2014-2015 University of Texas Southwestern Application Thread

[premed1590]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm interviewing 10/25, the other dates didn't work for me. On that note, I have read through the older threads and it seems that committees meet right after interviews and make admissions decisions. Also, people have gotten a pre-match even when interviewing in early November.

 

[Overachiever12]

Does anyone know the interview/acceptance ratio for UTSW?...or all Texas schools for that matter?

 

[accueil]

Does anyone know the interview/acceptance ratio for UTSW?...or all Texas schools for that matter?

With our match system, I don't think there is a way to meaningfully measure an overall ratio for most schools. It all depends on individual's rankings compared to the school's rankings.

 

[Aabs9295]

II, OOS Lizzy M~75. Excited to see Texas! Probably going to take the November 2nd interview

 

[clairephillips]

II, OOS Lizzy M~75. Excited to see Texas! Probably going to take the November 2nd interview

Congrats! When were you complete?

 

[Afford]

What exactly did people wear for the Friday afternoon/evening activities? The pdf says business casual/casual. Did people wear slacks with button down shirts and no tie?

 

[accueil]

What exactly did people wear for the Friday afternoon/evening activities? The pdf says business casual/casual. Did people wear slacks with button down shirts and no tie?

Most of the people on my day were also at the morning session, so we were all wearing our suits. Not tie is fine for afternoon, but just know that you will be surrounded by suits!

 

[Afford]

Most of the people on my day were also at the morning session, so we were all wearing our suits. Not tie is fine for afternoon, but just know that you will be surrounded by suits!

Thanks for the info! I don't remember the last time I wore a suit for a whole day, but I might as well get used to it now.

 

[Aabs9295]

Congrats! When were you complete?

Thanks! It was transmitted 8/27, and I didn't get around to having the secondary submitted until Sept 14.

 

[redoitall]

Does anyone know the interview/acceptance ratio for UTSW?...or all Texas schools for that matter?

Yes, I can tell you for UTSW. I interviewed a few years back and I am now an MS2. I had asked this very question to Anne McLane and at the time, it was about 350 acceptances total for about 740 interviewees. I also do think, although this was not explicitly confirmed that the sooner you interview the better (I did interview on the first week-end at the time). They do rolling admission so spots will start going away as soon as they mail acceptances.

Good luck to yall. I look forward to meeting some of you on campus.

 

[Earl Simmons]

Does anyone know the interview/acceptance ratio for UTSW?...or all Texas schools for that matter?

UTSW: 366/778
UT Houston: 411/781
A&M: 500/668
Baylor: 211/442

These are all numbers for in state interviewees. I don't have the numbers for the other schools.

 

[charcat]

Is there a way to check our status for an interview invite or will we get an email? (Or both?)

 

[Dr. Space Cadet]

Is there a way to check our status for an interview invite or will we get an email? (Or both?)

Pretty sure you'll get an email. I've checked the TMDSAS website to see if there have been any changes to my status, but have not seen any (having already interviewed at UTMB). All it says is that they have received my application.

 

[Afford]

UTSW: 366/778
UT Houston: 411/781
A&M: 500/668
Baylor: 211/442

These are all numbers for in state interviewees. I don't have the numbers for the other schools.

Those numbers aren't that bad. Do they include people who get in off the waitlist or only people who are accepted outright?

 

[Earl Simmons]

Those numbers aren't that bad. Do they include people who get in off the waitlist or only people who are accepted outright?

Hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe someone else on here knows?

 

[pybop]

Just got an II for 11/1!!!

 

[eden91]

I also just received an II for 11/1 🙂 I have a dress code question for the ladies. What did y'all wear for the Friday clinical rounds and evening program?

 

[ces393]

I also just received an II for 11/1 🙂 I have a dress code question for the ladies. What did y'all wear for the Friday clinical rounds and evening program?

Congrats! If you dont mind sharing stats and/or complete date?

