2015-2016 University of Hawaii Application Thread

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Above&Beyond said:
I used the bus last year to get to JABSOM for my interview at 9 am and the bus was on time, but all of my friends from that area told me that the buses are always late so I made sure to catch an early bus.
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Damn. Do you remember how long it took for the distance you traveled? I think I'm going to be like 6-7 miles from the school.
 
Anomandaris said:
I'm staying at the hotel right by the airport! Think it was called Pacific Marina Inn or something. Was the cheapest option that got decent reviews and they have a free shuttle to and from the airport. As a sidenote, if you book through Expedia, Expedia's bundle actually gave me a cheaper price per night than if I booked through the hotel's website using JABSOM's corporate rate.

There were about 2 weeks between when I paid the processing fee and when I received a secondary. The secondary was actually attached to an email that they said they received my processing fee, so read every email really thoroughly. I didn't even realize I had a secondary until my deadline was past but luckily they extended it for me.

Completely unrelated, but does anyone have any experience with the bus on Oahu? Does it run smoothly? Reliably?
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I live on Oahu, and I used to take the bus all the time before I had a car. It's fairly reliable, give or take 5 minutes. If you give yourself some time allowance, you should be fine. Although the airport is a bit far bus-wise from JABSOM, but I'm not sure if you are interviewing there.

EDIT: There is an app and a website that tracks where your bus is in real time.

I received an email a day after paying my $150 but there were no attachments and just a list of 7 guidelines about the whole process. I'm a bit concerned because I paid the fee on August 13th and still haven't heard anything from them apart from the receipt of the processing fee.
 
Dimasalang said:
I live on Oahu, and I used to take the bus all the time before I had a car. It's fairly reliable, give or take 5 minutes. If you give yourself some time allowance, you should be fine. Although the airport is a bit far bus-wise from JABSOM, but I'm not sure if you are interviewing there.

I received an email a day after paying my $150 but there were no attachments and just a list of 7 guidelines about the whole process. I'm a bit concerned because I paid the fee on August 13th and still haven't heard anything from them apart from the receipt of the processing fee.
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Yeah I'll be doing all of my interviews on campus. I think if my friends on Oahu have time to hang out I'll just get a car to make life easier. Never actually been to Hawaii before so this should be fun. I called the hotel and they said it's like a 45 minute bus ride for a distance of ~7 miles, but Google Maps is telling me 30 mins lol.

Hm. I received 2 emails that were both titled something like "Receipt of $150 JABSOM processing fee" and the second one (that came 2 weeks later) had the pdf attachment that was the secondary. Maybe give them a call to make sure they got everything they need from you? The admissions office was super friendly when I called to tell them about my own stupidity :bang:
 
Sorry for the double post, but I've just been informed by a friend who works in hospitality on Oahu that Pacific Marina Inn can be a little sketch... Just a heads up
 
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I've submitted most of my secondaries as of 2 weeks ago (I was a july test taker but submitted my primary right when we were able to), and was thinking about adding Hawaii as a last minute school. I knew from the get-go that it's a real crap shot for OOS'ers, but there's something about Hawaii that amazes me (I'm from Illinois it's flat, cold, and boring) and I want to end up somewhere in the region once I am done with all my training. Do I have a shot with my stats? c/sGPA - 3.94/3.88, MCAT 513, Average/Strong EC's, Pretty strong research (pubs in the works, not approved or published yet) and decent volunteering.
 
Kishan93 said:
I've submitted most of my secondaries as of 2 weeks ago (I was a july test taker but submitted my primary right when we were able to), and was thinking about adding Hawaii as a last minute school. I knew from the get-go that it's a real crap shot for OOS'ers, but there's something about Hawaii that amazes me (I'm from Illinois it's flat, cold, and boring) and I want to end up somewhere in the region once I am done with all my training. Do I have a shot with my stats? c/sGPA - 3.94/3.88, MCAT 513, Average/Strong EC's, Pretty strong research (pubs in the works, not approved or published yet) and decent volunteering.
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What's a 513 in the old MCAT? For the old MCAT they assigned points based on scores in the individual categories, not sure how they do it with the new one. You might have a chance, it's not like super super late for submitting a secondary. Just also keep in mind they have a $150 processing fee just to screen your primary. If the fee isn't a problem for you, then go for it I'd say go for it
 
