2009-2010 University of Arizona Application Thread

[mrlucky0]

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How did they notify you? I'm at the U of A (undergrad) and they currently have me classified as a non-resident, but I'm fighting it right now. I REALLY hope I win the appeal.

Out of curiosity, did you attend UA as a resident? If so, I don't see why they would change your classification.

Edit: Okay, I misunderstood you as you say you are currently considered a non-resident at UA. Nevermind.

Guys, I'm really worried about my interview. My GPA is (significantly) below their average and my MCAT is only 30. I have these recurring thoughts that I'll be rejected on the basis of my GPA. The only reason I received an interview is because I meet their basic criteria (in-state, MCAT>22, so I was told). So...If they're going to reject me on b/c of low GPA (and no MCAT score to recuperate), why bother to grant me an interview? Hell, why waste theirs, and my time? On the other hand, since I was granted an interview, perhaps this means that my application still contains qualities that could compensate me? Therefore, I have a decent shot at getting in?

What do you think guys? Am I being rational here or just plain silly?

 

[Hyperstudyosis]

Out of curiosity, did you attend UA as a resident? If so, I don't see why they would change your classification.

Edit: Okay, I misunderstood you as you say you are currently considered a non-resident at UA. Nevermind.

Guys, I'm really worried about my interview. My GPA is (significantly) below their average and my MCAT is only 30. I have these recurring thoughts that I'll be rejected on the basis of my GPA. The only reason I received an interview is because I meet their basic criteria (in-state, MCAT>22, so I was told). So...If they're going to reject me on b/c of low GPA (and no MCAT score to recuperate), why bother to grant me an interview? Hell, why waste theirs, and my time? On the other hand, since I was granted an interview, perhaps this means that my application still contains qualities that could compensate me? Therefore, I have a decent shot at getting in?

What do you think guys? Am I being rational here or just plain silly?

Don't worry. If you really impress them at the interview, then I would say you still have a good shot. I have known of people with stats on the lower end who have gotten in. Just be yourself at the interview and be personable. They're just going to try to get to know you at the interview and they won't ask you anything about your grades. Your interviewer won't know your gpa or mcat. When is your interview, btw? I don't remember when you said it was.

 

[mrlucky0]

When is your interview, btw? I don't remember when you said it was.

Tucson on the 12th and Phoenix on the 14th. Let me know how your interview goes today okay?

Does anyone know if UA accepts LOR's in excess of 3?

 

[utah3219]

.

 

[lrkoehle]

Don't worry. If you really impress them at the interview, then I would say you still have a good shot. I have known of people with stats on the lower end who have gotten in. Just be yourself at the interview and be personable. They're just going to try to get to know you at the interview and they won't ask you anything about your grades. Your interviewer won't know your gpa or mcat. When is your interview, btw? I don't remember when you said it was.

Actually, at my interview for UA-Phoenix, my interviewer only knew my gpa and mcat...I thought that was kind of weird, but I guess at Phoenix they get to decide what to look at. Some interviewers go completely blind. Even though he knew my stats though, the interview focus was almost 100% on just getting to know who I am and what I would bring to the table as a medical student.

 

[memedimonkey]

The interview is complete and I love this place. Only 48 people per class so it's very small, but in a nice way.

One note, at some point I was told they interview 550 people total, IS/OOS because that is the limit of spaces available.

The Tucson and Phoenix campuses share interview feedback so there is the most information available to both admissions teams.

 

[MadEvans]

The interview is complete and I love this place. Only 48 people per class so it's very small, but in a nice way.

One note, at some point I was told they interview 550 people total, IS/OOS because that is the limit of spaces available.

The Tucson and Phoenix campuses share interview feedback so there is the most information available to both admissions teams.

Hey, glad you had a good time today. I was actually one of the students hosting the lunch (the scruffy-looking, long-haired guy who was playing ping pong instead of studying). You all were a quiet bunch, or maybe we were just talking too much about our love for the school. Hahaha.

Hope you hear good news once they send out acceptances. 🙂

 

[Hyperstudyosis]

Actually, at my interview for UA-Phoenix, my interviewer only knew my gpa and mcat...I thought that was kind of weird, but I guess at Phoenix they get to decide what to look at. Some interviewers go completely blind. Even though he knew my stats though, the interview focus was almost 100% on just getting to know who I am and what I would bring to the table as a medical student.

