2019-2020 University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM)

[gujibeans]

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From 11/2 interview, still waiting to hear back as well. I'm not sure if the wait means that they're taking more time to consider us, or if it is just merely by how they organized us

 

[gujibeans]

Is it just for me, or does it seem like they are waitlisting a lot of people this year? I’ve seen so many waitlists posts for each release date and not as many accepted posts. Perhaps they are being more conservative with offers?

It does seem as if they are waitlisting a lot. Earlier in the cycle, it seemed like they were giving out lots of acceptances. Last year, they gave out basically 3x more acceptances than actual matriculate spots. They probably employed the same strategy this year, and maybe received more deposits on acceptances this year than expected, leading to lots of waitlisting. Regardless, movement will happen after December 14th when those who have been accepted need to place their deposits in by. If you're currently on the waitlist or get waitlisted from the Nov interview this week (probably most likely for me), don't give up hope!

 

[Exponent9]

Not sure if this is still applicable, but when I was worried that I wasn’t going to get an II I sent in a letter of intent telling them how and why I loved their school and that it was my top choice (no life updates). I received an II the next day and was accepted a week after my interview. If you are serious about this school and you know why you want to go here, I suggest telling them. They seem to be receptive to that. Goodluck!

 

[MDFUTURE123]

Not sure if this is still applicable, but when I was worried that I wasn’t going to get an II I sent in a letter of intent telling them how and why I loved their school and that it was my top choice (no life updates). I received an II the next day and was accepted a week after my interview. If you are serious about this school and you know why you want to go here, I suggest telling them. They seem to be receptive to that. Goodluck!

CONGRATS! Can I ask why this is your top choice school?

 

[Exponent9]

CONGRATS! Can I ask why this is your top choice school?

Thanks! I knew this school was my best chance to stay in Texas, and I grew up in the San Antonio area so it’s where all my friends and family are. But it wasn’t until I attended their preview day and found everyone there was extremely friendly and welcoming that I knew it was my top choice. San Antonio is a huge city with plenty to do and great opportunities for residency with their rotation sites.

 

[deleted12934098745974509]

Waitlisted 11/20 OOS

 

[Darkhorse1525]

Accepted! IS interview on 11/2
LM 67

 

[gujibeans]

Accepted as well! Interview on 11/2. Good luck everyone!

 

[Dr. Brew]

I was just placed on the waitlist from the 11/2 interview date. I am an out of state applicant with a 3.87 GPA and a 509 MCAT. I love Texas, especially San Antonio and the school. Should I send a letter of intent to show my desire to go there?

 

[LALAlandDOC]

Waitlisted 11/2

 

[gujibeans]

I was just placed on the waitlist from the 11/2 interview date. I am an out of state applicant with a 3.87 GPA and a 509 MCAT. I love Texas, especially San Antonio and the school. Should I send a letter of intent to show my desire to go there?

I would most likely send them an update/intent letter following the Dec 14th deadline, you have great stats so I assume you're one of the first to come off the list! Good luck!

 

[Dr. Brew]

I would most likely send them an update/intent letter following the Dec 14th deadline, you have great stats so I assume you're one of the first to come off the list! Good luck!

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the school! Hopefully one day I’ll see you there! 🙂

 

[Promotheon]

I would most likely send them an update/intent letter following the Dec 14th deadline, you have great stats so I assume you're one of the first to come off the list! Good luck!

Who/to where would you send a letter of intent?

 

[gujibeans]

Who/to where would you send a letter of intent?

To the [email protected] address

 

[chicayeye96]

Just got an II! 🙂 When I look at the calendar to schedule my interview I don’t see available interview dates. Anyone else?

