2014-2015 Saint Louis University Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Not sure if SLU would do this, but I know some med schools don't fill up all the spots offered each admissions date (Hofstra comes to mind). So they might have a few spots available on the dates, but aren't listing it on their website so they can save it for people for whom available dates don't work.

No wonder Hofstra is into February already 🙄
 
3.9/35 here and still no II either. Complete 7/16 but actually sent everything in by 7/4. So just hang in there. It's hard to figure out exactly what SLU is looking for in applicants to decide who to interview.
 
Is anyone here interviewing on September 30th? I'm flying in on the 28th, and looking for something to do/people to hang out with on the 29th!
 
I just received the complete and under review email today, does anyone know about how long the turn around is after that email is received?
 
Congrats @Fathead56!

Have interviews started yet? Anyone want to share some insight about their experience?
 
Applied early August. LizzyM approx 70. Not a word so far...
I'm a lizzy m score of 68 and was also complete in early August. I don't think we'll hear anything for a while. It sounds like everyone getting interviewed right now has really high stats.
 
II this morning!!! So excited!
cGPA=3.9
MCAT=32
I was complete 8/8. Will be interviewing on Tuesday October 21st!
 
Congrats @Fathead56!

Have interviews started yet? Anyone want to share some insight about their experience?

Yes, interviews have started! I had mine yesterday, and it was a fantastic experience. My day began around 10:30 when I got to the admissions office, and there were already lots of interviewees in the conference room they set aside for us. My interview was scheduled for the end of the day, but several of the interviewees had theirs earlier in the morning before the presentations. The group I was in was very friendly and outgoing, so we chatted and joked until Dr. Willmore came in with some current medical students. We initially had about 10 minutes to speak to some current students (an MS1 and MS2) and ask them about their experiences. They stressed how great P/F is (as well as all recorded lectures!) and that SLU really cares about keeping their students motivated and happy. Dr. Willmore's speech was great, as he stressed how important medical student wellness is for SLU and spoke about the changes they've made to the curriculum, which they hope will furnish the students with more relaxed environment. Some examples are the P/F grading, having every other Wednesday completely free, recording all of the lectures, and having anatomy as the second block rather than the first. Also, they take Step 1 a bit earlier, around April/May I think, to get students into rotations sooner come third year, which I think is awesome.

After the talk, we were divided into two groups and assigned a current medical student as our tour guide. My group was led by an MS4, and he was very enthusiastic about the school -- he said he already has interviews for residencies, and felt prepared thanks to the SLU curriculum and professors. We toured several lecture halls, which were big and pretty modern; the student lounge and cafeteria; the children's hospital which was beautiful -- picture cheerful walls everywhere, a huge yellow submarine in the lobby for the kids to play with, a sunny playground in an atrium off of the lobby, and drawings on the ceilings; the simulation center, which has several mannequins for students to work with (the really special part is that there are trauma rooms set up, such as a mass casualty room, and even a bay that looked just like medics in the Air Force would set up... the simulation center operator can pipe gunshots, helicopters, and any other noise into the room to truly simulate a combat environment, and any student is welcome to sign up to practice a scenario); and lastly, the anatomy lab on the 4th floor -- this room was equipped with large touch screen monitors and was very bright, with views of StL through the many windows.

After the tour, the groups merged again and we were taken to eat lunch. Here, we were joined by current students who chatted with us and answered more of our questions. I felt this was a great way to get to know more about the school in an informal setting, and might prove useful for those who still had interviews to go to. My student spoke about her experience at SLU and once again espoused P/F, so I can tell the students love the curriculum changes and grading system. After lunch, we had a brief financial aid session and then we were either free to go (for those who already had their interviews) or could head off to our interviews. Mine was in the hospital, so I was given a swipe card and step by step directions to my interviewer's office, which I was very thankful for. My interviewer was extremely friendly and kind, and our talk was conversational and jovial -- I think I spoke to my interviewer for at least an hour! It was a great experience, and I left feeling really excited about the school. The campus was very nice, with a cheerful blue fountain right in the center, and a mix of modern and historic buildings all around. Plus, you had the undergraduate campus close by, with all of their facilities available to you in addition to the medical campus'. Most buildings are connected through walkways or underground tunnels, so it makes things very convenient for the students, while allowing for lots of greenery in between buildings.

