2012-2013 University of Pittsburgh Application Thread

[ERMAHGERD]

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Rejected. It stings a bit. Oh, well... Still have six interviews so far!

Sent from my LT28at using SDN Mobile

Sorry to hear that Aiya, I've been seeing you in almost every school thread I myself had an vested interest in and was expecting you to post w/ a II in this one too! 6 interviews this early in the cycle 😱...jeezus... 👍

Best of luck!...not that you'll need it haha

 

[lsjuAC]

II invite today! It's my first and I'm so excited. First available date is mid-November. Was hoping to get one under my belt earlier, but can't complain!

Complete yesterday (Talk about lightning fast!!), ~39 MCAT, 3.6 cGPA.

 

[idontcaureuknow]

This rash of rejections makes me feel very lucky to have this interview lined up now. Really want to get in this time. 'Specially seeing some of the stats.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Sorry to hear that Aiya, I've been seeing you in almost every school thread I myself had an vested interest in and was expecting you to post w/ a II in this one too! 6 interviews this early in the cycle 😱...jeezus... 👍

Best of luck!...not that you'll need it haha

Good luck to you, too! Honestly, Pitt was a long shot for me

Sent from my LT28at using SDN Mobile

 

[Member2488]

Just received an interview invite! Woot Woot! Secondary completed two days ago - wow that was quick!

BCPM 3.6, AO 3.8, MCAT 35

 

[reesescup]

received II! 3.7+/33+ very excited!

 

[Samih]

Alright, so I had my interview here this past Friday. I live in Pittsburgh, so I can't comment on student hosting/hotel prices. Here's my take:

Transportation: The bus system is nice and cheap. Pitt is located right near Oakland, close to downtown (10 min bus ride).

Interview Breakdown

Time Frame: 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM. First they welcomed us at the office, only 10 interviewees were present (I liked it better that way). We then were divided into 3 groups. 2 other interviewees and me had a tour with an MS4 who was part of the Clinical Scientist Training Program there. She was nice, answered all of our questions, ranging from Pitt Med, to living in Pittsburgh. We had a short break, then the admissions office explained to us the curriculum, opportunities, etc. We had lunch with some MS2's and then we were interviewed by one of them. Mine was a very laid back, Pittsburgh native. Since we both have lived here for a while, we struck conversation pretty easily.She only knew my name so don't worry about mentioning your AMCAS info all over again. Then I had the faculty interview at the nearby hospital (they are all connected via bridges and the like). I was interviewed by a transplant surgeon, he was very nice, quiet guy. He asked me several questions, jotted some notes and then he started mentioning how he had to "sell pittsburgh to me". So it was very nice to chat with him, we talked about living as a physician here, some medical history at UPMC and about the life of a doctor in general. Even though it was pretty formal, I thought it was more laid back than what I was expecting. We then had a short session with an experienced physician, where we were handed a standard ethics case and all the interviewees had to pitch in their opinions. Very informal too. Finally, we had a financial aid session and the goodbye session, followed by an optional session about the Physician Scientist Training Program.

Hope this helps the guys who have an II and for the rest of you guys good luck getting an invitiation!

 

[jesse120]

Can people post their experiences at the interviews here or is there a specific thread for that? I have some information I'd like to share regarding Pitt's interview. Good luck to the people who will be interviewing soon!

Yep, here is the right place. Hope your interview went well

 

[BoneDoc91]

Anyone interviewing 10/24?

 

[Samih]

Just posted my experience. Good luck again to all!

 

[Fuska2012]

Just posted my experience. Good luck again to all!

thanks!

also wondering when the next round of rejections will be... considering my completion date... it looks like I might be in the next batch

 

[Mosa]

thanks!

also wondering when the next round of rejections will be... considering my completion date... it looks like I might be in the next batch

It's ok have hope! Also, Pitt informed us at the interview that all decisions for those who interview will be released on January 31st FYI

 

[Fuska2012]

It's ok have hope! Also, Pitt informed us at the interview that all decisions for those who interview will be released on January 31st FYI

oh wow that's a long wait! sounds like semi non-rolling style... i am trying to have hope haha 🙂 thanks and congrats on the interview and best of luck!!!!! I hope your interview went really really well 🙂

 

[DrPurr]

-

 

[arroyo2208]

I'll be interviewing on Monday, any last minute advice from current students or those who have already interviewed?

Also, any tips for the best strategy to get from the admissions office to the 28X after the interview day?

 

[IncognitoGuy]

Man, all of these Monday people! Anybody there on Wednesday the 12th?

