2010-2011 University of Arizona Application Thread

[sustentacular]

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It's entirely possible that the application process was traumatic enough to induce retrograde amnesia, but I don't remember paying a secondary application for U of A. Am I entirely off base in saying that guys? And if so, the small class size is such a nice thing in my opinion that it's worth taking the chance if one is OOS. I know Phosphorous at least is happy to have done so!

Last year you could apply to both schools under one secondary. So it's not that you don't remember, it's that you didnt have to.

 

[DancinSarah]

Got the Tucson secondary invite this morning (OOS) but I can't log in to post the questions. Says it will be available one day after the e-mail so hopefully we'll have access by tomorrow!

 

[shepardsun]

Last year you could apply to both schools under one secondary. So it's not that you don't remember, it's that you didnt have to.

Yeah, I remember applying to both under one secondary I just don't remember the secondary costing money. But it's a great opportunity for a med school to rake in some easy cash so I guess it doesn't really make sense why it wouldn't cost something.

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

I remember being turned off initially because PHX only took 12 OOS students, but decided to apply anyway because I really liked the program. After interviewing, I only liked it more so made sure throughout the process that I kept the school notified of my continued interest in their specific program. I don't have amazing stats or anything and managed to be accepted off the WL about a month ago. I think what did it was that I was sincerely interested in PHX and it showed.

 

[shepardsun]

I think what did it was that I was sincerely interested in PHX and it showed.

👍 Glad to have you aboard 🙂

 

[Brrooother]

👍 Glad to have you aboard 🙂

👍 Glad to have both of you aboard, Phos and Shep! Only a couple more weeks! Well, I'll see you the 9th of August, but good luck until then!

And good luck to those of you applying. I'm an MSII at Phoenix, so feel free to PM me with questions, or just ask on the thread. I ADORE my school, and I don't think the 12 OOS positions should turn you off... you never know, you could just be one of those 12.

 

[jadealer]

I was going to apply to both Phoenix and Tucson originally but on the AMCAS site Phoenix had a restriction of "Regular M.D. (Only Arizona residents and Arizona non-residents with United States citizenship or Permanent Visa status may apply.)" What exactly are Arizona non-residents? Does it just mean as long as you are a US citizen you can apply??? I am very confused...

 

[sustentacular]

Yeah, I remember applying to both under one secondary I just don't remember the secondary costing money. But it's a great opportunity for a med school to rake in some easy cash so I guess it doesn't really make sense why it wouldn't cost something.

OK I see what you're saying. There was a $100 secondary fee unless you had a fee waiver.

 

[mymembernames]

Do they have to receive your LORs before sending you a secondary or interview invite? Thanks in advance.

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

Do they have to receive your LORs before sending you a secondary or interview invite? Thanks in advance.

I assume not (for PHX) based on last year's experience. I submitted my secondary, received an interview invite a few days later, and it was not until I received one of those AMCAS missing letters emails that I realized I hadn't submitted my LORs to UA. I could have sworn I did, but it was one of the last schools I added to my application, so I guess I must have forgotten. Always a good idea to get it in early though, just in case you forget like me 🙂.

 

[jskinny21]

Just wondering if anyone has tried to submit the secondary for the Tucson campus yet, every time I try to go to the second page of the secondary I get a crazy error message.

 

[BearDownAZ]

Just wondering if anyone has tried to submit the secondary for the Tucson campus yet, every time I try to go to the second page of the secondary I get a crazy error message.

Secondary applications are activated the next business day after receiving the invitation; therefore, you will receive an error message if you attempt to login today. We appreciate your patience and compliance with our system.

 

[ichy4life]

Secondary applications are activated the next business day after receiving the invitation; therefore, you will receive an error message if you attempt to login today. We appreciate your patience and compliance with our system.

