2010-2011 University of Kansas Application Thread

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I am set up for next week too. I asked how many were accepted he said he thinks 38. so 38/60=63.3% I am pretty sure that is uncommonly low. Maybe they set the bar higher this year than in previous years. My adviser said that, in her experience, most of the people that apply EDP that don't get accepted EDP get accepted RD. However, it seems like we can't trust these trends anymore.
 
Well, I've narrowed it down to 55 schools so far...Suppose I'll have to refine that a little 🙄
 
I am set up for next week too. I asked how many were accepted he said he thinks 38. so 38/60=63.3% I am pretty sure that is uncommonly low. Maybe they set the bar higher this year than in previous years. My adviser said that, in her experience, most of the people that apply EDP that don't get accepted EDP get accepted RD. However, it seems like we can't trust these trends anymore.
no can trust =)
 
Well, I've narrowed it down to 55 schools so far...Suppose I'll have to refine that a little 🙄
By the time you are done writing essays for all of those schools, you should publish a book =D
 
Sorry I took so long everyone! I was accepted on September 30th.. and I was honestly shocked because I met such an outstanding group on interview day that I didn't feel confident whatsoever.

Since I've been through this process so many times, I wanted to help ease the disappointment for those who didn't get in and give all of the advice I have. KU has many many applicants, and they seem extremely hesitant to give acceptances to first-time applicants. Let me explain my past experiences and why I've come to this conclusion.


First Time Applying:
I graduated college in 3 years and my first year was spent on another degree. That left me with my second year in college to work in a lab, volunteer with a variety of organizations, shadow physicians, and study for my MCAT. Throughout my undergrad I maintained a 4.0, but that didn't make my 25O on the MCAT look any better. I took the MCAT on the very last date available and got my scores after already applying Early Decision. I was booted to Regular Decision because my MCAT did not meet their minimum. I interviewed and was rejected in March.

Conclusions From 1st Round:
1. KU's average MCAT score is 29, so I had to reach/exceed that score.
2. ECs should include EVERYTHING especially physician-shadowing
3. Appropriate attire is crucial
4. Study interview questions and be prepared, don't sound scripted


Second Time Applying:
I retook the MCAT and scored significantly higher, volunteered as a research assistant, shadowed 5 doctors, actually studied what to say and wear on interview day, completed a few mock interviews, and bought a skirt suit as well. Friend #1 who was applying for the 2nd time had a lower GPA, lower MCAT score, and great ECs had applied to the EDP, but I was too close to the deadline so I applied to the RDP. I felt quite confident during the interview until I was hammered about my family business in my first interview (I've told that story enough times 😀). Friend #2 who was applying for the first time also opted to do Regular Decision. Friend #2 had a 4.0, MCAT in the 30s, and over-the-top ECs. I also had a 4.0 GPA but slightly lower MCAT than Friend #2. Decisions: Friend #1 was accepted in October, I was wait-listed, and Friend #2 was rejected in March.

Conclusions from 2nd Round:
1. Apply Early Decision
2. Apply to more medical schools


Third Time Applying:
I continued doing everything I had done earlier plus more, then applied to the EDP.


To sum it up, it's hard to be a Kansas resident because there is only one Kansas medical school. Friend #2 who has amazing stats and applied to 6+ schools got accepted to only 1 of them (she was wait-listed first but eventually got accepted). Last year, I made the mistake of not applying to more than 4 schools and was wait-listed at every single one of them. If your stats are competitive, apply to as many schools as you can. If you truly want to go to KUSOM, don't give up on reapplying and always apply Early Decision.

P.S. (As if this isn't long enough..) I know everyone can read this (even the "lurkers"), but I've spent so many years ashamed of how long it took to get to this point that I needed to spill my guts because I don't want anyone else to go through all of that. It was SUCH a long, difficult road but giving up was not an option. I know you are all very capable of being accepted, so I hope I helped someone with my experiences.
 