Yeah, I found that out today. My interviewer said she had briefly looked over my file. My interview was pretty conversational, although not as laid back as the Tucson interview. I felt that Phoenix made us feel a lot more welcome than Tucson did though (not that Tucson made us feel unwelcome, but it seemed like Phoenix really went out of their way). I really liked the campus and the small class size.

 

[Hyperstudyosis]

Hey, glad you had a good time today. I was actually one of the students hosting the lunch (the scruffy-looking, long-haired guy who was playing ping pong instead of studying). You all were a quiet bunch, or maybe we were just talking too much about our love for the school. Hahaha.

Hope you hear good news once they send out acceptances. 🙂

Well, you-know-who always talks a lot, but no, I didn't think you guys talked too much. I thought you guys were great and gave us a lot of good info about the school. I really liked it. 🙂

 

[memedimonkey]

Does any one know how soon AZ usually begins admitting people? Or if you are currently a student there, have they mentioned anything about how the process will work this year with IS & OOS people?

 

[mrlucky0]

If my interview goes as well as Kumar's, I'll be set!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoK7MqQVU14

 

[SunDevilDoc]

Does any one know how soon AZ usually begins admitting people? Or if you are currently a student there, have they mentioned anything about how the process will work this year with IS & OOS people?

December 1st they apparently accept 8 at Phoenix and probably around 20 in Tucson.
Thats what they told me this week in Tucson and last week in Phoenix

 

[memedimonkey]

So, that is just under 30 students who are likely to be accepted in December? I think that means it will overall be like last year, a few in Dec/Jan/Feb and most notices in March.

I wonder how they are approaching to OOS acceptances?

 

[etremedecin]

I'm applying pretty late and unfortunately have a really low MCAT (24). I just got my secondary app to U of A, but am debating whether it's worth finishing my app considering my scores and how late I'm applying. I'm from AZ and have great extracurriculars, but am thinking maybe I should wait for next year and apply as early as possible. Any thoughts?

 

[277768]

I'm applying pretty late and unfortunately have a really low MCAT (24). I just got my secondary app to U of A, but am debating whether it's worth finishing my app considering my scores and how late I'm applying. I'm from AZ and have great extracurriculars, but am thinking maybe I should wait for next year and apply as early as possible. Any thoughts?

They'll probably give you an interview, you're > 22 MCAT. But it's a tough question

 

[mrlucky0]

UA doesn't give preference to early applications. As noted above, only about 30 people are accepted before the new year even though by then the bulk of the interviews are completed. You've got as much of a shot as anyone.

Please help me understand why the advice is always to apply early? A UA medical student told me this. Are there rolling admissions or not?

 

[memedimonkey]

If you have applied early, you may have a better chance at getting an interview invite and if you interview early, you have that many more review sessions for your application to be chosen.

AZ does keep some spots open all the way until March so late is better than waiting a year, but early is best

 

[long]

Um, has anyone who has turned in their primary to Arizona NOT gotten a secondary yet? I was complete in June, and was in the first batch of people sent to medical schools and all I've gotten from Arizona is an email from August saying that they are still reviewing my file.

 

[mrlucky0]

Um, has anyone who has turned in their primary to Arizona NOT gotten a secondary yet? I was complete in June, and was in the first batch of people sent to medical schools and all I've gotten from Arizona is an email from August saying that they are still reviewing my file.

That's strange, as I was under the impression that secondaries are sent days after the application is verified or instantaneously. In my case, my secondary arrived as soon as I was verified. Moneywise, it's certainly not in the best of interests of the university not to send you one lol. Are you OOS?

 

[greentea33]

Um, has anyone who has turned in their primary to Arizona NOT gotten a secondary yet? I was complete in June, and was in the first batch of people sent to medical schools and all I've gotten from Arizona is an email from August saying that they are still reviewing my file.

I'm in the same boat. I was verified early August and only received this email. I called UofA to check the status of my primary and they said they had received a lot of applications this year which was causing the delay. I'm OOS too, but either way not a fun position to be in.

 

[marele86]

Wow, that's rough. I'd suggest calling the admissions office, because I didn't even submit my primary until 9/28, and I got the secondary on 9/29. (Plus, the "secondary materials received" e-mail on 10/02. Had to check my "med apps" e-mail folder for those dates, so they're correct.)

