2012-2013 University of Washington Application Thread

[Ellie Arroway]

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http://www.uwmedicine.org/education...dents/curriculum/schedules/pages/default.aspx

YESSSS. Thanks, I guess I could have done some more digging and found that. I could totally make that trip happen if I get in.

I'll have to do a lot of training. I am definitely not in shape enough now for 3500ft of elevation gain & drop per day. I've had my eye on that trail for years though. 😍

 

[twentythousand]

is this school receptive to update letters?

 

[BABSstudent]

is this school receptive to update letters?

Seriously? Look eight posts above yours.

 

[Puget Pounder]

YESSSS. Thanks, I guess I could have done some more digging and found that. I could totally make that trip happen if I get in.

I'll have to do a lot of training. I am definitely not in shape enough now for 3500ft of elevation gain & drop per day. I've had my eye on that trail for years though. 😍

Are you a regular hiker? How many days do you want to take? If it's 8 or more, then I don't think you need very much physical training. It's more of a mental thing. You are tired for the first 2 days, but you get your legs on the 3rd day. Be sure to get your passes early!

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Are you a regular hiker? How many days do you want to take? If it's 8 or more, then I don't think you need very much physical training. It's more of a mental thing. You are tired for the first 2 days, but you get your legs on the 3rd day. Be sure to get your passes early!

I have not been a regular hiker for the last couple years, but I run & I did a marathon last year, so I'm not totally out of shape. But walking all day with a pack is a different animal. My plan would be to take it slow.

Their website is really confusing but it looks like they open for permit requests in March. Hopefully I'll know what school I'm going to & have a few other folks to go on the trek with by then.

 

[Puget Pounder]

I have not been a regular hiker for the last couple years, but I run & I did a marathon last year, so I'm not totally out of shape. But walking all day with a pack is a different animal. My plan would be to take it slow.

Their website is really confusing but it looks like they open for permit requests in March. Hopefully I'll know what school I'm going to & have a few other folks to go on the trek with by then.

Pack light. I generally go on the lighter side of things. I take a 50L pack and try to stay around 25-30lbs. Trekking poles were also a lifesaver.

If I'm around this area, I wouldn't mind getting together a pack.

 

[mcloaf]

Pack light. I generally go on the lighter side of things. I take a 50L pack and try to stay around 25-30lbs. Trekking poles were also a lifesaver.

If I'm around this area, I wouldn't mind getting together a pack.

Damn, that's some serious weight trimming. What shelter and cooking systems do you use? After my last couple trips I'm thinking I could afford to drop a few oz from my 70lb pack. 😳

 

[DrNostradamus]

Hello all,

I'm a Washington resident (but currently OOS). I had a very busy summer and with the proof of residency paperwork and their 5 prompt essays, I literally had to submit my secondary on the deadline (12/1).

Do I still have hope for getting an interview with below average stats?

I've interviewed at a couple of schools but UW is my top choice =/

 

[BABSstudent]

Hello all,

I'm a Washington resident (but currently OOS). I had a very busy summer and with the proof of residency paperwork and their 5 prompt essays, I literally had to submit my secondary on the deadline (12/1).

Do I still have hope for getting an interview with below average stats?

I've interviewed at a couple of schools but UW is my top choice =/

Depends on your ECs. UWSOM seems to be more interested in work with the underserved than stats (so to speak). If you have extensive work with them, have made it clear you want to serve them and your stats are not that below UWSOM average then you will probably get an interview. You are late, but being in state will help you out.

 

[NotASloth]

I'm an Idaho Resident and was already given an II with a general time frame of Jan 7-10, but have not received a set date. Should I be contacting them, or wait a bit longer? Anyone else in my same position?

 

[mcloaf]

Hello all,

I'm a Washington resident (but currently OOS). I had a very busy summer and with the proof of residency paperwork and their 5 prompt essays, I literally had to submit my secondary on the deadline (12/1).

Do I still have hope for getting an interview with below average stats?

I've interviewed at a couple of schools but UW is my top choice =/

You still have hope in that you haven't been rejected yet, but submitting your secondary at the last minute to a school where you have below average stats isn't a recipe for success. Either way, nothing to do now but wait and see, good luck!

