2009-2010 University of Oklahoma Application Thread

[DRMRL]

---

Members don't see this ad.

rar

 

[just one]

In marshs defense, DRMRL has been shown in other threads to post false acceptances and other lies (which I won't get into because it is evident with a search). I agree most are a little sensitive right now and this isn't the place to project our frustration.

 

[oklahomahello]

and quit doggin those that have been accepted. congratulations to them for being an outstanding candidate and showing the admissions committee what they wanted to see. i want to hear from those accepted bc they will have valuable information for the rest of us. information i, and the rest of those waitlisted, would like to know. so please don't scare them off bc they don't want to get hassled by you guys.

I was just getting ready to say this.... I have NOT received a letter at all yet.. i am a resident but in school out of state so I am waiting... but what I wanted to say is that it is really disheartening to read all the negativity and bad mouthing and trash talking in regard to the rejection or waitlist letters.

We have all worked really hard and for some of us that is panning out and for some of us, it is not; however, it is not right to disregard someone else's success just because you may or may not have gotten your way.

That said, it is okay to be upset or disappointed in yourself or with the process but there is absolutely no reason to shove that frustration on other applicants who are excited about being accepted...

just sayin'.


and congratulations to those of you who have received accept letters and those waitlisters too... its a huge accomplishment. you should be celebrating your reward for all of your hard work.

 

[WhatsNext]

Does every one of the 165 or so acceptances have the ability still to decline? Or are the 75 waitlisted students vying for those spots of however many people of the 43 accepted today decide not to enroll?

I only ask because I thought if someone was accepted in the first 120 back near the beginning they had to decide much sooner than today if they were going to accept the acceptance. But if that were the case then it seems to me that more than 43 people could have been automatically accepted today...maybe someone could explain this to me a little more clearly, and if you're not really sure what I am asking don't worry about it because I'm not really sure what I'm asking either...

Every one of the 165 accepted still have the ability to decline. Some may be holding multiple offers and waiting to decide where they will go. Some may be holding on at OU while still hoping to get accepted elsewhere. Some are firmly going to OU.

 

[DRMRL]

WhatsNext is exactly right. Also, love is in the air here--i can feel it

 

[medapplicant88]

Has anybody received a reply from the RSVP email?

Also how should one dress for the workshop?

 

[wilso3]

the US Postal service takes way too long to deliver mail to NC from OK

 

[Segovia]

Waitlisted today. Out of state (Cali). Way below average GPA, above average MCAT. Kind of waiting on financial aid info from another school I am likely attending, and will probably take myself off of the OU waitlist soon. 50K in tuition is quite brutal. I'll post if/when I take myself out of the running. Would be kind of nice to get a waitlist rank, but whatev. I didn't think OU was that much of a number queen until I read the first paragraph of the waitlist letter

 

[jr87]

Waitlisted today. Out of state (Cali). Way below average GPA, above average MCAT. Kind of waiting on financial aid info from another school I am likely attending, and will probably take myself off of the OU waitlist soon. 50K in tuition is quite brutal. I'll post if/when I take myself out of the running. Would be kind of nice to get a waitlist rank, but whatev. I didn't think OU was that much of a number queen until I read the first paragraph of the waitlist letter

I'm with you on the waitlist rank, that could really help out. I really appreciate you posting when/if you remove yourself from the waitlist.

 

[booooomer]

im curious, sdotsom did you hear back?

 

[FutureOKdoc]

Does anyone know how the waitlist is ranked? Is it mostly based on your interview score?
I've also heard that sometimes that doesn't matter because board members can move people around as they wish, ie. if they personally know an applicant, etc.

