2009-2010 University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) Application Thread

[sassilysweet]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Are you threatening me?


This will be the challenge of being a non-traditional. The odds are quite good that most people will be too young to remember Beavis and Butthead and this line from Cornholio. 😀 People will instead think that I'm upset.

So you think they take more than a month to go through a scholarship board? There appear to be a large number of people in this thread that had an interview at the same time as others, others who have been accepted already for over a month, maybe two. Did the people that heard first not get reviewed for a scholarship? I think my theory better explains the facts that we have on hand and also makes sense that the school would want to maximize the level of students they get without letting some borderline ones off the hook in case they need them at the end. Putting them on a waitlist may push them to another school.

Let's work on finding evidence against my grand theory.

You have to fill out the scholarship form after acceptance to be considered for a scholarship, so I am confused why you think that scholarship review comes BEFORE people are decided upon.
Interviewers fill out a bunch of paperwork on each interviewee and it is my understanding that some people take a REALLY long time to fill the forms out/hand them in to the committee. This could be why some people are reviewed in groups later even if they interviewed earlier.

I do agree with GolfShoes that SOME people may be very borderline and they hold their decisions, but I don't think this is the case for every person who is going to be waitlisted.

and btw, I <3 B&B
FIRE!

 

[Tutmos]

You have to fill out the scholarship form after acceptance to be considered for a scholarship, so I am confused why you think that scholarship review comes BEFORE people are decided upon.
Interviewers fill out a bunch of paperwork on each interviewee and it is my understanding that some people take a REALLY long time to fill the forms out/hand them in to the committee. This could be why some people are reviewed in groups later even if they interviewed earlier.

I do agree with GolfShoes that SOME people may be very borderline and they hold their decisions, but I don't think this is the case for every person who is going to be waitlisted.

and btw, I <3 B&B
FIRE!

BONK! You didn't read the post you quoted, which I was replying to. It included the following:

Originally Posted by Alive and well
So here is the new news. When your file is decided on, it either is accepted or waitlisted. Waitlisted notification goes out right away through snail mail. If you are accepted, they don't always call right away because they want your file to go through a "scholarship board" before they call people. I don't know if they always wait on it going through the scholarship board first before notifying people on acceptances, but that was just what the U of M guy just told me.

 

[neutropos]

You have to fill out the scholarship form after acceptance to be considered for a scholarship, so I am confused why you think that scholarship review comes BEFORE people are decided upon.

Not entirely true. I received a small scholarship with my acceptance letter.

 

[sassilysweet]

Ah, I see what you were talking about now. Ha-HA.

I am wondering if that scholarship board is for the OOS tuition break? Or for people with really high stats? Can anyone who got a scholarship clarify this?

The trend has been if you are reviewed at a meeting, you get the phone call typically within a week, so again I don't think this points to everyone going to the review board, unless this is the one quick-turnaround committee in the whole place.

Anyway, the whole overall theme of my responses is to basically disagree with your "shuffle-pile" theory. From personal and anecdotal experience, these are my conclusions:
1)The U is really slow to do everything, especially make decisions regarding interviews, except when it concerns people with 40+ MCATs.
2)Everyone who calls gets a different answer depending on whom they speak to
3)Rolling waitlists, NOT waiting until all interviews are complete to give this status. Not sure how waitlist rank is decided.

 

[neutropos]

Ah, I see what you were talking about now. Ha-HA.

I am wondering if that scholarship board is for the OOS tuition break? Or for people with really high stats? Can anyone who got a scholarship clarify this?

It must not be just for the OOS tuition break as I am IS. The letter stated that it was an award for "high ability."

 

[ApoK]

It must not be just for the OOS tuition break as I am IS. The letter stated that it was an award for "high ability."

lmao. High abilty? I received that small "scholarship," as did 4 of my friends who were also accepted. I feel as though it's more of a tuition break than a merit-based award. It's a way to reduce tuition for almost everyone... it's not going to persuade me or many other people to choose UMN over other schools.

 

[cbear]

True, although you would think the people who didn't get any scholarship money would be totally SOL for the bigger scholarships to come during the main financial aid review, so maybe getting one would just indicate you are potentially in the running for big money. Not that you can really know anything until they process everything.

