2012-2013 Oregon Health and Science University Application Thread

[PKAguy2202]

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Hi everyone! I interviewed at OHSU on 3/8 and received my acceptance last week 🙂 I'm super stoked since I'm a long time Oregon resident. I am planning on going to the second look day on April 19th to just get a better feel of the campus and the programs available. For those of you who already attended, did you dress casual or business casual? Also, how long did it take to receive your official packet in the mail? I'm super excited to meet everyone and can tell that this year's class will be awesome!

Do you mind sharing what day you received your acceptance last week??

 

[Guero]

You will have time to decide but you will lose your deposit at the other schools if you wait past the 15th regardless of when you were accepted at another school.

Speaking of which, does anyone know how bad it would look or what the ramifications are aside from losing a deposit for me to go against the traffic suggestions by holding an acceptance past the 5/15 deadline? I'm terrified that my genetics class might fall through or something and don't want to give up my back-up until I'm 100% that I'm in the clear... I mean, can you imagine if something went wrong?

 

[DAPI]

Speaking of which, does anyone know how bad it would look or what the ramifications are aside from losing a deposit for me to go against the traffic suggestions by holding an acceptance past the 5/15 deadline? I'm terrified that my genetics class might fall through or something and don't want to give up my back-up until I'm 100% that I'm in the clear... I mean, can you imagine if something went wrong?

I would be more concerned with OHSU saying, "oh, you missed the drop deadline, we're going to drop you since you hold another acceptance."

I would be making a phone call on this one.

 

[Guero]

I would be more concerned with OHSU saying, "oh, you missed the drop deadline, we're going to drop you since you hold another acceptance."

I would be making a phone call on this one.

Good point. I mean, I'm not being too neurotically paranoid here, am I? I mean, I can't register for my genetics class until the day before it starts (6/4/13), nearly a month after the drop deadline. Plus, even if I'm registered, what if they cancel the class due to low enrollment or professor illness, you know? There's so much that could happen...

 

[DAPI]

Good point. I mean, I'm not being too neurotically paranoid here, am I? I mean, I can't register for my genetics class until the day before it starts (6/4/13), nearly a month after the drop deadline. Plus, even if I'm registered, what if they cancel the class due to low enrollment or professor illness, you know? There's so much that could happen...

Risk vs Reward

 

[Guero]

Risk vs Reward

Email sent to Ms. Zook and Ms. Guertin.

 

[bluepotato]

Good point. I mean, I'm not being too neurotically paranoid here, am I? I mean, I can't register for my genetics class until the day before it starts (6/4/13), nearly a month after the drop deadline. Plus, even if I'm registered, what if they cancel the class due to low enrollment or professor illness, you know? There's so much that could happen...

From what I've heard, there are some students still taking genetics or biochem when they start at OHSU so it sounds like they will work with people. I wouldn't be too worried.

Out of curiosity, is anyone taking biochem through OSU's ecampus? Or has anyone taken it in the past? I'm taking it now and wow is it expensive! I really hope OHSU accepts me or this will have been a $1040 waste of time.

 

[Guero]

From what I've heard, there are some students still taking genetics or biochem when they start at OHSU so it sounds like they will work with people. I wouldn't be too worried.

Out of curiosity, is anyone taking biochem through OSU's ecampus? Or has anyone taken it in the past? I'm taking it now and wow is it expensive! I really hope OHSU accepts me or this will have been a $1040 waste of time.

Ugh, I'd hate to do that; but it's far better than losing out on med school. Thanks for reminding me about that.

As for biochem, if it's any consolation, I thought it was the most useful and utilitarian basic science class that I took as an undergrad. It basically brings every pre-med together and shows you why we were required to take them. I loved it. It'll come in SO useful for med school, no matter where you attend.

 

[Jbc]

Speaking of which, does anyone know how bad it would look or what the ramifications are aside from losing a deposit for me to go against the traffic suggestions by holding an acceptance past the 5/15 deadline? I'm terrified that my genetics class might fall through or something and don't want to give up my back-up until I'm 100% that I'm in the clear... I mean, can you imagine if something went wrong?

What genetics course are you referring to exactly? I went to PSU and took BI 341U "INTRO TO GENETICS" is that the required course OHSU is looking for?

