2009-2010 University of Alabama Application Thread

BU Medical Sciences
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buning said:
do you think they are still giving interview invites out? i know the last one is this week, but I have been 'remain under consideration..." for quite a while now.
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I think they have sent them all out unless someone cancels this week or something and they decide to pull someone else up for an interview last minute.
 
biomed23 said:
I think they have sent them all out unless someone cancels this week or something and they decide to pull someone else up for an interview last minute.
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You could always call and check. You don't have anything to lose.
 
Does anybody know how long is usually takes to receive the campus assignment? I was accepted mid February and still have not gotten it yet.

Thanks
 
biomed23 said:
Does anybody know how long is usually takes to receive the campus assignment? I was accepted mid February and still have not gotten it yet.

Thanks
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I was accepted Oct. 21st and received my campus assignment like Dec. 3rd.
 
SarahLiz82 said:
You could always call and check. You don't have anything to lose.
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i called yesterday. the secretary lady said they don't give her that information, so she couldn't really tell me anything.
 
This is a completely random question but I have been wondering it for some time. Do y'all think it is better to have a higher science GPA than cumulative? And why do I feel like I am the only one who doesn't. I mean it seems like they would like for the science to be higher bc it relates more to medicine than say History 101 or Music 101. But I guess my main question is why are so many people's cumulative GPA lower than their science. All the non-science classes were basic, easy classes that you could study for like a day before the test. HY 101 is nothing compared to studying for an Organic 2 test. I guess to each his own. I just always thought the non-major classes were kinda like GPA cushions.
 
DOCnAbox said:
This is a completely random question but I have been wondering it for some time. Do y'all think it is better to have a higher science GPA than cumulative? And why do I feel like I am the only one who doesn't. I mean it seems like they would like for the science to be higher bc it relates more to medicine than say History 101 or Music 101. But I guess my main question is why are so many people's cumulative GPA lower than their science. All the non-science classes were basic, easy classes that you could study for like a day before the test. HY 101 is nothing compared to studying for an Organic 2 test. I guess to each his own. I just always thought the non-major classes were kinda like GPA cushions.
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I imagine it varies alot from school to school and from person to person. Some people have minors and don't just take the "101s" of their respective non-science classes. Other people can't or don't just take the 101 classes due to whatever reason.

As far as which is more important to the adcoms, i gave up trying to figure out what they like more a long time ago.
 
DOCnAbox said:
This is a completely random question but I have been wondering it for some time. Do y'all think it is better to have a higher science GPA than cumulative? And why do I feel like I am the only one who doesn't. I mean it seems like they would like for the science to be higher bc it relates more to medicine than say History 101 or Music 101. But I guess my main question is why are so many people's cumulative GPA lower than their science. All the non-science classes were basic, easy classes that you could study for like a day before the test. HY 101 is nothing compared to studying for an Organic 2 test. I guess to each his own. I just always thought the non-major classes were kinda like GPA cushions.
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If your major is Engg then it is easier to much higher Science GPA. Kinetics, Fluids and Thermo beat Organic and PChem hands down.
 
I just got an email asking me to fill out the residency application bc "In screening your application, questions were raised concerning your residency." I really don't get why I'm having to do this considering both of my parents have lived here for multiple years along with me...my mom has worked in AL for multiple years and I have a full-time job here. I didn't realize how strict UASOM is about residency...figured I wouldn't have to do this (the application seems to be somewhat of a pain). I could understand if we just moved here to get IS tuition, but we didn't...and we have no plans to leave the state. Anyways, has anyone else had to do this?
 
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tmjbama5 said:
I just got an email asking me to fill out the residency application bc "In screening your application, questions were raised concerning your residency." I really don't get why I'm having to do this considering both of my parents have lived here for multiple years along with me...my mom has worked in AL for multiple years and I have a full-time job here. I didn't realize how strict UASOM is about residency...figured I wouldn't have to do this (the application seems to be somewhat of a pain). I could understand if we just moved here to get IS tuition, but we didn't...and we have no plans to leave the state. Anyways, has anyone else had to do this?
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Have you already been accepted?
It's a hassle, but it could be good news 🙂
Today's the last day of interviews... good luck to everybody!!!
 
