2014-2015 Rush Medical College Application Thread

[DoctorSmith]

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True but how many would you say get accepted but dont matriculate. Half? So 440 interviews for 180ish acceptances is still 1 in 2.5.

You also have to remember that "good odds" are definitely relative. Given that you have about a 6.3% chance of landing an interview based on the numbers you provided, I would say most people would be happy with 1 in 2.5 odds of getting in.

 

[moonwake]

I'll be happy to get in anywhere, especially Rush. I just know from multiple friends who didn't get in anywhere last cycle that the numbers are definitely against you.

 

[ThisCouldBeYou]

2014-15 Class Profile
AMCAS Applications Received 9428

Completed Applications 6876
Number of Interviews 435
Illinois Resident 178
Out-of-State Resident 257

Matriculants = 128

Number of States of Residence of Matriculants 25

Number of Undergraduate Institutions of Matriculants 79

Average Science GPA (4-pt scale) 3.57

Average MCAT Score - Composite 30.87

Less than 1 in 3 matriculate. I don't know if those are "good odds." Rush has amazing research opportunities, but the numbers always make you feel like you're playing the lottery with each school... CMON LUCKY NUMBER 7!!!!

Not sure how you see that 1/3 matriculate from the data you've given. That final number is known as yield. I wonder how their yield compares to other, similar, schools.

 

[moonwake]

Not sure how you see that 1/3 matriculate from the data you've given. That final number is known as yield. I wonder how their yield compares to other, similar, schools.

The ratio of interviews to matriculants is a little less than 1:3. But obviously there were people who got accepted and gave up their spot. The real question is how many received acceptances. I know with schools like Brown in Rhode Island that they have 120 slots and usually 100 give up their spots to go to other Ivy league schools for example. If Rush were to have similar numbers then the odds are definitely more in your favor (230 being accepted if you landed an interview out of 435).

 

[jjkenzie]

Applying here! Anyone with success applying should share stats and details, please.

 

[DoctorSmith]

I'll be happy to get in anywhere, especially Rush. I just know from multiple friends who didn't get in anywhere last cycle that the numbers are definitely against you.

Applying here! Anyone with success applying should share stats and details, please.

I agree that the numbers are against you, and that's exactly why you have to be more than stats. Everyone frets about GPA and MCAT score, but I got in to three schools with a 3.7 GPA and a 29 MCAT. Your numbers aren't what get you in to med school, although bad numbers will certainly keep you out. The numbers are just to get you past the screening process. You have to be able to tell an interesting story with your application in order to stand out. How many people do you think schools look at each cycle who have 3.6-3.7 GPA, 30-35 MCAT, volunteer experience, and shadowing experience? Those things will never set you apart. On my application, I talked about how my hobbies include martial arts, music, and aquarium keeping. I talked about my travel experiences, and some of the things I learned from other cultures I have been able to experience. I told a real, heartfelt story of how I arrived on a path that led me towards pursuing a career in medicine for my personal statement centered around a story about fishing with my grandfather, whose cancer diagnosis and treatment is what drove me toward medicine, and my rough childhood. I talked about what makes me unique as an individual rather than talking about my academic "accomplishments".

I'm not saying you all should have had some crazy life experiences to draw on. If you lived a nice, normal life then I am honestly jealous of you. But anything that makes you unique should be on your application. For me, those things are all any of my interviewers wanted to talk about and when you talk about things that interest you outside of school, your personality comes out and you don't sound like a robot talking about your academic endeavors.

 

[ThisCouldBeYou]

The ratio of interviews to matriculants is a little less than 1:3. But obviously there were people who got accepted and gave up their spot. The real question is how many received acceptances. I know with schools like Brown in Rhode Island that they have 120 slots and usually 100 give up their spots to go to other Ivy league schools for example. If Rush were to have similar numbers then the odds are definitely more in your favor (230 being accepted if you landed an interview out of 435).

Sorry, I meant, you can't know how many acceptances were given to those applicants or even to those who interviewed. That's yield. What's not as well known, because I think schools keep this unpublished, is their yield. So for instance, Rush may end up handing out far more acceptances than needed because several (# unknown) will decline their offer.

