2010-2011 University of Washington Application Thread

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Don't be discouraged if you are still under consideration, it is relatively rare for applicants to be accepted right after the interview, and I know many people who were under consideration but eventually got in.

I'll second this too, and add that UWSOM does not create a wait list until after the final EXCOM meeting in late March- everyone who is getting the Under Consideration email is in the competitive pool of applicants. Only half the class is filled with immediate acceptances, meaning that half the class is still available until the final EXCOM meeting. At that meeting they take everyone from the pool and 1) finish filling the class with acceptances, 2) create and rank the wait list, and 3) polish off the rest as rejected.

Don't get disheartened yet! If you're still getting the Under Consideration email, you are still totally in the running. 👍
 
Just want to second the earlier post.....does anyone have an idea of when the next Excom meeting will be held?

Thanks!!
 
Just want to second the earlier post.....does anyone have an idea of when the next Excom meeting will be held?

Thanks!!

I asked someone at the office and all they knew was "not this week".

So, I'll third the request if anyone has info.
 
Hello all, I have not posted on the boards for a long time, but I know how helpful it is to see other applicants time lines and stats when you are agonizing over the wait. I just received an invite today for the Spokane WWAMI Feb 2nd or 3rd. My file was complete on December 2nd, I am IS and I am non-trad with a 3.43 and a 28O. Hope this helps!
 
Hello all, I have not posted on the boards for a long time, but I know how helpful it is to see other applicants time lines and stats when you are agonizing over the wait. I just received an invite today for the Spokane WWAMI Feb 2nd or 3rd. My file was complete on December 2nd, I am IS and I am non-trad with a 3.43 and a 28O. Hope this helps!

Congrats!

By the way, does anyone else find it funny that on that flash drive of info they give you on interview day there is a folder for computer game links? Health related, of course, but I still think it's so unexpected!

I'm playing the flu pandemic one now :laugh:
 
I have an interview at UW coming up this Wednesday and I am about as nervous as I am excited, so if anyone is feeling the same way you are not alone.
 
I have an interview at UW coming up this Wednesday and I am about as nervous as I am excited, so if anyone is feeling the same way you are not alone.

if you have any questions just ask!

in case you haven't already figured this out: be ready for ethical questions. I got a whole bunch.
 
if you have any questions just ask!
tomh98, what type of ethical questions did you get? What was the role playing like?

Thanks!!
 
Thanks Tom

There are several good examples in the interview feedback section, but I would recommend looking at the UW bioethics module because they also have case questions that are very similar and they give a discussion of the right way to answer.

The role playing is interesting, my RP last year was to talk with a patient who has a good chance of survival with treatment but wants to go off life support, I wish I had read the UW bioethics for that one because it is addressed explicitly
 
tomh98, what type of ethical questions did you get? What was the role playing like?

Thanks!!

Yes, the bioethics site is a great resource. I didn't get role play scenarios, just "what would you do" questions. Some were actually quite difficult, even though I had prepared for them. There really was no right answer because of how hairy the situations were (they were trying very hard to trip me up). The hardest one I got was of the "who get's the liver" variety, although there were others as well.

So in the end, I would say the ethical questions were harder than I expected, but even though they were really trying to make them difficult, the interviewers weren't being agressive or harsh. Of course, not all interviewers were the same... I think another applicant that day said they had no ethical questions but a ton of health policy questions. Be ready for anything, I guess.
 
Not that this information is in any way accurate, but my guess is that the next EXCOM meeting is Jan. 21. Since about mid-December, it seems like they've had meetings every couple of weeks (Dec. 17, Dec. 31, and Jan. 7) and according to tomh98 the admissions office said not today. That leads me to believe it's in a week from today. Plus it sounds like they are starting to pile up quite a few applicants to talk about. There were 13 interviewees on the 10th when I was there and LieutenantDan has one next Wednesday so they could potentially have about 25-30 new applicants to discuss not to mention all of the "still under consideration" people.

Like I said, this is in no way accurate, just based on looking at the past couple of months and speculation. Plus it really helps me to deal with the waiting if I tell myself it's coming up soon.
 
Hey guys,
I'm posting in hopes of getting some feedback concerning my recent rejection (12/20) from UW. After what I thought was a really great interview, I was placed in the "not ready" category and rejected. They cited reasons 1. needs more exposure and 2.needs better understanding of medicine.

Has anyone else had this experience and want to share his/her thoughts? I can't figure out if I was rejected for something I said in the interview or if they concluded this based on my paper application. The reasoning is unclear to me because I had more than the required # of shadowing hours, refs from 2 MD employers who really believe in me, a really easy/laidback interview, (and what I thought was a pretty good understanding of medicine and why I want to be a doctor).
your thoughts/experiences appreciated!
 
