2015-2016 University of Colorado Application Thread

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claduva94

claduva94

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Secondary Prompt:
Required Colorado Essay
Part A. The School of Medicine regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. Please write about things in your background that have been important to your development or that have been challenging to you on your path to a career in medicine. These could include your socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, and work or life experiences. Explain how these have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine.

Part B. Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. If you are a reapplicant, please include information on how your application has changed.

Please answer both parts in this single essay. Limit the essay to 1500 characters, including spaces (approximately 300 words).


Optional Colorado Springs Essay:
Please submit a short statement regarding your interest in the Colorado Springs Branch. You may address characteristics of the Branch that would be a fit for your strengths, experiences, and/or career plans. You may also note your ties to or interest in Colorado Springs or other similar communities. Limit the essay to 1500 characters, including spaces (approximately 300 words).

Best of luck to those applying!
 
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Also barring a miracle on another waitlist I will be attending here next fall in the CU-UNITE program and in the Colorado Springs Branch so if anyone has any questions about the application process here or CU please let me know!
 
claduva94 said:
Also barring a miracle on another waitlist I will be attending here next fall in the CU-UNITE program and in the Colorado Springs Branch so if anyone has any questions about the application process here or CU please let me know!
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I've seen the Anschutz campus quite a bit, but haven't explored the branch in the Springs, how does it compare? Did you choose the Springs program or did they put you in it?
 
Colorado Springs isn't really a branch in the same way as Anschutz. It is not a medical campus so much as clinical site affiliations at existing Colorado Springs hospitals and physician practices. It is only third year and uses a newish style of third year curriculum called a longitudinal curriculum where rather than discrete specialty based rotations you do all core rotations simultaneously. There are few (if any?) graduate medical programs in Colorado Springs so there are no residents and teaching is done one on one between medical students and attending physicians. Its difficult to say exactly how it is because no one has gone through it yet. The first group of people are currently first years. Unfortunately from what I have heard from a friend that is in that cohort, it seems a little bit disorganized but I am sure they will work it out before their third year starts. It is also worth pointing out that the Colorado Springs branch only accounts for 24 members of the 184 person class. To answer your second question, I do not know how things are this year but from what I have been told from my friend is that last year there were people who wanted the branch and people that were forced into it to some extent. You will have the opportunity at your interview to sign a form with I believe 3 options: NO, YES, and "I'm open to it." I picked the final option and the day I was accepted I was called by the Dean of the new branch offering more information and to gauge my interest. He is incredibly nice and I am sure the branch will be great, but ultimately for a variety of reasons I later decided I was not interested. My final branch determination has not been made.
 
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willdew said:
I've seen the Anschutz campus quite a bit, but haven't explored the branch in the Springs, how does it compare? Did you choose the Springs program or did they put you in it?
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They have a different curriculum setup as well. I will try to upload the information I got at the interview day soon!

Edit: I looked through my interview packet and couldn't find any info on it. Somewhere there is a powerpoint. i will keep looking.
 
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FutureFACS said:
Reapplicant (waitlistee). fingers crossed. optimistic, but attitude jaded. Good luck all!
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ME TOO! Fingers crossed for us both. I hope all that time I have spent on the reapplication has been a total waste and I get in this year... eventually... :highfive:
 
CO resident. First time applicant. Heard it's advantageous to get primary and secondary in early. Hoping for a good outcome. Good skill and luck to those here!
 
hey guys!! So excited you are all applying. One tip: bring something unique about you to the table and try to fit that in during the conversations.

Don't let interviews stress you out. two years ago, I walked out thinking I better start applying for next cycle because I thought the interviews went terrible but apparently a big reason I got in was because of my interview. "Your interviewers strongly recommended me to call you immediately and offer you a position" - so it's important.

Be honest, be yourself, and hopefully yourself and the interviewers click.

I heard we may be switching to MMI - if I get wind of any confirmations - I'll let you know.

Good luck!!!
 
