2010-2011 Oregon Health & Sciences University Application Thread

[mcctwist1]

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For the first essay, I'm confused. Are you suppose to address the diversity you experienced and how that has helped develop in you the quality of a leader/physician? Or is it explain things you've learned from any experience you thing will be helpful as a physician? How have you guys approached this essay question? Thanks!

It is my feeling that there is not "right" way to write secondary essays. I think adcoms are also looking at how you interpret the question as well how you answer it.

As long as your first sentence doesn't read something like this: "My madddd docta skillllz will get me hotttt babez (or dudezzzz) 4evaaa!!!!!1!!1!!".....you should be ok.

 

[Dr. Saturn]

In case anyone else did what I did and forgot to list his upcoming class(es), never fear. I am finishing my last pre-req, and I forgot to list it on AMCAS. I emailed OHSU admissions and was told that they don't even look to make sure you've done pre-reqs until they extend an offer, at which time you would be providing an updated transcript.

I was assured my failure to list biochem would not impact me in any way.

Hopefully, I am not the only one who needs that information!

 

[Dr. Saturn]

Me again.

I have heard it said that OHSU "likes" repeat applicants. Why?

Is it because they like to say go do this or get more that, and then come back?

Are these people only applying to OHSU, or is it their top choice and they are willing to turn down others in the hopes of getting into OHSU the next year? I don't mean to be naive by suggesting that multiple offers are normal. I don't really know to tell the truth. I know it is hard to get in, but I also know there are schools comparable to OHSU in terms students they might take, right?

I am assuming most people, unlike me, are not just applying to OHSU. I don't have a choice, but most of you do, I imagine. It just seems that unless a candidate doesn't get in anywhere, he would be unlikely to wait for a second chance at OHSU.

Any thoughts or knowledge about how this works and why there are so many repeat applicants who succeed?

Is this a phenomenon across the board or more unique to OHSU?

 

[Dr Pepp3r]

Oh, and here is what they say is "competitive" for OOS:

For the 2011 cycle, superior academics is defined as a cumulative Total GPA, as reported by AMCAS, of 3.65 or higher and a cumulative score of 32 or higher on the most-recent eligible MCAT.

So, you are better off than OOS and very competitive. Portland is a great place.

Of course the shrewd fellow applicant should be dissuading you I guess!

lol thanks reblsmith for the info

 

[DrBubbles]

Me again.

I have heard it said that OHSU "likes" repeat applicants. Why?

Is it because they like to say go do this or get more that, and then come back?

Are these people only applying to OHSU, or is it their top choice and they are willing to turn down others in the hopes of getting into OHSU the next year? I don't mean to be naive by suggesting that multiple offers are normal. I don't really know to tell the truth. I know it is hard to get in, but I also know there are schools comparable to OHSU in terms students they might take, right?

I am assuming most people, unlike me, are not just applying to OHSU. I don't have a choice, but most of you do, I imagine. It just seems that unless a candidate doesn't get in anywhere, he would be unlikely to wait for a second chance at OHSU.

Any thoughts or knowledge about how this works and why there are so many repeat applicants who succeed?

Is this a phenomenon across the board or more unique to OHSU?

I'm not sure why they like reapplicants, but evidently they do. I think it has more to do with the fact that they like *non-traditional* applicants. If you're a reapplicant, it means you've gone and lived a little as opposed to come in straight from college. They do accept people out of college for sure, but some life experience, in my opinion, has been really valuable. Also, by the time you reapply, a lot of times your application does look more impressive, just as you said: applicants bring up scores, shadow more, work, research, travel, serve, whatever it is.

There are applicants who only apply here for family reasons, and maybe other reasons as well.

Lastly, if you do apply to multiple schools, and get accepted somewhere, especially in the allopathic circle, *GO*! Do not turn the offer down to reapply another year so you might get into OHSU, or any other school you're more impressed with. Schools talk. This means: only interview at schools you are willing to go to. And if you know you won't be going, then withdraw from consideration before they can accept you.

It's definitely a stressful process, with a lot of hoops, and a lot of waiting. But I'd do it over again if I had to. (I had my third primary all teed up in case I didn't get off a waitlist the second time around.)

Best of luck to you all applying!

 

[Dr. Saturn]

I'm not sure why they like reapplicants, but evidently they do. I think it has more to do with the fact that they like *non-traditional* applicants. If you're a reapplicant, it means you've gone and lived a little as opposed to come in straight from college. They do accept people out of college for sure, but some life experience, in my opinion, has been really valuable. Also, by the time you reapply, a lot of times your application does look more impressive, just as you said: applicants bring up scores, shadow more, work, research, travel, serve, whatever it is.