 

[Okmedstudent85]

you guys have seriously undervalued the power of the interview. the evaluation for your interview has 5 parts that are explicitly aimed at your personality and what type of physician you would be. yes - your score matters. yes - it is a large determining factor. but if you blow your interview, (and not in the "i was nervous and flustered" way) but you are arrogant, pompous, lie, make excuses...basically if you give them a reason that shows you would be a poor physician they will reject you regardless of your ivy league scores.

so here is the deal: stop with the negativity. quit doggin the system, you need to learn to play the game. it's the way life goes. yeah, it's probably a little skew. but i have faith in it, and faith in the adcom to chose canidates that are qualified, and not just statistically.

and quit doggin those that have been accepted. congratulations to them for being an outstanding candidate and showing the admissions committee what they wanted to see. i want to hear from those accepted bc they will have valuable information for the rest of us. information i, and the rest of those waitlisted, would like to know. so please don't scare them off bc they don't want to get hassled by you guys.

and as for this:


i'm really curious too, and i'm going to ask admissions. i'll let you know what i find out. unless someone beats me to it.

"everybody gets knocked down. how quick are you going to get back up?"
keep it positive guys. everyone has a path, sometimes it just takes a while...

I totally agree with Phage on this one. It does sound like OU is strictly numbers based. I feel as though the interview is just a formality. Personality has little to no basis. I even believe that the more arrogant and pompous you are, the more desirable you are to them. It shows that you are confident in your ability to be a physician. As for the rest of your post, you sound like a cheerleader or some sorority in rush trying to get me to join.

 

[wilso3]

Do not hold me to this, because I could be wrong. From what I have read in previous application cycle threads, the interview actually plays an important part. Why would a school take the time to interview applicants if they were just going to overlook the results of that interview. During your interview, each interviewer assigns you either R (reject), D (defer), or A (accept). When it comes time to the final decision (february 21st), those applicants who were placed on the waitlist received a higher ranking if they had better scores from the interview, i.e.....an applicant with AAA, receives a higher spot on the waitlist than an applicant with AAD, regardless of scores. Then applicants are ranked within each group according to their scores. If this is true, I find it extremely fair. If a student is there to interview, it means that they possess the scores that OU sees as fit for a spot in their school. The interview should be an important part because like everyone says, a physician is not made up of purely grades and board scores. Once again, do not hold me to what I have said, but good luck to everyone, and I hope that everything works out how it is supposed to in the end.

 

[Plus 20]

I totally agree with Phage on this one. It does sound like OU is strictly numbers based. I feel as though the interview is just a formality. Personality has little to no basis. I even believe that the more arrogant and pompous you are, the more desirable you are to them. It shows that you are confident in your ability to be a physician. As for the rest of your post, you sound like a cheerleader or some sorority in rush trying to get me to join.

i meet with a board member. she showed me the evaluation form, and explained the process to me. like i said: yes your numbers matter, but so does your interview. and it matters even more so than it used to in the past. you bomb your interview - and get even one D - your high scores will never be able outrank someone who had all 3 A's even if their numbers are lower.... wilso3 is right on.

 

[Okmedstudent85]

i meet with a board member. she showed me the evaluation form, and explained the process to me. like i said: yes your numbers matter, but so does your interview. and it matters even more so than it used to in the past. you bomb your interview - and get even one D - your high scores will never be able outrank someone who had all 3 A's even if their numbers are lower.... wilso3 is right on.

I dont know what insider information you "seem" to have but I am going to have to respectfully disagree. I think numbers > interview. Interviews are subjective and done by many people. Numbers are concrete.

 

[marshds]

I dont know what insider information you "seem" to have but I am going to have to respectfully disagree. I think numbers > interview. Interviews are subjective and done by many people. Numbers are concrete.

Are you a med student? If not, were you accepted, waitlisted, or rejected?

I do not have the slightest clue which weighs heavier, but I do know that I have a way below average MCAT and a slightly below average GPA but am still on the waitlist. Granted, I may be 75th, but there were people on here with significantly higher stats than me who did not even make the waitlist. So, decent to good stats were not enough to overcome something in these peoples application, probably the interview. In my case, however, something in my application, again, probably the interview was enough to overcome my not so good stats. Obviously, a factor other than stats weighs substantially.

 

[medapplicant88]

Can anyone shed some light on the reapplicant workshop? Should you dress as if its an interview? Do they actually go through you're file or will they simply state you have to retake the MCAT or improve the GPA?