It's been over 24 hours and I keep getting the same error message, which is a very different experience than with Phx - Phx has website that you can track your app with, immediate secondary, easy to follw. Oh well, I guess I have to wait until I can catch someone on the phone in Tucson. I tried calling several times on Friday and can never catch someone ont eh phone. Tucson is mysterious ... 🙁

 

[jadealer]

I assume not (for PHX) based on last year's experience. I submitted my secondary, received an interview invite a few days later, and it was not until I received one of those AMCAS missing letters emails that I realized I hadn't submitted my LORs to UA. I could have sworn I did, but it was one of the last schools I added to my application, so I guess I must have forgotten. Always a good idea to get it in early though, just in case you forget like me 🙂.

Can you apply to the phoenix campus if you're not an Arizona resident and you don't live in arizona??

 

[jskinny21]

Secondary applications are activated the next business day after receiving the invitation; therefore, you will receive an error message if you attempt to login today. We appreciate your patience and compliance with our system.

yea mine is already activated, I am trying to submit and there is an error that says to contact the web administrator

 

[ichy4life]

Can you apply to the phoenix campus if you're not an Arizona resident and you don't live in arizona??

Totally - both campuses accept nonres apps.

 

[BearDownAZ]

Can someone post the secondary questions for the Tucson location?

Also, Phoenix is adopting a new interview structure. As they are completely separate from Tucson this year, they will have the Mini Medical Interview structure. This is a behavioral-based model, focusing on scenario-based questions within multiple stations.

 

[shepardsun]

Can someone post the secondary questions for the Tucson location?

Also, Phoenix is adopting a new interview structure. As they are completely separate from Tucson this year, they will have the Mini Medical Interview structure. This is a behavioral-based model, focusing on scenario-based questions within multiple stations.

That's verrrrrrry interesting. Does anyone know of other schools that do something like this so I can check it out?

 

[SFGuy2011]

Has anyone gotten to the second page of the Arizona-Tucson secondary application? It's been over one business day for me, and every time I try to submit the first page and move to the second page I get an error message. I've tried multiple web browsers as well with no luck.

 

[ShameFame]

Has anyone gotten to the second page of the Arizona-Tucson secondary application? It's been over one business day for me, and every time I try to submit the first page and move to the second page I get an error message. I've tried multiple web browsers as well with no luck.

Same, i'll be calling them tomorrow

 

[DancinSarah]

Has anyone gotten to the second page of the Arizona-Tucson secondary application? It's been over one business day for me, and every time I try to submit the first page and move to the second page I get an error message. I've tried multiple web browsers as well with no luck.

Been having the same problem.

 

[DancinSarah]

What are Phoenix's LOR rules? I can't find any info on the website or the secondary app itself.

 

[ichy4life]

What are Phoenix's LOR rules? I can't find any info on the website or the secondary app itself.

www.medicine.arizona.edu/phoenix

Letters of Recommendation

The Admissions Committee prefers letters from individuals with whom you have an established relationship and can clearly affirm the traits and characteristics desired in a physician. We prefer at least three letters and would suggest you submit letters from individuals with whom you have worked during your time in a variety of settings, i.e. clinical experience, in a research lab, during a community service project that highlight your strengths as a potential physician. You are encouraged to submit your letters to AMCAS as soon as possible, no later than January 15, 2011. If available, letters will be read during initial reviews and when determining limited interview invitations.

 

[DancinSarah]

www.medicine.arizona.edu/phoenix

Letters of Recommendation

The Admissions Committee prefers letters from individuals with whom you have an established relationship and can clearly affirm the traits and characteristics desired in a physician. We prefer at least three letters and would suggest you submit letters from individuals with whom you have worked during your time in a variety of settings, i.e. clinical experience, in a research lab, during a community service project that highlight your strengths as a potential physician. You are encouraged to submit your letters to AMCAS as soon as possible, no later than January 15, 2011. If available, letters will be read during initial reviews and when determining limited interview invitations.

Thanks!

