2010-2011 University of Buffalo (SUNY) Application Thread

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Unlike last year Buffalo is not doing the random review this year.

What's random review, if you don't mind me asking?

It meant that there was no correlation between completion date and review date (and thereby interview date). So you could be complete 7/1 and not get reviewed till April. Thankfully, they aren't doing that this year.

Source? They told me at my interview that they review "randomly."
The complete email was different this year.
 
My Application Status says:
App Fee Received = YES
AMCAS Fee Waiver = NO
Secondary App Received = YES
Application Complete = NO
Current Status = NO ACTION

Why is my app considered incomplete? Is it because I did not do the AMCAS Fee Waiver?? I sent in the LORs a while ago (about 1 week).
 
My Application Status says:
App Fee Received = YES
AMCAS Fee Waiver = NO
Secondary App Received = YES
Application Complete = NO
Current Status = NO ACTION

Why is my app considered incomplete? Is it because I did not do the AMCAS Fee Waiver?? I sent in the LORs a while ago (about 1 week).

If you paid the application fee, then obviously it wouldn't be the waiver (to not pay the fee).

If you just submitted, give their system some time. It may also take a few days to file your LORs. Remember it is the weekend.
 
I agree w/ longshanks.....It takes them a while to get your LOR's in your file and get your application complete status updated to yes. I think mine took almost 2 weeks lasr year, even though I only used my pre-health committee letter, which was submitted through AMCAS. They basically just go through your application, letters, etc... to make sure everything is there and completed before they update the website status and put your application into the review pile.

Good Luck!
 
Hey guys,
UB is my number one choice, I submitted my app a little late (July 30th) and it is in line for verification. Did you recieve your secondaries after verification or before?
I only ask bc I have one secondary already from PennState.
Thanks
 
Hey guys,
UB is my number one choice, I submitted my app a little late (July 30th) and it is in line for verification. Did you recieve your secondaries after verification or before?
I only ask bc I have one secondary already from PennState.
Thanks

After verification.

A few schools do send them before you are verified (i.e. GWU & BU)
 
Hey guys,

I just got an email saying I was complete, but my status page still reads:

Application Year 2011
Application Fee Received ($65.00)
(Amcas Fee Waivers exempt) Yes
Amcas Fee Waiver No
Secondary Application Received
(Verification Statement) Yes
Application Complete No
Current Status NO ACTION

Anyone else have that or know what it means?
 
Hey guys,

I just got an email saying I was complete, but my status page still reads:

Application Year 2011
Application Fee Received ($65.00)
(Amcas Fee Waivers exempt) Yes
Amcas Fee Waiver No
Secondary Application Received
(Verification Statement) Yes
Application Complete No
Current Status NO ACTION

Anyone else have that or know what it means?

-Have you sent your LORs?
-When did you submit the secondary? (its the weekend, no one is updating the system)
-If the answer is less than 48 hours or sometime on Friday, be patient.
 
Takes a while for them to update you to complete. And the "NO ACTION" won't change until they decide whether to offer you an interview or not. But, they will also send you a letter/e-mail to let you know that decision.

I'm re-submitting tomorrow. Am on the waitlist this year, which was unusually slow (stopped completely July 8th!). But, I technically can still get in until the end of this week if some sort of miracle happens. I really wanted to avoid spending another $300 on applications if I could, but oh well. I guess not. I just hope they don't have another huge jump in the number of applicants this year, like they did last year.

So, anyways.....I went to UB for undergrad, I'm from the Buffalo area, and I've wanted to go to UBMS since middle school. So, everything I've done has been to research what they are looking for in an applicant. If anyone has any questions about anything, let me know!

Good Luck this cycle!
 
Interview Invite on 8/10/10 for 8/25/10
Complete 8/2/10
 
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Takes a while for them to update you to complete. And the "NO ACTION" won't change until they decide whether to offer you an interview or not. But, they will also send you a letter/e-mail to let you know that decision.

I'm re-submitting tomorrow. Am on the waitlist this year, which was unusually slow (stopped completely July 8th!). But, I technically can still get in until the end of this week if some sort of miracle happens. I really wanted to avoid spending another $300 on applications if I could, but oh well. I guess not. I just hope they don't have another huge jump in the number of applicants this year, like they did last year.

So, anyways.....I went to UB for undergrad, I'm from the Buffalo area, and I've wanted to go to UBMS since middle school. So, everything I've done has been to research what they are looking for in an applicant. If anyone has any questions about anything, let me know!

