2014-2015 Western Michigan University Application Thread

BU Medical Sciences
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Phantom0009 said:
Does anyone know when the last interview day is?
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I think when I signed up for my interview that the dates didn't go past February. I don't know if that means they are finishing up this month or if they made new dates since or I was just not allowed to sing up past February.
 
I just interviewed at WMU on Monday and fell in love with the school. Of the schools I have interviewed at, I think this is now my top choice. I already sent Jean a hand-written note thanking her for the invite and letting her know how impressed I was by the facilities and the program, and also letting her know that I would love to be a part of this chapter in their history. Do you think it would be overkill to also send an update letter? I don't have any Nobel Prize winning stuff to add... just like 20 new shadowing hours with a couple of physicians (I hadn't shadowed a general practitioner when I submitted my primary app) , some bench-side research (I only had clinical research on my primary), and some non-medical volunteering (I participated in a program where I helped teach an international student English via Skype every week). Like I said, I really loved the school and REALLY want to get in. Do you think this kind of letter would make any difference at all?
 
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Doctor Rocktopus said:
I just interviewed at WMU on Monday and fell in love with the school. Of the schools I have interviewed at, I think this is now my top choice. I already sent Jean a hand-written note thanking her for the invite and letting her know how impressed I was by the facilities and the program, and also letting her know that I would love to be a part of this chapter in their history. Do you think it would be overkill to also send an update letter? I don't have any Nobel Prize winning stuff to add... just like 20 new shadowing hours with a couple of physicians (I hadn't shadowed a general practitioner when I submitted my primary app) , some bench-side research (I only had clinical research on my primary), and some non-medical volunteering (I participated in a program where I helped teach an international student English via Skype every week). Like I said, I really loved the school and REALLY want to get in. Do you think this kind of letter would make any difference at all?
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If you feel like its substantial, I would send it in. Ask yourself: If I were choosing people to accept into medical school, would this information (what you're putting in the letter) help convince me to choose this person or not? Ask yourself that question seriously, give it some thought, and go with your decision. Good luck!
 
Did you guys send updates after being waitlisted? I got waitlisted a couple weeks ago.
 
Rejected pre II (phone or in person) just now via email. Holistic review completed way back in august so I can't say I'm surprised!
 
Bbroush said:
Congrats man!

Have they said anything about waitlist rankings? I honestly can't remember. This might be more of a question for @tellme_areyoufree or others.
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Great question. My understanding is that there is not a rank list per se. The adcom reconsiders applicants on the waitlist at each meeting to fill any open seats. So my guess would be that they will identify the candidates they're most interested in and consider who would best fit into the open seat.

So if I were on the adcom (and I'm not), and I had an open seat ... let's say I identify 5 candidates I'm especially interested in. One of them might have a skill or background not represented in the class currently. I would probably pick that person over others, even though they're all stellar candidates.

To be able to do that, you can't really have an absolute rank list. You know?
 
Doctor Rocktopus said:
I just interviewed at WMU on Monday and fell in love with the school. Of the schools I have interviewed at, I think this is now my top choice. I already sent Jean a hand-written note thanking her for the invite and letting her know how impressed I was by the facilities and the program, and also letting her know that I would love to be a part of this chapter in their history. Do you think it would be overkill to also send an update letter? I don't have any Nobel Prize winning stuff to add... just like 20 new shadowing hours with a couple of physicians (I hadn't shadowed a general practitioner when I submitted my primary app) , some bench-side research (I only had clinical research on my primary), and some non-medical volunteering (I participated in a program where I helped teach an international student English via Skype every week). Like I said, I really loved the school and REALLY want to get in. Do you think this kind of letter would make any difference at all?
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I heard the golden rule is that you send one letter per medical school. You have to make your letter count, because more letters will make you look bad, according to some adcom on SDN like goro and etc.

When you submit it is up to your discretion. Do submit it before and hope they offer you a straight acceptance? Do you chance it and wait until after you are waitlisted so that it will mean more? Do you have more stuff coming down the road? These are things you have to weigh, consider, and plan strategically.

Good luck.
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
Great question. My understanding is that there is not a rank list per se. The adcom reconsiders applicants on the waitlist at each meeting to fill any open seats. So my guess would be that they will identify the candidates they're most interested in and consider who would best fit into the open seat.

So if I were on the adcom (and I'm not), and I had an open seat ... let's say I identify 5 candidates I'm especially interested in. One of them might have a skill or background not represented in the class currently. I would probably pick that person over others, even though they're all stellar candidates.

To be able to do that, you can't really have an absolute rank list. You know?
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Hey thanks for the info. I hope I get in! I was just curious since two people accepted off the list recently have both been on it for a while.
 
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If accepted ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycbgHM1mI0k ), is second look day mandatory? I would almost certainly choose this school. It unexpectedly swooped in and stole the "top-choice" spot after my interview there. But, money is getting tight here at the end of interview season... What happens at second look day?
 
Doctor Rocktopus said:
If accepted ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycbgHM1mI0k ), is second look day mandatory? I would almost certainly choose this school. It unexpectedly swooped in and stole the "top-choice" spot after my interview there. But, money is getting tight here at the end of interview season... What happens at second look day?
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Oh gosh no. No school has a mandatory second look day! At least I don't think any school does.

The second look day is kind of a chance to get to know faculty, staff, current students, etc and hear more about the school. It's also a chance to see more of Kalamazoo.

The idea is really for you to come at least for Friday, but ideally for Saturday as well. That way you can check out apartments, grab lunch with a student you made friends with, etc.