Thanks jnmpc, that post was encouraging. It shows that if you keep improving you will eventually be rewarded.

By the way, I'm trying to find a health-related or biology lab job because my well-paying USPS data entry job seemed to hurt me in my interviews. I quit it yesterday to force myself to find something that would benefit me with more than just $. I live in Wichita.

Apparently you can only get Wichita State University positions if you're a grad student there and this doesn't seem like the kind of city that's abounding with paid research opportunities. I'm 2 months late for the few EMT courses that are offered around here. A CNA cert doesn't seem to have the most attractive job duties for someone that has a bachelors degree, if you know what I mean. I really need it to be a paid position because I am struggling to meet med school application/travel costs at this point.

Anyone have any ideas?
 
Sorry I took so long everyone! I was accepted on September 30th.. and I was honestly shocked because I met such an outstanding group on interview day that I didn't feel confident whatsoever.

Since I've been through this process so many times, I wanted to help ease the disappointment for those who didn't get in and give all of the advice I have. KU has many many applicants, and they seem extremely hesitant to give acceptances to first-time applicants. Let me explain my past experiences and why I've come to this conclusion.


First Time Applying:
I graduated college in 3 years and my first year was spent on another degree. That left me with my second year in college to work in a lab, volunteer with a variety of organizations, shadow physicians, and study for my MCAT. Throughout my undergrad I maintained a 4.0, but that didn't make my 25O on the MCAT look any better. I took the MCAT on the very last date available and got my scores after already applying Early Decision. I was booted to Regular Decision because my MCAT did not meet their minimum. I interviewed and was rejected in March.

Conclusions From 1st Round:
1. KU's average MCAT score is 29, so I had to reach/exceed that score.
2. ECs should include EVERYTHING especially physician-shadowing
3. Appropriate attire is crucial
4. Study interview questions and be prepared, don't sound scripted


Second Time Applying:
I retook the MCAT and scored significantly higher, volunteered as a research assistant, shadowed 5 doctors, actually studied what to say and wear on interview day, completed a few mock interviews, and bought a skirt suit as well. Friend #1 who was applying for the 2nd time had a lower GPA, lower MCAT score, and great ECs had applied to the EDP, but I was too close to the deadline so I applied to the RDP. I felt quite confident during the interview until I was hammered about my family business in my first interview (I've told that story enough times 😀). Friend #2 who was applying for the first time also opted to do Regular Decision. Friend #2 had a 4.0, MCAT in the 30s, and over-the-top ECs. I also had a 4.0 GPA but slightly lower MCAT than Friend #2. Decisions: Friend #1 was accepted in October, I was wait-listed, and Friend #2 was rejected in March.

Conclusions from 2nd Round:
1. Apply Early Decision
2. Apply to more medical schools


Third Time Applying:
I continued doing everything I had done earlier plus more, then applied to the EDP.


To sum it up, it's hard to be a Kansas resident because there is only one Kansas medical school. Friend #2 who has amazing stats and applied to 6+ schools got accepted to only 1 of them (she was wait-listed first but eventually got accepted). Last year, I made the mistake of not applying to more than 4 schools and was wait-listed at every single one of them. If your stats are competitive, apply to as many schools as you can. If you truly want to go to KUSOM, don't give up on reapplying and always apply Early Decision.

P.S. (As if this isn't long enough..) I know everyone can read this (even the "lurkers"), but I've spent so many years ashamed of how long it took to get to this point that I needed to spill my guts because I don't want anyone else to go through all of that. It was SUCH a long, difficult road but giving up was not an option. I know you are all very capable of being accepted, so I hope I helped someone with my experiences.
Thank you Jnmpc! Hopefully I'll get a chance to meet you guys in class....back to work for me!
 
Thanks jnmpc, that post was encouraging. It shows that if you keep improving you will eventually be rewarded.

By the way, I'm trying to find a health-related or biology lab job because my well-paying USPS data entry job seemed to hurt me in my interviews. I quit it yesterday to force myself to find something that would benefit me with more than just $. I live in Wichita.

