2012-2013 University of Iowa (Carver) Application Thread

[pfaction]

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MSTP Complete 08/19/12

 

[2dogs]

I think I had everything submitted on Fri, Aug 10. I got the complete email on Wed, Aug 15, so they were pretty quick on the turn around.

 

[2dogs]

When did you submit? I'm submitting tonight and am pumped. This is definitely tied for first on my list of schools!!!

I think I had everything submitted on Fri, Aug 10. I got the complete email on Wed, Aug 15, so they were pretty quick on the turn around.

 

[deleted236787]

I'm hoping we see some interview invites from Carver this week!

 

[markyb03]

There are SO many reasons I want to go to Iowa so I'm having a really hard time knowing how to focus my first essay. But it's almost been two weeks since I got the secondary and really need to get it in if I'm going to get any love as an OOSer.

Any kind hearts out there want to help me narrow down my focus? Right now my "why Iowa" reasons are the city (spent A LOT of time in IC throughout college), the hospital and getting to do rotations there, the learning communities, and a focus on serving communities while still having a high level of scholarship. Should I focus more on how and why I fit their mission? Or why Iowa is just an amazing school? Sorry for the drawn out question, I really love this school but I just can't decide how to write this essay!

 

[pfaction]

I havent had too much exposure to Iowa either but my pharmacist loved doing rotations there as well, so I mentioned that. After looking into their school I was also impressed at what theyve been doing and their goals.

 

[researchlover]

I got my "Carver College of Medicine Complete Notice" e-mail on 8/16. But they are not going to look at my application until my state residency is determined. I was told that it was going to take 3 weeks. 🙁

Good-bye early interview slot.

 

[NekoBeats]

Just an FYI for OOS applicants, I emailed admissions regarding the MCAT/GPA cut-off for interviews. This is what they got back to me with:

For an out-of-state student we have minimum MCAT scores of verbal 6 and Physical and Biological Sciences of 8. We do look at the MCAT scores individually.
The average MCAT scores the interview selection committee start with is 10’s on each section and 3.8 GPA. Once they have reviewed those applicants, they will review applicants with lower scores. All applications are holistically reviewed looking at what each individual would bring to the class. Experiences, diverse background, etc.

Hope that helps

 

[DAPI]

Just an FYI for OOS applicants, I emailed admissions regarding the MCAT/GPA cut-off for interviews. This is what they got back to me with:

For an out-of-state student we have minimum MCAT scores of verbal 6 and Physical and Biological Sciences of 8. We do look at the MCAT scores individually.
The average MCAT scores the interview selection committee start with is 10's on each section and 3.8 GPA. Once they have reviewed those applicants, they will review applicants with lower scores. All applications are holistically reviewed looking at what each individual would bring to the class. Experiences, diverse background, etc.

Hope that helps

I have 3.77 cGPA and 3.82 sGPA. Guessing that puts me in the later review group 🙁

 

[GoatMachine]

I have 3.77 cGPA and 3.82 sGPA. Guessing that puts me in the later review group 🙁

I'm in the later review group as well =/

 

[Dukedude10]

Just an FYI for OOS applicants, I emailed admissions regarding the MCAT/GPA cut-off for interviews. This is what they got back to me with:

For an out-of-state student we have minimum MCAT scores of verbal 6 and Physical and Biological Sciences of 8. We do look at the MCAT scores individually.
The average MCAT scores the interview selection committee start with is 10’s on each section and 3.8 GPA. Once they have reviewed those applicants, they will review applicants with lower scores. All applications are holistically reviewed looking at what each individual would bring to the class. Experiences, diverse background, etc.

Hope that helps

Just wondering, but did they give any indication as to when II might start?

 

[deleted236787]

Just wondering, but did they give any indication as to when II might start?

From the CCOM website...

Interviews are conducted on weekdays from September to early February.

 

[Quicksilver005]

The average MCAT scores the interview selection committee start with is 10’s on each section and 3.8 GPA. Once they have reviewed those applicants, they will review applicants with lower scores. All applications are holistically reviewed looking at what each individual would bring to the class.

