2010-2011 University of Washington Application Thread

[OneTyme]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Onetyme for class president.

Vote early, vote often!

 

[driftkitty]

If any of you, like me, need a little break from this obsessive, stressful anticipation... here's a gorgeous video of Seattle:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/05/seattle-views_n_831784.html

🙂

 

[nameofthegame]

I GOT ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe it- seriously a miracle that I was accepted!!!!! UW has always been my dream medical school!! Interviewed 03/01 in a regional location (not Washington), and received a phone call from the ExCom rep. from my interview on 03/04. It was Dr. Teitz who does the podcasts on the UW website to help students prep for the interview. So I recognized her in my interview.

First time applicant, white male, average GPA (3.51) and ok/kinda low MCAT (sub-29), but over 170 hrs of shadowing (including 50 hours of primary care-important), over 550 hours of volunteer work as an EMT and in the NICU, over 1,000 hours of research lab hours (publications and undergrad thesis), two years in South America, and lots of volunteer and leadership experiences. I would say they valued "EQ" over IQ here.

My message is: don't give up hope if you feel your MCAT and GPA are not stellar. But, you need STRONG experiences. I got 6 interviews and 2 acceptances so far- so it can be done.

 

[PsychEpathic]

I GOT ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe it- seriously a miracle that I was accepted!!!!! UW has always been my dream medical school!! Interviewed 03/01 in a regional location (not Washington), and received a phone call from the ExCom rep. from my interview on 03/04. It was Dr. Teitz who does the podcasts on the UW website to help students prep for the interview. So I recognized her in my interview.

First time applicant, white male, average GPA (3.51) and ok/kinda low MCAT (sub-29), but over 170 hrs of shadowing (including 50 hours of primary care-important), over 550 hours of volunteer work as an EMT and in the NICU, over 1,000 hours of research lab hours (publications and undergrad thesis), two years in Argentina, and lots of volunteer and leadership experiences. I would say they valued "EQ" over IQ here.

My message is: don't give up hope if you feel your MCAT and GPA are not stellar. But, you need STRONG experiences. I got 6 interviews and 2 acceptances so far- so it can be done.

Congratulations!!! I am also a less than 30 MCAT applicant and interviewed on 3/1 in Seattle. Hopefully they'll look at all of me too.

 

[thecoolchica]

Congratulations to all who have been accepted to UWSOM this cycle! I'm planning on applying this upcoming cycle (as an in state student, UW is my top choice!) and wanted to ask if a low writing sample score would be a hindrance. My current MCAT is a 30 with a writing sample below N. GPA-wise I am above a 3.85. Would it be wise to retake the MCAT? Thank you.

 

[nameofthegame]

Congratulations to all who have been accepted to UWSOM this cycle! I'm planning on applying this upcoming cycle (as an in state student, UW is my top choice!) and wanted to ask if a low writing sample score would be a hindrance. My current MCAT is a 30 with a writing sample below N. GPA-wise I am above a 3.85. Would it be wise to retake the MCAT? Thank you.

I wouldn't risk getting a lower numerical MCAT score for a higher writing score. UW takes your most recent score, but looks at both. Thus, if you retook the MCAT and didn't do as well and ended up with a 28Q, that is the score UW will take, and you would not be nearly as competitive as you would with a 30M. In addition, if you do worse the second time, they do not like that. And unless you study differently the second time, you probably will not increase your score (of course this is a generalization, some students do improve their score without studying much more).

Listen to the podcasts on the UW website talking about preparing your application:
http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Ed...pplicants/Pages/AdvicefromAdmissionsDean.aspx

The writing sample is not really that important. They say that it raises concern if the writing sample is very low, however, much more important is that numerical score, especially the BS score. UW doesn't even list the writing sample score on their website; it's all about the numbers:

I wouldn't risk it (but that is me). 30 is a good score. It is the "magic" number.

 

[refugiofrey]

Knowing that I could be only a few weeks away from hearing from the UW has only made my desire to know more acute and upped the stress level! Any instaters heard anything lately?