 

[thekay]

.

 

[Frazier]

Is Pitt pretty much nonrolling now?

100% nonrolling

 

[Ismet]

I'll be interviewing on Monday, any last minute advice from current students or those who have already interviewed?

Also, any tips for the best strategy to get from the admissions office to the 28X after the interview day?

Good luck! Don't stress out about it and have fun! Ask lots of questions on your tour.

From admissions office - go down a floor to the 4th floor and exit to Terrace Street, turn right and walk down cardiac hill (DeSoto Street). Alternatively you can also go down to the 2nd floor and exit directly to DeSoto through the student entrance, but that takes a bit more navigation. The 28X stops at Fifth opposite Atwood - so once you get to the bottom of DeSoto (you'll see Rita's across the street), turn right and there will be a bus stop ahead.

Don't forget exact change! I'm not sure if it's still $3.25 for Oakland to the airport, so have $3.50 just in case.

 

[deleted472157]

Don't forget exact change! I'm not sure if it's still $3.25 for Oakland to the airport, so have $3.50 just in case.

Just a heads up, the 28X is now $3.75.

 

[arroyo2208]

Good luck! Don't stress out about it and have fun! Ask lots of questions on your tour.

From admissions office - go down a floor to the 4th floor and exit to Terrace Street, turn right and walk down cardiac hill (DeSoto Street). Alternatively you can also go down to the 2nd floor and exit directly to DeSoto through the student entrance, but that takes a bit more navigation. The 28X stops at Fifth opposite Atwood - so once you get to the bottom of DeSoto (you'll see Rita's across the street), turn right and there will be a bus stop ahead.

Don't forget exact change! I'm not sure if it's still $3.25 for Oakland to the airport, so have $3.50 just in case.

Thanks a ton! I am getting excited. They'll have a spot for us to put our stuff/luggage during the day, correct? What do you recommend bringing to have during the day? Do most people (well I guess girls) just carry a purse to carry wallet/phone/pens/anything else?

 

[iceprincess4189]

II! complete 8/20. anybody know how many are accepted out of the number that interviews?

 

[IncognitoGuy]

II! complete 8/20. anybody know how many are accepted out of the number that interviews?

IIRC, they waitlist quite a few people post-interview, but this was during rolling admissions so perhaps they have changed their ways. But it's (was?) a smaller percentage that gets outright acceptances post-interview.

 

[DrPurr]

-

 

[Ismet]

Just a heads up, the 28X is now $3.75.

😱 geez. one of the many advantages of going to pitt is "free" public transportation, so you never have to worry about the price changes! 😀

Thanks a ton! I am getting excited. They'll have a spot for us to put our stuff/luggage during the day, correct? What do you recommend bringing to have during the day? Do most people (well I guess girls) just carry a purse to carry wallet/phone/pens/anything else?

I seem to remember admissions allowing people to store a suitcase in the office during the day. All I had was a black purse, on the larger side (large enough that it could fit the usual folder you get at interviews) and I had a pair of black flats in there to change out of (the campus tour can be rough on heels if you're not used to walking in them). You can leave your purse in the admissions office, there's always someone there!

II! complete 8/20. anybody know how many are accepted out of the number that interviews?

We were told at orientation this year that ~50% of those interviewed will be accepted, and ~40% of those people accepted will matriculate. Keep in mind that the majority of those people who are eventually accepted are initially waitlisted...but I have no idea how they're doing it now that they're non-rolling.

 

[redpanda]

Then again, at least for the 28X, paying $3.75 for a 20-30 mile bus ride isn't exactly a bad deal. Even if it weren't free and the price did go up significantly, it definitely beats the hassle of driving out to the airport or paying SuperShuttle.

 

[MrKLblue]

Just dropped off a letter of intent/update this afternoon. UPSOM, give me some love 😍 Give me II!

Do you guys know how receptive they are to those letters pre-II? Will I receive any indication that they receive it?

Btw, saw some interviewees around the building. Good luck to you all!

 

[saveourpens]

Just dropped off a letter of intent/update this afternoon. UPSOM, give me some love 😍 Give me II!

Do you guys know how receptive they are to those letters pre-II? Will I receive any indication that they receive it?

Btw, saw some interviewees around the building. Good luck to you all!

From their website: "The most appropriate time to follow-up with us is following your interview or after the receipt of your official admissions decision."

You can call the office and ask for confirmation that your update was added to your app.

 

[BigBear123]

This school = 😍

Can't believe I have to wait till January 31st to find out my decision AHHH.