There are applicants who only apply here for family reasons, and maybe other reasons as well.

Lastly, if you do apply to multiple schools, and get accepted somewhere, especially in the allopathic circle, *GO*! Do not turn the offer down to reapply another year so you might get into OHSU, or any other school you're more impressed with. Schools talk. This means: only interview at schools you are willing to go to. And if you know you won't be going, then withdraw from consideration before they can accept you.

It's definitely a stressful process, with a lot of hoops, and a lot of waiting. But I'd do it over again if I had to. (I had my third primary all teed up in case I didn't get off a waitlist the second time around.)

Best of luck to you all applying!

I have been out of college for 23 years, so I think I qualify as non-traditional. I did do a master's in English in that time, but mostly I raised my kids. I can't apply elsewhere because I have twin daughters starting High School and a husband with a job. There are days I want to say see you in 4 years to some of them, but really that isn't going to happen!

I guess I am just hoping they wont make a 40 year old (crap, I will be 41 soon) wait another year if they at all want me.

Please want me OHSU! Please!

 

[Antonio070]

what do they mean by "Mission-Based applicants"?

 

[Dr. Saturn]

what do they mean by "Mission-Based applicants"?

I am pretty sure they are saying that is the priority of applicants (i.e. in-state first, out of state last) based upon their Mission Statement, which is at http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/sc...emic-programs/md-program/admissions/index.cfm

 

[Simplify]

The mission based groups are listed on the Academic and Selection Factors page.

 

[chuck84]

6 away from acceptance with two more days to go. Looks like I'll be reapplying again. so close!

 

[Simplify]

🙁

 

[Dianyla]

I have heard it said that OHSU "likes" repeat applicants. Why?

Is it because they like to say go do this or get more that, and then come back?

My theory on this is based on two things. First, a lot of local people only apply to OHSU. For some applicants this is on purpose, especially for non-traditional applicants. For most, though, I think it's sheer naivete as people think that being IS and having decent numbers will make them a shoo-in applicant. Secondly, a lot of people apply with limited clinical & volunteering experiences. People underestimate how important these experiences (and solid letters acquired through same) matter for your application to a school like OHSU.

Based on these two reasons, a lot of people get rejected by OHSU the first time around. I think many of them get accepted the second time around because they've spent the gap year polishing their application some more, especially in the area of clinical and community service volunteering. OHSU cares much more about community service and clinical experience than many other schools, to the point that I've heard many people say you shouldn't even bother applying here if you don't have a few hundred hours.

Lastly, if you do apply to multiple schools, and get accepted somewhere, especially in the allopathic circle, *GO*! Do not turn the offer down to reapply another year so you might get into OHSU, or any other school you're more impressed with. Schools talk. This means: only interview at schools you are willing to go to. And if you know you won't be going, then withdraw from consideration before they can accept you.

This. My understanding is that turning down an acceptance at an MD school in order to reapply the next cycle puts you on an effective blacklist. If it means that much to you to get into OHSU, apply narrowly and plan to reapply.

Which is exactly what I'm doing. This year I'm only applying to OHSU and one extremely longshot dream school (UCSF). I fully expect to get rejected from both this year, and will reapply to OHSU next year. I'll also add a dozen other schools where I'm reasonably competitive as long as they're non-religious and above the Mason-Dixon line.

 

[Simplify]

I'll also add a dozen other schools where I'm reasonably competitive as long as they're non-religious and above the Mason-Dixon line.

Is something wrong with the south?

 

[Northwesterly]

Is something wrong with the south?

Why? Do her reasons for not wanting to live there have to meet with everybody's approval?

Disclaimer: I'm not applying anywhere in the South either. Or on the East Coast. Or in Wisconsin. Because it wears part of Michigan like a hat.

 

[Simplify]

I just think it was an interesting statement. If she didn't want to talk about it then she shouldn't have stated it. Do my questions have to meet YOUR approval? 🙄

 

[Dr. Saturn]

Which is exactly what I'm doing. This year I'm only applying to OHSU and one extremely longshot dream school (UCSF). I fully expect to get rejected from both this year, and will reapply to OHSU next year. I'll also add a dozen other schools where I'm reasonably competitive as long as they're non-religious and above the Mason-Dixon line.

Thanks for the info. Why do you say you fully expect to get rejected from OHSU? I just feel like I can't make any definitive statements about whom they take. I know of people with low-ish MCATs who are students there now, so I don't think you can evaluate on gpa/scores alone. Everything else seems so subjective and almost "lucky"--getting noticed amongst the pack, whom you get to interview you and whether or not you click.