 

[brussellnhes]

Congratulations to all who have been accepted to UWSOM this cycle! I'm planning on applying this upcoming cycle (as an in state student, UW is my top choice!) and wanted to ask if a low writing sample score would be a hindrance. My current MCAT is a 30 with a writing sample below N. GPA-wise I am above a 3.85. Would it be wise to retake the MCAT? Thank you.

I am fairly confident that with your current MCAT score and GPA, you will get an interview at UWSOM. There is little weight placed on the writing section. Once you get an interview, no one looks at the numbers anymore. They focus more on your personality, critical thinking skills and experience.

The MCAT is only part of your application. The writing sample is an even smaller portion of it. As long as the rest of your application is strong (i.e. grades, lots of extracurricular, shadowing, etc.), you should be fine. Best of luck.

 

[IncantoCharms]

Is this the last week of interviews? I was reading on the website that people in Idaho interview at Seattle throughout this week. And UW interview information page says sometime between March 15-31st, committee will meet for 2-3 days to decide on everyone else's fates? All this waiting

 

[refugiofrey]

All this waiting

All this waiting is driving me crazy! I wonder if we'll get another UC email before they meet for the last big meeting...

 

[uclaussr]

rejected this morning. interviewed the 18th. i had this golden opportunity and blew it. good luck to you all! im guessing they had an excom meeting either this morning or yesterday, so many of you should be hearing back today.

 

[refugiofrey]

Don't be too hard on yourself uclaussr! Hopefully you've still got other schools in play, and if necessary, you'll know what to do next time! Wish you the best!

 

[IvanBiley]

Congratulations to all who have been accepted to UWSOM this cycle! I'm planning on applying this upcoming cycle (as an in state student, UW is my top choice!) and wanted to ask if a low writing sample score would be a hindrance. My current MCAT is a 30 with a writing sample below N. GPA-wise I am above a 3.85. Would it be wise to retake the MCAT? Thank you.

I was in EXACTLY the same situation: my MCAT was 30 (9VR, 10PS, 11BS), my Writing was L, my GPA was 3.88. I was accepted, so I am sure you have a very good chance of being accepted, at least judging by your numbers - I wouldn't recommend risking taking the MCAT again

Ivan

 

[IvanBiley]

Congratulations to all who have been accepted to UWSOM this cycle! I'm planning on applying this upcoming cycle (as an in state student, UW is my top choice!) and wanted to ask if a low writing sample score would be a hindrance. My current MCAT is a 30 with a writing sample below N. GPA-wise I am above a 3.85. Would it be wise to retake the MCAT? Thank you.

Actually, ignore the word "RECOMMEND" in my previous reply - because it all depends on individual experiences, background, etc. - and I am not in a position to make recommendations not knowing these things. Lol sorry thechoolchica 🙂

 

[PsychEpathic]

rejected this morning. interviewed the 18th. i had this golden opportunity and blew it. good luck to you all! im guessing they had an excom meeting either this morning or yesterday, so many of you should be hearing back today.

You were given the chance to interview here as an OOS applicant. That already puts you in the top 2% of applicants. They must've liked you if you made it that far! There are only 70 or so of us, remember? 🙂

 

[Goober11]

You were given the chance to interview here as an OOS applicant. That already puts you in the top 2% of applicants. They must've liked you if you made it that far! There are only 70 or so of us, remember? 🙂

So true. Be proud of your accomplishment! UW gives tough interviews too so don't let this one experience get you down. 🙂

 

[uclaussr]

thanks guys =) ya i kno it was quite an accomplishment to be one of 2 % of applicants to make it to the interview stage, but thats what kinda makes it worse, knowing you made it so far just to fail. but oh well, cant dwell on failures. luckily i have other acceptances to i'll still get to pursue my passion for medicine!

 

[refugiofrey]

thanks guys =) luckily i have other acceptances to i'll still get to pursue my passion for medicine!

Congrats on your other acceptances!

 

[Hoody]

Apparently Wyoming has been grated 5 extra seats in the WWAMI program for the class of 2015...

 

[StarryNights]

Anyone under consideration heard anything from UWSOM lately? Anyone??

