2011-2012 Medical College of Wisconsin Application Thread

[CopaceticOne]

Hey Guys! I was wondering what people are planning to wear for the Second Look Day this Friday.... I am assuming business casual. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Someone mentioned in the Facebook group that they asked Jennifer (via email) and the reply was indeed business casual.

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[music2doc]

Does anyone have any insight as to why the rankings for MCW dropped so much? I know rankings arent everything, but I am worried because I only have a couple of weeks before I choose my school

Well, do you have a higher-ranked option available to you? If you do, maybe consider it. All I can tell you is what MCW's data looks like on US News, which determines the rankings:

Research Ranking Scores

Peer assessment score (out of 5) 3.0
Residency directors assessment score (out of 5) 3.4
NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions) $99.7
NIH research grant funds per faculty member (in thousands) $67.96


...So they're pretty average on their assessments and their NIH funding is moderate. If you're looking for prestige, MCW may not be the best school for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a solid clinical program, MCW looks like a great program. It's really up to you.

 

[trozafilmkru]

I'm definitely not looking for prestige but I don't want my school to drop rank 10 15 spots every year.

The other school I got into was a lower rank, but with this years rankings now they are higher. Rankings are only a small aspect of my decision, but it is still important.

I guess my question is if mcw has been dropping in the rankings every year, or if they fluctuate.

 

[bluv1212]

I'm definitely not looking for prestige but I don't want my school to drop rank 10 15 spots every year.

The other school I got into was a lower rank, but with this years rankings now they are higher. Rankings are only a small aspect of my decision, but it is still important.

I guess my question is if mcw has been dropping in the rankings every year, or if they fluctuate.

I don't think you should sweat it. I think outside the top 30, or maybe even the top twenty, there are a lot of schools that are on an even keel in the top 70 in rankings. It's not like they tell you what distinguishes at school at number 50 from a school at 60. You should look into the attributes that best suit you, and call it a day.

 

[Justforkicks4]

I'm definitely not looking for prestige but I don't want my school to drop rank 10 15 spots every year.

The other school I got into was a lower rank, but with this years rankings now they are higher. Rankings are only a small aspect of my decision, but it is still important.

I guess my question is if mcw has been dropping in the rankings every year, or if they fluctuate.

Yeah they definitely fluctuate, which is kind of why USNews rankings for med school are a little goofy to be honest. I think MCW was 47 last year (not even sure what it is now) but like 53rd when I applied. I know my M1 year the Family Med Dept was ranked 10th in the country by USNews and then wasn't ranked the next year. I think any ranking methodology that allows for that it a little suspect.

I too remember being really interested in the USNews rankings when I was applying, but now couldn't care less. I think the fact that USNews keeps adding different lists (Primary Care, Social Justice, etc.) is because no methodology really works for med schools. My advice is to consider 1) COA, 2) how much you "liked" the school on interview day and 3) location (is it by family, etc.). Those are the things I care about now.

 

[1289]

So word on the street is the waitlist rankings won't be out until mid May .. Dang!!!

 

[bluv1212]

couldn't agree more.

Yeah they definitely fluctuate, which is kind of why USNews rankings for med school are a little goofy to be honest. I think MCW was 47 last year (not even sure what it is now) but like 53rd when I applied. I know my M1 year the Family Med Dept was ranked 10th in the country by USNews and then wasn't ranked the next year. I think any ranking methodology that allows for that it a little suspect.

I too remember being really interested in the USNews rankings when I was applying, but now couldn't care less. I think the fact that USNews keeps adding different lists (Primary Care, Social Justice, etc.) is because no methodology really works for med schools. My advice is to consider 1) COA, 2) how much you "liked" the school on interview day and 3) location (is it by family, etc.). Those are the things I care about now.

 

[green1]

Looks like I can't afford to go see MCW again for 2nd Look Day. I really wanted to go but prices kept changing and now I can't. Please tell me what I miss! I think MCW was great when I interviewed and I'll end up there most likely, but it would've been nice to see it again.

 

[stay gold]

So word on the street is the waitlist rankings won't be out until mid May .. Dang!!!

NOOOOoooooOOOooOo

 

[Seanr214]

Made my final decision and withdrew my acceptance today. I hope my spot goes to someone currently on the waitlist. Good luck!

