2024-2025 Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU)

[PeteytheFish]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Wait so how is that different than a waitlist?

I posted something similar above, but here's how it works.

When your application is discussed after your interview, you are given a numerical score based on how you did in your interview. OHSU has a numerical threshold that decreases throughout the season. Anyone above that number gets in, whereas anyone below that score gets put into the hold pool (or rejected, if they are way below that score). That threshold decreases as the season goes on.

So say that the numerical threshold is 90 when you interview in October. One of the interviewees in your group scored a 92, another person got a 90.5, and you got an 89.5. The other two applicants would be offered admission and you'd be put in the hold pool. Now, if the numerical threshold dropped to, say, 85 in November, you and everyone else who scored 85 and above would be admitted while those who scored below would stay in the hold pool.

This continues all season long. At the end of April, the school sets a final acceptance threshold, and anyone above that gets accepted. Some people get rejected based on another threshold. Anyone between those two scores goes on the waitlist. On the waitlist, everyone has an individual place in line. You get scored from 1-150 (as an example) and are accepted in order as seats become available.

When you are in the hold pool, you have a theoretical seat if the threshold drops to the level of your score. When you're on the waitlist, you only have a seat if someone declines theirs and you're next in line.

Patience.grasshopper is not really correct in saying that the number accepted from the hold pool depends on how many people decline their seats. Yes, that may affect it to a degree, but in reality, whether or not you get pulled from the hold pool depends more on your score in relation to others.

Which is why I say again and again and again on this forum: hold is a great place to be. An enormous number of any class will be accepted from hold. Don't sweat it.

 

[wakeupaurora]

I posted something similar above, but here's how it works.

When your application is discussed after your interview, you are given a numerical score based on how you did in your interview. OHSU has a numerical threshold that decreases throughout the season. Anyone above that number gets in, whereas anyone below that score gets put into the hold pool (or rejected, if they are way below that score). That threshold decreases as the season goes on.

So say that the numerical threshold is 90 when you interview in October. One of the interviewees in your group scored a 92, another person got a 90.5, and you got an 89.5. The other two applicants would be offered admission and you'd be put in the hold pool. Now, if the numerical threshold dropped to, say, 85 in November, you and everyone else who scored 85 and above would be admitted while those who scored below would stay in the hold pool.

This continues all season long. At the end of April, the school sets a final acceptance threshold, and anyone above that gets accepted. Some people get rejected based on another threshold. Anyone between those two scores goes on the waitlist. On the waitlist, everyone has an individual place in line. You get scored from 1-150 (as an example) and are accepted in order as seats become available.

When you are in the hold pool, you have a theoretical seat if the threshold drops to the level of your score. When you're on the waitlist, you only have a seat if someone declines theirs and you're next in line.

Patience.grasshopper is not really correct in saying that the number accepted from the hold pool depends on how many people decline their seats. Yes, that may affect it to a degree, but in reality, whether or not you get pulled from the hold pool depends more on your score in relation to others.

Which is why I say again and again and again on this forum: hold is a great place to be. An enormous number of any class will be accepted from hold. Don't sweat it.

Beautiful explanation!!! Thank you for clarifying

 

[SPIDEY_Senses]

Just finished my interview. Absolutely amazing experience, in tears by the end of my one-on-one with the amount of detail they remembered about my life and just genuine want to get to know me. The MMI was so much fun too loved every station. I am praying for an acceptance and will wait until April 30. (9 weeks to go)

 

[renziekose]

Hi everyone! Just joined SDN but I wanted to share what I learned about the admissions process during my interview day 2/13. The explanation from @PeteytheFish was pretty much spot on, but there’s a few things I could add.

The committee meets weekly to go over applicants (and who is reviewed is largely based on when your interviewer is available to present your case), and gives you a priority score based on a committee score (80%, based on interview, MMI, essays, letters, etc) and academics (20%, MCAT and GPA). Priority scores can range from 0-25, but usually range from 10-22.

Through the season, there’s a threshold score for immediate acceptance based on the percentage of applicants remaining and the seats available. So if they have already reviewed 15% of interviewed applicants, they offer immediate acceptances to those with the top 15% of priority scores.

For example, the first threshold is usually 20+. All those reviewed with a priority score above 20 receive an immediate acceptance and all below are placed into the hold pool.

