2009-2010 University of Maryland Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
How are people getting the hold messages? My status has not been updated for like 3 months now.....
 
Just have to vent:
So, I was nice and happy yesterday because I finished all my secondaries on Wednesday night, minus Maryland. Groan. What a secondary! I guess I have been lucky that all my other secondaries had at most 1 essay or a couple of short answers. At least I have 2 months till the deadline. I will try to get it out in the next couple of weeks.
 
Well then I guess they are already backed that far up. Oh well, I'm just happy I got an interview. Being OOS with a very average MCAT I was quite surprised that I did. They must have liked my research
 
If you don't mind, could you please tell your stats?


Well then I guess they are already backed that far up. Oh well, I'm just happy I got an interview. Being OOS with a very average MCAT I was quite surprised that I did. They must have liked my research
 
I got my acceptance packet in the mail this morning!!! I'm going to Maryland! I am SO excited. Good luck to everyone!
 
If you don't mind, could you please tell your stats?

MCAT = 31S, cumulative GPA = 3.85, science/math GPA = 3.95. I do have quite a bit of research and hospital volunteering as well.
 
I just wanted to throw out an answer to a question I get from all of you interviewing students.

Maryland does give out grades, A,B,C etc.

However, this does not foster a environment of competitiveness. This is due to the fact that there is NO CURVE. You get a 80, that's a B. You get a 95 and so does everyone else? great, A for everyone.

When folks find an awesome website that helped them learn a difficult concept, the first thing they often do is email it to the whole class. This was a bit foreign to me coming from a hypercompetitive environment, but it's easy to get used to.

Very few people actually care a lot about their grades, as along as they're passing.
 
Maryland does give out grades, A,B,C etc.

However, this does not foster a environment of competitiveness. This is due to the fact that there is NO CURVE. You get a 80, that's a B. You get a 95 and so does everyone else? great, A for everyone.

As another first year here at UMD, I'll second this. Don't be fooled by the A/B/C system because its just the same as H/HP/P anywhere else.

And yes, we actually do send each other useful websites/study guides. We like hearing from you guys as much as you'd like to find out about the school, so don't be shy at the interview lunches!
 
i was placed on pre-interview hold last week, and i was wondering if it was too early to send a letter of intent. i've been reading mixed opinions on the subject of a pre-interview LOI. however, maryland is by far my first choice for a host of reasons, including the fact that it is the only school left i could attend that would allow me to remain near my fiance soon-to-be husband.

appeciate anybody's opinion on the subject, thanks guys!
 
Has anyone gotten an acceptance yet? Or heard of someone who got a post-interview rejection/acceptance/hold?

I interviewed early and am getting a bit antsy. The 15th has come and gone with no word. I've been checking my mail religiously. I know I'm being silly and there is no reason for them not to take another few weeks to look over my file, but I can't stop thinking about it! The worst part is my long, lone commute home from work during which I have little else to do but worry about whether any mail has arrived. Anyone else in the same boat?

For those of you with future interviews, congrats! The interview was super relaxed and really rather fun. I loved the school, the atmosphere, the students, and the Dean of Admissions. 😛

*fingers crossed*
 
I have two quick questions:

1st) As I am working on my secondary (just received today, late MCAT'er) now, is there any way I can complete my in-state verification and send it in to them before my secondary is submitted so I can get that ball rolling ASAP? I hear it takes some time to complete.

2nd) My Organic Chemistry I grade was a C-. Obviously this put a hard dent on my science GPA then but I've worked my tail off since, followed it up with an A- in Organic II and mostly A/A-'s in my following science classes. But as I see on UMD's coursework page, a C or better is mandatory for the pre-requisite classes. I am starting to freak out because Maryland has always been my top choice and I also have a few connections there, as well as in-state. Basically, am I SCREWED for applying solely because of that single grade? I had no idea of this minimum requirement or I would have retaken it. I also have credit in Biochemistry (A-) and I am currently taking a Medical Biochemistry and Metabolism class, so not sure if these are able to somehow subsititue. I don't know, starting to freak out, so any help/advice from you guys would be great. Thanks
 
Has anyone gotten an acceptance yet? Or heard of someone who got a post-interview rejection/acceptance/hold?