Apparently you can only get Wichita State University positions if you're a grad student there and this doesn't seem like the kind of city that's abounding with paid research opportunities. I'm 2 months late for the few EMT courses that are offered around here. A CNA cert doesn't seem to have the most attractive job duties for someone that has a bachelors degree, if you know what I mean. I really need it to be a paid position because I am struggling to meet med school application/travel costs at this point.

Anyone have any ideas?
I kind of wonder why you had to quit that job.....you needed it to support yourself financially. I think you can just volunteer in a lab and shadow physicians for a total of 5-6 (10?) hours a week and that should be sufficient....your choice afterall =)
 
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I kind of wonder why you had to quit that job.....you needed it to support yourself financially. I think you can just volunteer in a lab and shadow physicians for a total of 5-6 (10?) hours a week and that should be sufficient....your choice afterall =)
Well, it isn't exactly survival. I don't have kids to feed and I still live with the parents 😎 (haha, yah right), but I think its disrespectful to mooch at this age for too long. The main reason for quitting was because the job was mindnumbingly monotonous and it wasn't helping my career at all. I really want to find a position where I can use my brain and interact with others. Both interviewers asked me about it and my explanation didn't elicit any positive responses. I've got the shadowing and volunteering departments taken care of, but no 'medically-related work'.

In any case, do you guys think a paid research position is better or a healthcare position like EMT or CNA?
 
Well, it isn't exactly survival. I don't have kids to feed and I still live with the parents 😎 (haha, yah right), but I think its disrespectful to mooch at this age for too long. The main reason for quitting was because the job was mindnumbingly monotonous and it wasn't helping my career at all. I really want to find a position where I can use my brain and interact with others. Both interviewers asked me about it and my explanation didn't elicit any positive responses. I've got the shadowing and volunteering departments taken care of, but no 'medically-related work'.

In any case, do you guys think a paid research position is better or a healthcare position like EMT or CNA?
I dont know much about EMT, but I think it's exciting. You could be a phlebotomist (blood sucker, vampire, dracula, Edward Cullen, etc) and some hospitals will train you on the job without having you taking any course or anything. There's no patient contact in research positions so I don't think they'll like that. I've heard gross stories about being a CNA. Sometimes when you clean the elders, some of them can't control their sphincter muscles so they would poo right at the spot....and guess who has to clean that up =)? Please let me know if that is true if you would choose to be a CNA =D
 
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I dont know much about EMT, but I think it's exciting. You could be a phlebotomist (blood sucker, vampire, dracula, Edward Cullen, etc) and some hospitals will train you on the job without having you taking any course or anything. There's no patient contact in research positions so I don't think they'll like that. I've heard gross stories about being a CNA. Sometimes when you clean the elders, some of them can't control their sphincter muscles so they would poo right at the spot....and guess who has to clean that up =)? Please let me know if that is true if you would choose to be a CNA =D
:laugh: I almost lost my lunch and I haven't eaten it yet.
You do bring a good point, though. I'll check out phlebotomy. It sounds easier to start than EMT and less fecal than CNA.
 
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Jnpc- That was very encouraging. I think that its hard sometimes to have prospective when you want something so bad. I have been mad at KU for not accepting me. I have all the "ducks in a row" as far as what they are looking for. But sometimes its hard to remember that there are many other people out there that are far more competitive and qualified. A strong desire is not the only thing you need. Its also hard to look inward, when you think that you have everything that they want, and say that you need to do more. I am tired of hoop jumping and getting nowhere but if its truly what I want I will do it. And it makes sense that they want someone who is actively trying to move forward.

