2010-2011 Cornell University (Weill) Application Thread

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Premedapplicant said:
Hey, I live just up the street from Cornell - when I say dream school I mean DREAM SCHOOL!

Whats up with all these people getting interviews after sending "in the area emails?" Should I send one too? I want an interview! And I'm in the area - seriously though wtf?!? Does being local make me at a disadvantage or something?
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nah, you are fine. i was complete for 4 months before I got an invite - and i only got one after in the area emails. schools just do stuff in wacky ways. i live in STL and I haven't been invited by Washu yet (Again, complete for months) and i've been invited by similarly ranked schools. You'll get one; there's still plenty of time in the season. Good luck!
 
If anything, you should only be at an advantage. I remember that on my interview day five out of 12 interviewees came from NYC (i.e. no trip at all). That might be a fluke, but according to MSAR in-states do have significantly higher (1.4 times) chance to get interviewed than out-of-states at Cornell.

I read somewhere that as a rule of thumb, in-the-area emails should only be sent to schools >500 miles away from your home, otherwise it is not so convincing that taking an extra trip is hard for you.
 
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schlieren said:
If anything, you should only be at an advantage. I remember that on my interview day five out of 12 interviewees came from NYC (i.e. no trip at all). That might be a flake, but according to MSAR in-states do have significantly higher (1.4 times) chance to get interviewed than out-of-states at Cornell.

I read somewhere that as a rule of thumb, in-the-area emails should only be sent to schools >500 miles away from your home, otherwise it is not so convincing that taking an extra trip is hard for you.
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I agree. I'm sure people have mentioned this as well, but a big thing about NYC schools is just that - they are in NYC. Many many people in the country do not know what it is like to live in a city like NYC, and your having the ability to say "I've lived here, love it here, etc" is a big perk I think. They are concerned about people not wanting to move to such a huge city - and might hesitate making offers to people because of that. If you go in with conviction about wanting to live in NYC badly, it can only make a positive impact on your application as a whole.
 
drugsarefun said:
I agree. I'm sure people have mentioned this as well, but a big thing about NYC schools is just that - they are in NYC. Many many people in the country do not know what it is like to live in a city like NYC, and your having the ability to say "I've lived here, love it here, etc" is a big perk I think. They are concerned about people not wanting to move to such a huge city - and might hesitate making offers to people because of that. If you go in with conviction about wanting to live in NYC badly, it can only make a positive impact on your application as a whole.
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Really? Thats kind of a hoot, because I figured that would be the most flimsy reason to say I wanted to go there so I don't think I really talked it up to much in my secondaries, focusing more on research opportunities etc - so far though I haven't gotten one interview from any NYC school - which is pretty ****ty IMHO because if I can stay here for med school, that would be the absolute best thing ever...sigh
 
Can someone explain to me what happens after you get accepted, either at cornell or any other medical school. How long do you have until you decide? And do you need to pay something after you get accepted?
 
SamuelTesla said:
Can someone explain to me what happens after you get accepted, either at cornell or any other medical school. How long do you have until you decide? And do you need to pay something after you get accepted?
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You can hold as many acceptances as you want until May 15, at which point you have to pick a school, send a deposit (usually ~$100), and withdraw from the rest. You can hold your waitlist spots as long as you want, but if you get in off of one after May 15, you have to choose pretty quickly. You don't have to pay to hold your seat before then.
 
Premedapplicant said:
Really? Thats kind of a hoot, because I figured that would be the most flimsy reason to say I wanted to go there so I don't think I really talked it up to much in my secondaries, focusing more on research opportunities etc - so far though I haven't gotten one interview from any NYC school - which is pretty ****ty IMHO because if I can stay here for med school, that would be the absolute best thing ever...sigh
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Well, I know this wasn't asked for Cornell's secondary but SUNY-Downstate explicitly asks in their secondary if you aren't from NYC, how would you handle studying or practicing in NYC and what your support system is. Its just another part of the equation for fit: not only academically, but would you thrive in the school's environment. Someone who is excited about urban areas or have familiarity/comfort with them will do better as a student in a city than someone who can't stand NY. So its not the first thing you should mention, but having a sense of the location and connecting with the people you may be working with is important.
 
