2010-2011 University of Massachusetts Application Thread

[kiwifruit487]

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Hey guys,

I'm a 1st year medical student at UMass this year, just joined SDN actually when directed towards this thread by a classmate. Just wanted to let you all know that hearing about acceptances could take a while.

A key point that kept me sane in my application process:

The waitlist is not a death sentence, especially at UMass. I interviewed September 29th with 4 of my current classmates. By April we all received a waitlist notification, and by May 18th we all got in. If you do a poll of my classmates, a little over half of us got in off the waitlist, so no worries! UMass only accepts 125 students at a time, and some people are actually clinically insane and turn UMass down for far more expensive schools.

If you have any questions, ill be checking this thread whenever I'm bored in class. Oh and Dr. Dashwood, congratulations! Definitely go on MOE in August, I'll be there!

Do you know anything about the interview selection process? I've been complete since end of July, but no word at all. 🙁 Have I been passed over? Are they receptive to update letters or letters of interest?

 

[Billy Gaffner]

I've been told by many people to not get my hopes so high... but I keep thinking it would be quite a relief to secure an offer SOMEwhere.

A school I interviewed 3 weeks ago notified me that they have reached a final decision and that they have mailed it out to me. I should received it by Friday the latest.

Here's to hoping it's good news!

By all means hopefully it's good news! Don't give up on UMass though, even if you haven't heard by April. Stay positive!

 

[Billy Gaffner]

Do you know anything about the interview selection process? I've been complete since end of July, but no word at all. 🙁 Have I been passed over? Are they receptive to update letters or letters of interest?

At this point in time, I don't think you were passed over, necessarily. A classmate of mine in undergrad (who is also a classmate of mine this year at UMass) completed her AMCAS application 3 weeks before me, interviewed a full 5 months after me, and got in a week before me off the waitlist.

The interview process really doesn't make much sense to us matriculated students, but I wouldn't worry quite yet.

 

[Dr Dashwood]

Oh and Dr. Dashwood, congratulations! Definitely go on MOE in August, I'll be there!

Haha, I definitely will. The first years I met when I interviewed were super secretive about what exactly goes on, so I'm intrigued. I couldn't imagine turning down UMASS for anywhere else. 😀

I'm pretty confused about the whole selection process as well. I'd heard that UMASS was notorious for being slow. My application was complete in early August, I interviewed in early September, and was accepted on the 18th. My stats are decent but certainly not extraordinary. I am a double humanities major from a very small liberal arts school, so maybe I stuck out?

I also 1) couldn't find my first interview until I figured out it was actually in the admissions office where I started 10 minutes before and did a huge loop of the hospital, and 2) got lost and had to return to my second interviewer's office to ask directions back to the admissions office....

A school I interviewed 3 weeks ago notified me that they have reached a final decision and that they have mailed it out to me. I should received it by Friday the latest.

Here's to hoping it's good news!

Best of luck BullDog4Eva!! I hope it's an acceptance 😀

 

[Billy Gaffner]

Yeah Dr. Dashwood, you're truly an outlier in the selection process! Be proud!

That doesn't mean the rest of you should worry because your decision hasn't come through yet, breathe easy my friends.

MOE is a secret that you shall not be privvy to until we meet in August my friend.

 

[nsnadi87]

Hey guys, new to SDN.
I'm a 2nd year Graduate student at Drexel University College of Medicine (getting my Masters)
I applied last year and got an interview (27N/3.4) for March, but was ultimately rejected.
This year, i applied again (application was in by 8/10) and received my e-mail notification for an interview about 2 weeks ago for November 16th.
New MCAT was only a 29T; grad school grades are better than undergrad, so hoping things look up!

Good Luck to all!

 

[nmed44]

I think it wouldn't hurt if you clicked on that green bar that says "Notify admissions committee when app is complete" or something like that. I called today and it appears as if they go through all apps that have had that button pressed on a recurring basis. I wouldn't spam the button, but give it another press and see if they review it within a few days. If not, I'd call them. Good luck man!

YES - where do you see that GREEN bar? There is the student center that says "supp app" and then w/in the supp app I'm not seeing this bar. Please indicate. Thank you!

 

[BostonFan]

Well, I would show you in a screenshot, but I seem to be unable to log in to the UMASS site. Not even the temporary password they gave me worked. Has this happened to anyone else?