Drak- I work in a pathology lab. It is a really cool job. There may be some changes in staff soon. I can't promise anything but if you wanted to come by and see what we do you are more than welcome to do that. The physicians love that and I can show you lots of body parts and stuff. If there any changes I will let you know and I will let them know about you before they do any hiring.
 
are you kidding me???? stop creeping facebook -- just because we like go to out and have a good time doesnt mean we can't get awesome grades. i consider myself "a party animal" and yet OH HELL I JUST GOT AN A ON THE LAST MODULE. apparently you pass judgment on us "partiers" and i really hope that is not a trait you will take to your patients one day. it's 6 am and i've been partying since 11am yesterday. creep on that if you want to, but i am loving my life.

usually i would be all for giving my best advice for getting in, but that post really set me off.

EDIT: Posting on SDN at 6 in the morning while severely inebriated... probably not the best idea. Good luck getting in everyone and I am sure I'll run into some of you next year (at a party of course).
You have a point and I apologize if I offended anyone.......I don't like to offend people lol. It's kinda hard for me not to creep on people's fb pages when their party infos and screamings just shoot at me every time I log into fb at the public page lol. I party too, but am definitely not a party animal lol. I party like once every 2-3 months or so. It's fun.....but when school/practicing medicine and partying like an animal go hand in hand I just hope that no one's life will be screwed up due to someone else' immaturity/intoxication.
Julies-your job sounds awesome! I love path and am currently finishing up a path book (Rapid Review Path by Edward Goljan 2nd ed)....but are you offering a job position to me or Omzy lol?...Omzy's looking for a job; and, are you located in the KC area or Wichita? What's your job title and what do you do? I had an awesome histology teacher back in undergrad and he is also a pathologist. I work in a hospital doing testing and examination to find infectious diseases and then report my findings to the physicians....loving it....sometimes physicians and residents call me asking on what test to order and sometimes nurses call me asking about how to collect specimens.......and no my interviewers weren't impressed with the job either....they gave me the poker face lol. My interviewers didn't attack me or anything. They seemed to agree with my views.....I wonder what the heck happened.
 
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Well, I just dropped my name in a few 🙂rolleyes🙂 hats around the country. Lets see if the fish are biting.
 
Well, I just dropped my name in a few 🙂rolleyes🙂 hats around the country. Lets see if the fish are biting.
Hopefully you put your numbers down (GPA, MCAT) in the resume and they'll bite faster lol
 
Jnpc- That was very encouraging. I think that its hard sometimes to have prospective when you want something so bad. I have been mad at KU for not accepting me. I have all the "ducks in a row" as far as what they are looking for. But sometimes its hard to remember that there are many other people out there that are far more competitive and qualified. A strong desire is not the only thing you need. Its also hard to look inward, when you think that you have everything that they want, and say that you need to do more. I am tired of hoop jumping and getting nowhere but if its truly what I want I will do it. And it makes sense that they want someone who is actively trying to move forward.


No problemo 😀. Advice to those who will speak to the dean about their decision: They are more impressed with those who see the flaws in their own application than those who become defensive. The dean will be writing notes about your response on the phone
 
Hopefully you put your numbers down (GPA, MCAT) in the resume and they'll bite faster lol
I meant that I applied to some schools 😉
Will take a while longer to find a job.
 
don't get discouraged guys. I know quite a few KU med students that had to apply more than once. It doesn't mean that you are not a good applicant, it just means there were other applicants they felt were more qualified. Plus, you still have RD coming up, and the more times you do this, the better you're going to be. Keep the faith. I believe that it will happen when it is meant to happen.
 
Ha Ha. Yes I did mean Omzy. My job is pretty cool. I "gross" surgical specimens which means that I dictate a gross impression of the specimen (like a gallbladder, for instance) and then select pieces of the tissue and place them in a tissue cassette and send it off for processing. The tissue is then placed in parafin wax, cut into thin sections, stained and given to the physicians for micro analysis. It is sort of hard to explain. It seems almost like the experience hurt me in my interview, at least last year. This year everyone seemed to be at least interested in it. Oh well, I am applying to some other places too. Anyone applying to any out of state schools? Anyone talk to Dean McCurdy yet?
 
