2015-2016 University of Washington Application Thread

Med School Insiders
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Does anyone know how students are chosen for the Spokane site?
 
BABSstudent said:
The school requires a personal vehicle. It's in the requirements. They budget money for it in your estimated cost of attendance. In Seattle, you can get by with public transportation and cars to go, etc for most rotations. However, we have to go outside of the Seattle area in 3rd/4th year so a car is required. You can't request to be in Seattle just because you don't have a car. A beater $500-1,000 car could get you around and be fine. That is well within the budgeted amount given by the school and will do fine. You aren't trying to impress others with your car. Most students have some sort of vehicle that they had before starting medical school.
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Is the $1200 for transportation budget what you mean by the car budget? I guess that means you need to have a car already paid for without insurance? It seems to barely enough for gas, no?
 
WOOOO HOOOOO!! I got the call today at 4:24PM from a 206 #....I was in the car so I bluetoothed in and my whole family heard! 😀 Interviewed 11/12 so @timsk we are officially (may be) classmates HOW CRAZY!! 😀

It's a good thing I don't usually check my email, because I apparently got the email at 3:44PM and that would have been an awkward telephone call:
"Hey XXXX it's Dr. XXXX, got good news...."
"um....yeah ..I know..got the email already" XD j.k I'd just pretend lol

Im so psyched! Top choice so goodbye to all other interviews!

For anyone curious, seems the EXCOM meeting was this past friday since the one they had end of Oct..so next meeting may be early December.

😀
 
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I was pumped because I didn't get an SUC email.

Then I checked my spam folder. Whomp whomp 🙁
 
huskygirl123 said:
Is the $1200 for transportation budget what you mean by the car budget? I guess that means you need to have a car already paid for without insurance? It seems to barely enough for gas, no?
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Check again. Your number is wrong. Look at the 3rd/4th year transportation budget when you would be using it. It's closer to $3,000. Basically, if you don't think that's enough, save up from 1st and 2nd year and use it during 3rd and 4th when you need it. But really, a $500 to $1000 car will do it. Or just pay for a car to go. It's within the budget.

No point in complaining about it or trying to find a way around it. It's a requirement. In fact, it's a requirement at most medical schools to have a personal vehicle. I mean, public transportation doesn't always run at 3-4 AM.
 
Phew. Got the acceptance email after all. Perhaps they are employing some tricks from my major and using a little reverse psychology on me. Making me want your program even more by offering me an acceptance, telling me i'm on hold, then reconfirming that i am accepted. I see you over there in the corner, UWSOM, playing hard to catch. And despite my best efforts, i'm totes falling for you.
 
Got my second SUC yesterday (11/24), first SUC was on 11/7 after interviewing 10/15. Does this mean the adcom is meeting every two weeks this year?
 
Also, i walked out of my interview feeling so great, and as every day of waiting passes I look back on it and second guess myself, coming up with things I should have said better or things I did wrong. I went from fairly confident to sure I won't get in just in my head over the last month. Anyone else feeling this way?
 
hopefulpeds01 said:
Also, i walked out of my interview feeling so great, and as every day of waiting passes I look back on it and second guess myself, coming up with things I should have said better or things I did wrong. I went from fairly confident to sure I won't get in just in my head over the last month. Anyone else feeling this way?
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Completely. There was so much more I wanted to say. But their interview style was pretty rapid-fire; they said at the beginning to just go with the flow and they'd steer the conversation in different directions. I'm sure we did fine, and we can't go back and change anything, anyway!
 
For anyone who still hasn't received a secondary.

OOR Mission Statement submitted 9/4/15, secondary received TODAY, 11/25/15!!
 
parachichi said:
Completely. There was so much more I wanted to say. But their interview style was pretty rapid-fire; they said at the beginning to just go with the flow and they'd steer the conversation in different directions. I'm sure we did fine, and we can't go back and change anything, anyway!
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Agreed, felt like the fastest 30min of my life. All us SUC people just need to hang in there for now! Still plenty of time between now and the end of March to hear something. Good luck everyone!
 
Rejected pre-secondary. The reason they gave is that I don't meet their criteria because I am out of region which is weird when out of region applicants are receiving secondaries. Oh well though, it is what it is!
 
