2012-2013 University of Arizona - Phoenix Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
Members do not see this ad.
Hi Tara,

Had a question about the mcat, I'm an in-state student working about 38-45 hours a week. The only thing that is a huge downfall in my application is that my MCAT score is 27> and it is my second time taking it. In your honest opinion would I just be better off reapplying?
 
dsoz said:
I was emailed to schedule my interview. I chose October 1. There was also October 16 and a day in November (I think it was the 19th or the 26th).

dsoz
Click to expand...

The next interview date is 10/1, and then 10/15. The first acceptance date is 10/16, but only the first two interview groups will be considered for acceptance then.

In total, there are three interview dates available for October, and then two in November. They then interview all the way until the end of February.

Basically, don't panic guys. There are plenty of dates left.

(My source is the helpful sheet of dates the school supplied, so this is direct from U of A Phoenix)
 
After being lucky enough to be interviewed here from OOS, I consider it my top choice. Everything about the school is fantastic from the school itself to the curriculum. The interview day went great and I met quite a few other applicants that were very friendly. Keeping my fingers crossed for that October 16th date!!
 
HK35 said:
Hi Tara,

Had a question about the mcat, I'm an in-state student working about 38-45 hours a week. The only thing that is a huge downfall in my application is that my MCAT score is 27> and it is my second time taking it. In your honest opinion would I just be better off reapplying?
Click to expand...

Thankfully the MCAT is not the only measurement of your academic aptitude, albeit an important element in our process. Unfortunately, I am unable to answer your question as it just one data point in the academic preparedness review. Do you show consistent growth in academic courses (freshman to senior year)? Have you completed courses beyond the required list (meaning, are you just getting what you "think" we want or do you have a strong foundation in sciences)? If you've taken the MCAT before, did your score improve?

We admit students with a 27 - btw, it's argued to be the same score as a 25 or 29 (2pt Standard Dev). It is more about your past than your one-time exam.
 
Tara, I have two questions for now, I am sure that I will have more later. 🙂

I was just over on the Tucson thread, and they are discussing the iPad that is given to students. Does Phoenix have the same program, and is it likely to continue?

I looked it up on the website and it said that it was a pilot program. Was it deemed a success or not?

dsoz
 
Phoenix Med requires a laptop (does not provide) and all curricula materials (ppt, e-books, Podcasts, schedule, etc) are available via web. iPad, smartphone compatible.

I am not certain if Tucson still requires a laptop - would be worth asking.
 
UA Phoenix and Tucson are now separate schools essentially, with each one having the autonomy to deviate from the "old" curriculum (if ABOR says it's okay). Think UCSF versus UC Irvine. They're both a UC governed by a board of regents, but they're different schools who don't necessarily go out to lunch every weekend to catch up.
 
UA Phoenix Med said:
Thankfully the MCAT is not the only measurement of your academic aptitude, albeit an important element in our process. Unfortunately, I am unable to answer your question as it just one data point in the academic preparedness review. Do you show consistent growth in academic courses (freshman to senior year)? Have you completed courses beyond the required list (meaning, are you just getting what you "think" we want or do you have a strong foundation in sciences)? If you've taken the MCAT before, did your score improve?

We admit students with a 27 - btw, it's argued to be the same score as a 25 or 29 (2pt Standard Dev). It is more about your past than your one-time exam.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for your reply, it has given me a little more hope. My secondary was turned in last week, so hopefully I get an interview soon. Thank you again.
 
Hi Tara,

I just checked my status and it looks like I'm complete. Do you know how long the turnaround time is usually for complete status to a decision?
edit: Just found this in the communication status - We will continue reviewing your file until a decision is reached or through the end of December; the exact timing of the decision cannot be predicted.

Also, does Phoenix do silent rejections?

Thank you so much for doing this. It's incredible for a medical school to be so open to questions.
 
Last edited:
medicalapp12 said:
Hi Tara,

I just checked my status and it looks like I'm complete. Do you know how long the turnaround time is usually for complete status to a decision?
edit: Just found this in the communication status - We will continue reviewing your file until a decision is reached or through the end of December; the exact timing of the decision cannot be predicted.