 

[Goober11]

Anyone under consideration heard anything from UWSOM lately? Anyone??

Noooopppeeeeee

 

[tomh98]

Anyone under consideration heard anything from UWSOM lately? Anyone??

I'm sure there will be no news for anybody until after they have their final meetings.

What I want to know is... does anyone know when that's occurring this year? All I know is mid-march.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

 

[FearAndInsomnia]

Anyone else watching the basketball game? Dogs are finally making a come back.

 

[greenpepper7]

Anyone else watching the basketball game? Dogs are finally making a come back.

Go Dawgs!

 

[StarryNights]

I'm sure there will be no news for anybody until after they have their final meetings.

What I want to know is... does anyone know when that's occurring this year? All I know is mid-march.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

Whoa, mid-March? I only read on their website that it takes place sometime between 3/15-3/31 and I think in the past it has been towards the end of the month. Did you hear this at your interview recently? I'm hoping to hear back ASAP...only if good news, of course

 

[Dookie2010]

Someone I know has an interview next Monday. I'm not sure if that is the last interview day, but it means they're definitely not done interviewing. I'm sorry that's probably not much help to those who are still waiting, but hopefully any info is better than none!

 

[KayBil]

Any MT WWAMI applicants hear anything lately? Do we know when they will release a decision since the final interviews are this week? Just curious if they let any of the March interview applicants know any additional information! 🙂

 

[yunitsa]

Someone I know has an interview next Monday. I'm not sure if that is the last interview day, but it means they're definitely not done interviewing. I'm sorry that's probably not much help to those who are still waiting, but hopefully any info is better than none!

I have my interview Monday... I think it's one of the last, if not THE last. I'm OOS, and Washington is an absolute dream. Cross your fingers for me - I'd love to meet you all in a few months!

 

[Doctor 59937]

Any MT WWAMI applicants hear anything lately? Do we know when they will release a decision since the final interviews are this week? Just curious if they let any of the March interview applicants know any additional information! 🙂

I just interviewed yesterday and was informed we could know as early as Saturday, but most likely by next Tuesday.. Good luck!

 

[KayBil]

Great! Thanks for the update! Good Luck as well! Hopefully good news will be coming our way! 🙂

 

[ge0MX]

Hey guys Im OOS applicant to UW who interviewed around november and got accepted in 9 days. I applied from California.

let me know if you have any questions,

I also got in Mayo, UC Irvine, U Mich, and Columbia.

Waiting on Duke still.

 

[KayBil]

UW-WWAMI MT acceptance! I am very excited as UW is a fantastic school!! Good Luck to everyone waiting to hear or interview!!

 

[ShameFame]

UW-WWAMI MT acceptance! I am very excited as UW is a fantastic school!! Good Luck to everyone waiting to hear or interview!!

phone call or email?

oh and congrats! 🙂

 

[apoptoaster]

Hey guys Im OOS applicant to UW who interviewed around november and got accepted in 9 days. I applied from California.

let me know if you have any questions,

I also got in Mayo, UC Irvine, U Mich, and Columbia.

Waiting on Duke still.

Congrats on the acceptances. Out of curiousity, where are you planning on matriculating?

 

[KayBil]

Phone call last night around 745pm! Good Luck! 🙂

 

[dancingdoctor13]

Totally random I know--but i'm going to visit UW next month-coming from OOS--do any of you have any suggestions for hotels? I don't want hostel type accommodations but would be willing to pay more for a nice hotel setting. I am looking to stay nearer the Edmondson Pavilion area of campus. But any suggestions would be excellent. PM me if that is easier---thanks a bunch!

 

[PsychEpathic]

Totally random I know--but i'm going to visit UW next month-coming from OOS--do any of you have any suggestions for hotels? I don't want hostel type accommodations but would be willing to pay more for a nice hotel setting. I am looking to stay nearer the Edmondson Pavilion area of campus. But any suggestions would be excellent. PM me if that is easier---thanks a bunch!

