2012-2013 Case Western Reserve University Application Thread

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I haven't done any significant research. If I'm applying for the University Track, do you think it would be looked at negatively if I don't do the optional scholarly essay?
 
Is anybody else having payment issues here?

I submitted the secondary and entered my credit card information. The next screen said my payment was submitted successfully but I haven't received any emails saying that the payment was confirmed. Anybody else experience this?
 
topper34 said:
Is anybody else having payment issues here?

I submitted the secondary and entered my credit card information. The next screen said my payment was submitted successfully but I haven't received any emails saying that the payment was confirmed. Anybody else experience this?
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This sounds familiar. Try checking the last couple of pages of the thread.
 
Does anyone have the matriculating GPA and MCAT averages for CCLCM?

Does anyone know if CCLCM will overlook lower academics (3.6 and 32) if other areas are very strong (publications including first-author) and unique (large leadership roles in non-profit and government policy), or are high numbers required?
 
nychila said:
Does anyone have the matriculating GPA and MCAT averages for CCLCM?

Does anyone know if CCLCM will overlook lower academics (3.6 and 32) if other areas are very strong (publications including first-author) and unique (large leadership roles in non-profit and government policy), or are high numbers required?
Click to expand...


According to Wikipedia,


-The Lerner College of Medicine's MCAT score for the applying class of 2011 was the fourth highest in the nation, and the school fielded 1,745 applications for 32 positionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Clinic_Lerner_College_of_Medicine#cite_note-3.
 
nychila said:
Does anyone have the matriculating GPA and MCAT averages for CCLCM?

Does anyone know if CCLCM will overlook lower academics (3.6 and 32) if other areas are very strong (publications including first-author) and unique (large leadership roles in non-profit and government policy), or are high numbers required?
Click to expand...

smile8888 said:
According to Wikipedia,


-The Lerner College of Medicine's MCAT score for the applying class of 2011 was the fourth highest in the nation, and the school fielded 1,745 applications for 32 positionshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Clinic_Lerner_College_of_Medicine#cite_note-3.
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So this is what I found in the Cleveland Clinic 2011 Annual Report that Wikipedia cited:

"Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
The Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University has seen its number of applicants more than double since 2001, to almost 1,745 applicants for 32 positions in 2011. The average MCAT score of applicants is 11.7, well above the national average of 10.4, meaning the Lerner College of Medicine draws from an elite applicant pool. Indeed, applicants’ MCAT scores are the fourth highest in the country, and the GPA of matriculants is well above the national average. One-third of the graduating class won residencies at America’s top five hospitals."
 
For University Track applicants:

The research questions has been reworded so that we can include research, but we don't have to talk about why we want to be a "physician investigator." It is much easier to extrapolate what you learned.


For those that were asking about skipping the question:

If you have done no research, then skipping it is the only option. However, the question has been reworded to include non-science research also. It does not imply "significant" research. Personally, I would answer with even minimal experience (which is what I have) because there is a strong emphasis on what you got out of the experience. The research doesn't have to be that impressive to have taught you something...even if it's why you don't want to be a Ph.D.
 
mairaj24 said:
I haven't done any significant research. If I'm applying for the University Track, do you think it would be looked at negatively if I don't do the optional scholarly essay?
Click to expand...

craftyconqueror said:
For University Track applicants:

The research questions has been reworded so that we can include research, but we don't have to talk about why we want to be a "physician investigator." It is much easier to extrapolate what you learned.

For those that were asking about skipping the question:

If you have done no research, then skipping it is the only option. However, the question has been reworded to include non-science research also. It does not imply "significant" research. Personally, I would answer with even minimal experience (which is what I have) because there is a strong emphasis on what you got out of the experience. The research doesn't have to be that impressive to have taught you something...even if it's why you don't want to be a Ph.D.
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If you have something good to write, then do try. Of course, if you have actually not done anything, then you cannot create something from nothing.

nychila said:
Does anyone have the matriculating GPA and MCAT averages for CCLCM?

Does anyone know if CCLCM will overlook lower academics (3.6 and 32) if other areas are very strong (publications including first-author) and unique (large leadership roles in non-profit and government policy), or are high numbers required?
Click to expand...

