2014-2015 Western Michigan University Application Thread

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kkcc said:
Hi, WMU sounds like a wonderful brand-new school with enthusiastic faculty and strong clinical training. I know people have said some are admitted in every interview date, and I was phone interviewed in Sept, but then the on-site interview invitation came in Jan. GPA 3.6, MCAT 32. I feel the adcom thinks I'm a marginal applicant so then invited me very late. I'm interviewing at the end of Feb, and I feel I don't have a very good shot, plus the travel cost is $450+. This application season hasn't been going very well with rejections and no acceptance. Should I interview or not? What do you guys think? thanks.
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I'm 3.4/32 and I got accepted! You're definitely not marginal
 
Waitlisted 🙁

I thought my interview went great too. They asked me what other schools I interviewed at and I told the truth. I hope that didn't have anything to do with it! They seemed skeptical of why I wanted to go here...but it was probably just me not doing good on the interview I guess :/

Hope other people hear better news
 
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hoihaie said:
I'm 3.4/32 and I got accepted! You're definitely not marginal
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If you don't mind me asking, when did you interview/did you get accepted afterwards or accepted from the waitlist?
 
DaMedDude said:
Waitlisted 🙁

I thought my interview went great too. They asked me what other schools I interviewed at and I told the truth and said northwestern and Dartmouth....I hope that didn't have anything to do with it! They seemed skeptical of why I wanted to go here...but it was probably just me not doing good on the interview I guess :/ ...well come on northwestern and Dartmouth...show me some love!

Hope other people hear better news
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haha, I just got waitlisted too, I think we interviewed on the same day
 
Very disappointing! Ugh. Do you guys think a letter of intent saying how interested I am in their school is a good idea? After interviewing and thinking about the school, it is a top choice for me....maybe I should let them know that? I just think my interview/interviews went really well and I have the credentials...is it possible that they just don't want to accept someone they don't think will attend? Sorry for complaining to everyone, I am just somewhat surprised!
 
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DaMedDude said:
...is it possible that they just don't want to accept someone they don't think will attend?
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No school wants to offer an offer of admissions to someone they think doesn't want to attend. 😛 It's actually a very serious problem for medical schools. Acceptances aren't given out willy-nilly because schools are measured and ranked with by that metric...take into account that this is a new school, they have to be extremely careful with who they pick because the majority of applicants will likely view it as "the backup school" and expect to go to a more established one if given the chance.

A good interview and credentials (especially here, I can tell you they care less about this than a lot of other schools) doesn't mean they owe you an acceptance if they don't think you're 100% committed to being a part of their community.
 
kkcc said:
Hi, WMU sounds like a wonderful brand-new school with enthusiastic faculty and strong clinical training. I know people have said some are admitted in every interview date, and I was phone interviewed in Sept, but then the on-site interview invitation came in Jan. GPA 3.6, MCAT 32. I feel the adcom thinks I'm a marginal applicant so then invited me very late. I'm interviewing at the end of Feb, and I feel I don't have a very good shot, plus the travel cost is $450+. This application season hasn't been going very well with rejections and no acceptance. Should I interview or not? What do you guys think? thanks.
Click to expand...

I can't say whether you should come to your interview day or not - but if you do come, I hope you bring positivity that you're not showing in this post. If you got an interview invite, it was for a reason. We have no lack of amazing applicants. You're beating out some awesome people for that interview slot. If you can't show that awesome/amazing person that the adcom invited for an interview, then maybe you shouldn't come. But if that person is still in there and you can bring them out, then come over to Kalamazoo. Good luck, whatever you decide.

(For what it's worth, I was invited to interview in February last year, accepted immediately with no waitlist time.)

PS: If you back out of your interview, do it as soon as possible so one of the other great applicants can have your spot.
 
DaMedDude said:
Very disappointing! Ugh. Do you guys think a letter of intent saying how interested I am in their school is a good idea? After interviewing and thinking about the school, it is a top choice for me....maybe I should let them know that? I just think my interview/interviews went really well and I have the credentials...is it possible that they just don't want to accept someone they don't think will attend? Sorry for complaining to everyone, I am just somewhat surprised!
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I'm so sorry! I hope you get better news soon!!! At least it's not a no. I know how disappointing the waitlist is, I got wait listed at one of my top choices. I personally think an update would be a good idea if you have something substantial to add! Shows you're interested!
Do you mind sharing when your interview was?
 