 

[Tutmos]

Are you pretty much screwed for financial aid if you earn over 100k? At what point are you required to provide your income amounts?

 

[renegade0097]

Tutmos, your assumption would be correct, assuming that Minnesota does things in a normal, rational manner. However, I think it is pretty clear that, even by the standards of other schools that have done a poor job with their admissions process this year and in the past (did I hear someone say Medical College of Wisconsin?), Minnesota is at the bottom. From the people I know who have interviewed, as well as through my own experience, the Admissions Committee is just taking their sweet time making decisions on people. They may be rotating applications through one or two meetings, but for the most part they are making decisions on people when they come up for review, one way or the other. Unfortunately, they just take an amazingly slow time doing so. Your theory regarding waitlist people isn't quite right because I know someone who interviewed in early September (regular admissions) and got waitlisted in November. Since schools only interview the most desired students in early September, one would think, based on your theory, that this person should have been accepted outright at a later date when that person came to the bottom of the acceptance rung. Why would that person have received the interview in early September if the Adcom can pick anyone they want? The only reasonable explanation is that Adcom choose admission, waitlist or rejection on everybody right away and doesn't just rotate their application from meeting to meeting through the year.

 

[PoniNo1]

Hi PoniNo1,

Though I feel for the most part the committee accepts, waitlists, and rejects applicants at the same rate (i.e., candidates that interview around the same date hear back around the same time, regardless of the decision), I tend to believe that they do hold off on making decisions for some applicants. Two years ago, my friend interviewed in January and waited and waited while those that interviewed several months after her heard back. Then she was notified that she was on the waitlist and given position number 3. Seeing as how she was that close to acceptance, I feel the committee was holding back. She was in a gray area so they held onto her application until they came to a decision on how many initial acceptances to give out. She was then accepted right away in June, when the waitlist started to move.

I think you'll hear back soon, but I bet more than a few candidate's applications will be dragged out as such.

thanks....I really hope you're right 🙂

 

[Tutmos]

Tutmos, your assumption would be correct, assuming that Minnesota does things in a normal, rational manner. However, I think it is pretty clear that, even by the standards of other schools that have done a poor job with their admissions process this year and in the past (did I hear someone say Medical College of Wisconsin?), Minnesota is at the bottom. From the people I know who have interviewed, as well as through my own experience, the Admissions Committee is just taking their sweet time making decisions on people. They may be rotating applications through one or two meetings, but for the most part they are making decisions on people when they come up for review, one way or the other. Unfortunately, they just take an amazingly slow time doing so. Your theory regarding waitlist people isn't quite right because I know someone who interviewed in early September (regular admissions) and got waitlisted in November. Since schools only interview the most desired students in early September, one would think, based on your theory, that this person should have been accepted outright at a later date when that person came to the bottom of the acceptance rung. Why would that person have received the interview in early September if the Adcom can pick anyone they want? The only reasonable explanation is that Adcom choose admission, waitlist or rejection on everybody right away and doesn't just rotate their application from meeting to meeting through the year.

I think that might be the problem with your theory. I don't think the U interviews in sequence based on quality of applicaton. I think they interview based on order you're set to complete. Oh the other hand, I think they offer acceptances in order of app strength.

 

[renegade0097]

I think that might be the problem with your theory. I don't think the U interviews in sequence based on quality of applicaton. I think they interview based on order you're set to complete. Oh the other hand, I think they offer acceptances in order of app strength.

In general, I think you're right about that, but I'm pretty sure in that first week or so they give strong preference to those who have 40+ MCAT scores or other extraordinary aspects to their application.

 

[sassilysweet]

I think that might be the problem with your theory. I don't think the U interviews in sequence based on quality of applicaton. I think they interview based on order you're set to complete. Oh the other hand, I think they offer acceptances in order of app strength.

No, they definitely give secondaries to people with higher stats first, at least within the first few "waves" of secondary requests. Later in the season I assume it goes to completion date,though .

I knew a few people who submitted the same week as I but interviewed a month or two earlier with higher stats.

