2009-2010 University of Washington Application Thread

[LieutenantDan]

---

Members don't see this ad.

OOR applicant here. Received 3rd SUC e-mail since my interview. Waiting for the UW response has been a lot tougher than I imagined... Let's hang in there. I wish all of you the best 👍!

Any other OOR applicants?

I feel that. I'm an IS applicant, they must really like you if they are considering you as an OOR applicant.
I am hoping for the best but putting together an application to DO schools as a contingency plan. Good luck to everyone.

 

[mcni6805]

Also still under consideration!

 

[mcni6805]

While I'm thinking about it, did any other TRUST applicants prepare for an epic grilling only to be totally thrown off guard by an interview consisting solely of casual conversation?

For this I was unprepared...

 

[teenmachinery1]

I just received my rejection e-mail today. Here are my stats:

2nd time applicant
Interviewed: 2/10/10
UW WGPA (total): 3.77
UW WGPA (science): 3.85
http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Education/MD-Program/Admissions/Applicants/Prerequisites/Pages/Academic-Standards.aspx
MCAT (taken once): 37M
5.5 years medical experience
Free Clinic Volunteer
Shadowed several physicians outside of my work environment

A lot of people here have said that the interviews at UW are becoming more cordial. I believe that is true but my interview experiences have not been like that. In both cases, my interviewers were quite cold and disinterested from the beginning with the second time being the worst. Best of the luck to the rest!

brutal man, brutal.

Are you going somewhere else?

 

[wepio]

...
http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Education/MD-Program/Admissions/Applicants/Prerequisites/Pages/Academic-Standards.aspx ...

From their 'Academic Standards' website:

6. Say someone has a slightly lower GPA/MCAT combination than they’d like but has an excellent personal reason for being passionate about medicine. If this passion is reflected in their letters and application, for how much can it compensate?
Refer to the GPA/MCAT chart above. If you are in the red range, your chances of getting into medical school are extremely small. If you are in the red range, no one is going to stop you from applying but you should realize that being accepted is unlikely and you may be better at focusing your efforts on osteopathic school, nursing, or physician’s assistant school. All of these people function as primary care providers.

Interesting. 😛 Really though, I am sorry to learn of your misfortune. Clearly you are a strong candidate, and it is UWSoM's loss. Better things on the horizon to come.

 

[crywin]

OOR applicant here. Received 3rd SUC e-mail since my interview. Waiting for the UW response has been a lot tougher than I imagined... Let's hang in there. I wish all of you the best 👍!

Any other OOR applicants?

Haha, yeah I think I've received at least 6 or 7 of the under consideration emails over like 4 months. It is so hard to wait!! ugh. But I guess that's just part of the process. And think of how nice it will feel to hear you've been accepted after waiting that long 🙂

(hopefully that's what you'll hear, lol)

 

[crywin]

brutal man, brutal.

Are you going somewhere else?

I agree. That is pretty brutal. I can't imagine why they would reject you with so much experience and such awesome stats. You're in state right?

 

[lml5]

i had a pretty traditional interview

 

[mt2010]

also got the rejected from TRUST but still under consideration... 🙁 did anyone get an email saying rejected from TRUST but accepted right away? or do you think they'll meet again to decide whether TRUST interviewees are going to get accepted to just normal UWSOM?

I'm fairly certain that only decisions about TRUST were made after the last MT interview week and that those who were not admitted to TRUST were either rejected or remain under consideration until final decisions are made shortly after the next week of MT interviews.

 

[jdwmont]

Declined for MT TRUST and still under consideration myself. The wait is killing me. My interview went well, but several of my friends described their interviews as... brutal.

 

[HopefulToo]

From their 'Academic Standards' website:

6. Say someone has a slightly lower GPA/MCAT combination than they’d like but has an excellent personal reason for being passionate about medicine. If this passion is reflected in their letters and application, for how much can it compensate?
Refer to the GPA/MCAT chart above. If you are in the red range, your chances of getting into medical school are extremely small. If you are in the red range, no one is going to stop you from applying but you should realize that being accepted is unlikely and you may be better at focusing your efforts on osteopathic school, nursing, or physician’s assistant school. All of these people function as primary care providers.

Interesting. 😛 Really though, I am sorry to learn of your misfortune. Clearly you are a strong candidate, and it is UWSoM's loss. Better things on the horizon to come.