Thanks guys for the advice. Guess as they say, go big or go home. Time to send in update/interest letter and for mock interviews. Best wishes to everyone and keep being the awesome person you are.
 
DaMedDude said:
Very disappointing! Ugh. Do you guys think a letter of intent saying how interested I am in their school is a good idea? After interviewing and thinking about the school, it is a top choice for me....maybe I should let them know that? I just think my interview/interviews went really well and I have the credentials...is it possible that they just don't want to accept someone they don't think will attend? Sorry for complaining to everyone, I am just somewhat surprised!
Click to expand...
When did you interview?
 
To any current students on the thread, do you know how WMU feels about deferring for a year, and if so, what would be the best way to go about approaching the admissions staff regarding delayed entry?
 
INC92 said:
To any current students on the thread, do you know how WMU feels about deferring for a year, and if so, what would be the best way to go about approaching the admissions staff regarding delayed entry?
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I would suggest reaching out to the admissions office and asking. No current student will have a good answer.
 
Just got my II finally!! :happy: My phone interview was complete back in early December. I sent an update letter a few weeks ago and was hearing nothing. Then the day before yesterday I sent a letter of interest. Can't say if that did it or not, but I am excited!!! Scheduled for 2/27
 
Ruby31 said:
Just got my II finally!! :happy: My phone interview was complete back in early December. I sent an update letter a few weeks ago and was hearing nothing. Then the day before yesterday I sent a letter of interest. Can't say if that did it or not, but I am excited!!! Scheduled for 2/27
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Congratulations and good luck!
 
The Milkman said:
Anyone know anything about second look?
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My understanding is that second look day will be Friday April 10 this year. I think accepted students will get an invitation by email.

We've got a lot planned. The day of will be fun, but also the evening will have some activities. Kalamazoo does something called "Art Hop" - local artists display their art in local businesses (for free) and people can come in, have a snack, have a glass of wine and look at some art. This happens every month. In April, WMed will be a host on April 10! So it will be a great chance to go see some of downtown KZoo, see the community at WMed, and have some fun.

I think some of the students will also be going out that night. We kind of figured we could invite the second lookers to come out with us, too ... although we're still deciding if we should tell Jean (the director of admissions) that we're doing that or not! 😛
 
does anyone know how many WMed accepts from an interview day/do people just get waitlisted if they're not accepted? I haven't really seen anyone post about post-interview rejections, only their waitlists. Also, I wonder how full their class is right now/how many acceptances have been distributed
 
89medic said:
does anyone know how many WMed accepts from an interview day/do people just get waitlisted if they're not accepted? I haven't really seen anyone post about post-interview rejections, only their waitlists. Also, I wonder how full their class is right now/how many acceptances have been distributed
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People do get rejected, yes.
 
Anyone think it will be harder to get residency positions from a new school as compared to a well established school?
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
People do get rejected, yes.
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I do think they waitlist a high majority of those not accepted though. It makes sense for a new school. In the highly unlikely event that many accepted students went somewhere else, they probably want to make sure they still have high-quality applicants to fill those seats. I think they waitlist a much higher percentage of interviewees than other schools, but that is just speculation.
 
Phantom0009 said:
I do think they waitlist a high majority of those not accepted though. It makes sense for a new school. In the highly unlikely event that many accepted students went somewhere else, they probably want to make sure they still have high-quality applicants to fill those seats. I think they waitlist a much higher percentage of interviewees than other schools, but that is just speculation.
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We also interview a pretty small number of people. 300-ish. And if you're interviewed, it's because they want you. Accepting/Waitlisting 200 of the 300 interviewed (stab in the dark at numbers) is a large percentage, but not a large raw number. The question becomes how badly they want you in relation to all the other candidates. That said, people do get rejected after interview - it's sort of "yours to screw up" if that makes sense?

Technically, everyone who is not rejected goes on the waitlist. You interview - are you rejected? No? You're on the waitlist until the next admissions committee meeting. The admissions committee reviews the waitlist at each meeting. If they accept you, great, you get notified of acceptance. If they don't accept you at that meeting, you get notified that you're on the waitlist. Then at the next meeting, they evaluate the list again and make decisions about who to accept (as seats become available).

It's more of a continuing evaluation than a waitlist. If you're on the waitlist, it's because they want you. You wouldn't be on the waitlist if they didn't want you. The question is, will they have a seat they can give you?

