2013-2014 Columbia University Application Thread

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Hey guys,

Are there any Columbia MSTP students that can give me some advice on my MD/PhD secondary essay? I am applying to Columbia because I want to study psychiatric disorders and they have outstanding research in this field. Should I mention specific names or labs in my PhD goals essay? I feel like this is generally a bad idea but without concrete examples, my essay sounds lofty ie: "I could do X by looking at Y" vs "Researcher Z's work doing X and Y sounds amazing/awesome/is my life goal..."

Thanks!🙂
 
Chugoku said:
Hey guys,

Are there any Columbia MSTP students that can give me some advice on my MD/PhD secondary essay? I am applying to Columbia because I want to study psychiatric disorders and they have outstanding research in this field. Should I mention specific names or labs in my PhD goals essay? I feel like this is generally a bad idea but without concrete examples, my essay sounds lofty ie: "I could do X by looking at Y" vs "Researcher Z's work doing X and Y sounds amazing/awesome/is my life goal..."

Thanks!🙂
Click to expand...

In my essay, I not only mentioned labs but I read over a dozen papers produced by those labs and cited research from those papers in my essay. I'm not a student, but I do have an II 😀
 
plumazul said:
In my essay, I not only mentioned labs but I read over a dozen papers produced by those labs and cited research from those papers in my essay. I'm not a student, but I do have an II 😀
Click to expand...

Do you mind elaborating a bit more? I'm curious as to how you used specific papers and researchers to answer such a broad prompt... "PhD goals". I interpreted the question as, 'what do you hope to gain from a PhD that you could not get from an MD alone and how will an education at Columbia help you'. I can't imagine talking about a lab's published work unless proposing an actual topic for my thesis which seems outside of the scope of a secondary application essay.

Thanks!
 
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Chugoku said:
Do you mind elaborating a bit more? I'm curious as to how you used specific papers and researchers to answer such a broad prompt... "PhD goals". I interpreted the question as, 'what do you hope to gain from a PhD that you could not get from an MD alone and how will an education at Columbia help you'. I can't imagine talking about a lab's published work unless proposing an actual topic for my thesis which seems outside of the scope of a secondary application essay.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

FYI, last year's version of that prompt read "Please describe your goals as a Physician/Scientist. Who are your role models?" I tried to frame my essay around this question, and ended up writing about a few researchers whose work I would like to emulate. Nothing extremely specific, just general career aspects that I like (i.e. Researcher X uses her experience treating patients with Y disease to guide her work in the lab). I personally wouldn't cite specific work, but judging by her interview invites plumazul knows what she's doing!
 
yankees26 said:
hi guys, does anyone with an II know which days P&S usually has interview dates
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Here are the days that seem to be open right now: Oct 16, 17, 22. Nov 12, 14, 18-21. Dec 2.

Hope you hear good news soon! 🙂
 
For those with II's, congrats!! If you don't mind me asking, what are your stats?
 
Interview invite just now! 😀 Earliest date available was October 16th but I'll be there mid-November!
 
sierranevada3 said:
Congratulations!!! Mind sharing when you were complete? Thanks so much!
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I was marked complete August 20th, but my secondary was submitted earlier (July 14th)


chillaxbro said:
Just got a volunteer research position at Columbia. No II yet. When should I send in an update? I haven't been completed for very long
Click to expand...

Unless you have some other major news you're waiting on (hearing back from a submitted manuscript or abstract), why not go for it now? 👍
 
chillaxbro said:
Just got a volunteer research position at Columbia. No II yet. When should I send in an update? I haven't been completed for very long
Click to expand...

i would say wait until youve actually done something in your volunteer resaerch position taht you can write about in the update cause it'll be more substantial
 
scarlett14 said:
i would say wait until youve actually done something in your volunteer resaerch position taht you can write about in the update cause it'll be more substantial
Click to expand...

That's a good point -- but research is generally a low yield activity in terms of the tangible accomplishment/time put in ratio. It might be months before anything "real" comes of it and I don't think the stuff in the interim (i.e. learning specific techniques/procedures/etc) add that much. I think it's completely acceptable to send an update with projected responsibilities, what you hope to get out of the experience and how it adds to the rest of your application, but it's completely up to you, chillax! :shrug:
 
Well I'm pretty late (due to finances 🙁 )

but I officially submitted my secondary and was marked complete today!

Crossing my fingers for an II, this is my top choice.

Congrats to everyone who have received II's so far and good luck to those still waiting!
 
II !!!!! aldhgkhakldhklghakldh OMGAWD I can't believe it! NOTHING else matters right now.
 
RocDiva4040 said:
II !!!!! aldhgkhakldhklghakldh OMGAWD I can't believe it! NOTHING else matters right now.
Click to expand...

