2011-2012 Southern Illinois University Application Thread

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cknu2012 said:
Is there a student host program here? I have an interview on October 7th and am trying to decide whether to book a hotel.
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I stayed at the homestyle inn & suites. It was fairly nice, economical and only about a block or two from the school.
 
DVolle said:
I stayed at the homestyle inn & suites. It was fairly nice, economical and only about a block or two from the school.
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Awesome, I was wondering about hotel services too. Also, how close is that to the nearest AMTRAK train station? Did you have to use cab or bus services to get to that hotel?
 
Victory4Zim said:
Awesome, I was wondering about hotel services too. Also, how close is that to the nearest AMTRAK train station? Did you have to use cab or bus services to get to that hotel?
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I'm not entirely sure about the AMTRAK station, I drove to Springfield. A quick google map search could clear that up for you. If you do stay in the Homestyle Inn, it is very much within walking distance of the school.
 
Yes on both maps.

801 N Rutledge is the address.

You do first year in Carbondale, 2-4 in springfield.

All the SIU stuff is because there are tons of SIU clinics all around town.
 
red10 said:
I saw you! and you saw me!

(Ceasar, I'm afraid we might be scaring people away by being so creepy...:whoa:)
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lol Well I did see many med students, so I guess your identity is still safe 👍

Quick question: How exactly does the listing system work again? I understand they will consider the first batch and either put us on a list of people that are in line to be accepted and all of the other lists are essentially rejections. Was the good list called the apw or apu? If we miraculously make it to this apw list, what percentage is actually accepted? I understand we are looking at around 250 interviewees with around 160 acceptances total, so are we looking at like 200 on this list? Sorry if I sound neurotic; this whole process is starting to frazzle me, and I kind of got my facts confused after I left. I'm worried about 1) Being put on the good list and then not receiving an acceptance or 2) Being put on any of the other lists.....:scared:

Thank you for your help! I would really appreciate any input 🙂
 
Instead of studying for my medical genetics test, I'm busy thinking about whether or not the AWPA list/rejection/etc. letters come via snail mail or via email? All of you lucky med students, does anyone remember?
 
einstein1990 said:
Instead of studying for my medical genetics test, I'm busy thinking about whether or not the AWPA list/rejection/etc. letters come via snail mail or via email? All of you lucky med students, does anyone remember?
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I'm just an unlucky pre-med, but they come via snail mail (at least in the past they did). I don't see them changing that, as it's not an acceptance so it's not hugely urgent.
 
yea I think they AWPA letter comes via snail mail. Actual acceptance comes via email with a snail mail version to follow.

digitalsea, I'll let Caesar answer you about percentages. I really have no idea what percentage gets in off that list. I know that once the day comes where they tell you what quartile you're in, you really wanna be in the top half.
 
red10 said:
yea I think they AWPA letter comes via snail mail. Actual acceptance comes via email with a snail mail version to follow.

digitalsea, I'll let Caesar answer you about percentages. I really have no idea what percentage gets in off that list. I know that once the day comes where they tell you what quartile you're in, you really wanna be in the top half.
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They hinted that we might not even be able to get that info this year, as people would call incessantly in the past to ask about movement if they were in one of the safer quartiles.
 
Donnie1310 said:
They hinted that we might not even be able to get that info this year, as people would call incessantly in the past to ask about movement if they were in one of the safer quartiles.
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That was what was told to me on my interview date.
 
digitalsea11010 said:
lol Well I did see many med students, so I guess your identity is still safe 👍

Quick question: How exactly does the listing system work again? I understand they will consider the first batch and either put us on a list of people that are in line to be accepted and all of the other lists are essentially rejections. Was the good list called the apw or apu? If we miraculously make it to this apw list, what percentage is actually accepted? I understand we are looking at around 250 interviewees with around 160 acceptances total, so are we looking at like 200 on this list? Sorry if I sound neurotic; this whole process is starting to frazzle me, and I kind of got my facts confused after I left. I'm worried about 1) Being put on the good list and then not receiving an acceptance or 2) Being put on any of the other lists.....:scared:

Thank you for your help! I would really appreciate any input 🙂
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They don't publish the numbers for the lists every year.

