2011-2012 Columbia Application Thread

[mmmcdowe]

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Thats a very nice offer, if only your school had shown the slightest bit of interest in me I would love the chance to ask you questions. Darn.

Now's a great time to send in an update letter.

 

[SellerAl]

If I don't have a very significant update to offer, do interest letters actually do anything?

 

[sibitrum]

Just finished clinical rotations, let me know if you all have any questions. I'll be busy studying for the step 1 after vacation, so I'll be happy to have a distraction.

I know you may not have anything to compare it to, but how much independence/quality hands-on experience do you get?

Do you like the way you're graded in your clerkships?

 

[mmmcdowe]

If I don't have a very significant update to offer, do interest letters actually do anything?

Yes.

I know you may not have anything to compare it to, but how much independence/quality hands-on experience do you get?

Do you like the way you're graded in your clerkships?

I would say Columbia students have access to significant levels of hands on experience, even as a pre-clinical student (lots of chances to learn basic skills, even catch babies). One major advantage in our clinical year is that we are one of the few schools that rotates you through the surgical subspecialties. They aren't graded, but there are certain skills that you are expected to learn that are useful such as IV placement in anesthesia, catheter placement and rectal exams in urology, and the specific niche physical exams of optho, ent, neurosurg, and ortho. I think there is also a good range of independence as well. Some parts of a given rotation are heavily precepted by residents and attendings, where as at other points you are working with only minimal attending oversight unless you ask for it. Your comfort level, interest, and skill level also play a role in how much independence you have. The high volume of patients that we see tends to also help with gaining experience and doing procedures (residents get first dibs on procedures, but since we have so many patients there is room for students to learn complex things like lumbar punctures, paracentesis, etc).

I think we are graded in the best way possible given the complexity of evaluating medical students. There is unfortunately no 100% correct way to do it objectively and given the prevalence of type A personalities few people are going to be 100% happy unless they honor everything anyways, but they do their best. Grades are determined by a combination of evaluations and shelf scores, mediated by the rotation site's course director. Honors can be obtained through brilliant floor work, brilliant shelf scores, or above average floor work in conjunction with above average shelf scores. I also think it is nice that rather than being put into percentiles for residency applications our school just sends out the grade breakdown for the entire class to the school (this many honored surgery, this many high passed surgery, etc). It equates to the same thing but also gives more context to it all.

 

[eHombre]

Take heart, all ye SDNers, for interview invites still remain...

🙂

Complete 11/4, II 12/19, interview dates available: 1/11, 1/18, 1/25.

 

[eHombre]

I would say Columbia students have access to significant levels of hands on experience, even as a pre-clinical student (lots of chances to learn basic skills, even catch babies). One major advantage in our clinical year is that we are one of the few schools that rotates you through the surgical subspecialties. They aren't graded, but there are certain skills that you are expected to learn that are useful such as IV placement in anesthesia, catheter placement and rectal exams in urology, and the specific niche physical exams of optho, ent, neurosurg, and ortho. I think there is also a good range of independence as well. Some parts of a given rotation are heavily precepted by residents and attendings, where as at other points you are working with only minimal attending oversight unless you ask for it. Your comfort level, interest, and skill level also play a role in how much independence you have. The high volume of patients that we see tends to also help with gaining experience and doing procedures (residents get first dibs on procedures, but since we have so many patients there is room for students to learn complex things like lumbar punctures, paracentesis, etc).

This is great detail; thanks for your insight! Do those subspecialty rotations occur during the main clinical year or during the post-USMLE clinical elective period?

 

[mika2234]

Take heart, all ye SDNers, for interview invites still remain...

🙂

Complete 11/4, II 12/19, interview dates available: 1/11, 1/18, 1/25.

+1. Though I was complete on 9/27 and they gave me three totally different interview day options. I chose 1/13 (Friday the 13th!). They must interview a lot of people at this school. Anyone know how many? Anyone know what your chances of getting in are post interview?

 

[deleted261193]

to the two posters above, what are your stats?

 

[mmmcdowe]

This is great detail; thanks for your insight! Do those subspecialty rotations occur during the main clinical year or during the post-USMLE clinical elective period?

