2011-2012 University of Massachusetts Application Thread

[hurricane123]

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does umass accept post-interview letters of interest?

 

[LLB2MD]

does umass accept post-interview letters of interest?

+1

 

[tantacles]

ksbewd, I found out that UMASS interviews reapplicants in the Spring regardless of when your application was complete, so don't worry about it yet 🙂

I've never heard that. Questionable sources! Where are your citations? 😛 I'm in the same situation, so I'll be waiting it out with all y'all reapplicants. Yee-haw. What fun.

And yes, UMass accepts LOIs. E-mail them.

 

[hurricane123]

email them to the general admissions address? should i attach it or just sent it in the body of the email?

thanks!!

 

[Qpwo26]

I've never heard that. Questionable sources! Where are your citations? 😛 I'm in the same situation, so I'll be waiting it out with all y'all reapplicants. Yee-haw. What fun.

And yes, UMass accepts LOIs. E-mail them.

A doctor in the ED that I volunteer at who is a UMASS alum and former employee (~15 years) told me that they generally save re-apps until later in the process. Hopefully invites will come sooner rather than later though!

 

[jh615]

Anyone know how important the "Survey" they sent as an attachment is? I definitely submitted mine late (not the Thursday before like they ask). I was totally swamped with work, a final exam, and other interviews. Totally blanked on needing to do it a week ahead.

 

[ialwayslose]

Anyone know how important the "Survey" they sent as an attachment is? I definitely submitted mine late (not the Thursday before like they ask). I was totally swamped with work, a final exam, and other interviews. Totally blanked on needing to do it a week ahead.

at my interview day, 2 students had no clue about it, and 2 students did it the night before in a rush. whether its important, i dont know.

 

[tantacles]

Ok. I have to complain about this. I just have to. Just got an interview invitation (mdapps for any and all information you want about me).

The survey. Why? WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS? We've already had to fill out a huge secondary for them (and for me, for about thirty other schools) and I just don't understand why they need all of this extra information. WHINEWHINEWHINEWHINEWHINEWHINE.

And don't even try to tell me they're going to read every answer carefully and use it to come to a more informed decision. They're going to browse over what I've written and render the same decision that they would even if they hadn't asked for this information. Booooooooo.

 

[otaat]

Hi,

Could anyone give me any advice on the best way to get between the Boston airport and UMass? I have an interview scheduled, but have no option other than to fly in, and was unsure what the best approach was.

Thanks in advance!

 

[frezz219]

Hi,

Could anyone give me any advice on the best way to get between the Boston airport and UMass? I have an interview scheduled, but have no option other than to fly in, and was unsure what the best approach was.

Thanks in advance!

Google maps says to take to the bus at logan to south station. Then take the worcester commuter rail to worcester. Then take a taxi to umass.

 

[Cooperd0g]

Ok. I have to complain about this. I just have to. Just got an interview invitation (mdapps for any and all information you want about me).

The survey. Why? WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS? We've already had to fill out a huge secondary for them (and for me, for about thirty other schools) and I just don't understand why they need all of this extra information. WHINEWHINEWHINEWHINEWHINEWHINE.

And don't even try to tell me they're going to read every answer carefully and use it to come to a more informed decision. They're going to browse over what I've written and render the same decision that they would even if they hadn't asked for this information. Booooooooo.

The secondary wasn't that hard, a couple of short answer and fill in your prereqs. My interviewers read my "tertiary." But if you want to withdraw, I'm cool with that.

 

[Maineac]

Hi,

Could anyone give me any advice on the best way to get between the Boston airport and UMass? I have an interview scheduled, but have no option other than to fly in, and was unsure what the best approach was.

Thanks in advance!

I took a Greyhound Bus from Boston South Station to Worcester Union Station for my interview, and it's faster than the commuter rail, so I'd recommend looking into that option. If you get on the silver line at Logan, it should take you right to South Station, and from there you can catch the Greyhound.
Once you're in Worcester, you should be able to catch a taxi to the medical campus for around $10. A word of advice about the taxi's though. You shouldn't have a problem getting a taxi to campus because there is a taxi stand at the station, but getting back to the station is a bit more of a hassle. Call way in advance for one for your return trip after your interview. Both cab companies are very disorganized and I had to wait almost 45 minutes for one to arrive to take me back to Union Station. Good luck!

