Anybody hoping for an acceptance from SIU

[neuronick]

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I realize that many people here consider SIU med to be a below average school but I have to say that I have been impressed. The student seemed to be genuinly happy with the program (including PBL) and the early clinical experience is a bonus as well. I understand that adcoms meet on the 7th so Im really hoping to here something positive before christmas. Just wanted to here from anybody who is awaiting or may have already received an AWPA letter.

 

[Julius Erving]

I realize that many people here consider SIU med to be a below average school but I have to say that I have been impressed. The student seemed to be genuinly happy with the program (including PBL) and the early clinical experience is a bonus as well. I understand that adcoms meet on the 7th so Im really hoping to here something positive before christmas. Just wanted to here from anybody who is awaiting or may have already received an AWPA letter.

I am awaiting an official acceptance... Got my AWPA about 3 weeks ago maybe (exact date is in my profile). Do you know when the said their batches go out? Is there any acceptances in November, or do we have to wait until December at the earliest? Any other info on the timeline?

And FWIW, I am applying to some very good schools and SIU was up in the top 3 for me. It has a great curriculum and is severely underrated (b/c they target southern illinoians and no regular MD OOSers). They have some of the best teachers and students actually learn how to be doctors, instead of just learning hardcore science. But the disorganization during my interview and my general impression during interview day dropped it to about middle of the list for me.

 

[ToGodALLGlory]

I'm so excited about SIU! I interview shortly and am hoping to be considered in the late-November batch. After some research into old threads, I think they do a batch in November, one in January, one in March, and then after May 15th. There was some discussion about ADCOM meetings on 11/07 and 11/29 though, so I'm curious what's going on with that. Anyway, I think we are in for a long wait. Didn't you apply to SIU last year neuronick? I bet you have some sage advice about the process.

 

[WCGee]

Their earliest acceptances will come out in December according to the SIU Dean of Student Affairs. I'm from U of I and generally, everyone here really puts Southern down, but I interviewed there in September and loved it. I'm applying to a lot of good schools also, but really am seriously considering Southern for their emphasis on clinical care, low cost of attendance/living, and general atmosphere.

 

[neuronick]

Yeah I applied last year AND the year before. I keep getting interviews but no actual exeptances. Ive been through this whole waiting thing 3 times now. Hopefully this is the year. And as for sage advise I obviously dont have any that works.

 

[Julius Erving]

Their earliest acceptances will come out in December according to the SIU Dean of Student Affairs. I'm from U of I and generally, everyone here really puts Southern down, but I interviewed there in September and loved it. I'm applying to a lot of good schools also, but really am seriously considering Southern for their emphasis on clinical care, low cost of attendance/living, and general atmosphere.

hmm, who are you? How many pre-meds to we churn out (I go to U of I too)? I went to an interview at Carver and half the room was U of I people, of which I knew one, and then it was only b/c she sent out emails for AMSA and I recognized the name.

I'm reppin' the Kinesiology majors 😎

 

[WCGee]

hmm, who are you? How many pre-meds to we churn out (I go to U of I too)? I went to an interview at Carver and half the room was U of I people, of which I knew one, and then it was only b/c she sent out emails for AMSA and I recognized the name.

I'm reppin' the Kinesiology majors 😎

I'm MCB/Chem and I know there are at least 100 premeds in my major alone for this year...yeah...we go to a big school.

 

[DrJen]

I only applied to SIU this year. (Hubby-to-be is a 2nd year law student there.) I work in Carbondale, and I love it. I think PBL is kind of scary, but I've heard people say that it's very useful for the "real world" of medicine. Hope to see you all there!

 

[WCGee]

I'm afraid of PBL too, but I do feel that once I get over the initial hurdle, it will serve me better in the long run...

 

[neuronick]

I think that with a strong science background, PBL is probably the most practical way to learn new systems material. I dont have that much PBL experience but the students that I met at the interview seemed happy with the curriculum.

 

[ToGodALLGlory]

So I interviewed and fell more deeply in love with SIU! Now I wait.........

I feel fortunate that they are going to do a batch of acceptances on 11/28 though. Do you think an AWPA letter, rejection, etc. would come before 11/28's decisions or would they just cut me or AWPA me then? I did get a little more explanation on the process and found out there is an AWPA list, nonrated applicant list, prospective reapplicant list and rejection list! I would think the AWPA, nonrated and rejection lists would be enough...didn't know about the prosp. reapp list, so now I think I'll be on that one. Regardless I'm so thankful for the opportunity knowing some others haven't even received secondaries. Their process is so different and complicated than what I have encountered thus far. He was giving out a lot of stats, but I could have sworn he said they didn't get all the way through the AWPA list last time. Anyone have any info. on that? to everyone! Even though SIU is a small school, it seems like the applicants discussing SIU on SDN have to represent only a small number of those actually being considered because there are so few of us.

