2012-2013 Southern Illinois University Application Thread

[gettheleadout]

1. SIU School of Medicine uses a holistic approach to identify and select a diverse student body best suited to fulfill its mission: to assist the people of Central and Southern Illinois in meeting their health care needs through education, patient care, research, and ervice to the community. In what ways do you believe you would contribute to this mission?

2. To be successful as a student at SIU School of Medicine and as a practicing physician, you must be flexible and committed to cultiating and employing critical interactive and learning skills. Describe your experiences that demonstrate: contribution in a teamwork setting; engagement in self-directed and life-long learning (taking personal initiative to identify and address your learning goals and needs); and exposure to the small group tutorial process used in a problem-based learning environment.

3. If you have previously applied to SIU School of Medicine, please describe how you feel you have strengthened your credentials since that application.

Good luck to everyone applying!

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[DVolle]

I'm matriculating at SIU SOM this fall. It's the place to be.

GLHF.

 

[Caesar]

For the 3rd or 4th year now I'll be sticking around to try and answer any questions you all may have about the school. I recommend reading through at least last years thread to see a general timeline of events and for good tips/answers.

 

[cathepsin]

I will also follow this thread to try and help each of you out by answering any questions you might have. Good Luck in the process.

 

[AlbertVOligh]

Hey I was wondering if I was going to be put at a major disadvantage for this school if I took the MCAT in late July but already submitted my AMCAS in early June?

 

[cathepsin]

Hey I was wondering if I was going to be put at a major disadvantage for this school if I took the MCAT in late July but already submitted my AMCAS in early June?

While it is a little unusual I don't think it would really effect you. There is no early decision at SIU and the committee doesn't start meeting until after the summer anyways. As long as your mcat date is in the system with your application then everything should be fine.

I would be more concerned about not having enough time to retake the mcat for many schools if you do poorly.

Remember that SIU doesn't consider when your application came in as long as it is complete and verified before the deadline.

 

[Caesar]

You won't be at a disadvantage. You would probably still be in the first batch of interview invites depending on when your scores were released to the school.

Like Cap said, though, if you need to retake you will be in a sticky situation, so dominate it early.

 

[Deekle]

Hey I was wondering if I was going to be put at a major disadvantage for this school if I took the MCAT in late July but already submitted my AMCAS in early June?

I took the MCAT in August and will be matriculating this fall. It's not ideal, but it's possible. As Caesar pointed out, if you are on the ball and get everything submitted quickly you should still be able to be in contention for the first wave of acceptances.

 

[AlexJK]

So I just received this message.

We have received all supplementary data in support of your application to Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. We would now like to schedule your personal interview, the next phase of the admissions process.

I am very excited, but confused. I literally just sent in my secondary a few days ago. Is there turn around this fast?

This is my first choice school and I am so excited. Could anyone shed some light on the process from here? How soon do they start accepting students after the interview?

Thanks a lot

 

[iMed17]

I got an e-mail that they're waiting for my MCAT score (I get it back on Tuesday) to send my secondary. Could you post the essay questions?

 

[Deekle]

So I just received this message.

We have received all supplementary data in support of your application to Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. We would now like to schedule your personal interview, the next phase of the admissions process.

I am very excited, but confused. I literally just sent in my secondary a few days ago. Is there turn around this fast?

This is my first choice school and I am so excited. Could anyone shed some light on the process from here? How soon do they start accepting students after the interview?

Thanks a lot

Congrats on the interview! It's not abnormal to receive an interview request that early. The folks in admissions are awesome!

The email you just referenced should have mentioned when they are scheduling interviews. Mine had a link to a form which I used to give the admissions office four dates within the range they were scheduling for my interview. If they didn't give you a date range yet, sit tight, they will get that info to you soon I'm sure.

Your interview will consist of two interviews, usually a faculty interview and an MD interview. You may have to do some moving around on interview day, but Beth is super nice about making sure you get where you need to go. If I remember correctly we started at 8:00 AM and I was done by 3:00PM or so, but my interviews went a little bit longer.

As for acceptances, SIU does them in (roughly) thirds. So ~24 spots of ~72 get released in December, February and March (approximately). What you are hoping for after interviews is an AWPA letter (Accept When Place Available). This is your indication that SIU thinks you are an acceptable candidate. The AWPA list is ranked, and so when spots get released, the top ranked individuals on the AWPA list get the actual acceptance letters for those spots. Once the batches go out, if someone who received an actual acceptance decides not to go to SIU, "their" spot goes to the top ranked person on the AWPA list. The AWPA list is dynamic, thus someone who was interviewed and put on the AWPA list later in the year could potentially be accepted before someone who was interviewed and put on the AWPA list earlier if they are ranked higher after the admissions committee meeting.

