2015-2016 Southern Illinois University Application Thread

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They met yesterday for the first group. Super nervous to get my decision in the mail
I thought they met for the first group awhile back? I interviewed August 28th and was told the adcom meeting for those applicants would take place October 6th. Does anyone if that's changed? I didn't realize there was a meeting yesterday.
 
I just checked my notes and on my interview 8/21 they said they were meeting 9/15 and we should receive it in the mail by 9/18
 
They do shuffle their meetings around sometimes when conflicts come up so its possible IDP heard correctly and they had to move it up
 
I just checked my notes and on my interview 8/21 they said they were meeting 9/15 and we should receive it in the mail by 9/18
Congratulations on AWPA!! What a gret feeling that must be! Do you happen to know if they were reviewing all applicants that interviewed before that date or just applicants that interviewed on or around 8-21. I'm just curious if I was reviewed at that meeting or if there is still the meeting on October the 6th that will review applicants interviewed after the 21st?
Any current students have any thoughts or insight? Should I call? Waiting around for October 9th or so has been killing me so would be very excited if they had an earlier meeting.
 
Got my acceptance in the mail today!!! Congrats to everyone else who was accepted
 
Also you received that in snail mail correct?
I'd wait for Pasmal to confirm, but I thought they discussed all the previous month's interviewees the following month. So all August interviews on the September date, etc. It wouldn't hurt to call or e-mail the admissions department directly just to confirm when your file will be looked at, especially if you interviewed around a cutoff date. Good luck!
 
I'd wait for Pasmal to confirm, but I thought they discussed all the previous month's interviewees the following month. So all August interviews on the September date, etc. It wouldn't hurt to call or e-mail the admissions department directly just to confirm when your file will be looked at, especially if you interviewed around a cutoff date. Good luck!
Okay, thank you!
 
I know there probably isnt but waiting for an acceptance is gonna kill me and it could go all the way to May. Do you think there is any trend on how early you interview, get awpa, and get accepted? Like do most people who get on AWPA early get accepted
 
I know there probably isnt but waiting for an acceptance is gonna kill me and it could go all the way to May. Do you think there is any trend on how early you interview, get awpa, and get accepted? Like do most people who get on AWPA early get accepted

They release the seats in 3 main waves of 24 students. The first wave is in December, the second in February, and the third in March. Having AWPA in august will mean that you will be competing against less students for the first 24 seats in December than in the other two waves (assuming more than 24 new AWPA's are handed out during that period between waves). From my understanding, your rank on the AWPA list is not a concrete place. There is the potential that students who interview after you will take your ranking on the AWPA list. For instance, the first AWPA that was released may have only had 20 students, so those students are ranked 1-20 on the list. The next group of applicants may have some really good applicants so the person who was #20 after the first meeting, may now be #40 and will not make the first cut in December (unless a significant number decline or pull their application before then). The point is, early AWPA may help your chances a little bit statistically for the first wave, but it does not help your rank down the road. Since you have AWPA, relax and prepare yourself for a long wait; the odds are in your favor for an eventual acceptance. I had to wait until May, so I understand the stress and misery but don't give up hope! If you have questions about anything, feel free to DM me. Good luck and congrats on the AWPA! (Other students, feel free to correct any misinformation I may have shared)
 
How many students from SIU match in their residency of choice?
 
http://www.siumed.edu/news/Releases FY15/Match_Day_3-20-15.html

It varies based on the year, but it is above 95%. The ones that don't usually reach too high for their scores. There's a TON of counseling / mentors / etc. throughout your 3rd and 4th years to help will all things residency. Another great bonus of being a smaller school is the Dean knows everyone's names and meets with M3 / M4 usually once a month to make sure you're on the right track.
 
How many students from SIU match in their residency of choice?

@ncklkrt I think you're speaking for match rate, which is very good. @Hopefulness we don't have access to those numbers afaik, but you could try asking Dean Constance when you interview. What I can say is that one of the biggest factors in residency selection is Step 1, and SIU's step 1 scores are literally at the national average w/almost the same standard deviation (I posted the exact numbers either in this thread or last year's). The curriculum prepares you well for boards and you have plenty of time at the end of M2 to study so you can do your absolute best. Another important factor is one's performance during rotations, and the clinical focus during M1-2 sets up incoming M3s to do very well during rotations.

Does anyone know if applicants ever get an interview after getting the "screener's alternate" status?

The general consensus is that if you get SA it is highly unlikely you will be invited to interview. I've never seen it anyways.
 
