2012-2013 Howard University Application Thread

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WolverineM said:
Would you guys recommend calling the office. I sent them my secondary and money order in the mail on October 29th and I still haven't received a confirmation email about my application becoming complete. Any thoughts?
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you may get that confirmation pretty soon. of course you could call the office to see if they have it.
 
Anyone know if they accept Biochemistry in place of the second Organic Chemistry Lab?
 
WolverineM said:
Would you guys recommend calling the office. I sent them my secondary and money order in the mail on October 29th and I still haven't received a confirmation email about my application becoming complete. Any thoughts?
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Yes I would! You want to make sure that your application materials have been received, especially if you sent it through a standard mailing service.

This is the calling hours for them:

CALLING HOURS (All times Eastern)
Mondays - 10:00 - 12:30 pm
Thursday - 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Fridays - 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Good luck
 
Jas1360 said:
Anyone know if they accept Biochemistry in place of the second Organic Chemistry Lab?
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Hey, I am copy and pasting what it says on the secondary application

"You must have achieved a “C-“ or above in all pre-med requirements."

Organic Chemistry lab is a pre-med requirement along with organic chemistry lecture. I would suggest calling up Howard and asking them, you may have a special situation, but I'd suggest to take the lab asap.

And it's good you have taken Biochemistry, I know they like to see biochem, micro, cellular, higher level biology classes as well 🙂
 
doctorpeace said:
Hey, I am copy and pasting what it says on the secondary application

"You must have achieved a "C-" or above in all pre-med requirements."

Organic Chemistry lab is a pre-med requirement along with organic chemistry lecture. I would suggest calling up Howard and asking them, you may have a special situation, but I'd suggest to take the lab asap.

And it's good you have taken Biochemistry, I know they like to see biochem, micro, cellular, higher level biology classes as well 🙂
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Thank you, I read that too. I have 8 credits hours of o Chen but the lab was 2 credit hours in one semester. I already emailed them but just thought someone may have extra insight. I know a couple schools that accept biochem instead of the second lab. I am going to sign up for another O chem lab until I get confirmation one way or the other.
 
I just got an interview invite! But the dates are the days before I have 3 final exams in one day. I emailed to see if they'll have more dates later. I really don't want to turn down any interview offers.

Complete on 10/18
sGPA: 3.2
cGPA: 3.4
MCAT: 28Q
 
kuntash said:
Congrats!!
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jay516 said:
WOW, congrats. I am beyond excited for you.
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sweetness34 said:
Congrats Aspiringdoc!!! 🙂
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hopeful111 said:
congrats aspiring doc!
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Thanks you guys for the support.

premed159 said:
I just got an interview invite! But the dates are the days before I have 3 final exams in one day. I emailed to see if they'll have more dates later. I really don't want to turn down any interview offers.

Complete on 10/18
sGPA: 3.2
cGPA: 3.4
MCAT: 28Q
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Congrats! I'm sure they will be flexible!
 
Linette said:
Congrats 🙂
When were you complete?

I finally got the complete email today
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I was complete around this time last month, so it's looking like turn around time might be a month? I'm not sure what it has been like for everyone else.
 
CONGRATS to everyone getting interview offers!

I received a completed e-mail 11/6, I will be patient since HUCM is my first choice school!

To those that haven't received an offer yet, stay strong, we can do this, we all have worked hard to come this far, lots of prayers for everyone! 🙂
 
I'm getting a bit anxious. I've been complete just over a month now...

I know this is an HBC but I love the mission. I hope my service-oriented career goals are obvious for Howard, and get an invite 🙁
 
MusicJunkie said:
I was complete around this time last month, so it's looking like turn around time might be a month? I'm not sure what it has been like for everyone else.
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I was complete almost 2 months. Still have no word from Howard. Wait patiently...
 
nice to hear the invites.... to those waiting, hope we get it.
 
