2014-2015 University of New Mexico Application Thread

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Superbman said:
Being an OOS, I feel that I might just be making an expensive trip to New Mexico. I'm worried that I only got the interview for being Native American.
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I'm from native decent, first time ever in NM was at my interview and I got in early rolling admission. Another friend that was in a similar situation is also in my class. I've met some people at other interviews that got wait listed or rejected but they aren't just sending it out for no reason. They have Indians into medicine funding and I believe university of North Dakota is their competitor for that funding. It looks good if they accept well qualified native students.

As for serving in New Mexico... The Indians into medicine funding just emphasizes serving a native population doesn't matter where. So as long as (this is usually the case) you want to work for an IHS facility some day you should be fine. PM me if you have questions, I even accepted the IHS scholarship.
 
Agobio said:
haha, yea it does: out of 833 OOS applicants who applied, 24 were interviewed and 4 were accepted.

The average mcat is 28 (9/9/10 PS/V/BS); however, the ranges are: V: 6 - 11, PS: 7 - 12, BS: 8 - 12.

So, that doesn't look too shabby…
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I actually know 3 of those 4 if this is statistics for the class of 2018. I'm one OSS, native, another is OOS native, one is OOS and parents moved here qualifying him for 'strong ties', no idea who the 4th is unless it's my buddy who grew up here but was military.

I was the one saying that I'm pretty sure all 4 of us applied regular decision. Most got accepted in March I was accepted rolling (NOT EDP!) in November.
 
ChemNerd07 said:
I actually know 3 of those 4 if this is statistics for the class of 2018. I'm one OSS, native, another is OOS native, one is OOS and parents moved here qualifying him for 'strong ties', no idea who the 4th is unless it's my buddy who grew up here but was military.

I was the one saying that I'm pretty sure all 4 of us applied regular decision. Most got accepted in March I was accepted rolling (NOT EDP!) in November.
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Hey ChemNerd07, when was your interview btw?? It would be such a relief to hear early via rolling admissions - do you have any advice on how to nail it? lol
 
Superbman said:
Yeah, I'm going to go ahead and interview, especially since they only interview like 300. Are you interviewing?
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Good! I'm glad to hear it!! (though now, I just realized that means you're competition - hahaha, just messing just messing 😉). Yep - my interview is on the 24th :bag:. Have you decided on a date for yours yet??
 
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Agobio said:
Good! I'm glad to hear it!! (though now, I just realized that means you're competition - hahaha, just messing just messing 😉). Yep - my interview is on the 24th :bag:. Have you decided on a date for yours yet??
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Yes, mine is 11/3. Any idea what the interview is like?
 
Agobio said:
Hey ChemNerd07, when was your interview btw?? It would be such a relief to hear early via rolling admissions - do you have any advice on how to nail it? lol
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It was right around Halloween. Just be able to talk about health problems in NM and I always stress this, be able to answer questions about ALL your patient/clinical experiences (even the ones a million years ago). They really like compassionate people that are able to talk about their patient encounters.
 
ChemNerd07 said:
It was right around Halloween. Just be able to talk about health problems in NM and I always stress this, be able to answer questions about ALL your patient/clinical experiences (even the ones a million years ago). They really like compassionate people that are able to talk about their patient encounters.
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Okay - I think I can do that. Are there specific health problems that are particularly hot topics? I'm planning to talk about rural health issues, etc, but was wondering if there any that would be particularly helpful to talk about?

Also, do you mind sharing your stats?? I know that's one of the more annoying questions on SDN, but I can't help the neurotic pre-med in me from being curious… of course, if your uncomfortable with answering, please don't hesitate to tell me to bug off!… lol
 
Agobio said:
Okay - I think I can do that. Are there specific health problems that are particularly hot topics? I'm planning to talk about rural health issues, etc, but was wondering if there any that would be particularly helpful to talk about?

