2011-2012 University of Chicago (Pritzker) Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
MSTP interview invite! Dream school AND my very first II. So excitedddddddd! 😀

And in post-II excitement craziness, I am going to ask a potentially silly question: I got an email saying that I will be reimbursed for hotel, or I can stay with a student. Should I sign up for a host or do the hotel thing? I was thinking that being hosted would mean possibility of getting more inside info and closer to the school vs. hotel, but since I'm being offered reimbursement, I also wouldn't want to steal someone else's potential host (assuming there are a limited number). Thoughts?
 
ps9891 said:
MSTP interview invite! Dream school AND my very first II. So excitedddddddd! 😀

And in post-II excitement craziness, I am going to ask a potentially silly question: I got an email saying that I will be reimbursed for hotel, or I can stay with a student. Should I sign up for a host or do the hotel thing? I was thinking that being hosted would mean possibility of getting more inside info and closer to the school vs. hotel, but since I'm being offered reimbursement, I also wouldn't want to steal someone else's potential host (assuming there are a limited number). Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I would definitely stay with a host. Sure, staying at a hotel might be more comfortable/luxurious, but staying with a host really will provide you with valuable information about the school that can be quite nice for the interview. The only reason I would stay in the hotel is if a host couldn't be set up.
 
I just got an email from U of Chicago:

The Committee on Admissions has completed its review of your application and has decided not to pursue your application further. Thank you for your interest in the Pritzker School of Medicine and the effort you invested in your application. Best wishes to you as you pursue your interests in medicine.

I have a 4.0GPA, a 38R MCAT (15 Physics, 9 Verbal, 14 Biology). A 1st author publication. Be doing research for 3+ abroad at a prestigious institution and in Canada. Invited speaker at an international conference in Denver as the ONLY undergrad at a conference otherwise made up of physicians and professors in the field. Graduated top of my province back in highschool (after coming to Canada as an ESL in JUST 4 YEARS). Volunteer at 3 different hospitals for 2+ years each. Shadowed with physicians. President of my club. President of another organization I started for elementary school kids. Perform in music (piano) competitions at provincial and internaitonal level for I don't know how many years since I was born.

I can understand they rejecting me AFTER an interview, but don't even give me a chance at an interview?

Is it because I submitted my application late (primary VERIFIED 9/17....letters sent in back in JUNE....secondary SUBMITTED 9/19).

Or is it because I am an international student (Canadian) ???


I am SO DISCOURAGED right now I want to kill myself. After all this work???




WHAT DID I DO WRONG???


P.S Yes I applied to 20 something schools in Canada and in the States...
 
wearethefuture said:
I just got an email from U of Chicago:

The Committee on Admissions has completed its review of your application and has decided not to pursue your application further. Thank you for your interest in the Pritzker School of Medicine and the effort you invested in your application. Best wishes to you as you pursue your interests in medicine.

I have a 4.0GPA, a 38R MCAT (15 Physics, 9 Verbal, 14 Biology). A 1st author publication. Be doing research for 3+ abroad at a prestigious institution and in Canada. Invited speaker at an international conference in Denver as the ONLY undergrad at a conference otherwise made up of physicians and professors in the field. Graduated top of my province back in highschool (after coming to Canada as an ESL in JUST 4 YEARS). Volunteer at 3 different hospitals for 2+ years each. Shadowed with physicians. President of my club. President of another organization I started for elementary school kids. Perform in music (piano) competitions at provincial and internaitonal level for I don't know how many years since I was born.

I can understand they rejecting me AFTER an interview, but don't even give me a chance at an interview?

Is it because I submitted my application late (primary VERIFIED 9/17....letters sent in back in JUNE....secondary SUBMITTED 9/19).

Or is it because I am an international student (Canadian) ???


I am SO DISCOURAGED right now I want to kill myself. After all this work???




WHAT DID I DO WRONG???


P.S Yes I applied to 20 something schools in Canada and in the States...
Click to expand...

