2010-2011 Southern Illinois University Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
Anthony212! That must have been exciting! I am very interested in SIU as well and I have heard good things about them! What was the most difficult question that you were asked? What was the most interesting question? Any tips for me? I interview next week!

It was. And its really hard to say, the interviewers didnt use any script when interviewing, it pretty much leaves the interviewers free to ask or a talk about anything they want. I think my most interesting question and hardest was being asked to pick a debatable issue and choose a side, and then we discussed it for a few minutes.

As for tips, I dont know, i guess i would just say relax, my interviews were very low stress (as far as interviews go, lol). Everyone I met was awesome, even the current medical students i ran in to be accident stopped and talked, it was really nice.

Good luck next week! Let us know how it goes.
 
Thank you!

I do have a few concerns and I am wondering if you could let me know your experience. It looks like I have a 1pm and a 2pm interview back to back. I am worried that the 1pm might go over the allotted time. I am not sure how far away the 2 interview locations are from one another. I don't want to be late for my 2pm. And I wouldn't want to be rude and cut my 1st interview short in case it goes over the allotted time. What was your experience with this?

Also, I assume we drive from one interview location to the other. Is there street parking? Is it meter or you can park any where on the street w/ the visitor's ID badge?

Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
 
I also interviewed this past week (9/8). I would agree that the interviews are low stress. My first interviewer asked nothing out of the ordinary. She had full access to my file and tried to direct the questions based on that. There is however a sheet of "topics" that the interviewers are supposed to cover. The method/questions asked to cover the topics are up to the choice of the interviewer.

You can expect a question concerning Problem Based Learning and how that curriculum format would work for you. If you've had experience in the past with it, be sure to bring it up.

My second interviewer did not have my file and was considerably experienced with asking questions. We had a fantastic interview time, but I would not have considered this an easy interview. We developed a discussion surrounding a person's right to medicine in different ethical scenarios. I was asked 3 very specific ethical scenarios and asked what I thought about them. The interviewer made it clear that he did not want a specific answer, but more so to understand how I thought.

Finally, All interview locations are pretty much walkable within 10 minutes with the exception of St. Johns. If you have a car, you can get a visitor pass that allows you to park in designated areas and on the street for the day (visit the security desk in the main hospital, as it mentions on your itinerary sheet).

I would not recommend cutting off an interviewer in any way. Both interviewers are perfectly aware of your particular schedule for a given day and that you may be late in getting from one interview to another. The admissions director says the interviews last 30 minutes on average, but lo and behold both of mine were just under an hour.

I wouldn't worry too much about the interviews here. Everyone is super friendly and is not there to "trick" you in any sort of way. My best recommendation would be to stay relaxed, think clearly, and be yourself.
 
Hemostat5, thanks a lot for sharing your experience! I appreciate it! 😀
 
So I got "prospective reapplicant" last year...They told me to raise my MCAT score "2-3 points." Well I just raised it 7 points! I hope to be hearing from them soon! :xf::xf:
 
I had a great experience interviewing at SIU. The faculty were friendly. The style of the interview was conversational. They do want to get to know you as a person, and your motives and interest in medicine and SIU. I was able to get a better understanding of the PBL at SIU and have since became very excited about the program. Good luck everyone!
 
This thread is so dead....I got my MCAT score back two days ago...just got the secondary. Thanks to whomever posted the prompts I've had the essays written for a month. 😛
 
Alright I decided to get involved in this thread. Submitted my secondary last Thursday (received latest MCAT scores Aug 30). Mailing signature page today. I qualified for the AMCAS Fee Waiver and was wondering how I "request a Fee Waiver" like their website instructed? Should I email Evan Wilson with a request and attached AMCAS Fee Waiver Letter?

Also, I'm from Southern Illinois (Mascoutah) and went to Saint Louis University for undergrad.
 
Alright I decided to get involved in this thread. Submitted my secondary last Thursday (received latest MCAT scores Aug 30). Mailing signature page today. I qualified for the AMCAS Fee Waiver and was wondering how I "request a Fee Waiver" like their website instructed? Should I email Evan Wilson with a request and attached AMCAS Fee Waiver Letter?

