2012-2013 University of Arizona - Phoenix Application Thread

[TheWeeIceMan]

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Tara,

Thanks for taking questions. It would be nice if what you're doing catches on with other school threads.🙂

I'm an OOS applicant that graduated UG in 2010 as an engineering major, and have never taken a class that would qualify as behavioral or social science. I meet every other course requirement, except for that particular req. Unfortunately, it's unfeasible for me to go back to school again to take a few social science classes before the app cycle ends. Do have any advice for someone in this situation? I've been to the UofA area pretty frequently and would love to attend, if accepted, but I would understand if the requirements are non-negotiable.

Thanks!

 

[BigBlueBear]

Hi Tara,

I noticed on the website that it says you require a letter of rec from a supervisor from a clinical experience; is this a strict requirement? I have a letter from a non-clinical volunteer experience only...

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Tara,

Thanks for taking questions. It would be nice if what you're doing catches on with other school threads.🙂

I'm an OOS applicant that graduated UG in 2010 as an engineering major, and have never taken a class that would qualify as behavioral or social science. I meet every other course requirement, except for that particular req. Unfortunately, it's unfeasible for me to go back to school again to take a few social science classes before the app cycle ends. Do have any advice for someone in this situation? I've been to the UofA area pretty frequently and would love to attend, if accepted, but I would understand if the requirements are non-negotiable.

Thanks!

I imagine your general education exposed you to at least 2 courses within the behavioral or social sciences. We can certainly review courses you would like to offer as "substitutions", however, if you have absolutely no courses to suffice, we will expect that you enroll in courses this fall and/or spring to meet the academic requirement for admission.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Hi Tara,

I noticed on the website that it says you require a letter of rec from a supervisor from a clinical experience; is this a strict requirement? I have a letter from a non-clinical volunteer experience only...

Your application would be stronger if someone that has observed you in the clinical setting provided a letter of recommendation. Otherwise, our evaluation of you in a professional setting is incomplete. Think about approaching someone from your clinical experiences whom you believe could provide this insight.

 

[iMed17]

I have a am confused by the letters of recommendation. If I attended a school that provides a committee letter. Can that letter be used in lieu of the three individual letters?

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

We will use a committee in lieu of three ind'l IF someone from the committee observed you in a clinical environment. Otherwise, a committee PLUS a clinical letter would work.


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[husky20]

Hey, I have 3 letters from teachers and 1 from a research professor, but none directly from a clinical experience. My volunteering advisor just left at the hospital, so I don't think I will be able to get a clinical letter. Is there any alternative? Also, what is the maximum amount of letters you can send?

Thank you so much for your help

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Hello, a letter from a clinical experience is required - perhaps you can contact the coordinator of the program and see what can be done. Otherwise, by your submission, the only experience you have will not be endorsed.


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[macj1014]

will a sociology course and economics course satisfy the 2 semester behavorial and social science requirement?

 

[BigBlueBear]

Hello, a letter from a clinical experience is required - perhaps you can contact the coordinator of the program and see what can be done. Otherwise, by your submission, the only experience you have will not be endorsed.


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Would a letter of recommendation from a doctor I've been shadowing qualify as a clinical experience?

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Absolutely to both of the previous posts!

We moved into new med ed building today and all I can say is WOW! Can't wait to showcase it during interview days, aka Applicant Visit Day. Follow me on Twitter for updates, too. @UACOM_Phoenix


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[dsk89]

This may be a stupid question, but is it possibly that any other humanities can be substituted for behavioral and social sciences?

I am essentially in the same dilemma as one of the posters above in that I don't feel any of my courses really qualify for that requirement. I double-majored in History and a science as an undergrad, so my classes are either history classes or science classes. I also have some math, english, and language classes crammed in there.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

History is considered a social science, therefore you would certainly have this covered as a history major. Did I misunderstand the question? PM if I did.


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[dsk89]

Answered my question, thank you!

 

[DAPI]

Hi Tara,

I am curious as to what the research scene is like on this campus. It looks like some programs are starting to be launched, like the Translational Biomedical Sciences in 2013, but I'm curious what you think about the opportunities currently available for students that want to continue research throughout medical school and then into their career - I guess specifically research leaning more towards the translational bench research side than purely clinical research.

I also see there is a scholarly project, maybe you could give a us a better idea as to what those projects are like - are they clinical projects, bench research project, or do they really range?

Thanks!

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

To get a flavor of Phoenix opp's, take a look at graduates' SP's at http://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona/handle/10150/139229

The SP course/faculty mentor will be aligned to your research interests - you choose the project, meaning we don't retro fit/force you into an area of research. This leaves the field open to you.

