2018-2019 Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

[Lucca]

Please post the secondary questions once you receive them. Check last year's thread in the 2017-2018 SSD forum for last year's questions, they tend to not change very much from year to year.

Good luck to everyone applying!

Interview Feedback: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

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[Boola Boy]

Any current students willing to talk about the MD/MPH program? I am interested in the health informatics option. I am curious to know what kind of candidate they are looking for, and if my work experience as a healthcare consultant would be looked upon favorably. Also took a course at the school of public health as an undergraduate...I am a GA resident. Thanks!

 

[Dannyboy2019]

Anybody applied edp? If so would you mind updating your status on here

 

[Endocytosis0]

Anybody applied edp? If so would you mind updating your status on here

I'm applying for their Rural Community Health Program. It feels good to finally be in a position to post in these threads!

 

[Hirro]

Does anyone know when secondaries are normally sent to EDP applicants? I was verified yesterday and I'm wondering if I should be expecting one today or like in a few weeks

Do early decision students get their secondaries early as well? I assumed EDP still had to wait until AMCAS sent primaries to schools which is ~June 29th this year.

 

[Hirro]

I had read somewhere that AMCAS sends basic information such as name and contact to schools before primaries are sent. If this is true then it is possible that schools that don’t screen before sending secondaries could send theirs early. I have no idea if this information is correct though.

I'm pretty sure MCG screens EDP with their 3.7 GPA and 509 MCAT cutoffs. I could be wrong, though.

Edit: After looking at their FAQ, they send secondaries to everyone. They don't receive our applications until AMCAS releases them.

 

[Dannyboy2019]

Has anyone been able to figure out if they screen for interviews for edp or if every edp applicant is given an interview

 

[BlueIndian88]

Does anyone have any insight on the Casper test? I'm applying EDP as well and have it scheduled for July 8

 

[Hirro]

Does anyone have any insight on the Casper test? I'm applying EDP as well and have it scheduled for July 8

Take the practice test. Have a moral compass and know how to handle situations that commonly occur in a workplace. Be ready to type fast. I didn't study and I know it wouldn't have helped me if I had.

 

[Endocytosis0]

I took the Casper exam on June 21, and I know it takes about three weeks for it to be graded and sent to your schools. Will I not receive a secondary until the school gets the Casper score?

 

[thedeviant105]

Received a secondary application email today. Here are the short response questions. They are the same as last year.

1. Please describe your motivation for becoming a physician. What contributions do you feel that you could make to the medical profession in the future? (400 Words)

2. Please list any additional clinical experiences that are not included on your AMCAS application. Please include the physician’s name OR type of experience (i.e., Nursing, PA, EMT, E.R. Scribe, etc.) in the description column below along with the location, dates and total number of hours. If no additional experiences have occurred, please select "N/A."

3. The Admissions Committee regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. The Committee strongly encourages you to share unique, personally important, and/or challenging factors in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, region of residence with respect to its health professional needs, ties to MCG Medical College of Georgia, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or life and/or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (400 Words)

4. Please describe the geographical area in which you would most likely practice medicine. Please include the country, region, state, city and/or town in your response. (400 Words)

5. Please explain any inconsistencies in your academic record. This may include below average course performance, grade trends, MCAT scores, etc. (400 Words)

6. If applicable, indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you have not already addressed in your application. (400 Words)

 

[Endocytosis0]

Received a secondary application email today. Here are the short response questions. They are the same as last year.

1. Please describe your motivation for becoming a physician. What contributions do you feel that you could make to the medical profession in the future? (400 Words)

2. Please list any additional clinical experiences that are not included on your AMCAS application. Please include the physician’s name OR type of experience (i.e., Nursing, PA, EMT, E.R. Scribe, etc.) in the description column below along with the location, dates and total number of hours. If no additional experiences have occurred, please select "N/A."

