2011-2012 University of Colorado Application Thread

[MT Headed]

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Accepted







...the fact that I'm probably just waiting until March 30th to be handed a waitlist spot so I can continue waiting well into May and possibly June.

Oh man, you had me. Good one! 👍

 

[rmnanon]

Nope, no acceptances. Just on a bunch of waitlists. Guess that means I'm a very mediocre applicant. But yeah, I'd hold on to that one as the only school I'd go to over Colorado [that I interviewed at] is my in-state alma mater, UF, and I'm on the waitlist there.

Sorry about the WLs. It's probably not that you're a mediocre applicant as much as the fact that this whole process is a crap shoot.

Hang in there. I would LOVE to go to CU, so I'll be hanging out on the WL if I end up being WL'ed.

 

[bjtwolve88]

Accepted







...the fact that I'm probably just waiting until March 30th to be handed a waitlist spot so I can continue waiting well into May and possibly June.

Agreed. I'm in the same situation as you. Yay for us average applicants!

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Sorry about the WLs. It's probably not that you're a mediocre applicant as much as the fact that this whole process is a crap shoot.

Hang in there. I would LOVE to go to CU, so I'll be hanging out on the WL if I end up being WL'ed.

Yeah...I was lucky to get one acceptance, but I just got my fourth waitlist decision today. 🙁 Come on CU...

 

[vanquishS]

I have an acceptance in hand at a top choice and am very close to rejecting CU simply as a result of their insulting indecisiveness and lack of respect for applicants (no updates since interviewing in Sept.), despite being in state.

 

[FulfilledDeer]

I have an acceptance in hand and a top choice and am very close to rejecting CU simply as a result of their insulting indecisiveness, despite being in state.

Well I'm glad someone else said it. I agree.

 

[MT Headed]

Isn't tomorrow supposed to be THE day, though?

 

[BluegrassDancin]

I have an acceptance in hand at a top choice and am very close to rejecting CU simply as a result of their insulting indecisiveness and lack of respect for applicants (no updates since interviewing in Sept.), despite being in state.

Well I'm glad someone else said it. I agree.

If you're insulted by the fact you have to wait for CU, you should withdraw now and give your possible spot to someone who wants to come here enough that they would wait until the last day the waitlist is open- I personally know plenty of applicants who would.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Isn't tomorrow supposed to be THE day, though?

I don't think so...they have til the 30th to fill their class according to AAMC.

 

[BuffNerd]

I have an acceptance in hand at a top choice and am very close to rejecting CU simply as a result of their insulting indecisiveness and lack of respect for applicants (no updates since interviewing in Sept.), despite being in state.

Well I'm glad someone else said it. I agree.

I think you both should!! But this is coming from someone who is holding no acceptances, so I wouldn't mind seeing two more spots open up.. 😳

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

I think you both should!! But this is coming from someone who is holding no acceptances

+1 haha. I see where they are coming from though its hard to plan for the future when these decisions get dragged out.

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

Also in my interview dr Winn told us that they would try to get decisions out at the beginning of march, you know to be more hippie granola than harvard and Hopkins. So regardless of what the website or amcas says, they are behind.

 

[jimmy06]

Maybe Colorado is waiting so long to get back to us because they want to see how many folks from the last batch of acceptances withdraw. Then they can offer us as many acceptances as possible. 🙂

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

Maybe Colorado is waiting so long to get back to us because they want to see how many folks from the last batch of acceptances withdraw. Then they can offer us as many acceptances as possible. 🙂

This seems valid.

 

[Southern girl 4]

Maybe Colorado is waiting so long to get back to us because they want to see how many folks from the last batch of acceptances withdraw. Then they can offer us as many acceptances as possible. 🙂

I don't think many people are going to withdraw this early- they have until May 15 or even into June to withdraw...🙁

 

[StephBee]

It'll depend on if they're heart set on another school. Like I'm between CU and penn state. I've withdrawn from my other school

 

[Southern girl 4]

It'll depend on if they're heart set on another school. Like I'm between CU and penn state. I've withdrawn from my other school

Thanks, we appreciate that. That's very generous and considerate of you. I hope others will be that thoughtful of those of us waiting on a spot to open up.