You will not have to "find" this all on your own, though. It's important to know the course is designed with milestones to monitor your progress with faculty guidance along the way.

With over 700 faculty and over 10 clinical affiliates, UA Phoenix Med has optimizes the opportunities for our students to be exposed and contribute to scholarly work that is both meaningful and career enhancing.





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[DAPI]

Thanks so much!

I had not seen this page while searching. I think I will be adding this campus too as research opportunities was the only thing holding me back.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Good to hear!


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[macj1014]

If I turned in my application 07/03/2012 will I be considered for the first round of interviews, and does it matter when you interview as far as acceptance rates?

Good to hear!



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[ceasefire]

If I turned in my application 07/03/2012 will I be considered for the first round of interviews, and does it matter when you interview as far as acceptance rates?

The secondary submission date will matter more with respect to being in the "first round" of interview invites. What matters more than this in my opinion? Your responses on the secondary.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

For the most part, the review of applicants occur in the "order received" because that's how an admissions office keeps the process moving; however, this does not mean that those applying earlier have a better chance of interview selection/acceptance.

We will invite applicants based on the FIT to our College as learned from both the AMCAS and Supplement App. Therefore, the responses to the Supplemental App are far more predictive of your invitation to interview than the date stamp on your AMCAS and Supplemental App.

 

[Brrooother]

Hi, Tara! Just wanted to say 'hello', and 'welcome to SDN!', since I haven't seen you in a while. BTW, the new website looks fantastic!

Hello again to the rest of you! I'm just finishing up my MS3 year, feel free to PM me with questions or ask here (and I'll try to pay better attention than I have been recently). Good luck to you all!

 

[azjfrankl]

Hi Tara,

I will be graduating and applying at the end of the 2012-13 school year. Anatomy and physiology is a two semester course at ASU. Both semesters will not fit into my schedule next year and if I take the second semester in the fall of 2013 I may not have a final grade by the secondary application deadline. Do you know how this would affect my application?

Thanks

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

You can apply while still completing required courses - you'll inform us of your plans to complete the courses on the Supplemental Application.

Hi Broooother! Hope you are well 😉 Almost there!! Can't wait to get the news. Rest up!


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[macj1014]

Is there going to be a practice interview session in August at the campus?

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

How to Effectively Communicate During Interviews is still planned for August - we will try to give you a time to practice the techniques, too.

Registration will open soon - I don't have the dates in front of me, sorry.

I'll be certain to announce here and Twitter.


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[Phx Med Admissions]

Help! What do you want to experience during the visit/interview day? Help us decide what to do from this list: simulation center demo, meet-n-greet student affairs dean, small group discussion with adcom member, tour of new building, downtime in student lounge, sit in lecture (entire hour?), financial aid info, meet faculty leaders.

Would you rather interview in the morning or after you have lunch/relax a bit by spending time on campus?

We know you will: meet Dean Flynn, complete the 10 station MMI and have lunch with current students!




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[ceasefire]

Help! What do you want to experience during the visit/interview day? Help us decide what to do from this list: simulation center demo, meet-n-greet student affairs dean, small group discussion with adcom member, tour of new building, downtime in student lounge, sit in lecture (entire hour?), financial aid info, meet faculty leaders.

Would you rather interview in the morning or after you have lunch/relax a bit by spending time on campus?

We know you will: meet Dean Flynn, complete the 10 station MMI and have lunch with current students!

The simulation center demo would be amazing, as would a tour of the student lounge.

In my personal opinion, I feel that down time is not very beneficial to applicants (they're mostly very anxious to complete the interview day), though I understand it may help the school prepare for certain activities.

Also my personal opinion, I would love the interview in the morning, and then finish the day with a tour and a few planned activities.

Thanks for all of your help Tara!

 

[BigBlueBear]

I too would rather interview in the morning. Get the stressful part out of the way first! 😛

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

But MMIs are not stressful - they are fun! You'll see, I promise.

Thanks for the comments.


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[macj1014]

I would like to interview in the morning. I think a small group discussion with an adcom member would be beneficial as well. I would like to see the study rooms and library as well.

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

is the secondary out yet?

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

No, we will not begin inviting for Supplemental's until late-July. We are implementing new system and are on target.


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[YouNeverKnow22]

No, we will not begin inviting for Supplemental's until late-July. We are implementing new system and are on target.


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Thanks!


What are opportunities for students to rotate/do research at the BNI? I'm an NC resident and the proximity to the BNI is my main interest, I want to make sure it would be plausbile to be active there as a student at UA-PHX.

 

[ceasefire]

Tara,

Now that UA Phoenix has received preliminary accreditation, will there be any efforts to change the number of accepted out of state students, plus or minus?