3. The Admissions Committee regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. The Committee strongly encourages you to share unique, personally important, and/or challenging factors in your background, such as the quality of your early educational environment, socioeconomic status, region of residence with respect to its health professional needs, ties to MCG Medical College of Georgia, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or life and/or work experiences. Please discuss how such factors have influenced your goals and preparation for a career in medicine. (400 Words)

4. Please describe the geographical area in which you would most likely practice medicine. Please include the country, region, state, city and/or town in your response. (400 Words)

5. Please explain any inconsistencies in your academic record. This may include below average course performance, grade trends, MCAT scores, etc. (400 Words)

6. If applicable, indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you have not already addressed in your application. (400 Words)

Would prompt #6 be a place to write an adversity essay, or would #3 be better suited for that?

 

[thedeviant105]

Would prompt #6 be a place to write an adversity essay, or would #3 be better suited for that?

Prompt 6 is more for any experiences that occurred after you submitted your primary. An adversity essay would better fit #3.

 

[thedeviant105]

On the fifth tab under address and employment information, why will it not let me add a date after 8/1/2018 for the end date? It would make sense if it were 8/1/2019 because that's when we plan to start school.

Yeah, I think messaging the admissions office would be the best plan. It should be 8/1/2019.

 

[thedeviant105]

Yeah, I think messaging the admissions office would be the best plan. It should be 8/1/2019.

I messaged the admissions office and the the date has been fixed to the correct year.

 

[FigmundSreud]

Applied regular... no secondary even now. Verified 6/29

 

[DJay4534533]

Applied regular... no secondary even now. Verified 6/29

same 🙁

 

[DJay4534533]

UGH. I completely forgot about the Casper Test. Do they not send out the secondary until they have the score? DAMMIT. I could kick myself right now.

 

[DJay4534533]

I took the Casper exam on June 21, and I know it takes about three weeks for it to be graded and sent to your schools. Will I not receive a secondary until the school gets the Casper score?

I just talked to the admissions office because I’m taking the test later (and I was freaking out because I forgot about it) and she said you don’t have to have it completed to get the secondary. They’re just sending the applications out in waves.

 

[Endocytosis0]

I just talked to the admissions office because I’m taking the test later (and I was freaking out because I forgot about it) and she said you don’t have to have it completed to get the secondary. They’re just sending the applications out in waves.

I really should have come back with an update on that. I took the test on 6/20 and got my secondary on 7/5. Thanks for staying on top of that!

 

[discocafe]

same 🙁

Same here, anxiously waiting!! In state, regular decision, verified way back

 

[Hirro]

Same here, anxiously waiting!! In state, regular decision, verified way back

+2

We'll be fine. It definitely wasn't a first-come, first-serve basis for the secondaries but we'll get them!

 

[DawgsDodgers24]

Hello, EDP here (regular reapplicant from last year). I got the secondary on 7/5 and was wondering for others who have seen it or have started working on the essays already what your thoughts are regarding the inconsistencies essay? If my MCAT is right at the average for the school and GPA above average with no real unusual grade trends in undergrad, any advice on how to address the prompt? It is not optional.

Also, last cycle I submitted my primary 6/5 and didn't receive a secondary until the end of July. I do not think it is first come first serve for those who are nervously waiting!

 

[Hirro]

Hello, EDP here (regular reapplicant from last year). I got the secondary on 7/5 and was wondering for others who have seen it or have started working on the essays already what your thoughts are regarding the inconsistencies essay? If my MCAT is right at the average for the school and GPA above average with no real unusual grade trends in undergrad, any advice on how to address the prompt? It is not optional.

Also, last cycle I submitted my primary 6/5 and didn't receive a secondary until the end of July. I do not think it is first come first serve for those who are nervously waiting!

For the sake of not just making something up, I would put "My academic record has been consistent during my undergraduate career" or something along those lines. "N/A" is also a completely reasonable response.

