2015-2016 University of Miami (Miller) Application Thread

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MedV said:
@Dermpire But if that were true, wouldnt the background checks just be the acceptances. Every year the threads would say got the background check this morning guess im accepted.
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2-3 people who were accepted at the last decision date got background check emails the morning of. You can go back a couple pages and find it.
 
MedV said:
I interviewed Middle of Feb and my portal status changed to
"A final decision has been reached by the Admissions Committee at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine on your application. Contact the admissions office...if you do not receive a telephone call, an e-mail or a letter within seven days"

However, I did not receive a background check. Guess I am wait listed? @DrZeke
Thought the adcom meets today at 4 to decide? How would they send out background checks before they met?
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They meet before the acceptance dates. That's why the portal will change a few days before. They just make the calls on those dates.
 
Called the admissions office. They've made preliminary decisions but they're meeting at 4 today to finalize decisions and then they'll let us know today or tomorrow.
 
Gratz to everyone who got accepted just now. Alternate list for me =/ moreeeee waitingggggggggg
 
Questions for current students...

How does DOCS work? What do the medstudents do and how often can you get involved?

I've read the website but I'm curious to hear from you guys
 
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Congrats to those accepted! Can newly accepted students post their stats and other noteworthy achievements so those of us in Purgatory can better gauge our chances? Thanks!
 
@Nervus Terminalis If you were offered an interview and you are on the waitlist. I think that stats like those dont mean too much now. It comes down to fit. You had enough points to get the interview. But I may be wrong.
 
Dermpire said:
I actually disagree. If you look back, the vast majority of accepted people were high LizzyM students. There were a few that didn't get accepted with high stats, but most of them did by this point. You can still get in with lower stats, but you probably need solid ECs and a great interview.
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Have to disagree with your disagree 😛

I got in on Nov4 with just a 70 LizzyM........ Also, the school's formula is way more detailed than MCAT and GPA. It's on the school website if you do some digging.


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Congrats to everyone accepted!

Question for those accepted off the alternate list, did you send an update letter/letter of interest after you were placed on the alternate list?


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teeayejay said:
Questions for current students...

How does DOCS work? What do the medstudents do and how often can you get involved?

I've read the website but I'm curious to hear from you guys
Click to expand...
For DOCS, we have 2 year-round clinics and 9 health fairs. For the clinics, they will open signups every 2 months or so. For the health fairs, you'll sign up when you get the email about it. Stations at health fairs include: vitals, ophtho, peds (including new peds ophtho), male exam, female exam, bone density, blood glucose, venipuncture (must be certified first - you'll get more details on that during the year), registration, and check out. For the clinics, you have the opportunity to practice taking patient histories and performing different physical exam skills while working with residents and attendings, all of whom are volunteers as well. DOCS has a ton of leadership positions too, and there is always solid involvement from the MS-1 and MS-2 classes every year. You have to apply for these, and most of them require interviews, but most people who apply for a lot of positions usually get something. DOCS is absolutely wonderful, and it's only gonna get bigger from here on out. Definitely get involved if you choose to come here for med school!

Also, congrats to all those recently accepted! Please consider attending second look weekend. It's gonna be a lot of fun, and our SG reps have worked tirelessly all year to plan it. Good luck to everyone still waiting too. Can't wait to meet most of y'all!
 
han3 said:
Congrats to everyone accepted!

Question for those accepted off the alternate list, did you send an update letter/letter of interest after you were placed on the alternate list?


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I sent a couple. They seemed well recieved. Update is probably better than LOI obviously
 
Ace Khalifa said:
For DOCS, we have 2 year-round clinics and 9 health fairs. For the clinics, they will open signups every 2 months or so. For the health fairs, you'll sign up when you get the email about it. Stations at health fairs include: vitals, ophtho, peds (including new peds ophtho), male exam, female exam, bone density, blood glucose, venipuncture (must be certified first - you'll get more details on that during the year), registration, and check out. For the clinics, you have the opportunity to practice taking patient histories and performing different physical exam skills while working with residents and attendings, all of whom are volunteers as well. DOCS has a ton of leadership positions too, and there is always solid involvement from the MS-1 and MS-2 classes every year. You have to apply for these, and most of them require interviews, but most people who apply for a lot of positions usually get something. DOCS is absolutely wonderful, and it's only gonna get bigger from here on out. Definitely get involved if you choose to come here for med school!