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Ceasefire - Phoenix has admitted a cohort of nonresident students for three years. This entering class is composed of 36%, compared to 27% (2011) and 29% (2010).

As a state school - our entering class will never exceed 50%. However, we do believe geographic variety in a class brings diversity to a learning environment.


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[Phx Med Admissions]

Sorry, I missed this question yesterday!

BNI is a curricular component in a number of ways: Capstone experience, Scholarly Projects, clerkships, elective and sub-internships. This means students from year 1 thru 4 are active at BNI.

The opportunities for students interested in Neurology are quite endless considering the research potential within Scholarly Projects - our SP Director came from BNI, last years Commencement speaker (Dr. Spetzler) is at BNI, etc.


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[ceasefire]

Thanks!


What are opportunities for students to rotate/do research at the BNI? I'm an NC resident and the proximity to the BNI is my main interest, I want to make sure it would be plausbile to be active there as a student at UA-PHX.

What does being a resident of NC have to do with BNI?

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

What does being a resident of NC have to do with BNI?

It doesn't? I'm just saying what attracts me to this school is the proximity to BNI because I'm interested in nsurg.

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

Sorry, I missed this question yesterday!

BNI is a curricular component in a number of ways: Capstone experience, Scholarly Projects, clerkships, elective and sub-internships. This means students from year 1 thru 4 are active at BNI.

The opportunities for students interested in Neurology are quite endless considering the research potential within Scholarly Projects - our SP Director came from BNI, last years Commencement speaker (Dr. Spetzler) is at BNI, etc.


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Thanks for the answer, that's reassuring to hear! Dr. Spetzler is a legend 😍

 

[Memb3]

Hi Tara,

I recently graduated and am currently working a full time job. I noticed that Physiology is required. Unfortunately, my work schedule prevents me from taking the class at a local community college. Would it be possible to substitute a Human Endocrinology class for Physiology as we do study different endocrine glands from a tissue/organ level down to the molecular pathways. If not, what would you suggest for someone who has already graduated and has a work commitment?

In addition, would a letter of recommendation from an activities director at a nursing home count as the clinical letter?

Thank you!

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Memb3 - sounds like you have a good course to fulfill the Physio requirement - would need course details (course no, institution) to be certain.

Yes, a letter from a clinic director would be okay.

Note to everyone re: letters. Have a conversation with your authors and guide them in the direction you need the letter. If required for a clinical letter, tell them this so they can adequately demonstrate your involvement beyond "memb3 volunteered x number of hours per week". We want to know how you worked within the setting, as part of a team, do you come prepared to learn, etc.

Still working on our new electronic system and looks like we'll be ready at the end of July. If delayed, I'll let you all know.


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[DCSB6]

If I have an LOR from my PI whom I did clinical research with, would that count for a clinical letter?

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Yes and we are better defining the letter requirement based on these SDN questions. Thank you all.


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[ceasefire]

It doesn't? I'm just saying what attracts me to this school is the proximity to BNI because I'm interested in nsurg.

Oh, okay. I thought I was missing BNI origins or something.

 

[slowswimmer]

Absolutely to both of the previous posts!

We moved into new med ed building today and all I can say is WOW! Can't wait to showcase it during interview days, aka Applicant Visit Day. Follow me on Twitter for updates, too. @UACOM_Phoenix


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The new building looks fantastic! Thanks for posting some photos.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Just to be open and clear - Phoenix is scheduled to begin Supplemental App invites later this month, on track for July 30 week. Anyone with the minimum MCAT of 22 will be asked to move forward to this stage. The SA is very important in the interview invite phase.

Our first Applicant Visit Day (aka come to campus and interview-MMI Style) is September 17. Looks like we will interview in the morning - you've all convinced me this is the best for you and that's important.


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[RGH]

Thank you for keeping us updated Tara. We appreciate how transparent and candid UA-Phoenix has been so far. Looking forward to the secondary invite!

 

[DAPI]

Thank you for keeping us updated Tara. We appreciate how transparent and candid UA-Phoenix has been so far. Looking forward to the secondary invite!

Amen to that! I wish all schools had a representative on this forum to answer school specific questions.

 

[jcdesalv]

Yeah. As a non-science major, I'm pretty unhappy with them suddenly throwing all of these requirements at us. I think it would have made more sense if they had made these requirements for the class of 2014. Nothing to do but to rearrange our schedules, though...

I totally agree. As a second career, non-science major, I have been laying out my schedule to be finished this fall and NOT ANY MORE. I am missing biochem and an upper division biology class. It is kind of strange that they don't require physics, 2 semesters of orgo, you know, the normal stuff. I agree, it would have been nice for a heads up on these changes.