2013-2014 University of Louisville Application Thread

[Ts1991]

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Also accepted to both, and haven't made a final decision. I'm leaning towards UK. I just had such friendly interviewers, and all of the faculty/staff/students I met were super supportive and nice. I also dig the out-by-noon schedule, but I honestly don't remember how Louisville's is structured. I also really liked the facilities and hospital in Lexington.

@Ts1991 and @1012526fs, care to comment on what you mean by the layout? What specifically is appealing vs. Lexington? It's all getting foggy for me.

I've heard people say the exact opposite, so I'd say it definitely varies from person to person. At UofL, I felt as if all of the classes and labs were all tucked into a neat building on the medical campus, very easy to navigate and get around. The hospitals, parking garages, all of that seemed really nearby and easy to find as well. However, at UK, it seemed as if everything was harder to find and extremely spaced out. I got lost on the tour multiple times and left having no idea where I had walked or ended up.

The general consensus I've got from reading all kinds of posts is that students generally describe UofL as more "relaxed" than UK, and report that the students aren't encouraged to compete with one another nearly as much.

Also, people tend to like the 8-12 schedule every day more so than Louisville's. Can any current students comment on what UofL's daily schedule is like?

People have said that UK has more research opportunities and UofL moreclinical, but these opinions seemed to be the most debatable.

 

[1012526fs]

I've heard people say the exact opposite, so I'd say it definitely varies from person to person. At UofL, I felt as if all of the classes and labs were all tucked into a neat building on the medical campus, very easy to navigate and get around. The hospitals, parking garages, all of that seemed really nearby and easy to find as well. However, at UK, it seemed as if everything was harder to find and extremely spaced out. I got lost on the tour multiple times and left having no idea where I had walked or ended up.

The general consensus I've got from reading all kinds of posts is that students generally describe UofL as more "relaxed" than UK, and report that the students aren't encouraged to compete with one another nearly as much.

Also, people tend to like the 8-12 schedule every day more so than Louisville's. Can any current students comment on what UofL's daily schedule is like?

People have said that UK has more research opportunities and UofL moreclinical, but these opinions seemed to be the most debatable.

Agree with all of this... but even as much as I like UofL, I have to admit, I really don't know much about their schedule... except that, like many med schools, a lot of students just don't attend lecture. Anyone able to comment on the schedule further? I'd love to know, since I'm the type of person that would actually learn better from attending in person. 🙂

 

[Ts1991]

Agree with all of this... but even as much as I like UofL, I have to admit, I really don't know much about their schedule... except that, like many med schools, a lot of students just don't attend lecture. Anyone able to comment on the schedule further? I'd love to know, since I'm the type of person that would actually learn better from attending in person. 🙂

Well, the people that gave me tours at both schools actually reported large numbers not attending class (due to all lectures being recorded and accessible online of course). But I don't really see this as an issue, being someone who will attend also. More seats for us! Just for reference, the two other schools (Marshall University and Wright state) that i have interviewed at said lots of their students skip lecture as well.

 

[1012526fs]

Well, the people that gave me tours at both schools actually reported large numbers not attending class (due to all lectures being recorded and accessible online of course). But I don't really see this as an issue, being someone who will attend also. More seats for us! Just for reference, the two other schools (Marshall University and Wright state) that i have interviewed at said lots of their students skip lecture as well.

"Us" huh? Are "we" leaning towards UofL now? 😉 Just kidding. I would not ever want to sway anyone to go to a school that wasn't best for that individual. That would be stupid. Good luck in making your decision. I hope you figure it out. I have to admit, I had a harder time turning down LMUDCOM (a DO school) than I did UK. I was absolutely in love with LMU, but due to the higher tuition and being further from my spouse, I leaned more heavily on UofL... still love this school though.

 

[BabyDoc86]

I was accepted a few months ago and will attend.

Questions for any current students out there. (I can't make it to the pre-orientation in Feb. Maybe some of these questions will be answered there. If so, please share.)

1) What's the class schedule like during the first two semesters? i.e. # hours of class per day, anatomy lab days per week, test schedule, systems-based?…

2) Are all the lectures video-recorded and posted online?