You can assume that not everyone who interviews makes AWPA.

Also remember that acceptances are given out in 3 batches of 1/3 the class (lets say 24 because I am too busy to divide and see if that is right).

So in Nov/Dec when the first batch goes out 24 people get a straight acceptance, they were the top 24 people. NOW, let's say 4 withdraw. They immediately take the NEXT 4 people at that time and offer acceptances. So once those 24 seats are filled, they are filled. This is the advantage of interviewing early, interviews are still going on.

Once they offer the first 24 spots there is a trickle of movement.

Keep in mind though that I have absolutely nothing to do with the admissions process, so I reserve the right to be wrong at any point in time.
 
Donnie1310 said:
They hinted that we might not even be able to get that info this year, as people would call incessantly in the past to ask about movement if they were in one of the safer quartiles.
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Remember that Dr. Constance has taken on the extra responsibility of Admissions this year. So he can't spend as much time as Evan did in previous years.
 
Got an interview! Still waiting to hear back on the specific date though. I have to say that I wasn't thrilled about SIU before (I went to high school in Springfield and never really planned on coming back), but this thread has been very warm and welcoming. You guys have changed my mind and I am very excited to interview here.
 
red10 said:
yea I think they AWPA letter comes via snail mail. Actual acceptance comes via email with a snail mail version to follow.

digitalsea, I'll let Caesar answer you about percentages. I really have no idea what percentage gets in off that list. I know that once the day comes where they tell you what quartile you're in, you really wanna be in the top half.
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Thanks! Wow, I really need to take a break and step away from all this. I feel like I've done everything I can, and I should really be studying biochemistry right now. If they give us the quartile information, I will definitely bear this in mind.

Caesar said:
They don't publish the numbers for the lists every year.

You can assume that not everyone who interviews makes AWPA.

Also remember that acceptances are given out in 3 batches of 1/3 the class (lets say 24 because I am too busy to divide and see if that is right).

So in Nov/Dec when the first batch goes out 24 people get a straight acceptance, they were the top 24 people. NOW, let's say 4 withdraw. They immediately take the NEXT 4 people at that time and offer acceptances. So once those 24 seats are filled, they are filled. This is the advantage of interviewing early, interviews are still going on.

Once they offer the first 24 spots there is a trickle of movement.

Keep in mind though that I have absolutely nothing to do with the admissions process, so I reserve the right to be wrong at any point in time.
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Thank you! This is a pretty interesting process. So it is possible to get an acceptance outside of the large batch. 24 is correct by the way 🙂

Well, I'm going to get back to my biochemistry, but I really appreciate the information. I think I will try to relax and put all medical school stuff out of my mind so I can focus over the next month. I'm going on a student doc hiatus for the time being. It's very easy to get caught up in this process and miss important things that are happening around me. Thanks again for the help, and I will be posting in about a month to let you know where I stand/ if I may be joining you guys next year. :luck:
 
What does AWPS stand for? Is there any hope you have been placed as an "alternate"? Is that the same as being wait-listed?
 
alexfoleyc said:
What does AWPS stand for? Is there any hope you have been placed as an "alternate"? Is that the same as being wait-listed?
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AWPA= accept when place available
In the past, they used to make it to the alternate list but in the past few years they havent made it all the way through the AWPA list by the time they fill the class
 
Was just placed on the alternate interviewee list pre-secondary. Does anyone know if there is much movement from this? The letter I received did not make it seem so.

Also, anyone have positive experiences with calling to discuss which aspects of their application they should improve? I feel like I would be taking time away from the committee during the busiest time of year, but would really like to improve my chances for the future.
 