 

[deleted936470]

Just got an II! 🙂 When I look at the calendar to schedule my interview I don’t see available interview dates. Anyone else?

saw some for march

 

[pursuit_doctor]

Hi everyone, I need some advice. I have a 3.9 sGPA, 3.85 cGPA, and a 503 MCAT (I should’ve studied more than 5 weeks sadly). I have a pretty good resume. Over 350+ hours of research, founded a premed organization on my campus that’s doing pretty well, and am a chemistry TA + mentor for freshman on campus as long as over 150+ hospital volunteer hours. (Sorry for putting my whole resume lol I just want y’all opinion). Is it worth trying to apply here this late? I would’ve applied earlier but I had some personal finance situations I went thru this semester. Thanks!

 

[gujibeans]

Hi everyone, I need some advice. I have a 3.9 sGPA, 3.85 cGPA, and a 503 MCAT (I should’ve studied more than 5 weeks sadly). I have a pretty good resume. Over 350+ hours of research, founded a premed organization on my campus that’s doing pretty well, and am a chemistry TA + mentor for freshman on campus as long as over 150+ hospital volunteer hours. (Sorry for putting my whole resume lol I just want y’all opinion). Is it worth trying to apply here this late? I would’ve applied earlier but I had some personal finance situations I went thru this semester. Thanks!

honestly might just be worth it to wait it out till next cycle. it’s not crazy far away and it will greatly increase your chances at an admission and you won’t waste your money. You have a great chance but it’s pretty late for most schools

 

[pnmegan]

@alonghorn2117 I agree with what @cwillzz advised. Typically, for DO schools, it is recommended to finish the entire application (primary and secondary) before Thanksgiving. Unless, you can somehow turn your MCAT score to be out of the world amazing and you can write a very good letter of intent, then perhaps yes to applying now. In the end, it is all up to you!

 

[pursuit_doctor]

Thank you @cwillzz & @pnmegan ! I submitted my primary last week & if I get a secondary I think I will just shoot my shot since I already submitted the primary. I know it’s a major risk, but Hopefully its worth it 🙂

 

[jkswm2020]

Hey guys! Anyone know if classes are mandatory?

 

[gujibeans]

Does anyone know if you need to inform the school of your decision prior to submitting the deposit? I was accepted recently and am still pending hearing back from other schools before I make a final decision. For this reason, I probably wont submit until the week of the deadline (which is in mid-late December). I don't want to lose my seat if I give them no word until just before the deadline.

 

[medigirl99]

I just got their "we're still considering your application and if there's space, we might offer you an interview" email. Anyone know if there's any hope with this or just a soft R?

 

[Dreamzz.]

I just got their "we're still considering your application and if there's space, we might offer you an interview" email. Anyone know if there's any hope with this or just a soft R?

Sorry, but it sounds like a soft R. They’ve already sent out interviews for March which I believe is the last month for interviews

 

[confusedstudent213]

Hey guys! Anyone know if classes are mandatory?

For the most part, yes. But classes are only from 8am-12pm so theres plenty of time in the day to study and run errands if need be

 

[medigirl99]

Sorry, but it sounds like a soft R. They’ve already sent out interviews for March which I believe is the last month for interviews

Hmm, I was looking through other years' threads and they were sending II out until February/March. Maybe spots are filling up quicker this year. I was considering sending a letter of interest this week.

 

[deleted991149]

Even though I'm a Texas resident, I think I'm going to turn down this acceptance considering the deposit is tomorrow. It was a very difficult decision, but they talk about fit and the uniqueness of the curriculum and I'm not sure it was a right fit for me. Admitted Students day was great; but it really showed me that I'm not sure if I can do 2 years of small groups and large groups learning everyday. The location, rotations, and faculty seemed great but the unknown in how their curriculum reflects board scores (where's Level 1 score, or even first time pass rate) scares me. Any other interviewed students/accepted students/current students care to reflect on why they chose the school? Thanks a ton!