I had a really good time, and enjoyed StL a lot. I recommend going out to explore the city itself either before or after your interview day -- it's worth it! StL has great food and lots of free things to do. Let me know if you have any other questions or want recommendations for things to do in StL. Good luck to everyone else interviewing!!
 
Yes, interviews have started! I had mine yesterday, and it was a fantastic experience. My day began around 10:30 when I got to the admissions office, and there were already lots of interviewees in the conference room they set aside for us. My interview was scheduled for the end of the day, but several of the interviewees had theirs earlier in the morning before the presentations. The group I was in was very friendly and outgoing, so we chatted and joked until Dr. Willmore came in with some current medical students. We initially had about 10 minutes to speak to some current students (an MS1 and MS2) and ask them about their experiences. They stressed how great P/F is (as well as all recorded lectures!) and that SLU really cares about keeping their students motivated and happy. Dr. Willmore's speech was great, as he stressed how important medical student wellness is for SLU and spoke about the changes they've made to the curriculum, which they hope will furnish the students with more relaxed environment. Some examples are the P/F grading, having every other Wednesday completely free, recording all of the lectures, and having anatomy as the second block rather than the first. Also, they take Step 1 a bit earlier, around April/May I think, to get students into rotations sooner come third year, which I think is awesome.

After the talk, we were divided into two groups and assigned a current medical student as our tour guide. My group was led by an MS4, and he was very enthusiastic about the school -- he said he already has interviews for residencies, and felt prepared thanks to the SLU curriculum and professors. We toured several lecture halls, which were big and pretty modern; the student lounge and cafeteria; the children's hospital which was beautiful -- picture cheerful walls everywhere, a huge yellow submarine in the lobby for the kids to play with, a sunny playground in an atrium off of the lobby, and drawings on the ceilings; the simulation center, which has several mannequins for students to work with (the really special part is that there are trauma rooms set up, such as a mass casualty room, and even a bay that looked just like medics in the Air Force would set up... the simulation center operator can pipe gunshots, helicopters, and any other noise into the room to truly simulate a combat environment, and any student is welcome to sign up to practice a scenario); and lastly, the anatomy lab on the 4th floor -- this room was equipped with large touch screen monitors and was very bright, with views of StL through the many windows.

After the tour, the groups merged again and we were taken to eat lunch. Here, we were joined by current students who chatted with us and answered more of our questions. I felt this was a great way to get to know more about the school in an informal setting, and might prove useful for those who still had interviews to go to. My student spoke about her experience at SLU and once again espoused P/F, so I can tell the students love the curriculum changes and grading system. After lunch, we had a brief financial aid session and then we were either free to go (for those who already had their interviews) or could head off to our interviews. Mine was in the hospital, so I was given a swipe card and step by step directions to my interviewer's office, which I was very thankful for. My interviewer was extremely friendly and kind, and our talk was conversational and jovial -- I think I spoke to my interviewer for at least an hour! It was a great experience, and I left feeling really excited about the school. The campus was very nice, with a cheerful blue fountain right in the center, and a mix of modern and historic buildings all around. Plus, you had the undergraduate campus close by, with all of their facilities available to you in addition to the medical campus'. Most buildings are connected through walkways or underground tunnels, so it makes things very convenient for the students, while allowing for lots of greenery in between buildings.

I had a really good time, and enjoyed StL a lot. I recommend going out to explore the city itself either before or after your interview day -- it's worth it! StL has great food and lots of free things to do. Let me know if you have any other questions or want recommendations for things to do in StL. Good luck to everyone else interviewing!!
Very helpful! I'll be there 10/7!
 
Yes, interviews have started! I had mine yesterday, and it was a fantastic experience. My day began around 10:30 when I got to the admissions office, and there were already lots of interviewees in the conference room they set aside for us. My interview was scheduled for the end of the day, but several of the interviewees had theirs earlier in the morning before the presentations. The group I was in was very friendly and outgoing, so we chatted and joked until Dr. Willmore came in with some current medical students. We initially had about 10 minutes to speak to some current students (an MS1 and MS2) and ask them about their experiences. They stressed how great P/F is (as well as all recorded lectures!) and that SLU really cares about keeping their students motivated and happy. Dr. Willmore's speech was great, as he stressed how important medical student wellness is for SLU and spoke about the changes they've made to the curriculum, which they hope will furnish the students with more relaxed environment. Some examples are the P/F grading, having every other Wednesday completely free, recording all of the lectures, and having anatomy as the second block rather than the first. Also, they take Step 1 a bit earlier, around April/May I think, to get students into rotations sooner come third year, which I think is awesome.