My phone interview is at 440. A friend of mine told me that last year he was told there was nothing wrong with his app and he just needed to try again. No one has 'phone interviewed' yet?

Edit: Just phone interviewed and it seems that I didn't communicate the reasons for improving my application through volunteering well enough. Sigh... My app is so unnecessarily complex. Why did I go out of state for college? Why didn't I volunteer more in college? Why did I use so many IB/AP courses to graduate early? Why did I take a year off after college? Well, my parents aren't doctors and they didn't tell me where all of the pitfalls were going to be. If only I could wipe the slate clean and start all over again. I'm kicking myself for not doing that 6-year med program at UMKC. My best friend from high school is almost finished with med school already.
 
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My phone interview is at 440. A friend of mine told me that last year he was told there was nothing wrong with his app and he just needed to try again. No one has 'phone interviewed' yet?

Edit: Just phone interviewed and it seems that I didn't communicate the reasons for improving my application through volunteering well enough. Sigh... My app is so unnecessarily complex. Why did I go out of state for college? Why didn't I volunteer more in college? Why did I use so many IB/AP courses to graduate early? Why did I take a year off after college? Well, my parents aren't doctors and they didn't tell me where all of the pitfalls were going to be. If only I could wipe the slate clean and start all over again. I'm kicking myself for not doing that 6-year med program at UMKC. My best friend from high school is almost finished with med school already.
One comment I received about me was that I do not belong in medicine and I should find another career path. I feel like a selfish person. I bet you guys feel the same way about me too.....well, at least Aeoukn and the party guys and gals think so =D. I'm gonna go take a nap and then watch The Last Air Bender....it is visually good at least lol. See you guys in January =D.

BTW Julies your job is cool and I'm filling out secondaries for a few OOS schools....their emails flooded my inbox lol
 
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One comment I received about me was that I do not belong in medicine and I should find another career path. I feel like a selfish person. I bet you guys feel the same way about me too.....well, at least Aeoukn and the party guys and gals think so =D. I'm gonna go take a nap and then watch The Last Air Bender....it is visually good at least lol. See you guys in January =D.
What?! You've clearly lost your mind, but thats ok, so have we all. The application process is just a game we choose to play. We don't have to, we just want to. Isn't it fun? :meanie:
 
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One comment I received about me was that I do not belong in medicine and I should find another career path. I feel like a selfish person. I bet you guys feel the same way about me too.....well, at least Aeoukn and the party guys and gals think so =D. I'm gonna go take a nap and then watch The Last Air Bender....it is visually good at least lol. See you guys in January =D.

BTW Julies your job is cool and I'm filling out secondaries for a few OOS schools....their emails flooded my inbox lol

😱 was this said by someone at KU?!
 
Omzy, BWSTW KU is a great school and the admissions members do a great job in selecting great candidates that are the best fit to become physicians. The comments through the feedbacks may seem harsh, in this case may particularly apply to me =), but the school also have great mercy for their applicants by letting me have another interview =). Yes, I'm defending KU with everything I have and please just take what written above as my contribution to you guys =).
 
Omzy, BWSTW KU is a great school and the admissions members do a great job in selecting great candidates that are the best fit to become physicians. The comments through the feedbacks may seem harsh, in this case may particularly apply to me =), but the school also have great mercy for their applicants by letting me have another interview =). Yes, I'm defending KU with everything I have and please just take what written above as my contribution to you guys =).
Haha, you've got me genuinely confused. What did you say to them, the reason you want to become a doctor is because they make more than lawyers? :laugh:
 
Haha, you've got me genuinely confused. What did you say to them, the reason you want to become a doctor is because they make more than lawyers? :laugh:
lol that just sounds wrong =D. I had suspicions before the phone conversation and was working on moving up another level. The phone conversation confirmed my suspicions and now I'll just wait and see how my new and improved strength will fair in the winter. If all shall fail, then we will do it for another year lol.
 
