2016-2017 University of Pennsylvania (Perelman) Application Thread

[musclebro]

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Yep, I tried a friends credit card. Unfortunately no one I know has a credit card with a billing address in the states 🙁

I've called and emailed UPenn. I also called my Visa company and they said that it wasn't on their end, as the transaction isn't coming through, so it's definitely on the UPenn end.

Hopefully someone in the office gets back to me. I'd be willing to mail a check, or find some other way to pay if I knew I needed to

Also, remember it's 4th of July weekend here in the states, and sometimes some employees like to use their saved up vacation days to take additional time off around this holiday. So be patient 🙂 Sorry this is an issue for you

 

[akhan15]

Hey all! I'm new on SDN so I apologize in advance if I break any rules. For the question where it asks us to list awards, does anyone know if we have to keep each award to 100 characters each? Or can we use multiple lines to describe one award? I can't even fit the full name of one award in 100 characters, let alone a description (also, should we include descriptions?) Please let me know! I'm trying to send this out ASAP. Thanks 🙂

 

[akhan15]

Also, would honor societies count?

 

[QuantumFlame]

Hey, so I was wondering if you could share any info/experiences you've had with how they let you take classes that are in other schools at UPenn without additional cost? Is this something you've done? Do you even have time to take classes outside of the med school? Do you happen to know if this is an uncommon policy among medical schools? Thanks!

Plenty of responses already, but I'll just add that the whole university is really open to you. We have someone in our class (MS2) who was looking to take a creative writing class, people have taken public health courses, public policy and healthcare econ etc.

 

[kegar99]

Plenty of responses already, but I'll just add that the whole university is really open to you. We have someone in our class (MS2) who was looking to take a creative writing class, people have taken public health courses, public policy and healthcare econ etc.

Dang, that sounds awesome! Thanks to all the current students for the responses!

 

[ShenandoahDoc]

I'm a graduating 4th year, but will be staying at Penn for residency because I liked it here so much. If you guys have questions about any of the four years of medical school here, I'm more than happy to answer them!

For the questions: "4. Are there any special, unique, personal, or challenging aspects of your personal background or circumstances that you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions, not addressed elsewhere (siblings/relatives at Penn, applying as a couple, educational environment, culture, ethnicity, etc.) (1000 characters if yes)"
I'm considering writing that my girlfriend (whom I intend to get engaged to this fall) has an excellent job prospect in Philly. Would this be an appropriate thing to bring up here? I know it's not something I would usually bring up, and I won't be on most of my apps, but they asked here so I'm thinking about saying it. Do you (or anyone else) have any thought?

 

[buzzl1ghtyear]

For the questions: "4. Are there any special, unique, personal, or challenging aspects of your personal background or circumstances that you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions, not addressed elsewhere (siblings/relatives at Penn, applying as a couple, educational environment, culture, ethnicity, etc.) (1000 characters if yes)"
I'm considering writing that my girlfriend (whom I intend to get engaged to this fall) has an excellent job prospect in Philly. Would this be an appropriate thing to bring up here? I know it's not something I would usually bring up, and I won't be on most of my apps, but they asked here so I'm thinking about saying it. Do you (or anyone else) have any thought?

I basically wrote what you just said there

 

[darkjedi]

For the questions: "4. Are there any special, unique, personal, or challenging aspects of your personal background or circumstances that you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions, not addressed elsewhere (siblings/relatives at Penn, applying as a couple, educational environment, culture, ethnicity, etc.) (1000 characters if yes)"
I'm considering writing that my girlfriend (whom I intend to get engaged to this fall) has an excellent job prospect in Philly. Would this be an appropriate thing to bring up here? I know it's not something I would usually bring up, and I won't be on most of my apps, but they asked here so I'm thinking about saying it. Do you (or anyone else) have any thought?

It is up to you. If the job prospect were more or less a sure thing, then it's probably worth mentioning, otherwise it might not really hold as much weight. The adcom generally likes to know if you have any connections to the area, as those things could factor into class recruitment.

 

[ShenandoahDoc]

Gotcha, thank you both.

