2010-2011 Oregon Health & Sciences University Application Thread

[Dianyla]

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I've been here for three years now, and I still think of OHSU as a little tree-top elf village, separated from the rest of the world by a tram-accessible bubble.

/randomness.

Very fitting, I love it! 😀

 

[ohsunumber1]

Has anyone from 10/26 interview date heard anything yet?

 

[Northwesterly]

Has anyone from 10/26 interview date heard anything yet?

I hope I'm wrong, but my guess is that no one's going to hear anything this week. I'm sure the admissions folks work hard, but there's no way the Adcom met last Thursday. (Unless they have a secret Canadian branch that filled up on turkey back in October.)

 

[Dianyla]

(Unless they have a secret Canadian branch that filled up on turkey back in October.)

Shhh! First rule of Secret Canadian AdCom is you don't talk about Secret Canadian AdCom. 🙄

 

[chickpea9]

haven't visited this thread in a while but from what I see, it sounds like OHSU's on the slow side. Complete 9/1 so it's pretty much been the full 12 weeks and they haven't gotten back to me yet (3.8/32 OOS). Anyone else in a similar boat?

 

[tiedyeddog]

haven't visited this thread in a while but from what I see, it sounds like OHSU's on the slow side. Complete 9/1 so it's pretty much been the full 12 weeks and they haven't gotten back to me yet (3.8/32 OOS). Anyone else in a similar boat?

Same here, complete 10/01 (3.7, 33, OOS) I hope I get an interview, that would make my life complete, haha

 

[E11]

haven't visited this thread in a while but from what I see, it sounds like OHSU's on the slow side. Complete 9/1 so it's pretty much been the full 12 weeks and they haven't gotten back to me yet (3.8/32 OOS). Anyone else in a similar boat?

Yep. I'm complete on the same day and... nothing. (~3.7/37 OOS). I would love some Oregon love. Is there a 12 week deadline or something?

 

[ORMD]

Anyone know how long it takes post-interview for notification of decision? For those who recently interviewed, any feedback (positive/negative/surprises)? How many others interviewed on your day?

I interview in 2 weeks and I expect that it will be well into the new year for a decision, but just wondering how long...

Cheers all!

 

[Northwesterly]

Anyone know how long it takes post-interview for notification of decision? For those who recently interviewed, any feedback (positive/negative/surprises)? How many others interviewed on your day?

I interview in 2 weeks and I expect that it will be well into the new year for a decision, but just wondering how long...

Cheers all!

Congrats on the invite! There's some good stuff under the SDN interview feedback tab at the top of the page, I'd check that out. But based on my experience and everyone I've spoken to, OHSU doesn't seem to practice "gotcha" interviews. Just be prepared to talk about yourself, your background, and why you want to practice medicine. As to numbers, there were around 10 folks interviewing the day I was there--I have no idea what the variance is. The deadlines for an *response* are in the range of 4-8 weeks (though I haven't heard of anyone hearing as early as 4 weeks.) The catch is that 85% of interviewees don't get a final up or down decision but instead get put on hold until some time before/on May 15th. So I guess the short answer to "how long?" is "it depends." Good luck in two weeks, and leave lots of time in the morning to park, catch the bus, or ride the tram.

 

[chickpea9]

E11 and dog: I spoke too soon! Just got my interview invite this afternoon =) I don't think I'll be going, though, since I got into one of my favorite schools. However, I might have to make the trip to Portland again: Powell's bookstore is the best!!!

 

[E11]

E11 and dog: I spoke too soon! Just got my interview invite this afternoon =) I don't think I'll be going, though, since I got into one of my favorite schools. However, I might have to make the trip to Portland again: Powell's bookstore is the best!!!

Haha. I also spoke too soon, I got one today too! They must have heard us and/or read these forums. I am so pumped! Congrats to you on the invite and acceptance. I am stoked to visit Portland as I have heard that Powell's (and everything else) is awesome 🙂

 

[Dianyla]

Congrats on the invites, chickpea9 and E11!

They must have heard us and/or read these forums.

I'm not sure about OHSU, but I can personally verify that some AdComs do read their school's application cycle thread. 😉

 

[ImmortaliaX]

E11 and dog: I spoke too soon! Just got my interview invite this afternoon =) I don't think I'll be going, though, since I got into one of my favorite schools. However, I might have to make the trip to Portland again: Powell's bookstore is the best!!!

Haha. I also spoke too soon, I got one today too! They must have heard us and/or read these forums. I am so pumped! Congrats to you on the invite and acceptance. I am stoked to visit Portland as I have heard that Powell's (and everything else) is awesome 🙂

Congrats on the invites! Darn, I wish I'd posted on here earlier, too
Are they still offering January 11th-13th or have these dates been filled up already? Thanks and congrats again : )

 

[ORMD]

Thanks NWerly! Very helpful.

 

[andrewg27]

Congrats on the invites! Darn, I wish I'd posted on here earlier, too
Are they still offering January 11th-13th or have these dates been filled up already? Thanks and congrats again : )

Just got an invite, OOS, and the Jan 12 and 13 dates are still open!