I think I'll be giving admissions a call on Monday...

 

[scalpel09]

Well, I would show you in a screenshot, but I seem to be unable to log in to the UMASS site. Not even the temporary password they gave me worked. Has this happened to anyone else?

I think I'll be giving admissions a call on Monday...

Same thing is happening with me, since last night around 7pm. Could they be changing our status to ACCEPTED? haha wishful thinking...

 

[dramaqueen14]

Same thing is happening with me, since last night around 7pm. Could they be changing our status to ACCEPTED? haha wishful thinking...

Same here. That's what I'm hoping too haha!

 

[Boo Radley]

Yep, I'm also unable to log in to the site, and as much as I'd like to pretend its cause I've been accepted... I haven't even been offered an interview yet, so I got nothing. Just talked to my brother who is an undergrad at UMass-Amherst (they use that same website), and he is able to log in, so maybe the problem is with whatever server UMass-Worcester uses?

 

[Darcy1985]

I completed my secondary 9/13, and based on my bank statement they withdrew my check on 9/17, and nothing yet. Has anyone, who was complete around the same time, gotten an interview invite????

I am a re-applicant who was previously interviewed. I improved my application since so I don't see why they wouldn't interview me, but you never know.

Were we supposed to notify the committee our application is complete by pressing the green button? I never read this anywhere before, so I didn't even look for the green button. Like other people here, I can't seem to log into the system right now.

I really want to go to UMass.

 

[catswym]

I completed my secondary 9/13, and based on my bank statement they withdrew my check on 9/17, and nothing yet. Has anyone, who was complete around the same time, gotten an interview invite????

I am a re-applicant who was previously interviewed. I improved my application since so I don't see why they wouldn't interview me, but you never know.

Were we supposed to notify the committee our application is complete by pressing the green button? I never read this anywhere before, so I didn't even look for the green button. Like other people here, I can't seem to log into the system right now.

I really want to go to UMass.

I was complete over a month earlier and haven't heard anything. I'm also a reapp at UMASS and got an interview last time. I also didn't see a complete button but know that my application was marked as complete from logging in previously and it saying it was complete. Maybe they just make us reapps wait longer.

 

[DoctorJDO]

I already interviewed and I never pressed a "notify that I'm complete button", nor have I ever seen it. You should read the email they sent out with the secondary app: "Clicking the SAVE button at the bottom of each page submits your data to us. There is no formal 'SUBMIT' button. You can make edits and each time you click 'Save' the most recent information is submitted to us. You can keep making/saving edits until your application is complete. The admissions office verifies receipt and completion of all forms and indicates if your items are complete in PSSA at which time your secondary forms will gray out and you will be unable to make additional changes. " I never got a complete email, just saw the status change on the website where you filled out the secondary app: Login...self-service...application status. I interviewed almost a month ago and it still says complete, so that update came to me my email

 

[Billy Gaffner]

Please don't worry guys, and be patient... very few people get an "accepted" notice early on, I know most of my class didn't get in until April or May.

As for interviews, you all still have time, please be patient.

 

[scalpel09]

The site is working again, but no change in status. Back to waiting..

 

[ArkAngel]

Interview invite today.

 

[BostonFan]

site's working for me again as well...when were you complete edozie?

 

[ArkAngel]

I was complete 10/20.

 

[BostonFan]

I was complete 10/20.

Woah okay. I was complete back in late September, so I guess they're just taking their time with my app...

 

[Darcy1985]

Woah okay. I was complete back in late September, so I guess they're just taking their time with my app...

I was complete mid-September and nothing yet. I was freaking out but I guess I am not alone....

 

[JamesMC]

Complete 8/4
Invite: 8/24
Interview: 9/28

Still haven't heard anything and anxiously awaiting their reply. Have any regular decision applicants received a final decision yet?

Stats: MCAT 32/GPA 3.97
Tons of clinical experience, however no research experience.

 

[BullDog4Eva]

By all means hopefully it's good news! Don't give up on UMass though, even if you haven't heard by April. Stay positive!

Thanks for the few posters who wished me well. Unfortunately, I heard bad news from that particular school I mentioned. However, exactly a week later, I got good news from a different school, so I am feeling much better and more confident myself to have gotten an acceptance this early in the cycle.

 

[Dr Dashwood]

Complete 8/4
Invite: 8/24
Interview: 9/28

Still haven't heard anything and anxiously awaiting their reply. Have any regular decision applicants received a final decision yet?

