2014-2015 Western Michigan University Application Thread

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ricecakeMD said:
Its a lot of volunteering that I started in May (but did not add to my primary application, too soon) and I talked about in my interview but realized they didn't actually have on hand. Would they need it or should I just hold off?
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I would simply repeat the same advice I gave in previous posts 🙂
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
I would simply repeat the same advice I gave in previous posts 🙂
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Sorry I didn't see. My question is more specific--as in would you recommend sending an update now or waiting to see if I am waitlisted first? Thank you for all your help and support on this thread, I'm sure everyone applying to WMU really appreciates it!! 🙂
 
ricecakeMD said:
Sorry I didn't see. My question is more specific--as in would you recommend sending an update now or waiting to see if I am waitlisted first? Thank you for all your help and support on this thread, I'm sure everyone applying to WMU really appreciates it!! 🙂
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Sorry, as I re-read what I posted it sounds a little mean. Didn't mean it that way!

In terms of updates - I'd definitely say it's the same advice. If you have updates that are significant, send them in. Don't worry about before/after, if you have genuinely substantial updates.

But definitely don't send in trivial updates 🙂
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
Sorry, as I re-read what I posted it sounds a little mean. Didn't mean it that way!

In terms of updates - I'd definitely say it's the same advice. If you have updates that are significant, send them in. Don't worry about before/after, if you have genuinely substantial updates.

But definitely don't send in trivial updates 🙂
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Okay thank you very much! Definitely not mean at all lol, quite the opposite. I appreciate your help!
 
I wish I would have known that you cannot get federal financial prior to applying. That might be a deal breaker for me. At least it will take pressure of the interview because I won't care if I get rejected haha. I think I would only go if they offered me money....any of you guys get offered scholarships yet or any current students on here on scholarships? Why can't you get federal aid? I know they are a new school and all but come on....I wonder if even private loans will be possible and if they are, I bet they will end up costing a fortune. Definitely something to bring up in the interview.....
 
DaMedDude said:
I wish I would have known that you cannot get federal financial prior to applying. That might be a deal breaker for me. At least it will take pressure of the interview because I won't care if I get rejected haha. I think I would only go if they offered me money....any of you guys get offered scholarships yet or any current students on here on scholarships? Why can't you get federal aid? I know they are a new school and all but come on....I wonder if even private loans will be possible and if they are, I bet they will end up costing a fortune. Definitely something to bring up in the interview.....
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There's a financial aid session right after your one-on-one! The woman who is in charge of that (Deirdre) explains the set-up well, and you'll get her contact info if you have further concerns.
 
FriendOfTheCupcake said:
There's a financial aid session right after your one-on-one! The woman who is in charge of that (Deirdre) explains the set-up well, and you'll get her contact info if you have further concerns.
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alright good to know, thanks......so many students do receive federal aid?
 
DaMedDude said:
I wish I would have known that you cannot get federal financial prior to applying. That might be a deal breaker for me. At least it will take pressure of the interview because I won't care if I get rejected haha (6). I think I would only go if they offered me money....any of you guys get offered scholarships yet or any current students on here on scholarships (1)? Why can't you get federal aid(2)? I know they are a new school and all but come on....I wonder if even private loans will be possible and if they are (3), I bet they will end up costing a fortune (4). Definitely something to bring up in the interview (5).....
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Multiple points in there so I'll try to address each of them. I've added (#) markers in your post to help make clear where I'm responding to each point.

1) Everyone at WMed gets a scholarship. The amount varies. Some people get a small amount of scholarship, some people get a fairly large scholarship. To the best of my knowledge, I don't believe the school currently gives any full tuition scholarships. The philosophy is to spread out the aid so that everyone's burden can be reduced.

2) Federal loans are unavailable to ALL new medical schools for the first two years they're in operation, during the period in which the LCME reviews and finalizes accreditation.

3) Private loans do not have the same restrictions as federal loans, and are therefore available to us.

4) My private loan had a lower interest rate than the federal loans, and included automatic deferment during residency. So for me, private loans actually would have been the better choice anyway.

5) Absolutely bring it up while you're visiting for an interview. Speak with our financial aid officer and some of the students (You'll have an opportunity during lunch)

6) That sucks. If you don't think you're going to attend, you might consider withdrawing (with plenty of notice!) to give someone else a chance. There are plenty of people who are excited about the school. It sounds like you're not.
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
Multiple points in there so I'll try to address each of them. I've added (#) markers in your post to help make clear where I'm responding to each point.