3) Can MS-1 volunteer in the free clinics in Louisville? I looked at the course catalog and it seemed like most of the electives specified MS-2.

4) Do MS-1 do clinical preceptorships/clinical shadowing? Is this a requirement?

I think that's all for now. Thanks!

Next year's class is going to be very different than what we have now, with the construction/new lecture halls and new curriculum. Our current schedule is never the same. Some days, there's only morning lectures; other days, there's lecture/lab all day (8-4 or so), other days have sections of ICM lab where you might have a free day while others are doing their lab time. We had anatomy lab anywhere from 2-4 times/week last semester; lab time was between 2-4 hours depending on what we were doing that day. I'm not sure how they're going to go about it next fall since all of anatomy will be crammed into the first 10 weeks or so. Much of what we've done will all change next fall so I'm not sure how that schedule will differ from what we've had.

Lectures are recorded on Tegrity and can be found on both Blackboard and RedMed.

The clinic, to my knowledge, is solely for MS2s who have more experience since MS2s actually run the clinic. In second year there are a certain number of elective hours you have to have, so that's my guess why you saw that in the catalog. Summer experiences between M1/M2 can be used for those elective hours.

Yes we do. All the time. We have a certain number of hours that we have to complete (one 8-hour ED shift, scheduled for us), and 16 hours per year we get to schedule ourselves. Most of us shadow on our own. I've racked up a ton of hours already, outside of my requirement. You can do whatever you want to do, and your professors and advisor can set you up with someone if there's a specific area you want.

 

[Mbho222]

I've heard people say the exact opposite, so I'd say it definitely varies from person to person. At UofL, I felt as if all of the classes and labs were all tucked into a neat building on the medical campus, very easy to navigate and get around. The hospitals, parking garages, all of that seemed really nearby and easy to find as well. However, at UK, it seemed as if everything was harder to find and extremely spaced out. I got lost on the tour multiple times and left having no idea where I had walked or ended up.

The general consensus I've got from reading all kinds of posts is that students generally describe UofL as more "relaxed" than UK, and report that the students aren't encouraged to compete with one another nearly as much.

Also, people tend to like the 8-12 schedule every day more so than Louisville's. Can any current students comment on what UofL's daily schedule is like?

People have said that UK has more research opportunities and UofL moreclinical, but these opinions seemed to be the most debatable.

What solidified it for me was the fact that the clinical experience at Louisville blows UK out of the water. UK has ~120 students, but really only Chandler Medical Center to rotate through. I work at the new ED, and while they're advertising it as a nice new hospital the reality is that only the ED and two or three other floors are actually open in the new pavilion. The vast majority of the patients are still admitted and rounded on in pavilion HA (old hospital). Sure, at Louisville there are ~150 of us but we are able to rotate through 5+ major hospitals. Not to mention that at Louisville there is the H/P/F system, vs. the grade point scale at UK. The pass/fail just makes it that much nicer when it comes to competition between classmates (that's not to say there isn't any...).

 

[Ts1991]

What solidified it for me was the fact that the clinical experience at Louisville blows UK out of the water. UK has ~120 students, but really only Chandler Medical Center to rotate through. I work at the new ED, and while they're advertising it as a nice new hospital the reality is that only the ED and two or three other floors are actually open in the new pavilion. The vast majority of the patients are still admitted and rounded on in pavilion HA (old hospital). Sure, at Louisville there are ~150 of us but we are able to rotate through 5+ major hospitals. Not to mention that at Louisville there is the H/P/F system, vs. the grade point scale at UK. The pass/fail just makes it that much nicer when it comes to competition between classmates (that's not to say there isn't any...).

Yea, I like the grading system at UofL more, but if we want it can we still get our "numerical" grade? How do they rank the class in those situations? I'm not the type to be overly competitive, just curious.

 

[Ts1991]

"Us" huh? Are "we" leaning towards UofL now? 😉 Just kidding. I would not ever want to sway anyone to go to a school that wasn't best for that individual. That would be stupid. Good luck in making your decision. I hope you figure it out. I have to admit, I had a harder time turning down LMUDCOM (a DO school) than I did UK. I was absolutely in love with LMU, but due to the higher tuition and being further from my spouse, I leaned more heavily on UofL... still love this school though.