 

[Smallc999]

Made my final decision and withdrew my acceptance today. I hope my spot goes to someone currently on the waitlist. Good luck!

Withdrew mine too. So two spots recently opened good luck guys!!

 

[1289]

Withdrew mine too. So two spots recently opened good luck guys!!

The waitlist thanks you :O

 

[MDMPH 2016]

Just withdrew my acceptance. I hope one of you SDNers get my spot. Good luck!

 

[1289]

Just withdrew my acceptance. I hope one of you SDNers get my spot. Good luck!

 

[sunshine1030]

Wait listed, interviewed April 6. Now to wait...

 

[CopaceticOne]

Wait listed, interviewed April 6. Now to wait...

Were you interviewing for a place in the class or a place on the waitlist?

 

[music2doc]

Waitlisted!

Interviewed for a spot on the wait list, so this is actually a good result....

Now to find out where on the wait list I am... Anyone know when they'll release that?

 

[1289]

Waitlisted!

Interviewed for a spot on the wait list, so this is actually a good result....

Now to find out where on the wait list I am... Anyone know when they'll release that?

I was told mid-May.. bleh

 

[sunshine1030]

Were you interviewing for a place in the class or a place on the waitlist?

I was interviewing for a spot on the wait list, so I guess I got the best out of the situation.

Also, does anyone know how many people there will be per quartile because from what I heard, they usually pull 50-70 people off the wait list and Jen also said that the first two quartiles have a pretty good chance of being called.

 

[1289]

I was interviewing for a spot on the wait list, so I guess I got the best out of the situation.

Also, does anyone know how many people there will be per quartile because from what I heard, they usually pull 50-70 people off the wait list and Jen also said that the first two quartiles have a pretty good chance of being called.

i think about 50 in each quartile. don't sweat it though if you're in the bottom half, theres still hope.. as Jen said on the interview day they may have to go through 5-6 people to even get to 1 person who is still interested in a spot. now imagine trying to get 50 people.. i'm also hopeful based on the email that a lot of non-interviewed people got a few weeks back (according to SDN) that hinted there is a slight chance they may be interviewing another person or two as the summer plays out. must mean theyre expecting a lot of movement, yes?

 

[madison1]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, however since all of you have been through the application process I thought you could give me some insight. I will be applying to MCW this coming summer and saw that they require a letter of recommendation from a Bio, Chem, or Physics professor. I was just wondering if anyone knows how strict they are on this...for example, would a genetics or microbiology professor fulfill this requirement? Thanks in advance!

 

[1289]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, however since all of you have been through the application process I thought you could give me some insight. I will be applying to MCW this coming summer and saw that they require a letter of recommendation from a Bio, Chem, or Physics professor. I was just wondering if anyone knows how strict they are on this...for example, would a genetics or microbiology professor fulfill this requirement? Thanks in advance!

I used one from a class similar to that (not even in the biology department) and got an interview, I wouldn't worry about it I definitely don't think it's a deal breaker!

 

[bluv1212]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, however since all of you have been through the application process I thought you could give me some insight. I will be applying to MCW this coming summer and saw that they require a letter of recommendation from a Bio, Chem, or Physics professor. I was just wondering if anyone knows how strict they are on this...for example, would a genetics or microbiology professor fulfill this requirement? Thanks in advance!

did not even know that lol. Well, genetics and Microbio is biology, and I don't think they are very strict on it. I doubt they really need an LOR from a BIO 101 professor. My LOR's were mostly my research PI's, and I did have a microbio PI in there......don't sweat it. The two you mentioned seem fine.

 

[CopaceticOne]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, however since all of you have been through the application process I thought you could give me some insight. I will be applying to MCW this coming summer and saw that they require a letter of recommendation from a Bio, Chem, or Physics professor. I was just wondering if anyone knows how strict they are on this...for example, would a genetics or microbiology professor fulfill this requirement? Thanks in advance!

To clarify - they want a LOR from an individual that taught you in a hard science field (math falls into a field of its own for this purpose). It does not matter what level the course was.

 

[Victory4Zim]

Besides the summer research program available for students during the summer between M1 and M2, are there other types of research available for MCW students that may be ongoing during different times of the academic year, or maybe a different summer?

 

[Justforkicks4]

Besides the summer research program available for students during the summer between M1 and M2, are there other types of research available for MCW students that may be ongoing during different times of the academic year, or maybe a different summer?

