Class of 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[turayza]

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I love cookies! But I love cheesecake most of all 🙂 🙂 🙂

@turayza - congrats on that beastly MCAT score!!!! you guys are so awesome and inspiring 🙂

Thanks 🙂 Cheesecake stretches the extent of my baking abilities....cheesecake cookies? I made these cheesecake-brownie bars once and they were pretty good (a whole tub of cream cheese!! aawww yeah)

You guys are making me hungry Also, I know I shouldn't be studying for the MCAT now but I'm starting to freak out because I was always under the impression that any score above a 30 was decent, but now it seems like I should be aiming for >35... Quick @turayza, distract me with cookies 😀

Hahah don't you have a year to go? I think 30+ is sufficient to have a very good shot at MD schools, given that you apply smart (and do everything else you have to do, lol). But aiming high is good too!

UGH if we weren't MCAT score buddy twins now, I'd be mad.

...jk I'm still mad

P.S. I was playing in my pool league last night, so I have an excuse for not being online/checking my phone

Constant vigilance. 😉
...you have a pool league???

 

[Laureatebarrel]

You guys are making me hungry Also, I know I shouldn't be studying for the MCAT now but I'm starting to freak out because I was always under the impression that any score above a 30 was decent, but now it seems like I should be aiming for >35... Quick @turayza, distract me with cookies 😀

It's okay... SDN is way skewed btw. When I was about to take the test I only hoped for 30. It turned out fine. You will be fine. The most important thing I learn is to relax and "prep" your mind for the big day. What helps is that I know I can always cancel the test so there is no pressure 🙂 (except the money).

P/S: Has anyone finished the autobiography essay? Another one of those damn essays that just makes me so frustrated!

 

[turayza]

It's okay... SDN is way skewed btw. When I was about to take the test I only hoped for 30. It turned out fine. You will be fine. The most important thing I learn is to relax and "prep" your mind for the big day. What helps is that I know I can always cancel the test so there is no pressure 🙂 (except the money).

P/S: Has anyone finished the autobiography essay? Another one of those damn essays that just makes me so frustrated!

Ugh no. It's the autobiography and the "most rewarding moment" that I just want to shred and munch on.
Also some schools ask for an autobiography of your interest in medicine (ie. extended PS) but some actually want an autobiography about your life/what is important to you. Gack

 

[moop]

Constant vigilance. 😉
...you have a pool league???

lol it's not my pool league. I play in an APA league (http://www.poolplayers.com/) here in DC for the summer. It's so refreshing to be with a bunch of people who can actually shoot well and compete because at school people are too casual and it's not as interesting. Real fun

 

[sunflower18]

You guys are making me hungry Also, I know I shouldn't be studying for the MCAT now but I'm starting to freak out because I was always under the impression that any score above a 30 was decent, but now it seems like I should be aiming for >35... Quick @turayza, distract me with cookies 😀

I think I'm the only person with an MCAT score below 35 on this thread. Mine's a 33. It's tough because SDN is definitely a very small, very unbalanced sample size. I definitely understand your panic when seeing all these amazing, wonderful scores! But my 33 will probably get me into at least one school, so I'm trying not to worry about it -- and you shouldn't either 🙂 >30 is great, and with a strong GPA, good ECs, and an appropriate school list, I think it can definitely get you an acceptance 🙂

 

[Copernicium]

Gonna try and finally start secondaries.................

after this nap

 

[Copernicium]

I think I'm the only person with an MCAT score below 35 on this thread. Mine's a 33. It's tough because SDN is definitely a very small, very unbalanced sample size. I definitely understand your panic when seeing all these amazing, wonderful scores! But my 33 will probably get me into at least one school, so I'm trying not to worry about it -- and you shouldn't either 🙂 >30 is great, and with a strong GPA, good ECs, and an appropriate school list, I think it can definitely get you an acceptance 🙂

Nope 😛 You aren't alone n_n

 

[Copernicium]

Whoops double post

or triple post rather 😎

 

[hellanutella]

Ugh no. It's the autobiography and the "most rewarding moment" that I just want to shred and munch on.
Also some schools ask for an autobiography of your interest in medicine (ie. extended PS) but some actually want an autobiography about your life/what is important to you. Gack

I swear, this UCSD secondary is driving me nutters. My PS was very autobiographical, so I'm sort of grasping at straws... my life does not make for a very thrilling read. That's probably a good thing, though.

