2012-2013 Oregon Health and Science University Application Thread

[init2winit]

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Congrats! Exciting about the interview!

Advice?
I submitted my app 5 weeks ago and still not complete...OOS, Mission Group(s). Should I attempt to call? I am worried.

 

[Guero]

Congrats! Exciting about the interview!

Advice?
I submitted my app 5 weeks ago and still not complete...OOS, Mission Group(s). Should I attempt to call? I am worried.

No, I wouldn't. They won't answer and won't return your voicemail. I'd sit tight a little while longer.

 

[MDSSURF]

Congrats! Exciting about the interview!

Advice?
I submitted my app 5 weeks ago and still not complete...OOS, Mission Group(s). Should I attempt to call? I am worried.

My secondary was just marked complete. I am OOS and in a mission group. Application was submitted 8/13 and marked complete 9/21

 

[cherahla]

Last cycle, the first interview invitations were issued 9/23, so heads up and good luck all!

 

[DAPI]

Last cycle, the first interview invitations were issued 9/23, so heads up and good luck all!

Pick me OHSU! Pick me!!

 

[init2winit]

My secondary was just marked complete. I am OOS and in a mission group. Application was submitted 8/13 and marked complete 9/21

Thanks for the info. I'll hope to be complete this week then!

 

[GomerPyle]

I am almost done with my secondary. I am totally stumped on the "What is your greatest challenge in becoming a physician" question. Since I worked while I went to college, the work-load in medical school doesn't seem to me as the greatest challenge. I am also fairly confident in scientific material. I really don't know how to answer this question since I also don't know what it is going to be like in medical school. Any suggestions on how you guys approached this question? The only thing I can think of is being far away from my family since I have been living with them the past 24 years, but I have no idea how that will play out with me emotionally and maybe this concept will be highly looked down upon?

 

[init2winit]

I am almost done with my secondary. I am totally stumped on the "What is your greatest challenge in becoming a physician" question. Since I worked while I went to college, the work-load in medical school doesn't seem to me as the greatest challenge. I am also fairly confident in the material. I really don't know how to answer this question since I don't know what it is going to be like in medical school. Any suggestions on how you guys approached this question? The only thing I can think of is being far away from my family since I have been living with them the past 24 years...but that doesn't seem like it should be a challenge and could be looked down upon, right?

I think being truthful is the way to go here. If you think that being away from your family during your medical training is going to be a challenge you can spin this. "During medical school and my training it will be challenging to be apart from my family. For the past 24 years my family has been my support network...blah blah. However, I am confident that I will be able to overcome this challenge by..."

I wouldn't be too worried about something being "looked down upon" because the question does ask you for a challenge. Recognizing a challenge and determining way to overcome the challenge shows maturity!

 

[dsoz]

I think being truthful is the way to go here. If you think that being away from your family during your medical training is going to be a challenge you can spin this. "During medical school and my training it will be challenging to be apart from my family. For the past 24 years my family has been my support network...blah blah. However, I am confident that I will be able to overcome this challenge by..."

I wouldn't be too worried about something being "looked down upon" because the question does ask you for a challenge. Recognizing a challenge and determining way to overcome the challenge shows maturity!

+1.

For every challenge that I presented (a list of three or four things), I countered with a way that I will be able to overcome the challenge, or a reason that the challenge is not a valid issue.

dsoz

 

[ddb]

Interview Invite this afternoon! I'm in-state, and I was complete on 8/10. The dates offered were 10/10 and 10/12.

 

[ddb]

I think being truthful is the way to go here. If you think that being away from your family during your medical training is going to be a challenge you can spin this. "During medical school and my training it will be challenging to be apart from my family. For the past 24 years my family has been my support network...blah blah. However, I am confident that I will be able to overcome this challenge by..."

I wouldn't be too worried about something being "looked down upon" because the question does ask you for a challenge. Recognizing a challenge and determining way to overcome the challenge shows maturity!

I agree about being honest, but be super careful to spin it positively. I was rejected last year and in the feedback they explicitly mentioned my response to this question as raising concerns for them. Not to scare anyone, but these answers can make or break you.

EDIT: Not that your idea has much risk for being interpreted negatively! I meant that tip for a general audience. As long as you don't make it sound like you're going to fail because you won't have any support. You have to make sure to say how you're going to overcome it, as dsoz and init2winit said. 🙂

 

[Guero]

Oops. In retrospect, now I'm hoping mine didn't sound glib. :-o

 

[dsoz]

Interview Invite this afternoon! I'm in-state, and I was complete on 8/10. The dates offered were 10/10 and 10/12.

Congrats! That means that the rest of us should be hearing any time now.

Was it email or phone call?

dsoz

 

[caritasc]

Woohoo! Interview invite this afternoon via email! My app was complete on 8/03. Scheduled interview for 10/10.

