2012-2013 University of Minnesota Application Thread

[Twinsguy]

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Is the U strictly pass/fail? I can't find grading information anywhere on their website

 

[betheltim]

Did everyone else get an email from their interviewer saying congrats on acceptance? I wasn't sure if it was a "personal" thing or something more standard lol.

I did--I'm guessing it's standard protocol... Unless we both interviewed with the same person, haha...

 

[wholeheartedly]

Is the U strictly pass/fail? I can't find grading information anywhere on their website

Overheard from a current med student a few weeks ago:

"We're pass fail the first two years... well, supposedly, but not really."

So maybe pass fail with internal ranking?

 

[betheltim]

Overheard from a current med student a few weeks ago:

"We're pass fail the first two years... well, supposedly, but not really."

So maybe pass fail with internal ranking?

PF with honors in the first two years, so not quite a strict pass/fail...

 

[hyperchicken]

PF with honors in the first two years, so not quite a strict pass/fail...

there is no internal ranking either (just found out after inquiring for a "letter of good standing" in the dean's office). So, if you don't get honors at least you are not ranked. Pre-clinical grades don't matter much anyway, unless you fail. The failing cutoff is 70%...it's pretty hard to get that many questions wrong with all the questions the profs put on the tests.

 

[MisterA]

there is no internal ranking either (just found out after inquiring for a "letter of good standing" in the dean's office). So, if you don't get honors at least you are not ranked. Pre-clinical grades don't matter much anyway, unless you fail. The failing cutoff is 70%...it's pretty hard to get that many questions wrong with all the questions the profs put on the tests.

Oh mah gahd kewl!

 

[DNM]

Any word on the facebook group?

 

[Twinsguy]

there is no internal ranking either (just found out after inquiring for a "letter of good standing" in the dean's office). So, if you don't get honors at least you are not ranked. Pre-clinical grades don't matter much anyway, unless you fail. The failing cutoff is 70%...it's pretty hard to get that many questions wrong with all the questions the profs put on the tests.

Thanks!

 

[BigBOSS1851]

Does anyone know if u of m tc has issued full academic scholarships in past years?

 

[Twinsguy]

Merry Christmas Minnesota friends!! Stay warm today

 

[LauraJo08]

Does anyone know if u of m tc has issued full academic scholarships in past years?

I have a friend two application cycles ago who got a full-ride, but I can't remember if that was for MD or MD/Phd. She ended up choosing an MD program elsewhere, so I'm not sure.

On that note, did anyone get a merit scholarship with acceptance? If you did and are willing, would you mind PMing me about it?

 

[Urca]

I just got my acceptance letter. It just says that I will be considered for scholarships and that I will hear from them as that information becomes available. I don't think they include scholarship information with it.

 

[betheltim]

I just got my acceptance letter. It just says that I will be considered for scholarships and that I will hear from them as that information becomes available. I don't think they include scholarship information with it.

Nope--I got the same information, and I will almost assuredly receive no scholarships... 😀

 

[FrontierPsych]

Does anyone know how much time the Twin Cities campus gives students to study for Step 1?

 

[Cartelguy]

Does anyone know how much time the Twin Cities campus gives students to study for Step 1?

I asked a friend of mine who is a current 4th year this question a couple of weeks ago. I want to say he said anywhere from 4-12 weeks. He took four, while most seemed to take six. Some start third year clerkships before taking it. Admittedly, this seemed to contradict what I thought was permisible, but I guess not. If it will significantly influence where you choose to go, it would be good to call the admissions office to make sure I'm not screwing up what I thought I heard.

 

[anhedonia]

MS4 here. Agreed with above, flexible from 4-12 weeks. Essentially you create your own schedule for third and fourth year. With approximately 100 weeks to complete 76 weeks rotation requirements for graduation, step 1 studying, residency interview season, step 2 studying, and some breaks for yourself. If you want to take less to study for step 1, that means you'll have more time for the other things (e.g wedding prep if you're getting married). But since the end of 2nd year to the start of first block of rotation, its about 4 weeks. I took 8 weeks to study for step 1 and happy with how things worked out.

 

[kthon9]

Waitlisted at Duluth today. Still not sure how to feel about it. Does anyone have any idea of the chances of getting accepted off their wait list? How open are they to updates?

 

[premed159]

Waitlisted at Duluth today. Still not sure how to feel about it. Does anyone have any idea of the chances of getting accepted off their wait list? How open are they to updates?

Did you get an email? I called the Duluth office today, and the machine said that no one is in the office until after today.

 

[kthon9]

I got a letter in my mailbox at school, I'm guessing it was sent before christmas and I just didn't get it until now.

 

[premed159]

When did you interview?

 

[kthon9]

When did you interview?

