2011-2012 Temple Application Thread

[hurricane123]

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has anyone interviewed here yet this year? how have they gone? mine is coming up soon.

also, does anyone know if Temple has a place to keep luggage?

 

[by604]

has anyone interviewed here yet this year? how have they gone? mine is coming up soon.

also, does anyone know if Temple has a place to keep luggage?

1 student interview 1 faculty interview. I had fairly standard questions...nothing difficult or ethical, etc...I think everything went well and smoothly. Don't know how well my faculty interview 'vibed' but nothing was out of blue. Luggage I don't know specifically, but you could leave it in the enclosed lobby area we sat in. Call admissions office to verify

 

[chopped1989]

It seems like Temple has been pretty quiet with interview invitations. Or maybe it's just SDN...Personally, this is one of my top choices and would love to get a chance to interview here.

 

[chocofudges]

For those of you who got an interview, how long were you under review?

I think I have been under for around 3 weeks at least lol. I submitted 8/17...

 

[Wyvernrider]

For those of you who got an interview, how long were you under review?

I think I have been under for around 3 weeks at least lol. I submitted 8/17...

I submitted a few days after you.

 

[chocofudges]

I submitted a few days after you.

Have you gotten an interview or are under review?

Either way, good luck!!! This waiting is so stressful. I may as well be glued to the internet lol.

 

[Wyvernrider]

Have you gotten an interview or are under review?

Either way, good luck!!! This waiting is so stressful. I may as well be glued to the internet lol.

Under review. I've only interviewed at in-states thus far, but I didn't get my secondaries in until ~8/20 to most schools.

 

[SDapplicant]

I submitted 7/20. Still under review

 

[penguinism]

For those of you who got an interview, how long were you under review?

I think I have been under for around 3 weeks at least lol. I submitted 8/17...

I was under review for a week and a half before I got an interview invitation (IS).

 

[cer26]

Hate to be the one to say this but you might be waiting several months for an interview so just be patient...

 

[chocofudges]

Hate to be the one to say this but you might be waiting several months for an interview so just be patient...

That is an emoticon representation of what my mental state will be like after days of neurotically checking my email lol. I guess I just got to take a step back and let thing happen as they happen.

 

[citrusguy2010]

That is an emoticon representation of what my mental state will be like after days of neurotically checking my email lol. I guess I just got to take a step back and let thing happen as they happen.

if it's any consolation after a while the neuroticism goes away...slightly

 

[chocofudges]

if it's any consolation after a while the neuroticism goes away...slightly

duh it goes away...after this happens

just kidding hahaha...i think it will go away when (if) I start getting interview invites...then it will come back in a few weeks.

 

[Oxygen206]

For those of you who got an interview, how long were you under review?

I think I have been under for around 3 weeks at least lol. I submitted 8/17...

I submitted 8/28 and got an invite 9/6. My stats are pretty average (3.5/31) bringing me to the conclusion that this whole application process has no logic behind it. Either way, I'm totally stoked to interview there!

 

[TEagle]

Got an interview today and submitted about a month ago. My stats are average as well (3.5, 30 with 10,10,10 breakdown).

 

[centraldogma]

Hate to be the one to say this but you might be waiting several months for an interview so just be patient...

Application under review. Complete on 7/25.

Has anyone given them a phone call? I don't know if it would help; I doubt I'd get more than "your app is under review" as an answer.

 

[Geekchick921]

Application under review. Complete on 7/25.

Has anyone given them a phone call? I don't know if it would help; I doubt I'd get more than "your app is under review" as an answer.

I really wouldn't bother. It's not too uncommon to be under review for this long. Personally, I was complete around July 22nd and I didn't get the interview invite until the very end of September.

 

[SDapplicant]

I really wouldn't bother. It's not too uncommon to be under review for this long. Personally, I was complete around July 22nd and I didn't get the interview invite until the very end of September.

Good to know, hopefully i will get one in the next week or so like you then!

 

[Geekchick921]

for you! Trust me, I was hella annoyed around this time last year waiting to hear back. I feel your pain.

 

[togaedere]

I just submitted today, which was kind of dumb because I learned in writing the essays that this school would be a great fit for me.

Does anyone know if they respond positively to "I am very interested! I'm sorry it took 5 weeks to write the secondary!" emails? August and September were extremely busy for me, work-wise, and I've been trying to scrabble together these essays, do a good job, and also work for a living. Non-trad life.

