Florida Schools Application Thread (2008) part 2

[HurricaneBlood]

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Can anyone decipher AdCom code for me "Awaiting Committee Decision". Is this same as "Under Review".

I haven't received interview at this school yet and getting anxious, my last status check call yielded this "awaiting..." comment and after I hung up it struck me that they hadn't said "under review" --- am I over-analyzing?

Thanks

 

[sglec]

Hey Florida International University is opening a medical school now and is accepting Applications in May...anyone going to apply?

 

[xiaoyi666]

Hey Florida International University is opening a medical school now and is accepting Applications in May...anyone going to apply?

For the 2009 application cycle I believe.

 

[SoFlaKnight]

Hey Florida International University is opening a medical school now and is accepting Applications in May...anyone going to apply?

PREDICTION: FIU application numbers will go up in years where there is an on-field fight at the UM-FIU game (see also: Biscayne Brawl)

 

[xiaoyi666]

PREDICTION: FIU application numbers will go up in years where there is an on-field fight at the UM-FIU game (see also: Biscayne Brawl)

lol...hater.

 

[doctordog11]

Hello my dear friends,

Can someone tell me what the heck the deal is with FSU. I was complete there on 11/28, and still I have heard nothing from them. Is this normal? The only thing they keep telling me is "we review each application multiple times before we send an interview request." While waiting for FSU to contact me I have sent them a couple of update letters, and still nothing! Do you guys think I have any chance to get an interview?

MCAT: 31 O
GPA: 3.66
300 Volunteer Hours at hospital (ER, Surgery, PACU)
62 total hours of shadowing two different physicians.
Big brother - 1 year
3 years part-time employment
Varsity athlete

 

[gujuDoc]

Hello my dear friends,

Can someone tell me what the heck the deal is with FSU. I was complete there on 11/28, and still I have heard nothing from them. Is this normal? The only thing they keep telling me is "we review each application multiple times before we send an interview request." While waiting for FSU to contact me I have sent them a couple of update letters, and still nothing! Do you guys think I have any chance to get an interview?

MCAT: 31 O
GPA: 3.66
300 Volunteer Hours at hospital (ER, Surgery, PACU)
62 total hours of shadowing two different physicians.
Big brother - 1 year
3 years part-time employment
Varsity athlete

There is always a chance but its hard to say. What happened with your USF interview?

 

[krizmizz]

Hello my dear friends,

Can someone tell me what the heck the deal is with FSU. I was complete there on 11/28, and still I have heard nothing from them. Is this normal? The only thing they keep telling me is "we review each application multiple times before we send an interview request." While waiting for FSU to contact me I have sent them a couple of update letters, and still nothing! Do you guys think I have any chance to get an interview?

MCAT: 31 O
GPA: 3.66
300 Volunteer Hours at hospital (ER, Surgery, PACU)
62 total hours of shadowing two different physicians.
Big brother - 1 year
3 years part-time employment
Varsity athlete

My stats are a little higher than yours (32/3.7) and I was complete in the beginning of September. I got called for an interview in December, and was interviewed and accepted in January. I would call the admissions office/send an update/a letter of intent. I would think that you are an excellent candidate for them, but remember they look at rec letters/research experience/personal statement too, not just stats.

 

[krizmizz]

Called Miami today. They told me the AdCom hadn't met in two weeks and wasn't meeting again for a week and a half...trying to torture us/really test our patience I guess.

 

[xiaoyi666]

Called Miami today. They told me the AdCom hadn't met in two weeks and wasn't meeting again for a week and a half...trying to torture us/really test our patience I guess.

Think everyone is getting put on waitlist anyways.

 

[medguy83]

Speaking of FSU, anyone know when they start taking applicants off the hold list? I've been waiting here for 5+ months, sent a LOI a while ago and still nothing. Everything just really seems up in the air. I've heard from some that the their waitlist tends to open up around march; anyone tend to agree?

It's so hectic to fill out Fafsa forms when I don't even have any concrete news as to where I stand with FSU's hold list. I just wish they'd call me already!!!

 

[thegold91]

Think everyone is getting put on waitlist anyways.

i cant believe that you guys are still forced to wait to hear on your decision. must be driving you out of your mind.

 

[mdgator]

Hello my dear friends,

Can someone tell me what the heck the deal is with FSU. I was complete there on 11/28, and still I have heard nothing from them. Is this normal? The only thing they keep telling me is "we review each application multiple times before we send an interview request." While waiting for FSU to contact me I have sent them a couple of update letters, and still nothing! Do you guys think I have any chance to get an interview?

