2012-2013 University of Tennessee Application Thread

[Guero]

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Hey guys, I recently got a no decision letter from UT. My MCAT is 28Q and my gpa is 3.90. I know my MCAT is slightly below average, but I was curious if anyone has received an acceptance with similar stats?

PM sent.

 

[Asr0112]

*Still* no interview invite despite the email saying that I would be receiving one... Anyone else? I'm not sure if I should keep waiting - or call or email to follow up.

 

[Guero]

*Still* no interview invite despite the email saying that I would be receiving one... Anyone else? I'm not sure if I should keep waiting - or call or email to follow up.

I'd email. Dean Strothers is very prompt when returning emails. !

 

[superbatxs]

Hi,

I was called for an interview in February (last month) with an MCAT of 25. My interview went very well, and the interviewers said they would try to get me into med school. I'm on the wait list with that score, but I retook it in January and scored a 28 (a little below the average). My verbal score was the concern before, but I've gotten an 8. Dr. Strother said the new score is fine, and I shouldn't have to retake the MCAT.

I'm still a bit concerned about what will happen. Can they move my spot up on the wait list? I feel like I would have gotten in if I scored a 28 the first time around. And I'm still uncertain about the future. I think I should be able to get in eventually? My GPA (3.64 overall, 3.84 science) and extracurriculars are fine. I've also ran track.

 

[Guero]

Hi,

I was called for an interview in February (last month) with an MCAT of 25. My interview went very well, and the interviewers said they would try to get me into med school. I'm on the wait list with that score, but I retook it in January and scored a 28 (a little below the average). My verbal score was the concern before, but I've gotten an 8. Dr. Strother said the new score is fine, and I shouldn't have to retake the MCAT.

I'm still a bit concerned about what will happen. Can they move my spot up on the wait list? I feel like I would have gotten in if I scored a 28 the first time around. And I'm still uncertain about the future. I think I should be able to get in eventually? My GPA (3.64 overall, 3.84 science) and extracurriculars are fine. I've also ran track.

There's no telling at this point whether or not they will indeed bump you up on the WL. But it is possible, to answer your question. It also looks great that you improved. Hang in there and good luck!

 

[superbatxs]

Thanks for the quick reply! And if I take a gap year, should I be fine for next year then?

 

[Guero]

Thanks for the quick reply! And if I take a gap year, should I be fine for next year then?

You're very welcome. I believe you can get a better answer from the admissions department themselves via post-rejection counseling. Anyone want to chime in on that? I can't remember if they're still offering that to students.

But I do know the rejection letter will cite the reason for your rejection. I imagine it'd be better to retake the MCAT if you think you can raise it even further. Hopefully you get in this year and all this advice is moot.

 

[superbatxs]

We can just hope for the best. And Dr. Strother recommended I do not take the MCAT again, since he was concerned about my score dropping the next time around. The implication is that the score should be fine, especially considering the average at UT is around 29/30 (suggests many people got in with a 27 or 28). And hopefully the admissions committee bumps me up. I'm just happy I got on the wait list with a 25, lol. 🙂

 

[Guero]

FYI, for those students outside the UT system in undergrad that received the Net ID instructions, the "last four of your student ID" is actually the last four of your social. I initially couldn't log on and had to submit a help desk ticket. PM me if you're confused; I'll walk you through the process.

 

[mentalfloss06]

anyone hear from Diane Harris lately? I emailed her with a question yesterday and have yet to get a response... is she usually quick about replying?

 

[Guero]

anyone hear from Diane Harris lately? I emailed her with a question yesterday and have yet to get a response... is she usually quick about replying?

She is usually quick, but today is a huge mailing day, so I'd give her some time. You can always call if it's very important.

 

[mentalfloss06]

She is usually quick, but today is a huge mailing day, so I'd give her some time. You can always call if it's very important.

ah ok, thanks.

