2014-2015 University of Arizona - Phoenix Application Thread

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I wasn't looking for a Q&A from the admissions office (this comes with quite a bias). Sure, 40% of the scholarly projects have been published, but how many of these land in decent journals? How many times were these articles referenced since being published? etc...

I am more interested in what other applicants are thinking...
 
BamaNicole said:
I will say that every school I interviewed at last year had MMIs as their format. Its not as trendy as you think.

I will say that I think that all my classmates have achieved beyond expectation. I've never been a part of such a dynamic group of truly amazing people in my life and I consider myself truly lucky to be counted among their ranks.

I was unsure about how I would have ranked the campus before my interview but after I left it was hands down my top choice by far.

As for the scholarly project, its up to you to decide what you do. That's the beauty of it. If you don't think what has been done is impressive......do something impressive then. You're not going to cure cancer but you can do a project you would be proud to call your own.

Remember....you're also in med school during this time....you're not working on your dissertation.
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You are a gem!


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Jpdoe34 said:
I wasn't looking for a Q&A from the admissions office (this comes with quite a bias). Sure, 40% of the scholarly projects have been published, but how many of these land in decent journals? How many times were these articles referenced since being published? etc...

I am more interested in what other applicants are thinking...
Click to expand...

I'm not admissions though I can give you a student's prospective. Publication is a big deal....the journal in which its published....not so much.

Like I had said....you're not curing cancer with your project. The project and detail you may be thinking with your project may be dissertation worthy but remember you have four years at medical school....you have four years to complete the project.

In reality....you only have two years where you have dedicated time to work on your project. The other two years you are on your rotations so your time is much more limited. That's why you're not seeing these huge, intricate projects as stunt scholarly projects. Its meant to help you own your research skills.....not become a nobel prize winner. So please take this into consideration.

Your time as med student is precious and you won't have time to do an intense project. Can you get involved with some awesome research? yeah you can. We TGen next door and there are mentors wanting to work with you.

UA Phoenix Med said:
You are a gem!


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Click to expand...

Awww shucks, Dr. Cunningham. Thank you!
 
I love the transparency at this school. Too bad I'll likely get rejected given the stats of the people who were recently turned down :/
 
BamaNicole said:
I'm not admissions though I can give you a student's prospective. Publication is a big deal....the journal in which its published....not so much.

Like I had said....you're not curing cancer with your project. The project and detail you may be thinking with your project may be dissertation worthy but remember you have four years at medical school....you have four years to complete the project.

In reality....you only have two years where you have dedicated time to work on your project. The other two years you are on your rotations so your time is much more limited. That's why you're not seeing these huge, intricate projects as stunt scholarly projects. Its meant to help you own your research skills.....not become a nobel prize winner. So please take this into consideration.

Your time as med student is precious and you won't have time to do an intense project. Can you get involved with some awesome research? yeah you can. We TGen next door and there are mentors wanting to work with you.



Awww shucks, Dr. Cunningham. Thank you!
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All medical students at all medical schools are under similar circumstances...I think the guy was comparing other schools to AZ-PH... and I don't even know what to say about the bolded above.
 
amad01 said:
All medical students at all medical schools are under similar circumstances...I think the guy was comparing other schools to AZ-PH... and I don't even know what to say about the bolded above.
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I've seen "scholarly projects" at other schools done by other medical students and they are quite similar to the scope of the ones at UA phoenix.

What I'm trying to get across....is that many curriculums you won't have all this time to do a super huge ground breaking project. Unless you are a MD-PhD student, you're not doing a dissertation worthy project.
 
Jpdoe34 said:
I wasn't looking for a Q&A from the admissions office (this comes with quite a bias). Sure, 40% of the scholarly projects have been published, but how many of these land in decent journals? How many times were these articles referenced since being published? etc...

I am more interested in what other applicants are thinking...
Click to expand...
As an applicant, I think the scholarly project component of UA-Phoenix Med is remarkably noteworthy! I honestly don't know of very many medical schools who REQUIRE a research project! The fact that their students are required to do a research project makes them more competitive when it comes to applying to residencies, I'm sure.
 
1) There's so much in medical diagnosis that is still questionable and unknown. Research serves to clarify diagnosis and help produce quality outcomes. Why wouldn't you want to be a part of medical discovery?