I interviewed early and am getting a bit antsy. The 15th has come and gone with no word. I've been checking my mail religiously. I know I'm being silly and there is no reason for them not to take another few weeks to look over my file, but I can't stop thinking about it! The worst part is my long, lone commute home from work during which I have little else to do but worry about whether any mail has arrived. Anyone else in the same boat?

For those of you with future interviews, congrats! The interview was super relaxed and really rather fun. I loved the school, the atmosphere, the students, and the Dean of Admissions. 😛

*fingers crossed*

It takes 4 - 6 weeks from after you interview at the MINIMUM. I don't think they started interviews substantially before Oct 15th so just be patient
 
My interview is tomorrow!!!! This is my first med school interview at my top choice school, I am excited and a little nervous haha.
 
Submitting secondaries at the end of October is late in this cycle. Lot of people got interview so far and some started getting acceptance. What is your states. Unless you have high MCAT and 3.8 GPA, wait until next cycle.

I have two quick questions:

1st) As I am working on my secondary (just received today, late MCAT'er) now, is there any way I can complete my in-state verification and send it in to them before my secondary is submitted so I can get that ball rolling ASAP? I hear it takes some time to complete.

2nd) My Organic Chemistry I grade was a C-. Obviously this put a hard dent on my science GPA then but I've worked my tail off since, followed it up with an A- in Organic II and mostly A/A-'s in my following science classes. But as I see on UMD's coursework page, a C or better is mandatory for the pre-requisite classes. I am starting to freak out because Maryland has always been my top choice and I also have a few connections there, as well as in-state. Basically, am I SCREWED for applying solely because of that single grade? I had no idea of this minimum requirement or I would have retaken it. I also have credit in Biochemistry (A-) and I am currently taking a Medical Biochemistry and Metabolism class, so not sure if these are able to somehow subsititue. I don't know, starting to freak out, so any help/advice from you guys would be great. Thanks
 
I got my acceptance in the mail on Saturday (interviewed 9/23) but I haven't heard of anyone else yet. I'm sure they'll start trickling out. Maybe we'll be there together next year! :luck:

Has anyone gotten an acceptance yet? Or heard of someone who got a post-interview rejection/acceptance/hold?

I interviewed early and am getting a bit antsy. The 15th has come and gone with no word. I've been checking my mail religiously. I know I'm being silly and there is no reason for them not to take another few weeks to look over my file, but I can't stop thinking about it! The worst part is my long, lone commute home from work during which I have little else to do but worry about whether any mail has arrived. Anyone else in the same boat?

For those of you with future interviews, congrats! The interview was super relaxed and really rather fun. I loved the school, the atmosphere, the students, and the Dean of Admissions. 😛

*fingers crossed*
 
Submitting secondaries at the end of October is late in this cycle. Lot of people got interview so far and some started getting acceptance. What is your states. Unless you have high MCAT and 3.8 GPA, wait until next cycle.

In terms of MCAT and GPA, I am right on par if not above their accepted average. I am in-state, but I also have a good amount of connections there, including father and grandfather both graduates of the school, both of whom still know plenty of the administration. So I understand that I am surely a bit late in the cycle, but I still would like to at least give it a try. But my main question is: CAN I even apply with that C- not being the "minimum grade of C mandatory for prerequisite classes?"
 
I declined my interview and withdrew from Maryland today because I was accepted to UMass. Hopefully someone here gets my OOS interview spot! Good luck!
 
In terms of MCAT and GPA, I am right on par if not above their accepted average. I am in-state, but I also have a good amount of connections there, including father and grandfather both graduates of the school, both of whom still know plenty of the administration. So I understand that I am surely a bit late in the cycle, but I still would like to at least give it a try. But my main question is: CAN I even apply with that C- not being the "minimum grade of C mandatory for prerequisite classes?"

