2009-2010 University of Alabama Application Thread

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I'm definitely not going to give up hope. We're pretty much in the same boat. I don't think they sent that cbc email to everyone. It even said that on their guidelines. They wouldn't aimlessly be sending them. Were you thinking abt reapplying bc I'm not. I feel like we're really close.

Yeah I'm definitely going to plan on reapplying, but Im not conceding this year. I still think we have a good shot. I just need to be prepared in case I don't get in because the MCAT I used for this year won't count for next year. If I end up applying next year it won't be until Aug 1 or so anyway, so this years class will be set by then.

I wouldn't give up on the 2011 cycle, I would try to re-apply this year if you can.

Last year I was in the same position as yall were, and I was about 99% sure that I would get in. So needless to say I was pretty unprepared for being rejected, I think there was only like 15 or so people on UAB's waitlist that did not get in anywhere. I'm not telling you guys that you should give up hope, but I am just saying be prepared, make a back up plan, and be ready to fill out your AMCAS as soon as possible. Hopefully neither of you will have to worry about that and you will hear something soon though :xf::xf::xf:
 
I wouldn't give up on the 2011 cycle, I would try to re-apply this year if you can.

Last year I was in the same position as yall were, and I was about 99% sure that I would get in. So needless to say I was pretty unprepared for being rejected, I think there was only like 15 or so people on UAB's waitlist that did not get in anywhere. I'm not telling you guys that you should give up hope, but I am just saying be prepared, make a back up plan, and be ready to fill out your AMCAS as soon as possible. Hopefully neither of you will have to worry about that and you will hear something soon though :xf::xf::xf:

That's what I'm doing. I've got everything ready to go for next year. It just sucks when your backup plan includes having to retake the MCAT and looking at material you haven't had in 4 years that you will rarely, if ever, use in medical school.
 
I'm not reapplying this year but for fall 2012. My backup plan was to get an mph and that takes 2 years and I've already applied for that. I already have enough research and clinical stuff I think. I was also going to do the feedback with uab. My mcat wouldn't expire if I apply then bc i took it in 2009.
 
What do you guys think?

Obviously it's your decision, but I don't really see why you wouldn't want to apply for 2009. Look at what happened with auburn05. He was 3rd tier in 2009 and got in this year. Chances are if you apply again you will get in next year. I just don't know why you would want to delay going to medical school if that's what you want to do. If you don't get in this year, you would have been really close. Chances are you would get in next year. The ADCOM likes to see determination in applying repeat years.

Talk to the Dr. Smith at the feedback session. I have heard that they are reluctant to pull people out of masters programs to enter medical school so that might be something to consider if you do decide to apply for 2011. Like I said, its your decision, but I never even considered not applying in 2011 if I didnt get in this year. Hopefully, neither one of us will have to worry about it though.
 
Obviously it's your decision, but I don't really see why you wouldn't want to apply for 2009. Look at what happened with auburn05. He was 3rd tier in 2009 and got in this year. Chances are if you apply again you will get in next year. I just don't know why you would want to delay going to medical school if that's what you want to do. If you don't get in this year, you would have been really close. Chances are you would get in next year. The ADCOM likes to see determination in applying repeat years.

Talk to the Dr. Smith at the feedback session. I have heard that they are reluctant to pull people out of masters programs to enter medical school so that might be something to consider if you do decide to apply for 2011. Like I said, its your decision, but I never even considered not applying in 2011 if I didnt get in this year. Hopefully, neither one of us will have to worry about it though.

But when do you plan on filling out your amcas and reapplying? The cycle has already opened for 2011. So you don't think I should 2 years to get an mph? Well I am working as a pharmacy technician at cvs. I'm not sure what else would be diff on my application.
 
But when do you plan on filling out your amcas and reapplying? The cycle has already opened for 2011. So you don't think I should 2 years to get an mph? Well I am working as a pharmacy technician at cvs. I'm not sure what else would be diff on my application.

I've started my AMCAS but haven't finished it. I plan on having everything in by August 1. I would see what they tell you in your feedback and talk to your undergrad pre-med advisor, but the best thing might be to enroll in post-bacc classes somewhere if you think your grades are what's holding you back. That's what i've been doing for the past year. See what you get out of the feedback session, but I would think that even if you improved just a little bit, that you would have a better shot next year.
 