 

[WCGee]

Although not everyone on the AWPA list gets accepted, the vast majority of people do (according to the Dean of Student Affairs who was my interviewer).

I also left SIU impressed by the school...and yes, their admissions process is kind of random...

 

[NEATOMD]

Hey guys, I'm a SIUSOM student. I can answer any questions for you if you'd like.

Let me start off with a few:
Reasons why I chose SIU
1.) You get the same MD degree whether you pay more or not.
2.) Early clinical experience.
3.) S,C,U grade scale
4.) PBL is way better than lectures.
5.) No scut work required (You'll care about this later on)
6.) Caring/competent faculty
7.) Highly selective against gunners

As far as not being a high tier school, SIU does very well on USMLE exams. Our step 1's are always above average (some years higher than other). Since the new step 2 began 2 years ago, we're the only school to have a 100% pass rate (a few scores are yet to be reported for this year, so we're keeping our fingers crossed).

The early clinical experience is key. Believe it or not, your first two years of studying don't amount to a whole lot when it comes to applying to residencies. Here's why: A dean's letter gets sent to the residencies you are applying to. This letter contains about 8 sentences total from your first two years (4 for each year) basically stating that you showed up, you passed, you didn't tick anyone important off. The letter then has a paragraph for each of your 3rd/4th year clerkships which are either 4 or 8 sentences long (depending on if the clerkship is a 6 week "short" or a 10-12 week "long".) So, you can imagine that your 3rd and 4th year performance is WAY more important than your first 2 years. It will also include your step 1 board scores, and if available, step 2.

Another important part of residency application is going to res. programs and doing away rotations during your 4th year. SIU students really shine here (thanks to our early clinical emphasis). Once you've made a good name for yourself at a residency program, you've got excellent chances at landing one there.

Don't worry about the PBL, it's usually an adjustment at first, but everyone is in the same boat. I'm pretty sure none of my classmates would trade if for lecture based if they had the chance.

The AWPA is a strange deal, most likely you'll get an official acceptance, especially if you're on it at this point. Some years the school makes it to the wait list, other years it doesn't.

The admissions process at SIU is going through some changes. We've got a new admission director this year and I hear good things are on the horizon. I definitely hear you about SIU's interview process being kind of sloppy. I showed up for one interview and the interviewer turned out to be out of the country and no one ever bothered to inform me of this, but it all worked out.

Points 3 and 7 above deserve a specific mention here. SIU does not tolerate students making themselves look good at the expense of their classmates. In other words, you stab a classmate in the back and make them look bad, you're the one who will get probably get the low grade, not them (trust me, people notice). The grading system promotes an atmosphere of teamwork instead of competition and that's what is needed for success in medicine.

If I could give you one piece of advice it would be to get as much clinical experience before med school as possible. It really seems to help.
Oh, and if you haven't gotten your secondary in yet, TYPE IT (I realize it says you can do either, but just trust me).

Good luck, I'll try and check back here when I get a chance.

 

[WCGee]

Hey guys, I'm a SIUSOM student. I can answer any questions for you if you'd like.

Let me start off with a few:
Reasons why I chose SIU
1.) You get the same MD degree whether you pay more or not.
2.) Early clinical experience.
3.) PBL is way better than lectures.
4.) No scut work required
5.) Caring/competent faculty

As far as not being a high tier school, SIU does very well on USMLE exams. Our step 1's are always above average (some years higher than other). Since the new step 2 began 2 years ago, we're the only school to have a 100% pass rate (a few scores are yet to be reported for this year, so we're keeping our fingers crossed).

The early clinical experience is key. Believe it or not, your first two years of studying don't amount to a whole lot when it comes to applying to residencies. Here's why: A dean's letter gets sent to the residencies you are applying to. This letter contains about 8 sentences total from your first two years (4 for each year) basically stating that you showed up, you passed, you didn't tick anyone important off. The letter then has a paragraph for each of your 3rd/4th year clerkships which are either 4 or 8 sentences long (depending on if the clerkship is a 6 week "short" or a 10-12 week "long".) It will also include your step 1 board scores, and if available, step 2.

Another important part of residency application is going to res. programs and doing away rotations during your 4th year. SIU students really shine here (thanks to our early clinical emphasis). Once you've made a good name for yourself at a residency program, you've got excellent chances at landing one there.

Don't worry about the PBL, it's usually an adjustment at first, but everyone is in the same boat. I'm pretty sure none of my classmates would trade if for lecture based if they had the chance.

