2012-2013 Penn State Application Thread

[Doctor Strange]

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So questions:

1. Who's interviewing tomorrow (see you there)?
2. Is there breakfast?
3. Is there a free parking lot?

 

[IRASNA]

+1 Submitted on 8/10 and still nothing. 😎

Also been waiting to be complete for a while now (8/6)

 

[PreMedGirl88]

Also been waiting to be complete for a while now (8/6)

+1

Did you get any sort of message saying that everything was received aside from the message on the secondary app checker?

 

[Black Mamba24]

+1

Did you get any sort of message saying that everything was received aside from the message on the secondary app checker?

Yeah, I got an email saying that they have received my application, but it explicitly stated that it didn't mean that I was complete.

 

[R4lst0nya]

1) Interviewed last week
2) No breakfast but you get lunch
3) didn't park, sorry

 

[IRASNA]

+1

Did you get any sort of message saying that everything was received aside from the message on the secondary app checker?

Just an email after I submitted the secondary. It said I wasn't complete yet.

 

[nighthawk4900]

So questions:

1. Who's interviewing tomorrow (see you there)?
2. Is there breakfast?
3. Is there a free parking lot?

1. Already interviewed
2. Lunch, no breakfast (I was in the 10:30 group anyway)
3. I parked in front of the fitness center and walked across the lawn straight to the biomedical building.

 

[R4lst0nya]

1. Already interviewed
2. Lunch, no breakfast (I was in the 10:30 group anyway)
3. I parked in front of the fitness center and walked across the lawn straight to the biomedical building.

No matter which interview group you are in, you get to eat lunch with a few medical students and ask questions. they really stressed that lunch was "not on the record" and that there were no "secret cameras" so ask away. I asked about what they do for fun in Hershey and you would be surprised by some of their answers.

 

[sinombre]

No matter which interview group you are in, you get to eat lunch with a few medical students and ask questions. they really stressed that lunch was "not on the record" and that there were no "secret cameras" so ask away. I asked about what they do for fun in Hershey and you would be surprised by some of their answers.

Do you mind elaborating?

 

[R4lst0nya]

Do you mind elaborating?

Yea. a couple women said they go horse back riding, groups travel to nearby Philly/NY/Boston/NJ on some weekends (they just got back from a Baltimore trip), whole bunch of different student groups to meet people, etc. but everyone was in agreement that they don't really have too much free time as med students (saw that one coming). They also admitted that rural PA is lacking in the bar/entertainment scene

 

[Doctor Strange]

So, I had my interview today and just thought I'd share my experience.

First of all, hello to everyone that I met today! Some people actually deduced my SDN identity from my name, which was fun. Definitely PM me and let me know who you are (bad with names)/how your interviews went.

In any case, I've been to two interviews before PSU, and I can say with a reasonable amount of confidence that I like PSU the most. Georgetown is a very close second, and Drexel was just okay for me.

The day started out a little hectic, simply because I was lost trying to find a place to park and getting to the Biomedical Research Building. I drove in from Lancaster, which is about half an hour away. The campus is quite large, but with the help of an employee, I was able to find my way with reasonable ease.

I was with the morning group, so I had interviews first thing in the morning starting at 9am. There were two faculty interviews, which both went quite well. Admissions staff will walk you to and from your interviews, so that there is no confusion as to where you're going. The interviews themselves were relaxed and very much focused on what I wanted to highlight in my application. The two docs I met were cool guys, and I hope to meet them again in the future.

The admissions presentation that followed my interviews was very informative, and I learned about quite a number of things at PSU that really interested me. They're starting a "new" curriculum next fall that I think looks quite promising. This was followed by a brief talk with the Associate Dean of Admissions, who gave us a very honest and down-to-earth talk about healthcare and healthcare policy.

After this was lunch with some current students. They were all very nice and approachable and really wanted to be there to help us make informative decisions about med school.

