2011-2012 University of Texas - Southwestern Application Thread

[ALMD]

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Sorry if this has already been posted but where can we check to see if our app is complete? I can only find the one about interview status but none about if it's complete or not.

Once your app is transmitted from TMDSAS and UTSW received it, it will send you a completion email.

Uhh where do you check your interview status?

 

[az007]

Hey folks, this "application complete" email you speak of... I don't think I received one.

I did get an email that said my secondary was received. My TMDSAS has also been transmitted.

I emailed UT southwestern to ask about it and they seem to be giving sort of a cryptic response. Can someone here verify that there is an actual "your application in complete and under review" email from UT southwestern that I should be receiving? I'll paste my email thread below for context.


-----------------
[Admissions Person],

Thanks for your prompt response. However, I am still unclear as to whether or not my application is considered complete and is currently being reviewed or in line to be reviewed at UT Southwestern. Can you please clarify that one point?

Thank you.

Best,

[Me]

On Wed, Sep 21, 2011 at 10:14 AM, Admissions <[email protected]> wrote:
[Me],

Your application has been received by TMDSAS, UT Southwestern has everything you sent to TMDSAS.

[Admissions Person]
UT Southwestern Medical Center
The future of medicine, today.


From: [Me] [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 9:32 AM

To: Admissions
Subject: Re: UT Southwestern Secondary Application --

[Admissions Person],

Thanks for your response. Is my full application to UT Southwestern complete as well? I have received emails from other TMDSAS schools that said my entire application was complete and under review. I just wanted to make sure this was the case at Southwestern as well.

Thanks.

Best regards,

[Me]

On Wed, Sep 21, 2011 at 9:21 AM, Admissions <[email protected]> wrote:
[Me],

This email is to confirm the receipt of you secondary application.

Best regards,

[Admissions Person]

[Admissions Person]
Education Coordinator
Office of Admissions
214.648.2750
214.648.3289 fax

UT Southwestern Medical Center
The future of medicine, today.


From: [Me] [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 3:05 PM
To: Admissions
Subject: Re: UT Southwestern Secondary Application --

Dear UT Southwestern Admission Team,

I wanted to briefly check in to see if the email below is meant to confirm that my application is complete and under review. My primary has already been submitted. If my application is not complete for whatever reason, please let me know what else I may need to submit. Thank you.

Best regards,

[Me]

On Thu, Aug 18, 2011 at 12:16 PM, <[email protected]> wrote:
Your secondary application to UT Southwestern Medical School has been received and logged under TMDSAS PIN Number:

 

[Cinematographer]

I only remember receiving a "secondary received" email.

Still waiting to hear from this UT.

 

[alienwares]

az,

The email looked like this:

Your application to the medical school entering class of 2012 was received from the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service. Thank you for your interest in UT Southwestern Medical School.

The application review process has begun. It is difficult to anticipate when you might hear from us regarding the status of your application. If you are
selected for an interview, we will contact you via email at the same email address to which this message was sent. Any changes to your email address should be forwarded to TMDSAS and UT Southwestern as soon as possible.

You should periodically check the TMDSAS website for information regarding the completion status of your application (such as receipt of transcripts, letters of recommendation, MCAT score, etc.).

It was separate from the "Secondary Received" e-mail. However, if UTSW says they have your TMDSAS info, I think you are in good shape.

 

[az007]

Got it. I do have that one. Thanks alienwares for putting up with my neurotic moment.

 

[cyanide12345678]

Anyone who has received an interview invite fairly recently want to share when their TMDSAS application was transmitted? Thanks 🙂

 

[az007]

cy -- TMDSAS transmitted 8/18, Secondary transmitted 8/18, interview invite 9/21.

Happy to provide other info if its helpful

 

[cyanide12345678]

cy -- TMDSAS transmitted 8/18, Secondary transmitted 8/18, interview invite 9/21.

Happy to provide other info if its helpful

That definitely helps! Mine was transmitted 8/16. So, I should definitely start worrying if I don't get an interview by next week 😛

 

[cyanide12345678]

cy -- TMDSAS transmitted 8/18, Secondary transmitted 8/18, interview invite 9/21.

Happy to provide other info if its helpful

Do you mind sharing your stats if possible? I'm just trying to gauge where I stand as far as southwestern goes.

 

[az007]

Sure -- 3.45 sGPA, 3.5 overall. 40 MCAT. Working in healthcare related business field for last 2 years. Texas resident.

 

[cyanide12345678]

Sure -- 3.45 sGPA, 3.5 overall. 40 MCAT. Working in healthcare related business field for last 2 years. Texas resident.

40 mcat!!! THATS SOOO AWESOME!!!! I can see why you got an interview before me 😛 Good luck with your interview.

