2011-2012 Howard Application Thread

[soccrwon]

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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 🙂

I wish all threads had awesome med students giving us the inside scoop...thank you for all your help Kaji!!!

I don't know about ya'll, but I'm compulsively checking my e-mail to confirm secondary completion and trying to muster the energy to fill out more secondaries. Or work. Must...walk away...from SDN...

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

SWEETNESS! I haven't seen you since our July MCAT thread!!! Hi!!!

 

[sweetness34]

I wish all threads had awesome med students giving us the inside scoop...thank you for all your help Kaji!!!

I don't know about ya'll, but I'm compulsively checking my e-mail to confirm secondary completion and trying to muster the energy to fill out more secondaries. Or work. Must...walk away...from SDN...



SWEETNESS! I haven't seen you since our July MCAT thread!!! Hi!!!

Thanks for your help too Kaji!! it really does help to know this stuff.... SOCCRWON!!! Hey! 🙂

 

[25SJCA]

Hello all
I've been following this thread since start of cycle. is anybody else interviewing next Wednesday (Oct. 19th)? It will be my 1st interview and I am very nervous and excited. I don't know what to expect.

 

[Kaji215]

I wish all threads had awesome med students giving us the inside scoop...thank you for all your help Kaji!!!

I don't know about ya'll, but I'm compulsively checking my e-mail to confirm secondary completion and trying to muster the energy to fill out more secondaries. Or work. Must...walk away...from SDN...

Thanks for your help too Kaji!! it really does help to know this stuff.... SOCCRWON!!! Hey! 🙂

No problem 🙂. Just make sure you guys do the same next year, after you were admitted to HUCM c/o 2016!!!

Good luck 😀

 

[Luvdr]

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

AWEEE...Thanks... I'll keep us all in prayer 🙂

 

[3191964]

Hello all
I've been following this thread since start of cycle. is anybody else interviewing next Wednesday (Oct. 19th)? It will be my 1st interview and I am very nervous and excited. I don't know what to expect.

Do you mind posting your stats? and when were you complete? thanks

 

[Dr SunDai]

Secondary has arrived!!!

 

[MWB]

hey everyone, I just wanted to update everyone who read my previous posts in JULY regarding my MCAT and share the ending to my story, in case you need to hear it 🙂

I got my score back Tuesday and I was extremely happy with my performance. I did much better than I had expected (increased by 4 points!). That being said, don't lose hope. I know I was really skeptical about improving since I had only 1 month to study for the retake (aug 9th - sep 9th) AND I was disheartened by my performance the first time around, but still managed to survive. I may or may not post on the "30+ study strategies" thread in the near future. If you have any specific questions, ask.

Everything will work out, just have faith in Him. That being said, I can't wait to hear from HUCM! I hope my mcat update will convince them to interview me PLEASE! everyone!

 

[MWB]

on a completely unrelated note, I think I just witnessed SDN update its interface firsthand! Haha I was briefly excited. I kind of like the new, more modern look. 👍👍

 

[5788401]

Anyone interviewing mid/late October? 🙂 Let me know, perhaps we can get a conversation going before then. So Excited!
For those waiting on interviews, it seems that your essays matter quite a bit in getting you the invite; don't be afraid to be real.

Are you talking about the primary application essay? I didn't see any essays for the secondary or am I missing something? Thanks

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

There are three 'essay' questions. Look at the II again.

 

[5788401]

There are three 'essay' questions. Look at the II again.

Are you talking about these questions how living in underserved area and whether we plan on serving there? ?. I thought they were just 1-2 sentences because it doesn't give much room in the application. How long (on average) do people write for these? Would really appreciate some feedback/advice on these! Thanks...

 

[sweetness34]

No problem 🙂. Just make sure you guys do the same next year, after you were admitted to HUCM c/o 2016!!!

Good luck 😀

we def will do so!!! 🙂

 

[5788401]

Hello everyone!
Just want to say welcome to the Howard thread!!
If you guys have any questions, we are here for you all 😀

Best of luck!!

For one of the questions on the secondary, it asks whether we grew up in a economically disadvtanged area, what if the area was not poor but personally I was? should I say yes/no in this case...would appreciate your advice!