I think I'm the only person with an MCAT score below 35 on this thread. Mine's a 33. It's tough because SDN is definitely a very small, very unbalanced sample size. I definitely understand your panic when seeing all these amazing, wonderful scores! But my 33 will probably get me into at least one school, so I'm trying not to worry about it -- and you shouldn't either 🙂 >30 is great, and with a strong GPA, good ECs, and an appropriate school list, I think it can definitely get you an acceptance 🙂

Oh hush, Sunflower! You're going to do splendidly. If it's any consolation, your ECs make me look like a good-for-nothing layabout.

As silly and overly-optimistic as it sounds: we're all in this together. I'm just going to walk into my interviews (if I get them) under the assumption that everyone there will be getting in. You just present yourself to the best of your abilities and enjoy the new company. As with undergrad, it's only a competition if you think of it as one.

Gonna try and finally start secondaries.................

after this nap

Make it a long nap! You'll thank yourself later.

 

[moop]

Gonna try and finally start secondaries.................

after this nap

Naps 👍

 

[sunflower18]

I AM THE MASTER OF NAPS

seriously i love them

 

[moop]

@moop would disagree to that.

Wut

Oh yeah I'm the master of napping...at work

 

[moop]

What about pool?

I'm pretty intermediate (i.e., better than advanced beginner but not as consistent as a full-out intermediate). High-run record of 38 balls in straight pool, have run out in 8-ball (all of stripes or solids + the 8) twice.

 

[sunflower18]

@moop would disagree to that.

Wut

Oh yeah I'm the master of napping...at work

No guys look at my picture and my tagline. It's undeniable. I am a master napper, and thus deserve a place on the small council for my service to the throne.

 

[moop]

Wait 8-ball pool? The classic version? You don't play 9-ball?

"The classic version" is straight pool (i.e., 14.1). 9-ball is for p*ssies/real pros. I'm neither lol. Real men play games where you actually have to sink more than one ball to win.

 

[Laureatebarrel]

Have you played 3 ball? I only know how to play that!

 

[moop]

Have you played 3 ball? I only know how to play that!

Yeah. It's honestly too easy for me to be of any fun. I average 3-4 strokes.

 

[moop]

Wait, you just confused me. 9-ball is for noobs and pros? And 8-ball is for... normal people?

No lol actually 9-ball is really difficult and if you're not at a certain level to be able to play position well, it's going to devolve into knocking balls around hoping for luck. That's why I don't play it; I don't learn as much as playing 8-ball and having to plan shots but not restrictively so.

 

[turayza]

"The classic version" is straight pool (i.e., 14.1). 9-ball is for p*ssies/real pros. I'm neither lol. Real men play games where you actually have to sink more than one ball to win.

I had to look this up, didn't realize there were multiple versions of pool. I've only played 8-ball before (just...hit all your patterns) -- didn't know there was a version where you counted up!

 

[moop]

I had to look this up, didn't realize there were multiple versions of pool. I've only played 8-ball before (just...hit all your patterns) -- didn't know there was a version where you counted up!

Yeah! I think 8-ball is just the easiest thing to keep score in and for casual players to play, so that's probably why it's the most popular one. Back in the 60s, though, 14.1 was the most popular, and in the pro circuit since, 9-ball has taken over by storm (because it's quick).

Look up 3-cushion billiards and watch some videos. That's the real f*cking deal......

In that case, is the 7-ball version too easy?

I shoot straight and 8-ball, that's it. Judging from what I know, 7-ball can't be much different than 9-ball; position play is a must and very competent players required to have a good time.

 

[hellanutella]

The WashU secondary site is up. -____- No no no no no this feels too real.
I'm really going to have to give myself a push and squeeze some essays out this weekend. I can foresee how these things pile up.

Time to hound my photographer friend into taking a secondary headshot?

 

[turayza]

The WashU secondary site is up. -____- No no no no no this feels too real.
I'm really going to have to give myself a push and squeeze some essays out this weekend. I can foresee how these things pile up.

Time to hound my photographer friend into taking a secondary headshot?

Oh man secondary headshot....... have to look friendly, competent, mature, professional and have personality?? Hope you're photogenic!

 

[turayza]

Congrats @turayza you sneaky hedgehog you

EDIT: nvm lol

Hahah wasn't paying attention. I'll get it next time 😉

 

[No Limits]

crap

edit: I was waiting to steal top

 

[No Limits]

Do you google random emoticons? Or is there a site you use?

I have two special little sites

want the links?

 

[moop]

ew top...who wants that?

 

[moop]

Man I should really play you in pool soon. 😀

Are you any good? lol

 

[hellanutella]

Oh man secondary headshot....... have to look friendly, competent, mature, professional and have personality?? Hope you're photogenic!

