2012-2013 Oregon Health and Science University Application Thread

[jlescher]

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For someone like me who hasn't gotten their secondary yet...could someone post what the optional adversity essay is about and if there are any questions other that the 6 already posted? Many thanks and good luck, everyone!

It gives you multiple choice answers ranging from none to severe in four categories: economic, cultural, educational, and family. You select the level of adversity you faced in each category and then have 4,000 charters to explain it.

 

[dsoz]

For someone like me who hasn't gotten their secondary yet...could someone post what the optional adversity essay is about and if there are any questions other that the 6 already posted? Many thanks and good luck, everyone!

It was a section where you chose you level of disadvantage or adversity: Low, medium, high for different aspects of your youth. Medical, economic, family. Then there was an open ended prompt for you to talk about it. It is good for you to know that there is another prompt, but it is not a big deal.

I chose a low level of adversity for family because my father had an affair and divorced my mother. I went on to explain how it made me vow to not do the same thing to my own children, and that I would be faithful to my spouse. Something like that...

I didn't write more than a short paragraph, because face it... More than half our population is divorced and while it may have been bad for me, it was not the end of the world.

I hope you receive your secondary soon. Good luck. Just don't take my spot at OHSU. 🙂

dsoz

 

[Dianyla]

Dianyla: I followed your story in the thread from last year. What are you going to do for this year's application cycle? Did you retake the MCAT?

I haven't retaken the MCAT yet, have been dealing with some health issues this summer (my own, and a parent's).

I haven't decided what I want to do with this cycle. It's getting a bit late to try to cram for the September MCAT so that I can apply to OHSU again. Or I could just apply to the small handful schools that will accept older MCAT scores while preparing for a possible fourth cycle.

Frankly, the past two years have been so emotionally gutting that I'm just not feeling the will to continue beating my head against the wall of this ivory tower. The feedback I've received for the past two cycles does not encourage me to hope that reapplying to OHSU a third/fourth time will result in a different outcome, no matter what I do to change my application.

 

[dsoz]

I haven't retaken the MCAT yet, have been dealing with some health issues this summer (my own, and a parent's).

I haven't decided what I want to do with this cycle. It's getting a bit late to try to cram for the September MCAT so that I can apply to OHSU again. Or I could just apply to the small handful schools that will accept older MCAT scores while preparing for a possible fourth cycle.

Frankly, the past two years have been so emotionally gutting that I'm just not feeling the will to continue beating my head against the wall of this ivory tower. The feedback I've received for the past two cycles does not encourage me to hope that reapplying to OHSU a third/fourth time will result in a different outcome, no matter what I do to change my application.

I sent you a PM.

dsoz

 

[Schrdngrs Ct]

.

 

[ddb]

Just wanted to let everyone know that my file was marked complete on 8/10. I submitted it on 7/24. The status update says they interview October-April and will let me know something within 12 weeks.

 

[excitedtoapply]

I am filling out the activities and see that they only want activities from the last 5 years. Is that a hard line or are they just saying "not from high school". I have some research and work experience from my undergrad that I really want to include but since I am a non-trad that took 5 years to graduate some are up to 7 years old...

 

[Duff84]

Anyone else having difficulty signing into the website? I just finished the essays and am ready to submit and now the website won't load!

 

[ShenanigansMD]

Anyone else having difficulty signing into the website? I just finished the essays and am ready to submit and now the website won't load!

I just logged in no problem, checking on the status, nothing yet.

 

[dsoz]

Just wanted to let everyone know that my file was marked complete on 8/10. I submitted it on 7/24. The status update says they interview October-April and will let me know something within 12 weeks.