I have a question about the secondary. Last year they asked "Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine." I picked this school for 2 main reasons: my stats are within range and Colorado seem like a beautiful place to spend my med school years. I can't seem to find anything "unique" about the school itself, on SDN or on their website. Everyone talks about the campus/location and how beautiful it is. Can anyone talk about how they tackled this prompt? Thanks!
 
idkididk said:
I have a question about the secondary. Last year they asked "Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine." I picked this school for 2 main reasons: my stats are within range and Colorado seem like a beautiful place to spend my med school years. I can't seem to find anything "unique" about the school itself, on SDN or on their website. Everyone talks about the campus/location and how beautiful it is. Can anyone talk about how they tackled this prompt? Thanks!
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When it talks about fit, they want to see that you have interests that align with CU. Look through the tracks offered by the school (CU-UNITE, Rural, Global Health, etc). If you're passionate about any of them, explain why and how your experiences/ECs match your interest in that track. This approach can be applied to CU's curriculum, community involvement (e.g., Warren Village), research opportunities, etc. You can find all this information on the website, but you have to dedicate some time to actually digging through it.
 
idkididk said:
I have a question about the secondary. Last year they asked "Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine." I picked this school for 2 main reasons: my stats are within range and Colorado seem like a beautiful place to spend my med school years. I can't seem to find anything "unique" about the school itself, on SDN or on their website. Everyone talks about the campus/location and how beautiful it is. Can anyone talk about how they tackled this prompt? Thanks!
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In addition - also has a research track, and you start to be in the clinic early - first semester. We also have a lot of electives you can look at - pm and I can send you the summer ones and maybe spring (if I can still find it in my email)
 
moisne said:
hey guys!! So excited you are all applying. One tip: bring something unique about you to the table and try to fit that in during the conversations.

Don't let interviews stress you out. two years ago, I walked out thinking I better start applying for next cycle because I thought the interviews went terrible but apparently a big reason I got in was because of my interview. "Your interviewers strongly recommended me to call you immediately and offer you a position" - so it's important.

Be honest, be yourself, and hopefully yourself and the interviewers click.

I heard we may be switching to MMI - if I get wind of any confirmations - I'll let you know.

Good luck!!!
Click to expand...
I heard that as well. Research suggests that the conversational interview format doesn't sufficiently differentiate candidates based on the appropriate criteria, so MMI it is. Just what I've heard through the grape vine.
 
idkididk said:
I have a question about the secondary. Last year they asked "Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine." I picked this school for 2 main reasons: my stats are within range and Colorado seem like a beautiful place to spend my med school years. I can't seem to find anything "unique" about the school itself, on SDN or on their website. Everyone talks about the campus/location and how beautiful it is. Can anyone talk about how they tackled this prompt? Thanks!
Click to expand...

For this (and really for any school) you should also be thinking what the school is going to do for you as far as residency. Yes, Colorado is an awesome place to live and you can talk about the city/state and any ties you may have, but you should also consider why CU would be beneficial to your future career and talk about that; i.e., Children's Colorado is a top 10 hospital and top peds residency, Denver Health has a top 3 emergency medicine residency, etc. Letters from docs in these programs can get you far. You don't have to go on and on about it but if they realize that you have put some real consideration into this that can only help your application. If you JUST talk about how Colorado seemed like a cool place to live your interviewer might think you'd be just as happy at Hawaii or Utah or Florida or wherever.

Also to consider: out of state tuition is absurdly expensive.
 
sparos said:
Quick question - I understand that CUSOM has a great rural track for those who came from rural backgrounds and want to practice in those areas. Unfortunately I am OOS and do not have stellar stats (competitive lower-end). I would love to attend this program but will only apply if CU gives rural-interest students close consideration. Does anyone know anything about this? Thanks.
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From what I understand acceptances are determined regardless of track consideration. I was accepted into the CU-UNITE track almost 8 months after I was accepted. I'm not sure if that holds true for the rural track as well but that is my hunch.
 
