Florida Schools Application Thread (2008) part 2

[ankit999]

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hey,

second look works in both ways. I have not been accepted to usf yet (high waitlist) but i got the second look invite from usf a while back. i will be going to second look so that they know how interested i am especially because i want to go to usf. However, second look is also for accepted students who are still deciding on usf vs other schools. The attire is business casual. hope that helps.

 

[mikedc813]

hey,

second look works in both ways. I have not been accepted to usf yet (high waitlist) but i got the second look invite from usf a while back. i will be going to second look so that they know how interested i am especially because i want to go to usf. However, second look is also for accepted students who are still deciding on usf vs other schools. The attire is business casual. hope that helps.

I encourage anyone going to a second look to really ask all of the questions you want and to talk to as many students as you can. Their thoughts about the program will probably be the most useful thing out of the whole experience.

 

[ChePibe]

I finished my USF interview today. Everything was really great. We toured the VA hospital, had some common ground with my interviewers; overall, I think I did very well. I guess I'll find out just how good next Wednesday (March 12). The rest of the day consisted of sitting through presentations and talking with students, many of whom were preparing for a big exam it seems. If any of you know my story you'll understand just how exciting it has been to actually live to see this day. All I can say is that I hope I get
5's from the adcom😀

Good luck to everyone else!

Medguy, I truly hope you get into USF next week and let the waiting stop and celebrations start.

On my part, I'm still hoping for USF or UM interviews but feeling rather discouraged about them.

 

[Hopingnpraying]

I finished my USF interview today. Everything was really great. We toured the VA hospital, had some common ground with my interviewers; overall, I think I did very well. I guess I'll find out just how good next Wednesday (March 12). The rest of the day consisted of sitting through presentations and talking with students, many of whom were preparing for a big exam it seems. If any of you know my story you'll understand just how exciting it has been to actually live to see this day. All I can say is that I hope I get
5's from the adcom😀

Good luck to everyone else!

Hey medguy
What did you think of the school after your interview? What stood out?

 

[shawn128]

WOOHOO I got an interview invite at USF!!!!

Anyone have any parting advice to give me and/or experiences they'd like to share?

 

[pandulce321]

WOOHOO I got an interview invite at USF!!!!

Anyone have any parting advice to give me and/or experiences they'd like to share?

Very very laid back. They really want to get to know you on a personal level rather than back you into a corner. The interview feedback portion of SDN basically has all of their questions listed. If you are true to who you are, you should have no problem. Good luck... its an awesome school 🙂

 

[shawn128]

Very very laid back. They really want to get to know you on a personal level rather than back you into a corner. The interview feedback portion of SDN basically has all of their questions listed. If you are true to who you are, you should have no problem. Good luck... its an awesome school 🙂

There are so many threads on interviews! Do you or anyone else have any particular favorites that you referenced for USF interviews or interviews in general?

 

[pagingstat]

hey,
i recently got my january score back and got a much better, but still mediocre mcat score. all the fl schools have my updated info. when do u think i will hear back? or is it hard with a borderline score at this point of the app cycle?

 

[sasdaddy]

UM interview went smooth yesterday. I was really impressed with their facilities...on that note, I received an invite from UF via phone today. This has been a great 5 days!

 

[gujuDoc]

There are so many threads on interviews! Do you or anyone else have any particular favorites that you referenced for USF interviews or interviews in general?

She's not referring to a thread but the interview feedback portion of this website that is separate from the forums. There should be a tab for it at the top of the website. The interview feedback portion is where they put past interview experiences, questions that were asked, and general impressions.

 

[gujuDoc]

UM interview went smooth yesterday. I was really impressed with their facilities...on that note, I received an invite from UF via phone today. This has been a great 5 days!

Congratulations ad good luck.

 

[SwampGator]

WOOHOO I got an interview invite at USF!!!!

Anyone have any parting advice to give me and/or experiences they'd like to share?

