2015-2016 University of Texas - Galveston Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members do not see this ad.
renaissancerebel said:
Thanks for the feedback. Maybe this is a silly question, but how can you guess whether or not your interviewers were members of the adcom? Also, I've heard that UTMB does a second batch of pre-matches in mid-December. Hoping to be in that pool, I guess.
Click to expand...

You can sometimes see whether a faculty member is a part of the admissions committee or not based on their faculty webpage. Some webpages include this information and others do not.

And yes, historically UTMB has offered a second (albeit smaller) round of pre-matches sometime in mid-December. It's far from a certainty, but that has been the case for at least the past 5 years or so, based on my digging through SDN archives.

I'll just throw this out there: If anyone has questions about UTMB, feel free to post here or message me.

Also, if you are nervous about not pre-matching anywhere, it's going to be okay. There is still a LOT of time. There is still the match in February, and this process isn't fully over until May. It's a long ride. If you are feeling anxious, have any questions, or just want someone to talk to about anything, feel free to message me.
 
Congrats everyone! Hoping to match in December as well, really really loved this school. I felt like my interviews went really well, but neither of my interviewers were adcom. Did anyone accepted interview 10/23 or later?
 
renaissancerebel said:
Also, this might answer some questions about whether or not your interviewer was an adcom member: http://som.utmb.edu/Standing Committees/2015-2016/Admissions Committee.pdf
Click to expand...
Well, never mind then! One was definitely an adcom member. Someone had indicated earlier in this thread that the "difficulty" of your interview depended on whether or not your interviewer was on the adcom - members tended to ask tougher, more thorough questions, non-members were more laid back and conversational. In the end, I'll still stick with "Who knows!". ☕
 
Anyone know how soon a prematch offer for those who interviewed early November? Or it really depends on whether they want your or not compared to how early you interviewed? And gratz to all acceptances!
 
cdyryky said:
I've poked around on the previous years' threads a bit and elsewhere online but can't seem to find a definitive answer...does anyone know when us OOS-ers can expect to hear anything back?
Click to expand...

I am a MS1 at UTMB and was OOS. I interviewed 8/15/14 and didn't hear anything for months. On 2/11/15, I was notified that I was on the alternate list. On 6/4/15, I was accepted. I'm not sure when they accepted the other OOS students, but don't feel discouraged if you go without hearing anything for a while.
 
OMGGGGGGGGGG guys!!!!!!! I received an II from UTMB today 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
My first II this season and I am more than ever determined to knock it out of the park.

Can someone please comment on how the interviews go about? I know some people have had stress interviews here and I would appreciate any feedback and input you guys might have!
 
texan2414 said:
OMGGGGGGGGGG guys!!!!!!! I received an II from UTMB today 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
My first II this season and I am more than ever determined to knock it out of the park.
Click to expand...

Congratulations, and good luck! I'm afraid I can't offer interview help for here. Still waiting on an II from UTMB. Hopefully there are still some interview days left...
 
texan2414 said:
OMGGGGGGGGGG guys!!!!!!! I received an II from UTMB today 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
My first II this season and I am more than ever determined to knock it out of the park.

Can someone please comment on how the interviews go about? I know some people have had stress interviews here and I would appreciate any feedback and input you guys might have!
Click to expand...
So happy for you! I didn't interview here so I have no advice but best of luck! !!
 
gyrfalcon said:
Congratulations, and good luck! I'm afraid I can't offer interview help for here. Still waiting on an II from UTMB. Hopefully there are still some interview days left...
Click to expand...

Their last interview date (thus far) is Dec 16th but in the past, UTMB has extended their interviewing schedule well into January- remains to be seen if they would do the same this year but keep hope!
 
texan2414 said:
OMGGGGGGGGGG guys!!!!!!! I received an II from UTMB today 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
My first II this season and I am more than ever determined to knock it out of the park.

Can someone please comment on how the interviews go about? I know some people have had stress interviews here and I would appreciate any feedback and input you guys might have!
Click to expand...
Congrats on the interview! My interview questions here were a mix bag. Some addressed my application and pertained to research and shadowing. Others were more formal and open ended. The ones I remember being asked are
Where I see myself in 10 years.
What I see as the most important social issue for my generation
What service endeavor am I the most proud of
What field of medicine am I most interested in
 
texan2414 said:
OMGGGGGGGGGG guys!!!!!!! I received an II from UTMB today 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
My first II this season and I am more than ever determined to knock it out of the park.

Can someone please comment on how the interviews go about? I know some people have had stress interviews here and I would appreciate any feedback and input you guys might have!
Click to expand...

First off, CONGRATS!! I have also been rooting for you during this cycle!

My interviews were very conversational, I didn't get asked any unusual questions just the: -Why medicine? -Why UTMB? -Tell me about your research, etc.
I enjoyed my interview day (and of course getting food along the beach later that evening!), have fun!
 