 

[BearDownAZ]

University of Arizona Tucson Essays

• How has your education, experience, and background prepared you to interact effectively with people who have lives different from yours (cultural, social, religious, educational, etc.)? (Limit: 350 words)

• What is your specific interest in attending The University of Arizona College of Medicine? If you are a nonresident, what specific ties do you have to the State of Arizona? How will the opportunities we offer allow you to build on your skills and prior experiences? (Limit: 350 words)

• Explain the personal growth learned from an activity in which you have participated with such as research, patient encounter, or service activity. (Limit: 350 words)

• Some applicants have encountered adversity that has created academic hardship and prevented them from performing to their potential. If such a situation applies to you, what adversity have you faced that has negatively impacted your ability to perform? (Limit: 350 words)

 

[ichy4life]

Is anyone else still having problems with the Tucson branch secondary application? I can't seem to get past the first page. How do I get this fixed? No one is answering the phone today.

 

[MadeInReydn]

Hey! I just wanted to wish good luck to everyone applying! I hope you all get in!

I've been tracking waitlist movement for the 2009-2010 cycle with an excel plot. In several months I'd like to send the file to someone else who'd continue tracking. If anyone's interested, they can PM me (though I figure it may be more compelling if you yourself are a WLer, like I was). And in case anyone is curious, last we knew, 73 people were pulled from the WL this year! It'll probably end up at around 75 🙂

Good luck again! (I'm especially rooting for all you guys from this year!)

 

[ShameFame]

Is anyone else still having problems with the Tucson branch secondary application? I can't seem to get past the first page. How do I get this fixed? No one is answering the phone today.

Im having the same issue... I get an error message when I submit the first page. Anyone getting to the second page? If so, what browser you using?

Thanks

 

[ichy4life]

Im having the same issue... I get an error message when I submit the first page. Anyone getting to the second page? If so, what browser you using?

Thanks

I wish we could get an answer - I even tried calling Phoenix to see if they could help me! Although they were nice, the probem is not one they can help with and gave me Tanisha's direct line. Is this a sign?😕

 

[shepardsun]

I wish we could get an answer - I even tried calling Phoenix to see if they could help me! Although they were nice, the probem is not one they can help with and gave me Tanisha's direct line. Is this a sign?😕

Probably not. I've found that U of A was pretty much the most consistently helpful school among the ones I applied to when it came to issues with applications. I'll bet this is a fluke and I'm sure you'll hear back from them relatively soon.

 

[ShameFame]

I wish we could get an answer - I even tried calling Phoenix to see if they could help me! Although they were nice, the probem is not one they can help with and gave me Tanisha's direct line. Is this a sign?😕

I'll get on the horn tomorrow. We'll get this figured out

 

[ichy4life]

Probably not. I've found that U of A was pretty much the most consistently helpful school among the ones I applied to when it came to issues with applications. I'll bet this is a fluke and I'm sure you'll hear back from them relatively soon.

UA Phoenix is super quick to respond - email/phone, always helpful. Maybe Tucson is on summer break? If you're ever in town (or if you live here) can you stop in and say 'hey, need some help?'

 

[BearDownAZ]

Anyone have the website URL for the login to the secondary for Phx?

 

[ichy4life]

Anyone have the website URL for the login to the secondary for Phx?

It's in the invitation email message...do you still have the email message?

 

[chrisoc13]

The last essay for Tuscon campus is completely optional right? I don't really have much to write for it and while I believe all students have some situation that gives them hardship mine is pretty weak and I don't feel as though it is too important to tell them. Anyone else not doing the last one?

 

[chrisoc13]

Anyone else still having trouble submitting an application to the Tucson tract? I just tried again today and it still is not working.

 

[ichy4life]

Anyone else still having trouble submitting an application to the Tucson tract? I just tried again today and it still is not working.

Tucson spins my head like a record, round, round...same issue. No response. I guess my weekend is left to watching reruns of Brady Bunch.

 

[Slack3r]

Submitted today, worked fine for me.