USF, like all of the other state schools, wants to know who you really are. Not trying to make you nervous, but I think its something you should be aware of. I thought the way the interviews were organized with the pre-set questions was a little strange (I forgot that USF did it this way, before my interview, so as long as you know ahead, you'll be more comfortable). The interviews at the other state schools were all conversational, and flowed, with the interviewer taking notes as I spoke. However, one of my interviewers at South Florida seemed to write my answers down word-for-word, and there was a long, silence-filled gap in between questions; I just couldn't get comfortable. My other interviewer was like all of my others, more conversational. For all the posters with USF ties, I'm not being negative about my one interviewer, I understant that that was just their style of conducting the interview, and I was thrown off a little bit. Otherwise, the school, students, and facilities were great. Good luck.

 

[Krystle11]

I am going to the Dominican Republic with UF's med school next week. I used to work with one of the physicians directing it, and that's how i got in. I have been waiting for a year. I have my ticket, all my travel stuff, i'm even taking malaria meds (which mess up your stomach)

let me preface this by saying I have been accepted into FSU and USF. I prefer USF out of the 2. I thought I would not be able to get an interview at UF.

I also graduated from UF... so obviously have a soft spot in my heart for it... Go Gators!!

Robin from UF admissions called me today to offer me an interview... ON MARCH 14th!!! When I am out of the country!!!

And guess what... it is there last interview date. I told her what I was doing and she said that was unfortunate. She said I MAY possible be able to interview on March 7th.. if someone drops out.... (so if anyone on here wants to drop out, please do 🙂)

which isn't likely to happen.

what do i do???? 😕

ahh

edit - I accepted the interview, but i never thought about asking if she would call people to see if they would switch... would that be too much of a nuisance now? And does anyone know if UF is even accepting now or just wait-listing...

help!!!

 

[mikedc813]

USF, like all of the other state schools, wants to know who you really are. Not trying to make you nervous, but I think its something you should be aware of. I thought the way the interviews were organized with the pre-set questions was a little strange (I forgot that USF did it this way, before my interview, so as long as you know ahead, you'll be more comfortable). The interviews at the other state schools were all conversational, and flowed, with the interviewer taking notes as I spoke. However, one of my interviewers at South Florida seemed to write my answers down word-for-word, and there was a long, silence-filled gap in between questions; I just couldn't get comfortable. My other interviewer was like all of my others, more conversational. For all the posters with USF ties, I'm not being negative about my one interviewer, I understant that that was just their style of conducting the interview, and I was thrown off a little bit. Otherwise, the school, students, and facilities were great. Good luck.

I agree that the USF approach to interview questions is unique, but does have benefits. The initial intent was to standardize the interviews applicants were getting so that there weren't random questions like "what's ohm's law"? However, interviews can get a little disjointed and lack flow as you said depending on the interviewer. Many make it very conversational. Some tend to just strictly as the preset questions. I personally try to talk to the applicant and make it as conversational as possible and work the questions in at appropriate times.

 

[SwampGator]

I am going to the Dominican Republic with UF's med school next week. I used to work with one of the physicians directing it, and that's how i got in. I have been waiting for a year. I have my ticket, all my travel stuff, i'm even taking malaria meds (which mess up your stomach)

let me preface this by saying I have been accepted into FSU and USF. I prefer USF out of the 2. I thought I would not be able to get an interview at UF.

I also graduated from UF... so obviously have a soft spot in my heart for it... Go Gators!!

Robin from UF admissions called me today to offer me an interview... ON MARCH 14th!!! When I am out of the country!!!

And guess what... it is there last interview date. I told her what I was doing and she said that was unfortunate. She said I MAY possible be able to interview on March 7th.. if someone drops out.... (so if anyone on here wants to drop out, please do 🙂)

which isn't likely to happen.

what do i do???? 😕

ahh

edit - I accepted the interview, but i never thought about asking if she would call people to see if they would switch... would that be too much of a nuisance now? And does anyone know if UF is even accepting now or just wait-listing...

help!!!