Do they tell you if you are missing anything once they receive your transcripts? Or is it a by the way... you can't attend orientation because you are missing half a writing credit 😱

 

[Guero]

What genetics course are you referring to exactly? I went to PSU and took BI 341U "INTRO TO GENETICS" is that the required course OHSU is looking for?

Do they tell you if you are missing anything once they receive your transcripts? Or is it a by the way... you can't attend orientation because you are missing half a writing credit 😱

That should suffice. You can email Ms. Zook a course description to ensure it qualifies.

Yes, it was also detailed in my acceptance letter that my acceptance was contingent upon me completing a genetics course.

 

[PKAguy2202]

Any news thus far today?

 

[Vena7]

Any news thus far today?

None here. Interviewed 3/15.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

:nudge: Considering your recent news, how much would an acceptance here affect your future?

Ouch. I just learned that I will definitely have to pay OOS tuition for all 4 years at UW, which makes for a total COA of almost $350k. I guess I'm back to the waiting game...OHSU, give a girl a call?

 

[Ellie Arroway]

I had a question about other folks' interview days. During the lunch with students, some students were pretty openly disparaging of OHSU's curriculum and administration. I hadn't experienced anything like that at any of my other interviews. Was my interview day a fluke or did other people notice this as well?

 

[Guero]

Ouch. I just learned that I will definitely have to pay OOS tuition for all 4 years at UW, which makes for a total COA of almost $350k. I guess I'm back to the waiting game...OHSU, give a girl a call?

🙁 I'm looking at $278k for OHSU per finaid and staying at the co-op. I'm hoping to seriously reduce that through frugal, nearly ascetic living though...

I had a question about other folks' interview days. During the lunch with students, some students were pretty openly disparaging of OHSU's curriculum and administration. I hadn't experienced anything like that at any of my other interviews. Was my interview day a fluke or did other people notice this as well?

No, definitely didn't have any of that at my interview day...

 

[DAPI]

Ouch. I just learned that I will definitely have to pay OOS tuition for all 4 years at UW, which makes for a total COA of almost $350k. I guess I'm back to the waiting game...OHSU, give a girl a call?

So I had to look and see how UW could possibly cost so much more than OHSU and when I found the numbers I went

$75k for third and fourth year tuition alone!?!?! If an OOS student is getting into UW, they are also getting into other schools and would have much more reasonable financial options. UW must be crazy to think someone is going to take on that kind of debt if they have other viable options.

 

[Guero]

So I had to look and see how UW could possibly cost so much more than OHSU and when I found the numbers I went

$75k for third and fourth year tuition alone!?!?! If an OOS student is getting into UW, they are also getting into other schools and would have much more reasonable financial options. UW must be crazy to think someone is going to take on that kind of debt if they have other viable options.

It's estimated at $78k for each of my OHSU years. We exist. By living at the co-op, I know I can reduce it to at least $72k (hence my quote in reply to rachelkj)...

 

[DAPI]

It's estimated at $78k for each of my OHSU years. We exist. By living at the co-op, I know I can reduce it to at least $72k (hence my quote in reply to rachelkj)...

No, $75k is for tuition alone. OHSU tuition for OOS is ~$60k

Edit: OHSU OOS tuition is $52k

 

[dsoz]

I had a question about other folks' interview days. During the lunch with students, some students were pretty openly disparaging of OHSU's curriculum and administration. I hadn't experienced anything like that at any of my other interviews. Was my interview day a fluke or did other people notice this as well?

no, the students that I had at lunch were very open about how they liked the way that OHSU worked with them and how well they learned the material for board exams. They can't be doing too poorly when about 80% of students get their top choice for residency, and the rest are almost all in the top three.

Maybe those students are some of the reason for the curriculum review and change... I know that curriculum needs to be reviewed regularly, and changed frequently no matter what. This keeps the school modern and up to date with the latest in teaching techniques.

dsoz

 

[Ellie Arroway]

UW must be crazy to think someone is going to take on that kind of debt if they have other viable options.

