2015-2016 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Application Thread

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I just emailed them about 10 minutes ago asking if I was complete and got a response just now. Cool. Hopefully an interview coming soon. 3.4 ugrad & 3.8 graduate. 516 MCAT.
 
AvrgPreMedKid said:
I just emailed them about 10 minutes ago asking if I was complete and got a response just now. Cool. Hopefully an interview coming soon. 3.4 ugrad & 3.8 graduate. 516 MCAT.
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Dang I emailed a week ago for a complete and still haven't heard back 🙁
 
AvrgPreMedKid said:
Aw man what letter does your last name start with?
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Starts with "B"

Can anyone comment on actually calling their councilor? I am tempted to, but I don't want to be annoying or seem overly eager. Or would it seem like I have a vested interest in the school? It's my top choice..
 
meerkat1024 said:
Starts with "B"

Can anyone comment on actually calling their councilor? I am tempted to, but I don't want to be annoying or seem overly eager. Or would it seem like I have a vested interest in the school? It's my top choice..
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Hmm, we have different counselors. If you call once, that's not annoying. I think it's acceptable because you emailed over two weeks ago and haven't heard. Meanwhile, all these other people are getting email confirmation. One phone call wouldn't hurt.
 
I've met the counselor for A-E and can attest to her poor email responsiveness. Remember they are all super busy and a confirmation email isn't their top priority. If you submitted the secondary, they got it.
 
Endo2393 said:
I've met the counselor for A-E and can attest to her poor email responsiveness. Remember they are all super busy and a confirmation email isn't their top priority. If you submitted the secondary, they got it.
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Thank you for that response. This was my logical conclusion, but the neurotic part of me does not understand logic. Knowing that you have first hand experience with my particular counselor does help though. I'll sit quietly and wait patiently like everyone else now!
 
meerkat1024 said:
Starts with "B"

Can anyone comment on actually calling their councilor? I am tempted to, but I don't want to be annoying or seem overly eager. Or would it seem like I have a vested interest in the school? It's my top choice..
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I have called mine many times between last cycle and this and I know they prefer email. If you haven't gotten a response though definitely follow it up.


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Has Mrs. Baker been unresponsive via email to anyone?
 
My committee letter is taking FOREVER!! I have everything else complete and submitted. This is so frustrating!!
 
meerkat1024 said:
Does anyone know how/if we can send updates to this school?
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USUHS admissions is very responsive to updates, both pre-and post-interview. I sent grade and activity updates monthly via e-mail to my admissions counselor. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the Dean of Admissions actually goes through and reads each one personally.

rlarudtjs332 said:
can anyone tell me about the student host program?
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The student host program is an optional opportunity for interviewees to stay overnight with a first-year student the evening before their interview. It's a nice way to get more familiar with the school, its students, and the local Bethesda area. Students do not report back to admissions staff so it's a completely casual evening to relax, ask questions, and get out your pre-interview jitters. Be aware that the students volunteer for this and sometimes interview dates will line up with M1 exams, so hosts are not always available for every date.
 
rlarudtjs332 said:
can anyone tell me about the student host program?
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I just attempted a SDN and internet search for you, coming up with little factual information on the subject.. However what I did find that people who did it really enjoyed it and some of those who did not said they regretted it.

It seems like it can take a lot of stress off being there, especially if this will be your first interview. I assume (key word) its like most other host programs..you stay the night with a student (don't have to pay for a hotel), and they can answer questions you have, give you tips, etc.

Was anyone else able to find anything on the USUHS website or elsewhere?
 
Does the II come from the same email address that sent the info about the Secondary, the admissions email? Logically I know it's too soon after submitting for me to get one, but I'm so paranoid about it going to the spam folder and missing it!
 
Glycereine said:
The jist of the program was already mentioned, but I will chime in to say I thought it was an excellent experience!
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so I basically spend a night at one of their M1 students' apartments? how does that work? Do i have to share a room with one of them? It sounds like an awesome program but i'm a really sensitive sleeper lol and i don't wanna ruin my sleep the night before my interview. Can anyone clarify about this?