And also how does the interview committee compensate when a person is only interviewed by two people?

 

[marshds]

Can anyone shed some light on the reapplicant workshop? Should you dress as if its an interview? Do they actually go through you're file or will they simply state you have to retake the MCAT or improve the GPA?

And also how does the interview committee compensate when a person is only interviewed by two people?

This is what they sent me when I asked.

"Dr. Baker will take you through the stats of the accepted class and how the decisions were made. Then, a successful re-applicant – now a medical student – will share their experience with you. Following this will be a question and answer session with a panel representing the admission board. You might want to think of some general questions you have for them – What they are looking for. What within the application would cause "red flags"? As a reapplicant how do they want you to interview next year: You get the drift. This is not the time for questions pertaining to you, individually.

After the Q&A you will break into small groups with an Admission Board member. This is the time they will counsel you one-on-one regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your application and specifics on what needs to be done for successful reapplication."


I hope it is not against the rules to post the text of emails, sorry in advance if it is.

 

[medapplicant88]

This is what they sent me when I asked.

"Dr. Baker will take you through the stats of the accepted class and how the decisions were made. Then, a successful re-applicant – now a medical student – will share their experience with you. Following this will be a question and answer session with a panel representing the admission board. You might want to think of some general questions you have for them – What they are looking for. What within the application would cause “red flags”? As a reapplicant how do they want you to interview next year: You get the drift. This is not the time for questions pertaining to you, individually.

After the Q&A you will break into small groups with an Admission Board member. This is the time they will counsel you one-on-one regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your application and specifics on what needs to be done for successful reapplication."


I hope it is not against the rules to post the text of emails, sorry in advance if it is.

also how would you dress?

 

[medapplicant88]

This is what they sent me when I asked.

"Dr. Baker will take you through the stats of the accepted class and how the decisions were made. Then, a successful re-applicant – now a medical student – will share their experience with you. Following this will be a question and answer session with a panel representing the admission board. You might want to think of some general questions you have for them – What they are looking for. What within the application would cause “red flags”? As a reapplicant how do they want you to interview next year: You get the drift. This is not the time for questions pertaining to you, individually.

After the Q&A you will break into small groups with an Admission Board member. This is the time they will counsel you one-on-one regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your application and specifics on what needs to be done for successful reapplication."


I hope it is not against the rules to post the text of emails, sorry in advance if it is.

Okay also would they tell you to improve the GPA? Like I have 3.5+ and what would you do if they said improve your GPA?

 

[medapplicant88]

Also I was wondering what people's take is on Phange. I mean he did everything they asked and he applied four straight years. I'm just so worried that I won't get in if I reapply. I applied late this year I took the MCAT in August.

Somebody like Phange did everything he could and had like a 30 MCAT Score and was waitlisted last year and rejected outright this year. So do they look at reapplicants in a bad way? Or was 4 times (one too many)?

I mean I can't really retake the MCAT. and my GPA won't improve by the time June comes around.

 

[WhatsNext]

Also I was wondering what people's take is on Phange. I mean he did everything they asked and he applied four straight years. I'm just so worried that I won't get in if I reapply. I applied late this year I took the MCAT in August.

Somebody like Phange did everything he could and had like a 30 MCAT Score and was waitlisted last year and rejected outright this year. So do they look at reapplicants in a bad way? Or was 4 times (one too many)?

I mean I can't really retake the MCAT. and my GPA won't improve by the time June comes around.

My personal advice, if it's worth anything at all to you, is to not worry about Phange. His situation is unique to him just as your situation is unique to you. If I were in your situation, I would focus on what I could do next time to get myself in and not worry about past re-applicants who didn't get in. I've heard many accounts of re-applicants who got in on the second try and many accounts of people who got in from the waitlist. People do it every year. Again, just putting it out there in case it's worth anything to you.