Some are an additional week attached to major 3rd uear rotations (neurosurg and neuro, surgery and anesthesia), the others can be taken during the third year or after the step 1 (ie a great step 2 study month)

 

[dominicandoctor]

Just got an invite to Columbia! :-]

 

[EvilSponge]

Should we address update/interest letters to Dean Nicholas? Also, should I attach a doc or just write it in the email? Lastly, does anyone know how the non-rolling admissions works? Is it like Duke (rolling internal, but they say they are non-rolling)?

 

[mmmcdowe]

Should we address update/interest letters to Dean Nicholas? Also, should I attach a doc or just write it in the email? Lastly, does anyone know how the non-rolling admissions works? Is it like Duke (rolling internal, but they say they are non-rolling)?

Addressing it to Dr. Nicholas or to the committee are both appropriate. It doesn't matter if it is by document, in the email, or by snail mail. We have true non-rolling admissions. All post-interview decisions have been made in February forward in the past years.

 

[mika2234]

To mmcdowe or any other P&S students:

I heard that most people that go to columbia get in off of the waitlist. I personally know a couple of people who have gone that route (with excellent stats). The idea is that you get waitlisted and then prove your interest by sending a letter of intent. Is there any truth to this? Thanks for your input. I am looking forward to my interview there 😀

 

[mmmcdowe]

To mmcdowe or any other P&S students:

I heard that most people that go to columbia get in off of the waitlist. I personally know a couple of people who have gone that route (with excellent stats). The idea is that you get waitlisted and then prove your interest by sending a letter of intent. Is there any truth to this? Thanks for your input. I am looking forward to my interview there 😀

Columbia accepts approximately 200 students initially and when students withdraw they fill the class with waitlist students. Something like 1/3 of the class is waitlist I would guess, but definitely not >50%. However, if you are waitlisted you should definitely send a letter of continued interest so they know you are still out there rather than planning to matriculate 100% somewhere else.

 

[percy]

Columbia accepts approximately 200 students initially and when students withdraw they fill the class with waitlist students. Something like 1/3 of the class is waitlist I would guess, but definitely not >50%. However, if you are waitlisted you should definitely send a letter of continued interest so they know you are still out there rather than planning to matriculate 100% somewhere else.

I wonder where they all go. I remember hearing on one interview day that AdComs can see, starting in mid-March, where their acceptees have also been accepted. Some time later, they gain access to cross-admit statistics (e.g. what percent of students admitted to Columbia & Stanford chose the former?). I doubt this info is public, but would be interesting to see...

 

[mmmcdowe]

I wonder where they all go. I remember hearing on one interview day that AdComs can see, starting in mid-March, where their acceptees have also been accepted. Some time later, they gain access to cross-admit statistics (e.g. what percent of students admitted to Columbia & Stanford chose the former?). I doubt this info is public, but would be interesting to see...

Students that don't go to Columbia typically end up at a peer institution (Harvard, Penn, JHop, UCSF, and Stanford are the big ones that pull students away, essentially in the order that I listed them). I can't give you hard numbers, but I know in terms of students that are accepted to Harvard and don't go there, Columbia and Johns Hopkins are the two biggest reasons (Columbia's old dean of admission had a friendly rivalry with the Harvard dean, which is how I know). It's all a matching game of cost, fit, and geography really. Prestige and academic opportunities really start to become less important, especially among students with specific career interests. A full ride a Penn vs full pay at Hopkins can sway a lot of votes. Similarly, a wife in California makes the east coast less appealing.

 

[kpcrew]

I heard that Harvard has about a 72% matriculation rate for accepted students but Columbia is right up there with 53% or so.

 

[chronicidal]

Prestige and academic opportunities really start to become less important, especially among students with specific career interests..

if one has specific interests, what should the strategy be for choosing schools?

 

[mmmcdowe]

if one has specific interests, what should the strategy be for choosing schools?

I mean it pretty generally. I'm not suggesting that if you have some interested in pediatric neuroanesthesia you should pick based on that. For example, lets say you really want to get a masters in ethics and only 2 of the x schools have it. Then that might be more important than the fact that the 3rd school that you were accepted to that is ranked slightly higher on the US news and world report.

 

[ru4real1666]

complete so long a go....an interview here (in state) would be a huge confidence boost right now!

 

[Nymphicus]

complete so long a go....an interview here (in state) would be a huge confidence boost right now!

If only. Waiting for grades to come out to finish that update letter.

