2014-2015 Stanford University Application Thread

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runningisbliss said:
I get the feeling that they are pretty holistic...
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It seems to me that they "holistically" turn everything into a score...
Reason: http://med.stanford.edu/irt-resources/web_applications/mesa.html

During the welcome presentation, Dr. Gibbs didn't explicitly say what were some of the aspects that they place greater emphasize on over the other ones, but she did show a study which demonstrated the aspects of an applicants that could correlate with future performance.

What did correlate: GPA/MCAT/MMI
What didn't: PS, LOR, personal attributes, yada yada
 
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FriendlyFH said:
It seems to me that they "holistically" turn everything into a score...
Reason: http://med.stanford.edu/irt-resources/web_applications/mesa.html

During the welcome presentation, Dr. Gibbs didn't explicitly say what were some of the aspects that they place greater emphasize on over the other ones, but she did show a study which demonstrated the aspects of an applicants that could correlate with future performance.

What did correlate: GPA/MCAT/MMI
What didn't: PS, LOR, personal attributes, yada yada
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Looking at some of the screenshots, I think they still meet as a committee and have a discussion/make final decisions about interviewees. Just the interim is more distinctly quantitative.
 
Wuh woh.. Also interviewed that day.. Didn't get my letter yet though
. Maybe tomorrow
 
Waitlist. Interviewed 1/16. Definitely happy it's not a rejection. Hoping for some luck come May!
 
May I ask what geographical locations you guys are currently based? I want to know whether I should also be looking forward to a waitlist letter.
 
Reformed_Herbivore said:
Just got my waitlist letter today (interviewed 12/15). Any idea how many people normally come off the waitlist?
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I'm not sure anyone would know...what normally applies won't be applying this year due to the change in dean.
One thing has been a constant in med school application. waiting...and more waiting....
 
FriendlyFH said:
It seems to me that they "holistically" turn everything into a score...
Reason: http://med.stanford.edu/irt-resources/web_applications/mesa.html

During the welcome presentation, Dr. Gibbs didn't explicitly say what were some of the aspects that they place greater emphasize on over the other ones, but she did show a study which demonstrated the aspects of an applicants that could correlate with future performance.

What did correlate: GPA/MCAT/MMI
What didn't: PS, LOR, personal attributes, yada yada
Click to expand...
Hmm, I vaguely remember seeing something like that on the screen during one of the presentations.. But I must have been too distracted by the beautiful campus and sunny, warm weather outside to listen...
 
runningisbliss said:
Hmm, I vaguely remember seeing something like that on the screen during one of the presentations.. But I must have been too distracted by the beautiful campus and sunny, warm weather outside to listen...
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haha, I guess our group was somehow blessed then. It was slightly cloudy with a chance of rain that day. Apparently that was "terrible weather".
 
I'm not sure if things have changed since I applied... but Stanford has always really targeted a diverse, engaged, and "leader-driven" medical school class. MCAT scores, GPAs, etc. are a component of this, but I think those things are less valued at Stanford than at other top institutions. Stanford is driven to produce leaders in medicine, and this means selecting students that aren't just good at getting great grades, but also interested in and genuinely engaged in driving change in whatever area they're passionate about (whether that is in basic science, clinical research, epidemiology, business, health policy, the arts/humanities, etc.). This was true in the admissions process for me and also as a student. There are an enormous amount of amazing resources and opportunities at Stanford. Stanford needs ambitious, engaged students to take advantage of them.
 
mdeast said:
I'm not sure if things have changed since I applied... but Stanford has always really targeted a diverse, engaged, and "leader-driven" medical school class. MCAT scores, GPAs, etc. are a component of this, but I think those things are less valued at Stanford than at other top institutions. Stanford is driven to produce leaders in medicine, and this means selecting students that aren't just good at getting great grades, but also interested in and genuinely engaged in driving change in whatever area they're passionate about (whether that is in basic science, clinical research, epidemiology, business, health policy, the arts/humanities, etc.). This was true in the admissions process for me and also as a student. There are an enormous amount of amazing resources and opportunities at Stanford. Stanford needs ambitious, engaged students to take advantage of them.
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I have a question about the learning style at Stanford. From what I heard, Stanford has a pretty heavy lecture-based curriculum. How did you like that compared to PBL? Do you feel it prepared you well for Step 1 and the ward? Thanks!
 
Does anyone know the dress code for second look?
 
ProbablyAPenguin said:
Formal - think ball gowns and tuxedos.
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lol sure sure Penguin
ImageUploadedBySDN Mobile1426604440.290911.jpg
 
WL letter received, East Coast, Interview: 02/13 (Arghh)
 
ProbablyAPenguin said:
Just think how much fun it would be though.

Stanford emails out a letter "leave your interview suits at home! Second look is casual!"

