2009-2010 University of Alabama Application Thread

[tmjbama5]

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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.

Yeah, that's the way I was interpreting them both. Thanks for the input.

 

[VanBrown]

Oh

No I meant that they don't hold people based on stats for interview dates at UASOM. You will interview with a wide range.

At South they purposefully structure the interview groups to hold a narrow range of stats specifically for the purpose of deciding between people that seem similar on paper. That is directly from Mark Scott's mouth so you can take it to the bank.

 

[tmjbama5]

Oh

No I meant that they don't hold people based on stats for interview dates at UASOM. You will interview with a wide range.

At South they purposefully structure the interview groups to hold a narrow range of stats specifically for the purpose of deciding between people that seem similar on paper. That is directly from Mark Scott's mouth so you can take it to the bank.

Ohh, I see what you mean concerning South...yeah, I remember hearing Mark Scott say that as well. I had forgotten about that though...so thanks for reminding me. Interesting...

 

[biomed23]

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

Mind posting your stats?

thanks! no problem, 3.8GPA 28MCAT
good luck to all those waiting!

 

[rule out normal]

thanks! no problem, 3.8GPA 28MCAT
good luck to all those waiting!

Now with people with stats like this getting in, it looks like I'm probably on the outside looking in this year (3.5 GPA, 32 MCAT)...for those of you who will have to reapply, what are you going to do to improve your application?

I bet my GPA is keeping me from getting accepted....even though I had a 3.9 post-bacc (54 hrs), it was not enough to overcome mistakes of the past.

I'll look at taking some harder upper level science this summer and fall.

 

[auburnO5]

Now with people with stats like this getting in, it looks like I'm probably on the outside looking in this year (3.5 GPA, 32 MCAT)...for those of you who will have to reapply, what are you going to do to improve your application?

I bet my GPA is keeping me from getting accepted....even though I had a 3.9 post-bacc (54 hrs), it was not enough to overcome mistakes of the past.

I'll look at taking some harder upper level science this summer and fall.

If you have interviewed, UAB will send you a post-interview feedback email that pretty much outlines why you did not get in and what you need to do to strengthen your application.

Most of it is pretty helpful, and you can even go meet with someone and get your feedback face to face.

3.5/32 with all your post-bacc work is really not that bad, have you interviewed yet?

 

[biomed23]

Now with people with stats like this getting in, it looks like I'm probably on the outside looking in this year (3.5 GPA, 32 MCAT)...for those of you who will have to reapply, what are you going to do to improve your application?

I bet my GPA is keeping me from getting accepted....even though I had a 3.9 post-bacc (54 hrs), it was not enough to overcome mistakes of the past.

I'll look at taking some harder upper level science this summer and fall.

you guys are too worried about "stats". they are not totally dependent on a persons stats. if you got an interview they are beyond your stats at that point. there is probably something else in your application that might need boosting like volunteer activities. but thats just my two cents worth.

 

[auburnO5]

you guys are too worried about "stats". they are not totally dependent on a persons stats. if you got an interview they are beyond your stats at that point. there is probably something else in your application that might need boosting like volunteer activities. but thats just my two cents worth.

This is true for the most part, your gpa and mcat do factor in to your final "score" as an applicant which determines where your names falls on the list.

 

[rule out normal]

you guys are too worried about "stats". they are not totally dependent on a persons stats. if you got an interview they are beyond your stats at that point. there is probably something else in your application that might need boosting like volunteer activities. but thats just my two cents worth.

I interviewed back at the end of September. My volunteer, shadowing, and clinical experience is actually very good. However, now that they have my total "score" that they compile from several aspects of a candidate as a whole, I think it's just not enough. That's why I think my GPA is the weakest link here.

 

[Tully Mars]

I interviewed back at the end of September. My volunteer, shadowing, and clinical experience is actually very good. However, now that they have my total "score" that they compile from several aspects of a candidate as a whole, I think it's just not enough. That's why I think my GPA is the weakest link here.

I'm pretty much right there with you. I had a 3.45 and a 34. I also have some post-baccalaureate classes and I think my GPA in those is a 3.8 or so. I'm still holding out hope. I think we still have a pretty good chance. They wouldn't interview you if they weren't considering you. I think there's a very good chance you'll at least be wait listed and they've gotten to the bottom tier of the wait list each of the last 2 years. Don't give up yet.