 

[Choo]

I'm still can't submit. I'm using firefox on an apple machine. Maybe that is the cause for it.

 

[chrisoc13]

Submitted today, worked fine for me.

With what browser? I tried again today and it still isn't working, but I'm using firefox as well. Maybe I'll try internet explorer real quick.

 

[chrisoc13]

Never mind just entered it all into internet explorer hit next and it still didn't work. Terrible website U of A. Terrible.

 

[Choo]

So I believe I have figured it out. No dates can be later than the present for uncompleted course, Every course must have a real grade i.e. A B C and + or - and every field must be filled out. It wouldn't let me submit with anything other than that.

 

[Choo]

Actually IP and FC (future course) works for a grade. and future courses can be listed with their correct date. I think it was because I wrote "in progress" - that's why it didn't work.

 

[ichy4life]

Never mind just entered it all into internet explorer hit next and it still didn't work. Terrible website U of A. Terrible.

UA - Tucson terrible. UA - Phoenix pretty darn easy. I'll try entering courses the way its been suggested, after my Brady Bunch reruns end.

 

[mymembernames]

I haven't got the secondary yet, but do we have to re-enter all of our courses in the secondary?

 

[chrisoc13]

Choo you are my hero. That was the problem. Awesome job U of A having a website that does not even give you proper instructions and then just has an error when I try to submit. Well done. That alone will probably cut out a few hundred applicants who simply grow tired of entering the information. Phoenix has a much better application service.

And yes you have to enter your pre-reqs again, but lots of schools ask for that so no biggie.

 

[lrkoehle]

I'm sorry so many of you are having trouble with the Tucson secondary, but don't let that deter you from the school. This is the first year they are doing things separately between the campuses, and clearly Tucson did not get things setup to work as smoothly as they should have. Anyways, hopefully the rest of your application cycle goes well and you get interviews here and elsewhere, so you can see how great of a school it is.

Also, you should be somewhat happy that they got the secondary out so early this year. I think last year it was late in July before it came out, so even though its not perfect at least they didn't keep you waiting for weeks and weeks (by which I mean a couple weeks).

Good luck everyone.

 

[shepardsun]

I'm sorry so many of you are having trouble with the Tucson secondary, but don't let that deter you from the school.

Yeah, that's what the Tucson metropolitan area is for!

/rimshot

No, Lrk makes a very valid point. I really hope that these growing pains don't turn you guys off of one campus or the other. Ultimately what this means that that the Tucson campus is actively striving to become a better place to go to school and they feel revamping the application system will help them to do that. I can say for utmost certainty that the administrations at both schools are really trying to bring their A-game to this next round of applicants and I'm sure you'll see this when you get deeper throughout the process.

 

[lrkoehle]

Yeah, that's what the Tucson metropolitan area is for!

How are those 115 degree days treatin' you? We've only topped out at like 105 since I've been down here in Tucson! But seriously, I am really liking the Tucson area, including the Sonoran hot dog I experienced for the first time this past weekend. Is it healthy? No. Delicious? Yes.

No, Lrk makes a very valid point. I really hope that these growing pains don't turn you guys off of one campus or the other. Ultimately what this means that that the Tucson campus is actively striving to become a better place to go to school and they feel revamping the application system will help them to do that. I can say for utmost certainty that the administrations at both schools are really trying to bring their A-game to this next round of applicants and I'm sure you'll see this when you get deeper throughout the process.

👍

 

[Brrooother]

How are those 115 degree days treatin' you? We've only topped out at like 105 since I've been down here in Tucson! But seriously, I am really liking the Tucson area, including the Sonoran hot dog I experienced for the first time this past weekend. Is it healthy? No. Delicious? Yes.



👍

Yeah right, like it makes a freaking difference after 100 degrees! It's just stupid hot at that point! I am SO out of central/southern AZ ASAP!! Haha, good luck, applicants, it's not really that bad [yes it is], you'll love it [no you won't]. 😀