2015-2016 Ohio State University Application Thread

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Hi all,
Does anyone know how receptive OSU is regarding ITA emails?
I don't know about now, but a few years ago a friend got an interview here after sending an ITA email when she was going to interview at Cincinnati. She ended up matriculating at OSU, so I'd say it was a good move!
 
@coryjpettit

Thanks for all of the information you've provided so far! I have a few more questions for you, if you don't mind:

1) What does an average week look like at OSU? How many required attendance classes/workshops are there per week? Do a majority of students attend optional lectures, or watch from home?

2) How often do you have tests and which day of the week?

3) About how long is each system-based block? Do you have a test at the end of each block including all the histology, pathology, anatomy, etc?

Thanks! 🙂
 
I don't know about now, but a few years ago a friend got an interview here after sending an ITA email when she was going to interview at Cincinnati. She ended up matriculating at OSU, so I'd say it was a good move!
Thanks...just gonna go for it!
 
I don't know about now, but a few years ago a friend got an interview here after sending an ITA email when she was going to interview at Cincinnati. She ended up matriculating at OSU, so I'd say it was a good move!
what is ITA?
 
Hey everyone! I just interviewed here today and would like to emphasize how blown away I was by this school. The entire day was incredibly impressive. Dr. Capers spent two hours with us in the morning and made it a point to personally meet with and welcome all of us to campus. The med students were incredibly outgoing and seemed genuinely happy and proud of their school. Lunch was delicious and interviews were REALLY laid back. I know it's hard to believe that fully, but don't be nervous. If you know your application and yourself and can explain your motivations to be a physician, you will rock it. The facilities also blew me away and the new James cancer center is incredible. Overall, just a super wonderful day. I'm on my phone typing this so excuse the typos and lack of eloquence but if you have any specific questions or wanna know more, please message me or just ask!!! Good luck everyone!!!🙂
 
@coryjpettit

Thanks for all of the information you've provided so far! I have a few more questions for you, if you don't mind:

1) What does an average week look like at OSU? How many required attendance classes/workshops are there per week? Do a majority of students attend optional lectures, or watch from home?

2) How often do you have tests and which day of the week?

3) About how long is each system-based block? Do you have a test at the end of each block including all the histology, pathology, anatomy, etc?

Thanks! 🙂


I just finished my first block (Foundations 1) so can only comment specifically on it and Foundations 2.

1) We typically have lecture from 8-11 or 8-12 M-F. These are totally optional unless it is a patient panel (roughly every other Friday). I would say maybe 70% of the class goes and the other 30% streams them. It is really nice to have this flexibility. I go to maybe 80% and stream the rest when I want to sleep in lol. We had a huge exam Monday, and I was still recovering, so I actually decided to take yesterday totally off and am watching the lectures today at 2x speed. You also have online modules/lectures/readings which average out to maybe 1.5-2 hours a day.
Every Thursday we have a mandatory group class called LG from 1-4. We practice physical exams, patient interviews, and general clinical techniques. You also have Longitudinal Practice, where you work with a doctor for a half day every two weeks, but that doesn't start until October so I haven't done it yet. We also have team based learnings sporadically. Anatomy lab also doesn't really pick up until November, so I'm not sure the time commitment there yet, but I would imagine it is 1-2 afternoons a week. Overall, besides the week before exams, where you are in the library 24/7, the schedule has been VERY manageable. We have watched every OSU game, gone out every weekend (except for during exam week), and sometimes even get out on a weekday night. Maintaining a balanced life is extremely important, and so far has been pretty doable.

2/3) You have an exam at the end of each block, so every 5-6 weeks. Our first one was just this Monday, but they are usually Thursdays I believe. You have no lecture for a few days leading up to the exam to allow you to review. In your first two blocks there is a quiz every Monday morning to keep you on top of material, but this ends after the first 2 blocks. The exam at the end of the block includes everything: all the histology, anatomy, cell biology, genetics, etc for the particular organ system you are studying. Foundations 1 and 2 is kind of a general look at physiology, biology, and biochemistry, but after that you focus on systems. The material for the most part is not too hard conceptually, there is just A LOT of it. This last exam covered around 2,500 powerpoint slides. That sounds scary, but if you stay on top of it and don't get behind, it is extremely manageable, and a lot of the material ties into each other.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

GO BUCKS!
 
