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

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🙁 Sorry! Good luck the rest of the app season!

If you don't mind me asking, how did you feel the interview went?
I felt like there were strong points and weak points in both my interviews but overall they were okay. No big mistakes or anything.
 
Send a brief update last week since my conditional release was approved. Still hoping for an interview.


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You got an acceptance! When did this happen, and are you doing HPSP? I figure that USUHS was your first choice, but at least you got in somewhere, and you will probably get an interview here.
 
You got an acceptance! When did this happen, and are you doing HPSP? I figure that USUHS was your first choice, but at least you got in somewhere, and you will probably get an interview here.
Thanks 🙂. Got accepted to UCF early morning on October 15th. Trying to do HSCP. It's a Navy only program.

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I called, and they told me that my status was "accept -hold" is there any difference between that and being wait listed?
 
I called, and they told me that my status was "accept -hold" is there any difference between that and being wait listed?
First of all, congratulations!, because from what I gathered during my interview was that because they are federally funded, USUHS hands out II and fills the class up in a different manner than most medical schools. Right now they have handed out 171 (?) acceptances, meaning the class is completely full. Everyone who is interviewed from here on out goes on what Dr. Saguil refers to as a glorified waitlist, and as people start to withdraw their space at USUHS and choose another school they were accepted to, we come off the wait list one by one, based on a numerical ranking system (that score out of 15 you were given post-interview). So, someone who interviews after me could jump up and bump me down on the wait list even though I interviewed before them. That is my best interpretation of what an acceptance-hold is. Can I ask, did you get an email or status change that prompted you to call and ask about your application status? and what day did you interview? Again, congrats! ALSO IF I AM WRONG: PLEASE someone correct me!!
 
First of all, congratulations!, because from what I gathered during my interview was that because they are federally funded, USUHS hands out II and fills the class up in a different manner than most medical schools. Right now they have handed out 171 (?) acceptances, meaning the class is completely full. Everyone who is interviewed from here on out goes on what Dr. Saguil refers to as a glorified waitlist, and as people start to withdraw their space at USUHS and choose another school they were accepted to, we come off the wait list one by one, based on a numerical ranking system (that score out of 15 you were given post-interview). So, someone who interviews after me could jump up and bump me down on the wait list even though I interviewed before them. That is my best interpretation of what an acceptance-hold is. Can I ask, did you get an email or status change that prompted you to call and ask about your application status? and what day did you interview? Again, congrats! ALSO IF I AM WRONG: PLEASE someone correct me!!

I interviewed on October 8th. Funny story, I got a letter saying I had been hold listed, and an email saying I had been fully rejected. So, I gave them a phone call.
 
I interviewed on October 8th. Funny story, I got a letter saying I had been hold listed, and an email saying I had been fully rejected. So, I gave them a phone call.
Geez... that is really confusing. Did they come at the same time pretty much?
 
Hold status is neither accepted nor rejected, but basically in an admissions limbo where a final decision is being delayed until later. Did they literally say "accept-hold", or was that the gist of the statement? They might have said something along the lines of recommended for potential acceptance.

Depending on the timing of each, you may have been put into hold a few weeks ago and they made an official decision more recently. That would be my best guess.
 
Hold status is neither accepted nor rejected, but basically in an admissions limbo where a final decision is being delayed until later. Did they literally say "accept-hold", or was that the gist of the statement? They might have said something along the lines of recommended for potential acceptance.

Depending on the timing of each, you may have been put into hold a few weeks ago and they made an official decision more recently. That would be my best guess.
I have to quote this because I agree that "accept hold" isn't one of their normal statuses.

Hold would mean waiting on information from you or medical remedial etc. accepted would either be conditional or unconditional. And wait listed also wouldn't have the word hold in it.


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I have to quote this because I agree that "accept hold" isn't one of their normal statuses.

Hold would mean waiting on information from you or medical remedial etc. accepted would either be conditional or unconditional. And wait listed also wouldn't have the word hold in it.


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Her exact words were "accept hold". My response was something like "so, I have been wait listed?" And she said not quite, it's better than being wait listed.

