2010-2011 Medical College of Wisconsin Application Thread

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Enoko said:
MCAT isn't everything bud, my roommate had strait 11s and got denied pre-interview for two years in a row. I assume his problem was GPA he had a ~3.55

In any case, from what I gather, MCW is a little different in how they process applicants. Instead of viewing academics and extracurricular together, they split the process.

--First they look at purely academics. They look at just MCAT and GPA and using only this data, they decide interviews.
--Once interviews are sent, academics don't matter. Its pure LORs and extracurriculars that decide who gets accepted.

The dean explained to me that they do this so neither academics or other factors (trips to Africa, etc) have too much weight in your application. This makes MCW pretty unique in admissions. Once you get passed the interview stage, everyone gets placed on equal academic footing. It would be quite possible for a 4.0 GPA, 45 MCAT student to get denied if their extracurricular aren't up to par. Likewise, you could be a saint that personally saved 5,000 lives and have a LOR from Obama, but you could still be denied an interview if your academics aren't up to par. Pretty interesting really.
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Very interesting. I have not heard anything about this at all. If this is true, it does not surprise me at all. HOWEVER, just know that even if your MCAT isn't up to par, the MCW cut-off is 6 for a section, so you still have a chance. If their cut-off was 8 or 9, that would show that they are weighting the MCAT portion of selection pretty heavily.

This process does actually make sense, considering MCW does use the small pool process. Using this process, if you have an average/decent MCAT, you can expect to be small pooled (most people are). Being small pooled is not the end of the world, as most people who are small pooled early are granted interviews (although if you are late with your app this does not necessarily apply, unless you have killer stats).

Personally, I like this system. It ensures that students with good to lower end grades are getting their fair shot, and then has a fail-safe to make sure that the people who get accepted have personality and character. This makes for a better class atmosphere.
 
low end grades =/= personality and character, they are just shooting themselves in the foot if they don't want the high achievers
 
Midwestern Blot said:
low end grades =/= personality and character, they are just shooting themselves in the foot if they don't want the high achievers
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You're reading too much into what I said. I wasn't saying that MCW is lowering its standards. What I was saying was that the school realizes that grades are not everything. Of course having bad grades with a good personality won't get you in, that would be ridiculous, and is prevented by having the grades screened before interviews are sent out (if the previous poster is correct). I was saying that even if you don't have the perfect grades you still can impress with personality and character. The schools average is still ~30 (last year was 10/10/10), so they clearly aren't just taking in anyone off the street.

Something that gets lost in the competitiveness of being pre-med is that once you get to medical school, the competition is over. The school doesn't want its students to compete with themselves. That just defeats the purpose of a learning atmosphere. MCW is well known for having a great student atmosphere, and that is a real positive for any school. Being an over achiever and wanting good grades is great, however, there is so much more to medicine that grades. Having a personality and being able to talk to people (the vast majority of what the average doctor does) is extremely important, and MCW is giving that part of the application its just desserts.
 
My bad, what did you think about the interview process?
 
Midwestern Blot said:
My bad, what did you think about the interview process?
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I thought that MCW had a really unique interview experience, one that no other school I went to (10 other interviews) came even close it.

My interview day had 50-60 people at it (usually will be 30-60 depending on the time of year), BUT the interview day went extremely smoothly and was very well organized. The process was very simple:

All interviews are conducted on Fridays. The Thursday before there is a dinner (optional) where the interviewees can come in and meet each other and some M2s (also can be done through the applicant host program). Friday, the interview day starts at 12:30 with intros and all that jazz about the school. Then, the large group is broken in half by alphabetical order. Top half of the alphabet will have interviews (2 of them) for the next 75 minutes (~30-35 minutes per interview to allow time in between and for interviewers to read up on you). The interviews will most likely be in rooms right next to each other (e.g. your first one is in one room, the next is in the room right next to it), and you will basically switch positions with whoever is in that other room. (Clarification: your first interview is in room A and second is in room B, while the other applicant has their first interview in room B and second in room A - basically you are moving while interviewers are staying put). While the top half of the alphabet is doing interviews, the bottom half will be going on tours of the school, also for 75 minutes. After everyone has gotten back to the meeting room, the groups switch and the bottom half of the alphabet has interviews and the top half has tours. After everyone gets back to the meeting room again, there are a few more presentations about finances and background checks and such. The entire day should be over at about 5:00 pm.