Hey everyone! I just interviewed here today and would like to emphasize how blown away I was by this school. The entire day was incredibly impressive. Dr. Capers spent two hours with us in the morning and made it a point to personally meet with and welcome all of us to campus. The med students were incredibly outgoing and seemed genuinely happy and proud of their school. Lunch was delicious and interviews were REALLY laid back. I know it's hard to believe that fully, but don't be nervous. If you know your application and yourself and can explain your motivations to be a physician, you will rock it. The facilities also blew me away and the new James cancer center is incredible. Overall, just a super wonderful day. I'm on my phone typing this so excuse the typos and lack of eloquence but if you have any specific questions or wanna know more, please message me or just ask!!! Good luck everyone!!!🙂
I second this, the interview is extremely chill, and actually was at most places I interviewed at. They really aren't asking you tough questions trying to trip you up, they just want to get to know you better and see if you are a good fit. Remember, if they invited you for an interview, especially this early in the cycle, they WANT you! Good luck guys 🙂
 
Hey everyone! I just interviewed here today and would like to emphasize how blown away I was by this school. The entire day was incredibly impressive. Dr. Capers spent two hours with us in the morning and made it a point to personally meet with and welcome all of us to campus. The med students were incredibly outgoing and seemed genuinely happy and proud of their school. Lunch was delicious and interviews were REALLY laid back. I know it's hard to believe that fully, but don't be nervous. If you know your application and yourself and can explain your motivations to be a physician, you will rock it. The facilities also blew me away and the new James cancer center is incredible. Overall, just a super wonderful day. I'm on my phone typing this so excuse the typos and lack of eloquence but if you have any specific questions or wanna know more, please message me or just ask!!! Good luck everyone!!!🙂

I am so happy to hear that! I have an interview here next month and it will be my first normal medical school interview (non MMI).
 
Hey everyone! I just interviewed here today and would like to emphasize how blown away I was by this school. The entire day was incredibly impressive. Dr. Capers spent two hours with us in the morning and made it a point to personally meet with and welcome all of us to campus. The med students were incredibly outgoing and seemed genuinely happy and proud of their school. Lunch was delicious and interviews were REALLY laid back. I know it's hard to believe that fully, but don't be nervous. If you know your application and yourself and can explain your motivations to be a physician, you will rock it. The facilities also blew me away and the new James cancer center is incredible. Overall, just a super wonderful day. I'm on my phone typing this so excuse the typos and lack of eloquence but if you have any specific questions or wanna know more, please message me or just ask!!! Good luck everyone!!!🙂
going here as an undergrad and spending a lot of time on the med campus, I can def vouch for the sense of pride amongst the entire OSU community, including physicians and research faculty. There is a reason they are THE Ohio State University! crossing my fingers for an interview! congrats on getting one and good luck to you!
 
Hey everyone! I just interviewed here today and would like to emphasize how blown away I was by this school. The entire day was incredibly impressive. Dr. Capers spent two hours with us in the morning and made it a point to personally meet with and welcome all of us to campus. The med students were incredibly outgoing and seemed genuinely happy and proud of their school. Lunch was delicious and interviews were REALLY laid back. I know it's hard to believe that fully, but don't be nervous. If you know your application and yourself and can explain your motivations to be a physician, you will rock it. The facilities also blew me away and the new James cancer center is incredible. Overall, just a super wonderful day. I'm on my phone typing this so excuse the typos and lack of eloquence but if you have any specific questions or wanna know more, please message me or just ask!!! Good luck everyone!!!🙂

I also want to repeat this as well. I had an absolutely amazing time at OSU interviewing a week or two ago. Dr. Capers and the students were fantastic, I was truly blown away by everything and everyone. Very much appreciated to all those who helped out and made the day welcoming
 
Does anyone know how their MEDPATH program works? Is it something you can apply for or do you have to be referred to it? The website makes it sound like you have to be referred to it but I just wanted to double check.
 