I don't have all my medical stuff done, so that might be it.
 
That should be a conditional acceptance. But all things considered, I'm confused as all get out. So much that I said "all get out", and I never normally say that.
 
That should be a conditional acceptance. But all things considered, I'm confused as all get out. So much that I said "all get out", and I never normally say that.
Me too, I'm honestly just going to wait and see what happens after I get all my medical stuff done.
 
Well that was all confusing. Have you gotten a phone call from Dr. Saguil or spoken to him directly? I was under the assumption that he personally calls everyone who is accepted.

I have been jumpy every time my phone rings...I really need to figure out how to get off of call lists so I stop getting calls from random robot numbers.

I am also a little confused. I thought that after interviewing we were either accepted, waitlisted, or put on alternate list? I didn't realize that they sent out rejections.
 
Interviewed Oct 8th, haven't heard back yet. 🙁 Did receive a request for additional info from DODMERB and a body composition assessment request as well, but haven't received any correspondence as to my acceptance status. Anyone else?
 
Interviewed Oct 8th, haven't heard back yet. 🙁 Did receive a request for additional info from DODMERB and a body composition assessment request as well, but haven't received any correspondence as to my acceptance status. Anyone else?
hey when you heard from DODMERB, was it via snail mail? I have been waiting way longer than 10 days since my physical and I am starting to really freak out. When I go online to the original website they gave us to make appointments and fill out med history..etc., I go to check my status and it always says "ALL BASIC MEDICAL DOCUMENTS RECEIVED BY DoDMERB For further information about your application status click here." So... I click on the link and it takes me to that page that you have to press that you agree, which goes to another page, and then I had to create a user name and password and then again look at my status where it says: Current Medical Status:Under DoDMERB Review... and underneath I can see the dates as to when things were received or certain things were accomplished, the most recent being:
16-NOV-15 Date exam received at DoDMERB
16-NOV-15 Medical data entry

IS THIS WHAT YOU ALL WENT THROUGH TOO? did you have two different sites to check your status? My physical was WAY back on the 4th of November... please someone help shed light on this...
 
hey when you heard from DODMERB, was it via snail mail? I have been waiting way longer than 10 days since my physical and I am starting to really freak out. When I go online to the original website they gave us to make appointments and fill out med history..etc., I go to check my status and it always says "ALL BASIC MEDICAL DOCUMENTS RECEIVED BY DoDMERB For further information about your application status click here." So... I click on the link and it takes me to that page that you have to press that you agree, which goes to another page, and then I had to create a user name and password and then again look at my status where it says: Current Medical Status:Under DoDMERB Review... and underneath I can see the dates as to when things were received or certain things were accomplished, the most recent being:
16-NOV-15 Date exam received at DoDMERB
16-NOV-15 Medical data entry

IS THIS WHAT YOU ALL WENT THROUGH TOO? did you have two different sites to check your status? My physical was WAY back on the 4th of November... please someone help shed light on this...


Once your file is received by DoDMERB, you don't need to check DoDMETS anymore. As for the process, my file was in data entry at DoDMERB on 28 SEP and reviewed on 29 SEP and cleared.
 
Once your file is received by DoDMERB, you don't need to check DoDMETS anymore. As for the process, my file was in data entry at DoDMERB on 28 SEP and reviewed on 29 SEP and cleared.
how do you know it was cleared? where did it say that??
 

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Under "Applicant" section, "View my status".
so that took one day? who actually does the qualification? if I got through to this stage and they are doing data entry or whatever does that mean it's going to go through? it said data entry on the 16th...
 
so that took one day? who actually does the qualification? if I got through to this stage and they are doing data entry or whatever does that mean it's going to go through? it said data entry on the 16th...
Mine said Data entry on the 9th, Date exam reviewed on the 13th, and Date letter sent-remedial on the 16th. So mine took a little longer than Jyang's. I have to send them my LASIK records, and I will probably have to have another optometry appointment, in case you were wondering what my remedial is about.
 