Primary Processed 6/14. Secondary 7/14 or 7/15. II 8/13. Interview date 10/1. top 12 university. cGPA 3.72 sGPA 3.62 mcat 13/7/13 (i know... that verbal... fml ). nothing major EC. just a lot of committed volunteering, medical ngo work, scribing, shadowing, working
 
rlarudtjs332 said:
so I basically spend a night at one of their M1 students' apartments? how does that work? Do i have to share a room with one of them? It sounds like an awesome program but i'm a really sensitive sleeper lol and i don't wanna ruin my sleep the night before my interview. Can anyone clarify about this?

Primary Processed 6/14. Secondary 7/14 or 7/15. II 8/13. Interview date 10/1. top 12 university. cGPA 3.72 sGPA 3.62 mcat 13/7/13 (i know... that verbal... fml ). nothing major EC. just a lot of committed volunteering, medical ngo work, scribing, shadowing, working
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Holy moly on those science subscores though...good job!

Your best bet might be to try to contact a student or admissions on those questions...mention it when talking to someone about setting up your interview. My bet would be that you wouldn't share a room, but might end up in a living room or something? The situation is probably different with each host, but remember the people who go here get a nice salary. If you are seriously worried about it, you could stay in a hotel and make an effort to connect with other interviewees and students before the actual interview day.

I get you on the sleep thing, I need pitch black, silence, and my super comfy bed lol. But with something like this going on, I bet I would have trouble sleeping anyway due to nervousness/thoughts keeping me up. Plus i've had plenty of bad experiences with hotels being difficult to sleep in too. Having the relaxing atmosphere with the student, even in a less than ideal sleeping situation, might actually be better for rest anyway. Also, research has show that "the night before the night before" is important in how rested you feel on the day of. So, get some good sleep in the few days before the interview.

I've pretty much given in to the fact that I won't sleep much before any interview. Just my .02, from one sensitive sleeper to another, I would do the host.


Hope some of that helps
 
rlarudtjs332 said:
so I basically spend a night at one of their M1 students' apartments? how does that work? Do i have to share a room with one of them? It sounds like an awesome program but i'm a really sensitive sleeper lol and i don't wanna ruin my sleep the night before my interview. Can anyone clarify about this?

Primary Processed 6/14. Secondary 7/14 or 7/15. II 8/13. Interview date 10/1. top 12 university. cGPA 3.72 sGPA 3.62 mcat 13/7/13 (i know... that verbal... fml ). nothing major EC. just a lot of committed volunteering, medical ngo work, scribing, shadowing, working
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Completely depends on who your host ends up being. If that is a concern for you I would get a hotel just in case. I slept on the couch with mine but I was fine.


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I did my DoDMERB physical today. In case anyone is wondering about it, it is a pretty low stress event. The hardest part IMO is filling out the information on the website. It was pretty simple to schedule with the contractor. The physical just involved an optical exam, hearing test, and then the physical itself. The physical is height, weight, BP, medical history review, dipstick urinalysis (looking for protein, blood, or glucose in urine), motor-function exam, inguinal hernia check and check for external hemorrhoids. Females have a few extra things, but I don't believe there is an internal pelvic exam. As I think someone mentioned before, the service-specific physical fitness tests (i.e. run, sit-ups, pushups) are completely separate and I believe take place at BOLC prior to starting school.

I tried to get a copy of my exam paperwork so I could crosscheck the regulation on DQ's, but they would not provide it. I would ask anyway, couldn't hurt. Make sure you look up the height/weight requirements for the service you want. Based on last year's forum, it would be easiest if you pass it without needing to do a tape test for BFA. They don't do that at the DoDMERB physical. If you need help finding it, let me know.

If you are wondering what the DQ's are, the regulation is DOD 6130.03 . You can find it via google. If not, I'll upload a copy for you. Try to get the most recent version. If they need more info or tests from you, they request it through a process called "remedials". For most of the DQ's, there are waivers possible. I'll send more info on that if/when I get it. I think I may need one, but we'll see. My advice is to get this knocked out asap, since the remedial and waiver process is apparently a bear. Otherwise, if you have any questions, let me know.
 