2) Research and publications will serve to help you in the future as an applicant for residency.

What's there to complain about?
 
I don't think he's complaining about having to do research, but rather that he's unimpressed with the quality of the mandatory research apparently.

I didn't realize all of this was publicly available though, I'm going to have to check it out. I've heard great things about UA-Phx from students and previous interviewees. Excited to interview here in a couple weeks!
 
When I visited the campus the posters from the research symposium were still up. The research topics were very dynamic quite a range of topics. Coming from a research background I like that there is a research requirement in the curriculum.

Submitting my secondary tomorrow. Really excited about this school!
 
I understand that he is unimpressed with the quality of the research but ultimately it is up to each individual as to how much in-depth research he/she wants to pursue. The medical school is there to provide you the resources; ultimately it is up to you to learn, apply and pursue goals that best fit your vision. I feel like the scholarly project is a great idea to encourage scholarly pursuit and if given the chance to attend this college, I would invest quite a bit of time in the research project simply because it is something I know I would enjoy a lot. Whether it turns out to be of quality that impresses others or not should not really be a concern.
 
It would be nice if there was more specificity regarding "under review". It would really make things even more transparent if there was a way to let applicants know of applications that are actually 'under review' vs. applications that are complete but have not been reviewed at least once yet.
 
King646 said:
I understand that he is unimpressed with the quality of the research but ultimately it is up to each individual as to how much in-depth research he/she wants to pursue. The medical school is there to provide you the resources; ultimately it is up to you to learn, apply and pursue goals that best fit your vision. I feel like the scholarly project is a great idea to encourage scholarly pursuit and if given the chance to attend this college, I would invest quite a bit of time in the research project simply because it is something I know I would enjoy a lot. Whether it turns out to be of quality that impresses others or not should not really be a concern.
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Let me be clear, I wholeheartedly agree. I plan on research being a key part of my time in med school. Like most things in life, its what you make of it. I was just clarifying what I thought he was saying, since it seemed there was some misinterpretation.
 
Hey everyone!

I submitted my primary application a few weeks ago and have not heard anything from the school. Most of my other schools have at least sent emails to let me know they are reviewing my primary. Did it take a long time for all of you to receive any correspondence from the school? If so, about how long? If something has been lost along the way, I want to make sure I get on it ASAP!

I'm so glad this forum is here! I love getting to read all the posts from prospective UA-Phx students and I'm glad to know other people are as excited as I am about this school!

Thanks!
 
1. A student's research stipend is very small here.
2. 8 million dollars sounds like a ton of money, but I can't really say much until I see a departmental breakdown of this funding. UofA Tucson brings in close to $100,000. Top 5 schools? Close to $500,000,000.

Any thoughts on OOS acceptance rates?
UA Phoenix Med - Of course 65% of OOS students stay in Arizona for their residency. How about after completing their residency?
 
Elynn said:
Hey everyone!

I submitted my primary application a few weeks ago and have not heard anything from the school. Most of my other schools have at least sent emails to let me know they are reviewing my primary. Did it take a long time for all of you to receive any correspondence from the school? If so, about how long? If something has been lost along the way, I want to make sure I get on it ASAP!

I'm so glad this forum is here! I love getting to read all the posts from prospective UA-Phx students and I'm glad to know other people are as excited as I am about this school!

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Check your spam folder. For some reason UA Phx secondaries have gone to spam folders for some, including me. Good luck! 🙂
 
I've been checking the spam folder every day, just in case. Did they send you an acknowledgement of receipt of your primary app?
 
Elynn said:
I've been checking the spam folder every day, just in case. Did they send you an acknowledgement of receipt of your primary app?
Click to expand...

I never received a receipt of my primary app last year but the secondary invitation did sit in my spam folder for two weeks 🙁

I believe Dr. Cunningham has said that if you haven't received a secondary but meet the minimum mcat requirements then you could contact the admissions office.
 
Hi Dr. Cunningham,

I received my secondary last week and am incredibly excited! I just have a question regarding the course requirements, particularly with respect to the 2 English courses. I received my undergrad BA at ASU West, and had taken many AP classes upon entering, but none were counted for official college credit. Despite this, I was still granted advance placement into an English course, requiring that I only take one English for my BA versus the typical two courses.

