2012-2013 University of Arizona - Phoenix Application Thread

[bjs0012]

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got the hold email. super bummed. i thought i interviewed really well and really vibed with the school. anyone know if getting put on hold means waitlist because that means my chances after this are pretty slim. Or is getting put on hold just mean they will look at me again next time they meet and ill have another shot. thanks a ton!

 

[iBear]

got the hold email. super bummed. i thought i interviewed really well and really vibed with the school. anyone know if getting put on hold means waitlist because that means my chances after this are pretty slim. Or is getting put on hold just mean they will look at me again next time they meet and ill have another shot. thanks a ton!

Being put on hold means they will re-review your app whenever the committee meets to decide admissions. Which means you have more than one shot left! Don't lose hope!

 

[blueshockey]

I was put on hold as well. According to the email, the next time we will hear something is likely on the 9th of November

 

[LakersWestSide]

.............

 

[hopefulmedic]

Is there gonna be more interview invites offered (soon)?

 

[BigBlueBear]

Being put on hold means they will re-review your app whenever the committee meets to decide admissions. Which means you have more than one shot left! Don't lose hope!

Does anybody happen to know the stats of people who are put on hold and still receive acceptances? Does that tend to happen a lot or do they tend to go with the fresh peeps?

 

[DAPI]

Does anybody happen to know the stats of people who are put on hold and still receive acceptances? Does that tend to happen a lot or do they tend to go with the fresh peeps?

Based on the data below and how many interview dates and students/day there are (forgot to quote this and too lazy to go back) (12 days @ 36 students/day = 436 interview) I came up with a total of 32 students will be accepted from the hold category 🙁

Right now I figured 108 had been interviewed (3*36=108), means 28 accepted, 61.5 hold, 18.5 rejected. 108/436 = 0.25. Means they've interviwed 25% already. So 28 accepted/0.25 = 112 will be streight up accepted, leaving 33 to be accepted from the Hold category

Obviously this math is rough and they are probably interviewing their superstars first so maybe fewer will get accepted right away later and more will come off the hold list.

Number applied: AZ 665, Non-AZ 2004
Number interviewed: AZ 302, Non-AZ 205
Number accepted: AZ 84, Non-AZ 61
Number matriculated: AZ 51, Non-AZ 29

Our committee met on Friday and was very impressed with the caliber of students from the Sept 17 and Oct 1 visit days.

Breakdown of decisions from the first committee meeting:

26% accepted
57% hold
17% rejected

I will notify the candidates for admission (accepted) tomorrow afternoon (we moved our announcement day up by one day). Everyone else will receive an email message of your current status. Again, these announcements will occur in the afternoon, after 3:30pm.

The web-based system may take several days to update and reflect your status.

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[iBear]

Based on the data below and how many interview dates and students/day there are (forgot to quote this and too lazy to go back) (12 days @ 36 students/day = 436 interview) I came up with a total of 32 students will be accepted from the hold category 🙁

Right now I figured 108 had been interviewed (3*36=108), means 28 accepted, 61.5 hold, 18.5 rejected. 108/436 = 0.25. Means they've interviwed 25% already. So 28 accepted/0.25 = 112 will be streight up accepted, leaving 33 to be accepted from the Hold category

Obviously this math is rough and they are probably interviewing their superstars first so maybe fewer will get accepted right away later and more will come off the hold list.

This is some amazing math. The only thing I want to bring up for discussion is that I think, while 108 have been interviewed, only 72 were considered for the first acceptance date (yesterday). I may be wrong?

 

[DAPI]

This is some amazing math. The only thing I want to bring up for discussion is that I think, while 108 have been interviewed, only 72 were considered for the first acceptance date (yesterday). I may be wrong?

I think the math hold either way as the critical numbers are based on percentages. I'm away from my computer by I can check it later.

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[dsoz]

Based on the data below and how many interview dates and students/day there are (forgot to quote this and too lazy to go back) (12 days @ 36 students/day = 436 interview) I came up with a total of 32 students will be accepted from the hold category 🙁

Right now I figured 108 had been interviewed (3*36=108), means 28 accepted, 61.5 hold, 18.5 rejected. 108/436 = 0.25. Means they've interviwed 25% already. So 28 accepted/0.25 = 112 will be streight up accepted, leaving 33 to be accepted from the Hold category

Obviously this math is rough and they are probably interviewing their superstars first so maybe fewer will get accepted right away later and more will come off the hold list.