If you're really set on applying this year, you need to call/e-mail their admissions office and just ask. There's a possibility that they will let you substitute a class, but I doubt it for O chem just because O chem really isn't included in other undergrad science courses unless you're an O chem major. You should at least give it a try though, you never know til you ask. If they will let it pass or let you substitute a class make sure to get a copy in case any problems occur later. If they won't make an exception for you, you can always ask them if you can apply and just note on your application that you will retake it during the spring semester. Just a thought, and good luck!
 
If you're really set on applying this year, you need to call/e-mail their admissions office and just ask. There's a possibility that they will let you substitute a class, but I doubt it for O chem just because O chem really isn't included in other undergrad science courses unless you're an O chem major. You should at least give it a try though, you never know til you ask. If they will let it pass or let you substitute a class make sure to get a copy in case any problems occur later. If they won't make an exception for you, you can always ask them if you can apply and just note on your application that you will retake it during the spring semester. Just a thought, and good luck!

Appreciate the response! I kind of was feeling that all along, but almost just don't want to face the possibility that I am not able to apply to my #1 school solely because of a previous stupid mistake. Funny thing is, I got a 12 on the BS section, and most of the Organic on that is strictly Orgo I, so obviously I've learned it. Oh well, hopefully good news, and if not, maybe that's just God's way of telling me I should really wait.
On a side note, and this is just me ranting about our horrendous Pre-Medical office, I was in a panic this morning and went straight to my advisor's office to talk. He was "preparing lecture" so couldn't talk now, and he didn't have any "openings" for 3 weeks. This is the Head of our Pre-Med Committee we are talking about. Geez thanks BC
 
I got my acceptance in the mail on Saturday (interviewed 9/23) but I haven't heard of anyone else yet. I'm sure they'll start trickling out. Maybe we'll be there together next year! :luck:

CONGRATS! I was at your interview and was totally pulling for you! I guess I'll just keep checking my mailbox. 🙂
 
As I am working on my secondary (just received today, late MCAT'er) now, is there any way I can complete my in-state verification and send it in to them before my secondary is submitted so I can get that ball rolling ASAP? I hear it takes some time to complete.

I believe I got an interview invite before my in-state was verified so I don't think it will hold up your application. Good luck 🙂.
 
Thanks! Who were you? lol

Lol, I hope I didn't creep you out by identifying you! Your post about getting lost in the hospital tipped me off. That was pretty unique. 😛 (I knew they wouldn't hold it against you! 🙂 ) I was the half-Asian girl. In the little conference room, I was seated to the speakers' immediate right.
 
I'm an in state resident and I got a straight rejection. Completed only 3 weeks ago too. Whatever, Maryland wasn't for me I guess. On to the next one, more fish in the sea....lol
 
Lol, I hope I didn't creep you out by identifying you! Your post about getting lost in the hospital tipped me off. That was pretty unique. 😛 (I knew they wouldn't hold it against you! 🙂 ) I was the half-Asian girl. In the little conference room, I was seated to the speakers' immediate right.

Oh cool, I remember you - I hope you get in! It would be nice to have a familiar face. You seemed really professional and calm, I bet you interviewed well. Hopefully you'll hear soon!
 
I am sorry for your rejection. If you don't mine, would you please tell us your stats and other details?
Good luck for rest of the Med school.

I'm an in state resident and I got a straight rejection. Completed only 3 weeks ago too. Whatever, Maryland wasn't for me I guess. On to the next one, more fish in the sea....lol
 
Yeah sure: 3.43 gpa/ 3.35 science MCAT: 12 BS, 9 VR, 9 PS
i've volunteered extensively at hospitals and as a research assistant

i've worked at Johns Hopkins and the direct of adult leukemia there wrote an LOR in my favor. i am working at the FDA and im just starting to work as a volunteer at the NIH clinical center. i graduated from college in may 2009.

they told us this year 1) there's more applicants than ever, 2) as always, they can fill the entire class with 4.0 gpa's if they wanted to

but jeez, straight rejection is rough. they didn't do much of that last year I believe until end of the season.
 
