2010-2011 Indiana University Application Thread

[Jude33]

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Firstly, congrats! Makes me wish I had just gone EDP since I have heard nothing from other schools at this point and this is my top choice .

I'm hoping IU just doesn't care and starts mailing all acceptances earlier (But I am getting ahead of myself...I don't know what'll happen.)

Although nothing is for sure, I'd say chances are good that letters will come a little sooner than last year... as for why that is, I have no idea.

 

[Mr Ollerton]

So my first post on SDN is a good one... Finally accepted. I am an EDP applicant and have been waiting and waiting for my letter. Checked again today and no letter... I called the admin office and they told me I was accepted.
Good luck to the rest of you!

 

[Wolff313]

So my first post on SDN is a good one... Finally accepted. I am an EDP applicant and have been waiting and waiting for my letter. Checked again today and no letter... I called the admin office and they told me I was accepted.
Good luck to the rest of you!

Congrats!!! Ceee-le-brate good times, COME ON!

 

[Jamiu22]

Congrats!!! Ceee-le-brate good times, COME ON!

Taa-ra-da-da....Ta-da-da-da.... Yaaaahooooo~!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know the song, lol....

 

[Wolff313]

Lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RjDarkness]

Just got my interview invite today for 11/3.
Is there anything in particular I should be prepared for?

 

[divajai]

So I wonder when well hear news from IU? I interviewed on 9/29. And do they email or snail mail? And I heard they only send out acceptances once a month? Can anybody enlighten me pls. And for ppl who havent interviewed; you dont have anything to worry about. My interview experience was nice. They are just trying to get to know you better.

 

[Guero]

Can someone that received the secondary please post the prompts? I'm not finding anything posted earlier in the thread. Also, for the MSTPs out there, are there any additional or different prompts for the MD/PhD program?

Thanks and good luck!

 

[divajai]

So I just got a under consideration letter. Anybody know if this is good or bad news. I was only there like two weeks ago.😕

 

[patelnb]

I got an e-mail titled "Under Consideration by IUSM Notification." It said that my application is now eligible for review by the admissions committee and gave me some information about when to expect an acceptance/rejection notice. I don't think it's a bad thing, my e-mail just tells me that my application is ready for review by the admissions committee so a decision can be made.

 

[shch0730]

Can someone that received the secondary please post the prompts? I'm not finding anything posted earlier in the thread. Also, for the MSTPs out there, are there any additional or different prompts for the MD/PhD program?

Thanks and good luck!

there's no secondary essays for Indiana, not sure if MSTP needs to write anything though.

 

[Kaustikos]

Can someone that received the secondary please post the prompts? I'm not finding anything posted earlier in the thread. Also, for the MSTPs out there, are there any additional or different prompts for the MD/PhD program?

Thanks and good luck!

The MD/PhD program requires an essay for their PhD program. I don't mean to sound negative, but if you're really considering the MD/PhD program, you really need to get on the ball for that. They've already conducted interviews and they only have 5 spots this year.

Also, that "Under Consideration" is the same thing as "You're complete". It doesn't mean anything other than "We have all your info/interview/etc and you can be reviewed".

 

[lynn2010]

Hi everyone. This is my first post on SDN- I am pretty new to this whole thing. I was hoping some of you guys (especially those that interviewed on 10/6) would share your admission timelines with me. I received my supplemental materials on 9/09 and then received an interview invite for on 9/16 for 10/6. Yesterday, I got a message saying that my packet was "under consideration". I'm just trying to figure out how I stack up.

Also, for those of you that interviewed on 10/6, how did your interview go? I am a reapplicant- during my first interview, they asked me what I would do if I wouldn't get in and basically told me it was a good idea to have a backup plan. This time, however, they told me they were extremely impressed with what I had done over the last few years and made references to what the school would be like once I started in the fall. Trying not to get my hopes up too much. I thought studying for the MCAT and writing all of those essays was the worst part, but I think it might be the waiting! 😉

 

[MIAmedica]

I got an e-mail titled "Under Consideration by IUSM Notification." It said that my application is now eligible for review by the admissions committee and gave me some information about when to expect an acceptance/rejection notice. I don't think it's a bad thing, my e-mail just tells me that my application is ready for review by the admissions committee so a decision can be made.

Yup, I got the same email. I'm a re-applicant and don't remember seeing this email from last year. But like the email hints to... no news is good news since they haven't made a decision. In my interview they even told me I might not hear till after January because of my mcat (even though I brought it up) so I'm not holding my breath for an acceptance these next few months.

