2015-2016 Central Michigan University Application Thread

[anthonycrispino]

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Keep in mind that only 64 students took the Step1...so I don't think 99% pass rate is that odd and that it is above the National average. Plus, our Dean has already stated that average...so I'm pretty sure it is true.

I wasn't referring to the pass rate. I was referring to the mean score. I have no doubt about the pass rate of this school being above the national average.

I know the school adequately prepares students to take the exam, but what myself and other future students are interested in how well their curriculum style prepares students not only to pass the STEP1, but to do well.

 

[FutureMDDream]

I wasn't referring to the pass rate. I was referring to the mean score. I have no doubt about the pass rate of this school being above the national average.

I know the school adequately prepares students to take the exam, but what myself and other future students are interested in how well their curriculum style prepares students not only to pass the STEP1, but to do well.

While I do think the curriculum prepares us well, as do the exams (portions of every exam are retired test bank questions), faculty and our learning specialist. I also take the stance that the Step exams are in many ways completely on me/us to prepare for properly. Sort of like how MCAT scores don't reflect on the undergraduate college one went to but how well the individual prepared.

 

[Em4234]

Are step score averages published somewhere???

I asked the current medical students in my interview and they said that the step 1 scores were slightly below the average national score however the pass rate was good. Again its a new school as Anthony mentioned above so it makes sense.

 

[Fireitupchips]

Current M2 student...never posted on here but felt compelled. While I cannot be 100% sure...I am highly skeptical that the above poster is an actual CMED student. I feel we have a very tight knit group (both M1's and M2's) and pretty much every point the above poster made is exactly the opposite of how it is at CMED. I'm not sure an M1 would know any more about step scores than the rest of us and from what I know...a 99% pass rate from the current M3's...well, that is above the National average and sounds pretty good. Just one more reason why I am highly skeptical of the poster. I'm sure there are students who are not all rainbows and butterflies about CMED, but you would probably find that attitude follows them anywhere. I know the overwhelming majority of students at CMED are very happy and love the curriculum, faculty and MP for that matter. I hope this helps.

Notice how defensive and touchy everybody is getting. That's how they got me and that's how they will get you: They sell, sell, sell like they are trying to push penny stocks. Students know that this school is bottom tier, but they want to stroke their egos and give the impression that they are attending an ivy league institution. I didn't hear a single negative thing about this school as a prospective student, but as soon as I was an enrolled student the b****ing and moaning began.

Also I don't know why everybody is discrediting step. Everybody on here keeps shooting down step saying "we don't need that because we want to do family medicine", but the truth is the step reflects your competence and grasp of the basic sciences. What people are really saying is when they discredit the step is that they are not invested in becoming competent doctors, and this makes me worry for future patients.

 

[star.buck]

:troll:

 

[anthonycrispino]

Notice how defensive and touchy everybody is getting. That's how they got me and that's how they will get you: They sell, sell, sell like they are trying to push penny stocks. Students know that this school is bottom tier, but they want to stroke their egos and give the impression that they are attending an ivy league institution. I didn't hear a single negative thing about this school as a prospective student, but as soon as I was an enrolled student the b****ing and moaning began.

Also I don't know why everybody is discrediting step. Everybody on here keeps shooting down step saying "we don't need that because we want to do family medicine", but the truth is the step reflects your competence and grasp of the basic sciences. What people are really saying is when they discredit the step is that they are not invested in becoming competent doctors, and this makes me worry for future patients.

Not a single person in this thread discredited the STEP exam, @URMinority just asked a question about the curriculum and STEP, which you didn't answer anyway. We are all well aware that doing poorly lessens your chances of matching where you want and/or matching at all. We were discussing the mean score of the M3 class, which is entirely appropriate to talk about.

Plot twist: @Fireitupchips is actually a wait listed student trying to get accepted students to defer their acceptances so he or she might have a better chance of getting in. After all, your first post came a day after the last round of batch acceptances were offered and you probably know that waitlist movement will be the only means of acceptance at this point. But that's just a theory....

