2017-2018 University of Arizona - Tucson

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NickiB0427 said:
I'm in the same boat as you.
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Lets sail this boat together then! Haha. I think for now, I'll take silence as good. Hopefully we will get II soon *fingers crossed*
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Does anyone receive a rejection without a hold? Or does everyone get a hold and then eventually get rejected or interviewed?
 
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theswagginwagon said:
Does anyone receive a rejection without a hold? Or does everyone get a hold and then eventually get rejected or interviewed?
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I could be wrong, but after reviewing last year's thread, it seemed like Tucson sent "hold" emails to everyone if they did not initially qualify for a II. They don't appear to silently reject applicants, so if you haven't heard back you, it's probably b/c they just haven't reviewed your application yet. I did not see any posts from last year's thread by people who were outright rejected, receiving neither a pre-II hold email or II email. Some applicants who received the hold email eventually were invited to interview (seemed to be within a month of receiving their hold email); everyone else receiving the pre-II hold email were later rejected much later in the application cycle (around Thanksgiving time or later).
 
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theswagginwagon said:
Does anyone receive a rejection without a hold? Or does everyone get a hold and then eventually get rejected or interviewed?
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I'm sure that they straight up reject people, I know that Phoenix does and the policies seem relatively similar. I haven't heard anyone from the Phoenix thread being rejected IS though. I have a hold for Tucson but haven't heard anything from Phoenix.
 
forumname1 said:
I'm sure that they straight up reject people, I know that Phoenix does and the policies seem relatively similar. I haven't heard anyone from the Phoenix thread being rejected IS though. I have a hold for Tucson but haven't heard anything from Phoenix.
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I was rejected straight up from Phoenix. No email, just on the communication tab of the portal. OOS though
 
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squidwardsquarepants said:
Communication tab usually is anything they sent via email...?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
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I've heard that UA doesn't always e-mail. Had a friend get an interview a few cycles back and didn't get the e-mail, but they checked their portal way later and saw the invite but it was too late at that point. That's why I check it everyday for both.
 
Does anyone know if it would be a big deal if I missed the pre-reception the day before my interview? My flight doesn't even land until 6pm the day of the pre-reception.
 
livingthepremednightmare said:
Does anyone know if it would be a big deal if I missed the pre-reception the day before my interview? My flight doesn't even land until 6pm the day of the pre-reception.
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Not a big deal at all. It was fun to meet some cool second year students, but youll do it all on interview day. if you can, definitely make it because itll convince you how great the school is. But if not, it will have no weight on their decision.
 
forumname1 said:
I'm sure that they straight up reject people, I know that Phoenix does and the policies seem relatively similar. I haven't heard anyone from the Phoenix thread being rejected IS though. I have a hold for Tucson but haven't heard anything from Phoenix.
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There are applicants who do not earn a secondary.
 
Interviewing tomorrow and I'm kind of nervous just because it's my first MMI ever. Anyone who's interviewed yet have any advice?
 
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stu403270 said:
Interviewing tomorrow and I'm kind of nervous just because it's my first MMI ever. Anyone who's interviewed yet have any advice?
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The students will repeat this to you when you see them for the tour but the best advice really is just be yourself and have fun with it. React to these situations as you would in real life, showcase who you are and don't try to emulate what you think they want to see.

Best of luck tomorrow to you and anyone else. I had my interview recently and absolutely fell in love with UACOM. The student body is absolutely wonderful, the faculty is so warm and welcoming, and the campus is BEAUTIFUL. I genuinely already miss it and want nothing more than to receive and acceptance. Have fun, ask questions, LOVE IT, because it's a truly unique and wonderful experience.
 
TakemePRN said:
UAZ COM-T,

IAMA Admissions Coordinator - AMA • r/premed

What do you make of this post on Reddit? Can you confirm if this is Lori Vargo or not? It's hugely concerning that a senior coordinator for admissions would call someone an idiot (even if its on social media). I suspect not but feel like UAZ-COM-T should be made aware.
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Admissions Staff are humans too. Give them a break. Whoever was chatting with her was pushing the wrong button and probably got rejected immediately. Everyone in the Admissions Office, including Lori, is more friendly than you know.
 
Got Rice? said:
Admissions Staff are humans too. Give them a break. Whoever was chatting with her was pushing the wrong button and probably got rejected immediately. Everyone in the Admissions Office, including Lori, is more friendly than you know.
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As someone who advocates for free speech, an adcom calling someone an "idiot" is too real. Please extend a LizzyM 64 an Interview Invite. Youll recognize me by my expertise in healthcare of other species.
 