Longshanks said:
Well, I know this wasn't asked for Cornell's secondary but SUNY-Downstate explicitly asks in their secondary if you aren't from NYC, how would you handle studying or practicing in NYC and what your support system is. Its just another part of the equation for fit: not only academically, but would you thrive in the school's environment. Someone who is excited about urban areas or have familiarity/comfort with them will do better as a student in a city than someone who can't stand NY. So its not the first thing you should mention, but having a sense of the location and connecting with the people you may be working with is important.
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This. I was really surprised when no other NYC schools asked the things that Downstate asked. Your ability to thrive in the city clearly factors into their decisions, as none of the NYC schools really have their own secluded "campus" and they need to be sure you can handle this lifestyle.

I definitely mentioned it on my secondary. Staying in NYC is very important to me.
 
Interview invite on 11/5 for interview in mid-Dec (TBD)! Complete beginning of August 🙂 Sent an in-the-area email a few days before (OOS - Cali)

So excited for NYC during Christmastime!!! 😍
 
Hi, I am sorry to ask this out of blue, but it just came to my mind this morning (God knows why), that the new research building under construction is actually right next to both Olin Hall and Ladson House, right? That building ain't going to finish until Spring 2014. Does this mean we students will have to tolerate a lot of noise in the next two years? Have current students been updated on this issue?

Sorry if this question is moot. I'm actually so excited about Cornell and loving it on a daily basis, that this noise issue is the only potential bad point I can think of now.
 
schlieren said:
Hi, I am sorry to ask this out of blue, but it just came to my mind this morning (God knows why), that the new research building under construction is actually right next to both Olin Hall and Ladson House, right? That building ain't going to finish until Spring 2014. Does this mean we students will have to tolerate a lot of noise in the next two years? Have current students been updated on this issue?

Sorry if this question is moot. I'm actually so excited about Cornell and loving it on a daily basis, that this noise issue is the only potential bad point I can think of now.
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Interesting thought, but I would think that NY is always loud, whether there's construction next door or not.
 
schlieren said:
Hi, I am sorry to ask this out of blue, but it just came to my mind this morning (God knows why), that the new research building under construction is actually right next to both Olin Hall and Ladson House, right? That building ain't going to finish until Spring 2014. Does this mean we students will have to tolerate a lot of noise in the next two years? Have current students been updated on this issue?

Sorry if this question is moot. I'm actually so excited about Cornell and loving it on a daily basis, that this noise issue is the only potential bad point I can think of now.
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As someone who has lived in Manhattan, next to construction, my answer to you is yes. There will be a lot of noise.

You do become quite used to it, though, and construction generally does not happen at night (but makes for some wonderfully early mornings).
 
StephBee said:
Okay. I've googled and searched and can't find a definitive answer:

Anyone know if you're still in the running for MD if rejected from MSTP?
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Yes.

And there are people who move from the MD to the MD-PhD program after the second year of medical school.
 
schlieren said:
Hi, I am sorry to ask this out of blue, but it just came to my mind this morning (God knows why), that the new research building under construction is actually right next to both Olin Hall and Ladson House, right? That building ain't going to finish until Spring 2014. Does this mean we students will have to tolerate a lot of noise in the next two years? Have current students been updated on this issue?

Sorry if this question is moot. I'm actually so excited about Cornell and loving it on a daily basis, that this noise issue is the only potential bad point I can think of now.
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Yes students have had to tolerate a lot of noise. The noisiest phase is now over (drilling and blasting away at bed rock). Now they are entering the foundation laying/construction type phase which is less noisy. It will shortly kill the view on that side of the building, and as soon as the structure goes up I would recommend keeping your shades down unless you want a view of construction workers when you wake up. 😉 But we get a really nice research building and hopefully recruitment of new faculty out of it, so it's worth it for the long-term good it will achieve.

Construction happens M-F from 8:00 to around five. However recently they had construction on the weekend because they were behind schedule on the blasting. This lasted for about a month, and caused a lot of disgruntlement. A special task force has been set up to decide how to repay students for this inconvenience.

As I said, the noisiest part should be over. Most of us would still choose to live in student housing even with the added noise.

I hope this clarifies that issue for you.
 
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Plus, of course, this is only an issue if you have a room overlooking the construction site. My room in Olin overlooks York, opposite from the construction, so the only noise I get is car horns and sirens. Similarly I think north-facing Lasdon rooms shouldn't have construction issues. So overall, less than 50% of students have to deal with this. I hope this doesn't disqualify me for a rent rebate or free cable though...
 
