Cleveland Clinic
Started by richardlo
I applied to both, and was complete on 7/24. I presume, because they took so long to invite me, that they considered me for MD-PhD, said "Nah" (probably because they saw your app, J) and then decided to be charitable and give me an MD-only invite (they're the second highest rated school I applied to).
Maybe Cleveland just responded first? I think you're a competitive applicant for Case - could you call them and see if you could schedule an interview with the director of the program if you'll go up anyways for Cleveland Clinic?
On a different note - can we talk about the sketchiness of www.DrFlowersMCAT.com "MCAT Cram Session: For August & Sept MCAT Exams Only $199 for Everything You Need" - an ad on mdapps
For some reason, I just can't trust a site with the name DrFlowersMCAT....
-j
I don't know for sure, but I think it would make sense. What I can tell you is that the Case UP admissions and the CCLCM admissions try to coordinate interviews if they both invite someone so that people only have to come out here to Cleveland once. I assume they would do the same thing for MSTP applicants as well. Did you try checking your Case status page? I know that UP applicants can find out about interviews that way. If that doesn't work, I would just call them tomorrow and ask. You don't have anything to lose if they already rejected you anyway, right? Good luck--I hope things work out well for you.
Inuranic, if you're interested in doing research, you should consider applying to CCLCM too. You might as well check us out since you're coming to Cleveland anyway. Good luck to you too.
You have to apply separately to CCLCM. His invite is to the UP unless he specifically checked the CCLCM box.
I probably will. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
I've never been to Ohio before...I've rarely been out of a state that isn't touching the Atlantic Ocean for that matter...sans Vermont.
I literally laughed out loud at this. Enough said.
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Checked the status at Case Western - no "i messages" at all. Yeah, I am going to call them up and see what's on. Thanks.
I hadn't ever been to Ohio before I came here to interview either. There are a few people who are in-staters, but most of us are from all over, including several internationals. We probably have more Californians than Ohioans in my class actually.I don't know what you have to do since your secondary is already turned in, but if you're interested, just call Melissa (the CCLCM admissions secretary) and ask her what you have to do to add CCLCM now that Case already reviewed you. Your profile looks really good and well-rounded to me, which is something they care about a lot here. Even if you decide to go with the UP instead of CCLCM, still come check the Clinic out so you know all of the resources available to you. Several of the UP students are rotating and doing their research blocks here. I know at least one of the MSTP students is doing research at Lerner too.
Hmm. Yeah, I would call them then just so you can make plans. It would suck if you get home from CCLCM and then you had to come back. On the bright side, congrats on your CCLCM invite. 😀 They must really like you, b/c our first interview day isn't for a few more weeks yet.
I am thinking of just sending them a message through the admission status page. I can imagine that people don't like to be called up all the time... and I am kind of freaked out to ask "um... I am wondering if I will have an interview with Case Western MSTP since I am going to have one from Cleveland..." and then they say "oh, oh no".
I guess don't do it if you'll be uncomfortable. But I don't think it's a problem to call admissions people and ask about your status as long as you're not a jerk about it. It could just be that the MSTP doesn't coordinate with the UP and CCLCM, so maybe they'll tell you they haven't decided yet. Or maybe they'll say they decided no, but then at least you know and you can stop worrying about it. If it were me, I'd want to know because it's expensive and time-consuming to fly on interviews. You're coming all the way out from CA, so I think it's completely understandable that you'd want to combine your interviews if possible.
Your profile looks really awesome, richardlo. 👍
Not necessarily.
I'm in the MSTP at Case and it looks like we're only going to have 6-7 interviews sessions, the first one starting in mid-Oct. I'd call the MSTP office and let them know you're coming to Cleveland for the CCLCM interview and ask them if it's possible to review your application sooner, rather than later. They actually do coordinate this stuff.
-X
I'm in the MSTP at Case and it looks like we're only going to have 6-7 interviews sessions, the first one starting in mid-Oct. I'd call the MSTP office and let them know you're coming to Cleveland for the CCLCM interview and ask them if it's possible to review your application sooner, rather than later. They actually do coordinate this stuff.