 

[christinehiki]

Aww man... secondary is so much longer than last year's

 

[zzxxzz]

This secondary sucks 🙁

 

[Niemi]

Applying here! Anyone with success applying should share stats and details, please.

n=3

I personally know two people (n includes me) who were accepted to RUSH last cycle. All three of us were in state, as you may already know, RUSH has a strong instate bias for a private school. Also, on MSAR it looks like RUSH will take some relatively lower stats but it should be noted that they focus heavily on maturity, diversity, & demonstration of altruistic character. They get 9000+ apps and only interview ~400 for ~128 spots, what they are willing to overlook in the stats department they expect you to compensate for with the highest level ECs (make your secondary shine). RUSH is an awesome school with very happy students... & they have a fairly high yield.

n1: (my stats) 35 MCAT ~3.6 sGPA/cGPA
n2: (URM) 31 MCAT ~3.4 cGPA
n3: 33 MCAT ~3.5 cGPA


Oh and good luck everyone 🙂

 

[STLMako91]

I agree that the numbers are against you, and that's exactly why you have to be more than stats. Everyone frets about GPA and MCAT score, but I got in to three schools with a 3.7 GPA and a 29 MCAT. Your numbers aren't what get you in to med school, although bad numbers will certainly keep you out. The numbers are just to get you past the screening process. You have to be able to tell an interesting story with your application in order to stand out. How many people do you think schools look at each cycle who have 3.6-3.7 GPA, 30-35 MCAT, volunteer experience, and shadowing experience? Those things will never set you apart. On my application, I talked about how my hobbies include martial arts, music, and aquarium keeping. I talked about my travel experiences, and some of the things I learned from other cultures I have been able to experience. I told a real, heartfelt story of how I arrived on a path that led me towards pursuing a career in medicine for my personal statement centered around a story about fishing with my grandfather, whose cancer diagnosis and treatment is what drove me toward medicine, and my rough childhood. I talked about what makes me unique as an individual rather than talking about my academic "accomplishments".

I'm not saying you all should have had some crazy life experiences to draw on. If you lived a nice, normal life then I am honestly jealous of you. But anything that makes you unique should be on your application. For me, those things are all any of my interviewers wanted to talk about and when you talk about things that interest you outside of school, your personality comes out and you don't sound like a robot talking about your academic endeavors.

One of the bests posts I've read on this forum. Maybe THE best, which is why I don't place that much weight on that GPA-MCAT grid that everyone likes to reference. Those two factors are only about 2/3 of your entire application. Would any of us be satisfied with a 66% on our tests? Then why would we be so adamant on using that? Numbers get you the interview, but everything else that makes an applicant unique then becomes important.

 

[TheProcess]

For the secondary question about your greatest achievement outside the classroom, would you guys call research outside the classroom?

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I agree that the numbers are against you, and that's exactly why you have to be more than stats. Everyone frets about GPA and MCAT score, but I got in to three schools with a 3.7 GPA and a 29 MCAT. Your numbers aren't what get you in to med school, although bad numbers will certainly keep you out. The numbers are just to get you past the screening process. You have to be able to tell an interesting story with your application in order to stand out. How many people do you think schools look at each cycle who have 3.6-3.7 GPA, 30-35 MCAT, volunteer experience, and shadowing experience? Those things will never set you apart. On my application, I talked about how my hobbies include martial arts, music, and aquarium keeping. I talked about my travel experiences, and some of the things I learned from other cultures I have been able to experience. I told a real, heartfelt story of how I arrived on a path that led me towards pursuing a career in medicine for my personal statement centered around a story about fishing with my grandfather, whose cancer diagnosis and treatment is what drove me toward medicine, and my rough childhood. I talked about what makes me unique as an individual rather than talking about my academic "accomplishments".

I'm not saying you all should have had some crazy life experiences to draw on. If you lived a nice, normal life then I am honestly jealous of you. But anything that makes you unique should be on your application. For me, those things are all any of my interviewers wanted to talk about and when you talk about things that interest you outside of school, your personality comes out and you don't sound like a robot talking about your academic endeavors.

One of the bests posts I've read on this forum. Maybe THE best, which is why I don't place that much weight on that GPA-MCAT grid that everyone likes to reference. Those two factors are only about 2/3 of your entire application. Would any of us be satisfied with a 66% on our tests? Then why would we be so adamant on using that? Numbers get you the interview, but everything else that makes an applicant unique then becomes important.

So does that mean I'm screwed if I didn't put hobbies on my AMCAS? Or did something actually unique or amazing? I wasn't one of those overzealous premeds who did many EC's or held multiple leadership roles or produced groundbreaking research, even though a lot of Wash U premeds did that at the cost of their sleep, health, and possibly grades. I'm just a simple guy who lives a relatively normal life, loves helping others, and really wants to learn the science behind medicine. I'm leaning toward ortho and cardio as specialties, but I know they're really competitive and require you to do research to become a competitive residency candidate (I have no research experience from undergrad). I apologize if I sound ridiculous, but I don't want schools to heavily favor "uniqueness" and "outstanding life experiences" over GPA and MCAT. It wouldn't be fair to those who aren't unique or don't have outstanding life experiences.