Hey guys,

I got an interview at Cornell for November 16 and am kinda in desperate need for a place to stay this coming Monday (November 15). Is there anyone here who would be willing to host me who lives near Cornell? I'll gladly buy you dinner slash pay the favor forward if you ever decide to visit southern california!

PM me pleaseee! and thanks a lot!
 
Thanks to Caristra and echidna for reply!

If you're like me, having interviewed for a while, enjoy this lovely reminder of what Weill looks like ~


[YOUTUBE]kRgtSS4fh0A[/YOUTUBE]
 
My room in Olin does overlook the construction. Yeah, you can hear it. But honestly, I'm never here when then construction is going on. If you study in the library, ed center, coffee shop, or do pretty much anything besides just sit in your room all afternoon you'll be fine.
 
Actually the North facing Lasdon rooms were affected by the drilling too. The construction is happening very close to Lasdon (they had to reinforce the foundation) and so the drilling affects all rooms. The noise carries through the beams. It is just worse on the other side. I had some nice drilling/shaking in my North facing room this morning for instance.

But the main part of drilling is over, so this is not a huge concern anymore. I really would not make the construction a main part of your decision to come here or not.
 
MisterMichael said:
Hey guys,

I got an interview at Cornell for November 16 and am kinda in desperate need for a place to stay this coming Monday (November 15). Is there anyone here who would be willing to host me who lives near Cornell? I'll gladly buy you dinner slash pay the favor forward if you ever decide to visit southern california!

PM me pleaseee! and thanks a lot!
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Have you emailed Admissions about hosting?
 
Interviewed on 11/9

LOVED IT. it was my first choice before I went, and now I'm just in love with it even more 😍

Incredible curriculum, great students, fantastic area... :biglove::biglove: everyone was really nice all the students, the tourguides, the interviewers. Ok done gushing now. I know its a reach for me but what an amazing place.

Cross those fingers for me guys :xf:
Best of luck to everyone else interviewing!
 
Is it okay or advisable to send a combined "in the area" & update email? I just got an interview invite from Columbia, and it'd be nice to interview at Cornell around the same time to save me a trip. How are these requests usually framed?
 
smad4 said:
Is it okay or advisable to send a combined "in the area" & update email? I just got an interview invite from Columbia, and it'd be nice to interview at Cornell around the same time to save me a trip. How are these requests usually framed?
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I did that for Cornell, and it worked. You can look back at my earlier posts, but it took me 2 emails spaced 2 weeks apart to get a reply from them. The day after my second email they invited me to interview with the date i needed offered. Tell them what day you will be in NYC and free (i.e. day after Columbia, etc) and that you are very interested in their medical school, would love a chance to interview etc. Mine was short and sweet and got the job done. Good luck!
 
schlieren said:
If you're like me, having interviewed for a while, enjoy this lovely reminder of what Weill looks like ~
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Thank you schlieren for posting that amazing video. It's true, we're quite possessive over our sandwiches (and we also love talking to our applicants of course!).

For anyone who is curious about the video, the 1st and 2nd years each have a Class Show every year, and along with live skits, people make a lot of great videos. It's a great way to poke fun at your professors and blow off some steam at the end of the semester.

This one is probably my favorites (also from my class 3 years ago):
[YOUTUBE]_1qN2awiCQE[/YOUTUBE]
 
Supernerd said:
Interviewed on 11/9

LOVED IT. it was my first choice before I went, and now I'm just in love with it even more 😍

Incredible curriculum, great students, fantastic area... :biglove::biglove: everyone was really nice all the students, the tourguides, the interviewers. Ok done gushing now. I know its a reach for me but what an amazing place.

Cross those fingers for me guys :xf:
Best of luck to everyone else interviewing!
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Hah, I was a tour guide that day. Glad you enjoyed it.

Cornell was a super reach for me too, and I ended up getting in early. Send thank-you emails to your interviewers, they seem to like it and it can't hurt your chances. Hope you hear good news 🙂
 
Supernerd said:
Interviewed on 11/9

LOVED IT. it was my first choice before I went, and now I'm just in love with it even more 😍

Incredible curriculum, great students, fantastic area... :biglove::biglove: everyone was really nice all the students, the tourguides, the interviewers. Ok done gushing now. I know its a reach for me but what an amazing place.