 

[Mashell]

I was complete with secondary in Sept. but have not heard since. Wondering if anyone out there knows if I might still have a shot at an interview. Sent an email saying I would be in the area next week, but that didn't seem to generate anything!

 

[Mashell]

I was complete in September (with secondary) but have not heard a word. Does anyone out there think there is still a chance at an interview?

 

[mmmcdowe]

I was complete in September (with secondary) but have not heard a word. Does anyone out there think there is still a chance at an interview?

Yes, and the office has been closed since (I believe) the end of last Tuesday. You probably won't receive a response until around the 5th.

 

[eldoctor]

Complete since July and haven't heard a peep. Updated them last month and still nothing, even though I interviewed at all other NYC schools 🙁

 

[ru4real1666]

Just sent them an update letter. Haven't gotten interviews at many nyc schools and I'm instate (decent stats too). MAKES NO SENSE. (This is all just very frustrating)

 

[annabanana1690]

Just sent them an update letter. Haven't gotten interviews at many nyc schools and I'm instate (decent stats too). MAKES NO SENSE. (This is all just very frustrating)

I was complete 9/23 and would love to send an update letter. Where do I send it to?

 

[mmmcdowe]

I was complete 9/23 and would love to send an update letter. Where do I send it to?

The admissions office by land or email, addressed to either the committee or Dr. Nicholas. It doesn't matter which.

Office of Admissions
630 West 168th Street, Box 41
New York, NY 10032
Phone: 212-305-3595
Fax: 212-305-3601
[email protected]

Also, regarding in state status. Columbia doesn't have admissions preference based on in state status alone.

 

[Metallica1936]

So, I am noticing a lot of people who have been complete for quite awhile and haven't heard anything. I've been complete since early fall, and I have pretty good numbers. Can anybody comment on how "normal" it is for applicants to Columbia to go this long without hearing a peep? Thanks!👍

 

[nucleophilic]

So, I am noticing a lot of people who have been complete for quite awhile and haven't heard anything. I've been complete since early fall, and I have pretty good numbers. Can anybody comment on how "normal" it is for applicants to Columbia to go this long without hearing a peep? Thanks!👍

Seems preeeeeetty normal. Complete since early July.

 

[R1MD]

Yup, given that the vast majority of us will be rejected pre-interview (from both Columbia and Hopkins...from your other post), I'd say its pretty normal.

Good luck!

 

[muleta4]

I don't want to contribute too much to the attempts to guess what's going on, but I just got an II today, complete 10/3. 37/3.8. Not many interview dates left at least that they gave me the option for, 1/19, 1/20, 1/23, 1/24, 1/25, 1/27 left.

 

[MelMelisqueen]

Yup, given that the vast majority of us will be rejected pre-interview (from both Columbia and Hopkins...from your other post), I'd say its pretty normal.

Good luck!

way harsh, Tai

 

[Metallica1936]

Thanks for the insight. It is certainly appreciated. I will keep my.fingers crossed. I really feel bad for the adcom's at these top schools with how many allocations they receive and.have to sift through.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

 

[R1MD]

Mel, we're all in the same boat, didn't mean to offend. It's getting late...there is always hope though.

 

[Neurosomething]

To add to the list of people who haven't heard a peep in a while:

Complete 8/2.... peepless since then.

 

[Neurosomething]

I don't want to contribute too much to the attempts to guess what's going on, but I just got an II today, complete 10/3. 37/3.8. Not many interview dates left at least that they gave me the option for, 1/19, 1/20, 1/23, 1/24, 1/25, 1/27 left.

This is a total guess from me, so if anyone actually knows anything about this, I'm happy to stand corrected, but I assume they have interviews past January but wanted you in a specific batch. of interviews. And then maybe if someone gets an II 2-3 weeks from now, the options will all be in Feb. Again, just a guess, based on only having October options when I scheduled my Tulane interview, and I'm pretty sure they're still sending out invites.

 

[JasonicBoom]

This is a total guess from me, so if anyone actually knows anything about this, I'm happy to stand corrected, but I assume they have interviews past January but wanted you in a specific batch. of interviews. And then maybe if someone gets an II 2-3 weeks from now, the options will all be in Feb. Again, just a guess, based on only having October options when I scheduled my Tulane interview, and I'm pretty sure they're still sending out invites.

