2011-2012 Howard Application Thread

[MWB]

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Hey MWB, so i took the 6/16 exam as well and i totally bombed it. You did great by the way. You got a 28R and that is awesome. Don't sweat it. I am sure you will get into amazing schools as well as HUCM. I wish i got a 28R. Anyways, i checked the MSAR and the 10th percentile for Howard is a 6 on the verbal so i think you are fine. Also you are in the 80-90th percentile for the sciences so you are definitely good. I would even say do not retake for fear of lowering your science scores but good luck to you in whatever you choose to do. I have decided to just apply to 3 schools since i already submitted my AMCAS but i will wait till January for my retake. Stay Blessed!!!!

Thanks for your kind words, Paaakwasi!

Good luck on your endeavor too! I am sure you will get in somewhere. You seem driven and motivated to become a physician. It will happen, God-willing; it's just a matter of time.

Best,

 

[Miss Dee Dee]

MWB, I am by no means an admissions advisor, but I would not retake the MCAT right now, if I were you especially if this was a first attempt. Your score is quite good. I know somewhere along the way a "30 is the magic number" mentality popped up, and that's what they look for at some schools *cough* full of gunners, and not as awesome as Howard *cough* I'm just saying, you could save yourself a lot of stress and focus on the other aspects of your application. Plus if you somehow actually do worse that doesn't bode well for any school you may be applying to.

 

[by604]

Thank you for applying for admission to the Howard University College of Medicine for the Class for entering July 2013.

Your application has been verified by AMCAS.

On or about August 15, you should receive, via email, an invitation to complete the Howard University College of Medicine Secondary Application. We are currently making changes to the HUCM Admissions website and to the HUCM secondary. Please do not send the secondary in prior to the invitation.

Best of luck in this long and tedious process!!
(Again, please do not reply to the email. Even a "thank you" from 1200 applicants will overload the email system.)

Take care,
HUCM Admissions office

 

[Poozer]

I got the same e-mail as above... everyone else noticed it says July 2013 right? I have to assume this is a typo... ironic.

 

[BLKPA2MD]

MWB, I am by no means an admissions advisor, but I would not retake the MCAT right now, if I were you especially if this was a first attempt. Your score is quite good. I know somewhere along the way a "30 is the magic number" mentality popped up, and that's what they look for at some schools *cough* full of gunners, and not as awesome as Howard *cough* I'm just saying, you could save yourself a lot of stress and focus on the other aspects of your application. Plus if you somehow actually do worse that doesn't bode well for any school you may be applying to.

..i agreed!

 

[MWB]

class of 2015 started classes this week!!! Ahhh they must be so happy/energized/excited!

I hope we all can be in their position in a year from now, God-willing 😀

 

[afuot]

1. I have lived (for three years or more) in communities which are medically underserved, or where the majority of the population is economically and/or educationally disadvantaged. Yes: No:

If yes, please explain/describe briefly:

2. After residency, I plan to practice medicine in an underserved or disadvantaged community. Yes: No:

If yes, please explain/describe briefly:


3. I have worked (volunteer or paid employment) with medically underserved, economically disadvantaged and/or educationally disadvantaged populations Yes: No:

If yes, please explain/describe briefly:

Hey guys,
For question #2, Since my answer is yes, I am not sure what I need to explain or describe, Would you please clarify this question,
Thanks

 

[md2bknox]

Take it with a grain of salt since i have not applied yet. I would explain what your goals/intentions are, where you see yourself working. My plan once I graduate med school to gain experience within community health centers as well as health departments then I would like to open my own clinic. My dedication is toward not only providing care but teaching preventative care by providing classes.. I would think showing them that you have a goal and you potentially know what type of people and where you'll be practicing would help! I will be applying next year so I would love to hear ideas from actual applicants! Kinda reminds me of those where do you see yourself in 5-10 years plan! Anywho I am praying and rooting for you guys, Good luck you guys🙂

 

[Bethavi]

How is everyone doing?
I am almost essay-ed out and I have only completed six secondary applications so far, only about 19 to go 😱. Either way, I am excited to turn in Howard's secondary application once they send it out.