Also, I'm from Southern Illinois (Mascoutah) and went to Saint Louis University for undergrad.

Welcome! I don't know about the fee waiver, but as an FYI, Evan is always very helpful.
 
Welcome! I don't know about the fee waiver, but as an FYI, Evan is always very helpful.

He is! I emailed him this morning and about 5 minutes later he responded informing me my fee has been waived.
 
Hi everyone.

I took the MCAT in July and got an email the day after my scores were released from SIU saying my application was being reviewed. I haven't received a secondary or heard anything else since then and that was 3 weeks ago. Has this happened to anyone else? I don't want to call and bother them for no reason.

Thanks!
 
I received a secondary somewhere between two and three weeks after they got my new scores. A little patience and you'll have yours in no time. :xf:


Does anybody by chance have a rough idea of how many people that received a secondary are invited to interview?
 
I received a secondary somewhere between two and three weeks after they got my new scores. A little patience and you'll have yours in no time. :xf:


Does anybody by chance have a rough idea of how many people that received a secondary are invited to interview?

I believe the website said ~300 interviews. But I believe the MSAR said 274 or something.
 
Most people who get a secondary end up interviewing here.

The interviews are really lax and the school is amazing. If you have questions, PM me. I can't get into this thread as much as I'd like to, but I'd love to help.
 
Do we get a complete email after they receive our signature page?
 
OMG I JUST GOT INVITED TO INTERVIEW!!

I mailed my signature page on Monday. I hope this means they like me. Everything is happening so fast this year!!
 
Congrats to all of you with interviews, I think you will really enjoy the school and curriculum. It's exam week and I still love this place, that probably says something.
 
Have you started doing PBL?


Congrats to all of you with interviews, I think you will really enjoy the school and curriculum. It's exam week and I still love this place, that probably says something.
 
OMG I JUST GOT INVITED TO INTERVIEW!!

I mailed my signature page on Monday. I hope this means they like me. Everything is happening so fast this year!!

Congrats!! Do you know your interview date yet??
 
Congrats!! Do you know your interview date yet??

Thanks! In the email they said they were scheduling into the first week in November, so I picked early Nov dates. I haven't received my official date and confirmation yet.
 
My interview is tomorrow.. Hope I dont say something stupid and mess it up :laugh:.... Good luck to the rest of you!!!
 
Last edited:
Hello, I've been lurking in this thread for a while and I have a question. SIU received my primary Sept 8, and still haven't sent a secondary. I know it says up to 4 weeks on the website but this is starting to worry me. How long did it take for the secondary to come for people here?

Also did anyone who has received a secondary/interview send any Letters of Recommendation before you received a secondary?
 
Hello, I've been lurking in this thread for a while and I have a question. SIU received my primary Sept 8, and still haven't sent a secondary. I know it says up to 4 weeks on the website but this is starting to worry me. How long did it take for the secondary to come for people here?

Also did anyone who has received a secondary/interview send any Letters of Recommendation before you received a secondary?

Where are you from? I got it immediately, but that may be because I am from central IL. Maybe they are still trying to decide...
 
Hello everyone.

This is my first post on SDN, really wish I had signed up sooner. I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow morning at SIU Springfield. I know this thread has been active for quite some time, but I will post any more information I come across that has not been previously discussed.

First interview of the semester, wish me luck 🙂
 
Where are you from? I got it immediately, but that may be because I am from central IL. Maybe they are still trying to decide...

I'm from southern IL. When did you submit? I think it may be because they are swamped with applicants. I got a 31 on the MCAT and my cumulative GPA is 3.58 so I hope I haven't already been screened out...SIU is my #1 choice because of its proximity to my home town.
 
Last edited:
I'm from southern IL. When did you submit? I think it may be because they are swamped with applicants. I got a 31 on the MCAT and my cumulative GPA is 3.58 so I hope I haven't already been screened out...SIU is my #1 choice because of its proximity to my home town.