Here's the part that really makes the interview process unique. As I said, MCW does all interviews on Fridays (twice a month from Sept - March/April). The following Thursday, the admissions committee will meet and make decision on ALL interviewees from the previous Friday. The NEXT DAY they will send out their decisions. Pretty much, even if you are living in California and had an interview group of 60 people, you will have your response from the school within ~10 days. There was no other school I went to that interviewed that many people and responded in such an efficient and timely fashion.

Also, when MCW sends out interview invites, they will tell you if there are still seats open in the class. If there are, then the invite will say "interview for a seat" and if there are not, then the invite will say "interview for a spot on the waitlist." The waitlist invites are only sent out after all seats are taken, and usually are for interviews February-April.

Another thing is that MCW is very picky with who they invite. The school gets about 6000 applications per year for a class of 200. The school will accept 2x (as opposed to 3x, which is the general practice of medical schools) the number of applicants than they have seats (~400), and will interview about twice the number that they accept (~800). SO, if you get an interview from MCW, you have a 50/50 chance of getting an acceptance. And, even if you are waitlisted, its a short list, so there is still some hope.

Hope this helps.
 
cubssox2000 said:
Also, when MCW sends out interview invites, they will tell you if there are still seats open in the class. If there are, then the invite will say "interview for a seat" and if there are not, then the invite will say "interview for a spot on the waitlist." The waitlist invites are only sent out after all seats are taken, and usually are for interviews February-April.
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I also admire MCW's wait-list system. If I remember correctly they tell you your exact spot on the list and you can call in and be updated as the weeks pass. So you would know if you were 5th on the waiting list of 50th. Many other schools, like nearby Madison, will only tell you that you are on the list. Then you have to live with the worry and wonder if you are 1st of the list or 75th. It makes for a very stressful summer.


Midwestern Blot said:
It sounds like they invented a good way to get some mediocre students with good extracurriculars.
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Perhaps, but don't assume its super easy to get an interview. You need pretty dam good scores to net interviews here. I think their plan was to get well rounded applicants, people with solid academics and extracurriculars.

The students aren't necessarily the nation's best of the best at academics/extracuricaulrs, but they are well rounded. It's unlike many schools in that would not accept a 4.0/45T student if the student never stepped foot in a hospital before.

Oh, one more very important side note. MCW's dean of admissions is confirmed to read SDN and the MCW specific school thread in particular so be advised in posting remarks that can be traced to your application. I recall two years ago someone posted "I'm going to call the dean's office tomorrow morning" and when they called, the dean said "Ah, I was expecting this call." Later in the conversation he said "Don't believe everything you read in the SDN forums, something, something, something..." It was all in good fun, but the problem was the dean was now able to link this applicant to the SDN user name that made the post. This might not be a big deal but realize that this shows your entire posting history. So that post you made 8 months ago saying you wanted to get high after the MCAT? Yea, the dean can read that know and know its you. I highly doubt the dean who really have the time or inclination to do this, but its still something to keep in mind when posting info that can be used to link your SDN name with your application.
 