As long as you have a contact in the medschool, can you see if he can pull some strings, vouch for you, and get them to add you in on the 7th, regardless of someone dropping out? As far as I know, they are still accepting. If it were me, I'd have a hard time not going on the interview, and I think your contact would understand if you backed out of the trip.

 

[Tertbutyl]

I am going to the Dominican Republic with UF's med school next week. I used to work with one of the physicians directing it, and that's how i got in. I have been waiting for a year. I have my ticket, all my travel stuff, i'm even taking malaria meds (which mess up your stomach)

let me preface this by saying I have been accepted into FSU and USF. I prefer USF out of the 2. I thought I would not be able to get an interview at UF.

I also graduated from UF... so obviously have a soft spot in my heart for it... Go Gators!!

Robin from UF admissions called me today to offer me an interview... ON MARCH 14th!!! When I am out of the country!!!

And guess what... it is there last interview date. I told her what I was doing and she said that was unfortunate. She said I MAY possible be able to interview on March 7th.. if someone drops out.... (so if anyone on here wants to drop out, please do 🙂)

which isn't likely to happen.

what do i do???? 😕

ahh

edit - I accepted the interview, but i never thought about asking if she would call people to see if they would switch... would that be too much of a nuisance now? And does anyone know if UF is even accepting now or just wait-listing...

help!!!

I know two people who interviewed in March and were then accepted. My interviewer (back in November) was a UF med alumni attending and she said she likes to interview students on the last day because she was actually accepted on the last interview day as well.

There's definitely hope! Private me if you want any info about the interview day.

 

[Krystle11]

My dad said to me, "it's one week (on the trip) or the rest of your life (going to med school)"

Now, that would hold more weight if I was not yet accepted into medical school, but I get what he is trying to say. And UF is a great school, and I need to give myself the chance to have the choice.

Even though I really wanted to go on that trip.

🙁

 

[Jennifer5109]

Actually I am supposed to interview at UF on March 7, but I could also go on March 14. Would you like me to call and see if there is any way that we could switch days? Is that kosher to do that? Anyway, let me know if this would help you out.

 

[xiaoyi666]

Actually I am supposed to interview at UF on March 7, but I could also go on March 14. Would you like me to call and see if there is any way that we could switch days? Is that kosher to do that? Anyway, let me know if this would help you out.

aww, how nice of you!

 

[mdgator]

Actually I am supposed to interview at UF on March 7, but I could also go on March 14. Would you like me to call and see if there is any way that we could switch days? Is that kosher to do that? Anyway, let me know if this would help you out.

👍 I hope my future class, wherever I go, is made up of folks like this.
Yes, Jennifer, I would think it would be kosher for you to make that call. In fact, if I were on an adcom, it might be worth bonus points. Good luck at your interview.

 

[SoFlaKnight]

Krystle & Jennifer, I really hope the situation works out for you guys...Robyn and Denise are probably the two most understanding people I've ever met, I'm sure they'll work something out for you guys...Hope to see you guys in G-ville this August

 

[greg1184]

I am starting to realize why I havent recieved any love from any of the florida schools (except UM where I interviewed the previous year and they know me). UF and USF are the only school applications that ask me if I was a reapplicant ANYWHERE. The other schools ask me if I applied to THEIR school before. UF rejected me and USF will probably reject me too. Ironic, isn't it? All my interview invites outside of UM has been out of state.

 

[ufgrad00]

I am not a reapplicant, but I admit that I am somewhat stumped why I didn't receive an invite at UF and haven't heard from USF. I don't think my stats and experiences are just tremendous, but I think I am probably at or around the average matriculant stats.

I have recieved invites from schools that are just as and more competitive programs than UF and USF; however, I feel that it shows how individualized each school is and that they are very independent and apply different standards to their respective applicants. I am now under the impression that now, for competitive applicants, (not "rock stars" with 37+ mcats and 3.9+ GPA's, who probably receive auto-invites) how important it is to match up to the mission of the school, based on your subjective qualities like letters of rec, PS, and secondary essays.