The threshold usually drops to ~18 in mid-January and then to 17 by the end of April. If you’re still under the threshold on April 28th, you’re put on the waitlist. It usually takes about 250 offers to fill the class of 150 every year, so there’s still a huge chance to be accepted if you’ve been waitlisted if your score is still in the 50% or so of the ~540 interviewed.

So basically, you can be accepted at any time as the threshold drops and could just depend on when your interviewer has time to present your application.

Sorry if a lot of this was redundant but I thought I’d share anyway!

Wishing everyone the best of luck and to remember to relax and be proud of all you’ve done to get yourself here.

 

[Daris]

when do we typically hear back? interviewed week of jan 13th, so it has been nearly 6 weeks

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Hi everyone! Just joined SDN but I wanted to share what I learned about the admissions process during my interview day 2/13. The explanation from @PeteytheFish was pretty much spot on, but there’s a few things I could add.

The committee meets weekly to go over applicants (and who is reviewed is largely based on when your interviewer is available to present your case), and gives you a priority score based on a committee score (80%, based on interview, MMI, essays, letters, etc) and academics (20%, MCAT and GPA). Priority scores can range from 0-25, but usually range from 10-22.

Through the season, there’s a threshold score for immediate acceptance based on the percentage of applicants remaining and the seats available. So if they have already reviewed 15% of interviewed applicants, they offer immediate acceptances to those with the top 15% of priority scores.

For example, the first threshold is usually 20+. All those reviewed with a priority score above 20 receive an immediate acceptance and all below are placed into the hold pool.

The threshold usually drops to ~18 in mid-January and then to 17 by the end of April. If you’re still under the threshold on April 28th, you’re put on the waitlist. It usually takes about 250 offers to fill the class of 150 every year, so there’s still a huge chance to be accepted if you’ve been waitlisted if your score is still in the 50% or so of the ~540 interviewed.

So basically, you can be accepted at any time as the threshold drops and could just depend on when your interviewer has time to present your application.

Sorry if a lot of this was redundant but I thought I’d share anyway!

Wishing everyone the best of luck and to remember to relax and be proud of all you’ve done to get yourself here.

Thank you for this information.

Just a fair bit of advice: change your photograph if it is really you for privacy's sake.

 

[LotteryPlayer]

when do we typically hear back? interviewed week of jan 13th, so it has been nearly 6 weeks

OHSU says their goal is to get a decision to you within ~6 weeks of your interview date.

However, the consensus from this year (and the threads I've combed through from previous cycles) is that there is no hard set rule.

I heard back at almost exactly the 6 week mark. Someone earlier in this cycle's thread heard back 2-3 weeks after interview. You'll also see folks who waited 12+ weeks. All you can really do is wait unfortunately.

 

[skhushu]

I posted something similar above, but here's how it works.

When your application is discussed after your interview, you are given a numerical score based on how you did in your interview. OHSU has a numerical threshold that decreases throughout the season. Anyone above that number gets in, whereas anyone below that score gets put into the hold pool (or rejected, if they are way below that score). That threshold decreases as the season goes on.

So say that the numerical threshold is 90 when you interview in October. One of the interviewees in your group scored a 92, another person got a 90.5, and you got an 89.5. The other two applicants would be offered admission and you'd be put in the hold pool. Now, if the numerical threshold dropped to, say, 85 in November, you and everyone else who scored 85 and above would be admitted while those who scored below would stay in the hold pool.

This continues all season long. At the end of April, the school sets a final acceptance threshold, and anyone above that gets accepted. Some people get rejected based on another threshold. Anyone between those two scores goes on the waitlist. On the waitlist, everyone has an individual place in line. You get scored from 1-150 (as an example) and are accepted in order as seats become available.

When you are in the hold pool, you have a theoretical seat if the threshold drops to the level of your score. When you're on the waitlist, you only have a seat if someone declines theirs and you're next in line.

Patience.grasshopper is not really correct in saying that the number accepted from the hold pool depends on how many people decline their seats. Yes, that may affect it to a degree, but in reality, whether or not you get pulled from the hold pool depends more on your score in relation to others.

Which is why I say again and again and again on this forum: hold is a great place to be. An enormous number of any class will be accepted from hold. Don't sweat it.

Thank you this is great explanation.