I just thought I'd pop in to say hi and to encourage you all to hang it there and try to enjoy the process. Writing these essays have definitely forced me to reflect a lot and I am often reminded about how much God has brought me through. That alone adds much significance to this application season.

By God's grace we will make it through this tedious process 🙂. Yes we can!

 

[robertch8]

Hey all! Yeah, these secondary essays are a pain especially for me as I'm a re-applicant. But this is my first time applying to Howard. I'm not a URM so I don't know what my chances really are but I have spent my last 2 years doing direct service in medically underserved areas in Florida and have done significant community service abroad. I wish I would've known about the school last year but it's really cool that a school specifically looks out for students dedicated towards working with the medically underserved community. I really hope to get an interview here! Good luck to everyone!

 

[Kaji215]

Hey guys,
For question #2, Since my answer is yes, I am not sure what I need to explain or describe, Would you please clarify this question,
Thanks

Hey afout, just tell them your plan. for me I explained how I plan to either work in a hospital in an underserved area or open up a clinic. I hope this helps you. Good luck!!! let me know if you need any help or have any questions 🙂

 

[Kaji215]

class of 2015 started classes this week!!! Ahhh they must be so happy/energized/excited!

I hope we all can be in their position in a year from now, God-willing 😀

you will definitely be in our position next year 😀... and by the way a 28R is a good score. Howard takes students with a 23 and above (as long as your application is great in all other aspects). If you show them that you are committed to HUCM and you are truly willing to work in underserved communities then I know you will be here next year! Good luck on your application.

 

[Kaji215]

How is everyone doing?
I am almost essay-ed out and I have only completed six secondary applications so far, only about 19 to go 😱. Either way, I am excited to turn in Howard's secondary application once they send it out.

I just thought I'd pop in to say hi and to encourage you all to hang it there and try to enjoy the process. Writing these essays have definitely forced me to reflect a lot and I am often reminded about how much God has brought me through. That alone adds much significance to this application season.

By God's grace we will make it through this tedious process 🙂. Yes we can!

19 apps 😱 thats a lot of money!!! well its worth it bcuz its an investment for your future 🙂... Good luck on those essays!!

 

[MWB]

you will definitely be in our position next year 😀... and by the way a 28R is a good score. Howard takes students with a 23 and above (as long as your application is great in all other aspects). If you show them that you are committed to HUCM and you are truly willing to work in underserved communities then I know you will be here next year! Good luck on your application.

Thanks for the words of encouragement! Hearing them from an HUCM MS1 really means a lot! I pray that I can in fact be in your position! Have fun!

 

[MWB]

MWB, I am by no means an admissions advisor, but I would not retake the MCAT right now, if I were you especially if this was a first attempt. Your score is quite good. I know somewhere along the way a "30 is the magic number" mentality popped up, and that's what they look for at some schools *cough* full of gunners, and not as awesome as Howard *cough* I'm just saying, you could save yourself a lot of stress and focus on the other aspects of your application. Plus if you somehow actually do worse that doesn't bode well for any school you may be applying to.

Thanks, Miss Dee Dee. Your words were very reassuring 😀 Wish us luck!!!

..i agreed!

🙄

 

[Island Empress]

Hi Everyone,

I'm also a reapplicant to HUCM, and just wanted to stop by to say best of luck to all prospective Howard Med students!! Looking forward to going through this journey with you all. 🙂

 

[MumDoc]

You are welcome MWB. I pray that we are all accepted so that we don't have to go through this process again. God help us all!!!!

Thanks for your kind words, Paaakwasi!

Good luck on your endeavor too! I am sure you will get in somewhere. You seem driven and motivated to become a physician. It will happen, God-willing; it's just a matter of time.

Best,

 

[BLKPA2MD]

Thanks, Miss Dee Dee. Your words were very reassuring 😀 Wish us luck!!!


🙄

MWB...gluck w/ rolling your eyes attitude on the interview trail!👎

 

[Kj615]

MWB...gluck w/ rolling your eyes attitude on the interview trail!👎

..yeah typical pre-med.. blkpa2md i wish you the best...you'll be an asset to med sch...