 

[itskagome]

Even though I'm a Texas resident, I think I'm going to turn down this acceptance considering the deposit is tomorrow. It was a very difficult decision, but they talk about fit and the uniqueness of the curriculum and I'm not sure it was a right fit for me. Admitted Students day was great; but it really showed me that I'm not sure if I can do 2 years of small groups and large groups learning everyday. The location, rotations, and faculty seemed great but the unknown in how their curriculum reflects board scores (where's Level 1 score, or even first time pass rate) scares me. Any other interviewed students/accepted students/current students care to reflect on why they chose the school? Thanks a ton!

I think this response shows that you have a lot of self-awareness and can see yourself in undesirable situations before they happen. Many don't know what environments are the best for them and have the "as long as I work hard nothing bad can happen" attitude. But I think its smart to put yourself in the best possible position for success and that does not look the same for everyone. Im a strong believer in gut feelings. However, listen to student testimonials and see if anything changes.

 

[Dr. Brew]

Has anyone that has been waitlisted seen any movement? I was really hoping for an acceptance letter from this school. Should I send in a letter of intent considering the due date for the deposit has passed?

 

[RealDealHolyfield93]

Even though I'm a Texas resident, I think I'm going to turn down this acceptance considering the deposit is tomorrow. It was a very difficult decision, but they talk about fit and the uniqueness of the curriculum and I'm not sure it was a right fit for me. Admitted Students day was great; but it really showed me that I'm not sure if I can do 2 years of small groups and large groups learning everyday. The location, rotations, and faculty seemed great but the unknown in how their curriculum reflects board scores (where's Level 1 score, or even first time pass rate) scares me. Any other interviewed students/accepted students/current students care to reflect on why they chose the school? Thanks a ton!

Second year student here. Pretty much only chose this school over my other acceptances because I also wanted to stay in Texas. It's been a STRUGGLE dealing with this "learned-focused" curriculum, so if you were feeling unsure of the curriculum I think you made a good choice.

 

[itskagome]

Has anyone that has been waitlisted seen any movement? I was really hoping for an acceptance letter from this school. Should I send in a letter of intent considering the due date for the deposit has passed?

WL movement doesn't happen until later in the cycle, I've heard around late march/ april

 

[Bazelet50]

Second year student here. Pretty much only chose this school over my other acceptances because I also wanted to stay in Texas. It's been a STRUGGLE dealing with this "learned-focused" curriculum, so if you were feeling unsure of the curriculum I think you made a good choice.

Can you elaborate? i'm highly considering UIW.. curious what about it you find difficult.

 

[whatsthepoint]

Does anyone know how late into the app cycle this school sends IIs? Is it too late to submit primary? (I know I'm pushing it)

 

[gujibeans]

Withdrawing my acceptance today here bc of another offer. Really liked the area/school and I hope it goes to one of you guys! Good luck!!

 

[pursuit_doctor]

Does anyone know how late into the app cycle this school sends IIs? Is it too late to submit primary? (I know I'm pushing it)

many people are withdrawing their application or not going to an interview cause they are getting accepted into MD programs or other DO programs they like more. It never hurts to shoot your shot and try, so go ahead : )

 

[Neuro244]

I’m wondering the same thing, if I was to submit my application via AAcomas now, Would it still be worth it or would it be a waste of money?

 

[PAMDoc2B]

Anyone know of close-by/affordable options to stay for the night before the interview? Trying to plan my trip there, and looking at my possibilities.

 

[gujibeans]

Anyone know of close-by/affordable options to stay for the night before the interview? Trying to plan my trip there, and looking at my possibilities.

I stayed at the embassy suites right next to campus and walked to my interview (5 min walk, no major street crossing). It was great. Not very expensive either.

 

[BEXLO]

I’m wondering the same thing, if I was to submit my application via AAcomas now, Would it still be worth it or would it be a waste of money?

If you think you fit their mission and values and your application is rather competitive for the school then I don’t think it’s a waste of time or money

 

[FutureDOdoctor_2024]

Can anyone describe the curriculum at UIWSOM? Where are the clinical rotation sites? How much is the deposit if you are accepted here? Thanks in advance!