Anomandaris said:
What's a 513 in the old MCAT? For the old MCAT they assigned points based on scores in the individual categories, not sure how they do it with the new one. You might have a chance, it's not like super super late for submitting a secondary. Just also keep in mind they have a $150 processing fee just to screen your primary. If the fee isn't a problem for you, then go for it I'd say go for it
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513 is equal to a 33 on the old test. I got a (130,126,128,129) which should equate above 10 for each section. I have money saved up from slaving away as a lab peon so the fee isn't a big problem for me. I just don't want to drop the money and have virtually no shot at all.
 
Kishan93 said:
513 is equal to a 33 on the old test. I got a (130,126,128,129) which should equate above 10 for each section. I have money saved up from slaving away as a lab peon so the fee isn't a big problem for me. I just don't want to drop the money and have virtually no shot at all.
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From the MSAR they interviewed ~60-70 OOS students last year, and a few OOS people interviewed pretty late (from last year's thread) and they got in. I'd guess they've maybe extended invites to ~20 OOS so far (complete guess, only judging from this thread. Counted 6 OOS II's, but I'm guessing not everyone posts on here even if they use SDN, and not all premeds are on SDN). I'd assume you have a chance with your stats and if you don't mind the fee and OOS tuition, I'd go for it.
 
Kishan93 said:
I've submitted most of my secondaries as of 2 weeks ago (I was a july test taker but submitted my primary right when we were able to), and was thinking about adding Hawaii as a last minute school. I knew from the get-go that it's a real crap shot for OOS'ers, but there's something about Hawaii that amazes me (I'm from Illinois it's flat, cold, and boring) and I want to end up somewhere in the region once I am done with all my training. Do I have a shot with my stats? c/sGPA - 3.94/3.88, MCAT 513, Average/Strong EC's, Pretty strong research (pubs in the works, not approved or published yet) and decent volunteering.
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OOS who is interviewing in Hawaii. Your MCAT is about the same as mine though your GPA is a bit better. (I'm above a 3.8). My EC's are good. My research is weak. My volunteering is good. Sounds like you've got a good shot. My thing is I've lived in Hawaii for some years now. I learned to surf here, fell in love with seemingly endless hiking trails, have gotten more involved with Scuba Diving, got a kayak..... is that the "something amazing about Hawaii" you are referring to? Aloha spirit gotten to you maybe? If you honestly are interested in practicing medicine in Hawai'i, then apply and make sure you let JABSOM know that and give reasons why that is in your secondary application (there is ample space for this in their Why Hawaii?" prompt.) Many doctors I worked in hospitals in Hawai'i were from out of state. I asked them why them moved to Hawai'i. Examples of their responses are "I am an avid surfer" "I went snorkeling and decided this was the place for me". "I did a rotation during my residency on Maui. After getting back to the middle of winter in New York I knew I had to go back". I however have found many mainlanders (mostly those who don't get into surfing and all that) get "island fever" and leave. If you can see yourself falling in love with Hawaii and wanting to practice medicine here then please apply! (The though of being stuck in flat, cold, boring Illinois is a fate I wish only on boring people).
 