Last edited:
And I believe you are in state. Looks like difficult curve for interview invitation with University of Maryland.

Yeah sure: 3.43 gpa/ 3.35 science MCAT: 12 BS, 9 VR, 9 PS
i've volunteered extensively at hospitals and as a research assistant

i've worked at Johns Hopkins and the direct of adult leukemia there wrote an LOR in my favor. i am working at the FDA and im just starting to work as a volunteer at the NIH clinical center. i graduated from college in may 2009.
 
Well, the poll (with n=31) indicates that UMD invited 30% applicant for interview with less than 70 LizzyM score. There are couple of applicants out of 31 sample size are less than or equal 65 LizzyM score.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=671996



they told us this year 1) there's more applicants than ever, 2) as always, they can fill the entire class with 4.0 gpa's if they wanted to

but jeez, straight rejection is rough. they didn't do much of that last year I believe until end of the season.
 
Just got the acceptance packet in the mail. 😀😀😀

So excited!
 
I got my acceptance packet today as well! My mother actually checked the mail, saw the big envelope, and called me at work at around 4. So happy! I'm 90% sure this will be my final destination!
 
Got rejected pre-interview via snail mail to permanent address.

After everything they put me through during my last cycle, you'd think they would cut me some slack.
 
Just got the acceptance packet in the mail. 😀😀😀

So excited!

Congratulations!

I got my acceptance packet today as well! My mother actually checked the mail, saw the big envelope, and called me at work at around 4. So happy! I'm 90% sure this will be my final destination!

That's so great!!! I'm 100% going to Maryland, so hopefully I'll see you there on 8/12! 🙂
 
Anyone have any experience on pre-interview hold? I was complete around 7/13 and got put on hold on 10/13. I am in-state from the shore and really want to go to this school!

P.S. Congrats all that have been accepted! 🙂
 
congrats everyone!

when did you interview?

9/28 and was accepted 10/15 (postmarked). my acceptance letter was addressed to the wrong gender and they misspelled my name. sigh, the perks of having a foreign name. my parents were pretty worried that it wasn't me that was accepted lol so i actually called the school to make sure.
 
I know this was brought up before... but anyone else think its strange that the interviews given out recently aren't until pretty late (Jan or Feb)? What's going on there? Are they really just that backed up?
 
I know this was brought up before... but anyone else think its strange that the interviews given out recently aren't until pretty late (Jan or Feb)? What's going on there? Are they really just that backed up?

Yea its really weird. But I think its been backed up for a while. I got my invite on 9/25 and it isn't till second week in Dec, so it seems they invite you 3 months in advanced.
 
Got rejected pre-interview via snail mail to permanent address.

After everything they put me through during my last cycle, you'd think they would cut me some slack.


When were you complete? 9/1 here and silence....
 
I have been complete since July and have not heard one thing. No rejection, hold, nothing..... I'm guessing that's a good thing from reading these posts, but is hearing nothing the same as a hold?
 
Please participate in this poll.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=674322


If you applied to University of Maryland, what is your application status?

1. I am in-state and Rejected
2. I am OOS and Rejected
3. I am in-state and pre/post interview hold
4. I am OOS and pre/post interview hold
5. I am in-state and accepted
6. I am OOS and accepted.

Please do not vote, if you havn't heard anything from the school. Once you have acceptance, hold, or Rejection from the school, vote in appropriate category.

Thanks in advance for voting.
 
I had my interview yesterday and I have to agree with what people have said, it was very relaxed and very conversational. I was a little nervous at the start of my first interview but by the end and throughout the second interview I felt great. I just got the feel they were trying to get to know me as a person, they most definitely did not want to grill me or make me feel stressed out. Overall I had a lot of fun during my interview.

I think I did well but we will see, now I just have to wait about a month...
 
Any interview invitation or acceptance lately?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top