Those are all great career options but it's not what I'm looking for right now. I've devoted years and made ridiculous personal sacrifices to get where I'm at and into an allopathic medical school. Besides, my numbers are nowhere close to the red range. In fact, I fall into a bracket that has one of the highest acceptance rates. My interview panel must've hated me. That's all I can come up with.

I agree. That is pretty brutal. I can't imagine why they would reject you with so much experience and such awesome stats. You're in state right?

Yes, I'm in-state and interviewed in Seattle. I have another interview at Wake Forest next month. Hopefully that experience will be more pleasant.

 

[wepio]

Those are all great career options but it's not what I'm looking for right now. I've devoted years and made ridiculous personal sacrifices to get where I'm at and into an allopathic medical school. Besides, my numbers are nowhere close to the red range. In fact, I fall into a bracket that has one of the highest acceptance rates. My interview panel must've hated me. That's all I can come up with.

Mostly, I quoted that section because I think it's a little unprofessional for a school to determine a candidate is not qualified for their allopathic school and then recommend them to DO or other health professions. I read it as, "Well, you're not good enough to be an MD, so you should give DO/PA/RN a go."

But to your point about your numbers, they are indeed awesome and well outside of the red. The ad-comm proxy you were assigned failed you, miserably.

 

[HopefulToo]

Mostly, I quoted that section because I think it's a little unprofessional for a school to determine a candidate is not qualified for their allopathic school and then recommend them to DO or other health professions. I read it as, "Well, you're not good enough to be an MD, so you should give DO/PA/RN a go."

But to your point about your numbers, they are indeed awesome and well outside of the red. The ad-comm proxy you were assigned failed you, miserably.

Sorry, I misunderstood you. I agree with the above. UW has a great program and outstanding reputation but perhaps it's gone to their heads. It's just too bad that they are the only public in-state allopathic school for me.

 

[TigressDO]

Mostly, I quoted that section because I think it's a little unprofessional for a school to determine a candidate is not qualified for their allopathic school and then recommend them to DO or other health professions. I read it as, "Well, you're not good enough to be an MD, so you should give DO/PA/RN a go."

Completely agree! I read this part and was a little offended...not that there's anything wrong with any careers they listed (I would love to be a DO as much as an MD), but still...

It's just too bad that they are the only public in-state allopathic school for me.

For sure! I love WA, but where are all the schools? One Allo and one Osteo.

 

[HoboDeEsquiar]

I've got my interview in a week! This is my second time applying so at least I have an idea of what to expect this time. Last year I found the interview to be pretty cordial, not the expected grilling.
What kinds of role-playing situations have you guys had to do this year? That was one thing that I think I did pretty poorly last time. It just felt weird.

 

[ketch87]

For those of you applying again, did you get in anywhere your first time around, or did you just really want to go to UW?

 

[HoboDeEsquiar]

For those of you applying again, did you get in anywhere your first time around, or did you just really want to go to UW?

I got on a couple of wait lists (not UW's) but didn't get in anywhere.

 

[HopefulToo]

For those of you applying again, did you get in anywhere your first time around, or did you just really want to go to UW?

I made the mistake of applying to the wrong schools last year. UW was my only interview and I didn't make it in.

 

[wepio]

For those of you applying again, did you get in anywhere your first time around, or did you just really want to go to UW?

Last year: Creighton waitlist, post-interview rejection at OHSU, and pre-interview rejection at UWSoM (among the many other pre-interview rejections).

This year: Funny thing is that my application has not changed since last year and UWSoM is interested this time and OHSU gives the cold shoulder. I don't understand it, but I'll take any interview I can get. Still waiting on a post-interview decision from Creighton.

 

[ketch87]

Creighton waitlist last year, post-interview rejection at OHSU, and pre-interview rejection at UWSoM (among the many other pre-interview rejections). Funny thing is that my application has not changed since last year and UWSoM is interested this time and OHSU gives the cold shoulder. I don't understand it, but I'll take any interview I can get. Still waiting on a post-interview decision from Creighton.

Gotcha, thanks. It's a crap shoot I guess, a very expensive crap shoot.

 

[FoucaultMT]

Hello Everyone,

We have spent countless hours building our applications and studying for the MCATs. I implore you to please take a moment of your time to help both your self and the state of Montana by writing a letter to the board of regents, making a phone call, or quickly following the template below.