Lunch was followed by a tour. After that ended, the day was over for the morning group, we signed out, and the afternoon group began their interviews.

Like I said, PSU has jumped to the top of my list of med schools. Not only is the institution a fine one academically, but the atmosphere in the area is extremely welcoming. Everyone was very nice and is there to help you along your way; they want you to succeed. After both my interviews, I had some downtime in the docs' offices and ended up having two very pleasant conversations with their secretaries. It's the kind of environment I grew up in living in Lancaster, and I'd very much like to return "home" and do my medical education.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me.

Good luck, guys!

 

[mtremblay]

+1 ! Also interviewed this morning and was very impressed with the school. I can't compare it to other schools because this was my first interview but I must say I would love going here!

 

[CoogiBear]

Rejection letter 🙁🙁🙁 32/3.75 OOS

Crap! We have almost the same stats. I have yet to receive the "complete" email but this makes me worry. Sorry about that! I hope you get more IIs.

 

[j0tt3r]

II today! Complete 9/27 after submitting 8/7, so if you're still waiting to be marked complete you're still in the running. OOS.

 

[thekay]

.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Anybody know the interview to acceptance ratio (not interview to matriculate)?

 

[starstarie]

Just got an interview invite!!

Anyone know when they are scheduling for/ how flexible with the dates they are? I'm going to be in PA in mid Oct... I was hoping to kill a few birds with one stone there hehe

 

[eggs13]

Anybody know the interview to acceptance ratio (not interview to matriculate)?

i'm curious about this as well

also, I can't seem to be able to access my secondary responses anymore. I wanted to review them to prepare for my interview. Does anyone know how to access them once submitted, or is this not possible?

Thanks!

 

[MeGoodManIThink]

Just got an interview invite!!

Anyone know when they are scheduling for/ how flexible with the dates they are? I'm going to be in PA in mid Oct... I was hoping to kill a few birds with one stone there hehe

when were you complete?

 

[EnergyDrink]

>>>Our records indicate ....

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

 

[farnell]

>>>Our records indicate ....

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Same, complete since mid-August...doesn't necessarily mean we are rejected though, hopefully II within the next couple of months!!

 

[icevermin]

Still waiting! Complete 9/19. I'm so nervous ahhhh

 

[skyline5791]

Last week, I got a letter from the Associate Dean of Admissions saying that my application would be periodically reviewed throughout the course of the application cycle. However, yesterday I received a new MCAT score with a big improvement (32 from a 26). Should I send an email or letter with an update, and would it help at all?

Thanks!

 

[sinombre]

Last week, I got a letter from the Associate Dean of Admissions saying that my application would be periodically reviewed throughout the course of the application cycle. However, yesterday I received a new MCAT score with a big improvement (32 from a 26). Should I send an email or letter with an update, and would it help at all?

Thanks!

I doubt this would hurt you... I probably would just to be safe.

Also, congrats!

 

[farnell]

Put on hold via snail mail this afternoon. At least its not a rejection!

 

[UD332]

"Continue to Review" letter in mail today. OOS, 32MCAT, 3.64gpa. Complete 08/29

 

[gbc85]

I submitted 8/15 and still haven't heard anything, and my status page still says the "haven't yet determined if your app is complete" line. I don't know what to make of this

 

[imcanadaian]

i submitted 8/15 and still haven't heard anything, and my status page still says the "haven't yet determined if your app is complete" line. I don't know what to make of this

+1

 

[Doctor Strange]

They told us at the interview day that there are FIVE people going over the 8,000+ applications. You'll hear from them when you hear from them. Unless you've been explicitly told otherwise, you're still "in the running."

 

[EnergyDrink]

They told us at the interview day that there are FIVE people going over the 8,000+ applications. You'll hear from them when you hear from them. Unless you've been explicitly told otherwise, you're still "in the running."

Good to know. Also nice knowing I didn't receive a "hold" letter in the mail yet.

