2010-2011 Jefferson Application Thread

[Threehills]

Hey guys, good luck to everyone trying to get into Jeff. I'm a fourth year there currently. Feel free to shoot my any questions or anything you may have if you end up getting accepted there.

And...if you do get accepted (to Jeff or one of the other Philly schools)...I'm also looking to recruit male med students for a scientific project I'm involved in. The project pays extremely well (in the ball park of being able to pay your rent with beer money left over) and takes up only a half hour a week.

Best of luck with your apps!

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[Naamans]

yeah I was hoping to get some aid too oh well!

anyway, your situation does sound different since there is a difference in the "initial need" vs "need". it sounds positive to me though! maybe wait a couple of days to see if the award info gets added in, and then call financial aid office? they're super nice and responsive. good luck!!

I had the same discrepancy, but they gave me no scholarship/aid money. The difference I think is whatever you put into the family contribution spot in your verification forms.

 

[iniquus]

Yeah, the discrepancy meant nothing.

I'm grateful for anything, but $3500/year, really? My parents don't make above $100K. Looks like I'll be graduating with over $300,000 in debt.

 

[KelMD]

Accepted today!

 

[Dr G3]

Me Too! got the call around 3pm

 

[penndoc]

I was accepted today, as well! My call came around 4:00. I'll definitely be going to Jefferson!

 

[Dude Man Bro Man]

Congrats!! I'm guessing you won't be able to make it to 2nd Look tomorrow on such short notice? =)

 

[dysbfmdz]

Got my acceptance today too! 4pm, call from Dr. Callahan. I'm psyched and I'll be attending in August.

I completed my application in November. After waiting forever to hear, I sent a letter of interest April 4. I got a call April 7 to interview April 13, the last day of interviews. Booked a last minute flight to Philly (I'm from Toronto). I was told that they wouldn't be meeting until today, and sure enough I got the call!

Good luck to anybody out there on the waitlist. May 15 is not far away!

Anyone else who interviewed on April 13 hear from Jeff today?

 

[Bomgui]

hey guys,

today i got an email saying that the committee put me in a "special high priority" category waitlist.

First off id like to know, are they just saying that or is the waitlist actually broken into separate categories? (i ask because GWU also put me on a waitlist and they said theirs was some sort of high priority one but in reality that was their ONLY waitlist lol)

Secondly, does anyone know where to send/email letters of intent? I really fell in love with this school when I went to interview on april 13. Id be thrilled if i got accepted by them

Thank you

 

[penndoc]

Got my acceptance today too! 4pm, call from Dr. Callahan. I'm psyched and I'll be attending in August.

I completed my application in November. After waiting forever to hear, I sent a letter of interest April 4. I got a call April 7 to interview April 13, the last day of interviews. Booked a last minute flight to Philly (I'm from Toronto). I was told that they wouldn't be meeting until today, and sure enough I got the call!

Good luck to anybody out there on the waitlist. May 15 is not far away!

Anyone else who interviewed on April 13 hear from Jeff today?

I interviewed on April 13th as well! I'm very excited to meet everyone in August.

 

[hydro4404]

A man with a plan: I say that everyone who got into other schools should indeed go to those other schools so that I can get off the Jeff wait list!!! jk...I kid, I kid... sort of.

 

[timmyboy213]

hey guys,

today i got an email saying that the committee put me in a "special high priority" category waitlist.

First off id like to know, are they just saying that or is the waitlist actually broken into separate categories? (i ask because GWU also put me on a waitlist and they said theirs was some sort of high priority one but in reality that was their ONLY waitlist lol)

Secondly, does anyone know where to send/email letters of intent? I really fell in love with this school when I went to interview on april 13. Id be thrilled if i got accepted by them

Thank you

I am also interested in hearing a response to this post. I submitted a letter of interest some time last week and I did not receive a response saying they had received it.

Has anyone else sent a letter of interest/update letter and not received a response back from them? I want to make sure I sent it to the correct email address.

Thanks in advance.

 

[dita1122]

I am also interested in hearing a response to this post. I submitted a letter of interest some time last week and I did not receive a response saying they had received it.

Has anyone else sent a letter of interest/update letter and not received a response back from them? I want to make sure I sent it to the correct email address.

Thanks in advance.

i submitted all my updates to "[email protected]" and always got a response that included an attachment saying:
________
Dear Applicant:

Thank you for updating your application. We will include this information
in your file.

