2012-2013 University of Vermont Application Thread

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Can anyone give input on the lack of diversity in Vermont? I haven't ever been in that state so I was just perusing some city data... but it seems like Burlington is a bit lacking in terms of races... I had no idea! 😳
Since Burlington is a very progressive town, are people pretty accepting of other races?...or are they unaware. How is the diversity at the medical school?

I don't know if this is a rude question... I have just lived in some areas...where people don't even know where my country of origin (grandparents were immigrants) was! They also had some stereotypical views.. and I really try to be open minded and understanding, but there were times where I really felt uncomfortable. Luckily I moved away for college, but... thought I would ask about Burlington.
 
Can anyone give input on the lack of diversity in Vermont? I haven't ever been in that state so I was just perusing some city data... but it seems like Burlington is a bit lacking in terms of races... I had no idea! 😳
Since Burlington is a very progressive town, are people pretty accepting of other races?...or are they unaware. How is the diversity at the medical school?

I don't know if this is a rude question... I have just lived in some areas...where people don't even know where my country of origin (grandparents were immigrants) was! They also had some stereotypical views.. and I really try to be open minded and understanding, but there were times where I really felt uncomfortable. Luckily I moved away for college, but... thought I would ask about Burlington.
I just recently submitted my secondary and I noticed this trend as well. I have never been either, but statistically speaking, Vermont is one of the whitest states in the Union, however they are in the NE which is generally more liberal. URM are clumped with other racial minorities for statistical purposes on the school website (ALANA), so there it's difficult to ascertain exactly how much they have of whom. I researched it a bit, and they do seem open to other groups and they have an active Affirmative Action policy in place for university employment. Also, the person I called at the diversity office seemed very open and receiving about non-white students. So maybe this speaks to the culture of the city as a whole.

The state is almost all white, although they get 70% of their students OOS. I would suppose cost would be a limiting factor however, considering their OOS tuition rate, coupled with the fact many URM, especially 1st generation, could not afford to incur such a financial burden.

If you really like the school and feel welcome however, I would pursue it regardless! Sometimes you have to be a trailblazer, and I think it would be mutually beneficial endeavor for you and the school!
 
Does anyone have info for where we are supposed to report on interview day? I'm trying to go through the emails I've gotten from UVM, but none of them state an address or the office we should report to.
 
Does anyone have info for where we are supposed to report on interview day? I'm trying to go through the emails I've gotten from UVM, but none of them state an address or the office we should report to.

on their website there's a section about interviewing that describes how to get to their admissions office:
Directions to the Office of Admissions

From the Fletcher Allen Parking Garage: Take the elevator to the 3rd floor. Exit the elevator and walk toward the entrance of the hospital and then go through the revolving doors. The Medical Education Pavillion Building is directly across from the entrance to the hospital. Enter the Medical Education building and walk down the staircase and follow the signs to the Admissions Office located in the Given Courtyard South building.

If you are arriving by taxi cab or shuttle: The College of Medicine is located in the Given Medical Building, Central Campus. Enter the Given Building through the Health Science Research Facility (HSRF) entrance. Take the steps down to the first floor and walk straight ahead into the Given building (the College of Medicine Dean's Office will be on your left). Continue walking down the hallway. The Office of Admissions is in the glass-walled building
 
Does anyone know if there will be any outdoor walking during the interview? I believe I read that there wasn't...but just wanted to make sure.

It's going to be so... refreshingly cold in December! 😀
 
I really think Burlington should be receptive.. it's a very progressive, friendly town from what I've heard and from my experiences in other progressive, mostly white New England towns, I haven't felt uncomfortable at all.
I understand the anxiety though... I've visited (luckily never lived) a town in the South where I was told to "go back to china"..and I'm not even chinese! 😡

I do understand that different races have different experiences.. so my experience as an asian in the New England area may be different.. but I hope that when you go there, you'll be pleasantly surprised and find out it's a really friendly place 🙂

I just recently submitted my secondary and I noticed this trend as well. I have never been either, but statistically speaking, Vermont is one of the whitest states in the Union, however they are in the NE which is generally more liberal. URM are clumped with other racial minorities for statistical purposes on the school website (ALANA), so there it's difficult to ascertain exactly how much they have of whom. I researched it a bit, and they do seem open to other groups and they have an active Affirmative Action policy in place for university employment. Also, the person I called at the diversity office seemed very open and receiving about non-white students. So maybe this speaks to the culture of the city as a whole.

The state is almost all white, although they get 70% of their students OOS. I would suppose cost would be a limiting factor however, considering their OOS tuition rate, coupled with the fact many URM, especially 1st generation, could not afford to incur such a financial burden.

If you really like the school and feel welcome however, I would pursue it regardless! Sometimes you have to be a trailblazer, and I think it would be mutually beneficial endeavor for you and the school!
 