 

[betheltim]

They told us at the interview day that there are FIVE people going over the 8,000+ applications. You'll hear from them when you hear from them. Unless you've been explicitly told otherwise, you're still "in the running."

Wouldn't be surprised if that's how it is at nearly all the schools... Which is the reason I'm sitting back and relaxing this interview season. 😎😀

 

[Doctor Strange]

Does anybody know about post-interview letters of intent at PSU? If not, I'll give them a call and ask about it.

I absolutely love PSU.

EDIT: Okay, I just went ahead and called. I was told that letters of intent are fine and should be directed to Marc Lubbers, the director of admissions. The impression I got was that they would prefer a snail mail LOI.

 

[Procyon]

For some reason I had a dream that this school rejected me last night.

...I'm still not even "complete" even though I submitted my stuff almost two months ago though. 🙄

 

[Raion]

Hey guys, I just finished interviewing here last week and this is an AMAZING school. The school looks brand new and it is constantly expanding. As for the interview, there were two separate 1on1 interviews, each 30 minutes long. They are mainly interested about yourself and both were very nice.

This is an OOS school for me but it is definitely my top choice now. I am completely impressed by this school.

 

[icevermin]

II !!!

Any tips?? I'm so nervous, I'm an OOS applicant and Im driving in from NJ.

 

[chd2011]

I have submitted my primary application to penn through AMCAS on 27th September...
I haven't yet received any email from them...
It is said that all applicants will receive secondary application forms so what happened to mine ?!

 

[wizedw]

I have submitted my primary application to penn through AMCAS on 27th September...
I haven't yet received any email from them...
It is said that all applicants will receive secondary application forms so what happened to mine ?!

Email them? Make sure you have the right school tho, this is Penn State (pennsylvania state university) not Penn (University of Pennsylvania) Also its only been like a week now

 

[Doctor Strange]

Drafted my LOI, but I think I'll wait post-decision to send it. A part of me wants to know if I can get in based solely on my application/interview and not with the addition (whether or not it helps) of a "promise."

 

[chd2011]

Email them? Make sure you have the right school tho, this is Penn State (pennsylvania state university) not Penn (University of Pennsylvania) Also its only been like a week now

It is the right school !! AMCAS said they have sent the primary application....
how long did it take for you guys to receive secondary application request email ?

 

[Fuska2012]

Hey guys, I just finished interviewing here last week and this is an AMAZING school. The school looks brand new and it is constantly expanding. As for the interview, there were two separate 1on1 interviews, each 30 minutes long. They are mainly interested about yourself and both were very nice.

This is an OOS school for me but it is definitely my top choice now. I am completely impressed by this school.

thanks for the feedback! i interview soon so I'm super excited now as well! 🙂

 

[stolen_biscuit]

It is the right school !! AMCAS said they have sent the primary application....
how long did it take for you guys to receive secondary application request email ?

A loooong time (weeks at least). I would expect it's faster at this point (Penn State was later getting started).

Their admissions office is super nice, so if you are concerned, it's probably worth a call.

 

[riseagainsthoya]

ARE YOU ****ING SERIOUS?

My AMCAS was verified 8/17. My secondary was submitted 8/18.

I JUST NOW GOT THE COMPLETE EMAIL 10/8. WTF?

That long to be complete, are you ****ing kidding me? 🙁

I did everything right, got my secondary out as soon as I got it, and the reason my application is delayed is because they couldn't mark it complete? Because of their inefficiency, I get screwed?

I would have really liked to go to this school, but now that my application is complete all the way in October, my chances are lower because it was complete so late. 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁

 

[gbc85]

I submitted 8/15 and I'm still not complete. Be grateful you got your completion already

 

[ERMAHGERD]

ARE YOU ****ING SERIOUS?

My AMCAS was verified 8/17. My secondary was submitted 8/18.

I JUST NOW GOT THE COMPLETE EMAIL 10/8. WTF?