 

[Dianyla]

Is something wrong with the south?

Quite a few things, actually. There's a notable dearth of snow and ski resorts, for one. Then there's the hot sticky humidity thing, combined with excessive amounts of sunshine. 😱

 

[Simplify]

I knew it. You're a vampire!

 

[docelh]

I reckon a lot of those southern schools are competitive for OOS as well. I think the midwestern schools are probably the least competitive US MD schools.

 

[Dianyla]

Thanks for the info. Why do you say you fully expect to get rejected from OHSU?

I could rephrase it to say I would be completely unsurprised to get accepted or rejected either way, and I have no expectation or clue whatsoever about whether the coin will land heads or tails.

I just feel like I can't make any definitive statements about whom they take. I know of people with low-ish MCATs who are students there now, so I don't think you can evaluate on gpa/scores alone. Everything else seems so subjective and almost "lucky"--getting noticed amongst the pack, whom you get to interview you and whether or not you click.

Exactly. They like whom they like, and it's completely arbitrary. I've jumped through all of their hoops that I can (except for GPA, since I have a few Fs from 15 years ago) and done everything I can to be the best fit, but there's really no guarantee.

It's a complete crapshoot, and I'm at peace with that.

 

[Dianyla]

I knew it. You're a vampire!

Something like that... I just don't tolerate heat well at all. Most people in Portland are going stir crazy by about February from lack of sunlight, but I love our cool grey mild winters..

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Hi everyone,

So I've now been marked as complete at OHSU. I'm an OOS applicant and read on the OHSU application portal that they have now began screening applications for "mission based groups". Based on a link posted earlier, it seems that mission based groups are the following:

1) Residents of Oregon.

2) WICHE-Certified residents of Montana and Wyoming.

3)Applicants applying to the M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./M.P.H. Combined Degree Programs.

4) Non-resident applicants with superior achievements in academics and other related experiences. For the 2011 cycle, superior academics is defined as a cumulative Total GPA, as reported by AMCAS, of 3.65 or higher and a cumulative score of 32 or higher on the most-recent eligible MCAT.

Does that mean that if we fall into one of those four groups, we'll be in the first group of applicants that they look at? My stats are either at or above the "superior achievements" requirement. I'm just confused because MOST applicants to OHSU will be IS..and for any OOS, it is more or less given that they want "high achieving" students since we pay more for tuition.

 

[mtmed]

WICHE applicant here. Finished the secondary and now I have a little exclamation point alerting me that I have yet to be certified by WICHE and reminding me to make sure I send OHSU a copy of my certification. Does anyone know when we'll know about certification? And will we be sent that information or will it automatically be sent to our AMCAS school? Laurie told me I'd hear from her in August but still no word. Should I email her?

 

[chrisoc13]

WICHE applicant here. Finished the secondary and now I have a little exclamation point alerting me that I have yet to be certified by WICHE and reminding me to make sure I send OHSU a copy of my certification. Does anyone know when we'll know about certification? And will we be sent that information or will it automatically be sent to our AMCAS school? Laurie told me I'd hear from her in August but still no word. Should I email her?

I'm wondering too. I am going to wait to email her until September.

 

[chuck84]

Does anyone know if people accepted to the MD/PhD program are always those applicants with 4.0s and 35+ MCATs plus research? Or if I have 3 publications with a 3.2 and a 30, do you think I have a shot?

 

[URHere]

Does anyone know if people accepted to the MD/PhD program are always those applicants with 4.0s and 35+ MCATs plus research? Or if I have 3 publications with a 3.2 and a 30, do you think I have a shot?

Lower stats won't necessarily ruin your chances at OHSU (I got in to their program with a 3.75 and a 32, although many of the other MD/PhDs in my year had higher stats). When OHSU says that they base their admissions decisions on largely non-numerical factors, they mean it. That being said, there are a couple of things you should consider...

1) MD/PhD applicants tend to apply with average numbers closer to 3.7+/36. These are the people you will be competing with for those 2-5 seats per year at OHSU, so there are no guarantees.

2) In order to get into OHSU's MD/PhD program, you must first be accepted to the medical school. This means that if your clinical experience isn't on par, your interviewing skills or rusty, or your answer to the "why medicine" question is a cheesy one, your research background may be unable to save you from a rejection.

OHSU is kind of a mixed blessing for MD/PhD applicants - they can look beyond lower scores, but only if you have all of the other things that both the medical and graduate schools are looking for.

 

[Dr. Saturn]

Based on these two reasons, a lot of people get rejected by OHSU the first time around. I think many of them get accepted the second time around because they've spent the gap year polishing their application some more, especially in the area of clinical and community service volunteering. OHSU cares much more about community service and clinical experience than many other schools, to the point that I've heard many people say you shouldn't even bother applying here if you don't have a few hundred hours.