Does anyone know how many OOSers get secondaries and interviews?
 
hopefulpeds01 said:
Also, i walked out of my interview feeling so great, and as every day of waiting passes I look back on it and second guess myself, coming up with things I should have said better or things I did wrong. I went from fairly confident to sure I won't get in just in my head over the last month. Anyone else feeling this way?
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Me. Exactly this. I've gone over many moments where I don't think I represented myself in the best possible manner and cringe. This is my top choice school but it was my first interview. A shame.
 
For anyone keeping track: My friend (not an SDNer) got accepted Monday as well. She interviewed 10/19.

MedArtist said:
Me. Exactly this. I've gone over many moments where I don't think I represented myself in the best possible manner and cringe. This is my top choice school but it was my first interview. A shame.
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@hopefulpeds01 I think a lot of people feel this way! Don't be too hard on yourself...not much to do about it now. If it makes you feel any better, I felt exactly the same...and for me, as it was with @MedArtist, it was my first interview...ever. I felt very insecure rethinking how I behaved and things I said (maybe I should have been more professional or used less facial expressions or at least control them!) but I got an acceptance! So chin up! Look forward and do whatever you can to improve your chances now...nothing you can do about the past.
 
For anyone keeping track: My friend (not an SDNer) got accepted Monday as well. She interviewed 10/19.
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She interviewed the same day as me!
 
MedArtist said:
Me. Exactly this. I've gone over many moments where I don't think I represented myself in the best possible manner and cringe. This is my top choice school but it was my first interview. A shame.
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Don't worry about that. The two interviews where I sucked (literally! I found myself talking about islands and food when the questions had nothing to do with it) were the ones where I got accepted, and the one interview were I felt pretty confident and great about I got WL!
 
IS. Interviewing on Tue Jan 5th!
Top choice school since I love the Seattle-area after having lived here for 15 years.

Anyone want to help me practice for this interview? Either in person/phone/google hangout? I'm based in Seattle, and will buy you coffee if we meet in person. 🙂

Congrats to everyone who has already got in!
 
avidbiker said:
IS. Interviewing on Tue Jan 5th!
Top choice school since I love the Seattle-area after having lived here for 15 years.

Anyone want to help me practice for this interview? Either in person/phone/google hangout? I'm based in Seattle, and will buy you coffee if we meet in person. 🙂

Congrats to everyone who has already got in!
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Congrats!! When were you complete 🙂
 
People who have interviewed: I have vague memories of hearing that they give you some packets and things like that with information when you get there, so you need to have a typical work bag to carry that kind of thing. Now I can't tell if I made that up or where I heard it or what?

I'm looking at the outfit I put together for mine and realizing my big leather work bag is huuuuge but my smaller ones are more obviously purses (the larger one is like a briefcase almost) and only just large enough to carry your typical 8.5x11 papers. Then I went... Do I even need to do that?

What a dumb thing to be worried about last minute. I think my brain is trying to focus on something other than the interview itself.
 
UW gives a rather small envelope to its interviewees, with most of the information contained on a flash drive. This could fit in a small purse or can be folded up and put in a jacket pocket, so i wouldn't worry about bringing any large bag. And if you do bring any bag or purse, they will have an area they can keep it for you during your interview and tours. After my first interview i realized the focus on SDN on what one wears and brings with them on interview day is way out of proportion to the focus that schools seem to place on it. So just brings whatever makes you most comfortable and instead focus on the main event- the interview! Fee free to PM if you have any additional questions.
 
coatiboti said:
People who have interviewed: I have vague memories of hearing that they give you some packets and things like that with information when you get there, so you need to have a typical work bag to carry that kind of thing. Now I can't tell if I made that up or where I heard it or what?

I'm looking at the outfit I put together for mine and realizing my big leather work bag is huuuuge but my smaller ones are more obviously purses (the larger one is like a briefcase almost) and only just large enough to carry your typical 8.5x11 papers. Then I went... Do I even need to do that?

What a dumb thing to be worried about last minute. I think my brain is trying to focus on something other than the interview itself.
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They give you a tiny envelope with a USB stick and like 3 pieces of paper in it. So it would fit in even a tiny purse. I just had a regular purse and it was totally fine.
Good luck on your interview!
 
Fedekz said:
Ugh, I just realized I made a mistake. Hopefully this isn't fatal, but maybe I'm just being neurotic...