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Are you talking about these questions how living in underserved area and whether we plan on serving there? ?. I thought they were just 1-2 sentences because it doesn't give much room in the application. How long (on average) do people write for these? Would really appreciate some feedback/advice on these! Thanks.

They are not essay essay questions but you should have at least a paragraph or 500 characters . Did you already send back your secondary?

 

[5788401]

They are not essay essay questions but you should have at least a paragraph or 500 characters . Did you already send back your secondary?

No, was about to. I'm so glad I saw this thread! I have a couple of questions on how to the answer the questions, hope you don't mind.

1) it asks if we lived in a disadvantaged area, what is the standard for what's considered disadvantaged, I lived in a big city so access to doctors is fine but personally my family was economically poor (although again, what's the treshold)...I'm not sure to say yes or no for this...any thoughts

2) if we plan on serving the underserved after residency, I believe in giving back to the community which is why I like howard's mission so I am willing to go where there is a need for me, which would include underserved areas...but would it look bad if I say that? or do I need a specific plan...

3) reference letters, anyone know if research supervisors are ok? I did grad school so it's been a while since undergrad and most profs supervised me in a research capacity, if anyone has similiar experience, please advise. Thanks so much!

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

No, was about to. I'm so glad I saw this thread! QUOTE]

Phew!! I was nervous for you for a second there!

 

[Kj615]

No, was about to. I'm so glad I saw this thread! I have a couple of questions on how to the answer the questions, hope you don't mind.

1) it asks if we lived in a disadvantaged area, what is the standard for what's considered disadvantaged, I lived in a big city so access to doctors is fine but personally my family was economically poor (although again, what's the treshold)...I'm not sure to say yes or no for this...any thoughts

2) if we plan on serving the underserved after residency, I believe in giving back to the community which is why I like howard's mission so I am willing to go where there is a need for me, which would include underserved areas...but would it look bad if I say that? or do I need a specific plan...

3) reference letters, anyone know if research supervisors are ok? I did grad school so it's been a while since undergrad and most profs supervised me in a research capacity, if anyone has similiar experience, please advise. Thanks so much!

..1-if you've submitted ur app, upload a pdf file from amcas. under legal residence, look for designated letter (U) = consider medically underserve, (R) = Rural, (R)(U) -indicates county is both rural & medically underserve....

..2-statement perfectly o.k....

..3-LORs required 2-science instructor/faculty who have thought you..plus additional letters..presumably, a research supervisors LOR = ok.

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

No, was about to. I'm so glad I saw this thread! I have a couple of questions on how to the answer the questions, hope you don't mind.

1) it asks if we lived in a disadvantaged area, what is the standard for what's considered disadvantaged, I lived in a big city so access to doctors is fine but personally my family was economically poor (although again, what's the treshold)...I'm not sure to say yes or no for this...any thoughts
I think the word disadvantaged can be used to describe a number of things. Economically, medically,education wise since all of these things are factors that contribute the high poor health outcomes. Just frame it in a way that makes sense. The perspective you answer from may not be your own, while you were not medically disadvantaged people in your community may have been and you can see how they affected the community as a whole.

2) if we plan on serving the underserved after residency, I believe in giving back to the community which is why I like howard's mission so I am willing to go where there is a need for me, which would include underserved areas...but would it look bad if I say that? or do I need a specific plan...
I think they understand that plans change as you go through medical school. But the school's mission is to help underserved communities and that doesnt necessarily mean uber urban areas and uber rural. I lived in delaware for 4 years and even though its not a poor state there is a big need for health care professionals. I think just explaining WHAT it is that you plan to do as opposed to WHERE will make it easier.

3) reference letters, anyone know if research supervisors are ok? I did grad school so it's been a while since undergrad and most profs supervised me in a research capacity, if anyone has similiar experience, please advise. Thanks so much!
One their site they have the stipulations for the LORs. Check out this link http://medicine.howard.edu/students/prospective/admissions/faq.htm

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

on a completely unrelated note, I think I just witnessed SDN update its interface firsthand! Haha I was briefly excited. I kind of like the new, more modern look. 👍👍

It doesnt look so different in the forums does it? Or is it my antiquated work computer? I freaked out when I couled log on yesterday.