Got Rice? said:
Admissions Staff are humans too. Give them a break. Whoever was chatting with her was pushing the wrong button and probably got rejected immediately. Everyone in the Admissions Office, including Lori, is more friendly than you know.
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I can attest to the statement of Lori being extremely friendly. Having had a brief conversation with her during the interview process, it's evident she truly cares about the COM and it's students.
 
Got Rice? said:
Admissions Staff are humans too. Give them a break. Whoever was chatting with her was pushing the wrong button and probably got rejected immediately. Everyone in the Admissions Office, including Lori, is more friendly than you know.
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The person who was chatting with her was the moderator of the forum and was not an applicant, as far as I know. I think they just want to be sure people aren't posing as admissions members and posting misinformation. That being said, it was clearly not fake...unfortunate that it was taken down because the info was actually useful. Also, it's great that Tucson is trying to be transparent and answering questions.
 
stayhopeful1 said:
The person who was chatting with her was the moderator of the forum and was not an applicant, as far as I know. I think they just want to be sure people aren't posing as admissions members and posting misinformation. That being said, it was clearly not fake...unfortunate that it was taken down because the info was actually useful. Also, it's great that Tucson is trying to be transparent and answering questions.
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I can imagine how mad I would be if someone keep calling me fake when I'm the real thing. I can also imagine how frustrating it may be to ensure my forum members are speaking to a legit representative. I guess both parties were trying to do their job but were interfered in the presence of each other. I agree that both parties could have handled the situation better but no one is perfect. Let's move on.
 
Got Rice? said:
I can imagine how mad I would be if someone keep calling me fake when I'm the real thing. I can also imagine how frustrating it may be to ensure my forum members are speaking to a legit representative. I guess both parties were trying to do their job but were interfered in the presence of each other. I agree that both parties could have handled the situation better but no one is perfect. Let's move on.
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I mean I guess but a school's admissions is at a position where they are representing their school. You are n=1 here. If I have your anecdotal experience of how nice Lori Vargo was to YOU compared to how Lori Vargo responded on an active pre-med forum calling someone an idiot then that negates your experience. Just like the school is trying to find the right type of student, the students are trying to find the right type of school. I am personally unfamiliar with UACOM's culture and staff and this event can probably make a huge difference for me (or other students) later on. Since you are familiar with its environment, it's easier for you to move on. Instead of taking responsibility, the situation was dealt with deleting all the comments she made. I have nothing against Lori Vargo but I will say that that this behavior was uncalled for and unprofessional. Also, all of us are adults. We don't need to be name-calling for any reason. There are other ways this could've been handled.

I still really respect UACOM-Tucson. I am just a little disappointed.
 
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Anyone can read the thread, but the name calling was unprovoked. Lori made a thread that did not contain any of her credentials, did not contain any explanation of who she is or why she was doing it, and did not bother verifying her credentials with the moderators. One person made a post questioning the legitimacy of the thread, as they should. Lori decided to respond by calling them an idiot. This is extremely ironic because she had just made a post about how UA looks at Reddit posts for professionalism. When someone told her she was being unprofessional, she acted in a very cavalier manner. Regardless of whether or not she was wrong, it is extremely unprofessional to act that way when representing an organization. I think she realized this mistake because she deleted her account, but multiple people have screen shots. Personally, I was on the fence about applying to UA but this left a very bad taste in my mouth. I'm sure your anecdotes about her being nice are true, but she dun goofed.
 
TakemePRN said:
I mean I guess but a school's admissions is at a position where they are representing their school. You are n=1 here. If I have your anecdotal experience of how nice Lori Vargo was to YOU compared to how Lori Vargo responded on an active pre-med forum calling someone an idiot then that negates your experience. Just like the school is trying to find the right type of student, the students are trying to find the right type of school. I am personally unfamiliar with AZCOM's culture and staff and this event can probably make a huge difference for me (or other students) later on. Since you are familiar with its environment, it's easier for you to move on. Instead of taking responsibility, the situation was dealt with deleting all the comments she made. I have nothing against Lori Vargo but I will say that that this behavior was uncalled for and unprofessional. Also, all of us are adults. We don't need to be name-calling for any reason. There are other ways this could've been handled.

I still really respect AZCOM. I am just a little disappointed.
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Not a big deal, but AZCOM refers to the osteopathic medical school in Arizona. Tucson is UACOM-Tucson
 
I just got my secondary!!! I am a student that did his post-bacc, so I am wondering whether for the "Discuss a time in your life in which you have failed at something other than an academic experience" question I can talk about how I failed at my first undergrad and what I did to recover? It was my most significant failure and I did a great deal and learned alot recovering from it.
 
