2009-2010 University of Tennessee Application Thread

[TheFlashMD]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I see. Thanks for the input. Do you know whether anyone ever gets rejected after the "no decision" letter or is this simply the waitlist if they decide not to accept you come April 23rd?

From my experience few if any get rejected post-interview, and most likely those are OOS. The waitlist is quite large with only ~fourth of the waitlist finally getting accepted. If you are waitlisted, you may call and they will give you an approximate position on the waitlist (i.e. 'top third') and will advise you if you need to start the reappication process.

 

[Xslim]

Hello everyone. I have been watching this thread for a while. I interviewed in January and am in the hold category as I see many of you also are. I am also planning on applying to the Pharmacology Masters program for next year if I am not accepted. However, I must say that it is disheartening that none of the current students have been accepted yet and it is almost April. Seems some of the other similar programs might be a better choice at this point.

Anyone know how the current students did in medical pharmacology with the M2s or have any insight on what they think of the program so far? Although, they might be hesitant to give any negative feedback if they are still waiting to be accepted.

Some masters in pharmacology students did quite well in the medical pharmacology course that was taken with the M2s. I do not know about everyone but some did receive an A as their final grade.

 

[inkpen]

Well they will be interviewing until April. I interviewed last week as well and I have not received an email yet. This Friday will be going on two weeks. I know that a letter was suppose to be mailed on Friday but maybe I confused which Friday and it will be mailed on tomorrow.

 

[inkpen]

Spoke too soon. I didn't get an email but I did get the "letter". Guess it just wasn't meant to be! Best of luck to everyone else.

 

[hotinhere38]

Hello all..I am withdrawing my interview invite today..hope it goes to a lucky someone else..good luck and cheers!!

 

[equios]

Well, add another to the list of "No decision has been made" list... Are they that swamped or that indecisive?

 

[RocknAction]

Well, add another to the list of "No decision has been made" list... Are they that swamped or that indecisive?

They haven't had room to outright accept anyone since late January. It's too late in the cycle, that's all. As people withdraw, however, plenty of space will be made available. The class is full right now with people who interviewed in early september and are going to other schools. These people will drop out soon though (I did so hopefully someone here will get my spot). Each year, they take about 50 people off the waitlist, which is a huge number. Don't be discouraged.

 

[brax]

They haven't had room to outright accept anyone since late January. It's too late in the cycle, that's all. As people withdraw, however, plenty of space will be made available. The class is full right now with people who interviewed in early september and are going to other schools. These people will drop out soon though (I did so hopefully someone here will get my spot). Each year, they take about 50 people off the waitlist, which is a huge number. Don't be discouraged.

I've been following this post for a while. I interviewed the second week of February and got an acceptance packet the next week. So, acceptances are still going out.

 

[RocknAction]

I've been following this post for a while. I interviewed the second week of February and got an acceptance packet the next week. So, acceptances are still going out.

Last acceptance that wasn't conditional on this thread was 1/30. Glad to know you got accepted after that

 

[lovinglife26]

Hi Friends!!

Any girls who have been accepted and are planning on attending UT looking for a place to live can PM me. I am moving into a house w/ 2 other girls and we are looking for a 4th! We have found a fantastic and reasonably priced 4 bdr place about 5 minutes from school. PM me if interested and we can exchange facebooks and whatnot!

Have a great week everyone!! 😳

 

[xoxo]

is there a difference between "on hold" and "no decision has been reached"?

 

[ranviernode]

is there a difference between "on hold" and "no decision has been reached"?

Same

 

[Titans335]

I believe they are the same. The letter says no decision has been reached and people are referring to it as being "on hold" because the committee will meet in late April to make final decisions about acceptances and the waitlist. I know roughly 50 students come off the waitlist each year, but no clue how acceptances they might have to give out before then.

I talked to someone through a friend of my family this weekend who also happens to be considering the Pharmacology program for next year. He thinks he has decided to do another program instead though, because of their unproven track record and he does not want to wait till May to decide. He did have a bit more info on the program at UT though.

They started off as 10 students, but only 9 remain. Like someone said above a few got As in medical pharmacology and foundations of pharmacology and most got at least a B and that both classes ended in late Feb, and they have not heard back from the admissions committee and he said there seems to be little communication with the students.

He said that student who he met expressed frustration about the program in the fact that there seems to be very little communication to them about their applications and when they should expect to hear something. As of sometime last week, they still had no idea when they might hear and had not received "no decision" letters yet.

