2014-2015 University of Wisconsin Application Thread

[gettheleadout]

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1. Provide a chronological history of your life activities from the time you completed high school to the present, for example: undergraduate studies, jobs, service and volunteer work, research, participation in music, sports, clubs, etc., graduate study, family responsibilities, et al.

Optional Essay:

The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when reviewing your application. A successful applicant is frequently one who communicates what makes them exceptional and why they will become an outstanding physician. You are invited but not required to provide additional information in this essay.

Some applicants tell us about hardships and challenges that they have faced in their lives and how these experiences have helped them become caring and compassionate individuals. Other applicants use this space to emphasize a particular passion they have related to their future career in medicine. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may want to tell us why you are interested in the University of Wisconsin or about a special connection that you may have to our state or people who live here.

Our goal is to gain insight into you as a unique applicant. You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant. Please limit your response to 500 words.

Reapplicant Essay:

Only for previous applicants to the UW MD program.

Individuals who are reapplying are required to submit a statement indicating what has changed since the previous application to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health MD program (e.g., additional academic work, new letters of recommendation, work and volunteer experience, life changes, etc.). Please limit your response to 500 words.

Good luck to everyone applying!

 

[Ruby109]

Let's go UW!! Hoping for some IS love

 

[ConsultantMD]

Let's go UW!! Hoping for some IS love

Same here! I want to be a badger!

 

[baconcures]

Hoping to be a badger for 4 more years!

 

[AspiringERMD]

Applying here. They don't have the greatest OOS numbers... does anyone know if they're more likely to accept you OOS if you're from a nearby state like IL, IA, or MN?

 

[ScentOfPeace]

Applying here. They don't have the greatest OOS numbers... does anyone know if they're more likely to accept you OOS if you're from a nearby state like IL, IA, or MN?

whoops

 

[AspiringERMD]

Nah, they don't have a particular affinity for those schools. They pretty much accept 10 students from Idaho, 10 students from OOS, and 100 from Utah. They did recently change some of their policies regarding in-state status though. I believe if you went to a high school or college in Utah, then you are considered in-state.

Wait, what? For University of Wisconsin? 😵

 

[ScentOfPeace]

Wait, what? For University of Wisconsin? 😵

Lol I have no idea how I ended up in this thread. Ignore that.

 

[AspiringERMD]

Lol I have no idea how I ended up in this thread. Ignore that.

Haha, no worries. I was organizing information in a file today and accidentally confused University of Washington with Washington University in St. Louis.

 

[kittykattat]

Applying here. They don't have the greatest OOS numbers... does anyone know if they're more likely to accept you OOS if you're from a nearby state like IL, IA, or MN?

I dont think they are... however if you went to Madison for undergrad or grad school they may be more likely to give your app a second look when offering interviews than other OOSers who arent alumni. When it comes time to making final decisions post-interview I doubt either criteria is weighed. Good luck!

 

[AspiringERMD]

I dont think they are... however if you went to Madison for undergrad or grad school they may be more likely to give your app a second look when offering interviews than other OOSers who arent alumni. When it comes time to making final decisions post-interview I doubt either criteria is weighed. Good luck!

Thank you! The reason I asked was because a very few of the schools said that they consider bordering states to be "in state," so I didn't know if other schools somehow see distance as a factor even if OOS.

 

[kittykattat]

Thank you! The reason I asked was because a very few of the schools said that they consider bordering states to be "in state," so I didn't know if other schools somehow see distance as a factor even if OOS.

Ah yes I know what youre talking about but yeah I think only the ones that explicitly say so ( like the other UW) practice that.

 

[ConsultantMD]

Anyone know about proof of residency for Wisconsin? This is my 5th year here, but I'm not a registered voter yet, is that something I should get on now? I have a license and license plates and paid taxes here, but I think I'm still a MO voter technically.

