2011-2012 Howard Application Thread

[Kaji215]

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Hi everyone! I am also applying to Howard, but I totally bombed my first MCAT and plan on retaking the exam in January. I already submitted my AMCAS to several schools. Should I just withdraw and apply next cycle, or should keep applying. I'm so upset and confused. 🙁

I think you should NOT withdraw your application before actually contacting the schools that you applied to. You would be surprised at how many school are willing to place your application on hold until the new MCAT scores come back in February.

 

[Don15]

I'm pretty sure most schools deadline is before Feb of the year class starts. I would just apply next year

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

I think you should NOT withdraw your application before actually contacting the schools that you applied to. You would be surprised at how many school are willing to place your application on hold until the new MCAT scores come back in February.

I agree. You have already come this far. Review your list of schools, contact the offices of admission and if they give you the go ahead, go for it. Or if your gut tells you to keep going, do it. Also, I know this has been said alot on here, but please take all opinions on SDN with a grain of salt. Don't let what a fellow applicant tells you be the reason for you making any decision, go with your gut, and yes that includes me. 😉
Stay positive!

 

[joy14]

what is the secondary sheet they talk about having you fill out on interview day?

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

what is the secondary sheet they talk about having you fill out on interview day?

I think its mentioned in last year's thread. I think they called it the green sheet and its pretty much the same info in your app and the secondary. Dont quote me on that though. Mayhap one of the MS1 peeps can help us with that information.

 

[Miss Dee Dee]

it's the "supplemental form". they give it to you at the beginning of your interview day, and give you some time to complete it. your file is not complete without it; it is not optional. the form is basically an extended secondary, or what you might see as the secondary at other schools. it's a little more in depth, but if you know why you are on this path, then it shouldn't be a brain buster. your interviewer may or may not look at your supplemental during your interview, so you want to finish it and give it to Ms. Walk before they call your name. i suggest you take a look at the application materials you've already submitted (you know, in case you forgot what you wrote about). you'll probably look at them anyway because you will be super prepared for interview day, right?

 

[SuzeeQue]

Hi everyone! I'm thinking I should submit an application to Howard for the 2012 entering class.

I was supposed to start a graduate program there in recent years but changed my mind. I would like to pursue a career in academic medicine. Would someone be so kind as to share your opinions on Howard University in regards to preparing me for such a career? Also, please describe the opportunities (if any) extended to medical students in the area of scientific research.

Yes, there are other avenues by which I am able to obtain this information but would like to hear from students or those who are able to provide sufficient information from a personal stand point. 🙂

Thanks!

 

[Kaji215]

I agree. You have already come this far. Review your list of schools, contact the offices of admission and if they give you the go ahead, go for it. Or if your gut tells you to keep going, do it. Also, I know this has been said alot on here, but please take all opinions on SDN with a grain of salt. Don't let what a fellow applicant tells you be the reason for you making any decision, go with your gut, and yes that includes me. 😉
Stay positive!

👍👍

 

[Kaji215]

what is the secondary sheet they talk about having you fill out on interview day?

its not a hard form to fill out. they basically as you again why did you choose HUCM. and what makes you a good candidate... if you're from another country, they ask you to explain how you are going to pay for med school if you get in.

I didn't find it that difficult but they did give us the option to keep it and work on it a little longer if we did not complete it in the 30 minutes that was given to us at the beginning of the interview day

 

[Kaji215]

Good luck to all of those that have an upcoming interview or have already interviewed and are waiting for a response. You guys are going to love Howard. I know this may seem a little biased but I feel like this is the best Med School (in terms of solidarity and camaraderie) and hopefully you will to 🙂... Also, make sure you guys stop by and talk to us while you're here. If you don't get a chance, I'm sure some of us will come by and say hi (I know I came by the last couple of weeks and plan to do so every time I'm in the building).

For those that have not been extended an interview as of yet, no worries, its a very long cycle and hundreds mores will be granted an interview.

 

[Kaji215]

Howard does offer a lot of opportunities to pursue other avenues of medicine such as with the MD/Ph.D program. With this program, you would be given the opportunity to do research as apart of your curriculum. As of now, they offer us a lot of optional research opportunities (with the regular MD program) because our curriculum is not actually geared towards it.

