2011-2012 University of Texas - San Antonio Application Thread

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Yah I just emailed them, didn't realize there was a two week deadline on the mailed letter.

I inquired about whether anything needed to be done, and here was the response:

Great news on accepting our offer! Please take a look at the following (http://som.uthscsa.edu/Admissions/now-what.asp) which provides information regarding immunizations. More information will be sent to you in the future. No additional information is required at this time. Best wishes, Dr. J.


So make sure you have your immunizations, I guess, otherwise not much needs to be done right now.
 
yep i called them and all they said was to reply email address indicated in the letter
 
UTHSCSA is one of my top choice med schools in San Antonio. I'm planning on applying in May 2012. Will I have a shot at a interview with my crap GPA and mediocre ECs? Will I be able to get an interview at any Texas schools? I am super worried that my GPA won't give me a shot at any Texas schools except maybe UNT-TCOM. Assume that my LORs and PS will be good.

I have 3.56 cGPA/3.51 sGPA from a California University that is in the top 35. I'm a non-URM Texas resident. I am a first generation college student. I got a 32Q (10P, 10V, 12B). Do I need to retake since my GPA is low?

My ECs were mostly from junior and senior year and were mostly short term activities. ECs include: hospice volunteer (8 months), free dental clinic with underserved (6 months), breast cancer outreach (6 months), ER scribe (starting this January), shadowing (~100 hrs), NO research, dorm activity coordinator (1 yr), children liturgy of the word teacher (6 months), serving meals and tutoring homeless (6 months), and 2 non-health related summer jobs.

I really want to hear from Texas applicants, who've gone through the process and who know others who applied.
Assuming you are a Texas resident then you should definitely be fine. I had about a 3.4 cGPA and a 3.35 sGPA with a 34 MCAT (11P, 12V, 11B) similarly strong ECs and what I think was a really good PS. So far I have pre-matched here and I have an interview this week with UT Houston.

We essentially have the same LizzyM score but you are better rounded so I would expect you to get interviews, and most schools agree that once you receive the interview your numbers are strong enough, so it's just about how well you interview. With UTHSCSA I really think that the personal statement is one of the most important factors for getting an interview. I would just keep up the good work.
 
Assuming you are a Texas resident then you should definitely be fine. I had about a 3.4 cGPA and a 3.35 sGPA with a 34 MCAT (11P, 12V, 11B) similarly strong ECs and what I think was a really good PS. So far I have pre-matched here and I have an interview this week with UT Houston.

We essentially have the same LizzyM score but you are better rounded so I would expect you to get interviews, and most schools agree that once you receive the interview your numbers are strong enough, so it's just about how well you interview. With UTHSCSA I really think that the personal statement is one of the most important factors for getting an interview. I would just keep up the good work.

Yeah, that sounds a lot like my background as well and I've prematched so you definitely have the possibility of getting an interview invite.
 
I just pre-matched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Going to be a doctor wooooot
 
Congratulations to everyone who was accepted to class of 2016! Hope to see all of you next year. Time will fly by and before you know it, the school year will begin. Feel free to ask any questions re: housing, books, profs, etc.

~UTHSCSA 1st year med student
 
I'd love to know the stats of those who have pre-matched... I interviewed here (3.47 sGPA, 3.48 oGPA, 34-O MCAT) plus the other requisites: volunteer experience, shadowing, ECs, TX resident. I thought my interviews went well but I'm still waiting... and it's my first choice. I'm a non-trad and hope it doesn't work against me. Each round of acceptances which passes makes me more worried.

Also, does the academic probation give anyone pause about accepting?

Thanks and congrats to those who pre-matched.
 
I'd love to know the stats of those who have pre-matched... I interviewed here (3.47 sGPA, 3.48 oGPA, 34-O MCAT) plus the other requisites: volunteer experience, shadowing, ECs, TX resident. I thought my interviews went well but I'm still waiting... and it's my first choice. I'm a non-trad and hope it doesn't work against me. Each round of acceptances which passes makes me more worried.

Also, does the academic probation give anyone pause about accepting?

Thanks and congrats to those who pre-matched.