Included below is a template for you to advocate for the MT WWAMI seats that are currently in jeopardy. The e-mails below are for the members of the Montana Board of Regents. In approximately 60 seconds, you can have your voice heard about the injustice of cutting the WWAMI seats!

WE ALL GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORTS!!!!!!!

1) Copy and paste text into a new e-mail
2) Fill in your name at the bottom of the letter
3) Add subject line (maybe: WWAMI seats MUST remain uncut!)
4) Copy and paste e-mail(s) of the Board of Regents
5) Hit send and make a difference!

[email protected], [email protected],[email protected] , [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Please forward this to anyone who may be moved to make a statement.

------------------------------

Board of Regents:

I have recently learned of a proposed cut to the Montana WWAMI student seats for this coming and future classes. These projected cuts come at a time when Montana’s physician shortage is a major issue that is only expected to significantly worsen in the coming years.

Not only would this include a program cut for Montana students interested in medical school, but the proposed cut has long lasting ramifications for health care in the state. Currently 55 of 56 counties are designated as Health Professions Shortage Areas and 9 counties are completely without physicians. The Montana WWAMI program begins to address the physician workforce shortage and Montana's health by bringing back almost 60% of doctors to the state. Over the past 5 years there have been many new efforts within the program to ensure the needs of our State are met. By reducing the class size, the Board of Regents will effectually condemn Montana to a dismal healthcare future; a great injustice for our state.

I understand the need for budget prudence and potential budget cuts within higher education. However, consideration also must be given to prioritizing these cuts and I advocate the medical education training be spared or cut in a way which does not worsen the state’s future health needs in the process.

I urge you to KEEP the WWAMI seats as a means to a happy, healthier tomorrow for the State of Montana.


Sincerely,

 

[LieutenantDan]

It would be nice to see an around the board increase in medical school class sizes like that which occurred in the 1970s. Class sizes have been relatively static for the last 30 years while population has continued to grow. With the baby-boomers approaching their 60s and 70s we have a burgeoning population that will need long term care in the near future. Hopefully politicians can agree on both sides that more medical students is going to become a necessity. It will be beneficial to us hopefuls as well.

 

[LieutenantDan]

I've got my interview in a week! This is my second time applying so at least I have an idea of what to expect this time. Last year I found the interview to be pretty cordial, not the expected grilling.
What kinds of role-playing situations have you guys had to do this year? That was one thing that I think I did pretty poorly last time. It just felt weird.

We played a game of Dungeons and Dragons

 

[wepio]

Can someone who has been through the UWSoM interview process elaborate, maybe with an example? I have been brushing up on my health policy, health care reform, and medical ethics, but what is this about role playing?

 

[bluetulip7]

Can someone who has been through the UWSoM interview process elaborate, maybe with an example? I have been brushing up on my health policy, health care reform, and medical ethics, but what is this about role playing?

If you haven't looked already, check out the interview feedback page
http://www.studentdoctor.net/interview-feedback/
There are at least a few role playing scenerios under UW feedback. More than likely, the role play will involve one of the subjects you mentioned you had brushed up on, so I wouldn't stress.

 

[persevere7]

I made the mistake of applying to the wrong schools last year. UW was my only interview and I didn't make it in.

I am in the same boat this year. It's my first time applying and I realized I applied to the wrong schools, and this late into the game, UW is the only school to interview me, and I'm OOR. Does anyone know the likelihood of an OOR getting in with a March interview?

Good luck to everyone in the "under consideration" category. I looked on their site, and it said that if most people will hear back the first week off April after the have the final, week long excom meeting the last week of march.

 

[amakhosidlo]

Can someone who has been through the UWSoM interview process elaborate, maybe with an example? I have been brushing up on my health policy, health care reform, and medical ethics, but what is this about role playing?

Mine was a clinical situation involving a patient that wasn't mine, but who needed an Rx refill of a scheduled drug. Yours will prob. be different though. It's really not hard, just try to act like you think you would in the given situation, and be reasonable. You'll do fine. 👍

 

[teenmachinery1]

I spoke with a cardiac surgeon yesterday. He also got rejected from UWSOM.

He ended up teaching at the medical school though...

funny?

 

[crywin]

I am in the same boat this year. It's my first time applying and I realized I applied to the wrong schools, and this late into the game, UW is the only school to interview me, and I'm OOR. Does anyone know the likelihood of an OOR getting in with a March interview?