 

[patelnb]

Yup, I got the same email. I'm a re-applicant and don't remember seeing this email from last year. But like the email hints to... no news is good news since they haven't made a decision. In my interview they even told me I might not hear till after January because of my mcat (even though I brought it up) so I'm not holding my breath for an acceptance these next few months.

So they base how soon they accept you based on your MCAT and GPA and things like that? So if I had like a 36 MCAT (not saying I do, but hypothetically), they would be quicker to let me know?

 

[Guero]

Thanks shch0730!

The MD/PhD program requires an essay for their PhD program. I don't mean to sound negative, but if you're really considering the MD/PhD program, you really need to get on the ball for that. They've already conducted interviews and they only have 5 spots this year.

I'm actually applying next year and have been collecting prompts for all of my schools in advance. I want to have drafts of everything before I even submit my primary. I have an insane schedule next summer. I'm way on top of the ball. 😛

So do you mean that the additional essay is just a statement of purpose for the specific PhD program?

 

[Jude33]

So they base how soon they accept you based on your MCAT and GPA and things like that? So if I had like a 36 MCAT (not saying I do, but hypothetically), they would be quicker to let me know?

I believe so... refer back to page 4 of this thread, specifically posts 159 and 160. Here's a paraphrase: they do an aggregate of the interview (20%), GPA (40%) & MCAT (40%) and weight it over 100%, selecting people based on their raw score.

With so many applicants they have to have some sort of system. Granted, I didn't hear any of this directly from admissions staff, but it seems reasonable to me.

 

[Kaustikos]

Thanks shch0730!



I'm actually applying next year and have been collecting prompts for all of my schools in advance. I want to have drafts of everything before I even submit my primary. I have an insane schedule next summer. I'm way on top of the ball. 😛

So do you mean that the additional essay is just a statement of purpose for the specific PhD program?

If you want, you can contact the school to see what the essay prompt is. But you'd have to essentially write out another essay saying why you want to go into PhD. I believe (but don't quote me) that the essay prompt is the same as ones for their PhD program. But, yes, you'd have to go ahead and write another essay for the PhD program. The guy there was cool and seemed to know what he was talking about.


ANY non-EDP's hear anything who've interviewed before October?

 

[MIAmedica]

So they base how soon they accept you based on your MCAT and GPA and things like that? So if I had like a 36 MCAT (not saying I do, but hypothetically), they would be quicker to let me know?

That's essentially what my interview guy told me. He also mentioned that if you take the January mcat they will take that into favorable consideration as well, as long as you go up of course.

 

[HoosierDoc]

Just got the acceptance packet in the mail... it is dated October 15th. Good luck everyone! It's a pretty large envelope, for anyone who is curious.

 

[Jamiu22]

Just got the acceptance packet in the mail... it is dated October 15th. Good luck everyone! It's a pretty large envelope, for anyone who is curious.

Congrats Hoosier.....i see you already have a set of acceptances (MDApps)....you can just notify admissions to roll your acceptance off to me, lol. 👍

 

[RjDarkness]

So they base how soon they accept you based on your MCAT and GPA and things like that? So if I had like a 36 MCAT (not saying I do, but hypothetically), they would be quicker to let me know?

My neighbor is on the adcom and they do review incoming apps by mcat. so the higher your score the faster they'll reply to you

 

[Forbes]

Just got my interview invite today for 11/3.
Is there anything in particular I should be prepared for?

My interviewer was very nice, the first thing she said to me was something along the lines of "Don't worry this is a low stress interview, we just want to get a 3d picture of you, see how you think." But she did ask me a very hard question....

If you have two patients who are equally as sick and both need a heart transplant, who would you give it to?

That was a toughie. Anyways, good luck it shouldn't be too bad. Also they may ask you about high school, which I thought was strange. I figured it was just a way to get you talking.

 

[DoctorDude]

My parents just called from home and told me they got my acceptance letter in the mail today 😀

Good luck to everyone who is waiting!

...and yeah, the interview is really conversational, low-stress. Nothin' to worry about.

 

[Forbes]

Also I forgot, the committee reviews applications once a month by the following order...

In state Students, Students w/ strong ties to indiana, OOS students.

Then they look at a numerical score that is someting like MCAT + GPA*10 + Interview score (out of 20). They then have your interviewer give his/her impression and they vote for accept/wait/deny.

Basically, no news (other than an acceptance 😀) is good news. They send decisions out every 15th.

 

[Bmed]

any OOS'ers get acceptances in the mail yet?

 

[addo]

any OOS'ers get acceptances in the mail yet?