To be fair, it has been a theoretical number for a while. There was a university wide program that allowed the grad schools to give students resident tuition after one year. That was slashed last year due to budget cuts. The university gave the SOM 7 recruitment fellowships to award per year that did the same thing, and I found out today that I will not be getting one. I really thought it wouldn't turn out like this because I was born & raised in WA, but that doesn't get me anything.

It's estimated at $78k for each of my OHSU years. We exist.

I don't think you are being unreasonable though. Your total COA is still $75k less than mine would be at UW, and I am guessing there are some tangible differences between OHSU and your other options. I am looking at OHSU and UW and really straining to see $100k worth of difference.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

no, the students that I had at lunch were very open about how they liked the way that OHSU worked with them and how well they learned the material for board exams. They can't be doing too poorly when about 80% of students get their top choice for residency, and the rest are almost all in the top three.

Maybe those students are some of the reason for the curriculum review and change... I know that curriculum needs to be reviewed regularly, and changed frequently no matter what. This keeps the school modern and up to date with the latest in teaching techniques.

dsoz

To be fair, one of these students admitted they might end up needing to repeat first year. They were having a difficult time. There were plenty of students that seemed very happy.

 

[mybubbles627]

I had a question about other folks' interview days. During the lunch with students, some students were pretty openly disparaging of OHSU's curriculum and administration. I hadn't experienced anything like that at any of my other interviews. Was my interview day a fluke or did other people notice this as well?

I definitely have some issues with OHSU's curriculum and administration. You can PM me with questions. I don't want to post that on the whole page.

 

[Northwesterly]

I had a question about other folks' interview days. During the lunch with students, some students were pretty openly disparaging of OHSU's curriculum and administration. I hadn't experienced anything like that at any of my other interviews. Was my interview day a fluke or did other people notice this as well?

I think you'd have to squint pretty hard to find a school *without* unhappy students. (See for example the current UCSF thread.) And anyone going through medical school is going to see areas they'd like improved. But if anything I'm happier than I expected to be with OHSU's not-yet-new-and-improved curriculum. Are some lecturers duds? Sure. But the students and the school as a whole are (so far) fantastic.

 

[exitonly29]

To be fair, one of these students admitted they might end up needing to repeat first year. They were having a difficult time. There were plenty of students that seemed very happy.

Well I know when big problem students have is inability to get tutor help. The only way you can get tutor help is if you have already failed a test/class you can't get that help before hand. So
If you find yourself struggling that's not good enoigh

 

[DAPI]

Well I know when big problem students have is inability to get tutor help. The only way you can get tutor help is if you have already failed a test/class you can't get that help before hand. So
If you find yourself struggling that's not good enoigh

Seriously? That doesn't even make sense. Why wait for someone to fail before giving them help?

 

[exitonly29]

Seriously? That doesn't even make sense. Why wait for someone to fail before giving them help?

I think it's a matter of resources (not sure how with the tuition price they don't have enough) but so they only offer it to people who might actually fail out

 

[Guero]

No, $75k is for tuition alone. OHSU tuition for OOS is ~$60k

Edit: OHSU OOS tuition is $52k

I was referencing my cost of attendance as an OOS, not tuition. I can't believe UW is charging that much for tuition alone! That's far worse than I ever thought possible!

 

[DAPI]

I was referencing my cost of attendance as an OOS, not tuition. I can't believe UW is charging that much for tuition alone! That's far worse than I ever thought possible!

Yeah, I just knew what you were saying, I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page.

UW's price is crazy, but as rachelkj pointed out, no one actually every paid that. Hopefully no one ever will

 

[Guero]

Yeah, I just knew what you were saying, I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page.

UW's price is crazy, but as rachelkj pointed out, no one actually every paid that. Hopefully no one ever will

Yeah, I mean, the thought that $75k was tuition alone plus another, what, $20k of annual living expenses? never even crossed my mind until you clarified. I'm still astounded. I think that's by far the most expensive COA I've ever heard. I hope OHSU shows you some love Rachel!

 

[DAPI]

I think it's a matter of resources (not sure how with the tuition price they don't have enough) but so they only offer it to people who might actually fail out

Dear OHSU,

I know when I don't understand something. Please don't make me prove it to you by failing a test so I can get the help I need.

Thanks!

