2013-2014 Texas A&M Application Thread

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I have a couple of questions for anyone that interviewed at College Station:

1. What time did the session end? Would it be possible to catch a flight at 3:30 pm at the CLL airport that day?

2. Should I rent a car or take cabs? Airport is very close to the medical school and hotels seem to be only a few miles away.

Thanks in advance...
 
I have a couple of questions for anyone that interviewed at College Station:

1. What time did the session end? Would it be possible to catch a flight at 3:30 pm at the CLL airport that day?

2. Should I rent a car or take cabs? Airport is very close to the medical school and hotels seem to be only a few miles away.

Thanks in advance...

1. The interviews are in the afternoon from 2pm and usually finish between 3.30 and 4 because they try to include a tour of the Health Science building in that time too. Even if you asked to have back to back interviews the earliest you would be done would be 3.. not much time to make a 3.30 flight.

2. You could do either.. I've taken cabs to and from interviews before but if you're a stressor it may one less thing to think about organizing if you can just leave when you're ready/ running a little late in the morning..

Anytime!
 
Hello, did y'all wait longer to receive secondaries from A&M than from other Texas schools?

I added A&M on August 14th as well as almost all the other Texas schools, and while the other schools generally emailed me secondaries within a few days, A&M still has not responded. Should I email the admissions staff or just keep waiting?
 
Hello, did y'all wait longer to receive secondaries from A&M than from other Texas schools?

I added A&M on August 14th as well as almost all the other Texas schools, and while the other schools generally emailed me secondaries within a few days, A&M still has not responded. Should I email the admissions staff or just keep waiting?

A&M doesn't send you secondaries, you have to go to their website on your own to start one. if you go to TMDSAS website, click on check status, there should be a link that says "secondaries". click on that and it'll take you to a list of all secondaries available for TMDSAS schools. good luck!
 
I received my interview invite today via email and it looks like it'll be in Bryan! 😀 You also get a new assignment in BAMF (hee) titled "Interview RSVP". My application status still says "Under review".

I was only offered one interview date (September 12), and had the choice to accept the invite, reject, or pick "later". Choosing "later" would put you into contact with a school representative to reschedule your interview.

Anyways, for those curious, I transmitted my complete primary on June 21 and my secondary on June 28. I received my secondary on June 12. My stats are 3.84 cGPA, 3.66 sGPA, and 32S MCAT.

Hang in there, everyone! 🙂 I really need to stop checking my email...
 
A&M doesn't send you secondaries, you have to go to their website on your own to start one. if you go to TMDSAS website, click on check status, there should be a link that says "secondaries". click on that and it'll take you to a list of all secondaries available for TMDSAS schools. good luck!

Thanks for replying.

I was not aware that A&M did not send out an email to signal applicants to complete its secondary application. I just submitted the secondary for it today (as I had it pre-written).

For me, A&M is a very high pick on my list of desired schools.

Therefore, would it behoove me to send an email to one or more of the admissions committee members explaining to them I was unaware of the secondary application policies and in reality I do have a strong desire to attend their school?

I ponder this mode of action because I have heard that adcoms believe that when applicants take a long time to submit their secondaries after they're available, it makes it look like they are not passionate about attending their school. I submitted the secondary two weeks after I added A&M to my selected schools.

While the downside may be that it would make me look uninformed about the application process, the upside is that it would prevent me from looking like someone who is halfhearted about attending their school. The question is which is greater.

I would appreciate any input.
 
Thanks for replying.

I was not aware that A&M did not send out an email to signal applicants to complete its secondary application. I just submitted the secondary for it today (as I had it pre-written).

For me, A&M is a very high pick on my list of desired schools.

Therefore, would it behoove me to send an email to one or more of the admissions committee members explaining to them I was unaware of the secondary application policies and in reality I do have a strong desire to attend their school?

I ponder this mode of action because I have heard that adcoms believe that when applicants take a long time to submit their secondaries after they're available, it makes it look like they are not passionate about attending their school. I submitted the secondary two weeks after I added A&M to my selected schools.

While the downside may be that it would make me look uninformed about the application process, the upside is that it would prevent me from looking like someone who is halfhearted about attending their school. The question is which is greater.

I would appreciate any input.

Personally, I wouldn't. Two weeks really isn't that long. It seems reasonable that it would take that amount of time to write a good secondary. On the other hand, emailing them now might make you look uninformed about the application process.


Either way, I don't think it's a big deal.


Good luck!
 
Received in II this morning. It conflicted with another date of mine though so I really hope I still get another date.