This is my understanding of the process after I went through it last year. If you have specific questions, you can ask them here or contact the admissions office. They've always been very helpful to me.

 

[AlexJK]

Congrats on the interview! It's not abnormal to receive an interview request that early. The folks in admissions are awesome!

The email you just referenced should have mentioned when they are scheduling interviews. Mine had a link to a form which I used to give the admissions office four dates within the range they were scheduling for my interview. If they didn't give you a date range yet, sit tight, they will get that info to you soon I'm sure.

Your interview will consist of two interviews, usually a faculty interview and an MD interview. You may have to do some moving around on interview day, but Beth is super nice about making sure you get where you need to go. If I remember correctly we started at 8:00 AM and I was done by 3:00PM or so, but my interviews went a little bit longer.

As for acceptances, SIU does them in (roughly) thirds. So ~24 spots of ~72 get released in December, February and March (approximately). What you are hoping for after interviews is an AWPA letter (Accept When Place Available). This is your indication that SIU thinks you are an acceptable candidate. The AWPA list is ranked, and so when spots get released, the top ranked individuals on the AWPA list get the actual acceptance letters for those spots. Once the batches go out, if someone who received an actual acceptance decides not to go to SIU, "their" spot goes to the top ranked person on the AWPA list. The AWPA list is dynamic, thus someone who was interviewed and put on the AWPA list later in the year could potentially be accepted before someone who was interviewed and put on the AWPA list earlier if they are ranked higher after the admissions committee meeting.

This is my understanding of the process after I went through it last year. If you have specific questions, you can ask them here or contact the admissions office. They've always been very helpful to me.

Thanks for the heads up! I noticed that SIU is affiliated with one of the veterans hospitals down there, do you think that me being a former marine may lend me some weight?

 

[Deekle]

Thanks for the heads up! I noticed that SIU is affiliated with one of the veterans hospitals down there, do you think that me being a former marine may lend me some weight?

Can't say what lends weight or not, because I am not on the committee. I can say that I am a vet as well, (Navy) and I got in. I'm sure all the factors of GPA, MCAT, LOR's EC's etc. will play a role. Good news is that if they weren't interested you wouldn't be interviewing. Don't hyper-focus on the small stuff. (Yes, I know it's hard.). Instead trust what has gotten you this far, put your best foot forward for interviews and hope for the best.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile app. Blame Siri if the spelling or grammar are bad.

 

[cathepsin]

Thanks for the heads up! I noticed that SIU is affiliated with one of the veterans hospitals down there, do you think that me being a former marine may lend me some weight?

A key skill that they look for is the ability to work within teams. Your military experience should demonstrate this ability and if I were you I would highlight that fact. If you were an officer or had made sergeant then you could also highlight your leadership skills. Of course if you get a fellow marine for one of your interviews that won't hurt either.
Good Luck. I look forward to you acceptance post.

 

[Chem Hopeful]

Huzzah! I received my interview request on the 26th!

Here are the essay questions:

1. SIU School of Medicine uses a holistic approach to identify and select a diverse student body best suited to fulfill its mission: to assist the people of Central and Southern Illinois in meeting their health care needs through education, patient care, research, and ervice to the community. In what ways do you believe you would contribute to this mission?

2. To be successful as a student at SIU School of Medicine and as a practicing physician, you must be flexible and committed to cultiating and employing critical interactive and learning skills. Describe your experiences that demonstrate: contribution in a teamwork setting; engagement in self-directed and life-long learning (taking personal initiative to identify and address your learning goals and needs); and exposure to the small group tutorial process used in a problem-based learning environment.

3. If you have previously applied to SIU School of Medicine, please describe how you feel you have strengthened your credentials since that application.

 

[Deekle]

Same questions as last year


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile app. Blame Siri if the spelling or grammar are bad.

 

[AlbertVOligh]

Does anyone know if SIU withholds sending out the secondary essay until they receive your MCAT and committee letter?

 

[DrAndy]

.

 

[Caesar]

Does anyone know if SIU withholds sending out the secondary essay until they receive your MCAT and committee letter?