DAPI


(smh)

 

[DAPI]

Yeah, I mean, the thought that $75k was tuition alone plus another, what, $20k of annual living expenses? never even crossed my mind until you clarified. I'm still astounded. I think that's by far the most expensive COA I've ever heard. I hope OHSU shows you some love Rachel!

Yeah, absolutely insane.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Yeah, I mean, the thought that $75k was tuition alone plus another, what, $20k of annual living expenses? never even crossed my mind until you clarified. I'm still astounded. I think that's by far the most expensive COA I've ever heard. I hope OHSU shows you some love Rachel!

Thanks! It is definitely crazy. I don't know if I have seen any private schools with higher tuition than that. I imagine I will hold onto my UW acceptance until sometime in the afternoon of May 14 just in case some kind of miracle happens, but I don't have my hopes up.

To change the subject, is there an OHSU camping trip in the summer? I am going to camp the bejeezus outta this summer.

 

[Guero]

Thanks! It is definitely crazy. I don't know if I have seen any private schools with higher tuition than that. I imagine I will hold onto my UW acceptance until sometime in the afternoon of May 14 just in case some kind of miracle happens, but I don't have my hopes up.

To change the subject, is there an OHSU camping trip in the summer?

Yup, shortly before orientation. But it frankly sounds, well, kinda "campy." :/

 

[Ellie Arroway]

I am really excited to start planning summer camping trips. I really want to spend some time hanging out around Steens Mountain.

Yup, that's Oregon.

 

[Guero]

I am really excited to start planning summer camping trips. I really want to spend some time hanging out around Steens Mountain.

Yup, that's Oregon.

Omg, are those salt flats!?

 

[Ellie Arroway]

The Alvord Desert. A lot of people forget that Oregon shares a border with Nevada.

 

[exitonly29]

The Alvord Desert. A lot of people forget that Oregon shares a border with Nevada.

Yea but that is about as far away in oregon from Portland as you can go beautiful place though

 

[clued]

I had a question about other folks' interview days. During the lunch with students, some students were pretty openly disparaging of OHSU's curriculum and administration. I hadn't experienced anything like that at any of my other interviews. Was my interview day a fluke or did other people notice this as well?

I actually had a similar experience during the lunch. The students were enthusiastic when talking about the social aspect of their class, how there isn't much competition, etc. but when the topic of the curriculum/administration, it got a little awkward. I remember most of the students looking at one another and weren't sure exactly how to answer our questions (I don't remember them specifically, but it had to do with the future of the curriculum and other changes). It was like they were afraid to really speak candidly because maybe they didn't want to scare us off?

I did not get this vibe at the other schools I interviewed at, which makes me a little worried but I doubt its much to worry about...hopefully?

 

[Guero]

I actually had a similar experience during the lunch. The students were enthusiastic when talking about the social aspect of their class, how there isn't much competition, etc. but when the topic of the curriculum/administration, it got a little awkward. I remember most of the students looking at one another and weren't sure exactly how to answer our questions (I don't remember them specifically, but it had to do with the future of the curriculum and other changes). It was like they were afraid to really speak candidly because maybe they didn't want to scare us off?

I did not get this vibe at the other schools I interviewed at, which makes me a little worried but I doubt its much to worry about...hopefully?

Look, I'll go out on a limb here and admit that nearly every school that I interviewed at had complaints about the curriculum. We're all in a transitory phase of medicine. So many schools are experimenting to prepare us better for what will be the greatest change in our discipline since the advent of HMOs. There will be negatives no matter where you decide to matriculate. Take it with a grain of salt. It's going to be difficult and down right suck at times, no matter where you go. Concentrate on the other aspects that make your school "the school," be it rotations, geography, financial aid, perks, opportunities, whatever. Curriculum will remain dubious for the next few classes. OHSU hasn't altered their curriculum since 1994. There will be glitches. We'll survive. 🙂

 

[Dianyla]

Yeah, I mean, the thought that $75k was tuition alone plus another, what, $20k of annual living expenses? never even crossed my mind until you clarified. I'm still astounded. I think that's by far the most expensive COA I've ever heard. I hope OHSU shows you some love Rachel!

First year of tuition+fees+health insurance - state schools

First year of tuition+fees+health insurance - private schools

It could be worse... McMaster University SOM is $95K/year for non-Canadians...