MCAT: 31 O
GPA: 3.66
300 Volunteer Hours at hospital (ER, Surgery, PACU)
62 total hours of shadowing two different physicians.
Big brother - 1 year
3 years part-time employment
Varsity athlete

Yes, I think you have a good chance. FSU interviews until sometime in April, I think at least mid-April. I would guess that you will get an invite within the next couple of weeks, just based on your stats alone. (Obviously if there are some glaring negatives on your application, that could change things.) I was complete in early December, and I just got an invite today. (Telephone)
My guess, and this is just speculation, is that since interviews are winding down, they are going through and picking out people with higher end stats and working down, in general. I would say that our stats are pretty similar, so I would guess you'll hear back soon.

 

[Avenger9]

Anyone who has interviewed at UM (main campus) and wouldn't mind answering a few q's -- drop me a PM? 🙂 Thanks.

 

[xiaoyi666]

i cant believe that you guys are still forced to wait to hear on your decision. must be driving you out of your mind.

Yea, it's been sickening.

 

[axlaxl1]

Called Miami today. They told me the AdCom hadn't met in two weeks and wasn't meeting again for a week and a half...trying to torture us/really test our patience I guess.

I am not understanding. How long has it been?

 

[mikedc813]

Waiting sucks. I definitely know since I was waitlisted at USF. Once you start med school, you get to do this whole admissions thing all over again for residency. And it gets even worse because you don't get multiple admissions to residency programs - you "match" into just one (and you hope it's one you liked!). The point is, I sympathize with you who don't have an acceptance yet. Don't give up hope - the waitlist moves even up to August. Year after year around half of each class (at least at USF) is made up of applicants who were on the waitlist.

 

[xiaoyi666]

I am not understanding. How long has it been?

They reached a decision on my app already, just wouldn't tell it to me! According to posts on SDN, there are ppl who interviewed in Dec that still haven't heard or if they did, it was this week. I was told at interview that the most recent adcom meeting would be feb 13th....dunno ab anything after that.

 

[thegold91]

They reached a decision on my app already, just wouldn't tell it to me! According to posts on SDN, there are ppl who interviewed in Dec that still haven't heard or if they did, it was this week. I was told at interview that the most recent adcom meeting would be feb 13th....dunno ab anything after that.

I had spoken to someone on the board of admissions after a decision had been made on my application. He told me that he could not let me know what decision had been made, only Dr. Hinkley can.

 

[ShipsDr]

Hey guys,
New member here. Does anyone know how early/late the USF waitlist movement will run? I know when they originally notified me of my status, they said they'd do their best to keep us updated. Anyone heard anything lately?

 

[xiaoyi666]

I had spoken to someone on the board of admissions after a decision had been made on my application. He told me that he could not let me know what decision had been made, only Dr. Hinkley can.

Yea, I heard the same.

 

[ankit999]

usf will start movement in around april and it will get really heavy movement around the may 15th deadline, and i think they go all the way until class starts. Usf has been updating me every couple of weeks or so and especially lately with their new "second look" orientation. USF has become my top choice, otherwise i will end up at Temple. Dont have any intention of going to UF(tired of gainesville, plus my interviewers treated me like crap about my age and stuff)..I have pretty much given up any hope for miami. good luck to anyone out there. I fairly confident to say that interview season is slowly ending?

 

[medguy83]

Hey guys,
New member here. Does anyone know how early/late the USF waitlist movement will run? I know when they originally notified me of my status, they said they'd do their best to keep us updated. Anyone heard anything lately?

I've known a few people who were on the USF waitlist in the past. Most got off around mid April, others in may and only a small number after that.

 

[Kayk]

I am still waiting to hear something from FSU!! I thought I would have heard something back by now, but nothing so far. Has anyone heard anything about what is going on over there?

 

[gujuDoc]

usf will start movement in around april and it will get really heavy movement around the may 15th deadline, and i think they go all the way until class starts. Usf has been updating me every couple of weeks or so and especially lately with their new "second look" orientation. USF has become my top choice, otherwise i will end up at Temple. Dont have any intention of going to UF(tired of gainesville, plus my interviewers treated me like crap about my age and stuff)..I have pretty much given up any hope for miami. good luck to anyone out there. I fairly confident to say that interview season is slowly ending?

Wow sorry to hear about your UF interview experience. Good luck.

 

[mdgator]

I am still waiting to hear something from FSU!! I thought I would have heard something back by now, but nothing so far. Has anyone heard anything about what is going on over there?

