2014-2015 University of Wisconsin Application Thread

[Its_a_lucky_day]

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I got a very similar call on Friday! It blew my mind, I was not expecting it at all. Madison was already my top choice, but WOW.

Congrats! I also received that awesome call. They definitely have things rolling.

Congrats to all the people how received scholarships!! That is a great news 🙂 May I ask how much scholarship you guys received?

 

[member11185]

I guess this question will be more for the current students. I am wondering if anybody knows what is the probability of getting off the WL for OOS?

 

[KoskonRN]

I received a scholarship phone call too. Mr. Santiago said there would be an offer letter in the mail. I've been checking every day and it's not here. I hope it's not a joke 🙁 🙁 🙁

 

[lilmiffy]

edit

 

[kittykattat]

Can any current students weigh in on the deferral process? Due to some unforeseen circumstances I'm considering trying to defer my admission for a year. Any current students do this? If so, what is the process like? How easy is it to get one? Any input would be appreciated, thanks a bunch!

I don't know what the process is like but I know that it is definitely and option, and someone in the admissions office will send all the accepted students an email in March-ish with more information (including valid reasons for deferring, how to go about the process/what forms to fill out). If you want more information sooner, I would suggest just contacting Becky Duffy, she is very helpful on all things admissions!

 

[kevinsword91]

I guess this question will be more for the current students. I am wondering if anybody knows what is the probability of getting off the WL for OOS?

Not a current student, but was waitlisted OOS back in October. I poured over all the SDN threads from previous years trying to glean how many OOS may be accepted off the waitlist. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good as it appeared they accepted zero students several years with a few other years accepting what appeared to be less than five.

 

[asyouwish]

Does anyone know if the dates for 2nd look have been set?

 

[Glandzburg]

I wrote down April 11th at the interview, but perhaps someone else could confirm.

 

[tealeafdoc]

I'm pretty sure that is the correct date.

 

[asyouwish]

Thanks all, April 11th was confirmed on the FB group as well.

 

[SnowTree]

Can any current students give any insight into commuting to UWSMPH? I know parking isn't realistic on campus, but for my own reasons I am interested in living beyond walking distance. Likely the east side.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

Rejected pre-interview 20 minutes ago. OOS. Complete early Sept. Good luck and congrats!

 

[kittykattat]

Can any current students give any insight into commuting to UWSMPH? I know parking isn't realistic on campus, but for my own reasons I am interested in living beyond walking distance. Likely the east side.

There are several parking lots at the hospital, but I believe some do currently have waiting lists and they certainly aren't cheap, so if you want to go with that option I would visit the UW Transportation website and see how get yourself on a waiting list. Additionally, some people that commute just bought parking spots from nearby apartment buildings or businesses to drive to each morning and then walk the last couple blocks to the school (also not cheap, but more variety in terms of price and type e.g. outdoor lot vs. garage).

Otherwise, most students who own homes or rent on the east side of Madison just take the bus to school. There are several lines from the east side to the hospital (though more during commuting hours and less during off hours) and all students get free (read: included in your tuition) bus passes from the school each semester.

If you are a biker, madison is very bike friendly and many students and physicians bike every day, though its still nice to live somewhat near a bus line for those handful of blizzardy days each winter.

Hope this helps!

 

[member11185]

Not a current student, but was waitlisted OOS back in October. I poured over all the SDN threads from previous years trying to glean how many OOS may be accepted off the waitlist. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good as it appeared they accepted zero students several years with a few other years accepting what appeared to be less than five.

Thank you for the input Kevinsword91. This indeed does not look too promising. 🙁

 

[SnowTree]

There are several parking lots at the hospital, but I believe some do currently have waiting lists and they certainly aren't cheap, so if you want to go with that option I would visit the UW Transportation website and see how get yourself on a waiting list. Additionally, some people that commute just bought parking spots from nearby apartment buildings or businesses to drive to each morning and then walk the last couple blocks to the school (also not cheap, but more variety in terms of price and type e.g. outdoor lot vs. garage).

Otherwise, most students who own homes or rent on the east side of Madison just take the bus to school. There are several lines from the east side to the hospital (though more during commuting hours and less during off hours) and all students get free (read: included in your tuition) bus passes from the school each semester.

If you are a biker, madison is very bike friendly and many students and physicians bike every day, though its still nice to live somewhat near a bus line for those handful of blizzardy days each winter.