Yeah, you're probably fine then. I would either keep waiting or call the admissions office. I submitted my primary in June but they were waiting on my MCAT scores until mid Sept. I received it a few days after my score was released.
 
Thanks, good luck with the interview and great job bringing up your MCAT! I already bugged EW about a week ago asking about my application status so I'm going to hold off communicating again for another week or so. Like you, I completed the essay questions and I'm just waiting for them to send me the secondary so I could send it right back to them...
 
Hello everyone (again)

Just got back from the SIU interview, and it was essentially what everyone has been saying up to this point. The only question that ended up catching me off guard was, "tell me something about SIU that you have researched that you think I would be surprised you know." I didn't really have an answer to this, though my interviewer did not appear terribly annoyed. Both of my interviewers were very kind and objective. I hope all of my future interviews will follow this format.

In terms of advice for interviewees, I would say a) make sure you are early, they started the orientation a little bit before they said they would, and b) be very very fluent with your application (AMCAS and secondary) because a large portion of the interview revolves around those two documents.

Best of luck to all of you
 
Last edited:
Hello everyone (again)

Just got back from the SIU interview, and it was essentially what everyone has been saying up to this point. The only question that ended up catching me off guard was, "tell me something about SIU that you have researched that you think I would be surprised you know." I didn't really have an answer to this, though my interviewer did not appear terribly annoyed. Both of my interviewers were very kind and objective. I hope all of my future interviews will follow this format.

In terms of advice for interviewees, I would say a) make sure you are early, they started the orientation a little bit before they said they would, and b) be very very fluent with your application (AMCAS and secondary) because a large portion of the interview revolves around those two documents.

Best of luck to all of you

Glad to hear it went well! Thanks for the tips.
 
Has anyone been put on the AWPA(or whatever the name is) list or had any post interview news yet?
 
Can somebody who already had an interview may be discuss the ethical questions?

Thanks in advance!!
 
Interview Invite today. 🙂

I received one too! I'm really excited. 😀

Were you offered the week of November 29 and beyond? I just picked the earliest 4 days I could. Does anyone know if I am interviewed on the 29th whether I could be considered for the first batch of acceptances?
 
I received one too! I'm really excited. 😀

Were you offered the week of November 29 and beyond? I just picked the earliest 4 days I could. Does anyone know if I am interviewed on the 29th whether I could be considered for the first batch of acceptances?
I think so, but ask EW, it depends on when the adcom meets that month.
 
I received one too! I'm really excited. 😀

Were you offered the week of November 29 and beyond? I just picked the earliest 4 days I could. Does anyone know if I am interviewed on the 29th whether I could be considered for the first batch of acceptances?

Congrats!!👍

Im interviewing the first week in Nov. I know at the interview they tell you when you are coming up for review at the committee meeting. I really really ...reallllly hope I have a chance for the December batch. :xf:
 
I submitted my application mid June and was sent secondary very soon afterward. I received an interview invite quickly after sending back secondary. Interviewed in late Sept.

MCAT 31Q
undergrad engineering major '96 2.8
Post bacc 24 hrs 3.97

I felt the interview went OK, but you never know how you are perceived. After answering all of their questions, I really felt I left there not having described all of my qualities and why I would be a good physician. Just received a ranked alternate letter-Unbelievably frustrating after dedicating myself to a two year sequence, mcat, interview and moving in preparation for medical school.

Good luck to all of you.
 
I submitted my application mid June and was sent secondary very soon afterward. I received an interview invite quickly after sending back secondary. Interviewed in late Sept.

MCAT 31Q
undergrad engineering major '96 2.8
Post bacc 24 hrs 3.97

I felt the interview went OK, but you never know how you are perceived. After answering all of their questions, I really felt I left there not having described all of my qualities and why I would be a good physician. Just received a ranked alternate letter-Unbelievably frustrating after dedicating myself to a two year sequence, mcat, interview and moving in preparation for medical school.

Good luck to all of you.