There were only 22-24 there on 10/1 interview date. I thought that Tara stated that only the first two interview dates were going to be considered by the adcom for the first round of admissions. This may make you go back and re-think your math. I was estimating that there were about 50-60 interviewed for the first round. and a 26% admission makes about 13-15 acceptances given.

The interviews on 10/15 and 10/29 will be added to the pool of those of us that are "on hold" from the first round, and they will pick another batch of acceptances from the new, larger, pool. The next time the committee meets is 11/9 with the acceptances being offered on 11/9 as well.

Tara also stated that they are expecting to interview about 430 people. Give about 130 acceptances, and end up with a class of 80. At least those are the numbers that I wrote down on the interview day.

Furthermore, I don't consider myself to be a "superstar" applicant, even though I was offered a spot in the first interview date. I chose the second interview date because I could not get to Arizona quick enough for the first date (only 1 week notice). I only have "average" stats for the school. I am not surprised that I was put on hold. I am disappointed, but not surprised. I really liked the school and the area. I stated before, I would give up an acceptance at OHSU to go to Phoenix. I would even give up my acceptance at Fort Lauderdale to go there.

dsoz

 

[DAPI]

Let me preface this with saying I know this is a very limited sample and all guess work really, but if you go with the numbers dsoz just gave, 430 interviews & 130 accepted, it comes out even worse at only 18 from the hold pool, given the ratios of 26:57:17 accept:hold:reject stay the same, which they likely won't.

Math:
430*.26=112 accepted right away
130-112=18 go from hold to accepted

Again take these numbers with a grain of salt as they WILL change.

PS: the numbers from my post above above stay the same even if only the first two interviews are considered, not three groups like I had initially done.

Edit: watch Tara come in here and tell me how wrong I am lol

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[Phx Med Admissions]

To all - our process is designed to conservatively offer admission to the student whom we seek to admit based on our institutional specific goals and the pool at the time. The mathematical equation you all have contributed is not far off. What you cannot predict is the peer pool.

So, focus your energy on caring for patients, creating strong study habits for tough concepts, building on your abilities to look inward before looking forward and enhancing your character without tearing down others. This is the student we aspire to train.

Be willing to learn from the process as much as you put into the process.


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[skais595]

Hi Tara, I just noticed the requirement for a clinical experience letter of rec. I can definitely get one, but it is not included in my packet which you already have. Now that I have submitted my secondary, should I have one sent to you, or does that fall under the rule of not sending you additional info unless you request it?

 

[DAPI]

Two things I just learned about this school that made me even more excited are that it has down-draft ventilation for the anatomy lab and that there are 20 tables. 20 TABLES!!! I wonder if they use all 20 for a class of 80 or if they just did that to accommodate larger classes in the future.

 

[protoDOC]

"So, focus your energy on caring for patients, creating strong study habits for tough concepts, building on your abilities to look inward before looking forward and enhancing your character without tearing down others. This is the student we aspire to train."
- Tara Cunningham

Statements like these from multiple faculty members while visiting the campus are the reason COM-Phoenix is resoundingly my first choice. Training change agents, not just physicians. Love it!

Thanks Tara for your continued persistence and attention on the message boards, I know that your responses relieve stress for many of us, if even only through clarification. 🙂

 

[Schizotypy]

Two things I just learned about this school that made me even more excited are that it has down-draft ventilation for the anatomy lab and that there are 20 tables. 20 TABLES!!! I wonder if they use all 20 for a class of 80 or if they just did that to accommodate larger classes in the future.

We don't use all of the tables in anatomy with our class of 80; a few of them are empty. We have 5-6 students + 1 faculty at each table. The lab is wonderful, and has an amazing view. 🙂

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Hi Tara, I just noticed the requirement for a clinical experience letter of rec. I can definitely get one, but it is not included in my packet which you already have. Now that I have submitted my secondary, should I have one sent to you, or does that fall under the rule of not sending you additional info unless you request it?