Omzy, BWSTW KU is a great school and the admissions members do a great job in selecting great candidates that are the best fit to become physicians. The comments through the feedbacks may seem harsh, in this case may particularly apply to me =), but the school also have great mercy for their applicants by letting me have another interview =). Yes, I'm defending KU with everything I have and please just take what written above as my contribution to you guys =).


Yeah, they are good about weeding out the people that are a good fit for KU and what they/Kansas is looking for in a physician. Another thing to think about - just because KU didn't think you were right, doesn't mean another school won't. You'll get in at the school that's right for you. :luck:
 
My phone interview confirmed my suspicions too. They said that they knew I wanted to be a physician but they weren't sure why. They said that my lack of volunteering experience has hurt me in the sense that I am not showing my dedication to service. I think that its a bunch of hoop jumping but I understand. It seems like every year some applicants keep doing more and more and then we all have to keep competing with that. They up the ante. I guess that the main point is that if we really want this we will keep at it.
 
My phone interview confirmed my suspicions too. They said that they knew I wanted to be a physician but they weren't sure why. They said that my lack of volunteering experience has hurt me in the sense that I am not showing my dedication to service. I think that its a bunch of hoop jumping but I understand. It seems like every year some applicants keep doing more and more and then we all have to keep competing with that. They up the ante. I guess that the main point is that if we really want this we will keep at it.
That's funny because this year I improved my volunteer experiences to show my dedication and they implied I was volunteering to improve my application. I don't think they should expect us to disclose our volunteer experiences because I believe that volunteering and charity should be done as anonymously as possible, unless you're trying to promote the causes.
 
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So what does everyone think about DO? I just don't want to keep waiting. I am tired of waiting to start my life
KCUMB is an awesome school.. and (i think) you can get a masters (master of biomedical sciences, master of arts in bioethics, or masters of business administration) in the same time that you're getting your DO degree.
i applied there last year and was impressed by that and also how close-knit and nice the students seemed. (i later ran into a group of KCUMB students volunteering for habitat for humanity - the encounter really made me sure i would apply there again this year if i didnt get into KU EDP)
there were a few things i didn't like, but overall it was favorable. (for fun look for "KCUMB follies" on youtube - some funny stuff there.)

also i was assured that you can be competitive for residencies in any specialty as a DO if your licensing board scores are high enough. (for a MD residency you'd have to take the USMLE in addition to taking the COMLEX though.)


My adviser said that, in her experience, most of the people that apply EDP that don't get accepted EDP get accepted RD. However, it seems like we can't trust these trends anymore.
that happened with at least 2 people in last year's thread. don't give up hope, with applying late in the cycle KU may still be your best bet.:xf:

jnmpc good post, good observations.
i think the biggest thing, like omzy said, is to keep improving and keep applying.
[this is a link to my personal (bumpy) road to acceptance for anyone interested..]

omzy can't believe you quit your job without another one! it's so hard to find work and now you're gonna have so many secondary application fees ><
wish i could help you with a job, (i'm glad you have a support system at least in your family). you might look into patient access representative or unit assistant or unit secretary as well as phlebotomist. those are some jobs i'm currently applying for.

drak and julies your jobs sound really cool! can't believe your interviewers weren't interested in them.

to all of you interviwed edpers that didn't get accepted, i think you should really think objectively about anything negative brought up in the phone interview; then, figure out some action you can take that will help you better articulate your motivations.
if they don't think medicine is right for you then maybe do mass shadowing till you find a specialty that you absolutely love and can rave about. if they don't think your volunteering is extensive enough or for the right reasons then find some cause that you really care about and volunteer for it as much as you can.
i think the main reason for my acceptance is the things that were wrong last cycle i worked hard to make tangible improvement on.