I feel exactly the same and we have very similar stats. I interviewed in August and really thought my interviewers got a highly positive impression of me. I'm guessing that since I interviewed so early there isn't much hope for a prematch at this point. It's easily my top choice as well.

I just can't take the anxiety of waiting any more--waiting for mcat scores, then more waiting for an interview, then an excruciating wait for Nov 15... And now I guess we're waiting for February. *sigh* Hopefully it will all be worth it.
 
I'd love to know the stats of those who have pre-matched... I interviewed here (3.47 sGPA, 3.48 oGPA, 34-O MCAT) plus the other requisites: volunteer experience, shadowing, ECs, TX resident. I thought my interviews went well but I'm still waiting... and it's my first choice. I'm a non-trad and hope it doesn't work against me. Each round of acceptances which passes makes me more worried.

Also, does the academic probation give anyone pause about accepting?

Thanks and congrats to those who pre-matched.

I believe as long as your interview went well and they feel you are a good fit, you will get in. And I also had an Academic Probation tick on my record, so as long as the issue is corrected I think you will be ok. STAY POSITIVE, thats all I could do given that AP worry.

I'm also non-trad, and was told that it actually benefits me especially with the AP thing since it gives time to grow/mature over undergrad mistakes. What have you been doing in your time off?
 
I believe as long as your interview went well and they feel you are a good fit, you will get in. And I also had an Academic Probation tick on my record, so as long as the issue is corrected I think you will be ok. STAY POSITIVE, thats all I could do given that AP worry.

I'm also non-trad, and was told that it actually benefits me especially with the AP thing since it gives time to grow/mature over undergrad mistakes. What have you been doing in your time off?

Thanks. I actually meant UTHSCSA's LCME probation.

As for me, I taught HS science for 10 years and got a Ph.D. - all around the world: California, South Pacific, Midwest US, Europe, and Japan before settling in TX and getting residency last year.
 
Thanks. I actually meant UTHSCSA's LCME probation.

As for me, I taught HS science for 10 years and got a Ph.D. - all around the world: California, South Pacific, Midwest US, Europe, and Japan before settling in TX and getting residency last year.

:smack: "Embarrassed", sorry. I am not really hesitant about accepting because of the probation, it seems to not be that big a deal and not due to any of the quality of the students. I do have a few more interviews and waiting on other schools before a final decision is made, but as of now, the probation will have no affect on my accepting UTHSCSA offer.
 
I'd love to know the stats of those who have pre-matched... I interviewed here (3.47 sGPA, 3.48 oGPA, 34-O MCAT) plus the other requisites: volunteer experience, shadowing, ECs, TX resident. I thought my interviews went well but I'm still waiting... and it's my first choice. I'm a non-trad and hope it doesn't work against me. Each round of acceptances which passes makes me more worried.

Also, does the academic probation give anyone pause about accepting?

Thanks and congrats to those who pre-matched.

bsengel, I'm a non-trad MS-1 at UTHSCSA. My stats were not nearly as good as yours (except the MCAT written portion ;-)) and I didn't interview as early as you did. I think that the school is really looking for students who want to go to UTHSCSA and if it is your top choice it might not hurt to send an update letter reinforcing that it is your #1 school. It is a great place for trads and non-trads alike- we have a very diverse class and I have plenty of classmates with a variety of life experiences. If you have any specific questions let me know or PM me. Good luck!
P.S. and as for the LCME thing, I have come to the conclusion that it sounds scarier than it actually is. The school is doing an excellent job of giving us bi-weekly updates on our progress and has included many of us in sub-committees to participate in the response.
 
bsengel, I'm a non-trad MS-1 at UTHSCSA. My stats were not nearly as good as yours (except the MCAT written portion ;-)) and I didn't interview as early as you did. I think that the school is really looking for students who want to go to UTHSCSA and if it is your top choice it might not hurt to send an update letter reinforcing that it is your #1 school. It is a great place for trads and non-trads alike- we have a very diverse class and I have plenty of classmates with a variety of life experiences. If you have any specific questions let me know or PM me. Good luck!

P.S. and as for the LCME thing, I have come to the conclusion that it sounds scarier than it actually is. The school is doing an excellent job of giving us bi-weekly updates on our progress and has included many of us in sub-committees to participate in the response.