Yeah, I received the remedial by snail mail. @doctorkitten Same boat as soadhead, remedial was about my refractive surgery in 2011, although the letter said it was administrative and is usually resolved without seeing a physician. I finally mailed out the records today. Hoping all the records I provided are sufficient.

Edit: Waitlisted today.
 
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Yeah, I received the remedial by snail mail. @doctorkitten Same boat as soadhead, remedial was about my refractive surgery in 2011, although the letter said it was administrative and is usually resolved without seeing a physician. I finally mailed out the records today. Hoping all the records I provided are sufficient.

Edit: Waitlisted today.
Which branch?
 
Which branch?
Well that's great though! because the class is full on all branches so we are going to either be rejected (worst), put on the alt list (not so good), or be wait listed (which is best case scenario)... right? that's at least how I understood things.. as soon as a spot opens up and you are at the top of the list, you will receive the call 🙂 back me up guys! how were you notified of wait list status? and what day did you interview?
 
oct 8th.. but seriously I think you are in the best possible spot. now you just take care of the medical stuff and wait for the inevitable moment that you get that call. could be a while, but forcibly will happen before April 30th.. unless something CRAZY different happens this year...
 
Well that's great though! because the class is full on all branches so we are going to either be rejected (worst), put on the alt list (not so good), or be wait listed (which is best case scenario)... right? that's at least how I understood things.. as soon as a spot opens up and you are at the top of the list, you will receive the call 🙂 back me up guys! how were you notified of wait list status? and what day did you interview?
Correct understanding 🙂


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Oh but I mean, acceptance calls are still going out right? I know anyone getting interviewed now is definitely being waitlisted. I interviewed in October with Army as my top choice, I'm just super anxious for any kind of news.
 
Oh but I mean, acceptance calls are still going out right? I know anyone getting interviewed now is definitely being waitlisted. I interviewed in October with Army as my top choice, I'm just super anxious for any kind of news.
Acceptance calls are going out only as people drop their acceptances. From what I understand (99% sure) all spots are full. There is a slight chance that between a persons interview and them getting a call that someone will drop. If they were about to be placed at the very top of the waitlist, in a rare situation someone may get accepted without hitting the waitlist at this point.


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I see, thanks! I didn't realize all branches were waitlisted at this point, he had told my group some of us would probably get through and the rest would be waitlisted. Are you notified by mail or email if you are put on the waitlist?
 
According to what Col Saguil told the interviewees a few weeks ago, yes.


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Idk how reliable this is though, when I interviewed he said we were all interviewing for wait list spots and they accepted me AND somebody from the week after my interview day.

It almost seemed like he didn't want us to get our hopes up and then surprise some with good news
 
Acceptance calls are going out only as people drop their acceptances. From what I understand (99% sure) all spots are full. There is a slight chance that between a persons interview and them getting a call that someone will drop. If they were about to be placed at the very top of the waitlist, in a rare situation someone may get accepted without hitting the waitlist at this point.


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When was your interview date? Just trying to piece together the timelines for everyone saying only waitlists were left.
 
I interviewed on October 29th and I don't think I have seen anyone that has said they have heard anything. But during our interview they had filled 90 of the 171 spots and then a couple weeks later they were all filled and we had been warned by Dr. Saguil that this would be the case. I don't know if maybe they actually tell some people that they are wait listed depending on their rank (basically projecting that it may be more than the 6-8 weeks they said until you hear so they give you news) and maybe others they don't tell because they are ranked higher and they anticipate people may drop off and then they will get the call... and perhaps that wont happen so at the end of the 8 week mark they will officially wait list them? who knows?? I just didn't know rejection was one of the options...

EDIT: damn... how crazy is it to think that if I had received an interview two weeks prior, things could have been completely different at this moment. Now, I run the risk of every person after me actually bumping me further down the wait list if they "rank" higher on the wait list (not that I am even on it lol... but still) CRAY
 
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I interviewed October 15 and somebody else on here interviewed the 22nd with an acceptance
 
I'm confused that if all the spots are filled, why haven't we heard anything about the waitlist or been rejected yet? If they know they can't give acceptances we should hear back a lot sooner right?
 