Also, does Phoenix do silent rejections?

Thank you so much for doing this. It's incredible for a medical school to be so open to questions.
Click to expand...

We will be certain to inform you of a final decision - no student will just silently fall off our radar. Sorry to hear this happens elsewhere. Frustrating.
 
Hello Tara,

Regarding some of the new requirements, would you accept courses taken 20 years ago? For example, I took General Psychology in 1992 around the time when several trads were being born.... More generally, do you have a course expiration date?

Also, if it is pertinent, I am not applying this year but will most likely apply next year.

Thanks
 
NuttyEngDude said:
Hello Tara,

Regarding some of the new requirements, would you accept courses taken 20 years ago? For example, I took General Psychology in 1992 around the time when several trads were being born.... More generally, do you have a course expiration date?

Also, if it is pertinent, I am not applying this year but will most likely apply next year.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I have classes that I listed on my secondary that are as old/older than 1992. I am interviewing on 10/1 in Phoenix.

Oops, if Tara didn't know who I was before, she does now. There is no more anonymous internet for me. 🙂 Ha Ha.

I sent you a PM.

Good luck to you

dsoz
 
Will there be more interview requests sent out this monday?
 
Hi Tara, I am interviewing on 10/1 and have yet to be notified about possibly being hosted by a student for my visit. Do you know when people who have signed up for a student host will be notified whether one is available for them?
 
Is anyone else having issues getting to the website that has the secondary? It keeps telling me the page is not avialable. 🙁
 
Hi Tara,

I don't know if you check SDN on Sundays but I was wondering if you or anyone knows if the website will be back up today? I was planning on submitting. It's not the end of the world if it has to be tomorrow but you know how it is.

Thanks

To the above comment, yes I'm having this problem too.
 
rubberbunny said:
Hi Tara,

I don't know if you check SDN on Sundays but I was wondering if you or anyone knows if the website will be back up today? I was planning on submitting. It's not the end of the world if it has to be tomorrow but you know how it is.

Thanks

To the above comment, yes I'm having this problem too.
Click to expand...

We are working to restore access - system-wide outage.
 
hoyasaxa17 said:
Hi Tara, I am interviewing on 10/1 and have yet to be notified about possibly being hosted by a student for my visit. Do you know when people who have signed up for a student host will be notified whether one is available for them?
Click to expand...

Our STARs typically confirm within the week of the visit day. Should hear this week.
 
Hi Tara,

I'd first like to thank you and the school for streamlining communication between applicants the admissions department. It's so unique and inviting, one of the many great things about UA-P. Anyway, I was wondering how receptive the committee is to "in-the-area" e-mails. I'll be interviewing at another school soon and would love the opportunity to interview at UA-P while simultaneously saving on airfare/hotel if possible.

Thanks in advance. I hope you had a great weekend.
 
Al systems have been restored. Will crank up the computers and get back to interview reviews!
 
Hi Tara!

Did the technical difficulties affect getting STARs for the upcoming interview date (10/1)?

I am getting to the point where I would need to book a hotel room if I need one.

Thanks,
dsoz

Edit: Never mind. I heard back from Patricia this afternoon. No student host available 🙁
 
Last edited:
Hi Tara,

I received a secondary but I won't be able to meet the biology requirements. I have two semesters of biology with lab but I never took physiology or a high level biology due to my major. Is there a chance for an interview and acceptance without these courses? Any possible substitution options available?
 
Hey Tara,
I was just wondering if you believe it is too late to be sending in a secondary and still have good consideration. I know that it is best to apply early, but when is too late to apply would you say? I have my secondary about ready and will be sending it in within the next few days. I just would like to make sure I will still have a good chance at this school. Thanks for your help!
 
Looks like I am going to stay in the SpringHill Suites by Marriott on Van Buren Street. It was $105 + tax of about $13. It is only 0.3 miles (or less) according to google. I think I can walk to the interview.

I hope the breakfast there is good. 🙂

dsoz
 
Kingjuvi said:
Hi Tara,

I received a secondary but I won't be able to meet the biology requirements. I have two semesters of biology with lab but I never took physiology or a high level biology due to my major. Is there a chance for an interview and acceptance without these courses? Any possible substitution options available?
Click to expand...

