2014-2015 University of Pittsburgh Application Thread

[gettheleadout]

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This year's prompts:

1. Tell us about a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

2. UPSOM is a culturally diverse and talented community. How would you enrich/enliven the UPSOM community? The essay should discuss material that is not included in the rest of your application. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

Good luck to everyone applying!

 

[lovereading]

applying here... have my fingers crossed🙂

 

[Ismet]

Current MS3 here. Good luck to everyone applying this cycle!

 

[chenzt]

Wow, a year went by fast. Going to be an MS-1 this fall.

Good luck to everyone applying!

 

[BeancheBlanco]

In your experience, what does Pitt emphasize in its students? Leadership, research, diversity, service, etc. I know these are all important for all schools but trying to see if I'd be a fit for the school and what to focus on for the secondary.

 

[CroatoanVaccine]

Applying here! Good luck everyone!

 

[zzxxzz]

Just a quick question, wondering if anyone has heard something similar.

Pitt is roughly within my range (35 MCAT, ~3.7 GPA for both categories, pretty strong ECs, ton of clinical experience, etc) but I was told by multiple people - including my school's premed advisor - not to bother applying because I don't have a publication. I'm trying to cut schools, so am wondering if anyone else has heard this.

Thanks

 

[Person0715]

Just a quick question, wondering if anyone has heard something similar.

Pitt is roughly within my range (35 MCAT, ~3.7 GPA for both categories, pretty strong ECs, ton of clinical experience, etc) but I was told by multiple people - including my school's premed advisor - not to bother applying because I don't have a publication. I'm trying to cut schools, so am wondering if anyone else has heard this.

Thanks

I don't think having a pub is necessarily a requirement to apply. I would say go for it if your numbers are within their range. What do you have to lose?

 

[Ismet]

Just a quick question, wondering if anyone has heard something similar.

Pitt is roughly within my range (35 MCAT, ~3.7 GPA for both categories, pretty strong ECs, ton of clinical experience, etc) but I was told by multiple people - including my school's premed advisor - not to bother applying because I don't have a publication. I'm trying to cut schools, so am wondering if anyone else has heard this.

Thanks

Publication is not necessary. Research experience is highly recommended.

 

[sakabato93]

Publication is not necessary. Research experience is highly recommended.

Any insight on how much research experience? I have 1 and 1/2 summers and a full year of research in a single lab. I feel like that's really thin, but I've had a pretty good deal of independence (been running my own projects) and have had two poster presentations, one as first author and one as second author, and a first author abstract.

 

[Ismet]

Any insight on how much research experience? I have 1 and 1/2 summers and a full year of research in a single lab. I feel like that's really thin, but I've had a pretty good deal of independence (been running my own projects) and have had two poster presentations, one as first author and one as second author, and a first author abstract.

Sounds great!

Just want to clarify that research is not a requirement, but realize that the vast majority (>90%) of those who matriculate have some kind of research experience.

 

[sakabato93]

Sounds great!

Thanks!!

Are you currently an MS at Pitt?

 

[Ismet]

Thanks!!

Are you currently an MS at Pitt?

Yes, I'm a 3rd year

 

[JingleChips]

Reach for me (3.7+ and 34). Pitt is definitely either my #1 or #2 choice if i got into every school that I'm applying to (~26 or so), so heres for hoping they overlook sub-average stats for instate applicants!

Can anyone comment on the secondary "diversity" prompt from last year (about not using anything listed elsewhere on their application)? I really want to use an experience I talked about in my PS but talk about completely different aspects of it not listed anywhere else on my app.

 

[Ismet]

Reach for me (3.7+ and 34). Pitt is definitely either my #1 or #2 choice if i got into every school that I'm applying to (~26 or so), so heres for hoping they overlook sub-average stats for instate applicants!

Can anyone comment on the secondary "diversity" prompt from last year (about not using anything listed elsewhere on their application)? I really want to use an experience I talked about in my PS but talk about completely different aspects of it not listed anywhere else on my app.

You can definitely discuss a different aspect of the same experience! You just want to avoid using the same experience/anecdote/example in your secondary essay as you did in your experience section or PS. The secondary is your chance to show something more than what is on AMCAS.