 

[OutdoorGirlMD]

is it ridiculous to email them asking for an update on my application if there has been no updates all cycle?

 

[pleasehelpme12]

is it ridiculous to email them asking for an update on my application if there has been no updates all cycle?

Unfortunately I think they’ve finished interviewing for the cycle. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I suspect this won’t lead you anywhere.

 

[Vibrium]

Unfortunately I think they’ve finished interviewing for the cycle. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I suspect this won’t lead you anywhere.

Agreed. This week was the final week of interviews, so if you haven't heard from them with an invitation to interview yet, you're probably not going to for this cycle. 🙁

 

[renziekose]

Just got put into the hold pool, exactly 2 weeks from my interview 2/13. More waiting ): Really hoping I hear something back before the end of April but I’m kind of expecting to wait until then to get a decision on whether I’m accepted, rejected, or put onto the alternate list. I wish I could just know where I am compared to the other applicants so I can either prep to move closer to the city or start working on my app for next cycle.

 

[Hopefulclutch]

Post II R today, interviewed 1/6. Goodluck all

 

[LotteryPlayer]

Just got put into the hold pool, exactly 2 weeks from my interview 2/13. More waiting ): Really hoping I hear something back before the end of April but I’m kind of expecting to wait until then to get a decision on whether I’m accepted, rejected, or put onto the alternate list. I wish I could just know where I am compared to the other applicants so I can either prep to move closer to the city or start working on my app for next cycle.

Petey always says the Hold Pool is a great place to be!

Manifesting an A for you! 🙏

 

[taylorsprivatejet1]

Interviewed on 12/9 and was put on hold yesterday

 

[Givemethejuice]

Fingers crossed for some hold movement soon

 

[Rckstarr]

is there an accepted students groupme yet?

 

[Rckstarr]

Also have they sent it scholarships yet? Or financial aid packets?

 

[SilverBubbles]

I haven’t heard of a group me, or scholarships/ financial aid going out yet

 

[NonTradTerry]

there will be an email sent out with a discord link in the next months...

 

[cassiensucasa]

How did everyone hear back from OHSU, whether for holds, acceptances, or rejections? Was it always in an email or did you have to log into the application portal? Also, has anyone from the 2/10 interview week heard anything back yet?

 

[Splogies]

How did everyone hear back from OHSU, whether for holds, acceptances, or rejections? Was it always in an email or did you have to log into the application portal? Also, has anyone from the 2/10 interview week heard anything back yet?

I got an email telling me there was a status change on the portal, logged in to see I was placed on hold

 

[LotteryPlayer]

How did everyone hear back from OHSU, whether for holds, acceptances, or rejections? Was it always in an email or did you have to log into the application portal? Also, has anyone from the 2/10 interview week heard anything back yet?

I only got the acceptance email. (checked my portal after for confirmation and it said accepted)

Another accepted student earlier mentioned they got two emails: One to check the portal and One for Acceptance a few minutes later.

Seems like it can vary..

 

[Rckstarr]

How did everyone hear back from OHSU, whether for holds, acceptances, or rejections? Was it always in an email or did you have to log into the application portal? Also, has anyone from the 2/10 interview week heard anything back yet?

i got a "check status", found out I was on hold. a week later I got the acceptance email itself

 

[PistachioSkies]

i got a "check status", found out I was on hold. a week later I got the acceptance email itself

was this for the 2/10 interview week? congrats btw!

 

[Rckstarr]

was this for the 2/10 interview week? congrats btw!

I actually had my interview in October! 10/8 interview 10/25 status update hold 11/7 acceptance

 

[Mernnow]

Is there anyone who thought they did badly on their MMI but got accepted here anyways?

Yes. I got interviewed on 11/21 and got accepted two weeks after. OOS no OR heritage
Non-traditional
I thought I ll be rejected after the interview because I had way higher hopes of myself and I thought I could not really fully show them who I am during that short time. But to my surprise it were the opposite
Crossing my fingers for everyone to hear soon

 

[Mernnow]

Does anyone know if OHSU provides financial aid for relocating for OOS and also if they offer scholarships to new students?

 

[T N]

Does anyone know if OHSU provides financial aid for relocating for OOS and also if they offer scholarships to new students?