I've started my AMCAS but haven't finished it. I plan on having everything in by August 1. I would see what they tell you in your feedback and talk to your undergrad pre-med advisor, but the best thing might be to enroll in post-bacc classes somewhere if you think your grades are what's holding you back. That's what i've been doing for the past year. See what you get out of the feedback session, but I would think that even if you improved just a little bit, that you would have a better shot next year.

Ya, I guess the best thing to do is to wait for the feedback session. I have mine on June 10th. So I'll know if I'm lacking somewhere. I think my grades are ok and UAB doesn't have a postbacc program so I'd just have to take classes there. So you will submit your amcas primary on aug 1? I guess the timeline doesn't matter for us bc all the reapplicants got an interview in feb/march like auburn05.

I'm thinking that I'll start filling out the amcas too but wait until I know what I'm lacking in. By August 1, we'll know if we got in or not. So you don't think it matters when we submit our Amcas?
 
I think if you get it in by August 1 you should be fine. I think that all of my stuff, secondary included, was complete like 8/30 or something.

I would just wait until you get the feedback to make a decision.
 
Ya, I guess the best thing to do is to wait for the feedback session. I have mine on June 10th. So I'll know if I'm lacking somewhere. I think my grades are ok and UAB doesn't have a postbacc program so I'd just have to take classes there. So you will submit your amcas primary on aug 1? I guess the timeline doesn't matter for us bc all the reapplicants got an interview in feb/march like auburn05.

I'm thinking that I'll start filling out the amcas too but wait until I know what I'm lacking in. By August 1, we'll know if we got in or not. So you don't think it matters when we submit our Amcas?

I don't think you have to have it in by august 1 by any means. I just wanted to get mine in and finished as early as possible. I've been taking post-Bacc classes at UAB since graduated from Auburn in December 2008. I'm not in a program, but there are plenty of relevant classes there. My grades were my obvious weak point though. When i graduated I had a 3.45, 34, and plenty of shadowing, research, volunteer experience. That's why I decided to just take classes. I'd just do whatever they tell you to in your feedback. You can't go wrong if you do that. I'd be shocked if they told you to take a year off before reapplying.
 
I think if you get it in by August 1 you should be fine. I think that all of my stuff, secondary included, was complete like 8/30 or something.

I would just wait until you get the feedback to make a decision.

Didn't you do some kind of clinical research in your year off? I haven't gotten anything arranged just yet. I guess if he tells me I'm lacking in clinical area, I'll have to do something like that.

But if they tell me it's my gpa, I'll just take some extra classes at uab.

Did you change your personal statement alot or your extracurricular activities descriptions the second time you applied?
 
I don't think you have to have it in by august 1 by any means. I just wanted to get mine in and finished as early as possible. I've been taking post-Bacc classes at UAB since graduated from Auburn in December 2008. I'm not in a program, but there are plenty of relevant classes there. My grades were my obvious weak point though. When i graduated I had a 3.45, 34, and plenty of shadowing, research, volunteer experience. That's why I decided to just take classes. I'd just do whatever they tell you to in your feedback. You can't go wrong if you do that. I'd be shocked if they told you to take a year off before reapplying.

Well if I was going to that MPH program in epidemiology, I'd have to wait a year to apply bc I'd finish that in 2 years. I have a 3.51 and 29 mcat and plenty of research and volunteering.
 
Didn't you do some kind of clinical research in your year off? I haven't gotten anything arranged just yet. I guess if he tells me I'm lacking in clinical area, I'll have to do something like that.

But if they tell me it's my gpa, I'll just take some extra classes at uab.

Did you change your personal statement alot or your extracurricular activities descriptions the second time you applied?

They told me in my feedback that my gpa and mcat were fine, I just needed more clinical experience. So I got a job as a medical assistant for a cardiologist during my off year.

I wasn't able to include any of that in my AMCAS because I hadn't got the job yet, but I was able to mention it in my secondary, and of course my interviews.

I definitely changed up my personal statement a little bit, but nothing really drastic. And I also added a few EC's and reworded some of my old ones.
 
Has anyone on the WL done their post-interview feedback? I have decided not to bother them yet, but I know someone who tried to schedule one, and has not heard back.