 

[medapplicant88]

My personal advice, if it's worth anything at all to you, is to not worry about Phange. His situation is unique to him just as your situation is unique to you. If I were in your situation, I would focus on what I could do next time to get myself in and not worry about past re-applicants who didn't get in. I've heard many accounts of re-applicants who got in on the second try and many accounts of people who got in from the waitlist. People do it every year. Again, just putting it out there in case it's worth anything to you.

Sure, but I'm just thinking that he did everything to try and get in and listened to the workshop committee (which I'm fully 100% willing to do) however it's hard not to look at that applicant and say wow how come he couldn't get in.

I wasn't even waitlisted. they really saw something wrong but I can't imagine what it was. I've gone through the interview a hundred times to what I could remember, I was humble, I answered every question with reasonable answers. I probably should have some patience in terms of waiting to the reapplicant workshop.

But my mind is wandering to nightmare scenarios like Phange. I mean if he did everything they asked (4 straight times)? what would you say?

I applied late however do they think people lack interest when applying late?

More importantly though what are people's thoughts about what to wear. Can we be a little more casual?

 

[bellakk]

Also I was wondering what people's take is on Phange. I mean he did everything they asked and he applied four straight years. I'm just so worried that I won't get in if I reapply. I applied late this year I took the MCAT in August.

Somebody like Phange did everything he could and had like a 30 MCAT Score and was waitlisted last year and rejected outright this year. So do they look at reapplicants in a bad way? Or was 4 times (one too many)?

I mean I can't really retake the MCAT. and my GPA won't improve by the time June comes around.

First of all I must point out that he only applied to OU the first 3 years and this year applied to OSU as a second school a couple weeks ago. It is a red flag to interviewers when they find out you've only applied to one school. Obviously you dont want to become a physician that badly if you refuse to relocate nor do you understand the competitiveness of the process (word for word from an admissions counselor).

Also, personality is very important to the interviewiers, some people just dont have the right temperament to become a physician, ya know?

I personally think schools have a great respect for reapplicants. It shows perserverence and tenacity. He is an exception not a rule. If you have an MPH (or any other masters), even with a much lower gpa than his and a 30 on the MCAT and you dont get it, it is obviously not a numbers game. Something must have gone wrong at the interview.

It is also important to remember that the interviewers are trying to make sure not only will you be a good doctor, but a good fit for the school.

 

[WhatsNext]

Sure, but I'm just thinking that he did everything to try and get in and listened to the workshop committee...

...But my mind is wandering to nightmare scenarios like Phange. I mean if he did everything they asked (4 straight times)? what would you say?

How do you know this for certain? I personally don't believe everything people post on SDN - I just sift through and find the info that I think is valuable. I'll admit that I can't imagine what it feels like to be in your shoes right now. But, I'm just trying to help you out here.

For you, I'm willing to bet an early application next time just might do wonders for you. Make the rolling admissions process work in your favor next time. But, I can't guarantee anything. 😉 I hope it all works out for you.

 

[WhatsNext]

First of all I must point out that he only applied to OU the first 3 years and this year applied to OSU as a second school a couple weeks ago. It is a red flag to interviewers when they find out you've only applied to one school. Obviously you dont want to become a physician that badly if you refuse to relocate nor do you understand the competitiveness of the process (word for word from an admissions counselor).

Also, personality is very important to the interviewiers, some people just dont have the right temperament to become a physician, ya know?

I personally think schools have a great respect for reapplicants. It shows perserverence and tenacity. He is an exception not a rule. If you have an MPH (or any other masters), even with a much lower gpa than his and a 30 on the MCAT and you dont get it, it is obviously not a numbers game. Something must have gone wrong at the interview.

It is also important to remember that the interviewers are trying to make sure not only will you be a good doctor, but a good fit for the school.

👍

 

[medapplicant88]

First of all I must point out that he only applied to OU the first 3 years and this year applied to OSU as a second school a couple weeks ago. It is a red flag to interviewers when they find out you've only applied to one school. Obviously you dont want to become a physician that badly if you refuse to relocate nor do you understand the competitiveness of the process (word for word from an admissions counselor).