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

hey everyone, I just wanted to update everyone who read my previous posts in JULY regarding my MCAT and share the ending to my story, in case you need to hear it 🙂

I got my score back Tuesday and I was extremely happy with my performance. I did much better than I had expected (increased by 4 points!). That being said, don't lose hope. I know I was really skeptical about improving since I had only 1 month to study for the retake (aug 9th - sep 9th) AND I was disheartened by my performance the first time around, but still managed to survive. I may or may not post on the "30+ study strategies" thread in the near future. If you have any specific questions, ask.

Everything will work out, just have faith in Him. That being said, I can't wait to hear from HUCM! I hope my mcat update will convince them to interview me PLEASE! everyone!

Congrats on the New and Improved MCAT score!!!

 

[Bethavi]

hey everyone, I just wanted to update everyone who read my previous posts in JULY regarding my MCAT and share the ending to my story, in case you need to hear it 🙂

I got my score back Tuesday and I was extremely happy with my performance. I did much better than I had expected (increased by 4 points!). That being said, don't lose hope. I know I was really skeptical about improving since I had only 1 month to study for the retake (aug 9th - sep 9th) AND I was disheartened by my performance the first time around, but still managed to survive. I may or may not post on the "30+ study strategies" thread in the near future. If you have any specific questions, ask.

Everything will work out, just have faith in Him. That being said, I can't wait to hear from HUCM! I hope my mcat update will convince them to interview me PLEASE! everyone!

Wow! Congrats MWB! That is truly amazing!

Wish you all the best!

 

[Dr SunDai]

Are you talking about these questions how living in underserved area and whether we plan on serving there? ?. I thought they were just 1-2 sentences because it doesn't give much room in the application. How long (on average) do people write for these? Would really appreciate some feedback/advice on these! Thanks.

I wrote one paragraph for each, kept it under 1,000 characters. Other schools listed 1,000 characters as a brief response, so I stuck with that

 

[soccrwon]

I wrote one paragraph for each, kept it under 1,000 characters. Other schools listed 1,000 characters as a brief response, so I stuck with that

I typed my response in Word and included as much as I could get away with given the space constraints. I probably had about 300-500 characters for each response, expect the have you worked/volunteered answer which was about 1,000 characters. I hope that's sufficient!

I figured that if they wanted super long answers (4,000 character limit schools, I'm looking at you!) they would have specified length or given us more room.

I just had an employee at work ask me Friday if I had heard back from Howard. I said not yet, but I have my fingers

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Verified in 3 weeks! Lets get this party started!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DonnyDutch]

Hi Everyone!!!

Got an email from Ms. Walk this morning stating that "my application is out of committee and a decision has been made. In a few days, I will email you--when the decision letter has been signed by the Associate Dean and mailed. We are not able to tell you the decision before the letter is signed."

Is this a bad sign? 🙁...kinda nervous...any help from current Howard Med students??

Thanks again

 

[ahamdi2]

Anyone completed secondary early October get an interview before Christmas?

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Hi Everyone!!!

Got an email from Ms. Walk this morning stating that "my application is out of committee and a decision has been made. In a few days, I will email you--when the decision letter has been signed by the Associate Dean and mailed. We are not able to tell you the decision before the letter is signed."

Is this a bad sign? 🙁...kinda nervous...any help from current Howard Med students??

Thanks again

Fingers and toes crossed for you DonnyDutch. Stay positive!!!!!!!!!!
This is getting really real now lol

 

[GodismyPCP]

So, I sent my secondary out the week of 10/3/11 and I received a confirmation by the usps stating that it was delivered before the end of the week. Should I call HU to find out if it they received it? Or wait for them to email me? It's about to be two weeks.😕

 

[MWB]

So, I sent my secondary out the week of 10/3/11 and I received a confirmation by the usps stating that it was delivered before the end of the week. Should I call HU to find out if it they received it? Or wait for them to email me? It's about to be two weeks.😕

I'd hold out. They'll email you when they receive it. Give them a week or two maybe?

 

[soccrwon]

So, I sent my secondary out the week of 10/3/11 and I received a confirmation by the usps stating that it was delivered before the end of the week. Should I call HU to find out if it they received it? Or wait for them to email me? It's about to be two weeks.😕

I also sent my secondary out the week of 10/3/11. I received e-mail confirmation that they had received it ten days later. However, I live *really* close to D.C. I would wait another week and if you don't hear by then, give them a call.