 

[VFL]

We can just hope for the best. And Dr. Strother recommended I do not take the MCAT again, since he was concerned about my score dropping the next time around. The implication is that the score should be fine, especially considering the average at UT is around 29/30 (suggests many people got in with a 27 or 28). And hopefully the admissions committee bumps me up. I'm just happy I got on the wait list with a 25, lol. 🙂

If you think you can raise that MCAT anymore, I would probably go ahead and retake it. I have been in a similar situation. I applied last year and was waitlisted (28 MCAT, 3.6 GPA, Psych major). I talked to Strother and he recommended that I not retake the MCAT but take more upper division biology courses. I'm about to complete a BCMB degree and have done really well in those classes but it is still looking like I'm just gonna be waitlisted again this year. I kinda wish I had just retaken the MCAT so I wouldn't be in this situation again for the second year in a row. Good luck.

 

[member1285]

Seems like most correspondence now is the "no decision made" letter. Is this typical in March-April? Seems like acceptances happen in that time frame (based on threads from previous years), but are fairly rare even for competitive candidates.

Is it safe to assume that people being interviewed now are for slots on the wait list?

 

[member1285]

Hi,

I was called for an interview in February (last month) with an MCAT of 25. My interview went very well, and the interviewers said they would try to get me into med school. I'm on the wait list with that score, but I retook it in January and scored a 28 (a little below the average). My verbal score was the concern before, but I've gotten an 8. Dr. Strother said the new score is fine, and I shouldn't have to retake the MCAT.

Based on everything I've read, your stats are pretty competitive for UT (especially your GPA and 28MCAT, assuming balanced). You'll probably have some luck moving up on the wait list. Seems like your interview went well.

 

[RachtheRedhead]

Has anyone who interviewed the week of March 6th heard anything? I haven't heard a peep and I'm getting antsy

It seems like not everyone is getting the "your survey is on the way" email this year?

 

[msrmb2310]

The committee is suppose to meet today for those who interviewed within the past two weeks, right? How soon should we expect to hear something?

 

[cclewis]

The committee is suppose to meet today for those who interviewed within the past two weeks, right? How soon should we expect to hear something?

If I recall correctly, it took about 1.5-2 weeks before I received my decision letter in the mail. (For reference, I live in East TN). The survey came earlier (~1week).

 

[TN32WNJ]

Anyone know if they are still interviewing applicants or not? I'm just curious.

 

[HokieMD1]

.

 

[confuciusjs]

I have a quick question for those in the know at UTHSC that is very important to me. Your replies would be MUCH appreciated. Should I retake the MCAT or not? My MCAT scores are easily the weakest aspect of my application. I am scheduled for May 18th.

The skinny on me:

- 3.62 cum GPA, 3.5 sGPA from a very large, southern, top 20 public institution
- 28S MCAT (9,9,10) - though this is from a 2nd attempt (1st was a 8,7,10) -- had a very poor test experience, computer literally shut off in middle of VR.
- EMT for 2.5 years, as well as volunteering, lots of clinical/shadowing, the works ..
- 2 semesters of research, no pubs or anything though
- Just accepted a full-time Research Assistant position at Vanderbilt Univ.
- In addition to my 40 hr./week job, I will be taking graduate coursework at Vanderbilt, in biology (immunology, upper-level physio, etc.) I plan to take 3-4 courses within the next year.
- I am a 23 yo, white male. I will be 24 for my hopeful start of medical school in 2014

I have already spoken with UT faculty about residency requirements and been told personally that with my new job, I will be deemed a Tennessee resident. Via my close friend that is an MS1 there and in addition to looking at the MSAR, I know that TN residency is a huge advantage (his roommate, a TN resident, got in off the WL with a 26)

I know that UT's mean or median (not sure which one) scores are (10,10,10). Because I'm so close to those scores, I'm really wrestling with assessing the risk of retaking the MCAT.

However, this will be my third application cycle. In the first, my MCAT was way too low and in the second, I applied too late. Collectively, I have received 2 MD interviews and 2 DO interviews (though the DO invites came AFTER the Vandy job, so I did not attend them). I had to take my opportunity at the time, as nothing else was on my schedule, so I signed a lease and committed to living in Nashville for a year.

I really would like to go to MD school, and I know that my scores and numbers are right on the fringe. I think that the upper range of my ability on the MCAT is probably a 32 or 33, but it would require studying time that I'm just not sure that I have. However, I am obviously very familiar with MCAT material. Considering both my Tennessee residency but also the fact that this is my third time in the game and that I am really not trying to do this again, what are your guys thoughts?