 

[Iz_FtB]

Yep, I tried a friends credit card. Unfortunately no one I know has a credit card with a billing address in the states 🙁

I've called and emailed UPenn. I also called my Visa company and they said that it wasn't on their end, as the transaction isn't coming through, so it's definitely on the UPenn end.

Hopefully someone in the office gets back to me. I'd be willing to mail a check, or find some other way to pay if I knew I needed to

Canadian here, facing a similar issue. I'll try to get in touch with them, but not sure I'll have any more luck than you.

 

[NeedACar]

Canadian here, facing a similar issue. I'll try to get in touch with them, but not sure I'll have any more luck than you.

I have gotten a response from them.

CANADIANS: Use province abbreviations, (AB, ON, QC) NOT the fully written word.


Completely counter intuitive given the prompt, I know

 

[Iz_FtB]

I have gotten a response from them.

CANADIANS: Use province abbreviations, (AB, ON, QC) NOT the fully written word.


Completely counter intuitive given the prompt, I know

Thanks! That did it.

See you at Penn!

 

[Formation]

4. Are there any special, unique, personal, or challenging aspects of your personal background or circumstances that you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions, not addressed elsewhere (siblings/relatives at Penn, applying as a couple, educational environment, culture, ethnicity, etc.) (1000 characters if yes)

Do you guys think it's necessary to talk about sexuality? It's something I bring up in my diversity essays, but this is more of an optional essay that I don't know how necessary it is to talk about here.

 

[questionsquestions!]

4. Are there any special, unique, personal, or challenging aspects of your personal background or circumstances that you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions, not addressed elsewhere (siblings/relatives at Penn, applying as a couple, educational environment, culture, ethnicity, etc.) (1000 characters if yes)

Do you guys think it's necessary to talk about sexuality? It's something I bring up in my diversity essays, but this is more of an optional essay that I don't know how necessary it is to talk about here.

I didn't! But if you had challenging experiences that you think are important for schools to know, then you should definitely write about it.

 

[sallyhasanidea]

Should we apply here if we have no examples for the secondary questions?

Would scholarships from a state university count?

I have no awards.. no global activities (what does this even mean)... no circumstances that are special...

anyone else in the same boat as me and still applying?

 

[clathrin413]

4. Are there any special, unique, personal, or challenging aspects of your personal background or circumstances that you would like to share with the Committee on Admissions, not addressed elsewhere (siblings/relatives at Penn, applying as a couple, educational environment, culture, ethnicity, etc.) (1000 characters if yes)

Do you guys think it's necessary to talk about sexuality? It's something I bring up in my diversity essays, but this is more of an optional essay that I don't know how necessary it is to talk about here.

lmao I did exactly this, figured it couldn't hurt since it is a part of what I've done in medicine ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Also just submitted! A bit after the two weeks mark *sigh*, hoping for the best with a 79 LizzyM though!

 

[sleepyturtle]

Should we apply here if we have no examples for the secondary questions?

Would scholarships from a state university count?

I have no awards.. no global activities (what does this even mean)... no circumstances that are special...

anyone else in the same boat as me and still applying?

Me either.. no national awards or study abroad, etc... not sure if I should apply 🙁

 

[sallyhasanidea]

What are global activities?

I've never studied abroad... but I've travelled abroad... to Canada lol, should I put that and what I learned?

 

[33ducks]

What are global activities?

I've never studied abroad... but I've travelled abroad... to Canada lol, should I put that and what I learned?

lol, what did you learn while in Canada? How to chug maple syrup and fight a polar bear?

 

[sallyhasanidea]

lol, what did you learn while in Canada? How to chug maple syrup and fight a polar bear?

I learned some stuff... but should I put that?

 

[33ducks]

I learned some stuff... but should I put that?

well I heard that stuff is basically a prerequisite for canadian schools... catches some people off guard during the MMI stations 🙂

 

[Iwannaknow]

Anyone know when the first II offers are usually given out and also when the first interviews actually are?

 

[flumadiddle]

Anyone know when the first II offers are usually given out and also when the first interviews actually are?