 

[NextJamesAndrews12]

Not a single person in this thread discredited the STEP exam. We are all well aware that doing poorly lessens your chances of matching where you want and/or matching at all. We were discussing the mean score of the M3 class, which is entirely appropriate to talk about.

Plot twist: @Fireitupchips is actually a wait listed student trying to get accepted students to defer their acceptances so he or she might have a better chance of getting in. After all, your first post came a day after the last round of batch acceptances were offered and you probably know that waitlist movement will be the only means of acceptance at this point. But that's just a theory....

Literally my exact thoughts! lol just all fits too well to not be the case!

 

[Fireitupchips]

Keep pushing those penny stocks. I just hope that those prospective students considering a career in medicine have the ability to see through the smoke and mirrors. LCME did when they postponed accreditation a year. The ex-Dean did when he packed his bags and jumped ship. Residency programs will when they realize our step scores are well below where they should be. (A 99% pass rate means nothing if everybody barely passed). Just wanted to bring another perspective to the table. You all can silence me and thwart freedom of speech all you want, but I think the facts speak for themselves.

 

[Em4234]

I do not think anyone should base their decision as to where to attend on SDN ! Even if @Fireitupchips is a current med student he/she maybe just expressing his/her personal experience which is most likely irrelevant to others!
To those accepted (congratz!!) dont make the biggest decision of your life based on what you read here. Attend a school that best fits your own goals and you feel like it best prepares you for step 1 (based on your learning style) to succeed in your future goals (residency etc).

 

[anthonycrispino]

Keep pushing those penny stocks. I just hope that those prospective students considering a career in medicine have the ability to see through the smoke and mirrors. LCME did when they postponed accreditation a year. The ex-Dean did when he packed his bags and jumped ship. Residency programs will when they realize our step scores are well below where they should be. (A 99% pass rate means nothing if everybody barely passed). Just wanted to bring another perspective to the table. You all can silence me and thwart freedom of speech all you want, but I think the facts speak for themselves.

No one is thwarting your freedom of speech. Rather, we're taking your comments with a grain of salt. You're free to post and say whatever you please.

Could you please elaborate on LCME postponing accreditation? How were the current students informed of that?

 

[medhopeful03]

No one is thwarting your freedom of speech. Rather, we're taking your comments with a grain of salt. You're free to post and say whatever you please.

Could you please elaborate on LCME postponing accreditation? How were the current students informed of that?

Seems like standard practice to me! https://www.cmich.edu/ourcmu/Pages/LCME-status-update.aspx

 

[anthonycrispino]

Seems like standard practice to me! https://www.cmich.edu/ourcmu/Pages/LCME-status-update.aspx

Thanks! I wonder how the timeline is from here on out.

 

[FutureMDDream]

Thanks! I wonder how the timeline is from here on out.

From my understanding the timeline hasn't/doesn't change...the provisional accreditation will be most likely granted after the visit in May and CMED or any new medical school cannot be fully accredited until the inaugural class is ready to graduate. So, there will be another visit in 2017 and then the school should be set until next round of accreditation.

 

[anthonycrispino]

From my understanding the timeline hasn't/doesn't change...the provisional accreditation will be most likely granted after the visit in May and CMED or any new medical school cannot be fully accredited until the inaugural class is ready to graduate. So, there will be another visit in 2017 and then the school should be set until next round of accreditation.

Awesome. Thanks for that information. Could you maybe explain how anatomy is taught? I understand the organ system based lecturing, but is there anatomy lab mixed in? Thanks!

 

[FutureMDDream]

Awesome. Thanks for that information. Could you maybe explain how anatomy is taught? I understand the organ system based lecturing, but is there anatomy lab mixed in? Thanks!

Anatomy is built into your entire year 1 and 2...your organ system courses will integrate with anatomy, as well as your standardized patient encounters, so you will have exposure to anatomy for pretty much 2 years.

 

[anthonycrispino]

Anatomy is built into your entire year 1 and 2...your organ system courses will integrate with anatomy, as well as your standardized patient encounters, so you will have exposure to anatomy for pretty much 2 years.