I feel exactly the same and we have very similar stats. I interviewed in August and really thought my interviewers got a highly positive impression of me. I'm guessing that since I interviewed so early there isn't much hope for a prematch at this point. It's easily my top choice as well.

I just can't take the anxiety of waiting any more--waiting for mcat scores, then more waiting for an interview, then an excruciating wait for Nov 15... And now I guess we're waiting for February. *sigh* Hopefully it will all be worth it.

:smack: "Embarrassed", sorry. I am not really hesitant about accepting because of the probation, it seems to not be that big a deal and not due to any of the quality of the students. I do have a few more interviews and waiting on other schools before a final decision is made, but as of now, the probation will have no affect on my accepting UTHSCSA offer.

Thanks cman06, Morzh, and rayonrojo!

Having support makes this waiting game more bearable! Cman06 - no need to be embarrassed - I wasn't clear. Rayonrojo - I'll PM you, thanks!
 
I feel exactly the same and we have very similar stats. I interviewed in August and really thought my interviewers got a highly positive impression of me. I'm guessing that since I interviewed so early there isn't much hope for a prematch at this point. It's easily my top choice as well.

I just can't take the anxiety of waiting any more--waiting for mcat scores, then more waiting for an interview, then an excruciating wait for Nov 15... And now I guess we're waiting for February. *sigh* Hopefully it will all be worth it.
I really hope you get accepted here Morz. You are a true fan of this school. Not my personal favorite, but congrats to everyone who prematched.
 
I really hope you get accepted here Morz. You are a true fan of this school. Not my personal favorite, but congrats to everyone who prematched.

Your username belies your desires.
 
After replying to the email address in the acceptance letter did you guys get a confirmation email?
 
Since they're changing the curriculum this coming year does anyone think that this transition may hurt us? I mean the people who will be teaching us will have to change what they have been doing for a while and adjust to fit the new curriculum. I just hope this transition doesn't affect us so much
 
Since they're changing the curriculum this coming year does anyone think that this transition may hurt us? I mean the people who will be teaching us will have to change what they have been doing for a while and adjust to fit the new curriculum. I just hope this transition doesn't affect us so much

As someone who taught for 10 years, I can definitely say that the first time you teach a class it's the hardest, the rockiest, and you make the most mistakes - it's the steepest part of the learning curve. It's definitely a drawback being the first class to go through the new curriculum. That said, it's still my first choice if I'm accepted (of the 4 TX schools where I interviewed) because all of the other positives that UTHSCSA and San Antonio have going for them.
 
Does anyone know if they are supposed to give out anymore prematch offers?
 
Does anyone know if they are supposed to give out anymore prematch offers?
I think they still will looking at the time frame of last year's prematch offers, but then again it's up to them in the end.
 
Does anyone know if they are supposed to give out anymore prematch offers?

They did last year, but only to students who interviewed in Oct, Nov, and early Dec. Those of us who interviewed in Aug or Sept are most likely waiting for the match in Feb.
 
They did last year, but only to students who interviewed in Oct, Nov, and early Dec. Those of us who interviewed in Aug or Sept are most likely waiting for the match in Feb.

Really? This gives me hope! Why do they do it this way? I've been waiting since my interview in early August...
 
:smack: "Embarrassed", sorry. I am not really hesitant about accepting because of the probation, it seems to not be that big a deal and not due to any of the quality of the students. I do have a few more interviews and waiting on other schools before a final decision is made, but as of now, the probation will have no affect on my accepting UTHSCSA offer.
Yeah I talked to my pre-med advisor about it and she said that it is not a big deal. Apparently it happens to a couple of schools every interview season, and it gets corrected pretty quickly. I was worried at first too.
 
Since they're changing the curriculum this coming year does anyone think that this transition may hurt us? I mean the people who will be teaching us will have to change what they have been doing for a while and adjust to fit the new curriculum. I just hope this transition doesn't affect us so much
It's my guess the transition might actually make things easier on incoming students in terms of grading etc. True, the school will have to change a number of things around, and some profs may be a bit out of their ol' comfy zone. But overall the modernization of the program is something I would be looking forward to as an incoming student.
 