 

[sassilysweet]

Tutmos, your assumption would be correct, assuming that Minnesota does things in a normal, rational manner. However, I think it is pretty clear that, even by the standards of other schools that have done a poor job with their admissions process this year and in the past (did I hear someone say Medical College of Wisconsin?), Minnesota is at the bottom. From the people I know who have interviewed, as well as through my own experience, the Admissions Committee is just taking their sweet time making decisions on people. They may be rotating applications through one or two meetings, but for the most part they are making decisions on people when they come up for review, one way or the other. Unfortunately, they just take an amazingly slow time doing so. Your theory regarding waitlist people isn't quite right because I know someone who interviewed in early September (regular admissions) and got waitlisted in November. Since schools only interview the most desired students in early September, one would think, based on your theory, that this person should have been accepted outright at a later date when that person came to the bottom of the acceptance rung. Why would that person have received the interview in early September if the Adcom can pick anyone they want? The only reasonable explanation is that Adcom choose admission, waitlist or rejection on everybody right away and doesn't just rotate their application from meeting to meeting through the year.

👍

 

[neutropos]

lmao. High abilty? I received that small "scholarship," as did 4 of my friends who were also accepted. I feel as though it's more of a tuition break than a merit-based award. It's a way to reduce tuition for almost everyone... it's not going to persuade me or many other people to choose UMN over other schools.

I totally agree. I'm just reading what the letter said. It's really just chump change.

It definitely will not be enough to persuade me.

 

[deleted249431]

I got accepted back in December and got no scholarship, not even a "chump change" one.

 

[sassilysweet]

I got accepted back in December and got no scholarship, not even a "chump change" one.

Nor did I

 

[lixxx669]

Just came back from the admission office and was told that my file will be in final review during the 2/17 committee meeting. I was interviewed back in Dec 10th.

 

[Tutmos]

Just came back from the admission office and was told that my file will be in final review during the 2/17 committee meeting. I was interviewed back in Dec 10th.

I think they're concerned about your low MCAT science scores! 😛 I wouldn't worry, I think you're a shoe-in. Now me on the other hand, I need to worry.

 

[skakaiser]

Just came back from the admission office and was told that my file will be in final review during the 2/17 committee meeting. I was interviewed back in Dec 10th.

I called them earlier today and they told me the same thing. Funny thing is, the last week of January they told me that I was "for sure going to committee on Feb 3." Of course, when I interviewed on 12/3, they told me that the latest I'd hear back by was the end of January. I really wonder how the people who have feb/mar interviews are going to hear back by May 15. Whether the committee is so slow because they're inept, lazy, or cruel, the world may never know.

 

[fluke123]

I think they're concerned about your low MCAT science scores! 😛 I wouldn't worry, I think you're a shoe-in. Now me on the other hand, I need to worry.

I had a higher MCAT and was waitlisted. 😳 Nobody's a shoe-in.

 

[PoniNo1]

I called the admissions office and was told that I would "hopefully" be reviewed on feb. 17. Was anybody reviewed on feb. 3?

 

[Tutmos]

I had a higher MCAT and was waitlisted. 😳 Nobody's a shoe-in.

Did you have a low GPA or some other oddity?

I realize it's not all stats but they provide a substantial weight.

edit: I should mention I was only razzing Lixxx because he was my neuro lab partner last semester.

 

[housefish26]

I told myself that I wouldn't call anymore to find out if I'd been reviewed or not because it was driving me crazy. I interviewed on 11/12 so hopefully if you December people are going through on 2/17 then I made it in to the 2/3 meeting. 13 weeks seems a little ridiculous to me, my interviewer must have achieved record levels of procrastination on turning in my review or whatever.

Did anyone here get accepted last month on 1/13? She told me that if I was reviewed on 2/3 then I would hear by 2/10, but she also said that to me last month and it seems like all of the acceptances went out at the end of the month anyway.

 

[Tutmos]

I told myself that I wouldn't call anymore to find out if I'd been reviewed or not because it was driving me crazy. I interviewed on 11/12 so hopefully if you December people are going through on 2/17 then I made it in to the 2/3 meeting. 13 weeks seems a little ridiculous to me, my interviewer must have achieved record levels of procrastination on turning in my review or whatever.

Did anyone here get accepted last month on 1/13? She told me that if I was reviewed on 2/3 then I would hear by 2/10, but she also said that to me last month and it seems like all of the acceptances went out at the end of the month anyway.

You must still be in the scholarship board. 😉

You're supporting my theory. You were too good to be waitlisted but not enough to get the outright acceptance. If I'm right you're in that pile that goes from meeting to meeting.