From last year's thread, IIs started in late August. However, considering how verification/secondaries are earlier this year, I would guess this cycle's will be earlier (early to mid August?). From my application status page: "Interviews will begin in September and continue into January, 2017."

 

[Iwannaknow]

From last year's thread, IIs started in late August. However, considering how verification/secondaries are earlier this year, I would guess this cycle's will be earlier (early to mid August?). From my application status page: "Interviews will begin in September and continue into January, 2017."

Alright thanks! I just wanted to try to schedule my pittsburgh interview, so I don't have to fly out there twice, but it looks like there's no way to figure that out.

 

[krukshanks]

Does global activity have to mean some structured program? I am international and was essentially brought up in another country. Does this count?

 

[NeverStressedAlwaysHappy]

Good luck all 🙂

 

[NeverStressedAlwaysHappy]

N

Does global activity have to mean some structured program? I am international and was essentially brought up in another country. Does this count?

no it doesn't have to be structured.

 

[sallyhasanidea]

Good luck everybody! I'm a current first year, and happy to answer any questions! I've had an amazing time since getting to Penn. This place is really special, as you'll see when you interview. Don't hesitate to ask questions, there are a couple of us on the boards willing to provide an insider perspective.

Is there anything unique about penn as a school? What are some of the advantages penn provides?

 

[alcoholdehydrogenase69]

Wow this app is daunting, this place seems so amazing

 

[QuantumFlame]

Is there anything unique about penn as a school? What are some of the advantages penn provides?

In general, it's going to be difficult to identify any single factor that is completely unique to Penn. However, some of the advantages and cool things about Penn that I really like include:

1. The curriculum is very well designed. Penn has been doing the 1.5 year preclinical thing for a long while now, and they've got a proven system.
2. The school is integrated into the rest of the UPHS system, as well as the broader university. Taking classes outside of the school of medicine is easy, and you feel like part of a really vibrant academic community.
3. Penn matches very very well. Intimidatingly well. What really strikes me about the Penn match is that people really go all over the place. There's relatively less inbreeding than other "top" academic places.
4. Philadelphia is a fantastic city. I've lived all along the eastern seaboard, and Philly is my favorite place so far. It's big enough so that there is always something happening, but not overwhelming. The people are generally friendly, and it is a great place to be a grad student.
5. CHOP. nuff said.
6. There are lots of formal opportunities to get extra stuff done. Whether you want extra letters after your name (MBA, MTR, MPH, JD, PhD etc. etc.) plus a ton of certificate programs or year out programs, there is something for you.
7. For a research powerhouse, Penn also has a nice family environment to it, which I was not expecting. The administration is really supportive, students have fun and we aren't stressed out of our minds.
8. Lastly, I partially judge a school based on how it treats it's students financial concerns. The fact that Penn gives out 35 full merit scholarships on top of partial merit scholarships and need based aid tells me that they are willing to invest in me (and all their students). They walk the walk in that respect. And the financial help extends beyond the MD degree. Most (if not all) MPH students are fully funded. The MTR is often fully funded. It's one thing to have lots of opportunities. It's another to make those opportunities easily accessible and financially viable.

I could go on and on, but I'll leave it there for now.

 

[ResidencyHopeful123]

From last year's thread, IIs started in late August. However, considering how verification/secondaries are earlier this year, I would guess this cycle's will be earlier (early to mid August?). From my application status page: "Interviews will begin in September and continue into January, 2017."

Edit: Please see below, made an error!

 

[TheRhymenocerous]

I actually received my II here very early in August (last year), so keep a lookout!

I am 87% sure the first IIs were sent out 8/24 last year!

 

[ResidencyHopeful123]

I am 87% sure the first IIs were sent out 8/24 last year!

Ha, you are right! I just checked my charts from last year and have my II marked as 8/24. Apologies for the misinformation!

Not sure why I remember it is as early August 😕

 

[TheRhymenocerous]

Ha, you are right! I just checked my charts from last year and have my II marked as 8/24. Apologies for the misinformation!

Not sure why I remember it is as early August 😕

Wouldn't want people to be even more anxious than they already are 🙂

Good luck, everyone! Perelman is amazing!

