2014-2015 University of Miami (Miller) Application Thread

[Ace Khalifa]

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Alternate listed.... again...

Sorry to hear about the alternate list result. I had my interview 2 weeks ago, and I also had a PhD interview me when I have no research experience on my application. I'm sorry to hear that you got grilled instead of having a conversation. I was questioned about my lack of research as well, but I don't think he grilled me, more like just clarification. I wish you the best going forward, and your info on how the alternate list actually works with the acceptance dates gives me hope too. Good luck!

 

[AMPK]

Miller is my top choice, truly loved the school. I just wished that they gave us an approximate standing on the alternate list so we can have realistic hopes. I understand that the list will change during the cycle. However on the other hand, knowing that you are at the bottom of this list from the beginning would definitely be helpful so you can focus on alternative options. More information and transparency is definitely better in this case. I just hope that some of us placed on the alternate list earlier in the cycle get chosen in some of the upcoming acceptance dates (not even sure if it even works this way). I am definitely keeping hope alive for now since this is my top choice.

On another note, I was very surprised to find out that I was AL'd as I had a decent LizzyM~76, good EC's and research and the interview went well too. Who should I contact to ask about the shortfalling on my application that landed me in the alternate list?

Good luck to the rest of the alternate listers.

 

[azngujuonfire]

Miller is my top choice, truly loved the school. I just wished that they gave us an approximate standing on the alternate list so we can have realistic hopes. I understand that the list will change during the cycle. However on the other hand, knowing that you are at the bottom of this list from the beginning would definitely be helpful so you can focus on alternative options. More information and transparency is definitely better in this case. I just hope that some of us placed on the alternate list earlier in the cycle get chosen in some of the upcoming acceptance dates (not even sure if it even works this way). I am definitely keeping hope alive for now since this is my top choice.

On another note, I was very surprised to find out that I was AL'd as I had a decent LizzyM~76, good EC's and research and the interview went well too. Who should I contact to ask about the shortfalling on my application that landed me in the alternate list?

Good luck to the rest of the alternate listers.

My top choice as well, same LizzyM score, same result haha. I don't think they would share that kind of feedback with you until the end of the cycle, unfortunately. You may be able to get a relative position on the wait list (near the top, middle or bottom) via email inquiry. No guarantee, but worth a try.

 

[mulberry787]

deleted

 

[HUB]

Called today and I'm still under review. Anyone know the chances of an II this late in the game?

 

[azngujuonfire]

Called today and I'm still under review. Anyone know the chances of an II this late in the game?

IIs still go out. Probably through end of feb

 

[DrZeke]

Called today and I'm still under review. Anyone know the chances of an II this late in the game?

You can still get one but pretty soon you will be interviewing for a spot on the alternate list. If you are scored high you still have a good chance of getting in off the wait list but at a certain point in the year they fill the class and no more outright acceptances are given.

 

[roqk08]

Good morning all,

I just wanted to know what some of your thoughts were on a few things I'm considering about UMMSM. I was admitted to their MD/MPH program, and I am super stoked about it; but the three things holding me back are 1) No true pass/fail 2) Cost of living 3) Older facilities (no simulation center, older testing methods--scantron, etc.) with "1" being the most concerning. I have been admitted to a couple of other schools, and I just want to make sure that I make the right career move based on what . I realize that my problem is a good one to have, but any opinions are welcome and appreciated. Just for context* I am leaning towards pursuing primary care, am a native to South Florida, and speak Spanish (from my studies--I want to perfect my fluency so that I can use it with my future patients).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Flintwire]

1) No true pass/fail [...] with "1" being the most concerning.

Just my two cents, but this should not be what you are most concerned about.

While pass/fail is a definite plus (it removes a lot of stress, decreases competition, etc. etc.), there are so many more important things to consider when choosing a medical school (for example, the type and amount of clinical experience you'll get). Anyone who is a strong enough student to have been accepted into multiple medical schools will probably not have a huge problem with a regular grading system 🙂.

Not saying pass/fail is something to completely ignore, but imho it should be thought of as a small perk rather than the one thing you're most concerned about.

 

[amad01]

Just my two cents, but this should not be what you are most concerned about.

While pass/fail is a definite plus (it removes a lot of stress, decreases competition, etc. etc.), there are so many more important things to consider when choosing a medical school (for example, the type and amount of clinical experience you'll get). Anyone who is a strong enough student to have been accepted into multiple medical schools will probably not have a huge problem with a regular grading system 🙂.

