2009-2010 University of Massachusetts Application Thread

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So is anyone on this thread planning on attending? I'm almost sure at this point that I will be matriculating @ Umass. 🙂

Obviously still waiting on financial aid info for other schools but it's lookin' likely that I'm gonna be spending the next 4 years at ZooMass. The Med campus is a zoo, right? 😛

I've been debating about whether or not to join SDN and post now for about three weeks. Ever since starting the application process, I've been watching this UMass thread. I submitted my primary application during the first week of July and my UMass secondary was in by the end of August. I was invited to interview at UMass on 10/21/09 and then my obsession for watching people post here grew exponentially!! After three months of waiting, checking email, watching SDN, and logging into the UMass site every day (hey, I guess I'm a little OCD), I found out on 1/22/10 that I was accepted!

I wasn't sure about posting because I got a heart pang every single time I read a post like this while I was waiting to hear, but in the end, I still liked knowing that people where getting in, one by one. I know it takes forever to hear--I know--I held my breath every single time I logged into the UMass site and waited for the page to refresh.

Anyway, bottom line: It might be a long wait, but it is worth it and you will hear sooner or later. The lag between interview & acceptance for me was 3 months. I did find out on Friday of the third week of January, so it seems that maybe this lends some credence to the "3rd Friday" rumor about decisions.

Hope that helps.

Also, to caveat87 -- I'll be there, for sure. Class of 2014!

Congrats!
 
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I've been debating about whether or not to join SDN and post now for about three weeks. Ever since starting the application process, I've been watching this UMass thread. I submitted my primary application during the first week of July and my UMass secondary was in by the end of August. I was invited to interview at UMass on 10/21/09 and then my obsession for watching people post here grew exponentially!! After three months of waiting, checking email, watching SDN, and logging into the UMass site every day (hey, I guess I'm a little OCD), I found out on 1/22/10 that I was accepted!

I wasn't sure about posting because I got a heart pang every single time I read a post like this while I was waiting to hear, but in the end, I still liked knowing that people where getting in, one by one. I know it takes forever to hear--I know--I held my breath every single time I logged into the UMass site and waited for the page to refresh.

Anyway, bottom line: It might be a long wait, but it is worth it and you will hear sooner or later. The lag between interview & acceptance for me was 3 months. I did find out on Friday of the third week of January, so it seems that maybe this lends some credence to the "3rd Friday" rumor about decisions.

Hope that helps.

Also, to caveat87 -- I'll be there, for sure. Class of 2014!

Congratulations, CapeCodGirl! I'm glad you posted. You sound very thoughtful and I hope we end up as classmates. 🙂
 
I've been debating about whether or not to join SDN and post now for about three weeks. Ever since starting the application process, I've been watching this UMass thread. I submitted my primary application during the first week of July and my UMass secondary was in by the end of August. I was invited to interview at UMass on 10/21/09 and then my obsession for watching people post here grew exponentially!! After three months of waiting, checking email, watching SDN, and logging into the UMass site every day (hey, I guess I'm a little OCD), I found out on 1/22/10 that I was accepted!

I wasn't sure about posting because I got a heart pang every single time I read a post like this while I was waiting to hear, but in the end, I still liked knowing that people where getting in, one by one. I know it takes forever to hear--I know--I held my breath every single time I logged into the UMass site and waited for the page to refresh.

Anyway, bottom line: It might be a long wait, but it is worth it and you will hear sooner or later. The lag between interview & acceptance for me was 3 months. I did find out on Friday of the third week of January, so it seems that maybe this lends some credence to the "3rd Friday" rumor about decisions.

Hope that helps.

Also, to caveat87 -- I'll be there, for sure. Class of 2014!

This makes me hopeful. I interviewed early december and am waiting now. I'm also one of the if they accept me, I'll attend group.
 
Thanks Toadsworth! Does this mean that we will likely be classmates?
 
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This makes me hopeful. I interviewed early december and am waiting now. I'm also one of the if they accept me, I'll attend group.