If you were rejected... I'm sorry, and good luck. And there have been plenty of people rejected.
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
If they accept you, great, you get notified of acceptance. If they don't accept you at that meeting, you get notified that you're on the waitlist.
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Just some clarification - are you saying you get notified that you're on the waitlist once, or that you're notified that you're on the waitlist each time you're reviewed?

I was initially waitlisted after my interview in December. I also got a reminder email yesterday that I'm on the waitlist (like I could forget being on this list at my #1 choice - ha!).

Also, are there acceptances going out right now? I've seen a lot of waitlist posts, but not much on acceptance.
 
DaMedDude said:
Anyone think it will be harder to get residency positions from a new school as compared to a well established school?
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It's an interesting question. From the question, it sounds like you do think it would be harder. I don't think the data supports that. Other new schools don't have difficulty matching their students. I would think WMed, which is a partnership with two major hospital systems (including Bronson, home of the largest emergency med residency in the US) would actually have an easier time matching than some other new schools. But I suppose time will tell! In four years, we can find out 🙂
 
BertMacklin said:
Just some clarification - are you saying you get notified that you're on the waitlist once, or that you're notified that you're on the waitlist each time you're reviewed?

I was initially waitlisted after my interview in December. I also got a reminder email yesterday that I'm on the waitlist (like I could forget being on this list at my #1 choice - ha!).

Also, are there acceptances going out right now? I've seen a lot of waitlist posts, but not much on acceptance.
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I don't think they send a waitlist notification every time they meet. That would be a little cruel (to folks like you). But I do think the email you got is a pretty good indication of what I'm saying here - waitlist isn't "you're not good enough," instead it's "we want you, we know it's tough to wait, if we have a spot for you we hope you'll come here." If I had to guess (and unfortunately I can't read the admissions director's mind), I would say that email is a courtesy/kindness to you to remind you that we are really interested in you. We just only have 60 seats to offer.
 
Thanks. That's how I interpreted it.

I don't have any new updates to send in and I doubt I will over the next few months. However, WMU is my top choice and I check my email several times a day hoping for an acceptance notification!

In the mean time, I'm preparing to reapply as other rejections are rolling in. This process is so much fun! 😉
 
BertMacklin said:
Thanks. That's how I interpreted it.

I don't have any new updates to send in and I doubt I will over the next few months. However, WMU is my top choice and I check my email several times a day hoping for an acceptance notification!

In the mean time, I'm preparing to reapply as other rejections are rolling in. This process is so much fun! 😉
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I remember the stress from last year. But have faith, keep your eyes fixed forward. I've got my fingers crossed for you.

Here's an adorable cat gif to help you feel better. http://images.dailydawdle.com/cat-reaching-in-box.gif
 
Bbroush said:
Just got waitlisted:/ here's to hoping I get accepted off of it!

Also has anyone been accepted off of the waitlist yet?
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Hey, that's not a bad thing. Not the best, but you're (we're!) still in the running.

I've been following your story throughout this process because I think we have some things in common (passionate about this specific community, locals, nontrad, right?).

Just wanted you to know that I'm rooting for you!
 
DaMedDude said:
Do you know how often they have the meetings?
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Unfortunately I do not, as I don't sit on the adcom. I do believe they meet all the way through August, as last year we accepted a student less than a week before classes started.
 
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DaMedDude said:
Anyone think it will be harder to get residency positions from a new school as compared to a well established school?
Click to expand...

This was my biggest concern about this school. One of the doctors I shadowed is on a review board to select residents at a well known hospital. He said the biggest thing is your board scores. And that i should pick the school that I believe will best prepare us for them. That's why I really feel strongly about Wmed; especially their decision to take boards in the third year.
 
BertMacklin said:
Hey, that's not a bad thing. Not the best, but you're (we're!) still in the running.

I've been following your story throughout this process because I think we have some things in common (passionate about this specific community, locals, nontrad, right?).

Just wanted you to know that I'm rooting for you!
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Thanks Agent Macklin. Happy to know the FBI has my back 🙂 haha

I'm rooting for you as well! Here's to hoping we both get in!
 
yebo said:
Questions for current students:

I have an interview coming up at Western Michigan. I love everything I have read about the school and I really like that it is smaller. My only reservation is the mandatory attendance - at the start of classes I would have two very young children and having a lot of required activities makes me nervous because my time will already be more limited outside of class and I really want to have time to study independently, as I think I often learn most effectively that way.