 

[sscjlfc12]

Was very impressed by the interview day here. Everyone was super friendly and relaxed and had great things to say about Pittsburgh. Crossing my fingers for January 31st

 

[IncognitoGuy]

Love, love, love Pitt! Incredible facilities and opportunities. I'll update this with more impressions later.

EDIT: The day starts with a tour (facilitated by an older student - mine was a M4), followed by an overview of the curriculum. After that is lunch with current med students (good time to ask questions, chat, etc.)

Then, you have two interviews - student and faculty. Student interview was closed file, faculty was open but depending on faculty interests, you may not even cover certain parts of your application. After that was more small group stuff, a financial aid presentation and an optional PSTP presentation.

Everybody was so incredibly chill and approachable, even down to the admissions office staff and strangers on the street who are SUPER helpful if anything comes up, from directions to the bus stop to any other situations. Love.

Some notes: If you have to leave right after, bring your luggage with you that morning, as you will be able to store it in the office. If you're flying in, you'll need $3.75 in exact change to take the 28X (dollars/coins combination work), otherwise you'll be losing money as you don't receive change if you overpay. But this also depends on where you'll be staying. If you have a student host, you'll probably take this route.

Girls - consider not wearing heels, at least for the tour. Pittsburgh is hilly and the tour involves a good amount of walking, but it's all worth it either way.

I had been to Pittsburgh before, so it was cool to come back and see it from the perspective of an applicant. Definitely as cool as I remembered and Pitt Med's presentation of its school, facilities and program really made me excited. I went in open-minded about what Pitt had to offer and came out of it really hoping that the process works out and I can consider Pitt in the end. 😍

 

[Alejandro]

Hi all, so I know I should be studying for anatomy (trigeminal nerves are killer, you'll soon see), but I wanted to check in on SDN to see how things are coming along. Congrats to everyone who received an interview at Pitt! It truly is a top-tier school, not simply because of some USNWR rankings or whatever, but its because of the student experience here. If you love research or academic medicine (teaching), this is the place to be. Cannot emphasize how receptive faculty here are with students becoming involved in whatever capacity they can be. Not to mention, for what its worth, it's nice being able to email professors who will either answer your question, or help guide you to the right people who can. Not sure how it works for other places, but I can firmly say that I'm glad I chose Pitt.

For the interview, just remember to be yourself. The one question you should REALLY be ready to answer at ANY INTERVIEW (not just Pitt), is "tell me about yourself." I got that question soooo many times on the interview trail that you want to have your answer well-made, with interesting parts along the way for people to interject and ask more about you. Pitt has a open interview, based on my experiences last year. That being said, who knows this year. BUT, don't expect that every interviewer has read your app. More often than not, professors don't have the time to read over every app, esp if they're having a busy day/week. This doesn't just apply to Pitt, but to every school out there. So you have to assume they don't know anything, and if they do, that's even better, because then you don't need to reexplain everything. For my interview, my faculty interviewer took a minute to read my app before I came, so it wasn't closed file. 🙂

Cranial nerves are a callin, so I'm gonna get back to the grind. PM if you have any further questions about the interview, or any questions about the school in general, especially if you're from the west and are a little nervous with the transition to Pittsburgh as a place to live.

Cheers, and good luck!

 

[Fivo]

For anyone that knows (Pitt's non-rolling admissions), does the likelihood of receiving an acceptance differ if you interview on Dec 2nd as opposed to Dec 18th?

 

[DokDakotaDok]

For anyone that knows (Pitt's non-rolling admissions), does the likelihood of receiving an acceptance differ if you interview on Dec 2nd as opposed to Dec 18th?

By definition, no.

 

[Fivo]

By definition, no.

Of course I'd like to think that. But I've also read on other threads that an earlier interview > later interview. Is non-rolling admissions standard across schools?

 

[DokDakotaDok]

Of course I'd like to think that. But I've also read on other threads that an earlier interview > later interview. Is non-rolling admissions standard across schools?

If Pitt does standard non rolling admissions, like I assume they will, your application will absolutely receive the same consideration, especially if your only two dates vary by just a week or two. Inherently, interviewers might look favorably upon early interviewees, but granted they're probably less experienced, this shouldn't matter.

Honestly, the two dates you mentioned should be basically the same. You'd need insider input for more spread apart dates, though. Ideally, non rolling admissions starts reviewing all apps after interviews are done.

 

[Ismet]

Of course I'd like to think that. But I've also read on other threads that an earlier interview > later interview. Is non-rolling admissions standard across schools?

Early vs late means September vs December. A matter of 2 weeks doesn't make a difference.