Sincerely,

Office of Admissions
Jefferson Medical College
________
and after my actual interview i sent an interest/update email directly to brooks and callahan, who both responded within a few hours.

 

[timmyboy213]

i submitted all my updates to "[email protected]" and always got a response that included an attachment saying:
________
Dear Applicant:

Thank you for updating your application. We will include this information
in your file.

Sincerely,

Office of Admissions
Jefferson Medical College
________
and after my actual interview i sent an interest/update email directly to brooks and callahan, who both responded within a few hours.

That is the email address I sent it to, but I never received a response. Perhaps I will try sending it directly to Brooks and Callahan to ensure its receipt by someone.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[dysbfmdz]

That is the email address I sent it to, but I never received a response. Perhaps I will try sending it directly to Brooks and Callahan to ensure its receipt by someone.

Thanks for the help!!

I emailed directly to Callahan, and got a response within hours. The information package you got on your interview day had both Brooks' and Callahan's contact info. If you sent it to [email protected], give the office a call and ask about your letter. I did this and I was told they never received my first LOI, so I went straight to Callahan.

 

[waterbottle10]

i dont know anyone on the waitlist. so far ive only been hearing of HP list

 

[Bomgui]

i dont know anyone on the waitlist. so far ive only been hearing of HP list

I think a few posts ago there was someone that got on an "alternate list". Perhaps the people who are on them are not posting on this thread or something (they interview 800 people and i somehow doubt all 800 are posting on this thread lol)

Still though, I just want to make sure that it actually means something to be on the HP list and that its not just the common waitlist

 

[timmyboy213]

I emailed directly to Callahan, and got a response within hours. The information package you got on your interview day had both Brooks' and Callahan's contact info. If you sent it to [email protected], give the office a call and ask about your letter. I did this and I was told they never received my first LOI, so I went straight to Callahan.

Yes, sending it directly to Dr. Callahan or Dr. Brooks is the best thing to do, as they responded to me first thing this morning after sending them late last night.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[waterbottle10]

I think a few posts ago there was someone that got on an "alternate list". Perhaps the people who are on them are not posting on this thread or something (they interview 800 people and i somehow doubt all 800 are posting on this thread lol)

Still though, I just want to make sure that it actually means something to be on the HP list and that its not just the common waitlist

the HP list is going to be huge lol

 

[penndoc]

the HP list is going to be huge lol

They typically waitlist a ton of students. Dr. Callahan said last year's class draw roughly 65 students off the waitlist. That's a quarter of their class, so the waitlist is not the end of the road by any means.

 

[hydro4404]

They do indeed wait list a ton of people. I estimate the HP list alone has over 100 people, not to mention the alternate list. Keep those fingers crossed kids.

 

[wrkndply]

Hey,
For anyone who attended second look, how was it? I really wanted to attend but unfortunately couldn't make it:/

 

[SoyRicoSuave]

I just withdrew my acceptance from the school. Good luck to those one the waitlist, hope you all get in!

 

[tmartskid32]

Hey Guys,

So I've never posted before but I wanted to give you guys some hope!!!!
Today I was accepted off of the HP waitlist, so the list is definitely moving and I'm sure there will be some more movement soon enough!!!! If anyone want's to know stats, what I did, or anything else, just let me know!!!!

Good luck and I'm sure everything will work out!!!!

 

[jeepy]

Hey,
For anyone who attended second look, how was it? I really wanted to attend but unfortunately couldn't make it:/

second look was great!!! they had a ton of presentations in addition to the tours, and everyone there was so friendly and happy. It was a great representation of the school!

and the food was DELICIOUS.

 

[hydro4404]

Food always seems to be so delicious at jeff. Def another reason to attend may 15 around the corner...

 

[baileybrown]

hey everyone! it's getting down to the wire and i still haven't made a final decision.. can anyone weigh in on how they decided on jeff? i'm trying to decide between jeff, gtown, uconn (state school) and wake forest. out of all the schools i visited, id have to say that the students and faculty/administrators at jeff were among the most friendly.. and the facilities and grounds make jeff look like a country-club--everything is so new and well-maintained. however, it is much more expensive than my state school and it also rubs me the wrong way that when i mention to someone that i am considering going to jefferson their response is always "oh? where's that?" .. is jefferson known mostly in pennsylvania? i'm only from ct and i feel like it doesn't have too much of a reputation up here.. thoughts? thanks a million everyone!