WolfLarson said:
I just got my secondary!!! I am a student that did his post-bacc, so I am wondering whether for the "Discuss a time in your life in which you have failed at something other than an academic experience" question I can talk about how I failed at my first undergrad and what I did to recover? It was my most significant failure and I did a great deal and learned alot recovering from it.
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If you're talking about undergrad academic failures...then I'd say that qualifies as academic unfortunately.
 
WolfLarson said:
Ah. I see. Much thanks. I thought they were talking about a single course?
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I think they are looking to hear about an experience that doesn't relate to your academic history at all to see what you've overcome in your personal or professional life.
 
"The mission of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Office of Admissions is to select a diverse cohort of students who will become the future leaders in advancing health care to the distinct communities that comprise Arizona and the United States. Consistent with the mission of The University of Arizona College of Medicine, selection of individuals with a demonstrated commitment to serve as care providers, physician scientists, clinical leaders, medical educators and/or public health experts, including advocates for rural and urban underserved populations, is highly valued. Applicants seeking admission should exhibit qualities of altruism, academic excellence, leadership and dedication to becoming lifelong learners through research endeavors and academic development."

Please describe the role(s) you can play in helping the College of Medicine to achieve its mission.
(Limit: 350 words)

I don't understand what they are asking here. Do they want us to show all of the qualities they list (care providers, physician scientists, clinical leaders, medical educators and/or public health experts, including advocates for rural and urban underserved populations, is highly valued.)?

Also, what roles are being talked about?
 
WolfLarson said:
"The mission of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Office of Admissions is to select a diverse cohort of students who will become the future leaders in advancing health care to the distinct communities that comprise Arizona and the United States. Consistent with the mission of The University of Arizona College of Medicine, selection of individuals with a demonstrated commitment to serve as care providers, physician scientists, clinical leaders, medical educators and/or public health experts, including advocates for rural and urban underserved populations, is highly valued. Applicants seeking admission should exhibit qualities of altruism, academic excellence, leadership and dedication to becoming lifelong learners through research endeavors and academic development."

Please describe the role(s) you can play in helping the College of Medicine to achieve its mission.
(Limit: 350 words)

I don't understand what they are asking here. Do they want us to show all of the qualities they list (care providers, physician scientists, clinical leaders, medical educators and/or public health experts, including advocates for rural and urban underserved populations, is highly valued.)?

Also, what roles are being talked about?
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Personally don't see how it's reasonable in 350 words to show ALL of the qualities they list. I'd pick what aspects of your application you're the strongest in that align with their mission. The role depends on you- they're just asking what aspects of your background align with their mission pretty much (hence your "role"). They want people whose values align with the mission they're trying to uphold. At least that's how I interpreted it.
 
UA is my alma mater. I did well in school here and on the MCAT. I'm still waiting for my last LOR to be submitted here (my physician letter). I submitted my secondary already plus a few other shining LORs.

The LOR that I'm waiting for has been a challenge from the beginning. I've asked the writer several times without a response. I'm concerned that this will keep me from getting a possible interview. Has anyone had this experience?
 
PreMedHeart said:
Personally don't see how it's reasonable in 350 words to show ALL of the qualities they list. I'd pick what aspects of your application you're the strongest in that align with their mission. The role depends on you- they're just asking what aspects of your background align with their mission pretty much (hence your "role"). They want people whose values align with the mission they're trying to uphold. At least that's how I interpreted it.
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Thanks a bunch! I can't quite place UA's mission: are they dedicated to serving underservered populations in urban and rural areas? If so, I would be a good match imo.
 
WolfLarson said:
Thanks a bunch! I can't quite place UA's mission: are they dedicated to serving underservered populations in urban and rural areas? If so, I would be a good match imo.
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Well Tucson is a pretty small city, nearby Yuma, AZ and Mexico. Definitely wouldn't call Tucson urban, but I really enjoyed the short time I lived there. Most of it is just the University, so the immediate vicinity is nice. The parts further from the university are definitely lower income/underserved, so its a good amount of their mission. Should be able to get further ideas from the website/looking up Tucson.
 
dewey2302 said:
UA is my alma mater. I did well in school here and on the MCAT. I'm still waiting for my last LOR to be submitted here (my physician letter). I submitted my secondary already plus a few other shining LORs.

The LOR that I'm waiting for has been a challenge from the beginning. I've asked the writer several times without a response. I'm concerned that this will keep me from getting a possible interview. Has anyone had this experience?
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Get the letter ASAP! I had to ask one of my physicians SO many times. It's definitely frustrating, but if a school requires a physician letter, they may not mark you complete until they have one. That being said- I believe UA will begin reviewing your app once you have at least one of the required letters submitted, so while you still need the letter, I don't believe the delay with the physician will affect you too much here. Someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong 🙂
 
Any in state applicants recieve a hold or rejection notice? Seems like OOS is all I’ve seen on this thread.
 
