2014-2015 University of Minnesota Application Thread

[tzarafan]

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Thanks everyone!

 

[tzarafan]

Has anyone heard anything that completed early November?

For everyone else, about how long did it take after secondaries to get interview invites or rejections? Thanks

I was complete 8/29 and received a II invitation two months after.

 

[sunshine_45]

stats. IS or OOS?

28/4.0. Wasn't even expecting an interview with the poor MCAT score. But I guess they don't just blindly go by a single statistic (thankfully!). I had good ECs and the interviews went quite okI think. Hope that helps! Good luck!

 

[sunshine_45]

28/4.0. Wasn't even expecting an interview with the poor MCAT score. But I guess they don't just blindly go by a single statistic (thankfully!). I had good ECs and the interviews went quite okI think. Hope that helps! Good luck!

Oh, and i'm IS.

 

[Cascade22]

So I sent an email with my preferred dates for the interview to the email listed 2 days ago and still haven't received a response. Is this normal?

 

[BradyC]

Yes, very normal.

 

[Member373737]

So I sent an email with my preferred dates for the interview to the email listed 2 days ago and still haven't received a response. Is this normal?

It took them 9 days to get back to me. This is normal.

 

[Jumanji2015]

Interviewed today and it was great. The school tour was a highlight. I am extremely impressed with the support resources here. Anyone else interview today?

 

[blazecl]

I was just going to ask for turnaround time on the interview offers. I sent in my response a few days ago and nothing quite yet (as referenced above). For those who have requested choices-do you normally get choice 1? I'm flying internationally and have to arrange me flight soon. Thanks! For those interested-I sent in my AMCAS in June (verified 6/23), didn't get a secondary until early September, and didn't get an II offer until this week. Good luck!

 

[Member373737]

I was just going to ask for turnaround time on the interview offers. I sent in my response a few days ago and nothing quite yet (as referenced above). For those who have requested choices-do you normally get choice 1? I'm flying internationally and have to arrange me flight soon. Thanks! For those interested-I sent in my AMCAS in June (verified 6/23), didn't get a secondary until early September, and didn't get an II offer until this week. Good luck!

For what it's worth, I did not get my first choice of interview date. I even chose the later date that they offered. I'm not sure if they would concede you more flexibility if you had to schedule a flight since you're an international interviewee. I, personally, would call admissions. Good luck!

 

[tzarafan]

Interviewed today and it was great. The school tour was a highlight. I am extremely impressed with the support resources here. Anyone else interview today?

Yes I was there last Friday as well. I agree the campus was great and the tour was the highlight of the day.

 

[Jumanji2015]

For what it's worth, I did not get my first choice of interview date. I even chose the later date that they offered. I'm not sure if they would concede you more flexibility if you had to schedule a flight since you're an international interviewee. I, personally, would call admissions. Good luck!

I didn't receive my preference either. And as it turned out I had to reschedule anyway because of

Yes I was there last Friday as well. I agree the campus was great and the tour was the highlight of the day.

pm me which person you were at the interview. Just curious.

 

[SowonP]

I've been accepted today!!!!!!! I was in the library cramming for finals, and then wonderful Dean Patel called.
I now cannot concentrate on my finals...😱
I interviewed 10/31 (Halloween).

 

[Jumanji2015]

I've been accepted today!!!!!!! I was in the library cramming for finals, and then wonderful Dean Patel called.
I now cannot concentrate on my finals...😱
I interviewed 10/31 (Halloween).

Congrats and best of luck on your finals. I interviewed this past Friday and am hoping to hear the same news next month.

 

[Jumanji2015]

Question for those in the know: now that I have completed my interview and returned home to the waiting game, besides sending thank you notes to my interviewers is there any act of proper etiquette or any sort of letter of interest that I should send that would be beneficial to my admissions chances? Thanks

 

[Breezy22]

It's been 9 days since I sent in my interview preferences for January.. Has anyone else heard confirmation yet from II around that time?

 

[deleted628330]

Question for those in the know: now that I have completed my interview and returned home to the waiting game, besides sending thank you notes to my interviewers is there any act of proper etiquette or any sort of letter of interest that I should send that would be beneficial to my admissions chances? Thanks

That's exactly what I did post-interview and was accepted! 🙂

 

[Jumanji2015]

That's exactly what I did post-interview and was accepted! 🙂

Awesome. So where do I direct my LOI?

 

[SowonP]

Question for those in the know: now that I have completed my interview and returned home to the waiting game, besides sending thank you notes to my interviewers is there any act of proper etiquette or any sort of letter of interest that I should send that would be beneficial to my admissions chances? Thanks

I thought they said the U won't accept any additional documents or information post interview...I didn't send anything besides thank you notes to my interviewers.