Is there any cadaver dissection/prosection?

 

[FutureMDDream]

Is there any cadaver dissection/prosection?

cadavers are prosected but I understand that if you have an interest you can help the profs with the dissection (I have not).

 

[SwimOn]

So for those curious about the Step scores of the first year classes I will copy and past the letter we recieved from our associate dean for academic affairs that was first sent to faculty then to students. But just a reminder that our first year students had a different curriculm that the current students so scores should increase as the curriculm becomes more tailored. Also this was sent to us in November, so more students may have passes, and the pool of students is very small compared to the other schools in Michigan.

"Dear Faculty,

The results from the NBME Step 1 results for first time attempt and most recent repeat attempts have been received.

Of the 64 College of Medicine Students, 56 (88%) recorded a passing score compared to 96% among all other US and Canadian Schools. The total CMED test mean score was 220 with a standard deviation of 19, with a mean score for all other takers of 229 and a standard deviation of 20.

Of the most recent CMED retakers 3 of the 4 have recorded a passing score of 75% exactly the same as all other takers (105 of 140). Thus at the present time 95% of our CMED students have passed Step 1.

The mean of recent CMED retakers was 196 with a standard deviation of 9. While the mean of all US and Canadian retakers was 200 with a standard deviation of 12, all CMED students scored within one standard deviation on subject matter and organ systems content areas,with the exception of Biostatistics and Epidemiology/Population Health. Major correction to the curriculum for the current Year 2 class will alleviate the Biostatistics and Epidemiology/Population Health results."

As for the so called first year, I would take everything he says with a grain of salt. It's true Mount Pleasnat is a small town, but there is always something going on, whether it's a presentation by a sig or an event in Midland. And honestly we don't have tons of time to go out and "party" or "drink our sorrows away."

As for the choice of specialty, the school can't really do anything about what you chose to go into. Of course the emphasis of the school is general practice, that's their mission statement, but once you do steps and start applying for residency programs they can't really do anything about what you choose. And all of the staff is really supportive of what you chose to do. We have students who are outspoken about wanting to go into ENT or anesthesia and the staff (especial Dr. Drake, our education specialist) is really supportive in getting you to be where you need to be to get into those programs.

Also the first years are no where near finishing up their first year. We are in classes until June 17th (I think).

Not really sure what else the other "first year" has said, but we chose CMU for a reason, and if you are unhappy with it you should talk to some of the staff or other students and see what can be done. Things are constantly changing at schools, so things can be altered.

 

[012phone345]

So for those curious about the Step scores of the first year classes I will copy and past the letter we recieved from our associate dean for academic affairs that was first sent to faculty then to students. But just a reminder that our first year students had a different curriculm that the current students so scores should increase as the curriculm becomes more tailored. Also this was sent to us in November, so more students may have passes, and the pool of students is very small compared to the other schools in Michigan.

"Dear Faculty,

The results from the NBME Step 1 results for first time attempt and most recent repeat attempts have been received.

Of the 64 College of Medicine Students, 56 (88%) recorded a passing score compared to 96% among all other US and Canadian Schools. The total CMED test mean score was 220 with a standard deviation of 19, with a mean score for all other takers of 229 and a standard deviation of 20.

Of the most recent CMED retakers 3 of the 4 have recorded a passing score of 75% exactly the same as all other takers (105 of 140). Thus at the present time 95% of our CMED students have passed Step 1.

The mean of recent CMED retakers was 196 with a standard deviation of 9. While the mean of all US and Canadian retakers was 200 with a standard deviation of 12, all CMED students scored within one standard deviation on subject matter and organ systems content areas,with the exception of Biostatistics and Epidemiology/Population Health. Major correction to the curriculum for the current Year 2 class will alleviate the Biostatistics and Epidemiology/Population Health results."

As for the so called first year, I would take everything he says with a grain of salt. It's true Mount Pleasnat is a small town, but there is always something going on, whether it's a presentation by a sig or an event in Midland. And honestly we don't have tons of time to go out and "party" or "drink our sorrows away."

