2011-2012 University of Massachusetts Application Thread

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I have a quick question for current UMass students:

What books do you recommend we get for first year? There seem to be a lot of options out there, but what did you actually use?

omg, so don't worry about this now. You won't need any books for the first couple of courses and then just buy them as you will (ask second years/ your buddy at that point).

congrats everyone who has gotten in and GL to everyone still waiting to hear.
 
How do you know, from a Facebook group for accepted students, I'm guessing?

That seems like a lot of people... hope the rest of us have a chance.

I think he/she must have been referring to an email that was sent. Either way, I think 60 (if not more) people per year make it off the wait-list so don't fret yet! Of the few people I know at Umass, both have come from the wait-list in June and July. Best of luck.
 
omg, so don't worry about this now. You won't need any books for the first couple of courses and then just buy them as you will (ask second years/ your buddy at that point).

congrats everyone who has gotten in and GL to everyone still waiting to hear.

WAIT, no books?!!?!?! Really? I can't believe it! med school really is going to be a change...
 
I was accepted off the waitlist this past Wednesday, and yes it looks like 18 ppl were accepted( this coming from an email I received with 17 other recipients.)

Just FYI I had a 3.5 GPA and 28Q, so theres still hope for everyone!!
 
Interesting to see a few Umass attendees with good stats get rejected. Is anyone here in the Umass Medical Scholars Program?

I'm nearing the end of my sophomore year and I'm not sure if I should go for it, since you are binded to attend Umass, but looking at the good stats getting rejected has me worried.
 
Interesting to see a few Umass attendees with good stats get rejected. Is anyone here in the Umass Medical Scholars Program?

I'm nearing the end of my sophomore year and I'm not sure if I should go for it, since you are binded to attend Umass, but looking at the good stats getting rejected has me worried.

I'm not sure how the program works, but I would definitely go for it. Being "binded" to Umass certainly isn't a bad thing. As you mentioned, some people with stellar stats (ie MCATS at 33+, I saw one person with a 37/4.0) have been rejected this cycle, and those that didn't have those stats had equally stellar EC's and life experiences, so acceptance isn't a given. Most people would pick Umass over BU and Tufts (similar reputation and opportunities, much lower cost of attendance) and even some would pick it over Harvard (yes, I know people who have). So if you want to stay in Massachusetts, I'd seriously consider this program. My guess is that your chances of getting into UMass will significantly improve if you apply to the scholars program versus apply along with everybody else. The only caveat is if you want to forgo the savings (and peace of mind) and go to a different state for medical school.
 
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omg, so don't worry about this now. You won't need any books for the first couple of courses and then just buy them as you will (ask second years/ your buddy at that point).

congrats everyone who has gotten in and GL to everyone still waiting to hear.

Perhaps I should rephrase the question. The budget for this year says we'll need about 3800 for books and supplies, and it's accounted for in the suggested federal loans I should take out. That seems like quite a lot, am I actually going to need that much?

I have about a 3000 difference in my maxed out Staffords and what UMass says the expect COA will be. I'm basically looking for where I might expect to be able to cut corners.
 
Perhaps I should rephrase the question. The budget for this year says we'll need about 3800 for books and supplies, and it's accounted for in the suggested federal loans I should take out. That seems like quite a lot, am I actually going to need that much?

I have about a 3000 difference in my maxed out Staffords and what UMass says the expect COA will be. I'm basically looking for where I might expect to be able to cut corners.

The majority of that amount is to buy a new laptop, which I think is a required purchase for all incoming students. Notice that for the next 3 years, books and supplies are only like $800 (2nd year) and $300 (3rd and 4th year).
 
The majority of that amount is to buy a new laptop, which I think is a required purchase for all incoming students. Notice that for the next 3 years, books and supplies are only like $800 (2nd year) and $300 (3rd and 4th year).

That could very well be the case. I have a friend at Umass who said the required laptop is almost $2,000...
 
Maybe 40-ish people? (125 seats, about half come off WL = ~60 people, 18 already accepted off WL)

i hope there is more movement to come... a friend of mine did get accepted last wednesday, so i'm trying to remain optimistic.
 
Hey guys,
I was wondering about those who got accepted - how much community service did you have? I heard that UMass really wants committed volunteer activities etc. Anyone got in with just the stereotypical summer's worth of ER volunteering?

Thanks for any input!
 
Hi folks - I got in on waitlist about a week ago. So, it looks like there's still movement. Good luck to everyone! It can still happen!
(interviewed 1/31, waitlisted 4/4, accepted 6/4)
 
Although I am still on the waitlist, I was considering writing the adcom an email asking for suggestions on how to improve my application for next year. I really like umass so I wanted to get feedback before deciding what to do next year if I am not accepted (master's, volunteering, job, etc.). However, would it be premature seeing as I haven't actually been rejected yet?
 
Hi - To those who were accepted off of the wait list - congrats! I'm curious to know, what type of updates or communications did you have with the Admissions Committee and how often?

Thanks!
 
Although I am still on the waitlist, I was considering writing the adcom an email asking for suggestions on how to improve my application for next year. I really like umass so I wanted to get feedback before deciding what to do next year if I am not accepted (master's, volunteering, job, etc.). However, would it be premature seeing as I haven't actually been rejected yet?

So you're banking on getting in to UMASS, you don't have any other acceptances? I would definitely wait until you are officially rejected before sending an email asking for suggestions to improve your application. Don't put yourself out of the running while you still technically have a chance! Plus you can just read some of the threads here on SDN to get your answers. You'll see it over and over and over again... more research, more shadowing, more volunteering, retake the MCAT to get a higher score, take classes if you need to boost your GPA, etc.
 
Current MS3 (I went through the first year of the new curriculum)

In terms of books, I would recommend waiting until you absolutely see what you need. The library website gives you access to many textbooks online so you might be able to save some money by using these. The only textbooks I purchased and actually used 1st year were BRS physiology, Big Moore's anatomy (I still reference it occasionally as a clinical student), Rohan's anatomy, and the principles of pharm book (which is available online so not worth buying it in hindsight)

Any more specific questions feel free to PM me. I'm not on often but i will do my best to answers questions.
 
Also, if you want more information about the clinical years I can fill you in. Almost done with my medicine rotation now and I have a pretty idea about what my classmates are going through on their rotations
 
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