2012-2013 University of Washington Application Thread

[BABSstudent]

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Sorry guys - I fail at not knowing how to delete posts... fml

You can't delete posts unless you are a gold (or higher) donor. You can go to your post and click edit. Then delete what you wrote and replace it with an "x" or "." However, anything someone quoted will be forever kept on SDN.

 

[Aldadoc]

I applied to 20 schools and received secondaries from 18/20. The only two I am missing are from the UCR/UCLA Thomas Haider program (which send them out around this time anyway) and from the University of Washington. Not sure why they have not sent me anything yet. Anyone else still waiting on a secondary invite? I received the email when they initially received my application on August 8th and they told me they would undergo a preliminary review, but haven't heard anything yet 🙁

 

[init2winit]

I applied to 20 schools and received secondaries from 18/20. The only two I am missing are from the UCR/UCLA Thomas Haider program (which send them out around this time anyway) and from the University of Washington. Not sure why they have not sent me anything yet. Anyone else still waiting on a secondary invite? I received the email when they initially received my application on August 8th and they told me they would undergo a preliminary review, but haven't heard anything yet 🙁

Are you in region or out of region? UW screens secondaries and is fairly picky about OOR applicants. (I sure haven't gotten a secondary, I am OOR, verified early August)

 

[Aldadoc]

Are you in region or out of region? UW screens secondaries and is fairly picky about OOR applicants. (I sure haven't gotten a secondary, I am OOR, verified early August)

Ya, that is probably it. I am OOS, so I guess that is why they have not sent the secondary invite. Oh well, fingers crossed for now

 

[init2winit]

Ya, that is probably it. I am OOS, so I guess that is why they have not sent the secondary invite. Oh well, fingers crossed for now

FYI- not sure if you knew this, but at UW the following states are also considered "in region:" Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. (WWAMI)

 

[Bumbl3b33]

i am oor and got an ii a while back, anyone know when the oor people get asked to choose dates?

 

[psychkub]

When did you submit your secondary?

Submitted 7/21
Complete 8/21

Still no date for interview, though. Just notified that I would be getting one.

 

[Seattlelite]

I'm working on my UW secondary still (my primary was only verified on Aug 29th), and I was wondering how long it takes for them to mark the application fee as received. I sent it in early last week and it seems like their office should have gotten it by now. Anyone know?

Also, for those of you who had to fill out the residency questionnaire and prove WA residency, how long did it take for them to mark it as received (not verified, just received)?

(My first post on these forums, apologies if I've done anything wrong 😳)

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Oh heck, it looks like I already screwed this up:

The optional letters deadline you have selected is 12/1/2012. This date indicates how long you would like your application considered incomplete, pending the arrival of optional letters.

I did not see this part when I filled out the letters section. They have all the letters that I am going to be getting already. Has anyone had success emailing/calling them to change this, or am I doomed to wait until December for my file to get considered?

 

[SpacemanSpifff]

Oh heck, it looks like I already screwed this up:

The optional letters deadline you have selected is 12/1/2012. This date indicates how long you would like your application considered incomplete, pending the arrival of optional letters.

I did not see this part when I filled out the letters section. They have all the letters that I am going to be getting already. Has anyone had success emailing/calling them to change this, or am I doomed to wait until December for my file to get considered?

I had the same question and received this response from the admissions office:

"Thank you for your email. Since you do not have any optional letters listed, your applicant will process as soon as all sections of your secondary are complete. We will not wait until 12/1/2012."

So for me it made no difference, and judging from your description I think you are in the same boat. Best to check and make sure though.

 

[elevenses]

II today! Complete 8/24. IS (AK).

 

[BABSstudent]

Looks like they are scheduling interview dates. I will be interviewing October 9th in Seattle

 

[BABSstudent]

I should add that the school selects your interview date. Looks like there are interviews in the morning and after the tour ends.

 

[bigdogrob4284]

Looks like they are scheduling interview dates. I will be interviewing October 9th in Seattle

Did you get an email or status update for the date? Also when did you get your initial interview notification with no date?

 

[BABSstudent]

Did you get an email or status update for the date? Also when did you get your initial interview notification with no date?

They emailed me with the date.

Initial "selected to be interviewed" email received 8/6
9/13 received email with the date for scheduled interview.

Had to log on to UW SOMAS website to confirm the date/select lunch.

 

[SpacemanSpifff]

They emailed me with the date.

Initial "selected to be interviewed" email received 8/6
9/13 received email with the date for scheduled interview.

Had to log on to UW SOMAS website to confirm the date/select lunch.

So they did not give you a few options to select a date from, it was assigned to you?

 

[BABSstudent]

No options. Here is the email I received with names, details not important to people not interviewing and numbers omitted.

Thank you for your interest in the University of Washington School of Medicine. The Committee on Admissions at the University of Washington School of Medicine would like to invite you to interview on Tuesday, October 09, 2012.

....