As for the choice of specialty, the school can't really do anything about what you chose to go into. Of course the emphasis of the school is general practice, that's their mission statement, but once you do steps and start applying for residency programs they can't really do anything about what you choose. And all of the staff is really supportive of what you chose to do. We have students who are outspoken about wanting to go into ENT or anesthesia and the staff (especial Dr. Drake, our education specialist) is really supportive in getting you to be where you need to be to get into those programs.

Also the first years are no where near finishing up their first year. We are in classes until June 17th (I think).

Not really sure what else the other "first year" has said, but we chose CMU for a reason, and if you are unhappy with it you should talk to some of the staff or other students and see what can be done. Things are constantly changing at schools, so things can be altered.

Long time lurker, feel the need to reply. These numbers for step 1 first-time attempt pass rates are very worrisome. If the numbers you posted are true, 12% of CMED's inaugural class will have a giant red flag on their residency applications (a step failure). This will make it difficult - though not impossible - for them to match into any residency, including family med. Their best shot at matching would be your home institution's own FM program, which per a quick google search has only 6 slots per year. While they may take some of those students who have one prior failed attempt (in an effort to help the school), they likely wouldn't want to fill their entire residency class with residents who have a previous step failure, as this doesn't bode well for step 3 and specialty-specific board pass rates in residency, which in turn impacts ACGME accreditation of a residency program.

I'm not quite understanding the second half of the bolded sentence. Regardless, from the first half, sounds like one of four (at the time) re-takers failed on second attempt. While I hate to single out an individual, and I would imagine that student likely had significant personal problems that led to such an unfortunate circumstance, that student has an incredibly high likelihood of not matching into any specialty - period, and again, not even family medicine.

Did the LCME's decision to keep CMED at preliminary accreditation occur prior to the current M3's having received their step 1 scores? If so, I can't imagine the next site visit going well...I feel bad for current M2's, as the onus is on them to really shine on step. Otherwise the LCME will likely have some very valid concerns.

Step 1 is largely an individual effort of course, but most failure situations would be where a student had a stressful event occur during study period (i.e. sudden death of a parent), or has a learning disability, etc...a 12% failure rate is not something to brush off.

 

[SwimOn]

We had a 1st year diagnosed with cancer in their second year. And I'm almost positive they are no longer planning to apply for residency. So that may be the case.

Also the curriculum between the first years and second years has changed quite dramatically.

Accreditation status is reviewed in May/June, so before scores.

 

[today22]

Was CMED supposed to receive provisional accreditation in November? Were current med students updated on the current accreditation process/status?

 

[FutureMDDream]

Long time lurker, feel the need to reply. These numbers for step 1 first-time attempt pass rates are very worrisome. If the numbers you posted are true, 12% of CMED's inaugural class will have a giant red flag on their residency applications (a step failure). This will make it difficult - though not impossible - for them to match into any residency, including family med. Their best shot at matching would be your home institution's own FM program, which per a quick google search has only 6 slots per year. While they may take some of those students who have one prior failed attempt (in an effort to help the school), they likely wouldn't want to fill their entire residency class with residents who have a previous step failure, as this doesn't bode well for step 3 and specialty-specific board pass rates in residency, which in turn impacts ACGME accreditation of a residency program.

I'm not quite understanding the second half of the bolded sentence. Regardless, from the first half, sounds like one of four (at the time) re-takers failed on second attempt. While I hate to single out an individual, and I would imagine that student likely had significant personal problems that led to such an unfortunate circumstance, that student has an incredibly high likelihood of not matching into any specialty - period, and again, not even family medicine.

Did the LCME's decision to keep CMED at preliminary accreditation occur prior to the current M3's having received their step 1 scores? If so, I can't imagine the next site visit going well...I feel bad for current M2's, as the onus is on them to really shine on step. Otherwise the LCME will likely have some very valid concerns.

Step 1 is largely an individual effort of course, but most failure situations would be where a student had a stressful event occur during study period (i.e. sudden death of a parent), or has a learning disability, etc...a 12% failure rate is not something to brush off.