Hope that helps

Not to be confrontational because I do not want to instigate 🙂, but those 2 statements kind of contradict each other. Please understand that I mean no disrespect. 🙂 But to me, they wouldn't focus on applicants with higher MCAT scores and GPA if they are honestly evaluating each application holistically.

But honestly, what do I know? 😀 What do any of us know? 😀

Anyways, I heard U of I is ranked as the #2 party school in the nation. So suddenly, I am interested in Iowa. 😉

 

[NekoBeats]

Not to be confrontational because I do not want to instigate 🙂, but those 2 statements kind of contradict each other. Please understand that I mean no disrespect. 🙂 But to me, they wouldn't focus on applicants with higher MCAT scores and GPA if they are honestly evaluating each application holistically.

But honestly, what do I know? 😀 What do any of us know? 😀

Anyways, I heard U of I is ranked as the #2 party school in the nation. So suddenly, I am interested in Iowa. 😉

Yeah it kind of does seem like they contradict. What I get from it is that they assign priority according to #s (high stats), and then once they have your app in their hands, they'll start looking at other parts of the application, like community service involvement, leadership, etc., to determine if you really deserve the interview. That's just my guess though. That whole paragraph about their cut-off criteria was literally copy/paste from the reply I got, so tbh I'm not too sure either haha

 

[NekoBeats]

Just wondering, but did they give any indication as to when II might start?

I'll shoot them another email asking them and get back to you guys when I find out

 

[Dukedude10]

Thanks Neko! I could have e-mailed them but just wanted to see if anybody had already asked ha.

 

[TipToad]

Got the secondary two days ago. Just submitted it.

 

[NekoBeats]

Just wondering, but did they give any indication as to when II might start?

They got back to me. Unfortunately, the only thing I got was "Soon. The interview selection committee is reading files now". I'm going to assume within the next couple of days. Sorry they weren't really specific haha

 

[deleted236787]

They got back to me. Unfortunately, the only thing I got was "Soon. The interview selection committee is reading files now". I'm going to assume within the next couple of days. Sorry they weren't really specific haha

Thanks for checking!

 

[Cartelguy]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but does anyone know if the "Additional Information" section is to be used for submitting info after submitting the supplemental app? It says, "You may submit additional information to the committee that has not been included on your AMCAS application. We will only allow 3 submissions; therefore, you should carefully consider what you want to add. Submissions will not be accepted past Tuesday, January 29, 2013."

I'm lead to believe this section is for keeping them aware of new activites/awards after sending in the secondary. I'm I wrong? Thanks!

 

[DAPI]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but does anyone know if the "Additional Information" section is to be used for submitting info after submitting the supplemental app? It says, "You may submit additional information to the committee that has not been included on your AMCAS application. We will only allow 3 submissions; therefore, you should carefully consider what you want to add. Submissions will not be accepted past Tuesday, January 29, 2013."

I'm lead to believe this section is for keeping them aware of new activites/awards after sending in the secondary. I'm I wrong? Thanks!

Yes. Its for updates later in the cycle.

 

[Cartelguy]

Much apprec'd.

 

[2dogs]

Man, no movement on this thread in days. I'm going crazy waiting for an invite from Iowa! Carver is my #1 choice!

 

[einstein1990]

I believe they have already given out II's. I have a friend who is IS and received an II on Friday.

 

[TipToad]

I believe they have already given out II's. I have a friend who is IS and received an II on Friday.

Oh god. It's time. LET THE LOVEGAMES BEGIN

 

[desphil]

I believe they have already given out II's. I have a friend who is IS and received an II on Friday.

I'm like 95% sure that IS applicants get a "courtesy interview" (for lack of a better phrase) after submitting their secondary and before it is thoroughly reviewed. Us OOSers might have to wait a little longer 🙂

 

[GoatMachine]

I'm going to grab a couch. Who wants to wait with me? It's quite comfy.

