2011-2012 University of Washington Application Thread

[Jk1987]

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Just received second still under consideration.

 

[obgflightdoc]

Just received UC email. UUUUUGH!!!

Do you think it would make a difference if I seriously shadowed some more doctors between now and April?

 

[FTFY]

UC here too. Yay!!! At least it's not a rejection, woohoo!!

 

[light warrior]

Congrats! If you don't mind me asking, when did you interview, are you in-state/out-of-state, and what are your stats? Thanks.

Late October, IS

Just received UC email. UUUUUGH!!!

Do you think it would make a difference if I seriously shadowed some more doctors between now and April?

I think it's a good idea to do some more shadowing, volunteering, etc and write them an update letter a couple of months later demonstrating your interest in UW and explaining what you've done to further strengthen your application.

 

[robertch8]

For those of you who traveled to Seattle for the interview, what's the best way to get around the city and to get to the interview site? I'm debating whether I should rent a car, but I'm iffy on whether it's a good idea, but I have never been a big fan of using city buses and taxis because the wait time can be unpredictable and all.

 

[BruinForLife]

For those of you who traveled to Seattle for the interview, what's the best way to get around the city and to get to the interview site? I'm debating whether I should rent a car, but I'm iffy on whether it's a good idea, but I have never been a big fan of using city buses and taxis because the wait time can be unpredictable and all.

When I interviewed, I rented a car and it worked out quite well. It also allowed me to tour the city a bit.

 

[Jojokarade]

For those of you who traveled to Seattle for the interview, what's the best way to get around the city and to get to the interview site? I'm debating whether I should rent a car, but I'm iffy on whether it's a good idea, but I have never been a big fan of using city buses and taxis because the wait time can be unpredictable and all.

You can rent a car if you want to pay the money for it. The easiest way is take the light rail from the airport to downtown. This will drop you off in the tunnels where you can catch the 71, 72, or 73 into U District. You can get off on campus parkway and from there it is about 6 blocks to the Health Science Building/UW Medical Center. The light rail is about every 10 minutes as are the 70's during the day. I went to undergrad at UW and used transit for many years before getting a car so I know it well. Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[ryoko]

Have any out-of-region interviewees been accepted yet? It seems like there have been far fewer acceptances this year compared to the same time frame last year.

 

[Oxygen206]

Interviewed 10/10, "Under consideration" 11/3, Rejected 11/28.

 

[BruinForLife]

Interviewed 10/10, "Under consideration" 11/3, Rejected 11/28.

Interviewed 10/10, rejected 11/28 as well 🙁 Good luck to you and everyone else. This is truly a great school!

 

[Oxygen206]

Interviewed 10/10, rejected 11/28 as well 🙁 Good luck to you and everyone else. This is truly a great school!

Yeah I thought us "first interview day-ers" would have fared slightly better.. I was wrong lol

This is my first post-interview rejection...it stings a little bit 🙁

 

[BruinForLife]

Yeah I thought us "first interview day-ers" would have fared slightly better.. I was wrong lol

This is my first post-interview rejection...it stings a little bit 🙁

That's funny, it's also my first post-interview rejection. I have to agree with you I'm really bummin on this. What makes it really confusing is the fact that I felt like the interview went really well.

 

[tcc08]

I'm very sorry to hear about the post-interview rejections. Did they send you an email explaining what the rejection was based on? (I read in last year's thread that they sent out "not ready" emails etc.)

 

[Oxygen206]

I'm very sorry to hear about the post-interview rejections. Did they send you an email explaining what the rejection was based on? (I read in last year's thread that they sent out "not ready" emails etc.)

My email was quite detailed as to why they rejected me, but didn't seem to fit. I've worked as an MA for 3 years full time (which is what made me want to be a doctor), and they said I needed more exposure to health care...??? There were a few other reasons (not enough "world" exposure, better understanding of US healthcare policy) that are legit, but I felt like the email was rather generic. It was the more exposure to health care that made me 😕

 

[BruinForLife]

I'm very sorry to hear about the post-interview rejections. Did they send you an email explaining what the rejection was based on? (I read in last year's thread that they sent out "not ready" emails etc.)

Mine was just the opposite. It did not even mention why I was not chosen to continue. 😕

 

[rofl]

so if i still have not received secondary this is bad right?

OOS (florida)

 

[Oxygen206]

Mine was just the opposite. It did not even mention why I was not chosen to continue. 😕

That seems odd. You can request a meeting with the dean if you choose to reapply.