That long to be complete, are you ****ing kidding me? 🙁

I did everything right, got my secondary out as soon as I got it, and the reason my application is delayed is because they couldn't mark it complete? Because of their inefficiency, I get screwed?

I would have really liked to go to this school, but now that my application is complete all the way in October, my chances are lower because it was complete so late. 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁

Nothing about the entire med school app process is efficient, but you have to keep in mind that human resources are limited, and that they only have so many people to go over the many thousands of application they receive every year.

 

[dance13021]

ARE YOU ****ING SERIOUS?

My AMCAS was verified 8/17. My secondary was submitted 8/18.

I JUST NOW GOT THE COMPLETE EMAIL 10/8. WTF?

That long to be complete, are you ****ing kidding me? 🙁

I did everything right, got my secondary out as soon as I got it, and the reason my application is delayed is because they couldn't mark it complete? Because of their inefficiency, I get screwed?

I would have really liked to go to this school, but now that my application is complete all the way in October, my chances are lower because it was complete so late. 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁

The good thing is that they are super slow with EVERYONE. So you're comparatively not at as great of a disadvantage as it seems.

 

[betheltim]

ARE YOU ****ING SERIOUS?

My AMCAS was verified 8/17. My secondary was submitted 8/18.

I JUST NOW GOT THE COMPLETE EMAIL 10/8. WTF?

That long to be complete, are you ****ing kidding me? 🙁

I did everything right, got my secondary out as soon as I got it, and the reason my application is delayed is because they couldn't mark it complete? Because of their inefficiency, I get screwed?

I would have really liked to go to this school, but now that my application is complete all the way in October, my chances are lower because it was complete so late. 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁

C'mon now, settle down... My primary was verified WELL before yours (it sounds like your submitted it relatively late given your anxiety) AND I submitted my secondary on 8/6, and got the complete email today.

And guess what? I'm not worried. There are a MULTITUDE of reasons you may have received that email today.

1) The admissions committee may "complete" the applications of those they want to look at first (i.e. the most competitive or desirable candidates). Thus even people who submitted their secondary after me may have been complete and interviewed already because they're either more qualified or the committee liked what they saw more.

2) They might take that long for most people.

3) Your application may have been "completed" well before this, and they just finally got to your name on the email list.

There's a huge range of reasons you might not have gotten the email right away... Be patient and realize that there are thousands upon thousands of qualified applicants, so it's impossible to get to everyone right away, and thus impossible to appease everyone on their own time frame. You have to realize that the inner workings of the application process are not rigid.

Again, just be patient and be thankful for any interviews you get at all, regardless of the school.

 

[Chem Hopeful]

ARE YOU ****ING SERIOUS?

My AMCAS was verified 8/17. My secondary was submitted 8/18.

I JUST NOW GOT THE COMPLETE EMAIL 10/8. WTF?

That long to be complete, are you ****ing kidding me? 🙁

I did everything right, got my secondary out as soon as I got it, and the reason my application is delayed is because they couldn't mark it complete? Because of their inefficiency, I get screwed?

I would have really liked to go to this school, but now that my application is complete all the way in October, my chances are lower because it was complete so late. 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁

I submitted my secondary the same day as betheltim (8/6.) You can stress all you want, but this happens. It's happened for me with several schools this time around, which is incredibly frustrating for me because the biggest chunk of advice med school admissions people gave me last year was to apply early. Honestly, raging will only make you mad and it certainly won't speed up the process, I can guarantee that. Just try and keep yourself busy in the mean time.

 

[StephBee]

News flash: We interview for at least another 5 months... Chill!!

It may seem like it took forever to be complete but that's just the beginning. You still have a long application cycle to go so relax, you aren't out of the running by any stretch of the imagination....

 

[Itwashambone]

.

 

[FeelsoAlive316]

Anybody else confused about the "Clinical Preference Ranking" survey? I'm confused as to why there are there 3 areas to rank your choices. Anybody else in the same boat?