Hope this helps!

Thank you, this makes me feel much better! On my interview day I got the impression that you pretty much had to live within walking/biking distance.

 

[kittykattat]

Thank you, this makes me feel much better! On my interview day I got the impression that you pretty much had to live within walking/biking distance.

Im sorry you got that impression! Whenever asked about housing I usually estimate that about 50-60% of the class lives in walking distance while the other half of the class lives all over Madison and even all over Dane County (lots of people live in various suburbs and commute).

At Second Look they should have some non-trad students around to chat with, many of whom don't live down by the hospital so that should be a good opportunity to hear what other people do for transportation as well 🙂

 

[Retnuh07]

OOS applicant, rejected yesterday afternoon pre-II. Good luck and congrats to those already accepted!

 

[Jennyfishy]

I received a scholarship phone call too. Mr. Santiago said there would be an offer letter in the mail. I've been checking every day and it's not here. I hope it's not a joke 🙁 🙁 🙁

(Most) Official scholarship letters/offers usually come out around late February/early March. If you got a call from Kurt Hansen or someone else involved in admissions like Mr. Santiago, just hang tight in the mean time 🙂

 

[felixthegirl]

I received a scholarship phone call too. Mr. Santiago said there would be an offer letter in the mail. I've been checking every day and it's not here. I hope it's not a joke 🙁 🙁 🙁

I got my letter a couple of days after the call. You have to accept the offer and send back a form.

 

[JPA178]

OOS, rejected yesterday afternoon pre-II as well. Good luck to those still in the running! Madison is a great town.

 

[KlimtPug]

Also rejected yesterday. OOS. Best of luck to all!

 

[sahmoc]

@JPA178 @KlimtPug sorry about the rejections 🙁 I think mine is on the way. May I ask when you were complete? And if you were ever sent the "hold" email?

 

[JPA178]

@JPA178 @KlimtPug sorry about the rejections 🙁 I think mine is on the way. May I ask when you were complete? And if you were ever sent the "hold" email?

I was complete in early August and never received a hold email. I'm surprised I lasted this long. Even though I'm OOS, I do have ties to the state (was once a resident and employed there/paid taxes there/voted there).

 

[KoskonRN]

Dear all Madisonians, so how cold is the winter right now in Madison? I really like the school but having lived in the west coast, I'm most concerned about the negative degrees in Wisconsin. Do you think that the weather can compromise your focus on school? Thanks.

 

[JPA178]

Dear all Madisonians, so how cold is the winter right now in Madison? I really like the school but having lived in the west coast, I'm most concerned about the negative degrees in Wisconsin. Do you think that the weather can compromise your focus on school? Thanks.

Hah, but seriously... you'll survive. Big coat + boots + hat + scarf + gloves.

 

[Glandzburg]

Dear all Madisonians, so how cold is the winter right now in Madison? I really like the school but having lived in the west coast, I'm most concerned about the negative degrees in Wisconsin. Do you think that the weather can compromise your focus on school? Thanks.

The winters used to be really rough, but now we have electricity and heating systems!

Ha but seriously, you get acclimaited to it.

 

[sahmoc]

I was complete in early August and never received a hold email. I'm surprised I lasted this long. Even though I'm OOS, I do have ties to the state (was once a resident and employed there/paid taxes there/voted there).

I am surprised I have lasted this long too, being OOS. I live here now so it would be really great to get to go here, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards. Good luck with the rest of your app cycle and perhaps you can reunite with Madison for residency!

 

[sahmoc]

Dear all Madisonians, so how cold is the winter right now in Madison? I really like the school but having lived in the west coast, I'm most concerned about the negative degrees in Wisconsin. Do you think that the weather can compromise your focus on school? Thanks.

I strongly dislike to be cold, yet currently live in Madison. All I can say is wool socks, down coat, and warm boots have been my best friends. Some people even wear long underwear if they have to walk outside a lot. I don't think it will affect your ability to do well in school. You just have to be prepared. After all, there is no bad weather, just bad clothes! 😉

 

[Jrcomsto]

Dear all Madisonians, so how cold is the winter right now in Madison? I really like the school but having lived in the west coast, I'm most concerned about the negative degrees in Wisconsin. Do you think that the weather can compromise your focus on school? Thanks.