 

[kh48625]

I took a Greyhound Bus from Boston South Station to Worcester Union Station for my interview, and it's faster than the commuter rail, so I'd recommend looking into that option. If you get on the silver line at Logan, it should take you right to South Station, and from there you can catch the Greyhound.
Once you're in Worcester, you should be able to catch a taxi to the medical campus for around $10. A word of advice about the taxi's though. You shouldn't have a problem getting a taxi to campus because there is a taxi stand at the station, but getting back to the station is a bit more of a hassle. Call way in advance for one for your return trip after your interview. Both cab companies are very disorganized and I had to wait almost 45 minutes for one to arrive to take me back to Union Station. Good luck!

I second the bus option over the commuter rail. I've ridden the commuter rail back and forth from Boston to Worcester a few times while visiting friends at WPI, and the line has a tendency to breakdown and/or be late.

 

[tantacles]

The secondary wasn't that hard, a couple of short answer and fill in your prereqs. My interviewers read my "tertiary." But if you want to withdraw, I'm cool with that.

I think we both know that there's no way I'm withdrawing. I didn't say I wouldn't fill it out. Just that filling it out royally sucks. These are all "no easy answer" questions, which means each one has to be filled out incredibly carefully. I'm certain I'm not the only one frustrated by this tertiary; I'm just willing to admit it openly. Perhaps too openly.

 

[otaat]

Thanks for all of the advice! Looks like I'll be taking the bus!

 

[ike88]

To those who have been accepted congrats!

Would you mind sharing your stats?

 

[LLB2MD]

I think we both know that there's no way I'm withdrawing. I didn't say I wouldn't fill it out. Just that filling it out royally sucks. These are all "no easy answer" questions, which means each one has to be filled out incredibly carefully. I'm certain I'm not the only one frustrated by this tertiary; I'm just willing to admit it openly. Perhaps too openly.

I would kill to have that frustration.

 

[tantacles]

I would kill to have that frustration.

#firstworldproblems

For me, mainly, because I definitely empathize (third time reapplicant). You have actual grounds for complaint; I just find complaining cathartic. Good luck. I hope we both get in.

 

[Boombastic]

As a heads up to those curious, I was just accepted for the Class of 2016 yesterday (Friday) morning.

Applied Sept. 20th
Invited to Interview Sept 22th
Interview Nov. 8th
Accepted Dec. 9th

GPA = 3.68
MCAT = 29

 

[futuredoc1990]

congrats! do you know if they always send out acceptances on Fridays? I was interviewed on 11/29 so I figure I'll hear from them in late December or sometime in January

 

[Boombastic]

congrats! do you know if they always send out acceptances on Fridays? I was interviewed on 11/29 so I figure I'll hear from them in late December or sometime in January

I've heard that they typically send out acceptances on Fridays and obviously my experience would reinforce that belief.

 

[kh48625]

As a heads up to those curious, I was just accepted for the Class of 2016 yesterday (Friday) morning.

Applied Sept. 20th
Invited to Interview Sept 22th
Interview Nov. 8th
Accepted Dec. 9th

GPA = 3.68
MCAT = 29

Congratulations! 🙂 I am hoping to hear back soon as well!

 

[ike88]

As a heads up to those curious, I was just accepted for the Class of 2016 yesterday (Friday) morning.

Applied Sept. 20th
Invited to Interview Sept 22th
Interview Nov. 8th
Accepted Dec. 9th

GPA = 3.68
MCAT = 29

Congrats! Any feedback on the interview, im interviewing there next month, definitely first choice

 

[stradgirl]

Talked a lot on healthcare for both interviews.

 

[Hey Doc]

I interviewed in Sept. and haven't heard from the Admissions committee yet. I was assuming that this means I'm more likely going to be going on the waitlist and was wondering if that is a fair assumption. Are there any previous applicants out there who interviewed earlier in the cycle and still received an acceptance (rather than a waitlist) later in the cycle? (Fingers crossed!!!) Thanks for your help!