Does anyone know if there will be any outdoor walking during the interview? I believe I read that there wasn't...but just wanted to make sure.

It's going to be so... refreshingly cold in December! 😀

Nope. Everything's indoors 🙂
 
Swimming in the small pool today! Complete Friday of last week and small pooled this morning!
 
I was recently small pooled and am sending in a letter of interest. For those of you that have sent one, who did you address it too (ie Dear ___________,)? and how long was you letter?
I have a letter drafted and its ~750 words. It expresses my interest in the school as well as providing more information about my current job since its relevant to my candidacy. Would it be better to split this up into two letters and send them like a week apart? The women I spoke to over the phone in the admissions office actually suggested this.
Lastly, I tried scouring these threads but havent been able to find any concrete info. What percentage of applicants that get small pooled get an interview invite? Any data on this anywhere?
Thanks so much!!
 
Does UVM require transcript updates if on the waitlist? Does anyone know?
 
Did anyone that got accepted (and that sent in the deposit) get anything in the mail? I mean other than the deposit received email...

Just curious if they send out packets or anything
 
Did anyone that got accepted (and that sent in the deposit) get anything in the mail? I mean other than the deposit received email...

Just curious if they send out packets or anything

I haven't gotten anything. Was accepted in the first batch.
 
Did anyone that got accepted (and that sent in the deposit) get anything in the mail? I mean other than the deposit received email...

Just curious if they send out packets or anything

Nothing besides the email. Accepted in November.
 
I haven't gotten anything. Was accepted in the first batch.

Last year, I think I got my acceptance folder or whatever in the mail 2 weeks before school started. I was accepted in October (first chance of acceptance). No worries, there is nothing all that important in it.

Your first week of "school" is pretty epic. It is one party or event after another. Free food too (breakfast and lunch, sometimes dinner).
 
The 2nd years (future me) also host parties and go to nightlife events with the 1st years. We show you around Church Street.
 
The waiting is ugh. But since I interviewed 11/10-ish, and have been waitlisted (OOS). Should I send a letter of interest around Jan? Will they re-review my file?
 
The waiting is ugh. But since I interviewed 11/10-ish, and have been waitlisted (OOS). Should I send a letter of interest around Jan? Will they re-review my file?

I don't know about your specific situation, but at my interview first wk in december they said the committee wouldn't meet again until middle of January, so I imagine waitlist won't move until after that.
 
The waiting is ugh. But since I interviewed 11/10-ish, and have been waitlisted (OOS). Should I send a letter of interest around Jan? Will they re-review my file?



Even though your file won't be reviewed until January, it never hurts to show interest. Sending letters of interest at regular intervals shows continued interest in the school. The admissions office likes that.
 
Has anyone been accepted right away with not too good stats? As an OOS applicant? Does anyone know of anyone who has been?
I have a 28 MCAT and a decent GPA... interviewing next year and wondering what my chances are if I have a really good interview. I will gladly take a waitlist over a rejection, but am I going to be on the waitlist up until August? lol.
Has anyone (with not too good stats) been accepted right away?

UVM's MCAT average is a 30 so does that mean a considerable amount of applicants with lower than 30 get accepted or are those MOSTLY INSTATE??? It just seems like so many high stat applicants are on this forum lol.
 
Has anyone been accepted right away with not too good stats? As an OOS applicant? Does anyone know of anyone who has been?
I have a 28 MCAT and a decent GPA... interviewing next year and wondering what my chances are if I have a really good interview. I will gladly take a waitlist over a rejection, but am I going to be on the waitlist up until August? lol.
Has anyone (with not too good stats) been accepted right away?

UVM's MCAT average is a 30 so does that mean a considerable amount of applicants with lower than 30 get accepted or are those MOSTLY INSTATE??? It just seems like so many high stat applicants are on this forum lol.

Dear jessejude,

I was accepted to UVM COM two cycles ago with a 28R (8-10-10). I was accepted in late July, 7 days before school started. After having spoken with my classmates, it seems that there are a lot of people with an MCAT very close to 30 (i.e. 29 to 31). I don't think that a 28 will keep you from getting into UVM if you are a great applicant, but for me it certainly meant that I was in it for the long haul. I hope this helps!

Best,
HemeResearcher
 
I'm in the pool! I thought I was rejected for sure! I'm writing a letter of interest this week!
 
I've been in the pool for a while and am barely floating 🙁 I would love a II here!
 
I've been in the pool for a while and am barely floating 🙁 I would love a II here!

Yeah congrats to those with II and acceptances. I'm 30R 3.7 and have been on the interview pool since September/Oct ish. I have sent in a few letters of interest. Still waiting for an II. My cousin attended and loved it there!
 
II today, OOS, 3.7/32Q,nontrad. Small pooled 10/16, will be interviewing here 1/24 and SO excited!
 