 

[YBFdoctor]

so i have my very first interview coming up next week on october 13 in tucson and october 16 in phoenix. anyone else?!?! let's be friends!!! 😀

 

[mrlucky0]

Hey that's a great idea but it seems like the chances are slim. But I might as well give it a shot too:

Oct. 12 Tucson, Oct. 14 Phoenix

Anyone? PM me!

Edit: My friend who just did his Phoenix interview told me that when he arrived in the morning, during the breakfast, nobody was eating. Everyone, in their formalwear, just sat or stood around not talking. Except for this one guy was wolfing down all this food. LOL! I hate social awkardness. I'm not liking this already.

 

[277768]

12th in Phoenix, 14th in Tucson

 

[mrlucky0]

12th in Phoenix, 14th in Tucson

you got me excited for a second before I realized it was switched with mine

 

[Ilovewater]

Hey that's a great idea but it seems like the chances are slim. But I might as well give it a shot too:

Oct. 12 Tucson, Oct. 14 Phoenix

Anyone? PM me!

Edit: My friend who just did his Phoenix interview told me that when he arrived in the morning, during the breakfast, nobody was eating. Everyone, in their formalwear, just sat or stood around not talking. Except for this one guy was wolfing down all this food. LOL! I hate social awkardness. I'm not liking this already.

Wow...that's so weird! When I went to my interview, we were quite loud. Everyone was talking, and we were even forming our own "groups".

 

[mrlucky0]

Wow...that's so weird! When I went to my interview, we were quite loud. Everyone was talking, and we were even forming our own "groups".

I hope mine is like you describe, but if not I guess I'll really try to initiate a conversation with people around me. It will be a humbling experience for me to
be amongst so many bright students.

 

[lrkoehle]

Wow...that's so weird! When I went to my interview, we were quite loud. Everyone was talking, and we were even forming our own "groups".

Yeah, my interview group was really loud too. I actually wish it was a little quieter...(not awkwardly silent though).

 

[YBFdoctor]

For those of you who have already interviewed, did your interviewer ask about the whole health care reform that's going on? I didn't see anything in the interview feedback, so I'm wondering if it didn't come up at all (which would be AWESOME because I pretty much have no idea what is going on).

 

[277768]

No, to answer your question.

I just had my interview here today. Had a supergenius MD PhD-from WashU child prodigy interview me.

 

[SunDevilDoc]

I think in every interview I've had i've been asked about health care reform. I just say there arent enough doctors to do anything and it usually is good enough

 

[mrlucky0]

I think in every interview I've had i've been asked about health care reform. I just say there arent enough doctors to do anything and it usually is good enough

I got that question today. There's so many ways to approach this that, in retrospect, I worry whether I provided an "ideal" response. Unexpectedly, I didn't get "picked" on or receive followup questions to my responses at all! Maybe I'm boring? Someone please assure me that this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Edit: On different note, that chicken croissant sandwich they provided for lunch was delicious!

Phoenix on Wednesday, hopefully the interview will be "tougher."

 

[genomic girl]

Does anyone remember at the interview when they said we would hear from them?

 

[Sleight]

Does anyone remember at the interview when they said we would hear from them?

they said about 25-30% off accepted applicants will be notified in December (probably during christmas break)...unfortunately they won't be using oct 15th as a release date (at least that was what was said at my interview)

 

[genomic girl]

they said about 25-30% off accepted applicants will be notified in December (probably during christmas break)...unfortunately they won't be using oct 15th as a release date (at least that was what was said at my interview)

what do you mean release date?

 

[Sleight]

what do you mean release date?

sorry that was probably not the correct term...i mean the first date to officially accept applicants is october 15th but University of Arizona does not follow that timeline

 

[mrlucky0]

Does anyone remember at the interview when they said we would hear from them?

Between December and March.

 

[LittleRichard]

I applied forever ago and still no interview, and i'm IS. WTF??

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

I really liked PHX. The dean, as well as the rest of the faculty/staff, seemed very enthusiastic and sincere.

 

[memedimonkey]

According to these boards, they used to interview nearly every applicant which was about 500-600 in state only.