Hi catswym--I'm glad that makes you hopeful, that's why I decided to post. I was starting to really lose hope because I felt like I'd been waiting so long and others who'd interviewed more recently were finding out before me. I was just very anxious, but it really seems to be part of the process with UMass...the waiting is 'normal.' I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Good luck.
 
Just read the system update email from umass

anybody else really wishing that their application number is 18855 right now?
 
UMass is switching over their on-line system to a new updated version that goes into effect today at 2:30. Same system that allows us to Accept/Decline Admission. They sent the e-mail out to all applicants with pending apps. Came out yesterday.
 
Hi everyone, I just found out by email today, 13 days after my birthday! Interviewed 12/16. To those still waiting, hang in there! :xf:
 
Thanks Toadsworth! Does this mean that we will likely be classmates?

It certainly seems likely!

---

I've also decided there isn't enough excitement in this thread but I guess that has to do with UMass' absurdly slow schedule.

What are other applicants thoughts on UMass emphasizing primary care and not having certain specialized departments such as Dermatology, Urology, and I believe Neurosurgery? I can't currently say that I want to specialize in any of these, although I can say I'm not really interested in primary care. If I choose to pursue one of these specialties would I be at any kind of disadvantage (not being able to conduct research or interact with faculty)? My understanding is that one can at least do away rotations for these? I guess as someone who hopes to specialize, I have a very small concern that the school is so primary care oriented.
 
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I've also decided there isn't enough excitement in this thread but I guess that has to do with UMass' absurdly slow schedule.

i've been waiting since november, and although i know umass is slow, it's hard to stay positive (esp since i dont have other acceptances yet). at this point im just waiting for april and praying i get put on the waitlist
 
How do you know your username and password for the Peoplesoft?
 
Just logged into the new application service and I'm no longer listed as admitted. Any other admitted students having this problem?
 
Just logged into the new application service and I'm no longer listed as admitted. Any other admitted students having this problem?

Oh my gosh, yes, and it really freaked me out! Did you call or ask about this at all? I have to admit, I was a little too nervous to find out what was going on with that this afternoon.
 
I just found the umass medical school class of 2014 facebook group. Most excellent!

I received a similar message upon trying to log in to the new application system so either we were all rejected post-acceptance 🙂scared🙂 or things will work out 😛
 
Oh my gosh, yes, and it really freaked me out! Did you call or ask about this at all? I have to admit, I was a little too nervous to find out what was going on with that this afternoon.

I just found the umass medical school class of 2014 facebook group. Most excellent!

I received a similar message upon trying to log in to the new application system so either we were all rejected post-acceptance 🙂scared🙂 or things will work out 😛

I emailed the admissions office a few days ago. Promptly got a voicemail the next day saying that's what happens in the new system and not to worry.

It certainly seems likely!

---

I've also decided there isn't enough excitement in this thread but I guess that has to do with UMass' absurdly slow schedule.

What are other applicants thoughts on UMass emphasizing primary care and not having certain specialized departments such as Dermatology, Urology, and I believe Neurosurgery? I can't currently say that I want to specialize in any of these, although I can say I'm not really interested in primary care. If I choose to pursue one of these specialties would I be at any kind of disadvantage (not being able to conduct research or interact with faculty)? My understanding is that one can at least do away rotations for these? I guess as someone who hopes to specialize, I have a very small concern that the school is so primary care oriented.

No one has thoughts on my previous post?
 
Good question. Based on the match data for 2009, it looks like quite a few people pursued residencies in specialty fields:

6 Anesthesia
3 Dermatology
2 Radiology (diag.)
5 Neurology
3 Ortho surgery
3 Opthalmology

It looks like about 52/100 students entered as primary care doctors, but I suspect if you want to specialize it will not be an issue. I don't know what Umass offers in terms of away-rotations, but you are clearly not alone in your desire to do something other than PC.