Midifelder10 said:
If your major is Engg then it is easier to much higher Science GPA. Kinetics, Fluids and Thermo beat Organic and PChem hands down.
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Seems like those classes would count towards science GPA though...
 
The ADCOM doesn't really break down the science v non-science. You need to have a good GPA. If you print off your AMCAS application (which they all have) you see that your GPA is broken down by year. They want to see either a consistently good GPA or, at worst, an upward trend.
 
GL2814 said:
Have you already been accepted?
It's a hassle, but it could be good news 🙂
Today's the last day of interviews... good luck to everybody!!!
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No, I haven't been accepted yet, which makes it more puzzling to me. Oh well...
 
VanBrown said:
The ADCOM doesn't really break down the science v non-science. You need to have a good GPA. If you print off your AMCAS application (which they all have) you see that your GPA is broken down by year. They want to see either a consistently good GPA or, at worst, an upward trend.
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I disagree. In my post-interview feedback last year I was told that a big reason for my rejection that was my risk score was too low. A risk score is calculated from your bcpm gpa and mcat score. A higher risk score means you are less likely to have difficulties in the program. My junior and senior bcpm weren't bad, but my freshman one was low and it really held me back.
 
SarahLiz82 said:
I disagree. In my post-interview feedback last year I was told that a big reason for my rejection that was my risk score was too low. A risk score is calculated from your bcpm gpa and mcat score. A higher risk score means you are less likely to have difficulties in the program. My junior and senior bcpm weren't bad, but my freshman one was low and it really held me back.
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4d825ef60d10a98cf34df241857503e4452.gif
 
tmjbama5 said:
I just got an email asking me to fill out the residency application bc "In screening your application, questions were raised concerning your residency." I really don't get why I'm having to do this considering both of my parents have lived here for multiple years along with me...my mom has worked in AL for multiple years and I have a full-time job here. I didn't realize how strict UASOM is about residency...figured I wouldn't have to do this (the application seems to be somewhat of a pain). I could understand if we just moved here to get IS tuition, but we didn't...and we have no plans to leave the state. Anyways, has anyone else had to do this?
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yep. they asked me to do that. i did. it was a bit of a pain and took them 2 months to let me know their decision, but it came out IS, so that was nice.
 
GL2814 said:
Idk... I'm doubtful, yet hopeful 👍

Is everyone else feeling fine (as defined in The Italian Job, of course :scared:) ?
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Freaked Out
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotional


I've calmed down a lot on Fridays since my interview. I don't check my e-mail and status page every 10 min now. Maybe a few times after 3 PM on Fridays but that is a big step from how Neurotic I was. Did anyone here interview yesterday? I walked by the interviewers in the Hospital around lunch and noticed there didn't seem like a lot. Maybe 10 or so.
 
DOCnAbox said:
Freaked Out
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotional


I've calmed down a lot on Fridays since my interview. I don't check my e-mail and status page every 10 min now. Maybe a few times after 3 PM on Fridays but that is a big step from how Neurotic I was. Did anyone here interview yesterday? I walked by the interviewers in the Hospital around lunch and noticed there didn't seem like a lot. Maybe 10 or so.
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Last week they split them into 2 groups for the tour, maybe they did so again yesterday.
 
DOCnAbox said:
Did anyone here interview yesterday? I walked by the interviewers in the Hospital around lunch and noticed there didn't seem like a lot. Maybe 10 or so.
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I did. There were only about 15 of us.
 
Ditto1114 said:
How'd it go?! Did Dr. Smith say anything about when they'll send out decisions?
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It was good. He said that they would be sending out news within the next 2 weeks.
 
gitlow said:
It was good. He said that they would be sending out news within the next 2 weeks.
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Thanks for the info! I guess we can all relax for awhile now. Good luck to everyone and don't forget to send your interview thank-you's. I still need to do that myself.
 