I have definitely heard the same thing about the clinical experience.

I had an internship in a research lab up there and one of my fellow employees was accepted to the med. school after applying for 6 years! I sure hope I don't have to wait that long, given that I am close to 41!!! Of course in 4 years my kids will be out of high school, and I can apply anywhere!


As for the Mason-Dixon line, I grew up in St. Louis, and it is dreadfully hot in the summers.

I went to graduate school at U of Michigan, and it is hot in the summers there too. I am pretty sure Portland is the only place with nice weather anywhere. Don't let the secret get out.

 

[Dianyla]

I am pretty sure Portland is the only place with nice weather anywhere. Don't let the secret get out.

Shhhhhh!

Actually Seattle is lovely too, but UW is pretty hostile to OOS.

 

[chuck84]

I went to graduate school at U of Michigan, and it is hot in the summers there too. I am pretty sure Portland is the only place with nice weather anywhere. Don't let the secret get out.

Well Portland may be great as far as heat goes, but be prepared to say goodbye to the sun for the majority of the year. It's mostly gray and rainy.

 

[Dr. Saturn]

Well Portland may be great as far as heat goes, but be prepared to say goodbye to the sun for the majority of the year. It's mostly gray and rainy.

It is always sunny in the library!!!

 

[DaisyBuchanan]

Well Portland may be great as far as heat goes, but be prepared to say goodbye to the sun for the majority of the year. It's mostly gray and rainy.

That's what UV lightbulbs are for... warding off the Seasonal Affective Disorder that comes with 200 days of rain per year! I had them in my house when I lived in Portland. 🙂 The city's so worth it though.

 

[chuck84]

That's what UV lightbulbs are for... warding off the Seasonal Affective Disorder that comes with 200 days of rain per year! I had them in my house when I lived in Portland. 🙂 The city's so worth it though.

Completely agree. There are so many good things about Portland and Oregon in general that outweigh the rainy weather.

 

[Dr. Saturn]

The secondary application asks for the size of the "principle city or town" you grew up in. I grew up in a suburban area (a small city) of a large city. Does that mean I use the greater area or the small city? Kind of like if you grew up in Beaverton. Would you use Portland's population or Beaverton's?

 

[mashers]

I would use the population of Beaverton over the population of Portland. But I definitely gave this some thought, too: growing up in a rural town of 30,000 is a lot different than a suburban town of 30,000. City population is not necessarily the best indicator of what category one's hometown would fall under....

 

[Dr. Saturn]

My understanding is that turning down an acceptance at an MD school in order to reapply the next cycle puts you on an effective blacklist. If it means that much to you to get into OHSU, apply narrowly and plan to reapply.

I have a friend who is a professor at OHSU. He works with residents, not applicants, but he didn't see any way any school would know if you turned down an offer the previous year. If you are concerned about this, I suggest an unsigned email with a different email address to the admissions office.

I tend to agree though. How would they know? They don't have access to the schools you apply to. I emailed and asked this already. I am tied to Portland with kids and a husband, and I was worried I would look "unmotivated" since I am only applying to OHSU. I was assured they do not get to see this info (by the OHSU admissions office). They might, however, ask it in an interview, so I am prepared to explain.

 

[Dianyla]

I tend to agree though. How would they know? They don't have access to the schools you apply to. I emailed and asked this already. I am tied to Portland with kids and a husband, and I was worried I would look "unmotivated" since I am only applying to OHSU. I was assured they do not get to see this info (by the OHSU admissions office). They might, however, ask it in an interview, so I am prepared to explain.

Correct in the sense that they can't see where you apply. They can see where you have been offered acceptance. Page 12 of the 2011 AMCAS Instructions Book:

The AAMC shares acceptance information across schools in order to assist medical schools adhere to AAMC recommendations. These data are shared as follows:
a) Beginning in February of each year, a medical school that has accepted an applicant can view the other school or schools that have accepted the applicant, if applicable.
b) Beginning in April of each year, a medical school can view the school or schools that have accepted an applicant, even if that applicant has not yet been accepted by the medical school.

 

[Dr. Saturn]

Correct in the sense that they can't see where you apply. They can see where you have been offered acceptance. Page 12 of the 2011 AMCAS Instructions Book:

Very interesting. I was wondering about that. It doesn't apply to me since I can only apply to one school, which terrifies me. Anyway, thanks for sharing.

 

[Dianyla]

Very interesting. I was wondering about that. It doesn't apply to me since I can only apply to one school, which terrifies me. Anyway, thanks for sharing.