 

[Shakespeare37]

If you're insulted by the fact you have to wait for CU, you should withdraw now and give your possible spot to someone who wants to come here enough that they would wait until the last day the waitlist is open- I personally know plenty of applicants who would.

This comes off as ridiculously arrogant and rude given that you are, and have been, holding an acceptance to CU since November.

 

[FulfilledDeer]

+1 haha. I see where they are coming from though its hard to plan for the future when these decisions get dragged out.

It's this. I understand CU is behind and everything, but I've heard nothing from them for 7 months. An email saying "We've had many more applicants this year than we expected so decision are taking longer to make, thanks for your patience" is all I'm looking for. Especially for us non-trads (of which CU seems to interview a lot) planning the transition to medical school, or even if there will be a transition is very difficult when things are dragged out this long, but even more so when we're not aware that it will be dragged out this long. Just off the top of my head, I know it has cost me a couple thousand because I have had to renew my lease for a shorter time period (meaning more $ per month) since there's no way of knowing whether I'll be in CO or not. It may be a moot point if I'm rejected, but again, I have no way of knowing. That's not to mention any psychological stress. And I'll bet "trad" students have similar issues.

I'm not actively angry or anything, because I understand that they're behind. But getting an acceptance somewhere emboldens me to suggest that a tiny bit more respect for their applicants might be in order.

 

[FulfilledDeer]

If you're insulted by the fact you have to wait for CU, you should withdraw now and give your possible spot to someone who wants to come here enough that they would wait until the last day the waitlist is open- I personally know plenty of applicants who would.

This comes off as ridiculously arrogant and rude given that you are, and have been, holding an acceptance to CU since November.

Thanks for the back-up there Shakespeare (even if you didn't exactly intend it to be that way). I think there are solid arguments on both sides of the who needs who more debate, so I can't exactly come down on one side or the other. But I would like to think that even if CU were my only option I would have more respect for myself than to turn into a supplicant just waiting on the whims of the school.

*Not that I am accusing anyone on this thread or even off of it of being this way, nor am I suggesting that's exactly what you intended when you wrote that*

All I mean to say is that in a mutually exclusive choice of getting into any med school at all or making a somewhat valid criticism of the application process, I would hope to have the nerve to choose the latter.


EDIT: Also, love your sig Shakespeare.

 

[vanquishS]

Everything that Fulfilled deer said. Simply an email stating they are behind would be nice, "At this time the admissions committee is finalizing the class of 2012. We appreciate your interest in CU..." I'm not even asking for an explanation for why the process is being dragged on. Out of courtesy to early interviewers in particular, some form of communication can be expected. I know they say we will all hear by march 31st, but one can't help but dismiss this claim as just standard procedure. We all for the most part think, "Oh, that's probably an overestimation, they probably won't take that long and I'll hear sooner (I mean its the FINAL deadline recommended by AAMC). It's understandable since most med schools get back to you sooner with wait list decisions at the very least. I know the Medical College of Wisconsin lets ALL applicants know their fate exactly two weeks after interviewing! Talk about on top of it. I think this really takes the stress out and is courteous to applicants by informing them as soon as possible. Thanks for the backup Shakespeare

 

[illegible]

It's actually a bit astounding to me that I interviewed at CU exactly seven months ago. I'm also a bit confused by the seemingly arbitrary standards that they've been employing. I mean, obviously I don't know anything about anyone's interviews and that there are many, many soft qualities that people probably far exceed me in. But the fact that there are so many of us waiting from the very first day--the day that they invited people who they supposedly thought were strong applicants--I just don't know what they're looking for.

I am absolutely in no way begrudging anybody who heard back from CU shortly after they interviewed! I figure that CU found something in you that they really liked. 🙂 I just really wish I understood better what that was. That they would be more transparent about this stuff.

(Full disclosure: I currently hold no acceptances because I applied top-heavy to 6 schools total because I was entirely set on going home to CU. Unless Vandy pulls through, lesson learned, haha.)

 

[jimmy06]

It's actually a bit astounding to me that I interviewed at CU exactly seven months ago.

It's been 6 months since the September day, yes? Either way, it's been a long time, I'm pretty tired of waiting. But it is good to hear that there are others in the same boat. I'm still set on CU if I get in here, would love to stay in this beautiful state, and love the school. Only one more week to wait tops.