Haha, sorry. Didn't notice that I put "us".

 

[aklark]

Next year's class is going to be very different than what we have now, with the construction/new lecture halls and new curriculum. Our current schedule is never the same. Some days, there's only morning lectures; other days, there's lecture/lab all day (8-4 or so), other days have sections of ICM lab where you might have a free day while others are doing their lab time. We had anatomy lab anywhere from 2-4 times/week last semester; lab time was between 2-4 hours depending on what we were doing that day. I'm not sure how they're going to go about it next fall since all of anatomy will be crammed into the first 10 weeks or so. Much of what we've done will all change next fall so I'm not sure how that schedule will differ from what we've had.

Lectures are recorded on Tegrity and can be found on both Blackboard and RedMed.

The clinic, to my knowledge, is solely for MS2s who have more experience since MS2s actually run the clinic. In second year there are a certain number of elective hours you have to have, so that's my guess why you saw that in the catalog. Summer experiences between M1/M2 can be used for those elective hours.

Yes we do. All the time. We have a certain number of hours that we have to complete (one 8-hour ED shift, scheduled for us), and 16 hours per year we get to schedule ourselves. Most of us shadow on our own. I've racked up a ton of hours already, outside of my requirement. You can do whatever you want to do, and your professors and advisor can set you up with someone if there's a specific area you want.

Very informative. Thank you!

 

[Mbho222]

Yea, I like the grading system at UofL more, but if we want it can we still get our "numerical" grade? How do they rank the class in those situations? I'm not the type to be overly competitive, just curious.

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I'd say if we're still graded on a numerical scale, but only grade H/P/F maybe they still use the points/percentages? Maybe BabyDoc86 can fill us in.

 

[lhf556]

Does anyone have experience with writing LOI's? I'm wondering if I should send it before my interview, hand it to them at my interview or send it after my interview if I haven't heard from them in a while.

 

[tommed]

Louisville usually has 120 spots for instate students, but does anyone know how many acceptances they usually give out to instate?

 

[BabyDoc86]

We do have % grades on tests, assignments and labs; only the final grade is recorded on transcripts (H/P/F), so to my knowledge our class rank is designated by our overall percentages. We can ask about our class rank later, but the administration doesn't just tell us. We'll know for the Match of course, but I like that we aren't pushed by the admin to be overly competitive.

 

[Ts1991]

We do have % grades on tests, assignments and labs; only the final grade is recorded on transcripts (H/P/F), so to my knowledge our class rank is designated by our overall percentages. We can ask about our class rank later, but the administration doesn't just tell us. We'll know for the Match of course, but I like that we aren't pushed by the admin to be overly competitive.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear, thanks!

 

[Mbho222]

So, I know this may be jumping the gun a bit but has anyone who has already decided on Louisville been looking at the housing list that is posted on blackboard? I may be interested in sharing a 2 bedroom with someone if they can stand me and my dog!

 

[Elise T]

We should be receiving an email from UofL admissions today, correct? Wasn't there a committee meeting yesterday?

Edit: Acceptance email came around 4:30pm!

 

[tellme_areyoufree]

.

 

[frosted_flake]

UofL is my dream school!!!

 

[KYmed]

We should be receiving an email from UofL admissions today, correct? Wasn't there a committee meeting yesterday?

Edit: Acceptance email came around 4:30pm!

Congrats! When did you interview?

 

[UK WILDCATS]

I interviewed at UofL during the last cycle and was subsequently placed in the middle-third of the waitlist? Scheduled to interview this cycle on Jan 30th (afternoon interview). Anyone else interviewing on that day?

 

[lhf556]

Wait, so this is your second interview?

I interviewed at UofL during the last cycle and was subsequently placed in the middle-third of the waitlist? Scheduled to interview this cycle on Jan 30th (afternoon interview). Anyone else interviewing on that day?

ai

 

[lhf556]

Oh you interviewed last year. Do you mind providing your stats?

 

[UK WILDCATS]

Oh you interviewed last year. Do you mind providing your stats?