I stayed at the Hotel Deca. It's nice, close to campus, and they have a shuttle that can take you anywhere within a 4 mile radius.

 

[Goober11]

Totally random I know--but i'm going to visit UW next month-coming from OOS--do any of you have any suggestions for hotels? I don't want hostel type accommodations but would be willing to pay more for a nice hotel setting. I am looking to stay nearer the Edmondson Pavilion area of campus. But any suggestions would be excellent. PM me if that is easier---thanks a bunch!

Hey! So unfortunately the closest thing to Edmondson or "Hec Ed" is probably the Silver Cloud Hotel on 25th Ave NE which is about a mile away from Hec Ed. Hotel Deca is also a nice place to stay. I'd say Deca and the Silver Cloud are about equidistant to the medical school but I don't know about the Silver Cloud's shuttle situation.

 

[Kalyx]

Totally random I know--but i'm going to visit UW next month-coming from OOS--do any of you have any suggestions for hotels? I don't want hostel type accommodations but would be willing to pay more for a nice hotel setting. I am looking to stay nearer the Edmondson Pavilion area of campus. But any suggestions would be excellent. PM me if that is easier---thanks a bunch!

Check out the College Inn. It is just a few blocks away from the med school!


http://www.collegeinnseattle.com/


~Kalyx

 

[TFS]

^
pan pacific (in downtown seattle). awesome hotel. its not as close as the others but you have a lot of choices in terms of public transit to get around.

 

[ge0MX]

Congrats on the acceptances. Out of curiousity, where are you planning on matriculating?

umm not sure yet, but if i get into to duke, its gonna bw duke and UW. my goal is ophthalmology or plastic so duke is kinda better for that in terms of match list, actually a lot better.

 

[refugiofrey]

the agony of waiting....

Want to place bets on when we'll hear back? 😉

My guess is March 29.

 

[gamefreak]

My bet is on the 25th the day before my bday hehe. Meh my interview went bad enough that i am fairly certain its a rejection but I don't care it is still exciting to wait 🙂

 

[refugiofrey]

My bet is on the 25th the day before my bday hehe. Meh my interview went bad enough that i am fairly certain its a rejection but I don't care it is still exciting to wait 🙂

I think it's really hard to know how the interview went, so keep hope alive! And I hope you're right about the 25th and that we get some good news soon!

 

[FearAndInsomnia]

I'm putting my money on the 24th

 

[tomh98]

the agony of waiting....

Want to place bets on when we'll hear back? 😉

My guess is March 29.

Just called the office, they said that they hope all final decisions for WA residents will be sent by the end of March. (compared to "no later than the first week of April" as the website says).

Today is their last day of interviews.

I'm really hoping to hear good news and soon, because I have one last interview elsewhere that I'd love to be able to cancel!

Good luck everyone! 👍

 

[refugiofrey]

I'm putting my money on the 24th

Hope you're right!

Oh, and the winner gets a prize yet to be determined, but rest assured, it's good!

 

[tomh98]

Hope you're right!

Oh, and the winner gets a prize yet to be determined, but rest assured, it's good!

I'll take Mar 30th. I figure there are at least 200 applicants still under consideration... it's gonna take them a while!

 

[Goober11]

Just called the office, they said that they hope all final decisions for WA residents will be sent by the end of March. (compared to "no later than the first week of April" as the website says).

Today is their last day of interviews.

I'm really hoping to hear good news and soon, because I have one last interview elsewhere that I'd love to be able to cancel!

Good luck everyone! 👍

Nice! But what about UC'ed Out of Region applicants like myself (California)?

 

[tomh98]

Nice! But what about UC'ed Out of Region applicants like myself (California)?

Beats me, sorry. They specifically asked where I was applying from before answering my questions. Here's what the website says:

Sometime between March 15 and March 31, the Executive Committee meets for two to three days to make final decisions on those Washington and out-of-region applicants who are still “under consideration”. Final acceptances and rejections are made, and the Washington/out-of-region alternate list is constructed at this time.

Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho final decisions are made on the day after interviews are completed for that state.

All final decisions are sent by email, so be sure to manage your email account carefully