2013-2014 University of Maryland Application Thread

BU Medical Sciences
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Mmhmm said:
one more week until I hear back from this school. I want to go here so bad!
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You gona be fine. Almost everyone in-state who interviews at MD get accepted (about 95%). if you check MSAR, 125 in state get matriculated and 325+ interviewed. My guess is they accept about 320 out of the 325 that get interviewed.(in- state). I cant say the same thing for out of state tho. Anybody has US News Data to back up my hypothesis ----I heard US News Data show the students that got accepted and students that matriculated.
 
I am finishing up my secondary for UMD and I have a question on the question: "Have you done independent research or study? (We are looking for research that you did outside of the course/classroom requirement) (1,000 characters including spaces)"

I am a non-trad who has 5 years of post-graduate research experience. I started my independent research in undergrad though. Nevertheless, I found a way to get credit for some of those projects (one project I made it an "independent study" and the other an "internship"), but they were not necessarily part of a "requirement" of any course or curriculum to graduate. Do you think I should I include those in my list of independent research projects or just mention the projects/experiences that I have had in the last 5 years?

On one hand, it makes sense to only talk about the recent activity, but on the other hand it could show a trend that I was working on independent research as an undergrad. (I may leave them out if they do not fit, though.)

Thank you for your advice. 🙂
 
DisMyTime said:
You gona be fine. Almost everyone in-state who interviews at MD get accepted (about 95%). if you check MSAR, 125 in state get matriculated and 325+ interviewed. My guess is they accept about 320 out of the 325 that get interviewed.(in- state). I cant say the same thing for out of state tho. Anybody has US News Data to back up my hypothesis ----I heard US News Data show the students that got accepted and students that matriculated.
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Just curious, how did you come up with that hypothesis?
 
DisMyTime said:
You gona be fine. Almost everyone in-state who interviews at MD get accepted (about 95%). if you check MSAR, 125 in state get matriculated and 325+ interviewed. My guess is they accept about 320 out of the 325 that get interviewed.(in- state). I cant say the same thing for out of state tho. Anybody has US News Data to back up my hypothesis ----I heard US News Data show the students that got accepted and students that matriculated.
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I remember reading somewhere that they accept 2 - 2.5 times the total number that matriculate. So you overestimated a little, but they do accept a high proportion of those interviewed.
 
smuscs said:
I remember reading somewhere that they accept 2 - 2.5 times the total number that matriculate. So you overestimated a little, but they do accept a high proportion of those interviewed.
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it is roughly 2.5 -2.7 times the total number that matriculate. For instance, 88 students matriculated in Uchicago but they accepted 255 students according to their website. Obviously, that doesnt apply to every school but nevertheless gives us a rough estimate we can work with. I just checked MSAR for MD acceptance last year ...and it had 307 interviewed (in state) and 125 accepted (For instate). If you do the math, that is about 2.46 times, which still falls in your estimate of 2-2.5. I think the interview at MD (for in state) is more like a formality to make sure you are human and not a robot. As long as you were normal and didnt act crazy during your interview, chances r you will just be fine. With that being said, all in state interviewees should now take a chill pill while we wait for a decision come oct 15.lol.
 
tinylilron said:
I am finishing up my secondary for UMD and I have a question on the question: "Have you done independent research or study? (We are looking for research that you did outside of the course/classroom requirement) (1,000 characters including spaces)"

I am a non-trad who has 5 years of post-graduate research experience. I started my independent research in undergrad though. Nevertheless, I found a way to get credit for some of those projects (one project I made it an "independent study" and the other an "internship"), but they were not necessarily part of a "requirement" of any course or curriculum to graduate. Do you think I should I include those in my list of independent research projects or just mention the projects/experiences that I have had in the last 5 years?

On one hand, it makes sense to only talk about the recent activity, but on the other hand it could show a trend that I was working on independent research as an undergrad. (I may leave them out if they do not fit, though.)

Thank you for your advice. 🙂
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if i was you, I will pick one important elements of all the research you've done and expand on it. I will probably pick a research experience that fit into the university goals or at least, the research you learn the most from. Cos from the way you described it, if you decide to write everything you have done research wise, you would go over the words limit or it will be more like a "list" form as opposed to nice coherent paragraph form. So I prefer you pick one or two, expand on it and talk about what you learn during the research, and how that can help you to become a better physician. Do u think that experience fit in the university goals, etc? if it does, it would not hurt to include that as well.
 
Have any OOS applicants received an II recently?
 
tinylilron said:
On one hand, it makes sense to only talk about the recent activity, but on the other hand it could show a trend that I was working on independent research as an undergrad. (I may leave them out if they do not fit, though.)
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for my secondary I went with the approach of giving a very brief description of the three major research activities I have been involved in. I was only able to write about 2-3 sentences for each of them, but enough to describe what it was, what the goal was, and what my responsibilities were. (I'm hoping if they want more info I will be able to discuss it when I interview). Also I did get credit for one of my research activities because my undergrad allowed us to do that, but I didn't consider that to be a "course requirement". I do think the advice of trying to emphasize research that is complementary to the school's goals could be a way to go though.
 
