications should be considered along with everyone else's.

How are your other prospects looking?

 

[Sillyshoes]

Congrats!

That's several OOS students who have been accepted. I don't recall any IS acceptances on SDN since November.

Thanks!
Perhaps they will notify IS acceptances tomorrow.

 

[Thacked]

Thought I'd share my strategy for getting in this year:

I keep making more and more outlandish promises of what I'm going to do if I get in. It started with taking my friends to Chuck E. Cheese, now I've upped the ante to Dave and Buster's (my treat). I figure with my luck, I'll eventually get in and have to make good on my promises.

 

[auburnO5]

A friend of mine mentioned that she had talked to someone (an important someone) and she said that reapplicants are saved for the end. Why this would be the case, I'm not sure--seems like our applications should be considered along with everyone else's.

How are your other prospects looking?

My only thoughts on why they would save reapplicants for the end is that a lot of them (myself not included, which might turn out to be a bad thing) take classes/grad school during the year that they are reapplying, to improve their application. So UAB might wait until all or most of those grades are in to interview the reapplicants. I really didn't want to take any more classes and had to get a full time job so this theory doesn't really apply to me, but it would be my best guess.

As for my other prospects, I had an interview at USA in January, and I have one next week at UTHSC. How about yours?

edit: I like your strategy btw

 

[Thacked]

My only thoughts on why they would save reapplicants for the end is that a lot of them (myself not included, which might turn out to be a bad thing) take classes/grad school during the year that they are reapplying, to improve their application. So UAB might wait until all or most of those grades are in to interview the reapplicants. I really didn't want to take any more classes and had to get a full time job so this theory doesn't really apply to me, but it would be my best guess.

As for my other prospects, I had an interview at USA in January, and I have one next week at UTHSC. How about yours?

edit: I like your strategy btw

Haven't heard anything from USA at all, either flippin' year. I would have bet my left thumb that I would have at least interviewed there last year *and* this year, but no dice. I bought a really expensive rejection letter from them last year, and I have the feeling I did the same this year.

I honestly didn't even apply anywhere else--perhaps that was a bad idea but my logic is that if I can't get in to either state school, why throw another $1000 at other schools that are going to line their canary's cage with my app?(I like to think it's that useful 😉 )

Thing about late interviews is that it's not late enough to get info from the classes--I am actually taking an UG business class (so many docs tell me that they wish they had during UG, so I figured "Why not now?" ) and the grades, of course, won't post until late April/early May.

As far as the work, I too am working full time. It's at least a semi-medically related job (in the optical business) and it's great money.

 

[auburnO5]

Haven't heard anything from USA at all, either flippin' year. I would have bet my left thumb that I would have at least interviewed there last year *and* this year, but no dice. I bought a really expensive rejection letter from them last year, and I have the feeling I did the same this year.

I wouldn't count USA out just yet. I interviewed on 1/13 and Mark Scott said that we were exactly at the halfway point for interviews. Last year I got the interview invite from the on THE LAST POSSIBLE DAY and there was no way that I could make it to the interview, and they couldn't reschedule. So needless to say I was pissed.

 

[r0ckaction]

Thanks!
Perhaps they will notify IS acceptances tomorrow.

I was accepted OOS this morning too around 10:30. See you guys in July.

 

[DOCnAbox]

Thanks!
Perhaps they will notify IS acceptances tomorrow.

That would be amazing if they did and we were all accepted! If they do that, I wonder why they would do OOS thurs and IS friday?

Thought I'd share my strategy for getting in this year:

I keep making more and more outlandish promises of what I'm going to do if I get in. It started with taking my friends to Chuck E. Cheese, now I've upped the ante to Dave and Buster's (my treat). I figure with my luck, I'll eventually get in and have to make good on my promises.

Where is there a Dave and Busters near bham? I think I've only seen one on "It's always sunny in philly"

 

[Ditto1114]

I <3 UAB 🙂 I had so much fun at the interviews yesterday!

 

[ccol428]

I was accepted OOS this morning too around 10:30. See you guys in July.

Congrats on the acceptance! There is a facebook page for our class if you want to join. Just search UASOM Class of 2014. See yall on July 26!

 

[r0ckaction]

Congrats on the acceptance! There is a facebook page for our class if you want to join. Just search UASOM Class of 2014. See yall on July 26!

thanks!

 

[YH5]

I've spent 1.5% of my life waiting for an acceptance from UAB.

 

[DOCnAbox]

I've spent 1.5% of my life waiting for an acceptance from UAB.

Sounds about right...

 

[Thacked]

That would be amazing if they did and we were all accepted! If they do that, I wonder why they would do OOS thurs and IS friday?






Where is there a Dave and Busters near bham? I think I've only seen one on "It's always sunny in philly"

There's not one around Bham, we'll be going to either Nashville or Atlanta. I'll even pay for gas, yet another thing to add to my list of promises🙂

 

[Thacked]

On my interview last year, I was asked how I feel about healthcare reform. I answered honestly, but I was wondering how other SDNers felt about it--do you think there are "right" answers that practicing physicians would want to hear? I also would really like to know how the upcoming generation of physicians-in-training feels about it.