Best of luck! 🙂

 

[JingleChips]

You can definitely discuss a different aspect of the same experience! You just want to avoid using the same experience/anecdote/example in your secondary essay as you did in your experience section or PS. The secondary is your chance to show something more than what is on AMCAS.

Best of luck! 🙂

Thank you 🙂

 

[stickshifthonda]

Completely obsessed with this school. 😍It's a definite reach but I'd never know if it was meant to be unless I applied!

 

[correctlywrong]

Applied, In State, not particularly hopeful. MCAT 37, Science GPA 3.6+ cumulative... somewhat less impressive.

I live only about an hour away, so it would be incredibly convenient. I have friends who live in the city, and others who go to Pitt Med. And yet...

Pitt (undergrad) has a great reputation... but it cares more about its prestige than anything else. Enhancing its reputation is the solitary motivation behind every single thing the University does, and it shows in their treatment of people. It is a publish or perish academic environment where looking good is more important than being good, and where being the wrong kind of diverse is a liability. I've seen the institution chew up and spit out good people to serve its ends. I've been told by more than a few people that the medical school is different, and I would like to believe them, but...

If Pitt accepted me, I'd go. Unless LECOM also said yes. Guess that makes it my 2nd choice.

 

[Ismet]

Pitt (undergrad) has a great reputation... but it cares more about its prestige than anything else. Enhancing its reputation is the solitary motivation behind every single thing the University does, and it shows in their treatment of people. It is a publish or perish academic environment where looking good is more important than being good, and where being the wrong kind of diverse is a liability. I've seen the institution chew up and spit out good people to serve its ends. I've been told by more than a few people that the medical school is different, and I would like to believe them, but...

I went to Pitt for undergrad and now for medical school, and I honestly have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[chenzt]

LECOM > Pitt. Well, that's not something you hear everyday...

 

[correctlywrong]

I don't think it shows as much on the student side, because (almost) everyone I know who has gone there has great things to say about them. And I know that abuse of adjuncts is not restricted to this school, but some of the stories I have heard from people who taught part time or worked in research labs have been really off-putting. A research associate being lied to and told that her funding was gone at the end of a month if she didn't finish a project... So, she worked literally day and night only to be told psyche, the real deadline wasn't for months. They just wanted to see how much work they could get out of her.

Edit: Maybe that is just how all academia runs behind the scenes, and I am just naive about it. But I couple stories like that with the behavior of the UPMC Health System toward its employees and communities, and it gives me pause.

 

[redpanda]

I don't think it shows as much on the student side, because (almost) everyone I know who has gone there has great things to say about them. And I know that abuse of adjuncts is not restricted to this school, but some of the stories I have heard from people who taught part time or worked in research labs have been really off-putting. A research associate being lied to and told that her funding was gone at the end of a month if she didn't finish a project... So, she worked literally day and night only to be told psyche, the real deadline wasn't for months. They just wanted to see how much work they could get out of her.

Edit: Maybe that is just how all academia runs behind the scenes, and I am just naive about it. But I couple stories like that with the behavior of the UPMC Health System toward its employees and communities, and it gives me pause.

I should remind you that UPMC the corporation and UPSOM are legally separate entities and they have been for like a decade or so. University of Pittsburgh Physicians (UPP) are contracted to work in the UPMC hospital system, so the policies of the corporation have less to do with the academic environment as economic things. I am almost certain that UPP has very little to nothing do to do with corporate policy regarding the non-physician employees.

You're of course entitled to your opinion about program preference, but what I will say about the UPSOM program is that you will have the opportunity to see a volume of uncommon (or even rare +/- complicated) pathology in addition to the bread-and-butter in your clinical years which you will certainly not get at LECOM (and others). Some people may not find this attractive, but I think it's great.

 

[correctlywrong]

I should remind you that UPMC the corporation and UPSOM are legally separate entities and they have been for like a decade or so. University of Pittsburgh Physicians (UPP) are contracted to work in the UPMC hospital system, so the policies of the corporation have less to do with the academic environment as economic things. I am almost certain that UPP has very little to nothing do to do with corporate policy regarding the non-physician employees.

You're of course entitled to your opinion about program preference, but what I will say about the UPSOM program is that you will have the opportunity to see a volume of uncommon (or even rare +/- complicated) pathology in addition to the bread-and-butter in your clinical years which you will certainly not get at LECOM (and others). Some people may not find this attractive, but I think it's great.