😆That is funny. You must not know about OHSU and the reputation for moving really slow and not holding to deadlines except the one in May when everyone changes from "on hold" to "waitlist"

I am only half kidding when I say how slow OHSU is with applicants.

dsoz

 

[GiraffeMode]

Maybe they've got it together this year though! I was marked as complete in less than a week! Here's to hoping/pretending they're getting faster anyway haha 🙂

 

[ddb]

Maybe they've got it together this year though! I was marked as complete in less than a week! Here's to hoping/pretending they're getting faster anyway haha 🙂

I hold a superstitious belief that since I got my app in early, they will be able to let me know in a timely fashion. I want to know BEFORE May 15 if I'm gonna have to move, if at all possible.

 

[mybubbles627]

I hold a superstitious belief that since I got my app in early, they will be able to let me know in a timely fashion. I want to know BEFORE May 15 if I'm gonna have to move, if at all possible.

I was invited to an interview about 2-3 weeks after being marked complete. I think they just say up to 12 weeks to give themselves extra time. Hopefully it won't take that long especially this early on.

 

[spazz911]

Re-applicant Oregonian reporting in. How's everyone doing, woooo! Any other UofO students applying? Any former Asklepiads members?

 

[DAPI]

Anyone able to get a hard return to show up in the essays? When I click print on the home page, all of my paragraphs just get lumped into one even though the hard returns are saving in the text boxes.

Any ideas?

 

[exento]

Had the same problem. Hard returns, tabs, nothing worked, even after typing the entire essay into the application. Ended up putting a note that it wasn't possible to get paragraphs and that // was used to indicate new paragraphs.

 

[DAPI]

Had the same problem. Hard returns, tabs, nothing worked, even after typing the entire essay into the application. Ended up putting a note that it wasn't possible to get paragraphs and that // was used to indicate new paragraphs.

Good lord, I do not know that I have that many characters left. Maybe I can note it in the first essay and just do it all the essays after that 😕

I wish OHSU had a phone number to call like every other admissions department on the planet

Edit: Looks like it accepts ¶, so maybe I will insert those at paragraph breaks.... So confused

Edit 2.0: It looks like its using HTML code or something as typing < br > w/o the spaces results in a hard return when you go to print it. Wonder if thats how they receive it.

 

[exento]

Yes, just put a short (Paragraphs indicated by //) in the first essay; put note of explanation at the end of the Adversity section.

Agree, called but just got the recording and they never called back.

 

[DAPI]

Yes, just put a short (Paragraphs indicated by //) in the first essay; put note of explanation at the end of the Adversity section.

Agree, called but just got the recording and they never called back.

I could not even find a phone number. You mind posting it or PM'ing it to me?

Edit: Never mind, I stumbled upon it eventually.

 

[exento]

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/contact/index.cfm

 

[ShenanigansMD]

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/contact/index.cfm

Lol, it's not 541... big time party foul over here.

 

[DAPI]

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/contact/index.cfm

Yeah, they only link to that if you do not click admissions before clicking contact us. Otherwise its just the email thing. They are sneaky

 

[DAPI]

Lol, it's not 541... big time party foul over here.

I'm a native Oregonian and I do not even get what is meant by this...

 

[ShenanigansMD]

I'm a native Oregonian and I do not even get what is meant by this...

Then you're from Portland, where you dial 503 instead of 541. All the cool stuff happens in the south with 541.

i.e. I typed in the wrong area code

 

[DAPI]

I work at OHSU so maybe if I call with a 494 number they will answer thinking its important... well, more important than this. We shall see tomorrow.

 

[DAPI]

I work at OHSU so maybe if I call with a 494 number they will answer thinking its important... well, more important than this. We shall see tomorrow.

No dice. It still just went to a message machine. I left a message and we'll see if they call back. Probably not, but I figure I'll give them till Friday evening and then just submit using < br >< br > (w/o spaces) in between paragraphs along with hard returns in the text box with a note at the end. Worst case scenario it will look like:

First Paragraph< br >< br >Second Paragraph

or this:

First Paragraph
< br >< br>
Second Paragraph

but hopefully this:

First Paragraph

Second Paragraph

 

[Dianyla]

i wouldn't hold your breath. The two years I've applied, I've never gotten a callback from voicemails left at the general admissions number. Many report similar experiences on the past app cycle threads.