 

[chuck84]

Just got an invite, OOS, and the Jan 12 and 13 dates are still open!

Congrats! When were you complete and what are your stats if you don't mind telling?

 

[andrewg27]

Congrats! When were you complete and what are your stats if you don't mind telling?

Secondary Submitted: 8/15
Complete: 9/13
MCAT: 35O
cGPA/sGPA: 3.67/3.73

 

[JanosB]

Hi all,
First post here on SDN. I'm interviewing on 12/14 and will try to remember to relate my experiences on this forum for your personal enjoyment. 🙂

 

[tiedyeddog]

secondary submitted: 8/15
complete: 9/13
mcat: 35o
cgpa/sgpa: 3.67/3.73

oos?

 

[andrewg27]

oos?

yep

 

[ImmortaliaX]

Just got an invite, OOS, and the Jan 12 and 13 dates are still open!

Thanks for the info and good luck!! 🙂

 

[Northwesterly]

Has anyone had any luck with numbers other than the general admissions office phone tree? Katy talked about checking in with her if we hadn't heard back in six weeks, but her number seems to be reserved for interview-scheduling messages.

 

[n31387]

Has anyone had any luck with numbers other than the general admissions office phone tree? Katy talked about checking in with her if we hadn't heard back in six weeks, but her number seems to be reserved for interview-scheduling messages.

I just called Katy and she said both my scores are in and the committee is most likely reviewing my application today. If that is the case, all of us 10/14 interviewees should probably hear back sometime next week 😕

 

[Northwesterly]

I just called Katy and she said both my scores are in and the committee is most likely reviewing my application today. If that is the case, all of us 10/14 interviewees should probably hear back sometime next week 😕

Ha! Nice timing--I just heard the same. Not much to do but wait and hope for the best. Good luck!

 

[Thom1986]

I just called Katy and she said both my scores are in and the committee is most likely reviewing my application today. If that is the case, all of us 10/14 interviewees should probably hear back sometime next week 😕

And 10/26 interviewees maybe...maybe?

 

[Dianyla]

And 10/26 interviewees maybe...maybe?

I'd really doubt it... every interview day holds anywhere from 5-12 candidates to review, and it looks like they were holding interviews every Tuesday & Thursday. 10/26 is 3 interview days behind the 10/14 cohort (unless they skipped a week?) so figure that could be at least 20 people in the queue for 10/19 and 10/21 to process before they get to your day.

 

[n31387]

And 10/26 interviewees maybe...maybe?

I feel your pain. The waiting only gets harder. I don't know if I can take it if/when I'm put on hold.

 

[URHere]

I'd really doubt it... every interview day holds anywhere from 5-12 candidates to review, and it looks like they were holding interviews every Tuesday & Thursday.

There are also interviews on Wednesdays. 🙂

 

[Dianyla]

There are also interviews on Wednesdays. 🙂

Are those for MD/MPH or MD/PhD? They only offered me a choice of Tu/Th when I had mine (MD only).

 

[ORMD]

Are those for MD/MPH or MD/PhD? They only offered me a choice of Tu/Th when I had mine (MD only).

When they offered me dates, 12/2,14,15,16 were available. And yes, they're interviewing on Wednesdays for MD-only candidates, but I'm not sure they are interviewing every week (possible gap for finals week? and Christmas too I bet...).

 

[Dianyla]

When they offered me dates, 12/2,14,15,16 were available. And yes, they're interviewing on Wednesdays for MD-only candidates, but I'm not sure they are interviewing every week (possible gap for finals week? and Christmas too I bet...).

Huh. Maybe there isn't actually any pattern! 😛

 

[chuck84]

Just got the MD/PhD interview invite! Secondary complete 11/1. 5 interviews in one day, whew that sounds exhausting! They gave me 4 dates, all Wednesdays, 1/5, 1/19, 2/2, or 2/16.

 

[Dianyla]

Just got the MD/PhD interview invite! Secondary complete 11/1. 5 interviews in one day, whew that sounds exhausting! They gave me 4 dates, all Wednesdays, 1/5, 1/19, 2/2, or 2/16.

Congrats! I'm hoping this will be your year!

 

[chuck84]

Congrats! I'm hoping this will be your year!

Me too! Four times is enough for me!

 

[Northwesterly]

Just got the MD/PhD interview invite! Secondary complete 11/1. 5 interviews in one day, whew that sounds exhausting! They gave me 4 dates, all Wednesdays, 1/5, 1/19, 2/2, or 2/16.

5 interviews in one day? I thought that was something that happened after Extraordinary Rendition.

 

[FingersXd4]

Interview Invite!! OOS. Secondary Complete 09/16

 

[URHere]

Just got the MD/PhD interview invite! Secondary complete 11/1. 5 interviews in one day, whew that sounds exhausting! They gave me 4 dates, all Wednesdays, 1/5, 1/19, 2/2, or 2/16.

Congrats! The interview dates are all on Wednesdays because applicants attend the MD/PhD journal club with current students over the lunch hour. It's a good chance to meet a wide range of students, nerd out, etc.