Not saying pass/fail is something to completely ignore, but imho it should be thought of as a small perk rather than the one thing you're most concerned about.

I agree. I feel like most of us will look back and laugh at what we thought was important when choosing a medical school

 

[DrZeke]

Just my two cents, but this should not be what you are most concerned about.

While pass/fail is a definite plus (it removes a lot of stress, decreases competition, etc. etc.), there are so many more important things to consider when choosing a medical school (for example, the type and amount of clinical experience you'll get). Anyone who is a strong enough student to have been accepted into multiple medical schools will probably not have a huge problem with a regular grading system 🙂.

Not saying pass/fail is something to completely ignore, but imho it should be thought of as a small perk rather than the one thing you're most concerned about.

You will go to medical school and everyone else with you comes from the right of the bell curve. That means some of you will be to the left of the bell curve. Most of this is because of who puts in the most work and not because of some hidden learning disability that you didn't know you had. Although rare, some people do find themselves in that position and admitting you need help is always the first step. Anyways...

Although UM is not pass/fail, most schools internally rank you even if they are pass fail. You usually find that out later on... In the end they use that information to write your deans letter. I found our grading system was actually not as easy to interpret on the interview trail and it didn't really matter. If you go somewhere and if they use the top 10% to give out AOA, they obviously rank you. Pass/fail is nice, and maybe it can mask the competition, but it's always still there. Students at UM help each other out and the classes tend to have a collegial attitude. Medicine can be a cut-throat kind of sport if you let yourself be that person, pass/fail or not. For those reasons, I don't think pass/fail should be a concern for choosing a med school.

 

[DrZeke]

Good morning all,

I just wanted to know what some of your thoughts were on a few things I'm considering about UMMSM. I was admitted to their MD/MPH program, and I am super stoked about it; but the three things holding me back are 1) No true pass/fail 2) Cost of living 3) Older facilities (no simulation center, older testing methods--scantron, etc.) with "1" being the most concerning. I have been admitted to a couple of other schools, and I just want to make sure that I make the right career move based on what . I realize that my problem is a good one to have, but any opinions are welcome and appreciated. Just for context* I am leaning towards pursuing primary care, am a native to South Florida, and speak Spanish (from my studies--I want to perfect my fluency so that I can use it with my future patients).

Thanks in advance!

In terms of old facilities... Also not that concerning. They have a simulator center in the Miami campus. I'm unsure of the northern campus.

If speaking and perfecting Spanish is a priority to you, Miami is probably the place to be. You mention the mph program, so I might inquire more more about whether the patients in Palm beach will be speaking Spanish...

 

[roqk08]

Just my two cents, but this should not be what you are most concerned about.

While pass/fail is a definite plus (it removes a lot of stress, decreases competition, etc. etc.), there are so many more important things to consider when choosing a medical school (for example, the type and amount of clinical experience you'll get). Anyone who is a strong enough student to have been accepted into multiple medical schools will probably not have a huge problem with a regular grading system 🙂.

Not saying pass/fail is something to completely ignore, but imho it should be thought of as a small perk rather than the one thing you're most concerned about.

Thank you for your reply. I know that there are a lot of things to consider...I think that that's part of the reason why I am having such a hard time deciding between UM and one of my other schools. I feel like it would be a much easier decision if UM were true pass/fail, because the other school I'm looking at is. I appreciate the support and encouragement! I had not thought of it that way. Definitely worth considering, too 🙂.

 

[roqk08]

You will go to medical school and everyone else with you comes from the right of the bell curve. That means some of you will be to the left of the bell curve. Most of this is because of who puts in the most work and not because of some hidden learning disability that you didn't know you had. Although rare, some people do find themselves in that position and admitting you need help is always the first step. Anyways...

Although UM is not pass/fail, most schools internally rank you even if they are pass fail. You usually find that out later on... In the end they use that information to write your deans letter. I found our grading system was actually not as easy to interpret on the interview trail and it didn't really matter. If you go somewhere and if they use the top 10% to give out AOA, they obviously rank you. Pass/fail is nice, and maybe it can mask the competition, but it's always still there. Students at UM help each other out and the classes tend to have a collegial attitude. Medicine can be a cut-throat kind of sport if you let yourself be that person, pass/fail or not. For those reasons, I don't think pass/fail should be a concern for choosing a med school.

I hear you. One of the other schools I'm looking at is true pass/fail, so they don't keep an internal rank at all. I just want to make sure that I am happy wherever I go--and that I do all that I can to preserve my mental lol. I appreciate your help 🙂. Thanks a lot!