There was only 1 student who had not passed step by the second attempt...so 99% of the M3's passed by their second attempt. While not ideal, having to take a second attempt to pass step1 is far from a death sentence and while they can probably forget about Derm, Radiology, etc. their ability to secure a residency is certainly still alive. I do think the current M2 class is far more prepared for step than the first class, curriculum changes, addition of Dr. Drake as mentioned above to name a few. Interesting about the LCME, since there are med schools that don't even require you to pass step1 to continue on, I wonder how much they are even concerned about a schools pass rate. I think it is hard and maybe even unfair to label a school on the performance of its first 64 students, I'm sure 3-4 years down the road the pass rates will begin to look like the national means.

 

[wayneBMSpremed]

So for those curious about the Step scores of the first year classes I will copy and past the letter we recieved from our associate dean for academic affairs that was first sent to faculty then to students. But just a reminder that our first year students had a different curriculm that the current students so scores should increase as the curriculm becomes more tailored. Also this was sent to us in November, so more students may have passes, and the pool of students is very small compared to the other schools in Michigan.

"Dear Faculty,

The results from the NBME Step 1 results for first time attempt and most recent repeat attempts have been received.

Of the 64 College of Medicine Students, 56 (88%) recorded a passing score compared to 96% among all other US and Canadian Schools. The total CMED test mean score was 220 with a standard deviation of 19, with a mean score for all other takers of 229 and a standard deviation of 20.

Of the most recent CMED retakers 3 of the 4 have recorded a passing score of 75% exactly the same as all other takers (105 of 140). Thus at the present time 95% of our CMED students have passed Step 1.

The mean of recent CMED retakers was 196 with a standard deviation of 9. While the mean of all US and Canadian retakers was 200 with a standard deviation of 12, all CMED students scored within one standard deviation on subject matter and organ systems content areas,with the exception of Biostatistics and Epidemiology/Population Health. Major correction to the curriculum for the current Year 2 class will alleviate the Biostatistics and Epidemiology/Population Health results."

As for the so called first year, I would take everything he says with a grain of salt. It's true Mount Pleasnat is a small town, but there is always something going on, whether it's a presentation by a sig or an event in Midland. And honestly we don't have tons of time to go out and "party" or "drink our sorrows away."

As for the choice of specialty, the school can't really do anything about what you chose to go into. Of course the emphasis of the school is general practice, that's their mission statement, but once you do steps and start applying for residency programs they can't really do anything about what you choose. And all of the staff is really supportive of what you chose to do. We have students who are outspoken about wanting to go into ENT or anesthesia and the staff (especial Dr. Drake, our education specialist) is really supportive in getting you to be where you need to be to get into those programs.

Also the first years are no where near finishing up their first year. We are in classes until June 17th (I think).

Not really sure what else the other "first year" has said, but we chose CMU for a reason, and if you are unhappy with it you should talk to some of the staff or other students and see what can be done. Things are constantly changing at schools, so things can be altered.

Thank you for the info. 88% is a bit low when compared to the 96% average

 

[FutureMDDream]

So, as a student who will be the fourth class taking Step, should I be worried about such results? Or should I be feeling more encouraged that the curriculum will more than likely be improving, and should hope to see better results by the time my class takes Step?

Hard to tell you how to feel personally, but I personally think it is not wise to put too much emphasis on the performance of 64 students from an inaugural class in a new medical school. I see no reason why a movement closer to the mean would not happen over the next couple of years.

 

[SwimOn]

So, as a student who will be the fourth class taking Step, should I be worried about such results? Or should I be feeling more encouraged that the curriculum will more than likely be improving, and should hope to see better results by the time my class takes Step?

I would feel encouraged. We now have way more thing in place that the first years didn't have. We have Dr. Drake, we get retired NBME questions on exams, the curriculum now covers biostats way more, we have a larger number of faculty with experience to answer questions. Also we have a ton of time to prep for step. M2s will be done after next week and have the rest of the time to just focus on Step, and also don't forget step requires a lot of you putting your own time in and scheduling yourself. So if you're not prepped for that you may not be ready to prep for step and will get a worse score then expected. It kinda all relies on you and how well you can prep for exams and retain from the coursework (and not just memorize but be able to put into practice).