I'm also Canadian and Pritzker put me on hold very early in the cycle. I've since received invites from schools I didn't think I even had a chance at! It quickly becomes clear that the objective merit of an application is only one factor in this process and, especially at a school the size of Pritzker, things like fit and personality are significant.

So yeah, chill out. Your application has only been verified for a week. You're entitled to a freak out if you still don't have an invite in a few months' time.
 
wearethefuture said:
I just got an email from U of Chicago:

The Committee on Admissions has completed its review of your application and has decided not to pursue your application further. Thank you for your interest in the Pritzker School of Medicine and the effort you invested in your application. Best wishes to you as you pursue your interests in medicine.

I have a 4.0GPA, a 38R MCAT (15 Physics, 9 Verbal, 14 Biology). A 1st author publication. Be doing research for 3+ abroad at a prestigious institution and in Canada. Invited speaker at an international conference in Denver as the ONLY undergrad at a conference otherwise made up of physicians and professors in the field. Graduated top of my province back in highschool (after coming to Canada as an ESL in JUST 4 YEARS). Volunteer at 3 different hospitals for 2+ years each. Shadowed with physicians. President of my club. President of another organization I started for elementary school kids. Perform in music (piano) competitions at provincial and internaitonal level for I don't know how many years since I was born.

I can understand they rejecting me AFTER an interview, but don't even give me a chance at an interview?

Is it because I submitted my application late (primary VERIFIED 9/17....letters sent in back in JUNE....secondary SUBMITTED 9/19).

Or is it because I am an international student (Canadian) ???


I am SO DISCOURAGED right now I want to kill myself. After all this work???




WHAT DID I DO WRONG???


P.S Yes I applied to 20 something schools in Canada and in the States...
Click to expand...

The bolded is a pretty big red flag - maybe they saw your high-strung character? Who knows.

As I've said other times, Pritzker is just one school that is somewhat notorious for having quirky selection criteria. There are people on these boards that have been rejected from Pritzker pre-interview but accepted at presumably "more prestigious" schools (e.g., Harvard, Hopkins, etc.). It's just one school, and it isn't predictive of the cycle as a whole. Don't be too beat down with the decision.

Best of luck.
 
Dear all

Thank you for all your response. I just want say that I am definitely not a competitive, gunner-type person. If you ask any of my friends they will tell you the same

As for my essays for UChi, I in fact did not say anything about my achievements. My focus was on the difficulties I had to overcome as a former ESL student and how it inspired me to go into medicine (and along with my mother's subsequent illness).

I am sorry if I appear to be competitive. I was just VERY VERY nervous and upset at the moment because it was my first response and my first rejection. Though I am by no means competitive, I do get anxious fairly easily, and sometimes it can come off as being competitive. I am sorry! 🙁

Good luck to everyone else ! MED 2016!
 
wearethefuture said:
Dear all

Thank you for all your response. I just want say that I am definitely not a competitive, gunner-type person. If you ask any of my friends they will tell you the same

As for my essays for UChi, I in fact did not say anything about my achievements. My focus was on the difficulties I had to overcome as a former ESL student and how it inspired me to go into medicine (and along with my mother's subsequent illness).

I am sorry if I appear to be competitive. I was just VERY VERY nervous and upset at the moment because it was my first response and my first rejection. Though I am by no means competitive, I do get anxious fairly easily, and sometimes it can come off as being competitive. I am sorry! 🙁

Good luck to everyone else ! MED 2016!
Click to expand...

I know another Canadian with a 42S and invites from Yale, Penn, washu, Stanford but put on hold at Chicago. Don't worry about it.
 
wearethefuture said:
I just got an email from U of Chicago:

The Committee on Admissions has completed its review of your application and has decided not to pursue your application further. Thank you for your interest in the Pritzker School of Medicine and the effort you invested in your application. Best wishes to you as you pursue your interests in medicine.

