2014-2015 University of Colorado Application Thread

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Congrats! I wonder why some people are getting excepted by email and some by phone


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I think some people just missed the phone call. I got a voicemail message from one of the deans and then had to wait three days for the acceptance email.
 
Just got the email today, 2 days after my call. So for anybody who doesn't get anything right away, don't be worried!

Does anybody else's acceptance email say that their campus designation hasn't been selected yet? I really want to stay at anschutz...
 
Just got the email today, 2 days after my call. So for anybody who doesn't get anything right away, don't be worried!

Does anybody else's acceptance email say that their campus designation hasn't been selected yet? I really want to stay at anschutz...

Where did it say that for you? I don't see anything like that in my email.
 
"... your final designation of site has not been determined. You have indicated that you would be willing to be assigned either to the Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver or to the Colorado Springs Branch. "
 
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"Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you of your admission to the University of Colorado School of Medicine MD Program. The Admissions Committee is offering you a place in the freshman class matriculating in August 2015; however your final designation of site has not been determined. You have indicated that you would be willing to be assigned either to the Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver or to the Colorado Springs Branch. "
Oh man seeing those words makes me salivate a little! THE SILENCE IS SO PAINFUL! Happy for you though!
 
@DirkN I didn't have anything in my email about campus assignment either!
 
"... your final designation of site has not been determined. You have indicated that you would be willing to be assigned either to the Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver or to the Colorado Springs Branch. "
I had that but I also specified that I would prefer the Springs branch. But don't worry. Last year they had more interest in that branch than they could satisfy.
 
I had that but I also specified that I would prefer the Springs branch. But don't worry. Last year they had more interest in that branch than they could satisfy.

Thanks that's what I thought! I certainly wouldn't be upset attending the springs branch, I just connected with Anschutz more. What made you want the springs branch?
 
Thanks that's what I thought! I certainly wouldn't be upset attending the springs branch, I just connected with Anschutz more. What made you want the springs branch?
I like the idea of a smaller class size, longitudinal clinicals, and the fact that there aren't residents there. Plus Colorado Springs is a beautiful place!
 
I like the idea of a smaller class size, longitudinal clinicals, and the fact that there aren't residents there. Plus Colorado Springs is a beautiful place!

That's what I liked about it too. Let's hope for the best! 🙂
 
For those people that are currently at the school, would you care to comment on what you found to be the strengths, weaknesses and most unique aspects of the program?
I'll toss in my .02 here.

Frankly, I think the school has a lot of strengths. First, the quality of instruction is great. The lecturers are clear and organized and really know their fields. Plus, they're very accessible and responsive to questions and emails (sometimes weeks after they lectured).

Culture: The student body is makes for a very collaborative learning environment, too. There's not a lot of competition between the students. In fact, there is a TON of sharing of notes and study resources. The culture of the class is really open and helpful, and a lot of fun to be around.

Research: The campus has nearly endless research opportunities, as well. If you're interested in doing any sort of research, you can probably find a lab or mentor with projects in your field. Plus, the research track offers stipends for summer research if you want to pursue it further.

Clinical rotations: CU offers traditional, block-style clinical rotations or two separate longitudinal tracks for third year rotations. You can select which one you want to do, though it sounds like the longitudinal tracks (LIC) are both fairly competitive. The Colorado Springs branch has 24 seats and will be entirely LIC, and I believe the Denver Health LIC has about 8 seats this year. I'm not sure if they're expanding that, but it sounds like the results have been uniformly positive.

National reputation: CU is a state funded public school, but it has a strong national reputation. Look through the match list: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/c.../matchday2014/Documents/2014 MatchResults.pdf CU graduates students into many of the most competitive residencies in the country. Put in the work (and don't even kid yourself, its more work than you've ever done) and you can really go anywhere you choose after
graduating from CU.

Campus: The Anschutz campus is an unbelievable place to live and study. University Hospital, Childrens Hospital, all of the research centers and academic buildings. It's really a beautiful and inspiring place to be.


Weaknesses:
I can't really say too much about weaknesses at the school. I'm an MS1, so I haven't been here long enough to see what the limitations really are. I can gripe with the best of them, but what does that really tell you besides what I perceive to be less than perfect? Most of the problems that I've encountered have turned out to be misunderstandings on my own part, so I won't subject you to that.