Good Luck this cycle!

"NO ACTION" is just depressing... it makes me imagine that my app is sitting on someone's desk, collecting dust :laugh:

But thanks for letting me know... I was a little worried that even though it says I'm complete, it still says "NO ACTION"... I wasn't sure if that meant something bad lol.
 
Got an interview invite for 8/25, but rescheduled to 9/15.

35Q, 3.87 GPA, OOS

Good luck guys!
 
for people who have gotten interviews. Did your status ever change from NO ACTION?
 
It should change to Interview Scheduled or something like that. (I can't remember for sure from last year, but I'm pretty sure it's something similar to that).

The Admissions Committee at UB decides on everyone interviewed that Wednesday that same evening, so if it is after October 15th, your status will be updated to "Accepted" "Wait List" or "Not Accepted" the next day (usually by noon). Any interviews done prior to October 15th will have their status updated on the 15th.
 
Interview invite!!! IS 3.8/33 complete 7/26! I got rejected here last cycle, so don't give up hope guys! Good Luck!
 
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If I remember correctly from last year....they change your status from "NO ACTION" to interview scheduled or something once you confirm you will be accepting the interview invite. Again, it usually takes a few days for this to be updated once you accept.

Congrats on all the invites everyone!

The MCAT average was very high this past year, and it looks like it's going to be high again this year! (BAD for me!)

Dr Pepp3r-you getting and invite gives me hope for myself this year too! I was waitlisted at UB last year. UB is my only option because I have 3 kids and am from the Buffalo area....so I need my family to help me through med school even more than I needed them for undergrad! Hopefully we will be in the same class next year!
 
I interview on September 15th! Anyone else? I'm OOS so I really need to jump on that plane ticket purchase.
 
Hey guys

Where did you get the link for this status page? I want to check but can't find it anywhere?

Thanks
 
If I paid the 65.00$ application fee then I submitted the verification agreement right? I never got a confirmation email, or one saying my file is complete...
 
yes. You can e-mail Mr. Rosso just to check that they received it if you want:

[email protected]

He's in the admissions office and does the interview tour and everything. He's usually pretty quick to get back to you. Good Luck!
 
About the Interview Day Essay: They claim this essay is just for use during the white coat ceremony (after orientation week ends). They did quote (without identifying the writers) members of the classes essays. So far, all the topics that I've heard of were at least somewhat related to medicine (compassion, communication etc). And they tell you not to stress out about the essay. I didn't, although I took it seriously.

While they say they do not, I am not sure if they do or do not read them before making decisions. I suspect they don't, just because they make decisions like the day you interview (which is pretty awesome).

Mr. Rosso was mentioned earlier and he can totally answer anything and is an awesome resource for the application cycle. He's wicked nice and I found him super helpful last year. Just don't bother him with the standard overanxious constant prodding some premeds do to admissions offices... he's too awesome to get stuck dealing with that 😛
 
About the Interview Day Essay: They claim this essay is just for use during the white coat ceremony (after orientation week ends).

I think it depends.

For me I'm pretty sure no one read my essay. It was awful as I was starving and braindead after the two hour tour and one our of information. I'm convinced I wouldn't have been accepted had they read it. If they're going to have it count, they should give you a longer time and feed you BEFORE you write it so you can actually focus.

However, I've heard of some people getting questions about it in their interviews. While I'm pretty sure the adcom doesn't read it when they're deciding where to place you (acceptance, waitlist, or rejection) I think it can effect your admission if your interviewer reads it. But it probably won't mean much to them if you make a good impression otherwise.

So take it seriously, don't write anything dumb on it, but keep in mind that it's unlikely to effect your overall outcome. Again, mine was very bad: poorly written and generic, but I still got in. According to the white coat ceremony my stats were below average too.
 
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About the Interview Day Essay: They claim this essay is just for use during the white coat ceremony (after orientation week ends). They did quote (without identifying the writers) members of the classes essays. So far, all the topics that I've heard of were at least somewhat related to medicine (compassion, communication etc). And they tell you not to stress out about the essay. I didn't, although I took it seriously.

While they say they do not, I am not sure if they do or do not read them before making decisions. I suspect they don't, just because they make decisions like the day you interview (which is pretty awesome).