So excited! Got my II yesterday for 12/11 too, but pretty surprised on how quick I got the invite since my application didn't get processed by TMDSAS until the end of October.
 
texan2414 said:
OMGGGGGGGGGG guys!!!!!!! I received an II from UTMB today 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
My first II this season and I am more than ever determined to knock it out of the park.
Click to expand...

Congrats @texan2414! I'm definitely cheering for you! Also, I had an MD interviewer and a PhD. Neither of mine seemed like stress interviews; both were pretty conversational. The only downside is if you have two interviews on the opposite sides of campus like I did 🙄
 
llanoestacado said:
Congrats @texan2414! I'm definitely cheering for you! Also, I had an MD interviewer and a PhD. Neither of mine seemed like stress interviews; both were pretty conversational. The only downside is if you have two interviews on the opposite sides of campus like I did 🙄
Click to expand...
Oh damn I hope you didn't get lost- how much time do you have in between interviews?
 
texan2414 said:
Oh damn I hope you didn't get lost- how much time do you have in between interviews?
Click to expand...
I believe that I had an interview, then a thirty minute break, then an interview. However, my first ran about 10 minutes over so I only had 20 minutes.
 
Anyone have experience of being hosted for the interview (as in staying at a medical students home rather than getting a hotel)? I'm not sure if I would get a good nights sleep on someones couch.
 
Still waiting for II
MCAT 30 and 3.6 GPA.
Should I hope or not?

Also, are they open to pre-interview updates? Email or call or...?
 
Last edited:
Are the interviews at UTMB open or closed file?
Also, I would want to talk about my MCAT retake but a few of my colleagues have recommended against that as it may project weakness. But one of the things I absolutely want to discuss is that taking the gap year and retaking the MCAT gave me a new perspective and made me even more motivated for medical school. Should I discuss this in my interview or not (regardless of being asked about MCAT).

Thanks,
 
@texan2414 both of my interviews at UTMB were open file (they both knew my activities and EC's ). One of my interviewers DID NOT know my MCAT/GPA. I am not sure about the other interviewer.

texan2414 said:
one of the things I absolutely want to discuss is that taking the gap year and retaking the MCAT gave me a new perspective and made me even more motivated for medical school.
Click to expand...

Talking about a gap year is great. Remember, you can control the direction of the interview by the way you answer the "tell me about yourself" question. Talking about your gap year experiences while answering this question is a good way to guide the interview in the direction you would like it to go. However, I recommend against talking about the MCAT retake, unless you are asked. I say this because discussing an MCAT retake as a pivotal experience that made you more motivated for med school seems like such a banal topic. It is a common set-back that many pre-meds have faced. I would definitely talk about the gap year, because those experiences will be unique to you. An MCAT retake, not so much IMHO.
 
texan2414 said:
Are the interviews at UTMB open or closed file?
Also, I would want to talk about my MCAT retake but a few of my colleagues have recommended against that as it may project weakness. But one of the things I absolutely want to discuss is that taking the gap year and retaking the MCAT gave me a new perspective and made me even more motivated for medical school. Should I discuss this in my interview or not (regardless of being asked about MCAT).

Thanks,
Click to expand...
We were told that the interview is not about discussing your scores or GPA. The admission committee already decided you are who they want for a student, all they want is to know you as a person, you do not have to explain your MCAT scores. I suggest you do not bring that out at all. Both my interviewers had my personal statements, they knew a lot about me but they did not know my scores, so I think they have access to everything except the GPA and MCAT scores. At least that's what I got from my interviews.
 
Last edited:
@texan2414 Fist of all, congrats! I interviewed at UTMB and pre-matched. I had one MD, one PhD. One of my interviews was very typical...he asked all the questions you will see on the lists about what questions are typically asked. The other was conducted on the floor of the ICU with several of his 4th year students sitting in. It was very unique and I have to admit, very enjoyable. I got to hear straight from the students what to expect and I felt the interviewer was very welcoming. One of my interviewers directly asked my mcat score and the breakdown. I would agree, don't bring up the mcat unless asked. They have asked you to interview because they feel you are a match on paper, but now you have to let them know more about who you truly are. Don't be afraid to tell them how bad you want this opportunity. Always be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer. Good luck!
 
ACONLY said:
Hey guys, where can I find help to begin looking for housing for UTMB
Click to expand...
I live in Galveston. There is no one best place. Craigslist can be hit or miss. A lot of the realty companies around here manage properties. Zapp realty is one that comes to mind. Try those outlets and if they can't help you ask them who can. They'll know best. That ought to give you a good start. Good luck!
 