I thought they told me they weren't meeting until October 18 and we weren't getting letters/notifications until then? YIKES I don't remember!!! I hope that doesn't mean I got a big fat rejection haha.
 
BenzylAcetate said:
Was just placed on the alternate interviewee list pre-secondary. Does anyone know if there is much movement from this? The letter I received did not make it seem so.

Also, anyone have positive experiences with calling to discuss which aspects of their application they should improve? I feel like I would be taking time away from the committee during the busiest time of year, but would really like to improve my chances for the future.
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if you put up relevant info here or in the 'what are my chances' sub-forum of pre-med allopathic here @ sdn, you will hear very similar to what most adcoms would tell you
 
einstein1990 said:
I thought they told me they weren't meeting until October 18 and we weren't getting letters/notifications until then? YIKES I don't remember!!! I hope that doesn't mean I got a big fat rejection haha.
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That's what I was told as well. If the person who said they got the AWPA letter interviewed before us, perhaps the committee met on their files first.
 
DVolle said:
That's what I was told as well. If the person who said they got the AWPA letter interviewed before us, perhaps the committee met on their files first.
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I was there at their first interview date and I got a letter in the mail yesterday saying I was waitlisted. 🙁

I hope you have better luck whenever they send out your letter!
 
DVolle said:
That's what I was told as well. If the person who said they got the AWPA letter interviewed before us, perhaps the committee met on their files first.
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I was told the cut off line was my interview date, and that all interviewees on my day and after would not have any decisions regarding their status until the 2nd meeting of the adcom. i interviewed sept 6th
 
My letter still hasn't come, and I should be in the group that gets one right now. Stupid slow mail system.

SIU, y u no can email us???
 
BenzylAcetate said:
Was just placed on the alternate interviewee list pre-secondary. Does anyone know if there is much movement from this? The letter I received did not make it seem so.

Also, anyone have positive experiences with calling to discuss which aspects of their application they should improve? I feel like I would be taking time away from the committee during the busiest time of year, but would really like to improve my chances for the future.
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I hate to be negative. I also want to be realistic at the same time. If SIU waitlists you I would not expect to be accepted that year. I am not aware of SIU making it through all of the AWPA list in the past few years and the waitlist is only used after the AWPA list. So the chances aren't very good.

I know that Evan would have spent some time with you explaining how you could have improved. Dr Constance has more duties than Evan had to take of so he may not have as much time but it is always worth the effort.
 
Correct me if I am wrong but aren't the AWPA/waitlist/rejection letters only sent out this early with formal acceptances being given out in November or December?
 
DVolle said:
Correct me if I am wrong but aren't the AWPA/waitlist/rejection letters only sent out this early with formal acceptances being given out in November or December?
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Let me start by pointing out that I am not on the adcom. They did meet about a week ago to go over the first batch of interviews. (I don't know what the cutoff date was.) So that is why some people are starting to get AWPA, waitlist, etc letters.

DVolle you are right that the first offers are still a few months away.

PS Congrats to those that have received AWPA letters.
 
Question to current students/those who have already interviewed --

Did any of you have two interviews an hour apart? I'm worried about being late if the interview lasts closer to an hour and I have to drive to another building for the second interview. 😕
 
cknu2012 said:
Question to current students/those who have already interviewed --

Did any of you have two interviews an hour apart? I'm worried about being late if the interview lasts closer to an hour and I have to drive to another building for the second interview. 😕
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They won't let that happen. They usually ask what you have left in the day.
 
Just interviewed at SIU on Friday (the 30th) and they said that we were the last "batch" before the committee formed around October 18th to decide our fates.
 
I interviewed on October 6th and my interviews were just an hour apart. My first interviewer made sure that I got to my second one on time so no worries there. The interviews were very conversational and low stressed.