 

[hurricane123]

I interviewed in Sept. and haven't heard from the Admissions committee yet. I was assuming that this means I'm more likely going to be going on the waitlist and was wondering if that is a fair assumption. Are there any previous applicants out there who interviewed earlier in the cycle and still received an acceptance (rather than a waitlist) later in the cycle? (Fingers crossed!!!) Thanks for your help!

i'm in the same situation and would love to know this also!

 

[tantacles]

i'm in the same situation and would love to know this also!

I applied last year. It's more likely that you'll receive either a waitlist or a rejection than an outright acceptance, though an outright acceptance is still definitely possible. Last year I interviewed in January, and the year before I interviewed in September. Both times, I was rejected in April right after everyone else got waitlist e-mails.

So really, anything's possible. Don't get your hopes up, but don't get super discouraged either.

 

[Boombastic]

Congrats! Any feedback on the interview, im interviewing there next month, definitely first choice

Best advice for the interview is to stay relaxed and confident (I know typically this is easier said than done). I am sure you have heard all of the prep techniques for interviews, but both of my UMass interviews were extremely laid back and simply flowed like a conversation should. We ended up talking about different things from comedians to sports, to my current undergrad school to healthcare. Be flexible and do not try to force anything that you do not know about. Some interviewers are straight shooters (in terms of simple Q&A), while others want you to carry the conversation more. I have not heard about any other acceptances either before my interview date or after, but from what I have heard, my whole experience with UMass was pretty quick in terms of the interview invite date, and acceptance. They did mention that half of the matriculating class was accepted off the wait-list, so do not fret if you are wait-listed! Good luck to everybody!

 

[Cooperd0g]

They did mention that half of the matriculating class was accepted off the wait-list, so do not fret if you are wait-listed! Good luck to everybody!

I was really surprised by this. Maybe it is just me, but it seems like an excellent program and probably the cheapest in the country. Another school would really have to wow AND give me a ton of financial aid to bump it above UMass. Though maybe some just want to get out of the state for a bit at any cost.

 

[tantacles]

I was really surprised by this. Maybe it is just me, but it seems like an excellent program and probably the cheapest in the country. Another school would really have to wow AND give me a ton of financial aid to bump it above UMass. Though maybe some just want to get out of the state for a bit at any cost.

Well, you've got to keep in mind that many of the people who get into UMass early have 3.8+ GPAs with 35+ MCATs, meaning that they have a pretty good chance of getting a scholarship from another program or getting into a program that actually has passable financial aid, perhaps even one more highly rated than UMass (Harvard coming to mind immediately as a school with fantastic need-based aid, Sinai as one that provides both need-based and merit-based, I think.). That explains at least SOME of the withdrawals.

 

[bulldog1]

I have been complete since late August and have heard nothing from UMass since this time. Anyone else in the same boat? Is going 4 months without hearing a word a bad thing?

 

[LLB2MD]

I have been complete since late August and have heard nothing from UMass since this time. Anyone else in the same boat? Is going 4 months without hearing a word a bad thing?

Complete since 10/17...nada. Sigh. :-(

 

[annabanana1690]

I interviewed in Sept. and haven't heard from the Admissions committee yet. I was assuming that this means I'm more likely going to be going on the waitlist and was wondering if that is a fair assumption. Are there any previous applicants out there who interviewed earlier in the cycle and still received an acceptance (rather than a waitlist) later in the cycle? (Fingers crossed!!!) Thanks for your help!

I interview in on Nov. 8 and the second year student who gave my tour said that most people don't hear until much later in the cycle. I don't think it has so much to do with statistics as someone who was accepted a few weeks after interviewing had a 3.68 and 29 MCAT. I have a 3.94 GPA and 34R MCAT and have yet to hear.

 

[eHombre]

I interview in on Nov. 8 and the second year student who gave my tour said that most people don't hear until much later in the cycle. I don't think it has so much to do with statistics as someone who was accepted a few weeks after interviewing had a 3.68 and 29 MCAT. I have a 3.94 GPA and 34R MCAT and have yet to hear.

The way it was explained at my interview day, if I remember correctly, each application is assigned to a two member team of the admissions committee (12 teams of two). The rate at which your application gets reviewed is mostly dependent on the pace at which your particular reviewers move through their pile. After they're done, the dean of admissions reviews the files for the final decision. Hope that helps!