Interviewed 11/7

 

[MrZ]

Does any one know if there will be any calls today. Waiting anxiously here - 7 weeks post interview.

 

[Jelliebeans]

Does any one know if there will be any calls today. Waiting anxiously here - 7 weeks post interview.

I sure hope they give me some love today. It's been 8+ weeks post interview... From the way I see it, I have been rejected and my letter got lost in the mail......

 

[betheltim]

For those who were accepted and are wondering (in case you didn't get the email), based on what was discussed here earlier:

1. The U will be creating a Facebook page this week (or next) for this upcoming year's entering class.

2. Some additional information was sent out (or, at least I got it), including some regarding scholarships... I actually feel like I might qualify for some of these for once in my life (even if I don't get selected)!

 

[betheltim]

On a side note, good luck to everyone still waiting to hear back! Hang in there! 👍

 

[Jelliebeans]

every time my phone makes a sound I have a mini heart attack... I warned people around me yesterday not to contact me today... just so I can be fully prepared to receive that call.
I'm getting more and more depressed by the minute though... still nothing...
I interviewed on 11/12, it has been more than 8 weeks 🙁 I really thought I would hear back today if there are any good news 🙁

 

[GopherMD]

Good luck to everyone! I interviewed in December so I still have some time before hearing back. Number one choice. IS. *nervous*

 

[Qalbinoor]

every time my phone makes a sound I have a mini heart attack... I warned people around me yesterday not to contact me today... just so I can be fully prepared to receive that call.
I'm getting more and more depressed by the minute though... still nothing...
I interviewed on 11/12, it has been more than 8 weeks 🙁 I really thought I would hear back today if there are any good news 🙁

Same here 🙁

 

[MrZ]

every time my phone makes a sound I have a mini heart attack... I warned people around me yesterday not to contact me today... just so I can be fully prepared to receive that call.
I'm getting more and more depressed by the minute though... still nothing...
I interviewed on 11/12, it has been more than 8 weeks 🙁 I really thought I would hear back today if there are any good news 🙁

We are on the same boat man. I was really hoping for a call today as well. The U in number 1 choice (IS). Hopefully they will give us a call tomorrow ( I checked last year's thread and they were calling people on Thursdays as well) - If not we will have to wait till next Wednesday.

Did you receive an update e-mail from them in December - just before the holidays?

 

[Jelliebeans]

We are on the same boat man. I was really hoping for a call today as well. The U in number 1 choice (IS). Hopefully they will give us a call tomorrow ( I checked last year's thread and they were calling people on Thursdays as well) - If not we will have to wait till next Wednesday.

Did you receive an update e-mail from them in December - just before the holidays?

I received the email the week before they went on break for Christmas 🙁 They said I'll be expecting a decision before the end of January. But seriously.... That's way too far of a stretch don't you think?

AND.... the clock is striking 4 soon... there goes another day of stress

 

[MrZ]

I received the email the week before they went on break for Christmas 🙁 They said I'll be expecting a decision before the end of January. But seriously.... That's way too far of a stretch don't you think?

AND.... the clock is striking 4 soon... there goes another day of stress

Yeah definitely...that is a whole month. Hopefully we will hear good news next week. (It seems like - they didn't call anybody on SDN today)

 

[Jelliebeans]

Yeah definitely...that is a whole month. Hopefully we will hear good news next week. (It seems like - they didn't call anybody on SDN today)

That's good news!!! They probably got too busy and didn't have time to call anyone today right right right? Nobody has heard back yet after break right?

I'm not discouraging anybody to speak up if you got a call or anything. I'm just sayin...

 

[Jelliebeans]

Well, here comes Thursday....

edit: 4:00pm---NADA

 

[MrZ]

Well, here comes Thursday....

edit: 4:00pm---NADA

Another day gone 🙁. Hopefully next Wednesday.

 

[MidwestHopeful]

Got an II today!

My secondary was complete mid-October, and available interview dates are late Jan-early Feb. I'm IS if it matters.

 

[jlescher]

Does, or has anyone ever heard of Minnesota accepting someone off the wait list in the middle of the cycle. ie before making the ranked wait list and accepting in May-July.

 

[betheltim]

Does, or has anyone ever heard of Minnesota accepting someone off the wait list in the middle of the cycle. ie before making the ranked wait list and accepting in May-July.

I thought this did not happen--my impression was that the file was set aside and re-reviewed once the entire waitlist was stocked in order to rank it... But I could be wrong...

 

[jlescher]

I thought this did not happen--my impression was that the file was set aside and re-reviewed once the entire waitlist was stocked in order to rank it... But I could be wrong...

I would think you of all people would know. I haven't heard of it happening or anything, I was just curious. Thanks!