 

[BruinForLife]

That seems odd. You can request a meeting with the dean if you choose to reapply.

Is it typical for UW to give an explanation? Of the other rejections I've received, they have all been of the generic "although you have many strengths, the competition is very rigorous this year" sort.

 

[BruinForLife]

so if i still have not received secondary this is bad right?

OOS (florida)

I wouldn't say so. It just means they haven't gotten to you yet.

 

[who8mahrice]

My email was quite detailed as to why they rejected me, but didn't seem to fit. I've worked as an MA for 3 years full time (which is what made me want to be a doctor), and they said I needed more exposure to health care...??? There were a few other reasons (not enough "world" exposure, better understanding of US healthcare policy) that are legit, but I felt like the email was rather generic. It was the more exposure to health care that made me 😕

I've had friends rejected in the past with the "more exposure" cited. One of them even worked as an EMT for several years. From what I've gathered, they're looking for health care experiences as a doctor. They really want prospective students to understand what it'll take to be the actual care giver. In my head, that means a lot of shadowing. Working in various positions in the medical fields is good, but not enough for them apparently.

 

[light warrior]

Is it typical for UW to give an explanation? Of the other rejections I've received, they have all been of the generic "although you have many strengths, the competition is very rigorous this year" sort.

Yes, they send the "not ready" email quite often. And if you're planning on reapplying and got the generic email you can set up a meeting with the dean of admissions to discuss why you were rejected and how to improve for next year!

 

[FTFY]

Is it typical for UW to give an explanation? Of the other rejections I've received, they have all been of the generic "although you have many strengths, the competition is very rigorous this year" sort.

I know that the explanations given are usually somewhat generic. If you would like specific feedback it usually has to wait until the end of the application cycle [i.e. June]. It requires going to the forums (the videos of which can be found on the UWSOM webpages), and if afterwards you still don't feel that your questions were answered you can request for the meet up.

This may not mean much, especially from someone still waiting, but you guys seem like fantastic candidates and will make it into a school. Don't give up or lose hope. It's always a terrible feeling to be rejected and takes time to recover. However, you wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for all your hard work and sacrifice. So, remain confident despite this setback and you will get to the next stage.

 

[Person X]

For those who have interviewed:

I am going to interview in early January and was wondering at what time is the interview ending for most of you. I am going to have to attend an interview the following day as well and have to get on an airplane that same night to make it to CA for the following morning.

Thanks

 

[FTFY]

For those who have interviewed:

I am going to interview in early January and was wondering at what time is the interview ending for most of you. I am going to have to attend an interview the following day as well and have to get on an airplane that same night to make it to CA for the following morning.

Thanks

Depends on what time your interview is scheduled.
If in the 8am or 9am slots you can leave right after your interview and skip the interview day if you would prefer.
If in one of the later slots, the interview is about 30 minutes, and then you can leave directly afterwards.

 

[Person X]

Depends on what time your interview is scheduled.
If in the 8am or 9am slots you can leave right after your interview and skip the interview day if you would prefer.
If in one of the later slots, the interview is about 30 minutes, and then you can leave directly afterwards.

My interview is scheduled for 9 am. Based on what you said, We do not have to stay for any other informative sessions or presentations or tours?

If you happen to do the tours and lunch and stuff, What is the usual time people are allowed to leave without looking like you are being anti-social? The reason I ask, is because when I interviewed at UCI, we had presentations throughout the morning, lunch around noon, and interviews afterwards. Some students were allowed to leave after their student and faculty interviews by 3 pm, while others had to stay for other interviews for PRIME and socials, which basically meant you were on-campus until 8pm.

 

[FTFY]

My interview is scheduled for 9 am. Based on what you said, We do not have to stay for any other informative sessions or presentations or tours?

If you happen to do the tours and lunch and stuff, What is the usual time people are allowed to leave without looking like you are being anti-social? The reason I ask, is because when I interviewed at UCI, we had presentations throughout the morning, lunch around noon, and interviews afterwards. Some students were allowed to leave after their student and faculty interviews by 3 pm, while others had to stay for other interviews for PRIME and socials, which basically meant you were on-campus until 8pm.

There is no requirement to stay, but most people generally do. I believe we were done with the morning / lunch around 12:30 - 1:00 pm. After the lunch is the rest of the interviews and the option to audit a medical student class or 2. At that point the morning people definitely went on their ways.

 

[Person X]

There is no requirement to stay, but most people generally do. I believe we were done with the morning / lunch around 12:30 - 1:00 pm. After the lunch is the rest of the interviews and the option to audit a medical student class or 2. At that point the morning people definitely went on their ways.