"After your interview, you are welcome to send thank you notes, and grade updates to the Office of Admissions.
Please do not contact your interviewers directly. "

The day after my interview I was researching my EXCOM member who was on my panel and came across his email and sent him a thank you note directly to his UW email. Clearly I either never caught that bolded line, or forgot!
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Oops. I was looking through this thread to see if I could get an idea of when I'd hear back and saw this. I work at UW, so my first inclination was to search the directory for a box number. Maybe I shouldn't have been so hasty to write those thank you notes after all! I share your hope that this isn't fatal 😀
 
idontknowwhatnametopick said:
They give you a tiny envelope with a USB stick and like 3 pieces of paper in it. So it would fit in even a tiny purse. I just had a regular purse and it was totally fine.
Good luck on your interview!
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Oh whew. Way to go the way of the future with that one, UW!

Thank you!! I'm so nervous I could just keel over and die at any minute.
 
Also if anyone is super nervous about interviewing: my panel was awesome. I actually had fun talking to them. They pushed back on me a few times (like on the "why medicine?" and "why UW?" questions) but otherwise I didn't feel like they were out to get me or trying to stress me out in any way. I felt pretty good about it but am also paranoid that they thought I was terrible :nailbiting:. Crossing all of my fingers and toes!!!
 
TinyGypsy said:
Also if anyone is super nervous about interviewing: my panel was awesome. I actually had fun talking to them. They pushed back on me a few times (like on the "why medicine?" and "why UW?" questions) but otherwise I didn't feel like they were out to get me or trying to stress me out in any way. I felt pretty good about it but am also paranoid that they thought I was terrible :nailbiting:. Crossing all of my fingers and toes!!!
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I shared a similar experience with my interview. My panel was pretty laid back for all questions and if you can make them crack a smile you will be okay. One of he kept giving a thumbs up. But one was also very serious and distant so I think overall the panels tries to make it as easy as possible for you to feel at home, but will also leave you with a vague idea of whether it was a Great/good/okay/bad/terrible interview. I assume the two extremes would be obvious to the interviewed student though! 🙂

@coatiboti just relax and focus on having a goal impression to leave them with. Make sure you know 4-5 things that you want them to for sure know about why you are pursuing medicine and why UW! Good luck! Any Qs PM me!
 
I can testify to a similar experience as well! I think that my EXCOM member saw that I was pretty nervous in the beginning and really made my interview a comfortable space. The 30 minutes is definitely quick and painless, and like everyone else said, just be yourself, know why medicine/why UW! Best of luck!!
 
timsk said:
UW gives a rather small envelope to its interviewees, with most of the information contained on a flash drive. This could fit in a small purse or can be folded up and put in a jacket pocket, so i wouldn't worry about bringing any large bag. And if you do bring any bag or purse, they will have an area they can keep it for you during your interview and tours. After my first interview i realized the focus on SDN on what one wears and brings with them on interview day is way out of proportion to the focus that schools seem to place on it. So just brings whatever makes you most comfortable and instead focus on the main event- the interview! Fee free to PM if you have any additional questions.
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What one wears is not a big deal as long as it doesn't stand out for the wrong reasons. Like when someone shows up in a completely wrong sized suit, or wears formal attire instead of a standard suit, or just wears a button down shirt, or wears street shoes with their suit, or how about showing up to the applicant tour and lunch wearing a polo and jeans while the other applicants wore suits (they weren't interviewing that day, but interviewed in Spokane and were checking out the Seattle campus). All those have happened in the three years I have been here. But if you just do the standard, a charcoal or blue plain suit and basic patterned tie, you'll be fine. You want to be remembered for your interview, not your outfit.
 
Has any Idaho WWAMI's received an interview date since their invitation?
 
Hey all!

I'm an OOS interviewing in January (can't wait!!) and was wondering about logistics. I just confirmed the date, they haven't sent any information in emails, so this might be forthcoming, but in the hopes of booking travel sooner rather than later, I was wondering--
1. I'd fly into SEA, right?
2. A google maps search says that the school of medicine is about 30 min drive or 1 hr on public transportation. Are cabs/ubers a ridiculously expensive choice? Is the public transport option a thing that people do?
3. Do they have student hosts? I couldn't find that... or did others stay in apartments?

I've never been to seattle before, so I'm very clueless--Thank you for your help!
 
brighteyes1017 said:
I've never been to seattle before, so I'm very clueless--Thank you for your help!
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I can PM you and help you figure out the transportation stuff 🙂 Not sure about the hosts because I live here...
 
Congrats on the interview!