 

[TheProcess]

So does that mean I'm screwed if I didn't put hobbies on my AMCAS? Or did something actually unique or amazing? I wasn't one of those overzealous premeds who did many EC's or held multiple leadership roles or produced groundbreaking research, even though a lot of Wash U premeds did that at the cost of their sleep, health, and possibly grades. I'm just a simple guy who lives a relatively normal life, loves helping others, and really wants to learn the science behind medicine. I'm leaning toward ortho and cardio as specialties, but I know they're really competitive and require you to do research to become a competitive residency candidate (I have no research experience from undergrad). I apologize if I sound ridiculous, but I don't want schools to heavily favor "uniqueness" and "outstanding life experiences" over GPA and MCAT. It wouldn't be fair to those who aren't unique or don't have outstanding life experiences.

Well, did you volunteer in hospitals or shadow doctors or any of that? What IS in your work/activities section? I'm sure every one here is smart. You have to prove to med schools that you're more than just smart.

 

[monkey922]

I agree that the numbers are against you, and that's exactly why you have to be more than stats. Everyone frets about GPA and MCAT score, but I got in to three schools with a 3.7 GPA and a 29 MCAT. Your numbers aren't what get you in to med school, although bad numbers will certainly keep you out. The numbers are just to get you past the screening process. You have to be able to tell an interesting story with your application in order to stand out. How many people do you think schools look at each cycle who have 3.6-3.7 GPA, 30-35 MCAT, volunteer experience, and shadowing experience? Those things will never set you apart. On my application, I talked about how my hobbies include martial arts, music, and aquarium keeping. I talked about my travel experiences, and some of the things I learned from other cultures I have been able to experience. I told a real, heartfelt story of how I arrived on a path that led me towards pursuing a career in medicine for my personal statement centered around a story about fishing with my grandfather, whose cancer diagnosis and treatment is what drove me toward medicine, and my rough childhood. I talked about what makes me unique as an individual rather than talking about my academic "accomplishments".

I'm not saying you all should have had some crazy life experiences to draw on. If you lived a nice, normal life then I am honestly jealous of you. But anything that makes you unique should be on your application. For me, those things are all any of my interviewers wanted to talk about and when you talk about things that interest you outside of school, your personality comes out and you don't sound like a robot talking about your academic endeavors.

Hi, Would you please share where are the places that you interviewed/accepted at? I have similar numbers as you (MCAT 29 =/), and I am very worried that my MCAT score won't even get me any interviews...

 

[DoctorSmith]

Hi, Would you please share where are the places that you interviewed/accepted at? I have similar numbers as you (MCAT 29 =/), and I am very worried that my MCAT score won't even get me any interviews...

Yeah I had three interviews and I ended up being accepted to all three of the schools. They were Rosalind Franklin University, Southern Illinois University, and Rush. I ended up choosing Rush over the others. I actually pulled a big application no-no and only applied to ten schools, and only filled out six secondaries. I did this for a couple of reasons. One, I was absolutely positive I was going to be accepted at SIU. I fit their mission statement almost perfectly. Two, given that I worked to pay my way through college I genuinely couldn't afford to apply to a bunch of schools. And lastly, I really wanted to stay in Illinois which in retrospect was a terrible reason not to apply to some OOS schools where I would have been more competitive.

The schools I filled out secondaries for that didn't give me interviews were Loyola, University of Illinois, and University of Iowa. The schools I didn't fill out secondaries for were University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Johns Hopkins (which I applied to as a dream school). The reason I didn't fill out those secondaries was because after receiving my MCAT score, I didn't feel confident enough that my score would be competitive to justify spending the extra money to be told what I already know. I was also rejected pre-secondary from the University of Indiana.

If I could go back and do it again, I would have skipped applying to the three I mentioned for which I didn't comete the secondaries, and instead applied to OOS schools whose mission statements matched what I felt my career goals were at the time of my application. That said, what did I know what my career goals were at the time of my application? lol If you would have told me at the beginning of my application process that I would be turning down Southern Illinois University to go to a Chicago school, I would have probably laughed in your face.

The reason I chose Rush is because it has an outstanding reputation and its location is unbelievable. At one point, and I'm not sure if this is still the case or not, but the medical district of Chicago had the highest concentration of hospital beds in the entire country. The opportunity to learn in a place like that was just too good to pass up. Additionally, I am a small town guy. I live in a town that has a population of 12,000 which includes the prison population. So my reasons for choosing Rush are as much related to lifestyle as they are academics. I want to live somewhere where I am not the standard (I am a white guy in rural Illinois). I want to be a part of a diverse and patchwork population. I feel I owe it to my human experience to step out of my comfort zone and maybe see what it is like to not be the overwhelming majority racially/ culturally. Given that my town has a two-screen movie theater, a bowling alley, and not much else for entertainment, I want to have things to do for once when I am bored or stressed out.