Thank you for the info. We will see how it goes!

 

[robertch8]

Anyone have a meeting with the Office of Multicultural Affairs? I got an e-mail about it the other day and on one sense they tell me it's a meeting and another sense they tell me it's an interview. I'm prepared to treat it like an interview but if anyone has met with them, I'd like to know how that went.

 

[light warrior]

The OMCA meeting was great! It is a more laid back interview. They introduce you to their role in UWSOM and the programs they have and they want to get to know you.

 

[Rainny Day]

During my interview I was in a daze. Does anyone remember when the next excom meeting is scheduled? I am compulsively checking email and I am sure it is too soon...
Thanks!

 

[who8mahrice]

Just got an invite last night after submitting back on 9/29 😵. Set for Dec 20th. I'm IS, but am currently working OOS. Had plans to fly back on the 24th but my boss has ok'ed me taking off an extra week to interview. On the phone with an airline agent right now to change my flight 😛 Damn you change fees!

 

[GoZags]

Just got an invite last night after submitting back on 9/29 😵. Set for Dec 20th. I'm IS, but am currently working OOS. Had plans to fly back on the 24th but my boss has ok'ed me taking off an extra week to interview. On the phone with an airline agent right now to change my flight 😛 Damn you change fees!

Washington Resident? or WWAMI? I'm in Idaho and have been waiting for an invite!

 

[Person X]

Does anyone know if UW offers a student hosting service for interviewees? I did not see any instructions in regards to this on the website. Has anyone from out of state stayed with medical students? If so, do we just contact the admissions office?

Thanks.

 

[Jojokarade]

Washington Resident? or WWAMI? I'm in Idaho and have been waiting for an invite!

Keep in mind that they interview the WWAMI regions a little later. You probably wont hear anything until the new year.

 

[GoZags]

Keep in mind that they interview the WWAMI regions a little later. You probably wont hear anything until the new year.

Yes I was aware that they would be a bit later but with regional interviews coming up in about a month, I would think that they might be going out here pretty soon. The Idaho regionals are 2nd week of Jan I think

 

[Jojokarade]

Yes I was aware that they would be a bit later but with regional interviews coming up in about a month, I would think that they might be going out here pretty soon. The Idaho regionals are 2nd week of Jan I think

Then you should hear something soon. I had about three weeks notice or so for my interview in Seattle. Good Luck.

 

[FTFY]

During my interview I was in a daze. Does anyone remember when the next excom meeting is scheduled? I am compulsively checking email and I am sure it is too soon...
Thanks!

Okay, so this is just a bunch of guessing, so take from it what you will. I am guessing at this because they don't normally give out the excom meeting dates. (Also, I don't want to focus on work right now).


**For the months October - December, meetings happen once a month. Starting in January they bump up to 2x (or more) a month.
**UCs and rejections came out this past Monday (11/28/11) which leads me to believe that the Excom Meeting for November was some time right before Thanksgiving. [Decisions made before long weekend --> admissions office gets word when back to work Monday 11/28/11 --> Sent out emails that day]
**Need to have 1 meeting during December, but Xmas and New Years holidays are approaching, as well as finals. [Probably hard to find a date that works for a lot of members because of vacations.]
**I assume they try to get as many of the members at a meeting as possible. By doing so they are able to go over lots of applicants. [If members are not there, then the applicants they interviewed get shelved until next time member is at meeting.]


In Summary: they just had a meeting; they probably like to be efficient by having the most amount of members at the meetings; they have a lot of hectic schedules to work around; need to find a spot before holidays [and possibly avoid finals]


= Friday December 16th or Monday December 19th. (My Best Guess)

This no guarantee, nor do I actually know the date. What do you guys think?

 

[who8mahrice]

Washington Resident? or WWAMI? I'm in Idaho and have been waiting for an invite!

WA resident, UW undergrad.

 

[Rainny Day]

Okay, so this is just a bunch of guessing, so take from it what you will. I am guessing at this because they don't normally give out the excom meeting dates. (Also, I don't want to focus on work right now).


**For the months October - December, meetings happen once a month. Starting in January they bump up to 2x (or more) a month.
**UCs and rejections came out this past Monday (11/28/11) which leads me to believe that the Excom Meeting for November was some time right before Thanksgiving. [Decisions made before long weekend --> admissions office gets word when back to work Monday 11/28/11 --> Sent out emails that day]
**Need to have 1 meeting during December, but Xmas and New Years holidays are approaching, as well as finals. [Probably hard to find a date that works for a lot of members because of vacations.]
**I assume they try to get as many of the members at a meeting as possible. By doing so they are able to go over lots of applicants. [If members are not there, then the applicants they interviewed get shelved until next time member is at meeting.]