If cost is an issue, call and chat with Jean. She might know if another accepted student wants to share a hotel room or if there are alternative lodging options. That can help cut down costs.

Personally I found second look day very useful last year. And fun! 🙂
 
Doctor Rocktopus said:
If accepted ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycbgHM1mI0k ), is second look day mandatory? I would almost certainly choose this school. It unexpectedly swooped in and stole the "top-choice" spot after my interview there. But, money is getting tight here at the end of interview season... What happens at second look day?
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Think of second look as a victory lap.
 
Accepted this morning! OOS, Interviewed February. LizzyM~70

First acceptance after not securing one after applying first year, and I'm not sure I've felt a greater relief knowing that the MCAT studying, retake, and SMP was all worth it.

Love this school, very good chance I will matriculate. Good luck to the rest of you!
 
Deeg said:
Accepted this morning! OOS, Interviewed February. LizzyM~70

First acceptance after not securing one after applying first year, and I'm not sure I've felt a greater relief knowing that the MCAT studying, retake, and SMP was all worth it.

Love this school, very good chance I will matriculate. Good luck to the rest of you!
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That's so awesome. Congratulations! 🙂
 
Congrats to the newly accepted!

Also I know waitlisted can be hard to hear. Just remember that if a spot opens, you've got a good shot at it.

Even though interview season is over, current students will still answer questions (here or in private). Good luck everybody!
 
Garferies said:
Anyone know how good they are with institutional-need aid? My merit scholarship was very small, and the finances here is making me decide on other schools instead.
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My need-based scholarship was substantial, but obviously I don't know anything about your situation. I'd suggest calling the financial aid office and asking for more info.
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
Have you considered looking into military scholarships and/or NHSC scholarship, or other service-oriented scholarships?
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Thanks for the heads-up on the NHSC scholarship. Reading about it now and it sounds pretty good. I've previously looked into military scholarships, but have been on the fence about serving.
 
BertMacklin said:
Thanks for the heads-up on the NHSC scholarship. Reading about it now and it sounds pretty good. I've previously looked into military scholarships, but have been on the fence about serving.
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I actually have an NHSC scholarship, and (personally) I think it's pretty great. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to do primary care, so it's perfect for me. If you know for sure you want to do primary care, it's a good thing to do.

http://www.nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/

(Also I am totally procrastinating to avoid studying for an oncology exam tomorrow, so hey - ask away anything you want to know!)
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
I actually have an NHSC scholarship, and (personally) I think it's pretty great. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to do primary care, so it's perfect for me. If you know for sure you want to do primary care, it's a good thing to do.

http://www.nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/
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Any issues with the scholarship and WMEDs Step 1 timing? The NHSC requirements said Step 1 should be taken at the end of M2, but WMED is after M3.

I'm thinking psych, primary, family, or even OB/GYN, so this scholarship is looking pretty great to me!
 
BertMacklin said:
Any issues with the scholarship and WMEDs Step 1 timing? The NHSC requirements said Step 1 should be taken at the end of M2, but WMED is after M3.

I'm thinking psych, primary, family, or even OB/GYN, so this scholarship is looking pretty great to me!
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It was never brought up as a problem for me. I think it's just poor wording on the part of NHSC - a number of schools are switching over, so they're not going to prevent you from getting the scholarship because you go to one of those schools.
 
tellme_areyoufree said:
It was never brought up as a problem for me. I think it's just poor wording on the part of NHSC - a number of schools are switching over, so they're not going to prevent you from getting the scholarship because you go to one of those schools.
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I figured it was a minor detail. I'm glad to hear someone at WMU gets this scholarship since the school isn't officially accredited yet.

Ok, you can go study now. Some of us are sitting at our jobs today wishing we could be in med school, ya know! 😉
 
BertMacklin said:
I figured it was a minor detail. I'm glad to hear someone at WMU gets this scholarship since the school isn't officially accredited yet.

Ok, you can go study now. Some of us are sitting at our jobs today wishing we could be in med school, ya know! 😉
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😛 you'll love it once you get here. But speaking bluntly, some days you'll feel like there is no more room in your head for all the things you still need to learn. But you still do it somehow.
 
Hmmm, just noticed I have a new "Financials" tab in my portal. Anyone else?

I was waitlisted before the end of Dec. and just noticed this tab today. I haven't received any emails about a status change.
 
BertMacklin said:
Hmmm, just noticed I have a new "Financials" tab in my portal. Anyone else?

I was waitlisted before the end of Dec. and just noticed this tab today. I haven't received any emails about a status change.
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I have it too. It's probably just easier to have it there just in case. Probably doesn't mean anything. They'll tell us if we're accepted off the wait list.
 
RedRose12 said:
I have it too. It's probably just easier to have it there just in case. Probably doesn't mean anything. They'll tell us if we're accepted off the wait list.
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That's probably the case. I just got really excited bc I remember last fall, I was checking my portal and saw I had the option to select an interview time before I was sent an email with an invitation to interview.
 
BertMacklin said:
That's probably the case. I just got really excited bc I remember last fall, I was checking my portal and saw I had the option to select an interview time before I was sent an email with an invitation to interview.
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Might as well think positively. Who knows what it actually means.
 
RedRose12 said:
Might as well think positively. Who knows what it actually means.
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Definitely staying positive! Just nearly exploded at work when I saw that. Time to calm down and get back to the grind...

Maybe it's our lucky day! 🙂
 
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