2012-2013 Oregon Health and Science University Application Thread

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rachelkj said:
Is it ever a good idea to bring up something negative about a school in an interview? Specifically, OHSU has received warnings from the LCME* last year (and in 2004) for lack of diversity in the student & faculty population. Would it be inappropriate to ask what steps are being taken in response? Am I just going to get stink eye from my interviewer?

I know some of the work being done because I am plugged in to some of it, but I'm still curious about the bigger picture. Who is on the one-on-one interview? Admissions staff, or folks from the volunteers they use for the MMI stations?
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My one-on-one was a retired OB/GYN that graduated from OHSU back in the 60's. He was a lot of fun to talk to. I wish that I could have met him for coffee after the day was over just to hear some more of his story. The part that he shared was pretty neat.

From the sounds of it, he only did two one-on-one interviews on that day, and there were other people that did the others. They are mostly either physicians or faculty from the school from what I gather.

My advice, rather than bring up the bad, spin it to show how you can increase the diversity of the school. You have a lot to offer, just prove it to the school. (I looked at your MDapps and read about your "mission statement"). Talk about your connections in Portland and how you can use those connections to improve both the community and the school.

There really isn't a lot of time to get into the dirt digging. The MMI are too focused. The "longer" interview is not long enough to get into deep subjects. My interviewer knew my file well, and was asking several focused questions. There was not a lot of time to wander into territory that was not asked about. Maybe at the end, but I ran out of time quickly with a lot more that I wanted to say. It turned out for good in the end.

Good luck. You will do fine. 🙂

dsoz
 
rachelkj said:
Is it ever a good idea to bring up something negative about a school in an interview?
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rachelkj said:
Who is on the one-on-one interview? Admissions staff, or folks from the volunteers they use for the MMI stations?
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The one-on-one is usually (but not always) one of the AdCom core members. ETA: I've gotten the impression, based on anecdata, that most of the one-on-one interviewers are either current AdCom members or former retired/emeritus committee members.
 
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I'll be the third to say that it's never a good idea to bring up anything negative, whether it involves your prospective school/employer or your alma mater/past employer. One of my mentors reiterated this point by telling me a story about when he spoke to his fellowship interviewer the day he began his hospital medicine fellowship. He had apparently came from a residency that was suffering from a LOT of bad press. The faculty at the fellowship institution locked in on the fact that he had NOTHING negative to say about his alma mater. A very nut-shell anecdote, but you get the point.

I also agree with dsoz that you should instead take an opportunity (if allowed) to discuss how you'll bring diversity to the student body. My one-on-one was extraordinarily structured. My interviewer knew my app very well and asked what seemed like planned questions, with only one spot for me to steer. And that was at the very end.

Relax and enjoy your day. I'm sure you'll blow the lid off of your interview day! 😀

On another note, during my 12 hour slumber from 4:45p to 4:45a last night (I was apparently exhausted and accumulating some serious sleep debt), I had a dream that I got my acceptance email on the 26th! Finally, a non-nightmare! LoL I will so freak out if I actually receive an acceptance on that day!
 
Hi all. I am new to the forum but I thought I would contribute and mention what I know about this somewhat mysterious process. I have been volunteering with OHSU for a while and know students and some faculty and have done my own research as well in the last few years. Thank you OCD. Anyways here is goes....