Not OOS, but also wondering about financial aid and scholarships. I have not heard of anyone receiving a scholarship here yet though

 

[LotteryPlayer]

Not OOS, but also wondering about financial aid and scholarships. I have not heard of anyone receiving a scholarship here yet though

An updates email from the ADCOM manager went out to admitted students two days ago.

In reference to financial aid they said they are working on getting data transferred over to the financial aid office and expect to be done in 1-2 weeks. So my assumption is that we won't hear back for at least 1-2 more weeks.

They also said after that transfer happens to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

 

[OutdoorGirlMD]

Hi so I am really confused because I haven't heard from ADCOM and the portal says my application is still processing? I had emailed adcom back in end of dec to double check all my application materials had been received and they said it had and then end of jan I submitted an update/letter of interest. I assume I am not getting in but I am confused why it says still processing?

 

[patience.grasshopper]

Breaking News:
Interview Season is over. 523 were interviewed.
More than 101 offers made to date.

Dunno y it’s not specific.

 

[PeteytheFish]

Breaking News:
Interview Season is over. 523 were interviewed.
More than 101 offers made to date.

Dunno y it’s not specific.

Just remember that about 250 offers will be made in total, so for those who interviewed and are either on hold or haven't heard anything, there are plenty of offers still to come, so keep the faith. 🙂

 

[skhushu]

Just remember that about 250 offers will be made in total, so for those who interviewed and are either on hold or haven't heard anything, there are plenty of offers still to come, so keep the faith. 🙂

Thank you so much. Your words give me hope. Keeping my faith and crossing my fingers.

 

[DoneDone3451]

Breaking News:
Interview Season is over. 523 were interviewed.
More than 101 offers made to date.

Dunno y it’s not specific.

As a guy who grew up in oregon and lived there for 16 years, heartbroken to have not received an II 🙁

 

[PeteytheFish]

As a guy who grew up in oregon and lived there for 16 years, heartbroken to have not received an II 🙁

So, and this goes for everyone in your boat, unless you got in somewhere else, your next step is to take a hard look at why that might be. It's usually not stats at OHSU. It's usually the quality of your experiences. True leadership, meaningful and longitudinal community service, meaningful experiences in medicine that prove your interest in and knowledge of real medicine (read: ability to prove that you actually know what you're getting into and want to do it anyway). This is advice that applies to everyone: if you didn't get an II at OHSU, don't reapply next year. Figure out where the gaps are and give yourself a full year (or more) to address them. Older medical students (~28+) are very highly valued at OHSU, whereas being on the younger end is sometimes seen as a liability. OHSU loves an applicant who is a real person with real interests, and is very suspicious of an applicant who looks like a box-ticker.

I obviously know absolutely nothing about you, so please take my advice with a big grain of salt and take it as a general token of good will. 🙂

 

[Rckstarr]

So, and this goes for everyone in your boat, unless you got in somewhere else, your next step is to take a hard look at why that might be. It's usually not stats at OHSU. It's usually the quality of your experiences. True leadership, meaningful and longitudinal community service, meaningful experiences in medicine that prove your interest in and knowledge of real medicine (read: ability to prove that you actually know what you're getting into and want to do it anyway). This is advice that applies to everyone: if you didn't get an II at OHSU, don't reapply next year. Figure out where the gaps are and give yourself a full year (or more) to address them. Older medical students (~28+) are very highly valued at OHSU, whereas being on the younger end is sometimes seen as a liability. OHSU loves an applicant who is a real person with real interests, and is very suspicious of an applicant who looks like a box-ticker.

I obviously know absolutely nothing about you, so please take my advice with a big grain of salt and take it as a general token of good will. 🙂

As someone with a 49x 3.9x I agree. My MCAT is low but I have so many meaningful qualities and leadership roles I have been apart of and they all show in a way where it tells a story on what I want to do and how medicine has impacted me. That being said, I am 22 turning 23 so not sure about the age thing but I got my foot in the door and then made my interview my stage. I told them everything I wanted them to know about me in the way I answered their questions. The MMI was eh but the personal one on one interview, I felt went well and I’m very excited to start! I am not from Oregon but my mom has lived there for years and I can’t wait.