 

[DOCnAbox]

Now with people with stats like this getting in, it looks like I'm probably on the outside looking in this year (3.5 GPA, 32 MCAT)...for those of you who will have to reapply, what are you going to do to improve your application?

I bet my GPA is keeping me from getting accepted....even though I had a 3.9 post-bacc (54 hrs), it was not enough to overcome mistakes of the past.

I'll look at taking some harder upper level science this summer and fall.

Who knows. I have a 3.82 and a 29Q and haven't gotten the acceptance yet. Also have good EC's and lors. I guess I just suck at interviewing. I wonder if that will be in my feedback if I don't get in.

 

[ddroukas]

you guys are too worried about "stats". they are not totally dependent on a persons stats. if you got an interview they are beyond your stats at that point.

I wouldn't believe so. As USA works I would assume UAB does similarly (but perhaps not identically): 3 points for MCAT, 3 points for GPA, 4 points for interview = 10 points total; ergo, 60% of your application hinges on quantitative stats alone.

 

[auburnO5]

Who knows. I have a 3.82 and a 29Q and haven't gotten the acceptance yet. Also have good EC's and lors. I guess I just suck at interviewing. I wonder if that will be in my feedback if I don't get in.

We pretty much have identical stats and apparently I sucked at interviewing last year too. I'd say there's definitely some luck involved so don't give up hope yet.

 

[dr zaius]

I interviewed in September with a 3.7+, 35+, tons of research, and lots of clinical/community volunteering. I feel like the interview went incredibly well. Not a word since. It's a little frustrating since I have spent 4 years in undergrad and 2 in grad school at UAB- even though I know that has no meaning to the application process.

I got into some other schools that I really like, though, so if UAB decides to not take me I won't be heartbroken.

 

[auburnO5]

I interviewed in September with a 3.7+, 35+, tons of research, and lots of clinical/community volunteering. I feel like the interview went incredibly well. Not a word since. It's a little frustrating since I have spent 4 years in undergrad and 2 in grad school at UAB- even though I know that has no meaning to the application process.

I got into some other schools that I really like, though, so if UAB decides to not take me I won't be heartbroken.

Wow that's crazy. Especially since someone ^^ up there ^^ has already been accepted with a 3.8/28.

I swear I think the adcom has a huge bucket and just randomly pulls out applicants for acceptance. (No offense to the 3.8/28 guy). I just don't really understand it.

 

[DOCnAbox]

We pretty much have identical stats and apparently I sucked at interviewing last year too. I'd say there's definitely some luck involved so don't give up hope yet.

What kind of feed back did they give you when you weren't accepted? What do you think held you back?

 

[auburnO5]

What kind of feed back did they give you when you weren't accepted? What do you think held you back?

Some of the comments on my feedback were that I was not enthusiastic enough and I was a lot more reserved than other applicants. They really didn't give me much to go on, they said maybe some more shadowing and clinical experience, but that was about it.

 

[DOCnAbox]

Some of the comments on my feedback were that I was not enthusiastic enough and I was a lot more reserved than other applicants. They really didn't give me much to go on, they said maybe some more shadowing and clinical experience, but that was about it.

Great! Now that you said that it makes me think about if I was enthusiastic during my interview. All I remember is that I was so nervous that my lip twitched during my first one.

 

[auburnO5]

Great! Now that you said that it makes me think about if I was enthusiastic during my interview. All I remember is that I was so nervous that my lip twitched during my first one.

Haha sorry! Honestly I thought I did great during my interviews first time around, I really just think it depends on your interviewers and the chemistry you have with them. I wouldn't worry about it at all, as there is nothing you can do. Time to just wait it out!

 

[YH5]

I thought my interview went well too, but I'm still waiting with a 3.84/33. I had some volunteering and shadowing, but no research.

 

[mwalker394]

I interviewed in November. Still waiting with 3.9/35 (oos). I have a good number of ECs... I guess my interviewers just didn't take to me...