 

[housefish26]

You must still be in the scholarship board. 😉

You're supporting my theory. You were too good to be waitlisted but not enough to get the outright acceptance. If I'm right you're in that pile that goes from meeting to meeting.

Thanks for the encouragement, but I don't think that's the way they do it. Every time I called after a meeting she said that my file hadn't been reviewed yet and that they would probably get to me in the next meeting. It's possible that's just what they say and my file really has been bouncing from meeting to meeting, but I think a more likely explanation is that they go through in the order they receive the files from the interviewers and that if you aren't accepted, you're waitlisted (or possibly outright rejected if you took a dump on the interviewer's desk or something).

 

[Golf Shoes]

Thanks for the encouragement, but I don't think that's the way they do it. Every time I called after a meeting she said that my file hadn't been reviewed yet and that they would probably get to me in the next meeting. It's possible that's just what they say and my file really has been bouncing from meeting to meeting, but I think a more likely explanation is that they go through in the order they receive the files from the interviewers and that if you aren't accepted, you're waitlisted (or possibly outright rejected if you took a dump on the interviewer's desk or something).

Eloquently put, my good sir (the last comment).

 

[Russkaya]

I was put on the wait list, and I know they say it will begin moving in May, but I have heard that it might be sooner. Anyone know any details or anyone who has been through this?

 

[Tutmos]

It came to me in a fitfull dream. Maybe the delay time some people are seeing after the interviews are based on the school trying to verify EC's and things in the personal statement. This might explain why some take much longer than others. The school may want to make sure everything is legit before accepting.

 

[sassilysweet]

It came to me in a fitfull dream. Maybe the delay time some people are seeing after the interviews are based on the school trying to verify EC's and things in the personal statement. This might explain why some take much longer than others. The school may want to make sure everything is legit before accepting.

I don't think they do that much work until you give them some money as a deposit 😉

I still think it is because the interviewers are dallying on their paperwork
I was told that this is a common occurrence by TWO people who are involved in the medical school (one as an interviewer and my former professor, another who teaches one of the med labs)

 

[MedTwinCities]

I had a 3.93 GPA and a 31R on the MCAT. My interviewer told me, and I quote, "You are an extremely well-round applicant and you interview very well."

Wait listed. Guh. I have other acceptances so I'm not freaking out, but it is very frustrating since I am Minnesotan and this is realistically my top school of choice. I do think the U of M goes quite slow in comparison to other schools, but honestly most of this thread is pure speculation as to what really happens in their meetings. Do they grind over every application or look at the scores? Who can say?

This being said the interview day there was the best out of any school I interviewed at. Veeeery laid back.

Other people who have been rejected or wait listed, what scores did you have? Just curious.

 

[Golf Shoes]

I had a 3.93 GPA and a 31R on the MCAT. My interviewer told me, and I quote, "You are an extremely well-round applicant and you interview very well."

Wait listed. Guh. I have other acceptances so I'm not freaking out, but it is very frustrating since I am Minnesotan and this is realistically my top school of choice. I do think the U of M goes quite slow in comparison to other schools, but honestly most of this thread is pure speculation as to what really happens in their meetings. Do they grind over every application or look at the scores? Who can say?

This being said the interview day there was the best out of any school I interviewed at. Veeeery laid back.

Other people who have been rejected or wait listed, what scores did you have? Just curious.

I work with someone who got waitlisted. His stats are 34 and 3.9. I would like to think with all schools they look beyond the numbers, though. When did you interview, if you don't mind sharing?

 

[TraderDoc]

- I know people who interviewed weeks after me and was waitlisted 3-4 weeks before I was accepted, so it seems that there is no definite timeline. But I can say, after waiting almost 13 weeks is that it seems those who are waitlisted seem to hear back much quicker than those who are accepted.

- So if its been a really long time since your interview, keep your chin up as there are many of us who waited just as long as you if not longer for that acceptance.

- My interviewer was an OB/GYN and she was so nice and made my interviewing experience the best out of all my interviews. We talked for almost an hour, I felt bad the person after me had to wait so long. So I agree that the interview at the U is as laid back as an interview could be.