Also, do you mind sharing your stats?? I know that's one of the more annoying questions on SDN, but I can't help the neurotic pre-med in me from being curious… of course, if your uncomfortable with answering, please don't hesitate to tell me to bug off!… lol
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I talked about rural health because my state and New Mexico cross talk a lot in that we're the two states with the most rural health.

As for stats, I get a little self conscious about them. Sub 30 MCAT 3.7 GPA, BS Chemistry Minor Math and Biology, 5-6 years research experience, and obviously of native decent.
 
Anyone receive an acceptance yet? Interviewed early and crossing my fingered for a rolling admissions decision.
 
What do the medical graduates of UNM do (practice, teach, research)? How many stay in the State?
What are some healthcare needs of NM?
 
^ What date did you interview? I just interviewed on Oct. 14th and they said we wouldn't be considered until Dec. 1st! And yes... i've never been so on edge when i hear the ding my phone makes when I get an email. Inevitably it is from Forever 21
 
ElizaMD88 said:
^ What date did you interview? I just interviewed on Oct. 14th and they said we wouldn't be considered until Dec. 1st! And yes... i've never been so on edge when i hear the ding my phone makes when I get an email. Inevitably it is from Forever 21
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I totally agree, every email around this time makes me a bit nervous. I interviewed mid-late September. I also know that in the past few years a majority of the class hears of their acceptance ~March 15, and very few are actually accepted via rolling. I had the impression that more may be accepted via rolling this year, could be reading into things.
 
ElizaMD88 said:
^ What date did you interview? I just interviewed on Oct. 14th and they said we wouldn't be considered until Dec. 1st! And yes... i've never been so on edge when i hear the ding my phone makes when I get an email. Inevitably it is from Forever 21
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I know what your talking about with email anxiety. I had to adjust my phone setting to stop driving myself crazy. I interviewed mid-Sept and I was told a few rolling decisions would be made the first week of November for my group.
 
Superbman said:
haha okay thanks. You're not going to give me fake tips and sabotage me are you haha jk
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Time for some sabotaging - hahaha, just messing 😉 My experience was very similar to Atmosphere123's: interview styles were a mixture of direct questioning and conversational. The day started out with a quick meeting with the dean and then lunch with some current med school students who then gave us a tour of the campus. Everybody was kind, friendly, and eager to share why they loved UNM SOM. I left with a great impression of the school and really excited (errr dying!!:poke:) to hear back. The most surprising info I heard was that we are all basically competing for ~46 spots as some students (about ~30-some) were granted deferred acceptance last year (and there have already been around 8 acceptances through the EDP). So that was kinda… you know… nerve wracking. Apparently, only 10% of students are accepted through rolling admissions. I guess, judging by these numbers, that means about 4 - 5 students will be accepted before march? Definitely puts things into perspective. My group was told that we would hear back at earliest 1st week of december, otherwise, we'll have to wait until march.
 
Agobio said:
Time for some sabotaging - hahaha, just messing 😉 My experience was very similar to Atmosphere123's: interview styles were a mixture of direct questioning and conversational. The day started out with a quick meeting with the dean and then lunch with some current med school students who then gave us a tour of the campus. Everybody was kind, friendly, and eager to share why they loved UNM SOM. I left with a great impression of the school and really excited (errr dying!!:poke:) to hear back. The most surprising info I heard was that we are all basically competing for ~46 spots as some students (about ~30-some) were granted deferred acceptance last year (and there have already been around 8 acceptances through the EDP). So that was kinda… you know… nerve wracking. Apparently, only 10% of students are accepted through rolling admissions. I guess, judging by these numbers, that means about 4 - 5 students will be accepted before march? Definitely puts things into perspective. My group was told that we would hear back at earliest 1st week of december, otherwise, we'll have to wait until march.
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30 deferred acceptances... ouch hopefully more choose deferred acceptance this year as well!

Were any of the questions difficult?
 