Or is it better to just .. let it be and see what happens?

Thanks!

 

[KnicksAreBack]

I just submitted today, which was kind of dumb because I learned in writing the essays that this school would be a great fit for me.

Does anyone know if they respond positively to "I am very interested! I'm sorry it took 5 weeks to write the secondary!" emails? August and September were extremely busy for me, work-wise, and I've been trying to scrabble together these essays, do a good job, and also work for a living. Non-trad life.

Or is it better to just .. let it be and see what happens?

Thanks!

I guess it wouldn't hurt...but I don't think it would help. I would just hope for the best. It might just sound like a bunch of excuses to them. Good luck!

 

[flodhi1]

I just submitted today, which was kind of dumb because I learned in writing the essays that this school would be a great fit for me.

Does anyone know if they respond positively to "I am very interested! I'm sorry it took 5 weeks to write the secondary!" emails? August and September were extremely busy for me, work-wise, and I've been trying to scrabble together these essays, do a good job, and also work for a living. Non-trad life.

Or is it better to just .. let it be and see what happens?

Thanks!

It would definitely be a waste of time.

 

[akhandynasty]

I got an interview invite like a month ago, and I scheduled it for Oct. 4. It's going to be at the St. Luke's Hospital and I was wondering if anyone else has on SDN has scheduled one for that day as well.

 

[penguinism]

Very impressed with Temple from my interview. I am hoping for some good news on Oct. 15th!

 

[Geekchick921]

Very impressed with Temple from my interview. I am hoping for some good news on Oct. 15th!

👍 Sorry I couldn't swing by, but I'm glad you liked it! Good luck on the 15th!!

 

[centraldogma]

I really wouldn't bother. It's not too uncommon to be under review for this long. Personally, I was complete around July 22nd and I didn't get the interview invite until the very end of September.

This is late but thanks for the reply. I will try to be patient. Definitely hoping I get an II soon!

 

[penguinism]

👍 Sorry I couldn't swing by, but I'm glad you liked it! Good luck on the 15th!!

It's okay! I hope you had a fun day. 😛 And thanks, I will be anxiously waiting when it rolls around! I feel good about my interviews but you never know!

 

[vickpick]

ii today.

 

[angleslam08]

ii today.

+1, was 'under review' 7/19...so yea, took quiiite a while. (OOS)

 

[kautionwirez]

ii today.

Via email? Congrats!

 

[uaguy10]

Just got an II today!

 

[vickpick]

Via email? Congrats!

Yes, via email. Thanks.

 

[Geekchick921]

Congratulations, guys!

By the way, just a reminder, but please peruse last year's thread if you have any questions about the interview day and whatnot. I got some good info from the 2009-2010 thread last year when I was applying.

 

[3191964]

Those who got interviews today, can you please post your stats if you do not mind. thanks

 

[NYCmedschoolapp]

II today! I'll be there in a week or so.

OOS 30Q (retake) 3.5-3.6

 

[Yraqi]

II today! I'll be there in a week or so.

OOS 30Q (retake) 3.5-3.6

When were you complete?

 

[NYCmedschoolapp]

When were you complete?

I'm not sure of the exact date, but around mid-August. I would say between 8/12-8/17.

 

[Kiting]

Is Temple receptive to pre-interview update letters?

 

[hello2]

Is Temple receptive to pre-interview update letters?

don't know, but if you don't send one beforehand definitely bring it with you to the interview (unless you haven't actually been offered an interview yet?)...

btw, just got my interview invite this monday (9/26) and scheduled it for 10/11. anybody else interviewing on that day?

stats: 31Q (retake), 3.78c/3.71s, OOS (Nebraska)

timeline--
AMCAS primary processed: 06/17
secondary recieved: 06/27
secondary sent/payment processed: 07/11
confirmed as complete: can't find confirmation e-mail; don't think I got one
interview invite: 09/26

some questions about the school for those who may know the answer(s):
- Are lectures mandatory? Are they video recorded? If not, are they recorded in any other way?
- Is there a dress code on campus grounds?
- If you are a current med student (or just live near Temple), where would you recommend living, and how much would it cost (just rent)?
- Soccer club/ways to play soccer? Any nearby lakes for fishing? How about grounds for camping? I know I could look at a map but I just want to get real-person perspective...
- If you are a current med student, how are you paying/planning to pay for the cost, other than the loans? If just loans, then have you thought about how best to pay it back?
- How conducive is Temple's environment to students with families?
- How long does it take Temple to make a decision? If not soon after the interview, when do they start making decisions?
- Research opportunities? Paid fellowships? If so, how selective are they?
- How competitive is the environment at Temple?
- How up to date are the facilities/resources?
- I heard that Temple was once on probation for some problem with students being in debt (or some other reason, I don't know)? What's this about, and even though Temple got off of probation, are there any lasting ramifications?