Also, personality is very important to the interviewiers, some people just dont have the right temperament to become a physician, ya know?

I personally think schools have a great respect for reapplicants. It shows perserverence and tenacity. He is an exception not a rule. If you have an MPH (or any other masters), even with a much lower gpa than his and a 30 on the MCAT and you dont get it, it is obviously not a numbers game. Something must have gone wrong at the interview.

It is also important to remember that the interviewers are trying to make sure not only will you be a good doctor, but a good fit for the school.

Could something have gone wrong 4 straight times with an interview? I don't mean to be pressing I'm just trying to figure this out. The disappointment hurts so bad and through my comments I've realized how I've come off as overly aggressive to those who were accepted (which I sincerely apologize).

Also like how do you get waitlisted one year but rejected the next as Phange asserts.

 

[WhatsNext]

Could something have gone wrong 4 straight times with an interview? I don't mean to be pressing I'm just trying to figure this out. The disappointment hurts so bad and through my comments I've realized how I've come off as overly aggressive to those who were accepted (which I sincerely apologize).

Also like how do you get waitlisted one year but rejected the next as Phange asserts.

You've said nothing for which you need to apologize.

 

[medapplicant88]

You've said nothing for which you need to apologize.

Well I asked this one accepted person from the deferred list to reveal his stats if he was willing too.

To which I replied they reward hard work more so than a test score probably fair

I appreciate all your advice and good luck to you at OU.

And before posting something that has a remote tinge of an insult, I should've hesitated I myself know stats aren't enough. I truly thought I had enough of whatever it takes to be a physician hopefully whatever they hated about me isn't unchangeable.

 

[bellakk]

Could something have gone wrong 4 straight times with an interview? I don't mean to be pressing I'm just trying to figure this out.
QUOTE]

FYI, I have not gotten interview feedback from OU since the workshop is thurs, I'm just going from my experience with OSU when I called about my waitlist letter.

You know I think the interview is much more important than phage says. The trouble is that when you get interview feedback, pretty much all of the comments the interviewers made about you are confidential. The school cannot say, "well interviewer X completely disagreed with Y statement or felt that Z statement was not the answer of someone with maturity or alturistic tendencies". The best the school can do is mention increasing your GPA/MCAT/EC's/etc because that is pretty much the only advice they can offer.

I honestly would love it if a school could say, "you rambled too much, your answers were too abrasive, you were too timid in talking about your positives". I think that is the kind of feedback we are truely looking for as applicants.

I have a different perspective since this is my first application cycle and I have been waitlisted at a school that takes like 40% of their class from the waitlist so maybe I am looking through rosecolored glasses and still trying to see the positive. If I had been waitlisted/rejected multiple times and the only feedback I got was to improve my stats, I then improved my stats immensely and was still waitlisted/rejected, my gut reaction would be to blame "the system".

A husband of one of my professors is on the AdCom for OU and interviews a couple times throughout the season. He says that every year you get the 4.0/35 students who get rejected b/c their interview went poorly for whatever reason. Sometimes they have no personality or are overly arrogant or are just in it b/c of the competition and prestige. I am not saying any of us that were rejected have no personality, but it goes to show how important the interview is.

I also must say how much respect I have for Phage for applying and reapplying. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to interivew a 3rd or 4th time. Even though OU wasn't my first choice and I didnt really think my interview went that well and my stats are low, getting my rejection letter still hurt. Sucks that a piece of paper can wreak such havock over our emotions!

 

[medapplicant88]

Could something have gone wrong 4 straight times with an interview? I don't mean to be pressing I'm just trying to figure this out.
QUOTE]

FYI, I have not gotten interview feedback from OU since the workshop is thurs, I'm just going from my experience with OSU when I called about my waitlist letter.

You know I think the interview is much more important than phage says. The trouble is that when you get interview feedback, pretty much all of the comments the interviewers made about you are confidential. The school cannot say, "well interviewer X completely disagreed with Y statement or felt that Z statement was not the answer of someone with maturity or alturistic tendencies". The best the school can do is mention increasing your GPA/MCAT/EC's/etc because that is pretty much the only advice they can offer.