Got one today, it was dated October 15, but was mailed on the 18th. What a relief to finally know I will be a med student, at least at Indiana for now.

 

[Jamiu22]

Got one today, it was dated October 15, but was mailed on the 18th. What a relief to finally know I will be a med student, at least at Indiana for now.

Congrats bud... I'll keep waiting for my letter... Dallas is before Houston, so mmm.... I hope I didn't get passed over though.

 

[RjDarkness]

My interviewer was very nice, the first thing she said to me was something along the lines of "Don't worry this is a low stress interview, we just want to get a 3d picture of you, see how you think." But she did ask me a very hard question....

If you have two patients who are equally as sick and both need a heart transplant, who would you give it to?

That was a toughie. Anyways, good luck it shouldn't be too bad. Also they may ask you about high school, which I thought was strange. I figured it was just a way to get you talking.

ok thanks. I actually know how to answer that question since one of my family members needed a transplant.
I was asking my friend about it the day after she was interviewed and she didn't really remember and just said it was really long heh.

 

[tlaloc87]

I just read in last year's thread about staying with student hosts for interviews. Does anyone know if that program is still in place? I haven't seen any information about it. Thanks, y'all!

 

[adb]

I'm a re-applicant from last year (waitlisted). I just finished my M.S. this summer, so I'm hoping that may be helpful. Anyways, I am scheduled to interview 11/10. I was wondering if anyone else has an interview scheduled for that date.

Also, are there any other re-applicants from last year that received an acceptance? If so, how did you strengthen your app? I retook the MCAT and sadly, got the same score, so it is just mediocre. The real boost of my last year has been in my GPA and extracurriculars... I'm hoping that will be enough.

Congrats to those of you who have already received acceptances!!

 

[DrHTC]

Hey adb, I'm interviewing the same date. what time is your interview?

 

[socaldrewski]

I'm also interviewing Nov 10th. I just got my first (D.O.) acceptance, so things can only go up from here! Hopefully Indiana shows me some love. I'm taking PH classes now @ IUPUI and interested in applying them toward the MD/MPH if accepted. Good luck to everyone!

 

[patelnb]

Does IU just send actual letters of acceptance, or do they e-mail you as well?

 

[adb]

Hey DrHTC! My interview is at 10:15. When is yours?

 

[adb]

Congrats on your acceptance, socal. What time is your interview?

 

[HoosierDoc]

Does IU just send actual letters of acceptance, or do they e-mail you as well?

I received a few emails, but they were dated a week or so later and just included other forms and information. The acceptance packet itself comes in the mail.

Got my confirmation of withdrawal today, just not the right fit for me. Best of luck to all of you still awaiting your interview or post interview decisions!

 

[RjDarkness]

My interview seemed to go well. At the end my interviewer said that he hopes to see me there next fall. Then he was saying that my mcat is good and my grades are good. (3.7/31)

Did anyone else have an interviewer like that?

 

[patelnb]

My interview seemed to go well. At the end my interviewer said that he hopes to see me there next fall. Then he was saying that my mcat is good and my grades are good. (3.7/31)

Did anyone else have an interviewer like that?

My interviewer was very uninterested in me (it seemed like at least). He just asked me questions on his little list and didn't bother to have a conversation with me. Some of my other interviews were very pleasant and conversational, this one wasn't. My stats are 3.97 and 35 and no comments on those either (though none of my interviewers really seemed interested in my MCAT score or GPA; I don't think it matters as much for a school like IU because they just want to train good doctors, not anti-social brainiacs lol). I even live in Indianapolis and the person interviewing me knew my dad (my dad is a doctor as well). I feel very nervous, I kept feeling like I was screwing up because he seemed so disinterested in me. This is my top choice too, so November 15th is taking forever to get here!!!

 

[socaldrewski]

I believe my interview is @ 9:30am.

 

[ISU]

Does IU encourage Rural Health scholars? How do you let them know that you are interested in this area? Are there scholarships available for Rural Health medical students?

 

[Jude33]

Does IU encourage Rural Health scholars? How do you let them know that you are interested in this area? Are there scholarships available for Rural Health medical students?

They definitely place an emphasis on recruiting rural health scholars, I've gotten at least two emails asking me if I'd like more information. As for showing interest, they seem pretty forward about its promotion. The way it worked for me was they sent out an email a couple weeks before my interview, which you could respond to. I'd assume that they could give you more specific info. on your interview day, etc. As for scholarships, I'm pretty sure they get significant financial support, but I don't know the specifics.