Does anyone know how many people get small-pooled and of those how many get IIs? thanks
 
I had my interview recently and really LOVED the school! I got a bit flustered during the interview and did not give the best answers.. actually, thinking back on it, one answer was quite horrific.
My interviewer was extremely kind and conversational.. hardly any difficult questions so I think that really surprised me and I got flustered.

Would it be appropriate to send my interviewer a thank you letter stating that I was nervous, but also how much I did like the school just a few days after the interview? I know UVM is on break starting this week so I don't think it would get there in time if I sent via snail mail so would email be appropriate?

I would really appreciate any advice. UVM amazed me in so many ways and it is my absolute top choice school.
Advice, be prepared to have a conversation and not to answer the usual questions like I was expecting. I wasn't asked why I wanted to be a physician or any ethical cases at all! I really am beating myself up on being so awkward and nervous though.. I'm really not like that in person and I'm just worried now. The interview is after most of the activities..
Overall, a terrific experience. Burlington is beautiful.. so many friendly people! It wasn't too cold when I was there either.
 
I had my interview recently and really LOVED the school! I got a bit flustered during the interview and did not give the best answers.. actually, thinking back on it, one answer was quite horrific.
My interviewer was extremely kind and conversational.. hardly any difficult questions so I think that really surprised me and I got flustered.

Would it be appropriate to send my interviewer a thank you letter stating that I was nervous, but also how much I did like the school just a few days after the interview? I know UVM is on break starting this week so I don't think it would get there in time if I sent via snail mail so would email be appropriate?

I would really appreciate any advice. UVM amazed me in so many ways and it is my absolute top choice school.
Advice, be prepared to have a conversation and not to answer the usual questions like I was expecting. I wasn't asked why I wanted to be a physician or any ethical cases at all! I really am beating myself up on being so awkward and nervous though.. I'm really not like that in person and I'm just worried now. The interview is after most of the activities..
Overall, a terrific experience. Burlington is beautiful.. so many friendly people! It wasn't too cold when I was there either.

Whovian,

I'm in the class of 2015, but if you PM me who your interviewer was and more specifics about the question, I can try to give you more specific advice. I think it really depends on who you were meeting with and what you said.

Best,
HemeResearcher
 
Would it be appropriate to send my interviewer a thank you letter stating that I was nervous, but also how much I did like the school just a few days after the interview? I know UVM is on break starting this week so I don't think it would get there in time if I sent via snail mail so would email be appropriate?

Just to give my $0.10, I don't think you should mention the fact that you were nervous. Either he recognized it and you will confirm his suspicions, or he didn't recognize it and the information may negatively affect his opinion. Neither of those help you.
 
I also don't think you should send a letter stating you were nervous. That's pretty normal and you don't need to draw attention to it (speaking as someone who has interviewed a lot of people for job positions). I think a letter of interest to the school is a good idea though. Good luck !
 
Jessejude,

Now that I have visited Burlington and UVM, I think I can answer your question better. On my previous answer, I stated that it shouldn't be a concern since Burlington is a very progressive town. I would definitely say that is the case now after experiencing the Burlington culture!
I met so many friendly people in town and I stayed at an airbnb home with a couple that worked to promote solar energy! The couple told me a LOT about Burlington and why they chose to move there over other states they've been in. Burlington in general, and especially UVM, are very open to different cultures since many people are very open minded. They stated that they DO realize that Burlington isn't very diverse which is why there are rotation sites outside of Burlington and even in international locations.

I definitely felt very comfortable there and maybe I just got very lucky, but it seemed that EVERYONE I talked to even off the street were so helpful and friendly. I was actually visiting Burlington with a friend (who is also not caucasian) and he really liked the atmosphere as well. I can only imagine how beautiful it gets during the summer time. The weather was pretty gloomy, but I still fell in love with the area! 🙂


If you have more specific questions, definitely feel free to PM me!!


Can anyone give input on the lack of diversity in Vermont? I haven't ever been in that state so I was just perusing some city data... but it seems like Burlington is a bit lacking in terms of races... I had no idea! 😳
Since Burlington is a very progressive town, are people pretty accepting of other races?...or are they unaware. How is the diversity at the medical school?

I don't know if this is a rude question... I have just lived in some areas...where people don't even know where my country of origin (grandparents were immigrants) was! They also had some stereotypical views.. and I really try to be open minded and understanding, but there were times where I really felt uncomfortable. Luckily I moved away for college, but... thought I would ask about Burlington.
 
Jessejude,

Now that I have visited Burlington and UVM, I think I can answer your question better. On my previous answer, I stated that it shouldn't be a concern since Burlington is a very progressive town. I would definitely say that is the case now after experiencing the Burlington culture!
I met so many friendly people in town and I stayed at an airbnb home with a couple that worked to promote solar energy! The couple told me a LOT about Burlington and why they chose to move there over other states they've been in. Burlington in general, and especially UVM, are very open to different cultures since many people are very open minded. They stated that they DO realize that Burlington isn't very diverse which is why there are rotation sites outside of Burlington and even in international locations.