The AWPA is a strange deal, most likely you'll get an official acceptance, especially if you're on it at this point. Some years the school makes it to the wait list, other years it doesn't.

The admissions process at SIU is going through some changes. We've got a new admission director this year and I hear good things are on the horizon. I definitely hear you about SIU's interview process being kind of sloppy. I showed up for one interview and the interviewer turned out to be out of the country and no one ever bothered to inform me of this, but it all worked out.

If I could give you one piece of advice it would be to get as much clinical experience before med school as possible. It really seems to help.

Good luck, I'll try and check back here when I get a chance.

Wow, thanks! I hardly ever see SIU students here, it's nice getting an insider's opinions! 🙂

 

[NEATOMD]

I know there are students that occasionally visit these forums. Most of the time, I don't comment on threads like this because it doesn't take too long for someone to show up from another institution that feels the need to cut down other schools and "put SIU in it's place." They'll make claims that if you go to SIU, you'll end up practicing family medicine in a barn somewhere or whatever (which is far from the truth, SIU students tend to match well). Aren't these just the kind of people you'd like to go to school with?

One more thing to add: Happiness is a good reason to choose SIU (it's also a good reason not to, if you think you'll be happier somewhere else). When I was in undergrad, I was really wanting to go to another school. Then, I read in a med school review that SIUSOM was the "hidden treasure of the Mid-West" and that students here seem to be much happier than at most other schools. This didn't change my mind at that time. But, when I visited the school for my interview, I was really impressed by how relaxed and down to earth the students were compared to other schools. I ended up getting in to my previous top choice and SIU and decided on SIU at the last second. I'm glad I did, I really love it here.

 

[StritchMD2011]

I just got my AWPA letter from SIU today. I know it says it's not a "guaranteed admission," but is it fairly certain that I'll be offered a spot in the class eventually?

I'm actually really surprised I got into SIU. I hear they have quite a prejudice against people from Chicago. I'm from the 'burbs, although I do go to school in Omaha, NE. Maybe they thought I'm not so opposed to the smaller town gig...

 

[NEATOMD]

I just got my AWPA letter from SIU today. I know it says it's not a "guaranteed admission," but is it fairly certain that I'll be offered a spot in the class eventually?

I'm actually really surprised I got into SIU. I hear they have quite a prejudice against people from Chicago. I'm from the 'burbs, although I do go to school in Omaha, NE. Maybe they thought I'm not so opposed to the smaller town gig...

As I mentioned above, you aren't guaranteed a spot, but more than likely you will eventually get one. Could be next month, could be in July or anywhere in between. A guy in my class got his official a day before the first day of class. Some years, they make it all the way through the AWPA and other years they don't. Last year I think like 5 or so with AWPA's did not get officials.

As far as being prejudiced against Chicago goes, that would more than likely depend on what you said in your primary and secondaries. They do shy away from some Chicago students, but it usually has more to do with those applicant's attitudes/perspective regarding non-city schools and occupations than their location.

 

[jv00927]

I have a 6 in verbal but 29 composite with a Q in WS. MSAR lists SIU did not accept anybody with a 6 VR last year and SIU's website says 7 is their VR cut off. I go to UIS. Will my app get considered? I applied to SIU anyway but I just wonder what my chances are. I'm not verified yet either.

 

[NEATOMD]

I have a 6 in verbal but 29 composite with a Q in WS. MSAR lists SIU did not accept anybody with a 6 VR last year and SIU's website says 7 is their VR cut off. I go to UIS. Will my app get considered? I applied to SIU anyway but I just wonder what my chances are. I'm not verified yet either.

I've got no idea, but I'm guessing it's a strict cutoff. I'd contact the school and ask if you can speak with someone who knows for sure.

 

[monkily_stealth]

I'd be happy to go to SIU. That is, if they ever take me off their "F* You" list.

 

[StritchMD2011]

Thanks for the advice NeatoMD. What's your take on the whole split-campus thing? That was one thing that really turned me off.

I do like Southern's PBL curriculum, even though I've heard med students at other schools say they absolutely hate their PBL. I wasn't too hot on Springfield, either. I was very impressed by the size of the med center, and the faculty that I met. Sounds like there are some great clinical opportunities.

I honestly think I like Loyola better as a school, but Southern's price is great, and I do think I would do well with their curriculum. I'm gonna wait a bit to see how financial aid stuff pans out...

 

[monkily_stealth]

What's an AWPA letter? Also, what chance to I have of getting off the alternate's list?