 

[chiberian husky]

Applying here. They don't have the greatest OOS numbers... does anyone know if they're more likely to accept you OOS if you're from a nearby state like IL, IA, or MN?

For the OOS curious: I was accepted to UWSMPH OOS last cycle, IL resident, w/ strong ties to the region/hospital, 36 MCAT, >3.6 cGPA/sGPA

 

[Dr mutt]

I'm an Alum of UW-Madison (undergrad). Hope I can get in.

 

[UW med student]

Anyone know about proof of residency for Wisconsin? This is my 5th year here, but I'm not a registered voter yet, is that something I should get on now? I have a license and license plates and paid taxes here, but I think I'm still a MO voter technically.

Here's our info on WI residency: http://registrar.wisc.edu/residence.htm
Basically if you have lived here for 12 months other than for attending school you are considered a resident, but if you are worried factors they consider on the residency form include job, paying taxes, drivers license, and yes voting so I would suggest registering to vote anyway...couldn't hurt. Good luck

 

[UW med student]

Applying here. They don't have the greatest OOS numbers... does anyone know if they're more likely to accept you OOS if you're from a nearby state like IL, IA, or MN?

Unfortunately no, all OOS students are considered equally and no regard is given for states bordering WI. We sometimes also get asked about MN-WI reciprocity which applies only to undergrad admissions, not to the med school so MN students are still considered OOS. Take care

 

[Osteoth]

For the OOS curious: I was accepted to UWSMPH OOS last cycle, IL resident, w/ strong ties to the region/hospital, 36 MCAT, >3.6 cGPA/sGPA

Would you mind sharing the pre clinical grading scheme of your school? Thanks

 

[chiberian husky]

Would you mind sharing the pre clinical grading scheme of your school? Thanks

M1 is P/F & M2 is ABC grades.

I'm putting up a quote that I thought was helpful from UW med student on the UWSMPH thread from last year:

Currently our 2nd year is graded on an A/AB/B/BC/C/F scale. About 3/4 of courses are curved where the top 30% students get an A, the next 20% get an AB, and most everyone else gets a B with very few people who were unusually below the course average getting lower than a B (about 5 people every course). This is pretty much the high honors/honors/P/F system with different letters so it's very similar to what many other med schools do. The remaining 1/4 of courses are graded on a scale where 92% or whatever is an A etc. As far as I know changing this to P/F like 1st year has been advocated by the students for years but there is always enough faculty push back to delay it continuously.

For residency purposes it hasn't at all affected my prospects especially because every med school has a different grading system and way to calculate a GPA. That's why step scores are more useful in comparing applicants across schools, GPA is mainly used to compare you to the average/your classmates and see where you fall on the bell curve. I suggest also looking at exam schedules as far as block vs. rolling. UW has block scheduling so we take 3-4 exams in one week and then have 3-4 weeks until the next set which allows you to relax more. Some schools have 1 exam every week so you aren't getting any time off but each week isn't as intense. So knowing your preference helps you be happier during med school.

 

[UW med student]

Would you mind sharing the pre clinical grading scheme of your school? Thanks

The grading scheme I posted last year (thank you by the way for finding and reposting) is still accurate for now, but we will be going through a curriculum change in the near future and it looks like the M2 year is finally going to be pass/fail as well. It's still unknown however when exactly the new changes will be implemented and which class will be the first to go through the new curriculum. Take care!

 

[ndafife]

Got a confirmation that my application was received. No secondaries yet

 

[jocoh]

Got a confirmation that my application was received. No secondaries yet

+1

...and so it begins, good luck everyone!

 

[ConsultantMD]

Secondary received! But fortunately I can't touch it until they verify residency. I'm totally OK with waiting!

 

[Heplayer92]

@gettheleadout

Optional Essay:

The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration when reviewing your application. A successful applicant is frequently one who communicates what makes them exceptional and why they will become an outstanding physician. You are invited but not required to provide additional information in this essay.