That doesn't actually sound that low to me. We don't have a cutoff, and it will not raise any concerns regarding your academic ability. If you do want to go there and the rest of your application is good, I can't imagine not applying due to those numbers.
 
Hi guys. I just wanted you to know (before you get too confused) that Sweta is the person running iApply. She is not a member of the admissions committee.
 
FluffyRabbit said:
If you have something good to write, then do try. Of course, if you have actually not done anything, then you cannot create something from nothing.



That doesn't actually sound that low to me. We don't have a cutoff, and it will not raise any concerns regarding your academic ability. If you do want to go there and the rest of your application is good, I can't imagine not applying due to those numbers.
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Hey Fluff? How are things? Wanna tell peeps who you are and what you are up to? 🙂

Sent from my phone
 
GahHhhhh! Guys I need help! This secondary is killing me!

Especially the research essay. I've been at it for hours...a lot of hours.

I have two years of research experience through an independent project in school. It has gotten fairly in depth. On top of that, I am several weeks into a summer research project through an REU.That's ALOT to talk about, especially when Case wants to know my hypothesis, methods, results, reasoning, and motivation to be a physician scientist.

Seriously how the heck can I get all this in 3500 characters? I've written several drafts, and just trying to address the things they want regarding my first research project is breaking the 4,000 character count. :scared:

I want to get this secondary in ASAP. Please I need suggestions. How did you guys answer this one? I could just give a very basic run down of what I did, without giving any details or experiments, but I don't know if that would look bad.
I want them to know I am serious about research, and I have a lot of it. But this 3500 character limit is ridiculous, considering everything they want me to address. 🙁
 
zeppelinpage4 said:
GahHhhhh! Guys I need help! This secondary is killing me!

Especially the research essay. I've been at it for hours...a lot of hours.

I have two years of research experience through an independent project in school. It has gotten fairly in depth. On top of that, I am several weeks into a summer research project through an REU.That's ALOT to talk about, especially when Case wants to know my hypothesis, methods, results, reasoning, and motivation to be a physician scientist.

Seriously how the heck can I get all this in 3500 characters? I've written several drafts, and just trying to address the things they want regarding my first research project is breaking the 4,000 character count. :scared:

I want to get this secondary in ASAP. Please I need suggestions. How did you guys answer this one? I could just give a very basic run down of what I did, without giving any details or experiments, but I don't know if that would look bad.
I want them to know I am serious about research, and I have a lot of it. But this 3500 character limit is ridiculous, considering everything they want me to address. 🙁
Click to expand...

Are you... me?! Exact same boat. Lots of research and trying to explain it simply makes it take quite a bit more space. I got through my first project+ a little "how it effects me" paragraph and I am at 3900 too. Might just keep the mention of my other projects to a minimum and move on...
 
zeppelinpage4 said:
GahHhhhh! Guys I need help! This secondary is killing me!

Especially the research essay. I've been at it for hours...a lot of hours.

I have two years of research experience through an independent project in school. It has gotten fairly in depth. On top of that, I am several weeks into a summer research project through an REU.That's ALOT to talk about, especially when Case wants to know my hypothesis, methods, results, reasoning, and motivation to be a physician scientist.

Seriously how the heck can I get all this in 3500 characters? I've written several drafts, and just trying to address the things they want regarding my first research project is breaking the 4,000 character count. :scared:

I want to get this secondary in ASAP. Please I need suggestions. How did you guys answer this one? I could just give a very basic run down of what I did, without giving any details or experiments, but I don't know if that would look bad.
I want them to know I am serious about research, and I have a lot of it. But this 3500 character limit is ridiculous, considering everything they want me to address. 🙁
Click to expand...

I think you should:
1. Pick the one project with the most depth, or the one about which you'd most like to speak at an interview.
2. Focus on making it nice to read and worry less about details.

I am not an adcom or associated with Case in any way, but that's my opinion.
 
vc7878 said:
People who have not looked at that post, there is a lot of information I have included some prior posts by myself and CCLCMer - who graduated last year and just completed her first year of residency at her top choice.
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Hiya. :hello:

vc7777 said:
Good question...

