2010-2011 University of Washington Application Thread

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So if you look at last year's thread the WA acceptances for "under consideration" folks kinda dry up from mid-February until the final meetings at the end of March. For us "under consideration" folks the best plan is probably to just try to wait patiently at this point because it will likely be another month at least. At least that's my plan, easier said than done 🙂
 
Who else is interviewing in Seattle on the 24th for and Idaho WWAMI seat? Looks like from what I found on the UW site we will have the fastest interview turn-around ever, decisions by Friday the 25th!!!!! :laugh:
 
For the people who were accepted. I was wondering what UW is looking for the applicants. Do they look for something specific things? or Do they look for things that all the other med schools view?

I mean specific things by like things that other med schools do not look at. I don't know what it is but is there things that they especially look from applicants?
 
dlee2010 said:
For the people who were accepted. I was wondering what UW is looking for the applicants. Do they look for something specific things? or Do they look for things that all the other med schools view?

I mean specific things by like things that other med schools do not look at. I don't know what it is but is there things that they especially look from applicants?
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Yes, especially from out of state applicants (it looks like you are from California?). I was not an OOS applicant, but my understanding is it is all but mandatory for OOS applicants to have significant experiences with underserved/rural populations to be competitive. In other words you could theoretically have a 4.0/45 and otherwise great ECs but not be offered a secondary at UWSOM as an OOS applicant. The UWSOM admissions FAQ says something to that point (http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Education/MD-Program/Admissions/Pages/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.aspx). Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't say it would be a waste to apply to UWSOM as OOS if you don't have considerable experience with underserved/rural populations, but there is a chance you may not be given a secondary application based on that.

For all applicants (IS or OOS) UWSOM seems to put more of an emphasis on experiences shadowing physicians than other schools. UWSOM also expects all interviewing candidates to be well versed in health care issues both state and federal (UWSOM was the only school I interviewed at that asked me questions about our health care system). Also UWSOM will ask ethical questions during interviews (also the only school to ask ethical questions for me). You can get an idea of the types of questions they may ask by reviewing this website http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/index.html.

So I hope that was of help to you. I guess the main points were UWSOM has an emphasis on:

1) Experience with underserved/rural populations
2) Experience shadowing physicians (>40 hr minimum)
3) Understanding and ability to discuss current health care issues
4) Ability to reason through ethical issues
 
greenpepper7 said:
So I hope that was of help to you. I guess the main points were UWSOM has an emphasis on:

1) Experience with underserved/rural populations
2) Experience shadowing physicians (>40 hr minimum)
3) Understanding and ability to discuss current health care issues
4) Ability to reason through ethical issues
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i was interviewed as an OOS applicant and i completely agree with all of the above. they pretty much honed in on all of the four aforementioned experiences. and mind you, my stats are subpar, so uw's not really looking for amazing numbers in their OOS applicants. they care more about their experience, and as such, they know EXACTLY what kind of applicant they're looking for. i was lucky enough to get a secondary and an interview, but an acceptance is another thing altogether. if i remember right, last year 65 OOS applicants interviewed (out of 3500 OOS applications total) and only like... 15 got in or something. and that includes OOS MSTP. (but i could easily be wrong about the numbers)
 
wow, it sounds really hard. I better get my butts moving... haha 😀 I bet all other med schools are like that too eh?
 
*crickets*

Maybe we won't hear anything until after the final committee meeting next month....
 
does anyone have any insight as to the size of the UC pool this year? Are we still looking at 46% acceptance?
 
tomh98 said:
does anyone have any insight as to the size of the UC pool this year? Are we still looking at 46% acceptance?
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You know to be honest I had a good chunk of hope reading that when I first received the e-mail (roughly 1/2 after all), but apparently they also sent the same one out last year...maybe even before that. Now I don't know what to think, but I don't think 46% is accurate.
 
StarryNights said:
You know to be honest I had a good chunk of hope reading that when I first received the e-mail (roughly 1/2 after all), but apparently they also sent the same one out last year...maybe even before that. Now I don't know what to think, but I don't think 46% is accurate.
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I'm sure you're both right, the 46% may not be accurate, but even so, I keep telling myself that it can't be that far from the truth...

At least the month is flying by and we'll know in only a few more weeks. What to do in the meantime?

Wish on stars and send update letters?
 
refugiofrey said:
I'm sure you're both right, the 46% may not be accurate, but even so, I keep telling myself that it can't be that far from the truth...