 

[eden91]

Thanks!
IS, 29 MCAT, 3.9 GPA, 80+ hrs shadowing, 2 summer research internships.
Primary submitted: 7/2/14
Primary transmitted: 8/2/14
Secondary submitted:8/3/14

 

[Z K]

Interviewed here on 9/6. It was great! I'd be glad to answer any questions.

Mind sharing some of the questions they asked?

 

[raider9671]

Hey everyone, I sent in my app and secondaries on 8/1, and I got the confirmation email from UTSW, but haven't heard anything else. When should I be worried about getting an interview or not?

 

[MediPhil]

I am interviewing this Saturday! UTSW has become my top choice so tensions are rising. 😛

MCAT: 33
GPA 4.0
90 Hours Shadowing
4 years of research, biomedical and plant genetics
Organization leadership

Anyone have insight on interview questions?

 

[MediPhil]

Hey everyone, I sent in my app and secondaries on 8/1, and I got the confirmation email from UTSW, but haven't heard anything else. When should I be worried about getting an interview or not?

I was fully submitted on September 1st and got my II on September 6th. It seems that everyone's experience differs heavily with admissions. Be patient, check the junk mailbox, and check the Application Website for your application status. Other than that, patience is a virtue.

 

[lithe]

Hi, I'm an MS1 here and hopefully I can answer some questions.

First, I know it says business casual for Friday, but everyone (boy and girl) wears a suit anyway. Solidarity? You'll walk a lot so ladies, wear flats unless you have rhino skin on your feet.

I submitted in July and didn't interview until November (post NOV 15 pre-match), and that was IS with a 34 MCAT. Don't lose hope. UTSW not only sends out acceptances on NOV 15th but also 4-5 times after that before the TMDSAS match day. November and December (and even early January) interviewees can still get picked up before match. It can happen fast--I got accepted within two weeks of my interview. And there IS wait-list movement, every year.

Questions vary widely but the most important thing is to stay calm, be your normal awesome self, and demonstrate your interest in medicine. Some kids said they were asked science-y questions. I was, too. It was "what can you tell me about cholesterol metabolism." My answer was "absolutely nothing." It didn't matter--it just meant I got a massive tutorial on cholesterol synthesis during my interview. Just try to be calm and remember that UTSW wants to fill it's class with brilliant, empathetic students who will enjoy every second of medical school. If that's you in a nutshell, you'll be just fine. No need to convince your interviewer that you're already an expert on medical sciences.

Good luck!!!!!

 

[Matato]

Hi, I'm an MS1 here and hopefully I can answer some questions.

First, I know it says business casual for Friday, but everyone (boy and girl) wears a suit anyway. Solidarity? You'll walk a lot so ladies, wear flats unless you have rhino skin on your feet.

I submitted in July and didn't interview until November (post NOV 15 pre-match), and that was IS with a 34 MCAT. Don't lose hope. UTSW not only sends out acceptances on NOV 15th but also 4-5 times after that before the TMDSAS match day. November and December (and even early January) interviewees can still get picked up before match. It can happen fast--I got accepted within two weeks of my interview. And there IS wait-list movement, every year.

Questions vary widely but the most important thing is to stay calm, be your normal awesome self, and demonstrate your interest in medicine. Some kids said they were asked science-y questions. I was, too. It was "what can you tell me about cholesterol metabolism." My answer was "absolutely nothing." It didn't matter--it just meant I got a massive tutorial on cholesterol synthesis during my interview. Just try to be calm and remember that UTSW wants to fill it's class with brilliant, empathetic students who will enjoy every second of medical school. If that's you in a nutshell, you'll be just fine. No need to convince your interviewer that you're already an expert on medical sciences.

Good luck!!!!!