Mr. Rosso was mentioned earlier and he can totally answer anything and is an awesome resource for the application cycle. He's wicked nice and I found him super helpful last year. Just don't bother him with the standard overanxious constant prodding some premeds do to admissions offices... he's too awesome to get stuck dealing with that 😛

they decide onthe day you interview? then when do you find out the results? i have an interview 9 29. my first interview so far...

does anyone know hotels nearby? and is buffalo med the same campus as buffalo university?
 
they decide onthe day you interview? then when do you find out the results? i have an interview 9 29. my first interview so far...

does anyone know hotels nearby? and is buffalo med the same campus as buffalo university?



First regarding the "surprise" essay-I had a meeting with Mr. Rosso to go over my re-application last week AND THE VERDICT IS......it IS important. The 2 people who interview you do read it before your interview. But, the most important thing they are looking for is that you take it seriously, can think coherently when under stress (and starving to death), and they compare it to your personal statement to ensure that you actually wrote your personal statement (no, they don't expect it to be as well-polished and amazing as your statement, but they just want to know you didn't have someone else write your statement all together)

YES, UB's adcom reviews and decides on all applicants interviewed the same day (always a Wednesday). Your status page will update the next day (Thursday) usually by noon. However, this only happens for people interviewed AFTER October 15th. So, if your interview is in Sept or Early October, although they have already made a decision on your admission status, they will not update your page or tell you you've gotten in or send you and admission packet until October 15th.

There are tons of hotels nearby, all just depends how much you're looking to spend. I think the Homewood Suites in Amherst, NY is probably the best really close to the school.

The Medical School campus is part of the UB "South" campus which is on Main Street. But the hospitals are scattered throughout the city, not really in a central area.
 
OH, and I totally forgot! Mr. Rosso also told me that IT IS STILL RANDOM REVIEW this year. I know there were a few people saying it was not and that they were going in order of when they received your application, but they are not. As soon as your application is submitted, it can be reviewed any time between the day you are confirmed complete and March 31st, 2011. However, it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't really matter when you interview or are reviewed because UB doesn't fill its class until the day after the final day of interviews-April 27th 2011 for this year.

Good Luck all!
 
However, it is important to keep in mind that it doesn't really matter when you interview or are reviewed because UB doesn't fill its class until the day after the final day of interviews-April 27th 2011 for this year.

This is very true. I know many people in the class this year that interviewed in April. Quite a few interviewed within the last week. I interviewed very late as well.
 
interview invite.

complete on August 9.

I'm OOS
 
First regarding the "surprise" essay-I had a meeting with Mr. Rosso to go over my re-application last week AND THE VERDICT IS......it IS important. The 2 people who interview you do read it before your interview. But, the most important thing they are looking for is that you take it seriously, can think coherently when under stress (and starving to death), and they compare it to your personal statement to ensure that you actually wrote your personal statement (no, they don't expect it to be as well-polished and amazing as your statement, but they just want to know you didn't have someone else write your statement all together)

I stand corrected. I must have misinterpreted what they said at some point. I tend to write pretty poorly on the fly (as you might be able to tell from my posts), so it didn't hurt me much I guess.

Also, in regards to starving to death: one thing I found really helpful on the interview trail was to have something small for breakfast, and bring a granola bar or something to eat during downtime (most interviews at schools have it, but not all have a good time). I also brought water most of the time as well. You don't get distracted, I think you think better, and, as a plus, if they only serve pasta with red sauce (this happened at one interview) you don't have to be afraid of messing up your nice clothing prior to the interview or be completely starved during it.
 
Hi again Suenya! I had heard mixed things about the essay previously too. And Dr. Severin does say that they will be used for the White Coat Ceremony right before he gives it to you........

Thanks for the tips about food. I def. plan on eating a good breakfast (more than just the bagel I had last time) and bringing a power bar or something to eat while on the tour.....I think my NOT being pregnant this time may help me not be soooooo hungry too! 🙂
 
This is very true. I know many people in the class this year that interviewed in April. Quite a few interviewed within the last week. I interviewed very late as well.

I sort of wonder if we've met yet, or some of the other SDNers that sounded like they were going here. Thank you again (and Syd as well) for the info about areas to live, etc. It was really helpful.
 
Welcome! I'm sure you'll all know you've met me! I'm sure I'll be the only 23 year old with 3 kids! lol 🙂
 
If I remember correctly from last year....they change your status from "NO ACTION" to interview scheduled or something once you confirm you will be accepting the interview invite. Again, it usually takes a few days for this to be updated once you accept.