Hi Kingjuvi,

You still have the spring term to take a Physio course, or even into the first summer session. You can ask for a non-biology upper division course substitution.

Tara
 
piano1 said:
Hey Tara,
I was just wondering if you believe it is too late to be sending in a secondary and still have good consideration. I know that it is best to apply early, but when is too late to apply would you say? I have my secondary about ready and will be sending it in within the next few days. I just would like to make sure I will still have a good chance at this school. Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

Supplemental apps are accepted through mid-Dec. I cannot speak to your chances, per se, but can assure that your application will be reviewed.

Tara
 
dsoz said:
Looks like I am going to stay in the SpringHill Suites by Marriott on Van Buren Street. It was $105 + tax of about $13. It is only 0.3 miles (or less) according to google. I think I can walk to the interview.

I hope the breakfast there is good. 🙂

dsoz
Click to expand...

if the weather in AZ is anything like cali right now, you might just want to take a cab... it's been 100 degrees here and we aren't even in the desert! esp if you are wearing a suit!!
 
cinamin said:
if the weather in AZ is anything like cali right now, you might just want to take a cab... it's been 100 degrees here and we aren't even in the desert! esp if you are wearing a suit!!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your concern. I think I will be fine. I will have a bunch of extra cash so I can call a cab if it seems like I need one, but I don't plan on doing that.

It would be at 7am. I looked at the weather forecast, and it does not say 100 degrees at 7 am. The forecast high for the interview day will be 99 and a low of 76.

I don't think walking in 75-80 degree temperatures at that time in the morning is going to ruin my shirt or my suit. I can always take off my jacket until I get close.

Now after the interview, I plan on walking the 6 blocks to the light rail station and ride it to the airport. The interview is over at 4, my flight leaves at 8:45. I think I can handle getting to the airport in 2+ hours, even in 99 degree temperatures. I know how to drink lots of water. I can also change out of my suit after the interview.

dsoz
 
dsoz said:
Thanks for your concern. I think I will be fine. I will have a bunch of extra cash so I can call a cab if it seems like I need one, but I don't plan on doing that.

It would be at 7am. I looked at the weather forecast, and it does not say 100 degrees at 7 am. The forecast high for the interview day will be 99 and a low of 76.

I don't think walking in 75-80 degree temperatures at that time in the morning is going to ruin my shirt or my suit. I can always take off my jacket until I get close.

Now after the interview, I plan on walking the 6 blocks to the light rail station and ride it to the airport. The interview is over at 4, my flight leaves at 8:45. I think I can handle getting to the airport in 2+ hours, even in 99 degree temperatures. I know how to drink lots of water. I can also change out of my suit after the interview.

dsoz
Click to expand...
+1

Even when I presented research in Miami, in around 90 degree heat, I just took off my jacket and strolled to the convention center. It's far better than wasting money on a cab when the place is so close. I always try to get a hotel within walking distance when I can't stay with a friend. Then again, my gluteus maximus is buh-roke! LoL
 
You'll definitely be fine that early in the morning. It doesn't start getting too bad until around noon honestly. Plus it's definitely starting to cool down as we get into October.

Plus, I'm a polar bear with a thick layer of fur. You guys have it easy with your exposed skin.
 
dsoz said:
Thanks for your concern. I think I will be fine. I will have a bunch of extra cash so I can call a cab if it seems like I need one, but I don't plan on doing that.

It would be at 7am. I looked at the weather forecast, and it does not say 100 degrees at 7 am. The forecast high for the interview day will be 99 and a low of 76.

I don't think walking in 75-80 degree temperatures at that time in the morning is going to ruin my shirt or my suit. I can always take off my jacket until I get close.

Now after the interview, I plan on walking the 6 blocks to the light rail station and ride it to the airport. The interview is over at 4, my flight leaves at 8:45. I think I can handle getting to the airport in 2+ hours, even in 99 degree temperatures. I know how to drink lots of water. I can also change out of my suit after the interview.

dsoz
Click to expand...