 

[Celerity]

I was crazy enough to apply for MD/PhD and MD at UTSW, even though it would be a reach to get into the MSTP program. Does anyone know if UTSW considers you independently for MD or only after MSTP rejection?

 

[nysw]

I was crazy enough to apply for MD/PhD and MD at UTSW, even though it would be a reach to get into the MSTP program. Does anyone know if UTSW considers you independently for MD or only after MSTP rejection?

Independently for MD.

 

[alienwares]

I am officially getting excited for UTSW's two-day interview extravaganza later this week. If only interviews could be conducted on Friday morning, though...

Are spouses invited to the Friday afternoon activities? I listed my SO on the interview form online for Saturday, but I'm wondering about lunch on Friday... 🙂

 

[minerva3121]

I am officially getting excited for UTSW's two-day interview extravaganza later this week. If only interviews could be conducted on Friday morning, though...

Are spouses invited to the Friday afternoon activities? I listed my SO on the interview form online for Saturday, but I'm wondering about lunch on Friday... 🙂

The agenda (PDF file) that was attached to the e-mail says "Guests are welcome for interview weekend activities but not for the interview itself or clinical rounds." So your spouse should be able to come Saturday afternoon 🙂.

 

[MilkIsGood]

fyi, not many people bring guests. some people brought their parents too.

 

[alienwares]

fyi, not many people bring guests. some people brought their parents too.

Thank you for the heads-up. I figured it wouldn't be too common, but since UTSW specifically mentioned that bringing a guest is okay I am going to assume they mean it.

 

[hownowmauvecow]

Just an FYI, most people that have a spouse and/or fiance end up bringing them (if it lines up with their schedule). UTSW definitely tries to make sure people's spouses are happy and feel included, especially once you are a student here.

 

[asrikrishnan]

Interviewing here on Saturday and going to the clinical rounds on Friday. Anybody here with me?

 

[alienwares]

Interviewing here on Saturday and going to the clinical rounds on Friday. Anybody here with me?

I will see you there at 8am!.. assuming I can find appropriate dress clothes for Friday.

 

[nik356]

Secondary submitted 8/19
Interview received 9/2 (for 10/29)
Can't wait to give it a shot as an OOS, though I know the chances are slim

 

[txmednic]

I barely joined this forum yesterday, and all the posts about interviews being offered are making me nervous! I know they offer interviews up until December, but I had to take my MCAT late (September 8th), so my file won't technically be complete until after October 11th, when my score releases. I know this will put me at a disadvantage, but I am really hoping for an interview offer! I don't want to sit out another year 🙁 and UT Southwestern is my #1 choice! I wish you all with your interviews and applications!

 

[Laplace]

I barely joined this forum yesterday, and all the posts about interviews being offered are making me nervous! I know they offer interviews up until December, but I had to take my MCAT late (September 8th), so my file won't technically be complete until after October 11th, when my score releases. I know this will put me at a disadvantage, but I am really hoping for an interview offer! I don't want to sit out another year 🙁 and UT Southwestern is my #1 choice! I wish you all with your interviews and applications!

Not to worry, UTSW is probably the fastest school in terms of interview turn around. Good luck!

 

[asrikrishnan]

Went to Friday rounds yesterday and had my interview today. All in all great school and I could definitely see myself coming here. Tied for 1st place with Baylor on my list!

 

[Whatyousay]

Went to Friday rounds yesterday and had my interview today. All in all great school and I could definitely see myself coming here. Tied for 1st place with Baylor on my list!

They should have two new hospitals completed by the time this year's class starts clinical rotations. The future looks bright 🙂

 

[MilkIsGood]

They should have two new hospitals completed by the time this year's class starts clinical rotations. The future looks bright 🙂

false. only parkland will be finished. the other one finishes a year after

 

[alienwares]

I just finished with my Friday rounds and interview day. The Friday program was very interesting; I strongly recommend the clinical rounds if you can attend them. It was very interesting to see the MS3s, residents and attending discuss each patient's progress and come up with their treatment plans, and it was motivating in the "someday maybe I can do this!" sort of way.

The Friday afternoon session was less essential; you'll see a lot of the same information in the interview day sessions.

Finally, the interview day itself was short and very well-run; you'll be done by 2pm. UTSW is my first choice, but unfortunately one of my interviews was an unmitigated disaster. That being said, the other people I asked all had very relaxed interviews, so... try to relax, but be alert in case you're picked for a "stress interview".

All in all, the interview weekend was well-run and the school itself is a very good one for both research and primary care. And if you get an interview... you've got almost a 50% shot at an offer, so be calm and have fun.

 

[Whatyousay]

false. only parkland will be finished. the other one finishes a year after

I'm just repeating what I was told during the interview day.