Transmitted 8/9, MCAT 28-31, GPA 3.7+.

they'll happily reschedule for you.
 
Good luck to everyone here on your interviews! I'm a current M1 so I remember being in your situation vividly. For those that have not gotten the phone call yet, don't worry, I didn't get mine until the end of November, and some people got them even later. If you have any questions feel free to ask or message me!
 
I'm confused. I just submitted the secondary, so on the complete information it only gives me a "true" for the secondary. The primary is blank, and I'm not sure where to go to pay?

Also, why does it have MCAT scores there if they state right underneath that they can't report the receipt of scores and we should just refer to TMDSAS?

I was transmitted July 29th, so I'm not sure what to do....

Edited:

I don't have any "outstanding assignments"
also, it says my app is pending

Well, it does say "there can be a 4-6 week delay between the time that TMDSAS transmits your application and when TAMHSC COM processes the application (depending on application volume)."

I received the secondary on August 3rd, though, so since then they haven't downloaded this information?
I think I will call them tomorrow. Still, if anyone can answer my questions, I'd really appreciate it.
 
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HAHA, I found out how to pay. Still, my primary app isn't reported as "complete" for some reason :/

lol why is this a shopping cart?
 
Yeah their system is a bit wonky...I submitted early August and was confirmed, but my MCAT is still blank, so guess I am still in limbo 😛
 
II received for 10/10. I submitted in mid June and was complete by July. Thought I was passed over for sure. Don't give up hope and good luck to everyone.
 
II received for 10/10. I submitted in mid June and was complete by July. Thought I was passed over for sure. Don't give up hope and good luck to everyone.

+1. Submitted Late May, Submitted secondary early June. Very excited about this interview 🙂
 
II received for 10/10. I submitted in mid June and was complete by July. Thought I was passed over for sure. Don't give up hope and good luck to everyone.

Mind if I ask for your stats? I haven't heard from any schools other than El Paso and I submitted in mid July.
 
Can anyone that has interviewed at College Station this year tell me what time were you finished by?

Thanks in advance...
 
Can anyone that has interviewed at College Station this year tell me what time were you finished by?

Thanks in advance...

It depends on your interview times. Interviews are from 2pm and they like to include a short tour in between two, so even if you have two back to back interviews and tour you won't get out till 3.30. However, I don't think this happens a lot, I think the usual is 4/4.30.
 
Interviewed on 9/12 at the temple campus and it was a great experience. The students were very friendly and gave us a lot of info about their experience at A&M. The tour was organized pretty well and the facilities were great! There was a breakfast and lunch provided by Army/Navy that was actually pretty delicious, so for those with interviews, look forward to that lol. Scott and White seemed like a great hospital and is definitely a plus for the temple campus.
Good luck to you all with future interviews. The interviews are low-stress so just be yourself, they mainly just want to get to know you. With those who haven't received an interview yet, don't give up hope it's still early!
 
Anyone else have a blank where MCAT scores should be on BAMF? My primary, secondary, and secondary fee are all registering as 'true', and it does say '4-6 weeks', but I had it transmitted 24 July, and the secondary in 9 August...
 
II. Transmitted late June. Secondary complete mid August.
 
My application has been PENDING for over a month now. All the entries are marked - true, but I'm getting worried that something is wrong or missing. Anyone have any experience with this? Should I call admissions?
 
My application has been PENDING for over a month now. All the entries are marked - true, but I'm getting worried that something is wrong or missing. Anyone have any experience with this? Should I call admissions?

That is strange. Mine was only pending for 3 days after my MCAT scores were released. When did your primary transmit?

If it has been over a couple weeks since the transmit, I would give them a quick call to make sure everything was received. They were pretty helpful when I called about my mcat scores.
 
That is strange. Mine was only pending for 3 days after my MCAT scores were released. When did your primary transmit?

If it has been over a couple weeks since the transmit, I would give them a quick call to make sure everything was received. They were pretty helpful when I called about my mcat scores.

Early August
 
Some interview pearls:

* You are being interviewed from the moment you set foot in a school... so be nice to everyone- even the catering staff, be polite, attentive, interested!

* Stay alert and focused throughout all the presentations! The admissions people want to gage your interest in their school.. know stuff about it before you get there and when they tell you stuff about it listen and learn..It may help you in the interview and when you're trying to decide where to go.There are plenty of people dying for the chance to be at this interview.. don't act bored or ask when it's time to take a nap!

* Prepare answers and practice them.. especially current medical/health and social issues..it's not rocket science!