 

[roqk08]

In terms of old facilities... Also not that concerning. They have a simulator center in the Miami campus. I'm unsure of the northern campus.

If speaking and perfecting Spanish is a priority to you, Miami is probably the place to be. You mention the mph program, so I might inquire more more about whether the patients in Palm beach will be speaking Spanish...

Thanks for getting back to me! I should clarify* while UM has a simulation center, I don't believe that the sessions are audio/video recorded, which seems to be the overreaching norm at my other schools. I just feel like having access to that tool would give me a bit of a leg up when prepping for Step, as that is included on the exam. Thanks for your help though. I really appreciate it 🙂.

 

[DrZeke]

Thanks for getting back to me! I should clarify* while UM has a simulation center, I don't believe that the sessions are audio/video recorded, which seems to be the overreaching norm at my other schools. I just feel like having access to that tool would give me a bit of a leg up when prepping for Step, as that is included on the exam. Thanks for your help though. I really appreciate it 🙂.

Which Step includes that?

 

[DrZeke]

Thanks for getting back to me! I should clarify* while UM has a simulation center, I don't believe that the sessions are audio/video recorded, which seems to be the overreaching norm at my other schools. I just feel like having access to that tool would give me a bit of a leg up when prepping for Step, as that is included on the exam. Thanks for your help though. I really appreciate it 🙂.

All mock patient encounters and simulations not involving dolls are recorded.

 

[BioEngMD]

I hear you. One of the other schools I'm looking at is true pass/fail, so they don't keep an internal rank at all. I just want to make sure that I am happy wherever I go--and that I do all that I can to preserve my mental lol. I appreciate your help 🙂. Thanks a lot!

From a different perspective, I've heard that true pass/fail can be somewhat of a drawback for residency applications if you're not at a top 10-20 school. I was told that if you're coming from an elite program then they will assume that you're an amazing student, but if not then true pass/fail can be detrimental because you don't have as much of an opportunity to separate yourself as a top student as you would at a school that keeps internal rankings for letters of recommendation and other honors. I guess it also depends on what you're trying to specialize in as far as if thats a major concern.

 

[theredbird]

Have people been hearing back about scholarships?

i emailed the dean about this; we will find out about financial aid/scholarships in april.

 

[amad01]

is there any type of housing list?

 

[azngujuonfire]

is there any type of housing list?

This is from the undergraduate website, if it helps any
http://www.miami.edu/sa/index.php/residential_life/off_campus/off-campus_apartment_complex_listings/

 

[Flintwire]

i emailed the dean about this; we will find out about financial aid/scholarships in april.

Thanks for taking the initiative on that 🙂

So nobody has gotten any scholarships as of right now? Does that mean Miami doesn't disburse scholarships and other aid on a "first come first served" basis? If so, that's really good for those of us who interviewed later in the cycle ...

 

[amad01]

This is from the undergraduate website, if it helps any
http://www.miami.edu/sa/index.php/residential_life/off_campus/off-campus_apartment_complex_listings/

Thanks this is sweet... finding a place is going to be difficult

 

[Ace Khalifa]

Thanks this is sweet... finding a place is going to be difficult

I remember being told on interview day that most 1st and 2nd year students live in one specific apartment complex in Brickell. Our tour guides showed us the exact building because we visited the fitness center and could see the building from the window (it was a really nice view too!).

 

[BioEngMD]

I remember being told on interview day that most 1st and 2nd year students live in one specific apartment complex in Brickell. Our tour guides showed us the exact building because we visited the fitness center and could see the building from the window (it was a really nice view too!).

Edit: the building is called Axis.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

.

What were you going to tell me?

 

[BioEngMD]

What were you going to tell me?

Edit: It's called Axis.

 

[amad01]

I remember being told on interview day that most 1st and 2nd year students live in one specific apartment complex in Brickell. Our tour guides showed us the exact building because we visited the fitness center and could see the building from the window (it was a really nice view too!).

Axis looks nice. This is where most students live? $2k+ for all the available ones. I don't see how they do it....

 

[BioEngMD]

Axis looks nice. This is where most students live? $2k+ for all the available ones. I don't see how they do it....

On interview day I'm pretty sure they said it averages around $1300 per month.

 

[amad01]

On interview day I'm pretty sure they said it averages around $1300 per month.