I know this whole waiting game sucks...I had to apply three times, and the third time got in off of the waitlist. The waitlist is an entirely different psychosis just wait until March. Unfortunately the waiting never ends in Medicine. You will wait for your USMLE Scores, for Match day, for jobs. Despite all my experience I'm still not patient. However, here's some ways to spend your energy and time:
Have another project to distract you. Running a marathon or perhaps trying to run your high school mile (the later was great in residency). Master a concerto. Plant a garden or something that will give you evidence of time passing. Work on some community service type project that will keep you occupied for the next 5 months. Learn another language.
Medicine is an awesome job, but any physician will encourage you to have other interests that keep you balanced. Being that you are all awesome enough to get interview invites we know you have dedicated your life to mastering the Krebs cycle. Take a breath and explore something else you have forgotten for a while or something you always wanted to do.
 
Superbman said:
30 deferred acceptances... ouch hopefully more choose deferred acceptance this year as well!

Were any of the questions difficult?
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I interviewed the same day as Agobio, so I hope you don't mind me answering your question. The questions that my interviewers asked were not hard to answer, as they related back to my essays and experiences. I anticipated most of the questions because they were all in-line with the questions listed in UNM's Interview Feedback results (if you haven't used it, I think it's listed under "References" drop-down on the desktop site).

I think the questions were very fair and both of my interviewers were awesome. Good luck on your interview!
 
Superbman said:
30 deferred acceptances... ouch hopefully more choose deferred acceptance this year as well!

Were any of the questions difficult?
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I'm pretty sure 25 of those are for BA/MD, at least usually they are.
 
Superbman said:
Those spots are separate from the MD correct?
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My understanding was that out of a pool of 100, 25 spots were reserved for the BA/MD students. Thus, leaving 75 spots for regular admissions… I think?

Anywho, I'm like 99% confident that the dean was indeed referring to those seats available for regular admissions… so of those spots, there have already been 30-some taken by deferred acceptance/EDP. But, you know, there's always the possibility that I was zinged-out on nerves and misunderstood - wouldn't be the first time.
 
Breakdown:

100 MD spots

Of those...

25 spots= BA/MD
~10 spots= deferred from last year
~10 spots= PrEP program
~10 spots= EDP (record high this year)

so for the rest of us we started at ~45 open spots.
 
Hi Guys!!! If anyone needs any info let me know. I am in the Prep program this year.. I wouldn't mind answering any questions about the program.
 
ElizaMD88 said:
Breakdown:

100 MD spots

Of those...

25 spots= BA/MD
~10 spots= deferred from last year
~10 spots= PrEP program
~10 spots= EDP (record high this year)

so for the rest of us we started at ~45 open spots.
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This summer I was lucky enough to be apart of UNM's MCAT pipeline program and we had a meeting with admissions, I'm fairly certain they said they had 17 deferrments last cycle. So thats a guaranteed 17 spots less.
 
runs4chocolate said:
This summer I was lucky enough to be apart of UNM's MCAT pipeline program and we had a meeting with admissions, I'm fairly certain they said they had 17 deferrments last cycle. So thats a guaranteed 17 spots less.
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The number of spots available for those who interview during the traditional application cycle is also dependent on the number of deferments of those accepted, along with those who are accepted, but do not take a seat at UNM. Those from the current first-year class who have to repeat first year due to grades or extenuating circumstances do not count towards the class size.
 
Fumbles14 said:
rejected yesterday. transplant NM for 1 year, but I am attending another med school and my top choice elsewhere.

good luck guys!
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So sorry about your rejection but it sounds like you are in a good boat anyway. When did you interview?
 
Does anyone have any idea about how many applicants this year and/or on average, apply through the Early Decision Program? I know typically 5-10 are accepted, but I can't seem to find anywhere how many actually apply.

I know that WICHE and non-resident applicants must apply through the EDP to receive consideration (MANY applicants). Does anyone know how many NM residents usually apply through ED and how many are accepted?

