2012-2013 University of Pennsylvania (Perelman) Application Thread

[doctorSOX]

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Anybody at Penn know how admissions feels about a letter of interest? It's been several weeks since I submitted my stuff, and I know some schools really appreciate them.

An interest letter certainly will never hurt you. For Penn, my opinion would be that a significant update letter (publications, leadership activities, unique circumstances) would carry more weight for your application than a statement of your interest. For interest/intent letters, I feel that it's probably better to send them later in the cycle (provided the school is non-rolling), because while a certain school may be your top choice on this date in October, the school has no way of knowing if that will hold true after a few more months of interviews, etc... If you send the same letter in late January or February though, as most interview cycles are wrapping up, it would seem to carry more weight. In the event that you are waitlisted though, at that point, it is almost imperative to send interest/intent letters, and I feel like they carry the most weight in that situation.

 

[Member2488]

II this morning! Secondary submitted 8/20, Complete 8/21. I thought that I had been silently rejected but despite my paranoia I finally got an update via email!! 🙂 Good luck to everyone!

 

[med17]

I'm randomly getting emails from Penn about community service and such -- anybody else?

 

[mcloaf]

Nope. Interviewing next week though!

 

[doctorSOX]

I'm randomly getting emails from Penn about community service and such -- anybody else?

Have you interviewed here? Last year I remember getting similar emails periodically from Penn after interviewing.

 

[gemma77]

Does anyone know the percentage of interviewed students who get accepted each year??

 

[mcloaf]

A little more than 1/4

 

[coquito]

II !

Secondary submitted in July so I had given up hope. Hang in there if you're waiting to hear back! Not sure when complete.

Stats: MCAT low 30s. GPA: 3.7-3.9

 

[desilva11]

II received yesterday (11/7) 😀

Secondary submitted 7/31 so I had given up hope. Hang in there if you're waiting to hear back! Not sure when complete.

Stats: MCAT low 30s. GPA: 3.7-3.9

what dates are currently open for interviews? thanks

 

[Woodchuck]

My application was completed in July but heard nothing from Penn so far. I am thinking to send an update including two papers I published recently, but I don't know whether I should wait for my another manuscript of mine to be accepted (probably in Dec or Jan). Does anybody know when they will finish sending invitations? Are people still receiving II in Jan and Feb? Thanks!

 

[wangers5270]

My application was completed in July but heard nothing from Penn so far. I am thinking to send an update including two papers I published recently, but I don't know whether I should wait for my another manuscript of mine to be accepted (probably in Dec or Jan). Does anybody know when they will finish sending invitations? Are people still receiving II in Jan and Feb? Thanks!

If you have a good feeling you'll get another publication in soon, I'd wait until January or so--they'll continue to extend II's through the winter! They mostly likely don't want to be bombarded with multiple update letters, especially pre-interview, and having 3 publications on one letter would make it quite strong!

 

[bearintraining]

If you have a good feeling you'll get another publication in soon, I'd wait until January or so--they'll continue to extend II's through the winter! They mostly likely don't want to be bombarded with multiple update letters, especially pre-interview, and having 3 publications on one letter would make it quite strong!

this is where i disagree.. the reviewing process is notoriously unpredictable... what if they decide against you before you even have an opportunity to send that letter.

I would say definitely send one now -- and if you get the 3rd pub, send a short update to let them know. A publication is a significant update, no matter what.

and to be quite honest.. I think it's highly unlikely that two versus one letter will make a difference between whether they extend an II or not... in other words, it can't hurt you.

lastly, congrats with the publications.. it takes incredible hard work 🙂

 

[darkjedi]

My application was completed in July but heard nothing from Penn so far. I am thinking to send an update including two papers I published recently, but I don't know whether I should wait for my another manuscript of mine to be accepted (probably in Dec or Jan). Does anybody know when they will finish sending invitations? Are people still receiving II in Jan and Feb? Thanks!

Definitely send it in now, Penn stops interviewing in Jan and by then it will be too late. Sending in 2-3 letters of updates/interests won't annoy the adcom office.

 

[Woodchuck]

Thanks guys, I will send it ASAP.

 

[coquito]

what dates are currently open for interviews? thanks

I saw 11/15, 11/16, 11/30, and 12/5. And then there were also waitlist days you could request (days you might get to interview, not days you might get waitlisted!)