 

[clued]

Look, I'll go out on a limb here and admit that nearly every school that I interviewed at had complaints about the curriculum. We're all in a transitory phase of medicine. So many schools are experimenting to prepare us better for what will be the greatest change in our discipline since the advent of HMOs. There will be negatives no matter where you decide to matriculate. Take it with a grain of salt. It's going to be difficult and down right suck at times, no matter where you go. Concentrate on the other aspects that make your school "the school," be it rotations, geography, financial aid, perks, opportunities, whatever. Curriculum will remain dubious for the next few classes. OHSU hasn't altered their curriculum since 1994. There will be glitches. We'll survive. 🙂

Well we interviewed at different schools so we have different perspectives. Medicine is indeed changing and especially the way of teaching medicine, which is what makes it exciting. Some schools are ahead of the game in that regard and some are still working on it. I'm just confused about where OHSU stands and the direction it is taking, both from the student and faculty/admin perspective. And I'm not trying to merely survive (though that will probably be what happens), I'm trying to find a school that can best prepare me for whatever field I might want to go into. I agree there will be certain negatives about specific schools but some are more significant than others. I can get over geography or financial aid, but the curriculum and administration are far more significant in the education I receive. Especially with that OOS price tag.

It's true that things will be difficult at times but knowing that the administration and faculty are open and accommodating gives me more confidence that I made the right choice. The fact that, in my experience, the students I have met were not so forthcoming with their views was something that made me raise an eyebrow. I could be worrying about nothing at all but I am judging based on the information that I do have in comparison to the other schools I have visited. That is all I am saying.

I still think highly of this school and am excited to see what happens come May 15th! 🙂

 

[eraserdust]

My partner goes here. I've heard a lot about it. Luckily I don't have to go there, because it sounds like it really sucks hard.

They recently did a LCME study here. You can google the reports, and you might want to take a look at them. It was a big deal while it was going on. The biggest things that they got dinged for were diversity and tuition, but they also got scolded for basic stuff like not being responsive to student concerns. That's in keeping with what I've been hearing the past few years. Theres also not a whole lot of support for students if you get crosswise with the material either.

And they're now trying to revamp the whole curriculum, to take the emphasis off of primary care and more onto specialties. Lots of hand waving, but that's what it sounds like. There's a little bit of news coverage of this you can google. Maybe that's not a concern for you. If you get in only one place, you have to grin and bear it.

But if you have a choice, I would say go elsewhere.

 

[CholeCystems]

From the OHSU LCME article, these are the six areas for why OHSU is "accredited with warning"

The designation, the LCME concluded, was based on six (out of 129 reviewed) areas of noncompliance. These are 1) diversity among students, faculty, and staff; 2) observation by an attending physician of students obtaining a patient history and performing a physical exam; 3) fair and timely formative and summative assessment of medical students; 4) narrative description of medical student performance in each required course and clerkship rotation; 5) financial aid and debt management counseling; and 6) impact of direct educational expenses on medical student indebtedness.

Apparently the last time the Lcme did an evaluation in 2004 the diversity and student indebtedness were given as war nings as well.

Here's the link:

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

 

[DAPI]

Look, I'll go out on a limb here and admit that nearly every school that I interviewed at had complaints about the curriculum. We're all in a transitory phase of medicine. So many schools are experimenting to prepare us better for what will be the greatest change in our discipline since the advent of HMOs. There will be negatives no matter where you decide to matriculate. Take it with a grain of salt. It's going to be difficult and down right suck at times, no matter where you go. Concentrate on the other aspects that make your school "the school," be it rotations, geography, financial aid, perks, opportunities, whatever. Curriculum will remain dubious for the next few classes. OHSU hasn't altered their curriculum since 1994. There will be glitches. We'll survive. 🙂

This is the only school where I heard any complaints about curriculum and the school not being responsive to student feedback. Also, on my interview day, someone specifically asked Dr. Morris (the dean of admissions) about curriculum reform at OHSU and lets just say it was the most vague answer ever.

Also, working at OHSU, I see events on the calendar all the time about curriculum meetings and LCME review stuff. Never been to one given that it wont effect me if I matriculate due to reforms coming to the class of 2018, not 2017. I can also see how with us being the last class on this curriculum plan, they aren't going to give us much love in terms of students feedback.