Hey, I am interviewing in Ohio 10/05 and I haven't booked a hotel yet. I will be arriving on the 1st and I am planning to stay there until the 7th . The places/hotels that the school suggested are kind of too steep for my pocket. Does anyone have any suggestions of cheap, yet comfortable places to stay? I am simple man so I don't need anything fancy, just clean and safe. I never been to Columbus. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I left for last minute to find places and it is becoming a pain to figure all out..:depressed:

feel free to pm

Thanks in advance
 
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Hey, I am interviewing in Ohio 10/05 and I haven't booked a hotel yet. I will be arriving on the 1st and I am planning to stay there until the 7th . The places/hotels that the school suggested are kind of too steep for my pocket. Does anyone have any suggestions of cheap, yet comfortable places to stay? I am simple man so I don't need anything fancy, just clean and safe. I never been to Columbus. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I left for last minute to find places and it is becoming a pain to figure all out..:depressed:

feel free to pm

Thanks in advance
I did the Varsity Inn South for about $70.00. Nothing fancy, but close and cheap.
 
Hey, I am interviewing in Ohio 10/05 and I haven't booked a hotel yet. I will be arriving on the 1st and I am planning to stay there until the 7th . The places/hotels that the school suggested are kind of too steep for my pocket. Does anyone have any suggestions of cheap, yet comfortable places to stay? I am simple man so I don't need anything fancy, just clean and safe. I never been to Columbus. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I left for last minute to find places and it is becoming a pain to figure all out..:depressed:

feel free to pm

Thanks in advance
You should stay with a student host if that's still possible! Cheapest option there is. My host was super nice an helpful.
 
You should stay with a student host if that's still possible! Cheapest option there is. My host was super nice an helpful.
Unless you have back problems or can't sleep well on a couch, in which case don't stay with a host.
I've stayed with hosts for both interviews I've had so far though, and it was awesome. You can really get a good idea of the type of people that attend the school.
 
Hey, I am interviewing in Ohio 10/05 and I haven't booked a hotel yet. I will be arriving on the 1st and I am planning to stay there until the 7th . The places/hotels that the school suggested are kind of too steep for my pocket. Does anyone have any suggestions of cheap, yet comfortable places to stay? I am simple man so I don't need anything fancy, just clean and safe. I never been to Columbus. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I left for last minute to find places and it is becoming a pain to figure all out..:depressed:

feel free to pm

Thanks in advance
Probably can't stay with a host the whole week, but even knocking off one night will help minimize costs!
 
You should stay with a student host if that's still possible! Cheapest option there is. My host was super nice an helpful.
I am still waiting to hear back from the host, however I will stay in the city for more than one night so I need to find a place for the other days. I was offered only the night before to stay with a host. And I have not heard from them yet.
 
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Does anyone have any suggestions of cheap, yet comfortable places to stay?
Check out AirBnB. I see a few places south of the med campus available for your dates. For your interview date I'd recommend staying somewhere close to Neil Avenue - there are a few bus lines (7 and 18) that run straight north to the med campus.

If you think you might stay with a host during the interview portion of the trip and then check out more Columbus neighborhoods during the other part of your stay, I'd recommend the Short North (we'll have Gallery Hop 10/3!), or South Clintonville. Both of those neighborhoods will have a lot of eateries and cool places to check out, but Short North is more young/yuppie/artists and Clintonville is quieter and a little more suburb-lite, family-friendly.

Let me know or PM if you'd like recommendations/have questions about Columbus.
 
I am still waiting to hear back from the host, however I will stay in the city for more than one night so I need to find a place for the other days. I was offered only the night before to stay with a host. And I have not heard from them yet.

Like others have suggested, try AirBnB and see what's available. There's also a hostel in Clintonville, The Wayfaring Buckeye, that I used when I was in town for an extended period of time and it was pretty affordable. It's actually not that far from campus by bus/uber/taxi.

Does anyone know how their MEDPATH program works? Is it something you can apply for or do you have to be referred to it? The website makes it sound like you have to be referred to it but I just wanted to double check.

There's not a separate application for the Medpath program. The screeners/adcoms refer individuals for consideration from the general AMCAS applications we receive, and at the end of the app cycle 28 to 30 people from the application pool are interviewed, with about half getting selected for the program.
 
