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

BU Medical Sciences
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willis11591 said:
Turned in all my waiver paperwork less than a week after a September interview date. Unsure of when their 6-8wk timeline starts, but it was about 6 weeks from when I submitted my forms.
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Hello again willis! I had another quick question about your waiver process. When you turned in your documents for waiver consideration did your DoDMERB status change or was there any kind of updates posted on the DoDMERB status page?
I turned my documents about a week and a half ago and my status has remained at "Current Medical Status:Pending Waiver Submission/Review". Did it change to "waiver review started" or something when you submitted your waiver stuff?

I just wanted to make sure that my waiver review process starting doesn't possible get lost in the shuffle and also didn't want to overly bug the people that take care of waivers/commissioning.... thanks for any insight you can provide!
 
CRK23 said:
Hello again willis! I had another quick question about your waiver process. When you turned in your documents for waiver consideration did your DoDMERB status change or was there any kind of updates posted on the DoDMERB status page?
I turned my documents about a week and a half ago and my status has remained at "Current Medical Status:Pending Waiver Submission/Review". Did it change to "waiver review started" or something when you submitted your waiver stuff?

I just wanted to make sure that my waiver review process starting doesn't possible get lost in the shuffle and also didn't want to overly bug the people that take care of waivers/commissioning.... thanks for any insight you can provide!
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I have been getting emails from DODMERB and Ms Ramseur regarding my waiver/remedials
 
.... Halfway to the 6 weeks post interview.... Must keep waiting.... Hopefully thanksgiving makes the wait go by quickly
 
willis11591 said:
Good question! I know for a fact that it didn't change until the waiver was granted. Never got a call or anything about it, so just gotta check back in the DoDMERB page to view your status every now and then. Though I'd suggest waiting until at leastthe 6-8 week Mark because I can guarantee it won't be faster than that and you'd be wasting your time.

The waiver process starts with I believe the battalion commander for your respective branch that you preferred, and they give a recommendation for the waiver authority which is Health Affairs in Arlington. Then they have the final say after it sits with them for weeks in a 'to do' basket on someone's desk.
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Thanks again for the helpful info on your waiver process success! Do you mind if I send u another quick question, this time via private message? when I try to send you a pm it says user does not accept pm's...
 
llamasarefuzzy said:
.... Halfway to the 6 weeks post interview.... Must keep waiting.... Hopefully thanksgiving makes the wait go by quickly
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Today marks the last day of my 6th week (time frame for my interview date was 4-6 weeks) with no news whatsoever.... This waiting game is miserable!! Certainly happy to have not heard BAD news, but hoping to hear something soon! Was your interview date told you'd hear in 6 weeks, or something like 6-8?
 
Tribe1234 said:
Today marks the last day of my 6th week (time frame for my interview date was 4-6 weeks) with no news whatsoever.... This waiting game is miserable!! Certainly happy to have not heard BAD news, but hoping to hear something soon! Was your interview date told you'd hear in 6 weeks, or something like 6-8?
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Based on the last few acceptances I recall already being at 5 and a half to 6 weeks, I'd realistically say not to worry until closer to 7 or 8.

4-6 was an estimate and was already at the high end of that with pretty early interviewees, at the October 23rd interview we were flat out told to expect 6, so I'm expecting 7, maybe 8.
 
Tribe1234 said:
Today marks the last day of my 6th week (time frame for my interview date was 4-6 weeks) with no news whatsoever.... This waiting game is miserable!! Certainly happy to have not heard BAD news, but hoping to hear something soon! Was your interview date told you'd hear in 6 weeks, or something like 6-8?
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We were told 4-6 weeks, although I understand they are running a bit behind. Hopefully will hear before winter break
 
Good luck to those interviewing today. I interview on 12/4. Trying to do the host thing, but if I recall correctly from last year, I did not hear from the host until a few days before the interview.
 
snappaz said:
Good luck to those interviewing today. I interview on 12/4. Trying to do the host thing, but if I recall correctly from last year, I did not hear from the host until a few days before the interview.
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Yeah mine emailed me Tuesday for the Thursday interview


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
snappaz said:
Good luck to those interviewing today. I interview on 12/4. Trying to do the host thing, but if I recall correctly from last year, I did not hear from the host until a few days before the interview.
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See you on the 4th snappaz
 
Just interviewed today. Was blown away by EVERY aspect of the school. The faculty were inviting, the information was awesome, the campus and sim center were mind-blowing, just everything was amazing. I think I did well in both of my interviews and I have a good feeling, I hope I get in, this is still my top choice! 😀
 
Saxappeal1 said:
Just interviewed today. Was blown away by EVERY aspect of the school. The faculty were inviting, the information was awesome, the campus and sim center were mind-blowing, just everything was amazing. I think I did well in both of my interviews and I have a good feeling, I hope I get in, this is still my top choice! 😀
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Yup. The school makes quite the impression during the interview day!
 