I have a 4.0GPA, a 38R MCAT (15 Physics, 9 Verbal, 14 Biology). A 1st author publication. Be doing research for 3+ abroad at a prestigious institution and in Canada. Invited speaker at an international conference in Denver as the ONLY undergrad at a conference otherwise made up of physicians and professors in the field. Graduated top of my province back in highschool (after coming to Canada as an ESL in JUST 4 YEARS). Volunteer at 3 different hospitals for 2+ years each. Shadowed with physicians. President of my club. President of another organization I started for elementary school kids. Perform in music (piano) competitions at provincial and internaitonal level for I don't know how many years since I was born.

I can understand they rejecting me AFTER an interview, but don't even give me a chance at an interview?

Is it because I submitted my application late (primary VERIFIED 9/17....letters sent in back in JUNE....secondary SUBMITTED 9/19).

Or is it because I am an international student (Canadian) ???


I am SO DISCOURAGED right now I want to kill myself. After all this work???




WHAT DID I DO WRONG???


P.S Yes I applied to 20 something schools in Canada and in the States...
Click to expand...

Hi wearethefuture. I am in a slightly similar situation as you and am also a Canadian. 4.0 GPA, one of the highest MCAT scores in 2009-2011 (won't reveal here for sake of privacy), research etc. etc. Unfortunately, rejected by Pritzker within a very short amount of time. If you go look up the US News med school rankings & stats, Pritzker doesn't have a very high II/applied ratio for internationals. So don't stress out.

In my case I am already interviewing at a number of other decently ranked American schools. So don't panic from your Pritzker rejection and just move on. There's simply too much to do for med school applications as a Canadian to dwell on things like this.
 
Interview Invite after 3 days of being complete!!!
Very happy right now since I was just verified last week!🙂
 
MB: Okay, the next question is another one from SDN and this is for Joni. "What is the value of letters of intent or letters of interest at Pritzker?" And clearly the person who asked this question knows what the difference is between those but I was wondering if you could also give our listeners an idea of what the difference is between a letter of intent and a letter of interest and how Pritzker views those.

JH: Sure. Well, I think the key difference in the way that we interpret it is a letter of intent means that somebody is basically saying to us, "If you accept me I will enroll in Pritzker." It's their intent to matriculate, whereas a letter of interest might say, "Here are all the reasons why I think Pritzker would be a great place for me to attend medical school." But there isn't then that that additional promise of saying, "I will definitely attend if I'm given an offer." So that's the way that we kind of define the difference between those two. I think it can be a little bit tough and I hate to say that every letter is somewhat individual but to some extent it is. We get a lot of letters from people who say both interest and intent. "Pritzker is one of my top choices, I love it, etc. etc.," or "If you accept me, I will definitely enroll." And as the process continues, we wind to be accepting a person and they don't enroll. So because of that we don't take a letter of intent as necessarily a kind of written contract, and I think even when I was a pre-med advisor a lot of students would say it to me after the fact that they sent letters of intent to six different places. And so because of that I think we don't necessarily look at them as hard-and-fast rules but it does say something to us that you're interested enough at Pritzker that you want to write a separate acknowledgment to say why you are so interested. And that can help the committee to understand that as much as you are worried about which medical schools are going to accept me, we also have kind of the opposite end of the equation which is we can accept all these people but we don't for sure who's going to come until they actually tell us that they will. So that kind of letter of interest or letter of intent can be helpful in us figuring that there is maybe a greater probability that someone will accept an offer from us if we've received that kind of letter.