From my understanding, Howard curriculum is similar to their mission statement which focuses on preparing physicians that will make patient care their ultimate goal. Although, that does not mean that you can not pursue research here. Like I said earlier, they encourage us to do research but on our own terms. The only exception to this would be if you chose that MD/Ph.D degree which requires research. Two of my classmates are completing one of those degrees

Hi everyone! I'm thinking I should submit an application to Howard for the 2012 entering class.

I was supposed to start a graduate program there in recent years but changed my mind. I would like to pursue a career in academic medicine. Would someone be so kind as to share your opinions on Howard University in regards to preparing me for such a career? Also, please describe the opportunities (if any) extended to medical students in the area of scientific research.

Yes, there are other avenues by which I am able to obtain this information but would like to hear from students or those who are able to provide sufficient information from a personal stand point. 🙂

Thanks!

 

[Quicksilver005]

Good luck to all of those that have an upcoming interview or have already interviewed and are waiting for a response. You guys are going to love Howard. I know this may seem a little biased but I feel like this is the best Med School (in terms of solidarity and camaraderie) and hopefully you will to 🙂... Also, make sure you guys stop by and talk to us while you're here. If you don't get a chance, I'm sure some of us will come by and say hi (I know I came by the last couple of weeks and plan to do so every time I'm in the building).

For those that have not been extended an interview as of yet, no worries, its a very long cycle and hundreds mores will be granted an interview.

This is very good to know. I am so sick of this "I back stab you, you back stab me" game that pre-meds love to play.

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Good luck to all of those that have an upcoming interview or have already interviewed and are waiting for a response. You guys are going to love Howard. I know this may seem a little biased but I feel like this is the best Med School (in terms of solidarity and camaraderie) and hopefully you will to 🙂... Also, make sure you guys stop by and talk to us while you're here. If you don't get a chance, I'm sure some of us will come by and say hi (I know I came by the last couple of weeks and plan to do so every time I'm in the building).

For those that have not been extended an interview as of yet, no worries, its a very long cycle and hundreds mores will be granted an interview.

I will be at the information session tomorrow. Hopefully I get to meet some of you guys.

 

[Kaji215]

I will be at the information session tomorrow. Hopefully I get to meet some of you guys.

I wont be there tomorrow because I have to leave right after school but there should be alot of ppl still around. Just say hi 🙂 ppl (current students) are normally willing to answer questions

SIDENOTE: Was your profile picture taken in Philly? I use to walk by that sculpture everyday on the outskirts of center city 😀

 

[Kaji215]

This is very good to know. I am so sick of this "I back stab you, you back stab me" game that pre-meds love to play.

I know I've been here for only three months but I have only met 3 ppl like that in this entire building that houses 460 med students (although the 3rd and 4th year students are barely here since they are on rotations lol). HUCM admissions does a GREAT job by not accepting those individuals 😀. I dont know how but I appreciate it!!!

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

I wont be there tomorrow because I have to leave right after school but there should be alot of ppl still around. Just say hi 🙂 ppl (current students) are normally willing to answer questions

SIDENOTE: Was your profile picture taken in Philly? I use to walk by that sculpture everyday on the outskirts of center city 😀

I stole it from a friend who lives in Philly...I love this pic and I want to go see this statue. 🙂

 

[sweetness34]

Best wishes and prayers for us all. i submitted my application here too and i think it is a great school. I hope we all hear something well. If your stats may not be well, keep on praying and working hard. lets pray for one another, and put our trust in God. our Lord hears all prayers and answers. He knows of our situation. and whatever it may be, He does for our best. All praises be to God.

 

[JAlexander910]

Best wishes and prayers for us all. i submitted my application here too and i think it is a great school. I hope we all hear something well. If your stats may not be well, keep on praying and working hard. lets pray for one another, and put our trust in God. our Lord hears all prayers and answers. He knows of our situation. and whatever it may be, He does for our best. All praises be to God.

Preach that, speak that, believe that! Wonderfully said. 👍🙂

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Best wishes and prayers for us all. i submitted my application here too and i think it is a great school. I hope we all hear something well. If your stats may not be well, keep on praying and working hard. lets pray for one another, and put our trust in God. our Lord hears all prayers and answers. He knows of our situation. and whatever it may be, He does for our best. All praises be to God.

Amen!!

 

[SuzeeQue]

Thank you.

Howard does offer a lot of opportunities to pursue other avenues of medicine such as with the MD/Ph.D program. With this program, you would be given the opportunity to do research as apart of your curriculum. As of now, they offer us a lot of optional research opportunities (with the regular MD program) because our curriculum is not actually geared towards it.