The sim center rocks! Glad you liked the school.

If you have any questions (this goes for any of y'all) feel free to post here or PM me.
 
Glycereine said:
I have been getting emails from DODMERB and Ms Ramseur regarding my waiver/remedials
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Hey Glycerine! I initially received emails from Ms. Rammer about submitting my paperwork for waiver consideration, then I notified her of my request from a waiver at the same time that I submitted my paperwork, thus starting the waiver process I believe.... however after that I assume I shouldn't expect to receive further emails from DoDMERB/Ms. Ramseur until 6-8 weeks after I submitted my paperwork...

By chance Did you receive emails from DodMERB/ Ms. Ramseur after you turned in paperwork for waiver consideration? haha just trying to make sure I navigate the waiver process optimally...
 
CRK23 said:
Hey Glycerine! I initially received emails from Ms. Rammer about submitting my paperwork for waiver consideration, then I notified her of my request from a waiver at the same time that I submitted my paperwork, thus starting the waiver process I believe.... however after that I assume I shouldn't expect to receive further emails from DoDMERB/Ms. Ramseur until 6-8 weeks after I submitted my paperwork...

By chance Did you receive emails from DodMERB/ Ms. Ramseur after you turned in paperwork for waiver consideration? haha just trying to make sure I navigate the waiver process optimally...
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Ah I see what you're saying and no. The interaction I had was about remedials not since the waiver process.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
My husband interviewed Thursday and we were both very impressed with the school as well! I'm glad I was able to go and get a feel for the area and talk to someone from the spouse's group. We were both a little overwhelmed at first by the big city (we have lived in rural areas all our lives), but we spent a couple extra days here and feel more comfortable. We head home tomorrow. Now time to wait patiently and enjoy the holiday season...and finish up that HPSP application. 🙂
 
It's also worth noting that nothing was mentioned to the group about where the enrollment numbers are currently. Dr. Saguil had multiple meetings in the morning and was short on time so didn't cover the entire brief...just the highlights. And I forgot to ask in any one on one meetings with him. Sax, did you hear anything?
 
Anyone who interviewed care to talk about the actual interviews? Was it open or closed file? Was it scripted or more free form/laid back? And finally, anyone without previous service, did they ask any questions specific your understanding of the military and military medicine?

Thanks!!!
 
CyrilFiggis said:
Anyone who interviewed care to talk about the actual interviews? Was it open or closed file? Was it scripted or more free form/laid back? And finally, anyone without previous service, did they ask any questions specific your understanding of the military and military medicine?

Thanks!!!
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CyrilFiggis, is this your first interview? When I interviewed a few weeks ago, I had both faculty interviews. It was very conversational and they both basically asked the expected questions (why medicine, why military medicine, ). I got the feeling that they just wanted to know that you were committed to medicine and knew what you would potentially be signing up for. They also read my personal statement and secondary statement

After the initial questions, we basically just chatted about different issues in military medicine, got to know the interviewer better etc.

Best of luck!
 
Hi CyrilFiggis. I had the same experience as fieldandstream3. Just wanted to add that they also have your activity statements from your primary app. 🙂
 
Thanks guys. @fieldandstream3 it's my second interview. But it is the first of a marathon, cross-country, 12 day cycle of three. Just trying to make sure the prep time I have for each is spent efficiently.
 
is there a chance to get a navy spot if you havent interviewed yet
 
CyrilFiggis said:
Anyone who interviewed care to talk about the actual interviews? Was it open or closed file? Was it scripted or more free form/laid back? And finally, anyone without previous service, did they ask any questions specific your understanding of the military and military medicine?

Thanks!!!
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You get two one-on-one open file interviews with faculty. They have your AMCAS activities and essays, and your secondary essays on hand. They do not see your MCAT scores and GPA, as I recall both my interviewers mentioning.

As someone said above, they ask the typical interview questions along with trying to know more about your interest in joining the military and practicing military medicine. I would focus on addressing those types of questions and being able to explain any of your activities and essays. Both interviews were very conversational.

I did get a couple of ethical questions from one of my interviewers. Speaking with other interviewees at the time and reviewing the SDN interview feedback, I think that these types of questions are rarely posed and most interviewees were just asked the typical questions.
 
CyrilFiggis said:
Anyone who interviewed care to talk about the actual interviews? Was it open or closed file? Was it scripted or more free form/laid back? And finally, anyone without previous service, did they ask any questions specific your understanding of the military and military medicine?

Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

As others have stated, the interviews are a partially open file, in that they do not have access to any of your numbers, just your long-answers from AMCAS and your secondary application, so be familiar what you've done (sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget one part or another). One of my interviewers had it printed out, while the other did not have it out, at least that I saw.

Also make sure you think about what you see as the biggest differences between civilian and military medicine, and the benefits - and potential drawbacks - for you personally. However they phrase the questions, they'll want to see that you've really thought through it and that you're going in with your eyes open about what you're getting into.
 