Every MCW student enrolls in a "Pathway" in the 2nd semester M1 year. One of the choices is "Physician Scientist" and provides you with protected time (usually Thurs or Fri afternoons) to work on your project. As far as other summers go, you'll likely either be studying for Step 1 or in class so the M1-M2 summer is the only time you'll have a couple months off. You can also take research electives M3 and M4 year. I'm in the Physician Scientist Pathway so feel free to shoot me a PM if you're interested in hearing more!

 

[hockeyhy]

Did anyone get rejected post-interview?

 

[dadarsh]

in case anyone is interested: http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/compensation/2012/public?src=ptalk&firstbullet

 

[Victory4Zim]

in case anyone is interested: http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/compensation/2012/public?src=ptalk&firstbullet

Wow, thanks! Interesting results..

 

[25SJCA]

I just received financial aid package and had a question. Your total budget is for the academic year, however are you only taking out enough money for one semester? Because my remainig need does not sum up to the total budget they gave me.

So the money I'm take out now is only for half of the year?

Thanks

 

[mgill52]

So it's still mid May when wait list ranks will be out? I wrote down a different date at the interview day, but I can't find that paper.

 

[1289]

So it's still mid May when wait list ranks will be out? I wrote down a different date at the interview day, but I can't find that paper.

yeah I think they told us something different at the interview. I called last week though and was told mid-May.

 

[PostHaste]

So it's still mid May when wait list ranks will be out? I wrote down a different date at the interview day, but I can't find that paper.

There was something posted on the MCW Admissions Facebook page about that last week I think. I can't access FB now or I'd post it for you, sorry.

 

[1289]

There was something posted on the MCW Admissions Facebook page about that last week I think. I can't access FB now or I'd post it for you, sorry.

... they have a facebook page? this is news to me.

 

[CopaceticOne]

... they have a facebook page? this is news to me.

Looks like you aren't in the "know"... https://www.facebook.com/MCWAdmissions

 

[hockeyhy]

I called today, they said within a week waitlist rankings should be released.

 

[PassionateMD]

Just released my acceptance. Hopefully someone hears back soon... Good luck everyone. Its been real.

 

[1289]

Just released my acceptance. Hopefully someone hears back soon... Good luck everyone. Its been real.

PassionateMD you just made my day twice. opening up spots at both of my waitlisted schools! good luck to you as well

 

[stay gold]

Waitlist has been ranked, but you have to call to ask about your status. I haven't been able to get through

 

[zmxcm]

Waitlist has been ranked, but you have to call to ask about your status. I haven't been able to get through

I am in the 2nd quarter.

 

[ineedadoctor89]

the email says about 40-70 people are taken off the waitlist

 

[music2doc]

I am in the 2nd quarter.

How have people in the 2nd quartile of the WL done in the past?

 

[1289]

How have people in the 2nd quartile of the WL done in the past?

looking at last year's thread, looks like they did not get all the way through the 2nd quartile, that's not to say it won't be different this year though..

does anyone know anything about deferment offers? how many do they typically offer? if you accept it are you not allowed to apply anywhere else?

 

[461756]

Does the 40-70 refer to the total number of people who were offered acceptances or does it refer to the number of people who actually ended up matriculating?

 

[music2doc]

Does the 40-70 refer to the total number of people who were offered acceptances or does it refer to the number of people who actually ended up matriculating?

It seems more likely to me that it's the former, although the person I spoke with on the phone before I interviewed said that they take 1/4 of their class from the wait list each year (or about 50 students), which would seem to indicate that the 40-70 number may actually be the latter.... They do keep a pretty darn big wait list on hand and accept OVER twice their class size (458 accepted last year for their class of 208)....

 

[sunshine1030]

First quartile!!!!!!!!

 

[mgill52]

lower half. :/

 

[katch]

does anyone know anything about deferment offers? how many do they typically offer? if you accept it are you not allowed to apply anywhere else?

I'm interested in finding this out to but haven't had luck online...

 

[1289]

I'm interested in finding this out to but haven't had luck online...

yeah it hasn't been mentioned anywhere, I didn't even know a thing about it until I looked at last year's thread.

 

[sunshine1030]

There was something on the website about the option to defer for one year, but it didnt mention anything about a limit as to the number of students allowed a deferment