So more specific questions relating to that:

1. What is your weekly schedule like? Someone in an earlier post mentioned 8-2 four days a week (not sure about the fifth day...) but then another current student gave an example schedule that sounded like most every morning/afternoon is occupied... Also, do you get breaks to study within the day?

2. How much studying do you feel you need to do outside of class? I don't know if the mandatory classes do a really good job covering material or if its expected (as it was in my undergrad school) that for every hour of class you study 2-3 hours outside of class or something like that....

3. Are there any current students with families? Do they seem happy with the set-up and able to balance family and school...?

Anyway, sorry for all the questions. I know I will be able to ask these questions at my interview but am trying to get a feel for how this might work as I just realized attendance is mandatory and had a bit of a freak out...
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I am one of the few students with children and just wanted to respond to your 3rd question as well. When I first told people I was starting medical school with two kids and plans to have more, people would just stare at me like I was nuts. And while at first it felt like I was choosing to spend time with my family or pass my tests, I quickly found ways to balance my studying and family time. I feel like WMed's style of learning really helps accommodate for a wide range of lifestyles. Every block I get better at being more efficient with my studying to allow for more time with my family.
 
JBWM said:
I am one of the few students with children and just wanted to respond to your 3rd question as well. When I first told people I was starting medical school with two kids and plans to have more, people would just stare at me like I was nuts. And while at first it felt like I was choosing to spend time with my family or pass my tests, I quickly found ways to balance my studying and family time. I feel like WMed's style of learning really helps accommodate for a wide range of lifestyles. Every block I get better at being more efficient with my studying to allow for more time with my family. Also, with the exception of maybe the day before a big test, I always make sure to not only help put the kids to bed, but also go to bed at the same time as my wife.
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Love hearing this! You would be a great upperclassman to have for those of us with families.
 
Hi, does anyone have interview on Feb 27 and wants to split a room with me, at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites 100 West Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007?
7 min walk from school. Rate 135+tax for 2 queens bed.

Has anyone stayed there before? I got confused with the complimentary shuttle from Kalamazoo airport. The staff on the phone said the shuttle makes a trip every 30 min but I have to call from airport to schedule the shuttle pickup?

Also, with the reduced rate, is free breakfast included?

Thanks.
 
UTUT said:
Hi, does anyone have interview on Feb 27 and wants to split a room with me, at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites 100 West Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007?
7 min walk from school. Rate 135+tax for 2 queens bed.

Has anyone stayed there before? I got confused with the complimentary shuttle from Kalamazoo airport. The staff on the phone said the shuttle makes a trip every 30 min but I have to call from airport to schedule the shuttle pickup?

Also, with the reduced rate, is free breakfast included?

Thanks.
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I called them during a layover to schedule my pick up.
They give you a voucher for breakfast or something else for every night that you stay.
 
DaMedDude said:
Anyone think it will be harder to get residency positions from a new school as compared to a well established school?
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Have you seen our residency programs that we have at WMed? They are pretty good, especially EM.
 
Captain Toad said:
Have you seen our residency programs that we have at WMed? They are pretty good, especially EM.
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Link for the lazy 🙂 - http://med.wmich.edu/education/residents/residency-programs

But the fact that we have a strong set of residency programs doesn't mean anyone expects you to stay here. In fact, most medical students do a residency somewhere other than where they go to school. I think WMed will be no different. Like other new medical schools opening, WMed will produce very competitive candidates. Many new schools are doing USMLE in 3rd year (as we are), resulting in higher average scores - making candidates even more competitive. Just my two cents.
 
Hi everyone! I just withdrew my app from WMU; I was scheduled for an upcoming on-campus interview. Here's hoping someone here gets my interview slot!
 
Hey everyone,

I interviewed on February 16th, (I was the guy in the suit) and I just want to say it was a pleasure meeting all of you who came to that day, it was a lot of fun. This school looks like a fantastic option, hope to hear some good news in the near future. Good luck to everyone!
 
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Deeg said:
Hey everyone,

I interviewed on February 16th, (I was the guy in the suit) and I just want to say it was a pleasure meeting all of you who came to that day, it was a lot of fun. This school looks like a fantastic option, hope to here some good news in the near future. Good luck to everyone!
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Was your suit super cool 😳 don't every guy wear a suit?
 
hoihaie said:
Was your suit super cool 😳 don't every guy wear a suit?
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180px-900x900px-LL-658002b7_joke_over_your_head.jpeg
haha
 
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