Second look rolls around, students arrive in ball gowns.
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haha. Seriously though, can any current or accepted students chime in with details about what to expect during second look? The information I've received from Admissions has been pretty sparse so far!
 
bluevase said:
Does anyone know the dress code for second look?
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Dress code is pretty casual; I'm not sure I'd show up in athletics shorts and a tank, but nothing fancy. For girls, jeans/flats/nice-ish top combo or a sundress should be fine. For guys, I think I remember seeing jeans/khakis and button-downs/polos, but I don't really remember much . Some people dressed up a little more for the first night's dinner because none of us were really sure what was expected (i.e. nicer pants, maybe?). There really was a whole range, so don't worry too much. Basically, look clean 🙂


EDIT: Also guy's shoes: no need for formal dress shoes, just something nicer than running shoes. Depending on the weather, I'm sure shorts are fine as well, but I just don't remember much about what people were wearing, hahah. There were much more important things going on! :hardy:
 
jeghaber said:
Dress code is pretty casual; I'm not sure I'd show up in athletics shorts and a tank, but nothing fancy. For girls, jeans/flats/nice-ish top combo or a sundress should be fine. For guys, I think I remember seeing jeans/khakis and button-downs/polos, but I don't really remember much . Some people dressed up a little more for the first night's dinner because none of us were really sure what was expected (i.e. nicer pants, maybe?). There really was a whole range, so don't worry too much. Basically, look clean 🙂
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Thanks @jeghaber! Some second looks I've been invited to specified business casual (which is why I asked), but I prefer this much more!
 
Risk sounding a bit entitled: I do think Stanford could do a better job at providing informations to applicants. It doesn't have to be a lot. Just some info that might help us with logistics. For example:
I absolutely appreciated my Stanford student host for hosting me. But had there be some kind of information about the arrangement, which was the choice of a couch, with no pillow, comforter, nor blanket (borrowed some from a friend last minute but it wasn't warm enough sadly the AC vent was blowing directly onto me), I would probably make the choice of splurging a bit to rent a room.
 
bluevase said:
Thanks @jeghaber! Some second looks I've been invited to specified business casual (which is why I asked), but I prefer this much more!
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No problem : ) Yeah, I'd say Stanford's second look was more casual "business casual."

FriendlyFH said:
Risk sounding a bit entitled: I do think Stanford could do a better job at providing informations to applicants. It doesn't have to be a lot. Just some info that might help us with logistics. For example:
I absolutely appreciated my Stanford student host for hosting me. But had there be some kind of information about the arrangement, which was the choice of a couch, with no pillow, comforter, nor blanket (borrowed some from a friend last minute but it wasn't warm enough sadly the AC vent was blowing directly onto me), I would probably make the choice of splurging a bit to rent a room.
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I think that's an absolutely fair statement (though I'm not sure the student hosting issue can really be attributed to the admission's office). Stanford is definitely on a the more silent end of the spectrum in terms of communication, and given its drawn out cycle, some updates now and then would be helpful for keeping applicants in the loop. Generally, though, they're pretty good about responding to emails, so if you have specific inquiries, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to respond.

From what I can tell, once you're enrolled, administration is extremely responsive and communicative. Maybe @Narmerguy or @Runican can speak more on this if people have any concerns.
 
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doctortobeee said:
Ah! I interviewed on 2/20 that is the same week! No WL letter yet but they have to be nearing making a decision on us then...
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Good luck!

From last year it looks like WL movement began soon after May 15th, but this year it will be May 1st. Cautiously optimistic they will pull more from WL than last year.
 
jeghaber said:
No problem : ) Yeah, I'd say Stanford's second look was more casual "business casual."

I think that's an absolutely fair statement (though I'm not sure the student hosting issue can really be attributed to the admission's office). Stanford is definitely on a the more silent end of the spectrum in terms of communication, and given its drawn out cycle, some updates now and then would be helpful for keeping applicants in the loop. Generally, though, they're pretty good about responding to emails, so if you have specific inquiries, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to respond. I'm definitely happy to address concerns if people have any because I think it's one of Stanford's strengths.

From what I can tell, once you're enrolled, administration is extremely responsive and communicative. Maybe @Narmerguy or @Runican can speak more on this if people have any concerns.
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I'm right there with you. If anyone has concerns about communication regarding our administration, I can confidently say that our administration is incredibly responsive and that will never be a concern. One of my top 3 reasons for choosing Stanford was the flexibility and respect they afford you here. You will obviously not always get your way (though I'd say I'm happy with our results so far), but they take student feedback seriously and aren't afraid to change things on the basis of student input.

For student hosting, it's a bit of a challenging system. Students unfortunately don't have much in the way of amenities, I suspect this is true at other schools. I wouldn't know, I never stayed with a host when interviewing. I've hosted a few students and pretty much could only offer a couch, a pillow, and a blanket...which is my only blanket, and so whenever I hosted I would just put on sweats and sleep without a blanket. I don't think there's much that can be done about these sorts of things. That said, it's good feedback to have.