I do think that the letters that have the most meaning are often the ones that come after interview. We often will see on applications or before someone has even been offered an interview: "Here are all the reasons why Pritzker is my number one choice." And again we don't know how many other schools that letter is going to, but also too, if you haven't ever been on the campus, if you haven't interacted with our students, if you haven't engaged with our faculty it doesn't carry a lot of weight to it. We understand that it's kind of a preliminary interest maybe based on listening to the podcasts or seeing our website or maybe you have a friend that is going to Pritzker right now. So I think the letters that tend to have more meaning are the ones that come after an interview day, especially when someone can say, "I've been at six different medical schools now on their interview days and Pritzker really stands out to me for these reasons." I think those letters tend to carry more weight because we just view them as a more formed decision after having experienced a variety of medical schools. And it is certainly the case we've had people who are currently at Pritzker who told us that they weren't so sure about Pritzker, they almost used us as kind of a practice interview in their application process and as soon as they got here, they fell in love with the place and, oh my gosh, had to attend. And I think the opposite can also happen that someone might view Pritzker as absolutely their number one choice before they get here, and then maybe as they explore other medical schools, they find that a different place is a better fit. So I think those letters that come following an interview experience, and especially a multitude of interview experiences at other medical schools, tend to have a little bit more meat to them and seem to be a little bit more informed than a letter that might come with the original application.

DO: And especially as they've mentioned specific things they learned during the interview day, or things they've learned while they've been interviewed at a variety of places.

MB: Okay.

DO: Again, concrete evidence.

MB: Sure. Now, I don't want to leave people with the impression that this is an absolute thing that they must do for every school that they're interested in. I mean, is it required that you write a letter of interest?

JH: No, not at all. Not at all.

MB: Okay.

JH: And I think what a lot of people do which I think is a good theory–obviously I think it's nice if you do come to a school to interview to write some kind of thank you note, even if it's just a quick email–that's fine. Whether it's email or an actual written note, and a lot of times people are able to put that kind of information and a thank you note as well. And with a thank you, to me it's just polite, but that's kind of the way I was raised. I still have to send thank you notes to my aunt and uncle in California when they send me a card. So I think I'm a little perhaps overzealous on the thank you but I think it's certainly is not at all a requirement that you need to send a letter of interest or a letter of intent to every medical school that you're applying to.

BF: What proportion of students here at least would you say send either or both of these types of letters?

JH: Ooh, that's a good question Ben. I would say post-interview pre-decision (about admission), I would say maybe 10% to 15% will. I would say post-interview after receiving a decision that someone is continued in our process, I would say the percentage probably goes a little bit closer to 60% to 70%. I don't know–David do you think–that's just a guess on my part. Do you think that sounds kind of accurate?

DO: Yeah. That's reasonably accurate and I think there's maybe a slightly higher percentage of individuals post-interviews send a thank you note.

JH: Right.

DO: Maybe 20, 25% will send a thank you note of one sort or another.
Click to expand...

From pritzker podcast
 
I really don't think Pritzker is a 'numbers' school - my stats are mediocre at best and I got an interview invite. I tried to write the best secondary essays I could for this school and I think it really helped my application.

So everyone who doesnt have a 39 on the MCAT and a 3.9 science GPA - don't think getting an interview at this school is impossible as long as you really tried to express your interest and why you would be a good 'fit' here!
 
MSTP Interview Invite! First so far (hopefully more than one in the future). So excited.
OOS, 40O MCAT, 3.97 GPA, Complete 09/06/2011
 
The dreaded hold 🙁 was kind of hoping pritzker would look past my mediocre scores to the stunning personality beneath...guess not 😳

Good luck everyone!
 
believe it or not, their cookies are pretty good!
 
Started MD Screen 9/26
Put on hold either 10/1 or 10/2

:/
 
Do you guys think it's too late to apply? I'm thinking about adding Pritzker...
 
After seeing/hearing incredible stats and ECs of previous rejected applicants, and knowing how particular Pritzker can be when it comes to IIs let alone acceptances, I submitted my secondary here mostly out of sheer stupidity and blind optimism.

For me, it's been a waiting game of let's see how long it takes them to reject me....I'm actually just kind of proud I haven't gotten the ax yet. 😀 Watch me wake up to it tomorrow...:diebanana:That's okay. I'm ready for it.
 
dpsPanda said:
Someone at the interview mentioned that Pritzker makes sure there are still seats available for the incoming class late in the interview cycle (into December etc.), so it's definitely worth it if you want to go to Pritzker.