If you have a conflict that involves an appointment of equal importance and wish to change your interview date or time, please contact ___________________ and explain the situation in detail to see if __________ can change your appointment (________). Please be aware that because we are responsible for interviewing five separate applicant pools from the five-state region (WWAMI), our flexibility is less than that of other schools. Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho interview during limited periods and the scheduling is very tight.

I don't know of many events that are of "equal importance" to a medical school interview. Trust me, I wouldn't have picked a Tuesday to interview normally and especially not that week. I am going to have to have someone else give my anatomy students a test. Not really fair to the students since I may show something differently (or have different wording or not give a hint every so often) than another TA.

 

[Graywolf]

Interview Invite!!! Idaho Resident. Feels great...time to start looking for a fly suit

 

[Seattlelite]

So does anyone have an idea of how long it takes for them to officially receive a residency questionnaire (from the time it actually arrives in their mailbox)?

I'm pretty sure my residency questionnaire and documents have been sitting in their mail pile for the last 5 days, but I'm starting to think I should re-send the packet to make sure it didn't get lost in the mail.

 

[deleted472157]

Interview Invite!!! Idaho Resident. Feels great...time to start looking for a fly suit

Congrats!!!

So does anyone have an idea of how long it takes for them to officially receive a residency questionnaire (from the time it actually arrives in their mailbox)?

I'm pretty sure my residency questionnaire and documents have been sitting in their mail pile for the last 5 days, but I'm starting to think I should re-send the packet to make sure it didn't get lost in the mail.

They took about 2-3 weeks for mine (and I think I was pretty early in the cycle), so I'd hang tight for a bit. Especially because the med school doesn't do the residency verification stuff--it's another office.

 

[EtOHadct]

Regarding the Autobiographical Statement Addendum, how long should the statement be? On the secondary website, it says Limit 250 words, but then it also allows you to write beyond that limit.

 

[Member2488]

I haven't received an actual interview date, but I did receive the interview invite email. Does anyone that submitted the secondary around 8/20 have a firm date yet?

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Regarding the Autobiographical Statement Addendum, how long should the statement be? On the secondary website, it says Limit 250 words, but then it also allows you to write beyond that limit.

I am staying in the limit to be safe. Though that makes me wonder about the note that you can use your PS for that question, since my PS is wayy over 250 words. I'm basically just writing an abstract of my personal statement because my PS was very autobiographical and also very thorough.

 

[Graywolf]

Regarding the Autobiographical Statement Addendum, how long should the statement be? On the secondary website, it says Limit 250 words, but then it also allows you to write beyond that limit.

I think the second text box below the autobiography is for titles and abstracts of [published?] research. I don't think it's a place to continue on writing about yourself. But I could be wrong. Somebody correct me if so.

I'm sure it's okay to summarize your PS into the autobiography, but I consider that section as an opportunity to reveal things about yourself they can't get elsewhere. Why not use it? My autobiography revisited my PS initially, but then continued to on to describe how I will apply what I've learned to my future career.

So draw parallels to your PS, but use the autobiography to bring up new things/ideas as well. Who wants to read the same thing twice? And if you can't figure out what to write, pound an energy drink and put your thinking cap on 😛

 

[pika1]

How long does it take UW to download and load Letters of Rec to the secondary file??

and why is it implied that optional letters are received later (when they are provided via AMCAS service anyway?)

 

[Ellie Arroway]

Sweet, submitted & marked complete today.

 

[init2winit]

Is the secondary site being buggy for anyone else? I am having trouble with it. I'm using Chrome...maybe I should try a different browser? Advice?

Also, regarding the LORs, my undergrad doesn't write a committee letter but gathers all my letters together and essentially sends them as one letter (its designated as one letter on the AMCAS). Anyone have a similar experience and could provide advice on the LOR portion of this school's application? I tried calling but couldn't get ahold of someone.

 

[missdoctor8]

Do you guys know if UWSOM looks at MCAT and GPA after the secondary? Obviously they screen for a specific number to grant secondaries but do they consider the numbers after receiving a secondary as well?
I have a low MCAT so I'm a bit concerned....

 

[BABSstudent]

Do you guys know if UWSOM looks at MCAT and GPA after the secondary? Obviously they screen for a specific number to grant secondaries but do they consider the numbers after receiving a secondary as well?
I have a low MCAT so I'm a bit concerned....

I would assume they do. They review the entire application before granting an interview. However, during the interview, two of the three interviewers do not have access to your file.

 

[missdoctor8]

I would assume they do. They review the entire application before granting an interview. However, during the interview, two of the three interviewers do not have access to your file.

Oh that makes sense...Thanks!

 

[SpacemanSpifff]

Just got my residency verified by the reviewing institution yesterday. How long did it take people to be marked complete on the site? Congratulations to all the new interview invites by the way!

 

[deleted472157]

Just got my residency verified by the reviewing institution yesterday. How long did it take people to be marked complete on the site? Congratulations to all the new interview invites by the way!