Stats: MCAT 32/GPA 3.97
Tons of clinical experience, however no research experience.

I applied regular decision and heard 10/18 (accepted 😍). Interviewed 9/15. Solid but not super-exceptional stats.

Good luck! I've heard that they give out decisions really sporadically and not in a discernible pattern.

Also- Congrats BullsDog4Eva- that must feel really really good! Now hopefully you'll get good news from UMASS too!

 

[JamesMC]

Congrats, Dr. D.

Yeah, I hope their decision will come out soon. Also waiting on NYMC's final decision. Maybe we'll be classmates in the future!

Good luck to all.

 

[MilIntel]

Anyone else interviewing Nov. 30? Congrats to all those who have been accepted.

 

[BullDog4Eva]

Also- Congrats BullsDog4Eva- that must feel really really good! Now hopefully you'll get good news from UMASS too!

Thanks!! I really hope to get good news from Umass as well... and hopefully SOON... since this really determines which coast I'm going to end up (It's a close battle between U Wash and U Mass as my top choice right now).

 

[FEB1000]

This thread is oddly quiet. Doesn't the admissions committee meet the 3rd Friday of each month?

 

[DoctorJDO]

This thread is oddly quiet. Doesn't the admissions committee meet the 3rd Friday of each month?

I was just thinking the same thing. Maybe they send out emails late in the day?

 

[FEB1000]

I mean, I am basing my assumption on rumors and historical precedent so I may just be straight-up wrong.

 

[Dr Dashwood]

I was just thinking the same thing. Maybe they send out emails late in the day?

I got mine at 10:30 in the morning and the status change was earlier, but I also heard on a Monday so it may not mean anything.

I'm surprised that it's been so quiet.

 

[DoctorJDO]

well let's hope for monday, then!

 

[FEB1000]

In the past, it seems like decisions were coming out on Friday's. However, I'd heard that this year schools couldn't release them until 10/15 (a Saturday) which may be why UMass's first round was the following Monday... So maybe today is still a possibility... Who knows

 

[Billy Gaffner]

I mean, I am basing my assumption on rumors and historical precedent so I may just be straight-up wrong.

My year's students report that most of us were accepted on a Monday... so yeah, I can't make heads or tails of their process.

My advice: Try not to stress out too much, it ain't over until it's over. Go out and enjoy yourself, in a few months you'll be wishing you had some free time .

Edit: keep this thread alive guys, I check it when I'm wicked bored in class.

 

[BostonFan]

I forgot to post when I heard, but I received an interview invite for the MD/PhD program on Tuesday! I was complete sometime in September I believe. I'll be visiting Worcester in January. 🙂

to everyone waiting to hear back!

 

[ArkAngel]

I interviewed here in Wednesday. It's a very nice campus and of course, the price is unbeatable. I hope to get positive news from here as this is a school I would love to go to. Everybody was super nice and I felt my interviews went well although my faculty one was a bit tough since I essentially got grilled on health care and 2 ethical questions for 45 mins.

 

[scalpel09]

Hi everyone! I was accepted yesterday- Friday 11/19. I interviewed in early October. Really surprised to hear so early, I feel so lucky. GL to everyone waiting!!

 

[Billy Gaffner]

I interviewed here in Wednesday. It's a very nice campus and of course, the price is unbeatable. I hope to get positive news from here as this is a school I would love to go to. Everybody was super nice and I felt my interviews went well although my faculty one was a bit tough since I essentially got grilled on health care and 2 ethical questions for 45 mins.

Do you remember the faculty's name?

I remember when I interviewed I basically stuttered through questions about health care reform, and I still made it. You're probably good.

 

[Dr Dashwood]

Hi everyone! I was accepted yesterday- Friday 11/19. I interviewed in early October. Really surprised to hear so early, I feel so lucky. GL to everyone waiting!!

Waa Hoo! Congrats!! We'll be classmates (I'm definitely coming here!)
😍😍

@ Bill Gaffner-

How did you find your housing/housemates? I've heard the rent isn't too bad but did you meet people to room with during orientation or second-look or something? Also, speaking of orientation, the e-mail I got said that it will be sometime in May. Do you recall when yours was? I'm just wondering because my school runs pretty late into May (IE graduation is May 22nd) and I'm wondering if I'm going to get double-booked.