 

[Eponymous]

hey everyone! it's getting down to the wire and i still haven't made a final decision.. can anyone weigh in on how they decided on jeff? i'm trying to decide between jeff, gtown, uconn (state school) and wake forest. out of all the schools i visited, id have to say that the students and faculty/administrators at jeff were among the most friendly.. and the facilities and grounds make jeff look like a country-club--everything is so new and well-maintained. however, it is much more expensive than my state school and it also rubs me the wrong way that when i mention to someone that i am considering going to jefferson their response is always "oh? where's that?" .. is jefferson known mostly in pennsylvania? i'm only from ct and i feel like it doesn't have too much of a reputation up here.. thoughts? thanks a million everyone!

I'm in a similar last-minute bind, except one more common to PA residents: Penn State or Jefferson? Thoughts? PSU is giving me $, which is very helpful. They're considered about equivalent programs, right?

To answer your question about regional reputation, Bailey, Jefferson is known nation-wide in medical communities. It has some top specialty departments. The reason many non-medical people might not know of it is because it doesn't have an undergraduate community or famous sports teams, like Gtown basketball, to make it a household name. I wouldn't base your decision on whether or not people seem to have heard of it. They definitely have. Just look at the match list to see where people go - it's everywhere. That being said, a lot of PA residents choose to go to Jeff because it's close to home and they want to put roots down in the area, so the alumni network is stronger in the Northeast.

 

[jeepy]

hey everyone! it's getting down to the wire and i still haven't made a final decision.. can anyone weigh in on how they decided on jeff? i'm trying to decide between jeff, gtown, uconn (state school) and wake forest. out of all the schools i visited, id have to say that the students and faculty/administrators at jeff were among the most friendly.. and the facilities and grounds make jeff look like a country-club--everything is so new and well-maintained. however, it is much more expensive than my state school and it also rubs me the wrong way that when i mention to someone that i am considering going to jefferson their response is always "oh? where's that?" .. is jefferson known mostly in pennsylvania? i'm only from ct and i feel like it doesn't have too much of a reputation up here.. thoughts? thanks a million everyone!

hey bailey! I also have a choice between UConn as my state school and Jeff, and I'm leaning towards Jefferson.

UConn offered me more money, and is obviously way cheaper than Jefferson, but despite my head telling me I should go to UConn, my heart is set on Jefferson because of many of the points you made above.

I feel way more at home in Philly and at Jefferson, and the atmosphere I got at UConn was "I chose to go here to save money". To me, that isn't conducive towards developing a community of happy students that TRULY want to be there because that is their top choice school and love everything about it. For most of the students at UConn, it's a financial decision, which is obviously important, but medical school is already hard enough that I want to be somewhere I truly want to be, regardless of cost.

Most people I talk to also don't know where/what Jefferson is, but it is probably due to the reasons the poster above me pointed out. Non-medical people would not know any school that doesn't have a well-known undergrad attached to it. I'm sure that more people local would know about the school, but that's not a minus to Jefferson, imo.

 

[anfleisch]

Anyone who was at the second look catch how many people showed up?

 

[Dude Man Bro Man]

Anyone who was at the second look catch how many people showed up?

I don't remember hearing a number but I'd say it looked around 150ish maybe.

 

[WingedOx]

hey bailey! I also have a choice between UConn as my state school and Jeff, and I'm leaning towards Jefferson.

UConn offered me more money, and is obviously way cheaper than Jefferson, but despite my head telling me I should go to UConn, my heart is set on Jefferson because of many of the points you made above.

I feel way more at home in Philly and at Jefferson, and the atmosphere I got at UConn was "I chose to go here to save money".

never underestimate the importance of pragmatism.

To me, that isn't conducive towards developing a community of happy students that TRULY want to be there because that is their top choice school and love everything about it.

Idealism much? C'mon now. I want a school to provide me with a unicorn that craps unicorns, but it's not going to happen. And is Jefferson really anyone's first choice? Jefferson is about as mid-tier as they come.

As a Jeff 4th year who is essentially done with med school, I'd say go to UConn. Jefferson is very good with the whole nice and shiny aspect, but shiny new facilities won't pay off your debt when you're done and you decide that you unexpectedly loved a lower paying specialty (or even a higher paying one). Nor will they help you navigate the nasty administrative headaches that come with a class size of over 250. Jefferson's a good school, but it's not worth 40k+ per year.

