Florida Schools Application Thread (2008) part 2

BU Medical Sciences
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
gujuDoc said:
I say wait til financial aid packets or scholarship offers come. Then if the finances are equal use curricula and location to decide. Those are the 3 factors above all else I'd use to make a decision on which school to pick.
Click to expand...

Yeah, looking at the financial aid packages is my strategy right now. Then clinical curricula and other things. However, I am very partial to Boca. Not only is it a huge perk that you can park in front of your class and the hospital, but I would like a different style of learning than the large lecture format. I also like the preceptorships that are integrated into the curriculum.
 
ufgrad00 said:
Yeah, looking at the financial aid packages is my strategy right now. Then clinical curricula and other things. However, I am very partial to Boca. Not only is it a huge perk that you can park in front of your class and the hospital, but I would like a different style of learning than the large lecture format. I also like the preceptorships that are integrated into the curriculum.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good plan. I think the PBL curricula is one of those things you either really love it or really hate it. If you like that style then that's definitely your place.
 
ufgrad00 said:
Yeah, looking at the financial aid packages is my strategy right now. Then clinical curricula and other things. However, I am very partial to Boca. Not only is it a huge perk that you can park in front of your class and the hospital, but I would like a different style of learning than the large lecture format. I also like the preceptorships that are integrated into the curriculum.
Click to expand...

Although I am partial to main campus miami(hopefully they will accept me), I agree with you that Boca has alot of advantages. One thing that is very nice is that the hospital in which you do a lot of your training does not have interns and residents. This means you will have a lot more one on one time with the doctors. The program at Boca seems like a much more personalized experience.
 
STL,

I actually called and cancelled my interview with Duke after I got accepted to UF just because everything is in Gainesville for me (family, friends, etc.). Good luck with the decision process. I am sure it will be exciting to have choices!
 
How long does FSU take to get back to you w/ an interview decision? I've been complete since early November and still haven't heard from them.
 
I know this is the allopathic board, but has anyone applied to the Florida DO schools? I filled out the AACOMAS, but have not submitted my secondaries. I don't mind the idea of going to a DO school, because in the end I think you can be a great doctor whether you have an MD or DO. I prefer an allopathic state school because financially it seems more doable. Plus, I loved USF on my interview so I think that's the place I want to be. Anyway, my question is if I have not been accepted anywhere up until this point (I will know the decision at USF on Wed.) do you think it would be wise to go ahead and apply to Nova and LECOM? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Jennifer5109 said:
I know this is the allopathic board, but has anyone applied to the Florida DO schools? I filled out the AACOMAS, but have not submitted my secondaries. I don't mind the idea of going to a DO school, because in the end I think you can be a great doctor whether you have an MD or DO. I prefer an allopathic state school because financially it seems more doable. Plus, I loved USF on my interview so I think that's the place I want to be. Anyway, my question is if I have not been accepted anywhere up until this point (I will know the decision at USF on Wed.) do you think it would be wise to go ahead and apply to Nova and LECOM? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I don't think it could hurt to go ahead and plan for a backup scenario. I'm sure you're probably aware of this already, but for Lecom, and probably most DO schools, you'll need to shadow a DO; something you've probably already done. I think the lecom deadline is sometime around mid March. I have no idea as to how full they are already, but if I were you and seriously considering any other school at this stage in the game I'd do so and quickly. Regardless what you hear on sdn concerning the "supposed" MD/DO controversy, rest assured this is something that is only an issue for premeds. Best of luck with USF!:luck:
 
JShineDoc said:
How long does FSU take to get back to you w/ an interview decision? I've been complete since early November and still haven't heard from them.
Click to expand...

Ha. Welcome to the curious world that is the FSU application process. When I was supposed to hear back from them on a specific date in late Oct. They ended up letting me sweat it out an extra week. Then, when they finally emailed me the results someone else's name was listed on the document. It took me an extra few days to resolve that issue. I still have yet to receive a reply concerning an email I sent several weeks ago.
It seems the best thing you can do to get some answers is to call them. Right now the FSU admissions dept. is kind of on the fritz; staff are getting shuffled around, department heads are leaving. I still don't know who the admissions director is. It used to be Jaime Callaway, now who knows? Again, call them to get a direct answer.
 