At least the month is flying by and we'll know in only a few more weeks. What to do in the meantime?

Wish on stars and send update letters?
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I don't know how long you've been under consideration but if it's a while I would send UW something. At the very least let the school know you're still interested and will attend.

I was checking their FAQs section and only 62 applicants were accepted right away for the class of 2010 (class size is roughly 216). So I'm guessing less than half of the class is filled by the last ExCom meeting and they'll start filling the rest with us SUC people. Also, if we make the waitlist but our rank is above 30 then UW suggests reapplying (unless, of course, you have acceptances elsewhere).
 
StarryNights said:
I don't know how long you've been under consideration but if it's a while I would send UW something. At the very least let the school know you're still interested and will attend.

I was checking their FAQs section and only 62 applicants were accepted right away for the class of 2010 (class size is roughly 216). So I'm guessing less than half of the class is filled by the last ExCom meeting and they'll start filling the rest with us SUC people. Also, if we make the waitlist but our rank is above 30 then UW suggests reapplying (unless, of course, you have acceptances elsewhere).
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Thanks for looking up the numbers StarryNights! I've been wondering how many people are accepted right away.

I've been UC'd for about 6 weeks, sent one update a few weeks ago and am planning to send another next weekish. The last one was about some health policy and volunteering stuff. I think they may feel I'm a bit short on shadowing, so I've set-up some time next week to shadow.....
Do you think I should I send the update right after the first shadowing experience, or wait until I have gone a few times to list more hours?

Hoping for more snow in NW WA!
 
refugiofrey said:
Thanks for looking up the numbers StarryNights! I've been wondering how many people are accepted right away.

I've been UC'd for about 6 weeks, sent one update a few weeks ago and am planning to send another next weekish. The last one was about some health policy and volunteering stuff. I think they may feel I'm a bit short on shadowing, so I've set-up some time next week to shadow.....
Do you think I should I send the update right after the first shadowing experience, or wait until I have gone a few times to list more hours?

Hoping for more snow in NW WA!
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Dang, you're really on the ball. I only sent in one update since my first UC e-mail back in mid-Nov. I'd probably wait to send in another one after you have more hours but, honestly, I think we're most likely going to have to wait until end of March for decisions regardless. I'm not sure if my update letter helped, but I had to make my case to UW so no regrets if I ultimately get rejected.
 
StarryNights said:
Dang, you're really on the ball. I only sent in one update since my first UC e-mail back in mid-Nov. I'd probably wait to send in another one after you have more hours but, honestly, I think we're most likely going to have to wait until end of March for decisions regardless. I'm not sure if my update letter helped, but I had to make my case to UW so no regrets if I ultimately get rejected.
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I know what you mean, it feels like we're just throwing letters into the abyss.

I felt like I floundered a bit on the policy questions in my interview (despite the fact that I work in healthcare policy....), so I wanted to let them know that I'm still trying to learn more. At this point, I think I'm just sending updates to make myself feel better and, like you said, to feel like I've done everything I can. Maybe it helps?

Are you planning to send another update StarryNights?
 
refugiofrey said:
I'm holding down a desk right now and am super envious of you dougmd!!! Where have you been skiing?
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Well at the moment I am doing the same 🙁 I've been listening to friends gloating about how great it is all week. But I'm looking forward to some powder turns this weekend! Usually do lifts at Crystal or hike the backcountry somewhere.

Back to topic, I'm sure a fresh update letter can't hurt sometime before the final meetings in March. Hopefully many of us will have good news in 3-4 weeks!
 
My update letter was actually last week so I'm not going to send in another one, mainly because there's nothing else I can really say. One of my friends who was unsuccessful this cycle, however, went in to speak with UW admissions about changes to the application for next year and everyone was really helpful. That impressed me a lot cause I felt neglected for a while being under consideration, haha.
 
dougmd said:
Back to topic, I'm sure a fresh update letter can't hurt sometime before the final meetings in March. Hopefully many of us will have good news in 3-4 weeks!
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Thanks! Baker's been getting some fresh, so at least there's some pow while we're waiting!
 
StarryNights, I'm sure it helps to have your letter in, especially since they probably aren't making any decisions on us until the end of the cycle. I'm wondering if I should even bother with another one, but I'll probably send it anyway...