 

[Puget Pounder]

Damn, that's some serious weight trimming. What shelter and cooking systems do you use? After my last couple trips I'm thinking I could afford to drop a few oz from my 70lb pack. 😳

I use a REI Quarter Dome, which is a pretty light tent, but not ultralight territory. My stove is just some small, pocket-sized Primus. Where I really trim weight is using things for multiple purposes like using your space blanket for a tent footprint or not bringing 2 stakes if you were going to bring trekking poles anyways... that's already 1.5 pounds right there. I also don't use hiking boots... I use trail running shoes instead (an extra pound of weight on your feet kills your energy. I worked at REI for a couple of years so I've learned some tricks. BTW my pack was 25-30 pounds for a 3 day supply of food, not all 8-10 days.

Anyways, sorry to the rest of the people here who have real med school things to talk about.

 

[smccreery86]

I'm an Idaho Resident and was already given an II with a general time frame of Jan 7-10, but have not received a set date. Should I be contacting them, or wait a bit longer? Anyone else in my same position?

I would call and ask. I received my date a couple weeks ago now. So, I would think you should have received yours.

 

[Graywolf]

I'm an Idaho Resident and was already given an II with a general time frame of Jan 7-10, but have not received a set date. Should I be contacting them, or wait a bit longer? Anyone else in my same position?

Yeah I received my specific date and time too (Jan 9th, 2pm). It's getting close to the wire... They actually sent me personally addressed reminder email that I hadn't yet confirmed it...so it seems they are on top of everything. Check your junk mail, it could be hiding from you. If not there, definitely call [not sure if you call UWSOM or Idaho WWAMI office in this situation].

 

[NotASloth]

I would call and ask. I received my date a couple weeks ago now. So, I would think you should have received yours.

When did you complete your AMCAS and secondary, or are you a TRUST applicant? I called today and they said the first two days in Boise are for TRUST applicants and there are only about 30 interviews available on the 3rd day for non-TRUST. Looks like I will be going to Seattle in March.

 

[NotASloth]

Yeah I received my specific date and time too (Jan 9th, 2pm). It's getting close to the wire... They actually sent me personally addressed reminder email that I hadn't yet confirmed it...so it seems they are on top of everything. Check your junk mail, it could be hiding from you. If not there, definitely call [not sure if you call UWSOM or Idaho WWAMI office in this situation].

When did you complete your AMCAS and secondary, or are you a TRUST applicant? I called today and they said the first two days in Boise are for TRUST applicants and there are only about 30 interviews available on the 3rd day for non-TRUST. Looks like I will be going to Seattle in March.

 

[Graywolf]

When did you complete your AMCAS and secondary, or are you a TRUST applicant? I called today and they said the first two days in Boise are for TRUST applicants and there are only about 30 interviews available on the 3rd day for non-TRUST. Looks like I will be going to Seattle in March.

I am not a TRUST applicant. I submitted my AMCAS on the first day, June 5th, it was received by UWSOM late June, secondary received July 5th, completed all secondary materials/residency approved late August, general interview invite 9/15, Specific date interview invite 12/7.

It's possible that there is not enough time in Boise to get through everyone, so while some people may preference Boise, they interview in Seattle regardless. This is pure speculation though. The Seattle interview is probably really cool, but I live in Boise, so interviewing right downtown is very convenient.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

When I put together my post-SUC update letter, is it appropriate to mention that I have been accepted at another school? This other school shares a LOT of commonalities with UW in terms of commitment to primary care & public health, lots of emphasis on service with the underserved, and rotations that cover a lot of rural ground. My reasoning was that the acceptance vouches for me to an extent by showing that an admissions staff thought I was a good fit for a school that shares a lot of characteristics with the University of Washington. Thoughts?

 

[mcloaf]

When I put together my post-SUC update letter, is it appropriate to mention that I have been accepted at another school? This other school shares a LOT of commonalities with UW in terms of commitment to primary care & public health, lots of emphasis on service with the underserved, and rotations that cover a lot of rural ground. My reasoning was that the acceptance vouches for me to an extent by showing that an admissions staff thought I was a good fit for a school that shares a lot of characteristics with the University of Washington. Thoughts?