That's why I would advise everyone here, even if you don't think you want to go to a certain school, if they give you an interview, DO NOT PASS IT UP. Go to every interview you are given. You never know what you could discover about a school, good or bad, until you actually go there and check it out. I found the school of my dreams on a "why not?" when I was given the opportunity to interview at Rush.

 

[Primo Beats]

For the secondary question about your greatest achievement outside the classroom, would you guys call research outside the classroom?

as long as you didnt get a credits for research

 

[DoctorSmith]

So does that mean I'm screwed if I didn't put hobbies on my AMCAS? Or did something actually unique or amazing? I wasn't one of those overzealous premeds who did many EC's or held multiple leadership roles or produced groundbreaking research, even though a lot of Wash U premeds did that at the cost of their sleep, health, and possibly grades. I'm just a simple guy who lives a relatively normal life, loves helping others, and really wants to learn the science behind medicine. I'm leaning toward ortho and cardio as specialties, but I know they're really competitive and require you to do research to become a competitive residency candidate (I have no research experience from undergrad). I apologize if I sound ridiculous, but I don't want schools to heavily favor "uniqueness" and "outstanding life experiences" over GPA and MCAT. It wouldn't be fair to those who aren't unique or don't have outstanding life experiences.

I wouldn't say you are "screwed" necessarily but what I will say is that you took it out of your hands and left it up to chance a little bit. Pretty much all of us are used to being big fish in small ponds. Some even big fish in big ponds. But what you have just done is swam into the ocean. There are TONS of qualified people in the applicant pool. By choosing to rely on your GPA and MCAT, you are competing against people with just as good and better numbers, and you have done nothing to make yourself stand out. So maybe the AdCom selects your application, maybe it doesn't. It's basically a crapshoot. Of course, I don't know your application. You could have a 4.0/45 for all I know. That will most likely set you apart, although med schools don't want robots. They want to see empathy, which is what you demonstrate by volunteering. They want to see leadership, which will be required as a physician and can be demonstrated by anything from student organizations to work experience (I was a manager at a fast food restaurant and even that counts). And they want to see that you have shown interest in the medical field, which is what you demonstrate by shadowing and/ or clinical volunteer work. If you don't have those things, I won't say you have no chance but I would say your chance becomes a gamble.

By including what makes you unique as an individual, you are taking away the statistics and causing the committee to judge your character. And they will remember your character over your numbers. Virtually everyone has the numbers. Medical schools want individuals.

Also, you might call me one of those "overzealous" premeds, but I got in to medical school. So don't act bitter about someone doing what it takes to make themselves stand out. And there are a lot of things about the medical school application process that aren't necessarily fair. You aren't entitled to medical school as a reward for doing the one thing that medical schools absolutely require you to do to make yourself an acceptable candidate. Not trying to be rude, I'm just saying that if you really want this, I mean REALLY want it like I did and still do, you will do what you need to do and make the sacrifices necessary. Your desire also will (or won't) show through your application.

Honestly though, I don't want you to think I am ragging on you. I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully I will see you at Rush in 2015!

 

[jjkenzie]

n=3

I personally know two people (n includes me) who were accepted to RUSH last cycle. All three of us were in state, as you may already know, RUSH has a strong instate bias for a private school. Also, on MSAR it looks like RUSH will take some relatively lower stats but it should be noted that they focus heavily on maturity, diversity, & demonstration of altruistic character. They get 9000+ apps and only interview ~400 for ~128 spots, what they are willing to overlook in the stats department they expect you to compensate for with the highest level ECs (make your secondary shine). RUSH is an awesome school with very happy students... & they have a fairly high yield.

n1: (my stats) 35 MCAT ~3.6 sGPA/cGPA
n2: (URM) 31 MCAT ~3.4 cGPA
n3: 33 MCAT ~3.5 cGPA


Oh and good luck everyone 🙂

Eek. That's more intimidating than I was expecting. I'm OOS but I didn't realize the in-state bias when I was considering the stats. I knew it was a great school, shouldn't have been so gullible! I already have my one 'reach' school but I guess I could consider....

I'm unique because I just finished my sophomore year, so I am definitely not what they are looking for as far as 'mature' (although I consider myself very mature for 20). I'm a Missouri resident with family in Illinois so I suppose I have some regional advantage. But because of that, I know I don't have the in depth ECs to make up for my average OOS stats (30 {10/10/10}, 3.8 cum, 3.84 sci).