Question for you people- I would love to apply here, but I'm OOS. My long-term boyfriend of 3 years will be moving to Colorado Springs after graduation in a year. Does this give me enough of a in-state connection to apply? My stats are 3.72 GPA, 3.83 sGPA, 88-98%ile MCAT if that's of any use.
 
maybedeadcat said:
Question for you people- I would love to apply here, but I'm OOS. My long-term boyfriend of 3 years will be moving to Colorado Springs after graduation in a year. Does this give me enough of a in-state connection to apply? My stats are 3.72 GPA, 3.83 sGPA, 88-98%ile MCAT if that's of any use.
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It depends on the MCAT but you probably have a shot.
 
maybedeadcat said:
Thanks! It should end up somewhere between a 32 and 38 on the old scale, but if you made me guess I'd say 33 or 34.
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That is right around average for CU. It is much more difficult to predict OOS but if you can make a convincing argument in your secondary you should have a chance at an interview. Is your state from this area?
 
maybedeadcat said:
Question for you people- I would love to apply here, but I'm OOS. My long-term boyfriend of 3 years will be moving to Colorado Springs after graduation in a year. Does this give me enough of a in-state connection to apply? My stats are 3.72 GPA, 3.83 sGPA, 88-98%ile MCAT if that's of any use.
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They seem pretty OOS friendly but keep in mind that tuition and living expenses will be about 85K a year
 
claduva94 said:
That is right around average for CU. It is much more difficult to predict OOS but if you can make a convincing argument in your secondary you should have a chance at an interview. Is your state from this area?
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No :/ I'm from Georgia (unfortunately).
 
Anyone not received secondary? Submitted on June 2nd and verified like the next day...Heard from all other AMCAS schools.
 
Mavs88 said:
Anyone not received secondary? Submitted on June 2nd and verified like the next day...Heard from all other AMCAS schools.
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Nothing yet. I have heard from most of the automatic secondaries, but not all and haven't heard from the pre-screened ones yet. Not sure when I am suppose to worry about things. I was verified June 4 and good stats, so hoping that this week is more fruitful! Good luck!
 
Anyone know how long it takes to establish residency in CO?
 
Hey all, CU MS3 here. Feel free to ask any questions you might have through this crazy/stressful/trying process. Good luck to you all! 😀
 
willdew said:
Opportunities for summer research funding?
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Definitely! I am in the research track, which pays you $4000 to do summer research, and pays you the same during your 4th year. Research is everywhere here, so being a part of the research track is not at all a necessity if you want to do research, though! Our campus is interdisciplinary, so the research buildings are located adjacent to the education buildings. Doing research in med school can be tough, but it's necessary for some specialties, and will add an extra boost to your app for any specialty. Also, lots of opportunities for basic science, clinical, or QI research. :clap:
 
hunterjumper14 said:
Definitely! I am in the research track, which pays you $4000 to do summer research, and pays you the same during your 4th year. Research is everywhere here, so being a part of the research track is not at all a necessity if you want to do research, though! Our campus is interdisciplinary, so the research buildings are located adjacent to the education buildings. Doing research in med school can be tough, but it's necessary for some specialties, and will add an extra boost to your app for any specialty. Also, lots of opportunities for basic science, clinical, or QI research. :clap:
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Awesome. Already involved with a lab there, hoping that I can continue working there if I get in!
 
idkididk said:
Found this on their website:

July 21 – Earliest filing date for Colorado’s Secondary Application.

So looks like they'll come out starting 7/21
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Yay! Anyone know if they tend to send secondaries to IS students first?
 
Are medical students able to volunteer time at all of the different community clinics? For instance, the Clinica Tepeyac, which seems to serve more Hispanic populations? Thanks!
 
Looks like they moved the Secondary Release date to August 3rd

June 3 – Earliest filing date with AMCAS

August 3 – Earliest filing date for Colorado’s Secondary Application.

Early September to late February – Interviews on campus.

October 15 – Offers of admission are extended from Oct. 15 through the remainder of the year on a rolling basis.

December 15 - Latest filing date for Colorado's Secondary Application.

March - Accepted students revisit weekend.

April 30 - Only one medical school acceptance may be held.

August (1st or 2nd week) - Matriculation and orientation; classes begin.
 
willdew said:
Looks like they moved the Secondary Release date to August 3rd

June 3 – Earliest filing date with AMCAS

August 3 – Earliest filing date for Colorado’s Secondary Application.

Early September to late February – Interviews on campus.

October 15 – Offers of admission are extended from Oct. 15 through the remainder of the year on a rolling basis.

December 15 - Latest filing date for Colorado's Secondary Application.

March - Accepted students revisit weekend.

April 30 - Only one medical school acceptance may be held.