What do you guys think my chances are of being outright accepted to UTHSC?

Thanks so much, in advance!

I don't know how others feel, but from personal experiences and what I've heard when I was applying, I think if you apply early in the cycle, your MCAT shouldn't hold you back esp. if you're applying as an in-state applicant. Also, if you don't expect it to increase drastically (as in only about 3 points change) and if it's going to require time you don't have, I don't think it's worth it to retake the MCAT. I definitely think a 28S should be fine for UT...but I'm also curious as to what others have to say.

 

[RyanP89]

Just wanted to clarify, are there different emails sent notifying no decision or acceptance before the decision letter is mailed? Or does everyone get the "your survey will be mailed" email? Still kind of confused on the system

 

[cclewis]

Just wanted to clarify, are there different emails sent notifying no decision or acceptance before the decision letter is mailed? Or does everyone get the "your survey will be mailed" email? Still kind of confused on the system

Everyone gets the email telling you the survey is on the way. The only communication about the committee decision to accept, reject, or not make a decision is the letter that will come in the mail.

 

[TN32WNJ]

Hokie it sounds like you'll be very competitive at UT, but that's just my opinion.

 

[ESPN Junkie]

Have any of you been accepted to both UT and ETSU? If so, how are you deciding between the two? I feel like I would like ETSU better the first two years, but UT better for M3 and M4. I like that UT allows you do do your second two years split up between Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. I have heard that UT is having some issues with its new curriculum though. Any thoughts?

 

[RockyTopDoc]

I am a current M4 and will be giving the clinical tours this week at UT. If anyone has questions I'd be happy to reply.

Congratulations to those who have been accepted and good luck to those still waiting/interviewing!

 

[Guero]

Have any of you been accepted to both UT and ETSU? If so, how are you deciding between the two? I feel like I would like ETSU better the first two years, but UT better for M3 and M4. I like that UT allows you do do your second two years split up between Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. I have heard that UT is having some issues with its new curriculum though. Any thoughts?

I'm definitely in that boat, as are a few other people with whom I've been conversing. I agree entirely with your sentiment between the first and second halves at each school. But I'm leaning toward UT for several reasons: would rather live in the city, much more opportunities for research, suture tech opportunity (I'm very interested in surgical specialties), utterly unbridled clinical experience during rotations, and the presence of several friends a year ahead of me. It's always nice to have friends nearby to not only mentor you, but to help you through the hard times ahead.

I hadn't really stated the above openly until now. I've mainly kept these thoughts in PMs, but felt it was time to come clean. Both last year and this year, I was leaning toward ETSU based on small class size and the newness of their facilities but changed my mind after thinking long and hard about both places.

That said, I'm still holding my acceptance at ETSU in the rare hopes that they might issue a scholarship. They tend to offer a LOT of aid; but I've heard they don't release decisions until after May 15th. :/ We'll see...

I hope this helped. Feel free to PM me for further discussion.

 

[wpedicini]

I'm definitely in that boat, as are a few other people with whom I've been conversing. I agree entirely with your sentiment between the first and second halves at each school. But I'm leaning toward UT for several reasons: would rather live in the city, much more opportunities for research, suture tech opportunity (I'm very interested in surgical specialties), utterly unbridled clinical experience during rotations, and the presence of several friends a year ahead of me. It's always nice to have friends nearby to not only mentor you, but to help you through the hard times ahead.

I hadn't really stated the above openly until now. I've mainly kept these thoughts in PMs, but felt it was time to come clean. Both last year and this year, I was leaning toward ETSU based on small class size and the newness of their facilities but changed my mind after thinking long and hard about both places.

That said, I'm still holding my acceptance at ETSU in the rare hopes that they might issue a scholarship. They tend to offer a LOT of aid; but I've heard they don't release decisions until after May 15th. :/ We'll see...

I hope this helped. Feel free to PM me for further discussion.

So I have been accepted to ETSU and put on waitlist at UT. I would also say that I am leaning towards UT now but obviously have no qualms with attending ETSU. Is it best to just wait right now or should I send UT a letter of interest? Don't think I saw any thing on this thread about how Strothers or UT admissions respond to LOI? Thanks.