 

[ATCtoDO]

Can anyone describe the curriculum at UIWSOM? Where are the clinical rotation sites? How much is the deposit if you are accepted here? Thanks in advance!

Self directed problem based learning. Clinical rotations are around San Antonio and other parts of Texas. Deposited is between 1-2,000 I believe

 

[gujibeans]

Can anyone describe the curriculum at UIWSOM? Where are the clinical rotation sites? How much is the deposit if you are accepted here? Thanks in advance!

I believe the deposit is 1200$

 

[thegrandbull]

Hello all,

I read some discouraging things about this school on another thread but i really want to go here and have already submitted my deposit.
here is an excerpt from the post...

"Some of the more concerning things about this school is how isolated they keep faculty. They are not permitted office hours. They are not permitted to 'teach' in the traditional sense. Students are not allowed to visit faculty offices with questions without first setting an appointment and then checking in with a security desk and being escorted to the faculty office.
The school requires student to become EMT certified, which in theory is cool, but in execution a bit of a nightmare I hear. The school is contracted with a company that doesn't have a great reputation (but probably gave the best bid) and the amount of time, travel, poor communication and paperwork with regard to the student is a considerable burden and distraction from their medical curriculum without offering real value of experience. Many students spend 12 hours changes bed sheets or transporting elderly people to doctor visits for their 'hands-on clinical emergency experience'. Doesn't mean that is every persons experience, but it's most."

can we talk a little bit about this "hands on clinical emergency exp" and and EMT certification and why we have to do it?
sounds like it could be a lot of time wasted when we could be learning medicine.

and the restricted access to faculty? what the heck is that about??
can we really not go see our professors when we need help.have Q's?

Thanks!

 

[gujibeans]

Hello all,

I read some discouraging things about this school on another thread but i really want to go here and have already submitted my deposit.
here is an excerpt from the post...

"Some of the more concerning things about this school is how isolated they keep faculty. They are not permitted office hours. They are not permitted to 'teach' in the traditional sense. Students are not allowed to visit faculty offices with questions without first setting an appointment and then checking in with a security desk and being escorted to the faculty office.
The school requires student to become EMT certified, which in theory is cool, but in execution a bit of a nightmare I hear. The school is contracted with a company that doesn't have a great reputation (but probably gave the best bid) and the amount of time, travel, poor communication and paperwork with regard to the student is a considerable burden and distraction from their medical curriculum without offering real value of experience. Many students spend 12 hours changes bed sheets or transporting elderly people to doctor visits for their 'hands-on clinical emergency experience'. Doesn't mean that is every persons experience, but it's most."

can we talk a little bit about this "hands on clinical emergency exp" and and EMT certification and why we have to do it?
sounds like it could be a lot of time wasted when we could be learning medicine.

and the restricted access to faculty? what the heck is that about??
can we really not go see our professors when we need help.have Q's?

Thanks!

I was accepted and declined in favor of another school, but I can add some thoughts to this. It seems people have mixed feelings about the education. I had great conversations with two students during my interview and they both loved the EMT certification and the education setup. It did not sound to me like it was that difficult to reach faculty, however I did not hear much about that topic. The point of the EMT certification is to get you started with clinical experience from the beginning.

 

[eaglehawk]

Current student, I can hopefully provide some clarifications:

1) Faculty - The faculty are great - well educated, good teachers, and super friendly. Some are experts in the flipped classroom curriculum and can guide you to the answer without ever giving you the answer (which is the goal), while some new faculty don't understand how to and you can have some difficulty there. Big issues come for "office hours." We have open office hours for OMT, anatomy, and lectures (2 hours a week for each), but individual faculty office hours do not exist. You have to email the faculty you want to talk to and set up an appointment (hence why some people complain about accessibility). This is not a difficult process, just tedious. 90% of the time, you can set up a meeting for the next day. High turnover rate is an issue, but the consensus is that almost every time a new faculty member has been brought over, they've been better than the last.