I just received a complete email today...a couple weeks after sending in my secondary. I lf I get an interview invite I'm gonna sooooooooo excited.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using SDN Mobile
 
I'm gonna BE so excited! 😀


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using SDN Mobile
 
luvinniya said:
Complete email today as well!!! 🙂
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Hey,

What do you mean when you say “complete?” is this in regards to the secondary application that you had mailed in? Is this the first e-mail received of HUCM regarding your secondary application materials? I only received one e-mail which said “your secondary application has been received”, and I just want to be sure that everyone else also received only one..unless there is also a “complete” email being sent out :/

Thanks in advance though lol
 
doctorpeace said:
Hey,

What do you mean when you say "complete?" is this in regards to the secondary application that you had mailed in? Is this the first e-mail received of HUCM regarding your secondary application materials? I only received one e-mail which said "your secondary application has been received", and I just want to be sure that everyone else also received only one..unless there is also a "complete" email being sent out :/

Thanks in advance though lol
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If you weren't waiting on LOR's (ie they're in AMCAS) then received = complete email.
 
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doctorpeace said:
Hey,

What do you mean when you say “complete?” is this in regards to the secondary application that you had mailed in? Is this the first e-mail received of HUCM regarding your secondary application materials? I only received one e-mail which said “your secondary application has been received”, and I just want to be sure that everyone else also received only one..unless there is also a “complete” email being sent out :/

Thanks in advance though lol
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Yes, this 'complete' email is the email titled "your secondary has been received." It is the only one that i have received in regards to the secondary that i mailed in. Within the email, it states that if AMCAS shows receipt of the LORs then you are officially 'complete'!! Hope that helps and HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!
 
Yes if your amcas is complete then this email completes your application and now we just wait and see.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using SDN Mobile
 
askamsky51 said:
If you weren't waiting on LOR's (ie their in AMCAS) then received = complete email.
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luvinniya said:
Yes, this 'complete' email is the email titled "your secondary has been received." It is the only one that i have received in regards to the secondary that i mailed in. Within the email, it states that if AMCAS shows receipt of the LORs then you are officially 'complete'!! Hope that helps and HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!
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yup, that secondary received email is the complete email

and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
 
Will current students comment on the MS1 schedule? Also, I noticed they start school in late July and end early May.
 
aspiringdoc09 said:
Will current students comment on the MS1 schedule? Also, I noticed they start school in late July and end early May.
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Hey, so the schedule is designed to give you the maximum amount of time for independent study. Classes begin at 8 am and usually ends at 12:30 pm but can go further depending on if we have a clinical application lecture. The first semester (which is ending in two weeks) is divided into 2 units of molecules and cells, and 1 unit of structure and function. Molecules and cells unit 1 is basically biochemistry, a little bit of hematology, and a basic intro to neuro (not fully covered until unit 2 of structure and function in 2nd semester). You pretty much do all of undergrad biochem in a few days and then it switches to medical biochem (clinical correlations of biochemical pathways, etc). The second unit is mostly histology and molecular cell biology so you have your medical genetics and nutrition. Structure and function unit 1 (which we are wrapping up right now) is anatomy, physiology, and histology of the upper limbs.

Second semester has units 2 & 3 of structure and functions which is neuroanatomy (the biggie in any medical school including HUCM) and integration of organ systems respectively. Each semester also comes with Medicine & Society where you learn your basic history taking, taking vitals, basic physical examination (not organ systems) and a 7-week preceptorship with your choice of physician in any specialty you're interested in (currently working in surgical oncology).

School does start earlier than most in July but we do end earlier to give you some time to relax before the next semester. I hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need any further clarification.
 
doctorpeace said:
Yes I would! You want to make sure that your application materials have been received, especially if you sent it through a standard mailing service.

This is the calling hours for them:

CALLING HOURS (All times Eastern)
Mondays - 10:00 - 12:30 pm
Thursday - 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Fridays - 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Good luck
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Thanks. I called the office and they didn't know where my application was, but then I received a completed email the next day. I hope this doesn't affect my chances too much. I already applied late as it is.
 
dakangel said:
School does start earlier than most in July but we do end earlier to give you some time to relax before the next semester. I hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need any further clarification.
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So they use a systems approach and classes usually end before 1 pm. That's a plus! Does second year start in the summer too? Also, do they have note-taking services and podcasts? Is there an attendance policy and/or dress code?