Probably don't want to walk 0.3 miles. I live in Tempe and it has been 100-102 everyday, and in downtown phoenix, the heat is even more. So I just taking a cab, so you don't sweat your nice clothes 🙂 just an FYI. And even at 7 am, the heat is enough to make you sweat pretty good in the heat.
 
UA Phoenix Med said:
Al systems have been restored. Will crank up the computers and get back to interview reviews!
Click to expand...

Awesome news. If they go down again let me know and I'll get them back up and running for you guys. It's the least I can do.🙂
 
Interview Invite!

In state 3.8/30R

I was one of the "app not ready" crew, so there is hope for us yet!

Scheduled for 10/15, very excited. 🙂
 
KinesStudent said:
Interview Invite!

In state 3.8/30R

I was one of the "app not ready" crew, so there is hope for us yet!

Scheduled for 10/15, very excited. 🙂
Click to expand...

congrats, I know you've been waiting for this one 🙂

Hopefully I'll hear something soon!
 
Hi Tara!

I am on the quarter system and only took a 3 credit Biochemistry course. Does this fulfill the Biochem requirement?

Thanks!
 
sulliv20 said:
Hi Tara!

I am on the quarter system and only took a 3 credit Biochemistry course. Does this fulfill the Biochem requirement?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I asked this same question earlier in the thread. She said yes.

Let me try to find it...
 
Sorry. I forgot that I had a 4 quarter credit class. I just noticed that yours was 3 quarter credits.

dsoz said:
Hi Tara.

I took a biochem course over the summer session last year. It was 4 QUARTER credits and did not include a lab. Is it possible that it would count for the biochemistry requirement?

Also, would calculus count as the math requirement instead of stats? I took it pass/fail before I decided on medicine and did not bother re-taking it because none of the other schools I am applying to require calc, only college math.

I think I have everything else that is on the rest of the list.

Thank you
dsoz
Click to expand...

UA Phoenix Med said:
Yes, 4 qtr would suffice for the Biochem requirement. We just settled on calc as a fulfillment to math course requirement. Stats or research methods would be best, but calc will work. Does sound like you're set.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile app
Click to expand...
 
KinesStudent said:
Interview Invite!

In state 3.8/30R

I was one of the "app not ready" crew, so there is hope for us yet!

Scheduled for 10/15, very excited. 🙂
Click to expand...
Thats the best news Ive heard all day! I'll be rooting for you as a proud member of the app not ready crew.
 
Hi Tara,

Would a recommendation letter from the research professor be sufficient in lieu of clinical letter. Also, a letter from the volunteer co-ordinator at nursing home be considered as clinical letter.

Thanks.
 
Online under Status it has a line for Interview with a lock and "Not yet scheduled."

Does everyone have this or can I expect an II soon? I really hope it's the latter!
 
A fellow SDNer has asked a great question that I am happy to share my response.

How are applications reviewed for an interview? When does a decision occur?

All applicants are reviewed by members of the admissions committee who are dedicated to the selection of students for an interview. Our role is to review and make an interview invitation either at that time or anytime thereafter. The date stamp of when an application was marked complete does not correlate to the interview invitation - rather, the interest in the applicant to interview compared to the pool at that time. The review process will come to a close when all the interview invitations have been offered and/or by the end of December, whichever comes first.


Currently, we have offered 25% of our total spots.
 
Hi Tara,

I was wondering if Phoenix looked at letters of updates favorably or do you prefer we not send any updates?

Thanks for answering all our questions!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

wysdoc
2024-2025 Arizona - Phoenix
11 12 13 14 15
Replies
703
Views
142K
pinkdolphin361
P
wysdoc
2023-2024 Arizona - Phoenix
8 9 10 11 12
Replies
579
Views
122K
SporkAscended
S
wysdoc
2022-2023 Arizona - Phoenix
4 5 6 7 8
Replies
393
Views
97K
Tiktaaalik
Tiktaaalik
wysdoc
2024-2025 Arizona - Tucson
5 6 7 8 9
Replies
422
Views
112K
angrydog123
A
wysdoc
2024-2025 Mayo Clinic - Arizona
2 3 4 5
Replies
246
Views
74K
BigDawg101
BigDawg101
Top