I have explained this all to the admissions office downtown and was informed that the AP credits must appear on my official transcripts to fulfill the requirements. I have been in communication with the office via email and was in the process of verifying if another course that I had taken would count for the remaining English credit. I had emailed the course syllabus on 9/2 upon request but have received no response yet. I had called 2 days ago to check the status and was told I would be contacted by a reviewer within a few days, but have not yet heard back.

Is this something you would be able to help me with? The rest of my secondary is complete and ready to be submitted once I resolve the academic portion of the application.

Thanks so much!
@UA Phoenix Med
 
WannaBeADoc_2019 said:
Hi Dr. Cunningham,

I received my secondary last week and am incredibly excited! I just have a question regarding the course requirements, particularly with respect to the 2 English courses. I received my undergrad BA at ASU West, and had taken many AP classes upon entering, but none were counted for official college credit. Despite this, I was still granted advance placement into an English course, requiring that I only take one English for my BA versus the typical two courses.

I have explained this all to the admissions office downtown and was informed that the AP credits must appear on my official transcripts to fulfill the requirements. I have been in communication with the office via email and was in the process of verifying if another course that I had taken would count for the remaining English credit. I had emailed the course syllabus on 9/2 upon request but have received no response yet. I had called 2 days ago to check the status and was told I would be contacted by a reviewer within a few days, but have not yet heard back.

Is this something you would be able to help me with? The rest of my secondary is complete and ready to be submitted once I resolve the academic portion of the application.

Thanks so much!
@UA Phoenix Med
Click to expand...

Feel free to call the office to check on the course substitution - we are preparing for our first interview day on Monday, which has pulled our attention is different directions in this shortened week.



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Jpdoe34 said:
1.
UA Phoenix Med - Of course 65% of OOS students stay in Arizona for their residency. How about after completing their residency?
Click to expand...

Our inaugural non-residents just entered residency.


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One more quick qualm. Why in the world are there so many unusual class requirements? I have a feeling an admissions officer with no medical or science background decided that this would somehow be a good idea...

I have voiced my concerns (and i'm not the only one with these concerns; I am continually receiving PMs from applicants agreeing.)
 
Jpdoe34 said:
One more quick qualm. Why in the world are there so many unusual class requirements? I have a feeling an admissions officer with no medical or science background decided that this would somehow be a good idea...

I have voiced my concerns (and i'm not the only one with these concerns; I am continually receiving PMs from applicants agreeing.)
Click to expand...


I have created a profile just to respond to the above poster. I would argue that you sound like a recent applicant who was very critical of the school once they got rejected. Your very first post prefaces your comments with doubts of matriculating if you get accepted to this school. It really sounds to me like you are trying to poison the well and I would request that you do everyone a favor, including yourself, and withdraw your application from consideration at this school. If you are truly having such severe doubts about matriculating here IF you were accepted then your time is probably better spent focusing on schools that you really want to go to. None of your comments so far are actually indicative of someone wanting to find out more about the school.... and your claim that other students are agreeing with you as being something merit worthy.... as anyone can see how many messages you have received (which is five by the way) is simply ridiculous. You would have to have a lot more than 5 neurotic pre-meds agreeing with you before that comment means anything. So in sum total... I think you are trying to create friction on the forum for no reason (other than that you may have been rejected recently and are rather bitter about it). Finally - creating a profile just to start asking the questions and posting like you have smacks of deceit. What are you really trying to do? As someone you may know recently said on a different forum under a different name... don't pet the sweaty stuff.
 
straighttothepoint said:
I have created a profile just to respond to the above poster. I would argue that you sound like a recent applicant who was very critical of the school once they got rejected. Your very first post prefaces your comments with doubts of matriculating if you get accepted to this school. It really sounds to me like you are trying to poison the well and I would request that you do everyone a favor, including yourself, and withdraw your application from consideration at this school. If you are truly having such severe doubts about matriculating here IF you were accepted then your time is probably better spent focusing on schools that you really want to go to. None of your comments so far are actually indicative of someone wanting to find out more about the school.... and your claim that other students are agreeing with you as being something merit worthy.... as anyone can see how many messages you have received (which is five by the way) is simply ridiculous. You would have to have a lot more than 5 neurotic pre-meds agreeing with you before that comment means anything. So in sum total... I think you are trying to create friction on the forum for no reason (other than that you may have been rejected recently and are rather bitter about it). Finally - creating a profile just to start asking the questions and posting like you have smacks of deceit. What are you really trying to do? As someone you may know recently said on a different forum under a different name... don't pet the sweaty stuff.
Click to expand...