 

[BluegrassDancin]

This comes off as ridiculously arrogant and rude given that you are, and have been, holding an acceptance to CU since November.

Whoa whoa whoa, there's no need for need for that kind of negativity here. It wasn't my intention to come off as either of those things. I do know what it's like to be in that situation- I only applied to CU last year, and happily stayed on the wait list until August 8. I stand by what I said- if someone is seriously considering withdrawing because they are insulted about waiting until mid-late March, they should do it. I do know several people that would wait until August to come to CU, and several more who didn't even get the chance to interview.

 

[rmnanon]

I've got to say, I think it is silly to ask anyone who is frustrated or insulted at this point to withdraw now. Regardless of how pissed someone is, why would you withdraw if you knew you would hear an answer within ONE WEEK?! That's a bit much to ask.

On the other hand, if these "insulted" people come to find they have been wait listed when *the BIG day* does roll around, it would be courteous to go ahead and withdraw. I presume this is precisely what many people will do.

Tensions are obviously running high here. Hang in there, people. We'll know soon (but not soon enough). Although this does make waiting on MCAT scores seem like a cake walk!

 

[Shakespeare37]

Whoa whoa whoa, there's no need for need for that kind of negativity here. It wasn't my intention to come off as either of those things. I do know what it's like to be in that situation- I only applied to CU last year, and happily stayed on the wait list until August 8. I stand by what I said- if someone is seriously considering withdrawing because they are insulted about waiting until mid-late March, they should do it. I do know several people that would wait until August to come to CU, and several more who didn't even get the chance to interview.

I, personally, am not insulted. It reflects on CU that they choose to admit students in this manner, not me. I simply find it unprofessional. Imagine if it were a job interview and they told you could hear anytime after the interview, but possibly as late as 6-7 months with ZERO communication in the meantime. I'd laugh my way all the way to another job.
Applying only to CU and staying on the waitlist till August last year, happy or not, is irrelevant because you didn't have a choice. You could either remain on the list at CU and reapply, or not remain on the waitlist and reapply. Great argument.
Weather applicants get the chance to interview is also irrelevant. What people are (rightfully) complaining about is CU's delay in getting decisions out when we repeatedly told (at interview days) that decisions could be anytime between Oct. and Mid-March. That has nothing to do with someone's desire to attend CU. Quit comparing the two.
All of this said, CU is a great school and I wouldn't let the delay in admissions decisions determine where I choose to attend schools.

 

[FulfilledDeer]

i, personally, am not insulted. It reflects on cu that they choose to admit students in this manner, not me. I simply find it unprofessional. Imagine if it were a job interview and they told you could hear anytime after the interview, but possibly as late as 6-7 months with zero communication in the meantime. I'd laugh my way all the way to another job.
Applying only to cu and staying on the waitlist till august last year, happy or not, is irrelevant because you didn't have a choice. You could either remain on the list at cu and reapply, or not remain on the waitlist and reapply. Great argument.
Weather applicants get the chance to interview is also irrelevant. What people are (rightfully) complaining about is cu's delay in getting decisions out when we repeatedly told (at interview days) that decisions could be anytime between oct. And mid-march. That has nothing to do with someone's desire to attend cu. Quit comparing the two.
All of this said, cu is a great school and i wouldn't let the delay in admissions decisions determine where i choose to attend schools.

QFT. And I've got little to add - you took the words out of my mouth.

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

QFT

Totally had to look this up..... SLAOATM, B😎😕.

and I just want to add: TTI😱

SLAOATM--> seems like an odd acronym to me.

B😎😕 --> But it's cool, I guess.

TTI😱 --> This thread is freakin' losing its freakin' mind!

 

[BluegrassDancin]

I have an acceptance in hand at a top choice and am very close to rejecting CU simply as a result of their insulting indecisiveness and lack of respect for applicants (no updates since interviewing in Sept.), despite being in state.

This is the sentiment I originally responded to. Agree to disagree.

 

[vanquishS]

That sentiment was mine alone. It was a result of interviewing at CU in 2010, being rejected in March, reapplying, receiving an interview invite on the first day in 2011 and then not hearing a word until the present day. It baffles me what they're thinking behind closed doors. Though I still believe CU is a great school with a lot to offer, the admissions office needs to be more efficient.

