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I just got my BRE in the mail about an hour ago. So they're out!
2011-2012 University of Oklahoma Application Thread
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Congraz!!!!! The anticipation is killing me!
Did you get the AAMC background check e-mail yet?
My permanent address is in Edmond and I just got a waitlist letter. It says that there are 60 students on the waitlist but does not tell you what your position is within the group.
I know that it says that the percentage of waitlisted students that are accepted from year to year varies, but does anyone have a general idea of how many people get in off of the waitlist?
Waitlist is better than a rejection, but it is still hard not to get that BRE. Wishing the best of luck for everyone else!
I know that it says that the percentage of waitlisted students that are accepted from year to year varies, but does anyone have a general idea of how many people get in off of the waitlist?
Waitlist is better than a rejection, but it is still hard not to get that BRE. Wishing the best of luck for everyone else!
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Generally the first 20 or so will get in, sometimes it goes up to the 40's. Be sure and attend the reapplication workshop. They aren't supposed to give you any information about where you are at but trust me (from first hand and second hand knowledge) that it happens
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I got my BRE today and I live in Tulsa. No background check email though. Don't get discouraged if you are waitlisted I was last year and I didn't get in but look at me now. It will all work out in the end. Make sure you go to the reapplicant workshop it is very important especially if you are going to apply again. I was asked if I attended in my interview this year. Good luck everyone!
same here.. i live in tulsa but my mom called me to tell me the news.. not exactly what i was hoping but i guess theres still hope..
and i guess based on what everyone is saying the reapplication workshop is really helpful.. thanks for the advice..
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Nah man I wouldn't sweat it. I think they send out all the letters on the same day. Yours just may not have gotten to you as quickly.
No background check here either.
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It is definitely worth it. I did not even get waitlisted last year, but this year I got an early interview and early acceptance. The feedback really helped, plus it gave me a chance to make a few contacts.
Do you mind me asking what steps you took to improve your application the second time around? And congratulations!
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The most important thing you can do is raise your MCAT score. Thats what got me in the second time around.
Would you mind telling us your mcat score the first time you interviewed and your latest mcat score?
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Not necessarily. Granted, they will nearly always recommend that you re-take the MCAT, but that may not be your major weakness. It wasn't mine, so I did not re-take the MCAT, and I was prepared to defend that decision. I needed more experience and a better GPA (my early college career wasn't so great). Dotty will help you find a doctor to shadow, and I would highly recommend doing that. Obviously the experience is most important part, but this will also help you network at OU. I also loaded up my schedule with really challenging coursework. I took on a few more volunteer hours and extracurriculars as well. It was a rough year (I have a full time job too), but well worth it. I think the most important thing really is to go to the reapplication workshop, accept the feedback you are given graciously, and go above and beyond to improve your personal areas of weakness.
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While all valid points, the reason why grades are not recommended to improve your application is that by the time the reapplication workshop rolls around, it is march or April. Since next years application is due in September, you won't have had time to go take certain courses or raised GPA. Now if your GPA is low this cycle but raised it last fall and this spring, that could help. But the feedback will almost never be to raise GPA for this upcoming cycle. So even if you have a decent or good MCAT, retaking is almost the only immediate way to improve your application
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I had a 25 and 3.68 last year and I was waitlisted till July. This year I had a 28 and 3.7. If your MCAT is high and your GPA is low then you shouldn't retake it. However, if you don't have a 28 or 29 I would try again and if you can get it up closer to a 30 you will be in a lot better shape.
Would you mind sharing what your stats were as someone who was accepted off the waitlist last year? Also, when were you notified that you were accepted?
Thank you to everyone for all the great feedback for us waitlisters.
So it seems that the most unanimous advice is to attend the reapplicant workshop. I was wondering if anyone could elaborate a little on this day. Obviously you want to make a good impression since you are as mentioned creating contacts, but is it formal like interview day? I'm just curious to the format, attire, etc.
So it seems that the most unanimous advice is to attend the reapplicant workshop. I was wondering if anyone could elaborate a little on this day. Obviously you want to make a good impression since you are as mentioned creating contacts, but is it formal like interview day? I'm just curious to the format, attire, etc.
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My BRE arrived yesterday night!!!! Living in New Orleans (MARDI GRAS THIS WEEKEND WHO DAT) but a true Oklahoman born and raised. So excited 🙂 Cant wait to get to know everybody and good luck to those still waiting to hear! I was in the first interview group of deferred applicants and wasn't overly hopeful but now I'm pumped!
Also...I got a 27 on my MCAT but my GPA is a 3.98 (darn those two A-) if anyone is gathering there stat data!