Just received my post-interview decision.

AWPA!!! I'm very excited about SIU after having interviewed here and one other place. SIU definitely felt like a great fit and the curriculum excites me. Now just waiting and hoping for an actual acceptance in the coming months!
 
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I interviewed on 10/2, does anyone know if that means I was considered on the supposed 10/6 meeting date? Without having called them I don't know. I also have not received anything in the mail or email, however it is Sunday and also is pretty soon after the interview.

EDIT: I only ask becuase I was so close to a cut-off date (the rumored 10/6 adcom meeting)
 
I interviewed on 10/2, does anyone know if that means I was considered on the supposed 10/6 meeting date? Without having called them I don't know. I also have not received anything in the mail or email, however it is Sunday and also is pretty soon after the interview.

EDIT: I only ask becuase I was so close to a cut-off date (the rumored 10/6 adcom meeting)
You're probably in the next round of apps. A buddy from my school interviewed around that time and he told me he'll hear from SIU after the meeting in late October (the 27th or so, I think he said?).
 
You're probably in the next round of apps. A buddy from my school interviewed around that time and he told me he'll hear from SIU after the meeting in late October (the 27th or so, I think he said?).
Awesome! Thanks for that insight. I know they mentioned something about the end of Oct. when I was there too but mentioned it quickly and only once. Much appreciated
 
Is it too late to submit a secondary for SIU?

No, submit asap as getting a secondary almost always = interview invite as soon as you get it submitted (said this earlier but in case haven't been following this thread).

I know of one person in my class who submitted Nov 15 with like a 67-70 LizzyM. Worked I guess, but I'd advise not waiting haha. You should get your interview request very quickly, not sure what timeframe they're up to but I'd imagine they're probably scheduling into early January at this point (try and get the earliest date you can). Most seats aren't released until March-May so you have plenty of time.
 
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Interviewing here in January because I am getting my MS in Microbiology in New Orleans at Tulane SOM and I didn't want to travel when I wasn't on break. Now I am wishing I would have just interviewed because the wait is killing me. . .
 
Can anyone who has already interviewed here give me any advice about the interview day? My interview is November 3rd. Feel free to personal message me. Any advice would be helpful!
 
Can anyone who has already interviewed here give me any advice about the interview day? My interview is November 3rd. Feel free to personal message me. Any advice would be helpful!

Relax and be yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions to students/faculty. Make sure you're fresh on any research you may have done in case you're asked about it. Other than that just try to enjoy the day as much as possible, it's kind of scary but fun too. Good luck!
 
Can anyone who has already interviewed here give me any advice about the interview day? My interview is November 3rd. Feel free to personal message me. Any advice would be helpful!
Practice common interview questions and review your AMCAS and secondary so you're prepared for any questions regarding your file. Look over SIU's website intensely so you know what's special about this school (emphasis on primary care, PBL, etc.). The interviews are very conversational and weren't stressful at all for me (though I was very nervous beforehand!). You'll do great, just be yourself and have a great time.
 
Anyone here anything yet?
 
I heard it was slightly higher like 85% but yeah, just sucks that some may not know til may
 
Should be something like 80% of AWPAs right? (Obviously not all in December)

It does end up being ~85% of the AWPA list getting accepted but keep in mind that may not be until the beginning of the summer. However, AWPA is a fantastic accomplishment and you all should be very happy! Congratulations and best of luck!
 
@ncklkrt Could you comment on SIU's PBL curriculum. I understand SIU is one of the only medical schools that uses PBL almost exclusively. I'm curious how students are able to determine key information for Step 1 that would otherwise be highlighted in lectures.
 
We use Uworld/FA/Pathoma like everyone else. Those resources are the gold standard for board prep, we use them as a tool to help with our progression through the curriculum as well. We pick up any additional info the profs want us to know during supplemental lectures after each case. The difference is that instead of profs teaching us the material from scratch we are teaching ourselves and one another and then refining our knowledge with the profs. It's not as difficult as it may sound, basic path knowledge required for boards is pretty straightforward.
 