I wouldn't think this is a good idea. If you're already a good fit at another similar school that's accepted you I don't see how that would motivate adcoms at UW to accept you. If anything I think it might do the opposite.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

I wouldn't think this is a good idea. If you're already a good fit at another similar school that's accepted you I don't see how that would motivate adcoms at UW to accept you. If anything I think it might do the opposite.

I mean, I think of this other school as a totally acceptable alternative to UW if I'm not one of the tiny tiny handful of OOR acceptances, and it's an acceptable alternative to me largely because its programs approximate what would be available at UW. I guess I am just trying to think of ways to verify that I am earnest about really wanting to go to U of Washington, but maybe that's not the way to do it.

I use a REI Quarter Dome, which is a pretty light tent, but not ultralight territory.

I love my Quarter Dome.

 

[GoZags]

I mean, I think of this other school as a totally acceptable alternative to UW if I'm not one of the tiny tiny handful of OOR acceptances, and it's an acceptable alternative to me largely because its programs approximate what would be available at UW. I guess I am just trying to think of ways to verify that I am earnest about really wanting to go to U of Washington, but maybe that's not the way to do it.





I love my Quarter Dome.

The utility of letters of intent is one debated a lot on this site but ultimately I think they get either tossed in the trash or buried in your file unless they have actual updates in it. But I prob wouldn't put on there that you have been accepted into another program - seems kind of unrelated to why you are a fit for the school...this is all my personal take on things but I've sent these letters and not sent them and saw varying results

 

[Puget Pounder]

+1 I would not.

 

[Vidpur]

When did you complete your AMCAS and secondary, or are you a TRUST applicant? I called today and they said the first two days in Boise are for TRUST applicants and there are only about 30 interviews available on the 3rd day for non-TRUST. Looks like I will be going to Seattle in March.

Can I ask when were you complete? When did you get the II ? And stats please, If you don't mind. Also Idaho res, no news yet, getting worried.

 

[Vidpur]

Any other Idaho residents still waiting for a response? I got delayed by the residency verification. Called UW 2 weeks ago...they indicated it would not be a problem since no one was interviewed yet for Idaho seats.

 

[SpacemanSpifff]

When did you complete your AMCAS and secondary, or are you a TRUST applicant? I called today and they said the first two days in Boise are for TRUST applicants and there are only about 30 interviews available on the 3rd day for non-TRUST. Looks like I will be going to Seattle in March.

I'm interviewing the first day in Boise, and am not a TRUST applicant...

 

[Graywolf]

Any other Idaho residents still waiting for a response? I got delayed by the residency verification. Called UW 2 weeks ago...they indicated it would not be a problem since no one was interviewed yet for Idaho seats.

The residency verification was definitely the "rate limiting step" in my secondary materials, but still, I was dealing with that in July/August (I did have to send three envelopes to get everything correct). It seems a little late to be dealing with those issues now.

The Boise interviews are in two weeks (and I'm sure there are set in stone), but the Seattle spots may still be available.

If there is anything else we can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask 👍

 

[Vidpur]

Hey smccreery86, congratulations on the interview invite to the Idaho WWAMI program. The majority of applicants from our state have already been cut, so pat yourself on the back making it this far.

I received my invite through email in late September. I have not received any update since then; however, after reading the previous thread, I noticed that interview invites last year didn't even go out until December for Idaho residents, and those invites had specific dates, I believe. So I wouldn't be expecting a solid date until next month. I do know that the range of dates is from Jan 7 - Jan 12 in Boise (refer to the email), and sometime in February for the Idaho Seattle interviews. I chose the Boise preference, so if you are interviewing in Boise, I look forward to meeting you!

Hey Graywolf, can i ask what you meant by " majority of applicants from our state already been cut...." way back in Nov? And how did you know? Did it say that in your email? Insider info.....?.

 

[Vidpur]

The residency verification was definitely the "rate limiting step" in my secondary materials, but still, I was dealing with that in July/August (I did have to send three envelopes to get everything correct). It seems a little late to be dealing with those issues now.

The Boise interviews are in two weeks (and I'm sure there are set in stone), but the Seattle spots may still be available.

If there is anything else we can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask 👍

Didn''t say I was dealing with them now, but yeah not in July Aug either.

 

[Graywolf]

Hey Graywolf, can i ask what you meant by " majority of applicants from our state already been cut...." way back in Nov? And how did you know? Did it say that in your email? Insider info.....?.