I'm sure some/all of these questions have been answered before but I'm too lazy to delve into the vast depths of endless posts...thanks in advance, and good luck to everyone!

 

[Geekchick921]

Some questions about the school for those who may know the answer(s):
- Are lectures mandatory? Are they video recorded? If not, are they recorded in any other way?
Some are. You have to sign in for the DOctoring lecture on Monday afternoon and in small group, and conferences for anatomy are more or less required as well. You can miss a few without the attendance affecting your grade but a lot of questions on the quizzes come STRAIGHT out of conference and you'd be a fool to skip them.

We just started the next block and most of it is class captured, but some parts aren't. There are also a few labs that are mandatory.

- Is there a dress code on campus grounds?
There is a business casual dress code during orientation and for some Doctoring things like all standardized patient settings. For class, though, the dress code is pretty lenient. Lots of people in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops.

- If you are a current med student (or just live near Temple), where would you recommend living, and how much would it cost (just rent)?
Most Temple students live in Center City or Manayunk. I've never rented in either of those places so I can't comment on the prices specifically.

- Soccer club/ways to play soccer? Any nearby lakes for fishing? How about grounds for camping? I know I could look at a map but I just want to get real-person perspective...
I think there's an intramural soccer team or something along those lines. For fishing and camping and whatnot, you'd have to venture out of the county, but there are places outside of the city, some farther away than others.

- If you are a current med student, how are you paying/planning to pay for the cost, other than the loans? If just loans, then have you thought about how best to pay it back?
Loans and I have a scholarship as well. How best to pay it back? I'm planning on paying it down pretty aggressively. I'm married so my husband's income will hopefully allow me to dedicate more of my income to paying off my debt than I could otherwise.

- How conducive is Temple's environment to students with families?
In my short-lived experience, they've been very supportive. I may have more of an opinion on that in the next few weeks. FWIW, I was told before students with children can bypass the lottery for clerkship location assignments in 3rd and 4th year and just pick locations that are most convenient for them.

- How long does it take Temple to make a decision? If not soon after the interview, when do they start making decisions?
A few weeks, but it depends on if the adcom meets right away and if your interviewer shows up. It took me about a month to hear back. I interviewed in late October and heard back the day before Thanksgiving.

- Research opportunities? Paid fellowships? If so, how selective are they?
I've heard some people in my class talk about research but I don't know exactly what they're doing. I know there's some study or another going on pertaining to MRSA, but beyond that, I got nothing. I believe most of the upper floors in the new building are research labs but as a first year, I haven't
looked into any of it yet, really.

- How competitive is the environment at Temple?
Personally, I think our class is very collaborative and supportive of each other, but we have only been together for about 2 months. They changed their grading system to H/P/F during preclinical years in the last few years, and they also changed their grades from curve-based to class performance, and I think both of those things lead to less gunning. Hypothetically, the entire class could get honors if everyone got a 92+ average.

- How up to date are the facilities/resources?
The MERB isn't even 3 years old yet and it's a great building. It's definitely one of the school's most attractive features.

- I heard that Temple was once on probation for some problem with students being in debt (or some other reason, I don't know)? What's this about, and even though Temple got off of probation, are there any lasting ramifications?
It was about 8 years ago. I know some of the problems were class size (which they reduced, but it's going back up since they have clinical rotation sites like St. Luke's and the upcoming Pittsburgh campus), old facilities (which they fixed with the new building), and student debt. They supposedly have been rallying for more scholarship money to offer lately, and I personally benefited from it. That said, I believe Temple had some of its funding cut from the state recently, but I don't know how much it's affected the availability of scholarship money. I get the impression Temple tried hard to remedy those problems in the recent years and they've come out the better for it.

Here's an article from when the probation was lifted a year after it was placed: http://articles.philly.com/2004-02-...full-accreditation-medical-school-student-aid

Hope that all helps.