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Enoko said:
Oh, one more very important side note. MCW's dean of admissions is confirmed to read SDN and the MCW specific school thread in particular so be advised in posting remarks that can be traced to your application. I recall two years ago someone posted "I'm going to call the dean's office tomorrow morning" and when they called, the dean said "Ah, I was expecting this call." Later in the conversation he said "Don't believe everything you read in the SDN forums, something, something, something..." It was all in good fun, but the problem was the dean was now able to link this applicant to the SDN user name that made the post. This might not be a big deal but realize that this shows your entire posting history. So that post you made 8 months ago saying you wanted to get high after the MCAT? Yea, the dean can read that know and know its you. I highly doubt the dean who really have the time or inclination to do this, but its still something to keep in mind when posting info that can be used to link your SDN name with your application.
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Those deans are sneaky :laugh:

This is really good advice, and goes for other schools as well. MCW is not the only school that checks these forums. 😱
 
Enoko said:
I also admire MCW's wait-list system. If I remember correctly they tell you your exact spot on the list and you can call in and be updated as the weeks pass. So you would know if you were 5th on the waiting list of 50th. Many other schools, like nearby Madison, will only tell you that you are on the list. Then you have to live with the worry and wonder if you are 1st of the list or 75th. It makes for a very stressful summer.



Perhaps, but don't assume its super easy to get an interview. You need pretty dam good scores to net interviews here. I think their plan was to get well rounded applicants, people with solid academics and extracurriculars.

The students aren't necessarily the nation's best of the best at academics/extracuricaulrs, but they are well rounded. It's unlike many schools in that would not accept a 4.0/45T student if the student never stepped foot in a hospital before.

Oh, one more very important side note. MCW's dean of admissions is confirmed to read SDN and the MCW specific school thread in particular so be advised in posting remarks that can be traced to your application. I recall two years ago someone posted "I'm going to call the dean's office tomorrow morning" and when they called, the dean said "Ah, I was expecting this call." Later in the conversation he said "Don't believe everything you read in the SDN forums, something, something, something..." It was all in good fun, but the problem was the dean was now able to link this applicant to the SDN user name that made the post. This might not be a big deal but realize that this shows your entire posting history. So that post you made 8 months ago saying you wanted to get high after the MCAT? Yea, the dean can read that know and know its you. I highly doubt the dean who really have the time or inclination to do this, but its still something to keep in mind when posting info that can be used to link your SDN name with your application.
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Haha, I heard something like that last year, as well. At my interview he made some comments along those lines, which actually reflect positively on a school, in my book. It was one of many things that impressed me when I was there (as I previously mentioned).
 
Enoko said:
I also admire MCW's wait-list system. If I remember correctly they tell you your exact spot on the list and you can call in and be updated as the weeks pass. So you would know if you were 5th on the waiting list of 50th. Many other schools, like nearby Madison, will only tell you that you are on the list. Then you have to live with the worry and wonder if you are 1st of the list or 75th. It makes for a very stressful summer.
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I'm not so sure about this. I know from previous years that MCW will tell you what quarter of the list your on, not sure if they give you an actual number. But you can call in and ask for info on the list and they will tell you in general what to expect from your spot.
 
cubssox2000 said:
I'm not so sure about this. I know from previous years that MCW will tell you what quarter of the list your on, not sure if they give you an actual number. But you can call in and ask for info on the list and they will tell you in general what to expect from your spot.
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Perhaps you are correct. All I know about wait-lists is secondhand. My brother's fiancée told me she was "50th on the waitlist" back in March 09 and when I saw her in June she said she was 15th now. She then got accepted early August. Maybe she was just estimating the numbers after being told she was in the first quarter or what-not.
 
If you take a look in last years application thread, somewhere around page 20 people started posting which quartile they were in. Maybe your right and the school will tell you the number, but that seems a bit odd to me.
 
Wanted to clarify something. If your interview is before October 15, then you won't hear until that day regarding a decision. This is because all schools have to wait until Oct 15 to start handing out acceptances. Sorry for any confusion.
 
IrishCalini said:
So excited! This is one of my TOP choices...