Also, congrats to all those recently accepted! Please consider attending second look weekend. It's gonna be a lot of fun, and our SG reps have worked tirelessly all year to plan it. Good luck to everyone still waiting too. Can't wait to meet most of y'all!
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Thank you that; DOCS seems really interesting even moreso because I'm into community outreach. Unfortunately, can't make it 2nd look but I'll def be starting classes June 20th haha.
 
han3 said:
Congrats to everyone accepted!

Question for those accepted off the alternate list, did you send an update letter/letter of interest after you were placed on the alternate list?


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I sent a single update/LOI post-II
 
mojanglez said:
Hey, interviewing here soon: the FAQ says that there will be one 1-hour open-file interview with an ADCOM member, however, the interview schedule on the link provided in the invitation email shows a 10:00AM interview/tour followed by an 11:00AM interview/tour prior to lunch at noon. Sorry in advance I didn't read through this thread but can anyone please clarify this? Is it that interviewees are divided into two groups and will either be interviewing or touring at one of the indicated time slots? I am interviewing at the Miami campus, btw - thanks in advance!
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Yes, two groups of interviews
 
Ahhhh got the call yesterday! Accepted off the waitlist!:soexcited: I am so freaking excited as this was my dream school! Interviewed on 09/11 and was put on the waitlist 10/15. It was a long wait but completely worth it!

Does anyone know when second look will be?
 
diaz0188 said:
Ahhhh got the call yesterday! Accepted off the waitlist!:soexcited: I am so freaking excited as this was my dream school! Interviewed on 09/11 and was put on the waitlist 10/15. It was a long wait but completely worth it!

Does anyone know when second look will be?
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Congrats on the acceptance! Second look is 4/15
 
If our application still hasn't been scored by now, should we assume that we won't be invited for an interview? Miami is my dream school and I've been checking the portal daily for months, but my status has never changed 🙁. This is so disheartening, I just want to know that my application has a fair review before the rejection comes...
 
Does anyone know how much weight Letters of Intent get? I was interviewed last month, and I'm thinking about writing an LOI, but I've heard you're not suppose to write them unless you're on the waitlist. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
 
I believe that letters of intent actually matter most when they are sent during waiting period between your interview and when they make a decision on your application. The reason for this is that a decision is made on your application based on your score, which includes your AMCAS, LORs, interview performance, and any additional updates. Once a decision is made your score is set and cannot change. However, I still sent a letter of intent and was accepted off the waitlist. If this is your dream school send the letter, you won't lose anything. Best of luck!

Sleepy76 said:
Does anyone know how much weight Letters of Intent get? I was interviewed last month, and I'm thinking about writing an LOI, but I've heard you're not suppose to write them unless you're on the waitlist. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
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diaz0188 said:
I believe that letters of intent actually matter most when they are sent during waiting period between your interview and when they make a decision on your application. The reason for this is that a decision is made on your application based on your score, which includes your AMCAS, LORs, interview performance, and any additional updates. Once a decision is made your score is set and cannot change. However, I still sent a letter of intent and was accepted off the waitlist. If this is your dream school send the letter, you won't lose anything. Best of luck!
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Interesting, so do update letters cause a re-score? A little confused about how additional updates can affect the score if it cannot be changed once a decision is made.
 
sss1219 said:
Interesting, so do update letters cause a re-score? A little confused about how additional updates can affect the score if it cannot be changed once a decision is made.
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From what I understood, I don't think there is a re-score once they have made a decision on your application after your interview. Once your score is set, you are ranked on the alternate list based on that score and will come off when it is your turn, with or without a letter of intent. However, the admissions process is very complicated and therefore I would still recommend sending a letter of intent if this is your first choice program.
 
diaz0188 said:
From what I understood, I don't think there is a re-score once they have made a decision on your application after your interview. Once your score is set, you are ranked on the alternate list based on that score and will come off when it is your turn, with or without a letter of intent. However, the admissions process is very complicated and therefore I would still recommend sending a letter of intent if this is your first choice program.
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A well written letter of intent cannot hurt you. Not writing one may put you in a position where you question whether or not you could have done more...


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Does anyone know how I can get access to the Facebook group page?
 