 

[vickpick]

don't know, but if you don't send one beforehand definitely bring it with you to the interview (unless you haven't actually been offered an interview yet?)...

btw, just got my interview invite this monday (9/26) and scheduled it for 10/11. anybody else interviewing on that day?

stats: 31Q (retake), 3.78c/3.71s, OOS (Nebraska)

timeline--
AMCAS primary processed: 06/17
secondary recieved: 06/27
secondary sent/payment processed: 07/11
confirmed as complete: can't find confirmation e-mail; don't think I got one
interview invite: 09/26

some questions about the school for those who may know the answer(s):
- Are lectures mandatory? Are they video recorded? If not, are they recorded in any other way?
- Is there a dress code on campus grounds?
- If you are a current med student (or just live near Temple), where would you recommend living, and how much would it cost (just rent)?
- Soccer club/ways to play soccer? Any nearby lakes for fishing? How about grounds for camping? I know I could look at a map but I just want to get real-person perspective...
- If you are a current med student, how are you paying/planning to pay for the cost, other than the loans? If just loans, then have you thought about how best to pay it back?
- How conducive is Temple's environment to students with families?
- How long does it take Temple to make a decision? If not soon after the interview, when do they start making decisions?
- Research opportunities? Paid fellowships? If so, how selective are they?
- How competitive is the environment at Temple?
- How up to date are the facilities/resources?
- I heard that Temple was once on probation for some problem with students being in debt (or some other reason, I don't know)? What's this about, and even though Temple got off of probation, are there any lasting ramifications?

I'm sure some/all of these questions have been answered before but I'm too lazy to delve into the vast depths of endless posts...thanks in advance, and good luck to everyone!

I'm interviewing the same day!!

 

[exquisitemelody]

Does anyone know any details about the research opportunities for med students after their first year? Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center and Fels Institute For Cancer Research sound really cool, but can med students work with those centers?

 

[Northwesterly]

Most Temple students live in Center City or Manayunk. I've never rented in either of those places so I can't comment on the prices specifically.

Manayunk? Really?

 

[applicant11]

Does anyone know if Temple is receptive to in the area emails? I am interviewing at another Philly school in late October and would love to consolidate interviews into one trip if possible (OOS and work full time). Thanks and congrats to everyone who'se gotten interviews!

 

[elblackwell]

Does anyone know if Temple is receptive to in the area emails? I am interviewing at another Philly school in late October and would love to consolidate interviews into one trip if possible (OOS and work full time). Thanks and congrats to everyone who'se gotten interviews!

I sent one a week ago and got a really short response along the lines of if we can we will contact you.
Haven't heard back yet. I don't think it can do a lot of damage to your application as long as you don't come off as demanding an interview.

 

[Lucky Seven]

I sent one a week ago and got a really short response along the lines of if we can we will contact you.
Haven't heard back yet. I don't think it can do a lot of damage to your application as long as you don't come off as demanding an interview.

I have the same exact story. Have an interview in Philly in late October and sent them an email about 4 days ago. Their reply was short and sweet, something like, if so, we will let you know. Haven't heard back yet but as he said, it shouldn't hurt, just be respectful.

 

[beckerism]

Had my interview 2 days ago. SUPER friendly adcom and students. They really aren't out to get you. My interviewer was very chill and talkative, and I heard the same from others about their respective interviewers. Best of luck all. 🙂

Edit: No trick questions - simply tell me about yourself and why you are here at Temple. And the rest rolled along beautifully.

 

[hello2]

Not a student but I did get a lot of info out of the interview day:

Lectures are not all mandatory. Lectures are usually recorded and uploaded online a few hours after the lecture. No dress code in the medical school (might be different in the hospitals though). Most of the students live in one of the suburbs or in Center City along the Broad Street line. Rent varies widely in the city, depending on how frugal you want to be; but cheap places are available. The impression I got was that not many students lived on campus, both due to security issues and the "there's not much to do in the neighborhood" factor. There's also a financial aid department you can go into during the interview day to ask about financing med school. Many research opportunities, amazing clinical opportunities from what I hear. And the student community at Temple is one of the most relaxed and friendliest I have seen (I base this off the interactions in the student lounge and during the student lunch--though who knows, this could all be staged to trick us 😀). The med school facility is very new and fancy. Their simulation center is awesome. We weren't shown any of the hospital facilities or the old med school building though, which does raise a question at the back of my mind (most other schools gave us a quick tour).. It shouldn't be too difficult though to enter the hospital after the interview day to get your own impressions. Hope this helps. Everyone I talked to in our interview day was really impressed with Temple

Some questions about the school for those who may know the answer(s):
- Are lectures mandatory? Are they video recorded? If not, are they recorded in any other way?
Some are. You have to sign in for the DOctoring lecture on Monday afternoon and in small group, and conferences for anatomy are more or less required as well. You can miss a few without the attendance affecting your grade but a lot of questions on the quizzes come STRAIGHT out of conference and you'd be a fool to skip them.