SarahLiz82 said:
Thanks for the info! I guess we can all relax for awhile now. Good luck to everyone and don't forget to send your interview thank-you's. I still need to do that myself.
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I don't really agree with interview thank-you's. I will be writing thank you's for my lor but I feel like writing them to interviewers would be kinda... well, not me. I donno, maybe I'm just lazy. I also feel like they would think I'm trying to suck up or something... Just an opinion of course.
 
DOCnAbox said:
I don't really agree with interview thank-you's. I will be writing thank you's for my lor but I feel like writing them to interviewers would be kinda... well, not me. I donno, maybe I'm just lazy. I also feel like they would think I'm trying to suck up or something... Just an opinion of course.
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To each his own. I do it for them because they said to in the summer program. When I went for interview feedback at least the one I sent to Dr. Smith was in my file. I know lots of people don't though, so beats me.
 
SarahLiz82 said:
To each his own. I do it for them because they said to in the summer program. When I went for interview feedback at least the one I sent to Dr. Smith was in my file. I know lots of people don't though, so beats me.
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Thanks for the tip!
During the summer program, did they mention anything in particular that the Thank You note should state or omit?
Thanks again 🙂
 
DOCnAbox said:
I don't really agree with interview thank-you's. I will be writing thank you's for my lor but I feel like writing them to interviewers would be kinda... well, not me. I donno, maybe I'm just lazy. I also feel like they would think I'm trying to suck up or something... Just an opinion of course.
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Wow! Thanks for reminding me, I thought about that way back when I kept pestering them about my letters..


With regards to interview thank you's. I would occasionally send a thank you email.
 
Sillyshoes said:
Wow! Thanks for reminding me, I thought about that way back when I kept pestering them about my letters..


With regards to interview thank you's. I would occasionally send a thank you email.
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Welcome. Ha, I never knew what your avatar was until I watched UP last week..... Squirl!
 
Is anyone else a little scared of the curriculum? The first class to take step I under the new curriculum (currently MS3s) scored below the national average with something like a 20% failure rate. I have some friends who are currently MS2s who are very frustrated at the moment. They had a meeting with the administration a few weeks ago to discuss issues, and they felt like the school just wouldn't listen. It makes me a little nervous and will definitely be a consideration if they ever do accept me 🙂mad🙂. Anyone else hear similar stories?
 
So I put forth the effort to write thank-you letters to my interviewers...but due to work, going out of town, and simply being forgetful/lazy, I haven't sent them. If I send them today, my interviewers will receive these letters about two weeks after my interview. Job interview thank-you letters are supposed to be written and sent 24 or so hours after the interview (bc the position could be filled rather quickly)...but med school interviews are obviously different in that regard. Would it come off looking like I sent these bc "I felt I had to" or bc "I feel like it is a desperate attempt to help me get in" if I send these now...? I realize it is not really going to have an effect on me getting in, but I also wouldn't mind being courteous...thoughts?
 
I would go ahead and send them. I didn't get mine out until 7 days after the interview. It could only help next year if I'm rejected. I would guess the adcom will meet next week to wrap things up if they take this week off (uasom spring break) so maybe even this year.
 
dr zaius said:
Is anyone else a little scared of the curriculum? The first class to take step I under the new curriculum (currently MS3s) scored below the national average with something like a 20% failure rate. I have some friends who are currently MS2s who are very frustrated at the moment. They had a meeting with the administration a few weeks ago to discuss issues, and they felt like the school just wouldn't listen. It makes me a little nervous and will definitely be a consideration if they ever do accept me 🙂mad🙂. Anyone else hear similar stories?
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I didn't know that is was a 20% failure rate 😱

I do remember talking to one of my interviewers about the flaws in the curriculum and how the board scores apparently indicated that changes need to be made.
 
dr zaius said:
Is anyone else a little scared of the curriculum? The first class to take step I under the new curriculum (currently MS3s) scored below the national average with something like a 20% failure rate. I have some friends who are currently MS2s who are very frustrated at the moment. They had a meeting with the administration a few weeks ago to discuss issues, and they felt like the school just wouldn't listen. It makes me a little nervous and will definitely be a consideration if they ever do accept me 🙂mad🙂. Anyone else hear similar stories?
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I am little concerned but not too much. I think alot of that has to do with the time they take the boards. At UAB they must be taken before rotation start on may 15th, where most schools give you the summer to study. I think many students do not start studying early enough for them. With that being said, I am concerned that, from what I have heard pharm is not taught at all. I have had pharm in undergrad and it is not an easy course you can just learn on the fly for a board exam. This is my main concern, not necessarily that 20% failed.
 