* Don't text, sleep or have your own conversations during the student panels... they gave up their time to tell why they love their school, they will give you helpful advice and let you gage how happy they are at that school.. respect them.😎

* Don't think just because your in JAMP/other similar programs that you are guaranteed a spot.. It's not a done deal!

* Don't be arrogant! People notice.. You may fool your interviewer for 30min but Admissions staff, who see you all day, decide if you get in..

Ok rant over...
 
Some interview pearls:

* You are being interviewed from the moment you set foot in a school... so be nice to everyone- even the catering staff, be polite, attentive, interested!

* Stay alert and focused throughout all the presentations! The admissions people want to gage your interest in their school.. know stuff about it before you get there and when they tell you stuff about it listen and learn..It may help you in the interview and when you're trying to decide where to go.There are plenty of people dying for the chance to be at this interview.. don't act bored or ask when it's time to take a nap!

* Prepare answers and practice them.. especially current medical/health and social issues..it's not rocket science!

* Don't text, sleep or have your own conversations during the student panels... they gave up their time to tell why they love their school, they will give you helpful advice and let you gage how happy they are at that school.. respect them.😎

* Don't think just because your in JAMP/other similar programs that you are guaranteed a spot.. It's not a done deal!

* Don't be arrogant! People notice.. You may fool your interviewer for 30min but Admissions staff, who see you all day, decide if you get in..

Ok rant over...

Ha, nice words of wisdom. Did you have a bad experience with an interviewee recently?

By the way, I interviewed here back in August on the first day and absolutely loved my experience!
 
Ha, nice words of wisdom. Did you have a bad experience with an interviewee recently?

By the way, I interviewed here back in August on the first day and absolutely loved my experience!

Sadly yes! Why would you blow your shot at Med school over such common sense stuff...Seriously! I think/hope this was just a one off because even the admission staff were shocked and I bet they've seen it all! 😀
 
Some interview pearls:

* You are being interviewed from the moment you set foot in a school... so be nice to everyone- even the catering staff, be polite, attentive, interested!

* Stay alert and focused throughout all the presentations! The admissions people want to gage your interest in their school.. know stuff about it before you get there and when they tell you stuff about it listen and learn..It may help you in the interview and when you're trying to decide where to go.There are plenty of people dying for the chance to be at this interview.. don't act bored or ask when it's time to take a nap!

* Prepare answers and practice them.. especially current medical/health and social issues..it's not rocket science!

* Don't text, sleep or have your own conversations during the student panels... they gave up their time to tell why they love their school, they will give you helpful advice and let you gage how happy they are at that school.. respect them.😎

* Don't think just because your in JAMP/other similar programs that you are guaranteed a spot.. It's not a done deal!

* Don't be arrogant! People notice.. You may fool your interviewer for 30min but Admissions staff, who see you all day, decide if you get in..

Ok rant over...

Great advice! Thank you for posting this!
 
Sadly yes! Why would you blow your shot at Med school over such common sense stuff...Seriously! I think/hope this was just a one off because even the admission staff were shocked and I bet they've seen it all! 😀

were you here today?
 
were you here today?

I was involved in the B/CS interviews today... and pretty much all interview panels. I wouldn't worry too much Gandalf lol I'm pretty sure I knew who you were and you weren't the person I'm ranting about 🙂
 
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I was involved in the B/CS interviews today... and pretty much all interview panels. I wouldn't worry too much Gandalf lol I'm pretty sure I knew who you were and you weren't the person I'm ranting about 🙂

Seriously? I just wonder how that's possible haha
 
Sadly yes! Why would you blow your shot at Med school over such common sense stuff...Seriously! I think/hope this was just a one off because even the admission staff were shocked and I bet they've seen it all! 😀

Well if an interviewee was acting this way than I would bet they struggle getting in this cycle. Sounds like this person needs to develop more professional characteristics before matriculating.

At least it makes for an easy decision for the admissions committee!
 
Well if an interviewee was acting this way than I would bet they struggle getting in this cycle. Sounds like this person needs to develop more professional characteristics before matriculating.

At least it makes for an easy decision for the admissions committee!

^ You bet!!

One of the reasons students are involved in the interview process is to vet applicants to "fit" your school. A&M students are highly accomplished and competitive within themselves.. We don't pull others down to get a leg up! We're a team! We share notes/ hand me down resources/ advice... the whole nine yards! I know i wouldn't want this person as my lab partner.. and for dang sure I wouldn't want them as my doctor! This is supposed to be your dream.. your supposed to want to help people and you couldn't find the energy to stay wake during some speeches! (how do plan to tackle residency?)