MikeyOlSchool said:
I did my DoDMERB physical today. In case anyone is wondering about it, it is a pretty low stress event. The hardest part IMO is filling out the information on the website. It was pretty simple to schedule with the contractor. The physical just involved an optical exam, hearing test, and then the physical itself. The physical is height, weight, BP, medical history review, dipstick urinalysis (looking for protein, blood, or glucose in urine), motor-function exam, inguinal hernia check and check for external hemorrhoids. Females have a few extra things, but I don't believe there is an internal pelvic exam. As I think someone mentioned before, the service-specific physical fitness tests (i.e. run, sit-ups, pushups) are completely separate and I believe take place at BOLC prior to starting school.

I tried to get a copy of my exam paperwork so I could crosscheck the regulation on DQ's, but they would not provide it. I would ask anyway, couldn't hurt. Make sure you look up the height/weight requirements for the service you want. Based on last year's forum, it would be easiest if you pass it without needing to do a tape test for BFA. They don't do that at the DoDMERB physical. If you need help finding it, let me know.

If you are wondering what the DQ's are, the regulation is DOD 6130.03 . You can find it via google. If not, I'll upload a copy for you. Try to get the most recent version. If they need more info or tests from you, they request it through a process called "remedials". For most of the DQ's, there are waivers possible. I'll send more info on that if/when I get it. I think I may need one, but we'll see. My advice is to get this knocked out asap, since the remedial and waiver process is apparently a bear. Otherwise, if you have any questions, let me know.
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I'll second this about height and weight standards. I'm active duty and always in standards but they weighed me at my DODMERB fully clothed in work boots etc. I was over by 2 pounds. I told them I wanted to take my shoes off and they said it didn't matter for weight. Then I got to go through the taping even though I showed up for taping and was 10 pounds under the max weight. Just extra hassle not worth dealing with.


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Does anyone know any useful information about possible flights/motels/transportation from the airport to the school area/etc?
 
rlarudtjs332 said:
Does anyone know any useful information about possible flights/motels/transportation from the airport to the school area/etc?
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Ronald Reagan (DCA) is best. Easy access to the DC metro/subway that will drop you off into Bethesda and around a few hotels such as the Hyatt and Hilton a mile away from the campus. The metro is about ~$5 which is awesome.

You might be able to find cheaper flights to Dulles or BWI but good luck getting to Bethesda...
 
finally figured out how to open my SECNAV file with Adobe Reader but how are we supposed to initial Block 29 and 30, and sign? it doesn't allow me to do that. the file doesn't have that purple box under those sections...
 
rlarudtjs332 said:
finally figured out how to open my SECNAV file with Adobe Reader but how are we supposed to initial Block 29 and 30, and sign? it doesn't allow me to do that. the file doesn't have that purple box under those sections...
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Fill it out as much as you can, print it out, sign and initial with a pen, scan/fax to admissions?
 
rlarudtjs332 said:
finally figured out how to open my SECNAV file with Adobe Reader but how are we supposed to initial Block 29 and 30, and sign? it doesn't allow me to do that. the file doesn't have that purple box under those sections...
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I've been having this same problem!! How were you able to open it? I've downloaded a new version of Adobe/tried opening it from multiple computers and nothing has worked.
 
rlarudtjs332 said:
finally figured out how to open my SECNAV file with Adobe Reader but how are we supposed to initial Block 29 and 30, and sign? it doesn't allow me to do that. the file doesn't have that purple box under those sections...
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Red Lobster Actual said:
Fill it out as much as you can, print it out, sign and initial with a pen, scan/fax to admissions?
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e2cp1 said:
I've been having this same problem!! How were you able to open it? I've downloaded a new version of Adobe/tried opening it from multiple computers and nothing has worked.
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It's not a modern form. You have to fill it out (without errors because you can't save it to edit it later), then print it, then sign it. Then find a scanner.

If it makes you feel better I completely filled it out last year and my computer crashed in the middle of it printing. So I got to start over. Second time around I had a spelling error that I personally couldn't live with, but I'd already closed the file. Third time was a charm. To make matters even better I already have a security clearance so I don't even know if the form was used, but it was still required. Yay!
 