- As for statistics, I didn't feel like the U of M placed as much weight on the MCAT and GPA as some of the other schools I interviewed at. I definitely felt that they used the numbers just to make sure you can excel in the rigorous courses in medical school. Extra-curricular activities, aspirations, and motivation seemed like the deal breaker to me.

 

[tmf1201]

Accepted!
Got the call today, so guess who's going to med school 😀.

Stats:
37Q
3.82
IS
Interviewed 11/23/09

As you all know, be patient with these guys and good luck to everyone! This was my first acceptance and I've been waiting since July/August.

Patience is hard to get and harder to keep. Hang in there.

 

[ChoSanah]

Accepted!
Got the call today, so guess who's going to med school 😀.

Stats:
37Q
3.82
IS
Interviewed 11/23/09

As you all know, be patient with these guys and good luck to everyone! This was my first acceptance and I've been waiting since July/August.

Patience is hard to get and harder to keep. Hang in there.

Congrats!!! 🙂. I can't believe I have to wait till April!

 

[MedTwinCities]

I work with someone who got waitlisted. His stats are 34 and 3.9. I would like to think with all schools they look beyond the numbers, though. When did you interview, if you don't mind sharing?

I submitted my secondary mid october and interview Nov 2nd. I heard back the first week of January... so they were on time actually (according to the timeline they gave me).

 

[premedmn20]

I had a 3.93 GPA and a 31R on the MCAT. My interviewer told me, and I quote, "You are an extremely well-round applicant and you interview very well."

Wait listed. Guh. I have other acceptances so I'm not freaking out, but it is very frustrating since I am Minnesotan and this is realistically my top school of choice. I do think the U of M goes quite slow in comparison to other schools, but honestly most of this thread is pure speculation as to what really happens in their meetings. Do they grind over every application or look at the scores? Who can say?

This being said the interview day there was the best out of any school I interviewed at. Veeeery laid back.

Other people who have been rejected or wait listed, what scores did you have? Just curious.

I hear ya! I interviewed back in the middle of September, and I'm IS with a 4.0 and 30R on the MCAT. I also thought this was my best interview and was really casual and laid back. But I'm waitlisted too. So who knows... I've been accepted at a couple D.O. schools but I REALLY want to go to the U of MN so I'm excited for the wait list to start moving (whenever that will be).

 

[almostthere1]

I had a 3.93 GPA and a 31R on the MCAT. My interviewer told me, and I quote, "You are an extremely well-round applicant and you interview very well."

Wait listed. Guh. I have other acceptances so I'm not freaking out, but it is very frustrating since I am Minnesotan and this is realistically my top school of choice. I do think the U of M goes quite slow in comparison to other schools, but honestly most of this thread is pure speculation as to what really happens in their meetings. Do they grind over every application or look at the scores? Who can say?

This being said the interview day there was the best out of any school I interviewed at. Veeeery laid back.

Other people who have been rejected or wait listed, what scores did you have? Just curious.

3.85/35S Waitlisted last month. interviewed in September. I've been accepted to 2 top 20 schools and very disappointed with this one. Yeah, the schools I got into are great, but I WANTED to go here and not pay that much! Very confused.

 

[betheltim]

I don't think they do that much work until you give them some money as a deposit 😉

I still think it is because the interviewers are dallying on their paperwork
I was told that this is a common occurrence by TWO people who are involved in the medical school (one as an interviewer and my former professor, another who teaches one of the med labs)

Just to throw my speculation into the mix... When I interviewed, I was told by my interviewer something along these lines: "I'll be sure to fill this out right away, in the next day or two, because I know how you all hate waiting so long..."

He told me that he knew some interviewers who took several days (he mentioned at least a week, if not more) to return the evaluation form to the committee, which would explain why their responses are so variable.

Do you think it would be worthwhile to send a letter of update and intent, assuming my file is to be reviewed at the end of February?

 

[Tutmos]

3.85/35S Waitlisted last month. interviewed in September. I've been accepted to 2 top 20 schools and very disappointed with this one. Yeah, the schools I got into are great, but I WANTED to go here and not pay that much! Very confused.

You must be OS or they didn't like something else about your app.

 

[housefish26]

I broke down and called again today. Again, she told me that my file had not been reviewed yet "but there will be another meeting on the 17th." Bringing my total up to 15 weeks since interview.