I'm going for "passport photo, but far less stiff." Think portrait of charismatic, knowledgeable author on the inside sleeve of a book.

My face may have different ideas though... if the past 8+ years of tragic-looking student IDs are any indication.

WashU is one of the first secondaries?

Don't know, but they're one of the first to open up their site. 😱 You technically shouldn't worry about things until later, as data hasn't even been transmitted to schools yet, but creating my login on the WashU site definitely provided me with that dose of realness.

 

[No Limits]

I'm going for "passport photo, but far less stiff." Think portrait of charismatic, knowledgeable author on the inside sleeve of a book.

My face may have different ideas though... if the past 8+ years of tragic-looking student IDs are any indication.



Don't know, but they're one of the first to open up their site. 😱 You technically shouldn't worry about things until later, as data hasn't even been transmitted to schools yet, but creating my login on the WashU site definitely provided me with that dose of realness.

Wow, I bet that did make things more real. I didn't apply there, I chickened out lol. I'm sure your picture will turn out great though 🙂

 

[turayza]

I'm going for "passport photo, but far less stiff." Think portrait of charismatic, knowledgeable author on the inside sleeve of a book.

My face may have different ideas though... if the past 8+ years of tragic-looking student IDs are any indication.



Don't know, but they're one of the first to open up their site. 😱 You technically shouldn't worry about things until later, as data hasn't even been transmitted to schools yet, but creating my login on the WashU site definitely provided me with that dose of realness.

Lmao. It would be hilarious to send in your college ID photo... I look about 15 years old in mine 😀

Is there a secondary for WashU? My friend is an MS-2 and was trying to sell me the school to me...she said there's no essay. Very tempted...🙄

 

[hellanutella]

Lmao. It would be hilarious to send in your college ID photo... I look about 15 years old in mine 😀

Is there a secondary for WashU? My friend is an MS-2 and was trying to sell me the school to me...she said there's no essay. Very tempted...🙄

Ehh... possibly? One is mandatory and the other two are optional. Not really sure if "optional" is a suggestion, like "If you truly wanted to go here, you'd write something."
Baylor's secondary looks similar in that regard, so I don't know whether to spring for the optional essay or to just keep things clean and empty...

WASHU ESSAYS
1. (optional) Do you have unique experiences or obstacles that you have overcome that were not covered in your application about which you would like to inform our Admissions Committee? (maximum 3000 characters including spaces)

2. (optional) Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed. (maximum 3000 characters including spaces)

3. If you have already completed your education, if your college or graduate education was interrupted, or if you do not plan to be a full-time student during the current year, describe in chronological order your activities during the time(s) when you were not enrolled as a full-time student. (maximum 1800 characters including spaces)

 

[turayza]

Ehh... possibly? One is mandatory and the other two are optional. Not really sure if "optional" is a suggestion, like "If you truly wanted to go here, you'd write something."
Baylor's secondary looks similar in that regard, so I don't know whether to spring for the optional essay or to just keep things clean and empty...

LOL. Makes me think of UWash's autobiography essay... it's "optional" because you can use your personal statement for it. ...lies

 

[Person0715]

I don't think the second essay was asked last year. This sucks. What an annoying essay topic it is...

Do you guys think it would be appropriate to use a greatest challenge essay? Or do you think it would be better to describe a failure?

 

[nOchemallday]

I think it's silly how they say "Describe a time when you were unssuccessful/failed." It doesn't imply anything about reconciling what you learned (if anything) from that failure. How can that possibly be useful in determining applicants? Might just be one of those negative tests where there's no correct answer, they just want to see that you can answer the prompt and not try to make up some creative fluff/BS. Who knows...

 

[Person0715]

I think it's silly how they say "Describe a time when you were unssuccessful/failed." It doesn't imply anything about reconciling what you learned (if anything) from that failure. How can that possibly be useful in determining applicants? Might just be one of those negative tests where there's no correct answer, they just want to see that you can answer the prompt and not try to make up some creative fluff/BS. Who knows...

Exactly how I feel. I just decided to rework my greatest challenge essay and present it as a failure that I learned from.

On that note, 18 essays left to go and I am done. WOOT. I feel like I've been recycling a lot, granted I have yet to tackle the why us essays.

How is everyone else doing with the prewriting.

 

[sunflower18]

Exactly how I feel. I just decided to rework my greatest challenge essay and present it as a failure that I learned from.

On that note, 18 essays left to go and I am done. WOOT. I feel like I've been recycling a lot, granted I have yet to tackle the why us essays.