I don't know if you mean you're waiting to hear back about an interview invite, or if you're waiting to hear about an acceptance. If you're waiting for an interview, I have been expecting to hear from them for at least a month now, and I finally got an invitation yesterday. Complete in early December.

 

[mikedc813]

usf will start movement in around april and it will get really heavy movement around the may 15th deadline, and i think they go all the way until class starts.

This is correct and should apply to all schools.

 

[Krystle11]

Hope that this is helpful.

REL, I just wanted to say thank you for your help this application cycle!! I am happy to report I was accepted to FSU and USF... and obviously I am choosing USF 🙂 So. once again, thank you for your help. UCF is lucky to have you! 😀

 

[gujuDoc]

REL, I just wanted to say thank you for your help this application cycle!! I am happy to report I was accepted to FSU and USF... and obviously I am choosing USF 🙂 So. once again, thank you for your help. UCF is lucky to have you! 😀

Congratulations! 🙂 Oh and I echo the last line of your post.

I was at Nickel's, the study lounge at USF COM, the other day. And anyhow, there was this 4th year student there and he was telling us how he chose USF 4 years ago because REL and everyone else truly made him feel welcome and were truly nice and it made him feel really comfortable. He has no regrets about it. However, I think we all end up at the place that is meant for each of us at the end of the day.

 

[thegold91]

REL, I just wanted to say thank you for your help this application cycle!! I am happy to report I was accepted to FSU and USF... and obviously I am choosing USF 🙂 So. once again, thank you for your help. UCF is lucky to have you! 😀

Congrats!!!

 

[mikedc813]

Congratulations! 🙂 Oh and I echo the last line of your post.

I was at Nickel's, the study lounge at USF COM, the other day. And anyhow, there was this 4th year student there and he was telling us how he chose USF 4 years ago because REL and everyone else truly made him feel welcome and were truly nice and it made him feel really comfortable. He has no regrets about it. However, I think we all end up at the place that is meant for each of us at the end of the day.

REL is definitely a big part of why many USF medical students ultimately decided on USF. He will make UCF admissions fantastic.

 

[MedicFL]

Who is this REL and they are now at UCF in what capacity? I am undergrad at UCF and would love to be able to stay in Orlando... Any contact info?

 

[xiaoyi666]

Who is this REL and they are now at UCF in what capacity? I am undergrad at UCF and would love to be able to stay in Orlando... Any contact info?

If I'm not mistaken, REL was the admissions director at USF, and now is at UCF.

 

[Krystle11]

Congrats!!!

Thank you!!🙂

 

[yhpadyffal]

Hey all, any word on when UFCOM will actually have 'their big day', inducing a sweep thru all applicants on hold and sending out the rest of their 'acceptances' ?? And any older memebrs who made the USF/UF/UM decision, please help! I would like to hear all sides of the story, Im having a very, very hard time....Im a gator, but Tampa bred! (YES, I know Im trying to make my decisions ahead of time and YES I know that is almost all the schools in Florida) Yall are so supportive of each other, best wishes for all of you in the last few weeks/months of crazy waiting/decisions!!

 

[Krystle11]

Hey all, any word on when UFCOM will actually have 'their big day', inducing a sweep thru all applicants on hold and sending out the rest of their 'acceptances' ?? And any older memebrs who made the USF/UF/UM decision, please help! I would like to hear all sides of the story, Im having a very, very hard time....Im a gator, but Tampa bred! (YES, I know Im trying to make my decisions ahead of time and YES I know that is almost all the schools in Florida) Yall are so supportive of each other, best wishes for all of you in the last few weeks/months of crazy waiting/decisions!!

Well, I'm not in school yet, so I don't know if my advice will be the best, but I will try to help. I am also a gator (Go Gators!!). I graduated from there in December. And I am also (sort of) Tampa bred... I grew up in St. Pete. I loved UF, and they have an amazing program, but I can just tell their medical school program is just not for me. Even just going through pre-med undergrad there, I felt the immense competitiveness among students. I can only imagine it gets worse in medical school. Also, UF is highly invested into research. That is where they get most of their money, and as a result, some professors care more about their research project then they do teaching their students. In contrast, USF cares about TEACHING first and foremost. This is what I love. I do like research, but I do not want to be a researcher, I want to be a physician that emphasizes patient care, which is why USF appeals to me. Also, all the students at USF get along (mostly) and help each other out, sharing notes, books, etc. That sense of teamwork is something I really want in a medical school. And I love Gainesville, but I think I need to get out of there for awhile! Great place to visit though!!

OK, so those are my reasons... hope that helps somewhat!!