edit: ps sorry for the book.. it didn't seem so long till it was posted -_-
 
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KCUMB is an awesome school.. and (i think) you can get a masters (master of biomedical sciences, master of arts in bioethics, or masters of business administration) in the same time that you're getting your DO degree.
i applied there last year and was impressed by that and also how close-knit and nice the students seemed. (i later ran into a group of KCUMB students volunteering for habitat for humanity - the encounter really made me sure i would apply there again this year if i didnt get into KU EDP)
there were a few things i didn't like, but overall it was favorable. (for fun look for "KCUMB follies" on youtube - some funny stuff there.)

also i was assured that you can be competitive for residencies in any specialty as a DO if your licensing board scores are high enough. (for a MD residency you'd have to take the USMLE in addition to taking the COMLEX though.)



that happened with at least 2 people in last year's thread. don't give up hope, with applying late in the cycle KU may still be your best bet.:xf:

jnmpc good post, good observations.
i think the biggest thing, like omzy said, is to keep improving and keep applying.
[this is a link to my personal (bumpy) road to acceptance for anyone interested..]

omzy can't believe you quit your job without another one! it's so hard to find work and now you're gonna have so many secondary application fees ><
wish i could help you with a job, (i'm glad you have a support system at least in your family). you might look into patient access representative or unit assistant or unit secretary as well as phlebotomist. those are some jobs i'm currently applying for.

drak and julies your jobs sound really cool! can't believe your interviewers weren't interested in them.

to all of you interviwed edpers that didn't get accepted, i think you should really think objectively about anything negative brought up in the phone interview; then, figure out some action you can take that will help you better articulate your motivations.
if they don't think medicine is right for you then maybe do mass shadowing till you find a specialty that you absolutely love and can rave about. if they don't think your volunteering is extensive enough or for the right reasons then find some cause that you really care about and volunteer for it as much as you can.
i think the main reason for my acceptance is the things that were wrong last cycle i worked hard to make tangible improvement on.

edit: ps sorry for the book.. it didn't seem so long till it was posted -_-
Awesome post Genesea =). BTW, do you live on Genesea St.? =D
 
omzy can't believe you quit your job without another one! it's so hard to find work and now you're gonna have so many secondary application fees ><
wish i could help you with a job, (i'm glad you have a support system at least in your family). you might look into patient access representative or unit assistant or unit secretary as well as phlebotomist. those are some jobs i'm currently applying for.
True, but I think it was really the right choice. I have time to focus on my apps (1/2 way done!) and I'm not staring at a screen for 8 hours straight anymore. It also gives me more incentive to find a job since I don't have one. When I was working I felt so rundown every day that I never had the drive to find one. Lol, kind of an ironic situation I suppose. :idea:
 
I know this is kind of blasphemous, but does anyone ever wonder why:
1) There is a shortage of doctors
2) There is a huge crowd of people trying to become doctors

Is it really just because there aren't enough bodies to dissect or enough simulators? I think I'll start a new 'scalable' medical school at Wichita State when I turn 50. Who's with me? 😀
 
i think most of us wonder that.. it was brought up in last years thread:
Auriga said:
It is ridiculous that in a country with a doctor shortage there are still so few spots open for that they have to split hairs to decide between so many extremely qualified, brilliant students. PLS OPEN MORE SCHOOLS!

jaydoc24 said:
Could not agree more with this. It is a serious issue, we are going to be so short-handed medically that it is scary. What makes it worse is that the desire is there...people want to be physicians, want to help, but can't because there is not enough room. Makes you wonder what will happen in the future when some people who were involved in the decision making process need great physicians for themselves or their loved ones and have difficulty getting in or finding one period.

Unfortunately even now the time is essentially too late to help much. We need doctors like crazy in the next 5 years. Opening up class sizes to educate more doctors now won't help then... a step that should have been taken 20 years ago. The baby boomers did not just get here!

also now that people are going to have to be insured by 2014 that will cause a huge surge of demand (especially for primary care).

in that article currently on the SDN homepage it says:
Late last month the Department of Health and Human Services announced $320 million in grants to strengthen the health care workforce.
guess that's a step in the right direction, but i think it only increases the number of primary care residency spots for new physicians rather than actually opening up any more spots to become a physician.

tldr = i agree
 
tldr = i agree
You just taught me something new :laugh:

Does anyone know the real reasons for the small sizes of medical school classes? I have heard that D.O. programs are more scalable than M.D. programs. If so, why?
 