Shoot... Any thoughts? (I've already decided to apply for sure, I'd rather spend that year in a fellowship)

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I wouldn't say you are "screwed" necessarily but what I will say is that you took it out of your hands and left it up to chance a little bit. Pretty much all of us are used to being big fish in small ponds. Some even big fish in big ponds. But what you have just done is swam into the ocean. There are TONS of qualified people in the applicant pool. By choosing to rely on your GPA and MCAT, you are competing against people with just as good and better numbers, and you have done nothing to make yourself stand out. So maybe the AdCom selects your application, maybe it doesn't. It's basically a crapshoot. Of course, I don't know your application. You could have a 4.0/45 for all I know. That will most likely set you apart, although med schools don't want robots. They want to see empathy, which is what you demonstrate by volunteering. They want to see leadership, which will be required as a physician and can be demonstrated by anything from student organizations to work experience (I was a manager at a fast food restaurant and even that counts). And they want to see that you have shown interest in the medical field, which is what you demonstrate by shadowing and/ or clinical volunteer work. If you don't have those things, I won't say you have no chance but I would say your chance becomes a gamble.

By including what makes you unique as an individual, you are taking away the statistics and causing the committee to judge your character. And they will remember your character over your numbers. Virtually everyone has the numbers. Medical schools want individuals.

Also, you might call me one of those "overzealous" premeds, but I got in to medical school. So don't act bitter about someone doing what it takes to make themselves stand out. And there are a lot of things about the medical school application process that aren't necessarily fair. You aren't entitled to medical school as a reward for doing the one thing that medical schools absolutely require you to do to make yourself an acceptable candidate. Not trying to be rude, I'm just saying that if you really want this, I mean REALLY want it like I did and still do, you will do what you need to do and make the sacrifices necessary. Your desire also will (or won't) show through your application.

Honestly though, I don't want you to think I am ragging on you. I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully I will see you at Rush in 2015!

Thanks for your insight! My application has a lot of shadowing and nonmedical volunteering, no research, and some clinical volunteering, but I'm currently working as an ER scribe, which is many hours of clinical experience every week. I have demonstrated a true passion for service and have some leadership experience from being in Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity. I also currently do a little bit of hospice care volunteering every week. My cGPA/sGPA/MCAT is 3.73/3.78/36 coming from Wash U. I still feel inadequate compared to all the premed superstars out there, but all my letter writers believed in me enough to write me strong LORs. Now you have a snapshot of my app.

 

[Niemi]

Eek. That's more intimidating than I was expecting. I'm OOS but I didn't realize the in-state bias when I was considering the stats. I knew it was a great school, shouldn't have been so gullible! I already have my one 'reach' school but I guess I could consider....

I'm unique because I just finished my sophomore year, so I am definitely not what they are looking for as far as 'mature' (although I consider myself very mature for 20). I'm a Missouri resident with family in Illinois so I suppose I have some regional advantage. But because of that, I know I don't have the in depth ECs to make up for my average OOS stats (30 {10/10/10}, 3.8 cum, 3.84 sci).

Shoot... Any thoughts? (I've already decided to apply for sure, I'd rather spend that year in a fellowship)

First, don't panic. Your stats are competitive for RUSH. If you notice your MCAT is right at the average & your GPA is above mine & both the people that I know who were accepted. Maturity may be an issue for you, but again, just try to shine on your secondary.

Did you know the chief of medicine (David A. Ansell) at RUSH wrote a really awesome book called County: Life, Death & Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital? Did you know that M3s at RUSH do multiple clerkships at Stroger, formerly known as Cook County Hospital (the oldest and most infamous of public teaching hospitals)? Did you know that RUSH recently implemented a paperless curriculum that relies heavily on the use of the iPad? Do a bit of research on the school and then nuance your secondary so that the ADCOMs can see why you are excited about & would be an excellent fit for RUSH.

 

[DoctorSmith]

Thanks for your insight! My application has a lot of shadowing and nonmedical volunteering, no research, and some clinical volunteering, but I'm currently working as an ER scribe, which is many hours of clinical experience every week. I have demonstrated a true passion for service and have some leadership experience from being in Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity. I also currently do a little bit of hospice care volunteering every week. My cGPA/sGPA/MCAT is 3.73/3.78/36 coming from Wash U. I still feel inadequate compared to all the premed superstars out there, but all my letter writers believed in me enough to write me strong LORs. Now you have a snapshot of my app.