Congrats on all the invites everyone!

The MCAT average was very high this past year, and it looks like it's going to be high again this year! (BAD for me!)

Dr Pepp3r-you getting and invite gives me hope for myself this year too! I was waitlisted at UB last year. UB is my only option because I have 3 kids and am from the Buffalo area....so I need my family to help me through med school even more than I needed them for undergrad! Hopefully we will be in the same class next year!

what was the MCAT average this past year? I applied for entrance in 2009 and was waitlisted. currently applying again! i had a late interview, in April- i think i had like the 2nd to last interview date. i LOVED the school when i interviewed, so hoping that it happens again! gluck everyone!
 
Hi there! When I met with Mr. Rosso a few weeks ago he told me it was "over a 32". So the average, with a few decimal places, would've been between 32 and 33. And I know that the average was 33.84 after the last interview date in March. (we had Dr. Severin at a meeting for the UB Pre-Med Club that day and he told us). So after the 4 last weeks of interviews and waitlist movement (which stopped on July 8th this past year), it only dropped a little over a point.

I'm re-taking my MCAT on Thursday to try to improve it to get a little closer to that average. I'm scared that with increasing applications even more this coming year it's going to go up even more!
 
Hi there! When I met with Mr. Rosso a few weeks ago he told me it was "over a 32". So the average, with a few decimal places, would've been between 32 and 33. And I know that the average was 33.84 after the last interview date in March. (we had Dr. Severin at a meeting for the UB Pre-Med Club that day and he told us). So after the 4 last weeks of interviews and waitlist movement (which stopped on July 8th this past year), it only dropped a little over a point.

I'm re-taking my MCAT on Thursday to try to improve it to get a little closer to that average. I'm scared that with increasing applications even more this coming year it's going to go up even more!

It's probably too late to do you much good, but I can't recommend the EK books enough for all the subjects. They're all I used to study, and I hadn't taken some subjects for like 6 years. In particular, one strategy for verbal is that, whenever possible, try to stereotype the authors and use that to answer the questions for the "opinion" or similar style pieces. I think that really works almost 100% of the time, if you stereotype well 😛
 
Just submitted my secondary! I'm excited!

GL on the MCAT SydSue! :luck:

It's probably too late to do you much good, but I can't recommend the EK books enough for all the subjects. They're all I used to study, and I hadn't taken some subjects for like 6 years. In particular, one strategy for verbal is that, whenever possible, try to stereotype the authors and use that to answer the questions for the "opinion" or similar style pieces. I think that really works almost 100% of the time, if you stereotype well 😛


Thanks everyone! I used EK's Audio Osmosis and it def. helped. I guess we will have to see how it turns out! I won't find out my score until October 5th and hopefully my AMCAS review will be complete by then, so I can get my secondary in right away. Last year I didn't complete my secondary until November 28th!

Thanks again all! Keep us all updated on how interviews are going!
 
Do any of you know if they accept updates after you submit your secondary? I can't find it on the website - I know most schools do, but some are particular about things. Thanks!
 
If you aren't sure about something, call admissions (Mr. Rosso). He will either pick up the phone right away or get back to you shortly. You should be able to find out about updates easily that way! Good luck!
 
Do any of you know if they accept updates after you submit your secondary? I can't find it on the website - I know most schools do, but some are particular about things. Thanks!


I believe that they will accept them, but they are not considered part of your application unless you are chosen for an interview. I know that most of the advisers/students/staff I talked to last year told me to wait until after my interview to send them anything because of this. They said it's worth it to send a thank you/update immediately after you interview (but this doesn't effect your admission status, since they decide on that the day you interview) and then if you happen to be wait-listed, to send another follow-up/letter of intent/update in mid-late June. Good luck!
 
Got the complete email today! But I guess this doesn't mean much with random review 😛

For anyone who has interviewed already, what'd you think?
 
I submitted first day secondary was available. Still no word. Anyone received rejections? And they do random review for interviews, correct?
 
I submitted first day secondary was available. Still no word. Anyone received rejections? And they do random review for interviews, correct?

yeah i believe so Man. they're random, could get an interview anytime throughout the cycle
 
Complete 8/10... still "NO ACTION." 🙁
 
This year we will NOT fill our entire Entering Class until after our last interview date has been completed in late April, 2011. Therefore, "time" will not be a factor in our decision making process. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Best regards,

James J. Rosso
Admissions Advisor

I got that email today
 
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