Also, has anyone here been accepted through Early Decision, or know of anyone that has? I want to apply to UNM next year and am looking for advice on this forum. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
 
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sagators2014 said:
Does anyone have any idea about how many applicants this year and/or on average, apply through the Early Decision Program? I know typically 5-10 are accepted, but I can't seem to find anywhere how many actually apply.

I know that WICHE and non-resident applicants must apply through the EDP to receive consideration (MANY applicants). Does anyone know how many NM residents usually apply through ED and how many are accepted?

Also, has anyone here been accepted through Early Decision, or know of anyone that has? I want to apply to UNM next year and am looking for advice on this forum. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
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Oh, yes. I have so much information on this. There are usually about 20-25 applicants that go through the EDP and most years there are only 2-4 that are accepted! This year was a record high and ~8 were accepted (might want to call admissions to confirm that number but I'm pretty sure that's what they said at my interview). If you are considering applying through EDP there are some things you should ask yourself: 1) Are you an extremely competitive candidate? 2)Do you have some strong, explainable reasons why you want to go to UNM and no where else?

This is my second time applying and the first time I tried going through EDP. I had gotten a fairly low MCAT score (which I retook for this application round) and thought that my only chance at med school was UNM and so why not do EDP? I have heard of one girl who got in through EDP with a 26 MCAT but she is the most kind-hearted, compassionate, etc. etc. person you will ever meet.

This year one of my interviewers asked me why I hadn't applied EDP again. I can't exactly remember what response I rambled on about, but at the end he confirmed my feelings about the process. He said that EDP applicants are judged much more harshly than the general pool, and that the committee is really only looking for people that would be competitive elsewhere and who they would like to secure for themselves right away. Also, it is a complete myth that by applying EDP you get two chances at the admission process- one through EDP and the other if you aren't accepted and put into the general pool. Literally 0% of EDP applicants who are put into the general pool get and acceptance letter in March!

PM me or call the admissions office if you have more questions!
 
When I interviewed EDP 2 years ago I asked Dr. Marlene Ballejos on interview day how many EDP applicants get in from the general pool and she said usually none. Then this year one of my interviewers volunteered the information that it is a myth that applying EDP is like "double-dipping." He said interviewers generally know what they are looking for right away and very rarely pull up an EDP applicant's application again after they put them into the general pool.
 
ElizaMD88 said:
Oh, yes. I have so much information on this. There are usually about 20-25 applicants that go through the EDP and most years there are only 2-4 that are accepted! This year was a record high and ~8 were accepted (might want to call admissions to confirm that number but I'm pretty sure that's what they said at my interview). If you are considering applying through EDP there are some things you should ask yourself: 1) Are you an extremely competitive candidate? 2)Do you have some strong, explainable reasons why you want to go to UNM and no where else?

This is my second time applying and the first time I tried going through EDP. I had gotten a fairly low MCAT score (which I retook for this application round) and thought that my only chance at med school was UNM and so why not do EDP? I have heard of one girl who got in through EDP with a 26 MCAT but she is the most kind-hearted, compassionate, etc. etc. person you will ever meet.

This year one of my interviewers asked me why I hadn't applied EDP again. I can't exactly remember what response I rambled on about, but at the end he confirmed my feelings about the process. He said that EDP applicants are judged much more harshly than the general pool, and that the committee is really only looking for people that would be competitive elsewhere and who they would like to secure for themselves right away. Also, it is a complete myth that by applying EDP you get two chances at the admission process- one through EDP and the other if you aren't accepted and put into the general pool. Literally 0% of EDP applicants who are put into the general pool get and acceptance letter in March!