Also, for UAB post-bacc, do I just apply as an undergrad, non-degree student? My MCAT is fine, but my GPA is in the low range, so I just need to bring up my undergrad GPA.
 
Has anyone on the WL done their post-interview feedback? I have decided not to bother them yet, but I know someone who tried to schedule one, and has not heard back.

Also, for UAB post-bacc, do I just apply as an undergrad, non-degree student? My MCAT is fine, but my GPA is in the low range, so I just need to bring up my undergrad GPA.

My feedback appointment is this coming week. When's the deadline to apply for fall classes at uab?
 
Has anyone on the WL done their post-interview feedback? I have decided not to bother them yet, but I know someone who tried to schedule one, and has not heard back.

Also, for UAB post-bacc, do I just apply as an undergrad, non-degree student? My MCAT is fine, but my GPA is in the low range, so I just need to bring up my undergrad GPA.

Apply as a post-bacc non-degree seeking student. You will be considered an undergraduate. It took me a week or two to get accepted. You could probably start classes in the July term if you hurried.
 
My feedback appointment is this coming week. When's the deadline to apply for fall classes at uab?
It just depends on when you get accepted. You can add classes a week after they start or so. You should have plenty of time.
 
Hey everyone,

Congrats on your acceptances to UASOM. If you are still waiting, be patient! A lot of people in my class were accepted from the wait list late in June and maybe even early July. If you have any questions about the school, courses, books, ect. I'd be happy to answer. We finished a week ago so it's all pretty fresh at the moment. Good luck and enjoy your summer.
 
Hey everyone,

Congrats on your acceptances to UASOM. If you are still waiting, be patient! A lot of people in my class were accepted from the wait list late in June and maybe even early July. If you have any questions about the school, courses, books, ect. I'd be happy to answer. We finished a week ago so it's all pretty fresh at the moment. Good luck and enjoy your summer.

Thanks so much for the encouragement. Did you finish your first year? Alot of us are hoping that uab will start accepting from third tier soon. Some of us on the third tier have also received cbc emails. I really hope that a good sign that there's still hope for acceptance.
 
Hey guys! I haven't read the past couple of pages, but just found out my friend from 3rd tier was accepted last week! Great News! Good Luck!
 
Hey guys! I haven't read the past couple of pages, but just found out my friend from 3rd tier was accepted last week! Great News! Good Luck!

awesome news...do you know whether or not they got a criminal background check email on the tuesday before they were accepted (6/1)? do you mind asking them?
 
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Accepted:
soexcited87 (A: 4/8, 1st Tier)
DrHKitty's Other Friend (A: 4/9ish, 1st Tier)
Alethea (A: 4/16, 1st Tier)
Crimsonred's Friend (A: 4/9ish, 1st Tier)
doctor shmoctor (A: 4/19, 1st Tier)
ercxi (A: 4/23, 1st Tier)
crimsonred (A: 4/23, 1st Tier)
2324tigers (A: 4/23, 1st tier)
ddroukas (A: 4/30, 1st Tier)
wOnder (A: 5/3, 1st Tier)
20paige10's friend (A: 5/3, 1st Tier)
Bamamed19's friend (A: 5/5 1st tier)
tidefan (A: 5/13 2nd tier) - withdrew acceptance
dr zaius (A: 5/18 2nd tier) - withdrew acceptance
Neuro 1987 (A 5/18 2nd tier) - may defer
20Paige10 (A 5/18 2nd tier)
tnelly2 (A: 5/18/ 2nd tier)
AUnontrad (A: 5/21 2nd tier)
auburnO5 (A: 5/21 2nd tier)
obrienwspt (A: 5/25 2nd tier)
georgd1 (A: 5/27/ 2nd tier)
fireproof (A: 5/27 2nd tier)
Ball00nHands (A: 6/4 2nd tier)
20PAIGE10's friend (A: 6/4 2nd tier)

Still waiting:
Lower Third
BrownSpice360 (CBC email 6/1)
obrienwspt's friend (CBC email 6/1)
Tully Mars (CBC email 6/1)
bamapremeds (CBC email 6/1)
ERS (CBC email 6/1)
BamaMed19 (?)
Bamafan87 (?)
piper19 (?)
thejetplane (no CBC email)
DrHKitty (no CBC email)
Ditto1114 (no CBC email)
 
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Actually, let me talk to her again. No one get their hopes up bc after thinking about it some of the stuff she said didn't add up. She said third but she might have ment 2nd. Either way, 3rd tier has to start any day.
 