We just started the next block and most of it is class captured, but some parts aren't. There are also a few labs that are mandatory.

- Is there a dress code on campus grounds?
There is a business casual dress code during orientation and for some Doctoring things like all standardized patient settings. For class, though, the dress code is pretty lenient. Lots of people in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops.

- If you are a current med student (or just live near Temple), where would you recommend living, and how much would it cost (just rent)?
Most Temple students live in Center City or Manayunk. I've never rented in either of those places so I can't comment on the prices specifically.

- Soccer club/ways to play soccer? Any nearby lakes for fishing? How about grounds for camping? I know I could look at a map but I just want to get real-person perspective...
I think there's an intramural soccer team or something along those lines. For fishing and camping and whatnot, you'd have to venture out of the county, but there are places outside of the city, some farther away than others.

- If you are a current med student, how are you paying/planning to pay for the cost, other than the loans? If just loans, then have you thought about how best to pay it back?
Loans and I have a scholarship as well. How best to pay it back? I'm planning on paying it down pretty aggressively. I'm married so my husband's income will hopefully allow me to dedicate more of my income to paying off my debt than I could otherwise.

- How conducive is Temple's environment to students with families?
In my short-lived experience, they've been very supportive. I may have more of an opinion on that in the next few weeks. FWIW, I was told before students with children can bypass the lottery for clerkship location assignments in 3rd and 4th year and just pick locations that are most convenient for them.

- How long does it take Temple to make a decision? If not soon after the interview, when do they start making decisions?
A few weeks, but it depends on if the adcom meets right away and if your interviewer shows up. It took me about a month to hear back. I interviewed in late October and heard back the day before Thanksgiving.

- Research opportunities? Paid fellowships? If so, how selective are they?
I've heard some people in my class talk about research but I don't know exactly what they're doing. I know there's some study or another going on pertaining to MRSA, but beyond that, I got nothing. I believe most of the upper floors in the new building are research labs but as a first year, I haven't
looked into any of it yet, really.

- How competitive is the environment at Temple?
Personally, I think our class is very collaborative and supportive of each other, but we have only been together for about 2 months. They changed their grading system to H/P/F during preclinical years in the last few years, and they also changed their grades from curve-based to class performance, and I think both of those things lead to less gunning. Hypothetically, the entire class could get honors if everyone got a 92+ average.

- How up to date are the facilities/resources?
The MERB isn't even 3 years old yet and it's a great building. It's definitely one of the school's most attractive features.

- I heard that Temple was once on probation for some problem with students being in debt (or some other reason, I don't know)? What's this about, and even though Temple got off of probation, are there any lasting ramifications?
It was about 8 years ago. I know some of the problems were class size (which they reduced, but it's going back up since they have clinical rotation sites like St. Luke's and the upcoming Pittsburgh campus), old facilities (which they fixed with the new building), and student debt. They supposedly have been rallying for more scholarship money to offer lately, and I personally benefited from it. That said, I believe Temple had some of its funding cut from the state recently, but I don't know how much it's affected the availability of scholarship money. I get the impression Temple tried hard to remedy those problems in the recent years and they've come out the better for it.

Here's an article from when the probation was lifted a year after it was placed: http://articles.philly.com/2004-02-...full-accreditation-medical-school-student-aid

Hope that all helps.

Thank you so much to both of you! Good to hear that the probation turned things around for the better! I've always wondered about the additional campuses, and I think it would be nice to study both in downtown Philly and in a suburb...

Looking forward to the interview...thanks to those who posted their impressions of the interview day--seems like it's gonna be a blast!

 

[compshateme85]

Interviewing 10/4 at St. Lukes.

Invite was late August, I was complete mid-July.

OOS, 30Q, 3.8/4.0

 

[hello2]

I'm interviewing the same day!!

sweet...just over a week from now and I'm already freakin out...not in a bad way though of course...keepin it cool as usual