 

[Sc1entific]

Seems like standard practice to me! https://www.cmich.edu/ourcmu/Pages/LCME-status-update.aspx

When was this article posted? I do not see a date, although maybe it's not showing up on my phone. The article reads like it was written roughly a year ago. CMED's fourth class is set to begin August 1. Whether the transition from preliminary to provisional accreditation is anticipated or has already happened should make a big difference for those who are prospective and also worried.

Also worth noting is the fact that CMED was originally on a 5 year accreditation plan. http://fox17online.com/2013/01/02/cmu-medical-school-granted-five-year-accreditation/

 

[SwimOn]

When was this article posted? I do not see a date, although maybe it's not showing up on my phone. The article reads like it was written roughly a year ago. CMED's fourth class is set to begin August 1. Whether the transition from preliminary to provisional accreditation is anticipated or has already happened should make a big difference for those who are prospective and also worried.

Also worth noting is the fact that CMED was originally on a 5 year accreditation plan. http://fox17online.com/2013/01/02/cmu-medical-school-granted-five-year-accreditation/

The first article was probably posted this summer, because it sounds like it was written between when the LCME visited and the 3rd years started their clerkships. The last article you posted is for our residency programs, not the school. Which our programs did receive full accreditation by the GME this year, https://www.cmich.edu/news/article/...tion-programs-achieve-full-accreditation.aspx. The GME and LCME are two different boards and are not related in any way (at least I don't think they are). Though I'm sure the accreditation of the programs run by CMED will look good to the LCME.

 

[Sc1entific]

The first article was probably posted this summer, because it sounds like it was written between when the LCME visited and the 3rd years started their clerkships. The last article you posted is for our residency programs, not the school. Which our programs did receive full accreditation by the GME this year, https://www.cmich.edu/news/article/...tion-programs-achieve-full-accreditation.aspx. The GME and LCME are two different boards and are not related in any way (at least I don't think they are). Though I'm sure the accreditation of the programs run by CMED will look good to the LCME.

Ah, thank you for the correction. My non-medical fiance sent me the link and I should have checked the article out before posting. It still would appear to me that CMED is well on its way to LCME accreditation.

 

[anthonycrispino]

I would agree. Could any students comment on team based learning? During my interview day, we walked by a room filled with what I thought were M2s working together on something. It looked pretty hectic and vocal, so I was just curious as to how that goes usually?

 

[swag7]

I would agree. Could any students comment on team based learning? During my interview day, we walked by a room filled with what I thought were M2s working together on something. It looked pretty hectic and vocal, so I was just curious as to how that goes usually?

Current M1 here. I'm a fan of TBL. We'll typically prep for a TBL session beforehand by looking over assigned pre-readings or lecture slides. First thing you do is take a quiz independently (5-10 questions), then you take that same quiz with your TBL group (same as your PBL/CBL group). After that, the instructor(s) will go over the quiz with the class and answer any questions. Then we are presented with application questions that we work on with our group. For these questions we can use outside/class resources, unlike the quizzes. It can get loud in there when everyone is discussing questions, but it doesn't interfere with the group work. I'd take TBL over lecture most days, but that might just be me. I like practice questions and I like my group. I know others who would rather be at home watching lecture recordings or sleeping. If you have more questions feel free to pm me. I also wanted to say that I am happy here at CMU. I don't know anyone in my class who has outwardly expressed their distaste for the program.