Also, for gross class, are there prosections in addition to student cadavers or do student's basically dissect their on cadaver? How long does gross last?
 
Hello everyone! Good to read about the recent interview invites. For those of us waiting, I hope that we get that good news soon! 🙂
 
I have an interview here scheduled for wednesday, but I just found out I was accepted to a school closer to the area where I want to be. Is it definitely too late to cancel this interview or should I go?
 
Lesigho said:
I have an interview here scheduled for wednesday, but I just found out I was accepted to a school closer to the area where I want to be. Is it definitely too late to cancel this interview or should I go?
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That's a tough one. I would cancel because I am sure they have applicants that live in the DMV and could make a wednesday interview. Just make sure you definitely don't want to go.
 
Lesigho said:
I have an interview here scheduled for wednesday, but I just found out I was accepted to a school closer to the area where I want to be. Is it definitely too late to cancel this interview or should I go?
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if you got accepted to a school closer to the area where you want to be, I would cancel the interview. it's not too late, just let them know preferably today. also congrats with your other acceptance.
 
Did any international student get an interview invite? I hope we get one soon :xf:
 
askamsky51 said:
If you weren't waiting on LOR's (ie their in AMCAS) then received = complete email.
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Thank you guys for clarifying that.

For those that haven't submitted a secondary or are contemplating whether to submit it I'd encourage you to go ahead and still do it! Howard is a great school with an excellent mission and will give you a fair shot if you have the credentials.

🙂
 
WolverineM said:
Thanks. I called the office and they didn't know where my application was, but then I received a completed email the next day. I hope this doesn't affect my chances too much. I already applied late as it is.
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I'm glad you recieved e-mail Wolverine, don't stress about it now whether it is too late or not, your application is in their hands and hopefully you did a great job presenting yourself in it, be pateint now and hope for the best!
 
Dodojocker said:
Howard doesn't like Int. students, just so you know! Hahaha, good luck, hope we get some soon
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I believe you're wrong dodojocker, Howard takes the most international students out of the DC schools, some medical schools don't even consider you if you don't have US citizenship, Howard on the other hand does and reviews your application fairly. Ms. Walk is big on giving equal oppt to everyone ESP students from foreign nations and minorities. Soo be confident you have a good shot at Howard compared to other places!
 
Dodojocker said:
Howard doesn't like Int. students, just so you know! Hahaha, good luck, hope we get some soon
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I don't think this is true. HUCM is one of the only med schools that I know (from experience) that is very open to international students. The current second year class has a high percentage of international students
 
aspiringdoc09 said:
So they use a systems approach and classes usually end before 1 pm. That's a plus! Does second year start in the summer too? Also, do they have note-taking services and podcasts? Is there an attendance policy and/or dress code?

Also, for gross class, are there prosections in addition to student cadavers or do student's basically dissect their on cadaver? How long does gross last?
Click to expand...


Second year usually starts about a week after the 1st years get in (after orientation for M1s), so still a little bit earlier. This is designed to give you about 6 weeks of devoted study time for Step 1 (and its apparently working since the current 3rd years had a 100% pass rate with one person scoring 270!).

Every class arranges for their notetakers (and pay them with class dues) but the university has both audio and video of every lecture on a school-wide drive. However, your class could decide to do something independent (current 2nd years have lecture streaming, and my M1 class has dropbox and facebook for information dissemination).

There is no attendance policy or dress code but attending most of your class might be a good idea, especially during S&F.

There are no prosections for the gross class here so students are responsible for properly dissecting their cadavers and knowing all the relevant structures. Some of the "tank professors" are really good and would help you a lot with the dissection. The first gross lab is a few days more than a month so dissection and studying is at a fast pace (as the whole of med school is - tons of information is a short span of time). It is definitely "doable", you just have to be prepared to spend extra time studying for lectures and for the lab (in the lab with your tank cadaver).
 
