2015-2016 Hofstra University Application Thread

[Ismet]

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Space reserved for prompt.

Please PM the essays or lack thereof to me when the secondary is available and I will update this.

Good luck to everyone applying!

 

[taco152]

I LOVED this school on open house. Might be my top choice.

 

[Oranges2]

Does Hofstra care about you undergrad institution? I heard they prefer "top" schools? Not sure how valid this is though

 

[winterwind_23]

Does Hofstra care about you undergrad institution? I heard they prefer "top" schools? Not sure how valid this is though

I just looked at the student profile on the Hofstra website, but they don't list the number of students represented from each school. Maybe that information is on their website or view book somewhere? I've also heard from others on SDN that Hofstra prefers students from "top" schools, though I'd like to see actual data on that.

 

[taco152]

At open house they said they are trying for a diverse sample from a wide variety of schools.

 

[ChillDawg]

At open house they said they are trying for a diverse sample from a wide variety of schools.

Who doesn't openly state that? Sounds like a platitude to me...

Besides the obvious IS and mission-based...

 

[bluetovah]

I LOVED this school on open house. Might be my top choice.

What did you like about it? My adviser recommended I apply here, but on paper it isn't jumping out at me much.

 

[unnumzaan]

What did you like about it? My adviser recommended I apply here, but on paper it isn't jumping out at me much.

Current students could speak to this better than I could, but I interviewed at Hofstra this past cycle and saw many things I liked. In no particular order:

- PBL curriculum. Reflect on your undergraduate education and ask yourself if you preferred large didactic lectures or small group discussions and labs. If you are of the latter, then Hofstra's PBL based curriculum will be very suitable to your tastes.
- Totally integrated curriculum. Instead of breaking down the preclinical years into organ systems, everything, including anatomy (they call it structure lab) is taught as integrated systems. This way you are never learning about mechanisms or tissues in isolation, but always in the context of multiple bodily functions and systems.
- The small class means you get a good amount of individual attention and most of the faculty and admin will know you by first name. All the faculty seemed very dedicated to teaching since they were just hired in the past few years for this very reason.
- The current students told me that research opportunities abound because a lot of the attending at NS-LIJ are excited to have medical students around and happy to mentor.
- Early longitudinal clinical involvement. Your first clinical block is getting EMT certified and running a few shifts. After that you start working with a local preceptor to see patients once a week every week. This is in your first semester.
- They listen to feedback from students. Lecturers who get bad reviews are not asked to return.
- New facilities! The new building just finished and is an addendum to the existing building, which is spacious and new in its own right. I didn't even get to tour the new building when I interviewed.
- NS-LIJ is a successful and reputable healthcare system to train in, especially if you want to stay in the NYC area.
- Financial aid seems to be strong if you think you will qualify for need based.


Some cons:
- Hospital is not right next to the medical school. You will need a car starting from MS1 for the preceptorships.
- The area around the school isn't the nicest, but it isn't that expensive either.
- New school. Reputation of NS-LIJ doesn't carry as much weight the further away you want to match.

Overall, I think Hofstra is a great school that is well on its way to being recognized as a solid mid-tier in 5-10 years. Definitely don't overlook it just because it is new.

 

[taco152]

I agree with the above. I think being half owned by a hospital provides tremdous assets.
Also, it is extremely student friendly. Within the first year they decided to double the size of the school to provide more space to the students.

 

[winterwind_23]

I'm pre-writing secondaries from Hofstra based on the previous year's secondary prompts:

• If you are currently not a matriculated student, please indicate what you have been doing since the time of graduation until now. (1,500 characters)
• If your undergraduate education was interrupted for any reason, please indicate the reasons, the duration of the interruption, and how you spent your time (1,500 characters)
• Please share anything your application does not include, but that you would like to bring to our attention. For example, is there anything special you would add to our School? (1,500 characters)

I couldn't find anything about this in the old threads, but are any of these optional? Obviously, the first two would be optional if they don't apply to you, but how about the last one? The last one seems to an optional type of questions, judging from the secondaries from other schools. Only the first one applies to me, so I've written that, but I'm not sure if the last question is required or not. Does anyone know?

 

[SallySue1202]

I'm pre-writing secondaries from Hofstra based on the previous year's secondary prompts:

• If you are currently not a matriculated student, please indicate what you have been doing since the time of graduation until now. (1,500 characters)
• If your undergraduate education was interrupted for any reason, please indicate the reasons, the duration of the interruption, and how you spent your time (1,500 characters)
• Please share anything your application does not include, but that you would like to bring to our attention. For example, is there anything special you would add to our School? (1,500 characters)

I couldn't find anything about this in the old threads, but are any of these optional? Obviously, the first two would be optional if they don't apply to you, but how about the last one? The last one seems to an optional type of questions, judging from the secondaries from other schools. Only the first one applies to me, so I've written that, but I'm not sure if the last question is required or not. Does anyone know?

