2014-2015 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Application Thread

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Interviewed 9/18 and Dr Saguil called me about 1/2 hour ago... ACCEPTED NAVY!! couldnt be happier, interviewed last year late and was waitlisted, it feels incredible!! Still hope for the kids of September!!!

Congrats dude

 

[Murdoch]

Sitting in an airport waiting for a plane that seems like it will never come so I thought I do a more comprehensive post reflecting on my visit.
1) The people here are absolutely amazing. I didn't think it was possible to have such a warm welcome at an interview day. I was so impressed that Dean Saguil took the time to chat with the interviewees. My interviewers were also incredibly friendly
2) I think the most impressive part of the facilities was the simulation center. It seems like usuhs prepares students really really well for their jobs as physicians and leaders
3) the most striking aspect of the whole day was when I realized after the interview that all of the people (either alums/faculty or students) had the demeanor that they would be very calm and level headed in a crises situation. I don't know if that is something that usuhs selects for in its class or trains in its students, but it was noticeable and different from any other school I've interviewed at so far. Usuhs had moved very, very, very far up my list because this is the type of physician I want to be and I think usuhs can help me get there.

Tldr: awesome place! Hope I get in and see all of you guys next year! Also, sorry for any egregious spelling/grammar mistakes. Working on my phone

Congratulations! Like you, the school became one of my top picks after interviewing.

Interviewed 9/18 and Dr Saguil called me about 1/2 hour ago... ACCEPTED NAVY!! couldnt be happier, interviewed last year late and was waitlisted, it feels incredible!! Still hope for the kids of September!!!

Congrats fellow 9/18 Navy guy!

 

[flowergirl123]

Accepted Navy!!! Interviewed 10/9

 

[ProudMD]

Accepted Navy!!! Interviewed 10/9

Fast turnaround! Congrats and see you in the fall!

 

[Glycereine]

Accepted Navy!!! Interviewed 10/9

Wow congrats!

 

[ProudMD]

@Glycereine

It doesn't seem the Navy is full at all!

 

[flowergirl123]

LTC Saguil told me during our phone call that it's about full now

 

[CRK23]

Got the call today for an army spot, so grateful/excited, interviewed 9/25.

 

[livelovelaugh123]

Sitting in an airport waiting for a plane that seems like it will never come so I thought I do a more comprehensive post reflecting on my visit.
1) The people here are absolutely amazing. I didn't think it was possible to have such a warm welcome at an interview day. I was so impressed that Dean Saguil took the time to chat with the interviewees. My interviewers were also incredibly friendly
2) I think the most impressive part of the facilities was the simulation center. It seems like usuhs prepares students really really well for their jobs as physicians and leaders
3) the most striking aspect of the whole day was when I realized after the interview that all of the people (either alums/faculty or students) had the demeanor that they would be very calm and level headed in a crises situation. I don't know if that is something that usuhs selects for in its class or trains in its students, but it was noticeable and different from any other school I've interviewed at so far. Usuhs had moved very, very, very far up my list because this is the type of physician I want to be and I think usuhs can help me get there.

Tldr: awesome place! Hope I get in and see all of you guys next year! Also, sorry for any egregious spelling/grammar mistakes. Working on my phone

I interviewed yesterday as well! Probably met you haha good luck!

 

[johnnyscans]

Congratulations to all of you who were accepted. I was in a meeting today when LTC Saguil cruised in saying that he was going to make "good news phone calls".

Feel free to message me with any questions y'all may have. Rest assured that USUHS is an amazing school, with a simply remarkable student and faculty population.

 

[ProudMD]

Congratulations to all of you who were accepted. I was in a meeting today when LTC Saguil cruised in saying that he was going to make "good news phone calls".

Feel free to message me with any questions y'all may have. Rest assured that USUHS is an amazing school, with a simply remarkable student and faculty population.

When did LTC Saguil say that he was going to make "good news phone calls"? I may be the first person he called today!

 

[johnnyscans]

1215 or so

 

[ProudMD]

1215 or so

Yup! Sounds about right. I am beyond excited about this.

But I have a follow-up question. How long will they take to complete the security clearance process? Things aren't final until we receive the unconditional offer of acceptance.

 

[johnnyscans]

Yup! Sounds about right. I am beyond excited about this.

But I have a follow-up question. How long will they take to complete the security clearance process? Things aren't final until we receive the unconditional offer of acceptance.

