This is basically how everyone I have talked to has felt about their interview day experience. Lots of frustration in the post-interview experience as well.
2012-2013 University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill Application Thread
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This is basically how everyone I have talked to has felt about their interview day experience. Lots of frustration in the post-interview experience as well.
+1
I had a similar experience as KDizz. The other applicants at my interview session did not talk much at all, so the admissions suite was not very lively. I also interviewed at an awkward time - MS1's were on community week and MS2's were on fall break, so the only med students that came to chat were two MS4s. The tour was extremely short and we didn't actually get to see MBRB at all (where classes take place). Overall, if I didn't already know how awesome UNC SOM was, I would not have been very impressed.
That was just my opinion, and I hope second look weekend changes some of that!
Thanks for your input.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure there is much they can do about the waiting around. At least UNC has a nice room devoted to interviewees. Seems like most schools require people to wait for some amount of time - some unfortunate souls have the very first and very last interviews. That's dictated more than anything by the interviewers' schedules. Current med students are pretty good about dropping by and answering questions - something to break the tedium.
The post-interview application status issue is completely different issue. I think what makes the process particularly agonizing is that it's truly rolling, therefore applicants know decisions are being made continuously; however, there is no time frame within which one should hear from the committee, the suggested 6-8 weeks be damned. So, one could very well be in contention for a seat but they may not hear for 3 months.
I guess the question that could be raised in opposition to the application portal is this - why provide a portal that will only say what Joni will over the phone?: Your application is currently under review and decisions can be made at any point. Don't get me wrong, I think the application portal is a nice touch. I just question how much it really changes your experience as an applicant waiting in agony. Yale, NYU, Columbia, etc. use the Amp Portal that doesn't really tell you anything other than 'Your application is complete.' Most schools are pretty mum about their post-interview decision processes.
Not defending UNC, just thinking of what my experience was like as an applicant. General transparency by all schools would be a welcome change.
Thanks - you mention some small things that can alter the experience dramatically.
Thanks for your input, as well.
And you make a great point - UNC risks doing itself a disservice given the quality of the school and its student experience by not pimping itself more on the interview day. Particularly when an applicant knows little more about the SOM other than its strong ranking.
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The difference is that schools like Yale and Duke are non-rolling. You know that you WILL receive a decision on X-date. So when you look at the portal and it says your under review it's not a big deal since your decision will not be released until march regardless. There is no dragging on for 5 months. They need to amend the 6-8 week "suggestion" and tell applicants it may take much longer. If you call ECU for example, they will tell you how many times you have been reviewed by the committee, and how many more meetings there are. They also update their site with the number of seats offered twice a month. It shows respect to the applicants and helps alleviate their worries to some extent.
While this information may not seem advantageous from the admissions perspective it does help relieve stress on applicants. I was in the dark about my status at UNC for months, and when I called I usually received the same answer (which was that usually you hear 6-8 weeks but some may take longer). It wasn't until I was insistent that they at least acknowledge my application, when they finally gave me some information as to where I stood I'm the process.
It's a problem that many have complained about all year long that could easily be fixed with a portal system, that's all
While this information may not seem advantageous from the admissions perspective it does help relieve stress on applicants. I was in the dark about my status at UNC for months, and when I called I usually received the same answer (which was that usually you hear 6-8 weeks but some may take longer). It wasn't until I was insistent that they at least acknowledge my application, when they finally gave me some information as to where I stood I'm the process.
It's a problem that many have complained about all year long that could easily be fixed with a portal system, that's all
All fair points. And you highlight the issues with rolling vs. fixed-date admissions.
I don't know that UNC is disrespectful to applicants; however, they have been super slow to evolve with the times (e.g., application e-portal) and they have not found ways to better communicate where things stand at a given point in time (e.g., the number of meetings remaining, the number of seats offered).
Will pass this information along.
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You raise some good points about the post-interview process; however, from what you've said, perhaps UNC needs to revamp its actually committee decision-making process. I haven't encountered another rolling school that routinely keeps applicants in the dark for such extended periods of time - that suggests a problem with their internal process itself and how they go about selecting and promoting applicants.