I honestly would love it if a school could say, "you rambled too much, your answers were too abrasive, you were too timid in talking about your positives". I think that is the kind of feedback we are truely looking for as applicants.

I have a different perspective since this is my first application cycle and I have been waitlisted at a school that takes like 40% of their class from the waitlist so maybe I am looking through rosecolored glasses and still trying to see the positive. If I had been waitlisted/rejected multiple times and the only feedback I got was to improve my stats, I then improved my stats immensely and was still waitlisted/rejected, my gut reaction would be to blame "the system".

A husband of one of my professors is on the AdCom for OU and interviews a couple times throughout the season. He says that every year you get the 4.0/35 students who get rejected b/c their interview went poorly for whatever reason. Sometimes they have no personality or are overly arrogant or are just in it b/c of the competition and prestige. I am not saying any of us that were rejected have no personality, but it goes to show how important the interview is.

I also must say how much respect I have for Phage for applying and reapplying. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to interivew a 3rd or 4th time. Even though OU wasn't my first choice and I didnt really think my interview went that well and my stats are low, getting my rejection letter still hurt. Sucks that a piece of paper can wreak such havock over our emotions!

Rejection does hurt. I think I have to get passed this current phase and move on to the improvement phase. Hopefully things will be different.

Do you know where you are ranked on the OSU waitlist?

 

[bellakk]

nah, since they have interivews through late march/early april it'd just keep changing anyway. lindsey just said it was b/c of some C's in upper division sciences which stinks b/c there is absolutely nothing I can do about it now.

 

[craigerz13]

nah, since they have interivews through late march/early april it'd just keep changing anyway. lindsey just said it was b/c of some C's in upper division sciences which stinks b/c there is absolutely nothing I can do about it now.

Bellakk-

I am a current OU Med Student...and I have actually studied at Two medical schools, one foreign, and OU. I can say your comments above this one show maturity, and compassion. While I have no clue who you are, I have a feeling your going to be a Legit Doc someday! Enjoy the Journey, and remember that growth comes in the challenges. Keep up the perseverance, and dedication to impacting others through healthcare.

 

[sdotsom]

im curious, sdotsom did you hear back?

Sorry, been quite busy at work! I got in, got that red letter on Wednesday. Pretty pumped up, I'm definitely accepting and can't wait. Only question is I have a lot of research I want to finish at my current job in St. Louis, so I might enquire if its possible for me to defer a year and begin in 2011. But we'll see.

Want to congratulate everyone else on waitlist and getting in - definitely keep your head up. I have a 3.06 GPA and a 34 MCAT, but last year I got waitlisted with the same GPA and a 30 MCAT. So around June, when I started losing hope for the waitlist, I cracked the MCAT **** open again and took it in September, with the 4 point increase.

The interviewers seemed to be happy that I came back and gave it another go, especially with the new MCAT grade.

 

[AP14]

I have been following this forum for a while and as a successful reapplicant want to give my 2 cents on OU being "purely about numbers."

Last year I applied w/ a 3.9 GPA and 33 MCAT. I interviewed in one of the first rounds and was rejected. I didnt feel that the interview had gone horrible but I could tell that one of the interviewers (an MS4) did not like me from the beginning.

Like others have said, for someone in my situation, the reapplication workshop was not overly helpful b/c they wont really tell you how the interview went wrong. I tried to get as much out of them as I could by being very specific with questions about what went wrong in the interview and that seemed to help some.

In the end, I shadowed more docs, secured some great LORs from practicing physicians and increased my healthcare experience. I believe those things (along with being more prepared/confident in the interview) made the difference this year. .

 

[DRMRL]

to those of you with low stats. i have a buddy who got in with a 3.75 and 25 mcat. just hold on!

 

[DRMRL]

but i also think ou med focuses MORE on the numbers than the character, however, there are exceptions 😎

 

[MandaJoMiles]

Hello All!
As a current MS2, I'd like to offer a few tips "from the other side." First of all, congrats to all of you for working this hard and getting to this point. Whether you've been accepted/wait-listed/rejected, I know how hard it is to even get to this point. As for the discussions (I haven't read all 16 pages, so I apologize for anything that is redundant).

