2012-2013 Washington University in St. Louis Application Thread

[mohad]

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NEW QUESTION::::

In regards to the deans certification, if we delay in turning that in, does our application get held up? Like I'm away for summer, and I will have some issue obtaining it for obvious reasons. Is that something that I should just get when the fall rolls around or should I try and get it earlier? I know the app says no admissions decisions can be made, but does that apply towards interview invites and whatnot as well?

 

[yellowfish]

NEW QUESTION::::

In regards to the deans certification, if we delay in turning that in, does our application get held up? Like I'm away for summer, and I will have some issue obtaining it for obvious reasons. Is that something that I should just get when the fall rolls around or should I try and get it earlier? I know the app says no admissions decisions can be made, but does that apply towards interview invites and whatnot as well?

My understanding is that it only affects the ultimate decision; your application can still be reviewed and you can still be offered an interview invitation. In that respect, you might as well wait until you hear back for an interview before worrying about it - unless you have nothing better to do 😛

 

[Perkins]

I just submitted the secondary today. However after I submitted it, it appears like the application is still editable when I click on the biographical and academic data sections. Did this happen to anyone else? Does it go away once they process the submission during working hours?

 

[Tots]

I just submitted the secondary today. However after I submitted it, it appears like the application is still editable when I click on the biographical and academic data sections. Did this happen to anyone else? Does it go away once they process the submission during working hours?

I am still able to edit some things(like the name of my recommender but not the type of recommendation) but it has a check mark next to supplemental application so pretty sure I have submitted. Has anyone been marked complete yet?

 

[mohad]

I can't even log into my application page. Whenever I type in my ID and PW (which are correct) and I click log in, the screen doesn't change. I know the internet is working, but whenever I click enter, a bar at the bottom says logging on, but nothing happens. anyone else getting htis problem?

 

[GooseWing]

I can't even log into my application page. Whenever I type in my ID and PW (which are correct) and I click log in, the screen doesn't change. I know the internet is working, but whenever I click enter, a bar at the bottom says logging on, but nothing happens. anyone else getting htis problem?

Hey mohad. I had this problem also when using Chrome. The site worked until I registered and all of that.

Since then I've been doing the WashU secondary in Firefox and it has been working fine.

 

[bjamin]

Does it let you submit if your AMCAS hasn't been verified yet?

 

[GooseWing]

People who have submitted everything but the Dean's Certification.

Does the Application Status page consider you 'Incomplete,' or can I be considered 'Complete' without having turned in the Certification. From what I've read in last year's thread the Certification is only required to receive I final decision from WashU.

 

[karkatvantas]

People who have submitted everything but the Dean's Certification.

Does the Application Status page consider you 'Incomplete,' or can I be considered 'Complete' without having turned in the Certification. From what I've read in last year's thread the Certification is only required to receive I final decision from WashU.

I've submitted everything, including all my letters, and I'm just waiting for them to receive my Dean's Certification. Their website says that no letters will be marked as "received" until the 12th, so I don't think anyone's application should be marked "complete" until then at the earliest. The website says: "Once we receive your recommendations, your supplemental application fee, your MCAT scores and AMCAS has verified your application, your file will be complete and ready for review." It doesn't say anything about the Dean's Certification being necessary for your application to be considered complete. Also FYI I've called them a couple of times with questions and the people on the phone were really helpful and friendly so if you have questions feel free to call.

 

[naixin]

Is it OK that I exceed the character limit of the optional essay? It seems that they will not cut off your words if it exceed the character limit.

 

[mohad]

If I submitted my secondary before my amcas was verified, how badly did I dun goof....?

 

[karkatvantas]

If I submitted my secondary before my amcas was verified, how badly did I dun goof....?

As far as I know, WUMS doesn't care which they get first, as they simply review everything at once as a single application. Some other schools are very particular about this and will invalidate your application if you send the secondary before your AMCAS app was verified, so I would be very careful about this with your other schools (I know that Einstein for sure will invalidate any application received before the verified AMCAS application, but they also won't send you the link until it's verified so you should be okay), but I don't think that's the case with WUMS. If you're really worried, just call them and ask. I've called the WUMS Admissions Committee a couple of times and they were all really nice and helpful.

 

[mohad]

As far as I know, WUMS doesn't care which they get first, as they simply review everything at once as a single application. Some other schools are very particular about this and will invalidate your application if you send the secondary before your AMCAS app was verified, so I would be very careful about this with your other schools (I know that Einstein for sure will invalidate any application received before the verified AMCAS application, but they also won't send you the link until it's verified so you should be okay), but I don't think that's the case with WUMS. If you're really worried, just call them and ask. I've called the WUMS Admissions Committee a couple of times and they were all really nice and helpful.

thanks. i just got so excited with my secondary invites that I wanted to send them in ASAP. Then I noticed that I wasn't fully verified and wondered how it would affect me. Luckily I only sent it to WUMS.