I really don't know what kind of doctor I want to be yet, but I suppose there is lots of time to decide 🙂
 
It looks like about 52/100 students entered as primary care doctors, but I suspect if you want to specialize it will not be an issue. I don't know what Umass offers in terms of away-rotations, but you are clearly not alone in your desire to do something other than PC.

I really don't know what kind of doctor I want to be yet, but I suppose there is lots of time to decide 🙂

We know that until you actually get on the floors of the hospital and into the clinics and work with real patients it is tough to make a solid decision. Yes, there is a push for primary care docs - it is the most needed 'specialty'. The primary care clinics are overcrowded and we need more docs to see patients (of course we also need more exam rooms and more clinics, but that's another issue).

There is 'healthy competition' between fields and that is true for any med school. Family Med wants you to pick Family Med, Peds wants you to pick Peds, Medicine wants you to pick Medicine, Surgery wants you, etc. But ultimately, our collective goal is to train you for a medical career and support you in choosing the right career path that suits you.

You'll have opportunities to dabble in specialties in 3rd year and then you really get into your top picks during 4th year. We do offer programs to do away-rotations. You will know what you want by the end of 3rd year after you have rotated through the biggies (Ob/Gyn, Surgery, Fam Med, Peds, Medicine, Psych and Neuro).

If you think you might be at UMass for the long haul (UME thru Residency and perhaps fellowship) check out our website to read about our residency program and fellowships in Medicine. We offer a pre-lim year, too, if your desired specialty requires one. http://www.umassmed.edu/medicine/index.aspx

*** ALSO: Just caught this on Twitter via @FutureDocs who wrote a letter to NYT; published Feb 21. Check it out - hits on PC as career choice ... http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/22/opinion/l22doctors.html?ref=opinion. FutureDocs just started a new blog this month - if you subscribe to blogs, add it to your reader! http://futuredocsblog.com/
 
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Forgive me, if the answer is obvious. I looked at the website and last year's thread, but could not find the answer. . . . .

When do interviews end at UMass?
 
Forgive me, if the answer is obvious. I looked at the website and last year's thread, but could not find the answer. . . . .

When do interviews end at UMass?

I think they interview till the last week of March.
 
Thank you, Petemoss.

Getting closer. . . .
 
anybody interviewed in sept and octorber that has not heard back yet? i feel like at this point, its's def a waitlist at best, as they are reserving the final spots for feb and march interviewees so it looks like we have to wait unless people start to drop umass after may 15th. Also it seems like umass is acceptancing only on the polar ends, people with really high stats and people with lower stats, but probably some cooler life experiences.
 
anybody interviewed in sept and octorber that has not heard back yet? i feel like at this point, its's def a waitlist at best, as they are reserving the final spots for feb and march interviewees so it looks like we have to wait unless people start to drop umass after may 15th. Also it seems like umass is acceptancing only on the polar ends, people with really high stats and people with lower stats, but probably some cooler life experiences.
I interviewed in Sept, haven't heard yet. I think you're right, probably waitlist at best
 
Same here on the Sept. interview and expecting waitlist at best. Definitely a depressing outlook.

Does anyone have any info on both the size type and movement of the waitlist? Is this information published anywhere? In the meantime I'm going to go slog through last years thread and see what turns up.
 
I been waiting since December, but now that I heard some of you been waiting since october, I feel better. WOW umass we have lives to tend :xf: let me know the truth 😀
 
For those definitely attending: Did anyone figure out which laptop they wanted? Dell? Apple? Does apple work with all their programs now? The last infomation sheet from Jan 09 didn't sound so certain re: compatibility... And it looks like if you're accepted, you have to make a decision when you send back the decision letter, or around that time...
 
For those definitely attending: Did anyone figure out which laptop they wanted? Dell? Apple? Does apple work with all their programs now? The last infomation sheet from Jan 09 didn't sound so certain re: compatibility... And it looks like if you're accepted, you have to make a decision when you send back the decision letter, or around that time...