Hey @winterwind_23! Looks like we are applying to a lot of the same schools 🙂 I agree, the last Q sounds optional, but I am going to write a response anyway. I'm using it as a chance to sell myself to Hofstra. With 6,000 applicants, I want to help my app stand out.

 

[unnumzaan]

Most people used their diversity essay for that prompt. Personally, I would not consider it optional.

 

[winterwind_23]

Hey @winterwind_23! Looks like we are applying to a lot of the same schools 🙂 I agree, the last Q sounds optional, but I am going to write a response anyway. I'm using it as a chance to sell myself to Hofstra. With 6,000 applicants, I want to help my app stand out.

That's a good point. I think I'll find something to write about! I guess I'll be seeing you around in these parts in the next few months. 😉

Most people used their diversity essay for that prompt. Personally, I would not consider it optional.

Thanks for the advice! I'll find something to use here, probably from another secondary. 🙂

 

[sharkbyte]

@SallySue1202 @winterwind_23 Been seeing you guys on a lot of the school threads I've been looking at, best of luck to you both and good luck to everyone here as well! For as much as they tell us to stay off SDN (which I partly agree with) it's great to have a community of applicants together to help each other out! 🙂

 

[SallySue1202]

@SallySue1202 @winterwind_23 Been seeing you guys on a lot of the school threads I've been looking at, best of luck to you both and good luck to everyone here as well! For as much as they tell us to stay off SDN (which I partly agree with) it's great to have a community of applicants together to help each other out! 🙂

I completely agree! It's great to see and talk to the same people around the forum. I am so excited for this cycle!! I can't believe it is finally here 🙂 GOOD LUCK ALL!

 

[demystifie]

Most people used their diversity essay for that prompt. Personally, I would not consider it optional.

I used the last question for a diversity/why Hofstra essay. I'm matriculating here this summer so let me know if you have any questions!

 

[winterwind_23]

@SallySue1202 @winterwind_23 Been seeing you guys on a lot of the school threads I've been looking at, best of luck to you both and good luck to everyone here as well! For as much as they tell us to stay off SDN (which I partly agree with) it's great to have a community of applicants together to help each other out! 🙂

See you around here, too, then @sharkbyte!

I used the last question for a diversity/why Hofstra essay. I'm matriculating here this summer so let me know if you have any questions!

Alright, we'll be sure to pick your brain once the application season picks up steam. 😉

 

[ChillDawg]

For people talking about using a diversity essay, is that the disadvantaged statement or a prewritten secondary for questions like these?

 

[taco152]

Probably a stupid question but what is a diversity essay.

 

[demystifie]

Probably a stupid question but what is a diversity essay.

It's basically a statement in which you discuss how your experiences have made you attuned to diverse people/places/things and/or what unique qualities you can contribute to a school. People causally refer to it as a 'diversity statement' because many schools will ask you a question along these lines in their secondaries.

 

[member271]

.

 

[ChrisMack390]

Does Hoftra require all students to do EMT training? And presumably some shifts as an EMT?

 

[member271]

.

 

[ChrisMack390]

Wow - I just read more about this. Awesome! 100% applying to Hofstra next year based on this alone.

 

[Pawn]

Best of luck everyone! Just twiddling my thumbs waiting for that secondary.

 

[PatrickStarMDPHD]

Just received the secondary! Good luck everyone!

 

[taco152]

Just received the secondary! Good luck everyone!

Same prompts as last year?

 

[PatrickStarMDPHD]

If you are currently not a matriculated student, please indicate what you have been doing since the time of graduation until now. (All 1500 characters)

If your undergraduate education was interrupted for any reason and you were not enrolled in classes, please indicate the reasons, the duration of the interruption, and how you spent your time. This does not include time between programs post-graduation.

Please use this space to describe any challenge or obstacle you have faced prior to your application to medical school and how you addressed that challenge.

 

[SallySue1202]

If you are currently not a matriculated student, please indicate what you have been doing since the time of graduation until now. (All 1500 characters)

If your undergraduate education was interrupted for any reason and you were not enrolled in classes, please indicate the reasons, the duration of the interruption, and how you spent your time. This does not include time between programs post-graduation.

Please use this space to describe any challenge or obstacle you have faced prior to your application to medical school and how you addressed that challenge.

Wooo! They got rid of their diversity essay! I really hate those.

 

[sharkbyte]

Received and submitted the secondary. On the "Additional Information" tab, do we have to submit any "additional LORs" if all of the ones we intend to submit are on AMCAS?

 

[demystifie]

Received and submitted the secondary. On the "Additional Information" tab, do we have to submit any "additional LORs" if all of the ones we intend to submit are on AMCAS?

No, this tab is for you to upload updates later in the cycle.

 

[IlyaR]

Screened out, had to submit the non trad request form

2.97 cGpa 35 mcat 4.0 SMP arghhhh

Off by 0.03!

 

[Pawn]

Screened out, had to submit the non trad request form

2.97 cGpa 35 mcat 4.0 SMP arghhhh

Off by 0.03!