 

[aiwe]

I received a secondary even though my primary hasn't been verified yet (submitted on 7/6). Apparently there is a 4 week limit on completing the secondary once they have received your primary... does anyone know if this is after verification, or the 4 weeks start as soon as you submit?

I ask because it seems like AMCAS is 3 weeks behind in processing primaries, so I worry my primary won't get processed before the 4 week mark expires.

Thanks!

 

[pr2]

Anyone marked received for Rec Letters? They said July 12th right. Just wondering for completion sake.

 

[Tots]

Anyone marked received for Rec Letters? They said July 12th right. Just wondering for completion sake.

Nope not complete. Letters of Recommendations is not even listed on the items list. Is everyone sure you don't need the Deans Certification to be complete?

 

[MedPR]

No idea about the certification, but my Dean sent it the same day I requested it.

Edit: Too bad I'm not actually submitting the secondary.

 

[CsHead]

Nope not complete. Letters of Recommendations is not even listed on the items list. Is everyone sure you don't need the Deans Certification to be complete?

Not needed to be complete, but the cert is needed for a final decision.

 

[DrDestroyMD]

My letters are in, but not my Dean's cert. The website still says I'm not complete...

 

[yellowfish]

My letters are in, but not my Dean's cert. The website still says I'm not complete...

"Once we receive your recommendations, your supplemental application fee, your MCAT scores and AMCAS has verified your application, your file will be complete and ready for review."

If you really don't believe them, call the admissions office and ask 🙂 I think it should be fine though - it may take a few days for the status page to update. WashU is typically late in reviewing applications and offering interviews anyways.

 

[carramrod06]

my letters are in, but not my dean's cert. The website still says i'm not complete...

+1

 

[mcatgeek21]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

 

[GooseWing]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

Cool story bro tell it again.

 

[riddler]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

Bravo, bravo! One more time!

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

Just so you know, your sGPA is a good bit below their average. Might as well apply Caribbean, about as close as you'll get to NC or FL with those stats.

 

[carramrod06]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

thought there was a question in this post.. guess not..

 

[MedPR]

Thought really hard (embarrassing how much thought I actually gave this considering my stats) about applying since 1. I live/went to undergrad in Saint Louis, 2. Work at WashU's affiliate hospital (barnes jewish) and 3. am a URM. Too bad my GPA and MCAT are in their bottom 1%, if even.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Thought really hard (embarrassing how much thought I actually gave this considering my stats) about applying since 1. I live/went to undergrad in Saint Louis, 2. Work at WashU's affiliate hospital (barnes jewish) and 3. am a URM. Too bad my GPA and MCAT are in their bottom 1%, if even.

I have a feeling the majority of applicants are in their bottom 1%, I wouldn't feel too bad about it. Nothing wrong with having a dream...

 

[MedPR]

I have a feeling the majority of applicants are in their bottom 1%, I wouldn't feel too bad about it. Nothing wrong with having a dream...

It basically took my girlfriend laughing in my face for me to not submit the secondary. 3.14sGPA, 33MCAT, URM.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

It basically took my girlfriend laughing in my face for me to not submit the secondary. 3.14sGPA, 33MCAT, URM.

I don't see why you wouldn't apply. Sure, GPA isn't great, but your MCAT is very high for an URM acceptance.

 

[imacarboholic]

Oops...edited.

 

[MedPR]

I don't see why you wouldn't apply. Sure, GPA isn't great, but your MCAT is very high for an URM acceptance.

I'm sure WashU gets their share of URMs who have stats required of ORMs, but since I just found out VCU requires 2 semesters of math (and I have only 1), I might just send in the app and use my VCU money on WashU instead.

Not holding my breath, but if I got offered an interview I might start believing in miracles 😉

 

[MedPR]

Oops...edited.

My optional essay says

(optional) Do you have unique experiences or obstacles that you have overcome that were not covered in your application about which you would like to inform our Admissions Committee? (maximum 3000 characters including spaces).

Though I guess you figured that out since you edited your post 🙂

 

[chronicidal]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I got an email from WashU telling me to apply.

Stats: 3.91/3.87/41 MCAT/Top 3 undergrad

I know I have the stats, but I'm not sure about St. Louis, more of a northerner. If I'm headed south, I prefer NC, FL, or GA.

don't apply. you're headed to HMS. 👍

 

[ksmi117]

Hello all!

Figured I'd pop in and say hello. I'm a current WUSM student. I have finished my second year and am taking a year off from medical school to get a master's degree. Then it'll be back to the clinics for me to finish off the last 2 years of school.

Just to answer a few questions that I've seen come up again and again.

1. Optional essay - it's really optional. I didn't do it. And I'm going to WashU on a full-tuition scholarship. If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what will. But if you do have something you've overcome, write about it!! As much as WashU has the reputation for only caring about numbers, it's not true. The numbers are necessary to get your foot in the door, but they really care about having well-rounded people in their classes.