Does anyone know if Uber or some kind of taxi service runs in Galveston? I'm staying in a hotel that 15 min away from the interview location and want to make sure I can actually make it across... @Jobikenobi..?
 
me16 said:
Does anyone know if Uber or some kind of taxi service runs in Galveston? I'm staying in a hotel that 15 min away from the interview location and want to make sure I can actually make it across... @Jobikenobi..?
Click to expand...
I've never tried to use uber here, but that might be available. there are plenty of taxis though don't worry. I would Call ahead and make arrangements, then call and confirm the morning of the interview just to make sure.
 
For those of you who have received the UTMB acceptance letter and have "accepted" your seat on the portal, how mandatory is it that we fill out the criminal justice background check form? On the letter it says you should fill it out within two weeks of receiving the offer but should we be waiting until February if this isn't necessarily our top choice?
 
Jobikenobi said:
I've never tried to use uber here, but that might be available. there are plenty of taxis though don't worry. I would Call ahead and make arrangements, then call and confirm the morning of the interview just to make sure.
Click to expand...
Thank you 🙂
 
TexasResident3 said:
For those of you who have received the UTMB acceptance letter and have "accepted" your seat on the portal, how mandatory is it that we fill out the criminal justice background check form? On the letter it says you should fill it out within two weeks of receiving the offer but should we be waiting until February if this isn't necessarily our top choice?
Click to expand...
I'm curious about this as well.
 
biomed27 said:
Any new pre-match offers being sent lately?
Click to expand...

According to the previous years' threads, there is a second batch of pre-match offers sent out between December 18 and December 22!

I'm really hoping for good news here. I'm a three time re-applicant to medical school, and I absolutely loved the culture and overall vibe at UTMB on interview day. It just "feels" right to me.
 
Yeah that sounds about right. They had interviews on the 4th and have another session coming up on the 11th so they'll most likely start giving out pre-match offers after that.
 
txMed7 said:
According to the previous years' threads, there is a second batch of pre-match offers sent out between December 18 and December 22!

I'm really hoping for good news here. I'm a three time re-applicant to medical school, and I absolutely loved the culture and overall vibe at UTMB on interview day. It just "feels" right to me.
Click to expand...
When did you interview at UTMB?
 
random9488 said:
Are these offers only for IS applicants?
Click to expand...

Yes!

Per TMDSAS -

Pre-Match Offers
  1. Prior to the match, medical schools may extend offers of acceptance to Texas residents for a period between November 15 and December 31.
    • Applicants may accept offers from more than one medical school during the pre-match offer period without the risk of an offer being withdrawn by a medical school during the pre-match offer period.
    • An applicant who receives more than one offer should decline any offer from a school that he/she definitely does not plan to attend as soon as that decision is made.
  2. Offers of acceptance should only be considered valid if an acceptance letter is received. Verbal offers of acceptance or ranking are not binding to either the applicant or medical schools.
Click to expand...
 
How crass would it be to send a letter of interest:

A) Before the second batch of pre-match offers are sent (Now - December 22)
B) Between the second batch of pre-match offers and match day (December 22 - February 1) (assuming I don't get a pre-match)

Sending a letter of interest after match day seems appropriate by definition, but I wanted to know peoples' opinions about "A" and "B." I don't want to seem too pushy!

Getting an acceptance here would be a dream come true for me. Having gone through endless amounts of rejections and waitlists, it'd honestly be a surreal moment if I were ever granted admission. Just entertaining the notion in my head often brings me to tears. I feel like I've done everything in my power to alleviate adcoms' concerns about my potential to handle the rigors of medicine.

A couple of second year medical students told me that they got in off the waitlist in April and May, so there is always a sliver of hope even if we don't pre-match or match!
 
Y'all...this waiting game is killing me. Who else thinks the second pre-match is going to get released on the 20th (next Sunday)? Anybody have another idea?
 
renaissancerebel said:
Y'all...this waiting game is killing me. Who else thinks the second pre-match is going to get released on the 20th (next Sunday)? Anybody have another idea?
Click to expand...

Lol, I feel ya but I'm trying not to let get to me this time around. I played this crazy waiting game with the MCAT results and that was definitely hazardous to my health. :hungover:

But yeah Sunday pre-match 2 seems likely. If not, waiting till February match is not the end of the world. I'll just chill here 😎
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

wysdoc
2024-2025 University of Washington
10 11 12 13 14
Replies
680
Views
150K
stew_md
S
wysdoc
2024-2025 University of Chicago (Pritzker)
12 13 14 15 16
Replies
778
Views
211K
X0001234
X0001234
wysdoc
2024-2025 Medical University of South Carolina
3 4 5 6 7
Replies
302
Views
60K
hbic2025
H
wysdoc
2024-2025 University of Central Florida (UCF)
3 4 5 6 7
Replies
318
Views
76K
LaurelePoole
L
wysdoc
2024-2025 Texas A & M
8 9 10 11 12
Replies
575
Views
124K
CYaL8Er01
C
Top