This is sad to see🙁 but hopefully you applied to other schools too! It's not over until you give up. That is one thing I have truly learned in this process. From what I've seen in the past, I think Ranked Alternate mostly means that you didn't quite fit in with the school's mission (which is very specific). It is not a reflection on your abilities to become a good doctor. For example, I know there was someone in last year's thread who got Ranked Alternate from SIU but later accepted to UIC.
 
I'm sorry to hear that, mcoverski. But like startswithb said, it's not over yet, don't give up. I'm very nervous about the SIU interview because it seems to me like they interview a lot more than they let in, and your story proves it.

For people who have interviewed, were you directly asked about what kind of residency you would pursue? I know SIU prides themselves on graduating primary care physicians, and I'm trying to figure out a way to answer this question truthfully without blowing my chances of acceptance. I find primary care to be something I'd consider, but I couldn't guarantee it's what I will do. I think it would be both dishonest and difficult for me to say I am very serious about wanting to go into primary care. How would you guys tackle this question?
 
I received an "Accept When Place Available" letter yesterday! Sooooo excited!
 
I'm sorry to hear that, mcoverski. But like startswithb said, it's not over yet, don't give up. I'm very nervous about the SIU interview because it seems to me like they interview a lot more than they let in, and your story proves it.

For people who have interviewed, were you directly asked about what kind of residency you would pursue? I know SIU prides themselves on graduating primary care physicians, and I'm trying to figure out a way to answer this question truthfully without blowing my chances of acceptance. I find primary care to be something I'd consider, but I couldn't guarantee it's what I will do. I think it would be both dishonest and difficult for me to say I am very serious about wanting to go into primary care. How would you guys tackle this question?

Although a majority of SIU residents are primary, there is a broad spectrum of other disciplines entered by graduates. I was asked about what area I would like to pursue-it was very obvious from my personal statement and applications why I want to attend medical school. I replied that I want to pursue Orthopedic Surgery because I am a very mechanical person with many hobbies that really show it. I didn't get the feeling that they screen out for only primary....but then I didn't get in either. My indication is that you may think you know what area to pursue, but might find something you like better when doing rotations. I would say you are interested in "----", but would be open to seeing what else is out there, where you can used you abilities to help others. But again.....

Good luck.
 
I'm sorry to hear that, mcoverski. But like startswithb said, it's not over yet, don't give up. I'm very nervous about the SIU interview because it seems to me like they interview a lot more than they let in, and your story proves it.

For people who have interviewed, were you directly asked about what kind of residency you would pursue? I know SIU prides themselves on graduating primary care physicians, and I'm trying to figure out a way to answer this question truthfully without blowing my chances of acceptance. I find primary care to be something I'd consider, but I couldn't guarantee it's what I will do. I think it would be both dishonest and difficult for me to say I am very serious about wanting to go into primary care. How would you guys tackle this question?
They don't expect you to know yet, and will not hold you to your answer. If you have interests, explain them. If you are open to them changing, explain that.
 
I received one too! I'm really excited. 😀

Were you offered the week of November 29 and beyond? I just picked the earliest 4 days I could. Does anyone know if I am interviewed on the 29th whether I could be considered for the first batch of acceptances?

Yep. Nov 29 and beyond. Same with the earliest 4 dates. I'll let you know when I'm scheduled. Congrats!
 
I don't really post around SDN much, but I've got an interview here on nov. 9. Anyone else?
 
Hello everyone (again)

Just got back from the SIU interview, and it was essentially what everyone has been saying up to this point. The only question that ended up catching me off guard was, "tell me something about SIU that you have researched that you think I would be surprised you know." I didn't really have an answer to this, though my interviewer did not appear terribly annoyed. Both of my interviewers were very kind and objective. I hope all of my future interviews will follow this format.

In terms of advice for interviewees, I would say a) make sure you are early, they started the orientation a little bit before they said they would, and b) be very very fluent with your application (AMCAS and secondary) because a large portion of the interview revolves around those two documents.

Best of luck to all of you

Hey thanks a lot for interview tips man! I was asked same question, "tell me something that will surprise me about SIU"! Good luck with the rest of the application process!
 
Finally interviewing here next week. Anyone going to be there with me?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top