Jennifer5109 said:
I know this is the allopathic board, but has anyone applied to the Florida DO schools? I filled out the AACOMAS, but have not submitted my secondaries. I don't mind the idea of going to a DO school, because in the end I think you can be a great doctor whether you have an MD or DO. I prefer an allopathic state school because financially it seems more doable. Plus, I loved USF on my interview so I think that's the place I want to be. Anyway, my question is if I have not been accepted anywhere up until this point (I will know the decision at USF on Wed.) do you think it would be wise to go ahead and apply to Nova and LECOM? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I think you could but it would be better to take a year off if you don't get in and just make your application better. If you got an interview at USF, don't sweat it out just yet. You'll know wed. for all you know it could be high tier waitlist or acceptance. The former will be an eventual acceptance while the latter is out right acceptance. I highly doubt USF's class is full yet either so there's still a chance of outright acceptance as well.

GOOD LUCK
 
Thanks gujudoc. I am really hoping for the best with USF. And actually I'm still waiting to hear from UM and UF. My stats are about average for UM and USF. UF has a bit higher average, but I guess there is always a possibility of getting an interview.
 
How many interviews have people been on so far?? How far in the interview seasn are we??
 
Hey just a quick question. What's everyone's opinion on sending out more than one LOI? I suppose some details on my situation would help. Let's say I love school X, sent a letter of intent to school X some months ago and still nothing. However, I also admire school Y and am waitlisted there. Would it be advantageous to send maybe a letter of update with strong emphasis on why I'm such a good fit for school Y even though I sent a definite Letter of intent to school X?
I don't see the benefit in being totally bent on one program if it doesn't appear to be totally thrilled about me; especially if there are other attractive programs out there. I just don't want to commit any application faux pas here.
 
Jennifer5109 said:
Thanks gujudoc. I am really hoping for the best with USF. And actually I'm still waiting to hear from UM and UF. My stats are about average for UM and USF. UF has a bit higher average, but I guess there is always a possibility of getting an interview.
Click to expand...

if it is your GPA that is holding you back and you don't get in this year I'd highly recommend doing one of the major 1 year masters programs that help with getting into med school. If your MCAT is average as well but still above the required and your GPA is average then I'd consider applying specifically to the IMS 1 year program as a back up.
 
Anyone else waiting to hear back from Miami on Thursday?
 
I've been complete to the Florida schools since mid September and haven't heard a thing yet. I've called all the adcoms periodically just in case they forgot about me. I think the reason is because of my sub-par MCAT (29)...has anyone heard back from the Florida schools with below a 30 yet??? I'm getting kind of worried...I'll probably start thinking about one of those 1-year masters programs soon. Anyone know much about USF's or other Florida ones (how competitive they are, if they look good, etc)?
 
thegold91 said:
I thought Miami sends their decisions on wed via email
Click to expand...

I thought so too, but when I called they said the committee meeting was scheduled for Wed night and I would find out on Thursday morning via email.
 
GatorCHOMPions said:
I've been complete to the Florida schools since mid September and haven't heard a thing yet. I've called all the adcoms periodically just in case they forgot about me. I think the reason is because of my sub-par MCAT (29)...has anyone heard back from the Florida schools with below a 30 yet??? I'm getting kind of worried...I'll probably start thinking about one of those 1-year masters programs soon. Anyone know much about USF's or other Florida ones (how competitive they are, if they look good, etc)?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't lose hope just yet. Interview season is only half way through. A 29 is still a respectable score and should grant you admission into one of the Florida schools if your gpa/ec/ps and all of that is fine. Keep calling the schools. I am having problems with USF not because of my MCAT but because of my ecs, so maybe you should send update letters with fall grades, new ecs, etc. Good luck!
 
Tertbutyl said:
I thought so too, but when I called they said the committee meeting was scheduled for Wed night and I would find out on Thursday morning via email.
Click to expand...
Weird. I talked to one of my buddies and he received an email wednesday a little after 5. Since you called I am sure you are probably right. I am also waiting for miami, the suspense is killing me. I love the school....I am just hoping they really like me too. Did you also interview at boca?
 
thegold91 said:
Weird. I talked to one of my buddies and he received an email wednesday a little after 5. Since you called I am sure you are probably right. I am also waiting for miami, the suspense is killing me. I love the school....I am just hoping they really like me too. Did you also interview at boca?
Click to expand...