Definitely good luck to everyone. Sweetness, you have been a driving force of enthusiasm in this thread and I wish you the best. Are you applying anywhere else?
 
aspiringdoc09 said:
So they use a systems approach and classes usually end before 1 pm. That's a plus! Does second year start in the summer too? Also, do they have note-taking services and podcasts? Is there an attendance policy and/or dress code?

Also, for gross class, are there prosections in addition to student cadavers or do student's basically dissect their on cadaver? How long does gross last?
Click to expand...

I hate to be a downer, but curriculum discussions are mostly useless. Just get in there and do the work. Howard utilizes the "integrative" organ-systems approach which was a fad in the late 90's and early 2000's, a fad started by Hopkins and adopted by many medical schools. This fad was a departure from the "block" or "course" approach in which, for example, anatomy was done before physiology. Hopkins recently switched back to the old style for bureaucratic reasons but Howard is continuing the late 90's fad. Nothing is wrong with either approach, but applicants tend to worry about these rather pointless matters. I think these "changes" are made by academic administrators who have too much free time on their hands and need to keep busy.

My friend at Hopkins spent 3 months doing gross anatomy and she's done with it. We, on the other hand, have to spend 6 long painful months on this because it's also "integrated" with physiology lectures. Frankly speaking I don't see any active integration happening at all. It's just brute force memorization of seemingly disparate facts. I usually end up doing all the integration myself.

Summary: don't pick a med school because it uses a systems approach. There are far better reasons to come to Howard.

As per class attendance, the LCME mandated that classes must end by 2 pm (on average) at US medical schools. I (and many of my classmates) usually don't attend class and we are doing just fine. We just teach ourselves the material. Everyone has their own styles. Just find what works for you.
 
I have been told by other med students that the block approach aka 1 class at a time is best. Makes sense especially if you would rather not have 3 exams in one week for three different classes 🙁
 
Hello all! MS2 here. Expect a bit of a slow down from the admissions office over the next few weeks--holidays. Just because you haven't heard yet doesn't mean you've been written off. As someone has already stated, they do interview into April, and some people get accepted as late as during orientation. Crazy, and a great way to up your anxiety, yes. But if someone gave you a shot at your dream and tells you you have 3 days to move, trust me, you'll do it.

Cyal is just being ants at a picnic. Nothing wrong with asking about the schedule. First years (like him) literally just had their first Structure and Function exam. They're doing musculoskeletal, which doesn't have a whole lot of phys involvement (here's a muscle, here's the blood supply, here's the innervation). I can see why things don't look integrative at this point. I don't see a problem with the systems approach. What the point of just knowing where things are if you don't know what they do, how they've developed, what affects their normal function, happens when they are not functioning, etc...you will only have one exam every 2 or 3 weeks depending on the schedule. Full disclosure: During S&F, every 2 weeks you'll have a traditional scantron exam and your lab practical in the same day. They up the ante when you start having histology exams-->3 exams in one day.

Anyhow, I hope everyone that interviewed today had an excellent time! It's out of your hands now so relax a little.

@sweetness, I remember you!! Gonna pray for good news for you:luck:
 
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dakangel said:
I don't think this is true. HUCM is one of the only med schools that I know (from experience) that is very open to international students. The current second year class has a high percentage of international students
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I like you dakangel, thanks for the encouragement! I was pulling her leg, we all know the HUCM is the bestest, honestly, I think they are doing great service to the world by offering us the opportunity to study medicine at such a premier institution. Sweetness34, I pray that you get into the school of your choice. You are amazingly positive, reading your posts is a source of inspiration. I am keeping my fingers crossed for all of us, things will work out if we are really passionate of this career 🙂 God bless you!
 
got an interview invite yesterday. I will be rooting for all of u international students out there.
 
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