I'm confused that if all the spots are filled, why haven't we heard anything about the waitlist or been rejected yet? If they know they can't give acceptances we should hear back a lot sooner right?

Being waitlisted is essentially a late acceptance, so they'll get the same scrutiny as early (pre-waitlist) acceptances do.
 
I interviewed Oct 8th, Opt exam was completed prior with the physical scheduled. Received a Remedial request Nov 11th, mailed it out Nov 18th. Also received the BCA request (and completed the BCA) on Nov 17th. Received waitlist notification on 20Nov via snail mail, letter is dated 18Nov.

I'm going to remain pretty optimistic about being waitlisted, but out of curiosity I would like to know some basics on who has been accepted / waitlisted? Would like to know what I need to work on for next year in case a slot doesn't open up for me.

Prior Service: 5 Years AD, 3 Reserve (Navy Corpsman)
MCAT: 504
Chemical/Physical : 125
Critical Analysis: 127
Biological: 126
Psychological: 126
Research Experience: 1 Year in a research laboratory (publication pending), 1 Year in clinical research and currently working as a Research Tech at Duke University.
Clinical Experience: Covered in the 8 years of Navy experience, working as a Corpsman. Specialized in Optometry but floated through internal medicine, family medicine and imms clinic as well. In the Reserves I observed Neurology, Neurosurgery for 2 weeks and participated in a (training) humanitarian mission to provide no cost health care to underserved populations in Kauai, Hawaii.
Volunteer Experience: Most recent was with Ronald McDonald house charities where I volunteered as a family advocate, responsibilities included checking families of patients in to a family room where they can relax, destress and grab free snacks and coffee. Provide a listening ear when needed. Other organizations include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.

Future plans: Continue working at Duke University, use spare time to pursue computer programming basics as database management and excel proficiency are important in modern medicine/research. Also looking to get my phlebotomy cert. Planning to resume volunteering with Habitat for Humanity soon.

I know that the only thing I can really improve numerically at this time is to increase my MCAT score. Obviously I'll need to continue everything else that I'm doing, but really just curious to see if there's another area I could strengthen.
 
I interviewed Oct 8th, Opt exam was completed prior with the physical scheduled. Received a Remedial request Nov 11th, mailed it out Nov 18th. Also received the BCA request (and completed the BCA) on Nov 17th. Received waitlist notification on 20Nov via snail mail, letter is dated 18Nov.

I'm going to remain pretty optimistic about being waitlisted, but out of curiosity I would like to know some basics on who has been accepted / waitlisted? Would like to know what I need to work on for next year in case a slot doesn't open up for me.

Prior Service: 5 Years AD, 3 Reserve (Navy Corpsman)
MCAT: 504
Chemical/Physical : 125
Critical Analysis: 127
Biological: 126
Psychological: 126
Research Experience: 1 Year in a research laboratory (publication pending), 1 Year in clinical research and currently working as a Research Tech at Duke University.
Clinical Experience: Covered in the 8 years of Navy experience, working as a Corpsman. Specialized in Optometry but floated through internal medicine, family medicine and imms clinic as well. In the Reserves I observed Neurology, Neurosurgery for 2 weeks and participated in a (training) humanitarian mission to provide no cost health care to underserved populations in Kauai, Hawaii.
Volunteer Experience: Most recent was with Ronald McDonald house charities where I volunteered as a family advocate, responsibilities included checking families of patients in to a family room where they can relax, destress and grab free snacks and coffee. Provide a listening ear when needed. Other organizations include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.

Future plans: Continue working at Duke University, use spare time to pursue computer programming basics as database management and excel proficiency are important in modern medicine/research. Also looking to get my phlebotomy cert. Planning to resume volunteering with Habitat for Humanity soon.

I know that the only thing I can really improve numerically at this time is to increase my MCAT score. Obviously I'll need to continue everything else that I'm doing, but really just curious to see if there's another area I could strengthen.
How easy is it for you to carry a conversation with a stranger? That's what I felt was my strength in this interview because that's really how the interviews were set up. I know it's a little weird but I developed the habit of Striking up conversations with people I don't know. It's an uncomfortable practice at first but I think it really paid off. It sounds like you're a great applicant though, good luck!
 