Yes - it was a big unknown. I had to have some faith that they, the adcom knew who I was (that I had been honest in my intentions and application), and knew what kind of person could succeed in the program. The biggest adjustment isn't the lack of grades, it is the portfolio system. I think it is important if/when you come for an interview to really try and understand and ask questions about the feedback system. I've been out in the "real world" and I am not gonna lie - it stung the first couple of times I received feedback from peers and professors I admired. Also, you learn quickly to sign your anonymous feedback to "keep yourself honest" because it makes you more careful in how you give others feedback. But rest assured - the process works.

How would you know if the program is right? I tell people flat-out:

Do NOT come to our program is:
1) You live to set the curve in your classes
2) You love to compare grades with your buddies
3) You enjoy that feeling of knowing everything on the exam and not having to know anything else.
4) You cannot tolerate ambiguity from your professors (like expectations, vague questions, no syllabus, etc.)


And not related to this question but also
do NOT come:
5) Because you want the scholarship
6) Because you want to be associated with Cleveland Clinic
7) If you are sure you do not like research. Research is integrated into every aspect of your first two years. Almost every discussion includes recent research. This can be disheartening if you particularly do not want to know about the current theories or recent trials, or molecular mechanisms of a particular cell receptor.
...you will be miserable here if you do not heed my advice.
Click to expand...
Good post, and I agree completely. You should add this to the FAQ post on the first page.

nychila said:
Does anyone have the matriculating GPA and MCAT averages for CCLCM?
Click to expand...
Don't know. Don't care. CCLCM has no cutoffs, so you don't need to know or care either. Seriously. There are people accepted with MCATs in the 20s and you can see what vc7777's GPA was on her mdapps profile.

Does anyone know if CCLCM will overlook lower academics (3.6 and 32) if other areas are very strong (publications including first-author) and unique (large leadership roles in non-profit and government policy), or are high numbers required?
Click to expand...
If you're interested in attending the program, you should apply.

Neurophage said:
I think you should:
1. Pick the one project with the most depth, or the one about which you'd most like to speak at an interview.
2. Focus on making it nice to read and worry less about details.
Click to expand...
Good advice. 👍
 
So for the research essay... if we did multiple experiments (each with different but related hypothesis) to support a bigger, overall question we were addressing, would it be advisable to mention all of the smaller experiments performed and hypothesis tested by each experiment to address the overall question? Not sure about the balance between detail vs. broader scope I should be writing ... any suggestions? I hope I made sense, thanks!!
 
km1865 said:
So for the research essay... if we did multiple experiments (each with different but related hypothesis) to support a bigger, overall question we were addressing, would it be advisable to mention all of the smaller experiments performed and hypothesis tested by each experiment to address the overall question? Not sure about the balance between detail vs. broader scope I should be writing ... any suggestions? I hope I made sense, thanks!!
Click to expand...

😕

My project was to see if a transcriptions factor regulated proliferation. From there I explained I did several assays including MTT proliferation assays, migration assays, and apoptosis assays after either siRNA knockdown or transfection... Is that what you are asking? If so, I would mention some of the individual experiments you did.
 
DAPI said:
😕

My project was to see if a transcriptions factor regulated proliferation. From there I explained I did several assays including MTT proliferation assays, migration assays, and apoptosis assays after either siRNA knockdown or transfection... Is that what you are asking? If so, I would mention some of the individual experiments you did.
Click to expand...

yeah that's what I was getting at, thanks!
 
For the areas of improvement essay, for the part asking for my plan, could I mention something that I am currently doing to improve that characteristic, even if that activity is something not mentioned on my AMCAS primary (since it's something I started recently)?
 
Area of improvement essay? Does that come after the "challenge", "optional scholarly research", and "small group work" essays...or did I miss it somewhere?
 
riddler said:
Area of improvement essay? Does that come after the "challenge", "optional scholarly research", and "small group work" essays...or did I miss it somewhere?
Click to expand...

It's only for CCLCM applicants.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile.
 
I haven't gotten the secondary yet (only added the school today), but I was wondering if anybody could tell me how strict the 1000 char limit is? Is it a rough estimate, or should I spend another hour or so trimming it down to precisely 1000 char? Thanks! 🙂
 
dnase said:
I haven't gotten the secondary yet (only added the school today), but I was wondering if anybody could tell me how strict the 1000 char limit is? Is it a rough estimate, or should I spend another hour or so trimming it down to precisely 1000 char? Thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...

I believe you need to read Page 4.
 