 

[DOCnAbox]

On my interview last year, I was asked how I feel about healthcare reform. I answered honestly, but I was wondering how other SDNers felt about it--do you think there are "right" answers that practicing physicians would want to hear? I also would really like to know how the upcoming generation of physicians-in-training feels about it.

I wasn't asked about healthcare reform but I read up on it and listened to some podcasts on it (this american life, stuff you should know, etc.) they had some great answers. Ie. Patients wanting unnecessary tests and Dr.s ordering them bc they don't want a malpractice lawsuit. Doctors not knowing the actual cost of the medicine they prescribe so they prescribe the name brand which is like ten times the cost of the generic. All these things and more drive up the premiums for health care providers. If they had asked me about that, I would have mentioned it but in a way not to offend them. EX. "Some doctors...." rather than "Doctors like you....!"

 

[Sillyshoes]

On my interview last year, I was asked how I feel about healthcare reform. I answered honestly, but I was wondering how other SDNers felt about it--do you think there are "right" answers that practicing physicians would want to hear? I also would really like to know how the upcoming generation of physicians-in-training feels about it.

Only one school asked me about it. UAB didn't. Anyway, it is a very complex issue. Usually if you are asked about Health Care reform, they are interested in how you think. Just as long as you can support your answers and do not come off as being narrow-minded, then it should be fine.

My opinion of health care reform? well I can go on and on about that.

 

[Ditto1114]

Hurray it's snowing!!

I wasn't asked about healthcare reform either, but I agree with DOCnAbox I would've tried not to offend. I think there is need for a reform especially to stop insurance companies from excluding pre-existing conditions.

 

[Thacked]

Yeah, the way my interviewer said "Obaaahhhma" kind of told me which way he leaned.

Something along the lines of "With...Obama's...proposed healthcare reform, how do you think that will affect you as a future physician?"

 

[Sillyshoes]

Yeah, the way my interviewer said "Obaaahhhma" kind of told me which way he leaned.

Something along the lines of "With...Obama's...proposed healthcare reform, how do you think that will affect you as a future physician?"

Yeah your interviewers can definitely clue you in as to how you can approach your answers.

 

[YH5]

In my interview, I was asked "Do you think the healthcare bill will pass?"

I froze because this was back when it was unclear whether there were enough votes or not. I admitted that I hadn't been following it closely enough to know if it was going to pass, and the interviewer didn't seem any more knowledgeable than me. We just moved on to the next question.

 

[mwalker394]

On my interview last year, I was asked how I feel about healthcare reform. I answered honestly, but I was wondering how other SDNers felt about it--do you think there are "right" answers that practicing physicians would want to hear? I also would really like to know how the upcoming generation of physicians-in-training feels about it.

TWO of my interviewers asked. One asked point-blank if I though "healthcare was a right or a privilege." I had no idea what to respond.

 

[VanBrown]

A friend of mine mentioned that she had talked to someone (an important someone) and she said that reapplicants are saved for the end. Why this would be the case, I'm not sure--seems like our applications should be considered along with everyone else's.

How are your other prospects looking?

They save you for the end because they want to give you ample time to improve your application before you come to an interview. They want a good answer to, "What have you been doing the past year?"

It's to your advantage to have a good response that will push their decision in your favor.

 

[auburnO5]

They save you for the end because they want to give you ample time to improve your application before you come to an interview. They want a good answer to, "What have you been doing the past year?"

It's to your advantage to have a good response that will push their decision in your favor.

That makes sense. It just seems like they are cutting it a little too close for comfort...

 

[Thacked]

That makes sense. It just seems like they are cutting it a little too close for comfort...

I'll agree there. I'm hoping for some love before leaving on spring break--I did some fancy footwork to leave all Wednesdays and Thursdays open for possible interviews.

'Twould be nice to come back to two acceptances...but I'd have to make good on my promise to take everyone to Dave and Buster's...wearing a cow suit.

 

[auburnO5]

Finally got an interview invite today.

 

[ERS]

I finally have a UAB interview invite-- Yeahhhh.. - please post any interview questions that may be helpful to me.

 

[Thacked]

Finally got an interview invite today.

Congrats! What time did it come?

 

[DOCnAbox]

Finally got an interview invite today.

Congrats!

I finally have a UAB interview invite-- Yeahhhh.. - please post any interview questions that may be helpful to me.

I used this website.

http://more.studentdoctor.net/interviewlist.php?school=91

In the end though, most of the questions that I was asked were just about shadowing, research, volunteer, and things unique to my profile. None of the questions were weird or out of right field.

 

[auburnO5]

Congrats! What time did it come?

9:49 am

 

[pppfcr]

How excited/disappointed should I be that I got a "remain under consideration for interview" status update today? (2/18). Is it too late to get offered, do you think?

 

[auburnO5]

How excited/disappointed should I be that I got a "remain under consideration for interview" status update today? (2/18). Is it too late to get offered, do you think?

Not at all, I got offered 2 days ago.

 

[pppfcr]

Not at all, I got offered 2 days ago.

Congrats!!!