 

[Quicksilver005]

I'm like 95% sure that IS applicants get a "courtesy interview" (for lack of a better phrase) after submitting their secondary and before it is thoroughly reviewed. Us OOSers might have to wait a little longer 🙂

Lol! I wish us Californians are granted such courtesy by the UC system.

On an unrelated note...is Iowa really a party school? 😀 Just wondering...you know...because my friend wants to know.

 

[2dogs]

I believe they have already given out II's. I have a friend who is IS and received an II on Friday.

Nice! Hopefully I won't have to wait too much longer to receive mine.

 

[deleted236787]

I'm like 95% sure that IS applicants get a "courtesy interview" (for lack of a better phrase) after submitting their secondary and before it is thoroughly reviewed. Us OOSers might have to wait a little longer 🙂

Not all IS applicants get interviews. There are certain cutoffs you have to meet, but yes, if you meet those cutoffs you get a guaranteed interview.

Lol! I wish us Californians are granted such courtesy by the UC system.

On an unrelated note...is Iowa really a party school? 😀 Just wondering...you know...because my friend wants to know.

Football weekends are always crazy and tailgating is very popular. The downtown bar scene used to be a lot more crazy until Iowa City passed the 21 ordinance a year or so ago. After the ordinance passed the downtown scene changed a lot - several bars closed, others moved to smaller locations, etc. They just don't do as much business now that underage drinking is much reduced after 10PM. I do know for a fact that every fall there's a huge bar crawl for med, dental, law, pharmacy, and other grad students at Iowa that is really popular - I've been downtown the night that's going on before and you see grad students everywhere.

All that said, I don't think you're going to have a lot of time to party if you're serious about doing well in medical school. Most med students I know say your weekends are almost always devoted to catching up on studying. But if you're looking for something fun to do on the rare weekend that you do have some free time, Iowa City has lots of options.

 

[desphil]

Not all IS applicants get interviews. There are certain cutoffs you have to meet, but yes, if you meet those cutoffs you get a guaranteed interview.

Thanks for the clarification! That was my 5% of uncertainty, lol

 

[Quicksilver005]

Football weekends are always crazy and tailgating is very popular. The downtown bar scene used to be a lot more crazy until Iowa City passed the 21 ordinance a year or so ago. After the ordinance passed the downtown scene changed a lot - several bars closed, others moved to smaller locations, etc. They just don't do as much business now that underage drinking is much reduced after 10PM. I do know for a fact that every fall there's a huge bar crawl for med, dental, law, pharmacy, and other grad students at Iowa that is really popular - I've been downtown the night that's going on before and you see grad students everywhere.

All that said, I don't think you're going to have a lot of time to party if you're serious about doing well in medical school. Most med students I know say your weekends are almost always devoted to catching up on studying. But if you're looking for something fun to do on the rare weekend that you do have some free time, Iowa City has lots of options.

Trust me. I have no delusions about how busy medical students are. However, I do prefer the company of more chill and relaxed people. Although I wouldn't be going to parties, I just like the party atmosphere because of the fun and gregarious people that flood a party school. I regret not going to UCSB. Big mistake on my part.

I don't get along with high strung and up tight people, and like kicking it with people who take it easy. That's all. And Iowa is looking better and better each day.

 

[init2winit]

In my many many visits to Iowa City I've found great people and a great vibe. I am sure there is a spectrum of frat kids to hippies, just gotta find the people that make you happy at this great med school!

 

[markyb03]

Iowa = dream school in a dream city but as an OOS I have a better shot of becoming part of the Na'vi tribe on the planet of Pandora than getting in here.

Sorry for the old reference but I would love living in the movie Avatar almost as much as I would love going to Iowa 😀

 

[deleted236787]

Iowa = dream school in a dream city but as an OOS I have a better shot of becoming part of the Na'vi tribe on the planet of Pandora than getting in here.

Sorry for the old reference but I would love living in the movie Avatar almost as much as I would love going to Iowa 😀

Iowa lets in more OOS than most state medical schools. About 1/3 of the class is OOS.