I wouldn't be too worried. Your numbers are definitely strong, and they should get you in somewhere. Depending, of course, on where you applied. But for comparison, my cGPA/sGPA/MCAT is 3.73/3.75/29 coming from Illinois State University. So my numbers, especially my MCAT, and my undergrad university were not the strength of my application.

I'm not saying the method I described is the only way to get in to medical school, just that it's an effective strategy. I know a lot of people with numbers stronger than mine who didn't get 3 interviews, let alone 3 acceptances. But your experiences sound like they are pretty much what they should be and if you have a lot of volunteering, that will go a LONG way at Rush. They are absolutely huge on volunteer work. I actually think my volunteer work is what got me my interview. Your experience working as an ER scribe will help you too, especially if you have some good stories you can draw upon when questioned about it.

But if you haven't filled out your secondary yet, keep in mind the advice I provided and take a minute to talk about some things that interest you outside of medicine if they give you the opportunity to do so. Even if your hobby is building model airplanes, raising puppies, 3-legged races, landscaping, or anything that may seem mundane to you but may be something that is on only your application. That will help you stand out for sure.

 

[rjo101]

Thanks for your insight! My application has a lot of shadowing and nonmedical volunteering, no research, and some clinical volunteering, but I'm currently working as an ER scribe, which is many hours of clinical experience every week. I have demonstrated a true passion for service and have some leadership experience from being in Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity. I also currently do a little bit of hospice care volunteering every week. My cGPA/sGPA/MCAT is 3.73/3.78/36 coming from Wash U. I still feel inadequate compared to all the premed superstars out there, but all my letter writers believed in me enough to write me strong LORs. Now you have a snapshot of my app.

With those numbers and service activities I don't really understand how you are worried/feel inadequate. Unless you applied to a lot of reach schools (and with your stats, that's not that many schools) you will probably make it into at least 30% of your schools, which are good numbers for anyone.

 

[jjkenzie]

First, don't panic. Your stats are competitive for RUSH. If you notice your MCAT is right at the average & your GPA is above mine & both the people that I know who were accepted. Maturity may be an issue for you, but again, just try to shine on your secondary.

Did you know the chief of medicine (David A. Ansell) at RUSH wrote a really awesome book called County: Life, Death & Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital? Did you know that M3s at RUSH do multiple clerkships at Stroger, formerly known as Cook County Hospital (the oldest and most infamous of public teaching hospitals)? Did you know that RUSH recently implemented a paperless curriculum that relies heavily on the use of the iPad? Do a bit of research on the school and then nuance your secondary so that the ADCOMs can see why you are excited about & would be an excellent fit for RUSH.

Great, thanks for the reassurance and advice!

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I wouldn't be too worried. Your numbers are definitely strong, and they should get you in somewhere. Depending, of course, on where you applied. But for comparison, my cGPA/sGPA/MCAT is 3.73/3.75/29 coming from Illinois State University. So my numbers, especially my MCAT, and my undergrad university were not the strength of my application.

I'm not saying the method I described is the only way to get in to medical school, just that it's an effective strategy. I know a lot of people with numbers stronger than mine who didn't get 3 interviews, let alone 3 acceptances. But your experiences sound like they are pretty much what they should be and if you have a lot of volunteering, that will go a LONG way at Rush. They are absolutely huge on volunteer work. I actually think my volunteer work is what got me my interview. Your experience working as an ER scribe will help you too, especially if you have some good stories you can draw upon when questioned about it.

But if you haven't filled out your secondary yet, keep in mind the advice I provided and take a minute to talk about some things that interest you outside of medicine if they give you the opportunity to do so. Even if your hobby is building model airplanes, raising puppies, 3-legged races, landscaping, or anything that may seem mundane to you but may be something that is on only your application. That will help you stand out for sure.

Thanks again! I didn't apply to many reach schools, just a lot that focused on community service much more than research like SLU and Miami. I plan on becoming a trainer scribe (teaching and leadership) after getting more experience as a scribe. It would be probably too late for this application cycle unless I can send that in as an update letter, but I would have a much stronger app next cycle for sure. I know I should have more confidence for getting accepted somewhere this cycle, but I'm always prepared for the worst.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

With those numbers and service activities I don't really understand how you are worried/feel inadequate. Unless you applied to a lot of reach schools (and with your stats, that's not that many schools) you will probably make it into at least 30% of your schools, which are good numbers for anyone.

Thanks for having more confidence in me than I do myself lol. Most of the places I applied to heavily emphasize community service over research (or at least I tried to determine that using the MSAR and admissions websites).