 

[Ditto1114]

I think in a few months, when they finalize the acceptances and waitlist, we'll all look back on these posts and chuckle... because we've all been ACCEPTED!! 😀

 

[mwalker394]

I think in a few months, when they finalize the acceptances and waitlist, we'll all look back on these posts and chuckle... because we've all been ACCEPTED!! 😀

I like your optimism! 👍

 

[Sillyshoes]

I think in a few months, when they finalize the acceptances and waitlist, we'll all look back on these posts and chuckle... because we've all been ACCEPTED!! 😀

I am sure everyone's chances are really good post-interview. Based on numbers I saw from somewhere (their website or during the interview) a large percentage of their interviewees are accepted. I would say somewhere around 60-70 %?

 

[Ditto1114]

I am sure everyone's chances are really good post-interview. Based on numbers I saw from somewhere (their website or during the interview) a large percentage of their interviewees are accepted. I would say somewhere around 60-70 %?

Yea, I saw that on their website also... last year if you were in-state and got an interview your chances of being accepted was around 75% and the few years before, it was around 66%

I'll take those odds! 😛

 

[rule out normal]

Some of the comments on my feedback were that I was not enthusiastic enough and I was a lot more reserved than other applicants. They really didn't give me much to go on, they said maybe some more shadowing and clinical experience, but that was about it.

The interview feedback seems a little nitpicky, in my opinion. Should all doctors have bubbly, extroverted personalities? In my experience, I haven't seen that many like that.

 

[Sillyshoes]

The interview feedback seems a little nitpicky, in my opinion. Should all doctors have bubbly, extroverted personalities? In my experience, I haven't seen that many like that.

I think maybe they meant enthusiastic about the school?

Maybe an enthusiastic or bubbly interviewer expects an interviewee who is also extroverted?

It's all subjective of course.


Out of my 3 interviews, the first one was really awkward, or so it seemed to me.
My interviewer just wrote the whole time, barely looking up at me. There was even a moment when he took off his glasses and
pinched the bridge of his nose while asking questions...Apparently sign of frustration.

 

[Ditto1114]

Random comment... Sillyshoes I love your avatar! Have you gotten all your merit badges yet?

 

[Ditto1114]

I think maybe they meant enthusiastic about the school?

Maybe an enthusiastic or bubbly interviewer expects an interviewee who is also extroverted?

It's all subjective of course.


Out of my 3 interviews, the first one was really awkward, or so it seemed to me.
My interviewer just wrote the whole time, barely looking up at me. There was even a moment when he took off his glasses and
pinched the bridge of his nose while asking questions...Apparently sign of frustration.

I had an interviewer who was all business. She just asked questions then remained silent and wrote while I talked. The only dialogue we had was when I asked her what she likes/dislikes about UAB... then she went off! She was a whole new person!

 

[Sillyshoes]

Random comment... Sillyshoes I love your avatar! Have you gotten all your merit badges yet?

Haha. Thanks!
No, I have not gotten all of my merit badges yet.
I would love to though. I am a big Russell fan. 🙂



I finally got my campus assignment through my status page.
I got Huntsville, which was my second choice actually.

 

[DOCnAbox]

Haha. Thanks!
No, I have not gotten all of my merit badges yet.
I would love to though. I am a big Russell fan. 🙂



I finally got my campus assignment through my status page.
I got Huntsville, which was my second choice actually.

Guess there are no bham spots left then... 🙁

 

[dabeste]

I just got assigned to Bham.

 

[Sillyshoes]

Guess there are no bham spots left then... 🙁

I don't think all Bham spots are gone though. It is unfair if the people who are accepted earlier than others get first pick.
I am fine with Huntsville though.
I think they may factor in other stuff when determining which campus to assign you to or maybe it is random...

 

[vandy2010]

I have a question for anyone who has been accepted so far:

Back a couple of years ago I was arrested for a small alcohol violation (not a dui) and all of the charges ended up being dropped and I was never convicted of anything.

So to the people who have been accepted, I was wondering if they run a background check at the point of acceptance? Or if anyone knows how that works. Thanks!

 

[ccol428]

I have a question for anyone who has been accepted so far:

Back a couple of years ago I was arrested for a small alcohol violation (not a dui) and all of the charges ended up being dropped and I was never convicted of anything.

So to the people who have been accepted, I was wondering if they run a background check at the point of acceptance? Or if anyone knows how that works. Thanks!