Not from Madison, but from another cold winter state! And I think that it helps me do better in school, actually. Much better (in my experience) to be cozy inside curled up and studying with a cup of hot tea when it's freezing outside than looking outside longingly at the sunny weather wishing you were at the beach! 🙂

 

[KlimtPug]

@JPA178 @KlimtPug sorry about the rejections 🙁 I think mine is on the way. May I ask when you were complete? And if you were ever sent the "hold" email?

I was complete way back in July and did not receive a hold email - I also have very strong ties to the state but my stats were a little weak for an OOS applicant. Good luck!

 

[ShabbaRanks]

Edit: wrong thread x2

 

[member11185]

I am still hoping to get in!

 

[ChemNerd26]

I just received the acceptance call today after interviewing on 12/2! I am feeling on top of the world! IS applicant, UW alum. Best of luck to all still (im)patiently waiting!

 

[dancingfree]

I just received the acceptance call today after interviewing on 12/2! I am feeling on top of the world! IS applicant, UW alum. Best of luck to all still (im)patiently waiting!

Ahhh congrats!! I'm still waiting to hear, interviewed 12/5 so you just gave me a little hope!

 

[Tantalum]

Curious about my chances...
MCAT 30 - PS11 - VR8 - BS11
GPA - 3.4 ScienceGPA - 3.6
Decent amount of ECs
WI resident
Any feedback would be much appreciated.

 

[publichealthguy]

Curious about my chances...
MCAT 30 - PS11 - VR8 - BS11
GPA - 3.4 ScienceGPA - 3.6
Decent amount of ECs
WI resident
Any feedback would be much appreciated.

I would suggest you start by watching this video, a panel discussion by the Dean of Admissions at UW and some members of the admissions committee: . No one can give you better tips on how to get into UW than them!

It might also serve you well to schedule an individual advising session with a member of the admissions staff who can give you personalized tips. Just contact them to set up an appointment: http://www.med.wisc.edu/education/md/admissions/staff/1063

My own advice (worth much less than that of the aforementioned sources) is that you need to find a way to truly stand out among the crowd, and prove that you will make an amazing MD one day. I am willing to bet that you are extremely bright, given how far you've come already, but unfortunately, your stats are just OK when compared to the general applicant pool-even among in-state applicants. So focus on an area that interests you-research, community service, public health, etc-and do something amazing in that field. UW is known for both its focus on public health and its extensive medical research activities, so I would think that either of those areas (or a combination of the two) would be a good place to invest your time.

Good luck!

 

[KoskonRN]

Hi current MS at UW,

I have a few questions about the curriculum:

1) is it true that ALL lectures are recorded? If so, do they come with voice only or voice and videos?

2) if I choose to watch the lectures online, how many days a week am I mandated to show up at school for labs/discussion/activities? Will those meetings generally be consecutive (eg Mon through Wed) or non-consecutive (eg Monday-Wednesday-Friday)?

3) is the schedule consistent throughout the semester/year or does it change every now and then?

4) how often do you have a test?

Thanks a lot

 

[Jennyfishy]

Hi current MS at UW,

I have a few questions about the curriculum:

1) is it true that ALL lectures are recorded? If so, do they come with voice only or voice and videos?

2) if I choose to watch the lectures online, how many days a week am I mandated to show up at school for labs/discussion/activities? Will those meetings generally be consecutive (eg Mon through Wed) or non-consecutive (eg Monday-Wednesday-Friday)?

3) is the schedule consistent throughout the semester/year or does it change every now and then?

4) how often do you have a test?

Thanks a lot

1) Outside of the mandatory lectures (usually clinical correlations, small group sessions, or other sessions that may involve patients), everything is lecture captured, which is video of the speaker + their slides as they go through them, and audio.

2) For our first semester, we had afternoon stuff anywhere from 1-3 times a week (Biochem, "doctoring class," and every so often, another class had other small group sessions at different times). Whether or not it is consecutive depends on what your schedule is (people are broken up into a M,T,W,R,F groups for each one at the beginning of the semester).

3) Lecture class will always end by 12pm, but the time/frequency you have that particular class can vary depending on what sessions are that week (more busy weeks may start at 8am, other days at 9 or 10am). This means you will not have a set schedule of biochem every week M, W, F from 11-12pm like in undergrad, so it can feel kind of disorienting at first, but it was definitely not an issue.

4) We have tests appx every 4-5 weeks - our coursework is divided up into blocks and we have exams for all the classes at the end of the block. There are 3-4 blocks for each semester depending on what material you are currently studying

 

[wdoc]

Just got invited to interview and scheduled it for 1/30/15. I'm really considering pursuing the M.D./MPH if I get accepted here!