I will say that there are some growing pains with the IT systems we use. There are several outside websites that we use for various parts of the curriculum and it can be a pain to keep them all straight. Also, the program we use for nearly all of the academics takes some time to orient and can be really confusing for a while. (It doesn't sound like much to complain about, but the stress can really pile on easily when you're in the midst of med school.) The school knows this, and they're working to get things straightened out for next year's class. That's really the limit of my legitimate complaints.


Unique aspects:
It's tough to say what the unique aspects are, since I'll never know what it's like to attend another school for comparison. I like the preceptorship program that sets each student up with a local physician to work with for all the years we're here. This program gets us working in a clinic or hospital with actual patients within three months of starting school, and you can gain as much experience as you want. Problem Based Learning groups are also a great feature, and the program is really well run. We get to work through a case sample by independently setting learning objectives to research and report on. There are lots of opportunities to follow ideas "down the rabbit hole."

I think that about covers it for me, though it may be more than .02 worth. I hope its helpful. If you have more specific questions I'll try to check in here periodically and answer them. Best of luck!!
 
Sorry if it's been stated earlier in this thread, I tried reading a few pages and couldn't find anything...

Just got an II today scheduled for 2/27. Is it worth requesting a new date to try and get one earlier?... or is it pretty likely I'll only be scheduled later?
 
Sorry if it's been stated earlier in this thread, I tried reading a few pages and couldn't find anything...

Just got an II today scheduled for 2/27. Is it worth requesting a new date to try and get one earlier?... or is it pretty likely I'll only be scheduled later?

Unless you can't make that date, I wouldn't worry about rescheduling it. The majority of acceptances will not be offered until the very end of the interview season, so it does not make much of a difference when you interview. Several of my classmates interviewed in the last few sessions, and they're here right along with those who interviewed at the first session. It doesn't make a difference, regardless of what you read on some of these forums. Good luck!
 
Unless you can't make that date, I wouldn't worry about rescheduling it. The majority of acceptances will not be offered until the very end of the interview season, so it does not make much of a difference when you interview. Several of my classmates interviewed in the last few sessions, and they're here right along with those who interviewed at the first session. It doesn't make a difference, regardless of what you read on some of these forums. Good luck!

Ok good to know, thanks for the reply!
 
positive_attitude_motivational_poster_by_tkdshadowstamps-d5qo6f7.jpg
 
Do you honestly think that all remaining interviews will got to "late" submitters?
No, but the fact that UC-Denver doesn't send out pre-interview rejections and it's been 4 months since I've submitted my app doesn't make me too optimistic about my prospects.
 
No, but the fact that UC-Denver doesn't send out pre-interview rejections and it's been 4 months since I've submitted my app doesn't make me too optimistic about my prospects.
You never know though. You don't know how they operate. Like I said before, there is no reason to assume rejection until you have one in hand.
 
I can attest that there is no way to know how admissions will go. I applied as an in state with a strong application for any school. I applied on August 1, and got an interview invite in January for February. My interviewers told me that they were looking forward to seeing me in the class (that it was a done deal). I did not get an acceptance until July off of the high waitlist, and only received an update that I was still not rejected... in June. There is no rhyme or reason to how it works, it is a mixture of academics, risk assessment, future steering, and of course finances. Try not to agonize, and take each day as it comes. The fact is, you are now in the admission process, which in itself is an awesome achievement. If you are competitive, the odds are that you are going to go to medical school somewhere. That is really all that matters.

A side note on non-traditional students. About 90% of the MS1 class were science majors. There are a few music people, a couple of english, a few psychology people, but almost everyone was some flavor of biology. There is a lot of personality though.
 
I can attest that there is no way to know how admissions will go. I applied as an in state with a strong application for any school. I applied on August 1, and got an interview invite in January for February. My interviewers told me that they were looking forward to seeing me in the class (that it was a done deal). I did not get an acceptance until July off of the high waitlist, and only received an update that I was still not rejected... in June. There is no rhyme or reason to how it works, it is a mixture of academics, risk assessment, future steering, and of course finances. Try not to agonize, and take each day as it comes. The fact is, you are now in the admission process, which in itself is an awesome achievement. If you are competitive, the odds are that you are going to go to medical school somewhere. That is really all that matters.

