2018-2019 Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

[Lucca]

Essay: Greatest Challenge
The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.


Essay: Gap Year
Did you take a gap year?
Yes / No


If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us in no more than four sentences what you are doing during this gap, and why.

Gap Year

Essay: Small Group Essay
If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn't carrying his/her load, how would you handle it?

Please limit your response to 300-1000 characters, and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

Good luck to everyone applying!

Interview Feedback: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

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[bearintraining]

Rising M3 here - I can try and answer questions about the school

 

[buckoh24]

Rising M3 here - I can try and answer questions about the school

Hows the new building look? I grew up near cleveland (well 45 min away but w/e) and hope they show me some love this cycle.

 

[bearintraining]

Hows the new building look? I grew up near cleveland (well 45 min away but w/e) and hope they show me some love this cycle.

Ive heard it looks amazing inside and the atrium area is huge, similar to the museum. I haven’t had a tour of it myself and it’ll be done by the end of the year with different groups moving in throughout the first half of 2019.

 

[buckoh24]

Ive heard it looks amazing inside and the atrium area is huge, similar to the museum. I haven’t had a tour of it myself and it’ll be done by the end of the year with different groups moving in throughout the first half of 2019.

I would love to go to this school and the new building is an added bonus because I bet the technology integration is awesome in there. My stats are on the low end but its whatever. How do you like not having clinical grades? Are "grades" still kept to be used for the deans letter?

 

[Wahkoon]

"We will not accept letters from Psychology, Earth Sciences (Geology, Ecology, Oceanography, and Botany), and Computer Sciences as satisfying the science letters requirement but are acceptable as additional letters of recommendation."

I was really interested in their program, but the LOR requirements hurt me - too late for a back up. Good luck everyone!

 

[bearintraining]

I would love to go to this school and the new building is an added bonus because I bet the technology integration is awesome in there. My stats are on the low end but its whatever. How do you like not having clinical grades? Are "grades" still kept to be used for the deans letter?

We do not have preclinical grades in the university program, but we do have Honors / Commendable and Pass for the clinical portion. there are no clinical grades for lerner college students however.

 

[deleted787552]

Rising M3 here - I can try and answer questions about the school

I keep hearing people say that this schools really cares about stats (thus don't apply here with low stats) and is OOS unfriendly. How true it that?

 

[bearintraining]

I keep hearing people say that this schools really cares about stats (thus don't apply here with low stats) and is OOS unfriendly. How true it that?

The OOS thing makes no sense. It is a private school, after all. We also have a ton of Californians in our classes, for example. As to stats, probably partly true. At least when it comes to MCAT, our class average is pretty high. that said, I do think our school tries to do holistic screening

 

[deleted787552]

The OOS thing makes no sense. It is a private school, after all. We also have a ton of Californians in our classes, for example. As to stats, probably partly true. At least when it comes to MCAT, our class average is pretty high. that said, I do think our school tries to do holistic screening

That’s good to know. What is considered “high stats” for your class? I have a between a 510-515/ 3.9ish and I was still told it’s not a good idea but this gives me some hope

 

[freedoctor17]

That’s good to know. What is considered “high stats” for your class? I have a between a 510-515/ 3.9ish and I was still told it’s not a good idea but this gives me some hope

I mean if you look at the msar it says the average is a 517... But if you're closer to that 515 end than the 510 I think you'd still be fine applying here.

 

[Rosioooooooooo]

That’s good to know. What is considered “high stats” for your class? I have a between a 510-515/ 3.9ish and I was still told it’s not a good idea but this gives me some hope

If you are excited about the school I think you should still go for it. I got in with a 514 and a lower GPA than yours but lots of other interesting good things about my application. Having some reach schools is not a bad thing if you have the finances for it. Best possible outcome you get in and are psyched, worst it just meets your expectations and you don't

 

[bearintraining]

Yeah I’ll just repeat what the others said: MCAT is below average but you have a great GPA. hopefully you have some great ECs, and you definitely will have a chance here.

 

[buckoh24]

Yeah I’ll just repeat what the others said: MCAT is below average but you have a great GPA. hopefully you have some great ECs, and you definitely will have a chance here.

What about those of us with lower stats? I have a 511 and 3.6 (huge upward trend) and also in state/kinda from cleveland area.But heavy on research with ~1700 hours and an international conference presentation. I have very little hope because of my stats but I have a good story and kinda unique ECs (idk how to judge my ECs at all).

 

[bearintraining]

What about those of us with lower stats? I have a 511 and 3.6 (huge upward trend) and also in state/kinda from cleveland area.But heavy on research with ~1700 hours and an international conference presentation. I have very little hope because of my stats but I have a good story and kinda unique ECs (idk how to judge my ECs at all).