Glycereine said:
It's not a modern form. You have to fill it out (without errors because you can't save it to edit it later), then print it, then sign it. Then find a scanner.

If it makes you feel better I completely filled it out last year and my computer crashed in the middle of it printing. So I got to start over. Second time around I had a spelling error that I personally couldn't live with, but I'd already closed the file. Third time was a charm. To make matters even better I already have a security clearance so I don't even know if the form was used, but it was still required. Yay!
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The problem is I can't even open the PDF on my web browser. I've tried installing adobe, but I still get an error message telling me that I need to download the new adobe software. It's really frustrating.
 
e2cp1 said:
The problem is I can't even open the PDF on my web browser. I've tried installing adobe, but I still get an error message telling me that I need to download the new adobe software. It's really frustrating.
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Make sure it's adobe reader. I did it from my Mac easily then scanned it with my phone using cam scanner haha
 
Endo2393 said:
Make sure it's adobe reader. I did it from my Mac easily then scanned it with my phone using cam scanner haha
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Yeah when I click on the link it gives me an error saying that I need to download adobe reader, but I've done that 100 times. I'll see if I can open it at work...
 
Well I received the "you've been reviewed favorably but we're not ready to give you an invite yet" letter. Here's to hoping I get some good news in the next few weeks for an earlier interview than last year.

Congratulations to everyone who's already past that point.
 
Did you receive an email or a physical letter?
 
Glycereine said:
Well I received the "you've been reviewed favorably but we're not ready to give you an invite yet" letter. Here's to hoping I get some good news in the next few weeks for an earlier interview than last year.

Congratulations to everyone who's already past that point.
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What's this now? I want one. I'm not into bugging people about my application but is that a normal occurrence to receive a "we're thinking about you!" letter?
 
Glycereine said:
Well I received the "you've been reviewed favorably but we're not ready to give you an invite yet" letter. Here's to hoping I get some good news in the next few weeks for an earlier interview than last year.

Congratulations to everyone who's already past that point.
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That sounds promising
 
physwiz said:
What's this now? I want one. I'm not into bugging people about my application but is that a normal occurrence to receive a "we're thinking about you!" letter?
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MikeyOlSchool said:
That sounds promising
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This is the first year they've done it. What it means is that I wasn't high enough to get an interview outright. So believe me, not having one is not a bad thing. What it indicates is that my file review is complete, and I was not rejected.

So if you were lower or higher than this, you probably would either know you aren't going, or already have an interview invite. The other possibility is that your file isn't reviewed yet, which I think is most likely for a lot of people. My review process took a little over a month by the way.
 
Glycereine said:
This is the first year they've done it. What it means is that I wasn't high enough to get an interview outright. So believe me, not having one is not a bad thing. What it indicates is that my file review is complete, and I was not rejected.

So if you were lower or higher than this, you probably would either know you aren't going, or already have an interview invite. The other possibility is that your file isn't reviewed yet, which I think is most likely for a lot of people. My review process took a little over a month by the way.
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Submitted secondary 7/2. Letter packet received and complete on 7/15. Have not had any correspondence since. Starting to bug out a little. Gonna send an update when my lab submits a manuscript and my summer class grades are in.
 
Endo2393 said:
Submitted secondary 7/2. Letter packet received and complete on 7/15. Have not had any correspondence since. Starting to bug out a little. Gonna send an update when my lab submits a manuscript and my summer class grades are in.
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I would definitely do this. I was complete before 7/15 if it makes you feel any better and my review was just finished.
 
Glycereine said:
I would definitely do this. I was complete before 7/15 if it makes you feel any better and my review was just finished.
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Looking like I'm getting an A, A+, and B in 3 of my masters classes. Will the B look badly?
 
Endo2393 said:
Looking like I'm getting an A, A+, and B in 3 of my masters classes. Will the B look badly?
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How is an A+ graded in your program on a number scale? the A and B if the same credit average to a 3.5, and even if the A+ is also a 4.0, then you're at 3.67 for the term. Unless that is a drop overall for you in masters classes, I personally think that looks good, not bad!
 
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