I've also heard UW admissions is really helpful with suggestions for the next cycle and specifically in communicating their perceived weaknesses and ways to improve for next time. Hopefully we won't need that!!
 
Just got accepted to UW!! I got the phone call at about 430. I'm an Idaho applicant interviewed in January. Rumor has it, that all Idaho applicants accepted will find out today like I did. I will most likely be going to the University of Utah however, so that will open up a spot for a wait listed person 🙂. Good luck everyone!
 
cofidoc said:
Just got accepted to UW!! I got the phone call at about 430. I'm an Idaho applicant interviewed in January. Rumor has it, that all Idaho applicants accepted will find out today like I did. I will most likely be going to the University of Utah however, so that will open up a spot for a wait listed person 🙂. Good luck everyone!
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UofU over a UW WWAMI spot?... explain!
 
ShameFame said:
UofU over a UW WWAMI spot?... explain!
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Yah, I'm married and my wife and I feel better about not having to move to Moscow for the first year, Seattle for the second, and most likely back to Boise for 3 and 4. At the U, I can do all 4 years there and there is a much smaller class size. Plus, my interview at Utah I got a much better vibe regarding support from faculty and hands on time with patients. Also, my father in law is a fairly well known pediatric pain specialist and he also thinks Utah is a better fit for me. Don't get me wrong I think UW is an amazing program and if I could do all 4 years at the Seattle campus I would definitely be going there! However, due to the moving around issue, I will most likely be heading down to Utah because it is best for me, my family, and overall goals. If you want further details feel free to pm me.
 
cofidoc said:
Yah, I'm married and my wife and I feel better about not having to move to Moscow for the first year, Seattle for the second, and most likely back to Boise for 3 and 4. At the U, I can do all 4 years there and there is a much smaller class size. Plus, my interview at Utah I got a much better vibe regarding support from faculty and hands on time with patients. Also, my father in law is a fairly well known pediatric pain specialist and he also thinks Utah is a better fit for me. Don't get me wrong I think UW is an amazing program and if I could do all 4 years at the Seattle campus I would definitely be going there! However, due to the moving around issue, I will most likely be heading down to Utah because it is best for me, my family, and overall goals. If you want further details feel free to pm me.
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Completely understandable. I guess for me personally I see WWAMI as the only way to go to medical school without having nearly $300k in debt. It's peanuts...
Congrats and Good luck!
 
ShameFame said:
Completely understandable. I guess for me personally I see WWAMI as the only way to go to medical school without having nearly $300k in debt. It's peanuts...
Congrats and Good luck!
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Oh yah absolutely! As an Idaho resident I get in-state tuition at The University of Utah and WWAMI and it happens to be about the same over 4 years. I immediately withdrew from Creighton after I got into Utah for similar reasons(Way way way too expensive)!

Good luck, you should be hearing something pretty soon!
 
cofidoc said:
Just got accepted to UW!! I got the phone call at about 430. I'm an Idaho applicant interviewed in January. Rumor has it, that all Idaho applicants accepted will find out today like I did. I will most likely be going to the University of Utah however, so that will open up a spot for a wait listed person 🙂. Good luck everyone!
Click to expand...

Congratulations! Good luck with the decision between Utah and Idaho.

I am Idaho WWAMI too, interviewed last week and haven't heard anything yet. My friend was notified like you were via phone on Friday evening. I am wondering if they called all the accepted Idaho WWAMI students. Was your call from Dr. Barinaga? His was. I am still holding onto hope that I am going to receive a call today or tomorrow! 🙂
 
I still can't believe I will be interviewing here on Tuesday! Thank you UW for looking at the whole package! Good luck to everyone. 🙂
 
cofidoc said:
Utah is a better fit for me. Don't get me wrong I think UW is an amazing program and if I could do all 4 years at the Seattle campus I would definitely be going there! However, due to the moving around issue, I will most likely be heading down to Utah because it is best for me, my family, and overall goals.
Click to expand...

I also interviewed at both UW and Utah and really liked Utah! Like you said, it seems like a really close medical community. Congrats!
 
cofidoc said:
Just got accepted to UW!! I got the phone call at about 430. I'm an Idaho applicant interviewed in January. Rumor has it, that all Idaho applicants accepted will find out today like I did. I will most likely be going to the University of Utah however, so that will open up a spot for a wait listed person 🙂. Good luck everyone!
Click to expand...