Did they notify you via email that you were screened out?

 

[mazarine]

+1 secondary! Glad they changed the prompt, I would take challenge questions over diversity questions any day

 

[himitsuda]

I had just answered a challenge question yesterday for my pre-health committee, so I got lucky and have something pre-written for once!

 

[premeditated618]

guys I really need your help!
for the challenge question, is it better to write about something significant like financial disadvantages (which probably isn't too unique of an experience) but shows perseverance, OR a challenge I faced at work which is a smaller problem, but more unique and shows leadership skills?

 

[mazarine]

guys I really need your help!
for the challenge question, is it better to write about something significant like financial disadvantages (which probably isn't too unique of an experience) but shows perseverance, OR a challenge I faced at work which is a smaller problem, but more unique and shows leadership skills?

I don't think your challenge necessarily needs to be unique; what's important is what you learned from it. Which challenge do you feel shows you better and adds to what you've already given them in your primary?

 

[Chasing Never Land]

Does anyone think it'd be bad to include a pre-written response to last year's prompt as an additional document?

 

[PugsAndHugs]

Does anyone think it'd be bad to include a pre-written response to last year's prompt as an additional document?

Very bad... they removed that question for a reason.

 

[Chasing Never Land]

Very bad... they removed that question for a reason.

Oh well, already did. I don't think it's bad actually having thought it over more - its a why Hofstra essay, and a 'why our school' never hurts. plus it shows you want them enough/have your **** together to pre-write (right? lol)

 

[WildPants]

For the challenge question, is it too obvious/uninspired to write about my obstacle being not getting into any medical schools this past cycle? (I am a re-applicant but didn't apply here last year).

 

[restlessdriven]

@WildPants , I would see if you could think up something else. I wouldn't say it's uninspired if you could show how you've grown from the experience but I'm not sure I would point out that I was a re-applicant. Maybe others can chime in.

Question on the challenge prompt: I was a in a car accident in heavy rain a few years ago and I've had to deal with some anxiety (racing heart, real fear among other things)related to it. I haven't been to a therapist or anything but I've had to coach myself into driving in poor conditions on uncountable occasions for the last three years. It is gradually getting better and I'm no longer scared to get in the car when it's raining. On the bright side, the accident made me feel really lucky to be alive and I took on a more optimistic attitude following. Is this too trivial for a secondary?

 

[khendzel]

@WildPants , I would see if you could think up something else. I wouldn't say it's uninspired if you could show how you've grown from the experience but I'm not sure I would point out that I was a re-applicant. Maybe others can chime in.

Question on the challenge prompt: I was a in a car accident in heavy rain a few years ago and I've had to deal with some anxiety (racing heart, real fear among other things)related to it. I haven't been to a therapist or anything but I've had to coach myself into driving in poor conditions on uncountable occasions for the last three years. It is gradually getting better and I'm no longer scared to get in the car when it's raining. On the bright side, the accident made me feel really lucky to be alive and I took on a more optimistic attitude following. Is this too trivial for a secondary?

less emphasis on the resulting anxiety and more on the actual moment and the challenge that it presented? maybe just don't say the word anxiety.

 

[AgentQuestion]

IIs started going out first week of August the last couple years. <checks calendar impatiently>

 

[DiDoc]

Anyone know how big of a challenge it should be? Can it just be a moment that pushed you out of your comfort zone and you handled it well? 1500 char. is tiny!

 

[Oranges2]

Anyone know how big of a challenge it should be? Can it just be a moment that pushed you out of your comfort zone and you handled it well? 1500 char. is tiny!

Yes i feel that if it was a learning moment for you, then write about it! 🙂

 

[occams_razor]

Yes i feel that if it was a learning moment for you, then write about it! 🙂

agree with this advice! I don't think it needs to be a huge obstacle

 

[HalpSendHalp]

Jumping on the Hofstra train 🙂
Just submitted my secondary! <3 Hoping for the best.... and Bless Hofstra for having reasonable secondary questions.

 

[winterwind_23]

I'm thinking of writing my challenge essay on being a first-generation college student, for example, I had to guide myself through the college application process because my parents didn't know anything about applying and my high school was really poor/bad. I ended up at my dream school after all of my effort. Through this, I learned resourcefulness and perseverance. Also, I would like to talk about how I dealt with being low-income/first-generation in college. Would this topic be OK for this "challenge" essay?

 

[HalpSendHalp]

I'm thinking of writing my challenge essay on being a first-generation college student, for example, I had to guide myself through the college application process because my parents didn't know anything about applying and my high school was really poor/bad. I ended up at my dream school after all of my effort. Through this, I learned resourcefulness and perseverance. Also, I would like to talk about how I dealt with being low-income/first-generation in college. Would this topic be OK for this "challenge" essay?

I think that would be fine!
I wrote mine about overcoming fear of failure in college when crap hit the fan and classes just got immensely harder in scale