Also...I got a 27 on my MCAT but my GPA is a 3.98 (darn those two A-) if anyone is gathering there stat data!
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I am a current second year. I got in off the waitlist around beginning of April but my year the decision process wasn't completed til late February. I attended the reapplication workshop, there really are no "contacts" to be made except to put a face with Dotty. However I have heard they put a note in your file stating whether you attended or not for next cycle. The first part is everyone in an auditorium giving general advice. This is where they explain why everyone gets the "retake MCAT" advice and the reasoning why classes or GPA is usually not relevant to people applying the following cycle. Afterwards we broke off into smaller groups of about 10-15 people. This is where they go over the process and explain how general decisions about applicants. Then we were one on one and reviewed you deficiencies. For example mine was I had a 3.0 for two years of college that was over a decade ago. But my last four years I did a full degree with a 3.90 and had a 28 MCAT. So my overall was 3.60. The representative had obviously reviewed everyones file beforehand and knew information about us all. But in my first two years, I've never dealt with anyone from the workshop or have any contacts. Also it did nothing for my place on the waitlist. Can only help for next application cycle
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Question, does anyone know if there is an FB group for the class or a sdn board link? Cant seem to find one anywhere. Thanks guys!
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I think I wore jeans a nice-ish blouse. The whole thing takes about two hours. The guy leading our group gave us the option of reviewing our files individually or as a group. Someone said 'as a group is fine' and no one opposed. He first pulled out the files for the reapplicants and gave them feedback from the interviewers and interjected some of his own. Then he told all of the waitlisters what the interviewers had said about them regarding strengths/weaknesses. He said the conmittee favors reapplicants who attend the reapplicant session and do the suggested improvements that were given during the workshop and that they keep track of who attended, they set your two applications side by side and compare to see what had been said the previous year and also any changes you made (one girl was told the interviewers loved her but since she had NO shadowing/clinical experience that they wanted to see her obtain some and were looking for her application this cycle, another guy appeared very shocked when he was encouraged to obtain a better letter of recommendation from his premed committee or get individual LORs- his premed committee had written him a letter but not one of recommendation).
Good luck waitlisters and reapplicants I'm rooting for you guys!!!!!!!
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It's 530am I have not been able to sleep. I figured to peruse this forum and see what everyone's up to. In my experience, obviously not getting accepted is a downer, but really not something to stop you from your dreams. You will get there. Last year I got a late round interview 3.8/24mcat and frankly I nailed the interview. Needless to say, being late round affects you pretty badly as far as ur chances go so I got waitlisted and never got in. Reapplicant workshop is more to show that you're actually dedicated and want to be a part of the program IMO. They will tell you things that you probably already know 90% is boosting MCAT, which is only real tangible thing you can fix, which is what I did. This year I felt like crap coming out of the interview, but I still got accepted. 3.8/27mcat. not a huge improvement, but improvement nonetheless. Thats all they look for. Do go to the reapplicant work shop if u really wanna be here.
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you wake up at 634 in the morning???
why arent you asleep like a normal person? why is being on sdn the first thing you do?? 
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Hey guys, so I'm going to be coming to OU for the second look, but I'm arriving on the Friday before because I'm coming from Arizona. I was wondering if people would be interested in getting together that Friday night. I know it's super early but if so I can get a flight so I dont arrive to OKC in the middle of the night.
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If I was in town that weekend I would definitely come hang out considering you have a trailer park boys reference in your name. We'd get along fine at O.U. haha. My girlfriend spent about 1000 dollars on a trip to Coachella...which is on the same weekend as the second look. 🙁
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Thank you to everyone for all the great feedback for us waitlisters.
So it seems that the most unanimous advice is to attend the reapplicant workshop. I was wondering if anyone could elaborate a little on this day. Obviously you want to make a good impression since you are as mentioned creating contacts, but is it formal like interview day? I'm just curious to the format, attire, etc.
Do not wear jeans! You should definitely wear a suit. I did and so did almost everyone else.
So it seems that the most unanimous advice is to attend the reapplicant workshop. I was wondering if anyone could elaborate a little on this day. Obviously you want to make a good impression since you are as mentioned creating contacts, but is it formal like interview day? I'm just curious to the format, attire, etc.
Do not wear jeans! You should definitely wear a suit. I did and so did almost everyone else.
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I started to wonder the same thing. I went ahead and made a group here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/376792865683067/
If there is a facebook page already made somewhere I will go ahead and pull this one down. Otherwise, I want to wish the best of luck to everyone and I hope to meet you soon!
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They were nice jeanzzzzzzzzzz!!😎
but futureobgyn is right, get snazzied up! Nice slacks or a dress should do though??