 

[Guero]

So I have been accepted to ETSU and put on waitlist at UT. I would also say that I am leaning towards UT now but obviously have no qualms with attending ETSU. Is it best to just wait right now or should I send UT a letter of interest? Don't think I saw any thing on this thread about how Strothers or UT admissions respond to LOI? Thanks.

I'd send a LOI. It certainly couldn't hurt. I've sent a few and know they help, especially if they're substantive!

 

[GTBuzz]

I have an interview at the Memphis campus tomorrow. I'm out of state from Georgia Tech. Any advice?

 

[mentalfloss06]

anyone who interviewed in the past two weeks get that survey email? supposedly it was going out this past friday or yesterday.

 

[Guero]

I have an interview at the Memphis campus tomorrow. I'm out of state from Georgia Tech. Any advice?

Just be yourself and show plenty of genuine enthusiasm! 🙂

 

[medschoolpleez]

I just got my interview invite for next Monday, I know this is just going to leave me on the waitlist, but still excited about it. If anyone's interviewed with Dr. Gallant and has any advice or information that might be helpful, it would be really appreciated. Also a quick question about how the interviews are conducted, do the interviewers have access to your grades, gpa, mcat, etc or is it like ETSU where that information is closed? Thanks for any help

 

[GTBuzz]

Just be yourself and show plenty of genuine enthusiasm! 🙂

Thanks! Still very nervous haha

 

[Gerudo]

I just got my interview invite for next Monday, I know this is just going to leave me on the waitlist, but still excited about it. If anyone's interviewed with Dr. Gallant and has any advice or information that might be helpful, it would be really appreciated. Also a quick question about how the interviews are conducted, do the interviewers have access to your grades, gpa, mcat, etc or is it like ETSU where that information is closed? Thanks for any help

One interview they have everything (essays and grades) and the other interview, they only have your essays (no MCAT or grades). They should make it clear in the beginning of hte interview what information they have.

Anyone can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Guero]

One interview they have everything (essays and grades) and the other interview, they only have your essays (no MCAT or grades). They should make it clear in the beginning of hte interview what information they have.

Anyone can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Nope, that about sums it up: One is heavily grade and performance based while the other is heavily ethical and personal background based.

 

[godivabear]

I just got my interview invite for next Monday, I know this is just going to leave me on the waitlist, but still excited about it. If anyone's interviewed with Dr. Gallant and has any advice or information that might be helpful, it would be really appreciated. Also a quick question about how the interviews are conducted, do the interviewers have access to your grades, gpa, mcat, etc or is it like ETSU where that information is closed? Thanks for any help

me too, why so pessimistic? I have Dr. Gallant too.

 

[msrmb2310]

anyone who interviewed in the past two weeks get that survey email? supposedly it was going out this past friday or yesterday.

I interviewed about three weeks ago and still haven't heard anything through email or letter.

 

[VFL]

I just got my interview invite for next Monday, I know this is just going to leave me on the waitlist, but still excited about it. If anyone's interviewed with Dr. Gallant and has any advice or information that might be helpful, it would be really appreciated. Also a quick question about how the interviews are conducted, do the interviewers have access to your grades, gpa, mcat, etc or is it like ETSU where that information is closed? Thanks for any help

Dr. Gallant is a little weird but he is a nice guy. He is an older man, a psychiatrist relocated from New Orleans after Katrina. With me, he asked all the basic questions about my grades and mcat and stuff. ("Why did you do worse in this class?" "Do you think you could handle the course load in med school?" etc) He also asks some pretty weird questions; he reads off some quotes and asks you what you think they mean. Just take a second to think about them before you spit out an answer and you should be fine. Overall, the interviews are pretty relaxed. Just be confident and you'll do fine. Good luck!

 

[Guero]

Dr. Gallant is a little weird but he is a nice guy. He is an older man, a psychiatrist relocated from New Orleans after Katrina. With me, he asked all the basic questions about my grades and mcat and stuff. ("Why did you do worse in this class?" "Do you think you could handle the course load in med school?" etc) He also asks some pretty weird questions; he reads off some quotes and asks you what you think they mean. Just take a second to think about them before you spit out an answer and you should be fine. Overall, the interviews are pretty relaxed. Just be confident and you'll do fine. Good luck!