If it's wrong, mea culpa.

 

[mrfuumanchu206]

false. only parkland will be finished. the other one finishes a year after

It's currently scheduled to finish early 2015. You should be able to work there for about half of your 3rd year and your entire 4th year. Not too shabby.

Still, Parkland is still your primary teaching hospital and it should be ready by the time your class (2016) starts clinicals.

 

[deleted393595]

I barely joined this forum yesterday, and all the posts about interviews being offered are making me nervous! I know they offer interviews up until December, but I had to take my MCAT late (September 8th), so my file won't technically be complete until after October 11th, when my score releases. I know this will put me at a disadvantage, but I am really hoping for an interview offer! I don't want to sit out another year 🙁 and UT Southwestern is my #1 choice! I wish you all with your interviews and applications!

Don't worry! I'm sure you'll do well! And best of luck with the road ahead of you.

I just finished with my Friday rounds and interview day. The Friday program was very interesting; I strongly recommend the clinical rounds if you can attend them. It was very interesting to see the MS3s, residents and attending discuss each patient's progress and come up with their treatment plans, and it was motivating in the "someday maybe I can do this!" sort of way.

The Friday afternoon session was less essential; you'll see a lot of the same information in the interview day sessions.

Finally, the interview day itself was short and very well-run; you'll be done by 2pm. UTSW is my first choice, but unfortunately one of my interviews was an unmitigated disaster. That being said, the other people I asked all had very relaxed interviews, so... try to relax, but be alert in case you're picked for a "stress interview".

All in all, the interview weekend was well-run and the school itself is a very good one for both research and primary care. And if you get an interview... you've got almost a 50% shot at an offer, so be calm and have fun.

Alienware, if you don't mind me asking, how would you compare the interviews at UTSW vs other schools?

 

[asrikrishnan]

I know this question wasn't specifically directed to me but I'll answer it anyway. The interviews were among the best I've had so far this cycle. They were truly like conversations with the faculty and I felt very relaxed throughout. One interview is closed file and the other is open file. I had 2 great interviews but I did hear one or two people complain that they did have tough interviewers who grilled them a little bit. From my personal experience I would say don't worry too much about it but I think it can be a bit of a mixed bag.

 

[alienwares]

Alienware, if you don't mind me asking, how would you compare the interviews at UTSW vs other schools?

UTSW conducts one "blind" interview, where the interviewer has only your PS, and one "complete file" interview.

My first interview was basically identical to any number of other interviews I've had: laid-back and conversational. The half-dozen or so people I asked all had their "blind" interview first, as did I. I'm not sure if that's policy or just a coincidence. For that interview, having a concise summary of who you are and what you want to achieve is a good idea.

My second interview however was just bizarre. The only thing I can hope was that it was a "stress" interview; otherwise, I officially bombed and am not the person to ask for UTSW interview advice.

Again, the other people I asked all had two laid-back interviews, and I think you should expect that. However, UTSW hammers in the point on interview day that their interviews are "conversations" compared to other schools, and so I was taken off-balance when mine turned weird. So... just be prepared!

 

[Primrose]

Has anyone stayed with a host for both the days? I haven't been assigned a host yet, and I was just wondering if this is practical or better to book a hotel room ?

 

[Bojack Horseman]

UTSW conducts one "blind" interview, where the interviewer has only your PS, and one "complete file" interview.

The half-dozen or so people I asked all had their "blind" interview first, as did I. I'm not sure if that's policy or just a coincidence. For that interview, having a concise summary of who you are and what you want to achieve is a good idea.

My first interview was the open file one. My two interviewers were the same two interviewers for multiple individuals. Groups of two would interview with them, each switching off with one another.

 

[asrikrishnan]

Has anyone stayed with a host for both the days? I haven't been assigned a host yet, and I was just wondering if this is practical or better to book a hotel room ?

I stayed with a host for both nights. It took them a while to set up for me as well. I made sure to send polite follow up emails to make sure they still remembered that I needed a host and they were very accommodating.

Oh and I had my interviews in the opposite order as Alienware: First open then blind.

 

[Doc2doc2]

Not to worry, UTSW is probably the fastest school in terms of interview turn around. Good luck!

I guess then my chances at utsw are shot since I transmitted early June and have not heard from them yet. 🙁

 

[KTD]

If you are trying go stay with a host be patient. We sign up at the beginning if the year, but she contacts us about a week before the interview to make sure we are still available and then assigns us. The lady in charge is very competent so if you signed up I'm sure you're on the list! Finding a cheap hotel in Dallas should be just as easy a week before the interview as a month before so I wouldn't stress over it. If you're unsure, go ahead and email and double check, can't hurt!