 

[gemma77]

Can you anyone who has already interviewed comment on the day? Thanks!! 🙂

 

[mcloaf]

Interview day is great. Pretty standard schedule for the most part (breakfast, admissions and financial aid presentations, lunch with students [on the to floor of a research building with great views!], interviews in the afternoon). The big difference from other places I've been is that rather than making it an option to go to class if you have time, they build in 45 minutes of classroom attendance into the day, which is awesome. When I was there we got to go to lung and heart prosections given by the CT surgeons--coolest thing that's happened during my interview cycle by far.


For others who know more about Perelman's admissions procedures, do they take additional LORs submitted later in the cycle? I've gotten a new job since my application and am going to submit an update letter, but I also know that I'd get a great rec from my PI so if possible I'd like to have him send one. I will probably call the office tomorrow to see, but if anyone has any knowledge about this I'd be much obliged.

Edit: Nevermind, found on their website that you can submit additional letters at any time during the application process. Woohoo! Good luck all.

 

[VballDoc]

For those who attended the happy hour: what is the attire?

 

[carramrod06]

For those who attended the happy hour: what is the attire?

completely casual. i was wearing a hoodie/jeans.

 

[darkjedi]

For others who know more about Perelman's admissions procedures, do they take additional LORs submitted later in the cycle? I've gotten a new job since my application and am going to submit an update letter, but I also know that I'd get a great rec from my PI so if possible I'd like to have him send one. I will probably call the office tomorrow to see, but if anyone has any knowledge about this I'd be much obliged.

It can't hurt (unless of course it's a terrible letter). The committee is open to receiving updates to applications.

 

[Tanstripe]

Rather odd question (which I promise you is relevant): for observing/working with the cadavers on interview day, do you change clothes, take the suit jacket off but not the shirt underneath, or just leave everything on? I've had this stain that won't come out on the back of my dress shirt that would otherwise be covered by the suit jacket =P

 

[latebutterflu]

You should definitely not be working with cadavers on interview day. All my tours, we just passed through the anatomy lab and people stayed in their suits, jackets on or off, it doesn't really matter since the tours are generally more informal.

 

[somethingdeep]

You should definitely not be working with cadavers on interview day. All my tours, we just passed through the anatomy lab and people stayed in their suits, jackets on or off, it doesn't really matter since the tours are generally more informal.

Earlier on this thread, I believe someone mentioned getting 'elbows-deep' into cadavers on their interview day. At my interview, though, the tour guides didn't have access to the anatomy lab, so we couldn't even get inside 🙁

 

[Tots]

On my interview day the class that we attended was anatomy lab - so they gave us gowns and we went in and spent 45 minutes with the first years who were dissecting. Some people kept their suit jacket on(myself included) and some people took them off.

 

[mcloaf]

On my interview day the class that we attended was anatomy lab - so they gave us gowns and we went in and spent 45 minutes with the first years who were dissecting. Some people kept their suit jacket on(myself included) and some people took them off.

X2. They will give you disposable gowns if you're going to prosections (where you won't need them) or dissections (where you may).

 

[dance13021]

Rather odd question (which I promise you is relevant): for observing/working with the cadavers on interview day, do you change clothes, take the suit jacket off but not the shirt underneath, or just leave everything on? I've had this stain that won't come out on the back of my dress shirt that would otherwise be covered by the suit jacket =P

How did you end up with a stain on the BACK of your dress shirt??

 

[PFThompson]

Going to interview at Penn soonish, Did anyone stay with one who had a bed for you to sleep on? Or do any student know hosts that have extra beds or futons for interviewees instead of a couch?

Thanks!

 

[Tanstripe]

How did you end up with a stain on the BACK of your dress shirt??

I actually attended one of my other interviews while on a trip with my collegiate ministry. I drove straight from the interview to this bouncy house we were supervising for kids and leaped onto one of the inflatables back first... Yeah, that had lots o' dirt on it.

 

[darkjedi]

I actually attended one of my other interviews while on a trip with my collegiate ministry. I drove straight from the interview to this bouncy house we were supervising for kids and leaped onto one of the inflatables back first... Yeah, that had lots o' dirt on it.

Have you tried dry cleaning it? Most places can clean it for like 1-2$. I once brushed up against wet paint in my suit, but the dry cleaners still got it all out.

Also, whether or not you're in anatomy lab depends entirely on whether we have anatomy lab that day. If you latch on to a friendly looking group (which should be everyone!), and you show interest, they'll likely be more than happy to teach you and let you poke around. Word of warning though, we're starting Head and Neck dissections, which can be disturbing for the uninitiated.

