2014-2015 Pennsylvania State University Application Thread

[meowfish6868]

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I got the pre-interview hold email about an hour ago. Complete since July? They were so anxious to let me know that they sent the email twice ☺️

 

[adimelon]

Hold post-interview just now.

when did u interview?

 

[pink/\floyd]

when did u interview?

9/22

 

[lunavia]

Accepted today!
Interviewed 9/22.

 

[TxC]

Accepted today!
Interviewed 9/22.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

[lunavia]

Thank you very much!
Congratulations on your acceptance too! 🙂

 

[Sandmeezy]

Accepted today!
Interviewed 9/22.

Congrats!! This is one of my top choices I interviewed 9/29. Hoping for some good news!! Did you get a Second Look tab by any chance? Or did they stop doing that?

 

[lunavia]

Nothing changed on my portal at all, so no tab. The only way to find out an acceptance is via snail mail. Good luck to you 🙂 I'm sure they'll get to your app at their meetings soon!

 

[Sandmeezy]

Thanks a lot! It's so nerve-wracking knowing that it can be any day now. Congratulations again and thanks for the insight!! 🙂

 

[kiwilemon961]

Worry not, my friend.

No one has those tabs now.

Not sure why they were taken away.

I already sent in my deposit too.

And got a confirmation email.

You're fine. Congrats BTW.

how many days after they received it did they give you the confirmation email?

 

[sunflower18]

Accepted today!
Interviewed 9/22.

Congrats! I interviewed a week earlier than you and I haven't heard anything yet.... Hmmm.

 

[TxC]

how many days after they received it did they give you the confirmation email?

One day. I used Priority Mail so I was able to track the delivery.

The payment was delivered on 10/29 and I got the confirmation on 10/30.

 

[kiwilemon961]

One day. I used Priority Mail so I was able to track the delivery.

The payment was delivered on 10/29 and I got the confirmation on 10/30.

huh..my tracking says it was delivered yesterday but I didn't get a confirmation today :O

 

[TxC]

huh..my tracking says it was delivered yesterday but I didn't get a confirmation today :O

interesting......mine was delivered at like 8:00am so idk if that made a difference. hopefully you get it soon.

 

[hirschman]

Hey guys, kind of a dumb question but concerning the picture upload on the interview tab - do they want just a passport style picture uploaded then present them with an official one on interview day? Or do they want an official one uploaded on the portal as well? thanks!

 

[lunavia]

Hey guys, kind of a dumb question but concerning the picture upload on the interview tab - do they want just a passport style picture uploaded then present them with an official one on interview day? Or do they want an official one uploaded on the portal as well? thanks!

I uploaded a professional-looking headshot on mine. Probably just helps the committee connect an application to a face.

They only look at your photo ID on interview day to check you in and to make sure you are who you say you are.

 

[Sirphillup]

Hey guys, kind of a dumb question but concerning the picture upload on the interview tab - do they want just a passport style picture uploaded then present them with an official one on interview day? Or do they want an official one uploaded on the portal as well? thanks!

I uploaded a professional shot as well just to be safe. I believe a student told me that the picture you submit may end up on your ID so choose wisely.

 

[hirschman]

Great, thanks guys! 🙂

 

[LouDog1989]

Hey guys, kind of a dumb question but concerning the picture upload on the interview tab - do they want just a passport style picture uploaded then present them with an official one on interview day? Or do they want an official one uploaded on the portal as well? thanks!

I went ahead and uploaded a glamour shot, then made copies to give to my interviewers. To each his own, though

 

[Awared]

I uploaded a professional shot as well just to be safe. I believe a student told me that the picture you submit may end up on your ID so choose wisely.

You take your ID picture during orientation while wearing a white coat

 

[605536]

Submitted my secondary on Aug 27 and according to my inbox (which has received emails from [email protected]), I have not received a complete email (as detailed would happen in the submission received email). On my secondary application there is a green check mark next to complete. Haven't heard a thing in a while.

 

[yankeesfan92]

Anyone who interviewed in October hear back yet?

 

[adimelon]

doubt it

 

[Chachapoyas]

Oct 15, Nothing. They said "8-10 weeks, possibly more"

 

[womanofscience]

9/22 and still nothing. Some people from 9/15 haven't heard back. I heard 6-8 or 8-10 weeks so who knows!

 

[deezy12345]

interviewed 10/17 and nothing here as well - hopefully we find out soon!

 

[Garferies]

.

 

[Zelda840]

Are they receptive to pre-II updates?

They will only accept official transcripts pre-interview.

 

[Sandmeezy]

Put on hold just now :/. Is there usually any movement from the Hold List??