On another note: October 15th is coming up! Will they call us on a Saturday? Or do they wait until Monday?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't count on a Saturday call, but you never know.

Just a general note: remember that if you interviewed earlier but don't get called on Monday, THAT MEANS NOTHING. It could be quite a while before you get your decision. They say 4-6 weeks, but that's really quite variable. Just remain calm and be patient.
 
Does anyone have any experience with sending letters of interest to this school post-hold status? I read on my school's career center website that it's considered appropriate to do this...any thoughts?
 
Nibbly said:
Does anyone have any experience with sending letters of interest to this school post-hold status? I read on my school's career center website that it's considered appropriate to do this...any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Definitely appropriate, though I wouldn't do it immediately after you're placed on hold. I would wait until you can update your application with something substantive (e.g., recent set of grades, updates on research, etc.).
 
NickNaylor said:
Definitely appropriate, though I wouldn't do it immediately after you're placed on hold. I would wait until you can update your application with something substantive (e.g., recent set of grades, updates on research, etc.).
Click to expand...

Ok. Thanks for the advice!
 
NickNaylor said:
Definitely appropriate, though I wouldn't do it immediately after you're placed on hold. I would wait until you can update your application with something substantive (e.g., recent set of grades, updates on research, etc.).
Click to expand...

Dr. Naylor,

Do you see gaps in the opportunities or traning at Chicago that you didn't know of before starting?
 
LeoGer said:
Dr. Naylor,

Do you see gaps in the opportunities or traning at Chicago that you didn't know of before starting?
Click to expand...

Keep in mind I'm only a first year, so my experience is pretty limited. I haven't really noticed any "gaps," but I only know what I've experienced. Maybe if I attended classes at another school I might be able to give you a better answer, but, from my perspective, the school offers high quality education while trying to make the process as least stressful as possible. I'd recommend getting in touch with a fourth year to get a more thoughtful (and informed) response.

tap5103 said:
rejected. darn.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear about that - keep your chin up. Best of luck.
 
NickNaylor said:
Keep in mind I'm only a first year, so my experience is pretty limited. I haven't really noticed any "gaps," but I only know what I've experienced. Maybe if I attended classes at another school I might be able to give you a better answer, but, from my perspective, the school offers high quality education while trying to make the process as least stressful as possible. I'd recommend getting in touch with a fourth year to get a more thoughtful (and informed) response.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I've talked to a few people in each class and looking to add to the pile. I rarely hear anything negative about the school, so I'm trying to force it out of someone.
 
LeoGer said:
Thanks for the reply. I've talked to a few people in each class and looking to add to the pile. I rarely hear anything negative about the school, so I'm trying to force it out of someone.
Click to expand...

Haha, well best of luck. There's a third year that posts occasionally on SDN, but he's probably swamped and may or may not reply. Maybe he'll appear and can give you more insightful info.
 
LeoGer said:
Thanks for the reply. I've talked to a few people in each class and looking to add to the pile. I rarely hear anything negative about the school, so I'm trying to force it out of someone.
Click to expand...

What up. What sorts of gaps do you mean, exactly? Like things that I wish I were learning but am not able to for one reason or another?
 
Hey NickNaylor,

I've been on "hold for later review" for over a month now... Any suggestions? Just sit tight?
 
Atherosclerosis said:
Hey NickNaylor,

I've been on "hold for later review" for over a month now... Any suggestions? Just sit tight?
Click to expand...

My two cents. You have no choice but to sit tight, however...Chicago usually uses the "hold for later review" for those students they are not too sure will actually matriculate. You are just as qualified as the rest of those who got interviews, but something in your application (or the way you are being profiled by the school) is telling them that you are likely to end up going elsewhere.