We hope to move this from a "recommended" to a "requirement" in the next cycle - we recognized late in the process that we had not fully prepare our applicants of this so we backed off for this season from forcing the requirement.


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[Phx Med Admissions]

Thanks Tara for your continued persistence and attention on the message boards, I know that your responses relieve stress for many of us , if even only through clarification. 🙂

And that is the only reason I joined! Happy to read your note.


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[Fingersxcrossed]

Do you think it would affect my chances of acceptance whether I schedule my interview for December or January?

 

[dsoz]

Do you think it would affect my chances of acceptance whether I schedule my interview for December or January?

The earlier you interview, the more times the committee will look at you to decide to accept you or not. The committee meets after every other interview day. I don't have the schedule in front of me so I am not sure about what days they meet in December and January.

For example, since I was in the second interview day, the committee met right after my interview day. My application was considered then. Since I was not accepted at that time, my file does not go away, it can be considered at every committee meeting from now on.

At least that is what I understood the process to be when it was explained on the interview day. When I got the notification of not being accepted it sounded like applicants that were not accepted had the chance of being accepted at ONE other committee meeting, then the file would be moved to the rejected pile. Maybe Tara can clarify which of these is more correct.

TL;DR do it in December for the best chance!

dsoz

 

[NurWollen]

Hello all,

I'm not going to UofA, as I only applied to DO schools. I've been accepted to AZCOM next year (entering class of 2013) and will likely be attending there. I'm just posting here to find out if anyone has heard of or if there has been any discussion of UoA creating new residency programs once it gets its own accreditation. I hope to stay in Arizona for residency and beyond and am hoping more opportunities open up in the Phoenix area. (Obviously there are quite a few already, with Banner GoodSam, MIHS, St. Joseph's, and the Mayo Clinic etc.)

 

[Perezpupis17]

.

 

[drkennyj]

Hello all,

I'm not going to UofA, as I only applied to DO schools. I've been accepted to AZCOM next year (entering class of 2013) and will likely be attending there. I'm just posting here to find out if anyone has heard of or if there has been any discussion of UoA creating new residency programs once it gets its own accreditation. I hope to stay in Arizona for residency and beyond and am hoping more opportunities open up in the Phoenix area. (Obviously there are quite a few already, with Banner GoodSam, MIHS, St. Joseph's, and the Mayo Clinic etc.)

At the dedication ceremony of the new Health Sciences Building, U of A President and others mentioned the importance of carrying through with the community's commitment to healthcare by creating more residency spots. It sounds like now that the building is complete many of the keyplayers have started to work on increasing the residency spots in Arizona. Judging by how much these people have achieved so far I wouldn't be surprised if we see more spots open up soon. Residency programs are not funded by medical schools but rather by federal dollars, and the limitation of residency programs is because of a lack of funding.
If you are going to Midwestern my advice to you is to focus on getting your 3rd and 4th year clerkships in state, which is not as easy as you might think. You may want to get to know Dr. Parrack who is one of the people who works non-stop to try and secure in state opportunities for Midwestern. Friends of mine who go there have also had luck trading CA clerkships for AZ ones with fellow classmates. Good luck with your education, hopefully you get to stay in Arizona.

 

[DAPI]

At the dedication ceremony of the new Health Sciences Building, U of A President and others mentioned the importance of carrying through with the community’s commitment to healthcare by creating more residency spots. It sounds like now that the building is complete many of the keyplayers have started to work on increasing the residency spots in Arizona. Judging by how much these people have achieved so far I wouldn't be surprised if we see more spots open up soon. Residency programs are not funded by medical schools but rather by federal dollars, and the limitation of residency programs is because of a lack of funding.
If you are going to Midwestern my advice to you is to focus on getting your 3rd and 4th year clerkships in state, which is not as easy as you might think. You may want to get to know Dr. Parrack who is one of the people who works non-stop to try and secure in state opportunities for Midwestern. Friends of mine who go there have also had luck trading CA clerkships for AZ ones with fellow classmates. Good luck with your education, hopefully you get to stay in Arizona.

What, is it hard for UA Phoenix students to stay in state for 3rd and 4th year clerkships?