Hard to know. I don't have the current stats in front of me so I don't know how far down the average that is. But, I will say: what do you have to lose? Sometimes you would be surprised at which schools show interest and which don't. I certainly was.

 

[owlsandturtles]

Anyone know if Case responds well to demonstrated interest (calls/emails to admissions office?) or any other methods of showing interest? I *really* want to go here, to the point where I was considering ED before I knew how risky that could be. I have kind of average stats (3.76 cGPA, 516 MCAT, decent research and leadership/EC's) but I'm very interested in getting an MD/MPH here and love all the opportunities they have for community/population based research.

 

[tgc21]

Rising M3 here - I can try and answer questions about the school

Do stats differ at all between college and university program students?

 

[bearintraining]

Do stats differ at all between college and university program students?

I don’t actually know the answer. My guess is no.

 

[bearintraining]

Anyone know if Case responds well to demonstrated interest (calls/emails to admissions office?) or any other methods of showing interest? I *really* want to go here, to the point where I was considering ED before I knew how risky that could be. I have kind of average stats (3.76 cGPA, 516 MCAT, decent research and leadership/EC's) but I'm very interested in getting an MD/MPH here and love all the opportunities they have for community/population based research.

Short answer: yes. They do want to know people want to be here.

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

@bearintraining I'm in a similar situation and want to know how you'd recommend going about 'demonstrating interest' when the time comes, thanks.

 

[bearintraining]

@bearintraining I'm in a similar situation and want to know how you'd recommend going about 'demonstrating interest' when the time comes, thanks.

Letters of Interest, preferably with updates.

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

To any former/current students, would you call the atmosphere more competitive or collaborative?

 

[freedoctor17]

To any former/current students, would you call the atmosphere more competitive or collaborative?

Not a former/current student but know many students here and they seem very collaborative. One of my favorite things about this school is the feel and atmosphere of the student body!

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

Cool thanks, do you know how cut off the med school is from their undergrad?

 

[freedoctor17]

Cool thanks, do you know how cut off the med school is from their undergrad?

Yes, their med school is really close to the undergrad classes. Like literally across the street. That will change next year though with the new building. The new building is about a 3 minute drive down the streat (maybe 15 to 20 minute walk but not sure) and will have all the dental, nursing, lerner med, and case med students in one building. I've seen many med students participating in undergrad stuff like intramural sports and coming to events going on though so it's very easy to get involved there.

 

[bearintraining]

To any former/current students, would you call the atmosphere more competitive or collaborative?

VERY collaborative. People share a ton of study resources (only amongst your own year though!) as things ramp up towards exams. We had some people who felt it was their duty to make Anki cards for histo and anatomy (and it was very much appreciated by others). I know a lot of people in our class have saved my butt with their study resources. That said, I would say most people in my class are very driven and want to do well. The nice thing about case is that its actually really difficult to compare yourself to others during the 1st and 2nd years because we are not given averages (and for our main content exam, not even given an actual 'score'). There's no curving so it's really not in your benefit to be a jerk to screw over others or not share.

3rd and 4th year I guess there's the potential to be more competitive because everyone would like to get Honors in their rotations, but again this is really up to you. Our honors is based on (1) assessment by the preceptors & clerkship directors (this is inherently subjective and probably the only place where people's "competitiveness" could show up), and (2) shelf exams (a cut-off value that is communicated to students beforehand).

 

[bearintraining]

Cool thanks, do you know how cut off the med school is from their undergrad?

Just my 2 cents: you'll probably not care about this once you're in med school. The reality is you'll be busy with med school stuff and your mind will be on other things. Before when I was doing undergrad and grad school I thought the med students were "aloof" -- now I realize it's just they have very different priorities, and are busy for the most part.

 

[bearintraining]

Yes, their med school is really close to the undergrad classes. Like literally across the street. That will change next year though with the new building. The new building is about a 3 minute drive down the streat (maybe 15 to 20 minute walk but not sure) and will have all the dental, nursing, lerner med, and case med students in one building. I've seen many med students participating in undergrad stuff like intramural sports and coming to events going on though so it's very easy to get involved there.

BTW, I think Social Work might be in the new building too. Not sure though.

 

[LukaDoncicLuk]

How strict/is there a GPA screen? 3.3cgpa upward trend and a 525 MCAT. Trying to refine my reach list.

 

[bearintraining]

How strict/is there a GPA screen? 3.3cgpa upward trend and a 525 MCAT. Trying to refine my reach list.

I think with the nice MCAT you stand a chance. I don't know what/if there is a strict cut off, but I know the school tries to be holistic.

 

[buckoh24]

I think with the nice MCAT you stand a chance. I don't know what/if there is a strict cut off, but I know the school tries to be holistic.