Security clearances take anywhere from 6-12 months to clear completely. You won't be fully-cleared until you've started at USUHS. What USUHS will do (at least to the best of my knowledge, don't quote me on this) is they'll run a rapid investigation and grant you an interim clearance. As long as you aren't actively using drugs and you aren't a felon, you'll be fine. Don't lie on your SF-86. If you're currently using drugs (this includes using someone elses prescription medication i.e. Adderall), stop using now. Make sure you save a copy of your SF-86, as you'll need to complete it again down the road. Make sure all of your dates add up. What I'd recommend doing is creating an excel document with two sheets - one for all of the jobs you've had for the past 10 years, and one for all of the places you've lived in the past 10 years. Have a point of contact for each listing. This will help out big-time when it comes time to fill out a SF-86.

 

[Premedspouse]

@Premedspouse, one other thing that just occurred to me as I think back on my interview day - the wife who came with her husband mentioned she had been in touch with several people from the USUHS spouses' club. You might want to consider contacting the admissions office and asking for the contact info for someone from that group. They might be willing to either meet with you in the afternoon (when you'd have the most downtown since this is while your spouse will be doing actual interviews) or at least answer questions and give you suggestions of what to do during the day if you opt not to go to campus.

That's a great idea - thanks! I've read up a lot on them, but didn't think to go ahead and make contact. Less than 3 weeks!

 

[ProudMD]

Security clearances take anywhere from 6-12 months to clear completely. You won't be fully-cleared until you've started at USUHS. What USUHS will do (at least to the best of my knowledge, don't quote me on this) is they'll run a rapid investigation and grant you an interim clearance. As long as you aren't actively using drugs and you aren't a felon, you'll be fine. Don't lie on your SF-86. If you're currently using drugs (this includes using someone elses prescription medication i.e. Adderall), stop using now. Make sure you save a copy of your SF-86, as you'll need to complete it again down the road. Make sure all of your dates add up. What I'd recommend doing is creating an excel document with two sheets - one for all of the jobs you've had for the past 10 years, and one for all of the places you've lived in the past 10 years. Have a point of contact for each listing. This will help out big-time when it comes time to fill out a SF-86.

Thanks a lot for the info! I'll PM you for some additional info.

 

[ProudMD]

I have a question for those of you accepted earlier this cycle.

How long did it take for you guys to receive the paperwork in the mail? I understand that we need to return some form confirming our attendance within two weeks, but does the two week deadline start on the day of our acceptance phone call or on the day that we receive the paperwork in the mail? Thanks a lot!

 

[llamasarefuzzy]

Took about 10 days for it to show up post mark from MD. No issue calling to ask though.

I believe it is a week from the post mark date. If you're concerned, I'd just shoot them a call to let them know it's on the way.

Also just got my medical waiver approved so it's officially official 🙂 baring any type of security issue I don't even know I've committed.

Ahhhh congrats! So jealous 🙂 after talking with my family this weekend it's become my first choice! 4-6 weeks is so long!!!

 

[ProudMD]

Took about 10 days for it to show up post mark from MD. No issue calling to ask though.

I believe it is a week from the post mark date. If you're concerned, I'd just shoot them a call to let them know it's on the way.

Also just got my medical waiver approved so it's officially official 🙂 baring any type of security issue I don't even know I've committed.

Just for clarification, is the post mark date the date that the letter was sent from USUHS? If it's 7 days from post mark date but it takes 10 days for you to receive it, wouldn't that automatically causes you to miss the deadline?

 

[h0p3fulD0c]

Just for clarification, is the post mark date the date that the letter was sent from USUHS? If it's 7 days from post mark date but it takes 10 days for you to receive it, wouldn't that automatically causes you to miss the deadline?

It's 2 weeks from the postmarked date man. Please relax and enjoy this moment. You have clearly earned it!

 

[ProudMD]

It's 2 weeks from the postmarked date man. Please relax and enjoy this moment. You have clearly earned it!

Much better!

 

[ProudMD]

The post office stamps the envelope when it comes through their system

Gotcha. So it's 14 days (2 weeks) from the time that it gets stamped at the post office in MD?

 

[CRK23]

Took about 10 days for it to show up post mark from MD. No issue calling to ask though.

I believe it is a week from the post mark date. If you're concerned, I'd just shoot them a call to let them know it's on the way.

Also just got my medical waiver approved so it's officially official 🙂 baring any type of security issue I don't even know I've committed.

Congrats on the medical waiver + conditional acceptance! I am in a similar situation I am in the process of trying to get a waiver for my DoDMERB DQ status and was hoping I could learn from your speedy waiver turnaround.

Did you submit your supporting waiver materials to the commissioning coordinator by fax email or snail mail (i.e. Do they prefer a certain way for supporting medical records to be sent in?) Did you work with a recruiter or seek advice from DoDMERB itself about what kind of medical paperwork you would need to submit to overturn for your specific DQ? I may be overthinking this but I want to make sure i go through the waiver process optimally as USUHS is definitely my top choice.🙂

Thanks for any insight you may be able to provide and congrats again on your acceptance to USUHS!