 

[Patches O'houlihan]

Have you participated in any global activities outside of the U.S. prior to submitting your AMCAS application?

Dumb question but does traveling work for this?

 

[alcoholdehydrogenase69]

Have you participated in any global activities outside of the U.S. prior to submitting your AMCAS application?

Dumb question but does traveling work for this?

Nope


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[Lessa]

Hey all! I'm new on SDN so I apologize in advance if I break any rules. For the question where it asks us to list awards, does anyone know if we have to keep each award to 100 characters each? Or can we use multiple lines to describe one award? I can't even fit the full name of one award in 100 characters, let alone a description (also, should we include descriptions?) Please let me know! I'm trying to send this out ASAP. Thanks 🙂

Can somebody shed some light on this? I'm nearly ready to hit submit on my application but I'm not sure about the awards section. I don't know that I have any awards unless I'm allowed to count Phi Beta Kappa and things like that. Does anyone know what is acceptable?

 

[Quaper]

Can somebody shed some light on this? I'm nearly ready to hit submit on my application but I'm not sure about the awards section. I don't know that I have any awards unless I'm allowed to count Phi Beta Kappa and things like that. Does anyone know what is acceptable?

I put any scholarships and an Honors designation.

 

[Lessa]

For the global experiences section, does anyone know if I can include a Birthright trip?

 

[Mcatbot]

Can somebody shed some light on this? I'm nearly ready to hit submit on my application but I'm not sure about the awards section. I don't know that I have any awards unless I'm allowed to count Phi Beta Kappa and things like that. Does anyone know what is acceptable?

PBK doesn't count. Pretty sure the prompt asks for state/regional/national awards. Also if that's your picture you should change it to preserve anonymity.

 

[belvita]

PBK doesn't count. Pretty sure the prompt asks for state/regional/national awards. Also if that's your picture you should change it to preserve anonymity.

I included PBK because the prompt asks for awards from state/regional/national organizations. I considered PBK to be a national organization when filling out the secondary. I guess the award comes from the local chapter, but eh, listing it (or not listing it) probably won't make or break anyone's app

 

[darkjedi]

PBK is definitely fine to include, but I imagine many of you with PBK have already included it in your primary app, so it's not the worst thing even if you don't.

 

[jeshigiu11]

I'm trying to decide if I should apply here because the secondary is daunting. Do people get in after answering "no" to the awards question? I haven't won any state+ awards. No research publications. I've done some shadowing abroad, but I'm not sure if that counts for question #2. Realistically, the only question I'd be able to answer is #4, where I'd talk about culture or something; otherwise my secondary would be blank. Is anyone else in this situation and still applying/has applied?

 

[BruceWayneJr]

Does anyone know if Penn accepts updates to the application? For example I accepted a new job but I don't see anywhere on the status page to update a secondary

 

[Grimnir]

Does anyone know if Penn accepts updates to the application? For example I accepted a new job but I don't see anywhere on the status page to update a secondary

If you go to the "Letters" tab and scroll to the bottom there's a section called "Other Correspondence" where you can upload documents.

 

[BruceWayneJr]

If you go to the "Letters" tab and scroll to the bottom there's a section called "Other Correspondence" where you can upload documents.

Perfect, thank you!

 

[rapbang]

Just submitted secondary.


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[syke_RN]

Have any rejections gone out yet? Just checked my app and saw that I'm complete but on hold for my pending MCAT marks..

 

[bromo]

Interviews go out starting the week of 8/22. First interview date is 9/21. So far, last interview scheduled in 2016 is 12/15 (MD-only). Interviews on Wed, Thurs, or Fri.

Six MD/PhD interview days: 10/27-28, 11/17-18, 12/8-9, 12/15-16, 01/12-13, 01/19-20. MD and MD/PhD offices handle schedulings differently.

Hopefully that helps with some planning expectations. Not sure how volatile schedules are to change, but this is what it is so far.

 

[darkjedi]

Have any rejections gone out yet? Just checked my app and saw that I'm complete but on hold for my pending MCAT marks..

In past years, Penn doesn't pre-II reject until at least January, when all the interview dates have wrapped up.