I hear you. Others have made this argument, and I am willing to give the school a shot. I have some very specific issues to address with them, should I be lucky enough to be invited for an interview. If they can't satisfy my concerns, then I won't mind if asking the questions means that they pass on me as an applicant.

I am well aware of the learning opportunities available at UPMC facilities. They are a reason that I have opted to work for UPMC. I was promised that if I took one of the worst jobs available in my field, that I would get to see some amazingly rare pathology. That was very true, I will grant them that.

 

[EyesOfTheWorld]

Hi guys! Pitt is my dream school and a bit of a reach for me, so we'll see how this all goes.

Good luck to my fellow applicants!

 

[Frazier]

In your experience, what does Pitt emphasize in its students? Leadership, research, diversity, service, etc. I know these are all important for all schools but trying to see if I'd be a fit for the school and what to focus on for the secondary.

MS2 at Pitt.

Besides something obvious (like competence) they emphasize research. The school is somewhat hardcore on that right out the gates; however, it's not a bad thing because if you are accepted and choose to come here -- there is next to 0% chance that you didn't know about it beforehand.

The school also [kind of] emphasizes service I guess...for example, you will be required to do 4 weekly-sessions at a community/underserved clinic during your MS1 or MS2 year.

...and there are some diversity-focused workshops regarding spanish speakers, LGBT community, etc.

But, really, it's about the research, IMO.

Good luck, applicants. Perhaps I'll be your interviewer come August. 🙂

 

[correctlywrong]

That strong research focus is what I meant when I said "publish or perish." Pitt has a mission to be a research powerhouse. It seems like all the faculty, clinical or otherwise, have a lab on the side. So, there is a lot of opportunity for students to find projects to work on. Which is great, since there is a required 2 year longitudinal research project included in the curriculum.

A friend who is an attending shared his concern that he may not have his contract renewed because he hasn't put out enough publications in the last three years and his department head feels that he isn't keeping up with the pace his colleagues have set. (Only two papers in prestigious journals. What a slacker!)

 

[Frazier]

That strong research focus is what I meant when I said "publish or perish." Pitt has a mission to be a research powerhouse. It seems like all the faculty, clinical or otherwise, have a lab on the side. So, there is a lot of opportunity for students to find projects to work on. Which is great, since there is a required 2 year longitudinal research project included in the curriculum.

A friend who is an attending shared his concern that he may not have his contract renewed because he hasn't put out enough publications in the last three years and his department head feels that he isn't keeping up with the pace his colleagues have set. (Only two papers in prestigious journals. What a slacker!)

Couple things:

You're correct -- Pitt is a research powerhouse. As you can imagine, an institution's various departments do not beat out other research powerhouses like Hopkins and Harvard by chance.

There is indeed a culture for scholarly activity, but one cannot say exactly how much of that culture is pushed upon faculty by Pitt (ie institution), or how much of that culture is naturally brought to the table by people that seek out employment at Pitt.

Not everyone has their own lab; however, there is the very good chance that whatever you have an interest in -- a project can be found or created to satisfy your interests.

The longitudinal project is technically 4 years, not 2... We had our first scheduled scholarly project meeting on September 4th of my MS1 year. That said you don't have to actually start the meat and potatoes of your project during MS1. For example, as a rising MS2, I am now just sealing the deal with a mentor... I had meetings with different PI's throughout MS1; however, none of the projects/fields really grabbed me. Now that I had the chance to do some more exploring and find what I was looking for, I am really excited about proceeding.

Lastly, it depends on that your Attending friend signed up for...if it was a research position, then 2 papers in 3 years isn't phenomenal unless there is some big research going on. There are plenty of clinical attendings at UPMC that do not publish or haven't published in many many years.

 

[correctlywrong]

The attending friend is clinical, almost purely, with a component of teaching built into that. Research is not a contractual obligation, but rather a de facto imposition of his direct leadership.

You make a good point about how the school attracts people who want to do research, thus enhancing the focus it receives. I hadn't considered the degree to which there is some feedback looping there.

Thank you for the clarification of the scholarly project. My info came from listening to a current med student panic about it, since she still isn't really sure what her project is going to focus on. As she is coming up on 3rd year, I misunderstood and believed that the project began in the 3rd year. Now, I have a better understanding of the reason she was so hysterical.