Since they're changing the curriculum this coming year does anyone think that this transition may hurt us? I mean the people who will be teaching us will have to change what they have been doing for a while and adjust to fit the new curriculum. I just hope this transition doesn't affect us so much

As someone who taught for 10 years, I can definitely say that the first time you teach a class it's the hardest, the rockiest, and you make the most mistakes - it's the steepest part of the learning curve. It's definitely a drawback being the first class to go through the new curriculum. That said, it's still my first choice if I'm accepted (of the 4 TX schools where I interviewed) because all of the other positives that UTHSCSA and San Antonio have going for them.

What will be taught will be changed, but it is by no means the "first time" these profs are gonna be teaching. If anything it may be easier, because as of now, way too much is being taught. Think of it as more 'streamlined' than anything. But the fact that the pre-clinical years "end" in February of the second year is a huge advantage and would make me choose this school over any other in TX, unless some other school besides Baylor is doing something like this as well.
 
What will be taught will be changed, but it is by no means the "first time" these profs are gonna be teaching. If anything it may be easier, because as of now, way too much is being taught. Think of it as more 'streamlined' than anything. But the fact that the pre-clinical years "end" in February of the second year is a huge advantage and would make me choose this school over any other in TX, unless some other school besides Baylor is doing something like this as well.
That's cool they let you start clinical in 2nd year here in SA. Although, I think El Paso starts in the 1st year to some extent.
 
Hey all,

Does anyone know when OOS people might hear back after interviews? I interviewed November 28th and am anxiously awaiting and hoping to find out before Christmas. UTSA is my top choice and the waiting is so hard! Any ideas would be greatly beneficial to my nerves.

Thanks!
 
Hey all,

Does anyone know when OOS people might hear back after interviews? I interviewed November 28th and am anxiously awaiting and hoping to find out before Christmas. UTSA is my top choice and the waiting is so hard! Any ideas would be greatly beneficial to my nerves.

Thanks!
Hey I'm oos as well. I THINK we hear back this week. Here is my reasoning: Following this thread, someone called the admissions office and admission said they would be sending oos acceptances sometime this month (Dec). Since UTHSCSA will be on break soon, it would only make sense they send it before they go on break. No worries, I interviewed late October and I haven't heard anything yet. So you are not alone.
 
Does anyone know if they send out pre-matches on Tuesdays? It seems like several people have gotten them on Tuesdays so far, so I was just wondering if we might hear something today!?
 
Hey I'm oos as well. I THINK we hear back this week. Here is my reasoning: Following this thread, someone called the admissions office and admission said they would be sending oos acceptances sometime this month (Dec). Since UTHSCSA will be on break soon, it would only make sense they send it before they go on break. No worries, I interviewed late October and I haven't heard anything yet. So you are not alone.
Thanks! I'll keep thinking positively and crossing my fingers for both of us!
 
Hey all, I have a fairly loaded question for the current students about what school I should attend. I am stuck between UTHSCSA and UT Houston, and I don't know which one I should rank higher. Here is my feelings on both schools.

The case for San Antonio:
I am graduating from Trinity in May and have a strong undergrad social support base. My fraternity brothers will still be here for me to have dinner with. I am already acknowledging that I won't have enough time to hang out with them on a regular basis, but I would be able to occasionally. I already know the city so I won't have to worry about that learning curve. Basically I have a great support system.

When I interviewed at San Antonio, on Halloween, it "felt right". I had the same feeling that made me choose Trinity over other schools. I liked the school, setting, and the people. I could see myself hanging out with these people and I could see myself working in the school. Also, I already prematched to San Antonio. The curriculum is exciting and I think it looks really cool. The current probation status doesn't worry me.

The case for Houston:
I interviewed on the 16th and it went pretty well, even though one of my interviewers said "are you wasting my time by interviewing here" after I was honest about my prematch status. I have friends from Houston and likely friends who will move to Houston after graduation. The cost of living in Houston and TMC is higher than cost of living in San Antonio and UTHSCSA. I really like facilities. All I could describe them as is beautiful and they look like they would be great to learn in. The curriculum is a little daunting but it is doable. The students and staff at Houston and San Antonio seem interchangeable. Again, I liked the atmosphere. I could see myself hanging out with the students and practicing. I didn't feel the "magic" that makes my hair stand up, but I still felt something. Either way I really like the school, and the more I think about it the more I could see myself at Houston!