UAB updated their website to include some info about the background check. It also says they are still currently in the middle 3rd as of june 6th. http://medicine.uab.edu/education/prospective/49492/

I really think that they are almost through with the middle 3rd. When I called the secretary today she said that about half the people on the alternate list were sent the cbc email (including accepted folks).
 
I really think that they are almost through with the middle 3rd. When I called the secretary today she said that about half the people on the alternate list were sent the cbc email (including accepted folks).

I don't understand what you're saying. If only half including already accepted people got the email, then that would mean a lot of people who were accepted never got the email. You sure she didn't mean half of the people who hadn't been accepted at the time the email was sent?

Also, Ive been looking at the size of the Facebook group and it's gone from 115 or so last week to 140 now, so a lot of people have gotten in lately.
 
I don't understand what you're saying. If only half including already accepted people got the email, then that would mean a lot of people who were accepted never got the email. You sure she didn't mean half of the people who hadn't been accepted at the time the email was sent?

Also, Ive been looking at the size of the Facebook group and it's gone from 115 or so last week to 140 now, so a lot of people have gotten in lately.

I think she meant half of uab's alternate list. She never said anything abt it being half of those not already accepted.
 
I think she meant half of uab's alternate list. She never said anything abt it being half of those not already accepted.

I just find that strange. I was under the impression that everyone accepted prior to last week got a CBC email right after being accepted. If you count all those people, then way more than half had to have gotten the email, because we're about 2/3 of the way through the whole list.

Looking at those of us on SDN who are still waiting, it looks like about half got the email. I'm going to assume that those who haven't responded yet did not get the email. If they did, I feel like they would've checked the board and responded.

I'm not doubting that the secretary said what you said she did. I just find it strange and misleading.
 
I just find that strange. I was under the impression that everyone accepted prior to last week got a CBC email right after being accepted. If you count all those people, then way more than half had to have gotten the email, because we're about 2/3 of the way through the whole list.

Looking at those of us on SDN who are still waiting, it looks like about half got the email. I'm going to assume that those who haven't responded yet did not get the email. If they did, I feel like they would've checked the board and responded.

I'm not doubting that the secretary said what you said she did. I just find it strange and misleading.

I was thinking that we were past midpoint on the alternate list too because they are most likely almost done accepting from the 2nd tier. However, the way she put it, she said that a large portion has already received the email. Then she said it was about half. If that's true, then that means we're at the halfway point too.

Maybe someone can call about that and clear things up. I don't think that really has to do with asking about application status depending on the way they put ask about it so it should be ok.
 
I don't understand what you're saying. If only half including already accepted people got the email, then that would mean a lot of people who were accepted never got the email. You sure she didn't mean half of the people who hadn't been accepted at the time the email was sent?

Also, Ive been looking at the size of the Facebook group and it's gone from 115 or so last week to 140 now, so a lot of people have gotten in lately.

I looked at facebook group also and you are correct, the # listed there has increnased, however, there are quite a few on there that are current students, so the 140 is not true accepted students - it includes approx. 15-20 that are current students.
 
I looked at facebook group also and you are correct, the # listed there has increnased, however, there are quite a few on there that are current students, so the 140 is not true accepted students - it includes approx. 15-20 that are current students.

yeah but i'm sure there are at least 15-20 people who are going to UASOM who either aren't on facebook or havent joined the group.
 
I was thinking that we were past midpoint on the alternate list too because they are most likely almost done accepting from the 2nd tier. However, the way she put it, she said that a large portion has already received the email. Then she said it was about half. If that's true, then that means we're at the halfway point too.

Maybe someone can call about that and clear things up. I don't think that really has to do with asking about application status depending on the way they put ask about it so it should be ok.