Cross those fingers for me guys :xf:
Best of luck to everyone else interviewing!
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Me too! I was blown away. Everything exceeded my expectations. Everyone was enthusiastic about the school, which is fantastic to see. :xf: for us all!
:luck:

echidna said:
Hah, I was a tour guide that day. Glad you enjoyed it.

Cornell was a super reach for me too, and I ended up getting in early. Send thank-you emails to your interviewers, they seem to like it and it can't hurt your chances. Hope you hear good news 🙂
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You two were BOMB. Thanks so much for your time and insight. You sold me 😀
 
echidna said:
Hah, I was a tour guide that day. Glad you enjoyed it.

Cornell was a super reach for me too, and I ended up getting in early. Send thank-you emails to your interviewers, they seem to like it and it can't hurt your chances. Hope you hear good news 🙂
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OMG. You two seriously made my life haha I loved it. You were the modern abbot and costello... ok maybe not that much but thanks for your time!

I sent my thank you's... now I just sit and wait. and pine. and then wait some more. Loved the success from non-science majors p.s. epic.

ONE QUICK QUESTION:
when is it appropriate to send letters of interest/how do you frame them? obviously I want to send one here but for other schools too. Thanks 🙂
 
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I have not heard back yet from cornell and I was complete on Aug 12th and Cornell is my dream school in every aspect possible. I live in NYC and have got a couple of interviews in the city but obviously I cannot send an in-area-email since I am always in the area. I was thinking about sending them an update letter/letter of interest. I mentioned in my application I was starting a research position but I did not include anything about what I was actually doing because I did not start that position when I applied. Is this something I should write to them about?
 
Lokaa said:
I have not heard back yet from cornell and I was complete on Aug 12th and Cornell is my dream school in every aspect possible. I live in NYC and have got a couple of interviews in the city but obviously I cannot send an in-area-email since I am always in the area. I was thinking about sending them an update letter/letter of interest. I mentioned in my application I was starting a research position but I did not include anything about what I was actually doing because I did not start that position when I applied. Is this something I should write to them about?
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Certainly couldn't hurt. As I recall I got an interview shortly after I'd sent them an update letter- even if you don't have anything new and exciting to say, remind them of what you're doing and what's new about it and how much you're interested in the school and why. If this is something you want, be aggressive about it and exhaust all your possibilities (without being pushy or annoying, of course).
 
echidna said:
Certainly couldn't hurt. As I recall I got an interview shortly after I'd sent them an update letter- even if you don't have anything new and exciting to say, remind them of what you're doing and what's new about it and how much you're interested in the school and why. If this is something you want, be aggressive about it and exhaust all your possibilities (without being pushy or annoying, of course).
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sorry if this has been asked before, but are these usually through email? Thanks
 
echidna said:
Certainly couldn't hurt. As I recall I got an interview shortly after I'd sent them an update letter- even if you don't have anything new and exciting to say, remind them of what you're doing and what's new about it and how much you're interested in the school and why. If this is something you want, be aggressive about it and exhaust all your possibilities (without being pushy or annoying, of course).
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I was just about to ask this, but you answered it! I've also been complete for like 3.5 months, interviewed everywhere else in NYC, and live in Brooklyn so I didn't really know what to do aside from waiting. Maybe the fact that I work in a WCMC lab now will be newsworthy...
 
my flight get to NYC at like 8AM! what am i suppose to do the whole day lugging a suitcase until my friends and family get off work!!
 
Been complete since early August and still have my status as "Your application is complete. Since we screen each applicant individually..."

Does this mean they haven't even looked at my stuff yet?
 
Hey guys

My friend (of unknown credibility) suggested I just literally "suit up" and 'pound the pavement' as it were - going to the schools in NYC and asking to speak with the Dean of Admissions...you know, to express my interests and that I'm a perfect fit, I love NYC, etc etc

Bear in mind that these would all classify as pre-interview invitations consultations with the hope of getting an interview? Anyone have any thoughts? Good? Bad? Hard to say? Lets just say I'm not worried about appearing you know, desperate...I just want to stay in NYC so badly!
 