5 interviews in one day? I thought that was something that happened after Special Rendition.

When I applied, one of my schools (not OHSU) had 9 required interviews. Granted, this was spread out over two days but that 6-interview first day was still exhausting and occasionally traumatizing. Especially when the dean started asking my opinion on the legalization of marijuana and the war on drugs...

 

[BullDog4Eva]

Well, what do you know... just when I thought all hope is lost, I received an invite... on a Friday evening!!

Hmm.... Flying from coast to coast again, to attend my 11th interview, is not going to be pleasant. 🙁

 

[chuck84]

Anyone had an MD/PhD interview yet? Do they stack all the interviews back to back so I can obsessively check my watch to make sure I'm not late for the next one?

 

[doremi2010]

Does OHSU accept update letters or letters of interest? I am OOS, on hold for an interview.

 

[AshleyC]

Just got an interview yesterday for the MD/MPH program.... was complete 9/23.... they gave me Jan 4/11/12/18/19 to chose from. I'll be there on the 4th! SOOO EXCITED, been waiting a longgg time for this one. And updates are allowed only after you receive an interview.

And if people care- IS, 32P, 3.81S, 3.88C.

YAY OREGON AND YAY DUCKS.... here comes the BCS national title game!!

 

[Dianyla]

Congrats! 👍

And updates are allowed only after you receive an interview.

You mean, after the invite, but before the interview? I've always been a little confuse about this.

Post-interview my status says: "Please note that further updates will not reopen your file or change the committee's decision. It could take up to 6 weeks for the committee to review your file."

 

[AshleyC]

Congrats! 👍

You mean, after the invite, but before the interview? I've always been a little confuse about this.

Post-interview my status says: "Please note that further updates will not reopen your file or change the committee's decision. It could take up to 6 weeks for the committee to review your file."

Yeah what you said....Pre-interview! You have to get updates to them within 2 weeks of your interview day.

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

Well, what do you know... just when I thought all hope is lost, I received an invite... on a Friday evening!!

Hmm.... Flying from coast to coast again, to attend my 11th interview, is not going to be pleasant. 🙁

Haha, there are much worse problems than that my friend. Good luck!

 

[URHere]

Anyone had an MD/PhD interview yet? Do they stack all the interviews back to back so I can obsessively check my watch to make sure I'm not late for the next one?

This depends on who you are scheduled to interview/lab visit with. The schedule is created to be most convenient to the interviewers so you may have a back-to-back gambit of interviews or you may have substantial down time between appointments.

For what it's worth, most OHSU interviewers don't mind if you are a little bit late to the interview. Things are more relaxed out here and it is generally assumed that people will get lost looking for some of the more obscure buildings. Personally, I was late for all of my interviews but one - I actually got locked in a stairwell (with card access only) at one point and had to call the admissions people to come and get me out...making me about 20 min late. If they would take me after that, I doubt a little bit of delay would destroy your chances.

Does OHSU accept update letters or letters of interest? I am OOS, on hold for an interview.

If you really love OHSU, I would encourage you to send an LOI to them, even if it is outside of the official LOI window, especially if you are applying for one of the smaller, dual degree programs.

I sent one to OHSU after I was placed on post-interview hold, and while it probably didn't change anything drastically, I did start to receive phone calls from the MD/PhD program director every couple of weeks just to update me on where I stood in the process. It really helped to keep me sane while I waited things out!

 

[Northwesterly]

I actually got locked in a stairwell (with card access only) at one point and had to call the admissions people to come and get me out...making me about 20 min late.

Hear that, future interviewees? Avoid the stairs!

Seriously though, that sounds like a nightmare. Or something that would happen to George Costanza.

 

[thomprya]

Goodness, I think this post interview wait is going to be the death of me! 10/12 is going to hear this week, hopefully?

 

[linzrunzCO]

Woooooohoooooo! Just got the acceptance e-mail. Interviewed 10/26. It's going to be so hard to choose between OHSU, CU, and Georgetown. I loved each of them so much. A good dilemma to have though...

 

[Northwesterly]

Hold. I'm not going to whine, but damn that smarts. Based on the 15% immediate acceptance/~200 overall numbers I guess it's just an adjustment of overall odds from ~40% to ~30%... I guess we'll see in 5 months.

Congrats to everybody getting good news today, and good luck to everyone else.

 

[Dianyla]

Woooooohoooooo! Just got the acceptance e-mail. Interviewed 10/26. It's going to be so hard to choose between OHSU, CU, and Georgetown. I loved each of them so much. A good dilemma to have though...

Congrats, and my! What an embarrassment of riches ya got there! 👍 😀

Hold. I'm not going to whine, but damn that smarts. Based on the 15% immediate acceptance/~200 overall numbers I guess it's just an adjustment of overall odds from ~40% to ~30%... I guess we'll see in 5 months.

Congrats to everybody getting good news today, and good luck to everyone else.

Glad you finally heard back! And yep, we all know there's nothing negative in the least about getting a Hold at this stage in the game. It's just going to be a long wait til May.