DisMyTime said:
You gona be fine. Almost everyone in-state who interviews at MD get accepted (about 95%). if you check MSAR, 125 in state get matriculated and 325+ interviewed. My guess is they accept about 320 out of the 325 that get interviewed.(in- state). I cant say the same thing for out of state tho. Anybody has US News Data to back up my hypothesis ----I heard US News Data show the students that got accepted and students that matriculated.
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This is a gross inaccuracy. According to MSAR 307 in state students were interviewed last year and according to Maryland's class profile, 196 in state acceptances were offered. That puts in state acceptance at about 64%. You can't just double enrollment rate for in state numbers because the chance of matriculation is much higher.
 
yhappiness said:
This is a gross inaccuracy. According to MSAR 307 in state students were interviewed last year and according to Maryland's class profile, 196 in state acceptances were offered. That puts in state acceptance at about 64%. You can't just double enrollment rate for in state numbers because the chance of matriculation is much higher.
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i concur to what you saying. it makes perfect sense. i was indeed wrong. I guesstimate the acceptance nos based on other schs excluding the fact that the chance of matriculation for in state is much higher.
 
DisMyTime said:
if i was you, I will pick one important elements of all the research you've done and expand on it. I will probably pick a research experience that fit into the university goals or at least, the research you learn the most from. Cos from the way you described it, if you decide to write everything you have done research wise, you would go over the words limit or it will be more like a "list" form as opposed to nice coherent paragraph form. So I prefer you pick one or two, expand on it and talk about what you learn during the research, and how that can help you to become a better physician. Do u think that experience fit in the university goals, etc? if it does, it would not hurt to include that as well.
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Thank you for your suggestion. It has helped a lot.

I am trying to think of a research project that would fit into the university goals. I see that they have some research institutes and that they are in the process of building a huge research facility.

I have done mostly neuropharmacology/addiction research since undergrad, some genetics, and only a little public health/health disparities research (during undergrad). Maybe I could talk about how addiction is a huge public health issue.

Additionally, a lot of this information is already included in my AMCAS. I suppose I will try to highlight different aspects of my research. Maybe I could just highlight my major research interests and discuss my research in regards to my interests and how it has led me to the decision to become a physician, etc.
 
10.) Has your education to date been continuous other than vacations? (Meaning: Since high school graduation has your education been continuous up until right now. Please explain any gaps in your education.)


Any other non-traditional applicants here? I graduated in 2007. Before then I had no gaps in my education. I have been working in research since. Is my answer to #10 "yes" or "no"?
 
tinylilron said:
10.) Has your education to date been continuous other than vacations? (Meaning: Since high school graduation has your education been continuous up until right now. Please explain any gaps in your education.)


Any other non-traditional applicants here? I graduated in 2007. Before then I had no gaps in my education. I have been working in research since. Is my answer to #10 "yes" or "no"?
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You need to discuss what you've been doing the past 6 years.
 
plumazul said:
You need to discuss what you've been doing the past 6 years.
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So I should select "no" then?

Research... for the most part... lol... I suppose it is yet another opportunity to discuss another aspect of my research... 🙂
 
tinylilron said:
So I should select "no" then?

Research... for the most part... lol... I suppose it is yet another opportunity to discuss another aspect of my research... 🙂
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non-traditional here. select No. And talk only about what you did after you graduated from college. In other words, the question is asking whether you have had a gap year or not. And then it asked you to describe what you did in the gap year if you did have one.
 
DisMyTime said:
non-traditional here. select No. And talk only about what you did after you graduated from college. In other words, the question is asking whether you have had a gap year or not. And then it asked you to describe what you did in the gap year if you did have one.
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Thanks for the advice. 🙂

I was mainly involved in medical research and I have been involved in volunteer and health outreach efforts as well. I was having difficulty including everything in the 1000 character independent research essay, but now I think I have more space if I include some details or information in this space. There was a year that I did not contribute to research because I couldn't find anything despite my search (which was a challenging time for me), but otherwise, I have 5 years of research experience after graduating college.

Should I make this an overcoming challenges essay, if it addresses the question?
 
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tinylilron said:
Thanks for the advice. 🙂

I was mainly involved in medical research and I have been involved in volunteer and health outreach efforts as well. I was having difficulty including everything in the 1000 character independent research essay, but now I think I have more space if I include some details or information in this space. There was a year that I did not contribute to research because I couldn't find anything despite my search (which was a challenging time for me), but otherwise, I have 5 years of research experience after graduating college.

Should I make this an overcoming challenges essay, if it addresses the question?
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Personally, i think its a stretch to re-make the essay question. If the sch wanted u to write an essay about "overcoming challenges", they would have asked that question directly. I would not take that risk since you could potentially be perceived as not able to pay attention to detail. If i was you, I would simply list all the things I did including the dates; however will provide a brief description of the activities that is not self explanatory. Again, if you feel as though you will go over the word limit, then I recommend you isolate the most important things to talk about. Better yet, you can talk about the activities you did not elaborate or fully elaborate on your primary application.
 