I hadn't really considered all of this while thinking about schools, but maybe it's something I'll gave to weigh now that you all brought it up.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Also, working at OHSU, I see events on the calendar all the time about curriculum meetings and LCME review stuff. Never been to one given that it wont effect me if I matriculate due to reforms coming to the class of 2018, not 2017. I can also see how with us being the last class on this curriculum plan, they aren't going to give us much love in terms of students feedback.

I'm going to deal with this same thing if I end up going to UW also - last year on the old curriculum. It almost makes me want to defer, move to WA, and just find a job to work for a year while getting residency. But then I'd be the first class of a new curriculum, which might be a rough ride as well.

 

[elevenses]

This is the only school where I heard any complaints about curriculum and the school not being responsive to student feedback.

I have heard this from multiple students about UW as well.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

I have heard this from multiple students about UW as well.

The plot thickens

 

[Guero]

Well we interviewed at different schools so we have different perspectives. Medicine is indeed changing and especially the way of teaching medicine, which is what makes it exciting. Some schools are ahead of the game in that regard and some are still working on it. I'm just confused about where OHSU stands and the direction it is taking, both from the student and faculty/admin perspective. And I'm not trying to merely survive (though that will probably be what happens), I'm trying to find a school that can best prepare me for whatever field I might want to go into. I agree there will be certain negatives about specific schools but some are more significant than others. I can get over geography or financial aid, but the curriculum and administration are far more significant in the education I receive. Especially with that OOS price tag.

It's true that things will be difficult at times but knowing that the administration and faculty are open and accommodating gives me more confidence that I made the right choice. The fact that, in my experience, the students I have met were not so forthcoming with their views was something that made me raise an eyebrow. I could be worrying about nothing at all but I am judging based on the information that I do have in comparison to the other schools I have visited. That is all I am saying.

I still think highly of this school and am excited to see what happens come May 15th! 🙂

I understand your perspective completely.

My partner goes here. I've heard a lot about it. Luckily I don't have to go there, because it sounds like it really sucks hard.

They recently did a LCME study here. You can google the reports, and you might want to take a look at them. It was a big deal while it was going on. The biggest things that they got dinged for were diversity and tuition, but they also got scolded for basic stuff like not being responsive to student concerns. That's in keeping with what I've been hearing the past few years. Theres also not a whole lot of support for students if you get crosswise with the material either.

And they're now trying to revamp the whole curriculum, to take the emphasis off of primary care and more onto specialties. Lots of hand waving, but that's what it sounds like. There's a little bit of news coverage of this you can google. Maybe that's not a concern for you. If you get in only one place, you have to grin and bear it.

But if you have a choice, I would say go elsewhere.

Good to hear some inside info, thanks.

From the OHSU LCME article, these are the six areas for why OHSU is "accredited with warning"

The designation, the LCME concluded, was based on six (out of 129 reviewed) areas of noncompliance. These are 1) diversity among students, faculty, and staff; 2) observation by an attending physician of students obtaining a patient history and performing a physical exam; 3) fair and timely formative and summative assessment of medical students; 4) narrative description of medical student performance in each required course and clerkship rotation; 5) financial aid and debt management counseling; and 6) impact of direct educational expenses on medical student indebtedness.

Apparently the last time the Lcme did an evaluation in 2004 the diversity and student indebtedness were given as war nings as well.

Here's the link:

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

Thanks for looking it up and sharing.

 

[DAPI]

I'm going to deal with this same thing if I end up going to UW also - last year on the old curriculum. It almost makes me want to defer, move to WA, and just find a job to work for a year while getting residency. But then I'd be the first class of a new curriculum, which might be a rough ride as well.

Yeah, I would bet there are probably several schools in the same boat. Not much you can do about it though.

 

[DAPI]

Haven't even read it, but just got to work and saw this posted about curriculum from the Dean of OHSU

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2013/apr/11/guest-comment-keeping-rural-health-mind/

edit: Ehhh, article doesn't have much meat about what we as students would like to know, but does say they are going to expand class size. Didn't know they were looking to do that in the future, 132 already seems quite large.