2014-2015 University of Utah Application Thread

BU Medical Sciences
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Utah is my top choice.

From Utah's FB page:
"We wish to reward those who have been following this page. We are going to give a sneak peak to our secondary application (AMCAS is considered the primary application).

For this upcoming admission cycle (2014-2015), we are going to ask 2 essay questions. Here is one (1) of the questions:

"Tell us about a difficult or challenging situation that you have encountered and how you dealt with it. In your response, identify both the coping skills that you called upon to resolve the dilemma, and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice."

We will be posting the second question prior to July.

Have a great weekend!

-Dr. Chan"

https://www.facebook.com/UUSOMOfficeofAdmissions
 
ScentOfPeace said:
Utah is my top choice.

From Utah's FB page:
"We wish to reward those who have been following this page. We are going to give a sneak peak to our secondary application (AMCAS is considered the primary application).

For this upcoming admission cycle (2014-2015), we are going to ask 2 essay questions. Here is one (1) of the questions:

"Tell us about a difficult or challenging situation that you have encountered and how you dealt with it. In your response, identify both the coping skills that you called upon to resolve the dilemma, and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice."

We will be posting the second question prior to July.

Have a great weekend!

-Dr. Chan"

https://www.facebook.com/UUSOMOfficeofAdmissions
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I saw this yesterday. I haven't decided if I want to write about something personal (and mothering related) or something academic/professional.
 
Leslie_Knope said:
I saw this yesterday. I haven't decided if I want to write about something personal (and mothering related) or something academic/professional.
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I'm contemplating something similar. It's tough but I think how you talk about it either way and really showing your true self are what matters.
 
Bbroush said:
I'm contemplating something similar. It's tough but I think how you talk about it either way and really showing your true self are what matters.
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I agree completely, esp. about showing my true self, which is why I'm contemplating the "personal" answer. This is one of my top choice schools, so I really don't want to make a fatal error.
 
Leslie_Knope said:
I agree completely, esp. about showing my true self, which is why I'm contemplating the "personal" answer. This is one of my top choice schools, so I really don't want to make a fatal error.
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Make sure with all your ECs you are meeting the minimums, and that your are above average in AT LEAST 5 categories. They use this to filter out a lot of people. And obviously having a high number of LORs does that as well.
This is one of my top choices as well. My dad went here, and I've toured the facilities at the annual day of the dead event. It's a great school and I hope I get a chance to prove that I would be a great fit there!
 
Bbroush said:
Make sure with all your ECs you are meeting the minimums, and that your are above average in AT LEAST 5 categories. They use this to filter out a lot of people. And obviously having a high number of LORs does that as well.
This is one of my top choices as well. My dad went here, and I've toured the facilities at the annual day of the dead event. It's a great school and I hope I get a chance to prove that I would be a great fit there!
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Done and done! Good luck to you! Let us know which direction you decide to take your secondary in.
 
Leslie_Knope said:
Done and done! Good luck to you! Let us know which direction you decide to take your secondary in.
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Absolutely! It will probably be the personal route because it's more compelling shows who I am much better. How many characters will the limit be?
 
Bbroush said:
Absolutely! It will probably be the personal route because it's more compelling shows who I am much better. How many characters will the limit be?
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Don't know yet, but I am guessing 3200.
 
Leslie_Knope said:
Don't know yet, but I am guessing 3200.
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Man, I really need to start doing some heavy pre writing so I can have some content to work with. Once my wife delivers at the end of the month I think I'll be in a much bigger time crunch.
 
Bbroush said:
Man, I really need to start doing some heavy pre writing so I can have some content to work with. Once my wife delivers at the end of the month I think I'll be in a much bigger time crunch.
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Oh is it your first baby? If so you have no idea! LOL I just had my first baby in December. It's awesome. Congratulations!
 
Leslie_Knope said:
Oh is it your first baby? If so you have no idea! LOL I just had my first baby in December. It's awesome. Congratulations!
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Yeah this is our first. We are really excited. My wife isn't going to go back to work for a while so it will be a bit crazy but still good 🙂
 
Just to confirm: U of UT requires research experience as well as a corresponding LOR, correct? I would love to go here, but haven't spent much time in the lab and don't have an LOR from my PI.

Thanks,
Bill
 
BillrothI said:
Just to confirm: U of UT requires research experience as well as a corresponding LOR, correct? I would love to go here, but haven't spent much time in the lab and don't have an LOR from my PI.

Thanks,
Bill
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Yes, they require lab experience and a corresponding letter. See this link for more details. They have a letter request form to use so that your letter writers are sure to fulfill UUSOM's expectations. They also have a diversity course requirement, which is quite unique as far as I'm aware.

