2014-2015 Rosalind Franklin University Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Thank you.. so what advice would you suggest to those who haven't heard anything? Since no update letter allowed.

I would suggest you wait. This policy isn't a trick; they will make a decision based on your application. If you get an interview, they want to consider you further. If you don't, they are not interested in your application. What kind of advice do you want beyond this? You have no power to change your application now.
 
Received complete e-mail on 10/7, but still have not received screen e-mail. Anyone in a similar position?
Date:8/11
Subject: CMS Supplemental Application
'We've received your CMS Supplemental Application. We're processing your supplemental application... expect another email when your application is complete and we send it into screening.'

Date: 8/24
Subject: Chicago Medical School Application Complete
'Your application is currently complete and under review w/Admissions Committee... please allow 6-8 weeks for us to send you an email update regarding the status of your application."

I have not received another e-mail since then!
 
Just got an II. Submitted secondary 7/30, complete and in primary screening 8/25. OOS, 31 MCAT, 3.9 GPA for those who are interested.
 
I just received a II today. What are people's thoughts about this school. I'm already accepted to Albany so I'm on the fence about attending because I'm not sure if it's better or if it would even be worth it.
Re: Accreditation issues
http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/cms/LCME.aspx

What were people's thoughts on the school? What did people like slash dislike?

I'm not sure I'd go there over albany, but chicago is nicer than Albany. Oh wait, RF is an hour away from chi-town. Oy.
 
Last edited:
Just received an II as well for 2/13. Complete end of August/beginning of September, OOS, 3.7cGPA, 3.6sGPA, 27, 32 retake.
 
Wow, so many IIs! Fingers crossed that my email inbox will light up soon too! Congrats, everyone! :luck:
 
Wow, so many IIs! Fingers crossed that my email inbox will light up soon too! Congrats, everyone! :luck:
I knowwww I've been refreshing my email like crazy......I've only been primary screening complete since like December though.
 
I'm not 100% sure if i'm flying in yet, but if I am, is anyone interested in sharing cab fees from O'hare?

I'm assuming this is the best/cheapest form of transport from the airport up to North Chicago?
 
I'm not 100% sure if i'm flying in yet, but if I am, is anyone interested in sharing cab fees from O'hare?

I'm assuming this is the best/cheapest form of transport from the airport up to North Chicago?

I'd rent a car if I was going. It'll be cheaper than a cab.

If I can make it there and back the same day, I'd consider going.
 
I'd rent a car if I was going. It'll be cheaper than a cab.

If I can make it there and back the same day, I'd consider going.

I'm definitely going, just not sure if I wanna fly or drive. And I'm 22. 25 isn't the legal age to rent a car?
 
I just received a II today. What are people's thoughts about this school. I'm already accepted to Albany so I'm on the fence about attending because I'm not sure if it's better or if it would even be worth it.
Re: Accreditation issues
http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/cms/LCME.aspx

What were people's thoughts on the school? What did people like slash dislike?

I'm not sure I'd go there over albany, but chicago is nicer than Albany. Oh wait, RF is an hour away from chi-town. Oy.

I think most people live in Chicago for 3rd and 4th year though
 
I'm 25 so I don't have to worry about that. I think you can pay a fee and deal with it. I'd call a few companies and ask. Some might not have the fee but might put a large hold on your card till you return the car.
 
I'm definitely going, just not sure if I wanna fly or drive. And I'm 22. 25 isn't the legal age to rent a car?

I'm 24 and have had no problem renting cars in the past few years, but most rental companies will add an additional fee.
 
Cool. I'll definitely look into renting then if I fly.
 
I just received a II today. What are people's thoughts about this school. I'm already accepted to Albany so I'm on the fence about attending because I'm not sure if it's better or if it would even be worth it.
Re: Accreditation issues
http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/cms/LCME.aspx

What were people's thoughts on the school? What did people like slash dislike?

I'm not sure I'd go there over albany, but chicago is nicer than Albany. Oh wait, RF is an hour away from chi-town. Oy.

The LCME was here this week, and though the official decision won't be until June I can tell you the team seemed happy. I can also tell you that this isn't as big of a deal as it seems (it was never brought up with me or any of my classmates in all of our residency interviews).
And yes, people mainly do live in the city 3rd and 4th year. You can live in the city in the first 2 years but it isn't as convenient.
Congrats to all of those who were accepted so far! For those still waiting, don't give up!
 
The LCME was here this week, and though the official decision won't be until June I can tell you the team seemed happy. I can also tell you that this isn't as big of a deal as it seems (it was never brought up with me or any of my classmates in all of our residency interviews).
And yes, people mainly do live in the city 3rd and 4th year. You can live in the city in the first 2 years but it isn't as convenient.
Congrats to all of those who were accepted so far! For those still waiting, don't give up!

Are there any issues with rotations 3rd and 4th year since the school doesn't have its own hospitals? Issues finding research mentors and such? I'd love to hear more about the school since I've heard only negative things, but the match lists are good and students seem happy so I'm willing to take the leap and interview.
 
Do interview days go over their scheduled time bracket or stick to them? Trying to figure out my fights.
 
Anyone interviewing on Feb 4th and want to split a hotel for the 3rd? I'm interviewing in the morning and also open to splitting a rental car or taxi to o'hare
 
Cool. I'll definitely look into renting then if I fly.