 

[raybox12]

What are they really looking for in asking: Please describe the geographical area in which you would most likely practice medicine. Please include the country, region, state, city and/or town in your response. (400 words)

 

[thedeviant105]

Hello, EDP here (regular reapplicant from last year). I got the secondary on 7/5 and was wondering for others who have seen it or have started working on the essays already what your thoughts are regarding the inconsistencies essay? If my MCAT is right at the average for the school and GPA above average with no real unusual grade trends in undergrad, any advice on how to address the prompt? It is not optional.

Also, last cycle I submitted my primary 6/5 and didn't receive a secondary until the end of July. I do not think it is first come first serve for those who are nervously waiting!

My impression on these kind of prompts is mainly focused on significant deficiencies in your academics like if in one class you got a C when you usually get A's or B's. For the MCAT, any score lower than a 125 is below average and can be cited as a source of inconsistency.

 

[Endocytosis0]

Ugh, I can't think of anything to put for prompt #6. I feel like my primary was detailed enough.

 

[thedeviant105]

Ugh, I can't think of anything to put for prompt #6. I feel like my primary was detailed enough.

Prompt #6 is completely optional. Don't try to stretch too much for this section otherwise the response may not sound genuine.

 

[thedeviant105]

Finally submitted my secondary today (July 11th). For those who got their secondary on the July 5th and applied EDP, the secondary needs to be completed by tomorrow. If regular and on July 5th, then July 19th.

If you have yet to receive a secondary, MCG requests that you complete the secondary by one week if you are EDP or two weeks if you are Regular Decision. So start pre-writing the responses if you have not already and have people look over those responses as well.

 

[Endocytosis0]

Just submitted my secondary (7/11)! Now it's just a waiting game, I guess.

 

[utah34]

Good luck to everyone applying! I'm starting in the Athens campus in the next few weeks. I'll try to come on here often to help anybody if they have questions.

 

[Hirro]

Secondary received. Not as soon as I expected since I submitted early but I’m glad it’s here before II’s began!

 

[discocafe]

Secondary received. Not as soon as I expected since I submitted early but I’m glad it’s here before II’s began!

+1 🙂

 

[broccolicoli]

Secondary received today! In-state applicant.
Any other lifelong GA residents know what info we should fill out and what to click on N/A box for under the GA residency page? I checked it for Q.1-3 but not sure when/if its appropriate to check that box for any of the other questions.

 

[MedLife24]

I applied in 2016 but did not receive an interview. I took a break to work on my MCAT score (big improvement) and just submitted my app for this cycle. Do you think I should use my same responses from the previous application or rewrite my essays?

 

[broccolicoli]

I applied in 2016 but did not receive an interview. I took a break to work on my MCAT score (big improvement) and just submitted my app for this cycle. Do you think I should use my same responses from the previous application or rewrite my essays?

I think I have read from adcoms that you should write new essays. I've heard of them comparing your previous application, and if nothing has changed they don't think you've grown as an applicant.

 

[MedLife24]

I think I have read from adcoms that you should write new essays. I've heard of them comparing your previous application, and if nothing has changed they don't think you've grown as an applicant.

Thank you!

 

[tfudge]

Secondary received this morning!

 

[DJay4534533]

Am I the only one who find this question unclear?

If you are a non-Georgia resident, do you have any ties to the state of Georgia?

It's a yes or no question, but I feel like if I say no, it's going to seem like I don't have ties to the state of Georgia? However, I am from GA. I'm tempted to pick yes & just clarify that I AM from GA and I have ties to the state..?

 

[broccolicoli]

Am I the only one who find this question unclear?

If you are a non-Georgia resident, do you have any ties to the state of Georgia?

It's a yes or no question, but I feel like if I say no, it's going to seem like I don't have ties to the state of Georgia? However, I am from GA. I'm tempted to pick yes & just clarify that I AM from GA and I have ties to the state..?

agree. I also feel like the option to check off "n/a" for ALL of the questions under the Georgia Residency tab is unclear...