 

[anthonycrispino]

Current M1 here. I'm a fan of TBL. We'll typically prep for a TBL session beforehand by looking over assigned pre-readings or lecture slides. First thing you do is take a quiz independently (5-10 questions), then you take that same quiz with your TBL group (same as your PBL/CBL group). After that, the instructor(s) will go over the quiz with the class and answer any questions. Then we are presented with application questions that we work on with our group. For these questions we can use outside/class resources, unlike the quizzes. It can get loud in there when everyone is discussing questions, but it doesn't interfere with the group work. I'd take TBL over lecture most days, but that might just be me. I like practice questions and I like my group. I know others who would rather be at home watching lecture recordings or sleeping. If you have more questions feel free to pm me. I also wanted to say that I am happy here at CMU. I don't know anyone in my class who has outwardly expressed their distaste for the program.

We'll my next question was about recorded lectures but you already answered it! Thanks for the reply!

 

[DreamBig01]

Could any current students comment on the rotation sites? It looks like all students have to move to Saginaw or Detroit currently. Is there any news about the possibility of adding more rotation sites, even one in Mount Pleasant?

 

[Em4234]

Does anyone know how is the waitlist movement of CMU ? Should we keep the hope up or chances are below 10% (for OOS/Int applicants) 😕

 

[star.buck]

Does anyone know how is the waitlist movement of CMU ? Should we keep the hope up or chances are below 10% (for OOS/Int applicants) 😕

I would say, parking on the waitlist doesn't hurt you and you never really know what will happen. I'm guessing there will be a lot of movement during the last few weeks in April and the beginning of May. Unless you have other acceptances you know you want more, hang tight!

 

[Em4234]

I would say, parking on the waitlist doesn't hurt you and you never really know what will happen. I'm guessing there will be a lot of movement during the last few weeks in April and the beginning of May. Unless you have other acceptances you know you want more, hang tight!

Do you know how many people are usually in the waitlist ? Like is it 104 accepted 104 waitlisted 104 on hold etc ?
Also did anyone figure out if there is a priority waitlist in this cycle ?

 

[prettylittledoctor22]

Do you know how many people are usually in the waitlist ? Like is it 104 accepted 104 waitlisted 104 on hold etc ?
Also did anyone figure out if there is a priority waitlist in this cycle ?

They explicitly said in the interview that there is no priority waitlist/ranking this year 🙂

 

[star.buck]

Do you know...Like is it 104 accepted 104 waitlisted 104 on hold etc ?
?

No priority waitlist, as prettylittle said, and I don't know of anywhere that the accepted/waitlisted statistics are available. MSAR doesn't even have this information.

You could go back through last year's posts, and see how many came off the waitlist. Again, I'd go to the posts after April 30. That's a big date in the med school application cycle.

 

[Traumahawk]

Another long-time lurker emerging from the shadows. Interviewed 28 Jan, decision 9 Feb.

Despite prettylittle's interviewer's assertion, I can confirm from my own decision documents that there is a priority waitlist. To quote:

"At this point in time, we are unable to offer you a place in the CMED class of 2020 (entering in August 2016). However, we would like to offer you a spot on our priority waitlist, from which offers will be extended as space becomes available. The priority waitlist only contains a handful of applicants and we expect that we will be able to extend offers to this list before the April 30th decision deadline for accepted applicants. You may accept or decline your position on this waitlist using the online admissions system."
"We anticipate that all applicants from the priority waitlist will ultimately be accepted into the CMED class of 2020. No additional updates to your application are needed at this time."​

I also know another staffer in my department is on the same priority waitlist, so I don't suspect a misprint or recycling of letters from other admission cycles.

Congrats to all who secured direct admission... the rest of us hope to join you soon!

 

[star.buck]

Another long-time lurker emerging from the shadows. Interviewed 28 Jan, decision 9 Feb.

Despite prettylittle's interviewer's assertion, I can confirm from my own decision documents that there is a priority waitlist. To quote:

"At this point in time, we are unable to offer you a place in the CMED class of 2020 (entering in August 2016). However, we would like to offer you a spot on our priority waitlist, from which offers will be extended as space becomes available. The priority waitlist only contains a handful of applicants and we expect that we will be able to extend offers to this list before the April 30th decision deadline for accepted applicants. You may accept or decline your position on this waitlist using the online admissions system."
"We anticipate that all applicants from the priority waitlist will ultimately be accepted into the CMED class of 2020. No additional updates to your application are needed at this time."​

I also know another staffer in my department is on the same priority waitlist, so I don't suspect a misprint or recycling of letters from other admission cycles.