 

[alpinebrook]

I got an II 12/05, will be interviewing on 1/18. From what I've read here, I'll probably have to wait until April to find out what the Committee decided. Right?

 

[tantacles]

I got an II 12/05, will be interviewing on 1/18. From what I've read here, I'll probably have to wait until April to find out what the Committee decided. Right?

If they decide that you're accepted, you'll likely hear by the end of February. If they don't, then yes. You'll be waiting.

 

[RedSox10]

Hi Tantacles, I'm curious, did you suggest Alpine would hear back towards the end of February because that would be approx. one month after Apline's interview? Or, given your experience, is the end of February a time when UMass characteristically accepts some students? Thanks!

 

[tantacles]

Hi Tantacles, I'm curious, did you suggest Alpine would hear back towards the end of February because that would be approx. one month after Apline's interview? Or, given your experience, is the end of February a time when UMass characteristically accepts some students? Thanks!

The former.

 

[RedSox10]

Gotcha, thanks!

 

[silverman23]

Hi

I was hoping to get some people's opinions on whether you would attend Umass, BU, or Tufts medical school if you got accepted to both. I know that umass is big on primary care and i saw Tufts and Bu match list for last year and they had alot of selective specialties. so i was wondering if choosing Umass which is probably the one of the best priced schools in the united states would put me at a disadvantage if i later determine I would like to do something like orthopedics, radiology,etc. Does attending Tufts or Bu which are the most expensive schools give me anything more thats worth $20,000+ a year?

 

[tantacles]

Hi

I was hoping to get some people's opinions on whether you would attend Umass, BU, or Tufts medical school if you got accepted to both. I know that umass is big on primary care and i saw Tufts and Bu match list for last year and they had alot of selective specialties. so i was wondering if choosing Umass which is probably the one of the best priced schools in the united states would put me at a disadvantage if i later determine I would like to do something like orthopedics, radiology,etc. Does attending Tufts or Bu which are the most expensive schools give me anything more thats worth $20,000+ a year?

I would attend UMass. Also, change that figure to $40,000/year.

 

[Chir0nex]

Hey all,

I interviewed in late October and was wondering if any people who interviewed around that time have heard back yet.

Thanks

 

[annabanana1690]

Hey all,

I interviewed in late October and was wondering if any people who interviewed around that time have heard back yet.

Thanks

I interviewed Nov 8...still nothing

 

[ChrisPaul3]

Interviewed last week in October... nothing here either.

 

[kh48625]

I just received my acceptance this morning!

I interviewed not too long ago, 11/30.

Good luck to all of you still waiting for responses and waiting for interviews!

 

[rasberrylime]

kh48625,

Did you receive the acceptance email first thing this morning?

 

[silverman23]

Hi,

I was hoping someone could tell me about Umass med grading. I understand that it's pass/fail but i was wondering does Umass keep an internal ranking for when applying to resedencies like some schools? thanks.

 

[blkwmnmd]

I received an email acceptance yesterday morning!

Complete 8/5
Interview 9/27
Accepted 1/6

GPA: 3.72
MCAT: 29

They took a VERY long time to get back to me and it was completely quiet the whole time! Good luck to all! Keep the faith 🙂

 

[RedSox10]

Hi,

I was hoping someone could tell me about Umass med grading. I understand that it's pass/fail but i was wondering does Umass keep an internal ranking for when applying to resedencies like some schools? thanks.

Hi Silverman. I asked this question during my interview day. From what I was told by the current students, Umass does have internal ranking but that ranking is only included in residency letters to specialties that "require" it. They didn't quite elaborate on which specialties might require it, however. In any case, that was my feedback, but I'd take it with a grain of salt!

 

[RedSox10]

I received an email acceptance yesterday morning!

Complete 8/5
Interview 9/27
Accepted 1/6

GPA: 3.72
MCAT: 29

They took a VERY long time to get back to me and it was completely quiet the whole time! Good luck to all! Keep the faith 🙂

CONGRATS, Umass is amazing! And thanks for sharing your timeline.