In Summary: they just had a meeting; they probably like to be efficient by having the most amount of members at the meetings; they have a lot of hectic schedules to work around; need to find a spot before holidays [and possibly avoid finals]


= Friday December 16th or Monday December 19th. (My Best Guess)

This no guarantee, nor do I actually know the date. What do you guys think?

That is quite logically sound. I appreciate your contemplations. 🙂

 

[AugustBurnsDan]

Called to check on my application. I have been invited to interview, but have to wait for an admissions rep to call me to set up the date. I am going to be gone for the next month though...so does anyone have dates for the coming interviews??

Just getting an interview there makes my day

Thanks

-ABD

 

[Lymphomania]

Called to check on my application. I have been invited to interview, but have to wait for an admissions rep to call me to set up the date. I am going to be gone for the next month though...so does anyone have dates for the coming interviews??

Just getting an interview there makes my day

Thanks

-ABD

Had they planned to invite you to interview before you called? I'm going crazy waiting.

 

[AugustBurnsDan]

yes, apparently they had. I was a little worried when I asked the admissions person what the status of my application was because there was a very long pause before she informed me that I was selected for an interview. I could not be happier, I applied last year and was denied for an interview, but I did a ton of work on my extracurriculars and exposure to the medical field. Hopefully they like what they hear, it is my dream to stay in state.

I know the crazy feeling btw, hang in there!

-ABD

 

[kitanai]

yes, apparently they had. I was a little worried when I asked the admissions person what the status of my application was because there was a very long pause before she informed me that I was selected for an interview. I could not be happier, I applied last year and was denied for an interview, but I did a ton of work on my extracurriculars and exposure to the medical field. Hopefully they like what they hear, it is my dream to stay in state.

I know the crazy feeling btw, hang in there!

-ABD

When were you complete? Were you complete like a month ago? Thanks.

 

[AugustBurnsDan]

Kitanai, yes, something like a month ago. I don't remember the exact date, but it was right around there.

-ABD

 

[Lymphomania]

yes, apparently they had. I was a little worried when I asked the admissions person what the status of my application was because there was a very long pause before she informed me that I was selected for an interview. I could not be happier, I applied last year and was denied for an interview, but I did a ton of work on my extracurriculars and exposure to the medical field. Hopefully they like what they hear, it is my dream to stay in state.

I know the crazy feeling btw, hang in there!

-ABD

Well, congratulations! I'm jealous that UW is your state school. UW is my dream school. I don't want to stay in-state at all. Best of luck on your interview!

 

[AugustBurnsDan]

Got the invite today! December 19 at 4pm, wow that is a late interview. Anyone else out there going that day?

 

[n15]

Just got the secondary a few days ago.

What's everyone writing for this essay prompt?
How do you imagine your personal and professional lives intersecting ten years from now? Limit 250 words.

I've written a ton of essays for all kinds of programs, job applications and grant proposals, and this one has to be the most puzzling of them all...

 

[AugustBurnsDan]

Just got the secondary a few days ago.

What's everyone writing for this essay prompt?
How do you imagine your personal and professional lives intersecting ten years from now? Limit 250 words.

I've written a ton of essays for all kinds of programs, job applications and grant proposals, and this one has to be the most puzzling of them all...

N15, I just gave them an accurate description of how my life will be different, in terms of family, job, and hobbies/other pursuits. I tried to think of how my education in medicine will enhance my life outside of my field of work.

It is a vague prompt. I think they just want a legitimate, thought out response.

-ABD

 

[Lymphomania]

N15, I just gave them an accurate description of how my life will be different, in terms of family, job, and hobbies/other pursuits. I tried to think of how my education in medicine will enhance my life outside of my field of work.

It is a vague prompt. I think they just want a legitimate, thought out response.

-ABD

Agreed. Be careful about writing something that just sounds good. Be honest. This one took me a long time to think about, but I ended up doing what ABD did and also talking about how I could address the issues that were important to me better as a physician.

 

[robertch8]

Well, congratulations! I'm jealous that UW is your state school. UW is my dream school. I don't want to stay in-state at all. Best of luck on your interview!

Haha, I don't harbor such feelings for my home state although the lack of love from my home state is getting to me, but I'll happily pack my bags across the country if I can get in here!