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Almost no one wore a suit my year but slacks and tie were the norm. Key thing is to ask Dotty once the date is set and gets closer. For waitlisted applicants, Dotty is key. Don't be afraid to ask her questions. She will even tell you to call and find out what is going on with the waitlist. The waitlist is not a strict number 1 then 2 then 3....so on. Out of state and in state are treated differently. If a spot given up is from an in state applicant, the next in state waitlisted applicant is chosen. If you are out of state, only way to get in off the waitlist is if you are the person coming off the waitlist AND an out of state accepted person withdrawals. This is how it was done two years ago and I don't think it has changed. Email once a week or once every other week asking how many people have been pulled off the waitlist and couple that info with your feedback from reapplicant workshop.
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Awesome! Just joined. Thanks yep I'll keep a look out too.
How important is second visit day? I'm going to be visiting the school again beginning of April and living in New Orleans doesn't exactly make another trip easy but if it's crucial I will do it. Anybody know what we are finding out? Also, any current OU students have housing advice?
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when i asked dotty about the workshop schedule and waitlist information, this is what she said..
"You will meet as a group to start the workshop with Dr. Baker giving some general information and statistics. The group will then split up into small groups with an Admissions Board member per group and discuss your individual interviews. The board member will give you feedback and suggestions for a reapplication should it become necessary. We suggest business casual attire since you will be meeting with a board member.
We have a waitlist of 60 individuals and we will accept individuals from this list as spaces become available."
doesn't seem like she can say much about the waitlist?
When you received feedback as to your position on the waitlist, did this come from the board member that you met with or from Dotty directly? Also, did you meet in a group format like some have mentioned or did you meet individually? If this information is not presented directly at the reapplicant workshop, I am just wondering who we might direct questions to in order to encourage our chances of receiving it.
Definitely attend the reapplicant workshop. Last year (April 2011) they started out with a presentation in the West Auditorium. Multiple members of the Admissions Committee introduced themselves. Dr. Baker presented statistics on the composition of the waitlist, how many are typically accepted off the waitlist, etc. She also presented statistics on how many re-applicants eventually get admitted. A current medical student then shared her experience of applying multiple times before she was admitted. Overall message - analyze your application for weaknesses, correct them, and definitely reapply.
Following the large group meeting we broke up into multiple small groups where a member of the admissions committee gave us detailed personalized feedback regarding our AMCAS application, personal statement, extra-curricular activities, and especially the interview. This feedback was delivered in the small group setting so you could hear what was good and not so good about all of the applications and applicants. I had been interviewed by the doctor who led my small group session, which may or may not be typical, so he was able to give very direct feedback. He encouraged me to increase my medical volunteering hours and to increase my physician shadowing hours.
You definitely want to make a good impression. While it is not technically an interview, it is still an interview of sorts where you get to ask the questions. Don't forget to bring questions with you - "How can I improve my application..." Dress professionally of course, but I don't think anybody wore a suit that afternoon except for the doctors. The invitation said to dress business casual. I brought a tie in my bag just in case I needed a last-minute upgrade.
That was my experience. Definitely go to the workshop if you can make it.
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The format was as explained, with my feedback being one on one. He went over the thoughts of the committee and I explained I had another offer that required moving. He asked when I had to have a decision before taking the other offer. I told him July 1, he responded "I wouldn't plan on moving". I got my acceptance in late April. In my year letters weren't out until March. I was around mid twenties on the waitlist and around forty something came in off the waitlist with 75 people starting on the waitlist
Other people I know have gotten more vague info and others directly found out a range within a few spots.
Officially though, they will not give "any" info as to your position.
Unofficially........it happens to some people
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I just took a notebook and a pen. I had also looked at my AMCAS a few days before and written down what I perceived to be my strengths and weaknesses. That made it easy to really start a dialog with the board member who was evaluating me.
Did anyone who went to the reapplicant workshop get any disclosure as to where they were on the waitlist? My doctor made it seem like she had no information at all about anyone's position on the wait-list. I know in previous years some doctors did let applicants know at least a general idea of where they were (top 20, mid 20, etc) in small group. Just wondering if they changed things up. Any information is helpful, thanks.
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I had the exact same experience! I tried asking in multiple ways but she finally said that she had not seen the waitlist but wished that she could tell me more. I did find out from Dotty that 7 students have already been pulled off the waitlist...
How are you notified if you are accepted off the waitlist? Is it done by snail mail, email, or phone? Dr. Baker said yesterday that they take people off the waitlist immediately, so I'm wondering if those 7 people already know or if that likely means that there are 7 lucky letters in transit.
I did not receive any information as to my waitlist position, either. I also let them know that I had extenuating circumstances requiring me to make a decision on moving. It seemed that she had no information as to where I was.
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