I'm your age, and I was able to rent a car but with a nasty underage surcharge. I wonder if the fee goes down each year until you're 25... But my fee made the cost of the car double essentially. It's not too bad if you're flying in and out the same day though!
 
anyone got any pro tips for the interview here. I heard it is MMI. I am on Feb 13 afternoon session btw.
 
anyone got any pro tips for the interview here. I heard it is MMI. I am on Feb 13 afternoon session btw.
Can't say many specifics due to an agreement, but here goes. During my interview day, they emphasize there are no right or wrong answers. I think the key is to use your critical thinking skills, address questions directly and explain the reasoning behind your responses. I found practicing on sample MMI questions helps increase response speed. Five minutes at each station pass by really fast, but you have plenty of time to state your response and answer some follow-up questions.

Overall, just have fun with it! Most of the interviewees on my interview day loved it (myself included 🙂).
 
I'm also giving up the II due to an acceptance at my state school. I was complete on 10/2. Best of luck to you all!
 
@tantacles can you speak to how not having a hospital impacts year 1 & 2 as well as MS3/4 rotations? Any issues getting research opportunities and the like early due to not having a hospital? I'd like some additional information or resources, so if you could point/link me to some more stuff that would be great. Otherwise, I'm going to withdraw and hope someone here without an acceptance can jump on the II!
 
Hi Guys,

Kinda late to jump on the bandwagon; however, if one does not get "small pooled" is that essentially a silent rejection? My last e-mail from CMS was that I would get an update in 8-10 weeks...on 11th week with nothing

Thanks!
 
Hi Guys,

Kinda late to jump on the bandwagon; however, if one does not get "small pooled" is that essentially a silent rejection? My last e-mail from CMS was that I would get an update in 8-10 weeks...on 11th week with nothing

Thanks!
I was never small pooled before getting an II this past Friday. The last I heard from them was about getting an update in 8-10 weeks. I was complete back in September though so That wasn't too accurate.
 
Hey guys, so if anyone else has scheduled their interview for 3/6 and would be interested in discussing sharing a ride or hotel or anything PM me! I would definitely love to save some money if I can and if our plans match up, why not right?
 
Hi Guys,

Kinda late to jump on the bandwagon; however, if one does not get "small pooled" is that essentially a silent rejection? My last e-mail from CMS was that I would get an update in 8-10 weeks...on 11th week with nothing

Thanks!
What does being "small pooled" entail? Is that something students are notified of..?
 
Just checked my email and apparently saw II that was sent on Friday. But the latest date I could find was March 6. Interesting that all the dates in February were taken already even though those Feb. dates are given in the email. Still happy to get the interview and good luck to u all.
 
Last edited:
@tantacles can you speak to how not having a hospital impacts year 1 & 2 as well as MS3/4 rotations? Any issues getting research opportunities and the like early due to not having a hospital? I'd like some additional information or resources, so if you could point/link me to some more stuff that would be great. Otherwise, I'm going to withdraw and hope someone here without an acceptance can jump on the II!
I can tell you that we have research opportunities all over the Chicagoland area. About half of the class does research (paid!) between the first and second year (with the other roughly half the class getting international medical experience). I myself participated in clinical research between M1 and M2, and just kept going with it for the next 3 years. Furthermore, the school has already paid for me to present at a national conference (flight, hotel, etc) and will be doing so again when I present in April. Trust me, if you want research, basic science or clinical, you can get involved in something at CMS.
 
Just checked my email and apparently saw II that was sent on Friday. But the latest date I could find was March 6. Interesting that all the dates in February were taken already even though those Feb. dates are given in the email. Still happy to get the interview and good luck to u all.
Shucks. I guess I waited too long. I was hoping for the 2/25 date! I hope pushing it back to march doesn't hurt my chances now.
 
I can tell you that we have research opportunities all over the Chicagoland area. About half of the class does research (paid!) between the first and second year (with the other roughly half the class getting international medical experience). I myself participated in clinical research between M1 and M2, and just kept going with it for the next 3 years. Furthermore, the school has already paid for me to present at a national conference (flight, hotel, etc) and will be doing so again when I present in April. Trust me, if you want research, basic science or clinical, you can get involved in something at CMS.

Do you think this is hard to do during the MS1 and 2 years due to the distance? Were there grants for the international experiences?
 
What does being "small pooled" entail? Is that something students are notified of..?
Just learned about this term while trolling earlier today...seems to mean being grouped into a more seriously considered pile; however, from what others have stated, interviews were also granted to those that were not "small pooled"

Not sure what to make of this. Just another bit of medical school application craziness
 
Just learned about this term while trolling earlier today...seems to mean being grouped into a more seriously considered pile; however, from what others have stated, interviews were also granted to those that were not "small pooled"

Not sure what to make of this. Just another bit of medical school application craziness
I can confirm as I never got a small pool
 
I'm not 100% sure if i'm flying in yet, but if I am, is anyone interested in sharing cab fees from O'hare?

I'm assuming this is the best/cheapest form of transport from the airport up to North Chicago?

Hi! I'm also interviewing on 2/13. Will be flying in on 2/12. Let me know if you're still looking for someone to split a cab ride with. I was also thinking of renting a car but I'm from SoCal and am kind of afraid of driving in the snow.. Any idea how bad the weather/road conditions out there these days is?
 
Just learned about this term while trolling earlier today...seems to mean being grouped into a more seriously considered pile; however, from what others have stated, interviews were also granted to those that were not "small pooled"

Not sure what to make of this. Just another bit of medical school application craziness

I can also confirm this. The only emails I received were the "complete" email (1 Oct) and interview invitation (16 Dec).
 
Top