 

[CRK23]

I sent mine by email. Just provide as much info as possible. Pre/post op reports if it involved surgery, initial visits, follow-ups, even a current note from the Dr who saw you about the issue saying all is well and you're clear, if possible. I also included a personal letter indicating my sports related activities I've been involved with since the issue.

Thanks very much for the reply! Yea that's what I was intending on doing, I had a more recent eval with my doc this week where it was confirmed that I have been fully healed for many years now and experience no physical restrictions. I already sent in detailed notes from my injury when they requested a remedial so that should be taken care of. The personal letter is also a great idea, I have been active with weight training/ various sports so I will provide them with those details as well. Sounds like you handled it perfectly, the more information we can provide the better!

Hoping to turn that conditional acceptance into an eventual unconditional 🙄

 

[CRK23]

I sent mine by email. Just provide as much info as possible. Pre/post op reports if it involved surgery, initial visits, follow-ups, even a current note from the Dr who saw you about the issue saying all is well and you're clear, if possible. I also included a personal letter indicating my sports related activities I've been involved with since the issue.

sorry one last question if you don't mind me asking🙂

how long did it take to receive the waiver from the time you submitted your supporting documents? the handout they gave us on interview day says the waiver process can take on average 6-8 weeks? It sounds like your turnaround time was much quicker?

 

[typicalpremedx]

Have you gotten your letter in the mail yet? I have a similar situation (PH first, Air Force second), and am wondering if I haven't gotten the letter because they haven't confirmed the branch yet...

I have not gotten one either so maybe that is the cast?

 

[BetterTomorrow14]

Hey everyone! I submitted my secondary mid-July and I received an II a few days ago - so over 3 months between secondary and II. I had pretty much written off this school as a silent rejection, so I was super shocked when I saw that email. So don't give up just yet!


But also, could someone with prior military experience please PM me? I have some concerns about the SF-86 form and I'm freaking out a bit! Thanks

 

[snappaz]

For those who waitlisted last year and have interviewed already, do you need to turn in the SF-86 form again? I didn't see any information regarding this on the interview invite information forms.

 

[Glycereine]

Hey everyone! I submitted my secondary mid-July and I received an II a few days ago - so over 3 months between secondary and II. I had pretty much written off this school as a silent rejection, so I was super shocked when I saw that email. So don't give up just yet!


But also, could someone with prior military experience please PM me? I have some concerns about the SF-86 form and I'm freaking out a bit! Thanks

PM sent

 

[CyrilFiggis]

Hey guys, new to SDN. I have an II coming up Dec. 4th. I'm sorry if this is answered somewhere else, but does USUHS follow the same acceptance guidelines as traditional med schools? Or does accepting a spot in the class commit you to the school unequivocally?

 

[BlueMax]

Hey everyone! I submitted my secondary mid-July and I received an II a few days ago - so over 3 months between secondary and II. I had pretty much written off this school as a silent rejection, so I was super shocked when I saw that email. So don't give up just yet!


But also, could someone with prior military experience please PM me? I have some concerns about the SF-86 form and I'm freaking out a bit! Thanks

Congrats! Im hoping to be on the same boat! what were your stats like and about when is the interview?

 

[Grenerd]

.

 

[johnnyscans]

Hey guys, new to SDN. I have an II coming up Dec. 4th. I'm sorry if this is answered somewhere else, but does USUHS follow the same acceptance guidelines as traditional med schools? Or does accepting a spot in the class commit you to the school unequivocally?

Same as most other medical schools. You can hold a spot in the class and have until a specific date to retract your acceptance.

 

[llamasarefuzzy]

1 week down, 3-5 more to go! Come on usuhs! Waiting eagerly and (as) patiently (as possible!)

 

[BlueMax]

has anyone received an interview/ been accepted with a 25-28 mcat?

 

[DJones13]

has anyone received an interview/ been accepted with a 25-28 mcat?

I interviewed with a 29. But it's more than just MCAT/GPA. If you have good EC's, personal statement, recommendations etc., those can make up for a below average MCAT. Also depends on where you are in life. Are you active duty and been out of college for 10 year or are you still in college? Basically if your total package proves to the ADCOMs that you are able to handle the rigors of Med School then you have a chance for an interview.