 

[DAPI]

i wouldn't hold your breath. The two years I've applied, I've never gotten a callback from voicemails left at the general admissions number. Many report similar experiences on the past app cycle threads.

Has anyone ever said anything about getting returns to show up between paragraphs in the essays? Because when you click the print button, all the paragraphs just merge into one large paragraph even though the spacing is correct in the essay boxes.

 

[Dianyla]

Has anyone ever said anything about getting returns to show up between paragraphs in the essays? Because when you click the print button, all the paragraphs just merge into one large paragraph even though the spacing is correct in the essay boxes.

Yeah, it was like that before. Don't worry about that, it's not as big a deal to them. I liked the idea above of using // as a visual break.

 

[DAPI]

Yeah, it was like that before. Don't worry about that, it's not as big a deal to them. I liked the idea above of using // as a visual break.

Thanks, I guess I'll just go head an submit this evening when I get home.

 

[dsoz]

I did not get an email, but I checked the portal today. I was marked file complete on 8/16/2012.

This is what it said

Your file was complete on 08/16/2012.
We have received your secondary application, all letters of recommendation and supporting documentation.


To applicants who meet one or more Mission-Based groups: Your file is currently being screened in the interview selection process. Please note that due to the large number of files in our applicant pool, this screening may take up to 12 weeks. As soon as a decision is made on your application, you will be notified. The Admissions Committee interviews prospective candidates from October through mid-April.


To all other applicants (Non Mission-Based): OHSU screens Mission-Based applicants first for interview eligibility. By mid January, the committee will evaluate Non Mission-Based applicants for interview eligibility.

Good luck everybody!

dsoz

 

[DAPI]

I did not get an email, but I checked the portal today. I was marked file complete on 8/16/2012.

This is what it said


Good luck everybody!

dsoz

That only took a little over a week for you right? That's not bad at all 🙂

 

[Mr Lahey]

ugh I'm struggling with the diversity and personal feedback questions. I'm an affluent white male with no economic/physical issues and I can't think of any negative feedback that I didn't expect or agree with.

I'm tempted to talk about getting rejected in the previous application cycle but I didn't really get any feedback as to why I was rejected besides applying too late and not interviewing well, but I knew about each of those as they happened. As far as diversity goes, I'll have 2 years of professional laboratory experience between college and med school but that seems tenuous as far as contributing to the diversity of a med school class.

 

[heybigA]

ugh I'm struggling with the diversity and personal feedback questions. I'm an affluent white male with no economic/physical issues and I can't think of any negative feedback that I didn't expect or agree with.

You are thinking of diversity very literally and inside the box... I'm mixed race and didn't mention anything about this "diversity"... try thinking OUTSIDE the box lol

 

[GiraffeMode]

Agreed with what was said above me. those two years definitely are something that can make you unique and give you something special to add to an incoming class! Also for the personal feedback thing i don't think it has to be anything crazy intense. Remember that all the questions they're asking are to get a feel for what kind of person you are and to get to know you better. It's not necessarily a competition for who has had the most critical feedback ever haha if that makes sense which I know seems kind of obvious but i know sometimes it's hard to remember this when you're stressed about writing.

Sorry for the long post haha good luck though!

 

[elevenses]

Finally submitted! Too. Much. Writing. Here's to hoping!

 

[spazz911]

Guys, I'm having a ridiculously difficult time answering the "biggest challenge in becoming a physician?" question. Any one have thoughts or suggestions on what they are looking for here? 😕

 

[HughMyron]

Guys, I'm having a ridiculously difficult time answering the "biggest challenge in becoming a physician?" question. Any one have thoughts or suggestions on what they are looking for here? 😕

They want to see that you have considered the difficulties of a medical career. Just show them that you have.

 

[Schrdngrs Ct]

Anyone know how frequently grades (earned post-amcas) should submission be sent to schools? -thanks!

