2023-2024 Pennsylvania State

Started by chilly_md
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is anyone taking question 10 as an optional question? the one that asks about any unique aspect of your application
 
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I decided to check my status today and realized that I didn't write a description for the competencies in the prerequisite section. Should I contact admissions and ask if they need me to fill that information or do you think it's unnecessary?

The portal says: "For each area listed indicate how the competency was acquired and provide a brief explanation for experiences/activities if appropriate"

I checked off the boxes that said "courses listed on the transcript" but I'm not sure if that's enough. I would really appreciate any feedback!
 
hidadimadcom said:
I decided to check my status today and realized that I didn't write a description for the competencies in the prerequisite section. Should I contact admissions and ask if they need me to fill that information or do you think it's unnecessary?

The portal says: "For each area listed indicate how the competency was acquired and provide a brief explanation for experiences/activities if appropriate"

I checked off the boxes that said "courses listed on the transcript" but I'm not sure if that's enough. I would really appreciate any feedback!
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I did the same thing too, I now wonder if it is necessary. I thought the description was more for if you checked off the "other experiences/ activities" I do not think we need to describe it if it is the transcript. The prompt also says "if appropriate" so the brief explanation would not necessarily be for a course (unless you want to describe the course content). I think it is more so for when you only have an activity but missing a course they give us space to clarify how that may work instead/ meet their requirements.

Does it even show a description box if you only clicked the transcript one? I can not remember but maybe it does not even show it unless you check the activity. I would not personally worry about it especially if you have all your pre-req courses taken.
 
Premed@ForestParkForever said:
I did the same thing too, I now wonder if it is necessary. I thought the description was more for if you checked off the "other experiences/ activities" I do not think we need to describe it if it is the transcript. The prompt also says "if appropriate" so the brief explanation would not necessarily be for a course (unless you want to describe the course content). I think it is more so for when you only have an activity but missing a course they give us space to clarify how that may work instead/ meet their requirements.

Does it even show a description box if you only clicked the transcript one? I can not remember but maybe it does not even show it unless you check the activity. I would not personally worry about it especially if you have all your pre-req courses taken.
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That's exactly how I interpreted it the first time. I assumed that because I fulfilled all my pre-reqs through my college classes, checking the transcript box would be enough. I'm not sure but I think there was an optional box to write a brief description if you selected the transcript. But I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who saw things similarly and I think you're right that it won't be necessary to reach out to admissions. Tysm!
 
Is Penn State OOS-friendly to applicants with MCAT's a few points above its average?
 
Was thinking more about PSU and decided to add it to my AMCAS school list today... you guys think I wasted my money by submitting now? Read a post that said, you only know that you won't get in if you don't submit - trying to have that mentality! LM 74.5. Good luck to you all!
 
IF I didn't get a committee letter because I wanted individual letters from my PI and a professor outside of the committee (BUT I got one from my advisor who would normally write the committee letter). Should I even apply to Penn State? It seems they REALLY want that committee letter if it's offered. Was going to add it to my list but now thinking I can't.
 
velvetcoffee said:
IF I didn't get a committee letter because I wanted individual letters from my PI and a professor outside of the committee (BUT I got one from my advisor who would normally write the committee letter). Should I even apply to Penn State? It seems they REALLY want that committee letter if it's offered. Was going to add it to my list but now thinking I can't.
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in the secondary you just had to explain why you don't have one. I'd still apply
 
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diamond82q said:
does anyone have info on the university park program? don't really know what makes it unique
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Maybe you saw this already but on the website, they have a very detailed series of 5 information sessions virtually specifically for the UP program

MD Program - University Park Campus | Medical Education at UP

Penn State College of Medicine has a tradition of excellence in education that is scientifically and clinically rigorous with a deep foundation in sch...
med.psu.edu med.psu.edu
 
Has anyone heard back from admissions on LOR requirements? I’m three years out of undergrad and only have one sci and one non sci letters. Plus a letter from a volunteer coordinator and one from an MD I was an MA for.
 
Kenken514 said:
Has anyone heard back from admissions on LOR requirements? I’m three years out of undergrad and only have one sci and one non sci letters. Plus a letter from a volunteer coordinator and one from an MD I was an MA for.
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I've emailed them twice with no response. I'm also nontrad and do not have a non sci letter and have no way of obtaining one that is actually genuine. My volunteer coordinators have a strict policy of not writing letters. At best, I could ask my PI's admin but that's a stretch. Tbh, this could be their way of saying they don't like nontrads
 
dancindawg said:
I've emailed them twice with no response. I'm also nontrad and do not have a non sci letter and have no way of obtaining one that is actually genuine. My volunteer coordinators have a strict policy of not writing letters. At best, I could ask my PI's admin but that's a stretch. Tbh, this could be their way of saying they don't like nontrads
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That’s a strange policy for your volunteer coordinators.
 
Stoasty said:
That’s a strange policy for your volunteer coordinators.
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The hospital I work at has a very large number of undergrad prehealth volunteers from the associated university so the policy was put in place so that volunteers aren't just there for a quick easy letter of rec
 
dancindawg said:
The hospital I work at has a very large number of undergrad prehealth volunteers from the associated university so the policy was put in place so that volunteers aren't just there for a quick easy letter of rec
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I mean they're volunteering their time for free so getting a letter of rec out of there doesn't seem unreasonable. It would make more sense that the Letter of Rec just requires some sort of minimum amount of hours dedicated to the program.
 
Kenken514 said:
Has anyone heard back from admissions on LOR requirements? I’m three years out of undergrad and only have one sci and one non sci letters. Plus a letter from a volunteer coordinator and one from an MD I was an MA for.
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I got an email back. They said my LOR’s would be fine.
 
Kenken514 said:
I got an email back. They said my LOR’s would be fine.
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I really want to reiterate this point. I feel like there are more non-trads than not in my class, and I promise the office will make every reasonable accommodation.

However, also recognize the entire PSCOM Admissions team is swamped with hundreds of people asking very specific questions. Please give them time and grace to answer!
 
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Has anyone had any luck actually scheduling their interview? Went in to schedule today and it's showing no available dates all the way through next July...

EDIT: never mind, it seems to have been resolved!
 
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