I know they're about done with the 2nd tier. No way they're only halfway through it when all 11 or 12 people on SDN have gotten in off it. They might already be on 3rd (a response from 20PAIGE10 would clear that up). I just don't think they want to tell us exactly what is going on with the CBC email. She told you and me 2 completely different things. I understand their position of not wanting to tell us that we'll probably get in, because if we don't we'll be pissed. I think that they're either at the bottom of the 2nd or top of the 3rd and that they sent out emails to the top part of the 3rd tier because those are the people they think have a good shot at getting in....how large that part is, we don't really know. That's my take on it anyway.
 
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I know they're about done with the 2nd tier. No way their only halfway through it when all 11 or 12 people on SDN have gotten in off it. They might already be on 3rd (a response from 20PAIGE10 would clear that up). I just don't think they want to tell us exactly what is going on with the CBC email. She told you and me 2 completely different things. I understand their position of not wanting to tell us that we'll probably get in, because if we don't we'll be pissed. I think that they're either at the bottom of the 2nd or top of the 3rd and that they sent out emails to the top part of the 3rd tier because those are the people they think have a good shot at getting in....how large that part is, we don't really know. That's my take on it anyway.

Ya I don't understand the issue about confidentiality. What your saying makes sense and is most likely true. What did she tell you exactly? I just wish they would be straight to the point and tell us. They even said the email has nothing to do with our status but obviously if everyone didn't get that email, it gives us some insight on our status with the third tier.
 
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Ya I'm fed up with all the confidentiality. What your saying makes sense and is most likely true. What did she tell you exactly? I just wish they would be straight to the point and tell us. They even said the email has nothing to do with our status but obviously if everyone didn't get that email, it gives us some insight on our status with the third tier.

when i asked her if everybody on the wait list got the email she said "pretty much." then you ask her and she says "about half." just doesn't add up.

the fact that she told you that the email has nothing to do with our status makes me even more sure that they don't want to tell us anything. if it has nothing to do with our status, then why send it to some and not others? i don't blame them for being vague and i can certainly understand why they are, but once they've divided us into 2 groups, i feel like they should say why they divided us.

i know we're over analyzing all this and we should probably be more patient, but it's tough when you're future depends on it. i'm skipping weddings and other things that i really feel like i should go to to spend 10 hours a day studying for the MCAT for next year. i guess this is what we signed up for when we put our applications in though...
 
when i asked her if everybody on the wait list got the email she said "pretty much." then you ask her and she says "about half." just doesn't add up.

the fact that she told you that the email has nothing to do with our status makes me even more sure that they don't want to tell us anything. if it has nothing to do with our status, then why send it to some and not others? i don't blame them for being vague and i can certainly understand why they are, but once they've divided us into 2 groups, i feel like they should say why they divided us.

i know we're over analyzing all this and we should probably be more patient, but it's tough when you're future depends on it. i'm skipping weddings and other things that i really feel like i should go to to spend 10 hours a day studying for the MCAT for next year. i guess this is what we signed up for when we put our applications in though...

I feel like I'm at a blockade, where I'm deciding on whether or not to reapply this year or next. And even the thought of reapplying this year and spending all that money and time concerns me, because it may just be a matter of time before we're accepted.

I really do think that they are beating around the bush because they don't want to talk about our application status on the phone. So they wouldn't tell us that uab is approaching us on the waitlist, even though that probably is what is happening.
 
I feel like I'm at a blockade, where I'm deciding on whether or not to reapply this year or next. And even the thought of reapplying this year and spending all that money and time concerns me, because it may just be a matter of time before we're accepted.

I really do think that they are beating around the bush because they don't want to talk about our application status on the phone. So they wouldn't tell us that uab is approaching us on the waitlist, even though that probably is what is happening.

right....if they were planning on accepting us tomorrow, i don't think that they'd tell us today. i hope i get some kind of indication from my feedback session on thursday, but i'm not counting on it. best thing to do is plan for the worst and be patient. it sucks, but i think you have to.
 
right....if they were planning on accepting us tomorrow, i don't think that they'd tell us today. i hope i get some kind of indication from my feedback session on thursday, but i'm not counting on it. best thing to do is plan for the worst and be patient. it sucks, but i think you have to.

My feedback is on thursday too and I'll be sure to ask about the cbc emails. Maybe we'll get some sort of indication of what it means from Dr. Smith.
 
Actually, let me talk to her again. No one get their hopes up bc after thinking about it some of the stuff she said didn't add up. She said third but she might have ment 2nd. Either way, 3rd tier has to start any day.