Hopefully, I will get a late acceptance and not have to worry about this. I do however have several applications out to 1 year programs in case and would like to see how UTs compares because UT is where I would like to attend medical school (I am from and currently live in Memphis), but the Pharm programs lack of proven success is a worry for me.

 

[monkeypenny]

I talked to Ms. Harris today and she said that "no decision has been made" does not mean you are on the alternate/waitlist. In that case, are there people who are actually on the waitlist right now? and does that mean that after april 23rd decisions have been made, you could be informed that you are now on the waistlist instead of being on hold?

 

[auburnO5]

I talked to Ms. Harris today and she said that "no decision has been made" does not mean you are on the alternate/waitlist. In that case, are there people who are actually on the waitlist right now? and does that mean that after april 23rd decisions have been made, you could be informed that you are now on the waistlist instead of being on hold?

I'm sure they haven't made a waitlist yet. Come mid April, they will see how Many spots they have left and then look at everyone who is on hold. They will accept some, and use some to make up the waitlist.

 

[TheFlashMD]

I'm sure they haven't made a waitlist yet. Come mid April, they will see how Many spots they have left and then look at everyone who is on hold. They will accept some, and use some to make up the waitlist.

+1👍

 

[monkeypenny]

thanks for the clarification!

 

[BCTbro09]

If we got an email with the subject heading "YOUR LETTER IS ON THE WAY... UTHSC College of Medicine... 2010 Entering Class... Memphis, TN USA," does this mean we are accepted or can it be anything?

 

[auburnO5]

If we got an email with the subject heading "YOUR LETTER IS ON THE WAY... UTHSC College of Medicine... 2010 Entering Class... Memphis, TN USA," does this mean we are accepted or can it be anything?

I believe the "YOUR LETTER IS ON THE WAY" email means that your "on hold" or rejection letter is on the way.

The people who have said they were accepted got an email that said "YOUR ACCEPTANCE PACKET IS ON THE WAY".

 

[Cody]

I interviewed the 5th of January and initially received the "no decision has been made" letter. But, on the 27th of February I received the e-mail letting me know my acceptance package was on the way. So, to answer the question many people are posting-- yes they do extend acceptances after receiving the dreaded "letter".

 

[Titans335]

Good to hear there is still hope. Seems as though the waiting game will continue for many of us till the committee has its final meeting at the end of the month. and then possibly much longer if waitlisted.

 

[Cody]

Do not be discouraged whatsoever. I've heard from several sources that a large portion of the class actually does come off the wait list-- just to reiterate what most people have posted on this thread. I've also heard from a reputable source that several acceptances are sent out prior to the assembly of the wait-list.

 

[TheFlashMD]

I interviewed the 5th of January and initially received the "no decision has been made" letter. But, on the 27th of February I received the e-mail letting me know my acceptance package was on the way. So, to answer the question many people are posting-- yes they do extend acceptances after receiving the dreaded "letter".

Congrats. 👍👍

 

[p head]

I need some chatter to ease this wait. Has anyone called Memphis to get an update? I called, and they acted a little bit surprised and reminded me that final letters do not go out until after the 23rd. Anyone been able to find out anything about where they stand?

 

[TheFlashMD]

I need some chatter to ease this wait. Has anyone called Memphis to get an update? I called, and they acted a little bit surprised and reminded me that final letters do not go out until after the 23rd. Anyone been able to find out anything about where they stand?

I found out about a month ago that they had checked my file twice since the first meeting after my interview(early December) and that they wouldn't look again until April 23rd. It's a long long wait. I don't see why they kept interviewing applicants for 7 months. Seems a little excessive.

 

[Xslim]

It seems like they are doing things a little differently this year. I am not sure why, but I think they were overwhelmed by the number of quality applications they received. I know they are still interviewing this week so they are running a lot of people through the mill. Everyone is waiting for the 23rd and I am sure most questions will be addressed shortly thereafter.

 

[ranviernode]

It seems like they are doing things a little differently this year. I am not sure why, but I think they were overwhelmed by the number of quality applications they received. I know they are still interviewing this week so they are running a lot of people through the mill. Everyone is waiting for the 23rd and I am sure most questions will be addressed shortly thereafter.

What are they doing differently this year? Have they never interviewed people this long before? I called Nelson and he said that they won't look at any old files again till the 23rd. As for record number of applicants, where did you hear this from? From reading past application threads for UT, it seems that they've always had a record number each year. Nelson also told me that my application had a good review. I figure he tells this to anyone who asks so I didn't bother asking him for specifics which I guess I should have now I think about it.