Like others have suggested, try AirBnB and see what's available. There's also a hostel in Clintonville, The Wayfaring Buckeye, that I used when I was in town for an extended period of time and it was pretty affordable. It's actually not that far from campus by bus/uber/taxi.



There's not a separate application for the Medpath program. The screeners/adcoms refer individuals for consideration from the general AMCAS applications we receive, and at the end of the app cycle 28 to 30 people from the application pool are interviewed, with about half getting selected for the program.


what is the new mcat requirement/cutoff to be considered for medpath?
 
Ha yes I would recommend that!
Also for those with ii, I guess you were just given a date? also, did you receive an interview confirmation once you confirmed the date?
Yes, but I also got an email with the II and an email with the confirmation after I confirmed the interview date.

Report back if you also received an email a bit later. I never checked my portal until after the email.
 
what is the new mcat requirement/cutoff to be considered for medpath?


Nothing official has been made available regarding that since I am not involved in the referral of MedPath candidates, but I think that the lowest score I have heard of that's been referred for MedPath consideration was around the 40th percentile. I don't think there's any hard and fast criteria, and I don't know what the rest of their application looked like, so I'd hazard a guess that it's somewhere in that area.
 
Little late but... I interviewed on Sept 9, and NEVER got an email either! I just randomly/yet obsessively checked the portal one day and saw the interview invitation! So y'all ... CHECK THE PORTALS!!! I'm so glad I did and didn't miss this interview because, not gonna lie, THE Ohio State Medical School wasn't at the tippy top of my interest list before I interviewed, but I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the interview day and the school in general. The entire admissions staff and Dr. Capers were so enthusiastic to spend the day with us - and its not like they're busy or anything, so I think I speak for everyone when I say it was definitely appreciated by everyone interviewing that day. The students = AWESOME and incredibly helpful. One student that I spoke with during lunch told me that the admissions office actually had a problem with too many students wanted to meet the prospective applicants. Not a bad problem to have. The med school building itself is not the fanciest - its older and doesn't have the "shiny" look that some of the newer, more state-of-the-art med school buildings have that I've been to. But the amazing hospitals, the OSU campus in general, and the library with its high quality SIM labs on the top floor definitely make up for this. Finally, at least in my experience, this was one of the more thoughtful and pleasant interviewers that I've spoken with this cycle. They clearly LOVE OSU and wanted me (and other applicants) to be a part of this community as well.

Sorry for the lengthy gushing about OSU, but just wanted to pitch in my two cents on the day. Hoping to get some love from OSU come October 15th! ...Again, they don't call (or so they said) so CHECK THE PORTAL!
 
Little late but... I interviewed on Sept 9, and NEVER got an email either! I just randomly/yet obsessively checked the portal one day and saw the interview invitation! So y'all ... CHECK THE PORTALS!!! I'm so glad I did and didn't miss this interview because, not gonna lie, THE Ohio State Medical School wasn't at the tippy top of my interest list before I interviewed, but I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the interview day and the school in general. The entire admissions staff and Dr. Capers were so enthusiastic to spend the day with us - and its not like they're busy or anything, so I think I speak for everyone when I say it was definitely appreciated by everyone interviewing that day. The students = AWESOME and incredibly helpful. One student that I spoke with during lunch told me that the admissions office actually had a problem with too many students wanted to meet the prospective applicants. Not a bad problem to have. The med school building itself is not the fanciest - its older and doesn't have the "shiny" look that some of the newer, more state-of-the-art med school buildings have that I've been to. But the amazing hospitals, the OSU campus in general, and the library with its high quality SIM labs on the top floor definitely make up for this. Finally, at least in my experience, this was one of the more thoughtful and pleasant interviewers that I've spoken with this cycle. They clearly LOVE OSU and wanted me (and other applicants) to be a part of this community as well.

Sorry for the lengthy gushing about OSU, but just wanted to pitch in my two cents on the day. Hoping to get some love from OSU come October 15th! ...Again, they don't call (or so they said) so CHECK THE PORTAL!
Ahhhh stahhhp you're making me love this place even more! Crossing all my fingers for an II.
 
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