Good luck to everyone in the "under consideration" category. I looked on their site, and it said that if most people will hear back the first week off April after the have the final, week long excom meeting the last week of march.

You're still an in-state resident right? If you are, then being OOR doesn't have any effect on your likelihood of getting in, as far as I know.

Also, UWSOM is one of those schools that waits to fill most of the class until their final excom meetings. Usually they are not even half-filled by the time march comes around. So I think the fact that you are being interviewed so late probably won't hurt you as much as you think.

But feel good about the fact that you won't have to wait 4 months to hear back from them! haha, at least that's a plus 🙂

 

[HoboDeEsquiar]

We played a game of Dungeons and Dragons

well played sir.

 

[delsilencio85]

Does anyone know the likelihood of an OOR getting in with a March interview?

I'm an OOR applicant too. Let me know if you have any questions. I interviewed in January and I met a first year who was OOR and interviewed in March. I think it shouldn't be any problem! Good luck!

 

[Sleight]

UW Alaska WWAMI Acceptance today! Interviewed on Tuesday...

 

[specialK32]

UW Alaska WWAMI Acceptance today! Interviewed on Tuesday...

Congrats!

Any advice for those interviewing in the next couple of weeks?

 

[benthereb4]

As of yesterday, 88 WA residents were accepted to UW; someone with more knowledge than I will know how many seats are left to fill. 24 of those were "out of region"

 

[rockchalk06]

Can someone who has been through the UWSoM interview process elaborate, maybe with an example? I have been brushing up on my health policy, health care reform, and medical ethics, but what is this about role playing?

I am interviewing on Tuesday and am also trying to brush up on health policy and health care reform. Most of the information I find, however, seems mostly centered on political debate rather than actual policies. Could you (or anyone else) recommend a good source for this info? Thanks, and good luck! 👍

 

[CrimsonMirage]

As of yesterday, 88 WA residents were accepted to UW; someone with more knowledge than I will know how many seats are left to fill. 24 of those were "out of region"

How often is the competitive pool re-reviewed?

 

[clicious]

Just got my acceptance call today after getting the "competitive pool" email on Monday. (Washington resident) Good luck everyone!

 

[LieutenantDan]

Congratulations, I bet you are thrilled. I must say I'm a little envious. Enjoy the good news and I wish you good luck.

 

[wepio]

I am interviewing on Tuesday and am also trying to brush up on health policy and health care reform. Most of the information I find, however, seems mostly centered on political debate rather than actual policies. Could you (or anyone else) recommend a good source for this info? Thanks, and good luck! 👍

For a general overview of health care policy, I recommend the book, "Understanding Health Care Policy" by Bodenheimer. It provides a good overview of the subject. I do not have any recommendations for the current state and country-wide issues, other than the internet; that's where I am researching. Sorry I cannot be of greater help.

 

[LetMeBeADoc]

UW was the first secondary I finished and by far the last school to hear back from. I interviewed with the Idaho people in January and am still under consideration.

I wish I could just know already.

I hope to hear back the week after the March Idaho interviews...

 

[CrimsonMirage]

Just got my acceptance call today after getting the "competitive pool" email on Monday. (Washington resident) Good luck everyone!

Did your status page change?

 

[UAAWolf]

Accepted. Alaska WWAMI applicant

 

[clicious]

Did your status page change?

No it still just says the usual "your application is complete etc". I guess they must have had an excom meeting today or late Friday and my committee member was kind enough to call me. He said I'd get an email later next week. I suppose the status page will be updated once the office is open and someone gets to update the system with the committee decisions. I highly doubt the committee is doing that themselves.

It's quite possible that some of you folks will have been accepted but your committee member just hasn't had time to call. I don't think they always call either. I wouldn't be surprised if there are going to be some more happy SDNers next week.

Good luck to everyone. To those who didn't make it I'm really sorry. Sometimes it's more luck than anything. A friend of mine got rejected by all his schools his first year applying. The next year he got into several of his top choices without changing a thing about his application. Now he's doing his anesthesiology residency at a really prestigious program. The point is often a rejection doesn't say anything about the type of applicant you are. That and this year has been incredibly competitive. One sdn'er who apparently knows someone on the admissions committee for Mayo said according to his friend this year they have had an absolutely insane amount of super qualified applicants. I'm sure that is also reflective of the applicant pool across the US. Apparently it's a tough year to get in no matter how competitive of an applicant you are.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!