For the most part, people are very happy here in the first two years, because Jefferson is a very good school when it comes to pre-clinical education. It helps to have a no-bull****, no PBL lecture based system. The clinical years are where things become hit or miss. With so many in each class students get farmed out to affiliate hospitals which can range from excellent to horrible (though we're not as bad as Drexel in this regard, to be fair to Jeff). Also, if a student has a problem with a clinical rotation, things can get messy fast and not cleaned up quickly (as a number of people in my class can attest to).

I know this is 4th year cynicism, but ya'll need to look beyond just the shiny side of the school that they market to.

 

[WingedOx]

ok, only because my above post sounded cynical, and I don't want to bash Jeff TOO much, I'll say this.

POSITIVES:
1. Location. If you've never lived in Philly, it's an amazing city. Virtually everything in the city is walkable, so much so that not only do you not need a car the first two years (and can probably go without in your last two years), but you barely even need to use mass transit to get to an amazing amount of entertainment. Jeff's location in Washington Square West is both affordable (Wash West was later than other center city neighborhoods to gentrify) and central.

2. Facilities: Don't need to really go into detail there... Jefferson does the bright and shiny very well. By the time you get here and doing rotations, most of the hospital will have been renovated (I had to go most of my 4th year without the hospital cafeteria due to construction...probably why I'm so bitter)

3. Departments: Some outstanding departments here, specifically Ophtho (Wills Eye), Ortho, Neuro/Neurosurg, and we have one of the few non-crappy Family Med programs on the East Coast.

4. Clinical Skills center... only because Drs. Berg, Berg, and Majdan are all awesome.

NEGATIVES:

1. Cost: Duh.

2. Size: Make no mistake. This isn't undergrad. with 250+ per class you will be a number here. Individual problems tend to fall on deaf ears unless enough people in the class are affected and complain loudly enough.

3. Affiliate Clinical Sites: Some places are great (Reading, Belmont, Latrobe, DuPont*), others are awful (not going to name names...). Plus there's the travel element. Places like Reading and York house you in dorms, places like Christiana family med or anything with Main Line Health require a commute that can be hellish. Plus issues at affiliate sites tend to be greeted with "not my hospital, not my problem" by the admin here.

4. Student affairs: a problem with size again. They're hard working but overworked, and do a great job of making you feel like a number.

5. The Dean of medical education... not going into detail here, just trust me. Not a nice person.

 

[hitsugaaya]

ok, only because my above post sounded cynical, and I don't want to bash Jeff TOO much, I'll say this.

POSITIVES:
1. Location. If you've never lived in Philly, it's an amazing city. Virtually everything in the city is walkable, so much so that not only do you not need a car the first two years (and can probably go without in your last two years), but you barely even need to use mass transit to get to an amazing amount of entertainment. Jeff's location in Washington Square West is both affordable (Wash West was later than other center city neighborhoods to gentrify) and central.

2. Facilities: Don't need to really go into detail there... Jefferson does the bright and shiny very well. By the time you get here and doing rotations, most of the hospital will have been renovated (I had to go most of my 4th year without the hospital cafeteria due to construction...probably why I'm so bitter)

3. Departments: Some outstanding departments here, specifically Ophtho (Wills Eye), Ortho, Neuro/Neurosurg, and we have one of the few non-crappy Family Med programs on the East Coast.

4. Clinical Skills center... only because Drs. Berg, Berg, and Majdan are all awesome.

NEGATIVES:

1. Cost: Duh.

2. Size: Make no mistake. This isn't undergrad. with 250+ per class you will be a number here. Individual problems tend to fall on deaf ears unless enough people in the class are affected and complain loudly enough.

3. Affiliate Clinical Sites: Some places are great (Reading, Belmont, Latrobe, DuPont*), others are awful (not going to name names...). Plus there's the travel element. Places like Reading and York house you in dorms, places like Christiana family med or anything with Main Line Health require a commute that can be hellish. Plus issues at affiliate sites tend to be greeted with "not my hospital, not my problem" by the admin here.

4. Student affairs: a problem with size again. They're hard working but overworked, and do a great job of making you feel like a number.