(tldr means too long didn't read 😀 sometimes people put a one sentence summary with it)
You just taught me something new :laugh:

Does anyone know the real reasons for the small sizes of medical school classes? I have heard that D.O. programs are more scalable than M.D. programs. If so, why?
(with the caveat that i don't really know anything)
i think it might be because most DO programs do 3rd and 4th year clinical rotations at other locations while most MD programs do them at one or a few limited locations.
so i think it's just easier to add other clinical rotation sites for the DO programs to accommodate more people.
 
Genesea: I read your post "how to improve and when to apply again" and I wanted to comment on KCUMB. From what I have heard about their application cycle last year, I am convinced that KCUMB's admissions does not weigh their applicants fairly.


Last year a girl who sat at my table on my interview day had already applied, interviewed, and was accepted to KCUMB in mid-October. Many told me that DO schools like to fill their seats quickly by accepting many of their early applicants and that students who interview and seem to favor a MD school over a DO school are rejected.


A "friend" of mine (3.2 GPA, 25 MCAT, 2 one-day shadowing experiences, minimal volunteering) applied to MU and was rejected without an interview. He then applied to KCUMB a week or two before their application deadline and was rejected relatively quickly after he submitted his application (before they received his LORs and before the deadline). They offered him a seat in their master's program (this program no longer guarantees acceptance upon completion). In June, KCUMB automatically granted him an acceptance into their DO program without an interview.


This post is not meant to discourage anyone from applying to KCUMB nor any other DO school. I just question their methods for admittng students...
 
Genesea: I read your post "how to improve and when to apply again" and I wanted to comment on KCUMB. From what I have heard about their application cycle last year, I am convinced that KCUMB's admissions does not weigh their applicants fairly.


Last year a girl who sat at my table on my interview day had already applied, interviewed, and was accepted to KCUMB in mid-October. Many told me that DO schools like to fill their seats quickly by accepting many of their early applicants and that students who interview and seem to favor a MD school over a DO school are rejected.


A "friend" of mine (3.2 GPA, 25 MCAT, 2 one-day shadowing experiences, minimal volunteering) applied to MU and was rejected without an interview. He then applied to KCUMB a week or two before their application deadline and was rejected relatively quickly after he submitted his application (before they received his LORs and before the deadline). They offered him a seat in their master's program (this program no longer guarantees acceptance upon completion). In June, KCUMB automatically granted him an acceptance into their DO program without an interview.


This post is not meant to discourage anyone from applying to KCUMB nor any other DO school. I just question their methods for admittng students...

Interesting post contrary to my current impression with the school. All osteopathic schools tend to favor applicants who show a genuine interest in DO and their training methods. Obviously they want to avoid accepting those students who know little about DO, are applying strictly as a backup, and think their profession is somehow inferior. Additionally, I have heard similar stories regarding unusual admissions but I think this is highly dependent on the candidate. It should also be noted that they accept around 250 students each year which is a daunting task. Anyways just throwing my opinion out there. I think KCUMB is a great program and was definitely planning to apply there if EDP didn't work out.

Separately, has anyone noticed a status change on their MEDS page? I checked mine today and it still says Interview invite. Not a big deal jw.
 
Looking at last years thread, it seems it was the end of Oct. I hope they are earlier this year.
 
Did you guys take your phones in with you to the interview? What did you take with you?
 
Received my offical invite for interview on the 9th of Nov. Anyone else receive anything today?
 
Received my offical invite for interview on the 9th of Nov. Anyone else receive anything today?
Not yet. I have a feeling I will be in one of the last rounds of interviews. :meanie:

but Yay for you!:highfive: Congrats and good luck! :xf::luck:
 
Kinda fitting with halloween around the corner.
 
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