I think that is the norm.

 

[swimmer1017]

Interviewing this month and super nervous, does anyone have tips?

 

[markyb03]

Passed the screen! Anyone know how many people SIU interviews every year?

 

[startswithb]

If you haven't yet, get very familiar with this webpage.

http://www.siumed.edu/studentaffairs/admissions/home.html

Read through the catalog and that should help with your interview. They will always ask if you have questions, so have some! Our curriculum is unique so ask about that.

I believe about 300 interviews are conducted each year.

 

[Caesar]

Come in open with how you answer questions, and which questions you have.

Talk to the students. They will be more than accommodating to you if you let them and will tell you likes/dislikes. If they don't, hunt me down and I will.

 

[markyb03]

What is a "small group tutorial process used in a problem-based learning environment." Is that just a fancy way of saying working on a group project with other peers? Any ideas? Or what are others writing for this?

 

[startswithb]

What is a "small group tutorial process used in a problem-based learning environment." Is that just a fancy way of saying working on a group project with other peers? Any ideas? Or what are others writing for this?

Yes. If you have ever been given a problem first and then asked to solve it with peers, that's what that means. If you haven't had something like PBL before, then just write about how you have worked in groups and what you like about it, how it benefited you, etc. Not all people are suited for this type of learning environment, so I think they just want to know how you work in groups.

 

[AlexJK]

I am so excited about this interview next week. SIU is already my number one choice, but the more I learn about it, the more I want it. For those of you that have already been to the two campuses, how are they? I know Carbondale has a bigger campus and is generally known as a party town, with the Springfield campus being smaller and in a larger city. Is there anything special/unusual/novel/interesting you could say about either? Also, does anyone have any information about the school that we may not be able to gather from the internet or campus tours?

Thanks

 

[Deekle]

You really just need to see them. Carbondale is a huge campus. There are something like 19,000 undergrad/grad students that attend. The medical school portion is confined to a very small portion of that whole. Springfield on the other hand is small compared to the entire carbondale campus, but huge compared to just the medical school portion. Much nicer too. If you decide to come down for a visit to c-dale and want a tour, send me a pm and we should be able to work something out.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile app. Blame Siri if the spelling or grammar are bad.

 

[peutetre]

I know that SIU gives preference to central and southern residents of the state, but could anyone comment on how important this criterion is? I am from the suburbs of Chicago and have what I believe to be a strong profile (both quantitatively and qualitatively) and yet was recently designated a Screener's Alternate.

 

[startswithb]

I know that SIU gives preference to central and southern residents of the state, but could anyone comment on how important this criterion is? I am from the suburbs of Chicago and have what I believe to be a strong profile (both quantitatively and qualitatively) and yet was recently designated a Screener's Alternate.

It's huge.

 

[peutetre]

It's huge.

Thanks for the response. I was afraid there was a red flag of some sort in my primary.

 

[job103d]

I am from the suburbs as well, been waiting on a secondary for about a month

 

[markyb03]

Just sent out my signature form and a fifty dollar check along with my smiling face. Do they email you when they receive this and send a "complete" or "in review" email or how do we find out about updates?

Hoping they show some love for this central illinois kid even though I went to college in Chicago

 

[farangsoong]

IS II received on 08/14. Although I only just found out this morning, currently living/teaching among the rice paddies in northern, rural Thailand and haven't had internet for a while thanks to the monsoon season. Assuming I get one of the dates I asked for, I'll be heading up to Springfield the last week of October!

 

[AlexJK]

Just finished my interview here. I knew I was going to like the school, but now its beyond words how much I would love to attend this school. Everyone is so friendly, its almost scary.

 

[DrAndy]

.

 

[Pateln381]

Just finished my interview here. I knew I was going to like the school, but now its beyond words how much I would love to attend this school. Everyone is so friendly, its almost scary.

Hey Alex,

That's really nice to hear. I also have an interview at SIU on September 14. Would you mind sharing your thoughts about the interview and other experiences with us. Please! It will be really helpful. Thanks!

 

[AlexJK]

Hey Alex,

That's really nice to hear. I also have an interview at SIU on September 14. Would you mind sharing your thoughts about the interview and other experiences with us. Please! It will be really helpful. Thanks!