 

[drkennyj]

What, is it hard for UA Phoenix students to stay in state for 3rd and 4th year clerkships?

No.
U of A has no problem but Midwestern still struggles a little with this. At least this is from a third year and an alumni I know. I know they are working on it and it is probably becoming less of an issue.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

What, is it hard for UA Phoenix students to stay in state for 3rd and 4th year clerkships?

No, absolutely not! Previous post was a response to DO student/program, not our program. Not at all an issue for UA Phoenix Med.

Interesting article out today on the rising number of applicants in US and slow growing residency positions. UA Phoenix Med and the Flinn Foundation are sponsoring Dr. Michael Whitcomb to produce White Paper on graduate medical education. Report is due any day and demonstrates our attention to a nation-wide issue.

https://www.aamc.org/newsroom/newsreleases/310002/121023.html




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[drkennyj]

No, absolutely not! Previous post was a response to DO student/program, not our program. Not at all an issue for UA Phoenix Med.

Interesting article out today on the rising number of applicants in US and slow growing residency positions. UA Phoenix Med and the Flinn Foundation are sponsoring Dr. Michael Whitcomb to produce White Paper on graduate medical education. Report is due any day and demonstrates our attention to a nation-wide issue.

https://www.aamc.org/newsroom/newsreleases/310002/121023.html




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Great article Tara, I had no idea that the limit on residency positions was that old! Looks like my congressman will be getting a letter.

 

[MusicJunkie]

Hey Tara!
I have a question, but it's about acceptance descisions so I'm not sure if that's an internal discussion that cannot be discussed with applicants. But I wanted to ask: how does the multiple mini-interview factor into the admissions decision? For example, is it a combination of application and interview? Or at the level of interviews, does everyone's application/numbers become moot (since they were all chosen for interviews), and the deciding factor is the interview?

I completely understand if that's not something you can discuss, but I thought I'd ask just in case! 🙂

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Take a look at this study to learn more about the importance of interviews, regardless of format, when making final acceptance decisions. You will see that medical schools rate interview results and letters as more important than other data when at the final stage of review. https://www.aamc.org/download/261106/data/aibvol11_no6.pdf

Yes, we continue to evaluate all data in the final stage and while there is no particular mathematical/weighted equation to give MMIs more power than other information, we agree with the findings of the above referenced study that the opinions of our 10 colleagues that observe you, independently, in 10 situations makes for a rather strong impression.
Each applicant in the final stage (post-interview) is assigned to a review panel of 9 committee members who EACH put forward a recommendation to the full committee. Therefore, similar to the MMIs, an applicant is evaluated, independently, from each reviewer. All scores are tallied and then the frequency of accepts/holds/rejects drives the committee-of-the-whole deliberations.

Hope this helps.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

When I got the notification of not being accepted it sounded like applicants that were not accepted had the chance of being accepted at ONE other committee meeting, then the file would be moved to the rejected pile. Maybe Tara can clarify which of these is more correct.
dsoz

The applicants on hold will be discussed again at committee and one of the following will occur - acceptance offer, placed back on hold or rejected. If placed on hold, the applicant moves to the next committee meeting at the same time the ~72 new applicants who've interviewed since then are introduced and so it goes through March.

 

[MusicJunkie]

Take a look at this study to learn more about the importance of interviews, regardless of format, when making final acceptance decisions. You will see that medical schools rate interview results and letters as more important than other data when at the final stage of review. https://www.aamc.org/download/261106/data/aibvol11_no6.pdf

Yes, we continue to evaluate all data in the final stage and while there is no particular mathematical/weighted equation to give MMIs more power than other information, we agree with the findings of the above referenced study that the opinions of our 10 colleagues that observe you, independently, in 10 situations makes for a rather strong impression.
Each applicant in the final stage (post-interview) is assigned to a review panel of 9 committee members who EACH put forward a recommendation to the full committee. Therefore, similar to the MMIs, an applicant is evaluated, independently, from each reviewer. All scores are tallied and then the frequency of accepts/holds/rejects drives the committee-of-the-whole deliberations.

Hope this helps.

Very helpful! Thank you! 🙂

 

[AsLongAsULoveMe]

.