I'd say don't be worried about "bothering" our admissions or anything at this point. Obviously be considerate, but if you have questions blast them over, this is what they're there for and they welcome emails to help clarify things.
 
Narmerguy said:
I'm right there with you. If anyone has concerns about communication regarding our administration, I can confidently say that our administration is incredibly responsive and that will never be a concern. One of my top 3 reasons for choosing Stanford was the flexibility and respect they afford you here. You will obviously not always get your way (though I'd say I'm happy with our results so far), but they take student feedback seriously and aren't afraid to change things on the basis of student input.

For student hosting, it's a bit of a challenging system. Students unfortunately don't have much in the way of amenities, I suspect this is true at other schools. I wouldn't know, I never stayed with a host when interviewing. I've hosted a few students and pretty much could only offer a couch, a pillow, and a blanket...which is my only blanket, and so whenever I hosted I would just put on sweats and sleep without a blanket. I don't think there's much that can be done about these sorts of things. That said, it's good feedback to have.

I'd say don't be worried about "bothering" our admissions or anything at this point. Obviously be considerate, but if you have questions blast them over, this is what they're there for and they welcome emails to help clarify things.
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As someone on the waitlist who's still actively considering and hoping for some love from Stanford, it's really comforting to know this is the case. Thanks for your rely! You can see that from our perspective, not knowing anything about how it feels to be a student there, we can only make guesses based on what was communicated to us so far.

In no way I feel that it is the responsibility of you guys to spare some time and space in your busy life to host us. As a matter of fact if I knew how big of a burden it was (that's SO kind of you to let the interviewees use your only comforter), I would absolutely choose to problem solve my own commendation. However it would have been nice for the school to include something as to what to expect, so that we can make an informed decision: whether to bring our own comforter or sleeping bags or to bite the bullet and rent a room to secure a good night of sleep. After all, the interview day at Stanford is probably one of the most important day for many applicants. Because. It's Stanford. Although when I travel I can sleep anywhere, but I would have loved a good night of sleep under a cozy cover to have the clearest mind, instead I was half delusional next day.

It doesn't have to be extravagant. Just a note in the host matching email, or a paragraph on the website somewhere. About accommodations conditions, second look attire (it doesn't concern me personally), etc etc
 
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OscarWao said:
I think it's unreasonable to be miffed about such a small detail because it's the same whenever anyone is hosted by a student anywhere. At all the places I interviewed I was at the mercy of what my student host was able to provide. Most of the time it was average and sometimes it was less than average. At Stanford the sheet I had to sleep with wasn't warm enough, at Sinai my host drank too much and was puking at like 2am, but it's totally par for the course. If the school were to put disclaimers on their offers of student hosts it would be absurd. You know you're staying with a student, you know students vary in what they can provide interviewees what more do you want the school to say? I don't think you should be upset with Stanford about this.

Still love you, though, @FriendlyFH, no hard feelings?
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FWIW I stayed with students at 14/16 of my interviews... and all of them had emailed me before I arrived to let me know what kind of accommodations to expect. So I would more be moderately annoyed at the student for not giving you a heads up than at the school... but I'd still be moderately annoyed.
 
Does anyone know whether we need to do anything to accept the waitlist spot and say that we want to stay on it? The letter did not indicate this, but just wanted to clarify because I have heard of some other schools having applicants do this.
 
OscarWao said:
I think it's unreasonable to be miffed about such a small detail because it's the same whenever anyone is hosted by a student anywhere. At all the places I interviewed I was at the mercy of what my student host was able to provide. Most of the time it was average and sometimes it was less than average. At Stanford the sheet I had to sleep with wasn't warm enough, at Sinai my host drank too much and was puking at like 2am, but it's totally par for the course. If the school were to put disclaimers on their offers of student hosts it would be absurd. You know you're staying with a student, you know students vary in what they can provide interviewees what more do you want the school to say? I don't think you should be upset with Stanford about this.

Still love you, though, @FriendlyFH, no hard feelings?
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It sounds like that you had some extra rough student hosts experiences though...for the most part mine were great which enabled me to be negligent in actually asking my host before I arrive, so it's partly my own doing.

Hard feelings?what's that? As oppose to soft feelings? feelings with too much minerals? 😉 (I'm totally NOT still thinking about some of the MCAT questions)
 
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So if someone was called and accepted who interviewed after me am i out of luck for sure? I haven't gotten anything in the mail yet for the WL either...
 
about the confirmation email 5 days in advance...has anyone gotten their interview rescinded because they didn't email to confirm?
i just remembered to email them today and my interview is on Monday (3 days away). reallllyy hope it's not too big a deal :bang:
 
Anyone know if there are ways to check out Stanford's Match result?
 
These were on the monitors in the main educational building, so I am assuming it is considered public information at this point.
 
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alamo4 said:
These were on the monitors in the main lobby of the main educational building, so I am assuming it is considered public information.
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I would have assumed so too. Thanks SO much for sharing!
 
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