Ha, well I would love for you to be right, because the suspense is killing me as well. I interviewed at Boca, but could never see myself going there (not really a group learner and wasn't fond of the area). If I get into Miami it's gonna be a realllyyyy hard decision deciding between UF and Miami. When did you interview and did you interview at both? If so, which one did you prefer?
 
GatorCHOMPions said:
I've been complete to the Florida schools since mid September and haven't heard a thing yet. I've called all the adcoms periodically just in case they forgot about me. I think the reason is because of my sub-par MCAT (29)...has anyone heard back from the Florida schools with below a 30 yet??? I'm getting kind of worried...I'll probably start thinking about one of those 1-year masters programs soon. Anyone know much about USF's or other Florida ones (how competitive they are, if they look good, etc)?
Click to expand...

I think 29 is still well in the range of those accepted. SDN seems to have A LOT of people with really high scores i.e. 35+. But in all reality the average entering medical student has a 30 on their MCAT. I remember reading too that last years average for USF was 29.6. If your GPA is in the range of 3.65-4.00 I don't think you should give up yet. Schools probably interview top scoring applicants first, but many of these applicants opt to go to other schools. Therefore, you could feasibly get into a school after interviewing in March or April.
 
I'm interviewing at the Boca campus. Should be exciting(hopefully)
 
Congrats to all those who got interviews at Miami. I am curious though, how did they contact you? Was it by e-mail or phone?
 
I am on the same boat as you guys waiting to hear for interviews at the Florida Schools. I am not losing hope yet but definitely getting a little bit antsy that their might be something wrong with my app. I have been complete for a while now and have heard absolutely nothing from UM or USF (maybe I should have applied to both campuses at UM to improve my chances, oh well). I hope we all hear good news from Florida this week.
 
Anyway, my question is if I have not been accepted anywhere up until this point (I will know the decision at USF on Wed.) do you think it would be wise to go ahead and apply to Nova and LECOM? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I think it might be too late. They've been interviewing for months now. Why would you have paid the money to apply and then not follow through with secondaries?
 
Tertbutyl said:
I thought so too, but when I called they said the committee meeting was scheduled for Wed night and I would find out on Thursday morning via email.
Click to expand...

Thursday, why do I distinctly remember hearing January the 15th, tomorrow. We've already been waiting since early December.
 
MedStudentWanna said:
I think it might be too late. They've been interviewing for months now. Why would you have paid the money to apply and then not follow through with secondaries?
Click to expand...

I filled out the AACOMAS application before I received my second MCAT score. At the time, I was thinking osteopathic colleges might be the best option for me. And actually I would not mind going to osteopathic medical school except for the fact that is much more expensive and I would have to study for both the USMLEs and COMLEXs to be a competitive residency candidate. Also, in the last few months I have a had a chance to learn more about USF's program and I feel if I get accepted USF I would have many unique opportunities that are not available at the osteopathic schools I applied to. Therefore, I am going to hold off on the osteopathic applications and unfortunately eat the financial loss.
 
Okay it's pretty much the middle of Jan. and still nothing from either USF or Miami. I figure time is starting to dwindle down since invites are usually given around 3-4 weeks in advance. Still got the lone FSU hold list to cling onto. It's starting to get kind of depressing. I know there's still time left, but sheesh. I guess there's not much I can do about it now. I'm starting to think most of these places have full decks by now. Ugh, the saga continues.
 
medguy83 said:
Okay it's pretty much the middle of Jan. and still nothing from either USF or Miami. I figure time is starting to dwindle down since invites are usually given around 3-4 weeks in advance. Still got the lone FSU hold list to cling onto. It's starting to get kind of depressing. I know there's still time left, but sheesh. I guess there's not much I can do about it now. I'm starting to think most of these places have full decks by now. Ugh, the saga continues.
Click to expand...

I don't know if it really is as bad as it seems. There are many current med students who interviewed during or after March, and you're not alone, I am still hoping to hear from UF and USF as well.
 
SwampGator said:
Thursday, why do I distinctly remember hearing January the 15th, tomorrow. We've already been waiting since early December.
Click to expand...