EnginrTheFuture said:
For the areas of improvement essay I know exactly what I need to improve on but am afraid adcoms may think I am taking a BS route for this essay by saying it. Is anyone else feeling the same way about this?

I feel like I should have a weakness that isn't "a positive" but my most glaring issue I need to address is something seen as a good trait by many. Yet anyone that knows me knows this should be the first thing I work on... I am not sure what to do about this and am looking for some feedback.
Click to expand...

I can't really say much since I don't know what your area of improvement is, but if it's as iffy as you say, just be careful in how you explain it. You can PM any of us if you want to discuss it in greater detail.

km1865 said:
So for the research essay... if we did multiple experiments (each with different but related hypothesis) to support a bigger, overall question we were addressing, would it be advisable to mention all of the smaller experiments performed and hypothesis tested by each experiment to address the overall question? Not sure about the balance between detail vs. broader scope I should be writing ... any suggestions? I hope I made sense, thanks!!
Click to expand...

DAPI said:
😕

My project was to see if a transcriptions factor regulated proliferation. From there I explained I did several assays including MTT proliferation assays, migration assays, and apoptosis assays after either siRNA knockdown or transfection... Is that what you are asking? If so, I would mention some of the individual experiments you did.
Click to expand...

It's important to talk at least briefly about the scientific methods you used. The last thing you want is for it to read like a background section or review and have it be unclear what you actually did.

An MD Hopeful said:
For the areas of improvement essay, for the part asking for my plan, could I mention something that I am currently doing to improve that characteristic, even if that activity is something not mentioned on my AMCAS primary (since it's something I started recently)?
Click to expand...

Yes. 🙂

dnase said:
I haven't gotten the secondary yet (only added the school today), but I was wondering if anybody could tell me how strict the 1000 char limit is? Is it a rough estimate, or should I spend another hour or so trimming it down to precisely 1000 char? Thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...

CsHead said:
I believe you need to read Page 4.
Click to expand...

I would suggest actually adhering to the application instructions.
 
Anyone know why Case hasn't been marking applications as complete or sending out interview invites yet? I know last year they were sending out invites two days after submitting.
 
Anyone else still not receive the secondary? I had my primary verified around the 6th.
 
Also.. this may seem a bit neurotic but for the research question if we weren't necessarily working on a project completely independently but were heavily involved in it with a post-doc, in our paper can we say... "we did this to blah blah blah" or should we assume responsibility to say "I did this, I did that.."

Just making sure, thanks
 
km1865 said:
Also.. this may seem a bit neurotic but for the research question if we weren't necessarily working on a project completely independently but were heavily involved in it with a post-doc, in our paper can we say... "we did this to blah blah blah" or should we assume responsibility to say "I did this, I did that.."

Just making sure, thanks
Click to expand...

Can probably write it either way, but if you say we, you better clarify early on who "we" is.
 
merlink said:
Anyone know why Case hasn't been marking applications as complete or sending out interview invites yet? I know last year they were sending out invites two days after submitting.
Click to expand...

i've been complete since 7/20
 
The status is only updated on the application site, I believe.
 
I looked around the thread and could not find an exact answer for this.

I just submitted my app to Case and CCLCM. When I filled out the payment page and hit submit, my internet crapped out. So I got no confirmation or congratulation page, no confirmation email. I tried reloading the page, but it would not let me, and I can't find anywhere to re-submit the payment.

I know the payment did not go through because my available credit on my card has not changed (this changes almost instantly on my card).

Who should I contact about this? Iapply, adcoms?


Thanks guys
 
So I checked my status and it said complete but I couldn't see my correspondence anymore. Is it normal?
 
Edit: issue resolved...sorry for the confusion
 
Last edited:
Any idea when the clinic or university school at case will start sending II out? Submitted 7/23. I'm hoping to stick out since my last name is 'case' 😀
 
The Mayo thread is way better than this one...we have a ton more posts. You guys need to work harder to compete with the best...
 
forsparta said:
The Mayo thread is way better than this one...we have a ton more posts. You guys need to work harder to compete with the best...
Click to expand...

LOL. Did you guys have a good SDN-weekend??

"MAAA!!! Can I get some more meatloaf!?!?!! MAAAAA!!!! The meatloaf!!!!"


jk.
 
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