Sleepy76 said:
Does anyone know how much weight Letters of Intent get? I was interviewed last month, and I'm thinking about writing an LOI, but I've heard you're not suppose to write them unless you're on the waitlist. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
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DrZeke said:
A well written letter of intent cannot hurt you. Not writing one may put you in a position where you question whether or not you could have done more...
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I agree with @DrZeke, it won't hurt you, and you may regret not doing everything you possibly could to get in. However, the general wisdom regarding LOI's is that schools wont give them much weight unless you have multiple acceptances. If you haven't been accepted anywhere yet of course you're going to matriculate wherever they accept you.

So send it, but unfortunately you can't put too much faith in it. And good luck!!!
 
M. Twain said:
Friend the students who sent you the welcome email. They'll add you
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Interesting because I actually got the email from [email protected] signed by Dr. Weisman right after I got the call from someone in the admissions office. I guess I'll just wait until I receive the letter in the mail to see if there might be more information there. 🙂 Thanks!
 
han3 said:
Congrats to everyone accepted!

Question for those accepted off the alternate list, did you send an update letter/letter of interest after you were placed on the alternate list?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

Sleepy76 said:
Does anyone know how much weight Letters of Intent get? I was interviewed last month, and I'm thinking about writing an LOI, but I've heard you're not suppose to write them unless you're on the waitlist. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Click to expand...

They touched on this during my interview day last cycle. They said that new activities listed in update letters could increase your score, but didn't mention any further details. In regards to letters of interest/intent, they said they don't increase your score but do come in to play when they are deciding between several candidates with similar scores. Hope this helps and best of luck!
 
diaz0188 said:
Interesting because I actually got the email from [email protected] signed by Dr. Weisman right after I got the call from someone in the admissions office. I guess I'll just wait until I receive the letter in the mail to see if there might be more information there. 🙂 Thanks!
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There's another one that arrives from the students. I also couldn't wait to get added to the group but you're not missing anything -it's been really quiet.

Congrats again on your acceptance!
 
M. Twain said:
There's another one that arrives from the students. I also couldn't wait to get added to the group but you're not missing anything -it's been really quiet.

Congrats again on your acceptance!
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really quiet....
 
Dermpire said:
Thanks! I guess the real question now is whether or not everyone's says that or if only certain people's has that.

Anyone have anything else besides "award access not available"?
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Is that what is says for you as well? It probably says that for all of us and the person who got the 120k got that separately/from a different office than the regular financial aid package
 
Dermpire said:
I also have that. I assumed it was hidden merit money that would show up after we accept the scholarship, but I'm not so sure anymore. You make a valid case; it could just be loans from FAFSA. Did you fill out FAFSA yet?

Well, within the next two weeks we should all know if we're getting money or not! The wait is destroying me 🙁
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Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but all of the merit scholarships I have seen over the past few cycles were reported in the December-January time frame. The financial aid packages are what are released in March, IE loans and need-based aid.
 
BioEngMD said:
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but all of the merit scholarships I have seen over the past few cycles were reported in the December-January time frame. The financial aid packages are what are released in March, IE loans and need-based aid.
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I wouldn't be overly worried about not hearing about merit scholarships yet. UM is always on the later side of revealing your scholarships and financial aid for the next year. It's still possible they just haven't offered them yet!
 
Dermpire said:
Awkward... :/ Looks like I'm probably not getting anything.

Congrats though! If you don't mind sharing, what were your stats and how much were you offered?
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Thank you.

I'm non-trad. My UG GPA wasn't the greatest, first MCAT wasn't either. Did a post-bac with a 3.8 and turned my profile around. MCAT was respectable. I won't share the exact value but it was a modest amount.
 
Dermpire said:
Hey @Ace Khalifa

You're an M1 at Miami right now, right?

Could you give us future students some tips on how to best study during the preclinical years? Maybe both what works for you and what works for the other students in your class?

Is going to class worth it?
Does lecture material line up nicely with Step 1?
Does memorizing the power point work? Are they good lecture slides?
Are all lectures recorded?
Do you ever need textbooks?
Should we be using outsides resources like BRS/Pathoma/FirstAide during years 1 and 2?
How often do you have exams?
Finally, is there anything else we should know or tricks of the trade you have for us incoming M1s?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Everyone has their own method of studying; there isn't one thing that works best for everyone. However, whatever you choose to do, make sure to stay on top of things by studying every day; you do NOT want to fall behind. Also make sure that whatever method you choose incorporates repetition; you don't want to only go thru lectures once or twice.