After the talk, we were divided into two groups and assigned a current medical student as our tour guide. My group was led by an MS4, and he was very enthusiastic about the school -- he said he already has interviews for residencies, and felt prepared thanks to the SLU curriculum and professors. We toured several lecture halls, which were big and pretty modern; the student lounge and cafeteria; the children's hospital which was beautiful -- picture cheerful walls everywhere, a huge yellow submarine in the lobby for the kids to play with, a sunny playground in an atrium off of the lobby, and drawings on the ceilings; the simulation center, which has several mannequins for students to work with (the really special part is that there are trauma rooms set up, such as a mass casualty room, and even a bay that looked just like medics in the Air Force would set up... the simulation center operator can pipe gunshots, helicopters, and any other noise into the room to truly simulate a combat environment, and any student is welcome to sign up to practice a scenario); and lastly, the anatomy lab on the 4th floor -- this room was equipped with large touch screen monitors and was very bright, with views of StL through the many windows.

After the tour, the groups merged again and we were taken to eat lunch. Here, we were joined by current students who chatted with us and answered more of our questions. I felt this was a great way to get to know more about the school in an informal setting, and might prove useful for those who still had interviews to go to. My student spoke about her experience at SLU and once again espoused P/F, so I can tell the students love the curriculum changes and grading system. After lunch, we had a brief financial aid session and then we were either free to go (for those who already had their interviews) or could head off to our interviews. Mine was in the hospital, so I was given a swipe card and step by step directions to my interviewer's office, which I was very thankful for. My interviewer was extremely friendly and kind, and our talk was conversational and jovial -- I think I spoke to my interviewer for at least an hour! It was a great experience, and I left feeling really excited about the school. The campus was very nice, with a cheerful blue fountain right in the center, and a mix of modern and historic buildings all around. Plus, you had the undergraduate campus close by, with all of their facilities available to you in addition to the medical campus'. Most buildings are connected through walkways or underground tunnels, so it makes things very convenient for the students, while allowing for lots of greenery in between buildings.

I had a really good time, and enjoyed StL a lot. I recommend going out to explore the city itself either before or after your interview day -- it's worth it! StL has great food and lots of free things to do. Let me know if you have any other questions or want recommendations for things to do in StL. Good luck to everyone else interviewing!!

So glad you had a great experience! I'm hoping SLU will show me some love!
 
Thanks for the awesome feedback @spockprime!!!

And @singergirl18 I'll be there 10/7 as well! Ah, it looks as though an exciting round of the "who is on SDN" mystery game awaits....

Can't wait for this interview! 🙂
 
I had a really good time, and enjoyed StL a lot. I recommend going out to explore the city itself either before or after your interview day -- it's worth it! StL has great food and lots of free things to do. Let me know if you have any other questions or want recommendations for things to do in StL. Good luck to everyone else interviewing!!
Thanks for the great writeup!! What time does everyone get done in the afternoon and is it only a single interview? Basically wondering if an interview here allows flying out the same evening.
 
Thanks for the awesome feedback @spockprime!!!

And @singergirl18 I'll be there 10/7 as well! Ah, it looks as though an exciting round of the "who is on SDN" mystery game awaits....

Can't wait for this interview! 🙂
maybe I will sign up for 10/7 now too! I still haven't picked a date LOL
 
Yes, interviews have started! I had mine yesterday, and it was a fantastic experience. My day began around 10:30 when I got to the admissions office, and there were already lots of interviewees in the conference room they set aside for us. My interview was scheduled for the end of the day, but several of the interviewees had theirs earlier in the morning before the presentations. The group I was in was very friendly and outgoing, so we chatted and joked until Dr. Willmore came in with some current medical students. We initially had about 10 minutes to speak to some current students (an MS1 and MS2) and ask them about their experiences. They stressed how great P/F is (as well as all recorded lectures!) and that SLU really cares about keeping their students motivated and happy. Dr. Willmore's speech was great, as he stressed how important medical student wellness is for SLU and spoke about the changes they've made to the curriculum, which they hope will furnish the students with more relaxed environment. Some examples are the P/F grading, having every other Wednesday completely free, recording all of the lectures, and having anatomy as the second block rather than the first. Also, they take Step 1 a bit earlier, around April/May I think, to get students into rotations sooner come third year, which I think is awesome.