(1.) Yes, numbers mean a lot to most schools, but OU really does value the interview more than some. It can definitely make/break you. Arrogance does not come off well, but confidence does, and there is a fine line separating the two. As for those that have great numbers and get rejected: great numbers won't get you everywhere in life. OU really looks for the well-rounded applicant, so get out there and volunteer and do some research! Get some medical experience on a long term basis, rather than just helping out with a blood drive or shadowing a Doc once or twice. Ask the Doc if you can shadow weekly or biweekly for the semester (or longer). The admissions folks want to know that you kow exactly what you are getting yourself into.
(2.) If you have been wait-listed, I know of several cases of coming off of it at the last minute. (Never fear!) In my class a guy came off of it the week of orientation. In 2013, one girl had even already started at another school when she came off the wait list here (and transferred immediately).
(3.) If you are on the fence about going to the Reapplication Workshop: GO! I've heard it directly from some of the admissions people that they take note of those that attend, and it directly affects what they think about you in the next year's cycle. If you don't go, they tend to think you aren't that serious about wanting to change/get in. If you have a valid reason for being unable to go, contact Dottie (? She still doing it?) and tell her you have to work/have a prior obligation and see if there's any way you can set up a meeting at a different time to go over your stuff. The worst they can say is "No" and at least they will see you care and want to improve.


That's all I can think of at the moment that I read in the previous posts, but if you have any questions, I'll try and check back or feel free to PM me.

 

[WhatsNext]

but i also think ou med focuses MORE on the numbers than the character, however, there are exceptions 😎

To quote the immortal words of Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski... Yeah, well you know, that's just like your opinion, man.

My opinion would be the opposite. I tend to think OU (and every other medical school for that matter) does their best to focus more on the character of the applicants than their numbers. It's just that when you get 1700 or so applicants for 165 seats, numbers do come into play. Having a high GPA/MCAT puts an applicant in a position to benefit from rolling admissions. But, that still doesn't guarantee anything.

From my interview experience I believe that OU really tries to gauge the character of the applicants and their fit for the school. My interviewers and I spent approximately 2 minutes (if that long) discussing my below average GPA and there was almost no mention of my MCAT (just average for this year's accepted applicants). The interview was actually more personal about my experiences, travel, family, values, stress management, hobbies, volunteer work, desire to become a physician, etc. This was even during the "open file" portion of my interview.

If they were more focused on numbers than character, I think we would have spent more time talking about my GPA and MCAT.

 

[jr87]

To quote the immortal words of Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski... Yeah, well you know, that's just like your opinion, man.

My opinion would be the opposite. I tend to think OU (and every other medical school for that matter) does their best to focus more on the character of the applicants than their numbers. It's just that when you get 1700 or so applicants for 165 seats, numbers do come into play. Having a high GPA/MCAT puts an applicant in a position to benefit from rolling admissions. But, that still doesn't guarantee anything.

From my interview experience I believe that OU really tries to gauge the character of the applicants and their fit for the school. My interviewers and I spent approximately 2 minutes (if that long) discussing my below average GPA and there was almost no mention of my MCAT (just average for this year's accepted applicants). The interview was actually more personal about my experiences, travel, family, values, stress management, hobbies, volunteer work, desire to become a physician, etc. This was even during the "open file" portion of my interview.

If they were more focused on numbers than character, I think we would have spent more time talking about my GPA and MCAT.

I agree, my stats were well below average and they weren't mentioned once during the interview. I actually felt like they were trying to get to know me and my motivations for a career in medicine, but with that said I only made the waitlist and could be #75 for all I know.

Unfortunately getting our numbers to a certain point is just a hurdle we all have to jump through. Even if I did nail my interview, another student with a great interview and higher stats deserves the spot more than I do.