 

[NEATOMD]

Partially borrowed from a previous private message:

SCU means Satisfactory, Concerns, Unsatisfactory. For multiple choice exams (everything in 1st 2 years): One standard deviation below the class average will be a concern, 2 standard deviations below would be an unsatisfactory. The school doesn't rank students in the first 2 years (I don't think they ever do), so it keeps students from feeling like helping their peers is going to hurt themselves. Since everything above 1 SD below is a satisfactory, intraclass competition is drastically reduced: You don't feel like you're competing against your entire class for an A- vs a B+. Let me know if this doesn't make sense, I'm not the best at explaining stuff like this.

Carbondale is not that bad. I personally really despised the town (not, the school) because it always seemed like the undergrads were partying (ALL THE TIME) while I studied. It has it's advantages though, med students in Carbondale are at the top of the educational totem pole, there's a lot to do in Carbondale for when you get some free time (intermurals, parks, NCAA, etc) and you'll probably have more than you think. The staff down there is the most caring ever...I mean that. They realize the transition to medical school is tough and try to help you however they can.

Springfield has a nice feel to it. Sort of a big-little city thing going on if that even makes sense. The hospitals (Memorial Medical Center and St. John's) are decent and you aren't fighting a ridiculous amount of students and residents for patient interaction. You won't miss out on seeing cool medical things at these hospitals either, they are tertiary treatment centers that draw patients from all over central Illinois (and there's some crazy medical stuff that goes on here). On the down side, you just went from being at the top of the totem pole to the very bottom. This isn't that big of deal, you get treated really well. In my experience, doctor's are much easier on 2nd years than upperclassmen and residents because they don't expect as much out of them. Upperclassmen always seem more than willing to help as well as the residents. They really listen to the students (this applies to the whole school). The school constantly requires/asks us to give feedback and here's the kicker, they actually implement changes according to that feedback. For example, year 2 saw some drastic changes this year as a direct result of the previous year's feedback. As a matter of fact, I was sitting in a tutor room studying a few weeks ago and the unit coordinator walked in and asked me what I thought could be done to make the rest of the unit better if anything. I doubt that's EVER happened at most schools!

An AWPA letter is simply an Accept When Place Available letter. Basically, everyone who eventually is officially accepted receives one, but not everyone who receives one is officially accepted. Students are placed on the list post interview and given a ranking within that list. Those with a higher rank recieve official acceptances first at each ADCOM meeting. As students withdrawal or decide not to put a deposit down for the acceptance, students further down the list will recieve an official acceptance. Some years all the students in the AWPA catagory eventually get an official acceptance and then the highest ranked students in the alternate's list are given official acceptances, other years (such as last year), not everyone on the AWPA list receives an official acceptance.

I hope that helps...I need to get some work done tonight before clinic tomorrow.

 

[Julius Erving]

Oh, and if you haven't gotten your secondary in yet, TYPE IT (I realize it says you can do either, but just trust me).

Uh oh.

 

[naijagurl]

Thanks for the advice NeatoMD. What's your take on the whole split-campus thing? That was one thing that really turned me off.
I wasn't too hot on Springfield, either.



Watch it bro, 'cos I reside in Springfield.

 

[WCGee]

I'm not too sure about Carbondale, but Springfield's like any other small city/big town...but I go to U of I, so I'm pretty used to it and actually found it rather comfortable.

 

[NEATOMD]

Uh oh.

LOL--> So... you're the one. (Just kidding 😉 )

It's not really that big of a deal, unless your handwriting is bad. Printed apps are just easier to read which translates into your interviewer being happier, which is what you want. Plus, you're missing out on the use of a spell/grammar checker. If your hand writing isn't bad, you have spectacular spelling and grammar, and the app isn't sloppy, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Sam212]

Well, my brother interviewed on 10/18 and just got a letter. He's got "Ranked Alternate" status. From what I have read there was no movement on the waitlist last year, even some of AWPAs didn't get in. I guess it's time for him to look for alternatives or should he have any hope? By the way, he lives in Chicago.

 

[koennen]

I'm hoping for an acceptance from SIU. But since I didn't apply there probably somewhat unrealistic.

 

[monkily_stealth]

I'm hoping for an acceptance from SIU. But since I didn't apply there probably somewhat unrealistic.

Which makes me wonder what you're doing in this thread... 😕

 

[NEATOMD]

Well, my brother interviewed on 10/18 and just got a letter. He's got "Ranked Alternate" status. From what I have read there was no movement on the waitlist last year, even some of AWPAs didn't get in. I guess it's time for him to look for alternatives or should he have any hope? By the way, he lives in Chicago.

See my above posts.

Good luck to your brother at SIU or wherever he ends up.

