2011-2012 University of Alabama Application Thread

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pure skill said:
Can anyone post the prompts? That would be much appreciated.
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It's long.. be prepared to basically repeat your entire AMCAS application in different words. :annoyed:

And a few more:

Non-Alabama residents: Describe any experiences you have had related to the state of Alabama or UAB Medical Center:

If the area you spent most of your life before college differs from where you currently consider your permanent address, please explain:

Where do you see yourself in your medical career ten to fifteen years from now?

Please share any information you want us to know about you that is not included in your AMCAS application or in this secondary application:
 
Guess it's still too early to worry, but has anybody's app cleared processing? I'm still waiting to go "under initial review."

The wait is excruciating...and it's only August.
 
Hey guys--checked the status this morning and I'm complete and under review. Only info available says it could take several weeks, so I guess now the REAL waiting begins. Good luck to everyone!!:luck::luck::luck:
 
TheGirlDoc said:
Hey guys--checked the status this morning and I'm complete and under review. Only info available says it could take several weeks, so I guess now the REAL waiting begins. Good luck to everyone!!:luck::luck::luck:
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Same here. Good luck!:xf::xf::xf:

Anyone know when or how often the committee meets?
 
whatageek said:
Same here. Good luck!:xf::xf::xf:

Anyone know when or how often the committee meets?
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Don't quote me on this, but I think they meet every couple weeks on Thursday's.

On another note, I passed my first Fun I test! Wooty Woot! I'm loving classes so far. 😀

Edit: The committee met today. Looks like the new season is starting. Good Luck Everyone!!
 
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I am OOS and I've heard that at some medical schools, OOS students can pay IS tuition after a year or two. Does anyone know if this is true for UAB or do you pay OOS tuition for the whole four years.
Thanks in advance.
 
At UAB they don't consider you as an Alabama resident while you are there for an education. So, OOS have to pay out of state tuition the entire four years.
 
Ditto1114 said:
Don't quote me on this, but I think they meet every couple weeks on Thursday's.

On another note, I passed my first Fun I test! Wooty Woot! I'm loving classes so far. 😀

Edit: The committee met today. Looks like the new season is starting. Good Luck Everyone!!
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Sweet! Thanks for the info. Glad to hear you're chugging through Fun I. Have y'all started Anatomy yet?
 
cmwhite11 said:
It's long.. be prepared to basically repeat your entire AMCAS application in different words. :annoyed:
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These were super helpful! Thanks so much for putting these up. :bow:
Does anyone have the rest of the secondary that they'd be willing to post? My application is still under review due to transcript issues, but I'd like to knock this one out beforehand if possible!
 
cmwhite11 said:
It's long.. be prepared to basically repeat your entire AMCAS application in different words. :annoyed:

. . .
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Anyone know if there are additional essays for MSTP applicants? Or are they (hopefully) the same? These essays are killing me.
 
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hey for any mstp students,

For the 'what factors prompted you to apply for uab mstp' question,
did you write about why you wanted an md/phd in general, or specifically about mstp at UAB?
If it's the former, then it's exactly the same essay prompt as on AMCAS
 
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Hey everyone--

I saw a couple of the first years already posted, so I think they've got things well under control -- but I'm one of the M2s and also happy to answer any questions you guys have about UAB. Either post or feel free to PM me.

Hopefully I'll be giving all of you tours come interview season. Good luck!
 
So, for those with interviews, may I ask when your app was complete? My secondary is still marked complete and under review 🙁
 
TheGirlDoc said:
So, for those with interviews, may I ask when your app was complete? My secondary is still marked complete and under review 🙁
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I know the wait is excruciating, but it's not uncommon to have that status for months. The first year I applied, I was under review from September to February. It's hard to do, but try not to worry. 🙂
 
On the plus side, I believe the first group is interviewing this week!
 
I was complete 8/15 and received the interview invite 9/9; scheduled for 9/22. I believe edp applicants interview this Thursday. Yea I'm still waiting to hear from all the other schools I've applied to. I'm sure one of the main reasons for my early invite from uab is being in-state
 
smooththrow said:
I was complete 8/15 and received the interview invite 9/9; scheduled for 9/22. I believe edp applicants interview this Thursday. Yea I'm still waiting to hear from all the other schools I've applied to. I'm sure one of the main reasons for my early invite from uab is being in-state
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That's about the same time I interviewed last year. Good luck. You will either hear back relatively quickly or around March.
 
nygiants fan said:
That's about the same time I interviewed last year. Good luck. You will either hear back relatively quickly or around March.
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Thanks very much. For the people who hear back quickly, is it within a week or two?
 
I was complete 8/10 and interview invite 9/9. I'm in-state as well, and I'll be interviewing 9/22!
 
smooththrow said:
Thanks very much. For the people who hear back quickly, is it within a week or two?
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I heard back the day after my interview. Generally I've heard that some folks hear back in <1 week, a few scattered at around 1 month, and then another pretty big group in March.

Good luck!
 
So I was wondering if a copy of the secondary is up yet. I'm not sure if I've overlooked it or it just isn't posted.
Thanks
 
Im an instate applicant. I just sent in my primary AMCAS to be verified. I know it really won't matter for USA, but do any of you think I did this to late considering UAB does rolling interviews?