So as you probably already know they can only interview up to 500 people each year since each interview day can carry up to 18 people due to the station rotations. Of these 500 (more like 460-480 because more and more OOS people turn down interviews later in the season due to acceptances elsewhere I assume) a little less than 50% of OR residents (420-450 apply total) are given interviews which is about 200 and outside residents make up the remainder (about 260 – 280). After interview they accept about 25% of those directly 4 - 8 weeks late. There are about 90 offers so far from the 320-350 already reviewed (they are on schedule; math correlates). There are roughly 60% of the interviews on hold or perhaps more depending on how many people they reject after interview. The majority of those acceptances are OOS residents due to the competitiveness of that bunch as well as the fact that OHSU seeks them out heavily to make their school more diverse, for funding purposes, to increase their stats, etc. Now by the time everyone is reviewed and this is before people get off hold (perhaps a few may be taken off in March / April) about 120-130 acceptances would have been made. Close to the class make up. Now the reason for the higher waitlist movement is that they already know quite a few people have turned down the offer. Hence accepting about 20 – 30 additional people of those on hold and then 30 – 40 within the first few days when the waitlist starts. In the beginning of May the breakdown of the roughly 130 acceptances before putting people on the waitlist and accepting off of hold is about 50-60 IN acceptances and about 80-90 OOS acceptances. Makes since right since waitlist movement happens quickly because quite a few OOS residents turn down the offer. I would say about 50 of those OOS turn it down and about 10 IS residents turn it down leaving 50-60 openings right away middle of May for accepting off of hold and many people right off of the waitlist. Now the reason for it being in the 30s a few years back was that they overshot by about 50+ of their incoming class in terms of acceptances hence less waitlist movement. The one year that reached 120 they only overshot by about 10 or so people. So they have a general idea where the waitlist will end up because one thing that has always been constant is that 75% - 80% of IS residents that are accepted attend and about 30-40% of OOS residents that are accepted attend. In the end they make about the same number of acceptances for OOS residents than they do for IS residents and it does in fact come down to about 220 – 260 acceptances total. So they say a large part of the class comes from waitlist because many of those are IS residents that they put towards the top third part of the waitlist. They are required to accept 25% of OR residents that apply in order to get their funding from the state. That amounts to about 110 – 130 OR resident acceptances with about 90 attending. When every IS resident is interviewed as mentioned about 50 – 60 would have been accepted outright and the other 50 – 60 come off of the waitlist or an accept after being on hold. For OOS residents if come first week of May 80 – 90 are accepted that leaves about 40 – 50 spots for OOS residents. So it is a little dirty as is every process but what can you do right. And they simply don't just go off of scores. Everyone is probably already aware of this. They need to get a diverse class and I assume many scores are so close and you know they reevaluate because they spend about 2 days ranking the waitlist. You just have to hope for the best and sometimes it is a crapshoot. I think the MMI is great and is more objective but now with only one-on-one interview you have to really hope they ask the right types of questions and that you click with your interviewer because 22 minutes is certainly too short. My interviewer brought up some stuff on my application that got quite personal but I believe they check for verification and honestly and like others say try to sell yourself. It was hard for me because it was one question after the next so left little time for demonstrating the type of diversity I would bring but at least I got deep, made her laugh, had something in common with her, got personal from my past, and just overall triggered many emotions within that 22 minutes. It's best to show them as much of your personality as you can given that short amount of time because they don't necessarily get that from essays or LORs.
By the way I interviewed in October and have been on hold since middle of November. Obviously sucks but 2 more months left so hoping for the best. If not exit interview and try it again.
 
That was a lot of text that could have been summed up by a few numbers 😱

IS Numbers:
420 apply
202 interviewed
108 accepted
85 matriculate

OOS Numbers:
4202 apply
264 interviewed
116 accepted
47 matriculate

By March 30th, OHSU will likely have only handed out 132 acceptances (maybe a few more) in compliance with AAMC traffic 'recommendations'. If they don't have >=132 people holding acceptances they are going to get to that number by March 30th. Come May 15th, the waitlist will start moving and OHSU will keep a consistent 132 people accepted at any given time +/- the time they give students to make final decisions.

Edit: Ah yes, I forgot OSHU doesn't play by the rules and takes like 8+ weeks to make a decision. So I guess replace March 30th w/ May 15 👎
 
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Right. Research has been extremely boring today and had time to be very thorough for those who wanted to know beyond the simple stated facts and what has been for a long time. What I demonstrated gave people an idea of what to expend come May. Odds are OHSU will not have made that many acceptances by end of March. They have not done so for awhile now especially with the new scoring system. They truly are the slowest school but for good reason to get the best class they can possibility get in their eyes. If they decide to do so by the end of March that is good news for people on hold so then more on hold will get accepted now versus beginning of May but I just do not see that happening with their trend in past years and from what I heard but it would be nice right. I have been on hold far too long.
 
PDXDUDE said:
Right. Research has been extremely boring today and had time to be very thorough for those who wanted to know beyond the simple stated facts and what has been for a long time. What I demonstrated gave people an idea of what to expend come May.
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Thank you for the long and thoughtful post. It confirms much of what I've been observing about this process for years. As you said, this is what happens when you add little bit of OCD and a lot of time on waitlists/on hold. 😎
 
Yes indeed there is much not mentioned so it was nice to get some additional detail from people who know what goes on behind the curtain and mention it to you all. So definitely a lot of hope for people on hold especially if you are instate come May.
 