PreMedHeart said:
Well Tucson is a pretty small city, nearby Yuma, AZ and Mexico. Definitely wouldn't call Tucson urban, but I really enjoyed the short time I lived there. Most of it is just the University, so the immediate vicinity is nice. The parts further from the university are definitely lower income/underserved, so its a good amount of their mission. Should be able to get further ideas from the website/looking up Tucson.
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well they have some pretty nice specialties (i saw neurosurgery in there somewhere) and a huge focus on cardiac health. Is that considered primary care, because to me it does not?
 
WolfLarson said:
well they have some pretty nice specialties (i saw neurosurgery in there somewhere) and a huge focus on cardiac health. Is that considered primary care, because to me it does not?
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I didn't say primary care, I said under served. Under served communities still need specialists my friend 🙂
 
Reverb said:
Any in state applicants recieve a hold or rejection notice? Seems like OOS is all I’ve seen on this thread.
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Yeah im IS with hold. Was complete 07/20 but didn't get my last LoR until 08/29. Hold came 08/31 and silence since. 69 Lizzy and what I think are pretty damn solid EC. Also non-trad.
 
Medstudent 32 said:
I've heard rumor from people that there are not only stats that are too low but also too high for a medical school to consider, (for the medical school's ranking, to ensure a high percentage of matriculants/acceptances issued, etc.) How true are those rumors? Is there such thing as being screened out for being too high?

Just curious, thanks!
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UACOM Tucson MS2 here. I heard the same thing going through the interview trail and this question was posed to administrators at various schools. From what I got out of it is that it is a bit of a lie in most instances. The real thing that matters is how do you fit at a certain school. If you have super high stats and connections to strong programs, say in Maryland, but have absolutely no connection to Arizona/Southwest or the school's mission statement, then maybe you could get passed up on due to the 'holistic' image you are portraying (that doesn't really fit here). On the other hand (and this is just from my experience talking to classmates), you could have really high stats, fit the school well (in state student/Arizona ties/fit mission statement/etc), and the high stats will not only help you, but could give you a chance at scholarships. It is always more than just the applicant's numbers. But I highly doubt high stats ever hurt at this school.
 
NoRagrets said:
UACOM Tucson MS2 here. I heard the same thing going through the interview trail and this question was posed to administrators at various schools. From what I got out of it is that it is a bit of a lie in most instances. The real thing that matters is how do you fit at a certain school. If you have super high stats and connections to strong programs, say in Maryland, but have absolutely no connection to Arizona/Southwest or the school's mission statement, then maybe you could get passed up on due to the 'holistic' image you are portraying (that doesn't really fit here). On the other hand (and this is just from my experience talking to classmates), you could have really high stats, fit the school well (in state student/Arizona ties/fit mission statement/etc), and the high stats will not only help you, but could give you a chance at scholarships. It is always more than just the applicant's numbers. But I highly doubt high stats ever hurt at this school.
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I really appreciate your insight. I am from rural Arizona and indicated strong interest in the rural distinction track, hopefully it all works in my favor! Been on hold for a week now.
 
Medstudent 32 said:
I really appreciate your insight. I am from rural Arizona and indicated strong interest in the rural distinction track, hopefully it all works in my favor! Been on hold for a week now.
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That is a huge plus. Just hope for the best, but try not to fall into the pre-med syndrome of checking your inbox every 5 minutes. The interview season is long (I'm from rural AZ, didn't get in until then end of the application cycle (but that means nothing for your situation of course)).
 
Kudos to UA COM Tucson for having an admissions tracker now (scroll down a bit): Admissions | College of Medicine - Tucson

The amount of out of state applicants to this school is staggering!

@UAZ COM-T Admissions Are you allowed to share where the college is at evaluating applications (ie: early August/mid August/late August)? If you're not allowed to share, I completely understand. Just was curious...
 
stayhopeful1 said:
Kudos to UA COM Tucson for having an admissions tracker now (scroll down a bit): Admissions | College of Medicine - Tucson

The amount of out of state applicants to this school is staggering!

@UAZ COM-T Admissions Are you allowed to share where the college is at evaluating applications (ie: early August/mid August/late August)? If you're not allowed to share, I completely understand. Just was curious...
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119 II OOS, according to MSAR they interviewed 214 OOS last year. ONLY 95 SPOTS LEFT!!
 
Did anyone see the reddit forum live? Curious to know the answer to the hold question that was posted. The account was deleted so I can’t see the reply.
 
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