Information on the number of approximate interview and admission offers remaining and such would also be very informative for applicants, as well as a better/more accurate timeline of when to expect notifications (this partly depends on themselves creating a more reliable process and committee structure in the first place).
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Well said.
The whole process with UNC has been incredibly frustrating. The perception that one person has a huge amount of influence over an applicant's fate is disturbing. Interviews should be scored with detailed comments written and then passed on to the committee for an overall evaluation.
Almost all interview days I attended included formal presentations about both financial aid and the school in general (curriculum, rotations, etc). I understand why UNC might not want to draw too much attention to its curriculum right now as it is antiquated and they are in the process of completely renovating it for two years from now, but there is still a lot of other information they could provide.
If I were not in-state I would have withdrawn my application already.
1. An application is considered in exceptional detail by a subcommittee of committee members. Further, an application is scored evenly between its two interviewers - an adcom's interview score is no more important than the non-adcom interviewer's. The subcommittees are designed precisely to prevent a single individual's bias from blocking an otherwise promising applicant. One has to receive the okay from all members of the subcommittee to reach the full committee (where an application is once again reviewed) just as one has to receive the proverbial thumbs down from all subcommittee members to be rejected. Disproportionate evaluations are explored and notes explaining precisely why one was unsuccessful are added to the file.
While the subcommittee design is a bit different from other schools, applicants are treated as fairly here as at most other schools.
2. While UNC's first two non-clinical years may be nothing new in design and execution, they nonetheless prepare students to succeed on STEP, in clinic, and in matching. In fact, UNC is well-known for providing one of the best clinical training experiences in the country during the third and fourth years, one that prepares students to do well as interns. As a fourth-year med student I know at Hopkins aptly put it, schools pimp their first two years; however, what should be paramount is how they prepare students in the actual practice of medicine. The clinical training at UNC is a point of tremendous pride.
3. Yes, UNC could improve the interview day. Without question. Further, they could work on post-interview transparency. Again, without question.
I know you're frustrated - understandably so - but you have to appreciate how saying you would drop UNC were you not in-state sounds. Despite its flaw - which EVERY school possesses - it remains one of the best in the country. Its students a very proud to attend UNC, many of whom turned down WashU, Duke, etc to come to Chapel Hill.
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I know UNC is a great school. If I were to be admitted tomorrow, that's where I'd go. I guess my point is that you have to rely on outside reputation and your own research to figure out that UNC does a great job with training, because they really do not communicate that during the interview day at all. Sorry to get so snippy, I'm just sad, frustrated, and tired of wondering whether I'll be moving my life across the country in a few months. A final yes or no from UNC will allow me to move on with the next phase of my life, and actually get excited about attending medical school.
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Sorry wandered 🙁 I'm glad I was able to drop unc for those very reasons. I hope you hear good news soon!!
I may not be an elite applicant that has multiple acceptances, but I still think I deserve a timely update on my application. It is unfortunate that I interviewed in November and still have not received any communication about my status or whether I have actually been reviewed. No... I don't have a 4.0 or a 43 mcat, but I was good enough to interview... So shouldnt I be good enough to receive some sort of update?
It is a very stressful process and I think it is important to let applicants know their status, as well as their particular admissions process. If it was not for sdn, I would not even know when the committee usually meets, or how many offers had been made
Agreed!
I had a great interview experience at UNC and we had so many medical students stop by (MS1, MS2, and MS3) that it was loud the entire time I was in the waiting room between 8am and 11am. I talked to at least five different students. Also, the people interviewing with me were awesome! I talked with a lot of them and I had a great time. The students giving us a tour were really cool and shared some interesting info, and were really down to earth. Also, I enjoyed the diversity of students at UNC. In that waiting room I met the most unique applicants and the most interesting med students. I have to admit I really enjoyed the interview plus the cookies were legit!! 🙂
I do agree that the waiting time is stressful but for me it has been stressful with all of the schools I applied to. I guess they could make some changes with regular updates just to ease the tension, but I would not withdraw my application until I heard a final answer from the committee.
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UNC compared to UMich and Pritzker....I don't really ever hear of UNC in the same "group" as these schools. Completely different missions, and IMO different caliber medical schools.
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A Greyjoy from the Iron Isles?! Haha love game of thrones.