Going to class - only worth it if that's how you learn best. I personally find it more efficient to watch recorded lectures on my own time at 2x speed.
Memorizing the powerpoint - it's really hit or miss. Sometimes test questions will come straight from a specific slide, other times you'll have to really know both the big picture and the little details.
Yes all lectures are recorded, even the mandatory ones.
I personally don't read the textbooks unless the lecturer and his/her powerpoint slides are really really bad.
Outside resources - Feel free to use them to supplement the lecture material. Don't make them the main focus - they are called review materials for a reason. Definitely do the practice questions in BRS Anatomy. I didn't start looking thru FA until this current module but I've been doing fine.
Exams - your first module is anatomy and histology, which is 8 weeks. You have 3 anatomy exams and 2 histo exams - you do the math. Every other module has had only a midterm and a final regardless of how long they were.
Tricks of the trade - Uhhhhh I don't speak for everyone in my class, obviously. But here are some things I personally recommend:
1. Make friends. Especially during anatomy. Med school's too damn difficult to go thru alone. You'll need each other to stay grounded and motivate each other to work hard. And of course, having friends means going out on the weekends or Monday nights after an exam will be super fun lol.
2. Find time for yourself. Do the things you love. It'll keep you sane. You should never have to be studying 24/7, not even during anatomy. And if you find that you're burning out trying to be at the top of your class or above average, just take a step back and decide what's really more important - your mental/emotional health or one damn word in your dean's letter.
3. Don't worry about what everyone else in your class is doing. During anatomy, your sole focus is school - no one is allowed to join student groups or do research because anatomy module is that intensive. After those first 8 weeks, you'll be able to start doing EC's and research and DOCS and stuff. But do NOT get stressed if other classmates get started on research earlier than you do. Do NOT get stressed if other classmates take on like 5+ EC's and you only do like 1 or 2. And of course, do NOT get stressed because of your grades (unless you're barely passing). Everyone in my class does well, so the averages are always high 80s, low 90s. You'll get ranked in quartiles starting 2nd year, but when the distribution of grades is really tight, that doesn't mean anything in the long run. JUST DO YOU.

Okay that was a lot, and I kinda rambled, but I hope some of it was helpful.
 
Dermpire said:
That was gold!!! Thanks so much!

I wonder why there are so many exams in the first unit. I like that there is only a midterm and final for the other blocks. That's also crazy that the averages are so high on exams, but I guess that's to be expected at a school as good as Miami!
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Are dual degree or only?

In addition to Ace's specific advise for Miami, I found this thread too that I thought was kinda cool in a general sense

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/the-bane-of-medical-school-studying.1188056/
 
Dermpire said:
That was gold!!! Thanks so much!

I wonder why there are so many exams in the first unit. I like that there is only a midterm and final for the other blocks. That's also crazy that the averages are so high on exams, but I guess that's to be expected at a school as good as Miami!
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Our exams are not too difficult if you study hard. They are not like NBME exams or anything that simulates step 1 style questions. I wish they were because I feel like that would prepare us better. However, UM gives you 6 weeks of dedicated step 1 study time, and most people start earlier than that (anywhere from Jan-March of 2nd year for MD). MD/MPH takes step 1 in April, MD takes it in late May/June. Most people only use 5 of the 6 weeks of dedicated and then use that last week as vacation before 3rd year begins.

If you have more specific questions, feel free to PM me. If you are for sure going to my school at this point, you can send me a friend request on FB too; just PM me, I'd love to get to know y'all better.
 
Dermpire said:
Hey @Ace Khalifa

You're an M1 at Miami right now, right?

Could you give us future students some tips on how to best study during the preclinical years? Maybe both what works for you and what works for the other students in your class?

Is going to class worth it?
Does lecture material line up nicely with Step 1?
Does memorizing the power point work? Are they good lecture slides?
Are all lectures recorded?
Do you ever need textbooks?
Should we be using outsides resources like BRS/Pathoma/FirstAide during years 1 and 2?
How often do you have exams?
Finally, is there anything else we should know or tricks of the trade you have for us incoming M1s?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Dear lord this is intense.


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