Congratulations! I read your MDApps info - it sounds like you have had quite the life! It is inspiring that you have made it so far despite obvious obstacles - best of luck this cycle!
 
Ambitionista said:
Well I'm pretty late (due to finances 🙁 )

but I officially submitted my secondary and was marked complete today!

Crossing my fingers for an II, this is my top choice.

Congrats to everyone who have received II's so far and good luck to those still waiting!
Click to expand...

II this morning!!! This is actually my first. I'm so excited! This is my top choice!

I'll be there early-Nov!
 
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Ambitionista said:
II this morning!!! This is actually my first. I'm so excited! This is my top choice!

I'll be there Nov 7!
Click to expand...

I saw your MDApps profile. You were complete at Columbia 2 days ago and received an II? That's awesome!! Congrats! Hopefully it means something in your app really caught their eye!
 
neilpryde21 said:
I saw your MDApps profile. You were complete at Columbia 2 days ago and received an II? That's awesome!! Congrats! Hopefully it means something in your app really caught their eye!
Click to expand...

Yes, I could not believe it! I was not expecting to hear back for another month or two! Thanks!!! And I sure do hope so!
 
Do any current students know if significant others have access to the Bard Hall gym facilities? Are there any gyms close by?
 
RocDiva4040 said:
II !!!!! aldhgkhakldhklghakldh OMGAWD I can't believe it! NOTHING else matters right now.
Click to expand...

Congrats!!! I've been lurking this thread and I am so excited for you. Here's hoping they show me some love too, even if this school is a super-duper-mega-hyper-ultra-omega reach.
 
Thanks so much guys!I I really appreciate the suport. (Too many to quote :laugh: )

Ambitionista said:
Congrats!! When are you going??
Click to expand...

I almost picked that date, but chose 11/11. I feel like it will bring me good luck :laugh:

Good luck! This is my top choice too! I still can't believe it. This is my first II in the top 25 :laugh: I had kinda given up hope, but God is good!
 
plumazul said:
I'm so happy for you both. Best of luck :luck::luck::luck::luck:
Click to expand...

Thanks! And I took a look at your MDApps, my God. That is all I have to say haha Congrats on all the success you have had and will have this cycle!!!
 
RocDiva4040 said:
Thanks so much guys!I I really appreciate the suport. (Too many to quote :laugh: )



I almost picked that date, but chose 11/11. I feel like it will bring me good luck :laugh:

Good luck! This is my top choice too! I still can't believe it. This is my first II in the top 25 :laugh: I had kinda given up hope, but God is good!
Click to expand...

Nice! AAAAH I'm so excited for you as well! I'm sure there are more to come.
 
II this morning !!!! Submitted in early July can't quite remember the date.
Will be there Nov 12th 🙂
 
Hi everyone,

First of all, congrats to all of you guys, I read many of your stories - they were truly amazing and inspiring - wish you success and luck !!

I was wondering if you guys could just spare a few minutes of your time and share your thoughts with me, I'm in a stressful situation and would definitely appreciate your help.

Do you think I have any chance of acceptance?

- Canadian Resident
- Already completed 90crds bachelor degree
- GPA: 4.0/4.0
- MCAT: 11/10/12 (33)
- 2-3 years of research experience
- 1 publication + a few abstracts and presentations
- 700-800 hours hospital volunteering
- shadowed several physicians


Do you guys think I will have a chance if I apply next year?

Thanks 🙂
 
daleader said:
- 700-800 hours hospital volunteering
Click to expand...

I can't fathom how people accumulate that many hours of volunteering... 800h = 5 years of 3 h/week, without ever skipping once for vacations, exams, christmas, etc. My university hospital usually lets students volunteer 2 h/week, in which case it would take >7.5 years to accumulate 800 hours... 😕
 
lol obviously I haven't been there for 5 years. I worked way more than 3 hours / week. I worked ~28 hours / week for 6-7 months, the rest is like 4 hours / week - overall 2 years...


Any thoughts regarding my chances?
 
daleader said:
lol obviously I haven't been there for 5 years. I worked way more than 3 hours / week. I worked ~28 hours / week for 6-7 months, the rest is like 4 hours / week - overall 2 years...


Any thoughts regarding my chances?
Click to expand...

Weaknesses: Canadian, 33.
Strengths: Everything else

I'd say give it a try and they may overlook your MCAT considering your other out-of-this-world qualifications. Unfortunately, Columbia's class has ranged between 1-4% international, so your chances (and mine, as a fellow international) aren't too stellar.

P.S. 33 is 10 percentile at Columbia. Take that as you will...
 
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Wow 10th percentile? shoot ---

do you know their average MCAT / GPA for international students?

