2012-2013 Oregon Health and Science University Application Thread

[elevenses]

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Yeah, you're correct; it's not MSTP backed anymore. But that could change. They still have full tuition covered plus a stipend. And it's always something I wanted to do. I applied all MSTP my first cycle and only two MSTPs this year based on my MCAT. My stupid MCAT was the issue everytime. Had I known they would've considered me, I'd have applied to their MD/PhD in the first place. I just figured I had a better chance with the MPH than the MD/PhD. Ooops. 🙁

As for the financial benefit, $82k of debt with accrued interest is a heck of a lot better than $328k. As a physician scientist, I wouldn't make nearly as much as your typical clinician.

Hahaha, I totally stumbled upon this in reply to someone talking about how huge of gamble this is:

If you would rather do an MD/PhD than MD-only regardless, I say go for it.

 

[jfirefox]

If you would rather do an MD/PhD than MD-only regardless, I say go for it.

It doesn't sound like it is regardless though. It sounds like he would like to do MSTP... but if he can't do MSTP he'd rather go with the cheaper option.

Please correct me if I am wrong guero.

 

[mybubbles627]

Okay, without catching up, OHSU's MSTP (MD/PhD) program said they'd "probably interview" me and that my application credentials look "reasonable" for admission. Omg, I have two days to decide and no guarantee of which will be the best option: potentially paying $82k overall at OHSU thanks to the waived tuition and provided living expenses of the MD/PhD program with better school credentials and better locale, but risking non-admission and consequent $328k indebtedness versus $150-180k guaranteed at UT with lesser credentials, horrible city, but great clinicals... AHHHH!

Advice? Again?

For me this still isn't good enough. None of those are guarentee's and it is too big a risk. Also, I know there are current MD/Phd students who don't have all their tuition covered due to lack of funding so I doubt any extra money will come about to take on extra students that weren't initially accepted into the dual program. Good luck with your decision!

 

[exitonly29]

He's also the guy who walks by with the S3

 

[Guero]

It doesn't sound like it is regardless though. It sounds like he would like to do MSTP... but if he can't do MSTP he'd rather go with the cheaper option.

Please correct me if I am wrong guero.

You're absolutely correct.

He's also the guy who walks by with the S3

After an hour and 45 minute, 6.5mi hike through a beautiful local park, I finally decided on UT. I just can't risk ending up with $328k solely from med school, for a grand total of $453k upon graduation, not including accrued interest. I just can't. Even if I pursued neurodermaplastic surgery, it'd still take a good while for me to pay that crap off. It freaking sucks; but I'll just do the very best I can at UT, study my butt off, and try to blow that Step out of the water so OHSU will interview me and find out I only went to UT because it was the most responsible, logical, and sound decision. After all, they did get dinged for their lack of funding and outrageous tuition. Perhaps that will be remembered when it comes time to interview me. 🙂

Thank you all for your time, advice, opinions, and perspectives. It will mean a great deal to me if one of you receives my seat when I reluctantly send in my withdrawal within the next day or two. I'll post when I submit and see if anyone gets notification soon thereafter.

 

[dsoz]

Sorry to see you go Guero, but it does seem like a better choice for you right now. We could have had lots of fun, you would have been the interesting spice in the class.

I wish you the best of luck at UT. You will be awesome anywhere, and you will make anywhere you go more awesome for your presence.

dsoz

Now serving number 2 at window number 4.

 

[Guero]

Sorry to see you go Guero, but it does seem like a better choice for you right now. We could have had lots of fun, you would have been the interesting spice in the class.

I wish you the best of luck at UT. You will be awesome anywhere, and you will make anywhere you go more awesome for your presence.

dsoz

Now serving number 2 at window number 4.

Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging words. There's always the possibility of residency. 😉

HAHAHA, that "Now serving" comment totally reminds me of Beetlejuice:

[YOUTUBE]hiJ0_Ht9l48[/YOUTUBE]

 

[oenofthehopeful]

From the facebook page, OHSU seems to love non-traditional students. The older, the better. A gap year could be very good for you. Do something to get life experience that you can write about in your essays.

Volunteer (if you can afford it) somewhere interesting. Travel somewhere exotic. Take a job that puts you in the real world (not academia). Heck, just being a Barista at BarStucks would allow you to meet interesting people.

I may be wrong, but that would be my advice. And I have given a lot of advice to many students over my career as a high school teacher for 19 years. 🙂

dsoz

Dsoz, thank you so much for your advice.
Yeah I noticed too that OHSU loves non-traditional, and it's good to know they care more than just stats. It is still a scary thought to stop going to school all together, school for 18 year straight then real world?!