I wouldn't worry about OHSU thinking poorly of you for not applying to more schools. If anything I think they would like to hear that they're your one and only choice. I've always gotten the impression that they're a little... hmm, the word that comes to my mind is insecure... about whether applicants are sincere enough and genuinely interested in Oregon. I think that might factor into their love of reapplicants, as well.

Just a gut feeling I've had for awhile.

 

[ssahjm]

I wouldn't worry about OHSU thinking poorly of you for not applying to more schools. If anything I think they would like to hear that they're your one and only choice. I've always gotten the impression that they're a little... hmm, the word that comes to my mind is insecure... about whether applicants are sincere enough and genuinely interested in Oregon. I think that might factor into their love of reapplicants, as well.

Just a gut feeling I've had for awhile.

I agree. I've heard from several medical students, administrators, etc. that schools want to accept people who will actually matriculate there. (I'm wondering if the matriculant:acceptee ratio affects rankings or other statistics?) In many cases, it seems that the more you show them the love, the more they reciprocate.

 

[Dr. Saturn]

I agree. I've heard from several medical students, administrators, etc. that schools want to accept people who will actually matriculate there. (I'm wondering if the matriculant:acceptee ratio affects rankings or other statistics?) In many cases, it seems that the more you show them the love, the more they reciprocate.

Someone in the admissions office just said it could look undermotivated so be prepared to explain. I think I have a pretty good answer. I am not going to tell my 14 year old daughters starting high school and my husband I will see them in 4 years (though some days I am tempted.)

And I think you are definitely right about them wanting people who will stay in Oregon. Have you see this:

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/about/news_events/news/2010/2010-06-30-anonymous-5-million.cfm

 

[QuesoAndFromage]

will OHSU hate me if I dont do that optional section?

 

[Dianyla]

Someone in the admissions office just said it could look undermotivated so be prepared to explain. I think I have a pretty good answer. I am not going to tell my 14 year old daughters starting high school and my husband I will see them in 4 years (though some days I am tempted.)

And I think you are definitely right about them wanting people who will stay in Oregon.

You'll be fine. You're consciously focusing all your efforts on OHSU because you have a family and support network here. That's quite different from some traditional-aged recent college grad who isn't really sure what they might want to do so, what the hell, why not just try applying to the local state school?

 

[DaisyBuchanan]

Hmm... maybe I should consider penning a lengthy love letter to OHSU. On pink paper. That I spritz with perfume.

"O is for the only school I see,

H is for the hail in Portland that hits me,

S is a super super, smile-inducer, Portland:

U are the town for meeee!"

 

[Dianyla]

Hmm... maybe I should consider penning a lengthy love letter to OHSU. On pink paper. That I spritz with perfume.

"O is for the only school I see,

H is for the hail in Portland that hits me,

S is a super super, smile-inducer, Portland:

U are the town for meeee!"

I double dog dare ya.

 

[chuck84]

For those applying MD/PhD, does the secondary have anything else for MD/PhD applicants to fill out other than the additional essay?

 

[brussellnhes]

so here's a dumb question: i'm done with everything except for the optional section. i am a minority but i'm not considered one on their list. i did not grow up with any real adversity. part of my diversity essay touched upon my own racial diversity. should i still fill this section out? will they look upon me poorly if i don't? i know this shouldn't have any effect on my application, but in reality, does it?

 

[mik3503]

For the diversity essay, did you all choose to focus on one story or discuss several topics that you thought was unique? I feel like I could talk about one story, but it'd be a narrow topic...

 

[Dianyla]

Ahhh, finally cranked out both essays tonight and submitted. Today (8/30) is my secondary deadline, but I wasn't sure if that meant midnight or close of business or what. I figured I should play it safe and get it submitted tonight in case my day randomly explodes tomorrow.

So now I'm back to waiting, nothing to work on app-wise for now. Yay!

 

[cfx]

I submitted my AMCAS to OHSU several weeks ago, and still have not received the secondary. Any clues?

On one hand, I'm relieved since I'm still writing others and don't need to add this one to the mix quite yet, but still concerned since it's one of only 2 or 3 that have yet to send it. I'm over the screening cutoff.

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

I submitted my AMCAS to OHSU several weeks ago, and still have not received the secondary. Any clues?

On one hand, I'm relieved since I'm still writing others and don't need to add this one to the mix quite yet, but still concerned since it's one of only 2 or 3 that have yet to send it. I'm over the screening cutoff.

They take a LONG time to get secondaries out to people, especially if you're OOS. I think their website says anywhere from 6-8 weeks after you submit is when you should expect to receive your secondary.