 

[DAPI]

Iowa lets in more OOS than most state medical schools. About 1/3 of the class is OOS.

They actually accept more OOS than IS students according to US News, just fewer OOS students matriculate as expected.

IS:
Applied: 357
Interviewed: 290
Accepted: 128
Enrolled:100

OOS:
Applied: 3198
Interviewed: 444
Accepted: 182
Enrolled: 48

 

[deleted236787]

They actually accept more OOS than IS students according to US News, just fewer OOS students matriculate as expected.

Yeah, they have to accept more OOS to fill up the 1/3 of the spots that are reserved for OOS students.

 

[markyb03]

IS:
Applied: 357
Interviewed: 290
Accepted: 128
Enrolled:100

OOS:
Applied: 3198
Interviewed: 444
Accepted: 182
Enrolled: 48

I guess I'm just desperately wishing I was IS at Iowa because I would love those odds 🙂 As an Illinois resident I'm pretty jealous of all the AMAZING med schools of the surrounding states (Iowa, Wisconsin, UMich, Indiana). If only I had been born a couple hundred miles either west, north, or east..

 

[deleted236787]

I guess I'm just desperately wishing I was IS at Iowa because I would love those odds 🙂 As an Illinois resident I'm pretty jealous of all the AMAZING med schools of the surrounding states (Iowa, Wisconsin, UMich, Indiana). If only I had been born a couple hundred miles either west, north, or east..

What about the nice schools in Illinois? Northwestern, Loyola, UChicago? I know there are others. I'm jealous of the fact that you have SEVERAL IS schools whereas Iowa only has one MD and one DO school.

 

[DAPI]

What about the nice schools in Illinois? Northwestern, Loyola, UChicago? I know there are others. I'm jealous of the fact that you have SEVERAL IS schools whereas Iowa only has one MD and one DO school.

Poor Oregon only has one IS school that has worse odds overall than being IS at Iowa 🙁

 

[deleted236787]

What about the nice schools in Illinois? Northwestern, Loyola, UChicago? I know there are others. I'm jealous of the fact that you have SEVERAL IS schools whereas Iowa only has one MD and one DO school.

Unless you're specifically talking about state schools and not private schools... in that case, I understand your jealousy 😀

 

[deleted236787]

Poor Oregon only has one IS school that has worse odds overall than being IS at Iowa 🙁

Don't you guys have that whole WICHE thing going on where you guys can count as IS at any WICHE schools? Or am I making that up? I feel like I read things about that in the MSAR...

 

[DAPI]

Don't you guys have that whole WICHE thing going on where you guys can count as IS at any WICHE schools? Or am I making that up? I feel like I read things about that in the MSAR...

Do you see an O in WICHE? Because I don't lol. Yeah, Oregon accepts all of those OOS'er cause they don't have med schools, but we don't get love from anyone else

EDIT: Actually, it only counts if you're from Montana or Wyoming, so IDK why its called WICHE 😕

 

[markyb03]

What about the nice schools in Illinois? Northwestern, Loyola, UChicago? I know there are others. I'm jealous of the fact that you have SEVERAL IS schools whereas Iowa only has one MD and one DO school.

True but only UIC and SIU show any IS love and even then it's nothing like the ~90% of in staters that get interviews at Iowa. And tuition... IS tuition at Illinois isn't even close to the other ones. Don't get my wrong I love UIC but im just jealous of the surrounding state schools

 

[deleted236787]

Do you see an O in WICHE? Because I don't lol. Yeah, Oregon accepts all of those OOS'er cause they don't have med schools, but we don't get love from anyone else

I didn't think it stood for the state names lol I just thought it was all/most of the states in the far west participating, but shows how much I know! 😀

True but only UIC and SIU show any IS love and even then it's nothing like the ~90% of in staters that get interviews at Iowa. And tuition... IS tuition at Illinois isn't even close to the other ones. Don't get my wrong I love UIC but im just jealous of the surrounding state schools

Yeah I get that. I'm just bitter because I did my undergrad at Iowa for four years and volunteered in their hospital and did all these ECs on campus and yet I was rejected after my interview in the 2011 cycle. I met with them to see why I was rejected and they pretty much told me to go get my Masters and apply again and that they'll accept me the 2nd time. So I'm just bitter. At this point I have almost no love for Iowa.. even if I get in there, I think I would prefer DMU (DO school) over it at this point. I know it's a good school and all so maybe I'm just being ridiculous haha, but we'll see if I even get in.