Naomisky,

I have not had your exact experience but I have had my fair share of rejections and I know it can be even more of a bummer when you feel like you did great at the interview, so I am sorry you got bad news.
I have heard criticism that post-rejection feedback from UW tends to be vague and open-ended, so when I didn't get in last year I created a new thread on SDN in the "what are my chances?" section, where I listed the important points of my app and asked where I could be improve my chances. I was very pleasantly surprised at the willingness of SDNers to offer advice and help, I got several responses within days, and I found that particularly useful in determining how to strengthen my case for reapplication.
Not knowing all the details of your case, it is difficult to make accurate suggestions, but I have some general ideas. UWSOM is a heavily research-oriented school, and I am given the impression that having some research experience on your app goes a long way toward improving your chances. You noted concern that it might have been over something you said in the interview, I find mock interviews very helpful in addressing points in my speech that may have been unflattering; and having someone who does not know you well (ie a professor or some member of your schools Health Science Committee) or is otherwise able to be objective and critical do the mock interview, as some mock interviewers are averse to pointing out negatives.
I received 30 rejections last year, and I can tell you that having someone who believes in you no matter what means everything, don't take that for granted, and don't get discouraged. Reapplying shows that you have resilience, tenacity, and unequivocally reasserts your passion to get into medical school.
 
Not that this information is in any way accurate, but my guess is that the next EXCOM meeting is Jan. 21. Since about mid-December, it seems like they've had meetings every couple of weeks (Dec. 17, Dec. 31, and Jan. 7) and according to tomh98 the admissions office said not today. That leads me to believe it's in a week from today. Plus it sounds like they are starting to pile up quite a few applicants to talk about. There were 13 interviewees on the 10th when I was there and LieutenantDan has one next Wednesday so they could potentially have about 25-30 new applicants to discuss not to mention all of the "still under consideration" people.

Like I said, this is in no way accurate, just based on looking at the past couple of months and speculation. Plus it really helps me to deal with the waiting if I tell myself it's coming up soon.

Thank you for that research. I hope you're right.

I was also there on the 10th... good luck to you.:xf:
 
Only 15 people on Facebook UWSOM class of 2015 so far? really? I wonder how many "accepted" aren't on there yet---how good of an idea does it really give us?

(there are 126 for 2014 so most of the class eventually joins)
 
Thank you for that research. I hope you're right.

I was also there on the 10th... good luck to you.:xf:

I also interviewed on the 10th! And I'll second the thanks for your thoughts on when the next adcom meeting will be. Let's hope we all get some good news at the end of this week!!!
 
^^^I was waitlisted and within I think 10 or so spots of getting in last year but didn't make the cut. I had an exit interview and HIGHLY recommend getting an exit interview so you know what they specifically want you to change. The main point that Dr. Teitz told me is that, frankly, there are a TON of awesome applicants. Rejection certainly doesn't mean you won't be able to fulfill your dream of becoming a doctor. Just listen to the advice they have, perhaps you need more volunteer or shadowing hours or something if they think you're not ready. Good luck, though. Don't lose hope! Being a reapplicant isn't a blast, but what's another year in the grand scheme of things.
 
Quick question guys - really a silly, subjective question - I know UW accepts very few OOS applicants. I have a 3.9 and a 37T MCAT and an otherwise stellar application, so I guess my question is, what do you think - is it worth applying as an OOS applicant?

I mean, I don't want to throw my money away and my guts say "Don't waste the cash and time," but if it is a more than infinitely remote possibility...
 
Quick question guys - really a silly, subjective question - I know UW accepts very few OOS applicants. I have a 3.9 and a 37T MCAT and an otherwise stellar application, so I guess my question is, what do you think - is it worth applying as an OOS applicant?

I mean, I don't want to throw my money away and my guts say "Don't waste the cash and time," but if it is a more than infinitely remote possibility...

From what I hear they like OOS applicants to be committed to working with underserved populations.

Although really, I don't understand why OOS applicants love UW so much anyway. With those stats you have plenty of choices, why so eager to go to an expensive state school?
 
Quick question guys - really a silly, subjective question - I know UW accepts very few OOS applicants. I have a 3.9 and a 37T MCAT and an otherwise stellar application, so I guess my question is, what do you think - is it worth applying as an OOS applicant?

I mean, I don't want to throw my money away and my guts say "Don't waste the cash and time," but if it is a more than infinitely remote possibility...

I agree with the previous post... you really need to LOVE UW and the WWAMI program for it to be worth your time. Your stats are great, but you really need some evidence to show that you "match" with this school.

If this is your top choice though, then absolutely apply. Get in touch with the admissions office. They are very helpful and can probably answer your questions such as "what are you looking for in OOS applicants"
 
Although really, I don't understand why OOS applicants love UW so much anyway. With those stats you have plenty of choices, why so eager to go to an expensive state school?