Anyway, I have to disagree with a few of you. My interview was a little different. I had several students come in to "steal cookies" and answer our questions. It was pretty lively for the most part. We were always talking to someone. And I found on the tour that I really liked the campus. My group was lucky enough to see M3s or M4s practicing before entering the simulation rooms (with the acting patients). So no complaints here for interview day (though I wish I could get a better read on Dr. Passannante).
However, I do agree with my peers as far as the post-interview goes. It's very stressful. Constantly waiting every Monday and not hear anything is very discouraging. You feel like everything you've done these past four or more years wasn't good enough -especially when you've been waiting for 17 weeks and hear absolutely nothing and then you hear a comparable applicant was accepted just 2 weeks after their interview.
More than anything I would like to know what my chances are throughout the cycle. An update on how many seats are left or how many offers have been made would help me come to terms with 'oh it's over' or let me know not to fret because I still have a chance. I'm not tremendously upset since I have an acceptance elsewhere but UNC is just as great a school as that one. It would be good to know if I might be attending UNC or that I should move on and start planning my life around the school that's accepted me. I mean Grabslamboot and others like me have been waiting for over 15 (even 20) weeks without a peep. Which, in some ways, is fine -we're still in the running- but I'd be lying if I told you I was happy.
I'd also suggest maybe letting you know how many times you've been reviewed or if you haven't, when you will be. I know Brody does this and it puts a lot of internal brooding and anxiety to rest.
Anyway, I have to disagree with a few of you. My interview was a little different. I had several students come in to "steal cookies" and answer our questions. It was pretty lively for the most part. We were always talking to someone. And I found on the tour that I really liked the campus. My group was lucky enough to see M3s or M4s practicing before entering the simulation rooms (with the acting patients). So no complaints here for interview day (though I wish I could get a better read on Dr. Passannante).
However, I do agree with my peers as far as the post-interview goes. It's very stressful. Constantly waiting every Monday and not hear anything is very discouraging. You feel like everything you've done these past four or more years wasn't good enough -especially when you've been waiting for 17 weeks and hear absolutely nothing and then you hear a comparable applicant was accepted just 2 weeks after their interview.
More than anything I would like to know what my chances are throughout the cycle. An update on how many seats are left or how many offers have been made would help me come to terms with 'oh it's over' or let me know not to fret because I still have a chance. I'm not tremendously upset since I have an acceptance elsewhere but UNC is just as great a school as that one. It would be good to know if I might be attending UNC or that I should move on and start planning my life around the school that's accepted me. I mean Grabslamboot and others like me have been waiting for over 15 (even 20) weeks without a peep. Which, in some ways, is fine -we're still in the running- but I'd be lying if I told you I was happy.
I'd also suggest maybe letting you know how many times you've been reviewed or if you haven't, when you will be. I know Brody does this and it puts a lot of internal brooding and anxiety to rest.
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I 110% agree with everyone else. While many of you may have other acceptances, that shouldn't matter, UNC is the only school most people are waiting to hear back from regardless. It's upsetting to think that after the years and time we've spent putting together our applications, that some of us are left months without any feedback.
Also, for potential re-applicants such as myself, the dragging out only makes it even harder to know what to have worked on in order to re-apply early and successfully in June.
Also, for potential re-applicants such as myself, the dragging out only makes it even harder to know what to have worked on in order to re-apply early and successfully in June.
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I completely understand about how stressful this process can be but many other schools with rolling admissions work much in the same way as UNC in regards to the post-interview wait, in that all you can do is twiddle your thumbs waiting to hear something. Even if you haven't heard anything in months, the good thing is that you're still being considered which is more fair than just tossing out your application if your application happens to sit alongside several other strong applications at the time of submission. This way you're under constant review and have better chances of getting in. But i definitely agree that it would be nice if they could send out an email saying that they haven't forgotten about you etc. It would be nice, but it probably wouldn't help you get a decision faster.
+1 I am also a reapplicant and went to a counseling session with an admissions officer to learn how to better my application. I then took a year off until I could be sure I had sufficiently improved my résumé. It's just upsetting that I haven't heard anything... UNC has always been my first choice.
Nope. Nothing. I called once to see what the status of my app was.