2. Dean's certification - it's not needed except for a final decision. Meaning, you cannot be accepted unless it is in. There's a delay in having your application be marked "complete", but it's not because you don't have the dean's thing in. It's because they have to double check everything. Patience is a virtue. Learn that now, or be prepared for a very painful year. Med schools love to take their sweet time with everything application-wise.

If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask them here or PM me. I may take a few days to respond to things, but I'll get around to it, I promise. 🙂

 

[MedPR]

Hello all!

Figured I'd pop in and say hello. I'm a current WUSM student. I have finished my second year and am taking a year off from medical school to get a master's degree. Then it'll be back to the clinics for me to finish off the last 2 years of school.

Just to answer a few questions that I've seen come up again and again.

1. Optional essay - it's really optional. I didn't do it. And I'm going to WashU on a full-tuition scholarship. If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what will. But if you do have something you've overcome, write about it!! As much as WashU has the reputation for only caring about numbers, it's not true. The numbers are necessary to get your foot in the door, but they really care about having well-rounded people in their classes.

2. Dean's certification - it's not needed except for a final decision. Meaning, you cannot be accepted unless it is in. There's a delay in having your application be marked "complete", but it's not because you don't have the dean's thing in. It's because they have to double check everything. Patience is a virtue. Learn that now, or be prepared for a very painful year. Med schools love to take their sweet time with everything application-wise.

If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask them here or PM me. I may take a few days to respond to things, but I'll get around to it, I promise. 🙂

I know someone in your class that is also attending WUSM on a full tuition scholarship. I wonder how many of those they give out each year.

Edit: The person I know isn't you because the person I know isn't from Louisiana or LSU.

 

[ksmi117]

I know someone in your class that is also attending WUSM on a full tuition scholarship. I wonder how many of those they give out each year.

Edit: The person I know isn't you because the person I know isn't from Louisiana or LSU.

That is something I don't know the exact answer to, but I can tell you that it's about 16 each year. Then there's the ~25 MSTPs each year who also have their tuition paid for. The remaining students usually get pretty nice scholarship money too.

 

[xroc]

So I've submitted everything required (secondary, fee, LOR, dean's certification) about a week and a half ago and when I check my application page there's a check mark by all the items, yet it still says that I'm currently incomplete?

Anyone know how long it should take to get marked as complete?

 

[GooseWing]

So I've submitted everything required (secondary, fee, LOR, dean's certification) about a week and a half ago and when I check my application page there's a check mark by all the items, yet it still says that I'm currently incomplete?

Anyone know how long it should take to get marked as complete?

Read Post #85

 

[MedPR]

That is something I don't know the exact answer to, but I can tell you that it's about 16 each year. Then there's the ~25 MSTPs each year who also have their tuition paid for. The remaining students usually get pretty nice scholarship money too.

Getting paid to attend one of the best medical schools in the world. Great reward for hardwork as an UG.

I work at Barnes and I see you guys walking around everyday. Makes me so damn jealous 🙂

 

[chronicidal]

1. Optional essay - it's really optional. I didn't do it. And I'm going to WashU on a full-tuition scholarship. If that's not enough to convince you, I don't know what will.

Ditto.

 

[DrDestroyMD]

Just got an email notifying me that my application is now marked as complete and currently under review. Submitted my secondary quite a while ago, same with my letters.

 

[GooseWing]

Just got an email notifying me that my application is now marked as complete and currently under review. Submitted my secondary quite a while ago, same with my letters.

No email yet but I am marked complete on the status page. Submitted 7/7 and I haven't sent in my certification letter, FYI.

 

[Tots]

No email yet but I am marked complete on the status page. Submitted 7/7 and I haven't sent in my certification letter, FYI.

Same here. No email but marked complete and no deans certification.

 

[DCSB6]

Still incomplete even thought I submitted the secondary on 7/1 with letters already in. (No deans cert.)

 

[MedPR]

Still incomplete. LORs been in to AMCAS since July 4, but still marked as not received on my status.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

I'm starting to get the feeling that the Dean's Letter is required for completion... especially considering once I submitted it told me to get it in 'as soon as possible' and in the email confirming this it said the same thing. The application status page also clearly states it's the only thing missing from my application and that I'm still incomplete.

 

[GooseWing]

I'm starting to get the feeling that the Dean's Letter is required for completion... especially considering once I submitted it told me to get it in 'as soon as possible' and in the email confirming this it said the same thing.

Nope. I received my complete email yesterday (and was marked complete online the day before) without a Dean's Certification in.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Nope. I received my complete email yesterday (and was marked complete online the day before) without a Dean's Certification in.

Odd, wonder why it takes so long.

 

[frisbeeguy]

Hmm, I submitted June 30th, and still no completion. Everything should be in save for the Dean's Cert - keep waiting or give 'em a call?

Edit: Nevermind, I see others still incomplete that submitted a day or two after me. I previously only saw the comments of people having submitted 7/7 and being complete a few days ago.