 

[Fivo]

Early vs late means September vs December. A matter of 2 weeks doesn't make a difference.

I see. But what about now that Pitt is non-rolling, does a September interview have any kind of advantage over a December interview? And with that said, do you guys know if it would be feasible to catch a 5:15 to 5:30pm flight out of there (even if you forgo the optional info session)?

 

[aspiringdoc3]

I see. But what about now that Pitt is non-rolling, does a September interview have any kind of advantage over a December interview? And with that said, do you guys know if it would be feasible to catch a 5:15 to 5:30pm flight out of there (even if you forgo the optional info session)?

I don't know about the September vs December thing, but you should be able to catch a flight at that time. The day is over at 3:30 even if you attend the optional session(3 if you don't). Takes about an hour to get to the airport and security does not take long at PIT

 

[Ismet]

I see. But what about now that Pitt is non-rolling, does a September interview have any kind of advantage over a December interview? And with that said, do you guys know if it would be feasible to catch a 5:15 to 5:30pm flight out of there (even if you forgo the optional info session)?

I guess I never understood why people worry so much about this...maybe it's just for peace of mind or something, but considering how new the "official" non-rolling status is, I don't think there's any way to know what's up unless you talk to the admissions office directly. Based on the definition of non-rolling, I would assume that all interviewers are treated the same regarding interview date come January 31, but like I said, all I can do here is speculate. If you are a great fit at Pitt, you will most likely be accepted regardless of when you interview.

Rush hour in Oakland (almost standstill on 5th ave) can start as early as 3 or 4pm depending on the day, especially Fridays, so to be very safe you should consider skipping the optional session if you want to make a 5:15 flight.

 

[BoneDoc91]

What days does Pitt do interviews again? I'm scheduled for a Wednesday interview but I may need to reschedule.

 

[Fivo]

What days does Pitt do interviews again? I'm scheduled for a Wednesday interview but I may need to reschedule.

They interview Mon., Tue., and Fri. as well. However, it seems they were really strict when they say you cannot reschedule interviews unless a major emergency comes up. Good luck though.

 

[IncognitoGuy]

They interview Mon., Tue., and Fri. as well. However, it seems they were really strict when they say you cannot reschedule interviews unless a major emergency comes up. Good luck though.

Yeah, from the looks of things they're trying to keep 10 people at each day, so someone rescheduling would really throw a wrench in things. Also, FYI - the 28X bus to the Pitt airport takes about an hour, and that's not counting the time you might have to wait for it to arrive while downtown. 5:15 will be tough but if you leave right after the last mandatory part, you should have some breathing space to wait in case the bus isn't exactly there when you walk out.

 

[BoneDoc91]

I'll just have to work around my interview date then. Thanks for the info.

 

[BurghStudent]

Interview Invite! The earliest I could schedule is December though.

 

[Corriefangirl]

Interview Invite this morning!! best news so far!!
complete 9/17

 

[zzzcor]

complete on 8/20 and still no response... I would love to get an interview here =]

 

[sliceofbread136]

Could a medical student tell me what they really like and don't like about this school? Want to learn more about it.

 

[Ruhroh]

I submitted the secondary a few days ago but never got an email about payment going through or it being submitted. The website says it was submitted. Was this normal for everyone else?

 

[DoctorDachshund]

You have to realize that you are actually going to have to go out of your way to get into PITT. PITT like to keep their matriculation rate high... so they are hesitant to accept people with very high stats, figuring you will go to a better school....

So, if you have high stats, and really want to go here instead of a better school that you will very likely get in to, prepare yourself to have to write multiple love letters telling PITT they are the best school ever.....

Data for this statement? I am in an Ivy League med school now, and have run into MANY people here who were not accepted to PITT, and these folks have contacts at other schools, where this "trend" (i.e. there may be exceptions) was confirmed.

What do I mean by high stats? The type that get you into Harvard, Hopkins, Penn, etc... if you have MCAT of 38+ along with a 3.9+ from a good undergrad, you will very likely not be accepted unless you slobber all over PITT.

Also note, really high stats will keep you from even getting interviewed at some intermediate schools... like Jefferson. Gotta slobber on them requesting an interview..

Who do we have to thank for all this... U.S. News rankings.

Also, don't bore me with "well there is a lot more considered than grades....". I got in everywhere I applied, except PITT.

Also, spare me "It's just sour grapes....".... this trend is confirmed across multiple people attending two ivy's.

I post it here for the few who might want to go to a mid tier school like PITT, even though they have top tier stats.