-X
I just called Case MSTP and spoke with a very nice woman.
She said that indeed, I was declined an MSTP interview, and my app was kicked to MD-only, who decided to interview me. She then went on to reiterate that if I did come to Case, I could apply as an M1 (which is my backup-backup plan).
Regardless, I'm surprised I even got an interview at Case. Yay #6.
She said that indeed, I was declined an MSTP interview, and my app was kicked to MD-only, who decided to interview me. She then went on to reiterate that if I did come to Case, I could apply as an M1 (which is my backup-backup plan).
Regardless, I'm surprised I even got an interview at Case. Yay #6.
For what it's worth in this thread, I just spoke to a woman at the Case MSTP office, and found out that my MSTP application is still under review, so the interview invitation I got for the CCLCM program seems to have resulted from a distinct review process that has no direct bearing on the Case MSTP.
So I wouldn't jump to any conclusions based on either invitation or rejection from one Case program; it seems that different committees handle applications somewhat separately. And as Case applicants know, there's a bunch of programs you could have applied for in one shot through the secondary.
Good
!
-MSTPbound
So I wouldn't jump to any conclusions based on either invitation or rejection from one Case program; it seems that different committees handle applications somewhat separately. And as Case applicants know, there's a bunch of programs you could have applied for in one shot through the secondary.
Good
!-MSTPbound
I just got an interview offer from CCLM, but no i-messages.
I guess I'll try to message or email someone in admissions at Case? I applied to the university program, CCLM & the MD/PhD w/my secondary. I'm excited for the CCLM interview regardless, but if I do get both interviews it'd be nice if I could coordinate & only have to fly to Cleveland once (is it just me or are flights to Cleveland expensive? is it a small airport?)
I guess I'll try to message or email someone in admissions at Case? I applied to the university program, CCLM & the MD/PhD w/my secondary. I'm excited for the CCLM interview regardless, but if I do get both interviews it'd be nice if I could coordinate & only have to fly to Cleveland once (is it just me or are flights to Cleveland expensive? is it a small airport?)
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I know this is coming a little late, but still...
Yes, you are correct in that there are separate mechanism/committees for selecting Med School vs MSTP vs CCLCM. The MSTP has something called a steering committee which acts a sort of board of directors and admissions committee:
http://mstp.case.edu/People/Steering/steering_committee.asp
The Case Admissions office theoretically has veto power over MSTP/CCLCM admissions, but it's my understanding they rubber stamp everyone the MSTP and CCLCM want. Straight from the MSTP director's mouth.
-X
Yes, you are correct in that there are separate mechanism/committees for selecting Med School vs MSTP vs CCLCM. The MSTP has something called a steering committee which acts a sort of board of directors and admissions committee:
http://mstp.case.edu/People/Steering/steering_committee.asp
The Case Admissions office theoretically has veto power over MSTP/CCLCM admissions, but it's my understanding they rubber stamp everyone the MSTP and CCLCM want. Straight from the MSTP director's mouth.
-X
For what it's worth in this thread, I just spoke to a woman at the Case MSTP office, and found out that my MSTP application is still under review, so the interview invitation I got for the CCLCM program seems to have resulted from a distinct review process that has no direct bearing on the Case MSTP.
So I wouldn't jump to any conclusions based on either invitation or rejection from one Case program; it seems that different committees handle applications somewhat separately. And as Case applicants know, there's a bunch of programs you could have applied for in one shot through the secondary.
Good
-MSTPbound
also, getting an invite from CCLCM does not necessarily imply mstp rejection. i am currently in a limbo where i have been invited for cclcm, but the mstp committee hasn't decided on me yet. they are going to coordinate and figure it out, and then call me. Call CCLCM if you're in this situation--they are used to it.
No, but you're probably coming from somewhere that doesn't have Southwest. They're the cheapest airline that flies into Cleveland. Continental has the most flights into Cleveland, but they're really expensive. I see your home state is PA. If you're coming from PA, it's probably best to just drive if you're in the Pittsburgh area, or fly Southwest out of Philly if you're close enough to get there. They are running all kinds of fall deals right now and you could probably get a reasonably priced ticket.