2) Rotations - Current rotations sites are San Antonio (Christus, Baptist, Methodist), Laredo (Various medical systems), and Kerrville (Peterson). You submit your preference for where you want to go, and you mostly get assigned accordingly. 8 spots in Laredo, 4 in Kerrville, rest stayed in San Antonio. Everyone that went to Laredo - ranked Laredo as their #1 preference. However, 2 of the people being sent to Kerrville, did not rank Kerrville as their #1 preference. Word is the school will soon be adding Corpus Christi as one of the locations. Exceptions: If you can prove spouse, property ownership, or children in SA - you stay in SA.

3) EMT - You take an online EMT course - mainly modules throughout Unit 1 - 8 week unit. After that you have to complete TWO 12-hour ambulance ride-alongs, and ONE 12-hour ER shift. They are made to provide clinical exposure but there are mixed responses. One of our students was on the ambulance that responded to the church mass shooting 2 years ago, while another had no calls what so ever and did nothing on the ambulance for 12 hours. SO, it REALLY varies as you would expect hence mixed feedback. But it's very little time you put in (retrospective), and you get EMT certified (hurray).

Feel free to ask another questions.

 

[thegrandbull]

Current student, I can hopefully provide some clarifications:

1) Faculty - The faculty are great - well educated, good teachers, and super friendly. Some are experts in the flipped classroom curriculum and can guide you to the answer without ever giving you the answer (which is the goal), while some new faculty don't understand how to and you can have some difficulty there. Big issues come for "office hours." We have open office hours for OMT, anatomy, and lectures (2 hours a week for each), but individual faculty office hours do not exist. You have to email the faculty you want to talk to and set up an appointment (hence why some people complain about accessibility). This is not a difficult process, just tedious. 90% of the time, you can set up a meeting for the next day. High turnover rate is an issue, but the consensus is that almost every time a new faculty member has been brought over, they've been better than the last.

2) Rotations - Current rotations sites are San Antonio (Christus, Baptist, Methodist), Laredo (Various medical systems), and Kerrville (Peterson). You submit your preference for where you want to go, and you mostly get assigned accordingly. 8 spots in Laredo, 4 in Kerrville, rest stayed in San Antonio. Everyone that went to Laredo - ranked Laredo as their #1 preference. However, 2 of the people being sent to Kerrville, did not rank Kerrville as their #1 preference. Word is the school will soon be adding Corpus Christi as one of the locations. Exceptions: If you can prove spouse, property ownership, or children in SA - you stay in SA.

3) EMT - You take an online EMT course - mainly modules throughout Unit 1 - 8 week unit. After that you have to complete TWO 12-hour ambulance ride-alongs, and ONE 12-hour ER shift. They are made to provide clinical exposure but there are mixed responses. One of our students was on the ambulance that responded to the church mass shooting 2 years ago, while another had no calls what so ever and did nothing on the ambulance for 12 hours. SO, it REALLY varies as you would expect hence mixed feedback. But it's very little time you put in (retrospective), and you get EMT certified (hurray).

Feel free to ask another questions.

awesome! thanks! i appreciate it all!

 

[Neuro244]

If I just received a II today And submit it within the next week, what would be the earliest interview date available for me for people who are familiar with this School’s timeline? Thanks

 

[pnmegan]

If I just received a II today And submit it within the next week, what would be the earliest interview date available for me for people who are familiar with this School’s timeline? Thanks

You mean submitting a secondary, right? II means "Interview Invite"...

 

[Neuro244]

You mean submitting a secondary, right? II means "Interview Invite"...

Oh sorry, I thought people use II as a way to write secondary since it's like 2 Roman numerals lol. Yes, I meant submitting a secondary.

 

[Dreamzz.]

Oh sorry, I thought people use II as a way to write secondary since it's like 2 Roman numerals lol. Yes, I meant submitting a secondary.

You don't get to choose an interview date after submitting a secondary, you have to be invited by admissions and then you choose a date. You'll get an II if they like you as an applicant