When Dr. Hinkley told us the date we would be notified of our status I wrote it down. He said January 16th. I belive tertbutyl is right though since he called. The suspense is killing me! are you waiting for boca as well?
 
I am certain that Dr. Hinkley will email you on wed. after 5 pm. At my interview he told us hed email us after five on wed. Dec 12, and at 515 I recieved an acceptance email. I think the committee must meet at around 3 or 4, and they're done about 5. Good luck to everyone waiting, I'm sure it will all be good news!
 
I just got an interview at UF in March! I wasn't even complete there until Jan. 4 so I feel very lucky that I heard back them. I guess that means its never too late to try🙂
 
I just had my FSU interview last friday, the school impressed me beyond expectations... but i called USF to get an update on my waiting list position... i had my interview near the end of october, and they put me on the high tier of the waiting list... however, i don't know how confident i feel now. speaking with the admissions office, i somehow read from them that i was not in the top 10, but i was above the middle... i'm guessing the waiting list is comprised of 50 spots, and that means i'm above the 25 mark. does anyone know what upper tier is considered? they also said there still plenty of interviews still to come this semester, and its possible to move down the list.
 
thegold91 said:
When Dr. Hinkley told us the date we would be notified of our status I wrote it down. He said January 16th. I belive tertbutyl is right though since he called. The suspense is killing me! are you waiting for boca as well?
Click to expand...

I just called them again since there was confusion. The receptionist said the committee meeting is tomorrow, and they will notify people via e-mail on Thursday.

Maybe they are just saying that to everyone, but Team Zissou got an e-mail the same day as the meeting, so hopefully that will happen tomorrow 🙂
 
Jennifer5109 said:
I just got an interview at UF in March! I wasn't even complete there until Jan. 4 so I feel very lucky that I heard back them. I guess that means its never too late to try🙂
Click to expand...



There is definitely more then 50 spots if 50% of the class is off the waitlist and that is mostly all top tier candidate waitlistees plus some mid tier people. I'd assume the number is well over 100 and more like 150-180 with min. being about 120 waitlistees usually. Maybe Mike or REL can confirm from past or present experience.
 
gujuDoc said:
There is definitely more then 50 spots if 50% of the class is off the waitlist and that is mostly all top tier candidate waitlistees plus some mid tier people. I'd assume the number is well over 100 and more like 150-180 with min. being about 120 waitlistees usually. Maybe Mike or REL can confirm from past or present experience.
Click to expand...

From the interview yesterday (and I am going by memory, so forgive any inaccuracies), they accept about 100 people from the waitlist, which does jive with your numbers because not all accepted off the waitlist will matriculate.
 
medguy83 said:
Okay it's pretty much the middle of Jan. and still nothing from either USF or Miami. I figure time is starting to dwindle down since invites are usually given around 3-4 weeks in advance. Still got the lone FSU hold list to cling onto. It's starting to get kind of depressing. I know there's still time left, but sheesh. I guess there's not much I can do about it now. I'm starting to think most of these places have full decks by now. Ugh, the saga continues.
Click to expand...
I know how you feel as I am in the same boat waiting to hear from these schools. I am beginning to get curious and starting to believe that they are really into upholding that the VR section of the MCAT is the most important for them. Could people who got invites to UM and USF contribute their VR scores to see if my reasoning is correct?
Thanks in advance.
 
i had no idea med schools ran through waitlists that were that deep
 
ChePibe said:
I know how you feel as I am in the same boat waiting to hear from these schools. I am beginning to get curious and starting to believe that they are really into upholding that the VR section of the MCAT is the most important for them. Could people who got invites to UM and USF contribute their VR scores to see if my reasoning is correct?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Ive heard the same abt um w/ that regard too... ive had friends that have gotten invites/acceptances this year and last year with 12s and 13s in that section... i unfortunately received a 7 on the VR with 33 overall, and no interview received- and complete since august
 
thegold91 said:
When Dr. Hinkley told us the date we would be notified of our status I wrote it down. He said January 16th. I belive tertbutyl is right though since he called. The suspense is killing me! are you waiting for boca as well?
Click to expand...