Some applicants tell us about hardships and challenges that they have faced in their lives and how these experiences have helped them become caring and compassionate individuals. Other applicants use this space to emphasize a particular passion they have related to their future career in medicine. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may want to tell us why you are interested in the University of Wisconsin or about a special connection that you may have to our state or people who live here.

Our goal is to gain insight into you as a unique applicant. You may include anything in this essay that you feel is relevant. Please limit your response to 500 words.


Reapplicant Essay:

Only for previous applicants to the UW MD program.

Individuals who are reapplying are required to submit a statement indicating what has changed since the previous application to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health MD program (e.g., additional academic work, new letters of recommendation, work and volunteer experience, life changes, etc.). Please limit your response to 500 words.

 

[Heplayer92]

There's also a "life activities" section. Is it a bad idea to copy+paste our Primary Works/Activities onto this? Seems like they will only view your "life activities" through the secondary. Thanks all

 

[sofreakinglost]

There's also a "life activities" section. Is it a bad idea to copy+paste our Primary Works/Activities onto this? Seems like they will only view your "life activities" through the secondary. Thanks all

It actually says in the descriptions of that section that it would be okay to copy and paste from AMCAS. They just want to use their fancy bar graph.

 

[ndafife]

Secondary as well...

1. Provide a chronological history of your life activities from the time you completed high school to the present, for example: undergraduate studies, jobs, service and volunteer work, research, participation in music, sports, clubs, etc., graduate study, family responsibilities, et al.

2. The optional essay is an opportunity for you share additional information as directed on the form, if you choose to do so.

Then there is a reapplicant essay, and a chance to explain charges/disciplinary stuff (if applicable).

And in state students cannot submit until the 17th of August, so there is plenty of time to figure everything out

 

[sahmoc]

Are you guys copying the entire description from AMCAS? They said typically they are 3-4 sentences and my AMCAS descriptions are longer.

 

[orchid21]

when is the first day out of state students can apply?

 

[amad01]

I do not like this life activities says I

 

[ndafife]

when is the first day out of state students can apply?

I don't know, it didnt say anything about OOS... The email says that "IF YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF AS A WISCONSIN RESIDENT, THE FIRST DAY YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SUBMIT YOUR SECONDARY APPLICATION IS AUGUST 17, 2014"

 

[Heplayer92]

Mine are longer too...all between 650-700 characters.

Mhmmm lol...really tempted to just copy + paste. Anyone else shed any light on this? Thanks!

 

[amad01]

Mine are longer too...all between 650-700 characters.

Mhmmm lol...really tempted to just copy + paste. Anyone else shed any light on this? Thanks!

I just copied and pasted word for word... each one about 600-700 characters... I guess I could trim them down but I worked really really hard on those descriptions lol

 

[amad01]

I feel like they will have some sort of 4 year calendar type thing that shows comprehensive view of what you were doing and when... then the descriptions they prob could click to read or something... just my imagination

 

[Heplayer92]

I just copied and pasted word for word... each one about 600-700 characters... I guess I could trim them down but I worked really really hard on those descriptions lol

Sames...I worked really hard on those too XD Almost went through as many drafts as my PS haha. Oh well, hope they don't mind reading a small block of text =)

 

[ndafife]

Ive just been cutting them down to specifically what I did and removing all the reflection on each activity to make each description the recommended 2-4 sentences

 

[sahmoc]

I submitted my secondary 7/3 and they have mot marked my letters as received yet. Should I email them?

EDIT: Now I am complete!

 

[asyouwish]

.

 

[ndafife]

Regarding the "Have any disciplinary actions/proceedings been initiated against you by any colleges or universities?" question, would this include academic probation for poor grades? To my mind, disciplinary action sounds worse/different than institutional action as listed on AMCAS, but I'd like other's opinions. Thanks!