 

[Frazier]

The attending friend is clinical, almost purely, with a component of teaching built into that. Research is not a contractual obligation, but rather a de facto imposition of his direct leadership.

You make a good point about how the school attracts people who want to do research, thus enhancing the focus it receives. I hadn't considered the degree to which there is some feedback looping there.

Thank you for the clarification of the scholarly project. My info came from listening to a current med student panic about it, since she still isn't really sure what her project is going to focus on. As she is coming up on 3rd year, I misunderstood and believed that the project began in the 3rd year. Now, I have a better understanding of the reason she was so hysterical.

Your attending friend's situation sounds very strange to me... by merits of being a clinical position, it is understood that research is not expected...whether or not teaching is a component of his duties.

You will find family medicine UPMC docs out in the community. They teach students that rotate through their clinic. There is zero research being done there and I promise you that they aren't worrying about UPMC canceling their contract because of that fact.

That said, you mention he might be in some sort of leadership role...and I don't know his department, role, or contract...so anything on my end is conjecture...

By no means am I saying you are not telling the truth, rather -- if everything is accurately noted -- I'm claiming that his situation in a clinical position is more rare than common. That said, no use in me commenting on him any further.

Nevertheless, in regards to Pitt leadership folk and lack of publishing, here are some notable counterpoints that popped into my head without even searching the faculty directory:

You will come to know this individual well. Associate Dean and Professor of Emergency Medicine. According to pubmed, he hasn't published in the past 2 years. I assure you he isn't going to be canned for it. http://www.omed.pitt.edu/about/bios/johnmahoney.php

In regard to the course we just ended: here is the publication record of our Psychiatry course director (who also teaches, is Director of Medical Student Education, and sees patients). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=jason rosenstock No publication noted in past 4 years. The kicker: During that time he was promoted to Associate professor.

Lastly, two of the BEST educators on faculty that you will have during MS1: Dr. Schumann and Dr. Duker. It appears that neither has published in the past 6 years.

Of course none of this really matters as a med student. Whether there is a publish or perish culture [or not]... I promise Pitt won't throw out a med student for not publishing -- you just need to get the project completed. It is really nothing to fret about. 🙂

 

[correctlywrong]

Of course none of this really matters as a med student. Whether there is a publish or perish culture [or not]... I promise Pitt won't throw out a med student for not publishing -- you just need to get the project completed. It is really nothing to fret about. 🙂

Thank you for spelling this out so explicitly. It is really helpful to hear your perspective.

 

[Frazier]

Thank you for spelling this out so explicitly. It is really helpful to hear your perspective.

Good luck with your apps!
Cheers.

 

[Skull Pell]

Thinking of applying OOS here. As far as research goes, do you guys think that having a 1.5 years of bench research without publications is insufficient? I work at a very young lab at my univ which has only been there for 3 years = no pubs at all. But I am a senior researcher of a project that might be presented at a society of toxicology conference this upcoming fall (That is if we pass the hoops of abstract submissions etc).

 

[Frazier]

Thinking of applying OOS here. As far as research goes, do you guys think that having a 1.5 years of bench research without publications is insufficient? I work at a very young lab at my univ which has only been there for 3 years = no pubs at all. But I am a senior researcher of a project that might be presented at a society of toxicology conference this upcoming fall (That is if we pass the hoops of abstract submissions etc).

There are certainly other factors of an application that can make up for lack of research.

That said I wouldn't call 1.5 years of experience "insufficient".

Most of my classmates did not have pubs when entering as MS1's.

Also in state and out of state doesn't really matter for admissions compared to what's seen in other schools (however there is something to be said for the ability to make a case for having ties to the region..but that benefit reaches out to ohio, wv, etc.)

 

[Skull Pell]

There are certainly other factors of an application that can make up for lack of research.

That said I wouldn't call 1.5 years of experience "insufficient".

Most of my classmates did not have pubs when entering as MS1's.

Also in state and out of state doesn't really matter for admissions compared to what's seen in other schools (however there is something to be said for the ability to make a case for having ties to the region..but that benefit reaches out to ohio, wv, etc.)

Thank you for responding! And yeah, I have a lot of longitudinal clinical/shadowing exp more so than research and community service. Initially did research to "check it off my list" but eventually ended up liking it.