 

[betheltim]

I would think you of all people would know. I haven't heard of it happening or anything, I was just curious. Thanks!

Ha, I think you give me way too much credit... I should note that my take on it is based on all my friends and colleagues who have been waitlisted here over the past four years, but isn't objective by any means. Either way, I wouldn't COUNT on it, but who knows?

I'm rooting for you though, and wouldn't be upset if I was wrong! 👍

 

[jlescher]

Ha, I think you give me way too much credit... I should note that my take on it is based on all my friends and colleagues who have been waitlisted here over the past four years, but isn't objective by any means. Either way, I wouldn't COUNT on it, but who knows?

I'm rooting for you though, and wouldn't be upset if I was wrong! 👍

Well, you have four more years of experience than most people on this thread. If it happened to anyone, I figured you would have heard about it. Maybe I'll see you next year!

 

[Kiliman]

Anyone know the interview dates for the U? Or their last interview date? Sent application in late September and no word yet. Getting nervous. Debating if I should even take my last pre-req for UMN. sGPA 3.5, MCAT 30, 5+ years medical experience both national and international. Thoughts?

 

[GopherMD]

Anyone know the interview dates for the U? Or their last interview date? Sent application in late September and no word yet. Getting nervous. Debating if I should even take my last pre-req for UMN. sGPA 3.5, MCAT 30, 5+ years medical experience both national and international. Thoughts?

Are you IS or OOS?

 

[Kiliman]

Sorry, IS. Thanks

 

[Kiliman]

Are you IS or OOS?

IS. Thanks.

 

[GopherMD]

I would say you have a decent shot. I interviewed in December with similar numbers. I was also complete back in September. I believe they interview through March but I'm not entirely sure.

 

[mngopher112]

I've always wanted to attend the U for med school being IS and having various connections here, but my acceptance to UW-Madison is starting to tempt me (fun mid-sized city, beautiful facilities, great research, etc.)... I would guess that many of you on this forum have looked at/considered Madison at some point, and I was wondering what differences stand out to you the most between the schools? Pros/cons/general opinions/personal stories

I know that we all have personal reasons and such, but if you're willing to share your experience I'd appreciate it because I'm struggling to make a decision... thanks! 🙂

 

[omsd]

In my opinion, the schools are very similar, but other than that..

Minneapolis >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Madison, especially if you're not an undergrad anymore

 

[kalbrecht17]

I've always wanted to attend the U for med school being IS and having various connections here, but my acceptance to UW-Madison is starting to tempt me (fun mid-sized city, beautiful facilities, great research, etc.)... I would guess that many of you on this forum have looked at/considered Madison at some point, and I was wondering what differences stand out to you the most between the schools? Pros/cons/general opinions/personal stories

I know that we all have personal reasons and such, but if you're willing to share your experience I'd appreciate it because I'm struggling to make a decision... thanks! 🙂

just remember gophers are always better than badgers (or anything else wisconsin can throw together). haha i don't know much about madison other than that the town is pretty awesome so i'm probably not much help

 

[MilMD01]

I've always wanted to attend the U for med school being IS and having various connections here, but my acceptance to UW-Madison is starting to tempt me (fun mid-sized city, beautiful facilities, great research, etc.)... I would guess that many of you on this forum have looked at/considered Madison at some point, and I was wondering what differences stand out to you the most between the schools? Pros/cons/general opinions/personal stories

I know that we all have personal reasons and such, but if you're willing to share your experience I'd appreciate it because I'm struggling to make a decision... thanks! 🙂

Never lived in Madison...

But I've lived in Minneapolis for the last 4 years of undergrad, and it's awesome.

 

[jlescher]

just remember gophers are always better than badgers (or anything else wisconsin can throw together). haha i don't know much about madison other than that the town is pretty awesome so i'm probably not much help

False haha Badgers > Gophers. Just my two cents from a Wisco natives point of view. My brother has lived in MN for the last 20 years so I've spent a lot of time there growing up. I think the schools are essentially the same in terms of educational quality and seem to have a similar focus. I think the biggest difference may come in 3rd year. It seems common to spend 6-10 weeks on rotations outside of Madison. I'm assuming this can be avoided at Minnesota due to the large size of the city and the abundance of hospitals to accommodate students. Because MN has such a strong emphasis on rural medicine, I'm sure this is an option but can be avoided if one does not want to leave the city for rotations. At Madison, it might be unavoidable. Not a positive attribute for me. I have little interest in rural medicine.

I also prefer a larger city than Madison. Also, Madison has a great culture but the population is mostly students. Minnesota has more diversity to experience. If I end up getting into both, I would probably lean toward MN, but tuition cost and being close to family complicate things.