 

[Xslim]

What are they doing differently this year? Have they never interviewed people this long before? I called Nelson and he said that they won't look at any old files again till the 23rd. As for record number of applicants, where did you hear this from? From reading past application threads for UT, it seems that they've always had a record number each year. Nelson also told me that my application had a good review. I figure he tells this to anyone who asks so I didn't bother asking him for specifics which I guess I should have now I think about it.

Yes, every year does seem to be a record year. UT has seen their applicant pool increase every year for a number of years now. I believe they typically have completed interviews by the end of March but this year they are dragging them on deep into April. This is due to an increase in the quality of applications received not necessarily the number of applications. I say this because of what I have heard from Nelson.

 

[auburnO5]

Yes, every year does seem to be a record year. UT has seen their applicant pool increase every year for a number of years now. I believe they typically have completed interviews by the end of March but this year they are dragging them on deep into April. This is due to an increase in the quality of applications received not necessarily the number of applications. I say this because of what I have heard from Nelson.

Not trying to burst your bubble or anything, but I'm sure he tells people this all the time. I'm sure they get tons of quality applications year in and year out.

 

[ranviernode]

Not trying to burst your bubble or anything, but I'm sure he tells people this all the time. I'm sure they get tons of quality applications year in and year out.

.

 

[Xslim]

Not trying to burst your bubble or anything, but I'm sure he tells people this all the time. I'm sure they get tons of quality applications year in and year out.

The idea that Nelson would lie just for the fun of it or for posterity seems unlikely to me. They are very guarded to never say anything that isn't true or might be misleading because that is how ad comms get in hot water. If he says it all the time, then it is likely to be true all the time.
Obviously this is an abnormal year since they are interviewing so much later than typical. There must be something different about this year. I choose to believe what I am told rather than randomly speculate and assume they are being devious.

 

[auburnO5]

The idea that Nelson would lie just for the fun of it or for posterity seems unlikely to me. They are very guarded to never say anything that isn't true or might be misleading because that is how ad comms get in hot water. If he says it all the time, then it is likely to be true all the time.
Obviously this is an abnormal year since they are interviewing so much later than typical. There must be something different about this year. I choose to believe what I am told rather than randomly speculate and assume they are being devious.

Haha k. I am a reapplicant and I am applying to 10+ schools, and it just seems like someone at every single school always says something to that extent, ie, "this year is different," "this year they are experiencing an unprecedented amount of qualified applicants." I think it's just lines they feed to the hundreds of pre-meds every year to keep them relatively happy and quiet.

Edit: and yes, I am bitter my second time around

 

[TheFlashMD]

Haha k. I am a reapplicant and I am applying to 10+ schools, and it just seems like someone at every single school always says something to that extent, ie, "this year is different," "this year they are experiencing an unprecedented amount of qualified applicants." I think it's just lines they feed to the hundreds of pre-meds every year to keep them relatively happy and quiet.

Edit: and yes, I am bitter my second time around

👍 +1

 

[Xslim]

I guess maybe I am just too naive. Though, I'd like too keep a positive mindset.

 

[auburnO5]

.

 

[bananastand]

Don't we just love waiting. I interviewed early Jan and received the "no decision" letter not too long after. I'm not sure how many times they have reviewed my file, but I have talked to Nelson a few times since to update my application. I am somewhat discouraged because this is my second time around and I went through exactly the same thing last year...waited and waited until it wasn't possible to wait anymore.

I may just tell Nelson to extend the deadline because I love waiting so much.

 

[p head]

Don't worry there is always money in the bananastand(said in a dramatic whisper)

Don't we just love waiting. I interviewed early Jan and received the "no decision" letter not too long after. I'm not sure how many times they have reviewed my file, but I have talked to Nelson a few times since to update my application. I am somewhat discouraged because this is my second time around and I went through exactly the same thing last year...waited and waited until it wasn't possible to wait anymore.

I may just tell Nelson to extend the deadline because I love waiting so much.

 

[TheFlashMD]

Don't we just love waiting. I interviewed early Jan and received the "no decision" letter not too long after. I'm not sure how many times they have reviewed my file, but I have talked to Nelson a few times since to update my application. I am somewhat discouraged because this is my second time around and I went through exactly the same thing last year...waited and waited until it wasn't possible to wait anymore.