1) Everyone at WMed gets a scholarship. The amount varies. Some people get a small amount of scholarship, some people get a fairly large scholarship. To the best of my knowledge, I don't believe the school currently gives any full tuition scholarships. The philosophy is to spread out the aid so that everyone's burden can be reduced.

2) Federal loans are unavailable to ALL new medical schools for the first two years they're in operation, during the period in which the LCME reviews and finalizes accreditation.

3) Private loans do not have the same restrictions as federal loans, and are therefore available to us.

4) My private loan had a lower interest rate than the federal loans, and included automatic deferment during residency. So for me, private loans actually would have been the better choice anyway.

5) Absolutely bring it up while you're visiting for an interview. Speak with our financial aid officer and some of the students (You'll have an opportunity during lunch)

6) That sucks. If you don't think you're going to attend, you might consider withdrawing (with plenty of notice!) to give someone else a chance. There are plenty of people who are excited about the school. It sounds like you're not.
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Thanks man, that was helpful. I guess I'll know whether I like the place after I visit. Just sort of weird to go to a new school but I am excited to check it out.
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
Multiple points in there so I'll try to address each of them. I've added (#) markers in your post to help make clear where I'm responding to each point.

1) Everyone at WMed gets a scholarship. The amount varies. Some people get a small amount of scholarship, some people get a fairly large scholarship. To the best of my knowledge, I don't believe the school currently gives any full tuition scholarships. The philosophy is to spread out the aid so that everyone's burden can be reduced.

2) Federal loans are unavailable to ALL new medical schools for the first two years they're in operation, during the period in which the LCME reviews and finalizes accreditation.

3) Private loans do not have the same restrictions as federal loans, and are therefore available to us.

4) My private loan had a lower interest rate than the federal loans, and included automatic deferment during residency. So for me, private loans actually would have been the better choice anyway.

5) Absolutely bring it up while you're visiting for an interview. Speak with our financial aid officer and some of the students (You'll have an opportunity during lunch)

6) That sucks. If you don't think you're going to attend, you might consider withdrawing (with plenty of notice!) to give someone else a chance. There are plenty of people who are excited about the school. It sounds like you're not.
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Who do you have your private loan through?
 
Javelin said:
Who do you have your private loan through?
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Mine was an iHelp loan through student loan financing corp - a collection of community banks. The actual bank that ended up being the lender under that umbrella was First National Bank of Michigan. The school helped set it up.

My interest rate is 5.5% (as opposed to federal loans which are 6.21%)
 
ACCEPTED!! I'm a bit late posting, but I received my acceptance e-mail on 11/18, interviewed 10/31. This was my second year applying, so I couldn't be more excited! I was thoroughly impressed by the facilities and the emphasis on group-learning and simulation, so I definitely plan to attend!
 
swimdude2278 said:
ACCEPTED!! I'm a bit late posting, but I received my acceptance e-mail on 11/18, interviewed 10/31. This was my second year applying, so I couldn't be more excited! I was thoroughly impressed by the facilities and the emphasis on group-learning and simulation, so I definitely plan to attend!
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Congrats!
 
swimdude2278 said:
ACCEPTED!! I'm a bit late posting, but I received my acceptance e-mail on 11/18, interviewed 10/31. This was my second year applying, so I couldn't be more excited! I was thoroughly impressed by the facilities and the emphasis on group-learning and simulation, so I definitely plan to attend!
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Congrats!!! Welcome to the WMed family! Will you be coming to the second look day? (Many of the current students will be involved and are really looking forward to meeting members of the next class)
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
Congrats!!! Welcome to the WMed family! Will you be coming to the second look day? (Many of the current students will be involved and are really looking forward to meeting members of the next class)
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Thanks!! If I can, I definitely will -- do you know when it will be? Or when admitted students might hear more in general?
 
Did anyone else receive a postcard in the mail post-interview thanking you for coming to your interview day?

I just received one dated Nov 18th. Its hand written and signed by what looks like a first name that I cant make out. I'm just wondering if they send that to all interviewed students before they send decisions or if it means anything..
 
MDDO2015 said:
Did anyone else receive a postcard in the mail post-interview thanking you for coming to your interview day?

I just received one dated Nov 18th. Its hand written and signed by what looks like a first name that I cant make out. I'm just wondering if they send that to all interviewed students before they send decisions or if it means anything..
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Yes, I think that they do send it to everyone.
 