Yup, waiting to hear from both schools. From what I remember and from what others on the board have said, it may be that if your accepted, Wednesday email, if not, don't check your mailbox on Thursday. Just speculation on my part, though.
 
adit15 said:
Ive heard the same abt um w/ that regard too... ive had friends that have gotten invites/acceptances this year and last year with 12s and 13s in that section... i unfortunately received a 7 on the VR with 33 overall, and no interview received- and complete since august
Click to expand...

I had a less than stellar score on verbal, and I received a Miami interview (32 overall if you're curious). I have a few friends in class that are applying now, and I've watched the activity on the board; it seems if your numbers are really high, then there should be no problem, and maybe somewhat more difficult with lower scores. But within that range, its anybody's guess how the process works. Sometimes it seems completely random. I get the feeling like its a Med School BCS system, where during the season, the whole thing is a mess, but by the end, everything sorts itself out. The waiting has definitely been the hardest part. Good luck to all.
 
ChePibe said:
I know how you feel as I am in the same boat waiting to hear from these schools. I am beginning to get curious and starting to believe that they are really into upholding that the VR section of the MCAT is the most important for them. Could people who got invites to UM and USF contribute their VR scores to see if my reasoning is correct?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I think part of the problem at USF is the change in leadership at the admissions office. Since Dr. Koehler took over REL's former position, she's had her own system of doing things. When REL was in charge he called for an interview the week before you'd be interviewing whereas since she took over its changed so that they pick who they are going to interview on a certain date close to a month in advance.

Furthermore, since she took over REL's position there was also new leadership in the Associate Director position right beneath her. They recently hired Mrs. Leila Amiri for the position as Associate Director of Admissions. Leila was an advisor on the main campus in college of arts and sciences first as a chemistry advisor then as a prehealth advisor. She's actually one of the few good advisors we had there on that side before so I think she'll do a good job at her job. she's real nice too.

But these subtle changes make a difference. I also know that a few years ago dr. dennis ledford (sp??) was the head of the entire committee and recently its Dr. Gonzalez. So these differences in leadership can make a difference in terms of things and may be what's contributing to why its taking longer for people to hear back.

The other possibility with you if it is not due to this is that you had a professor who wrote a bad letter or something or your essays were not that well written or minor things of that nature. Its hard to tell but my best advice is to you is to talk with someone at USF COM whether it is Dr. Specter, Dr. Koehler, Leila Amiri, Dr. Williams, Dr. Gonzalez, etc. USF faculty generally tends to be very open and friendly to talking about these things.
 
One more thing:

On the issue of verbal, a 9 or even 8 won't hurt if your overall is high as it was in ChePibe's case.

Last year there was a guy who used to post on here. He's now an MS 1 and when he applied coming from UF, he had a 3.9+ GPA, 32 MCAT, and tons of clinical and extracurricular stuff that made him a strong applicant. He however had a 7 in VR. He applied EDP and got in right away. so don't sweat it.

I know plenty of people in USF with a 8 or above on the MCAT and a few who had 6 or 7 in VR that are there now.

Do keep updating them with new material and talk with them if you feel that you need to check up on your status. Sometimes they'll be very open with you about what may be holding you back. sometimes it will just be that there are other people who they want to interview. don't know.
 
adit15 said:
Ive heard the same abt um w/ that regard too... ive had friends that have gotten invites/acceptances this year and last year with 12s and 13s in that section... i unfortunately received a 7 on the VR with 33 overall, and no interview received- and complete since august
Click to expand...

I would talk to the admissions department at both schools. I've heard at UMiami it is better to directly ask for Dr. hinkley and to speak to him directly.

At USF, there are tons of people I'd recommend talking to. I've listed them in a post above this one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Medical School Application Updates?
Replies
6
Views
2K
golfduck23
G
wysdoc
  • Sticky
*~*~*~* Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*~*
2 3 4 5
Replies
226
Views
19K
wysdoc
wysdoc
chilly_md
  • Sticky
*~*~*~* Official AMCAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*
2
Replies
90
Views
13K
chilly_md
chilly_md
IMUNEEK
Adding schools to my application
Replies
1
Views
617
wysdoc
wysdoc
kaleidoscope1202
Florida Schools
Replies
5
Views
1K
GetmeacceptedAnon
G
Top