Baikal said:
OOS who is interviewing in Hawaii. Your MCAT is about the same as mine though your GPA is a bit better. (I'm above a 3.8). My EC's are good. My research is weak. My volunteering is good. Sounds like you've got a good shot. My thing is I've lived in Hawaii for some years now. I learned to surf here, fell in love with seemingly endless hiking trails, have gotten more involved with Scuba Diving, got a kayak..... is that the "something amazing about Hawaii" you are referring to? Aloha spirit gotten to you maybe? If you honestly are interested in practicing medicine in Hawai'i, then apply and make sure you let JABSOM know that and give reasons why that is in your secondary application (there is ample space for this in their Why Hawaii?" prompt.) Many doctors I worked in hospitals in Hawai'i were from out of state. I asked them why them moved to Hawai'i. Examples of their responses are "I am an avid surfer" "I went snorkeling and decided this was the place for me". "I did a rotation during my residency on Maui. After getting back to the middle of winter in New York I knew I had to go back". I however have found many mainlanders (mostly those who don't get into surfing and all that) get "island fever" and leave. If you can see yourself falling in love with Hawaii and wanting to practice medicine here then please apply! (The though of being stuck in flat, cold, boring Illinois is a fate I wish only on boring people).
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Hey man/girl, thanks for the advice! I definitely cannot see myself getting island fever, Hawaii seems like a very easy going place that runs kinda independent of the rest of the country. I know the cost of living is high, and the pay will not be as good as the mainland, but I would definitely go through that to live there. I just paid my processing fee yesterday afternoon so I'm hoping my application moves forward. Hawaii Five-O starts again in a few weeks also, let the hype train build up hahaha
 
Yeah, cost of living is high (I've lived crammed in a house with 20 other people and maybe at times a car...) but it's doable, especially on a doctor's salary. The surfing doctor I referred to earlier told me one of the main reasons he became a doctor was so that he could afford to live comfortably in Hawaii (no worries, he is still an awesome doctor). Honestly, when you are surfing most mornings as the sun is coming up..... having a 5,000 square foot house isn't terribly important. And as for food.... there is a miracle in Hawaii we call Costco.
 
II today, 9/30!
Verified on 8/13
Secondary received on 9/23!
IS.

Very grateful for this opportunity. 🙂
 
Anyone hear back today?

Edit: if you do, can you also please post your interview date?
 
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pp16 said:
Anyone hear back today?

Edit: if you do, can you also please post your interview date?
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It's Hawaii brah. Just relax. They gonna come eventually. (That's what I have been saying to myself, lol)
 
pp16 said:
Anyone hear back today?

Edit: if you do, can you also please post your interview date?
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They told me when I interviewed in August that they don't give out any acceptances until November at the earliest so I think we still have a bit of a wait.
 
II, set for mid Jan. This won't be disadvantageous right going so late, since the site states it is non-rolling?

75 LizzM, OOS Canadian applicant
 
Dimasalang said:
Congratulations! Did you guys apply for the early decision program? Or does JABSOM start giving out normal acceptances by this time?
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Thanks! Same, regular applicant
 
For those of you who already received interviews, what was the turnaround time from submitting your secondary to receiving notice of an interview?
 
Does anyone know if JABSOM release the accepted ones in December or mostly in March?
 
I'm an OOS'er who's going to be in town for interviews from 12/17-23rd. What exactly can I do as a sightseer during my abundance of free time? I'm going to be travelling alone as my GF doesn't have the money for the flight. I know there's a lot to do in Hawaii but not sure how to go about it by the solo route
 
the bus can take you all over, and even to some hikes too if that's your thing. when i was visiting for my interviews, i rode the bus pretty much everywhere
 
Kishan93 said:
I'm an OOS'er who's going to be in town for interviews from 12/17-23rd. What exactly can I do as a sightseer during my abundance of free time? I'm going to be travelling alone as my GF doesn't have the money for the flight. I know there's a lot to do in Hawaii but not sure how to go about it by the solo route[/QUOTE

Have you never been to Hawaii? What did you say on your application to get an interview here if that is the case? Anyways, depends on what you like to do. So what do you like to do?!?
If you like snorkeling in December then Hanauma bay will be your best bet. (Shark's Cove and Electric Beach usually are too dangerous to visit with the winter surf)
If you like hiking some easy one's you can do are Maunawili Falls and Koko head. If you want a little more challenging of a hike do Olomana. There are hundreds of other hikes but I wouldn't recommend you go on those alone (many people get lost or hurt). That said, some of my favorites if you make some friends are Ka'au crater and Mt. Ka'ala.
Some pretty popular tourist attractions are Pearl Harbor, Dole Pineapple plantation, Waikiki, Haleiwa, Sunset Beach/Pipeline/Waimea (beach and canyon), Polynesian Cultural Center, Pali Lookout, Sea Life Park, the Zoo.....
Now to what really matters: Surfing. If you don't know how to surf you need to learn how to surf. If you don't know how to surf, go to Waikiki and rent one of those huge 12 foot boards (they are blue) and use it to learn to surf. I have taught many a mainlander how to surf on those boards. Have someone show you how to get up on a board (on the beach) and then practice catching waves and getting up. You can learn to surf in as little as five minutes if the waves are good and you have a rough idea of what to do.
Also, take some time to talk story with the locals. As above&beyond has made clear, you can get around the island to most places by bus if you haven't rented a car (take the 55 to North Shore). Some of my best conversations have been on the bus. You can use google maps on your internet phone assuming you have one to know how to get around on the bus along with the locals and bus drivers who are usually pretty helpful. Have fun!
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Just received a secondary here. Anyone know how strongly they screen pre-secondary?
 