Hey thanks for all the great advice so far!
I have an interview this saturday (10/4) and am unbelievably excited for it. My one concern is that my secondary application did not send when I thought I submitted it back in July. I was in Costa rica with a old computer and sketchy internet haha. I got an II to SW on 9/6 which means they did not even have my secondary when I got the invite. I then recieved an email a few days back saying they did not have my secondary application online and that I had to complete it by October 1st. I then redid everything and resubmitted it on september 30th! I'm sure they just saw this as a late sending of the secondary application, so do you think this would hurt my chances of getting in?

 

[Afford]

I've been reading through the questions here.

http://schools.studentdoctor.net/school/ut-southwestern/survey/26#question_overflow_121

However, most are really old and there seems to be this fascination with asking about which 3 people should be on a stem cell council to the president, which I definitely cannot answer without preparing beforehand.

 

[lithe]

I can't speak for admissions (at all!) but perhaps they needed it by the first in order to have it printed and distributed to your interviewers prior to the fourth? If you're anxious, you can always send a follow up email to admissions to confirm they've received your secondary (and apologize for the delay, blame technical difficulties, etc). But as long as you met the deadline you were given, my guess is you're fine.

 

[Afford]

.

 

[lithe]

I have no idea!!!!! But even if they do, so what? If you don't know, you don't know. Admit that while you have an interest in stem cell research, you don't have much of a background in it, and one of the things you're most excited about medical school is how you're going to finally learn...yada yada. Don't let your interview be about you pulling fiction from your you-know-what or quoting someone else's opinion from the internet--it will show! Move on to something you CAN speak to...unless your CV or personal statement is laden with stem cell research experiences (in which case you'd better be able to name three researchers--or at least three authors from all those journal articles you said you read 🙂 )

Edit: @Afford...this was meant to answer your question...but your post has reverted to a ". "

 

[Afford]

I have no idea!!!!! But even if they do, so what? If you don't know, you don't know. Admit that while you have an interest in stem cell research, you don't have much of a background in it, and one of the things you're most excited about medical school is how you're going to finally learn...yada yada. Don't let your interview be about you pulling fiction from your you-know-what or quoting someone else's opinion from the internet--it will show! Move on to something you CAN speak to...unless your CV or personal statement is laden with stem cell research experiences (in which case you'd better be able to name three researchers--or at least three authors from all those journal articles you said you read 🙂 )

Thanks! I removed my last post b/c I thought that it might breach some interview confidentiality if I asked.

 

[lithe]

Thanks! I removed my last post b/c I thought that it might breach some interview confidentiality if I asked.

Haha no man I really have no idea. I don't represent the admissions committee or nada...just want to give you guys some peace of mind. You can't prepare for everything, so be prepared to pivot and move on. Remember no one (and I mean NO ONE) expects you to be an expert on specific topics unless you claim to be on your application. You can settle for being insightful or just plain honest if you don't know the answer. Good luck!!

 

[Afford]

.

 

[DirkN]

So interview days here are split into 2 days with the first day just being torus and such...it was so much fun!

Do any current students know if we're already being assessed on Friday, or is that day geared more towards just showing us southwestern?

 

[Bear2015]

Interviews can be a long, one day event too. TCOM and PennState both had interviews and tours all in one day.

 

[Whatyousay]

So interview days here are split into 2 days with the first day just being torus and such...it was so much fun!

Do any current students know if we're already being assessed on Friday, or is that day geared more towards just showing us southwestern?

As far as assessments go, just don't fall asleep. Enjoy the day as an opportunity to learn a bit more about UTSW and the Dallas area.

 

[Afford]

Everyone here is really friendly and my student host is awesome and went above and beyond. I had some really odd questions during interview though.

 

[Silverflash]

Just interviewed today! I'm sure I'd recognize some of you other 10/4 people, haha.

Overall it was a fantastic experience, definitely my top choice. I didn't get asked any weird questions at all. The interviews were very conversational and even laid back at times. One of my interviewers asked some pretty tough questions and really looked for me to straight up "sell myself" to him. I.E. "Tell me why you're one of the best and brightest the country has to offer." All questions in both interviews were about myself and my motivations rather than things like ethics, current events, or even science, but I know some others got those sorts of questions so be prepared.