 

[Kaji215]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! Hearing them from an HUCM MS1 really means a lot! I pray that I can in fact be in your position! Have fun!

Good Luck MWB!!! Im sure I will see you during the interview cycle and/or during one of the school tours 😀.

 

[Island Empress]

I was hoping to get some help from others who are re-applicants. Does anyone know how Howard feels about replicating / reusing personal statements from your previous application? 😕

When I applied last year my personal statement basically answered the question "Why do you want to become a doctor?". I feel like even if i try to change a few things, the content will be the same. Any advice?

 

[Ighinee]

Hi everyone! How long does it take on average to have the AMCAS verification? I submitted 3 weeks ago and still nothin 🙁

 

[Island Empress]

Hi everyone! How long does it take on average to have the AMCAS verification? I submitted 3 weeks ago and still nothin 🙁

On the AMCAS website they say it roughly takes 4 -6 weeks to process applications. I wouldn't be too worried.

 

[Walaye]

Hi everyone! How long does it take on average to have the AMCAS verification? I submitted 3 weeks ago and still nothin 🙁

I'm just like you but I submitted mines almost two weeks ago 🙁. I feel a bit reassured that I am not the only one waiting. All this stuff is beyond stressful.

 

[MWB]

MWB...gluck w/ rolling your eyes attitude on the interview trail!👎

oh shoot! I totally didn't mean to roll my eyes. Ignore the eyes, it was the grin I was trying to get across! Sorry lol

 

[MWB]

..yeah typical pre-med.. blkpa2md i wish you the best...you'll be an asset to med sch...

i picked the wrong emoticon :-/ and did not realize it was "Rolls Eyes" lol.

 

[MWB]

For those waiting to be verified: it won't happen in 2-3 weeks...I learned, lol. Fact is, the verification process takes longer as the cycle goes on. For example, people who submitted 6/1 (!!!!) were able to get verified within days (if they had transcript in beforehand). My app wasn't verified until a whole month had passed and i submitted early July.

Meanwhile, you can definitely start working on secondaries. For HUCM, you don't have to worry yet because their secondary isn't out (or so I hope lol). Good luck!

 

[nwoye]

Just got the secondaries....yah!

 

[Don15]

just got the secondaries....yah!

+1

 

[Don15]

is there an actual character or word limit on how much we can write for each question?

 

[deels]

Just got the secondaries....yah!

Does anyone think the box for our photo is a little oddly shaped? Or is it just because I'm on a mac? The box is kind of flat and long, rather than a typical 2x2 size for a photo. Weird, no?

 

[deels]

is there an actual character or word limit on how much we can write for each question?

It has to fit in the space below the question, plus you can add 1 additional page (for the entire app, not per Q).

 

[soccrwon]

Can someone confirm...Are the secondary questions the same as last year? Do they specify a character limit?

I'm very excited to be applying with you! My primary is still verifying, but to us all!

 

[Sighz]

Can someone confirm...Are the secondary questions the same as last year? Do they specify a character limit?

I'm very excited to be applying with you! My primary is still verifying, but to us all!

It is indeed the same question set as last year and there does not seem to be a word limit. Good luck 🙂

 

[MCATBUSTER]

I have a question about the section that is asking us what we will be doing in the next 9-12 months.... can we include volunteering? it got the feeling that they are asking only about work/school but I just don't want to say No when in fact I will be volunteering.

 

[Praying4MD2016]

May the Peace of God be with you all during this application cycle, my future Howard classmates! 🙂 Remember, Phil 4:13. With God, all things are possible. As tedious as the application process is, as frustrated as we may become, we can do all things through HIM who is our strength! 🙂 Blessings and joy!

 

[by604]

Hey so are people just writing in the attached word document? There's like no space there...If you are going to write more are you guys doing like, question 1 continued:? Also, does anyone know what a good length for please explain/describe briefly means?

 

[Littlet]

Done and Done. time to grab a brew and enjoy this beautiful Chicago weather..
Yea buddddy.