 

[DRMRL]

i specifically said, "however, there are exceptions"

 

[TexasNicole]

So, we're talking about OU then? Blah blah numbers.. interview.. if you want to play the blame game- then gentlemen, how about we pull out the sexist card?

I hope that makes you all see how silly this big debate is. I can sit here and argue that the stuff y'all said is bs. I have two years of experience working in a health care feild - 1 yr at an ER and coming up on a year as a clinical assistant at a psych hospital. So that alone won't get you in. My GPA wasn't stellar - 3.3/3.4 i think. I got a 32 on the MCAT, I'm in state, I didn't bomb the interview (I've had better, I've had worse). I interviewed at UNC, ETSU, and Tulane (so you know I'm not full of ****).

I was rejected outright. Got the letter yesterday. Not even waitlisted.

I interviewed at Tulane on 2/26 and got my acceptance this morning.

Coincidentally, Tulane (only place accepted) is the only place one of my interviewers was a woman. So you can blame it on whatever you want. The fact of the matter is a lot of it is just luck. (I don't really think it has much of anything to do with sexism).

As for reapplying, and specifically the 4 time reapply/reject situation, I think somebody already said it- his biggest mistake was only applying to OU. It may boil down to the fact that you're not an OU type person (not a bad thing in my opinion). So whatever, go somewhere else- the more places you apply, the more chances you've got. If you're really serious about it- move to Texas and work for a year (=become a resident) you are then In-state for 7 different medical schools that accept mostly in state kids.

Personally, I'm SOOO glad that OU rejected me- I wouldn't have been able to go to Tulane (my dad would have made me go to OU bc of the tuition).

Basically: Blame it on whatever makes you feel better, just stop arguing about it! It's stupid. It all matters and at the same time none of it matters.

 

[ouLUSH]

What is everyone wearing to the reapplicant workshop??? Jeans?

 

[DRMRL]

i am a lady...so your argument doesn't carry too much weight, texasnicole...sorry... 😱 BUT, best of luck at Tulane

 

[bellakk]

What is everyone wearing to the reapplicant workshop??? Jeans?

Has anyone heard back about the workshop? I've emailed a couple times to no response,

what are we suppose to wear?
is it in the med school building?
where are we supposed to park?

I'd love to wear jeans. I hate dressing up but I dont want to look sloppy. Black slacks, a cardigan and ballet flats? (basically the same outfit as physician shadowing...)

 

[TexasNicole]

No. I totally agree. It is a bs argument. That was my point. We can all find something to blame a rejection on. But in the end it's just an excuse, and there's no point in arguing over who's excuse is better. Sorry if it sounded otherwise

 

[DRMRL]

ooohh okay gotcha

 

[marshds]

Has anyone heard back about the workshop? I've emailed a couple times to no response,

what are we suppose to wear?
is it in the med school building?
where are we supposed to park?

I'd love to wear jeans. I hate dressing up but I dont want to look sloppy. Black slacks, a cardigan and ballet flats? (basically the same outfit as physician shadowing...)

Dotty sent out an email to everyone, did you RSVP?

Location is the Basic Sciences Education Building, east lecture hall, and the parking is in the Children's Hospital parking garage. It is on the east side of stonewall just south of NE 13th. Bring your parking ticket for validation and park on the first level.

As far as dress goes, they did not provide any information but I would go with business casual...slacks (khaki, grey, black, whatever), a button down collar shirt, and dress shoes. I personally would not wear jeans. I think a suit would be overkill.

 

[Plus 20]

i emailed Lisa Jaques about the dress and she responded with:

Dress is “professional casual.” Slacks and a sweater or blouse will be fine. There is no need for suits or heels!

 

[medapplicant88]

What are people's thoughts on the workshop.

I honestly came out still not knowing specifically what I did wrong. And I tried to get information. All he said was apply earlier. He said that I didn't get all accepts but he didn't say why.

The board member also said retake the MCAT???

Does that advice make any sense for someone with an already good score. I tried to press him for information and couldn't get much. He was like shadow more, and get more clinical experience do community service. Take a post bac class?