 

[GodismyPCP]

Thanks for the quick responses! I'll just wait and see what happens! Thanks, again!

 

[DonnyDutch]

LOL fingers have been crossed for nearly a month now OBEAHDOCTOR, Thank you!!. Howard was such an awesome interview and I wish everyone still waiting to get the call, the very best!!!

Fingers and toes crossed for you DonnyDutch. Stay positive!!!!!!!!!!
This is getting really real now lol

 

[Miss Dee Dee]

Hi Everyone!!!

Got an email from Ms. Walk this morning stating that "my application is out of committee and a decision has been made. In a few days, I will email you--when the decision letter has been signed by the Associate Dean and mailed. We are not able to tell you the decision before the letter is signed."

Is this a bad sign? 🙁...kinda nervous...any help from current Howard Med students??

Thanks again

not a bad sign, just how the process works! it's absolutely gut wrenching waiting to get the "okay to call" message. in my case, Ms. Walk called ME to give me the good news because there was some crazy timing issue with my interview material and I had been bugging the living lord out of her. here's hoping, Donny!

 

[JAlexander910]

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering about how long after the secondary has been verified could I expect to hear back from HUCM about an interview?

Message to everyone else stay positive and pray!

 

[wire28]

i live in virginia and mailed my secondary the 30th of sept. still no complete email yet, which makes me kind of nervous

 

[soccrwon]

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering about how long after the secondary has been verified could I expect to hear back from HUCM about an interview?

Message to everyone else stay positive and pray!

Their website says that rejection e-mails are not sent until the end of the cycle (mid-June) so unfortunately, I think the answer is between now and mid-June. I keep checking my e-mail like crazy just in case though... 😀

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Anyone here?


No 🙁


*Walks out of forum*

 

[soccrwon]

Anyone here?


No 🙁


*Walks out of forum*

OBEAH! Come back!!!!!!!!!!

So what are you guys doing to keep busy during the application cycle?

 

[Luvdr]

The lack of posts...means no new II???? I've been complete since last wk

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

OBEAH! Come back!!!!!!!!!!

So what are you guys doing to keep busy during the application cycle?

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey girl!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvbdh37pdU8[/youtube]
Its so quiet in here!!!!!!!!

I recently got verified. So I am writing the secondaries for all the schools I applied to. I know I probably wont be invited to complete secondaries for all of them. But in case I do, I wanna send that bad boy off within an hour or receiving it.

What are yall up to?

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

The lack of posts...means no new II???? I've been complete since last wk

How long between verification-secondary and from secondary completion and submission - complete email?

 

[lassie28]

I sent my secondary in before Columbus day and according to USPS it arrived in their office 10/11. I just got emails confirming my secondary and an interview invite! I'm so excited.
Any tips on what to expect?

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

I sent my secondary in before Columbus day and according to USPS it arrived in their office 10/11. I just got emails confirming my secondary and an interview invite! I'm so excited.
Any tips on what to expect?

Yaaaah Lassie!
I used to lurk in the 2010-2011 thread. They had alot of good tips on there. lol

 

[sweetness34]

I sent my secondary in before Columbus day and according to USPS it arrived in their office 10/11. I just got emails confirming my secondary and an interview invite! I'm so excited.
Any tips on what to expect?

nice to get a mail confirming your secondary and an interview invite! just got verified with my secondary too! but hoping to get an interview invite as well!

 

[sweetness34]

Does Howard send out many invites??

 

[soccrwon]

I sent my secondary in before Columbus day and according to USPS it arrived in their office 10/11. I just got emails confirming my secondary and an interview invite! I'm so excited.
Any tips on what to expect?

Congrats!!!

Also, I am now watching all of the "orangey and purple" videos. Hilarity.

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Congrats!!!

Also, I am now watching all of the "orangey and purple" videos. Hilarity.

You have to watch them in order...my favorite is the one about 'favorite songs'. I know both of the songs by heart now. Im so ashamed.

Stress relief whilst awaiting primary application acknowledgement of receipt. sigh

 

[OBEAHDOCTOR]

Does Howard send out many invites??

Congrats!

Mrs. Walk said about 317 interviewed but she didnt mention how many invites.

 

[lassie28]

Thanks everyone.
I'll definitely read last years thread for some tips