Yes, fly into Seatac. If money isn't an issue, you can get a cab/uber. But, if you like saving money, public transportation is a really easy option. Just grab the light rail from the airport and ride it to the last stop, approximately 40 minutes. Then get off and transfer to a 71, 72, or 73 bus, all of which go to the University District. Then it's about a 10 or 15 minute walk to the medical center from the bus stop. Feel free to PM me if you want some more specific information. I hope you have the time to stay in the area for a few days and explore Seattle.

And based off the email i received from the UWSOM, i don't think they do student hosts. But i didn't look into it as i am a local.
 
brighteyes1017 said:
Hey all!

I'm an OOS interviewing in January (can't wait!!) and was wondering about logistics. I just confirmed the date, they haven't sent any information in emails, so this might be forthcoming, but in the hopes of booking travel sooner rather than later, I was wondering--
1. I'd fly into SEA, right?
2. A google maps search says that the school of medicine is about 30 min drive or 1 hr on public transportation. Are cabs/ubers a ridiculously expensive choice? Is the public transport option a thing that people do?
3. Do they have student hosts? I couldn't find that... or did others stay in apartments?

I've never been to seattle before, so I'm very clueless--Thank you for your help!
Click to expand...

1. Yes you would fly into SeaTac.
2. Taking a cab to UW Medicine from the airport will probably be ~60. If you don't want that and want to cut down on travel time, you can take the Lightrail to downtown and cab/Uber/Lyft from there. The train ride is probably ~20 min and $3, and Uber/Lyft from downtown is probably~$10-15?
3. I don't have an answer to this, unfortunately. I'd ask the admissions.
 
Can anyone shed some light on the Spokane interview process? Is it the same as Seattle's format across all other campuses, with the 3 member panel interview and role play questions? From the website it seems like that's what we should expect, but I wanted to clarify from anyone with first hand experience 🙂
 
OOR here, I'll be exploring the area this weekend before my interview on Monday. Any must-do's in the area?
 
Airport cab to Seattle is like $40. Light rail is $4. Most people use the light rail since it is convenience. Next year you can ride it to the medical center.

They offer student hosting. You just need to ask. I hosted my first and second year, now I'm in my 3rd and am not in the area so I don't.
 
mauroz said:
OOR here, I'll be exploring the area this weekend before my interview on Monday. Any must-do's in the area?
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There's the obvious touristy things like Pike place and the Space Needle. If after interview day you want to splurge for some good food, look into Din Tai Fung. It is a 20-ish minute walk away and delicious.
 
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RuggerMD said:
There's the obvious touristy things like Pike's place and the Space Needle. If after interview day you want to splurge for some good food, look into Din Tai Fung. It is a 20-ish minute walk away and delicious.
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I'm sorry but I just have to correct you. Huge pet peeve.

Pike Place

No "'s"
 
brighteyes1017 said:
Hey all!

I'm an OOS interviewing in January (can't wait!!) and was wondering about logistics. I just confirmed the date, they haven't sent any information in emails, so this might be forthcoming, but in the hopes of booking travel sooner rather than later, I was wondering--
1. I'd fly into SEA, right?
2. A google maps search says that the school of medicine is about 30 min drive or 1 hr on public transportation. Are cabs/ubers a ridiculously expensive choice? Is the public transport option a thing that people do?
3. Do they have student hosts? I couldn't find that... or did others stay in apartments?

I've never been to seattle before, so I'm very clueless--Thank you for your help!
Click to expand...

Agree with the other posters. Light rail from the airport is fast and easy, then from downtown you can bus if you like for very cheap (this will require a fair bit of walking with luggage so I personally don't like doing it when I fly). You can also can or Uber from downtown, or Car2Go though that's always a bigger crapshoot. It'd be $15 minimum to get a ride though, just going off past fares I've had from downtown to that general area.

I did see that they theoretically have a student host program but I don't know how active it actually is. There was a blurb about it in the directions info link in my interview confirmation email I believe.

Also be forewarned that rush hour traffic here is absolutely insane but traffic overall is unpredictable. If you're planning to be traveling to campus in the morning or end of business day, buffer your time out a lot. A LOT. I have myself a 20 minute buffer when driving over there from way closer than downtown the other day and blew through it completely. Normally a 10 minute drive was ~30 mins.


mauroz said:
OOR here, I'll be exploring the area this weekend before my interview on Monday. Any must-do's in the area?
Click to expand...

EMP Museum. If you're in the U District, stuff will be extra crowded because finals are next week and restaurants and coffee shops people study in can get real dense. But then everything else is emptier ;D
 
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