 

[sdbolthead24]

I was also fortunate enough to get an interview with a 29mcat, strong upward gpa trend, funded my way through school, had limited dinero to put into mcat prep, i mentioned that somewhere in my application. Agree with the above post i think they look for more, specifically interest in military medicine. If you can make it clear that you know the positives of military medicine and show enthusiasm in your app i think you can get an interview with a 27 mcat

 

[swtbrnpelican04]

Hey guys I found out that as of yesterday ~1/4 of the historical number of acceptances have been offered

 

[eqkc]

Quick Q: How do I address Dean/Dr./Colonel (LTC?) Saguil in an email salutation?

Thanks!

 

[ReviewR]

Quick Q: How do I address Dean/Dr./Colonel (LTC?) Saguil in an email salutation?

Thanks!

When I emailed him, I addressed him as 'Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Saguil'. In his response, he signed Aaron. I would assume that meant he preferred Aaron from then on, though it does seem a bit informal! He is such a nice guy. Any other suggestions? I am not prior military, and do not know the unspoken rules of salutations. (Of which I am sure there are many)

v/r

 

[Doctor_Nope]

Quick Q: How do I address Dean/Dr./Colonel (LTC?) Saguil in an email salutation?

Thanks!

Honestly, you should be safe with any of those salutations. There are individual preferences but almost no one is going to think negatively of you if you use any of those titles. Just follow their lead after they reply, as ReviewR noted. Dr. Saguil seems really laid back so definitely not going to matter one way or the other. In similar situations, if you any doubt I would just go with the specific military title such as LTC or Lieutenant Colonel.

 

[eqkc]

Thanks folks! The email is now sent and gone and out of my control... Whew!

I really appreciate your advice - thank you!

 

[ProudMD]

For those of you with questions regarding stats, during my September interview, Dean Saguil told us that last year's class had a MCAT range of 24 - 41. So that's a huge range of scores! USUHS looks at much more than just your stats!

 

[Murdoch]

has anyone received an interview/ been accepted with a 25-28 mcat?

For those of you with questions regarding stats, during my September interview, Dean Saguil told us that last year's class had a MCAT range of 24 - 41. So that's a huge range of scores! USUHS looks at much more than just your stats!

Dr. Saguil recently sent an e-mail containing the slides used during the interview morning presentation. One of the slides shows that the Class of 2018 had an average MCAT of 31.7 and the range was from 25-41. So it's definitely possible to get in with a 25-28 MCAT.

 

[ProudMD]

Hey guys I found out that as of yesterday ~1/4 of the historical number of acceptances have been offered

This is actually really good news. It means that there are still plenty of spots left for everyone who's interviewing in November and beyond!

 

[johnnyscans]

For those of you with questions regarding stats, during my September interview, Dean Saguil told us that last year's class had a MCAT range of 24 - 41. So that's a huge range of scores! USUHS looks at much more than just your stats!

One of my best friends has the 41. I'll be sure to break his balls about it tomorrow.

Regarding how to address people here- once you're active duty you'll be expected to address individuals with their rank and the greeting of the day. Civilians are referred to as sir or ma'am as well. For now there's no harm in using the abbreviated rank i.e. LTC for Dr. Saguil.

 

[ProudMD]

One of my best friends has the 41. I'll be sure to break his balls about it tomorrow.

Regarding how to address people here- once you're active duty you'll be expected to address individuals with their rank and the greeting of the day. Civilians are referred to as sir or ma'am as well. For now there's no harm in using the abbreviated rank i.e. LTC for Dr. Saguil.

 

[llamasarefuzzy]

One of my best friends has the 41. I'll be sure to break his balls about it tomorrow.

Regarding how to address people here- once you're active duty you'll be expected to address individuals with their rank and the greeting of the day. Civilians are referred to as sir or ma'am as well. For now there's no harm in using the abbreviated rank i.e. LTC for Dr. Saguil.

There is a greeting of the day? As in, it changes daily? Like Monday is "howdy" and the Tuesday is "aloha?" Not saying that wouldn't be awesome, but I'm super confused

 

[rddn_jk]

Do any of you guys know when the admissions committee typically meets to determine who gets interviews? Is there a certain time of the month I should be extra studious about checking my email?

 

[pythagoraslock]

Accepted! First choice. First acceptance. So happy.

For anyone trying to game their chances and timeframes (like I was), my key dates and stats:

AMCAS submitted June 3rd, secondary submitted July 7th, interview invitation September 3rd, interviewed September 25th, accepted October 30th.

GPA 3.8 science&overall, MCAT 33, prior military service, second time applicant, nontraditional

From this and being on the waitlist last year, I can tell you how they like to notify. The day after they make the official decision, Dr. Saguil (dean of admissions) likes to call you with the news. Mail comes several days later. I don't think you'll actually get an email.