2011-2012 University of Washington Application Thread

[who8mahrice]

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^I got a couple friends in UW med I could pass your questions along to if you'd like

 

[obgflightdoc]

^I got a couple friends in UW med I could pass your questions along to if you'd like

Hey, thanks! I guess I am just disappointed with the information available on the UWSOM website-
I want to know what sort of student opportunities there are for learning about/ working on things like health policy, public health, etc. Also, I wanted to learn more about the UWSOM curriculum- it seems to be pretty traditional- how do current students feel about it, and how competitive is the academic environment?

Anyone can answer, and thank you!

 

[Jojokarade]

Hey, thanks! I guess I am just disappointed with the information available on the UWSOM website-
I want to know what sort of student opportunities there are for learning about/ working on things like health policy, public health, etc. Also, I wanted to learn more about the UWSOM curriculum- it seems to be pretty traditional- how do current students feel about it, and how competitive is the academic environment?

Anyone can answer, and thank you!

Danceonskis: If you go to the following page, you can find a lot of information about their colleges and pathways which can set you on a public health track: http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Education/MD-Program/Admissions/Pages/Notable-Features-UWSOM.aspx

I have a couple of friends who are second years right now. They said that the curriculum is fairly traditional but you start out with 5 weeks of intense anatomy. There is class for about 8 hrs a day for 1st years and 5 hrs a day for 2nd years. UWSOM got rid of honors in their grading scheme so it is now pass or fail. My friends say their is no competition between each other. Everyone works together so that everyone can pass. I guess right now one student in the 2nd year even sends out these crazy flow charts to help people study.

I really love the no competition aspect. I hope that helps. If you have more questions I can pass them forward to my two friends.

 

[tcc08]

It's been pretty quiet here lately... does anyone know when the next excom meeting is?

 

[FearAndInsomnia]

Hey, thanks! I guess I am just disappointed with the information available on the UWSOM website-
I want to know what sort of student opportunities there are for learning about/ working on things like health policy, public health, etc. Also, I wanted to learn more about the UWSOM curriculum- it seems to be pretty traditional- how do current students feel about it, and how competitive is the academic environment?

Anyone can answer, and thank you!

You can see what classes you will be taking your first two years on the UWSOM website under the 'current students' section.

As far as timing of classes are concerned, it varies site to site and year to year. This year in Seattle and Spokane (I think, some one from another site correct me) they start the year with a 5 wk block of anatomy covering trunk and head neck. In Pullman we start with Micro, Protein biochem, molecular biology, cell phys, histology, ICM, SHB. We then started anatomy on wk 8 and were done with mobio, proteins and the first half of micro (2nd half in the fall.)

 

[who8mahrice]

Guess I'm a little late to answer your question haha. I'll try to stay more on top of it next time. But you got an MS1 here!

 

[MagnoliaWine]

Um, got a letter in the mail today saying I should apply because of my MCAT score. Do I legit have a chance, or is this just something they send to everyone?

 

[light warrior]

Is there any data on the percentage of people who get accepted after an interview for IS? I can only find the matriculated and interviewed data.

 

[ploichompu]

Um, got a letter in the mail today saying I should apply because of my MCAT score. Do I legit have a chance, or is this just something they send to everyone?

I assume you're OOS? Unless you have a strong interest in rural medicine, I would not apply. Getting into UW from OOS is really difficult, and for OOS applicants it seems to be the interest in rural medicine that makes a difference, not the MCAT score.

 

[MagnoliaWine]

I assume you're OOS? Unless you have a strong interest in rural medicine, I would not apply. Getting into UW from OOS is really difficult, and for OOS applicants it seems to be the interest in rural medicine that makes a difference, not the MCAT score.

Yeah I am OOS. Thanks for the tip, I didn't know they had a focus on rural medicine. Wish they wouldn't toy with my emotions this way! Haha...

 

[FrisbeeDoc]

Secondary completed 9/6, Instate.

At what point is it OK to ask about our app status? ever?

 

[Slev]

x

 

[Slev]

x

 

[light warrior]

According to usnews for IS, out of 618 interviewed, 232 were offered admissions and 197 matriculated.

No idea what year this data is from but I'd guess it would be pretty similar from year to year. It's not surprising that UW doesn't need to make a bunch of extra admissions offers. UW is a top program and with in-state tuition it's pretty hard for most people to pass up.

Thanks! Looks like they only accept about 35% of the applicants they interview.

I know it's early in the interview season, but can the people who already had their interviews share their feedback here or on the interview feedback page? It would be a great help, Thanks guys 🙂

 

[robertch8]

I assume you're OOS? Unless you have a strong interest in rural medicine, I would not apply. Getting into UW from OOS is really difficult, and for OOS applicants it seems to be the interest in rural medicine that makes a difference, not the MCAT score.

Being an OOS that has gotten an interview invite, I wouldn't say that it's a strong interest in rural medicine. It's more of a strong interest working in underserved medical settings and having a long list of experiences to support that interest.