I definitely suggest you stay with a host if you can--free housing, opportunity to see a little bit more about the life of a UTSW student, and a ride to the interview in the morning if you need one (ie if you had to fly to Dallas).

In the future, If on the day of your interview, you think something was really off about your interview I suggest you talk to the admissions people about it. I had a really off interview with a rude interviewer at another Texas school and I didn't say anything about it, but I read on SDN where a lot of folks did and they were given new interviews. The admissions people want you to have a fair shot so definitely approach them if you don't feel you get one.

 

[Primrose]

Thanks for the info.

 

[asrikrishnan]

Wow I interviewed here only 3 days ago and it already shows up in my rank list on TMDSAS. I interviewed at UTH almost 3 weeks ago and it still isn't on there!

 

[Celerity]

Wow I interviewed here only 3 days ago and it already shows up in my rank list on TMDSAS. I interviewed at UTH almost 3 weeks ago and it still isn't on there!

How does that happen when supposedly there are no offers before Nov 15th?

 

[Laplace]

How does that happen when supposedly there are no offers before Nov 15th?

That has nothing to do with an acceptance, you can rank any school you interviewed at.

 

[BionicMan]

Wow I interviewed here only 3 days ago and it already shows up in my rank list on TMDSAS. I interviewed at UTH almost 3 weeks ago and it still isn't on there!

Yeah. Every school I've interviewed at is on my TMDSAS rank list with the exception of UTH. I think they're just being slow about updating it (they were pretty slow sending out confirmation emails and interview invites too).

 

[laxian]

are all the texas schools big on research?
I have no research and I got a vibe in my UTMB interviews that that is going to crush me. 🙁

the admissions dean at Texas Tech lubbock (Dr Peck) explicitly said research is not a big factor in admissions.

Well specifically, she showed us at the interview this chart/list of admissions criteria. It didn't mention research anywhere. I asked her if research mattered, and she was like "its good if you do, but you dont have to do it and a lot of people dont". I got the feeling it was kind of like a cherry on top thing.

 

[Celerity]

Interviewed here today:

Awesome School

Here is why:
Awesome research opportunities
5 Nobel Laureates on faculty
Incredibly diverse patient population
Access to Childrens/Parkland/St Paul/ Zale Hospitals
Faculty really seems to care about students and be open to suggestions.
Graduates have great residency choices
First and last year is P/F

Seems like Ivy League Education for State School price ($16k year, even OOS)
Interviews were more like conversations. I thought that was a joke when I first heard it, but it was true.
I observed none of that gunner stuff I've always heard about.


Im sold....when can I start?

 

[toxictrix]

the admissions dean at Texas Tech lubbock (Dr Peck) explicitly said research is not a big factor in admissions.

Well specifically, she showed us at the interview this chart/list of admissions criteria. It didn't mention research anywhere. I asked her if research mattered, and she was like "its good if you do, but you dont have to do it and a lot of people dont". I got the feeling it was kind of like a cherry on top thing.

Lol. August 12?

 

[KTD]

I'm a second year--all that stuff you listed is pretty much why I picked the school and I still feel the same way.

One thing though--only first semester of first year (and all of 4th year) is pass/fail. Unless they made a change (did they!?), classes in the 2nd part of first year are graded. Not too big of a deal though.

 

[minerva3121]

One thing though--only first semester of first year (and all of 4th year) is pass/fail. Unless they made a change (did they!?), classes in the 2nd part of first year are graded. Not too big of a deal though.

When I attended the Friday afternoon event a few weeks ago they said only 1st semester of 1st year was pass/fail.

 

[RacquetballFan7]

I saw comment made about the first semester pass/fail curriculum by a current UTSW med student.

I was wondering if another student could confirm/deny this:

"First semester of first year is pass/fail…EXCEPT for that giant physiology exam at the end of the semester which definitely counts toward your physio grade. I felt lied to when I learned this."

 

[doctor freak]

I saw comment made about the first semester pass/fail curriculum by a current UTSW med student.

I was wondering if another student could confirm/deny this:

"First semester of first year is pass/fail…EXCEPT for that giant physiology exam at the end of the semester which definitely counts toward your physio grade. I felt lied to when I learned this."

Ya that's right. I'm a first year, and biochem, genetics, embryology, and anatomy are all pass/fail. we start physiology mid-November I believe and we end the semester with our first physiology exam which is graded.

 

[doctor freak]

I saw comment made about the first semester pass/fail curriculum by a current UTSW med student.

I was wondering if another student could confirm/deny this:

"First semester of first year is pass/fail…EXCEPT for that giant physiology exam at the end of the semester which definitely counts toward your physio grade. I felt lied to when I learned this."

Oh and just having ONE test that's graded is really not a big deal, considering that we have about 9 other exams that are p/f.