I am an AZ resident who questions how the school is operating. I would love to live in Phoenix, but cannot decide on the school.

And how about trying to improve the school? We are the next MDs of America. So ask questions, especially if something seems off.

You are likely a student here trying to defend your school.

I'm signing off.
 
Jpdoe34 said:
I am an AZ resident who questions how the school is operating. I would love to live in Phoenix, but cannot decide on the school.

And how about trying to improve the school? We are the next MDs of America. So ask questions, especially if something seems off.

You are likely a student here trying to defend your school.

I'm signing off.
Click to expand...

This really isn't a appropriate place to bash a school either. If you have questions, by all means ask. You're welcomed to come with a laundry list of questions at an applicant visit day.

Please note though that there is a difference between asking questions and openly bashing a school. You're treading that line.
 
Jpdoe34 said:
I am an AZ resident who questions how the school is operating. I would love to live in Phoenix, but cannot decide on the school.

And how about trying to improve the school? We are the next MDs of America. So ask questions, especially if something seems off.

You are likely a student here trying to defend your school.

I'm signing off.
Click to expand...

Thanks hope2b62a ... I mean Jpdoe34.... I am definitely NOT a student but I am someone who is waiting for my secondary application to be reviewed and have my fingers crossed that I get an interview invite. What I am NOT is someone trying to be a whatever it is you are (insert word of choice) while claiming that I am one of the next MD's of America. Get an acceptance first and then try to change things... or become an admissions officer since you think so highly of your own opinion. Either way... please do sign off.
 
I don't mean to be. I'm sorry. I think it seems that way because my questions were being answered by UofA Phoenix employees or students.

Again, sorry if you feel like i'm bashing the school. That was never my intention.
 
Jpdoe34 said:
One more quick qualm. Why in the world are there so many unusual class requirements? I have a feeling an admissions officer with no medical or science background decided that this would somehow be a good idea...

I have voiced my concerns (and i'm not the only one with these concerns; I am continually receiving PMs from applicants agreeing.)
Click to expand...

I'd like to hear your reasoning on the matter.

I feel quite the opposite. This school seems to be more progressive in their expectations of students. There is more of an emphasis in upper-division biological courses. I'd argue biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and physiology are a much more relevant means to assess a student's aptitude in a medical school curriculum than organic chemistry.

The two behavioral/social science courses can be from public policy, healthcare administration, health psychology and the likes. Doctors work in policy and administration roles and the behavioral correlates of health are a large emphasis on this school's curriculum. They want to ensure matriculants are able to appreciate why these are important with regards to the practice of medicine. It may just be you have not reflected on that question as deeply as you should have?

The mathematics requirement are also more suited toward the practice of medicine. Statistics and research methods are arguably more relevant than calculus given how knowledge is acquired in medicine. A deeper understanding of research methods allow future physicians to separate strong from weak studies when evaluating articles.

Most other schools contain some sort of humanities requirement as well. Ethics is included as well. Perhaps you should have taken a bioethics or medical ethics course during undergrad if you intend on becoming a physician.

Their changes reflect the direction the AAMC is trying to go with the upcoming MCAT changes. They also reflect a means of addressing some of the problems we're facing in medicine today. Look at the top killers in a developed nation today. What do cardiovascular disease, COPD, and Metabolic syndrome have in common? Lifestyle choices. Do you think a further emphasis on behavioral science may be a useful tool/perspective when dealing with these problems? As future physicians, should we just accept noncompliance is out of our control? Or do we find ways to facilitate an improved outcome?

So, again, I'd like to hear your reasoning on the matter. Because I've come to a different conclusion. There is a reason this school is my #1.
 
Soviet Poland said:
I'd like to hear your reasoning on the matter.

I feel quite the opposite. This school seems to be more progressive in their expectations of students. There is more of an emphasis in upper-division biological courses. I'd argue biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and physiology are a much more relevant means to assess a student's aptitude in a medical school curriculum than organic chemistry.