 

[DrPharaoh]

Yep totally agree. I'm a first year student at UW, and I am OOS. I do not have a strong interest in rural medicine, but definitely a strong interest in underserved communities and have experiences to back it.

Good luck to you all!

Being an OOS that has gotten an interview invite, I wouldn't say that it's a strong interest in rural medicine. It's more of a strong interest working in underserved medical settings and having a long list of experiences to support that interest.

 

[EleanorAutumn]

Does anyone know if UW accepts file updates prior to an II? If so, in what format? Thank you! Also, anyone know if Idaho residents only compete for Idaho seats, or can they compete for other seats with WA and OOR?

 

[GoZags]

Does anyone know if UW accepts file updates prior to an II? If so, in what format? Thank you! Also, anyone know if Idaho residents only compete for Idaho seats, or can they compete for other seats with WA and OOR?

I just sent in application updates to UWSOM after emailing them and asking if they accepted updates (they do).

As far as the Idaho seats go (I'm an Idaho resident myself) I was wondering the same thing -- I would imagine that unless you're a very competitive applicant you would compete only for Idaho seats, but in which case you would probably get one of the Idaho seats if you were that competitive 🙂 still crossing my fingers

 

[EleanorAutumn]

I just sent in application updates to UWSOM after emailing them and asking if they accepted updates (they do).

As far as the Idaho seats go (I'm an Idaho resident myself) I was wondering the same thing -- I would imagine that unless you're a very competitive applicant you would compete only for Idaho seats, but in which case you would probably get one of the Idaho seats if you were that competitive 🙂 still crossing my fingers

Thanks for the info! And I'm right there with ya - hopefully we can be classmates next year 🙂 ... the email they sent made it seem that Idaho candidates won't hear until December or January because of the late interview ... guess we shall see. The wait sucks though.

 

[GoZags]

Thanks for the info! And I'm right there with ya - hopefully we can be classmates next year 🙂 ... the email they sent made it seem that Idaho candidates won't hear until December or January because of the late interview ... guess we shall see. The wait sucks though.

Yeah I think thats pretty much standard. I asked a friend of mine how many they interview and he told me 80 Idaho-ers get interviewed and about 150-160 apply each year 😱 I'm definitely crossing my fingers

 

[EleanorAutumn]

Yeah I think thats pretty much standard. I asked a friend of mine how many they interview and he told me 80 Idaho-ers get interviewed and about 150-160 apply each year 😱 I'm definitely crossing my fingers

Me too 🙂 - good luck with all your other schools!

 

[obgflightdoc]

Interview yesterday!
I was very nervous the entire day, but the staff tries very hard to make the interviewees comfortable, and they found great students for us to talk to.

I was nervous until the moment that I stepped into the interview room- but after that it was very conversational! I felt at ease and I think the interviewers tried hard to make it as relaxed as such a situation could be. The questions were almost exclusively about my application and essays- there was one ethical question and one role-play, but besides that, they were all about my application.

Good luck, all!

 

[the humming sea]

Interview yesterday!
I was very nervous the entire day, but the staff tries very hard to make the interviewees comfortable, and they found great students for us to talk to.

I was nervous until the moment that I stepped into the interview room- but after that it was very conversational! I felt at ease and I think the interviewers tried hard to make it as relaxed as such a situation could be. The questions were almost exclusively about my application and essays- there was one ethical question and one role-play, but besides that, they were all about my application.

Good luck, all!

I was there yesterday too, and want to echo these sentiments. The others in the interview group were really impressive and I would feel lucky to call them classmates.

The interview was much easier than anticipated. They tried hard to challenge you and really get to know you. The students seemed chill and happy to be at UW. I had a couple of ethical questions related to my personal statement, and no role-play. The monotony of the tour was broken up by the occasional medical student dressed like a penguin and various Toy Story characters.

Good luck to everyone in the mix.

 

[Jk1987]

Has anyone else who interviewed in October heard back yet?

 

[tcc08]

Has anyone else who interviewed in October heard back yet?

I interviewed in late October and haven't heard anything yet. It's so nerve-wracking!

I asked this earlier, but does anyone have any idea when the Excom might be meeting?

 

[karmayogi]

Has anyone else who interviewed in October heard back yet?

i interviewed the first week and haven't heard anything. I think for most (excluding Slev) you are presented at the excom committe and it takes about 4-6 weeks for you to hear back.

keeping my fingers crossed

 

[Slev]

x

 

[DNAdude120]

Seriously. This wait is killing me.

 

[karmayogi]

I have no idea how a few of us snuck through so early. I know of one other guy who interviewed on the first day of interviews with me and also got in. I talked to a few others who also interviewed that day and they haven't heard anything yet. When my excom member called me she mumbled something about "rolling admissions and you got caught up in that". No idea what that means 🙂

One of the guys i interviewed with said that for certain fantastic canidates they dont go to excom and just accept them right away. Which is what i assumed happened for you!