Yeah I think that's for the splitting the cost of one unit. I'm married so will have to find my own... just gotta keep searchin over the spring for a gem. $24k+/yr on rent would be hard to stomach

 

[DrZeke]

Axis looks nice. This is where most students live? $2k+ for all the available ones. I don't see how they do it....

Parents....

 

[hopefulmd4]

So my online status has had this message for at least a week and I haven't heard anything...should I consider this a silent rejection?

Your Application has been reviewed by the Admissions Committee at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Applicants will be invited to interview based upon their evaluation score from the Admissions Committee review. You will be contacted by email if you are selected for an interview. Interview invitations are extended between August and March.

 

[amad01]

So my online status has had this message for at least a week and I haven't heard anything...should I consider this a silent rejection?

Your Application has been reviewed by the Admissions Committee at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Applicants will be invited to interview based upon their evaluation score from the Admissions Committee review. You will be contacted by email if you are selected for an interview. Interview invitations are extended between August and March.

I had that status for like a month... then later interviewed and was accepted. You are probably on a big list and if your score is high enough they will invite you.

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

My portal isn't even working. Anybody else having the same problem? It won't let me login.

 

[BioEngMD]

My portal isn't even working. Anybody else having the same problem? It won't let me login.

They may be updating your status. On the Monday of the week I heard back I couldn't log into my portal for most of the day and when it came back up my status had changed to final decision. N=1 though.

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

They may be updating your status. On the Monday of the week I heard back I couldn't log into my portal for most of the day and when it came back up my status had changed to final decision. N=1 though.

I haven't interviewed there though. Does this mean I'm probably getting rejected?

 

[BioEngMD]

I haven't interviewed there though. Does this mean I'm probably getting rejected?

I wouldn't jump to that conclusion, it could be any kind of update (application scored, II, etc.)

 

[sundancing]

I haven't interviewed there though. Does this mean I'm probably getting rejected?

FWIW, I've been unable to log into the portal on several occasions and I haven't been interviewed or rejected. I think their portal is just glitchy.

 

[ildjn3883]

FWIW, I've been unable to log into the portal on several occasions and I haven't been interviewed or rejected. I think their portal is just glitchy.

I had problems logging in when I tried using the link to view my status from the "thank you for submitting" email - it was the hyperlink for 2014 instead of 2015. When I changed it to https://acp2015.mededu.miami.edu/access_applicant_status I was able to log in without issue. Not sure if this is the problem you're having though.

 

[womanofscience]

Has anyone received any official information re second look?

 

[theredbird]

Thanks for taking the initiative on that 🙂

So nobody has gotten any scholarships as of right now? Does that mean Miami doesn't disburse scholarships and other aid on a "first come first served" basis? If so, that's really good for those of us who interviewed later in the cycle ...

flint, i remember there being some discussion about filling out an app for financial aid during the info session (interview day). i'm going to dig through my notes and see what they had to say tonight.

at the very least, i know that we can start filling out the FAFSA.

 

[IKaman_IGasol_IConquered]

II yesterday. I thought I heard someone say interviews happening now are for waitlist. Is this actually true?

 

[claduva94]

II yesterday. I thought I heard someone say interviews happening now are for waitlist. Is this actually true?

No

 

[Flintwire]

Has anyone received any official information re second look?

Just called: April 10th

They said they're going to be sending out an official email soon.

 

[womanofscience]

Just called: April 10th

They said they're going to be sending out an official email soon.

Ahh, thank you! The date was announced on the facebook group and that we'd receive an email soon, but it's been several weeks. I just want to start planning this trip!

 

[Flintwire]

Ahh, thank you! The date was announced on the facebook group and that we'd receive an email soon, but it's been several weeks. I just want to start planning this trip!

I don't think I'll be able to make it to second look 🙁. Ugh I'm so bummed.

 

[amad01]

Ahh, thank you! The date was announced on the facebook group and that we'd receive an email soon, but it's been several weeks. I just want to start planning this trip!

what is the fb group?

 

[womanofscience]

what is the fb group?

It's a secret group and I think the class ambassadors of 2018 will email you about the details. You will have to "friend" them in order to be added!

 

[womanofscience]

I don't think I'll be able to make it to second look 🙁. Ugh I'm so bummed.

Oh no! If you don't end up making it (and if I go!), I will try to pass along important information!

 

[NARS1006]

For people that have gotten in so far, would you mind posting or pm-ing me your stats? My status has been "under review" since August now so I'm pretty bummed/scared. Do I even have a chance at this point?