My question is this: I will be submitting my secondary in the next week, so that will be taken care of. The reason I'm not submitting right away is because I'm swamped right now with MCAT prep. I'm retaking it on July 8th. Since I already have an MCAT score, will they evaluate my app right away, or will they wait for my second score? If they wait, will this excessively hurt my chances?
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Hey, I'm in the exact same situation as you.. have you found an answer for this?
 
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they will probably wait for your new scores
 
Does this school consider applicants from Canada? I can't seem to find details on whether they accept internationals/Canadians on their website... 🙁
 
Medhatter said:
Hey, I'm in the exact same situation as you.. have you found an answer for this?
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Depends on the score I would imagine. If you had a 4.0 GPA and your first MCAT was a 31 they would probably send you the interview, they could always take your new MCAT into consideration later on.

However if you had a mediocre MCAT and they saw you were retaking, then yea, they would probably wait until the new scores came.
 
thegame11 said:
Does this school consider applicants from Canada? I can't seem to find details on whether they accept internationals/Canadians on their website... 🙁
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I have no idea what the statistics on this are, but I can tell you that there are at least 2 Canadian's in my class (one has gotten American citizenship since starting school). So there is precedent.
 
Enoko said:
Depends on the score I would imagine. If you had a 4.0 GPA and your first MCAT was a 31 they would probably send you the interview, they could always take your new MCAT into consideration later on.

However if you had a mediocre MCAT and they saw you were retaking, then yea, they would probably wait until the new scores came.
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Are you sure about this?
 
Just to give you yet another endorsement about this school: I went to the interview b/c my parents were giving me a hard time for even thinking of turning down an interview (I already had two acceptances) but I thought, no way would I ever go to some school in Wisconsin if I had options. I guess Mom really does know best though, because I really liked it there/was impressed and I'm headed there in less than a month!!
 
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Zarika said:
Just to give you yet another endorsement about this school: I went to the interview b/c my parents were giving me a hard time for even thinking of turning down an interview (I already had two acceptances) but I thought, no way would I ever go to some school in Wisconsin if I had options. I guess Mom really does know best though, because I really liked it there/was impressed and I'm headed there in less than a month!!
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😀 You have me excited already. I hope Aug.10 isn't holding me back too much because I'd LOVE to interview here.
 
Zarika said:
Just to give you yet another endorsement about this school: I went to the interview b/c my parents were giving me a hard time for even thinking of turning down an interview (I already had two acceptances) but I thought, no way would I ever go to some school in Wisconsin if I had options. I guess Mom really does know best though, because I really liked it there/was impressed and I'm headed there in less than a month!!
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*drools*
it sounds amazing
i want it i want it i want it!
 
Zarika said:
Just to give you yet another endorsement about this school: I went to the interview b/c my parents were giving me a hard time for even thinking of turning down an interview (I already had two acceptances) but I thought, no way would I ever go to some school in Wisconsin if I had options. I guess Mom really does know best though, because I really liked it there/was impressed and I'm headed there in less than a month!!
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Hehe, a lot of people give Wisconsin crap but its a pretty solid region. True the northern half is pretty much just woods and farmers, but the Fox Cities, Madison, and Milwaukee have a very high percentage of German descendants The place has a Northern European feel and work ethic, its one of the most productive and progression areas of the Midwest.
 
Enoko said:
the Fox Cities, Madison, and Milwaukee have a very high percentage of German descendants The place has a Northern European feel and work ethic, its one of the most productive and progression areas of the Midwest.
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I'll take that as a compliment. Haha.
 
so, i got an email saying that AMCAS sent this school my mcat scores and that i should apply for "the entering class of 2011" ... totally cool, except I never sent a primary to this school. is it legit?
 
fhgoalie15 said:
so, i got an email saying that AMCAS sent this school my mcat scores and that i should apply for "the entering class of 2011" ... totally cool, except I never sent a primary to this school. is it legit?
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May be they just took email addreses from amcas
 
fhgoalie15 said:
so, i got an email saying that AMCAS sent this school my mcat scores and that i should apply for "the entering class of 2011" ... totally cool, except I never sent a primary to this school. is it legit?
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I got that same e-mail, but I'm from South Carolina! Should I apply? Was my score sent to them by some service I forgot I "checked" when I took my MCAT?
 