Ah, yes, now I remember him. He also accused me of having legit OCD based on my thorough application. So beware, he does like to try to poke you a bit to guage your reaction...

 

[godivabear]

Dr. Gallant is a little weird but he is a nice guy. He is an older man, a psychiatrist relocated from New Orleans after Katrina. With me, he asked all the basic questions about my grades and mcat and stuff. ("Why did you do worse in this class?" "Do you think you could handle the course load in med school?" etc) He also asks some pretty weird questions; he reads off some quotes and asks you what you think they mean. Just take a second to think about them before you spit out an answer and you should be fine. Overall, the interviews are pretty relaxed. Just be confident and you'll do fine. Good luck!

thanx, i also have Dr. Nutting from physiology. how is he? do you guys think that we are interviewing for waitlist spots?
also, does he direct the interview? cause, i really want to talk about my research, so is he open to me just talking about what i want.

 

[Guero]

thanx, i also have Dr. Nutting from physiology. how is he? do you guys think that we are interviewing for waitlist spots?
also, does he direct the interview? cause, i really want to talk about my research, so is he open to me just talking about what i want.

I believe I and a few others elaborated on Dr. Nutting earlier in the thread. Try searching his name.

 

[medschoolpleez]

Dr. Gallant is a little weird but he is a nice guy. He is an older man, a psychiatrist relocated from New Orleans after Katrina. With me, he asked all the basic questions about my grades and mcat and stuff. ("Why did you do worse in this class?" "Do you think you could handle the course load in med school?" etc) He also asks some pretty weird questions; he reads off some quotes and asks you what you think they mean. Just take a second to think about them before you spit out an answer and you should be fine. Overall, the interviews are pretty relaxed. Just be confident and you'll do fine. Good luck!

Thanks for the info!

 

[GTBuzz]

Interview's over! Now fingers crossed!

 

[VFL]

thanx, i also have Dr. Nutting from physiology. how is he? do you guys think that we are interviewing for waitlist spots?
also, does he direct the interview? cause, i really want to talk about my research, so is he open to me just talking about what i want.

I don't know anything about Dr. Nutting but they are almost certainly only doing waitlist offers right now. I interviewed last year in February and was told by my interviewer that they had already offered all the acceptances they could and the best they could do was waitlist. With that said, a lot of people get in off the shortlist here so I wouldn't give up yet. Just be ready for the wait.

 

[Guero]

I don't know anything about Dr. Nutting but they are almost certainly only doing waitlist offers right now. I interviewed last year in February and was told by my interviewer that they had already offered all the acceptances they could and the best they could do was waitlist. With that said, a lot of people get in off the shortlist here so I wouldn't give up yet. Just be ready for the wait.

I looked back and found that we didn't actually describe Dr. Nutting. He's a professor of Physiology, been there quite a long time, loves dog shows, is a bit eccentric, tries to catch you off kilter a couple times, but overall conducts fair and pleasant interviews. Don't try to latch on to his obsession with show dogs unless he starts talking about it; many interviewees think it's a good idea to latch on to his hobby at the outset. That'd be a mistake. Good luck!

On a side note, I'll be withdrawing my acceptance May 15th and genuinely hope it goes to one of you all on the waitlist. I'll be matriculating at OHSU but need to hang on to this in case something goes terribly wrong registering for one last class I need to matriculate at OHSU.

 

[godivabear]

oh well, thanx a lot.

 

[godivabear]

that's weird, i went back and looked at the thread from last year, and people who interviewed on April 16th were told that they were interviewing for actual spots

 

[Guero]

that's weird, i went back and looked at the thread from last year, and people who interviewed on April 16th were told that they were interviewing for actual spots

Things change year by year. That said, sometimes people are misinformed when talking to interviewees and unintentionally spread misinformation. Don't worry about the status of seats; just do your best at the interview and exhude passion. 🙂 Good luck!

 

[godivabear]

thanx!!