From my understanding, Howard curriculum is similar to their mission statement which focuses on preparing physicians that will make patient care their ultimate goal. Although, that does not mean that you can not pursue research here. Like I said earlier, they encourage us to do research but on our own terms. The only exception to this would be if you chose that MD/Ph.D degree which requires research. Two of my classmates are completing one of those degrees

 

[Kaji215]

I stole it from a friend who lives in Philly...I love this pic and I want to go see this statue. 🙂

Yeah its really nice. At one point, I was going to try and take a picture imitating the next movement but, I never got around to doing it lol... This sculpture is within walking distance of all the museums. When you go to Philly, you should check them out (especially the Phila Art Museum and Franklin Institute). 🙂

 

[Kaji215]

Thank you.

No prob... Good luck on whatever you decide to do 🙂

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Yeah its really nice. At one point, I was going to try and take a picture imitating the next movement but, I never got around to doing it lol... This sculpture is within walking distance of all the museums. When you go to Philly, you should check them out (especially the Phila Art Museum and Franklin Institute). 🙂

Thus far I have made it to the Mutter Museum and that cheesesteak place with all the lights.....i know i gotta do better 🙁
My fam lives in DE so I will get there before the end of the year.
For the sake of curiosity....what would the other pose look like? Lol

 

[MWB]

Good luck to all of those that have an upcoming interview or have already interviewed and are waiting for a response. You guys are going to love Howard. I know this may seem a little biased but I feel like this is the best Med School (in terms of solidarity and camaraderie) and hopefully you will to 🙂... Also, make sure you guys stop by and talk to us while you're here. If you don't get a chance, I'm sure some of us will come by and say hi (I know I came by the last couple of weeks and plan to do so every time I'm in the building).

For those that have not been extended an interview as of yet, no worries, its a very long cycle and hundreds mores will be granted an interview.

This is what I tell myself every day. Hoping for the best :-/

 

[Kaji215]

Thus far I have made it to the Mutter Museum and that cheesesteak place with all the lights.....i know i gotta do better 🙁
My fam lives in DE so I will get there before the end of the year.
For the sake of curiosity....what would the other pose look like? Lol

The cheese steak place that I think you're referring to is in South Philly and is either called Pat's or Geno's. They're across the street from each other and thats one of the places that everyone visits when they come to the city... DE is about 20-30 minute away so thats not that bad. If you decide to come to the art museum. Try "Art after 5". Its basically the same thing but they have live Jazz playing and they dim the lights a little. Its only held on Fridays tho....

The figured that the one would have been the person trying to take off flying or running so I was going to have my friend take a picture of me jumping or in a running position lol.

 

[Kaji215]

This is what I tell myself every day. Hoping for the best :-/

It is for the best!!! Good luck MWB

 

[soccrwon]

How does Howard notify you when your secondary has been complete? Is all communication done via "snail mail" or will they e-mail?

EDIT: Whoops, question answered earlier in the thread. I look forward to that complete e-mail.

 

[Kj615]

I received a disappointing MCAT score! I'll most likely retake in January, 2012. Anyone in the same boat or taking it for the first time for this circle? I've extensively reviewed last year trend and noticed that Ms. Walk was highly talked about. Not sure if she‘s the go-to-lady for any follow-up correspondence post secondary app. I've already sent out an e-mail to Howard via the e-mail provided indicating my intent for a January MCAT retake. Those who have already been accepted, particularly c/o 2015, please feel free to comment.

 

[soccrwon]

I received a disappointing MCAT score! I'll most likely retake in January, 2012. Anyone in the same boat or taking it for the first time for this circle? I've extensively reviewed last year trend and noticed that Ms. Walk was highly talked about. Not sure if she‘s the go-to-lady for any follow-up correspondence post secondary app. I've already sent out an e-mail to Howard via the e-mail provided indicating my intent for a January MCAT retake. Those who have already been accepted, particularly c/o 2015, please feel free to comment.

Post edited for writing under the influence of too much coffee and too little attention to detail. 😉

 

[Kj615]

I have the 2011-2012 MSAR in front of me. According to pg 147, the latest MCAT Howard will consider is Sept 2011. You could try to contact the school and ask for an exception, but I'm not sure how lenient they'll be. I have my fingers crossed for you!