Premedapplicant said:
Hey guys

My friend (of unknown credibility) suggested I just literally "suit up" and 'pound the pavement' as it were - going to the schools in NYC and asking to speak with the Dean of Admissions...you know, to express my interests and that I'm a perfect fit, I love NYC, etc etc

Bear in mind that these would all classify as pre-interview invitations consultations with the hope of getting an interview? Anyone have any thoughts? Good? Bad? Hard to say? Lets just say I'm not worried about appearing you know, desperate...I just want to stay in NYC so badly!
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Does your friend have any experience in med school admissions? Unless your friend is a former admissions officer or something along those lines, that seems desperate and completely unlikely to help you at all. Med school admissions does not equal trying to get a job. It seems unprofessional to me...
 
Premedapplicant said:
Hey guys

My friend (of unknown credibility) suggested I just literally "suit up" and 'pound the pavement' as it were - going to the schools in NYC and asking to speak with the Dean of Admissions...you know, to express my interests and that I'm a perfect fit, I love NYC, etc etc

Bear in mind that these would all classify as pre-interview invitations consultations with the hope of getting an interview? Anyone have any thoughts? Good? Bad? Hard to say? Lets just say I'm not worried about appearing you know, desperate...I just want to stay in NYC so badly!
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Sounds a little ridiculous to me.
 
Haha yes I know - I certainly haven't done it...was just - half considering it

:akward turtle:
 
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Premedapplicant said:
Lets just say I'm not worried about appearing you know, desperate...I just want to stay in NYC so badly!
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There are so many schools in NYC... did you apply to sinai, nyu, einstein, downstate, nymc, stony brook, hofstra, blah blah? It should be much easier to stay in NYC than to get into Cornell, or any particular school.
 
T1R3KO said:
Been complete since early August and still have my status as "Your application is complete. Since we screen each applicant individually..."

Does this mean they haven't even looked at my stuff yet?
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I haven't seen anyone post here about what it changes to if one received an interview invite and such, but based on the wording I'm going to guess that any who hasn't received an invite, whether or not you've been reviewed already, has that status until they start sending out rejections in December. So that status is pretty open ended and can mean a wide range of things. At least, that is how I'm interpreting it.
 
How early would you guys say is too early for an in-the-area letter? I will be in NYC (living in AZ at the moment) on Jan. 31st and want to send them an in-the area but feel it might be a bit early still.
 
BaronVonZ said:
How early would you guys say is too early for an in-the-area letter? I will be in NYC (living in AZ at the moment) on Jan. 31st and want to send them an in-the area but feel it might be a bit early still.
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I got the interview two weeks after sending them the in the area e-mail, I'm not 100% sure naturally but I feel like the earlier you send it the better... I would assume that would allow them to schedule around it and/or give them time to bring your file up and review it!

just my two cents, best of luck honey!
 
I had my interview here in October and I thought it was a great school, still do. But...one of my interviewers was pretty arrogant, that was a let down. Additionally, he was 20 minutes late to my interview with no explanation or apology, which cut it almost in half. I think all people deserve the kind of respect where you should say I apologize for being late, etc etc... but whatevs. My second interview was great though.
I just pray that it does not affect me negatively.

The only thing that I am not sure about with cornell is the not having that undergrad campus attached to it. I found that going to an undergrad where grad/professional students r walking on the same campus creates more community, though this is not a dealbreaker.

Good luck to everyone, I guess we'll see what happens in March.
 
schlieren said:
There are so many schools in NYC... did you apply to sinai, nyu, einstein, downstate, nymc, stony brook, hofstra, blah blah? It should be much easier to stay in NYC than to get into Cornell, or any particular school.
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I did apply to all those schools - thus far I have gotten an interview at Stony Brook (and was waitlisted) - nothing from the rest - just waiiiiiiiiting
 
Anyone complete in mid-Sept get an interview??

I sent two interest/in-the-area emails, but nothing worked!!!!
 
Has anyone sent in an update letter (pre-interview) and subsequently received a confirmation email? I sent in my update letter, but never got any notification that it was received. Thanks!
 
ColeOnTheRoll said:
Got an invitation to interview this afternoon! Complete on 8/4, sent in an in the area notice on 11/23.
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Wow congrats cole! I actually sent an in the area email shortly after you did. I'm assuming you're interviewing the day before/after your columbia interview?


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