 

[DawgsDodgers24]

Good luck to everyone applying! I'm starting in the Athens campus in the next few weeks. I'll try to come on here often to help anybody if they have questions.

Did you pick the Athens campus and if so why? I went to UGA and love Athens and cannot decide which campus I would like if I hopefully get that opportunity. I know some of the major differences already but I would like to hear what you think!

 

[Endocytosis0]

Am I the only one who find this question unclear?

If you are a non-Georgia resident, do you have any ties to the state of Georgia?

It's a yes or no question, but I feel like if I say no, it's going to seem like I don't have ties to the state of Georgia? However, I am from GA. I'm tempted to pick yes & just clarify that I AM from GA and I have ties to the state..?

I ended up choosing no after mulling over the question for a few hours. I figured the rest of my application would show that I'm a GA resident. Either way it seems like you just can't put a correct answer lol

 

[DJay4534533]

I ended up choosing no after mulling over the question for a few hours. I figured the rest of my application would show that I'm a GA resident. Either way it seems like you just can't put a correct answer lol

Yea, I just have a fear that some impatient/overworked admissions officer is going to skim over my app and see my "No" response and assume that I'm a non-Georgia resident who has no ties & automatically rule me out

 

[kabobguy]

1. Please describe your motivation for becoming a physician. What contributions do you feel that you could make to the medical profession in the future? (400 Words)

How are ya'll making this different from PS?
Is 250 words too few for this prompt?

 

[thedeviant105]

Yea, I just have a fear that some impatient/overworked admissions officer is going to skim over my app and see my "No" response and assume that I'm a non-Georgia resident who has no ties & automatically rule me out

The old secondary application did not have a N/A check box and they recently added it since the question of when you first entered Georgia really doesn't make any sense if you were born in Georgia. They probably did not want to see responses like "I was born from Georgia." multiple times since the GA residency is prove by whatever document you provided.

 

[thedeviant105]

How are ya'll making this different from PS?
Is 250 words too few for this prompt?

I interpreted like this: where did your motivation originate from or how did you become motivated to be a physician. Don't re-tread on the experiences you listed in the primary and focus on elaborating that motivation of becoming a physician that was established in the PS. Give context on that motivation.

Your responses are only as long as you need them to be. If you feel 250 words properly answers the response then that is enough.

 

[kabobguy]

I interpreted like this: where did your motivation originate from or how did you become motivated to be a physician. Don't re-tread on the experiences you listed in the primary and focus on elaborating that motivation of becoming a physician that was established in the PS. Give context on that motivation.

Your responses are only as long as you need them to be. If you feel 250 words properly answers the response then that is enough.

That makes sense. I detailed reasons in my PS but I never really established context behind them. But I feel like I am going to end up repeating parts of my PS in attempt to thoroughly answer the question.

 

[Hirro]

Anyone else's portal not showing LORs as received? I checked under Status -> Document Status. Nothing is there.

 

[DJay4534533]

So....I'm guessing they're expecting you to write SOMETHING for the academic inconsistencies prompt? I'm just kinda confused as to what they consider to be an inconsistency, because I'm worried I may bring their attention to something they may not even care about....also, isn't kinda hard to write that section without sounding like you're just making a bunch of excuses for yourself? lol

 

[utah34]

Did you pick the Athens campus and if so why? I went to UGA and love Athens and cannot decide which campus I would like if I hopefully get that opportunity. I know some of the major differences already but I would like to hear what you think!

There were a few factors, the biggest one being that my wife is in grad school here in Athens so I did not want to leave the city and be separated from her. Secondly, I also went to UGA and as you know this school is huge. I wanted to have a smaller class feel in med school and obviously the Athens campus is so much smaller than the Augusta campus, and their curriculum revolves around small group and discussion. I did okay with big lectures at UGA but did really well when I was able to talk through material and not just sit down and memorize it. Hope this helps! Definitely do a campus tour in Athens before your interview if you are unsure.