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So your saying if one subcommittee member didn't like a particular application they could prevent them from ever going up for full committee review? Then how are the subcommittees preventing a single individual's bias from blocking a qualified applicant?
As for leaving applicants in the dark, a simple solution would be to put applicants on hold/deferred decision status if they are not admitted after the initial 6-8 weeks. I can say from experience that it is better to know that you won't hear anything until the end of the season than to be constantly hoping every Monday that you'll get the call after months of waiting.
As an aside, has ANYONE who interviewed with Dr. Toews heard back? Is he even still on the committee?
On the contrary, if one subcommittee member does not like an applicant they have to state their case and defend their reasoning to the other 3-5 members of the subcommittee, individuals who very well may like the applicant. One member of a subcommittee cannot individually decide the fate of any application - they all must reach a consensus.
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Oh please, how much deliberating really goes on? All of the AdCom members are well established professors/doctors and all carry their own weight. I doubt they spend much time sitting around trying to disagree with someone else and so on. Why? Because the other members of the subcommittee did not interview that candidate.
Say AdCom # 1 says the candidate he interviewed was OK but not should not go on to the main committee...do you really believe the other 5-6 members will ask an indepth review of why and why not and actually "deliberate" in the true sense of the word? Absolutely not.
Now, if BOTH interviewers were part of the committee, they could truly deliberate in front of everyone if they disagree, but guess what, the 2nd interviewer is not part of the committee!
Spoke with the admissions office and they said that the committee will be making decisions between today and the end of this month for final acceptances, rejections, and the wait list. Also, they told me that are still seats open but it all depends on what the committee decides.
Additionally, I was told that they no longer accept update/interest letters, so has UNC accepted those before? I was told at the interview by Ms. Joni James that they do not accept anything through the admissions office. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Additionally, I was told that they no longer accept update/interest letters, so has UNC accepted those before? I was told at the interview by Ms. Joni James that they do not accept anything through the admissions office. Can anyone shed some light on this?
I know for a fact that extensive deliberation does go on and disagreements regarding applicants are quite common.
Also, every interviewer - adcom or not - scores the applicant and provides a written summary of their impressions and, if applicable, reservations. If the adcom's evaluation varies from the non-adcom's evaluation, then the subcommittee reaches out to the non-adcom to explore further. In some circumstances, applicants re-interview.
If no one had any intention of ever questioning a given adcom's impression post-interview, there would be no point in the subcommittees.
You can choose to believe whatever you like but I wouldn't be posting if I didn't know exactly how it works at UNC.
what exactly do you mean by "they told me there are still seats open but it all depends on what the committee decides?" there are either still seats available, or there are no seats available; naturally, the committee will decide who fills those seats, but i would imagine that the actual amount of acceptances offered by UNC was set a long time ago. if it is the former case (which is what I think you meant to say), then this rather directly contradicts what SSCCSS has been saying -- that the last meeting was this past Monday, and that final acceptance decisions have been made and sent out (except for the WL).
either way, thanks for contacting them!
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I think you are putting too much thought into this. The admissions office plays their cards very close to their chest it seems. When I called, they said there were "probably seats left because UNC uses rolling admissions", as if they weren't sure or it's just information they choose not to share. In all honesty it could be the case that there really aren't any seats left but they want to continue being vague until everything is set in stone and accounted for. It could also be the case that there are still 30 acceptances left to give. Or anywhere in between. Nobody really knows except the committee and/or admissions and I don't see them offering that information any time soon. Maybe SSCCSS can shed some light on whether the admissions office even keeps track of this information and whether or not they share it.
I know for a fact that UNC will call you back for another interview if they are not sure about something. I had a friend who interviewed with great stats but got called in for a second interview 10 days later and got in.
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withdrew from UNC today...decided not to wait. SO RELIEVED!
best of luck guys!
best of luck guys!
Thanks! I hope you were a stellar applicant!
Interviewer reached out to clarify a point. Took it as a good sign, but no news yet.
Was this shortly after your interview or was it recently?
After interview
I agree with nearly all of the suggestions made about the post-interview waiting. I'm an admitted re-applicant, but my first time applying I felt forgotten. I interviewed in October and was wait listed right before graduation and literally didn't hear anything after the wait list decision until August. It was awful, so I understand how grueling the process can be and also how ambiguous everyone is on the phone. My advice to those of you still waiting is to remain hopeful, but make sure you have a back-up plan.