Yeah; it's so weird.. I'm thinking: if there are TOPS 4 more interview dates, why would I not just get a "closed file" status or an interview invite today? It doesn't seem like there are many more dates left. Hopefully, they didn't send out all their offers the day you received yours (2/16), and are waiting to send rejections tomorrow afternoon? haha

At any rate, best of luck to you!! How awesome would it be to be able to be shouting Roll Tide from the med student section next year? 👍

 

[auburnO5]

Congrats!!!

Yeah; it's so weird.. I'm thinking: if there are TOPS 4 more interview dates, why would I not just get a "closed file" status or an interview invite today? It doesn't seem like there are many more dates left. Hopefully, they didn't send out all their offers the day you received yours (2/16), and are waiting to send rejections tomorrow afternoon? haha

At any rate, best of luck to you!! How awesome would it be to be able to be shouting Roll Tide from the med student section next year? 👍

You will definitely never hear those words come out of my mouth. 👎

 

[pppfcr]

You will definitely never hear those words come out of my mouth. 👎

hahhaha My bad-saw the Auburn after. Dude, sorry, I just HATE Florida (Tebow specifically); I bet we can agree on that. 👍????

 

[auburnO5]

hahhaha My bad-saw the Auburn after. Dude, sorry, I just HATE Florida (Tebow specifically); I bet we can agree on that. 👍????

Haha yeah thats something that I can agree with (UT as well).

 

[VanBrown]

At any rate, best of luck to you!! How awesome would it be to be able to be shouting Roll Tide from the med student section next year? 👍

I'm not sure how appropriate it would be to yell that profanity at a UAB football/basketball game.

 

[tmjbama5]

Finally got an interview on 3/4...

Let's say there are two applicants that have similar stats/ECs...however, one interviews in November/December and the other interviews in February/March (both have good interviews). How much of an advantage (if any) would you say the person that interviewed earlier has to get accepted?

 

[VanBrown]

Finally got an interview on 3/4...

Let's say there are two applicants that have similar stats/ECs...however, one interviews in November/December and the other interviews in February/March (both have good interviews). How much of an advantage (if any) would you say the person that interviewed earlier has to get accepted?

None.

It is designed so that it doesn't work that way. Now at South it is a different story.

At UASOM you are graded on subjective and objective criteria. Those scored are compiled and you are put, literally, onto a excel spreadsheet that ranks everyone by there composite score regardless of interview date. If you score above the current admission standard you get accepted, if you are below it you sit there until final decisions are made.

 

[DOCnAbox]

Congrats!!!

Yeah; it's so weird.. I'm thinking: if there are TOPS 4 more interview dates, why would I not just get a "closed file" status or an interview invite today? It doesn't seem like there are many more dates left. Hopefully, they didn't send out all their offers the day you received yours (2/16), and are waiting to send rejections tomorrow afternoon? haha

At any rate, best of luck to you!! How awesome would it be to be able to be shouting Roll Tide from the med student section next year? 👍

There are no med student sections, are there? Roll tide though

 

[BK611]

can those of you that received invites recently (like the past month) post your stats or PM me? Just curious where I stand compared to the people getting the invites. Thanks!

 

[auburnO5]

can those of you that received invites recently (like the past month) post your stats or PM me? Just curious where I stand compared to the people getting the invites. Thanks!

3.8 gpa, 29 (9VS 10BS 10 PS) mcat - reapplicant

 

[ddroukas]

Reapplicants aren't necessarily held until the end of interview season. I interviewed in November of 2008 as a reapplicant, although I was waitlisted the year prior.

I interview 02/25/10, IS, 32Q, 3.54, holding one acceptance to USACOM.

EDIT: I've been told March 11 is the final interview session. Invites are traditionally sent out at least one week prior, so March 04 may be the last day to hear from them barring any unusual circumstances.

 

[biomed23]

Just got accepted to UAB. very excited!😀

 

[auburnO5]

Just got accepted to UAB. very excited!😀

Congrats!! That's awesome. I'm jealous. Go celebrate tonight.

Mind posting your stats?

 

[YH5]

Just got accepted to UAB. very excited!😀

Congrats!

 

[tmjbama5]

None.

It is designed so that it doesn't work that way. Now at South it is a different story.

At UASOM you are graded on subjective and objective criteria. Those scored are compiled and you are put, literally, onto a excel spreadsheet that ranks everyone by there composite score regardless of interview date. If you score above the current admission standard you get accepted, if you are below it you sit there until final decisions are made.

Thanks for the replies.

Just curious, but how is it different at South? It seems that they come up with a set score too and if you are over it, you're accepted...under it and you get a "hold card"...then they lower the score later on in the process. At least that is the way I understand it.

 

[auburnO5]

Thanks for the replies.

Just curious, but how is it different at South? It seems that they come up with a set score too and if you are over it, you're accepted...under it and you get a "hold card"...then they lower the score later on in the process. At least that is the way I understand it.

I'm pretty sure they do it just about the same way at both schools.

They both give you a "score" then rank you along with the other applicants. Then they have a bar that starts out pretty high, and is lowered throughout the cycle.