I think this is correct. At first when I got my invite I was offered three dates in mid-January, one of which I booked, but then today I was told they had to rebook me due to a scheduling conflict and gave me dates from late January to mid-February. Well, there goes a set of non-refundable airline tickets 🙁 I think Columbia's definitely worth it though!

 

[muleta4]

This is a total guess from me, so if anyone actually knows anything about this, I'm happy to stand corrected, but I assume they have interviews past January but wanted you in a specific batch. of interviews. And then maybe if someone gets an II 2-3 weeks from now, the options will all be in Feb. Again, just a guess, based on only having October options when I scheduled my Tulane interview, and I'm pretty sure they're still sending out invites.

Yeah that makes sense. Like I said, those were just the dates that I was offered. I hope that there are more out there for those still waiting!

 

[mmmcdowe]

The end of interviews is currently set forFebruary 10th.

 

[pooghe]

Got an invite today, complete 10/12. 3.9/39. Dates were available through Feb 3rd.

 

[EvilSponge]

Does anyone know around when decisions are made internally (I just want to know when I should send my update letter by)

 

[ru4real1666]

Got an invite today, complete 10/12. 3.9/39. Dates were available through Feb 3rd.

Looks like the end of the road for me.

 

[bman87]

Does anyone know when Columbia starts reviewing applicants to make their decisions? (I interviewed in November)

Do they sit down to review things in the beginning of February? I plan on sending my update later at the end of January, hopefully just in time for the admissions committee to see.

Thanks!

Best of luck to everyone!

 

[mmmcdowe]

Does anyone know when Columbia starts reviewing applicants to make their decisions? (I interviewed in November)

Do they sit down to review things in the beginning of February? I plan on sending my update later at the end of January, hopefully just in time for the admissions committee to see.

Thanks!

Best of luck to everyone!

Yeah, they will really start cranking on it after Feb 10th. I would send any last minute updates as soon as possible to ensure their timely arrival and incorporation into their file.

 

[immunology89]

If I applied for the Basset program, but received an interview invite to the regular medical school, does that mean I was not selected to interview for the Basset program? I guess my question is for those who received interviews for the Basset program, did you receive an interview invite from the Basset program first? Thanks!

 

[mmmcdowe]

If I applied for the Basset program, but received an interview invite to the regular medical school, does that mean I was not selected to interview for the Basset program? I guess my question is for those who received interviews for the Basset program, did you receive an interview invite from the Basset program first? Thanks!

I assume that you have only been invited to the MD program interview. Typically, they are done on sequential days.

 

[omnomnom13]

Does anyone know if Bassett decisions have come out yet? When I interviewed in November, we were told that the first round of decisions (including our interview group) would be made during the 2011 calendar year. We were told that we would be informed where we stood (accepted/on hold/rejected), but I haven't heard a peep since. Has anyone who interviewed early Nov. or before heard anything? Or are they just late on making the decisions. Info from current bassett students would be helpful too - It'd be great to know if acceptances have gone out so I can know whether I need to send an update letter. Thanks!

 

[laj85]

Does anyone know if Bassett decisions have come out yet? When I interviewed in November, we were told that the first round of decisions (including our interview group) would be made during the 2011 calendar year. We were told that we would be informed where we stood (accepted/on hold/rejected), but I haven't heard a peep since. Has anyone who interviewed early Nov. or before heard anything? Or are they just late on making the decisions. Info from current bassett students would be helpful too - It'd be great to know if acceptances have gone out so I can know whether I need to send an update letter. Thanks!

I've been wondering the same thing. I interviewed in October, and from what I remember they said they would send out 5 or so acceptances in late december, and the other 5 by the end of January, along with decisions about the waitlist. I think we'll probably hear something by the end of the month.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Does anyone know if Bassett decisions have come out yet? When I interviewed in November, we were told that the first round of decisions (including our interview group) would be made during the 2011 calendar year. We were told that we would be informed where we stood (accepted/on hold/rejected), but I haven't heard a peep since. Has anyone who interviewed early Nov. or before heard anything? Or are they just late on making the decisions. Info from current bassett students would be helpful too - It'd be great to know if acceptances have gone out so I can know whether I need to send an update letter. Thanks!

To my knowledge they haven't, but I haven't asked.