Didn''t say I was dealing with them now, but yeah not in July Aug either.

Sorry to hear about your delay in residency.

Referring to my previous statement: I say that only because I met with the Dean of Admission for the Idaho WWAMI back in June (note: this was last year's dean), and she told me that after secondaries are reviewed, about 50-60% get interview invites. Last year, they had around 140 Idaho applicants and gave out around 75 invites just out of her memory. Since I believe that many interview invites were given from Sept to Nov, I just assumed that many (maybe less than majority) had been turned down by that time. Given that the secondary deadline is later than Nov, my statement could also be wrong. Take it for what you will.

Also, I have talked to a few Idaho applicants from previous years (some who got in, some who didn't). One girl was denied a UW interview with a 4.0 in Biomedical Engineering, but had a sub 30 MCAT. She did get into Utah, but it still surprises me she wasn't offered an interview to the WWAMI. This is only n=1, but still suggests this is a very holistic review [or random 😕] and they simply can't offer interviews to every regional applicant.

Okay, I'm done over-analyzing this process, but I wish you the very best with that interview invite 👍

 

[smccreery86]

Can I ask when were you complete? When did you get the II ? And stats please, If you don't mind. Also Idaho res, no news yet, getting worried.

I was complete Oct. 1st. Received the II mid-November, and date the first week of December.
I am a TRUST applicant. Stats: GPA 3.8 Sci 3.78 MCAT 32R. Moderate ECs, but clear dedication to serving in a rural/underserved area in primary care.

 

[smccreery86]

Sorry to hear about your delay in residency.

Referring to my previous statement: I say that only because I met with the Dean of Admission for the Idaho WWAMI back in June (note: this was last year's dean), and she told me that after secondaries are reviewed, about 50-60% get interview invites. Last year, they had around 140 Idaho applicants and gave out around 75 invites just out of her memory. Since I believe that many interview invites were given from Sept to Nov, I just assumed that many (maybe less than majority) had been turned down by that time. Given that the secondary deadline is later than Nov, my statement could also be wrong. Take it for what you will.

Also, I have talked to a few Idaho applicants from previous years (some who got in, some who didn't). One girl was denied a UW interview with a 4.0 in Biomedical Engineering, but had a sub 30 MCAT. She did get into Utah, but it still surprises me she wasn't offered an interview to the WWAMI. This is only n=1, but still suggests this is a very holistic review [or random 😕] and they simply can't offer interviews to every regional applicant.

Okay, I'm done over-analyzing this process, but I wish you the very best with that interview invite 👍

I have been really blown away by the stats some people have had and still been denied. It makes me grateful to have received an II, and nervous of how I'll measure up to others who did at the same time. After listening to people talk about getting called back for another interview a 4th (yes, 4 interviews for one application cycle) time, I am definitely more nervous about this interview than any other I've been to.

 

[Graywolf]

I have been really blown away by the stats some people have had and still been denied. It makes me grateful to have received an II, and nervous of how I'll measure up to others who did at the same time. After listening to people talk about getting called back for another interview a 4th (yes, 4 interviews for one application cycle) time, I am definitely more nervous about this interview than any other I've been to.

It definitely getting a little more nerve racking as we are getting closer to the real deal. But I hope this will boost your confidence come interview time. Based on the stats you provided and last years Idaho applicant data (from AAMC), your cGPA is at 70 percentile, your sGPA is at 73 percentile, and your MCAT is 75 percentile.

Feel any better? 🙂

 

[3Na2K]

I have been really blown away by the stats some people have had and still been denied. It makes me grateful to have received an II, and nervous of how I'll measure up to others who did at the same time. After listening to people talk about getting called back for another interview a 4th (yes, 4 interviews for one application cycle) time, I am definitely more nervous about this interview than any other I've been to.

whoa! who got invited for 4 interviews? i've heard of a 2nd interview when there is a "hung jury", but a 4th ii?

 

[Ellie Arroway]

(yes, 4 interviews for one application cycle)

For realsies? How much more can they really learn about someone by dragging them through the same thing? Also, doesn't slow down the work of the committee if they have to sort through 12 interview summaries for one applicant?