How is everyone else doing with the prewriting.

Yeah, about the same number of essays left for me too. I am going to try and knock out two shortish ones today! I've gotten loads better at editing and cutting characters/words, which is good I guess.

 

[turayza]

@Person0715 @sunflower18 wow you two are an inspiration. I've written one... the "gap year plans" essay 😛

 

[Person0715]

@Person0715 @sunflower18 wow you two are an inspiration. I've written one... the "gap year plans" essay 😛

A lot of schools ask that and I think if they don't its worth mentioning if they have an "Anything else you would like us to know" essay, so that's probably applicable to over half of your secondaries!

 

[hellanutella]

Exactly how I feel. I just decided to rework my greatest challenge essay and present it as a failure that I learned from.

On that note, 18 essays left to go and I am done. WOOT. I feel like I've been recycling a lot, granted I have yet to tackle the why us essays.

How is everyone else doing with the prewriting.

Similar boat here. I'm going to talk about an aspect of my greatest challenge that I failed at. Of course, incorporating lessons learned and personal growth and blah blah blah. However, I don't think I'll write anything for the first essay... from previous threads a lot of people left that one blank (and were still accepted). I don't have anything particularly unique or compelling to share.

So far I've done the greatest challenge, the gap-year plans essay, and a few of the very short ones. I'm 1/3 of my way through the autobiography. No specific "why us" essays, future medical practice idea essays, or the diversity statement. ;___; This is going to be a long haul.

 

[sunflower18]

@Person0715 @sunflower18 wow you two are an inspiration. I've written one... the "gap year plans" essay 😛

well! i haven't written that one! because i am not taking a gap year hehe

 

[turayza]

A lot of schools ask that and I think if they don't its worth mentioning if they have an "Anything else you would like us to know" essay, so that's probably applicable to over half of your secondaries!

Ohoo good idea! I was thinking of using that space as a diversity essay but I guess most schools already ask that.

 

[sunflower18]

ok guys quick question. i need some advice on how to interpret one of the ohsu questions. i already read the thread from last year -- no help.

the question is: "What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve?"

is that asking... what medical experience have you had? or... what specialty do you want to go into and what experience have you had with it? or... when have you interacted with people and what has it taught you about a profession in which you are serving your fellow man?

i could write about any of those topics but i want to make sure i'm writing about the correct one!

 

[Person0715]

Ohoo good idea! I was thinking of using that space as a diversity essay but I guess most schools already ask that.

Yea, but it depends on what you want the school to know. You could use the diversity essay for the "anything else" question if they don't ask about diversity. Then you can pull out the gap year activities in an update letter if you have yet to hear back from the school post secondary or post interview.

 

[Person0715]

ok guys quick question. i need some advice on how to interpret one of the ohsu questions. i already read the thread from last year -- no help.

the question is: "What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve?"

is that asking... what medical experience have you had? or... what specialty do you want to go into and what experience have you had with it? or... when have you interacted with people and what has it taught you about a profession in which you are serving your fellow man?

i could write about any of those topics but i want to make sure i'm writing about the correct one!

Upon first reading it, I had the impression it was talking about a medical experience that gave you an idea about what type of patient population you want to serve (ie rural, urban, underserved, immigrant, etc). However, I'm just an applicant. So, yeah.

 

[sunflower18]

Upon first reading it, I had the impression it was talking about a medical experience that gave you an idea about what type of patient population you want to serve (ie rural, urban, underserved, immigrant, etc). However, I'm just an applicant. So, yeah.

I think that makes the most sense to me too. Then bam! I AM DONE WITH THE OHSU SECONDARY!!! gosh that was crazy. What a tough set of questions, man.

 

[turayza]

@sunflower18 you mentioned you were going to Napa Valley for olive oil tasting--how did you find places? Or do you have a list that you would be ok with sharing?

 

[sunflower18]

@sunflower18 you mentioned you were going to Napa Valley for olive oil tasting--how did you find places? Or do you have a list that you would be ok with sharing?

Nope, not me! I remember someone else mentioning that though. It sounded super fun!

 

[turayza]

Nope, not me! I remember someone else mentioning that though. It sounded super fun!

Oops sorry hahah I keep getting things mixed up. Time to look back into the thread...


Edit: found it! @hellanutella you went to Napa Valley a short while ago right? How was the olive oil tasting / which places did you go?

 

[moop]

We shall duel at your place to find out

Calling it right now you are (the now defunct) Agent B in disguise

 

[sunflower18]

Calling it right now you are (the now defunct) Agent B in disguise

Agreed!