I actually decided to go with the Mac. I loooove macs and that is what I use now and have used for years. I was nervous about choosing after reading that letter though--you are right, it almost sounds like they 'suggest' the Dell. I am wary of viruses with Dells though. I asked a few current students and it just so happened that the three I asked all had Apple computers and have no issues. So, I went for the mac! Good luck deciding. It seems like they should both be just fine.
 
For those definitely attending: Did anyone figure out which laptop they wanted? Dell? Apple? Does apple work with all their programs now? The last infomation sheet from Jan 09 didn't sound so certain re: compatibility... And it looks like if you're accepted, you have to make a decision when you send back the decision letter, or around that time...

I decided to go with the Apple as well. It will be my first Apple machine. I'm interested to see how it works out, although I'm sure it'll be compatible with any software necessary.
 
i cant remember from my interview, does anyone know the date they inform everyone of accepted/waitlist/rejected status? was it the end of march? thanks
 
last year, they did the majority of walisting in ealry mid april

EDIT: OMG OMG OMG
i checked peoplesoft this morning and NOTHING as per usual. But i just got an email of acceptance from UMASS!!!!!!!! My first one. I interviewed here way back in october and have been waiting and waiting. I guess they are finally reviewing the old interviewees.
 
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last year, they did the majority of walisting in ealry mid april

EDIT: OMG OMG OMG
i checked peoplesoft this morning and NOTHING as per usual. But i just got an email of acceptance from UMASS!!!!!!!! My first one. I interviewed here way back in october and have been waiting and waiting. I guess they are finally reviewing the old interviewees.

congratulations!!! your patience has definitely paid off!
now if they could only get to the february interviews... 🙄
 
last year, they did the majority of walisting in ealry mid april

EDIT: OMG OMG OMG
i checked peoplesoft this morning and NOTHING as per usual. But i just got an email of acceptance from UMASS!!!!!!!! My first one. I interviewed here way back in october and have been waiting and waiting. I guess they are finally reviewing the old interviewees.

wow congrats. i've been waiting since september, so this gives me some hope...
 
I wonder if the computer requirement can be waived? I have the macbook already, just got it last year, and would realy not want to spend 1800 for a new one, at least not just yet. wonder if you can just get the software?
 
I wonder if the computer requirement can be waived? I have the macbook already, just got it last year, and would realy not want to spend 1800 for a new one, at least not just yet. wonder if you can just get the software?

InfinityDrop:
As long as your Macbook has at least the minimum recommended configuration, you'll be OK. Buying either a PC or Mac through the school provides some added service features through our IS department. It might be a good idea for students with older laptops to buy a new one through the school with entended warranty and campus image installed.

I think the biggest issues are accessibility to campus resources, and having a screen size suitable for viewing digital images with virtual microscopy and participating in computer-based testing.

Contact the school for specifics if this is keeping you awake nights. This shouldn't be unnecessarily stressful...you have enough to worry about. : )


The mailing that went out earlier had this Mac config; I have not seen an update as of yet. NOTE: This is not official - this is just the most recent I have seen and am only posting it here as a reference.
  • 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • 4 Year AppleCare Protection & Accidental Damage Service (refer to AppleCare & Safeware Accidental PDF)
  • Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard
  • 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM – 2x2GB
  • 250GB Serial ATA 5400RPM
  • 13.3” Widescreen (1280x800)
  • NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3Microsoft Office 2008, Adobe Reader, Carbon Copy Cloner, Symantec Antivirus, Mac OS X v10.6 Leopard, QuickTime
Congratulations to all the recently accepted students!
 
I too have never posted on SDN, but after getting into UMass on Friday I just wanted send some encouragement out to everyone still waiting. I am a non-trad applicant, but I had a 26 MCAT, a D+ and a C+ on my undergraduate transcript (in the sciences!) and a 3.5 GPA. I have not been setting up NPOs in Africa, nor playing the violin in BSO since I was three, nor finding the cure for ebola in my spare time. I'm just a really average applicant, with pretty bleak stats. If they are letting me in, there is hope for every single one of you still waiting. Good luck to everyone, and I can't wait to meet all of you who are matriculating!
 