Let me know if you have any questions about what to expect. I was there both days so I should be able to cover it.

 

[MediPhil]

I also just completed the 10/4 interview weekend. It was a lot of fun. The admissions and curriculum faculty do a tremendous job of selling the school from all aspects of campus and student life.

The interviews were remarkably relaxed in comparison to the rumors I had heard. Throughout the weekend, admins constantly stress that you'll merely have a couple "conversations" with their faculty during interviews. For me, it was exactly that. In one interview, we didn't even discuss medicine at all!

Ask away if you have questions.

 

[PrinceofMaladies]

II earlier today! Looks like they are just starting to book Nov interview dates.

 

[Paeonia]

II earlier today! Looks like they are just starting to book Nov interview dates.

Congratulations! Stats / IS or OOS if you don't mind?

 

[PrinceofMaladies]

Congratulations! Stats / IS or OOS if you don't mind?

Thanks! IS GPA 3.9x, MCAT 36+

 

[dragon mouse]

Everyone here is really friendly and my student host is awesome and went above and beyond. I had some really odd questions during interview though.

Mind sharing what kind of 'odd' questions? I'm interviewing this Saturday.

 

[dragon mouse]

How much emphasis do they place on research during the info sessions and interviews?

 

[acquiescing]

How much emphasis do they place on research during the info sessions and interviews?

Not a ridiculous amount, although they certainly have a right to: it's a fantastic research center. They seemed to discuss research and their prominence in the field briefly, but didn't go in depth on student involvement during the info sessions. We ended up discussing research in my interviews, but it was my prerogative as I have a pretty heavy research background.

Mind sharing what kind of 'odd' questions? I'm interviewing this Saturday.

I was asked by both interviewers what I would do with my life in medicine didn't exist. I was also asked the "dinner with anyone in history" question. I can't think of any particularly odd ones though.

 

[Afford]

Mind sharing what kind of 'odd' questions? I'm interviewing this Saturday.

The odd questions had nothing to do with me and they weren't ethical questions. The odd questions he asked me were why some healthcare fact is true. I got asked a question about why DOs exist, not their purpose, but what led to the formation of DOs. I talked about OMM and holistic care, but that wasn't the correct answer. I had no clue and still have no clue. He asked some other questions that were easier, like my favorite movie and what I like to do for fun. He also asked if I had taken any English classes in college. I couldn't really read him well, so I can't tell if I did well or not. However, he definitely wasn't excited by me. I just hope that my first interview carries me.

 

[Afford]

How much emphasis do they place on research during the info sessions and interviews?

My open file interviewer asked me, but my closed file interviewer did not.

 

[dragon mouse]

My open file interviewer asked me, but my closed file interviewer did not.

Thanks for your responses! So I'm guessing they tell you who's open and who's closed.
I wish they structured it so you'd have time to look up your interviewer before walking into the room. Ah the age of smartphones...

 

[dragon mouse]

Not a ridiculous amount, although they certainly have a right to: it's a fantastic research center. They seemed to discuss research and their prominence in the field briefly, but didn't go in depth on student involvement during the info sessions. We ended up discussing research in my interviews, but it was my prerogative as I have a pretty heavy research background.

I was asked by both interviewers what I would do with my life in medicine didn't exist. I was also asked the "dinner with anyone in history" question. I can't think of any particularly odd ones though.

Thanks! Do you plan to continue doing research in med school?

 

[acquiescing]

Thanks! Do you plan to continue doing research in med school?

I certainly hope to. I will be the first to assure you that there is no shortage of opportunity at Southwestern.

 

[Afford]

Thanks for your responses! So I'm guessing they tell you who's open and who's closed.
I wish they structured it so you'd have time to look up your interviewer before walking into the room. Ah the age of smartphones...

They didn't tell me. I just knew b/c one interviewer knew about my activities and the other didn't.