 

[GoldenRetrieverPreMed]

Hello friends! Question, I interviewed over 8 weeks ago now at OHSU. Does anyone have any insight on whether I should send an LOI/check in email? I know they don’t accept updates, but I was expecting to hear back by now. Also, has anyone else not heard back for over 8 weeks? Or is this something I should be worried about?

 

[Rhinoceros78]

Hello friends! Question, I interviewed over 8 weeks ago now at OHSU. Does anyone have any insight on whether I should send an LOI/check in email? I know they don’t accept updates, but I was expecting to hear back by now. Also, has anyone else not heard back for over 8 weeks? Or is this something I should be worried about?

I’m at the end of week 14 so you’re def not alone! They said it is based on interviewer availability and out of their control so I don’t think a letter is needed

 

[craftfanatic17]

Hello friends! Question, I interviewed over 8 weeks ago now at OHSU. Does anyone have any insight on whether I should send an LOI/check in email? I know they don’t accept updates, but I was expecting to hear back by now. Also, has anyone else not heard back for over 8 weeks? Or is this something I should be worried about?

I tried emailing and she just said I can hear anytime by the end of April. I asked about 6-8 weeks she said it’s not always the case and if I haven’t heard it’s because I haven’t been discussed! I wouldn’t worry, I was reading last year’s forum around this time and some people heard nothing for months and then got in. So it’s not a bad sign. Also I interviewed 1/9!

 

[craftfanatic17]

I’m at the end of week 14 so you’re def not alone! They said it is based on interviewer availability and out of their control so I don’t think a letter

I tried emailing and she just said I can hear anytime by the end of April. I asked about 6-8 weeks she said it’s not always the case and if I haven’t heard it’s because I haven’t been discussed! I wouldn’t worry, I was reading last year’s forum around this time and some people heard nothing for months and then got in. So it’s not a bad sign. Also I interviewed 1/9!

Sorry- I don’t know how to make a post on here! I am wondering though: I’ve read on here that they immediately accept 10% of people, and they find out in 2 weeks. Yet I also have read that if you’re waiting it’s because you haven’t been discussed. How are both those things the case?

 

[PeteytheFish]

Sorry- I don’t know how to make a post on here! I am wondering though: I’ve read on here that they immediately accept 10% of people, and they find out in 2 weeks. Yet I also have read that if you’re waiting it’s because you haven’t been discussed. How are both those things the case?

The 10% part is roughly true, but not the two weeks part. Discussion of applicants occurs when your interviewer has availability to discuss your application with the committee, and that has nothing to do with the strength of your application.

 

[PistachioSkies]

I’m at the end of week 14 so you’re def not alone! They said it is based on interviewer availability and out of their control so I don’t think a letter is needed

hang in there! week 14 is ROUGH

 

[taylorsprivatejet1]

Hello friends! Question, I interviewed over 8 weeks ago now at OHSU. Does anyone have any insight on whether I should send an LOI/check in email? I know they don’t accept updates, but I was expecting to hear back by now. Also, has anyone else not heard back for over 8 weeks? Or is this something I should be worried about?

It took 11 weeks for me to get a status update! Like everyone else is saying, I think it just means your interviewer just hasn't had a chance to present yet.

 

[neuronerd25!]

Anyone else where who interviewed in late December and hasn’t heard anything back yet? Absolutely crickets.

 

[Mernnow]

Has anyone received a scholarship from OHSU yet?

I don’t think we d hear anything till next month based on the email that was sent a few days ago. Their financial aid has not started the process for our class yet. I m also waiting and hoping

 

[T N]

I don’t think we d hear anything till next month based on the email that was sent a few days ago. Their financial aid has not started the process for our class yet. I m also waiting and hoping

They have started sending out scholarships! I just checked my email and got one

 

[Mernnow]

They have started sending out scholarships! I just checked my email and got one

Omg that s so amazing
Happy for you. Did you apply to any scholarships or have you talked to them ?

 

[Mernnow]

Omg that s so amazing
Happy for you. Did you apply to any scholarships or have you talked to them ?

Or I should say have you done all of your pre-enrollment tasks such as sending transcripts and background check?

 

[Mernnow]

Thank you!! I haven't done anything except for signing their acceptance letter. I have not sent my transcript and did not apply to any scholarships. The scholarship they gave me was for academic achievement and commitment to diversity.

That s wonderful.
Can’t wait to meet you all soon