I may just tell Nelson to extend the deadline because I love waiting so much.

Same here. Except I've been waiting since early December.

At least last year when I interviewed in early November, they got back to me by the end of March... Ugh.

 

[Titans335]

The waiting is brutal. I can't imagine having to do this all again next year which it appears I may have to do. Hat is off to those continuously reapplying. That is partially why I am interested in a one year Masters program, hoping that might make the process a little less stressful if I have to go through it all over again along with the chance to show I can do well in medical/graduate school classes. Unfortunately, doing UT's Pharm program doesn't seem to speed up the process at all. We will see. All hope is not lost.

 

[TheFlashMD]

The waiting is brutal. I can't imagine having to do this all again next year which it appears I may have to do. Hat is off to those continuously reapplying. That is partially why I am interested in a one year Masters program, hoping that might make the process a little less stressful if I have to go through it all over again along with the chance to show I can do well in medical/graduate school classes. Unfortunately, doing UT's Pharm program doesn't seem to speed up the process at all. We will see. All hope is not lost.

It really doesn't seem to help in the speed department. It seems those students didn't even interview until February. However, if your GPA is lacking it could help strengthen that aspect of your application. I suppose we won't know for sure until the end of the month about the status of those students. Personally, I'd be hesitant to enroll in the UT masters program bc of its unproven track record. But if the whole crew this year gets in, I'll shut up.

 

[Brigade4Radiant]

Isn't the class size 165?

 

[Titans335]

Isn't the class size 165?

Yes, they expanded the class at the end of last years application cycle from 150 to 165, but I believe those new 15 spots are now for out of state applicants. That is the impression I am under at least.

 

[TheFlashMD]

Yes, they expanded the class at the end of last years application cycle from 150 to 165, but I believe those new 15 spots are now for out of state applicants. That is the impression I am under at least.

State law prohibits them from having more than 10% OOS students. So they aren't all OOS spots.

 

[Titans335]

True, but they typically take extremely few OOS applicants. I was told by someone affiliated closely with the medical school that the purpose of adding these 15 spots was to increase the number of OOS students accepted. After all an OOS student pays nearly twice as much in tuition. Just relaying what I am told. Clearly adding 15 spots increases the number of seats for in state applicants, but it may only be small increase. Who knows.

 

[TheFlashMD]

True, but they typically take extremely few OOS applicants. I was told by someone affiliated closely with the medical school that the purpose of adding these 15 spots was to increase the number of OOS students accepted. After all an OOS student pays nearly twice as much in tuition. Just relaying what I am told. Clearly adding 15 spots increases the number of seats for in state applicants, but it may only be small increase. Who knows.

They could accept ~15 students OOS. They currently get about 7. They could take 7 more without adding more spots, so I don't see the advantage of adding more spots to only get OOS tuition dollars. I think adding 15 seats was about adding tuition money in general, not necessarily OOS tuition money.

 

[ranviernode]

Hey Flash,
What was your rank on the waitlist last year, and did they inform you that you had a good chance of getting in?
I'm really starting to think that my chances of entering this year are grim...

 

[Titans335]

They could accept ~15 students OOS. They currently get about 7. They could take 7 more without adding more spots, so I don't see the advantage of adding more spots to only get OOS tuition dollars. I think adding 15 seats was about adding tuition money in general, not necessarily OOS tuition money.

I am just relaying what I was told regarding the increase in class side by someone on faculty in the medical school. And you even said the increase was about adding money, well the best way to add money would be to increase OOS students and by adding seats they can do so without cutting into IS students. Again, just what I have heard.

 

[TheFlashMD]

Hey Flash,
What was your rank on the waitlist last year, and did they inform you that you had a good chance of getting in?
I'm really starting to think that my chances of entering this year are grim...

I was told between the top fourth and top third of the waitlist. They said I was borderline getting off the waitlist. I know about 40-50 get off the waitlist each year, so if they do tell you the relative rank, keep that in mind.

 

[auburnO5]

I was told between the top fourth and top third of the waitlist. They said I was borderline getting off the waitlist. I know about 40-50 get off the waitlist each year, so if they do tell you the relative rank, keep that in mind.

You were in the top fourth and did not get in?

How big is the waitlist?

 

[TheFlashMD]

You were in the top fourth and did not get in?

How big is the waitlist?

Too long. I can't remember exactly but I want to say like over 200. Definitely more than there are seats.

EDIT: Checked last years thread. It was 223.