If I choose to re-write the MCAT, considering my GPA and other ecs, what MCAT score do you think will be 'sufficient' (I know nothing is guaranteed but just based on your personal opinion)
 
daleader said:
Wow 10th percentile? shoot ---

do you know their average MCAT / GPA for international students?

If I choose to re-write the MCAT, considering my GPA and other ecs, what MCAT score do you think will be 'sufficient' (I know nothing is guaranteed but just based on your personal opinion)
Click to expand...

No such data, unfortunately 🙁 There's really no point speculating what's 'sufficient', as an international you just have to do the best you can. However! There is data on the national average MCAT/GPA for internationals/Canadian. Look at the second post: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=779419; Canadians matriculants on average scored two points higher than U.S. residents. If Columbia is average in their reluctance toward internationals (big if there), then I would say 38 (35.7+2) is 'sufficient'. But keep in mind that the MCAT is only one small factor, and in individual cases other factors will be much more influential.

Enough hijacking the Columbia thread with our foreign business, back to waiting for one of their 30 international IIs 🙁 :xf:
 
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nervouspremed1 said:
For those with II's, congrats!! If you don't mind me asking, what are your stats?
Click to expand...

Submitted: 6/28 Complete: 8/11 (24 day turnaround 🙄)

3.93/35, traditional applicant straight out of a large public university.
 
I really really really hope I can get an II here. Show me some love Columbia. You have been on my mind for 6 years.

I've been complete since Sept 1. If people who are finished on the 30th are received II's, does this mean that this is the end for me?
 
TotalDomination said:
I really really really hope I can get an II here. Show me some love Columbia. You have been on my mind for 6 years.

I've been complete since Sept 1. If people who are finished on the 30th are received II's, does this mean that this is the end for me?
Click to expand...

Nope.
 
mmmcdowe said:
Nope.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming it's too soon to send an update letter (not that it would be useful or content heavy tbh)? I will have more publications by december. Do you think dec is too late to send update letters? Trying to figure out timing such that I won't be dismissed by adcom before updating Columbia.

arrghhhh the tension is killin me.
 
TotalDomination said:
I'm assuming it's too soon to send an update letter (not that it would be useful or content heavy tbh)? I will have more publications by december. Do you think dec is too late to send update letters? Trying to figure out timing such that I won't be dismissed by adcom before updating Columbia.

arrghhhh the tension is killin me.
Click to expand...

Late november or early December would be fine, but if you get pubs earlier then by all means.
 
can any current students speak to the housing situation? do any first years get to live in the towers or are they strictly reserved for upperclassmen?
 
Ambitionista said:
Well I'm pretty late (due to finances 🙁 )

but I officially submitted my secondary and was marked complete today!

Crossing my fingers for an II, this is my top choice.

Congrats to everyone who have received II's so far and good luck to those still waiting!
Click to expand...

Don't worry, i'm with you on that 🙂
 
happyface12 said:
can any current students speak to the housing situation? do any first years get to live in the towers or are they strictly reserved for upperclassmen?
Click to expand...

Quite a handful of students living in the towers but obviously the majority are living in Bard. We also have quite a few living off campus. I heard that couples housing was extremely hard to come by and therefore a lot of the couples opted to live nearby.
 
Hey all, first timer here. Been watching from the sidelines but thought I'd join in on the fun 😎

Also have an II for 11/11 (my only II so far actually). Strapping in for the ride...
 
asebasp said:
Hey all, first timer here. Been watching from the sidelines but thought I'd join in on the fun 😎

Also have an II for 11/11 (my only II so far actually). Strapping in for the ride...
Click to expand...

Congrats! I'll see you there. 🙂
 
Sophocles said:
Quite a handful of students living in the towers but obviously the majority are living in Bard. We also have quite a few living off campus. I heard that couples housing was extremely hard to come by and therefore a lot of the couples opted to live nearby.
Click to expand...

About 85% of students live on campus the first year followed by roughly 65% for subsequent years. Most 1st years live in Bard Hall and most on campus students after that move into the towers. There are other options, however. The Georgian Apartments aren't as nice as the towers but those are an option. First years can also move into the Towers immediately by entering into an existing lease (for example, I took a year to do research so my roomates graduated a year before me, three first years could have moved in with me). The catch is once you are in an apartment you can't apply for a new lease with a fresh set of roomates while the existing one is still active. This is because there is typically a couple month overlap between moving in and moving out periods, so you would essentially be depriving another group of an apartment since your first one would not be available in time for renovation. You can still jump into existing leases though.

Many students who do not live on campus live in the surrounding neighborhood, which has fairly similar rent. Others choose to move down into the upper west side and a few enterprising souls live out in Jersey, Brooklyn, and the East Side.
 
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