Agreed with the above.

And just to add to what has already been said, it is very important to be able to articulate your reasons/motivations for joining the military. Not necessarily why you want to be a military physician specifically (though that is certainly very important as well), but why do you want to be a part of the military as an active duty service-member.
 
Interviewed 10/2 and preffed Navy #1 -- got my wait list letter in the mail this morning. Fingers crossed that everyone already accepted gets into the school of their dreams and chooses to go there instead haha!
 
BlueMax said:
is there a chance to get a navy spot if you havent interviewed yet
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See below, Navy is to waitlist now. That doesn't mean you can't get in, but you won't be offered an outright acceptance at the moment. I'm waiting on the Navy train as well hoping to hear in the next 3 weeks or so that I've been waitlisted.

Tribe1234 said:
Interviewed 10/2 and preffed Navy #1 -- got my wait list letter in the mail this morning. Fingers crossed that everyone already accepted gets into the school of their dreams and chooses to go there instead haha!
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LaceyMD said:
As others have stated, the interviews are a partially open file, in that they do not have access to any of your numbers, just your long-answers from AMCAS and your secondary application, so be familiar what you've done (sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget one part or another). One of my interviewers had it printed out, while the other did not have it out, at least that I saw.

Also make sure you think about what you see as the biggest differences between civilian and military medicine, and the benefits - and potential drawbacks - for you personally. However they phrase the questions, they'll want to see that you've really thought through it and that you're going in with your eyes open about what you're getting into.
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Thanks! We actually have very similar backgrounds - liberal arts undergrad from '07, same MCAT total, live in Cali - so it's good to hear your perspective on this.
 
Tribe1234 said:
Interviewed 10/2 and preffed Navy #1 -- got my wait list letter in the mail this morning. Fingers crossed that everyone already accepted gets into the school of their dreams and chooses to go there instead haha!
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Did you receive a physical letter by mail or an email? I've been waiting on snail mail for the past two weeks after being WL for Navy...
 
AdventureDub said:
Did you receive a physical letter by mail or an email? I've been waiting on snail mail for the past two weeks after being WL for Navy...
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I got it via snail mail, and did not receive an email. For some reason I was under the impression that wait list = email AND snail mail, whereas rejection = just snail mail..... so I was actually pleasantly surprised when I opened the letter and saw it was for the wait list! I was expecting rejection when I got a snail mail letter with no email haha
 
llamasarefuzzy said:
My four weeks post interview comes up tomorrow! Hoping for some awesome post thanksgiving pre finals news! Just can't seem to get this school out of my head! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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In the same boat! I'm at 5 weeks now (tomorrow) but also still waiting on several medical things to clear so hopefully it all coincides.
 
Glycereine said:
In the same boat! I'm at 5 weeks now (tomorrow) but also still waiting on several medical things to clear so hopefully it all coincides.
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Do we have to have the medical stuff resolved before a conditional acceptance? Waiting for some medical records to go through
 
llamasarefuzzy said:
Do we have to have the medical stuff resolved before a conditional acceptance? Waiting for some medical records to go through
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Honestly I'm not sure.

My guess would be no, but I also could see them wanting it to be done as well. I'm just trying to finish it all as soon as possible, but because of the way my medical records are in the system (entered service before electronic records, so half paper, half electronic) new things keep getting found every time I submit the parts they need for something. I've sent in portions of my records to verify a remedial 8 times now haha.

I think I sent the last one that will be needed yesterday though and then they have to verify me for a waiver (which is also silly since I'm already active duty and an officer). I definitely understand it from a standardization stand point but it's frustrating at times! Doing what I can to make it go smoothly so nothing is holding me up though if/when they decide they want me 🙂
 
llamasarefuzzy said:
Do we have to have the medical stuff resolved before a conditional acceptance?
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"A conditional acceptance means that you are currently holding a place in the first-year class but have not met security and physical requirements."

From interview papers. 🙂 So for a conditional acceptance, the answer is no.
 
Also at 4 week tomorrow!

I actually got my DoDMERB clearance before the interview. Hoping for some pre-christmas good news.

Good luck to everyone in the same boat!
 
llamasarefuzzy said:
Do we have to have the medical stuff resolved before a conditional acceptance? Waiting for some medical records to go through
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to second what eqkc said you don't have to have your medical paperwork in before they consider a conditional acceptance for you. I was worried about that too like if any advantage afforded by interviewing early would be negated by not being medically cleared yet.

As an example I am still not medically cleared yet but I have been conditionally accepted, in fact I submitted my paperwork for waiver consideration after I received my conditional acceptance
so when I was conditionally accepted I was still/still am medically DQ'ed. In my case I was getting medical records from different offices in order to give them as much thorough documentation as possible which will hopefully benefit me for the waiver process so I guess if you're worried about getting medical paperwork in obviously get it in ASAP but don't sacrifice thoroughness by trying to get it in really early.
 
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