The two behavioral/social science courses can be from public policy, healthcare administration, health psychology and the likes. Doctors work in policy and administration roles and the behavioral correlates of health are a large emphasis on this school's curriculum. They want to ensure matriculants are able to appreciate why these are important with regards to the practice of medicine. It may just be you have not reflected on that question as deeply as you should have?

The mathematics requirement are also more suited toward the practice of medicine. Statistics and research methods are arguably more relevant than calculus given how knowledge is acquired in medicine. A deeper understanding of research methods allow future physicians to separate strong from weak studies when evaluating articles.

Most other schools contain some sort of humanities requirement as well. Ethics is included as well. Perhaps you should have taken a bioethics or medical ethics course during undergrad if you intend on becoming a physician.

Their changes reflect the direction the AAMC is trying to go with the upcoming MCAT changes. They also reflect a means of addressing some of the problems we're facing in medicine today. Look at the top killers in a developed nation today. What do cardiovascular disease, COPD, and Metabolic syndrome have in common? Lifestyle choices. Do you think a further emphasis on behavioral science may be a useful tool/perspective when dealing with these problems? As future physicians, should we just accept noncompliance is out of our control? Or do we find ways to facilitate an improved outcome?

So, again, I'd like to hear your reasoning on the matter. Because I've come to a different conclusion. There is a reason this school is my #1.
Click to expand...

I agree with you, this is exactly the reason they are my #1 as well. I feel that much of the discontent about their requirements are primarily because this is not how many other schools are, but their mentality is exactly what healthcare needs. We need to be progressive thinkers if we can even hope to adequately address many of the rising health concerns directly relating to lifestyle, diet, and the like. I took multiple social/behavioral and ethics courses for this exact reason, because not only did I know that UA was looking for this type of knowledge, but also because I want to contribute to this healthcare knowledge forefront. So here's hoping I get accepted!
 
The waiting is killing me!! Haha. I'm IS non-trad. I'm really excited about the possibility of going here. It seems like a really progressive program with a lot of opportunities for students to participate in the community.

Would you recommend taking a campus tour before you get an II?
 
goldilocksPC said:
The waiting is killing me!! Haha. I'm IS non-trad. I'm really excited about the possibility of going here. It seems like a really progressive program with a lot of opportunities for students to participate in the community.

Would you recommend taking a campus tour before you get an II?
Click to expand...
How long have you been waiting? I just submitted my II this afternoon....hoping I don't end up waiting too long, the waiting is the worst part!
 
WannaBeADoc_2019 said:
How long have you been waiting? I just submitted my II this afternoon....hoping I don't end up waiting too long, the waiting is the worst part!
Click to expand...

My secondary app was complete 8/18. No II yet. I know it takes a while to process...
 
Hope your wait is not as long as mine so far. Complete 7/10. Haven't heard back so still under review. Just slightly restless because it is definitely my #1 choice, much like a lot of people here. Good luck to all those interviewing soon!
 
ball123 said:
Hey everyone! Do you guys know what is the time (I believe 4pm) and location of the STARS Meet n' Greet event tomorrow? For some reason, the pdf won't open on my computer and I have tried using multiple browsers. Strange because I have been able to open in the past. Thank you everyone 🙂
Click to expand...

Ahhh it won't open for me either. I am not sure where it is!
 
Can't open any of the PDFs except the schedule. If someone wanted to PM me the meet and greet and the parking info that would be awesome!
 
Announcement: due to highway closures and flooding, today's Applicant Visit Day is modified. You will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment with further instructions.


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Last edited:
That's crazy! Does that mean additional IIs won't go out today either?

UA Phoenix Med said:
Announcement: due to highway closures and flooding, today's Applicant Visit Day is modified. You will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment with further instructions.


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Click to expand...
 
UA Phoenix Med said:
Announcement: due to highway closures and flooding, today's Applicant Visit Day is modified. You will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment with further instructions.


Posted using SDN Mobile
Click to expand...
Can't imagine the stress level on campus today...good luck to all students intended for interviews today! Don't stress!
 
UA Phoenix Med said:
Announcement: due to highway closures and flooding, today's Applicant Visit Day is modified. You will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment with further instructions.


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Click to expand...

No contact from UA Phx admissions yet on re-scheduling interviews. Do you have any idea when we will be able to re-schedule?
 
That desert soil is no good at soaking up water. Ouch...

Forget interviews, time to hooky bob!
 
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