Yeah, that's kind of my impression too.
Southwest doesn't fly Philadelphia to Cleveland. Cheapest fare I could find for a pretty well planned ahead interview flight on a random date was $296 out of Philly and that's with 1 stop. Non-stop was $404. Ouch.
Yeah, I'm in Philly & southwest doesn't come out of here to Cleveland. Why's it so expensive? I'm going to take amtrak to BWI & fly Southwest from there. Including the amtrak ticket, roundtrip it's about $170, not bad. I wish I could fly united though, they butchered a trip of mine to LA this spring & I have vouchers w/them. (Though really, do I trust them to not butcher another trip?)
I emailed the MSTP office & they were really nice about letting me know my status. I'm on hold there, so they might eventually want to interview me but it doesn't look like it so they said I should go ahead & schedule the CC interview, so I scheduled it for 11/29 since traveling W/Th seems to be cheaper than traveling for a M or F interview. And they want us there at 7:45AM, crazy!
The answer to that question is simple. It's because they can. I'm convinced that Southwest coming to Philadelphia was the greatest thing to happen to this airport. Not because I like rushing to board without assigned seats, but because now there's actually price competition instead of price fixing.
If you really want your blood to boil, check out the prices for cities that Southwest flies to. Check cities of comparable distance to Cleveland for example. Don't just look at Southwest. Look at all the major airlines prices for cities Southwest flies to vs. cities Southwest does not fly to. It's a very clear case of price fixing. The major airlines set their rates to compete with Southwest when they have to, and charge double when they don't. It's really sick.
As for United... They're not worse than the rest of them. If you haven't been screwed by US Airways yet (used to be almost your only option out of Philly), you just don't fly enough 😉
Yeah, I heard southwest was debating not coming to Philly because the airport is such a wreck! United was just the worst one I've dealt with-- usairway's biggest mistake w/me landed me with an extra day in London & a hotel they paid for, can't complain there!
Airport woes aside, I do love Philly & I'd be happy if I could just stay here! Plus being on the east coast, I can take amtrak to most of my interviews instead. Yay for more leg room!
Okay. Derailment. Dunno how I turned the CCLCM thread into an I love philly/hate our airport thread... (except for the fact that I'm avoiding re-running a western, knowing full well it's probably STILL not gonna work)
Airport woes aside, I do love Philly & I'd be happy if I could just stay here! Plus being on the east coast, I can take amtrak to most of my interviews instead. Yay for more leg room!
Okay. Derailment. Dunno how I turned the CCLCM thread into an I love philly/hate our airport thread... (except for the fact that I'm avoiding re-running a western, knowing full well it's probably STILL not gonna work)
I didn't realize that. I knew they didn't fly to Pittsburgh from here, which seems reasonable since it's not very far away by car. But I don't understand why they wouldn't fly to Philly. Maybe not that much demand?
All completely true. I really like Southwest. Besides being cheap, they not only are good about not arriving late, but they usually even get you there a little early. They have never lost my luggage. And I don't have to sit next to some screaming kid for the whole trip, because the young kids all sit in the front, and I head straight for the back. (Can you see that a career in peds is not in my future?) 😛
No. It may eventually be possible, but I wouldn't advise coming here with the expectation that you can do it. If you want to do a PhD, you'd probably have to take a leave of absence from med school. Even if CCLCM were willing to let you do it, Case might not be. They already have an MSTP, so I don't know how gung ho they'd be about having CCLCM offer a second MD/PhD program.
CCLCMer (or other Cleveland-ers)--
How far is the airport from where I'd need to be for CCLCM or Case?
Is it okay to travel via public transit? How expensive would it be to take a cab in?
I got an interview at Case's university program for Friday 11/30 (day after my CCLCM interview) so I'm planning on flying out of BWI Wednesday evening. I'd like to leave Philly as late as possible (so I can be at work on Wednesday) but I'm not sure what the area is like/if it's okay to on transit as an out-of-towner late at night? The flight I'm thinking of gets me in around 8:15.