Residency verification was the rate-limiting step for me. If everything else is in, I would expect to be marked "complete" within a few days (for me it was same day in early August). If it helps, I was offered an II one week later, so hopefully things pick up from here !

 

[bigdogrob4284]

Come on UW... Waiting for an interview date is killing me!

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Today WWAMI decided that I actually am an Alaskan, which was a major worry for me, since I spent so much time out of the state on volunteer projects. I was dreading the possibility that even after a -45 degree winter in a dry cabin in Fairbanks I wouldn't be eligible for my own state school. If I get rejected now it'll at least be for a good reason.

 

[cwrig14]

Residency verification was the rate-limiting step for me. If everything else is in, I would expect to be marked "complete" within a few days (for me it was same day in early August). If it helps, I was offered an II one week later, so hopefully things pick up from here !

Finished my residency verification in August and am still waiting to be complete.
🙁

 

[psychkub]

Interviewing October 9th.

Has anybody had an interview here recently? I've read the interview feedback page, but am more interested in the experience this application cycle.

Thanks!

 

[BABSstudent]

Interviewing October 9th.

Has anybody had an interview here recently? I've read the interview feedback page, but am more interested in the experience this application cycle.

Thanks!

I am curious if October 9th is the first day for interviews. I haven't read anyone getting one before then... but then again we may be the only two with actual dates set.

Are you interviewing in the morning or later in the day?

 

[aspiringdoc1234]

Any OOR applicants receive an actual interview date yet?

It's been a month and a half since I've heard anything and I'm wondering if this is common for UW. I know the email said OOR applicants are interviewed some time around Dec-Jan, but just want to be sure I haven't missed anything.

 

[husky20]

I am curious if October 9th is the first day for interviews. I haven't read anyone getting one before then... but then again we may be the only two with actual dates set.

Are you interviewing in the morning or later in the day?

I am an in-state applicant and have my interview on October 3rd

 

[BABSstudent]

I am an in-state applicant and have my interview on October 3rd

Well why didn't you post sooner! Congrats! I am guessing you do not have very far to travel for this interview because of your username.

 

[bigdogrob4284]

Got my date for oct 19th.

 

[mann86]

1

 

[psychkub]

Are you interviewing in the morning or later in the day?

It appears I am interviewing in the afternoon because they want me to get there at 9:30am. So, does that meant people who interview in the morning get to leave early?

edit: Impressive MDApps profile btw! Good luck to you!

 

[BABSstudent]

It appears I am interviewing in the afternoon because they want me to get there at 9:30am. So, does that meant people who interview in the morning get to leave early?

edit: Impressive MDApps profile btw! Good luck to you!

Thanks, but I am not that impressive. I think I am just average.

I would assume the people are allowed to leave early but the email said we could also attend lectures there for the day. Maybe they get that time to attend classes? Who knows. I also wonder how many of us there are going to be interviewing that day.

 

[psychkub]

Thanks, but I am not that impressive. I think I am just average.

I would assume the people are allowed to leave early but the email said we could also attend lectures there for the day. Maybe they get that time to attend classes? Who knows. I also wonder how many of us there are going to be interviewing that day.

I think there are a total of 6 interviewees as it shows here:

Morning Interviews:
8:00 Applicant 1
9:00 Applicant 2

9:30 Sign in
9:45 Welcome and Overview
10:00-11:00 Tour
11:00-11:30 Faculty meet and greet
11:30-12:30 Lunch with students

Afternoon Interviews:
1:00 Applicant 3
2:00 Applicant 4
3:00 Applicant 5
4:00 Applicant 6

which I got from http://www.uwmedicine.org/Education/MD-Program/Admissions/Applicants/Pages/Interview.aspx

 

[BABSstudent]

Awesome! I had seen that before but I wasn't sure if there were multiple groups of applicants. I haven't been to an interview with such few people which is why I thought there might be more. I interview at 2. When do you interview?

 

[deleted472157]

Wow 6 would be a small number, but I think that would actually be pretty fun. UWSOM's gotta have a lot of interview days then?

I am also Oct 19, so I'll see you there BigDogRob. I'm pretty sure that out of the 5 other people you're interviewing with, I'll be the only one from Pitt--so there's no use hiding my identity 🙄. Though you're more than welcome to stay anonymous yourself! 😀

And congrats on the early dates for the rest of you and good luck!

 

[earf]

Any OOR applicants receive an actual interview date yet?

It's been a month and a half since I've heard anything and I'm wondering if this is common for UW. I know the email said OOR applicants are interviewed some time around Dec-Jan, but just want to be sure I haven't missed anything.

I haven't heard anything about a date yet. I'm expecting an interview probably in January as an OOR applicant.

 

[init2winit]

Roughly how long did it take them to process your mailed app check?

I think my check might've gotten lost in the mail at this point.

 

[deleted329605]

So no secondaries for OOS? :/ Would have been AWESOME to go here