 

[Dendrite]

Well, I'm not in school yet, so I don't know if my advice will be the best, but I will try to help. I am also a gator (Go Gators!!). I graduated from there in December. And I am also (sort of) Tampa bred... I grew up in St. Pete. I loved UF, and they have an amazing program, but I can just tell their medical school program is just not for me. Even just going through pre-med undergrad there, I felt the immense competitiveness among students. I can only imagine it gets worse in medical school. Also, UF is highly invested into research. That is where they get most of their money, and as a result, some professors care more about their research project then they do teaching their students. In contrast, USF cares about TEACHING first and foremost. This is what I love. I do like research, but I do not want to be a researcher, I want to be a physician that emphasizes patient care, which is why USF appeals to me. Also, all the students at USF get along (mostly) and help each other out, sharing notes, books, etc. That sense of teamwork is something I really want in a medical school. And I love Gainesville, but I think I need to get out of there for awhile! Great place to visit though!!

OK, so those are my reasons... hope that helps somewhat!!

Just some minor points on UF. I've spoken to a bunch of current M1's both during the interview and following, and they all said that there isn't too much of a competitive environment at UF (actually very little for the current M1's, M2's, and M3's). There's always going to be a couple gunners in classes at every medical school though. And during the interview itself, many of the students said they come to the campus to study on the weekends (e.g., histology or anatomy), and some of the professors actually show up and answer questions and lend guidance whenever necessary. I felt a tremendous amount of community when I visited.

I'm sure their undergraduate premedical program is super-competitive, but I don't think it completely transfers over to their medical school.

 

[gujuDoc]

Well, I'm not in school yet, so I don't know if my advice will be the best, but I will try to help. I am also a gator (Go Gators!!). I graduated from there in December. And I am also (sort of) Tampa bred... I grew up in St. Pete. I loved UF, and they have an amazing program, but I can just tell their medical school program is just not for me. Even just going through pre-med undergrad there, I felt the immense competitiveness among students. I can only imagine it gets worse in medical school. Also, UF is highly invested into research. That is where they get most of their money, and as a result, some professors care more about their research project then they do teaching their students. In contrast, USF cares about TEACHING first and foremost. This is what I love. I do like research, but I do not want to be a researcher, I want to be a physician that emphasizes patient care, which is why USF appeals to me. Also, all the students at USF get along (mostly) and help each other out, sharing notes, books, etc. That sense of teamwork is something I really want in a medical school. And I love Gainesville, but I think I need to get out of there for awhile! Great place to visit though!!

OK, so those are my reasons... hope that helps somewhat!!

I love USF, don't get me wrong. However, don't fall under the false impression that UF is a big bad wolf. I used to believe like that until my friend started going there. Yeah it is intense, but any med school is intense. People at USF tell me its intense as well. Yeah there are gunners, but so are there gunners at USF as well. Not everyone is that way.

My friend at UF loves it there despite the intensity of the program. She loves her classmates, what she's learning, and the environment. Look at the curricula, location, and financial aide and go with your gut about where you felt was like home for you and best suited for you but don't fall under false notions and misconceptions.

 

[gujuDoc]

Just some minor points on UF. I've spoken to a bunch of current M1's both during the interview and following, and they all said that there isn't too much of a competitive environment at UF (actually very little for the current M1's, M2's, and M3's). There's always going to be a couple gunners in classes at every medical school though. And during the interview itself, many of the students said they come to the campus to study on the weekends (e.g., histology or anatomy), and some of the professors actually show up and answer questions and lend guidance whenever necessary. I felt a tremendous amount of community when I visited.

I'm sure their undergraduate premedical program is super-competitive, but I don't think it completely transfers over to their medical school.

I agree. i think people are far more competitive in undergrad programs then they are in grad programs because they know that they are being weeded out.

BTW when they had Parent's day last weekend, my friend received a copy of a powerpoint saying UF has about a 98% pass rate and 96% of the original starting class passes within 4 years. So that probably means that people either take a year off, repeat a year somewhere down the line, etc. to get through from the 2% that pass but dont pass in 4 years. Then the other 2% are probably people who dropped out for their own personal reasons or failed out. Most of the time it is the former not the latter. What I've said about pass rates is most likely true at other Fl. schools too though.

 

[gujuDoc]

Hey all, any word on when UFCOM will actually have 'their big day', inducing a sweep thru all applicants on hold and sending out the rest of their 'acceptances' ?? And any older memebrs who made the USF/UF/UM decision, please help! I would like to hear all sides of the story, Im having a very, very hard time....Im a gator, but Tampa bred! (YES, I know Im trying to make my decisions ahead of time and YES I know that is almost all the schools in Florida) Yall are so supportive of each other, best wishes for all of you in the last few weeks/months of crazy waiting/decisions!!