I definitely felt very comfortable there and maybe I just got very lucky, but it seemed that EVERYONE I talked to even off the street were so helpful and friendly. I was actually visiting Burlington with a friend (who is also not caucasian) and he really liked the atmosphere as well. I can only imagine how beautiful it gets during the summer time. The weather was pretty gloomy, but I still fell in love with the area! 🙂


If you have more specific questions, definitely feel free to PM me!!

the interview isn't the primary deciding factor....I gotta say my interview was mediocre at best, because the interviewers just kept asking me questions, so it wasn't too conversational...

I got accepted like a month ago. don't stress to much...put the past behind and write a killer LOI.
 
Thank you WHovian. Really appreciate the information and help. You give very thoughtful answers!
I pm'ed you! 🙂

Jessejude,

Now that I have visited Burlington and UVM, I think I can answer your question better. On my previous answer, I stated that it shouldn't be a concern since Burlington is a very progressive town. I would definitely say that is the case now after experiencing the Burlington culture!
I met so many friendly people in town and I stayed at an airbnb home with a couple that worked to promote solar energy! The couple told me a LOT about Burlington and why they chose to move there over other states they've been in. Burlington in general, and especially UVM, are very open to different cultures since many people are very open minded. They stated that they DO realize that Burlington isn't very diverse which is why there are rotation sites outside of Burlington and even in international locations.

I definitely felt very comfortable there and maybe I just got very lucky, but it seemed that EVERYONE I talked to even off the street were so helpful and friendly. I was actually visiting Burlington with a friend (who is also not caucasian) and he really liked the atmosphere as well. I can only imagine how beautiful it gets during the summer time. The weather was pretty gloomy, but I still fell in love with the area! 🙂


If you have more specific questions, definitely feel free to PM me!!
 
How much weight would you say the interview holds? Most schools seem to have an idea of who they will accept before the interview.. high stat applicants can have mediocre interviews and get accepted, while borderline applicants need to do VERY well..

I feel like the interview really depends on the stats an applicant goes in with.




the interview isn't the primary deciding factor....I gotta say my interview was mediocre at best, because the interviewers just kept asking me questions, so it wasn't too conversational...

I got accepted like a month ago. don't stress to much...put the past behind and write a killer LOI.
 
Does anyone happen to know if the admissions office is back from break? I sent the office an email and have not received a confirmatory reply... do they usually reply?
 
They do usually reply but often it takes a day or two. I would imagine they came back from break yesterday and have a backlog of emails to reply to, so give them some extra time.
 
Does anyone happen to know if the admissions office is back from break? I sent the office an email and have not received a confirmatory reply... do they usually reply?

They're back - I just checked my status page and saw the rejection. I'd had the "6-8 weeks" message since early September.

Edit: well that was a fun glitch...
 
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Anyone staying in Burlington Monday night who wants to get together? I'm all for exploring in sub zero temps!
 
They're back - I just checked my status page and saw the rejection. I'd had the "6-8 weeks" message since early September.
Check again... I had the same thing for a few days but am now back to "6-8 weeks". It's a glitch in their system that also happened last year - what tipped me off is that the rejection message had the wrong year, stating that they couldn't advance my application for admission in 2012. (Last year it said 2011.)

Unrejected, yay! 😀
 
Check again... I had the same thing for a few days but am now back to "6-8 weeks". It's a glitch in their system that also happened last year - what tipped me off is that the rejection message had the wrong year, stating that they couldn't advance my application for admission in 2012. (Last year it said 2011.)

Unrejected, yay! 😀

Oh neat, thanks for the heads up 🙂
 
Check again... I had the same thing for a few days but am now back to "6-8 weeks". It's a glitch in their system that also happened last year - what tipped me off is that the rejection message had the wrong year, stating that they couldn't advance my application for admission in 2012. (Last year it said 2011.)

Unrejected, yay! 😀

Hey Dianyla,

I saw you around the threads last year when I was lurking. Are you applying this year?
 
Anyone out there interviewing on 29-Jan, and is interested in splitting a hotel room for the night of 28-Jan?

I'm 29/m. Not a creeper, just trying to keep costs down.

PM me if you're interested.
 
Check again... I had the same thing for a few days but am now back to "6-8 weeks". It's a glitch in their system that also happened last year - what tipped me off is that the rejection message had the wrong year, stating that they couldn't advance my application for admission in 2012. (Last year it said 2011.)

Unrejected, yay! 😀

I've had the 6-8 weeks thing since July. I'll just accept that I'm rejected now :meanie:
 
Just sent an update letter today. Now the waiting game beings to determine whether or not I'll get out of this small pool...
 
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