2015-2016 University of Pittsburgh Application Thread
Started by Ismet
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I never have but I'm sure they get all the emails so it's fine
+1. Also, for anyone who might be sending additional LORs, my letter writer did not receive confirmation that they received his e-mail but the LOR list on my portal was updated.
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Emailed and was told "Award letters will be sent out within the first two weeks of April. Last year award letters for incoming students were emailed on April 14th. I would anticipate a similar timeline this year. "
Kind of between a 1.5 and 2 year. We start 3rd year in May, have to take Step 1 by the end of April in MS2. "Traditional" curriculums start 3rd year a bit later, like June or July, but we don't start as early as 1.5 year curriculums.
P/F first 2 years, then H/HP/P/LP/F for clinicals. There is no internal ranking.
Also curriculum is in blocks, not longitudinal. You'll have 7 weeks of anatomy all day every day and then take a test and then you're on to the next course. The "soft science" courses like bio stats, ethics, etc meet once a week and are longitudinal for a semester.
I keep hearing mixed answers about this (and not just at Pitt, granted). A couple of my current friends are M1s there and claim there is internal ranking, FWIW
ANXIOUSLY awaiting financial aid packages! 
I attended while MS1/MS2 were H/P/F, so there was an explicit way to do internal ranking with MS1/MS2 data that factored into junior AOA selection. Now, P/F makes that much more difficult. Sure everyone is paranoid about this concept of internal ranking, but the real question is what, if anything, is it used for. Does anyone really think that the data of your numerical test scores and evals is just going disappear? It may not be used for quite a while (at least until your Dean's letter gets written for residency), but it's probably naive to think it ever won't be communicated.
I was told that ranking/pre-clinical grades do not factor into junior AOA selection, it's more based on Step 1 score and involvement/leadership in the school, but that was from a student in AOA and not official word from the school so it may not be correct. We also received an email when it came time for senior AOA selection that explicitly said that since they do not rank students, only students who have gotten Honors in X number of clerkships could submit their CVs for consideration.
As the first P/F pre-clinical class to go through applications and MSPE/Dean's letter, there is zero mention of pre-clinical ranking. All it says is we passed all pre-clinical courses, not even a "hint" word about where we stand. Just one sentence.
How often are exams (or any sort of evaluation) during M1 and M2?
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Major science blocks test every 3-4 weeks.
Still first tier waitlist and really hoping to hear good news soon...I sent an update letter/LOI late February; should I send another one now that I have submitted my thesis and presented a poster on it?
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Hey! I'm waiting on the first tier too and Pitt is definitely my top choice. I also just defended my thesis last week and I sent an update in, couldn't hurt!
Just curious, has the second tier seen any movement yet?
Has anyone received any information about the pre-matriculation program yet? I've heard from other PittMed students that it can be really helpful because the first course (anatomy) can be brutal.
yeah seriously...... literally nothing. I'm really surprised, this is the least I've seen, and I thought Pitt was known to be generous with aid? The difference between this and another school that offered me scholarships is $180k less debt..... I guess this is a bye Pittsburgh 🙁
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This question was asked on my interview day and the director of aid said that their offer is their best foot forward, they do not match.
From what I'd heard, most schools are like that-it's one letter and that's it. At my interview, I got the impression they were a bit offended that someone would consider asking them to match because we had that question come up too.
To those who attended: how was Second Look?
Hoping for another round of acceptances this week! My birthday's coming up, Pitt, and I'd love nothing more than an acceptance.
Hoping for another round of acceptances this week!
My birthday's coming up, Pitt, and I'd love nothing more than an acceptance.Withdrew today. Good luck everyone
Hey everyone! Scrolled through this thread a bit but haven't been able to find my exact answer(s):
1. The curriculum is organized into blocks, but they don't seem to be organ-based. How do you like this structure?
2. Due to the blocks, I know it probably varies, but how often COULD you be in class each week, and how many of these hours are 100% required. Basically, what's your weekly schedule like?
3. What's the format of assessments?
Thanks!
1. The curriculum is organized into blocks, but they don't seem to be organ-based. How do you like this structure?
2. Due to the blocks, I know it probably varies, but how often COULD you be in class each week, and how many of these hours are 100% required. Basically, what's your weekly schedule like?
3. What's the format of assessments?
Thanks!
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1. It's basic science blocked first year and organ system blocked second year. I don't know anyone who has a problem with this system, but it is all we know. There is actually some sentiment of "I can't believe they do that, how does that work?" when we talk about how other schools do it. Once you get into the system, this will be your life and all you know. Personally I like it. There are pros and cons to each system. I can try to elaborate if you are really interested.
2. At maximum, you'd have class everyday from 8:00/8:30/9:00 to 4:30 except for two afternoons completely off. At minimum, you go to 2-3 things a week that total 3-6 hours.
3. Test at the end of every course. Most are in-house tests, a handful are from the boards people and taken in simulated boards style (laptops, software, etc.). Several courses/tests make up each block. You have to pass the block, but not each course. Passing is generally 2SD below mean, or hard set at 70%, depending on course. Very few things outside of tests are assessed, no more than 10% of a course grade will be other stuff.
Best of luck to all of you as well! Hoping for good news from Pitt for all of us WL'ers soon.
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I'm on the wait list here and very much hoping to get in... I am writing an update letter/letter of interest and wasn't sure if I should just upload it to the application portal, address it to my interviewer, or address it to the dean of admissions. Does anyone know if UPSOM has a preference?
Hi everyone
Is there a UPSOM class of 2020 facebook group? I can't seem to find it, can anyone PM me the link? Thanks!
Is there a UPSOM class of 2020 facebook group? I can't seem to find it, can anyone PM me the link? Thanks!
There's no way of uploading on the portal, just sending it to the admissions email works!
I really thought we'd hear today since it seems like people are withdrawing
My theory (which isn't backed by much) is that there will be movement next Monday, since April 30th is this Saturday.
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Just withdrew. Good luck everyone.
Hope we get a lot of (post-April 30th) WL movement here! Best of luck to everyone!
Hoping for the same!
Withdrew as well. It hurt my heart, but hoping the spot goes to one of you!
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Any WL movement here yet?
Doesn't look like there's been any post-April 30th movement yet - in the waitlist support group thread someone asked @gyngyn if he's seen any movement (based on info available to him as an adcom member at another school) and this was his response:
You're killing me Pitt and I JUST WANT YOU TO LOVE ME!
Same here! I hope we all get good news soon.