On a slightly different note, do you know how strongly they weight the last term of college? I had finished all my graduation requirements last term, and so is only staying behind this term to take molecular genetics and work. Since I'm taking such a light load, I should be more focused on the class...Unfortunately thoughI have some family health issues going on right now (which is actually making me consider a gap year even more), and it's been really negatively affecting my academics.

 

[oenofthehopeful]

I think it is far more about What you learn from this next year's experience, combined with your lessons from this application process, than what you do. I personally went and did research for a year, I chose research because I had next to zero research experience and this allowed me to gain more of an understanding about other areas of medicine. I would recommend doing something new. If your volunteer hours are out the wazoo but lack research go there, if you have never traveled travel. I think they are mainly looking for personal growth and what you learned about your year's adventure and how it has influenced you as a person, and as a future healthcare provider.

I have don't really have any research experience, however at the same time I don't really have any interest in research (I did it for a month and didn't enjoy being in the lab all the time). Should I still be pursuing it since it's regarded highly? Or can/should I explain that my lack of research experience is due to lack of interest in research and more interest in clinical?😕

Your post has inspired me to start a blog to track my random thoughts and experiences (be it gap year or not). I think it'd be a great reflective tool for my future self, especially when it comes time to write a personal statement. Thank you for the advice!

 

[dsoz]

It does not need to be a blog. I kept a notepad journal on an iPod touch for the first few months that I volunteered. I noticed a change in what I thought in even that short of time. It also kept it personal.

It may be something that I consider doing again as I end this school year and start in August.

 

[Guero]

Withdrawn 🙁

 

[dreamdoc821]

Withdrawn 🙁

Sad 🙁 But definitely the best decision in that situation and I'm sure you will do wonderful at UT. Plus I'm sure you just made someone on the waitlist dream come true, when they may not have had another option 🙂

 

[Guero]

Sad 🙁 But definitely the best decision in that situation and I'm sure you will do wonderful at UT. Plus I'm sure you just made someone on the waitlist dream come true, when they may not have had another option 🙂

Indeed. That's my only solace, my seat going to a deserving WLer...well, that and over $150k

 

[karis0166]

Withdrawn 🙁

Aww! We (do and shall) miss you! I didn't even get in (yet) and I miss you!~

But that said, I think you're making the right choice. You can come rotate here during your MD training perhaps, do a residency or fellowship here, whatever. I know it's not guaranteed, but I think if you continue to really want the "OHSU experience" so much, you will indeed make it happen. And you'll be great! Congratulations!

 

[PKAguy2202]

I have don't really have any research experience, however at the same time I don't really have any interest in research (I did it for a month and didn't enjoy being in the lab all the time). Should I still be pursuing it since it's regarded highly? Or can/should I explain that my lack of research experience is due to lack of interest in research and more interest in clinical?😕

Your post has inspired me to start a blog to track my random thoughts and experiences (be it gap year or not). I think it'd be a great reflective tool for my future self, especially when it comes time to write a personal statement. Thank you for the advice!

This is just my opinion and who actually knows what is going through the mind of adcoms, but I know going into this year I had ZERO, ZIP, NO interest in research. However, many people told me I should still pursue it to some degree. I ended up loving what I do here with my research year and would highly consider it as a part of my future. I think adcoms don't want you to say you dislike or have no interest in something you have really never tried (1 month is a small sample size, I had 3 months in undergrad that didn't teach me squat). I think regardless of whether you love it, hate it, or its just meh, what you learn from your experience will be the key. Remember there is more to medicine than the clinical aspect. Even if you walk away from your year saying, "I would never in a million years do this again." Hopefully what you will have learned that we as future clinicians still rely heavily on the advancements made in the labs to help further our own practice. Clinical physicians are no longer the "gods" they were in the early to mid 1900s. They are now more team leaders as opposed to kings. They work with a team, dieticians, PTs, PAs, ATCs, nurses, PhDs, etc in order to help provide our patient with the most well rounded and complete care possible. Advancements made in any field of healthcare are important for the improved outcomes of our future patients. I think that is what you can come away with.

 

[trueoregonian]

Withdrawn 🙁

Guero, now you are my hero for the day!!! As much as I appreciate your decision because the wait list is going to need as much help as possible to get deep enough for me, I truly believe it is the best decision for YOU! You'll be awesome no matter where you end up 🙂

 

[Guero]

Aww! We (do and shall) miss you! I didn't even get in (yet) and I miss you!~

But that said, I think you're making the right choice. You can come rotate here during your MD training perhaps, do a residency or fellowship here, whatever. I know it's not guaranteed, but I think if you continue to really want the "OHSU experience" so much, you will indeed make it happen. And you'll be great! Congratulations!