Enoko said:
MCAT isn't everything bud, my roommate had strait 11s and got denied pre-interview for two years in a row. I assume his problem was GPA he had a ~3.55
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You just stabbed my heart. stabbed it. And then spit on it.
I have 11, 11, 11. My GPA is 3.55.

However, my GPA is 3.9 for the past 100 credits. Do you know if they look, or is it just totals?
 
boggvir said:
You just stabbed my heart. stabbed it. And then spit on it.
I have 11, 11, 11. My GPA is 3.55.

However, my GPA is 3.9 for the past 100 credits. Do you know if they look, or is it just totals?
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Honestly, ignore that persons story. While it may be true, and alot of individuals with same mcat/gpa may get rejected, many people with the same stats get in.. you have a great mcat and respectable gpa. seriously, you have a great shot!
 
boggvir said:
You just stabbed my heart. stabbed it. And then spit on it.
I have 11, 11, 11. My GPA is 3.55.

However, my GPA is 3.9 for the past 100 credits. Do you know if they look, or is it just totals?
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Your GPA = "strong upward trend."

Anyways, I'm applying with same GPA as you, and only slightly higher MCAT. Honestly, I think a better explanation for the person with 11-11-11, 3.5 who got rejected two straight years is a negative or lukewarm LOR, or some sort of red flag in the personal statement.

Stay positive! This is a great school and you (and me, hopefully) have a decent chance
 
Does anyone know when they started offering interviews last year? I suppose I could just read through the thread, but that would take some time.
 
did anyone else get a "we encourage you to apply here" email today?
 
I got that email with a 33 on the MCAT. My primary app hasn't been verified yet.
 
I'm pretty sure they sent that out last year too. They just get your info from AAMC if you scored well on the MCAT. They send it to everyone who did well and hasnt applied yet I believe.
 
Looks like they started small pooling early July...anyone small pooled yet?
 
Okay, here's something I do not understand, and perhaps someone can clarify for me...

I had science professors write letters of recommendation for me. One submitted his and had no problem doing so (two years in a row, actually). The other submitted hers, but I received an email yesterday that said it would not be accepted because it was not on letterhead and was not signed. The problem is that, according to the second professor, the university does not provide digital letterhead, and she states AMCAS doesn't provide a way to upload a signature. Now, I am curious why her letter was rejected, but the other professor's was not. Anyone have any insight into this? The professor is going to try to convince them to accept the letter as is, but maybe I'll just have to talk to Admissions to clarify this...
 
I had this same problem. The professor ended up printing it on letterhead and the scanning it back in with a signature and submitting that. Hope that helps.
 
I know that they can use those alternative methods of sending the letter, but I was actually wondering why one professor's would be rejected and the other (as well as a supervisor's) wouldn't be rejected... In fact, I don't even think my supervisor knows to use letterhead, much less to print it on letterhead, sign it, scan it, and upload it...

Maybe I underestimate my professors and supervisors!
 
cubssox2000 said:
No, you will get an email saying if you are invited or small-pooled (it will say which).
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What does "small-pooled" mean?? I have my own idea, but I kind of want to know for sure. thanks.
 
Nessy said:
What does "small-pooled" mean?? I have my own idea, but I kind of want to know for sure. thanks.
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Small-pooled is where they put you if they are considering interviewing you. They put way more applicants in the small-pool they can interview, so while it is a positive thing, it doesn't guarantee an interview.
 
Pourquoipas said:
Small-pooled is where they put you if they are considering interviewing you. They put way more applicants in the small-pool they can interview, so while it is a positive thing, it doesn't guarantee an interview.
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Thanks!
 
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