....p147 list Univ of Calif, Davis, SOM, not Howard Univ. Howard is listed on p166-167 in the 2011-2012 MSAR and states "Latest MCAT considered: January, 2011" You should double check your source.

 

[soccrwon]

....p147 list Univ of Calif, Davis, SOM, not Howard Univ. Howard is listed on p166-167 in the 2011-2012 MSAR and states "Latest MCAT considered: January, 2011" You should double check your source.

*blinks in confusion* I just double checked my MSAR and you're absolutely right! The spine says 2012-2013! I've been thinking this whole time it was the 2011-2012 version! Well, whoops. Go with the above poster's info.

 

[Quicksilver005]

I know I've been here for only three months but I have only met 3 ppl like that in this entire building that houses 460 med students (although the 3rd and 4th year students are barely here since they are on rotations lol). HUCM admissions does a GREAT job by not accepting those individuals 😀. I dont know how but I appreciate it!!!

Good to know. Thanks for the info. IMHO, info like this is simply invaluable because they give insight that I would have never been able to find out since I am on the outside looking in.

 

[jerris2011]

I received a disappointing MCAT score! I’ll most likely retake in January, 2012. Anyone in the same boat or taking it for the first time for this circle? I’ve extensively reviewed last year trend and noticed that Ms. Walk was highly talked about. Not sure if she‘s the go-to-lady for any follow-up correspondence post secondary app. I’ve already sent out an e-mail to Howard via the e-mail provided indicating my intent for a January MCAT retake. Those who have already been accepted, particularly c/o 2015, please feel free to comment.

Wow! I thought I was the only one in this situation , it's nice to know that I'm not alone...😳
I would like to thank everyone for the great advice👍. I thought long and hard about my situation and decided to keep applying this cycle to see what happens. Again, I really appreciate all the support.🙂

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Wow! I thought I was the only one in this situation , it's nice to know that I'm not alone...😳
I would like to thank everyone for the great advice👍. I thought long and hard about my situation and decided to keep applying this cycle to see what happens. Again, I really appreciate all the support.🙂

Yaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[Dr SunDai]

My AMCAS is complete, but I'm still waiting on Howards secondary. I only saw one post about the delay between verification and receiving the secondary. Can anyone else chime in on lag time?

Also, I'll be attending the Nov. Info session and tour. Is anyone else planning on attending that day?

 

[Twink]

Did you guys fill the secondary by hand? I'm inclide t do it by hand since typing everything on the word document would look weird due to the spacing and formatting.

 

[Quicksilver005]

Did you guys fill the secondary by hand? I'm inclide t do it by hand since typing everything on the word document would look weird due to the spacing and formatting.

false. this secondary is the most succinct one you guys will fill out.

i have been soooo slack about checking in, but I saw a bunch of you guys interviewing today! didn't get to wish the group luck, but I hope it went well.👍

Btw Miss Dee Dee, this is what I was talking about. Fixing the spacing and everything was a nightmare.

I must have gotten the ugly version.

 

[soccrwon]

My AMCAS is complete, but I'm still waiting on Howards secondary. I only saw one post about the delay between verification and receiving the secondary. Can anyone else chime in on lag time?

It took 5 business days between my primary verification and the e-mail with the PDF secondary.

 

[PlatinumPenny]

Hey everyone...congrats on the interviews...does anyone know how this school views multiple MCAT scores? best subsection? best sitting? thanks!

 

[Dr SunDai]

It took 5 business days between my primary verification and the e-mail with the PDF secondary.

Thanks, I'm on business day 5 today...so hopefully this week

 

[jcfreakdavid]

Sending my secondary tomorrow, Low MCAT but very solid grades. Father of two and worked full time during my post-bac work. Hopefully, this makes up for the low MCAT score!

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Hey everyone...congrats on the interviews...does anyone know how this school views multiple MCAT scores? best subsection? best sitting? thanks!

I attended the Information Session last friday, and Mrs. Walk said they look at each sitting, they dont subset. But if there are major changes in individual sections they do look at it and may make a note of it.

 

[jerris2011]

Hey Everyone,
I received an email from Mrs. Walk stating:
"
We send an invitation to complete the secondary to every applicant who has been interviewed. However, we leave it up to the applicant to determine if they are indeed competitive. In this regard, we strongly suggest that students read the medicine.howard.edu webpage thoroughly.