Thanks!!

 

[Billy Gaffner]

Waa Hoo! Congrats!! We'll be classmates (I'm definitely coming here!)
😍😍

@ Bill Gaffner-

How did you find your housing/housemates? I've heard the rent isn't too bad but did you meet people to room with during orientation or second-look or something? Also, speaking of orientation, the e-mail I got said that it will be sometime in May. Do you recall when yours was? I'm just wondering because my school runs pretty late into May (IE graduation is May 22nd) and I'm wondering if I'm going to get double-booked.

Thanks!!

I actually live alone in a 1br apartment across Rt. 9 from the hospital, but most of my classmates have roommates they met either during second look weekend or through the roommate survey the school puts out in June. It's pretty easy to find housing, and my rent is only 800/mo for a nice 1 bedroom apartment.

I actually didn't get a chance to go to my orientation, it was May 11th or so and I wasn't accepted off the wait-list until the 18th... but I can tell you its no big deal at all to miss it, you'll receive all the info you need in a packet in the mail if you miss out on orientation.

It is a big deal if you miss MOE though, definitely go.

 

[bluebonnet2812]

Hey Guys! I have been following this thread for a while and its been keeping me alive, haha. This is my first time to post anything ever on SDN.

I have an interview December 8th. I am soooooo excited!!! I want to go to UMASS in the worst way. Does anyone have any advice for this interview? I've heard the faculty interview is a bit tougher with possible health care reform questions and ethical questions. Does anyone have any other advice?

 

[DoctorJDO]

Hey Guys! I have been following this thread for a while and its been keeping me alive, haha. This is my first time to post anything ever on SDN.

I have an interview December 8th. I am soooooo excited!!! I want to go to UMASS in the worst way. Does anyone have any advice for this interview? I've heard the faculty interview is a bit tougher with possible health care reform questions and ethical questions. Does anyone have any other advice?

You should go here:http://www.studentdoctor.net/schools/school/umms/survey/26
it lists some common questions asked at Umass over the years. you should go over them, think about a few things you could say, so that you can talk naturally about it. Know your application, be able to explain your research, activities, etc. Also, you might want to browse the Umass website and read up on their mission statement, special features, etc so you can talk about why you like Umass specifically, (if you do of course). Also, health care reform as well as Masshealth would be good to read up on. good luck!

 

[Dr Dashwood]

Hey Guys! I have been following this thread for a while and its been keeping me alive, haha. This is my first time to post anything ever on SDN.

I have an interview December 8th. I am soooooo excited!!! I want to go to UMASS in the worst way. Does anyone have any advice for this interview? I've heard the faculty interview is a bit tougher with possible health care reform questions and ethical questions. Does anyone have any other advice?

Just know your application well and the basic questions- Why medicine, why UMASS, why you. Both my interviews were really relaxed and everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. Know a little about the new curriculum and what it means for new students.

You'll be great. Good luck!!!

 

[ArkAngel]

Just know your application well and the basic questions- Why medicine, why UMASS, why you. Both my interviews were really relaxed and everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. Know a little about the new curriculum and what it means for new students.

You'll be great. Good luck!!!

I second this but def prep for healthcare/ethical questions.

 

[FEB1000]

Accepted this morning! So excited! Guess it's one of those Fridays, check your emails!

 

[ArkAngel]

Accepted this morning! So excited! Guess it's one of those Fridays, check your emails!

Congrats. When did you interview?

 

[FEB1000]

Complete mid-August, interviewed September 29th

 

[ArkAngel]

I interviewed middle of November so hopefully I'll hear soon too.

 

[anna01106]

hey guys! just popping in to say hi, and to congratulate!!!!! everyone who's been accepted so far.

for the rest who are in various stages of waiting, don't give up hope! keep yourself distracted, don't focus on when you'll hear back from the school. timing has nothing to do with the strength of your application. i know it's so hard, but at umass there really doesn't seem to be any explanation for the madness.

there seems to be a lot of discussion about how interviews go, and it'd be great for people to talk more about what their interviews were like. i'm sure they have changed with the health care reform and whatnot. there's also a big push for primary care at umms, so don't automatically dismiss it if asked about it.

if anyone wants to ask questions or talk about anything umms related, feel free to pm me. good luck!

 

[ArkAngel]

Any good news from UMASS recently? This wait is driving me insane.