There are definitely aspects of the UW that set it apart from other schools--especially the WWAMI program--that could easily make it a top choice for someone, even if they have to pay high tuition. This really is a school to "match" at. It's a very different experience from Hopkins or Harvard and I could see why someone would prefer one over the other.

If you've ever looked at % matriculated/accepted, UW has one of the highest matriculation rates in the country, and I don't think it is just because of cost.
 
I do have some reasons for loving UW (other than it being an incredible school):

1) It's in the pacific northwest, where I am from (my family is in northern Oregon; I am also applying to OHSU)
2) It is amazing for rural healthcare, the field I am most interested in
3) Research powerhouse (at least, all my friends in UW's PhD programs are quite happy)

Applying to OHSU definitely makes a bit more sense (higher OOS acceptance rate, closer to my family, also rural healthcare) but UW I view as a school with significant geographical and orientational similarities. And this is what leads me to consider it. But if the chance is slim-to-none I don't want to try for it senselessly.

I will definitely contact admissions and ask some pointed questions. Thanks!
 
Any WA TRUST interviewees get their date and time yet? I called last week and they said they were going to try and have them out by today.
 
I do have some reasons for loving UW (other than it being an incredible school):

1) It's in the pacific northwest, where I am from (my family is in northern Oregon; I am also applying to OHSU)
2) It is amazing for rural healthcare, the field I am most interested in
3) Research powerhouse (at least, all my friends in UW's PhD programs are quite happy)

Applying to OHSU definitely makes a bit more sense (higher OOS acceptance rate, closer to my family, also rural healthcare) but UW I view as a school with significant geographical and orientational similarities. And this is what leads me to consider it. But if the chance is slim-to-none I don't want to try for it senselessly.

I will definitely contact admissions and ask some pointed questions. Thanks!

Sounds like you have very strong reasons for considering UWSOM. Particularly if you are interested in rural medicine and research, UW will give you an unparalleled experience. I would suggest giving it a shot if it's not too late. Secondary is only $35. With stats and interests like yours you're bound to get into another great school so it's down to whether or not you would want to look back and think "what if I had applied to UW?"

Just my thoughts 🙂
 
I do have some reasons for loving UW (other than it being an incredible school):

1) It's in the pacific northwest, where I am from (my family is in northern Oregon; I am also applying to OHSU)
2) It is amazing for rural healthcare, the field I am most interested in
3) Research powerhouse (at least, all my friends in UW's PhD programs are quite happy)

Applying to OHSU definitely makes a bit more sense (higher OOS acceptance rate, closer to my family, also rural healthcare) but UW I view as a school with significant geographical and orientational similarities. And this is what leads me to consider it. But if the chance is slim-to-none I don't want to try for it senselessly.

I will definitely contact admissions and ask some pointed questions. Thanks!


It sounds to me like it is worth the money to apply to UW! They DO accept some out of staters, why not you? You'd probably have a good shot at MD/PhD if you've got some research experience, plus it sounds like you have good reasons to apply. Just my thoughts!
 
Quick question guys - really a silly, subjective question - I know UW accepts very few OOS applicants. I have a 3.9 and a 37T MCAT and an otherwise stellar application, so I guess my question is, what do you think - is it worth applying as an OOS applicant?

I mean, I don't want to throw my money away and my guts say "Don't waste the cash and time," but if it is a more than infinitely remote possibility...

I don't post on here often, but I should say that as an OOS applicant, I was wondering the same thing back when I submitted my AMCAS this fall. I pretty much thought I was throwing away $30 when I added UW to my AMCAS, but was pleasantly surprised to receive a secondary from them in December.

While everyone's experiences and background are different, my numbers were nowhere near yours. All that I can say is research the school, learn as much as you can about their mission and curriculum, and determine whether these are embodied by your attributes and character. If so, apply and hope for the best.

If not, nothing is stopping you from applying anyway, but be realistic about your chances, and think long and hard about how happy you'd really be at a school that may not necessarily reflect your attributes.

Either way, I definitely wish you the best. I personally have my fingers crossed for this week, as my secondary submission was after the December ADCOM meeting...
 
My wife just called the admissions office and the receptionist said she didn't think there was a meeting this week so we might be waiting another week before hear back from UW. I hope the receptionist was wrong.
 
My wife just called the admissions office and the receptionist said she didn't think there was a meeting this week so we might be waiting another week before hear back from UW. I hope the receptionist was wrong.

Looks like they did meet....

I got the UC email today.