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We use Uworld/FA/Pathoma like everyone else. Those resources are the gold standard for board prep, we use them as a tool to help with our progression through the curriculum as well. We pick up any additional info the profs want us to know during supplemental lectures after each case. The difference is that instead of profs teaching us the material from scratch we are teaching ourselves and one another and then refining our knowledge with the profs. It's not as difficult as it may sound, basic path knowledge required for boards is pretty straightforward.
+1
 
what did ya'll think about living at carbondale for a year?
You take from it what you make it. Some people LOVED it - Carbondale is purely a college town with tons of events, a HUGE bar / downtown scene, etc. There's also ample outdoor activities, such as wineries, hiking, breweries, etc. It's a fairly small town which takes a little getting used to but keep in mind it is centrally a college town (the population literally doubles when class is in session to ~40,000). All in all, the year I lived there was enjoyable but I personally would not want to spend much more time there. Others will disagree and would rather be in Carbondale all 4 years than Springfield, but it all depends on your personality and what you like to do in your down time!
 
You take from it what you make it. Some people LOVED it - Carbondale is purely a college town with tons of events, a HUGE bar / downtown scene, etc. There's also ample outdoor activities, such as wineries, hiking, breweries, etc. It's a fairly small town which takes a little getting used to but keep in mind it is centrally a college town (the population literally doubles when class is in session to ~40,000). All in all, the year I lived there was enjoyable but I personally would not want to spend much more time there. Others will disagree and would rather be in Carbondale all 4 years than Springfield, but it all depends on your personality and what you like to do in your down time!

Agree, the year was fun but glad to be somewhere else.
 
No, submit asap as getting a secondary almost always = interview invite as soon as you get it submitted (said this earlier but in case haven't been following this thread).

I know of one person in my class who submitted Nov 15 with like a 67-70 LizzyM. Worked I guess, but I'd advise not waiting haha. You should get your interview request very quickly, not sure what timeframe they're up to but I'd imagine they're probably scheduling into early January at this point (try and get the earliest date you can). Most seats aren't released until March-May so you have plenty of time.


Thanks for the encouragement, I submitted my app on October 27th and received interview invite yesterday.

Now I have to choose 4 dates that I would like to be interviewed. I planning on choosing December 17, 18, 21, or 22.
(I was allowed to choose any date from December 7th to February 26th, BUT NOT dates from December 23rd to January 4th (for obvious reasons))

Does my interview date choice for interviews sound reasonable?

Thanks again!
 
Thanks for the encouragement, I submitted my app on October 27th and received interview invite yesterday.

Now I have to choose 4 dates that I would like to be interviewed. I planning on choosing December 17, 18, 21, or 22.
(I was allowed to choose any date from December 7th to February 26th, BUT NOT dates from December 23rd to January 4th (for obvious reasons))

Does my interview date choice for interviews sound reasonable?

Thanks again!
It's reasonable if it works for you! They do interviews M-F (not Wednesdays) throughout the year - congratulations and good luck!
 
It's reasonable if it works for you! They do interviews M-F (not Wednesdays) throughout the year - congratulations and good luck!

Hmm interestingly, they didn't mention anything about Wednesday being off limits. I wonder if that was specifically for your year...

Also (this might be a coarse question but,) what are the chances/numbers/ratios of getting an interview invite and getting an acceptance?

Thanks for your advice!
 
Hmm interestingly, they didn't mention anything about Wednesday being off limits. I wonder if that was specifically for your year...

Also (this might be a coarse question but,) what are the chances/numbers/ratios of getting an interview invite and getting an acceptance?

Thanks for your advice!


Not sure about your first thought. As far as numbers, there are links on the first post on this thread that will take you to available SIU-specific stats for the last cycle. The numbers are also posted, reposting below:

Data from 2014-2015 cycle
MD Applications: 1,312
MD/JD applications: 47
Acceptances: 145 (11%)
Matriculants: 72
Mean age: 23 (20-30)
Mean GPA: 3.64
Mean MCAT: 30

Edit: removing my speculation. Per Beth, there are usually ~300 interviews in a given cycle, so odds of admission at time of interview are ~48%.
 
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Not sure about your first thought. As far as numbers, there are links on the first post on this thread that will take you to available SIU-specific stats for the last cycle. The numbers are also posted, reposting below:

Data from 2014-2015 cycle
MD Applications: 1,312
MD/JD applications: 47
Acceptances: 145 (11%)
Matriculants: 72
Mean age: 23 (20-30)
Mean GPA: 3.64
Mean MCAT: 30

Edit: removing my speculation. Per Beth, there are usually ~300 interviews in a given cycle, so odds of admission at time of interview are ~48%.

Ohh okay! 48% sounds pretty solid! I saw your "speculation" earlier during the day. Thanks for your effort! Means a lot!

I'm still kinda shocked that I got an interview, it's my first one of the cycle!
 
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