Your stats, grades etc get you your interview but it's your interview that gets you a white coat!

For the most part admissions want to make sure you are: 1. Normal 2. the same person you wrote about in the application 3. are motivated/dedicated and can take the riggers of next 6-10 years...and for most people this is a walk in the park 😛

I wish this person all the best and hope he makes it but just not at A&M.
 
Seriously? I just wonder how that's possible haha

I usually follow this board and personalities and certain features are discussed.. Gandalf is way to normal/ level headed and nice to be this guy lol 😎
 
Well if an interviewee was acting this way than I would bet they struggle getting in this cycle. Sounds like this person needs to develop more professional characteristics before matriculating.

At least it makes for an easy decision for the admissions committee!

Especially considering there may be people interviewing in perhaps a few weeks that are possibly extremely excited about going to A&M 😉
 
Especially considering there may be people interviewing in perhaps a few weeks that are possibly extremely excited about going to A&M 😉

I think I know one or two people who fit that description...
 
I was involved in the B/CS interviews today... and pretty much all interview panels. I wouldn't worry too much Gandalf lol I'm pretty sure I knew who you were and you weren't the person I'm ranting about 🙂

I wasnt worried about me. I was checking if you were talking about one of the interviewees that was in our group. Green shirt perhaps?


I usually follow this board and personalities and certain features are discussed.. Gandalf is way to normal/ level headed and nice to be this guy lol 😎

👍

somehow people are always surprised about my personality in person vs on these boards :laugh::laugh:

Did I meet you at the interview?
 
I wasnt worried about me. I was checking if you were talking about one of the interviewees that was in our group. Green shirt perhaps?




👍

somehow people are always surprised about my personality in person vs on these boards :laugh::laugh:

Did I meet you at the interview?

Yes Green shirt..

Yeah but only briefly.. we spoke in a group for a little bit. I don't call people out or anything at interviews.. if anyone ever wanted to meet/grab coffee whatever they can always msg me etc and I'm more than happy with that but I wouldn't want to make anyone feel awkward or anything.. you shouldn't be afraid to post here! I don't let anyone know that I'm on here or following.... I just like to keep an eye out for y'all when I'm involved lol
 
Yes Green shirt..

Yeah but only briefly.. we spoke in a group for a little bit. I don't call people out or anything at interviews.. if anyone ever wanted to meet/grab coffee whatever they can always msg me etc and I'm more than happy with that but I wouldn't want to make anyone feel awkward or anything.. you shouldn't be afraid to post here! I don't let anyone know that I'm on here or following.... I just like to keep an eye out for y'all when I'm involved lol

👍

I thought he was a bit obnoxious to be honest.

I think theres been atleast one person at every interview who've asked me if I am Gandalf...
Dont know if thats good or bad lol..
 
Anyone having trouble reaching the admissions office? I have tried by phone and email to contact them, but to no avail.

I am concerned about the 'MCAT Scores' field of my pending application being blank, and no one has been able to answer me back in regards to it. It has been that way since it was transmitted (27 July) and since I turned in my secondary (9 August). 🙁
 
II Today from Temple office! Transmitted 7/21...I'm so excited!🙂
 
One of the reasons students are involved in the interview process is to vet applicants to "fit" your school. A&M students are highly accomplished and competitive within themselves.. We don't pull others down to get a leg up! We're a team! We share notes/ hand me down resources/ advice... the whole nine yards!

I received an Interview Invite yesterday, and I was thrilled. Frankly, my response was more of an open-mouthed, blinking stare at the screen, thinking: "Really? A school the caliber of A&M wants to talk to me? Seriously?" I couldn't click the "RSVP - Accept" link fast enough. Yes I have put a ton of work into my preparation, application and credentials, but so have a ton of other incredibly bright and talented people. My GPA may be this, and my MCAT may be that, but I have read this long enough to know there are a lot of people with numbers well north of mine, in both departments.

I'm just thankful I received the email I have been hoping to see, and plotting my route to Temple. If you would like to talk to me about being a student at TXAMHSC, I'll be there whenever you want me to be there. You can keep me there as long as you like. If you want to knock on my hotel room door at 3:00 a.m. and interview me then, I'm good with that too. If this school wants to talk to me... If the students who have successfully navigated themselves into a school like A&M, who are successfully filling the seat that I am hoping to have the honor of sitting in this time next year, are willing to share their wisdom and experience with me, I will just thank them for graciously sharing their time for my benefit, and LISTEN!
 
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