 

[3Na2K]

For realsies? How much more can they really learn about someone by dragging them through the same thing? Also, doesn't slow down the work of the committee if they have to sort through 12 interview summaries for one applicant?

From my understanding (and from what appears fair to me) they disregard the previous interview...unless of course, i don't understand the process

 

[Ellie Arroway]

From my understanding (and from what appears fair to me) they disregard the previous interview...unless of course, i don't understand the process

When I got my second interview invite, I was told that only the EXCOM member for interview #2 got to see the comments of the prior interviewers. I am not sure what would happen to interview #1 if they invited someone for interview #3 though. But there isn't a lot of use trying to take that apart I think.

 

[Graywolf]

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Here's to hoping 2013 turns out great, starting with an acceptance to this great school!

..and you all be safe, no drinking and driving tonight!

 

[LolaMD]

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Here's to hoping 2013 turns out great, starting with an acceptance to this great school!

..and you all be safe, no drinking and driving tonight!

+1

Happy New Year, All!

 

[vash09]

For those people that gotten an interview for the month of December, have you guys heard back yet?? Thanks!!

 

[smccreery86]

whoa! who got invited for 4 interviews? i've heard of a 2nd interview when there is a "hung jury", but a 4th ii?

He was a Washington resident. And every time they had a completely different reason for being undecided...At that point, I'd almost be questioning if they were just testing my commitment to stick with it!

 

[smccreery86]

It definitely getting a little more nerve racking as we are getting closer to the real deal. But I hope this will boost your confidence come interview time. Based on the stats you provided and last years Idaho applicant data (from AAMC), your cGPA is at 70 percentile, your sGPA is at 73 percentile, and your MCAT is 75 percentile.

Feel any better? 🙂

I guess it should, but you know, as a pre-med, 70th percentile is basically failing in my eyes. 🙂

 

[Ellie Arroway]

He was a Washington resident. And every time they had a completely different reason for being undecided...At that point, I'd almost be questioning if they were just testing my commitment to stick with it!

Was your friend actually able to get them to give reasons? My second interview invite just said that there was a "divergence of opinion" among my interviewers.

I thought I nailed the second interview, but apparently not as much as was needed for an immediate acceptance. I still hope that was the last interview.

 

[smccreery86]

Was your friend actually able to get them to give reasons? My second interview invite just said that there was a "divergence of opinion" among my interviewers.

I thought I nailed the second interview, but apparently not as much as was needed for an immediate acceptance. I still hope that was the last interview.

I know one of the times it was pretty much spelled out for him that one of the interviewers thought he was just "telling them what he thought they wanted to hear." So, that's pretty straightforward. I don't know if that was exactly the case each time.

 

[Graywolf]

I know one of the times it was pretty much spelled out for him that one of the interviewers thought he was just "telling them what he thought they wanted to hear." So, that's pretty straightforward. I don't know if that was exactly the case each time.

"I am highly interested in primary care service to rural communities in the Northwest AND performing cutting-edge biomedical research AND international relief trips to Africa" ...wtf, mate.

 

[elevenses]

Has anybody from Alaska received their actual interview date/time yet? I just realized this morning that the interview days are less than a month away.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Sent an update letter with new grades & a couple new activity updates. Now we wait. Hopefully soon they will decide my app doesn't SUC 🙂

 

[hockeyguy20]

Has anybody from Alaska received their actual interview date/time yet? I just realized this morning that the interview days are less than a month away.

hey there friend.

i just got the word on the 3rd that i was going to be getting interviewed. that in fact is why i just joined SDN. i still don't know when mine is but i imagine they will let us know in mid-january at the latest. the lady i talked to a while ago on the phone said they try to give people a notice of at least two weeks in advance. keep me posted. i'll do the same.

also, does anyone know anything about what questions they ask? the link from the guy on page 1 of the thread is bad.

 

[hockeyguy20]

also, just out of curiosity, where do you go to school?

 

[naare0602]

I have my interview soon and was trying to find the link to the ethics page that was suggested reading earlier. Any one know exactly where on the UWSOM website it is?

Thank you!!!

 

[minwoo123]

http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/index.html

Here you go, the UW Bioethics page, a great resource for all medical students!!
The overlying theme is, and I quote the Mayo Clinic, "The needs of the patient come first."

Keep that in mind, and you shan't fail!