Thanks
 
Uchiha said:
So I was wondering if a copy of the secondary is up yet. I'm not sure if I've overlooked it or it just isn't posted.
Thanks
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It's basically repeating a lot of stuff on amcas and toward the top of this page cmwhite11 posted some of the other questions.
You have to list shadowing, other medically related experiences, volunteering, research, and add descriptions for all of it.

OrangeJuice88 said:
Im an instate applicant. I just sent in my primary AMCAS to be verified. I know it really won't matter for USA, but do any of you think I did this to late considering UAB does rolling interviews?
Thanks
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I wouldn't think it's too late, and since you're instate I would definitely go ahead and apply. Just get the secondary done as soon as they send it to you.
 
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Does anyone have the status "Remain Under Consideration for an Interview" yet??
 
Can any of the med students comment on what they like best about UAB? I know for me the excellence in research and the opportunities provided in that area are great, but I'm just wondering what other areas stand out to you guys. Also, does anyone happen to know the number of acceptances they give out? I know about 175 people matriculate each year.
 
smooththrow said:
Can any of the med students comment on what they like best about UAB? I know for me the excellence in research and the opportunities provided in that area are great, but I'm just wondering what other areas stand out to you guys. Also, does anyone happen to know the number of acceptances they give out? I know about 175 people matriculate each year.
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I like the fact that I'm paying in-state tuition to go to a top-tier medical school that will offer me opportunities in residency programs anywhere I want coast to coast from Mass Gen to UCSF. 🙂
 
Just finished the secondary a few days ago. For those of you that have had your secondaries submitted for review, how long did your status say "Secondary in Process"?
 
nygiants fan said:
I like the fact that I'm paying in-state tuition to go to a top-tier medical school that will offer me opportunities in residency programs anywhere I want coast to coast from Mass Gen to UCSF. 🙂
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Haha very true. I'm really excited about my interview, but also pretty nervous. Does UAB ask questions about healthcare and ethical issues during the interviews? I've prepared for them but haven't seen many questions like that when looking at interview feedback.

RollnWthTheTide said:
Just finished the secondary a few days ago. For those of you that have had your secondaries submitted for review, how long did your status say "Secondary in Process"?
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Mine said that for a good week or so.
 
smooththrow said:
Haha very true. I'm really excited about my interview, but also pretty nervous. Does UAB ask questions about healthcare and ethical issues during the interviews? I've prepared for them but haven't seen many questions like that when looking at interview feedback.



Mine said that for a good week or so.
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Well I wasn't asked any healthcare or ethical questions. They just asked me to elaborated on the stuff I had written in my primary and secondary along with where I had travelled, what type of doctor I saw myself being in 10 years, etc. Also, really know all of the details about your research. If you can't explain it coherently, that will hurt your chances a lot. I didn't talk to the others about what questions they were asked during the interview day because .....it was an interview day and I didn't feel like it. I would say that it's better to be prepared for those questions if they arise than to not be prepared at all.
 
Greetings from the MSTP at UAB:

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB). We are certain that you will find the opportunities for training in medicine and research at UAB to be exemplary. Based on a review of your MCAT score, we have contacted you to consider the possibility of obtaining a dual MD/PhD degree. The MSTP at UAB is an outstanding program designed for those individuals who have an interest in training to become a physician scientist.

The MSTP at UAB is funded by the National Institutes of Health and as such is recognized as one of the top programs across the country. The opportunities at UAB for biomedical research are outstanding; over 200 extramurally funded investigators in the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, Optometry, Dentistry and Public Health participate in training MD/PhD students during the research phase of the program. The research enterprise at UAB is nationally recognized for excellence in numerous disciplines, including biodefense, immunology, cancer biology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and many others. We are currently ranked #30 for Research (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankings.../top-medical-schools/research-rankings/page+2) and #10 for Primary care (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankings...ols/top-medical-schools/primary-care-rankings). Moreover, UAB is consistently ranked in the top medical schools nationally based on extramural research funding from the National Institutes of Health. UAB hospital is equally well respected for the quality of healthcare that it provides to the population of Alabama and surrounding states throughout the Southeast. The Dean of Medicine at UAB has specifically stated his strong support for the MSTP and its mission of training the physician scientists of the future. Thus, we are confident that we can offer the best training in research and medicine that you will find in any MSTP.

The MSTP at UAB covers your tuition and fees throughout the entire period of training to become a MD/PhD. Moreover, the program provides competitive stipends (currently $26,000/year) and funding for books, computers and travel associated with your training. Another important fact to keep in mind is that the cost of living in Birmingham is lower than in many other cities with similar research intensive Biomedical Institutions. Indeed, many of the students in our program purchase their own home during their tenure here at UAB. The students in our program enjoy a strong sense of collegiality, which exists among themselves and with the faculty at UAB. This is fostered by the annual MSTP retreat, monthly seminars on translational research, holiday parties, the Griffin Society, which brings together the entire MD/PhD community at UAB, and other activities throughout the year. Indeed, one of the greatest strengths of UAB is the collegial and collaborative nature of the medical school and the MSTP in particular.