 

[Bethavi]

Hey so are people just writing in the attached word document? There's like no space there...If you are going to write more are you guys doing like, question 1 continued:? Also, does anyone know what a good length for please explain/describe briefly means?

Hey,

I have a paragraph each for the questions about having lived in a disadvantaged community and post-residency plans. For the question about work/volunteer in a disadvantaged region, I have the equivalent of two paragraphs. I wrote this out in almost bullet point style. They are complete sentences but also brief and to the point.
For instance

In college, I was involved with xxx
In grad school, .....
Post grad-school,....

Don't sweat about it. Be as clear and concise as possible and I'm sure you'll be okay. I hope this helps 🙂

 

[MCATBUSTER]

Any answer to this question:
"I have a question about the section that is asking us what we will be doing in the next 9-12 months.... can we include volunteering? it got the feeling that they are asking only about work/school but I just don't want to say No when in fact I will be volunteering."

 

[by604]

Hey,

I have a paragraph each for the questions about having lived in a disadvantaged community and post-residency plans. For the question about work/volunteer in a disadvantaged region, I have the equivalent of two paragraphs. I wrote this out in almost bullet point style. They are complete sentences but also brief and to the point.
For instance

In college, I was involved with xxx
In grad school, .....
Post grad-school,....

Don't sweat about it. Be as clear and concise as possible and I'm sure you'll be okay. I hope this helps 🙂

thx

 

[JayNikki]

Any answer to this question:
"I have a question about the section that is asking us what we will be doing in the next 9-12 months.... can we include volunteering? it got the feeling that they are asking only about work/school but I just don't want to say No when in fact I will be volunteering."

i took it as asking about work or school also. maybe you should call to ask if including volunteer experience is ok?

 

[chaingangdx]

Do we have to MAIL this ish in??

Or can we email it to them?

 

[SBAKSHI]

I called them, we have to mail it in!

Also, they seemed to be kinda rigid when I called them. I am not in the country at this moment, so I requested them to allow another way to submit to save some time/money for me..but they said they didnt have any other way and cut my phone call!
So I asked my friend in the US to pay for money order and then send in the application through snail mail..!
Good luck everyone!

 

[by604]

Hey All sorry for all the questions, but howard makes it difficult when you can only speak with admissions like 8 designated hours out of the week. For the Course Audit Sheet if you had the class and lab separate and had different grades did you put all the information in the box or just provide the class (without the lab) info?

Thanks ahead of time...

 

[JayNikki]

Hey All sorry for all the questions, but howard makes it difficult when you can only speak with admissions like 8 designated hours out of the week. For the Course Audit Sheet if you had the class and lab separate and had different grades did you put all the information in the box or just provide the class (without the lab) info?

Thanks ahead of time...

i just typed all of the info in the box.

 

[SBAKSHI]

Hey All sorry for all the questions, but howard makes it difficult when you can only speak with admissions like 8 designated hours out of the week. For the Course Audit Sheet if you had the class and lab separate and had different grades did you put all the information in the box or just provide the class (without the lab) info?

Thanks ahead of time...

I just added a slash in both the grids. Example:
Organic Chem with lab-- lecture course/lab course---lecture grade/lab grade
Hope this helps!

 

[iLovePancakes]

I just added a slash in both the grids. Example:
Organic Chem with lab-- lecture course/lab course---lecture grade/lab grade
Hope this helps!

That's what I did too.

Also, can you use 100 level courses to fulfill the premed requirements? Esp for Bio or is it better to include the 300/400 levels ones? The only thing is not all the 300 ones have a lab.... either way they have it all the in amcas, just wondering how you guys did it....

 

[SBAKSHI]

That's what I did too.

Also, can you use 100 level courses to fulfill the premed requirements? Esp for Bio or is it better to include the 300/400 levels ones? The only thing is not all the 300 ones have a lab.... either way they have it all the in amcas, just wondering how you guys did it....

Since it said Bio I or Gen Chem I, I used 100 level courses..hmm..I didnt think of that..oh well- they would return it if they want to!

 

[Don15]

just got a complete email. mailed out the secondary on monday