Here's a link to a page that has scholarship info for the program: http://terrehaute.medicine.iu.edu/body.cfm?id=47&oTopID=47

Hope that helps.

 

[bestdocintown]

I too was told that I could retake the MCAT in January during my interview and it would be taken into consideration if it goes up. I was wondering what you all thought. My MCAT is a little low (28) and my GPA is c3.65 and s3.63. Obviously there is a fear that my score could go down so I wanted to know if you guys thought I should retake or if you think I have a realistic chance of getting in as is.

 

[Guero]

I too was told that I could retake the MCAT in January during my interview and it would be taken into consideration if it goes up. I was wondering what you all thought. My MCAT is a little low (28) and my GPA is c3.65 and s3.63. Obviously there is a fear that my score could go down so I wanted to know if you guys thought I should retake or if you think I have a realistic chance of getting in as is.

Are you in-state or OOS?

Unfortunately, according to IU’s website, those stats aren't very far from their minimum requirements for in-state applicants (3.2/25). So if you're OOS, the fact that you got the interview says that they think you're a promising candidate despite the relatively low scores, which must be a reflection of a well-written statement/secondary—props dude. Either way, I think it'd be worthwhile to retake it if you devote as much of your time as possible to studying between now and January. That is, unless you're so nervous about retaking it that you feel it may hinder your performance. It's always a huge risk; but I think you'd greatly increase your chances of acceptance if you increased your score.

(Even though I'm wicked lucky when it comes to stats, I personally despise our current evaluative criteria and firmly believe that their misleading and inconsistent nature ruins the lives of a considerable minority that would've actually made superb physicians. Who knows, maybe we could’ve cured cancer by now if some school gave an underdog applicant a chance. There’s my parenthetical rant of the day. 😴)

 

[bestdocintown]

Thanks for the response. I am IS

 

[Jude33]

I too was told that I could retake the MCAT in January during my interview and it would be taken into consideration if it goes up. I was wondering what you all thought. My MCAT is a little low (28) and my GPA is c3.65 and s3.63. Obviously there is a fear that my score could go down so I wanted to know if you guys thought I should retake or if you think I have a realistic chance of getting in as is.

I'd have to agree with deutsch arzt here, it would be in your best interests to retake. If you spend a little time perusing the IUSM website you'll come across the student blogs - one from last year was written by an IS student (then an MS1) who as an applicant had very similar stats to yours. She retook in January, got a 31, then got her acceptance letter a couple weeks after her new score was released.

The only reason not to retake would be if you anticipate a very hectic schedule. If you think there would be time to prepare properly, then I say go for it.

 

[Maiden]

I just received a supplemental packet today and I am very happy, but im a bit confused. What do they absolutely need to have on file before an interview can be scheduled? I think they need the Legal disclosure form and the list of science, non-science and personal evaluators. Is this all or is there more? Do I need to mail the forms together or can they be sent separately? Also, would they schedule an interview only after they receive the personal evaluation and the Dean of Students evaluation?

 

[patelnb]

I have a question: Does it take around 3-5 days to receive an acceptance packet in the mail? I am asking because I live in Oxford, OH (2 hours away from Indianapolis) and I am going to be leaving for Thanksgiving break either this Sunday or Monday. I don't want the packet to come while I'm at home in Indianapolis for a week and just sit on my porch in Oxford. I obviously don't know if I'm accepted, but if I am lucky and get accepted, I don't want something stupid to happen. What would be a good thing to do?

 

[patelnb]

I just received a supplemental packet today and I am very happy, but im a bit confused. What do they absolutely need to have on file before an interview can be scheduled? I think they need the Legal disclosure form and the list of science, non-science and personal evaluators. Is this all or is there more? Do I need to mail the forms together or can they be sent separately? Also, would they schedule an interview only after they receive the personal evaluation and the Dean of Students evaluation?

I can't remember exactly what I sent: I sent a legal disclosure, something from the Dean of Students, and I had to apply on some website online. All the directions should be there, just send them everything back to be safe ha ha.

 

[Kaustikos]

I have a question: Does it take around 3-5 days to receive an acceptance packet in the mail? I am asking because I live in Oxford, OH (2 hours away from Indianapolis) and I am going to be leaving for Thanksgiving break either this Sunday or Monday. I don't want the packet to come while I'm at home in Indianapolis for a week and just sit on my porch in Oxford. I obviously don't know if I'm accepted, but if I am lucky and get accepted, I don't want something stupid to happen. What would be a good thing to do?

Wait till Monday to leave? 👍