The day starts around 8:15 where interviewees meet in some sort of lobby near student affairs. It was me and one other guy (they like to keep the groups small). We were brought in room with Beth Hecker, Admissions Representative and given a summary of the day's itinerary for each of us. She even gave out maps to direct us to our interviews. She explained the admissions process (AWPA list and other things you can find on this site) and informed us when we should expect to hear back from the school. Everyone gets 2 interviews, 1 of the two interviewers are on the admissions committee. I believe the one that inst on the admissions committee doesn't have your full file, just essays (to view us more holistically).

My first interview was at 9:00 am in the hospital building next door. Becky personlly took me to it while showing me a little of the school. The physician interviewer came in and greeted me, inviting me to his office. As others have said beforehand, this is mostly conversational. They like to hear about you and see what type of person you are. It was a great interview, we laughed and joked. From there, the interviewer escorted me back to the lobby for student affairs again. Since I had an early interview, I had some down time. I walked around, looking at the library, then had a seat on a couch. I was constantly visited by 4th year med students smiling and wishing me luck. A few of them stopped to ask me if I had any questions.

Nearly everyone walking past me smiled and said good luck, it was just a very comfortable and nice place to be. After the other guy finished his first interview, we hung out until it was time for lunch and a tour. A fourth year took us on a tour of the campus while answering all of our questions. She then took us to the cafe and even ate with us. She spent a few hours with us all together. She then directed us to our next interviews which were at 2pm.

I went to the next building and sat in a waiting room for a few minutes, the woman in the office was very kind and tried to offer me some drinks. My second interviewer came in and welcomed me. While my first interview was 30 minutes long and more conversational, my second one was an hour long, and more directed. Asking all of the typical questions (what would you do if you don't get in, why SIU, and so on). I enjoyed the interviews and felt I did well. I did not perform any mock interviews, and acted myself. I am pretty sure if you just act yourself, you will rock these interviews.


What am I saying!? All of you should withdraw your applications from SIU, this school is so terribad and none of you will like it. They beat you during the interviews! They are angry angry people!

 

[AlbertVOligh]

Huzzah! I received my interview request on the 26th!

Here are the essay questions:

1. SIU School of Medicine uses a holistic approach to identify and select a diverse student body best suited to fulfill its mission: to assist the people of Central and Southern Illinois in meeting their health care needs through education, patient care, research, and ervice to the community. In what ways do you believe you would contribute to this mission?

2. To be successful as a student at SIU School of Medicine and as a practicing physician, you must be flexible and committed to cultiating and employing critical interactive and learning skills. Describe your experiences that demonstrate: contribution in a teamwork setting; engagement in self-directed and life-long learning (taking personal initiative to identify and address your learning goals and needs); and exposure to the small group tutorial process used in a problem-based learning environment.

3. If you have previously applied to SIU School of Medicine, please describe how you feel you have strengthened your credentials since that application.

Are there character/word limits for these essay questions? Thank you

 

[Caesar]

The day starts around 8:15 where interviewees meet in some sort of lobby near student affairs. It was me and one other guy (they like to keep the groups small). We were brought in room with Beth Hecker, Admissions Representative and given a summary of the day's itinerary for each of us. She even gave out maps to direct us to our interviews. She explained the admissions process (AWPA list and other things you can find on this site) and informed us when we should expect to hear back from the school. Everyone gets 2 interviews, 1 of the two interviewers are on the admissions committee. I believe the one that inst on the admissions committee doesn't have your full file, just essays (to view us more holistically).

My first interview was at 9:00 am in the hospital building next door. Becky personlly took me to it while showing me a little of the school. The physician interviewer came in and greeted me, inviting me to his office. As others have said beforehand, this is mostly conversational. They like to hear about you and see what type of person you are. It was a great interview, we laughed and joked. From there, the interviewer escorted me back to the lobby for student affairs again. Since I had an early interview, I had some down time. I walked around, looking at the library, then had a seat on a couch. I was constantly visited by 4th year med students smiling and wishing me luck. A few of them stopped to ask me if I had any questions.

Nearly everyone walking past me smiled and said good luck, it was just a very comfortable and nice place to be. After the other guy finished his first interview, we hung out until it was time for lunch and a tour. A fourth year took us on a tour of the campus while answering all of our questions. She then took us to the cafe and even ate with us. She spent a few hours with us all together. She then directed us to our next interviews which were at 2pm.