 

[wanderedtoolong]

looking at last year's thread, most of us still waiting on IIs will probably get the "status of death" in the next few days. oh well, it was a long shot.

 

[blondiellie]

I just read what you're referring to and am totally dreading it. I really wanted to go to UPenn :-(

 

[wanderedtoolong]

I just read what you're referring to and am totally dreading it. I really wanted to go to UPenn :-(

me too. sadly, so do thousands of other applicants, most with far better stats than mine.

 

[duyvtr]

looking at last year's thread, most of us still waiting on IIs will probably get the "status of death" in the next few days. oh well, it was a long shot.

What is this status of death?

 

[Ichiban88]

😵

 

[PFThompson]

looking at last year's thread, most of us still waiting on IIs will probably get the "status of death" in the next few days. oh well, it was a long shot.

Don't give up all hope, my II only came 11/13.

 

[doctorSOX]

Don't give up all hope, my II only came 11/13.

I know I've said this before, but before people start freaking out about the "status of death," even if you receive it, it is definitely not the end of the road for you for Penn. I personally received the status of death and still received an II in December for the first week in January. A few weeks after receiving the status, I sent in an update letter with some significant updates to my application (research/campus-leadership), and then told them that I would follow up as soon as I received my Fall semester grades in December. After sending the December letter with my grades, I received an II just a day or two later. And that's only my story. I have a number of friends who also received the status and are now here. So, take the status with a grain of salt if you receive it. Keep your hopes up! 🙂

 

[hurlygrly07]

.

 

[NewYorker9]

Interview Invite 🙂

 

[DoctorDachshund]

I got letter of death, then got II a month later, ultimately accepted.

 

[gemma77]

Does anyone know who the Associate Dean for Admissions is at Penn? I can't seem to find him/her for Penn.

 

[doctorSOX]

Does anyone know who the Associate Dean for Admissions is at Penn? I can't seem to find him/her for Penn.

Based on the directory here, http://www.med.upenn.edu/student/directories/faq.html, I think it's Donna Casagrande. All the staff are really friendly!

 

[gemma77]

Thanks!

 

[wanderedtoolong]

and there it is:
Complete - Application Update


The Committee on Admissions reviewed your application but has not invited you for an interview at this time. Additional reviews will occur and any change in your status will be communicated to you.


I know a few folks got IIs after this status, but for most of us this will be the end of the line. Oh well Penn, hopefully I'll be more qualified for you when I apply for residency.

 

[NCPremed]

and there it is:
Complete - Application Update


The Committee on Admissions reviewed your application but has not invited you for an interview at this time. Additional reviews will occur and any change in your status will be communicated to you.


I know a few folks got IIs after this status, but for most of us this will be the end of the line. Oh well Penn, hopefully I'll be more qualified for you when I apply for residency.

Ditto. Didn't expect anything different though haha. for us to be re-reviewed favorably! 🙂

 

[applicantdwd]

Does everyone who has been reviewed and yet to be invited for an interview get this status?
I don't understand why everyone thinks it's the "death status" then.

 

[bearintraining]

Status of death (which it just changed to today on my application, no email):

" Complete - Application Update

The Committee on Admissions reviewed your application but has not invited you for an interview at this time. Additional reviews will occur and any change in your status will be communicated to you.

ALL ADMISSIONS DECISIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY MARCH 15."



Good luck everyone else 🙁

edit: for what it's worth, i sent an update on Nov 17.

 

[deleted127837]

Does everyone who has been reviewed and yet to be invited for an interview get this status?
I don't understand why everyone thinks it's the "death status" then.

Idea is that they're done inviting people for interviews - they set their cutoff, they reached it, they looked at your app, and your app wasn't chosen. Then, as people cancel interviews or the waitlist moves, they interview a handful more people here or there. Or something.

More likely, it's a status update to keep large numbers of people from calling incessantly throughout December and January, while they review all the applicants they have. This probably means everyone's application has been reviewed once, the first round of II's were given out, and now they start churning back through the pile to see who else they like.

And yes, for many/most applicants, it likely means your application has been de facto rejected, but they're not going to tell you that until March.

 

[imcanadaian]

+1 to the "death status" haha

 

[dogday]

How do you update your application? Send an email to admissions or is there a way to do it on the admissions website that I am not seeing?

 

[bearintraining]

How do you update your application? Send an email to admissions or is there a way to do it on the admissions website that I am not seeing?

There's a place to upload files on the application site.

Letters -> Other Correspondence -> click on Add New Correspondence