 

[O0O]

I wonder if CU has already sent out the vast majority of its acceptances. I wouldn't be surprised if they are spending so much time sending out reject/waitlist because they may need to come up with a good reason for rejecting each of 5000+ ppl it will end up doing so to, b/c of this issue:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/21/supreme-court-affirmative-action-texas_n_1290736.html

I bet it at least contributes.

EDIT: for one thing, I know they are really trying to increase diversity. For another, I know they are increasing # of OOS

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

I wonder if CU has already sent out the vast majority of its acceptances.

This is plausible.

I wouldn't be surprised if they are spending so much time sending out reject/waitlist because they may need to come up with a good reason for rejecting each of 5000+ ppl it will end up doing so to, b/c of this issue

This isn't.

 

[O0O]

This is plausible.



This isn't.

You don't think so? Why?

 

[Shakespeare37]

I was told that as of March 15th, they had filled approximately half of their class.

No acceptances have gone out since I was told this. This information is reliable. See Supportivehubby's posts as well as the one where the poster did the analysis of the c/o 2016 FB group. All are mutually supportive, and CU has a history of waiting till the end of March for a big group of acceptances.

Edit: 'Filled' means sent out half the acceptances that they are intending to send out, so about 150 remain. I would expect 125 or so outright, then the rest to be WL movement. My outright/WL numbers are just a guess.

 

[bjtwolve88]

For another, I know they are increasing # of OOS

Is this true? From their website:

Do you give preference to residents of the state of Colorado?

Yes. As a state institution, Colorado residents are our highest priority. The class normally has 75 percent or more students from the state. Students from Wyoming and Montana (students in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education - WICHE) have the potential, if selected by our medical school and their state, to receive financial support that enables them to pay similar costs to those of Colorado’s residents. The non-resident applicant pool is about three times the size of Colorado’s, and competition is much greater.

Maybe they interviewed more OOS this year but are not necessarily increasing the # of OOS acceptances.

 

[Whiskey River]

I don't think the Facebook group numbers are encouraging. There are many other schools with full or almost full classes that also have much smaller Facebook groups (15-30 people). If CU's group has ~90 members, I think there is a good chance the majority of acceptances have gone out. Not everybody joins Facebook groups. Especially those who hold multiple acceptances or are waiting on other schools. That's my estimation anyway.

 

[Shakespeare37]

I don't think the Facebook group numbers are encouraging. There are many other schools with full or almost full classes that also have much smaller Facebook groups (15-30 people). If CU's group has ~90 members, I think there is a good chance the majority of acceptances have gone out. Not everybody joins Facebook groups. Especially those who hold multiple acceptances or are waiting on other schools. That's my estimation anyway.

You are entitled to your opinion. Anyway, I've had enough of this thread and speculation for a while. Whatever happens, good luck to those still waiting.

 

[supportivehubby]

I don't think the Facebook group numbers are encouraging. There are many other schools with full or almost full classes that also have much smaller Facebook groups (15-30 people). If CU's group has ~90 members, I think there is a good chance the majority of acceptances have gone out. Not everybody joins Facebook groups. Especially those who hold multiple acceptances or are waiting on other schools. That's my estimation anyway.

It is also possible that many of the members on the facebook page are MS1 and 2s that are there to communicate info, housing opps and general support. . . . I know that is the case with several schools and considering that the Colorado upper-class(wo)men are awesome and go out of their way to support incoming I would imagine a large amount of the 90 are not c/o 2016

. . . I would also imagine that several wait-listers or even next year applicants have joined just to feel close to CU 🙂

 

[Whiskey River]

It is also possible that many of the members on the facebook page are MS1 and 2s that are there to communicate info, housing opps and general support. . . . I know that is the case with several schools and considering that the Colorado upper-class(wo)men are awesome and go out of their way to support incoming I would imagine a large amount of the 90 are not c/o 2016

. . . I would also imagine that several wait-listers or even next year applicants have joined just to feel close to CU 🙂

I love the optimism. I'll go with it! And I'm sorry, I never meant to be Debbie Downer.

 

[hous3MD]

I sent in a post-interview LOI and an updated transcript via snail mail. Will they accept it or do they prefer it be sent through e-mail?