20PAIGE10, Did you ever find out about what tier your friend was in?
 
Call it wishful thinking but I'm hoping the people that didn't get the cbc emails are at the top of the waitlist! 🙂
 
20PAIGE10, Did you ever find out about what tier your friend was in?


yeah, just talked to them... middle third :/ Man I got excited! (I have friends on lower third) it was a typo, my mistake Sorry! But at least it is that much closer to starting 3rd.
 
knowing as little as we know, that's always a possibility.

Just kidding around because you guys are so frantic. Obviously, if they sent in a background check request for you ahead of time then they believe you have a real shot of being accepted. I would by no means stop studying for the the mcat yet, but I mean you have to be in pretty good shape.
 
I feel like I'm at a blockade, where I'm deciding on whether or not to reapply this year or next. And even the thought of reapplying this year and spending all that money and time concerns me, because it may just be a matter of time before we're accepted.

I really do think that they are beating around the bush because they don't want to talk about our application status on the phone. So they wouldn't tell us that uab is approaching us on the waitlist, even though that probably is what is happening.

I'm right there with you. I just got a new job that pays very well and I really enjoy. I feel like it would be nice to take a year off from applying to focus on saving money and strengthening my application.

I think that if you really want to get an MPH because you find it interesting then go for it. Just know that a master's isn't going to help you get into medical school (it's nice don't get me wrong), but I have a MS in Microbiology and Immunology and they could care less. Just remember to keep volunteering and actively pursuing medicine.
 
I'm right there with you. I just got a new job that pays very well and I really enjoy. I feel like it would be nice to take a year off from applying to focus on saving money and strengthening my application.

I think that if you really want to get an MPH because you find it interesting then go for it. Just know that a master's isn't going to help you get into medical school (it's nice don't get me wrong), but I have a MS in Microbiology and Immunology and they could care less. Just remember to keep volunteering and actively pursuing medicine.

Really, i thought an mph would be relevant. And help strenthen my application.
 
It might be slightly different because it is an MPH, but most schools don't even look/care about grad school, except maybe at the interview point.
 
I'm right there with you. I just got a new job that pays very well and I really enjoy. I feel like it would be nice to take a year off from applying to focus on saving money and strengthening my application.

I think that if you really want to get an MPH because you find it interesting then go for it. Just know that a master's isn't going to help you get into medical school (it's nice don't get me wrong), but I have a MS in Microbiology and Immunology and they could care less. Just remember to keep volunteering and actively pursuing medicine.

Wait didn't you just get a 31 on your mcat? Is your gpa really bad enough to warrant taking a year off? If you got waitlisted this time around with whatever your first mcat was, don't you think you should have a much better shot with a new mcat?
 
Wait didn't you just get a 31 on your mcat? Is your gpa really bad enough to warrant taking a year off? If you got waitlisted this time around with whatever your first mcat was, don't you think you should have a much better shot with a new mcat?

I agree with ya. Ditto, you should deff reapply with that 31 you're rockin' if for some unfortunate reason you don't get in. Especially bc it is a huge improvement and they love to see that.
 
Did anybody else's Criminal Background Check status remain "In process" for a really long time?

Everything else of mine has been completed, but the cbc has had the same status ever since I have been accepted, and I released it to UAB about 2 weeks ago. The only thing that came up on it was a speeding ticket going 85 in a 70 😎
 
Wait didn't you just get a 31 on your mcat? Is your gpa really bad enough to warrant taking a year off? If you got waitlisted this time around with whatever your first mcat was, don't you think you should have a much better shot with a new mcat?

My GPA isn't too bad... undergrad c/sGPA 3.4; grad GPA 3.7; post-bac GPA 4.0. I dunno, I just don't want to apply until I'm confident.
 
Did anybody else's Criminal Background Check status remain "In process" for a really long time?

Everything else of mine has been completed, but the cbc has had the same status ever since I have been accepted, and I released it to UAB about 2 weeks ago. The only thing that came up on it was a speeding ticket going 85 in a 70 😎


Yeah, it says that after it is completed, they wait 10 days before they will release it to the school/s that have requested it and then they have to process it. Mine took about 2 wks i believe. I wouldn't worry yet.
.... or did you mean that they have been processing it for 2 wks?
 
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