 

[nickmx50]

Anyone know how frequently grades (earned post-amcas) should submission be sent to schools? -thanks!

Most of the schools I've applied to have addressed this somewhere in the secondary application website. It really varies for each school whether or not they'll even consider future updates. Many of the schools I've looked at will only consider updates if they request them from you, and that's usually post interview.

 

[dsoz]

Anyone know how frequently grades (earned post-amcas) should submission be sent to schools? -thanks!

From the OHSU portal:

Updates are not required, but any sent mustbe submitted by U.S. mail directly to the Office of Admissions. Include your full name, AAMC ID#, and mail to:

Oregon Health & Science University
School of Medicine
Office of Admissions, L102
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97239-3098​

All updates to contact information must be done by clicking on the "Update Your Contact Information" at the top of this page.

Please note: Updates submitted after the secondary application is complete may not impact your file.

HTH
dsoz

 

[GiraffeMode]

Anyone who's familiar with the process wanna address this -- should we not waste our time really sending transcript updates for summer courses (for example I took an intensive writing course) unless we've been accepted? I just was wondering because I feel like sending a transcript for one or two courses to 20+ schools would take a while and wasn't sure it was necessary!

Sorry if this seems off topic but its sort of relevant to the question above and im sure others might have a similar question about this 🙂

 

[GiraffeMode]

Ah also I just noticed that was addressed pretty well above sorry but any other input from anyone else too would be appreciated!

 

[ddb]

Maybe they've got it together this year though! I was marked as complete in less than a week! Here's to hoping/pretending they're getting faster anyway haha 🙂

I have been trying to apply this quote from Life of Pi, on how to survive a very long and boring wait without going insane: "I did not count the days or the weeks or the months. Time is an illusion that only makes us pant. I survived because I forgot even the very notion of time."

It's a good book to read during application season! 🙂

 

[spazz911]

I have been trying to apply this quote from Life of Pi, on how to survive a very long and boring wait without going insane: "I did not count the days or the weeks or the months. Time is an illusion that only makes us pant. I survived because I forgot even the very notion of time."

It's a good book to read during application season! 🙂

It's a great book to read during any season! I've been forcing my lady to read the Song of Ice and Fire series and I've been trying to hack through The Lovely Bones, which is a horribly depressing read. I should probably get back to something upbeat..
By the way, if any applicants are fellow bibliophiliacs, I highly suggest "Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures"; it's non-fict. but still a good read 😉

 

[elevenses]

Life of Pi is a fabulous book. I choose to believe his first account...

My first interview invite finally motivated me to read "The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity," by Roy Porter. All I have to say is, holy ****, this is a good book. SO MUCH LEARNING. Highly recommended.

 

[ddb]

Life of Pi is a fabulous book. I choose to believe his first account...

My first interview invite finally motivated me to read "The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity," by Roy Porter. All I have to say is, holy ****, this is a good book. SO MUCH LEARNING. Highly recommended.

Thanks for the book tips, guys. Never heard of either one, but I might have to check them out.

 

[CholeCystems]

I just finished the 3rd book of GoT: A Slash of Swords, and boy what a book that was. I can't wait to see how HBO portrays the book in their upcoming season.

Onto book 4!

 

[DAPI]

I just finished the 3rd book of GoT: A Slash of Swords, and boy what a book that was. I can't wait to see how HBO portrays the book in their upcoming season.

Onto book 4!

I feel like reading the book would spoil the TV show cause you would know what's going to happen. Maybe that's just me though as I don't particularly enjoy reading novels to begin with, but boy do I love a good TV series.

 

[crcdoc]

So, I'm URM with significant volunteer, a 3.67 GPA/3.7 sGPA but a 30R MCAT score. My score is 10/10/10, so it's about as good as a 30 can be, How does my "good" 30 measure up given their imaginary cutoff?

Also, does anyone have their secondary?