 

[DAPI]

I didn't think it stood for the state names lol I just thought it was all/most of the states in the far west participating, but shows how much I know! 😀



Yeah I get that. I'm just bitter because I did my undergrad at Iowa for four years and volunteered in their hospital and did all these ECs on campus and yet I was rejected after my interview in the 2011 cycle. I met with them to see why I was rejected and they pretty much told me to go get my Masters and apply again and that they'll accept me the 2nd time. So I'm just bitter. At this point I have almost no love for Iowa.. even if I get in there, I think I would prefer DMU (DO school) over it at this point. I know it's a good school and all so maybe I'm just being ridiculous haha, but we'll see if I even get in.

I think you will no longer be bitter if you get into Iowa, even though they rejected you the first time. And not to be mean, but they must have had more than a reason than that if every other school you applied to also rejected you.

 

[deleted236787]

I think you will no longer be bitter if you get into Iowa, even though they rejected you the first time. And not to be mean, but they must have had more than a reason than that if every other school you applied to also rejected you.

I only applied to about 3 schools the first time around because I was completely broke and I applied really late in the game because I had some other things going on at the time (didn't get secondaries submitted until Thanksgiving). I'm kicking myself for that - I know I wasted a lot of money by not submitting earlier and applying to a broader list of schools.

But I currently have 5 interviews lined up this cycle so I'm doing OK this time around! 🙂

 

[DAPI]

I only applied to about 3 schools the first time around because I was completely broke and I applied really late in the game because I had some other things going on at the time (didn't get secondaries submitted until Thanksgiving). I'm kicking myself for that - I know I wasted a lot of money but not submitting earlier and applying to a broader list of schools.

But I currently have 5 interviews lined up this cycle so I'm doing OK this time around! 🙂

Yeah, that would be a major problem the first time around.

Congrats on all the other interviews though!

 

[betheltim]

I didn't think it stood for the state names lol I just thought it was all/most of the states in the far west participating, but shows how much I know! 😀



Yeah I get that. I'm just bitter because I did my undergrad at Iowa for four years and volunteered in their hospital and did all these ECs on campus and yet I was rejected after my interview in the 2011 cycle. I met with them to see why I was rejected and they pretty much told me to go get my Masters and apply again and that they'll accept me the 2nd time. So I'm just bitter. At this point I have almost no love for Iowa.. even if I get in there, I think I would prefer DMU (DO school) over it at this point. I know it's a good school and all so maybe I'm just being ridiculous haha, but we'll see if I even get in.

...Why would you be bitter about that? What they told you to do is an easy fix, especially if they essentially guaranteed you an acceptance. Much better than schools being vague or not telling you anything at all... Or worse, telling you SEVERAL things to improve, haha...

 

[deleted236787]

Yeah, that would be a major problem the first time around.

Congrats on all the other interviews though!

Thanks!

...Why would you be bitter about that? What they told you to do is an easy fix, especially if they essentially guaranteed you an acceptance. Much better than schools being vague or not telling you anything at all... Or worse, telling you SEVERAL things to improve, haha...

Just because I hate that the trend is going towards more people getting their Masters before being accepted into med school. Being IS, I know quite a few people who applied to Iowa and were rejected a first time but then were accepted after they got their Masters. I don't think it necessarily adds that much, in fact I think most Masters programs are kind of something you do while you're sitting around waiting to get into medical school (no offense intended to anyone getting their Masters). I just think it's stupid that I have to pay $20,000+ and waste two years of my life to get my Masters in order to get into medical school. I know other people will tell me that no matter what the price it will be worth it when I'm accepted, but it's hard for me to see things that way.