 

[carol8990]

It's been 9 days since I sent in my interview preferences for January.. Has anyone else heard confirmation yet from II around that time?

It's been that long for me too! I called yesterday and was told the dates would be sent to us at the end of the week 🙂

 

[Breezy22]

It's been that long for me too! I called yesterday and was told the dates would be sent to us at the end of the week 🙂

Awesome thanks!!

 

[BabyStepsToTheElevator]

Hello! I officially declined my spot today as I was accepted to my first choice institution this weekend. Good luck everyone!

Application compete around 7/17
Interview invitation 8/8
Interview 9/8
Acceptance call 10/17
Decline position 12/17

 

[Jumanji2015]

Hello! I officially declined my spot today as I was accepted to my first choice institution this weekend. Good luck everyone!

Application compete around 7/17
Interview invitation 8/8
Interview 9/8
Acceptance call 10/17
Decline position 12/17

Where is first choice

 

[deleted628330]

Awesome. So where do I direct my LOI?

If they take them (not sure if they do), I'd just e-mail it to Admissions.

 

[BabyStepsToTheElevator]

Where is first choice

I have done research for UIC surgeons since my freshman year in college and now full-time. They are amazing mentors and I could continue this research throughout med school. That plus family & soon-to-be fiance made UIC #1. Oh did it break my heart to decline the U... I loved it!

 

[MNfuturedoc]

Highest Priority Acceptance Pool.

 

[ASD2019]

That's exactly what I did post-interview and was accepted! 🙂

I didn't send anything (not even a thank you note) and got accepted. Once your interview is done than your work is done. The only time I can see a LOI helping is if you are an OOS applicant whose "genuine interest" in the school is questionable. If you feel like your interviewer wasn't convinced that you would pick the U of M over your state school than I would send one. Otherwise, it is more than likely to have minimal impact.

 

[Conway96]

I didn't send anything (not even a thank you note) and got accepted. Once your interview is done than your work is done. The only time I can see a LOI helping is if you are an OOS applicant whose "genuine interest" in the school is questionable. If you feel like your interviewer wasn't convinced that you would pick the U of M over your state school than I would send one. Otherwise, it is more than likely to have minimal impact.

I agree. Also, even if your interviewer happens to be on "The Committee," Dean Patel said that they have to abstain from voting on their interviewees when the committee makes a decision.

 

[Superbman]

nvm

 

[Jumanji2015]

I agree. Also, even if your interviewer happens to be on "The Committee," Dean Patel said that they have to abstain from voting on their interviewees when the committee makes a decision.

I am aware of all that. My situation is that I am an applicant that is as OOS as it gets, way out of region with zero ties. And I would pick Minnesota over my IS school. I was a bit surprised to even get the interview. I think what helped my cause is that besides having solid numbers, which is a must, I am a URM from a particular group that Minnesota seems to covet for some reason, as they have brought in a couple students from my university in the recent past. I just want to make sure they know how genuine my interest is and how honored I was to receive an interview from them.

 

[Conway96]

I am aware of all that. My situation is that I am an applicant that is as OOS as it gets, way out of region with zero ties. And I would pick Minnesota over my IS school. I was a bit surprised to even get the interview. I think what helped my cause is that besides having solid numbers, which is a must, I am a URM from a particular group that Minnesota seems to covet for some reason, as they have brought in a couple students from my university in the recent past. I just want to make sure they know how genuine my interest is and how honored I was to receive an interview from them.

In that case I would absolutely send a LOI, but do it as soon as possible. And emphasize your commitment to the U, it can't hurt. Despite what I said, there's always a chance that word of you sending a letter will spread through word of mouth-and I would imagine that they only want to offer spots to OOS who they are confident may matriculate. Good luck! Wish you the best.

 

[Jumanji2015]

In that case I would absolutely send a LOI, but do it as soon as possible. And emphasize your commitment to the U, it can't hurt. Despite what I said, there's always a chance that word of you sending a letter will spread through word of mouth-and I would imagine that they only want to offer spots to OOS who they are confident may matriculate. Good luck! Wish you the best.

I'm mailing it today. Interviewed last Friday. That shouldn't be too late right?

 

[Jumanji2015]

mailed the TY notes today. My interviewers were Dr. Sharon Allen, a family practice physician, and a 3rd year medical student named Michael Oien. Both were great to talk to and set me at ease immediately. Best interview experience I've had by far to this point. It was much more relaxed and informal than previous interviews I had in board room settings with a panel of several people.

 

[Cascade22]

Anyone get news on the January interview dates yet? Sent my email over a week ago.

 

[Breezy22]

Anyone get news on the January interview dates yet? Sent my email over a week ago.