I'm reapplying, IS, 33 MCAT, 3.72 cGPA, 3.54 sGPA. I interviewed last year and was rejected in early March. I'm currently on the waitlist for WMich, but am not expecting much at this point. Good luck to all applying this cycle.
 
I Like Genetics said:
Yes, they require lab experience and a corresponding letter. See this link for more details. They have a letter request form to use so that your letter writers are sure to fulfill UUSOM's expectations. They also have a diversity course requirement, which is quite unique as far as I'm aware.

I'm reapplying, IS, 33 MCAT, 3.72 cGPA, 3.54 sGPA. I interviewed last year and was rejected in early March. I'm currently on the waitlist for WMich, but am not expecting much at this point. Good luck to all applying this cycle.
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Best of luck to you this cycle.
 
I am an incoming student at the School of Medicine this coming Fall. I was accepted back in March. If any of you have questions regarding the application process, the interview, or just want simple advice, feel free to send me a message! Good luck to you all 🙂
 
GomerPyle said:
I am an incoming student at the School of Medicine this coming Fall. I was accepted back in March. If any of you have questions regarding the application process, the interview, or just want simple advice, feel free to send me a message! Good luck to you all 🙂
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Congrats! I'm looking forward to hopefully getting an interview. I have several friends there and have heard a lot of great things. Are you IS?
 
Bbroush said:
Congrats! I'm looking forward to hopefully getting an interview. I have several friends there and have heard a lot of great things. Are you IS?
Click to expand...

Yes, I am instate.
 
For the U of U secondary, it asks to list planned/future coursework. it says:

"The applicant lists the course(s) he/she intends to take during the upcoming year, including those listed on the AMCAS application. Acceptance to medical school is contingent upon successful completion of course work exactly as outlined in the application materials."

I listed Biochem on my future coursework but only three schools I'm applying to require it. I have couple questions...

1. can I not list it on the U of U secondary? UofU doesn't require it...
2. If I MUST list it bc it's on my AMCAS and MUST complete with all courses, would I be able to take it in the summer prior to matriculation?

I regret listing biochem at all, but already submitted my app...

perhaps @GomerPyle can chime in... or anyone else who has been through the process...
 
amad01 said:
For the U of U secondary, it asks to list planned/future coursework. it says:

"The applicant lists the course(s) he/she intends to take during the upcoming year, including those listed on the AMCAS application. Acceptance to medical school is contingent upon successful completion of course work exactly as outlined in the application materials."

I listed Biochem on my future coursework but only three schools I'm applying to require it. I have couple questions...

1. can I not list it on the U of U secondary? UofU doesn't require it...
2. If I MUST list it bc it's on my AMCAS and MUST complete with all courses, would I be able to take it in the summer prior to matriculation?

I regret listing biochem at all, but already submitted my app...

perhaps @GomerPyle can chime in... or anyone else who has been through the process...
Click to expand...

Wait - you have already received your secondary and submitted it? Geez - that was fast. Anyways, I encountered a similar situation last year because I submitted my secondary application with coursework that I later dropped and replaced with different courses. I emailed the admissions office to inform them about the change, and they okay'd it and updated my application. Just make sure you contact the admissions office and let them know about any changes you make and you should be okay. You MUST complete all coursework that you last informed the admissions office about. The admissions staff are super friendly and helpful, so don't ever hesitate to call their office or to send them an email.
 
GomerPyle said:
Wait - you have already received your secondary and submitted it? Geez - that was fast. Anyways, I encountered a similar situation last year because I submitted my secondary application with coursework that I later dropped and replaced with different courses. I emailed the admissions office to inform them about the change, and they okay'd it and updated my application. Just make sure you contact the admissions office and let them know about any changes you make and you should be okay. You MUST complete all coursework that you last informed the admissions office about. The admissions staff are super friendly and helpful, so don't ever hesitate to call their office or to send them an email.
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No, I submitted my primary to AMCAS with biochem in my future coursework. I found the secondary info off UofU admissions website.
Thanks for your reply that is very helpful.

EDIT: question, does the secondary coursework have to match AMCAS exactly?
 
amad01 said:
No, I submitted my primary to AMCAS with biochem in my future coursework. I found the secondary info off UofU admissions website.
Thanks for your reply that is very helpful.

EDIT: question, does the secondary coursework have to match AMCAS exactly?
Click to expand...

Your secondary coursework does not have to match the AMCAS directly, but you must inform all schools that you have changed your course list and tell them what you are now taking.
 