August (1st or 2nd week) - Matriculation and orientation; classes begin.
Click to expand...

Thanks for looking this up. It's like they enjoy making us wait...
 
willdew said:
Looks like they moved the Secondary Release date to August 3rd

June 3 – Earliest filing date with AMCAS

August 3 – Earliest filing date for Colorado’s Secondary Application.

Early September to late February – Interviews on campus.

October 15 – Offers of admission are extended from Oct. 15 through the remainder of the year on a rolling basis.

December 15 - Latest filing date for Colorado's Secondary Application.

March - Accepted students revisit weekend.

April 30 - Only one medical school acceptance may be held.

August (1st or 2nd week) - Matriculation and orientation; classes begin.
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Oh lovely, right smack dab in the middle of my only week of vacation this summer. So much for relaxation...I know I should pre-write it but I'm so busy right now.
 
cactusinmyhead said:
Anyone know the prompts from last year?
Click to expand...

The School of Medicine regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. Please write about things in your background that have been important to your development or that have been challenging to you on your path to a career in medicine. These could include your socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, and work or life experiences. Explain how these have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine.


Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. If you are a reapplicant, please include information on how your application has changed.


Please answer both parts in this single essay, limiting it to 2000 characters.
 
willdew said:
The School of Medicine regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. Please write about things in your background that have been important to your development or that have been challenging to you on your path to a career in medicine. These could include your socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, and work or life experiences. Explain how these have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine.


Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. If you are a reapplicant, please include information on how your application has changed.


Please answer both parts in this single essay, limiting it to 2000 characters.
Click to expand...

I've seen this prompt written elsewhere with a 2000 word limit, and a 2500 character limit... Very confusing. I would not be surprised if this one changed. Also, it is a poorly worded prompt having to combine two somewhat unrelated topics. Three if you also are writing as a reapplicant.
 
Early in the season last year it was 2000 word which was insanely long (mine was like 10000 characters), I think they changed it to 2000 character midway through. I would expect the prompt to change this year as well.
 
JulianBashirMD said:
Early in the season last year it was 2000 word which was insanely long (mine was like 10000 characters), I think they changed it to 2000 character midway through. I would expect the prompt to change this year as well.
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I just checked last year's thread, and someone posted that the real character limit was 2500 and not the 2000 character or 2000 word limit that was given. I have a 2500 character essay ready to go. I'll cross my fingers for the same prompt, but I don't have my hopes up 🙂.
 
I applied last year and sent the application in midway through the fall, and the prompt was:

"Part A. The School of Medicine regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. Please write about things in your background that have been important to your development or that have been challenging to you on your path to a career in medicine. These could include your socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, and work or life experiences. Explain how these have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine.

Part B. Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. If you are a reapplicant, please include information on how your application has changed.
Please answer both parts in this single essay. Limit the essay to 15000 characters, including spaces (approximately 2000 words)."
 
I hope the essays stay the same...haven't pre written but I have similar ones from other schools 😀
 
Anyone know what the screen is, I can't find the info anywhere
 
Bromine89 said:
I just checked last year's thread, and someone posted that the real character limit was 2500 and not the 2000 character or 2000 word limit that was given. I have a 2500 character essay ready to go. I'll cross my fingers for the same prompt, but I don't have my hopes up 🙂.
Click to expand...

Yeah it's confusing for sure. I actually still have my secondary application from last year and here was the exact prompt that I had:

Part A: The School of Medicine regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. Please write about things in your background that have been important to your development or that have been challenging to you on your path to a career in medicine. These could include your socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexualizing identity, and work or life experiences. Explain how these have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. Part B: Please write about the “fit” between your experiences and goals and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. If you are a reapplicant, please include information on how your application has changed. Please answer both parts in this single essay, limiting it to 2000 words.

And the prompt for the Colorado Springs branch was:

Please submit a short statement (400 words or less) regarding your interest in the Colorado Springs Branch. You may address characteristics of the Branch that would be a fit for your strengths, experiences, and/or career plans. You may also note your ties to or interest in Colorado Springs or other similar communities.

But the fact that there were so many answers to this question definitely indicates that they were messing about with it throughout the season and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if it was different this year.
 
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