5. The Dean of medical education... not going into detail here, just trust me. Not a nice person.

Ok So I am definitely coming to Jeff in the fall (already withdrew from my other school) but I would like to thank you for your honesty. Second look was great and so was the interview but I felt like no one really stated any cons of Jefferson, which felt kind of fake to me. I mean, EVERYWHERE even Harvard or Yale would have cons.So thanks for being objective.

 

[hitsugaaya]

I don't remember hearing a number but I'd say it looked around 150ish maybe.

Yea that was the general number in my head as well, around 150

 

[tryin hard]

Has there been any significant wait list movement recently? Anyone care to share some news?

 

[mls]

Has there been any significant wait list movement recently? Anyone care to share some news?

I got the call last week Wed from Dr. Callahan and was offered a spot! I was on the HP waitlist.

I also had 2 letters of rec sent in, the week prior--so that probably helped!

Good luck to all!

 

[shaggy alfresco]

150 sounds about right.

 

[actoutfit]

Just withdrew my acceptance. PM if anyone ever needs any advice, SDN has been a great resource for me and I'd love to help others out. Good luck to everyone on the waitlist!

 

[orion333]

I think a few posts ago there was someone that got on an "alternate list". Perhaps the people who are on them are not posting on this thread or something (they interview 800 people and i somehow doubt all 800 are posting on this thread lol)

Still though, I just want to make sure that it actually means something to be on the HP list and that its not just the common waitlist

Yes, I am on the (apparently low-priority) "alternate" list. Miracles do happen, so we'll see. Jefferson may not be perfect, but at least there is enough info out there for us to figure out what's not so great about it and then make a real and informed decision. That in itself is a plus.

Still hoping ...

 

[srivastk]

Yes, I am on the (apparently low-priority) "alternate" list. Miracles do happen, so we'll see. Jefferson may not be perfect, but at least there is enough info out there for us to figure out what's not so great about it and then make a real and informed decision. That in itself is a plus.

Still hoping ...

I was told that in past years approximately 65 are taken from the HP list and about 20 from the alternate. There's definitely hope. Be sure to stay in touch to remind them how interested you are

 

[anfleisch]

Does that mean everyone who didn't withdraw was taken from the HP list or do they jump over some HP individuals who didn't show interest to take alternate listers?

 

[mindthegap]

Does that mean everyone who didn't withdraw was taken from the HP list or do they jump over some HP individuals who didn't show interest to take alternate listers?

+1, i haven't been on top of my letters..

 

[orion333]

I was told that in past years approximately 65 are taken from the HP list and about 20 from the alternate. There's definitely hope. Be sure to stay in touch to remind them how interested you are

Thanks for the info and encouragement, Srivastk. I have been in touch with Dean Callahan ever since I got put on the alternate list. She's probably totally bored of my updates at this point, but it's really all I can do!

 

[hydro4404]

I got the call last week Wed from Dr. Callahan and was offered a spot! I was on the HP waitlist.

I also had 2 letters of rec sent in, the week prior--so that probably helped!

Good luck to all!

Congrats for getting called off the list! Did you send your letters via email or snail mail?

 

[Dr G3]

Just Withdrew my Acceptance, it was a tough call, Jeff is great. Good luck to all you waiting.

 

[shaggy alfresco]

Yay withdrew ALL off my acceptances...Jeff is it. Here I come .

 

[jeepy]

does anyone know what the printing situation is at Jeff? is it completely free? is it free and you just supply paper? 10c/page?

just wondering because I swear my printer prints 5 pages per cartridge...and I might need a new one!

 

[dita1122]

hey future jeff students

if you are planning on living off campus, i wanted to tell you about an awesome apartment building i found in center city. its a historic building that was just completely renovated to have a modern feel, everything inside is brand new, and each unit has brand new stainless steel appliances (including fridge and dishwasher), hardwood floors, central heat/ac, and a washer/dryer in every unit. the building has a 24 hour doorman and discounted parking across the street.

1 bedrooms start at $1350/month and 2 bedrooms are $2200+

they are currently doing a special for jeff students where you get $1000 rent credit and one month free if you sign a 13 month lease (which really cuts the monthly cost down if you average it out).

PM me if you want more info

 

[Ilovewater]

does anyone know what the printing situation is at Jeff? is it completely free? is it free and you just supply paper? 10c/page?

just wondering because I swear my printer prints 5 pages per cartridge...and I might need a new one!

I'm not sure for the library, since I never go there, but there's a printer in the medical student lounge. It's free, but you have to bring your own paper. =]