I went to the next building and sat in a waiting room for a few minutes, the woman in the office was very kind and tried to offer me some drinks. My second interviewer came in and welcomed me. While my first interview was 30 minutes long and more conversational, my second one was an hour long, and more directed. Asking all of the typical questions (what would you do if you don't get in, why SIU, and so on). I enjoyed the interviews and felt I did well. I did not perform any mock interviews, and acted myself. I am pretty sure if you just act yourself, you will rock these interviews.


What am I saying!? All of you should withdraw your applications from SIU, this school is so terribad and none of you will like it. They beat you during the interviews! They are angry angry people!

Glad to hear you had a good experience. I'll try to keep my eye out for interviewees when I am over at the school.

 

[startswithb]

Glad to hear you had a good experience. I'll try to keep my eye out for interviewees when I am over at the school.

I love seeing interviewees around. They are so adorable.

 

[AlexJK]

I love seeing interviewees around. They are so adorable.

You must have been there earlier in the week!

 

[markyb03]

Interview Invite this morning!!! Just sent in my signed piece of paper and check last Thursday, so they have a really quick and efficient admissions office! Another central Illinois kid here

Does anyone know how likely it is to get the number one choice of dates that you put down?

 

[Deekle]

They'll do their best. The main reason for giving a range is to make sure they can get your interviewers coordinated. Med school is a busy place.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile app. Blame Siri if the spelling or grammar are bad.

 

[Pateln381]

The day starts around 8:15 where interviewees meet in some sort of lobby near student affairs. It was me and one other guy (they like to keep the groups small). We were brought in room with Beth Hecker, Admissions Representative and given a summary of the day's itinerary for each of us. She even gave out maps to direct us to our interviews. She explained the admissions process (AWPA list and other things you can find on this site) and informed us when we should expect to hear back from the school. Everyone gets 2 interviews, 1 of the two interviewers are on the admissions committee. I believe the one that inst on the admissions committee doesn't have your full file, just essays (to view us more holistically).

My first interview was at 9:00 am in the hospital building next door. Becky personlly took me to it while showing me a little of the school. The physician interviewer came in and greeted me, inviting me to his office. As others have said beforehand, this is mostly conversational. They like to hear about you and see what type of person you are. It was a great interview, we laughed and joked. From there, the interviewer escorted me back to the lobby for student affairs again. Since I had an early interview, I had some down time. I walked around, looking at the library, then had a seat on a couch. I was constantly visited by 4th year med students smiling and wishing me luck. A few of them stopped to ask me if I had any questions.

Nearly everyone walking past me smiled and said good luck, it was just a very comfortable and nice place to be. After the other guy finished his first interview, we hung out until it was time for lunch and a tour. A fourth year took us on a tour of the campus while answering all of our questions. She then took us to the cafe and even ate with us. She spent a few hours with us all together. She then directed us to our next interviews which were at 2pm.

I went to the next building and sat in a waiting room for a few minutes, the woman in the office was very kind and tried to offer me some drinks. My second interviewer came in and welcomed me. While my first interview was 30 minutes long and more conversational, my second one was an hour long, and more directed. Asking all of the typical questions (what would you do if you don't get in, why SIU, and so on). I enjoyed the interviews and felt I did well. I did not perform any mock interviews, and acted myself. I am pretty sure if you just act yourself, you will rock these interviews.


What am I saying!? All of you should withdraw your applications from SIU, this school is so terribad and none of you will like it. They beat you during the interviews! They are angry angry people!

Hey Alex,

Thank you so much for giving all this info. I really appreciate it.

 

[red10]

I love seeing interviewees around. They are so adorable.

I'm so sad I don't get to do tours anymore. Hopefully you 2nd years will be really busy and they'll have to call on the upper classes to volunteer so i get to do another

 

[AlexJK]

I remember hearing that it is roughly a 4 week turnaround for hearing about AWPA/Waitlist/Rejection after the interview, has this been true in the past?

 

[arcturus12]

Yes, and they are very punctual on that 4 week date.

 

[Caesar]

I remember hearing that it is roughly a 4 week turnaround for hearing about AWPA/Waitlist/Rejection after the interview, has this been true in the past?

Depends. It's all about when the accomplish meets to discuss you. Usually it's within that time frame but sometimes things happen. Ask on your interview day.

 

[Marathon27]

Does anyone know when the adcoms are meeting/met this month to discuss AWPA letters?

 

[AlexJK]

Does anyone know when the adcoms are meeting/met this month to discuss AWPA letters?

For some reason I thought the first batch of awpa/rejections was this week. Not sure though. Been checking my mail constantly.