 

[WCGee]

So why do students generally say that lectures are significantly better when all the SIUSOM students I've ever talked to say they love it? Is there something inherently different about PBL at SIU vs. other schools?

 

[NEATOMD]

So why do students generally say that lectures are significantly better when all the SIUSOM students I've ever talked to say they love it? Is there something inherently different about PBL at SIU vs. other schools?

Yeah, I've never really understood that either. My guess is that it's the classic deal where only people who are really polarized about the subject really care to talk about it. So, you hear a lot of people who aren't wired to work best in PBL make a real big deal about it. It definitely isn't the best for everyone. Lecture format generally gives you everything that is testable (and then some) and expects you to either memorize everything or prioritize. PBL teaches you how to go find information and doesn't tell you how deep to go or what's most important. Some people don't like that approach because they can't stand never knowing if they're learning enough or even depth on the right topics. Others really like it because in the end, it teaches you the skills to keep learning after med school, aside from the obvious less time spent in boring lectures. And the truth is that you'll still spend a good deal of time in lecture halls even in A PBL curriculum, but its only an hour or 2 a day as compared to 8 to 5 every weekday.

Maybe SIU does it different from other school. I know that every school has a slightly different implementation of PBL, but I couldn't tell you what any of the specific differences are because SIU is the only school PBL school I've attended. I will say that from what I've observed in the forums, students seem to be th least happy with the half and half style (integrated PBL and lectures) as compared to near 100% lecture (ie: UIC) or PBL (ie: SIU).

I should also add that SIU offered an option of lecture based or PBL based until 2000, when it switched to completely PBL because it was more effective and the majority of students seemed happier with it.

 

[neuronick]

Just got a call from my old roomate. He said that a letter arrived from SIU at my old apartment yesterday. Hes not going to be around al day so I cant even get the letter until tomorrow. I interviewed on the 23rd of Oct. I really am hoping for the coveted AWPA letter, but not geting my hopes up. He did leave a message saying that the letter was in a normal envelope, no package or anything. Is this how all SIU letters, regardless of their content come? Im supposed to be preparing my lecture for tomorrow, but now all I can do is sit here with this sinking feeling in my gut and wait.

 

[WCGee]

I got in! I got in! 😍

The letter was dated Dec. 6 and it came in a small envelope yesterday.

W00t!

 

[StritchMD2011]

I got in! I got in! 😍

The letter was dated Dec. 6 and it came in a small envelope yesterday.

W00t!

You got an AWPA letter, or an actual acceptance?

 

[WCGee]

A real acceptance! (I got an AWPA a month or two ago)

 

[ewhitmore]

Hello! Has anyone heard anyting lately? I interviewed in mid November. They said I would get my letter before Christmas. I am just curious if anyone has heard. Thanks!🙂

 

[happy snake]

I interviewed in early December, the day they mailed out the first batch of acceptances! I must admit, I was so envious of the students that were about to receive the best peice of mail ever- their acceptance letters! Anyways, I got a thin envelope on Dec 22nd telling me that I made it into the AWPA list!! I heard that the adcom meets this week (probably met on the 19th) and the next batch of acceptances go out this coming week.

Pray, pray, pray!

 

[happy snake]

It appears that once you have been ranked and have made it onto the AWPA list, the adcom will not meet again on your file at any time. You either get a final acceptance (or whatever else they imagine to do to you). Also, whether you get that final acceptance seemingly depends entirely on your rank relative to other AWPAers.

Admissions at SIU thinks that there will be "a high turnover rate in May" as accepted students may decide to attend other schools of choice. So if you don't get accepted from the AWPA in the next couple of months, wait until May. Then again, they may never even get to the AWPA list!

Ah, the beauty of medical school admissions.

For those of you obsessively checking your inboxes or hounding your mailman, the next set of acceptance letters may go out only in the second week of February. So take a deep breath and maybe, try some yoga.

 

[kyley3k]

It appears that once you have been ranked and have made it onto the AWPA list, the adcom will not meet again on your file at any time. You either get a final acceptance (or whatever else they imagine to do to you). Also, whether you get that final acceptance seemingly depends entirely on your rank relative to other AWPAers.

Admissions at SIU thinks that there will be "a high turnover rate in May" as accepted students may decide to attend other schools of choice. So if you don't get accepted from the AWPA in the next couple of months, wait until May. Then again, they may never even get to the AWPA list!

Ah, the beauty of medical school admissions.

For those of you obsessively checking your inboxes or hounding your mailman, the next set of acceptance letters may go out only in the second week of February. So take a deep breath and maybe, try some yoga.

Where did you get this information from? Earlier you stated that the Adcom met this week...