 

[init2winit]

Oops. In retrospect, now I'm hoping mine didn't sound glib. :-o

Eeks me too. Off to re-read my answer to this question and worry.

And congrats on the interview invites folks!!!

 

[Guero]

Eeks me too. Off to re-read my answer to this question and worry.

And congrats on the interview invites folks!!!

LoL, at least I've been able to resist rereading. 🙂

 

[ddb]

Eeks me too. Off to re-read my answer to this question and worry.

And congrats on the interview invites folks!!!

Sorry guys, I'm not trying to make anyone worry! I think my problem was that I cast myself in a negative light and didn't offer enough positives or chance for improvements. Sorry if I stressed anyone out! 🙂

 

[init2winit]

Sorry guys, I'm not trying to make anyone worry! I think my problem was that I cast myself in a negative light and didn't offer enough positives or chance for improvements. Sorry if I stressed anyone out! 🙂

No problem--not your fault. I am overly worried about OHSU, that's all. 🙂

Btw (via MDapps) you and I have similar backgrounds--non-trad/MPH, etc. Best of luck!

 

[rgll]

Congrats to all of you getting interviews! I hope you all are getting excited to visit OHSU because I'm definitely excited to welcome you guys to our campus. The weather has been unexpectedly wonderful recently, so hopefully if you schedule an early interview, you'll get to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and the great outdoors during your visit. 🙂

 

[ddb]

No problem--not your fault. I am overly worried about OHSU, that's all. 🙂

Btw (via MDapps) you and I have similar backgrounds--non-trad/MPH, etc. Best of luck!

Thanks! Good luck to you too! Do you have any specific vision of integrating your MPH or other background experience into your MD, or is this more of a career switch for you? I'm interested in seeing how others view their return to school and what schools are best for those goals. Maybe I should start a new thread in the non-trad forum. 🙂

 

[spazz911]

Woot woot! Interview invite this morning, excited to show 'em what I'm all about.

 

[init2winit]

Finally complete. Took a full 6 weeks.

Now the real waiting begins!

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Finally complete. Took a full 6 weeks.

Now the real waiting begins!

Well heck, I guess I have another couple weeks then.

 

[elevenses]

Edit: I'm still not complete at OHSU either. Freaking slowest school ever.

 

[piano1]

Can someone tell me how you tell if you are complete? Thanks!

 

[DAPI]

Can someone tell me how you tell if you are complete? Thanks!

On the portal under "Your secondary application has been processed." It says, "Your file was complete on [insert date]."

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile.

 

[Guero]

On the portal under "Your secondary application has been processed." It says, "Your file was complete on [insert date]."

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile.

Make sure you scroll all the way down, too. It's kind of hidden.

 

[encephalon]

Is there some kind of OOS grade requirement?

Edit: Oh i guess it's 3.65.. nevermind! Answering my own question lol

 

[GomerPyle]

Is there some kind of OOS grade requirement?

Edit: Oh i guess it's 3.65.. nevermind! Answering my own question lol

This is the GPA requirement for OOS? I didn't think they had requirements...

 

[cherahla]

"The most successful applicants," have scores that meet the requirements, but I know for a fact that they make exceptions.

 

[dsoz]

This is the GPA requirement for OOS? I didn't think they had requirements...

For OOS, to be considered you need to meet one of the "mission based groups" which include GPA and MCAT minimums.

• Residents of Oregon.
• .Non-resident applicants with Oregon Heritage. The School of Medicine uses the Oregon Heritage Policy for student selection..,. .but it is not used as a basis for determining residency..,. .and therefore the tuition a student pays. Oregon Heritage is defined as 1) A student with one or both parents residing in Oregon at the time of application, 2) A student who graduated from high school in Oregon with at least two years at a high school in Oregon, or 3). .A student who graduated from an institution of higher education in Oregon with at least two years at an institution in Oregon..
• WICHE-Certified residents of Montana and Wyoming.
• Applicants applying to the M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./M.P.H. Combined Degree Programs.
• Non-resident applicants with superior achievements in academics and other related experiences. For the 2013 cycle, superior academics is defined as a cumulative Total GPA, as reported by AMCAS, of 3.65 or higher and a cumulative score of 32 or higher on the most-recent eligible MCAT.
• The School of Medicine Admissions Committee fully recognizes the importance of diversity in its student body and in the physician workforce in providing for effective delivery of health care. Accordingly, the OHSU School of Medicine strongly encourages applications from persons from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds and from persons from groups underrepresented in medicine.

They say that for the past few years, they have not had to extend acceptances past people that have met a "mission group."

HTH
dsoz

 

[DAPI]

INTERVIEW INVITE!!!!

See MD App for details.

Edit: Dates available: October 26, November 9, November 16

 

[Guero]

INTERVIEW INVITE!!!!

See MD App for details.