I think that includes academic issues (like academic probation) and disciplinary issues. If the University took an action against you I would consider it worthy of mentioning

 

[orchid21]

I don't know, it didnt say anything about OOS... The email says that "IF YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF AS A WISCONSIN RESIDENT, THE FIRST DAY YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SUBMIT YOUR SECONDARY APPLICATION IS AUGUST 17, 2014"

thanks. i am just saving that school for last, i am not sure what to do haha

 

[UW med student]

Regarding the "Have any disciplinary actions/proceedings been initiated against you by any colleges or universities?" question, would this include academic probation for poor grades? To my mind, disciplinary action sounds worse/different than institutional action as listed on AMCAS, but I'd like other's opinions. Thanks!

Get an official copy of your transcript from your college; you should do this anyway to verify accuracy of grades etc. but in particular look for your academic probation being listed. If it is listed then you need to mention it here, but if not then it's up to you. In general med schools want to know if you can handle the academic rigor and if you tend to get yourself in trouble and are more likely to be a liability. But obviously academic probation isn't going to look good so it could only hurt your chances with applications.

 

[asyouwish]

@UW med student, thanks for your reply. It was AP for one semester a long, long time ago (in a galaxy far away). The warning worked and it didn't happen again. I've also since earned a master's with no issues, so hopefully this will be viewed as an issue of immaturity.

 

[Heplayer92]

For those of you who listed 15 activities...are you going to list more than 15? I did not count some leadership roles such as being on Hall Council and board members at clubs b/c I ran out of space. Do they cap you at all? Is this even necessary?

 

[sahmoc]

For those of you who listed 15 activities...are you going to list more than 15? I did not count some leadership roles such as being on Hall Council and board members at clubs b/c I ran out of space. Do they cap you at all? Is this even necessary?

The only extra activities I added were parenting (because that doesn't really fall into the categories on AMCAS) and my recent volunteering. I think the purpose of the activities section here is so that they can see if you were doing things throughout undergrad and, if applicable, time off after graduation. They organize it into a bar graph, more like a timeline, so it shows the duration of activities and when they overlap. They will automatically include when you are in school on the graph as well. If you have more activities then I would say why not? You just want to make sure that your "timeline" is filled out and shows you have been committed to a variety of things since high school.

 

[Heplayer92]

The only extra activities I added were parenting (because that doesn't really fall into the categories on AMCAS) and my recent volunteering. I think the purpose of the activities section here is so that they can see if you were doing things throughout undergrad and, if applicable, time off after graduation. They organize it into a bar graph, more like a timeline, so it shows the duration of activities and when they overlap. They will automatically include when you are in school on the graph as well. If you have more activities then I would say why not? You just want to make sure that your "timeline" is filled out and shows you have been committed to a variety of things since high school.

Wow that was really helpful, thank you for the insight! Makes a lot of sense with the whole visuals that the bar graph would provide.

 

[sahmoc]

Wow that was really helpful, thank you for the insight! Makes a lot of sense with the whole visuals that the bar graph would provide.

No problem! When you are complete they send you a pdf of your bar graph...it was kind of neat

 

[amad01]

No problem! When you are complete they send you a pdf of your bar graph...it was kind of neat

I got a complete email 7/7 but no bar graph....... ?

 

[sahmoc]

Oops. It was actually an attachment on the receipt of secondary submission email. I didn't notice it at first because I wasn't expecting it. Check that one!

 

[amad01]

Oops. It was actually an attachment on the receipt of secondary submission email. I didn't notice it at first because I wasn't expecting it. Check that one!

I see it now... hmm I took a class in high school as a sophomore at a school and then for a year a couple years later and it looks like I was a student there for like 8 years hahaha

 

[sahmoc]

I see it now... hmm I took a class in high school as a sophomore at a school and then for a year a couple years later and it looks like I was a student there for like 8 years hahaha

Haha whoops. Hopefully they don't think it took you eight years to graduate! 😱 Nah, I'm sure they will figure it out.