Once again, we strongly encourage you to take the opportunity to see what the MSTP at UAB has to offer. Visit our website (www.mstp.uab.edu) to find out more about our program. Additionally, we have attached PDF flyers that provide basic information on combined MD/PhD programs and to highlight some of the important aspects of our program in particular. We do not have a residency preference for in-state students and do not require applicants to pay the fee or fill out secondary applications unless they are selected for an interview with the program. Additionally, applicants who do not receive interviews from the MSTP may still be considered for MD-only admission.

Applications to the UAB MSTP are received through AMCAS. Simply check the Univ. of Alabama MD/PhD Program. To apply to any MD/PhD Program you will need to complete two additional essays: "MDPhD Motivation" and "Significant Research Experience".

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either of us by e-mail or by telephone. We would be pleased to provide you with information regarding the program.
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Anyone else get this email? I have never really considered an MD/PhD, but I have never heard of getting an email invitation out of the blue.
 
Wyvernrider said:
Anyone else get this email? I have never really considered an MD/PhD, but I have never heard of getting an email invitation out of the blue.
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This is an automated e-mail sent to people who scored well on the MCAT (above 30). It was however the way I found about UAB (I am a first year in the program, feel free to message me if you have any questions about MSTP programs or UAB). If you are considering the MSTP the most important thing is research. if you have a strong research background and are considering academic medicine it might be worth it to apply. I wouldn't recommend applying just for the hell of it though, as it is quite competitive and from personal experience I think it does put you at a disadvantage for straight MD acceptance since many places then put your app to the back of the line.
 
smooththrow said:
Can any of the med students comment on what they like best about UAB? I know for me the excellence in research and the opportunities provided in that area are great, but I'm just wondering what other areas stand out to you guys. Also, does anyone happen to know the number of acceptances they give out? I know about 175 people matriculate each year.
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The hospital is awesome. Period. Also lots of research opportunities if that's your thing, though that's not as big a draw for me as the clinical training.

smooththrow said:
Haha very true. I'm really excited about my interview, but also pretty nervous. Does UAB ask questions about healthcare and ethical issues during the interviews? I've prepared for them but haven't seen many questions like that when looking at interview feedback.
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I've never heard of anyone being asked those sorts of questions. They will have three interviews -- one will be assigned to ask about your research, one about your extracurriculars, and one about your academics/PS -- though there's usually a fair amount of overlap in the last two. The interviews were very low key and low stress. As another poster said, definitely be familiar with the details of any research that you list on your app.
 
smooththrow said:
Can any of the med students comment on what they like best about UAB? I know for me the excellence in research and the opportunities provided in that area are great, but I'm just wondering what other areas stand out to you guys. Also, does anyone happen to know the number of acceptances they give out? I know about 175 people matriculate each year.
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The thing I like most about UAB is the passion for teaching that most of the faculty have. Yes, there are exceptions, but because of that passion I've discovered that, as a student, I have so many opportunities. If you want to do basic science research there are so many great scientists here. If you want to do epidemiology or global health there are many more great scientists. If you want to see what a cardiothoracic surgeon or a radiologist does on a daily basis you don't have to cold call because there's one giving a lecture today and they're both so open to talking to students. Again, there are some exceptions, but UAB's main focus is on the medical sciences and this is a great place to be.

As for the number of acceptances that they give out, they haven't posted the most recent data but you can check out past years here:
http://www.medicine.uab.edu/about/44733/
It looks like around 240-260 acceptances per year.

smooththrow said:
Haha very true. I'm really excited about my interview, but also pretty nervous. Does UAB ask questions about healthcare and ethical issues during the interviews? I've prepared for them but haven't seen many questions like that when looking at interview feedback.



Mine said that for a good week or so.
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I didn't get any healthcare or ethical issue questions during my interview. They mainly asked me about my volunteering, shadowing, and research.
 
sanityonleave said:
The hospital is awesome. Period. Also lots of research opportunities if that's your thing, though that's not as big a draw for me as the clinical training.
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I was asked about what I thought/how I would fix the healthcare problem
 
oos invite this morning! Genuinely surprised by this one 🙂
 
can someone post the secondary essay prompts? amcas still verifying my primary after i got everything in mid august lol
 
gatorade848 said:
can someone post the secondary essay prompts? amcas still verifying my primary after i got everything in mid august lol
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cmwhite11 said:
Non-Alabama residents: Describe any experiences you have had related to the state of Alabama or UAB Medical Center:

If the area you spent most of your life before college differs from where you currently consider your permanent address, please explain:

Where do you see yourself in your medical career ten to fifteen years from now?

Please share any information you want us to know about you that is not included in your AMCAS application or in this secondary application:
Click to expand...
They've already been posted above.
 
You do have to do that. Those questions are in addition to having to repeat your shadowing, volunteering, leadership, and research activities in more detail than what was already on your AMCAS.
 
how exactly are you supposed to reword your shadowing/volunteering experiences, especially those 3 "most rewarding"? i really dunno... why cant uab just ask for another essay? lol
 
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