We will accept the January MCAT, if the student has completed the remainder of the process and notifies us when he/she receives their scores in February. However, the class could be full at that time"

I'm very confused 😕. I thought we receive a secondary before we can interview. Could someone clarify this for me please?🙂

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Hey Everyone,
I received an email from Mrs. Walk stating:
"
We send an invitation to complete the secondary to every applicant who has been interviewed. However, we leave it up to the applicant to determine if they are indeed competitive. In this regard, we strongly suggest that students read the medicine.howard.edu webpage thoroughly.

We will accept the January MCAT, if the student has completed the remainder of the process and notifies us when he/she receives their scores in February. However, the class could be full at that time"



I'm very confused 😕. I thought we receive a secondary before we can interview. Could someone clarify this for me please?🙂

Howard does not screen so EVERYONE gets a secondary. Some chose not to complete it so they don't get invited for an interview ( AKA self screening). Of those that complete the secondary, the admissions office uses certain criteria (i.e. your primary application and your responses to the secondary) to determine if you get an interview.

I wanna say the January MCAT thing is for people who have completed the secondary and perhaps have interviewed there but were put on hold or on the waiting list. If their January MCATs are good they can send an update letter to the office and it may help get them off the wait list.
But perhaps the c/o 2015 people can speak on that.

 

[Luvdr]

Very excited about this application cycle...I wish the best to everyone

Amcas verified 9/22
Howard secondary received 9/26
Secondary sent 9/26 (I love this school...so I wasted no time..lol)
Secondary complete 10/12
II.....


Does anyone know how long it takes after "complete" to receive an interview?

 

[sweetness34]

Very excited about this application cycle...I wish the best to everyone

Amcas verified 9/22
Howard secondary received 9/26
Secondary sent 9/26 (I love this school...so I wasted no time..lol)
Secondary complete 10/12
II.....


Does anyone know how long it takes after "complete" to receive an interview?

Hope you are able to get that interview! I submitted my secondary here too and hope to hear some great news! 🙂

 

[Kaji215]

Wow! I thought I was the only one in this situation , it's nice to know that I'm not alone...😳
I would like to thank everyone for the great advice👍. I thought long and hard about my situation and decided to keep applying this cycle to see what happens. Again, I really appreciate all the support.🙂

GREAT 😀😀... I doesnt hurt to keep your application out there and push fwd!!! Good luck Jerris2011

 

[Kaji215]

Hey Everyone,
I received an email from Mrs. Walk stating:
"
We send an invitation to complete the secondary to every applicant who has been interviewed. However, we leave it up to the applicant to determine if they are indeed competitive. In this regard, we strongly suggest that students read the medicine.howard.edu webpage thoroughly.

We will accept the January MCAT, if the student has completed the remainder of the process and notifies us when he/she receives their scores in February. However, the class could be full at that time"

I'm very confused 😕. I thought we receive a secondary before we can interview. Could someone clarify this for me please?🙂

I believe that Ms Walk misspoke. Every person that completes the PRIMARY application receives the secondary application (ie no-prescreening based off of numbers).

 

[PlatinumPenny]

I attended the Information Session last friday, and Mrs. Walk said they look at each sitting, they dont subset. But if there are major changes in individual sections they do look at it and may make a note of it.

thanks!

 

[Kaji215]

Howard does not screen so EVERYONE gets a secondary. Some chose not to complete it so they don't get invited for an interview ( AKA self screening). Of those that complete the secondary, the admissions office uses certain criteria (i.e. your primary application and your responses to the secondary) to determine if you get an interview.

I wanna say the January MCAT thing is for people who have completed the secondary and perhaps have interviewed there but were put on hold or on the waiting list. If their January MCATs are good they can send an update letter to the office and it may help get them off the wait list.
But perhaps the c/o 2015 people can speak on that.

Everything that you have said is correct except for the "interview before the new MCAT score" part... Normally, they place your application on "pre-interview" hold while they wait for your scores to come back in February and after they will consider you for an interview based off of the entire application with the new scores. That's the reason why Ms walk stated that the class is normally full at that moment...

SIDENOTE: That is not fully true. I interviewed February 8th last year (after rescheduling my original interview date of January 11th) and I was accepted a few weeks later. One of my closest friends here wasn't interviewed until April and subsequently accepted shortly afterwards as well... So there is definitely hope for those that interview post-Christmas 🙂