 

[sahmoc]

Just got invited to interview and scheduled it for 1/30/15. I'm really considering pursuing the M.D./MPH if I get accepted here!

Congrats! It's good to know they are still giving interviews. Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[donutgabe]

I received the following email on January 8th:

Dear Applicant,

Your application has been reviewed by the Admissions Committee at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. At this time, we are still in the process of determining which applicants we will invite for our remaining interview slots. A decision on whether we will have space to interview you may not be made until later in January.

We appreciate your patience. We are not able to accept any updates to your application during this time. We will contact you as soon as the Committee has reached a final decision.

Sincerely,

Jane Yahr Shepard
Director, MD Admissions
UW SMPH

This morning, I received the following:

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in applying to our medical school for the entering class of 2015. You are invited to attend an interview day with us, so that we will have the opportunity to get to know you better and so you can learn more about the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. You will have a one-on-one interview with a faculty member and a small group discussion with current medical students. Your interview has been scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2015. Please reply to [email protected] to confirm your interview by Tuesday, January 20, 2015.

If you need to reschedule your interview date, please make a request by replying to this email. Our interview spaces are limited, so we will do our best to make alternative arrangements. It may take up to a week for us to respond to these types of requests so we appreciate your patience. You will hear from us via email.

The day will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. with an orientation session. Check-in will begin at 7:45 a.m. in Room 2130 (the Admissions & Student Services Suite) of the Health Sciences Learning Center, which is located at 750 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI. Lunch will be provided. You will tour the Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC). We anticipate your interview day to be completed by 3:00 p.m.

Should your travel arrangements require an overnight stay, a list of nearby accommodations can be found online at:http://www.visitmadison.com/visitors/stay/. We also have a group of current med students who volunteer to host applicants for their interview. You may send an email to [email protected] with your information to check on availability.

You are also invited to attend an informal social gathering beginning at 7 p.m. on the evening prior to your interview. This is a chance for you to meet and visit with a few current medical students and learn more about our MD program, UW-Madison, and the city of Madison. While this is not by any means a required event, applicants in the past have found it to be informative. Only applicants and current medical students will be in attendance. More information regarding the social will be sent when you confirm your interview.

We look forward to meeting you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Kurt Hansen, MD
Assistant Dean for Admissions
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health MD Program


Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/UWiscMedAdmiss
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UniversityOfWisconsinMedicalSchoolAdmissions

 

[sahmoc]

Congratulations @donutgabe! I received that first email way back in September, and I am glad to see there is still some hope for interview invites! Can I ask when you were complete and IS/OOS?

 

[donutgabe]

Congratulations @donutgabe! I received that first email way back in September, and I am glad to see there is still some hope for interview invites! Can I ask when you were complete and IS/OOS?

Technially IS because I graduated high school there and my mom still lives there. I completed my secondary on 12/1, which I believe was the final deadline for everyone.

 

[sahmoc]

Technially IS because I graduated high school there and my mom still lives there. I completed my secondary on 12/1, which I believe was the final deadline for everyone.

Thanks for your response. Living life on the edge! Well, good luck at your interview!

 

[wa712]

So this will be my first winter interview- Does the interview tour/day at wisconsin go outside much/what shoes do people typically wear?

 

[lilmiffy]

So this will be my first winter interview- Does the interview tour/day at wisconsin go outside much/what shoes do people typically wear?

You do not go outside at all during the interview. Everything is connected within the hospital. It is Wisconsin though so it will be cold walking to the med school.

 

[AspiringERMD]

I just got the axe, pre-II. Very disappointed. I love UW-Madison.

Best of luck to the rest of you. 🙂

 

[Ramvball22]

Has anyone who applied to, interviewed for,and was rejected for the WARM heard anything about your status in the regular MD program? I was told my application would get rolled over into the regular MD program but haven't heard anything for months.

 

[giannis3434]

Anyone know what the wait list situation is like for in state? I'm new to this forum and just got wait listed earlier today. No idea where I stand on the wait list. I applied in October, secondary in November, interviewed December.

 

[gooeyzoe]

Does any UW Madison undergrads/medical students know what's going to happen with Gov. Walker's proposed budget cuts? Does this mean less scholarships would be given? And higher tuition for this upcoming year?