"46% of people receiving this email last year were accepted"
 
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have any alaska WWAMI applicants received interview invites yet?:xf:
 
I just did my interview, I was nervous to begin with and they were half an hour late in getting to me which made me even more nervous to the point where I feel I might have blown the interview. It felt a lot more intense this time around although another applicant said his wasn't too bad. His face was beet red when he came out so maybe it was more intense than he let on. So anyhow I am very worried about what they are going to say, does anyone have an idea how quickly they have been getting back to people lately?

Congrats on having that behind you. I think they understand people are nervous. Everyone I saw come out of their interview was also pretty red, and slurping down the water they so kindly provide LOL. So I wouldn't worry yourself unnecessarily!

I interviewed on 1/10 and got the under consideration email on 1/19 (also known as yesterday... wow that was a long day). But that probably means they met recently, and you might wait a little longer than I did until they have their next meeting.
 
I just did my interview, I was nervous to begin with and they were half an hour late in getting to me which made me even more nervous to the point where I feel I might have blown the interview. It felt a lot more intense this time around although another applicant said his wasn't too bad. His face was beet red when he came out so maybe it was more intense than he let on. So anyhow I am very worried about what they are going to say, does anyone have an idea how quickly they have been getting back to people lately?

I interviewed on Tuesday (1/18) and just got the call today (1/20) that I've been accepted! I can't believe how fast they got back to me, and I am super-excited!!

As for the interview - they recognize that people are very nervous and do seem to take into consideration whether or not this is one of your first interviews (they asked me this question first and seemed to be pretty excited that this was my first interview). Like everyone always says, the best you can do is just be yourself and not stress out too much. They didn't ask me a lot of the typical questions I thought they were going to ask (e.g. Why UW? Why do you want to be a doctor?), so in a way, it was not all that helpful for me to try to prepare for these questions and stress out about them. Additionally, my interviewers tended to guide me to the issues and answers they really wanted to know by the questions they asked. In that sense, they would cut me off when I began launching into a discussion about some of the issues surrounding healthcare reform and would say instead, 'ok, but what are some of the issues with insurance, specifically.' So again, just try to stay loose and calm during the interview and smile! Hope this helps and good luck to everyone!!
 
I definitely feel your pain. I felt like my interview last year went way better than the one this year. But then again, I was asked tougher questions this year, so maybe they liked me more and thought I could hack a little more grilling. Who knows. All I know is I can't really read into it until I get a decision. Best of luck, Lt.Dan. I'm crossing my fingers for both of us!

And congrats deck13, think you'll go to UW?
 
Thanks driftkitty, that means a lot to me to hear I'm not the only one. They say that 10% of reapplicants get in on average; you and I were very close to getting in last year so I have to imagine that we are high on the list of reapplicants, so that should be cause to remain hopeful.
 
I'm an OOS and just received my interview invite today! I am beyond elated! I am interviewing in Spokane on Feb. 3! for all oos considering...send in the secondary! YAY!
 
I'm an OOS and just received my interview invite today! I am beyond elated! I am interviewing in Spokane on Feb. 3! for all oos considering...send in the secondary! YAY!

OOS state interview in Spokane?? That's weird. I assume your from CA? I wonder why they would do that. Doesn't sound very convenient.

Well, congrats!
 
interview invite today. oos but went to uw. sub-ave stats. flabbergasted.
 
Congrats on the interview invite guys! I am anxiously awaiting mine-seriously it would be a dream come true to get in here! What date were you OOS scheduled for?
 
Awesome! When did you get a "complete" email for your secondary?

i was complete 12/6. they asked me to interview in late january (my guess is that there was an opening) but unfortunately i wasn't available at that date, so i'm waiting on a new date, which would probably be late feb-early march.
 
Hey question for whomever may know or for those accepted. Does UW have a "second look" day?
 
Hey question for whomever may know or for those accepted. Does UW have a "second look" day?

I don't believe so, or at least I haven't seen anything mentioned in post-acceptance e-mails thus far. I imagine you could arrange your own "second look" day if you wanted, although there wouldn't be other acceptees around. :shrug:


~Kalyx
 
Hey question for whomever may know or for those accepted. Does UW have a "second look" day?

Yes, they do. I read on last year's thread that it was held on April 16th. Once I was accepted, I definitively told them that I was accepting the offer, though, so I didn't get an invite to 2nd look.
 
Yes, they do. I read on last year's thread that it was held on April 16th. Once I was accepted, I definitively told them that I was accepting the offer, though, so I didn't get an invite to 2nd look.

Ah, so it's only for those who "tentatively accepted," then?



~Kalyx
 
Hey everybody! Just thought I'd come on here and say

Accepted!!! Wyoming WWAMI!

Interviewed 1/19, accepted 1/22.
The glory of fast WWAMI decisions. Reapplicant so excited and grateful!
 
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