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

I sent in a post-interview LOI and an updated transcript via snail mail. Will they accept it or do they prefer it be sent through e-mail?

This is from CUs webpage:

Can I include additional documents with my application (updates, letters of intent, and/or additional information?

No, we will not accept any updates or additional information to your AMCAS application. Any materials received will be destroyed. The only information that will be reviewed to determine your status for an interview is your AMCAS Primary Application, your University of Colorado School of Medicine Supplemental (Secondary) Application, and your required letters of recommendation.
​

However, I talked to Mrs. Patel about this two months ago. She said I could send an update letter and that it MIGHT be reviewed by the committee. I got the impression that they will accept post interview updates, LOI, etc, but that they don't put any bearing on it. I also asked this on my interview day and got a similar response. I asked my pre-med advisers at CU Boulder and they didn't think CU even accepted updates regardless of pre/post interview status.

I hope it can't hurt because I sent one anyways...

 

[MT Headed]

Isn't tomorrow supposed to be THE day, though?

I'm thinking Friday March 23rd was NOT the day. Sorry for any confusion.

Maybe next week.

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

Maybe next week.

Maybe is the key word here. Either that or you misspelled year.

 

[tyrionlannister]

I sent in my latest transcript showing my latest classes, graduation with honors, etc., and they said it would be put in my file. At this point, though, I'm kind of glad that it won't get much review. When I apply again, it will give me more to point to for the question of what I have done to improve my application. Since the process drags on so long and begins so early, there is little time to actually make an effective difference between this cycle and the next. So, I'll take what I can get.

 

[O0O]

Is this true? From their website:

Do you give preference to residents of the state of Colorado?

Yes. As a state institution, Colorado residents are our highest priority. The class normally has 75 percent or more students from the state. Students from Wyoming and Montana (students in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education - WICHE) have the potential, if selected by our medical school and their state, to receive financial support that enables them to pay similar costs to those of Colorado’s residents. The non-resident applicant pool is about three times the size of Colorado’s, and competition is much greater.

Maybe they interviewed more OOS this year but are not necessarily increasing the # of OOS acceptances.

The class was about 25% in the past. I heard it will likely be around 30% for this year, maybe up to 40% in the future. Heard this at the state of the school address. Colorado is 48th for state funding of higher education and the school needs to get revenue from somewhere...

 

[MT Headed]

The class was about 25% in the past. I heard it will likely be around 30% for this year, maybe up to 40% in the future. Heard this at the state of the school address. Colorado is 48th for state funding of higher education and the school needs to get revenue from somewhere...

Colorado should just accept all the qualified Utah students and vice-versa. Then both cash-strapped university systems would win.

 

[FulfilledDeer]

Maybe is the key word here. Either that or you misspelled year.

Hahaha, that one had me laughing. Well played.

I sent in my latest transcript showing my latest classes, graduation with honors, etc., and they said it would be put in my file. At this point, though, I'm kind of glad that it won't get much review. When I apply again, it will give me more to point to for the question of what I have done to improve my application. Since the process drags on so long and begins so early, there is little time to actually make an effective difference between this cycle and the next. So, I'll take what I can get.

Yet another issue with the timing, especially if this school is your make it or break it.

Anyway, I think I've made my case. I'll stop beating a dead buffalo.

 

[LingoLaine]

You guys are hilarious! Can't wait to see you all at CU in the fall.

 

[music2doc]

Hahaha, that one had me laughing. Well played.



Yet another issue with the timing, especially if this school is your make it or break it.

Anyway, I think I've made my case. I'll stop beating a dead buffalo.

This is why Ms. Patel strongly suggests you continue your activities through the school year.... I don't know that I disagree with her. Actually, I completely agree with her. You shouldn't stop working hard just because no one is watching anymore. Keep working hard. Sure, it's tempting after an acceptance or two to let grades slip, stop volunteering, etc., but your character is proven by what you do when nobody is watching, not when someone is closely evaluating your every move.

 

[MT Headed]

You guys are hilarious! Can't wait to see you all at CU in the fall.

Nah. If accepted, I will most certainly decline. I'm only holding out for the opportunity to leave them hanging for as long as possible, either May 29th or two weeks after the acceptance offer, whichever comes later.