I interviewed Oct 8th, Opt exam was completed prior with the physical scheduled. Received a Remedial request Nov 11th, mailed it out Nov 18th. Also received the BCA request (and completed the BCA) on Nov 17th. Received waitlist notification on 20Nov via snail mail, letter is dated 18Nov.

I'm going to remain pretty optimistic about being waitlisted, but out of curiosity I would like to know some basics on who has been accepted / waitlisted? Would like to know what I need to work on for next year in case a slot doesn't open up for me.

Prior Service: 5 Years AD, 3 Reserve (Navy Corpsman)
MCAT: 504
Chemical/Physical : 125
Critical Analysis: 127
Biological: 126
Psychological: 126
Research Experience: 1 Year in a research laboratory (publication pending), 1 Year in clinical research and currently working as a Research Tech at Duke University.
Clinical Experience: Covered in the 8 years of Navy experience, working as a Corpsman. Specialized in Optometry but floated through internal medicine, family medicine and imms clinic as well. In the Reserves I observed Neurology, Neurosurgery for 2 weeks and participated in a (training) humanitarian mission to provide no cost health care to underserved populations in Kauai, Hawaii.
Volunteer Experience: Most recent was with Ronald McDonald house charities where I volunteered as a family advocate, responsibilities included checking families of patients in to a family room where they can relax, destress and grab free snacks and coffee. Provide a listening ear when needed. Other organizations include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.

Future plans: Continue working at Duke University, use spare time to pursue computer programming basics as database management and excel proficiency are important in modern medicine/research. Also looking to get my phlebotomy cert. Planning to resume volunteering with Habitat for Humanity soon.

I know that the only thing I can really improve numerically at this time is to increase my MCAT score. Obviously I'll need to continue everything else that I'm doing, but really just curious to see if there's another area I could strengthen.
I think you look like a strong applicant. If you are waitlisted, this is a very big deal. It is the same as an acceptance, only the slots are full. As people start getting acceptances to their number one choices, there will be a good deal of waitlist movement. That will probably start after the new year into spring. Keep working on all the other requirements because those with medical quals get picked up first!
 
I'm confused that if all the spots are filled, why haven't we heard anything about the waitlist or been rejected yet? If they know they can't give acceptances we should hear back a lot sooner right?
Being waitlisted is essentially a late acceptance, so they'll get the same scrutiny as early (pre-waitlist) acceptances do.
Agreed. If u interview in Sep/Oct, response in 4-6 wks. If in Nov/Dec, response is 6-8 wks. If Jan, then 8-10 wks. If Feb, then 10+ wks. This information is provided in the II letter
 
Agreed. If u interview in Sep/Oct, response in 4-6 wks. If in Nov/Dec, response is 6-8 wks. If Jan, then 8-10 wks. If Feb, then 10+ wks. This information is provided in the II letter
Do they send out II's only as the class becomes unfilled and the wait list starts to move or do they interview later into the season regardless? I understand you might have no idea, but I thought I would ask.
 
When was your interview date? Just trying to piece together the timelines for everyone saying only waitlists were left.
I have not gotten an interview this year. I am afraid I may be out of luck. Last year when I interviewed on October 23rd though we were told we were interviewing for the waitlist only.


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Do they send out II's only as the class becomes unfilled and the wait list starts to move or do they interview later into the season regardless? I understand you might have no idea, but I thought I would ask.
They continue to send out IIs to intentionally create a waitlist. The reason being there have been years when almost the entire waitlist gets in.


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They continue to send out IIs to intentionally create a waitlist. The reason being there have been years when almost the entire waitlist gets in.


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Gotcha. Well I have my fingers crossed for the both of us!
 
I hope everyone's been taking their vitamins and essential macro nutrients through these stressful days. Maybe try to stay off SDN and have some quality time with family this week. Congrats to recent acceptances! Hoping for at least a waitlist after the holiday.

happy thanksgiving!
 
My focus has shifted from staring at my phone to eagerly waiting for the mail to come. Hoping for that waitlist letter lol
 
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