So, does that mean that if I haven't heard anything at this point I'm either waitlisted or rejected? (Idaho WWAMI too) Is this rumor founded on what they've done in previous years? Btw, congrats on getting in at U of U. Best of luck with your decision.
 
Last edited:
I was really excited about interviewing here that I think i bombed the interview augh! FML:idea: got too nervous
 
gamefreak said:
I was really excited about interviewing here that I think i bombed the interview augh! FML:idea: got too nervous
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I know it's very hard, but try not to overthink it/second guess yourself about how your interview went. I too thought I didn't do as well as I could have done - I left the interview feeling okay, but as the day went on I scrutinized my answers to the point where I was almost convinced I would be rejected. But I was apparently wrong, and got accepted! Congrats on getting as far as you have, and hopefully you get some good news soon!
 
Esteban said:
I still can't believe I will be interviewing here on Tuesday! Thank you UW for looking at the whole package! Good luck to everyone. 🙂
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Good luck! Is this a WA-resident interview day? Let us know if they say anything about it being the last one? We're all so antsy!
 
They are winding down for sure. After this week, there are two more weeks of interviews. Today there was a mix of OOS and Washington residents. Good luck!
 
brussellnhes said:
do you guys know if UWSOM has a second look?
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from reading past threads it seems like second look is only for people who accepted "tentatively". it also sounds like it is put on by OMCA, so it might also be tailored to people who interviewed with them but are still on the fence (I think all out of state, and those who are underserved or demonstrate an interest in working with the underserved interview with OMCA)
 
Anyone know when the next EXcom meeting is? This wait has made me turn into a crazy person...everytime my phone vibrates and there is a star next to my gmail account which i only use for med schools, i almost have a heart attack. UW i love you so much please love me back!!
 
I got the scholarship email today but cannot access the application (obvsly) because I have not been accepted. I will be out of the country the next three months and was hoping someone who has access to the app would be kind enough to tell me what information they ask for! Mostly I was wondering is there an essay or not. Just in case I am accepted to UW (fingers crossed, wishing on a star here!) I want to have it ready to go for when I get back to the states. Thank you!!!
 
Ewashgrl said:
I got the scholarship email today but cannot access the application (obvsly) because I have not been accepted. I will be out of the country the next three months and was hoping someone who has access to the app would be kind enough to tell me what information they ask for! Mostly I was wondering is there an essay or not. Just in case I am accepted to UW (fingers crossed, wishing on a star here!) I want to have it ready to go for when I get back to the states. Thank you!!!
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The application is very short and there are no essays. The form asks for information about your family, loans, personal info, etc. Apart from the areas of interest section (not entirely sure what they do with that info), it appears as though the scholarships are entirely need based. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
 
Do you guys know if any one in the Under Consideration group has been rejected? I kind of assumed that if you're placed in SUC that you're in there until the final ExCom meeting at the end of this month. Last week I met up with a friend for coffee and he said his friend got rejected after being under consideration for a couple months. That's kind of scary thinking every SUC email I receive means I survived the chopping block, whereas before this news I was just like *yawns* when I see them in my inbox...
 
My friend interviewed at the end of January was on the UC list for a week and then was rejected.
 
well...the issue is that the under consideration pool has different kinds of applicants in it.

some applicants are generally "under consideration" - kind of like on the fence...these applicants are on the chopping block each meeting, but will probably stay in the UC pool until the last ex-com meeting.

other applicants should have received a rejection or acceptance at the next ex-com meeting after their interview, but their ex-com member was not present. These applicants are placed into the UC pool as well, but will receive a rejection/acceptance fairly soon.
 
how did you find out and who called you?
congratulations by the way!
 
scottishlass said:
how did you find out and who called you?
congratulations by the way!
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Thanks!

I'm from a regional WWAMI location. They have a tradition of having one of your interviewers call you if you are accepted. I got the call two days after I interviewed. (Lucky for me they only interview for four days and have the committee meeting the fifth day. The suspense after the UW interview was way worse than any other interview this season for me.)
 
When did all of you guys interview? I interviewed on the 18th and I'm close to losing my mind over this wait! Expected to hear something yesterday......
 
also 2 weeks post interview. i am just going insane. today i had a dream about a uw interview. i wanna be a husky sooooo bad!
 
I think you may have been in my interview group... I'm a WA applicant but at least half of our group was CA... Were you the other blond girl?
 
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