Congrats to all who secured direct admission... the rest of us hope to join you soon!

I stand corrected! This does go against what I was told at the interview day, which is interesting. Maybe they have changed things since December?

 

[Traumahawk]

I stand corrected! This does go against what I was told at the interview day, which is interesting. Maybe they have changed things since December?

That's certainly possible... perhaps the ADCOM decides whether or not to "activate" X number of spots on the priority waitlist based on the overall strength of the admitted vs. waitlisted candidate pools, or based on some other criterion?

 

[Em4234]

I interviewed late in the cycle and I was also told that we should expect to get: accepted - waitlisted - hold - rejected even in their website (the map of admission process) nothing has been said about priority waitlist. But considering that they had priority waitlist in previous years i dont see why they wouldn have one this year. As they said in the email only a few people are in that list thats why no body said anything in SDN. Are you IS or OOS if you dont mind me asking ?
I would consider being placed on "priority waitlist" an acceptance man! Congratz 😉 hope we also get lucky CMU is my first choice 🙂

 

[Em4234]

Posted twice 😉

 

[Traumahawk]

Thanks! As I've told a few of my colleagues, it's almost as good as an outright acceptance, but with the added fun of sitting on waitlist tenterhooks. 😀

To answer your question, IS, nontraditional applicant - though honestly, I think I saw more "nontraditional applicants" represented than traditionals! CMU does seem to recruit heavily from outside the mainstream, which is one of the things that attracted me to their program. I'll be interested to see how that translates to the clinical environment and future residency prospects, and whether they keep that approach for future classes.

Best of luck to you! I'll be counting down to 30 April right along with you. 🙂

 

[prettylittledoctor22]

Thanks! As I've told a few of my colleagues, it's almost as good as an outright acceptance, but with the added fun of sitting on waitlist tenterhooks. 😀

To answer your question, IS, nontraditional applicant - though honestly, I think I saw more "nontraditional applicants" represented than traditionals! CMU does seem to recruit heavily from outside the mainstream, which is one of the things that attracted me to their program. I'll be interested to see how that translates to the clinical environment and future residency prospects, and whether they keep that approach for future classes.

Best of luck to you! I'll be counting down to 30 April right along with you. 🙂

I'm sorry about the misinformation everyone! Just stating what was said during my interview 🙂 Congrats on the priority waitlist email, that's amazing!!

 

[Traumahawk]

No apology necessary! 🙂 As I mentioned to star.buck, I wouldn't be surprised if the priority waitlist vs. regular waitlist is a flexible option that they can activate or not based on needs and candidate pool characteristics, which would be a very good reason not to publicize it. (I could see grounds for major disappointment and dissatisfaction - and a LOT of waitlist withdrawals - among applicants if they were told routinely that there are two waitlists, thence to find that that year's applicant pool had only used one.)

 

[Em4234]

Since ppl on the priority waitlist will hear back before the April 30th, im guessing reg waitlist starts moving in May then. One more month to go ...

 

[DrKCK]

Hi all! Just started checking this thread a couple days ago and saw the convo about the priority waitlist. I've been priority waitlisted since Dec. 8th. Just received an acceptance letter this morning so they have started going through that list. OOS, non-traditional.

Best of luck to all waitlisted!

 

[EyePlumber2020]

Just formally withdrew my acceptance to CMed. Good luck to all of you it's a fantastic program!

 

[Traumahawk]

My acceptance just arrived this morning as well! Congrats to all!!!

 

[star.buck]

Hi all! Just started checking this thread a couple days ago and saw the convo about the priority waitlist. I've been priority waitlisted since Dec. 8th. Just received an acceptance letter this morning so they have started going through that list. OOS, non-traditional.

Best of luck to all waitlisted!

My acceptance just arrived this morning as well! Congrats to all!!!

Congrats!!! Welcome to the Class of 2020!!! You're gonna be DOCTORS!