Did you apply to CCLCM also or just case? I hope my research focus (like 1600+ hours) will help my lower stats especially with 2 research letters.

 

[staygold83]

Any secondaries?

 

[LukaDoncicLuk]

Did you apply to CCLCM also or just case? I hope my research focus (like 1600+ hours) will help my lower stats especially with 2 research letters.

If you're referring to me I only applied to Case because my research is meh (400 hours no pubs)

 

[Golden_Caramel]

A bit confused about earlier mentions of screening in this thread... According to the MSAR, Case Western sends the secondary application to "All applicants with verified AMCAS application."

 

[owlsandturtles]

A bit confused about earlier mentions of screening in this thread... According to the MSAR, Case Western sends the secondary application to "All applicants with verified AMCAS application."

According to the website, "We do not pre-screen primary AMCAS applications. Therefore, all applicants are invited to complete the secondary application. "

 

[Sheiko]

Anyone interested in exchanging their responses to Case's secondary? My answer to the research question is too technical and I'm struggling to distill it down into simpler terms. I think seeing someone else's response would help

 

[wwjd777]

Anyone interested in exchanging their responses to Case's secondary? My answer to the research question is too technical and I'm struggling to distill it down into simpler terms. I think seeing someone else's response would help

Did you get the secondaries already? Mind posting the prompts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[freedoctor17]

Did you get the secondaries already? Mind posting the prompts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Probably looking at previous years, I don't think case started sending yet. The research one likely won't change.

 

[Sheiko]

Probably looking at previous years, I don't think case started sending yet. The research one likely won't change.

Exactly, I'm just going off of last years prompts. I'm not even verified yet 🙁

 

[freedoctor17]

Exactly, I'm just going off of last years prompts. I'm not even verified yet 🙁

Also to answer your original question, a friend of mine told me to be super detailed when writing the essay. I won't mention more details about them but they definitely know what they're talking about lol. So don't worry if it's super technical.

 

[bearintraining]

Did you apply to CCLCM also or just case? I hope my research focus (like 1600+ hours) will help my lower stats especially with 2 research letters.

I applied to both but didn't get an interview at CCLCM

 

[The Silent Sentinel]

Secondary Received. Prompts are as follows:

Essay: Greatest Challenge
The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.


Essay: Gap Year
Did you take a gap year?
Yes / No


If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us in no more than four sentences what you are doing during this gap, and why.

Gap Year

Essay: Small Group Essay
If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn't carrying his/her load, how would you handle it?

Please limit your response to 300-1000 characters, and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

 

[MomJeansandDadJorts]

Secondary Received. Prompts are as follows:

Essay: Greatest Challenge
The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.


Essay: Gap Year
Did you take a gap year?
Yes / No


If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us in no more than four sentences what you are doing during this gap, and why.

Gap Year

Essay: Small Group Essay
If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn't carrying his/her load, how would you handle it?

Please limit your response to 300-1000 characters, and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

No more research essay???? I thought for sure they would keep that one

 

[owlsandturtles]

Secondary Received. Prompts are as follows:

Essay: Greatest Challenge
The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.


Essay: Gap Year
Did you take a gap year?
Yes / No


If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us in no more than four sentences what you are doing during this gap, and why.

Gap Year

Essay: Small Group Essay
If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn't carrying his/her load, how would you handle it?

Please limit your response to 300-1000 characters, and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

No more research essay???? I thought for sure they would keep that one

I pre-wrote my research essay yesterday 🙁

 

[freedoctor17]

No more research essay???? I thought for sure they would keep that one

I don't have it yet but I feel like the research essay has to be there for the college program at least. It used to be optional for university but required for college. Still surprised they would remove it though.

 

[MomJeansandDadJorts]

I don't have it yet but I feel like the research essay has to be there for the college program at least. It used to be optional for university but required for college. Still surprised they would remove it though.

Same. I took forever trying to describe my projects and i thought my research experience would help my meh stats.

 

[thenotoriousone]

Secondary Received. Prompts are as follows:

Essay: Greatest Challenge
The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.


Essay: Gap Year
Did you take a gap year?
Yes / No


If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us in no more than four sentences what you are doing during this gap, and why.

Gap Year

Essay: Small Group Essay
If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn't carrying his/her load, how would you handle it?

Please limit your response to 300-1000 characters, and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

Is there an additional information question or only the 3 questions you posted?

 

[URMfemaleMPH]

+1 on secondary received

 

[Sagebrush]

There is very definitely still a research essay. It is optional (but highly recommended).

 

[62g88]

Is anyone else confused about the word/character limits? For example the small group essay SAYS the limit is 300-1000 characters, but then when you go to type it cuts you off at 142 words.