I heard some one say they still only have 550 interview spots and are now including OOS applicants. If they are taking 25% OOS students, maybe they assigned 25% of the interviews to OOS students? I did not hear how the changed this or any details, but if they are still interviewing the same total students, then they had to drop some in state people, right?

 

[MadEvans]

I really liked PHX. The dean, as well as the rest of the faculty/staff, seemed very enthusiastic and sincere.

Hey, I think I remember you... OOS and interviewed with the dean last friday. I was one of the MS-1's that hosted the lunch. I have been hoarding the free lunch gig lately. I really think that you'll get in here to the PHX campus, since you seemed really nice and non-stressed (always a good thing).

Regardless, best of luck this year. 😎👍

 

[MadEvans]

then they had to drop some in state people, right?

That's my guess, too.

 

[LittleRichard]

Historically, all IS applicants with an MCAT>22 were offered an interview as soon as their secondary was submitted... I don't know for sure if that's how they still do it but so far it seems as if that's the case. You need to call the admissions office to see what the holdup is! Let us know what you find out.

So I took your advice and called, just to find out that I'd been sent an invite A MONTH AGO. It must have gone to my junk folder, which automatically self-deletes every two weeks. wow. Fortunately, we got it all straightened out. Phew.

I just hope this didn't hurt my chances too much.

 

[San Marzano]

So I took your advice and called, just to find out that I'd been sent an invite A MONTH AGO. It must have gone to my junk folder, which automatically self-deletes every two weeks. wow. Fortunately, we got it all straightened out. Phew.

I just hope this didn't hurt my chances too much.

That's a relief! I bet it doesn't hurt your chances at all. I'm sure they'll sympathize with you because they understand how stressful it can be just waiting for things to happen during this process.

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

Hey, I think I remember you... OOS and interviewed with the dean last friday. I was one of the MS-1's that hosted the lunch. I have been hoarding the free lunch gig lately. I really think that you'll get in here to the PHX campus, since you seemed really nice and non-stressed (always a good thing).

Regardless, best of luck this year. 😎👍

Yep, that's me! I really liked the feel of the school. It's one of my top choices, if not the top choice right now. You guys were all really nice! Which one were you? Were you sitting to the right of me or across from me? Hope to see you next year. 🙂

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

According to these boards, they used to interview nearly every applicant which was about 500-600 in state only.

I heard some one say they still only have 550 interview spots and are now including OOS applicants. If they are taking 25% OOS students, maybe they assigned 25% of the interviews to OOS students? I did not hear how the changed this or any details, but if they are still interviewing the same total students, then they had to drop some in state people, right?

The dean from phx told me that they were interviewing about 400 IS and 200 OOS.

 

[mrlucky0]

According to these boards, they used to interview nearly every applicant which was about 500-600 in state only.

I heard some one say they still only have 550 interview spots and are now including OOS applicants. If they are taking 25% OOS students, maybe they assigned 25% of the interviews to OOS students? I did not hear how the changed this or any details, but if they are still interviewing the same total students, then they had to drop some in state people, right?

I also heard they are taking up to 25% OOS.

 

[MadEvans]

Yep, that's me! I really liked the feel of the school. It's one of my top choices, if not the top choice right now. You guys were all really nice! Which one were you? Were you sitting to the right of me or across from me? Hope to see you next year. 🙂

Good! Glad to hear you got a good impression. I was the one sitting to your right, I think. I wasn't Bob, if that helps. Hahaha.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. PM or whatever. And that goes for everyone... although I can only give my opinion from the point of view of a medical student (Phoenix campus MS-1, that is). The staff here are great at answering questions, too. I was always nervous to call in when I was in your shoes, but don't be shy.

 

[derArzt]

For OOS interviews, it says that we should call the admissions office... when do they want us to do this?

And if I'm only interviewing at Tucson, do I need to schedule my second interviewer or will they let me know?

 

[Sleight]

For OOS interviews, it says that we should call the admissions office... when do they want us to do this?

And if I'm only interviewing at Tucson, do I need to schedule my second interviewer or will they let me know?

they want to make sure you can schedule your tucson and phoenix interviews together (or in your case your two tucson interviews). I would definitely call them to set up the second tucson one just to make sure it all gets set and you have no hang ups (I think majority of people apply to both so it is not the typical situation to have two in tucson)