 

[tc4523]

Ahhh this is frustrating. I'm supposed to fly to Phoenix this morning for tomorrow's interview, but I was just notified at the airport that my flight was cancelled due to hurricane Sandy.

I've been standing in lines for hours trying to reschedule my flight or fly with another airline. But I probably won't be able to speak with an agent for another few hours.

Due to the nature of MMI and UA-Phoenix's 10-day requirement about notifying them, am I correct in thinking that I will not be able to reschedule my interview? I would hate to miss an opportunity to interview at UA-Phoenix because of emergency weather condition. Anyone else having problems with air transportation?

 

[dsoz]

I am so sorry to hear this. I really hope that you can work something out. Do what it takes to get there. UA Phoenix is not an interview that I would want to miss. It is an awesome school.

Maybe send a PM to Tara at UA Phoenix Med and tell her your dilemma. Maybe she can have some sympathy for you due to the weather conditions.

Here is to hoping that you can get a flight.

dsoz

Ahhh this is frustrating. I'm supposed to fly to Phoenix this morning for tomorrow's interview, but I was just notified at the airport that my flight was cancelled due to hurricane Sandy.

I've been standing in lines for hours trying to reschedule my flight or fly with another airline. But I probably won't be able to speak with an agent for another few hours.

Due to the nature of MMI and UA-Phoenix's 10-day requirement about notifying them, am I correct in thinking that I will not be able to reschedule my interview? I would hate to miss an opportunity to interview at UA-Phoenix because of emergency weather condition. Anyone else having problems with air transportation?

 

[AsLongAsULoveMe]

.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Ahhh this is frustrating. I'm supposed to fly to Phoenix this morning for tomorrow's interview, but I was just notified at the airport that my flight was cancelled due to hurricane Sandy.

I've been standing in lines for hours trying to reschedule my flight or fly with another airline. But I probably won't be able to speak with an agent for another few hours.

Due to the nature of MMI and UA-Phoenix's 10-day requirement about notifying them, am I correct in thinking that I will not be able to reschedule my interview? I would hate to miss an opportunity to interview at UA-Phoenix because of emergency weather condition. Anyone else having problems with air transportation?

Weather-related issues are accommodated with a reschedule - no "penalty". Thoughts are with our friends, applicants and colleagues braving this storm!

Please PM me with your details so I can alert my team.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Happy Halloween from UA Phoenix Med!

 

[HK35]

Hi Tara,

I was just wondering what the deciding factors on getting an interview are? What does receiving an interview really mean?

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

Rejected 🙁 🙁

 

[Linette]

rejected 🙁 🙁

+1

 

[DAPI]

Rejected 🙁 🙁

+1

Are these pre-interview or post?

 

[ceasefire]

Rejected pre-interview as an IS applicant.

I've had 5 interviews so far with 2 acceptances, one at the other IS school, so I'm not sure what's happening here.

🙁🙁🙁

My guess is that they're trying to attract students who look great numbers-wise since they were awarded preliminary accreditation and need to create an image for the school. If this is the case, I think they'll find that the applicants they're accepting will choose to attend schools with bigger names and a cheaper price tag (if OOS) over this brand new small state school.

 

[unhistoried]

Rejected pre-interview as an IS applicant.

I've had 5 interviews so far, one at the other IS school, so I'm not sure what's happening here.

🙁🙁🙁

My guess is that they're trying to attract students who look great numbers-wise since they were awarded preliminary accreditation and need to create an image for the school. If this is the case, I think they'll find that the applicants they're accepting will choose to attend schools with bigger names and a cheaper price tag (if OOS) over this brand new small state school.

Sorry to hear about the rejection, but those are a lot of assumptions to be making. I know several people with not-great numbers who have already interviewed.

Here's to hoping I don't hear similar news. Sent a letter of interest almost two weeks ago.

 

[ceasefire]

Sorry to hear about the rejection, but those are a lot of assumptions to be making. I know several people with not-great numbers who have already interviewed.

Here's to hoping I don't hear similar news. Sent a letter of interest almost two weeks ago.

My definition of "not-so-great numbers" is GPA less than or equal to 3.5 and an MCAT of less than or equal to 32. I'm sure that people falling in this range have been interviewed, but I'd be willing to bet this makes up a great minority of those interviewed.