MDDO2015 said:
Did anyone else receive a postcard in the mail post-interview thanking you for coming to your interview day?

I just received one dated Nov 18th. Its hand written and signed by what looks like a first name that I cant make out. I'm just wondering if they send that to all interviewed students before they send decisions or if it means anything..
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It's probably from Jean (Shelton), the director of Admissions. She's kind of old school (in a good way). I remember her saying once that interviewees are always thankful that the school takes the time for them... so she wants our school to always be thankful for the time the interviewees took for us. SO yeah, she's a cool person... and I think that sort of reflects the culture we're trying to build at WMed.
 
swimdude2278 said:
Thanks!! If I can, I definitely will -- do you know when it will be? Or when admitted students might hear more in general?
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Last year the second look day was towards the end of April. I think I remember getting a "save the date" email invite at the middle of March... but don't quote me on that!

Last year once we were accepted we also started getting monthly "accepted student newsletters." So you may begin receiving those too. I remember being inordinately excited when I started receiving those 🙂
 
Just received an II:soexcited: I almost booked a slot for this Friday or Monday but looked at flights this morning and it disappeared within 5 minutes. Oh well! I will be interviewing on the 30th of January. I talked to Jean and she said not to worry about interviewing that late. CAN'T WAIT!!!
 
Also I will have a car, is the Baymont Inn Kalamazoo East a good place to stay? Travel Advisor makes it seem decent and I have a lot of rewards miles saved up from expensive applications 🙂
 
Just received an on-site II, and will be interviewing here on February 2.
 
Any recent feedback on interview days at WMU? Mine is coming up and I'm just curious how other interview days have gone.

I'm a little nervous about the MMI just because it's so different, but I also see it being incredibly valuable for the adcom!
 
Bbroush said:
Just received an II:soexcited: I almost booked a slot for this Friday or Monday but looked at flights this morning and it disappeared within 5 minutes. Oh well! I will be interviewing on the 30th of January. I talked to Jean and she said not to worry about interviewing that late. CAN'T WAIT!!!
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RedRose12 said:
Just received an on-site II, and will be interviewing here on February 2.
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When did you complete your phone interview?
 
Still no holistic review started status - guess I didn't pass the first cut.
 
llamasarefuzzy said:
Waitlisted. Interviewed 11/14. Don't know if I should be disappointed or happy that it wasn't a rejection. Really liked the school on interview day.
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Don't worry too much about being wait listed. At this school I feel like it is good news. I got wait listed on 11/18 and got accepted this morning. Keep up the positive attitude.
 
hippocrates4 said:
Don't worry too much about being wait listed. At this school I feel like it is good news. I got wait listed on 11/18 and got accepted this morning. Keep up the positive attitude.
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CONGRATS!!! And thanks!!!! Getting my update letter ready to go
 
hippocrates4 said:
Don't worry too much about being wait listed. At this school I feel like it is good news. I got wait listed on 11/18 and got accepted this morning. Keep up the positive attitude.
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Congrats! Was also waitlisted on 11/18. Hoping for good news in coming weeks.
 
Has anybody that interviewed on 11/17 heard back yet?
 
About how long did it take you guys to get an on-campus interview after your phone interview was completed? Had my phone interview a few days ago, just curious.
 
+1 to the waitlisted. Excited to see if it turns into an acceptance!
 
DaMedDude said:
About how long did it take you guys to get an on-campus interview after your phone interview was completed? Had my phone interview a few days ago, just curious.
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I received mine a week after exactly.
 
I got mine yesterday, two weeks and one day after the phone interview. I'm super excited! It sounds like a really great school!
 
Just completed my phone interview and it was fun! I thought I wouldn't get the phone interview invite since my "Holistic review" was complete for over two months before the invite came.

The representative was very kind and I enjoyed answering the questions. Excited to hear if I get an on campus interview invite, and good luck to everyone with upcoming WMU interviews!
 
I think my phone interview is a world record. <45 min.
 
Also, why do you guys think this will be a good med school? I'm just looking for some reasons. I'm interested in this school because it's close to home and I love Kalamazoo but am very skeptical on whether it will provide me with a good opportunity to become a competent doctor.
 
singergirl18 said:
< 30 mins

...and I still got an onsite II...but I did get waitlisted.
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Thanks for making me feel better. Half of my answers were eloquent, the other half probably made me sound like a deer in headlights. Hopefully they'll invite me over too. And, well from this thread, a waitlist at WMed seems a bit more optimistic than a waitlist elsewhere. Best of luck!
 
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