So students of San Antonio. What do you think I should do? I am stuck at in impasse. Even if I rank Houston above San Antonio, and Houston doesn't accept me, I still have an acceptance somewhere.


Thoughts, questions, screams of angst?
 
It sounds like the schools themselves are the same as far as you're concerned, so it really comes down to your own personal preferences regarding city/atmosphere/cost of living/etc. Unfortunately, we can't help you much with that since the answer is will be different for everyone.

From your post is sounds like your heart is in San Antonio, but your brain is doing its due diligence in seriously considering all other alternatives. In the end, you'll be happy either way, but it sounds like your gut is saying SA... so maybe that's what you should do.


I totally appreciate your dilemma, though. I'm also from SA and it has always been my top choice "by default". I loved my interview day. I like the new curriculum, especially the fact that 2nd year ends so early (like a mini Baylor) and there's ample time to study for step 1. Parents are here, although I'm married and have a kid so my immediate "family" goes wherever I go. Houston was cool but it's got nothing for me that San Antonio doesn't except for more traffic and bigger parking headaches. The TMC is beautiful and giant, but I don't believe I will care much about that as a med student (it will be a much bigger selling point 4 years from now when deciding where to go for residency). After thoroughly investigating the probation issue I'm no longer worried about it in the slightest.

However I was really surprised by how "right" Tech Lubbock felt to me. I loved the city, culture, and overall feeling. As exciting as SA's new curriculum sounds, I'm sure there will be some significant wrinkles for the first class that goes through it. And I honestly think I'd prefer Tech's block-style schedule. I'm not super interested in doing tons of research, so the fact that their research programs (and hence their US News rankings) are smaller than SA's or Houston's are non-issues. And as inexpensive as SA is, Lubbock is even better. Plus I'd enjoy the smaller class size.

I've pre-matched Tech but not SA. I'm having a terribly hard time deciding how to rank them. Just to make sure I understand this correctly: If I rank UTHSCSA #1 and TTUHSC #2 and I successfully match San Antonio, I will automatically be withdrawn from TTUHSC, even though I pre-matched there...right?
 
It sounds like the schools themselves are the same as far as you're concerned, so it really comes down to your own personal preferences regarding city/atmosphere/cost of living/etc. Unfortunately, we can't help you much with that since the answer is will be different for everyone.

From your post is sounds like your heart is in San Antonio, but your brain is doing its due diligence in seriously considering all other alternatives. In the end, you'll be happy either way, but it sounds like your gut is saying SA... so maybe that's what you should do.


I totally appreciate your dilemma, though. I'm also from SA and it has always been my top choice "by default". I loved my interview day. I like the new curriculum, especially the fact that 2nd year ends so early (like a mini Baylor) and there's ample time to study for step 1. Parents are here, although I'm married and have a kid so my immediate "family" goes wherever I go. Houston was cool but it's got nothing for me that San Antonio doesn't except for more traffic and bigger parking headaches. The TMC is beautiful and giant, but I don't believe I will care much about that as a med student (it will be a much bigger selling point 4 years from now when deciding where to go for residency). After thoroughly investigating the probation issue I'm no longer worried about it in the slightest.

However I was really surprised by how "right" Tech Lubbock felt to me. I loved the city, culture, and overall feeling. As exciting as SA's new curriculum sounds, I'm sure there will be some significant wrinkles for the first class that goes through it. And I honestly think I'd prefer Tech's block-style schedule. I'm not super interested in doing tons of research, so the fact that their research programs (and hence their US News rankings) are smaller than SA's or Houston's are non-issues. And as inexpensive as SA is, Lubbock is even better. Plus I'd enjoy the smaller class size.

I've pre-matched Tech but not SA. I'm having a terribly hard time deciding how to rank them. Just to make sure I understand this correctly: If I rank UTHSCSA #1 and TTUHSC #2 and I successfully match San Antonio, I will automatically be withdrawn from TTUHSC, even though I pre-matched there...right?