I too have never posted on SDN, but after getting into UMass on Friday I just wanted send some encouragement out to everyone still waiting. I am a non-trad applicant, but I had a 26 MCAT, a D+ and a C+ on my undergraduate transcript (in the sciences!) and a 3.5 GPA. I have not been setting up NPOs in Africa, nor playing the violin in BSO since I was three, nor finding the cure for ebola in my spare time. I'm just a really average applicant, with pretty bleak stats. If they are letting me in, there is hope for every single one of you still waiting. Good luck to everyone, and I can't wait to meet all of you who are matriculating!

Wow, congrats, that's incredible! Good for you! I would be so unbelievably happy to get into UMASS. When did you interview? What's your secret?
 
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last year, they did the majority of walisting in ealry mid april

EDIT: OMG OMG OMG
i checked peoplesoft this morning and NOTHING as per usual. But i just got an email of acceptance from UMASS!!!!!!!! My first one. I interviewed here way back in october and have been waiting and waiting. I guess they are finally reviewing the old interviewees.

And belated CONGRATS to you! I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later for you 😛
 
Wow, congrats, that's incredible! Good for you! I would be so unbelievably happy to get into UMASS. When did you interview? What's your secret?[/QUOTE

I interviewed 2/2. I was beyond excited...honestly I don't know how I got in except that I have a lot of diverse work experiences (nothing like saving whales in a green peace boat or anything, more like Teach For America, basic research, etc.) and I think i was able to convey my enthusiasm for medicine in the interview well. Good luck holyhekshler, I hope you hear soon.
 
Hey Holy,
Thanks!
Any luck so far with other schools. Would love to have you as classmate at UMASS
 
I interviewed 2/2. I was beyond excited...honestly I don't know how I got in except that I have a lot of diverse work experiences (nothing like saving whales in a green peace boat or anything, more like Teach For America, basic research, etc.) and I think i was able to convey my enthusiasm for medicine in the interview well. Good luck holyhekshler, I hope you hear soon.

Wow, awesome! and so fast, too!

Hey Holy,
Thanks!
Any luck so far with other schools. Would love to have you as classmate at UMASS

I would LOVE to be your classmate too :laugh:
I just found out yesterday that I was accepted to UNECOM so I'm very happy about that but UMass is still my #1 choice by a hefty margin so fingers crossed :xf::xf::xf::xf:
 
I too have never posted on SDN, but after getting into UMass on Friday I just wanted send some encouragement out to everyone still waiting. I am a non-trad applicant, but I had a 26 MCAT, a D+ and a C+ on my undergraduate transcript (in the sciences!) and a 3.5 GPA. I have not been setting up NPOs in Africa, nor playing the violin in BSO since I was three, nor finding the cure for ebola in my spare time. I'm just a really average applicant, with pretty bleak stats. If they are letting me in, there is hope for every single one of you still waiting. Good luck to everyone, and I can't wait to meet all of you who are matriculating!

hey! i interviewed on 2/2 and i remember you 🙂 i think it's awesome you're doing teach for america! HUGE congratulations on your acceptance, im really excited for you!
 
Wow, awesome! and so fast, too!



I would LOVE to be your classmate too :laugh:
I just found out yesterday that I was accepted to UNECOM so I'm very happy about that but UMass is still my #1 choice by a hefty margin so fingers crossed :xf::xf::xf::xf:

hey were are in the same boat! i am excited about UNECOM but would be floored to attend UMass too 🙂 Hope we both get accepted 😀
 
Hey premeds

Quick question: I grew up in Natick MA and graduated from Natick High School...I've been living in NY for almost 6 years this summer and graduated from a NYC college recently.

However, UMass Amherst looks like a great school for me. Does anyone know how I have to go about meeting the residency requirements again?

For instance can I take a job in NYC this summer but still claim my primary residence in MA b/c I get mail there? I guess I can just file taxes in MA next year to...

Anyone know???
 
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