PDXDUDE said:
Yes indeed there is much not mentioned so it was nice to get some additional detail from people who know what goes on behind the curtain and mention it to you all. So definitely a lot of hope for people on hold especially if you are instate come May.
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Actually, much of it has been mentioned over the past few years of app cycle threads but you have to glean it with a pretty fine-toothed comb. 👍
 
So I realize I'm getting ahead of myself here, but does anyone have information on the 2013-2014 MS1 academic calendar? Specifically on orientation and when classes start? I haven't been able to find it online.
 
bluepotato said:
So I realize I'm getting ahead of myself here, but does anyone have information on the 2013-2014 MS1 academic calendar? Specifically on orientation and when classes start? I haven't been able to find it online.
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All I know is "mid-August" from the materials they gave us at the interview. I know that last year there was orientation stuff starting at least week or so before class.

ETA: Looks like it's not posted yet, but here's the incoming student information page that, I presume, they will update soon with this year's schedule:
http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/students/incoming-students.cfm
 
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Dianyla said:
All I know is "mid-August" from the materials they gave us at the interview. I know that last year there was orientation stuff starting at least week or so before class.
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Yeah, I think that's all I've heard too. Maybe they gave more specific info to the admitted students? I'm trying to figure out whether I'd have a chance of making it to an August 17th wedding if I ended up going here. I'm guessing not 🙁
 
bluepotato said:
Yeah, I think that's all I've heard too. Maybe they gave more specific info to the admitted students? I'm trying to figure out whether I'd have a chance of making it to an August 17th wedding if I ended up going here. I'm guessing not 🙁
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Hmm, maybe not. If the schedule is like last year, my guess is that weekend will fall between the orientation week and the start of class. Depending on the travel situation you might be able to make it, but I wouldn't count on it.
 
Guero said:
I. Am. Dying. For. OHSU. Communication.
:diebanana:
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:laugh: Five weeks today! So, hopefully we'll hear something the week after next? I'm trying not to think about it but having every person in my life asking me whether I've heard back on a daily basis is making it pretty hard.
 
Dianyla said:
Only two months left til May 15th! 😀

Seriously, any real answers before that time are just gravy.
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Unless the real answer is a rejection. In that case, I'd prefer they kept it to themselves :scared:

I just keep telling myself to hope for a hold...
 
bluepotato said:
Unless the real answer is a rejection. In that case, I'd prefer they kept it to themselves :scared:

I just keep telling myself to hope for a hold...
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Haha I feel the same way. 4 weeks today for me..!!
 
Please bear with me, I'm pretty certain this question has already been asked and answered multiple times in this forum, unfortunately though I can't seem to find the answer 😕

I was wondering if someone can give me some details on the admission committee such as what days of the week they meet, how long them meet, how many interviewers or interview days they typically go through each week...etc.

This is my 7th week post-interview...I'm dying to hear something, anything back from OHSU!
 
bluepotato said:
Yeah, I think that's all I've heard too. Maybe they gave more specific info to the admitted students? I'm trying to figure out whether I'd have a chance of making it to an August 17th wedding if I ended up going here. I'm guessing not 🙁
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At second look they said orientation starts on 8/12 and the white coat ceremony is on 8/16.
 
bluepotato said:
:laugh: Five weeks today! So, hopefully we'll hear something the week after next? I'm trying not to think about it but having every person in my life asking me whether I've heard back on a daily basis is making it pretty hard.
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I know. If I say, "I don't know. They said we have to wait 6 to 8 weeks before they render a decision. But some people have heard as early as 4 weeks. It could be anytime between last friday and April 5th before I find out," one more time.... :boom:
Dianyla said:
Only two months left til May 15th! 😀

Seriously, any real answers before that time are just gravy.
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I want some freakin' gravy!!!
ddb said:
At second look they said orientation starts on 8/12 and the white coat ceremony is on 8/16.
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Thanks for the info! Looks like I'll be cutting it close when I get back from Europe on August 1st... :scared:
 
oenofthehopeful said:
Please bear with me, I'm pretty certain this question has already been asked and answered multiple times in this forum, unfortunately though I can't seem to find the answer 😕

I was wondering if someone can give me some details on the admission committee such as what days of the week they meet, how long them meet, how many interviewers or interview days they typically go through each week...etc.

This is my 7th week post-interview...I'm dying to hear something, anything back from OHSU!
Click to expand...

I'm at 8 weeks post interview and still nothing has changed on my portal. I called Katy to see if she could tell me anything, and she said that I've been put on hold, but it hasn't been processed yet and is most likely sitting on someone's desk. So if waiting is killing you to find out any kind of status you can call, but the news might be a little disappointing like it was for me :bang: here's to another 8 weeks of waiting...
 