I don't even know anymore. I mean, who's a dude gotta blow around here to get some representation? Should I contact my interviewer and see if he's even turned in my file yet? I'm even starting to think that crazy ol' Tutmos' system might be right.

BTW, if there is anyone else still waiting from early November, PM me to see if we had the same interviewer.

 

[killahbee612]

Just wondering if anyone on here happens to have been accepted to both WI and MN for this Fall? If so which way are you leaning and why? This is my situation and looking for any knowledge of both schools anyone may have that pushes them one way or another.

 

[almostthere1]

You must be OS or they didn't like something else about your app.

IS. Northwestern and Michigan didn't seem to have and trouble with my application. Who knows...😕

 

[almostthere1]

You must be OS or they didn't like something else about your app.

interviewed at east and west coast schools, too. Still waiting to hear from them in March. Don't think it was my application - maybe interviewer just didn't like me...

 

[PoniNo1]

I broke down and called again today. Again, she told me that my file had not been reviewed yet "but there will be another meeting on the 17th." Bringing my total up to 15 weeks since interview.

I don't even know anymore. I mean, who's a dude gotta blow around here to get some representation? Should I contact my interviewer and see if he's even turned in my file yet? I'm even starting to think that crazy ol' Tutmos' system might be right.

BTW, if there is anyone else still waiting from early November, PM me to see if we had the same interviewer.

I interviewed 11/5!! I am having so much anxiety over this :/ My interviewer was Dr. Joseph Brocato...who was yours?

 

[housefish26]

I interviewed 11/5!! I am having so much anxiety over this :/ My interviewer was Dr. Joseph Brocato...who was yours?

Hahahahaha! I was trying to keep it secret but screw it. He was my interviewer too! I knew it!

 

[lietuvaite]

I interviewed on 11/12 and still no news. Called the admissions office again today and was told that my application will be reviewed at the next meeting on 2/17. Same story over and over, and btw I had a different interviewer. I'm really not sure what's going on but I'm happy at least I haven't been rejected. I really want to go here!

 

[sassilysweet]

Just to throw my speculation into the mix... When I interviewed, I was told by my interviewer something along these lines: "I'll be sure to fill this out right away, in the next day or two, because I know how you all hate waiting so long..."

He told me that he knew some interviewers who took several days (he mentioned at least a week, if not more) to return the evaluation form to the committee, which would explain why their responses are so variable.

Do you think it would be worthwhile to send a letter of update and intent, assuming my file is to be reviewed at the end of February?

Definitely send an update, and if MN truly is your top choice then yes add the LOI. It can't hurt, and I specifically asked if they accepted this sort of information post-interview. As long as they haven't decided on your file, then it is acceptable to send them things.
Good luck!


On a personal note, we just got preapproved for a mortgage today! I'm going to own a house!!!!!! 😍
Gonna try for S. Mpls along the light rail for easy commuting. So excited to stay instate and have this opportunity!

 

[Tutmos]

So did anyone here have to miss an interview tomorrow at this school due to the snow on the east coast?

Grats on your house Sas, you might want to really think about the area though. South Minneapolis can get pretty rough and has changed a lot over the last couple decades.

 

[betheltim]

Definitely send an update, and if MN truly is your top choice then yes add the LOI. It can't hurt, and I specifically asked if they accepted this sort of information post-interview. As long as they haven't decided on your file, then it is acceptable to send them things.
Good luck!


On a personal note, we just got preapproved for a mortgage today! I'm going to own a house!!!!!! 😍
Gonna try for S. Mpls along the light rail for easy commuting. So excited to stay instate and have this opportunity!

Congratulations! It must be a blessing to not have to worry nearly as much as you did just a few weeks ago about all these things! I hope the mortgage process and whatever is involved goes smoothly for you. Good luck to everyone else waiting, I'm starting to feel the frustrating part of the anxiety sneak through every now and then, and I've only been waiting nearly eight weeks! I thought about calling them this week just to see if I made it into the review, because I have an interview in Milwaukee next Friday, but if I've been accepted at the U, I don't have to make that drive out there...

I know this is found in the other forums and threads, but I really don't want to go searching through them, so... If I were to send a letter of intent along with an update, how how would one go about formatting such a thing? Again, I recognize that this can be found elsewhere, but if you're willing to help a fellow applicant out, I would be very grateful!