My M1 friend at UF COM got off of a waitlist in June but she was taken off hold and to alternate list (waitlist) status officially in April.

Keep in mind getting off hold won't mean outright acceptance. It might mean alternate list and then acceptance.

 

[SillyMeMD]

I love USF, don't get me wrong. However, don't fall under the false impression that UF is a big bad wolf. I used to believe like that until my friend started going there. Yeah it is intense, but any med school is intense. People at USF tell me its intense as well. Yeah there are gunners, but so are there gunners at USF as well. Not everyone is that way.

My friend at UF loves it there despite the intensity of the program. She loves her classmates, what she's learning, and the environment. Look at the curricula, location, and financial aide and go with your gut about where you felt was like home for you and best suited for you but don't fall under false notions and misconceptions.

I completely agree with this. However, I've also been told by several med students that each class is very different. Unfortunately this is something one can't predict before choosing a school. I would like to think that for the majority of the time, classmates are willing to help each other out to learn the massive amount of material by handing out study guides etc.

 

[krizmizz]

I am not understanding. How long has it been?

I have been complete since August.

 

[75969]

Just wanted to post quickly and let everyone who is waiting for FSU (invite, acceptance, etc...) know to be patient! The school has had a MAJOR overturn of several high power figures. They are working as quickly as they can with applicants, but are a little more concerned right now about getting everything set so the new class will have a very smooth transition (we lost our year 1 coordinator!) than they are about keeping everyone updated.

FSU is an awesome school and I assure you everyone is trying their best to keep you all updated while working on other things going on at the school right now! Keep your chins up and good luck everyone. 🙂

 

[mikedc813]

I completely agree with this. However, I've also been told by several med students that each class is very different. Unfortunately this is something one can't predict before choosing a school. I would like to think that for the majority of the time, classmates are willing to help each other out to learn the massive amount of material by handing out study guides etc.

I agree. Each class has it's own personality and can be completely different. My class is very low key and easy going, but the class before mine was much the opposite.

 

[Kayk]

Im waiting to hear about an interview. I'm getting worried now. I haven't received anything yet so I'm not sure what to expect. I know they must be very busy at this time so I guess I'm going to have to keep waiting a bit longer. Congrats to you for the invite! Hopefully I get one soon! How were you contacted?

 

[Kayk]

I don't know if you mean you're waiting to hear back about an interview invite, or if you're waiting to hear about an acceptance. If you're waiting for an interview, I have been expecting to hear from them for at least a month now, and I finally got an invitation yesterday. Complete in early December.

Im waiting to hear about an interview. I'm getting worried now. I haven't received anything yet so I'm not sure what to expect. I know they must be very busy at this time so I guess I'm going to have to keep waiting a bit longer. Congrats to you for the invite! Hopefully I get one soon! How were you contacted?

 

[axlaxl1]

I have been complete since August.

oh I see.

Write an e-mail saying how bad you want this. Worth a shot no?

 

[Krystle11]

Just some minor points on UF. I've spoken to a bunch of current M1's both during the interview and following, and they all said that there isn't too much of a competitive environment at UF (actually very little for the current M1's, M2's, and M3's). There's always going to be a couple gunners in classes at every medical school though. And during the interview itself, many of the students said they come to the campus to study on the weekends (e.g., histology or anatomy), and some of the professors actually show up and answer questions and lend guidance whenever necessary. I felt a tremendous amount of community when I visited.

I'm sure their undergraduate premedical program is super-competitive, but I don't think it completely transfers over to their medical school.

I just want to say that I love that I triggered this discussion. I was merely stating my opinion, so hopefully nobody was mad at me for it! 🙂 I also did state up front that I was not yet in school, so my opinion might not be worth as much as someone in school! That's all.. have a great day!

 

[axlaxl1]

I just want to say that I love that I triggered this discussion. I was merely stating my opinion, so hopefully nobody was mad at me for it! 🙂 I also did state up front that I was not yet in school, so my opinion might not be worth as much as someone in school! That's all.. have a great day!

?

 

[ufgrad00]

Is anyone else still getting interview offers from schools this late in the cycle? I got an invitation today but when I called, they said it was for "waitlists", actually they said they just can't give out more acceptances until May. Also, I haven't been to an interview since December, so it I have forgotten a lot of my answers to some of the stock questions.