A side note on non-traditional students. About 90% of the MS1 class were science majors. There are a few music people, a couple of english, a few psychology people, but almost everyone was some flavor of biology. There is a lot of personality though.


The most sincere and comforting advice I have heard so far. Thank you
 
Will I need a short wool peacoat or a longer wool coat this time of year? Sorry for the weird question. I don't know what to wear in cold weather.
Looks like weather is in the 50's and 60's from online weather sources. I don't know if you consider that warm or cold. I would wear a light peacoat but this is decently warm for winter IMO.
 
Will I need a short wool peacoat or a longer wool coat this time of year? Sorry for the weird question. I don't know what to wear in cold weather.
Looks like weather is in the 50's and 60's from online weather sources. I don't know if you consider that warm or cold. I would wear a light peacoat but this is decently warm for winter IMO.
So Colorado weather is very crazy. It can fluctuate between 50-60 and close to zero within a day during the winter. That said, the short one should be fine!
 
I'm back in town for Christmas break and think I will do second look now to avoid having to buy a plane ticket in March. Does anyone have suggestions for things i should check out?
 
Has anyone gotten an interview request recently? I got one last year on Dec. 11th and am a reapplicant. I was hoping to hear something sooner as I submitted my app way earlier this year and have been doing research for the Director of the Oral and Craniofacial research dept at CU. Average GPA, above average DAT, tons of dental experience and community service. Ugh!!!!
 
Has anyone gotten an interview request recently? I got one last year on Dec. 11th and am a reapplicant. I was hoping to hear something sooner as I submitted my app way earlier this year and have been doing research for the Director of the Oral and Craniofacial research dept at CU. Average GPA, above average DAT, tons of dental experience and community service. Ugh!!!!

Probably has something to do with not having an MCAT score if you ask me, considering its a medical school.

In all seriousness though, wrong forum. Thanks for providing a laugh though
 
Oh hah
Probably has something to do with not having an MCAT score if you ask me, considering its a medical school.

In all seriousness though, wrong forum. Thanks for providing a laugh though[/QUOTE
Probably has something to do with not having an MCAT score if you ask me, considering its a medical school.

In all seriousness though, wrong forum. Thanks for providing a laugh though

Oh woops! Dumb mobile version.
 
I'm back in town for Christmas break and think I will do second look now to avoid having to buy a plane ticket in March. Does anyone have suggestions for things i should check out?

I'd say that depends on what you're interested in. My second look day consisted of more campus tours and some presentations that would only be available that day. It seemed mostly targeted towards students that were still on the fence, and I get the impression that you're pretty well sold on Colorado. If that's not the case, let us know what you're looking for and considering, and maybe the current students who come around here can give you more specific info.
 
Despite living here, every time I get a call from an unknown Colorado number my stomach drops.
Yup, ditto. Though I will say, now that I am starting month 3 of waiting I have become considerably less anxious. I think this whole application season has just saturated and desensitized all my anxiety receptors in my brain.. I still can't wait to hear back but it hasn't been as draining that last few weeks.
 
Ok, dumb question:
How useless would it be to call the admissions office and just ask for up dates on my application. (Haven't gotten a II yet, so little concerned). Knee jerk reaction says, "avoid". Correct in this assumption? (There's not shrugging emoticon? Really? LOL)
 
Ok, dumb question:
How useless would it be to call the admissions office and just ask for up dates on my application. (Haven't gotten a II yet, so little concerned). Knee jerk reaction says, "avoid". Correct in this assumption? (There's not shrugging emoticon? Really? LOL)
They will probably tell you that the admissions process extends through the spring and to be patient. However, I am not sure.
 
Ok, dumb question:
How useless would it be to call the admissions office and just ask for up dates on my application. (Haven't gotten a II yet, so little concerned). Knee jerk reaction says, "avoid". Correct in this assumption? (There's not shrugging emoticon? Really? LOL)
I emailed that question about a month ago and got this response:

"We have over 6500 applications to process this year, so no status change is fairly normal for a large amount of applicants. Thanks for inquiring and have a nice day." 🙁
 
I emailed that question about a month ago and got this response:

"We have over 6500 applications to process this year, so no status change is fairly normal for a large amount of applicants. Thanks for inquiring and have a nice day." 🙁
Well, they did say thank you so that's good. Also, curious, when were you complete and did you hear back since you wrote that?
 
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