Guero, now you are my hero for the day!!! As much as I appreciate your decision because the wait list is going to need as much help as possible to get deep enough for me, I truly believe it is the best decision for YOU! You'll be awesome no matter where you end up 🙂

You're both so darn sweet! I really appreciate such kind words. The feelings are entirely mutual. 😉 You'll both be awesome sauce, too!

 

[BFlove]

Does anyone on here like cookies? I only ask because I love cookies and am wondering if the OHSU cafeteria serves them. If so, are they fresh? Do they cook them till they are hard, or do they only cook them till they are gooey and delicious? I love gooey things. Mmmmmmmm

 

[bluepotato]

Does anyone on here like cookies? I only ask because I love cookies and am wondering if the OHSU cafeteria serves them. If so, are they fresh? Do they cook them till they are hard, or do they only cook them till they are gooey and delicious? I love gooey things. Mmmmmmmm

Nobody answer this until I'm off the alternate list! The wait is bad enough now; it's going to be unbearable if I know there are amazing cookies hanging in the balance

 

[RurMed]

Nobody answer this until I'm off the alternate list! The wait is bad enough now; it's going to be unbearable if I know there are amazing cookies hanging in the balance

I second that, no more cookie talk until I am off the list.

 

[Dianyla]

Does anyone on here like cookies? I only ask because I love cookies and am wondering if the OHSU cafeteria serves them. If so, are they fresh? Do they cook them till they are hard, or do they only cook them till they are gooey and delicious? I love gooey things. Mmmmmmmm

Nobody answer this until I'm off the alternate list! The wait is bad enough now; it's going to be unbearable if I know there are amazing cookies hanging in the balance

I second that, no more cookie talk until I am off the list.

Exhibit A, from the main cafeteria, 21:00 hours this evening.

I haven't extensively sampled the cookie offerings. I had at least one bad experience (a cookie that reeked of saranwrap) and a few tasty experiences. I'm sure if you timed it right for peak post-oven aromaticity the cookies would be pretty awesome. 👍

 

[bluepotato]

Exhibit A, from the main cafeteria, 21:00 hours this evening.

I haven't extensively sampled the cookie offerings. I had at least one bad experience (a cookie that reeked of saranwrap) and a few tasty experiences. I'm sure if you timed it right for peak post-oven aromaticity the cookies would be pretty awesome. 👍

You bastard! At least they aren't chocolate chip. That would just be cruel.

 

[RurMed]

Sigh

Very nervous on the waiting list. Anyone hear anything yet? I am super anxious.

 

[Dianyla]

Sigh

Very nervous on the waiting list. Anyone hear anything yet? I am super anxious.

Tomorrow, gwasshoppa.

 

[bluepotato]

Tomorrow, gwasshoppa.

 

[LogicofMan]

Tomorrow, gwasshoppa.

Will news regarding waitlist movement be officially released today, or do we just expect people to be posting about their withdrawals on SDN?

 

[dsoz]

Yesterday is the last day that people can hold more than one acceptance. Today should have a lot of waitlist movement as people notify OHSU that they want to go to a different school (I can't imagine why they would want something like that).

I believe that the portal will list the wait list number they have offered an acceptance to. Check your portal.

dsoz

Edit: I just checked and the message that they have posted is from 5/8/2013 still

Message Board for All Applicants:
5/8/2013

Applicants to the 2013 admissions cycle:

The entering placements have been chosen along with a ranked alternate list. The status of the alternate list will be online soon. Alternate positions are held through first-year student orientation, which concludes on August 16, 2013.

Please continue to check the Admissions Portal for the most up-to-date information concerning your application.

 

[clued]

Yesterday is the last day that people can hold more than one acceptance. Today should have a lot of waitlist movement as people notify OHSU that they want to go to a different school (I can't imagine why they would want something like that).

I believe that the portal will list the wait list number they have offered an acceptance to. Check your portal.

dsoz

Nothing in the portal. Also, those who were waitlisted have until May 18th to decide whether or not to stay on the list. I'm sure that will affect when we will start hearing about movement.

As for the bolded part, it's probably that $82K+ COA. It is at least for me. 😉

 

[bluepotato]

Will news regarding waitlist movement be officially released today, or do we just expect people to be posting about their withdrawals on SDN?