After the talk, we were divided into two groups and assigned a current medical student as our tour guide. My group was led by an MS4, and he was very enthusiastic about the school -- he said he already has interviews for residencies, and felt prepared thanks to the SLU curriculum and professors. We toured several lecture halls, which were big and pretty modern; the student lounge and cafeteria; the children's hospital which was beautiful -- picture cheerful walls everywhere, a huge yellow submarine in the lobby for the kids to play with, a sunny playground in an atrium off of the lobby, and drawings on the ceilings; the simulation center, which has several mannequins for students to work with (the really special part is that there are trauma rooms set up, such as a mass casualty room, and even a bay that looked just like medics in the Air Force would set up... the simulation center operator can pipe gunshots, helicopters, and any other noise into the room to truly simulate a combat environment, and any student is welcome to sign up to practice a scenario); and lastly, the anatomy lab on the 4th floor -- this room was equipped with large touch screen monitors and was very bright, with views of StL through the many windows.

After the tour, the groups merged again and we were taken to eat lunch. Here, we were joined by current students who chatted with us and answered more of our questions. I felt this was a great way to get to know more about the school in an informal setting, and might prove useful for those who still had interviews to go to. My student spoke about her experience at SLU and once again espoused P/F, so I can tell the students love the curriculum changes and grading system. After lunch, we had a brief financial aid session and then we were either free to go (for those who already had their interviews) or could head off to our interviews. Mine was in the hospital, so I was given a swipe card and step by step directions to my interviewer's office, which I was very thankful for. My interviewer was extremely friendly and kind, and our talk was conversational and jovial -- I think I spoke to my interviewer for at least an hour! It was a great experience, and I left feeling really excited about the school. The campus was very nice, with a cheerful blue fountain right in the center, and a mix of modern and historic buildings all around. Plus, you had the undergraduate campus close by, with all of their facilities available to you in addition to the medical campus'. Most buildings are connected through walkways or underground tunnels, so it makes things very convenient for the students, while allowing for lots of greenery in between buildings.

I had a really good time, and enjoyed StL a lot. I recommend going out to explore the city itself either before or after your interview day -- it's worth it! StL has great food and lots of free things to do. Let me know if you have any other questions or want recommendations for things to do in StL. Good luck to everyone else interviewing!!

I had my interview on tuesday too! I think you were in my tour group lol.
 
Thanks for the great writeup!! What time does everyone get done in the afternoon and is it only a single interview? Basically wondering if an interview here allows flying out the same evening.

The scheduled events ended around 1:00pm, so if you had a morning interview time you were free to go at that point. My day ended around 2:30pm, but I know some interviewees had interviews scheduled at 3pm, so you'd have to take into account a potentially later interview time. Even so, you only have one interview, so flying out in the evening shouldn't be a problem.

I had my interview on tuesday too! I think you were in my tour group lol.

Haha well I'm sure it was nice to meet you! Everyone in my group was great.
 
The scheduled events ended around 1:00pm, so if you had a morning interview time you were free to go at that point. My day ended around 2:30pm, but I know some interviewees had interviews scheduled at 3pm, so you'd have to take into account a potentially later interview time. Even so, you only have one interview, so flying out in the evening shouldn't be a problem.
Great to know, thanks!
 
Anybody know about how many interviewees get accepted? I've seen between 30 and 60% depending on where I look...
 
I found SLU a little late, and I just listed them on my AMCAS yesterday, 9/25. Do I still have a shot at a secondary? Thoughts? GPA 3.88, MCAT 31
 
What time does interview day end? Trying to schedule flight the interview page seemed a little vague

And is airport far?
 
I found SLU a little late, and I just listed them on my AMCAS yesterday, 9/25. Do I still have a shot at a secondary? Thoughts? GPA 3.88, MCAT 31

I think you will probably get a secondary and have a chance at an interview. FWIW, I added SLU on 8/12 and received an II earlier this week and our stats are in the same ballpark.
 