 

[Lymphomania]

I think they're looking for a genuine dedication to underserved medicine. Being an OOR, they must've seen have that or there's no way you would've gotten a secondary. So the goal of the secondary is to put your experiences together on a personal level beyond what's listed on your primary and demonstrate that UW will get you to your goal of working in underserved medicine and community health.

Congrats on getting this far! It's probably one of the most brutal cuts I know of in all of med school admissions to get to this point.

Thanks for your help! Just submitted it today!!! OOR

 

[DrPharaoh]

One of the guys i interviewed with said that for certain fantastic canidates they dont go to excom and just accept them right away. Which is what i assumed happened for you!

I'm not too sure of the legitimacy of that statement. I think everything goes to ExCom. I guess I can try to ask and find out for you guys. Something about UW is that their acceptances vary a lot. A couple classmates got an acceptance within 24 hours of applying, and others heard back in May...and everything in between. Don't freak out, and don't think that you are any worse of a candidate for not getting the call right away. The fact that you got an interview here means your application is strong. But keep in mind that the interview season goes well into next year, so they can't accept everyone right after they interview.

Good luck to you all, and congrats to those who have gotten acceptances.

 

[ocimy]

For everyone who got an interview could you please and graciously post your stats (mcat, gpa, extra curriculars) I would greatly appreciate it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

28N, 3.8, worked with EPIC electronic medical record in Legacy hospitals coaching physicians, work as medical scribe in urology department, shadowing, years of volunteer work: ED, hospice, leadership position in free clinic.

 

[Jk1987]

Just received still under consideration email...

 

[anon747]

.

 

[light warrior]

Just received still under consideration email...

Also just received still under consideration e-mail. Not sure if this is the same as the "on hold" status that I saw referenced in last year's thread.

Sigh...I really hope this doesn't drag out until April. I wonder if this kind of status warrants sending a letter of intent or update letter of some kind.

When did you guys interview?

 

[DangerRoss]

Just received still under consideration email...

Jk1987, do you mind me asking about your stats?

anon747, I'm surprise that with your stats and undergraduate school prestige, you were put under hold.
Maybe they are trying to see how much you want to go there before handing you the acceptance letter.

 

[karmayogi]

UGH me too, stop considering, please let me in! major bummer. interviewed second week in oct. for everyone comparing their chances 31/3.75

 

[DNAdude120]

Still Under Consideration...Why are you playing hard to get UW when I love you so.

 

[tcc08]

Got the UC email as well... 🙁

 

[Jk1987]

jk1987, do you mind me asking about your stats?

Anon747, i'm surprise that with your stats and undergraduate school prestige, you were put under hold.
Maybe they are trying to see how much you want to go there before handing you the acceptance letter.[/quote

 

[SilverItchyMous]

Does anyone know if specifying that Seattle is the only preferred site of the first year education would actually hurt someone's chances?

 

[Slev]

x

 

[FTFY]

For those waiting post interview:

Friend interviewed last year in November, did not get acceptance until end of March / Beginning of April.

Conclusion: Settle children. Hold your horses. Simmahdawnah. They will get to you, but you must be patient and remain confident. It's only November.

Options to occupy time: Read books, go outside, watch tv, play video games, take up a hobby, learn a new language, have meaningful conversations, volunteer, blog about your experience, get a time consuming job or jobs, etc.

But thank you for updates of how they are updating you!

BTW: Anyone know the next excom meeting date?

 

[anon747]

.

 

[DangerRoss]

My wife on the other hand (for whom the issue of whether she'll have to leave her family, friends, and her dream job all hangs in the balance) is another story.............

I personally think that she can handle that. One can always get a job elsewhere, she can visit her family from time to time, and she'll gonna be a doctor's husband.

 

[FTFY]

Personally, I can handle the wait. God knows I have more than enough on my plate in the meantime.

My wife on the other hand (for whom the issue of whether she'll have to leave her family, friends, and her dream job all hangs in the balance) is another story.............

I definitely feel for her. I wouldn't want to be in her shoes in all of this.

That is a very tough situation. It sounds like you must have found a very excellent partner, one who would be willing to enter the journey to MD with you. I am experiencing a similar situation, albeit a relationship that is still very young. Crossing my fingers for you that your most desirable situation works out!

My focus was more towards the less patient advice seekers 🙂scared🙂 on this thread. The waiting is definitely the toughest part of the process, but when we've all waited so long for our dream opportunity, what's wrong with a little more patience? 😳

 

[obgflightdoc]

OMG, I wasn't nervous, but now I am! Ugh, lol.
Side note- I've never seen this much action on the UW thread in one day.

 

[kayakhoya]

Interview on 11/1...accepted today! Can't believe it!
Good luck to everyone else still waiting. Things will work out in the end.

 

[Lymphomania]

Interview on 11/1...accepted today! Can't believe it!
Good luck to everyone else still waiting. Things will work out in the end.

Congratulations!!!

 

[the humming sea]

Accepted today by phone at 1pm.

Interview on Halloween. I can't really believe that I got my first acceptance from my top choice. I can't wait.

The only thing I am going to do to celebrate is to delete my SDN account.