GomerPyle said:
Your secondary coursework does not have to match the AMCAS directly, but you must inform all schools that you have changed your course list and tell them what you are now taking.
Click to expand...

sounds good... thanks for your help. Would you happen to know if U of U would accept summer classes taken right before matriculation? Say if I was to take biochem or even graduate summer 2015? Maybe you would know if there was anyone who did this....
 
amad01 said:
sounds good... thanks for your help. Would you happen to know if U of U would accept summer classes taken right before matriculation? Say if I was to take biochem or even graduate summer 2015? Maybe you would know if there was anyone who did this....
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I'm sure they would but I don't think that option exists on the secondary application. But I don't know why you would want to do that since the School of Medicine advises against taking any summer courses before medical school. I was told by the dean that the best thing to do is have fun, go on vacation, and enjoy life with family and friends, so I think taking class next summer would be somewhat of a red flag. I think you should take whatever class you need this Fall or Spring. Why do you want to take biochem in the summer anyways?
 
amad01 said:
sounds good... thanks for your help. Would you happen to know if U of U would accept summer classes taken right before matriculation? Say if I was to take biochem or even graduate summer 2015? Maybe you would know if there was anyone who did this....
Click to expand...
I'm not sure about Utah, but as I was compiling my list of schools I applied to, I noticed that MOST required the completion of REQUIRED course work to be done by the spring semester in which you are matriculating. However Biochemistry isn't required so I'm not sure how they would treat this. But I'm betting that the other schools that you applied to that required it, need it done by that spring.
 
GomerPyle said:
I'm sure they would but I don't think that option exists on the secondary application. But I don't know why you would want to do that since the School of Medicine advises against taking any summer courses before medical school. I was told by the dean that the best thing to do is have fun, go on vacation, and enjoy life with family and friends, so I think taking class next summer would be somewhat of a red flag. I think you should take whatever class you need this Fall or Spring. Why do you want to take biochem in the summer anyways?
Click to expand...

I was just offered a really good job full-time and am trying to minimize classes. Only a couple schools I applied to require biochem so it's almost like "I will take it if I have to" scenario. Basically if come January I don't have any offers I take biochem to keep my options open... but sounds like I will have to take it regardless according to Utah's secondary even tho it isn't a required course for their school.
 
amad01 said:
I was just offered a really good job full-time and am trying to minimize classes. Only a couple schools I applied to require biochem so it's almost like "I will take it if I have to" scenario. Basically if come January I don't have any offers I take biochem to keep my options open... but sounds like I will have to take it regardless according to Utah's secondary even tho it isn't a required course for their school.
Click to expand...

I worked nearly full time when I applied as well. I took 3 classes in the Fall and 3 classes in the Spring - all science related classes. It's preferred you take upper division classes.
 
An update from the University of Utah School of Medicine about changes to the current cycle. The source is an email sent out by the Preprofessional Advising Office at the University of Utah.

*******BEGIN MESSAGE*******

For 2015, we are increasing the class size to 122. With this increase there will be 14 positions available to non residents, 100 positions for Utah residents or non-residents who graduated from a Utah high school, college, or university. The 8 Idaho positions will remain the same.
  • There will no longer be a restriction on the number of times an applicant can re-apply to our school. In the past, applicants were only allowed to apply 3 consecutive years. We have eliminated this policy which will allow applicants to apply as many times as they would like.
  • Our residency requirements have changed. Applicants no longer need to have Utah ties, be a member of a population group underrepresented in the physician workforce, or apply to the MD/PhD program to be eligible for consideration.
  • Our new policy states:
    • A minimum of 82% of positions (100 spots) are awarded to Utah residents or non-residents who graduated from a Utah high school, college, or university.
    • Eight positions are reserved for Idaho residents.
    • The remaining positions are open to all applicants, including non-residents.
  • Because of the change in residency requirements, we anticipate receiving more applications for the 2015 application cycle. In an effort to expedite the distribution of secondary invitations to our applicants, we will not pre-screen AMCAS applications for eligibility requirements. All applicants will be invited to complete secondary materials. However, only those applicants who meet the minimum of all 7 criteria and are average or above average in 5 will be eligible for further consideration.
  • Historically, we have given applicants 45 days to complete their secondary forms and submit their letters of recommendation. We are changing this to 30 days.
  • With the anticipated growth in our application pool, we will limit the number of interview invitations to approximately 500. This means there could be an advantage in submitting an application earlier in the process. Applicants who meet our admissions criteria but have a weak application may not be offered an interview.
  • For the 2016 application cycle, scores will be accepted from tests taken in 2015, 2014 and 2013. If the test is taken more than once within 3 years of application, the scores from the latest test will be accepted. Example: If the MCAT is taken in 2014 and again in 2015, we will only accept the 2015 scores.
*******END MESSAGE*******
 
amad01 said:
For the U of U secondary, it asks to list planned/future coursework. it says:

"The applicant lists the course(s) he/she intends to take during the upcoming year, including those listed on the AMCAS application. Acceptance to medical school is contingent upon successful completion of course work exactly as outlined in the application materials."