- Are you from the North East? (not good at all)
- Are you attending school in the North East? (not good)
- Do you have ties to Chicago, or the midwest? (really good)
- Are you from the South ? (not bad)

Make a point of telling them how bad you want Chicago! If you do it right, they will call you for an interview in January, no sooner. In the meantime, sit tight.
 
BrainBuff said:
My two cents. You have no choice but to sit tight, however...Chicago usually uses the "hold for later review" for those students they are not too sure will actually matriculate. You are just as qualified as the rest of those who got interviews, but something in your application (or the way you are being profiled by the school) is telling them that you are likely to end up going elsewhere.

- Are you from the North East? (not good at all)
- Are you attending school in the North East? (not good)
- Do you have ties to Chicago, or the midwest? (really good)
- Are you from the South ? (not bad)

Make a point of telling them how bad you want Chicago! If you do it right, they will call you for an interview in January, no sooner. In the meantime, sit tight.
Click to expand...

I hit the first two checks...
 
If we are accepted, does our status change online? Or just email/snail mail/call options? (Which of those...?)

Thanks!
 
user123456 said:
If we are accepted, does our status change online? Or just email/snail mail/call options? (Which of those...?)

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Last year the status never changed, but things might be different this year. Last they called to notify you followed by an official letter.
 
BrainBuff said:
My two cents. You have no choice but to sit tight, however...Chicago usually uses the "hold for later review" for those students they are not too sure will actually matriculate. You are just as qualified as the rest of those who got interviews, but something in your application (or the way you are being profiled by the school) is telling them that you are likely to end up going elsewhere.

- Are you from the North East? (not good at all)
- Are you attending school in the North East? (not good)
- Do you have ties to Chicago, or the midwest? (really good)
- Are you from the South ? (not bad)

Make a point of telling them how bad you want Chicago! If you do it right, they will call you for an interview in January, no sooner. In the meantime, sit tight.
Click to expand...
I'd add that being a canadian attending a non-midwest school is also not good at all.
 
NickNaylor said:
Last year the status never changed, but things might be different this year. Last they called to notify you followed by an official letter.
Click to expand...

Haha thanks so much Nick. I can stop checking the status page every hour...🙂
 
BrainBuff said:
My two cents. You have no choice but to sit tight, however...Chicago usually uses the "hold for later review" for those students they are not too sure will actually matriculate. You are just as qualified as the rest of those who got interviews, but something in your application (or the way you are being profiled by the school) is telling them that you are likely to end up going elsewhere.

- Are you from the North East? (not good at all)
- Are you attending school in the North East? (not good)
- Do you have ties to Chicago, or the midwest? (really good)
- Are you from the South ? (not bad)

Make a point of telling them how bad you want Chicago! If you do it right, they will call you for an interview in January, no sooner. In the meantime, sit tight.
Click to expand...

I go to an Ohio public school, Ohio residency. Thanks for the input though! I am actually taking two philosophy classes with a young guy who just did his doctorate at U Chicago... do you think it would behoove me at all to submit an extra LOR from him?
 
Just scheduled my interview for 12/1 🙂
 
Atherosclerosis said:
I go to an Ohio public school, Ohio residency. Thanks for the input though! I am actually taking two philosophy classes with a young guy who just did his doctorate at U Chicago... do you think it would behoove me at all to submit an extra LOR from him?
Click to expand...

No, unless he can provide very meaningful information about you.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

wysdoc
2024-2025 University of Chicago (Pritzker)
12 13 14 15 16
Replies
778
Views
208K
X0001234
X0001234
wysdoc
2023-2024 University of Chicago (Pritzker)
12 13 14 15 16
Replies
763
Views
215K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
wysdoc
2022-2023 University of Chicago (Pritzker)
12 13 14 15 16
Replies
755
Views
204K
snowman888
snowman888
wysdoc
2024-2025 University of Washington
10 11 12 13 14
Replies
680
Views
147K
stew_md
S
wysdoc
2021-2022 University of Chicago (Pritzker)
13 14 15 16 17
Replies
814
Views
232K
KnightDoc
K
Top