PDXJen said:
Interviewed 1/25
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Thanks for the info. So it looks like the current queue depth is running around 7 weeks, now.

Everybody remain calm in your seats with the seatbelt fastened, please. 🙂
 
Thanks! Is there a facebook group for admitted students?
 
On Hold. Guess this is better than a rejection. Now for the wait until May 15th! Keepin the positive vibes going. I interviewed 1/25, so this is 7 weeks out.
 
Received the encouraging email yesterday afternoon (1:40pm for those of us who obsessively check portal/email from 6am on).

First time applying: post interview hold, may 15 refused.
Second time, pre interview hold, march refused.
Third time applying: OHSU was my first and only choice! Interviewed 1/30. Accepted match day 3/15.
 
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MDSSURF said:
On Hold. Guess this is better than a rejection. Now for the wait until May 15th! Keepin the positive vibes going. I interviewed 1/25, so this is 7 weeks out.
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Yeah, I know it feels like everyone's getting acceptances on here but really 80% of people are put on hold post-interview so it's not a bad thing!


Jbc said:
Received the encouraging email yesterday afternoon (1:40pm for those of you who obsessively check portal/email from 6am on).

First time applying: post interview hold, may 15 refused.
Second time, pre interview hold, march refused.
Third time applying: OHSU was my first and only choice! Interviewed 1/30. Accepted match day 3/15.
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That's so awesome, congratulations! 🙂
 
bluepotato said:
That's so awesome, congratulations! 🙂
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It's been a long time coming. Just don't give up.

During my interview a first year student explained to me that OHSU has an affinity for "grovelers". I asked him what he meant and he told me they like people who return again and again begging at their doorstep for a spot. He told me he applied three times and was wait listed his third time and was accepted around may 17th. "That's me too" I replied!
 
Jbc said:
It's been a long time coming. Just don't give up.

During my interview a first year student explained to me that OHSU has an affinity for "grovelers". I asked him what he meant and he told me they like people who return again and again begging at their doorstep for a spot. He told me he applied three times and was wait listed his third time and was accepted around may 17th. "That's me too" I replied!
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Yeah i hear that a lot as well....I am a first time applying OHSU and having my fingers crossed.
 
The hard part is trying to figure out how to surprise my wife with the news!
 
rachelkj said:
Is it ever a good idea to bring up something negative about a school in an interview? Specifically, OHSU has received warnings from the LCME* last year (and in 2004) for lack of diversity in the student & faculty population. Would it be inappropriate to ask what steps are being taken in response? Am I just going to get stink eye from my interviewer?

I know some of the work being done because I am plugged in to some of it, but I'm still curious about the bigger picture. Who is on the one-on-one interview? Admissions staff, or folks from the volunteers they use for the MMI stations?

*
http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/sc...ine-news/education-news/lcme-update-71112.cfm

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/sc...ine-news/education-news/lcme-update-82912.cfm
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If you can frame it so that it's not negative, somehow, but just a neutrally stated question, do that. But I think the best way to handle it is to leave it alone. Get accepted first. Then ask them any questions like that.
 
Jbc said:
First time applying: post interview hold, may 15 refused.
Second time, pre interview hold, march refused.
Third time applying: OHSU was my first and only choice! Interviewed 1/30. Accepted match day 3/15.
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Huge congrats for sticking with it! I hope my third consecutive groveling session finally pays off, too. 👍

Take your wife out for a nice dinner at Higgins or something.
 
Dianyla said:
Huge congrats for sticking with it! I hope my third consecutive groveling session finally pays off, too. 👍

Take your wife out for a nice dinner at Higgins or something.
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Thank you! Good luck to you, I'm sure you will hear good news soon!
 
Received the acceptance on 3/15!

Did OHSU already have their 2nd look event?

Anyone know anything about their grading structure? I didn't have a chance to ask it during my interview.
 
PostBacc24601 said:
Received the acceptance on 3/15!

Did OHSU already have their 2nd look event?

Anyone know anything about their grading structure? I didn't have a chance to ask it during my interview.
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Their grading is honors 90%, near honors 85%, satisfactory 70%, marginal 65% fail anything lower. They had one second look but there are two more in April and may I believe.
 
PostBacc24601 said:
Received the acceptance on 3/15!

Did OHSU already have their 2nd look event?

Anyone know anything about their grading structure? I didn't have a chance to ask it during my interview.
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Congratulations! Are you planning on attending or do you have other options?

Mybubbles already said, but there will be two more second look days, one in April, and another in May.

Join the Facebook page if you haven't already. Search this thread for the group name.

dsoz
 
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