I listed Biochem on my future coursework but only three schools I'm applying to require it. I have couple questions...

1. can I not list it on the U of U secondary? UofU doesn't require it...
2. If I MUST list it bc it's on my AMCAS and MUST complete with all courses, would I be able to take it in the summer prior to matriculation?

I regret listing biochem at all, but already submitted my app...

perhaps @GomerPyle can chime in... or anyone else who has been through the process...
Click to expand...

I will also be starting at the U this year. Understand that everything you put into your secondary can potentially influence the decision of the admissions committee. Knowing this, what I would do if I were you (and what I did myself) is only put the classes that you are certain that you will take on your secondary. You always have the option of updating your application via a letter/email. It's OK if your secondary deviates from the classes you listed on your AMCAS (I'm sure they will assume you did it for the schools that require biochem). I updated my application with extra classes/volunteer hours/research about a month before I was accepted.
 
Hey everyone, I've gotten over my mourning phase of being rejected off of the wait list for last cycle and I've moved to this year's thread. Hello to my fellow reapplicants and to the newbies! Since I'm a Utah application alumnus, do I get choice for bottom bunk?
 
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Hey guys I will also be matriculating at the U this year. I'll add when I can and feel free to ask questions 🙂
 
Nice. Second prompt is up!

From Utah's FB page:
"We wish to reward those who have been following this page. We are going to give a sneak peak to our secondary application (AMCAS is considered the primary application).

For this upcoming admission cycle (2014-2015), we are going to ask 2 essay questions.

"Tell us about a difficult or challenging situation that you have encountered and how you dealt with it. In your response, identify both the coping skills that you called upon to resolve the dilemma, and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice."

here is the second essay question:

"At the University of Utah School of Medicine, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, and opinions. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community?"

Have a great weekend!

-Dr. Chan"

Character allowance will be 3990 total for two questions.

https://www.facebook.com/UUSOMOfficeofAdmissions
 
To be honest, I'm glad about it. I have so many other applications to write, so having them delay the secondary means I can still be early while writing it later.
 
AMCAS was verified today!

(quickly hops in life boat anticipating a flood of secondaries)
 
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I'm sure most of you have already seen this, but for the sake of those who don't have facebook:

"Announcement: Due to larger than expected volume of applications (and updating our main computer system), we have NOT sent out any invitations yet to complete secondaries. We appreciate your patience in this matter. We anticipate that we will start sending out invitations to complete secondary applications by the end of July.

Thank you,
University of Utah School of Medicine Office of Admissions"
 
ScentOfPeace said:
I'm sure most of you have already seen this, but for the sake of those who don't have facebook:

"Announcement: Due to larger than expected volume of applications (and updating our main computer system), we have NOT sent out any invitations yet to complete secondaries. We appreciate your patience in this matter. We anticipate that we will start sending out invitations to complete secondary applications by the end of July.

Thank you,
University of Utah School of Medicine Office of Admissions"
Click to expand...
I actually hadn't seen this, thanks for posting! Sounds like the word got out about the U's modified acceptance standards has gotten out! I'm curious as to how this affects interviews. The statement from the U mentioning the cap being set at 500 makes me curious as to what percentage of those interviews goes to each of the groups (Idaho, IS, OOS, etc.)
 
Ginred said:
I actually hadn't seen this, thanks for posting! Sounds like the word got out about the U's modified acceptance standards has gotten out! I'm curious as to how this affects interviews. The statement from the U mentioning the cap being set at 500 makes me curious as to what percentage of those interviews goes to each of the groups (Idaho, IS, OOS, etc.)
Click to expand...
Yeah, same here. I'm thinking that they will do a 350 IS, 150 OOS/Idaho split. I am basing that on nothing though haha.
 
ScentOfPeace said:
Yeah, same here. I'm thinking that they will do a 350 IS, 150 OOS/Idaho split. I am basing that on nothing though haha.
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It's funny, I was just telling someone that that exact ratio split (350/75/75) was my guess too! Or maybe 350/100/50? As long as I get an interview, they can do the numbers however they like!
 
ScentOfPeace said:
I'm sure most of you have already seen this, but for the sake of those who don't have facebook:

"Announcement: Due to larger than expected volume of applications (and updating our main computer system), we have NOT sent out any invitations yet to complete secondaries. We appreciate your patience in this matter. We anticipate that we will start sending out invitations to complete secondary applications by the end of July.

Thank you,
University of Utah School of Medicine Office of Admissions"
Click to expand...


This makes me just a little bit nervous. At least 3 or 4 schools at which I'm applying have indicated that the applicant volume is larger than expected. This sounds like a tough year to to apply!
 
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