 

[benthereb4]

UW was the first secondary I finished and by far the last school to hear back from. I interviewed with the Idaho people in January and am still under consideration.

I wish I could just know already.

I hope to hear back the week after the March Idaho interviews...

Caution: harsh comment:

You maybe shouldn't be accepted this year as you are oblivious about the WWAMI program of which you will be a member if you're accepted. OF COURSE you didn't hear anything about your application until the office set up Idaho interviews for January...you are "competing" only against other Idaho residents. You WILL hear after the March Idaho interviews as that is when the remaining Idaho class memebers will be selected. You will be reviewed in the March 5 Excom meeting since you obvioulsy weren't "super star" enough to get selected after the January Idaho Excom meeting.

 

[wepio]

UW was the first secondary I finished and by far the last school to hear back from. I interviewed with the Idaho people in January and am still under consideration.

I wish I could just know already.

I hope to hear back the week after the March Idaho interviews...

Caution: harsh comment:

You maybe shouldn't be accepted this year as you are oblivious about the WWAMI program of which you will be a member if you're accepted. OF COURSE you didn't hear anything about your application until the office set up Idaho interviews for January...you are "competing" only against other Idaho residents. You WILL hear after the March Idaho interviews as that is when the remaining Idaho class memebers will be selected. You will be reviewed in the March 5 Excom meeting since you obvioulsy weren't "super star" enough to get selected after the January Idaho Excom meeting.

Is this sort of wanton attack necessary? It is one thing to be unintentionaly rude, but prefacing your reply with "caution: harsh comment" does nothing to mitigate callous remarks. As this is an open forum, the intent is to ask questions and learn from others in like situations. I think the following would have sufficed:

"You didn't hear anything about your application until the office set up Idaho interviews for January...you are "competing" only against other Idaho residents. You WILL hear after the March Idaho interviews as that is when the remaining Idaho class memebers will be selected. You will be reviewed in the March 5 Excom meeting since you weren't selected after the January Idaho Excom meeting."

 

[LetMeBeADoc]

Caution: harsh comment:

You maybe shouldn't be accepted this year as you are oblivious about the WWAMI program of which you will be a member if you're accepted. OF COURSE you didn't hear anything about your application until the office set up Idaho interviews for January...you are "competing" only against other Idaho residents. You WILL hear after the March Idaho interviews as that is when the remaining Idaho class memebers will be selected. You will be reviewed in the March 5 Excom meeting since you obvioulsy weren't "super star" enough to get selected after the January Idaho Excom meeting.

Really?

No one needs to convince me I'm no superstar but I am no idiot either - I knew the basic application timeline/process at UW from the start. What I should have said is - "I wish it were already the end of March and I knew my decision." I assumed but didn't know the date for the final Idaho Excom meeting was March 5th.

Just knowing when I will hear back doesn't make it easy to wait for the decision. It is a big deal. I am excited that I have been considered thus far and hope to hear good news soon.

I did not mean to complain about the way UW does things. Sorry if I offended you.

 

[DrKMD]

clicious: when did you interview and how long were you put on the UC category before you got the call?

 

[clicious]

clicious: when did you interview and how long were you put on the UC category before you got the call?

I interviewed twice. Three days after my first interview on Feb 4 I got an email that there was a "divergence of opinions" and I was invited to interview again with a different panel on Feb 18 (Thursday). The following Monday so 4 days later I got the still under consideration email and 5 days later that Saturday I got my acceptance call.

Hope that helps. Good luck to you!!!

 

[wepio]

I interviewed twice. Three days after my first interview on Feb 4 I got an email that there was a "divergence of opinions" and I was invited to interview again with a different panel on Feb 18 (Thursday). The following Monday so 4 days later I got the still under consideration email and 5 days later that Saturday I got my acceptance call.

Hope that helps. Good luck to you!!!

Does this happen often?!? Are you an MD/PhD applicant?

 

[clicious]

Does this happen often?!? Are you an MD/PhD applicant?

I just applied to the MD program. I have no idea how often this happens but I later read on their website that students can even request a second interview if they don't feel that their excom member would adequately fight for them.

I just got the official email I assume my status page changed as well. Those who didn't get calls might wanna check their inbox 🙂