Yes, I interviewed last year and was placed on the waitlist (middle-third). The In-State waitlist did reach the middle-third last year, but I guess it wasn't exhausted, since I failed to gain acceptance.

And no, I don't mind sharing my stats. However, you'll probably be shocked that I was even given an opportunity to interview at UofL and UK last year with these stats, and am interviewing at both schools again this year.

MCAT: 31Q
GPA: 2.7
sGPA: 3.0
Postbac GPA: 3.8

My Postbac GPA includes over 70% of my science courses, so it is a better representation of my performance in pre-med type courses. Its been a long journey for me - graduated with a degree in economics, and went to law school, before going back to undergrad to pursue medicine. I had an amazing experience interviewing at UofL last year, and am extremely excited about the possibility of getting accepted here.

 

[lhf556]

Wow, I can tell you really want this, and I hope we both get in. I interview on the 22nd. Good luck, tell us how it goes!

 

[Ts1991]

Yes, I interviewed last year and was placed on the waitlist (middle-third). The In-State waitlist did reach the middle-third last year, but I guess it wasn't exhausted, since I failed to gain acceptance.

And no, I don't mind sharing my stats. However, you'll probably be shocked that I was even given an opportunity to interview at UofL and UK last year with these stats, and am interviewing at both schools again this year.

MCAT: 31Q
GPA: 2.7
sGPA: 3.0
Postbac GPA: 3.8

My Postbac GPA includes over 70% of my science courses, so it is a better representation of my performance in pre-med type courses. Its been a long journey for me - graduated with a degree in economics, and went to law school, before going back to undergrad to pursue medicine. I had an amazing experience interviewing at UofL last year, and am extremely excited about the possibility of getting accepted here.

Yea, when I was reading through your undergrad GPA I was confused because you had such a good MCAT score, but then I saw your postbac GPA and just thought "oh, they clearly had/have plenty of ability". I tell you this just for encouragement, I'm sure admissions staff would recognize that as well, good luck!

 

[UK WILDCATS]

Wow, I can tell you really want this, and I hope we both get in. I interview on the 22nd. Good luck, tell us how it goes!

Thank you for your kind words! Yes, I do really want this, but fear that I might have realized my passion for medicine a bit too late. I grew up surrounded by the field of medicine. Both my parents, and literally every aunt and uncle I have, are physicians.

Having grown up surrounded by physicians, I blindly avoided the field of medicine during college, and enrolled in law school just to escape the family pressure of attending medical school. Well, it took flunking out of law school and the subsequent unbiased re-exposure to medicine to realize my passion. Prior to enrolling as a postbac undergrad, I had absolutely no academic background in the relevant sciences (major: economics). Just hope that my efforts in the last 4.5 years is enough to overcome my mistakes and to convince the adcom of my abilities/commitment.

I had the option of choosing the same interviewing date as you, but opted to go for the 30th instead so I can have some more time to prep for the interview. Now I'm kind of wishing that I hadn't...haha. Are you IS or OOS? Also, do you mind sharing your stats?

 

[UK WILDCATS]

Yea, when I was reading through your undergrad GPA I was confused because you had such a good MCAT score, but then I saw your postbac GPA and just thought "oh, they clearly had/have plenty of ability". I tell you this just for encouragement, I'm sure admissions staff would recognize that as well, good luck!

Thank you for the encouragement, Ts1991! I really don't have any excuses for my undergrad GPA, and take full responsibility for my lack of academic performance. However, I think the adcom might look at the GPA in a different light, considering the circumstances surrounding my undergrad years. I worked full-time throughout college to pay my tuition, and was looking after my two younger sisters. After I graduated high school, my mom had to move a couple of hours away due to her job, and my dad had been deported to Pakistan (when I was still in middle-school) on charges of domestic violence and child abuse. Sooooooo...we'll see what happens. Either way, I'm thankful for even been given the opportunity to interview again. Suuuper excited! Oh and by the way, congrats on your acceptance at UofL and UK. I've been following both threads and recall seeing your posts on here.

 

[Isoprene]

II @ Louisville!! Scheduled for February 6th! (anyone else going on that day?)
OOS, 32/3.8/3.8. Had a cousin who went to Louisville for medical school - and he loved it, so I applied!