What time does interview day end? Trying to schedule flight the interview page seemed a little vague

And is airport far?

The scheduled events ended around 1:00pm, so if you had a morning interview time you were free to go at that point. My day ended around 2:30pm, but I know some interviewees had interviews scheduled at 3pm, so you'd have to take into account a potentially later interview time. Even so, you only have one interview, so flying out in the evening shouldn't be a problem.

According to Google maps, the airport looks like it is about 20 minutes away without traffic.
 
Sweet guys thanks. I'm excited to see the school. I'm afraid of St. Louis as a city and don't want that to ruin my view of SLU haha hope to have a good experience
 
Thanks. When will we know what time interview is ?

It depends on your interview but lunch ended at 12:45 then there was a short presentation on financial aid for 15 min.
If you have your interview in the morning, then you can leave after the presentation, but in my group, a person had his interview at 3pm
and interview lasts about 45 minutes. So at the latest would be around 4pm.
 
Can any current med students tell me---where do students typically live and what is the cost of living like?
 
Great info!
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the awesome feedback @spockprime!!!

And @singergirl18 I'll be there 10/7 as well! Ah, it looks as though an exciting round of the "who is on SDN" mystery game awaits....

Can't wait for this interview! 🙂


I will be there on 10/7 too! I can't wait! Have you all received the email with interview specifics? I thought I should have gotten it by now...
 
Anyone gonna be there this Sunday??!? Can't wait!
 
I will be there on 10/7 too! I can't wait! Have you all received the email with interview specifics? I thought I should have gotten it by now...

The confirmation email had the subject as:
"Saint Louis School of Medicine: Interview Confirmation" and contained the name of my interviewer, the location, and the time of the interview. They also included info about the tour and luncheon, which run from "10:40am to 1:00pm."

Is this the one you are referring to? I would also assume you would have gotten it by now!

BTW, is anyone who is interviewing on Tuesday 10/7 going early to go to the informal dinner on Sunday?

STOKED for next week!!! :soexcited:
 
The confirmation email had the subject as:
"Saint Louis School of Medicine: Interview Confirmation" and contained the name of my interviewer, the location, and the time of the interview. They also included info about the tour and luncheon, which run from "10:40am to 1:00pm."

Is this the one you are referring to? I would also assume you would have gotten it by now!

BTW, is anyone who is interviewing on Tuesday 10/7 going early to go to the informal dinner on Sunday?

STOKED for next week!!! :soexcited:

Yup I'll be at the dinner! Free Mexican food! Lol
 
The confirmation email had the subject as:
"Saint Louis School of Medicine: Interview Confirmation" and contained the name of my interviewer, the location, and the time of the interview. They also included info about the tour and luncheon, which run from "10:40am to 1:00pm."

Is this the one you are referring to? I would also assume you would have gotten it by now!

BTW, is anyone who is interviewing on Tuesday 10/7 going early to go to the informal dinner on Sunday?

STOKED for next week!!! :soexcited:
Thanks! I called and they sent it right after lol
 
Been lurking on SDN for quite some time, interview at STL on Oct. 21st. I'm arriving early Monday and leaving Wednesday. I would like to explore the city some, looks like some interesting things to see. Let me know if anyone else is interested in joining!
Stats? if you don't mind.
 
II today! OOS LizzyM 66-69.. I just have a question about the interview day! What time are we going to be done with interviews that day? If I fly in the day before our scheduled interview date and have a flight out at around 6:30 pm the day of the interview is that okay or cutting it close??
Congrats! When were you complete around?
 
II today! OOS LizzyM 66-69.. I just have a question about the interview day! What time are we going to be done with interviews that day? If I fly in the day before our scheduled interview date and have a flight out at around 6:30 pm the day of the interview is that okay or cutting it close??
You should be fine, but wait to schedule your flights until you get the email confirming when your interview is (so you have to choose your date first). My interview 1:15-2:00, and I think I was in the last group; some had theirs earlier and were done at 1:00 after the financial aid talk so if you have a morning one you could potentially leave earlier.
 
...bummer, I was complete mid-August and no news yet, hope that doesn't mean bad news is on it's way!

Congrats to those with IIs today!
 
Top