Is there a UMDSOM student in this thread? I am interested in learning more about the primary care track at UMD. How do you get involved in this program? Can you tell me more information about it? There are a couple articles about it on-line but I am interested in hearing about it from the prospective of a medical student.

I am particularly interested in family medicine or pediatrics. Thus, I would really like to learn more about it.

Thank you! 🙂
 
So excited to possibly hear back in a few days!!!!
 
Has anyone gotten interviews lately? I'm IS and was complete 9/26, so I'm wondering when I can expect to have my file read. I know it hasn't been a month yet, but this is my first choice, so I'm antsy =P
 
ONE MORE DAY (potentially!) anyone know if UMD sends a letter, calls or emails? Or maybe a combo?

I want to go here soooooo bad!
 
Oops forgot to quote but in response to DisMyTime

Haven't posted here in a while but yeah...320 acceptances would be nuts given that there's 160 spots..I'd guesstimate there's 250 accepted total. The current first year class is actually oversubscribed (no movement on the waitlist last application cycle).
 
jlescher said:
II today and I'm OOS. Complete 8-12.

Edit: Scheduled it for Jan 27th. The 22nd was the earliest date.
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Oh my gosh that's so late!! The last people that posted were interviewing in November =(
 
snowwhat said:
Oh my gosh that's so late!! The last people that posted were interviewing in November =(
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I know... Could be because I'm OOS. Schools usually give a little more time to book tickets for OOS applicants (even though I'm only an hour away) so It might be a different schedule. Not sure, but yeah, that filled up quickly.
 
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has anybody heard anything? It's been really quite for me. :/
 
ewelling said:
When are we supposed to hear???
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I was in the first batch of interviews and they told us it would be this week, last year they started hearing back today.
 
got accepted today via mail. Can anybody share light on when they sent out the financial aid packet. Knowing that info will ultimately help me decide whether i need to spend money on flights to my other interviews.lol
 
DisMyTime said:
got accepted today via mail. Can anybody share light on when they sent out the financial aid packet. Knowing that info will ultimately help me decide whether i need to spend money on flights to my other interviews.lol
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Congrats!! You don't seem so excited lol
 
DisMyTime said:
got accepted today via mail. Can anybody share light on when they sent out the financial aid packet. Knowing that info will ultimately help me decide whether i need to spend money on flights to my other interviews.lol
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Congrats! When did you all interview??
 
DisMyTime said:
got accepted today via mail. Can anybody share light on when they sent out the financial aid packet. Knowing that info will ultimately help me decide whether i need to spend money on flights to my other interviews.lol
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Financial aid packages are determined after you submit your FAFSA and fill our supplementary (if the school requires one) so it will be March at the earliest.

Congrats on your acceptance! When did you interview? IS or OOS?
 
Response to Mmhmm

I meant to say the merit scholarship. But I was told its in January.. IS. interview around mid-end of sept. Foxwell told us OOS interview invites will be later in the year. For now, they doing all IS. So chances r u are not forgotten. Your name will be called sooner or later.
 
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Rocktapus said:
I got my acceptance in the mail yesterday!
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I am so afriad to go home and check the mail. Urg 3.5 more hours at work. Seriously I am freaking out.

Don't tell me i'm the only one who's a complete basket case...
 
I interviewed in early October and idk if a decision has been made already. I'm nervously waiting for the mailman.. I live very close to baltimore so the mail would take only 1 day if they already made a decision last Friday.
 
Mmhmm said:
I am so afriad to go home and check the mail. Urg 3.5 more hours at work. Seriously I am freaking out.

Don't tell me i'm the only one who's a complete basket case...
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We're all rooting for you! I'm sure I'll be the same way come December.
 
osprey099 said:
I interviewed in early October and idk if a decision has been made already. I'm nervously waiting for the mailman.. I live very close to baltimore so the mail would take only 1 day if they already made a decision last Friday.
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Me too!!!! So nervous
 
any II's lately? I was complete 9/24... is it too soon to hear back? I'm anxiousssssssss!
 
ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The packet came in the mail today!
YAY!!!!!!

OMG I can't even believe it! This is my top choice school.

Secondary Submitted 7/16/2013
Interviewed 9/16/2013
Accepted 10/18/2013

32
3.76c/3.67s
IS
 
Congrats you guys! So excited for you! Did you get an email at all with the acceptance, or just the snail mail package? Also, did your status change online? Interviewed last week and this is my top choice, so I would appreciate any input!
 
Gabrielle413 said:
Congrats you guys! So excited for you! Did you get an email at all with the acceptance, or just the snail mail package? Also, did your status change online? Interviewed last week and this is my top choice, so I would appreciate any input!
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Just snail mail.

Apparently last year Dr. Foxwell called a lot of accepted students, so they might do it that way too.
 
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