 

[Fishier3000]

Put on hold just now :/. Is there usually any movement from the Hold List??

Me too 😢

I would also like an answer to this question.

 

[pink/\floyd]

Me too 😢

I would also like an answer to this question.

+100 lol.

 

[GonnaBeMD19]

Hey guys! I just got an interview invite to Penn State!! Woohoo! However, I wanted to get your thoughts on the interview day, impressions of the school and students, location, etc. I've already been accepted to Creighton, and I just wanted to hear what kinds of vibes people were getting from this school who interviewed. THANKS

 

[TxC]

Hey guys! I just got an interview invite to Penn State!! Woohoo! However, I wanted to get your thoughts on the interview day, impressions of the school and students, location, etc. I've already been accepted to Creighton, and I just wanted to hear what kinds of vibes people were getting from this school who interviewed. THANKS

I absolutely love Penn State and will most likely matriculate there, but I am a Penn State undergrad so maybe I'm biased.

You may not like the location depending on where you're from. Hershey is not the most exciting place.

Students there seem very happy and people I met on interview day were very friendly.

The school seems primary care oriented and cares a lot about humanities.

Interview day consists of 2 30-minute interviews (low-stress).

Fairly common and standard interview questions.

I really felt like the interviewers just wanted to get to know me.

Every student is required to complete a research project before graduation.

Congrats on the Penn State II (you sound excited about it!) and your Creighton acceptance.

 

[adimelon]

Put on hold just now :/. Is there usually any movement from the Hold List??

when did you interview?

 

[expeditionchemist]

For those of you asking me about cadaver lab at Penn State, this blog post was published last night. Our anatomy classes are integrated with organ blocks, so we just finished 2 weeks of MSK anatomy and will be starting the musculoskeletal block on Monday.
Of course, the following post should be taken with a grain of salt.
http://hersheyhogwarts.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/the-voldemort-lab/

 

[deezy12345]

Hey guys! I just got an interview invite to Penn State!! Woohoo! However, I wanted to get your thoughts on the interview day, impressions of the school and students, location, etc. I've already been accepted to Creighton, and I just wanted to hear what kinds of vibes people were getting from this school who interviewed. THANKS

interviews were super relaxed; nice, low-key vibe in Hershey, people were super nice. hospital was gorgeous and the dean's welcome was the most inspirational talk I've heard during an interview day program. they seem really receptive to student input when it comes to the curriculum as well as other aspects and their emphasis on the humanities is a nice distinguishing factor. I haven't heard back yet but would strongly consider attending - the only thing turning me off is the very apparent lack of diversity in the area...but the people were so extremely kind/school was so awesome that I'd overlook that and maybe attend if accepted. best of luck!

 

[pink/\floyd]

Hey guys! I just got an interview invite to Penn State!! Woohoo! However, I wanted to get your thoughts on the interview day, impressions of the school and students, location, etc. I've already been accepted to Creighton, and I just wanted to hear what kinds of vibes people were getting from this school who interviewed. THANKS

My interview was def NOT low stress. One of my interviewers was very unpleasant (and sadly that def affected my overall experience 👎). So be prepared for anything, and def look at the interview feedback page to get an idea of the type of questions they might ask.

Positives:
-Great facilities
-Nice integrated curriculum
- Required Research

Negatives:
-Harrisburg is not exciting. It is a rural area.
-Lack of diversity (huge for me)
-I have seen friendlier schools
-Not the best post-interview acceptance rate for OOS students (I was told by one of the students who attends there. Check MSAR as well)

Overall the school was decent. In my case, this school was closest to home so that was a big factor I had to take into consideration. I was put on the hold list after ~7 weeks. However, after much thought, I feel I will be happier (better fit) at the schools that accepted me and that are further away from home. So, I will be withdrawing.

Congrats on your acceptance to Creighton! It is a great School! Good Luck!!

 

[Awared]

My interview was def NOT low stress. One of my interviewers was very unpleasant (and sadly that def affected my overall experience 👎). So be prepared for anything, and def look at the interview feedback page to get an idea of the type of questions they might ask.

Positives:
-Great facilities
-Nice integrated curriculum
- Required Research

Negatives:
-Harrisburg is not exciting. It is a rural area.
-Lack of diversity (huge for me)
-I have seen friendlier schools
-Not the best post-interview acceptance rate for OOS students (I was told by one of the students who attends there. Check MSAR as well)

Overall the school was decent. In my case, this school was closest to home so that was a big factor I had to take into consideration. I was put on the hold list after ~7 weeks. However, after much thought, I feel I will be happier (better fit) at the schools that accepted me and that are further away from home. So, I will be withdrawing.