 

[Phx Med Admissions]

Medical schools are different. Not in the outcome of awarding the MD, but in the culture. As result, each school designs admissions selection criteria to choose students to best fit the institution mission, values and goals.

Academic is one-third of the review --- personal and professional characteristics are equally assessed.

Grades do not determine interview invites. If that was the only criteria, we could fill 430 invites with just the applicants with 4.0 and 36+ MCAT. No one below those metrics would be interviewed.

 

[ceasefire]

Medical schools are different. Not in the outcome of awarding the MD, but in the culture. As result, each school designs admissions selection criteria to choose students to best fit the institution mission, values and goals.

Academic is one-third of the review --- personal and professional characteristics are equally assessed.

Grades do not determine interview invites. If that was the only criteria, we could fill 430 invites with just the applicants with 4.0 and 36+ MCAT. No one below those metrics would be interviewed.

Thank you for this. I'm just surprised that the UA Phoenix appears to be looking for an entirely different student than the UA Tucson (based only on my outcome and the opposite of one of my colleagues).

Will you still offer a presentation to those applicants not accepted explaining reasons UA Phoenix decided to not offer an interview (in general terms)?

 

[hopefulll123]

Rejected pre-interview as an IS applicant.

I've had 5 interviews so far, one at the other IS school, so I'm not sure what's happening here.

🙁🙁🙁

My guess is that they're trying to attract students who look great numbers-wise since they were awarded preliminary accreditation and need to create an image for the school. If this is the case, I think they'll find that the applicants they're accepting will choose to attend schools with bigger names and a cheaper price tag (if OOS) over this brand new small state school.

I COMPLETELY disagree. I have been accepted with a 30 (not an mcat score that will get me into "schools with bigger names"). I think they are looking for certain qualities in their applicants and screening for them pre-interview and during the mmi's. They certainly are "creating an image for the school" through the quality of their class, not their numbers. I am definitely not saying you weren't qualified enough for this school, but you should realize that every school is searching for different characteristics in their applicants. As is obvious, 5 different schools agree that you do possess the qualities they want in their class and you should be really proud of that. Good luck on your interviews!

 

[ceasefire]

I COMPLETELY disagree. I have been accepted with a 30 (not an mcat score that will get me into "schools with bigger names"). I think they are looking for certain qualities in their applicants and screening for them pre-interview and during the mmi's. They certainly are "creating an image for the school" through the quality of their class, not their numbers. I am definitely not saying you weren't qualified enough for this school, but you should realize that every school is searching for different characteristics in their applicants. As is obvious, 5 different schools agree that you do possess the qualities they want in their class and you should be really proud of that. Good luck on your interviews!

As I mentioned in the post above, I was most surprised to see that the UA Phoenix and the UA Tucson are looking for different types of applicants. This is just the first time it's become apparent.

 

[hopefulmedic]

Rejected and misunderstood....

 

[dsoz]

My definition of "not-so-great numbers" is GPA less than or equal to 3.5 and an MCAT of less than or equal to 32. I'm sure that people falling in this range have been interviewed, but I'd be willing to bet this makes up a great minority of those interviewed.

I am sorry to hear that you were rejected by UA Phoenix. It is a great school, and I enjoyed the time that I spent there interviewing. I am hopeful to get out of "post-interview hold" status, but I am not going to hold my breath either. I know that with the addition of 72 more applicants to the discussion pool that there will be a significant portion that will have done better than I did on the interview.

I was rejected pre-interview by UA Tucson. I did not go to that thread and sow sour grapes. I also wondered about how I could be interviewed by one school, but straight up rejected from the other. My stats were the same, and my secondary essays, while different, were similar for each school. I was finished with my Tucson secondary in early August, and my Phoenix secondary wasn't until late August.

BTW, I did get an interview to UA Phoenix with a less than 32 MCAT. You can see my GPA/MCAT in my MDApps. I don't think that the admissions is trying to cherry pick the highest stats. I think they are truly trying to put together a class that works well with each other.

Again, I am sorry that you were disappointed with the decision that they made about your application. I wish you luck at the schools that you have left on your list of possibilities.

dsoz