I think the email said that waitlist status stuff won't be published on the portal until the beginning of June. Maybe they're just saying that to give themselves a little extra time, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[bananaphones]

Anybody else giving up hope that there will be alternate list movement this week?

 

[pat917]

I had given up hope as well, until I got the acceptance email at 2:01pm today! This means that they're through number 4 and the waitlist is moving. Can't wait to meet all of you fine folks in the near future. Good luck to everyone!

 

[bluepotato]

I had given up hope as well, until I got the acceptance email at 2:01pm today! This means that they're through number 4 and the waitlist is moving. Can't wait to meet all of you fine folks in the near future. Good luck to everyone!

Awesome, congratulations!!

 

[bananaphones]

I had given up hope as well, until I got the acceptance email at 2:01pm today! This means that they're through number 4 and the waitlist is moving. Can't wait to meet all of you fine folks in the near future. Good luck to everyone!

Congratulations! Lets hope that wait list keeps on moving!

 

[mybubbles627]

I know its at least to #9!

 

[BFlove]

Woot woot!! Congratulations! Sweetness that the list is on the move.

 

[bluepotato]

I know its at least to #9!

Awesome. I wouldn't mind if it kept up a ~10 spots/day pace

 

[BFlove]

Officially at least to Number 13! Can't wait to meet you guys this fall!

 

[bananaphones]

Awesome. I wouldn't mind if it kept up a ~10 spots/day pace

Lets hope for a ~20 spots/day pace!

 

[getmdinfo]

Lets hope for a ~20 spots/day pace!

Any news from SDN # 546224 or # 397889?

 

[pmont]

Any news from SDN # 546224 or # 397889?

I was #22 and got the email about half an hour ago. I'm in!

80% sure i'm going... I've got a lot of thinking to do.

 

[askamsky51]

Also this is pretty interesting 😛

http://www.popsci.com/science/artic...reate-human-clone-embryo-stem-cell-harvesting

ohsu can now call "first" /inb4govtlock

 

[bananaphones]

The admissions portal now says, "Accepted Through: 26"

 

[Dianyla]

The admissions portal now says, "Accepted Through: 26"

Not too shabby for the first day of WL movement!

The question now is how soon the asymptote will flatten out...

 

[bluepotato]

Not too shabby for the first day of WL movement!

The question now is how soon the asymptote will flatten out...

Talk nerdy to me

So to anyone who's just come off the wait list, how long do you have to respond to your acceptance offer?

 

[LogicofMan]

just to reduce the strain on my computer from habitually refreshing the page every 4 or 5 seconds, do y'all think it's safe to assume the list will only move during business hours/when Kathryn's in the office?

 

[RurMed]

#23 here, celebrating, my only acceptance out of 21 schools.

Thank God, this was an absolutely terrifying ordeal.

My heart goes out to all the beautiful people still waiting or facing rejection. God bless you, I am 29 years old and life is not over if you don't get in at 21-22. Good luck and keep faith.

 

[dsoz]

just to reduce the strain on my computer from habitually refreshing the page every 4 or 5 seconds, do y'all think it's safe to assume the list will only move during business hours/when Kathryn's in the office?

I would say it is safe to assume that. A human is needed to accept the notification that someone is not accepting their spot, then someone needs to change the message on the computer. Even though we are in an age where computers do most things, they still need us mere-flesh-and-blood organisms to do things like add paper, change toner cartridges, and update the status of the wait list number. 🙂

Tomorrow brings a new day, and maybe some more wait list movement.

Congratulations to all that heard today, and good luck for those that are close! May good news come your way early.

dsoz

Edit: I just realized that there is a second look scheduled for tomorrow. Katy will probably be too busy in the afternoon to adjust wait list spots. If you don't hear by noon or so, you may be waiting for Monday. 🙁

 

[getmdinfo]

Nothing today :-(

 

[studiousduck]

To everyone who has been accepted to OHSU:

Congratulations! I would like to inform you of a wonderful housing opportunity at the OHSU Coop (Phi Beta Pi). It is not a fraternity, but rather a friendly coed housing cooperative. The perks include communal living with other OHSU students and $250/month rent on the hill. If you are interested, apply NOW since applications are due May 31, 2013. Here is the website for more information: http://www.ohsucoop.com/

 

[dsoz]

The OHSU website is starting to get updated for 2013. http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/students/incoming-students.cfm

It is mostly the same as for 2012. The first schedule has not been updated.

There is a required summer reading:
"A Taste of My Own Medicine" by Edward E. Rosenbaum

I just ordered a copy off Amazon for $0.73 + $3.99 shipping.

dsoz