Congrats on your acceptance to Creighton! It is a great School! Good Luck!!

I think it's different for everyone. I had one stressful interview and one relaxed when I interviewed, but some other people in my class told me both of theirs were relaxed. As far as the OOS acceptance, I think around 54% of our class is OOS.

 

[yankeesfan92]

I think it's different for everyone. I had one stressful interview and one relaxed when I interviewed, but some other people in my class told me both of theirs were relaxed. As far as the OOS acceptance, I think around 54% of our class is OOS.

So what is the general consensus? Is it OOS friendly? My student host told me that it is pretty balanced between IS and OOS so I think the 54% is reasonable number. Anyone else can provide input? I applied from NY in October and would very much like to know. I LOVED this school when I applied and interviewed.

 

[pink/\floyd]

I think it's different for everyone. I had one stressful interview and one relaxed when I interviewed, but some other people in my class told me both of theirs were relaxed. As far as the OOS acceptance, I think around 54% of our class is OOS.

Exactly. That was my whole point. The interview could be relaxed or stressful; so be prepared for either.

I didn't talk about class size. I know ~50 of the class is composed of OOS applicants. I was talking about the post-interview acceptance rate for OOS applicants. Per MSAR, Penn State interviews ~300 people for 70 IS spots and ~540 for 74 OOS spots. So it is harder for OOS students to gain acceptance post-interview.

 

[sunflower18]

I interviewed mid September and haven't heard a word. I think I'll call on Monday since it has been two months.

 

[ash83plus]

So what is the general consensus? Is it OOS friendly? My student host told me that it is pretty balanced between IS and OOS so I think the 54% is reasonable number. Anyone else can provide input? I applied from NY in October and would very much like to know. I LOVED this school when I applied and interviewed.

I would say 54% sounds about right. It usually hovers around 55%

 

[infinite jest]

I just have a quick question everyone. Should I send a letter of interest if I have been put on hold, pre-interview for Penn? Do the people on the hold list ever get off? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[TxC]

I just have a quick question everyone. Should I send a letter of interest if I have been put on hold, pre-interview for Penn? Do the people on the hold list ever get off? Thanks in advance!!!

I would advise against sending Penn State a letter addressed to Penn.

Anyways, I would contact the admissions office to find out.

 

[stickshifthonda]

I just have a quick question everyone. Should I send a letter of interest if I have been put on hold, pre-interview for Penn? Do the people on the hold list ever get off? Thanks in advance!!!

No letters of interest/update letters are accepted.

 

[pink/\floyd]

No letters of interest/update letters are accepted.

+1. They are not receptive to pre-interview updates. Post-interview update only includes the official school transcipt.

 

[pg22aw]

i am interviewing here this week! does anyone know post interview acceptance rate? thanks!

 

[pg22aw]

My interview was def NOT low stress. One of my interviewers was very unpleasant (and sadly that def affected my overall experience 👎). So be prepared for anything, and def look at the interview feedback page to get an idea of the type of questions they might ask.

Positives:
-Great facilities
-Nice integrated curriculum
- Required Research

Negatives:
-Harrisburg is not exciting. It is a rural area.
-Lack of diversity (huge for me)
-I have seen friendlier schools
-Not the best post-interview acceptance rate for OOS students (I was told by one of the students who attends there. Check MSAR as well)

Overall the school was decent. In my case, this school was closest to home so that was a big factor I had to take into consideration. I was put on the hold list after ~7 weeks. However, after much thought, I feel I will be happier (better fit) at the schools that accepted me and that are further away from home. So, I will be withdrawing.

Congrats on your acceptance to Creighton! It is a great School! Good Luck!!

Do you mind if I ask you how your interviewer was unpleasant? Was it the questions, their personality, etc? Just wondering...Thanks!

 

[Ej22]

So it's been 3 weeks since I saw the second look tab.... and still no acceptance letter. I think it's safe to say they made a mistake? can't believe they would make a huge mistake like that considering all we are going through in this app cycle. I told my family I got in, too. I also interviewed mid-september. Not sure why it takes them 2 months to get back to us with a decision 🙁

 

[ash83plus]

So it's been 3 weeks since I saw the second look tab.... and still no acceptance letter. I think it's safe to say they made a mistake? can't believe they would make a huge mistake like that considering all we are going through in this app cycle. I told my family I got in, too. I also interviewed mid-september. Not sure why it takes them 2 months to get back to us with a decision 🙁

Don't lose hope yet. Sometimes it take a while for the letter to get to you. My acceptance letter a couple of years ago was dated at least 3 weeks prior to the time I received it. You are still in the pool until you get a rejection letter (which hopefully you won't get)