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Friend called the office two days ago. Seats are still open so chin up, everyone.
Thanks for sharing!!
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Hi guys - I have a housing question that hopefully someone can answer.
How do people work housing out? Do most people live with roommates or by themselves? I found a place that I want to lease but am hesitant to sign-on without finding roommates. I checked out the facebook page but it looks like people have only posted a few housing options and there aren't many replies. When do people start looking seriously for housing - am I just looking too early? Would really appreciate any help!!
How do people work housing out? Do most people live with roommates or by themselves? I found a place that I want to lease but am hesitant to sign-on without finding roommates. I checked out the facebook page but it looks like people have only posted a few housing options and there aren't many replies. When do people start looking seriously for housing - am I just looking too early? Would really appreciate any help!!
SSCCSS, is this true? Give it to me straight. I can take it.
Unfortunately, that is information to which I am not privy.
I cannot imagine the Office of Admissions, which is normally pretty mum about their practices, would volunteer this information if it wasn't so (frankly, I'm amazed they'd volunteer it at all).
All I know is the committee concluded its final meeting last Monday. Perhaps the open seats to which they referred are those vacated by application withdrawals?
Best of luck to everyone waiting.
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Can anyone who went to second look please talk a little bit about how the day went/what the feel was like/anything new they learned? I wasn't able to make it and feel like I missed out on a great opportunity to learn more about the school and to meet potential future classmates 🙁
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I was pleasantly surprised by the high level of research being done and the increase in research funding over the last year.
The deans were extremely open to allowing students to shape their own opportunities. In addition to the formal MD/MPH and MD/MBA options, a number of students built their own DIY dual degrees. They support Masters in divinity, social work, even JD if you can make the case for how it will make you a better doctor.
They would also support DIY research fellowships and overseas experiences, as long it can be shown to be safe and educationally beneficial.
The existing research and overseas work is much more abundant than I had previously thought, and they seem to make it very easy to plug in.
Students who recently matched were surprised at how well respected UNC was while on the residency interview trail, and most got their top choice.
Overall, the school seemed to be dedicated to student success and collegiality.
The other students were AWESOME, which is my favorite part.
Yup, I definitely agree with Erakis about the students. Everyone at UNC (the first years, second years, third years, future students, and even the professors) was really friendly. They put a pretty big emphasis on research and designing your own education/experiences. Overall, it was a great experience.
agree with the above posts, main takeaways for me were:
1) you have the freedom to pursue whatever you want (research, service, international experiences, dual degrees, etc.), to whatever depth you want
2) everyone (faculty, current students, incoming students) was generally very friendly, helpful, and excited to be at UNC SoM. seemingly not hyper-competitive or cutthroat
but don't feel bad if you couldn't make it, there were some opportunities to mingle, but mostly listening to people talk
1) you have the freedom to pursue whatever you want (research, service, international experiences, dual degrees, etc.), to whatever depth you want
2) everyone (faculty, current students, incoming students) was generally very friendly, helpful, and excited to be at UNC SoM. seemingly not hyper-competitive or cutthroat
but don't feel bad if you couldn't make it, there were some opportunities to mingle, but mostly listening to people talk
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Agreed with what everyone is saying about the second look. Everyone there (faculty, current students and prospective students) were all very friendly and happy to be there. There are a lot of great opportunities outside of just our studies and I look forward to getting started.
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Anyone waiting to hear back get any news yet? I called about a week ago and they said they were gonna try and let everyone know something by the end of the month. Less than a week left in the month and I havent heard anything...
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yeah, I think a bunch of us are still waiting- last year they told everyone decisions would be out by end of March, and people finally got waitlisted/rejected on April 4.
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Oh okay thanks. I wonder what the chances are of getting in off the waitlist.
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probably not great, and of course they won't provide any sort of info about position (top 10%, top third, etc). It looks like most waitlist movement happens by the end of May, so I plan on waiting until then (if I'm not rejected outright at the end of this month) and then making my arrangements to move out of the area.
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hehe, how fitting will will it be if we hear from them on April Fool's day. . .
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