dr zaius said:
Is anyone else a little scared of the curriculum? The first class to take step I under the new curriculum (currently MS3s) scored below the national average with something like a 20% failure rate. I have some friends who are currently MS2s who are very frustrated at the moment. They had a meeting with the administration a few weeks ago to discuss issues, and they felt like the school just wouldn't listen. It makes me a little nervous and will definitely be a consideration if they ever do accept me 🙂mad🙂. Anyone else hear similar stories?
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That is certainly concerning...What are typical failing rates at UAB? Also, I wish there was data from other schools that have gone through a similar transition (i.e. all of the big schools). It doesn't overwhelm me though because it is the first class; I wish I could see what type of improvement happens next year before deciding on a school. I find it hard to believe that school would not be receptive to listening to the students; if that is true, I would be really disappointed. However, a lot of the students may just be panicked and feel like the faculty aren't paying enough attention to their concerns.
 
dr zaius said:
Is anyone else a little scared of the curriculum? The first class to take step I under the new curriculum (currently MS3s) scored below the national average with something like a 20% failure rate. I have some friends who are currently MS2s who are very frustrated at the moment. They had a meeting with the administration a few weeks ago to discuss issues, and they felt like the school just wouldn't listen. It makes me a little nervous and will definitely be a consideration if they ever do accept me 🙂mad🙂. Anyone else hear similar stories?
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One of the MS3 students who gave us a tour said the students who got the new curriculum were really mad. They cut out gross anatomy! That is downright crazy. I'm definitely concerned with how things are going there because not only do the students not like the curriculum, it's clearly not working (as seen by the boards).
 
mwalker394 said:
One of the MS3 students who gave us a tour said the students who got the new curriculum were really mad. They cut out gross anatomy! That is downright crazy. I'm definitely concerned with how things are going there because not only do the students not like the curriculum, it's clearly not working (as seen by the boards).
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I talked to a MS1 and he told me that they had put gross anatomy back in the curriculum.
 
scrumpy said:
This is correct. There is a gross anatomy lab every week.
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Yeah, my brother and as bunch of my friends are MS1's and they do a fair amount of anatomy-some on cadavers and some on pro-sections. But if anyone changes their mind and wants to withdraw...hahaha, I won't stop you. It's my first choice school.
 
Honestly, I'm just glad it is over. I've been waiting for five months.
 
YH5 said:
Honestly, I'm just glad it is over. I've been waiting for five months.
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I'm sorry, I know it sucks, I was there last year. If you don't mind me asking, what were your stats?
 
auburnO5 said:
I'm sorry, I know it sucks, I was there last year. If you don't mind me asking, what were your stats?
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3.84 undergad, 33 MCAT. I guess I didn't have enough EC's or else I had a bad committee letter. I thought my interview was decent, but not great. They said to wait a while before asking for feedback.


I didn't really take any of the pre-med stuff seriously until spring of last year, so I'm sure that didn't help me either. I probably should have taken a year off, and worked on my application but I guess I'll be doing that anyway. I'll definitely apply to more schools now that I don't have to worry about grades while interviewing.
 
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YH5 said:
3.84 undergad, 33 MCAT. I guess I didn't have enough EC's or else I had a bad committee letter. I thought my interview was decent, but not great. They said to wait a while before asking for feedback.


I didn't really take any of the pre-med stuff seriously until spring of last year, so I'm sure that didn't help me either. I probably should have taken a year off, and worked on my application but I guess I'll be doing that anyway. I'll definitely apply to more schools now that I don't have to worry about grades while interviewing.
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Sorry to hear.. don't let it get you down though. Obviously, you have the academic side down. Hit the ground running to get ready for the admissions process. I think most people these days that matriculate have been out of undergrad a year or two. Best of luck
 
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