 

[Ruby109]

So I've read through the thread and I can't find this answer. My undergrad has a pre-med committee but I didn't know about it while in school so I've never been a part of it. Rush apparently "requires" a committee letter. Can I get around this and just submit 3 individual letters? Or am I SOL and should not bother with secondary?

 

[Caceres]

@TheBestPath could you tell us the character/word limit, please? thanks!

 

[Omppu27]

Any idea how Rush views multiple MCAT scores???

 

[Primo Beats]

So I've read through the thread and I can't find this answer. My undergrad has a pre-med committee but I didn't know about it while in school so I've never been a part of it. Rush apparently "requires" a committee letter. Can I get around this and just submit 3 individual letters? Or am I SOL and should not bother with secondary?

when in doubt, call the admissions office

 

[asyouwish]

Any idea how Rush views multiple MCAT scores???

From their secondary invite:
The Committee on Admissions’ screening committee will review application materials to determine which applicants will be invited for an on-campus interview. To be eligible for screening, applications must meet certain academic criteria (i.e., a cumulative undergraduate science GPA of 3.0 or higher—as calculated by AMCAS; composite MCAT score of 27 or higher—highest composite score). In addition, the Committee on Admissions also values healthcare experience, community service, and exposure to diverse cultures.

It looks like highest composite score.

 

[Omppu27]

From their secondary invite:
The Committee on Admissions’ screening committee will review application materials to determine which applicants will be invited for an on-campus interview. To be eligible for screening, applications must meet certain academic criteria (i.e., a cumulative undergraduate science GPA of 3.0 or higher—as calculated by AMCAS; composite MCAT score of 27 or higher—highest composite score). In addition, the Committee on Admissions also values healthcare experience, community service, and exposure to diverse cultures.

It looks like highest composite score.

Much appreciated!!

 

[spark369]

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[ccantr10]

Am I the only one who is having trouble writing this secondary? I haven't been able to find any good info about Rush, their mission, and the services the school provides for the community, so I can't honestly write about how I can contribute as a student. Any good links out there? Are there any current students that can offer some info?

 

[zinthafan]

Am I the only one who is having trouble writing this secondary? I haven't been able to find any good info about Rush, their mission, and the services the school provides for the community, so I can't honestly write about how I can contribute as a student. Any good links out there? Are there any current students that can offer some info?

I had a very hard time too finding anything out about Rush; there website was not very helpful and I couldn't find stuff on SDN forums either. Little in my why rush essay was Rush specific consequently. Good luck!

 

[gsaldana10]

can anyone tell me my chances?
MCAT 31
GPA 3.8
+800 hrs Research on cancer (no publication)
~90 hrs clinical volunteering (massive amounts of patient interaction)
EXTRAS
Disadvantaged applicant (grew up in a poor area in Peru)
no shadowing experience 🙁 (feel like this is gonna kill me)
Tutored disadvantaged students for over 2 years

Thanks 🙂

 

[ccantr10]

can anyone tell me my chances?
MCAT 31
GPA 3.8
+800 hrs Research on cancer (no publication)
~90 hrs clinical volunteering (massive amounts of patient interaction)
EXTRAS
Disadvantaged applicant (grew up in a poor area in Peru)
no shadowing experience 🙁 (feel like this is gonna kill me)
Tutored disadvantaged students for over 2 years

Thanks 🙂

I'm no expert, but you HAVE to get some shadowing experience. Do whatever you can (starting TOMORROW) to get your foot in the door. Put on your suit, print your resume, and hit up every doc in town. If you live in a city, you should have no problem finding someone by the end of the day. And if you can't get it done the first day, do it again and again until you get your ~2-300 hours in. Update your schools as you rack up the hours. Good luck!

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I'm no expert, but you HAVE to get some shadowing experience. Do whatever you can (starting TOMORROW) to get your foot in the door. Put on your suit, print your resume, and hit up every doc in town. If you live in a city, you should have no problem finding someone by the end of the day. And if you can't get it done the first day, do it again and again until you get your ~2-300 hours in. Update your schools as you rack up the hours. Good luck!

Woah, 200-300 hours of shadowing is a lot. I only have 80 hours, but I also have 150 hours of clinical volunteering, and I work as a scribe now, which is gonna be at least 300 hours of clinical experience by the time I submit update letters to all my schools that allow it.

 

[ccantr10]

Woah, 200-300 hours of shadowing is a lot. I only have 80 hours, but I also have 150 hours of clinical volunteering, and I work as a scribe now, which is gonna be at least 300 hours of clinical experience by the time I submit update letters to all my schools that allow it.

I thought you said you had no shadowing experience? Where are the 80 hours coming from?