Yes, they do run a background check. I was accepted in November, but they didn't do the background check til January. They will send you an email with all of the info about it.

 

[Thacked]

I have a question for anyone who has been accepted so far:

Back a couple of years ago I was arrested for a small alcohol violation (not a dui) and all of the charges ended up being dropped and I was never convicted of anything.

So to the people who have been accepted, I was wondering if they run a background check at the point of acceptance? Or if anyone knows how that works. Thanks!

Given that my neuroscience teacher got hired by UAH after having murdered her brother and being suspected of sending a letterbomb to a professor, my guess is that a small arrest that didn't result in a conviction won't show up on a background check.

 

[Tully Mars]

I have a question for anyone who has been accepted so far:

Back a couple of years ago I was arrested for a small alcohol violation (not a dui) and all of the charges ended up being dropped and I was never convicted of anything.

So to the people who have been accepted, I was wondering if they run a background check at the point of acceptance? Or if anyone knows how that works. Thanks!

they definitely do a background check but i don't think a minor in possession, public intox, or anything of that nature is anything to worry about keeping you out of school.

 

[The Poet Sings]

Given that my neuroscience teacher got hired by UAH after having murdered her brother and being suspected of sending a letterbomb to a professor, my guess is that a small arrest that didn't result in a conviction won't show up on a background check.

 

[johnnybgood1234]

Given that my neuroscience teacher got hired by UAH after having murdered her brother and being suspected of sending a letterbomb to a professor, my guess is that a small arrest that didn't result in a conviction won't show up on a background check.

🙁

 

[mwalker394]

I have a question for anyone who has been accepted so far:

Back a couple of years ago I was arrested for a small alcohol violation (not a dui) and all of the charges ended up being dropped and I was never convicted of anything.

So to the people who have been accepted, I was wondering if they run a background check at the point of acceptance? Or if anyone knows how that works. Thanks!

Now, I don't know what your violation was, but I got an MIP (minor in possession of alcohol) last fall. I pleaded not guilty and the charges ended up being dropped. When they ran my background check in January, I got to approve it (say everything was correct) before allowing the schools to see it. Nothing related to the incident showed up on the check. SOMETIMES (depending on what kind of background check they run, the state, etc...) if you plead guilty or no contest, it will show up, but if the charges were officially dropped, I doubt it.

 

[DOCnAbox]

I have a question for anyone who has been accepted so far:

Back a couple of years ago I was arrested for a small alcohol violation (not a dui) and all of the charges ended up being dropped and I was never convicted of anything.

So to the people who have been accepted, I was wondering if they run a background check at the point of acceptance? Or if anyone knows how that works. Thanks!

I wouldn't worry about it. One of my friends is a first year at UAB and he got a DUI.

 

[auburnO5]

I should probably know this since this is my second time around, but does anybody know when and how often the adcom meets?

 

[ddroukas]

I should probably know this since this is my second time around, but does anybody know when and how often the adcom meets?

Thursdays 5PM after interview sessions, comprised of approximately 50 members (per Dr. Smith, Assistant Dean for Admissions). I'm sure there are final decision meetings after interview season has concluded. I don't know when these are.

 

[biomed23]

It seems like the acceptances come between the times of 3pm and 5pm for the most part. I got mine at 4:55 and a few other people got theirs right after 3, but who knows they like to mix it up from time to time.

 

[auburnO5]

It seems like the acceptances come between the times of 3pm and 5pm for the most part. I got mine at 4:55 and a few other people got theirs right after 3, but who knows they like to mix it up from time to time.

On what days?

 

[Sillyshoes]

On what days?

Apparently they come out on Fridays.
I got mine on a Thurs, but I am OOS.

 

[Ditto1114]

UAB has been rather quiet lately.... I can't stand the suspense!! When do you think they'll finalize everything? After match day?

 

[YH5]

UAB has been rather quiet lately.... I can't stand the suspense!! When do you think they'll finalize everything? After match day?

I'm guessing March 26th.

 

[auburnO5]

UAB has been rather quiet lately.... I can't stand the suspense!! When do you think they'll finalize everything? After match day?

Agreed. This is going to be a long month.

Last year I found out that I was waitlisted during spring break... so I think everything should be "finalized" around the last week in March.

 

[gitlow]

Interview invite. Next Thursday (3/11).