OOS applicant here interviewing 1st week of January. Are there any current JABSOM students interested in getting a meal together between the 1st and the 5th or better yet do one of the great hikes around the island or anything else JABSOM students like to do.
 
awkko said:
Any idea of what interview dates are looking like?
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Interviews have to be completed by the end of February and is scheduled by the applicant via email with his/her assigned interviewers (i have 2 faculty plus the Dean as 3rd and last). At least up until the first week of January is completely unavailable. I haven't scheduled mine yet so I don't know how bad the rest is yet.
 
Withdrew today. OOS. Tough choice but got 2 other acceptances that are better for me. Good luck
 
bearintraining said:
Withdrew today. OOS. Tough choice but got 2 other acceptances that are better for me. Good luck
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Mahalo! I really appreciate it when people don't hold onto acceptances or to schools they have no intention of attending. I hope you enjoyed your time in Hawai'i and that you have a fulfilling career as a physician.
 
Baikal said:
Mahalo! I really appreciate it when people don't hold onto acceptances or to schools they have no intention of attending. I hope you enjoyed your time in Hawai'i and that you have a fulfilling career as a physician.
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Thank you for the well wishes. I would've loved to go, just too expensive for an international though, especially since I have other options now.
 
does anyone know how JABSOM does their evaluation post-interview? Would the 3 interviewers present the applicants and everyone vote on the person?
 
I believe that the three interviewers each write an evaluation/ assessment of your interview that would then go before the committee (i think a total of 10 people). These ten people would each grade you on a 1-10 scale based on the interview, your application, and other factors like residency, etc.
 
Any OOS applicants receive an acceptance yet?
 
AO2326 said:
Any OOS applicants receive an acceptance yet?
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UH is non-rolling except for those that score >8/10 on the ad. com. assessment. Most letters will be sent out 10 days from now, March 18th. Same day as Match Day if the trend holds from the past few years.
 
ChoChang808 said:
I think we'll hear back on March 17th Thursday.

Looking at the past 5 years:
Decision released Thursday 3/19/15, Match Day was Friday 3/20/15
Decision released Thursday 3/20/14, Match Day was Friday 3/21/14
Decision released Thursday 3/21/13, Match Day was Friday 3/15/13
Decision released Wednesday 3/21/12, Match Day was Friday 3/16/12
Decision released Wednesday 3/16/11, Match Day was Friday 3/18/11

For the past 3 years the emails have come out the day before Match Day, and this year Match Day is indeed 3/18/16. But who knows. They could change it up and do Wednesdays again. Either way, I'm freeaaaking outtt~
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Thank you for removing 1 day from my countdown! So I guess we're about 9 days away.

I heard from a current 4th year that the reason the letters were delayed during the '11-'12 cycle is because that was Dr. Izutsu's last year as admissions dean and they were transitioning Dr. Asano so they split up the 3rd interviews.
 
Just wanted to chime in and say that I'm an OOS student that interviewed at the end of January. Will post an update once the time comes! Best of luck to everyone!
 
^same! it is nerve racking though! I really want to attend this school
 
AO2326 said:
^same! it is nerve racking though! I really want to attend this school
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I know! It was beautiful and the people are truly wonderful. 🙂 Good luck to you! Here's hoping we'll be classmates next year!
 
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