 

[investmentdoc]

Do you mates think that we can include shadowing experiences in the medical activities essay section? Or is it strictly community service (e.g. playing bingo in a geriatrics ward)

 

[gsaldana10]

I'm no expert, but you HAVE to get some shadowing experience. Do whatever you can (starting TOMORROW) to get your foot in the door. Put on your suit, print your resume, and hit up every doc in town. If you live in a city, you should have no problem finding someone by the end of the day. And if you can't get it done the first day, do it again and again until you get your ~2-300 hours in. Update your schools as you rack up the hours. Good luck!

I recently meet a surgery student who does rotations at masonic... if i get to start shadowing him by the end of next week.. is it possible to add it to amcas application and update it? thanks

EDIT: I just logged into AMCAS and i cant update the work/activity section of my application... what would you recommend doing?

 

[MCAT or bust]

can anyone tell me my chances?
MCAT 31
GPA 3.8
+800 hrs Research on cancer (no publication)
~90 hrs clinical volunteering (massive amounts of patient interaction)
EXTRAS
Disadvantaged applicant (grew up in a poor area in Peru)
no shadowing experience 🙁 (feel like this is gonna kill me)
Tutored disadvantaged students for over 2 years

Thanks 🙂

Wow thats alot of EC hours! But yeah I'm matriculating at Rush this fall, and I had no shadowing experience so I think you'll be alright! I spent 2 years working as a personal assistant for handicapped students, as well as volunteering at 2 different hospitals.

 

[LostinLift]

For reference, last cycle they interviewed 425-450, accepted ~250, and drew several people off the waitlist. Typically there is not a lot of waitlist movement, but a more competitive batch of applicants grabbing multiple acceptances will inevitably lead to this.

I recently meet a surgery student who does rotations at masonic... if i get to start shadowing him by the end of next week.. is it possible to add it to amcas application and update it? thanks

EDIT: I just logged into AMCAS and i cant update the work/activity section of my application... what would you recommend doing?

Shadowing a few hours isn't worthy of an update. It is something you could talk about in interviews.

 

[gsaldana10]

For reference, last cycle they interviewed 425-450, accepted ~250, and drew several people off the waitlist. Typically there is not a lot of waitlist movement, but a more competitive batch of applicants grabbing multiple acceptances will inevitably lead to this.



Shadowing a few hours isn't worthy of an update. It is something you could talk about in interviews.

Well since I am free this summer, I will probably shadow multipel days a weeks so i would probably accumulate at least a hundred hours.. but yeah i will most likely talk about it during interviews.

 

[JingleChips]

Well since I am free this summer, I will probably shadow multipel days a weeks so i would probably accumulate at least a hundred hours.. but yeah i will most likely talk about it during interviews.

Most applicants don't have that much shadowing. Also try to get it across multiple specialties - shadowing as a premed kinda tops out at around 10-15 hours per specialty. By that I mean most people don't tend to get much more out of shadowing in a specialty for 70hours than they do compared to 10-15 hours as you're just a premed and simply watching the doc do his/her job.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I thought you said you had no shadowing experience? Where are the 80 hours coming from?

I have no research experience, but I have definitely shadowed my two doctor friends back home.

 

[Dingeroo]

Am I the only one who is having trouble writing this secondary? I haven't been able to find any good info about Rush, their mission, and the services the school provides for the community, so I can't honestly write about how I can contribute as a student. Any good links out there? Are there any current students that can offer some info?

Link dump for those of you having trouble finding info. Everything is Google-able, it was just a matter of entering the right search words. Info may be a bit out of date but the stuff you're interested in for secondaries shouldn't have changed much.

Section 6 of the 2011 Student Handbook about Student Involvement (the 2013 version is here but the 2011 pdf is more aesthetically pleasing, lol)
Student Orgs at Rush
Rush Community Service Programs Main Page
Rush Community Service Initiatives Program (RCSIP)

These are the big ones and some things may have been left out, but it's a start.

 

[ridethesquid]

Rush allows one more LOR than I had originally thought (on their website it had sounded like they only allowed 2). I assigned a third letter on my AMCAS, and it hasn't been marked as received by the school in the past week, while my original two letters are marked as received. Does this delay have something to do with AMCAS having to send this letter, did something go wrong, or should I just keep waiting?

 

[florida91]

Rush allows one more LOR than I had originally thought (on their website it had sounded like they only allowed 2). I assigned a third letter on my AMCAS, and it hasn't been marked as received by the school in the past week, while my original two letters are marked as received. Does this delay have something to do with AMCAS having to send this letter, did something go wrong, or should I just keep waiting?

I submitted my secondary and LORs last Monday and they still haven't been received either, so I'm thinking they are just a little slow.

 

[slopes23]

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