NOTE: They said that for my group, the committee would make a decision on November 15th and send out letters via the postal service on that day. Thus, I should hear about if I made the cut or not around the 17th. First batch of acceptances will be emailed by the end of November and the next batches won't be emailed until the end of January and the end of February. May 15th is the final date on which people that got accepted must certify that they will attend SIU Fall of 2012. At that point more people will get accepted depending on who declines their acceptances.

Hope this helps!
 
The committee meets tomorrow to decide our fates. :scared:

Hey, did any of you early AWPA invites receive a quartile rank? I kind of hope they publish the quartiles because the designation of AWPA can be kind of meaningless without knowing your quartile. Thanks!
 
digitalsea11010 said:
The committee meets tomorrow to decide our fates. :scared:

Hey, did any of you early AWPA invites receive a quartile rank? I kind of hope they publish the quartiles because the designation of AWPA can be kind of meaningless without knowing your quartile. Thanks!
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In the past they havent told people what quartile they were in until that May decision deadline
 
That's too bad that they won't let us know our rankings. I can see the logic in it but that doesn't mean I have to like it any more. Here's to hoping for early good news 😎
 
digitalsea11010 said:
The committee meets tomorrow to decide our fates. :scared:

Hey, did any of you early AWPA invites receive a quartile rank? I kind of hope they publish the quartiles because the designation of AWPA can be kind of meaningless without knowing your quartile. Thanks!
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You don't want to know which quartile you are in because that means you are not in the original 3 batches of acceptances. Those that make it in initially are not in a quartile. The quartiles measure where you are after the initial acceptances go out.

Also until everyone has interviewed they wouldn't be able to tell you since everyone after you may do worse (I'm optimistic 😉) and that would cause you to move up.

At this point just hope and pray for an AWPA letter.
 
What they said. Quartiles are never done until the final adcom meeting because they change too much. I haven't heard whether they decided to tell you all or not, but I agree it would be beneficial for you planning wise. That being said, I have no power. 🙁
 
Caesar said:
What they said. Quartiles are never done until the final adcom meeting because they change too much. I haven't heard whether they decided to tell you all or not, but I agree it would be beneficial for you planning wise. That being said, I have no power. 🙁
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When I interviewed, I was told it would be very unlikely that we could call and they would tell us our ranking.
 
So, are they going to be mailing letters today, or tomorrow? Does anyone know? Just trying to control myself from neurotically checking my mailbox..... Ha. How many days after the last committee meeting did it take for all you early interviewers to receive your letters in the mail?
 
Sorry for pushing the panic button with that last comment.
Thank you for all of the replies though; they were quite helpful.

I guess it is hard to rank individuals that have not been interviewed yet. lol My neurotic thoughts overcame my logic.

I was told that they would mail them this week and that we may get our decisions on Friday.

Here is to hoping for good news soon!:luck:
 
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Hey all,

I'm actually an OMS II at ATSU-KCOM, and I will be heading to Carbondale next year for rotations at Memorial Hospital. I'm trying to get some ideas about places to live before I start drowning in board studying. Any current students have any wisdom about decent apartments or residencial areas for a married medical student and a dog?

By the way, good luck to everyone applying! =)

Thanks
 
woo, just got a thin envelope from SIU.



SCREENER'S ALTERNATE 😀 I was expecting an outright rejection seeing as I'm a Chicago resident applying to the rural school. On the off chance SIU can't fill out their class, I get a secondary.
 
No letter yet. I am hoping that this is the result of the distance to my house and not the content. :scared:

They said the earliest I would hear is Friday, so I am guessing the letter will be in my mailbox tomorrow or Monday. Either that or the mail lady failed again. This is too much to think about; I am going to go back to memorizing muscles lol
 
Hey guys,

I got some sad news today. I am on the ranked-alternate list, so I will not be joining you next year 🙁.

I really loved the school, but I am guessing that they couldn't get past the fact that I look like a city boy on paper.

I guess it is a compliment that they considered me anyway! lol

Good Luck Everyone!:luck:
 
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