That is correct. I'm interviewing in San Antonio tomorrow. Excited to hear about the new curriculum.
 
Did anyone else receive a scholarship? If so, did that change your mind about rank even though some schools might not have sent out scholarships yet?
 
I've pre-matched Tech but not SA. I'm having a terribly hard time deciding how to rank them. Just to make sure I understand this correctly: If I rank UTHSCSA #1 and TTUHSC #2 and I successfully match San Antonio, I will automatically be withdrawn from TTUHSC, even though I pre-matched there...right?

Yep.
 
Hey all, I have a fairly loaded question for the current students about what school I should attend. I am stuck between UTHSCSA and UT Houston, and I don't know which one I should rank higher. Here is my feelings on both schools.

The case for San Antonio:
I am graduating from Trinity in May and have a strong undergrad social support base. My fraternity brothers will still be here for me to have dinner with. I am already acknowledging that I won't have enough time to hang out with them on a regular basis, but I would be able to occasionally. I already know the city so I won't have to worry about that learning curve. Basically I have a great support system.

When I interviewed at San Antonio, on Halloween, it "felt right". I had the same feeling that made me choose Trinity over other schools. I liked the school, setting, and the people. I could see myself hanging out with these people and I could see myself working in the school. Also, I already prematched to San Antonio. The curriculum is exciting and I think it looks really cool. The current probation status doesn't worry me.

The case for Houston:
I interviewed on the 16th and it went pretty well, even though one of my interviewers said "are you wasting my time by interviewing here" after I was honest about my prematch status. I have friends from Houston and likely friends who will move to Houston after graduation. The cost of living in Houston and TMC is higher than cost of living in San Antonio and UTHSCSA. I really like facilities. All I could describe them as is beautiful and they look like they would be great to learn in. The curriculum is a little daunting but it is doable. The students and staff at Houston and San Antonio seem interchangeable. Again, I liked the atmosphere. I could see myself hanging out with the students and practicing. I didn't feel the "magic" that makes my hair stand up, but I still felt something. Either way I really like the school, and the more I think about it the more I could see myself at Houston!

So students of San Antonio. What do you think I should do? I am stuck at in impasse. Even if I rank Houston above San Antonio, and Houston doesn't accept me, I still have an acceptance somewhere.


Thoughts, questions, screams of angst?

I am a 1st year at San Antonio. When I was applying I was dead set on UTSW because my family lives in Dallas and I went to SMU. When I didn't not get an interview at UTSW I chose UTHSCSA over Lubbock or TCOM. I think I made the right choice. Although I am not a fan of San Antonio as a city, the school is great. Students are great and faculty are AMAZING. I think I am getting an excellent education here.
And yes, you will not have much time to hang out🙂
 
Anyone at 12/19 interview: Dr. Jones did say that they are going to try and do another pre-match before the end of December, right? Also, how does that work...do they let you know if you aren't selected in the pre match?
 
Anyone at 12/19 interview: Dr. Jones did say that they are going to try and do another pre-match before the end of December, right? Also, how does that work...do they let you know if you aren't selected in the pre match?

If you don't hear anything by the end of the year you just rank them in TMDSAS and wait for the match.
 
Hey I'm oos as well. I THINK we hear back this week. Here is my reasoning: Following this thread, someone called the admissions office and admission said they would be sending oos acceptances sometime this month (Dec). Since UTHSCSA will be on break soon, it would only make sense they send it before they go on break. No worries, I interviewed late October and I haven't heard anything yet. So you are not alone.

Did any OOS applicants hear back these past couple weeks since interviews? I didn't hear anything so I'm guessing I should take that as bad news 🙁
 
Did any OOS applicants hear back these past couple weeks since interviews? I didn't hear anything so I'm guessing I should take that as bad news 🙁

I am OOS and interviewed 12/5. I was hoping to hear back soon....They technically have until the 31st of December to send out an acceptance.
After that date, it sounds February is the next time they send out acceptances....

I have my fingers crossed.
 
I am pretty sure OOS students do not participate in the match and are admitted on a rolling basis.
 
I take it from the voicemail machine I keep getting that the admissions office is out this wk?
 
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