And how long should I give myself to get to the airport after my interview?
Thanks 🙂
How far is the airport from where I'd need to be for CCLCM or Case?
Is it okay to travel via public transit? How expensive would it be to take a cab in?
I got an interview at Case's university program for Friday 11/30 (day after my CCLCM interview) so I'm planning on flying out of BWI Wednesday evening. I'd like to leave Philly as late as possible (so I can be at work on Wednesday) but I'm not sure what the area is like/if it's okay to on transit as an out-of-towner late at night? The flight I'm thinking of gets me in around 8:15.
And how long should I give myself to get to the airport after my interview?
Thanks 🙂
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Hi chylo,
First of all, congrats on your invites. 🙂
Since you're going to be coming in so late, my advice is to spring for the airport shuttle instead of using the RTA. RTA is the Cleveland public transportation system, which includes a train going from the airport to just across the street from the Case campus. But the train station by Case is not a place where you should be wandering around alone at night, especially since you don't know the area well. A shuttle will cost about $30 one way, and they give you a discount if you book a return trip at the same time. The company I use whenever I come home after dark is Ohio Connection. Call them at 216-299-6966 to make a reservation, or their website is http://www.ohconnection.com/# You could take a cab if you want, but it will be more expensive than the shuttle, and it probably won't save much time. I would only think of taking a cab if you have another person coming with you, because the shuttle charges per person while the cab just charges one flat fee.
If you change your mind and decide to come in mid-afternoon, it is safe to take the RTA to Case during the day, and it will only cost you $1.75. Here is the link to the RTA website: http://www.riderta.com/pd_airport.asp You would take the red line to the University Circle station, which is right across the street from the Case campus. If you're staying with a student, it would be very easy for them to get you from there, or you could take a bus to wherever they are. There is a busy bus station at University Circle also. The buses cost $1.50 per ride. You need to have exact change to ride the RTA, because if you put $2 in the slot for a train or bus ride, they'll keep the difference. Definitely bring quarters if you plan to ride the RTA at all while you're here.
The airport is pretty far away from both Case and the Clinic. (Case and the Clinic are very close to one another, about a mile apart.) It takes about 45 minutes to get to the airport from University Circle on the train, and in a shuttle or car it can be anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour or more depending on traffic. If you have an evening flight after your second interview, you should be at the University Circle train station, standing on the platform waiting for the train, two hours before your flight takes off at the latest. The trains run about every fifteen minutes, so this will ensure that you get to the airport an hour ahead of time in case you're unlucky and you just miss the train and have to wait 15 minutes for the next one. Our airport security is usually pretty fast moving and you should be fine if you arrive at the airport one hour before your flight leaves.
Hope this helps all of you who are coming to visit Cleveland, and good luck to everyone with your interviews! If you have more questions, post them here and I'll do my best to answer them.
Thanks a lot. Good to know about the shuttle.
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Oh, yeah, in that case, definitely take the shuttle. It will make your life much easier. They drop you off right at your hotel or your host's apartment instead of you having to figure out how to get there from the University Circle station. You might also want to let the CCLCM admissions office know about you being on crutches. The tour here is longer than at most schools because you get a lab tour as well as a hospital tour, and even just the hospital part is a lot of walking since the Clinic is so huge.
This is kind of off topic, but I figured I'd say it anyway in case people need the info. If you're going to stay at a hotel, I recommend picking the Intercontinental Suites Hotel, which is right on the CCF campus. Make sure you go to the Intercontinental SUITES Hotel, not the Intercontinental Hotel, which is a lot more expensive. Also, make sure you tell them to enter the code word "Lerner" so that you get the discount, and spell it out for them if they can't find it. (I had that happen to me--I think the lady was trying to enter "learner" because she found it as soon as I spelled it out for her. 😛 ) The Intercontinental Suites is really nice and has a free shuttle service that you can use to go to both your Case and CCLCM interviews. When I came to interview, I stayed both nights before my interviews at the Intercontinental Suites and it was really convenient.