 

[redpanda]

Of course none of this really matters as a med student. Whether there is a publish or perish culture [or not]... I promise Pitt won't throw out a med student for not publishing -- you just need to get the project completed. It is really nothing to fret about. 🙂

This. Of course you have to get the project done, but it will certainly help the residency applications to have a publication or presentations at conferences. I think a big part of having a super-successful (aka publish something peer-reviewed) scholarly project is to pick a project that is well-circumscribed in its scope and endpoints and picking a mentor that is very interested in having you publish. My SP fits both these criteria now. The only hold-up this year is our collaborator was sitting on the manuscript...for five months. Yeah.

 

[Frazier]

Shameless bump.

Endless clinical opportunities, all specialties accessible, research everywhere, decent sports teams, extremely good COL, live in the city -- live in the suburbs -- or anywhere in between that suits you, strong national reputation.

Apply to Pitt.

The end.

 

[redpanda]

Shameless bump.

Endless clinical opportunities, all specialties accessible, research everywhere, decent sports teams, extremely good COL, live in the city -- live in the suburbs -- or anywhere in between that suits you, strong national reputation.

Apply to Pitt.

The end.

Seconded. I'm doing my last clerkship shelf exam today and it's kind of ridiculous how much I've developed in the last 14 months as a student. Come here. You will love it!

 

[Lamel]

For those who are pre-writing the secondary, can you post it here? I haven't been able to find it. Thanks.

 

[claduva94]

For those who are pre-writing the secondary, can you post it here? I haven't been able to find it. Thanks.

1. Tell us about a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

2. UPSOM is a culturally diverse and talented community. How would you enrich/enliven the UPSOM community? The essay should discuss material that is not included in the rest of your application. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

 

[Lamel]

1. Tell us about a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

2. UPSOM is a culturally diverse and talented community. How would you enrich/enliven the UPSOM community? The essay should discuss material that is not included in the rest of your application. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

Much obliged.

 

[geeyouknit]

1. Tell us about a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

2. UPSOM is a culturally diverse and talented community. How would you enrich/enliven the UPSOM community? The essay should discuss material that is not included in the rest of your application. (Limit your response to 250 words or less.)

I have a question about #2 and given that you're probably not Pitt ADCOM, I'm going to ask you to speculate.
When it says, "rest of your application", does it mean the just the personal statement or does it include the work and activities section?

I thought about discussing one of my "most meaningful activities."

Thanks.

 

[claduva94]

I have a question about #2 and given that you're probably not Pitt ADCOM, I'm going to ask you to speculate.
When it says, "rest of your application", does it mean the just the personal statement or does it include the work and activities section?

I thought about discussing one of my "most meaningful activities."

Thanks.

I'd assume it includes work and experiences. But if you can provide new perspectives on that same activity I don't see it being a problem.

 

[Frazier]

I have a question about #2 and given that you're probably not Pitt ADCOM, I'm going to ask you to speculate.
When it says, "rest of your application", does it mean the just the personal statement or does it include the work and activities section?

I thought about discussing one of my "most meaningful activities."

Thanks.

No need to overthink -- if it says talk about stuff that isn't described in the rest of your application, it means your application.

As in, the entire thing you submitted to AMCAS.

I suppose the presumption is that there is more to you as a person that could fit in those neat little drop down menu options on AMCAS.

...Talk about that stuff -- more unique/bizarre/memorable the better (only positive stuff though).

 

[Lamel]

Just got the secondary. Same questions as last year.

 

[phunky]

I got the secondary, but it won't let me log in.

"Unable to access database server, Contact your administrator."

 

[rhythmisadancer]

I got the secondary, but it won't let me log in.

"Unable to access database server, Contact your administrator."

Same problem over here...

 

[sahmoc]

Same problem over here...

Same. Does anyone know what number we can call?

Edit: Found it. Being pregnant turns me into such a blond.

 

[lovereading]

Same problem over here...

+1

 

[sahmoc]

I just called and they said they are experiencing some issues due to switching systems, and they took my name AMCAS ID and phone number to get back to me once they figure it out.

 

[lovereading]

I just called and they said they are experiencing some issues due to switching systems, and they took my name AMCAS ID and phone number to get back to me once they figure it out.

Hi, I wonder what number did you call? Maybe I should bug them, too