 

[lhf556]

Interview tomorrow, I'm at the Brown Hotel, I've fallen in love with this city, walking around even though it's freezing out. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed until I get The Email of Fate!

 

[lhf556]

Thank you for your kind words! Yes, I do really want this, but fear that I might have realized my passion for medicine a bit too late. I grew up surrounded by the field of medicine. Both my parents, and literally every aunt and uncle I have, are physicians.

Having grown up surrounded by physicians, I blindly avoided the field of medicine during college, and enrolled in law school just to escape the family pressure of attending medical school. Well, it took flunking out of law school and the subsequent unbiased re-exposure to medicine to realize my passion. Prior to enrolling as a postbac undergrad, I had absolutely no academic background in the relevant sciences (major: economics). Just hope that my efforts in the last 4.5 years is enough to overcome my mistakes and to convince the adcom of my abilities/commitment.

I had the option of choosing the same interviewing date as you, but opted to go for the 30th instead so I can have some more time to prep for the interview. Now I'm kind of wishing that I hadn't...haha. Are you IS or OOS? Also, do you mind sharing your stats?

OOS 30Q 3.6cGPA at least a 3.2sGPA

 

[UK WILDCATS]

Interview tomorrow, I'm at the Brown Hotel, I've fallen in love with this city, walking around even though it's freezing out. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed until I get The Email of Fate!

Good luck today!!!! Let us know how it goes...

 

[lhf556]

Interviews went well, both basically conversations and laid back. I'll keep ya'll posted. Fingers crossed, I'll be sharing good news!

 

[Elise T]

Congrats! When did you interview?

I interviewed on Jan 7th and heard back on Jan 15th

 

[lhf556]

I interviewed on Jan 7th and heard back on Jan 15th

Can you provide your stats, also how well you think your interviews went?

 

[UK WILDCATS]

Interviews went well, both basically conversations and laid back. I'll keep ya'll posted. Fingers crossed, I'll be sharing good news!

On day the of your interview, did Ms. Osborne or any of the other staff members mention what the status of the class currently is? How many spots are still remaining, if any etc...? I know UK is now only interviewing for "hold" spots, as their class is currently full. I'm wondering if UofL has reached their max as well.

 

[lhf556]

Ms. Osborne said we could receive one of three emails; Acceptance, No decision, or Waitlist (listed from best to worst).

 

[lhf556]

All 155 spots are filled, but I got the feeling that they will be offering more acceptances, speculating that many acceptances will be withdrawed by OOSers and ISers going to UK

 

[lhf556]

Anyone have any updates? Personal or General?

 

[KYmed]

None other than that the committee is supposed to meet today, as far as I know. So people should hear something tomorrow afternoon.

 

[lhf556]

Hoping for good news, I think my interviews went well, both were over 30min, and all of my stats, except my sGPA which is in the lower 25%, are around the average. Fingers crossed!!!

 

[KYmed]

Hoping for some good news myself. Good luck!

 

[lhf556]

Same to you!!

 

[Mbho222]

Good luck tomorrow everyone! Hope you all get some great news!

 

[lhf556]

Adcom was cancelled for tomorrow :-( Two more weeks on pins and needles :-[

 

[Mbho222]

Adcom was cancelled for tomorrow :-( Two more weeks on pins and needles :-[

Boo! Sorry. I was in the same situation last year. It's definitely not any fun just sitting around and waiting.

 

[KYmed]

Such a bummer. Oh well.

To change the subject, are the new renovations just being added on to the main medical school building? It was mentioned before that there would be new lecture halls, study areas, etc., correct?

 

[lhf556]

Mbho222, thanks for your condolences.

I know they are gutting the existing classrooms on the hall way and adding small group study areas in the library. There might be more construction but that's all I know of at this point

 

[BabyDoc86]

The library is currently under construction too. What lhf556 said is also true.

 

[lhf556]

Boo! Sorry. I was in the same situation last year. It's definitely not any fun just sitting around and waiting.

If you don't mind me asking, what were your stats for last year's cycle and how you thought your interview went.

 

[1012526fs]

Anyone going to the second look weekend (pre-orientation)?