Gratz!!!!! *so benignly jealous* 🙂

 

[init2winit]

Congrats/so jealous/love OHSU/good luck all!!!

 

[dsoz]

INTERVIEW INVITE!!!!

See MD App for details.

Edit: Dates available: October 26, November 9, November 16

Same for me today. Congrats to you!

I had almost given up on OHSU.

dsoz

 

[DAPI]

Same for me today. Congrats to you!

I had almost given up on OHSU.

dsoz

Oh dsoz, I'm so happy we got it together! I feel like you're one of the few other very active Oregon residents on here and I think of you as a buddy lol.

Maybe we will meet if we have our interviews on the same day! Best of luck to you!

Thanks to everyone else too! Your time will come!

 

[dsoz]

Oh dsoz, I'm so happy we got it together! I feel like you're one of the few other very active Oregon residents on here and I think of you as a buddy lol.

Maybe we will meet if we have our interviews on the same day! Best of luck to you!

Thanks to everyone else too! Your time will come!

I agree. I requested the October date. If that one if full then I asked for the Nov 9.

If we are on the same date, make sure we find each other so we can at least say that we met in real life.

I share the same feeling towards anyone that is also from Oregon.

dsoz

 

[ddb]

Congratulations you too! Don't forget about our plan to meet up in Portland sometime this fall. We should start thinking about that now, I guess.

 

[DAPI]

I recommend Henry's Tavern. They have the best beer selection in town and some mighty fine food.

 

[askamsky51]

I recommend Henry's Tavern. They have the best beer selection in town and some mighty fine food.

Henry's is expensive though, so over-priced! They get away with it though because of the reputation/atmosphere.

 

[DAPI]

Henry's is expensive though, so over-priced! They get away with it though because of the reputation/atmosphere.

Just a recommendation, but I think the extra dollar or two makes it worth it when you compare it to Rock Bottom. If you want over priced try Brix Tavern.

 

[mybubbles627]

Congrats on the interviews! Maybe I will see you guys on campus! I think I will be giving tours on some interview days. OHSU is very slow with giving interview invites so don't give up hope if you haven't gotten one yet.

 

[caritasc]

So, who is psyched to try this new MMI format??? It's going to be a really interesting experience, I think!

 

[DAPI]

I agree. I requested the October date. If that one if full then I asked for the Nov 9.

If we are on the same date, make sure we find each other so we can at least say that we met in real life.

I share the same feeling towards anyone that is also from Oregon.

dsoz

Just got an email confirming the October 26th date! Let me know if you get that date too!

 

[dsoz]

Just got an email confirming the October 26th date! Let me know if you get that date too!

They are working late. Yes, I have October 26. Let's talk about getting coffee before the fun starts.

dsoz

 

[dsoz]

So, who is psyched to try this new MMI format??? It's going to be a really interesting experience, I think!

I had a two station MMI at the COMP-NW interview on Saturday, then a ten station MMI at the U of A, Phoenix interview that I was at on Monday.

They are not bad. Just play their game. If you have had acting classes before, it is a lot like improvisation. Also, some of the stations are like a traditional interview question, just you have only a few minutes to give a clear, concise, answer. You cannot ramble on about some nonsense. Answer the question, and any followups that the interviewer has.

I think that I do well in the traditional interview model. I can usually tell my story in a way that is entertaining and engaging. (I am used to working with high school students). I did not like the group interview (LECOM-B style). I was OK with the MMI at Phoenix (still waiting to hear how I did). I can't imagine that the MMI at OHSU will be much different.

Also, it is not really new. I believe that they used it last year at OHSU. That is why so many people were put on post-interview hold until May. My only hope is that they have some working knowledge of how it will work out this year and not put so many people on post-interview hold this year. Ya, right (sarcasm)

dsoz

 

[Dianyla]

Also, it is not really new. I believe that they used it last year at OHSU.

Correct, they used MMI last year. I was glad I interviewed late in the season, after they had worked out more of their kinks. I really enjoyed it, it was lots of fun.

That is why so many people were put on post-interview hold until May. My only hope is that they have some working knowledge of how it will work out this year and not put so many people on post-interview hold this year. Ya, right (sarcasm)

No. They put most people on hold because they put most people on hold. That's just how they roll. 🙄

 

[Ellie Arroway]

I'm a fan of little eastside neighborhood bars, myself. But throw a rock in Portland and you'll probably hit good beer.

 

[DAPI]

I'm a fan of little eastside neighborhood bars, myself. But throw a rock in Portland and you'll probably hit good beer.

Ever been out to Hop & Vine out in North Portland (but on the east side)? That's a pretty good place.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Ever been out to Hop & Vine out in North Portland (but on the east side)? That's a pretty good place.

Somehow I didn't know that existed, and it's a mile from my house. And like 5 blocks from my favorite coffee shop. I like the Bye & Bye when it's not too crowded, & the Mash Tun is nice also.