Not yet! I sent mine in on December 8th so I'm getting anxious about flight reservations.
Edit: just got the confirmation e-mail

 

[MNfuturedoc]

Can any current students comment on how close the estimated student budget is to their actual costs per year? I spent a lot less than the cost attendance for undergrad and I was wondering if that may hold true for medical school.

 

[pluto101]

I mean, it's hard to say. I don't know what the cost of attendance is supposed to be. I know that I earn $30k a year right now and I live extremely comfortably. $650/mo to share a 1200 sqft house with my SO, eating out at not-fancy places all the time. If I wanted to, I could cook at home more and go to shows, etc all the time. I have managed to save up a little bit too ($1500/yr), though I should probably save more.

 

[blazecl]

Not yet! I sent mine in on December 8th so I'm getting anxious about flight reservations.
Edit: just got the confirmation e-mail

I sent mine in and never heard back. I called last week and they confirmed that I had my first choice via the phone, but I never got the email.

For those in the know, when does the interview day begin and end? I have to catch a flight to an interview the following day. Definitely not complaining, but need sense of flight time that is ok! Thanks and best of luck to everyone!

 

[Breezy22]

I sent mine in and never heard back. I called last week and they confirmed that I had my first choice via the phone, but I never got the email.

For those in the know, when does the interview day begin and end? I have to catch a flight to an interview the following day. Definitely not complaining, but need sense of flight time that is ok! Thanks and best of luck to everyone!

The schedule that I got for the 23rd says the interview day ends at 3!

 

[blazecl]

Thanks @Breezy22

 

[Breezy22]

Thanks @Breezy22

You're welcome! Here's a more detailed schedule in case you need to leave earlier:

8 am- welcome and check in
8:30-11:45- interviews (2 that are 45 min each)
11:50-1:00- lunch and panel
1:00-1:35- medical school tour
1:50-2:10-financial aid presentation
2:10-3:00- activities and closing

 

[blazecl]

You're welcome! Here's a more detailed schedule in case you need to leave earlier:

8 am- welcome and check in
8:30-11:45- interviews (2 that are 45 min each)
11:50-1:00- lunch and panel
1:00-1:35- medical school tour
1:50-2:10-financial aid presentation
2:10-3:00- activities and closing

Oh my goodness-that is amazing! Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help tremendously. I don't quite understand why no confirmation email, but should be coming. Schools seem very very slow to reply this time of year.

 

[Superbman]

nvm

 

[Member373737]

Accepted 12/15!
Interviewed 10/31
3.7+ GPA
31 MCAT
IS

Also, does anyone know if there are many merit scholarships given out? Or will we have to wait until after FAFSA completion to start hearing about financial aid?

 

[Chemistry>Physics]

Is anyone that got accepted a life long Minnesota resident? Does it boost your odds?

 

[rikudo]

Is anyone that got accepted a life long Minnesota resident? Does it boost your odds?

Depends on how you present it. If it illustrates your commitment to Minnesota and the bonds you've cultivated in the community then its a big positive. Speak to how your connection with Minnesota helps you understand the unique challenges and opportunities present in the area. Your experience and local knowledge is an asset when connecting with patients and during community outreach. Your family and social network will support you through the challenges of medical education, etc...

Alone I don't feel it boost your odds much over a normal IS resident.

 

[MathGirl25]

Got a full tuition scholarship already, but I think it was a separate committee from the usual scholarship/financial aid committee.

Also, this was by far my worst-feeling interview of the cycle. I thought I screwed up every question and had zero connection with my interviewers. Don't give up hope - interviews are never what they seem!

 

[Jumanji2015]

Got a full tuition scholarship already, but I think it was a separate committee from the usual scholarship/financial aid committee.

Also, this was by far my worst-feeling interview of the cycle. I thought I screwed up every question and had zero connection with my interviewers. Don't give up hope - interviews are never what they seem!

Haha, glad it worked out so well for you. In contrast, my interview here was by far my best and most comfortable! I hope that doesn't mean that it went terribly. I'm genuinely looking forward to the opportunity to relocate to Minneapolis for medical school.

 

[ASD2019]

Got a full tuition scholarship already, but I think it was a separate committee from the usual scholarship/financial aid committee.

Also, this was by far my worst-feeling interview of the cycle. I thought I screwed up every question and had zero connection with my interviewers. Don't give up hope - interviews are never what they seem!

If you don't mind me asking when did you receive this scholarship? How soon after your acceptance? Was it via email?

 

[areserine]

If you don't mind me asking when did you receive this scholarship? How soon after your acceptance? Was it via email?

I got one over the phone with my acceptance call from Dean Patel. I never got anything in writing about it. As far as I know, this is how they do it; I remember Dean Patel saying this also during interview day.