PM me or call the admissions office if you have more questions!
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First off, congrats to everyone with an acceptance, that must be such a relief. I am curious, you mentioned that you had originally gotten a fairly low MCAT, and then improved, would you mind discussing you scores at all? I am applying this year with a 29 and I am trying to decide how beneficial it would be for me to retake the MCAT next year if I don't get in. Any info is much appreciated!
 
rachmoninov3 said:
Hello, I am an MS-8 (just completed residency and started practicing as an attending), and I graduated from UNM. I am a transplant New Mexican as well. After graduating I spoke with other UNM grads it seems that there is an unwritten rule if you weren't born in the land of entrapment: your (years in the state)X(number of attempts applying) has to equal 12. This is known as Kessler's rule of 12 (named after a former dean). I don't know how this is today, and I'm sorry because I know it can come as a big blow so early in the cycle. I applied three times and got in off of the waitlist the third time. I had interviews all three times.

That being said, the University of No Money/University Near Mamma, is an awesome medical school. I scored highest in my residency class on in my inservice exam my intern year. The inservice training exams are given every year in residency. Especially the first time you take it, October of your intern year, it is a real reflection of how good your medical school education was...and I was not AOA or some outstanding member of my class either. So UNM is an awesome education. Furthermore, it's an awesome education for a reasonable price. I did my residency in Colorado so there were a lot of CU grads with half the education and 4 times the debt! Honestly their tuition is like $60K per year, while UNM is just around $60K for all 4 years. Also, you only do 1.5 years of lecture/PBL before starting clinicals and believe me you are more than happy to get out of that lecture hall and into the hospital--I couldn't imagine schools that do two full years of lecture. Even if Kessler's rule of 12s is still the norm, UNM would be worth the wait.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions about UNM SOM or practicing in New Mexico.
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I cannot help but comment on the false information with regards to CU - tuition is 30k per year not 60K!
Also don't get me started on the "half the education" piece. Seriously? Were you that condescending in real life and thought you had twice the education of your supposed fellow residents?

grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/...schools/...medical-schools/...
 
crankitup said:
I cannot help but comment on the false information with regards to CU - tuition is 30k per year not 60K!
Also don't get me started on the "half the education" piece. Seriously? Were you that condescending in real life and thought you had twice the education of your supposed fellow residents?

grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/...schools/...medical-schools/...
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I can't speak to the half an education comment, but OOS students at CU are paying greater than 60k. In-state tuition is ~35k, while OOS is ~61k (total COA for OOS is ~85k).

Source: http://www.ucdenver.edu/student-ser.../2014-2015 COA/Med/Med 1st Yr 2014-15 COA.pdf

I'm not sure that CU gives any addition bits of wisdom that are worth an additional 45k per year, but what do I know.
 
@bldrr2014 The post below was really helpful to me from the 2012-2013 UNM thread. I don't know why SDN wouldn't let me 'quote' it so I just copy pasted below. First time around I was ~LizzyM 63 and this time I was ~LizzyM 70.

Yeah they told me I didn't have to retake the MCAT but I did anyways, it's a numbers game in some ways even though they say it's not. They told us that the minimum score to be accepted last year was an 86, so on their 2-4 point scale that's a 3.44 average. The Cog is 50% and Non-Cog 50%, so say you get a 26 on the MCAT and have a 3.5GPA, your cog score would be 3.0, that means you would need a 3.88/4.0 on Non-cog to get the 3.44 overall average (see table below). Nobody quote me on this but this is the info I came up with after my exit interview. But they also said there is subjective scoring, so for example if they feel you're a strong student although you have a marginal GPA your score could be higher.

Like AFVet said I worked incredibly hard to get the best Letters of Recs, Shadowing experience, AMCAS activities, Personal statement, etc. And to really show the altruistic motivation to be a physician. And through the process I talked to many inspiring physicians, who it turned out had applied 2-3 times for medical school. It's rough, but I think you're that much more grateful after you finally get in!

GPA SCORE
3.0 2.0
3.1 2.2
3.2 2.4
3.3 2.6
3.4 2.8
3.5 3.0
3.6 3.2
3.7 3.4
3.8 3.6
3.9 3.8
4.0 4.0

MCAT SCORE
22 2.0
23 2.25
24 2.5
25 2.75
26 3.0
27 3.25
28 3.5
29 3.75
30 4.0
Medico1, Mar 13, 2013
 
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