 

[gujuDoc]

I am not a reapplicant, but I admit that I am somewhat stumped why I didn't receive an invite at UF and haven't heard from USF. I don't think my stats and experiences are just tremendous, but I think I am probably at or around the average matriculant stats.

I have recieved invites from schools that are just as and more competitive programs than UF and USF; however, I feel that it shows how individualized each school is and that they are very independent and apply different standards to their respective applicants. I am now under the impression that now, for competitive applicants, (not "rock stars" with 37+ mcats and 3.9+ GPA's, who probably receive auto-invites) how important it is to match up to the mission of the school, based on your subjective qualities like letters of rec, PS, and secondary essays.

Yeah I agree. The funny thing is people I know who have gotten interviews at both of those schools have yet to hear anything from the school that accepted you (Miami Miller). LOL! This process really is funny sometimes.

 

[gujuDoc]

I am starting to realize why I havent recieved any love from any of the florida schools (except UM where I interviewed the previous year and they know me). UF and USF are the only school applications that ask me if I was a reapplicant ANYWHERE. The other schools ask me if I applied to THEIR school before. UF rejected me and USF will probably reject me too. Ironic, isn't it? All my interview invites outside of UM has been out of state.

I don't think its because you were a reapplicant. I know someone who applied to USF 3 times before getting in with the class of 2010. Maybe you didn't do much to change your application besides numerically speaking from the first time. Maybe there is just a more competitive applicant pool or you are not what they are looking for. There could be several reasons, but in any case it all works out cuz miami was one of your top choices and you made it in there and thus far i've heard nothing but positive things about the school from students.


At this point in the application cycle, interviews are winding down but there are still a few left so maybe you can try and contact them to ask what's the status of your application. I don't know what to tell you.

 

[Krystle11]

Actually I am supposed to interview at UF on March 7, but I could also go on March 14. Would you like me to call and see if there is any way that we could switch days? Is that kosher to do that? Anyway, let me know if this would help you out.

That would be amazing!! Please call and see if that would be possible.

 

[mikedc813]

My dad said to me, "it's one week (on the trip) or the rest of your life (going to med school)"

Now, that would hold more weight if I was not yet accepted into medical school, but I get what he is trying to say. And UF is a great school, and I need to give myself the chance to have the choice.

Even though I really wanted to go on that trip.

🙁

Your dad is right. UF could be the school for you. You'll never know if you don't interview.... There will always be needy people for you to help on future mission trips.

 

[Krystle11]

Your dad is right. UF could be the school for you. You'll never know if you don't interview.... There will always be needy people for you to help on future mission trips.

Ahh! So Robyn said we could not switch interview days!...

but I am happy to report that the problem has been solved.

Someone dropped out of the UF interview on this Friday, so I get to interview AND go on the trip!!

Wonderful.

This really has been a roller coaster of emotions for me!

 

[pagingstat]

has anyone gotten any fsu or usf invites recently? i have borderline mcats and gpa scores and want to know if i should be hearing back soon. do they let u know if they don't want to interview you?

 

[mikedc813]

Ahh! So Robyn said we could not switch interview days!...

but I am happy to report that the problem has been solved.

Someone dropped out of the UF interview on this Friday, so I get to interview AND go on the trip!!

Wonderful.

This really has been a roller coaster of emotions for me!

Things happen for a reason. I'm glad you get to do both. Make the most out of both opportunities.

 

[gujuDoc]

Your dad is right. UF could be the school for you. You'll never know if you don't interview.... There will always be needy people for you to help on future mission trips.

I agree with this whole heartedly. The friend of mine at UF med was originally in the 4+4 program at USF and decided she wanted to see where else she could get in. She tells me she has no regrets about applying out and she thinks UF was really the best fit for her after interviewing at all the other Fl. schools outside of FSU. By the same means, I know several people who after interviewing at other Fl. schools found USF or other schools to be the school for them. Its better to go to an interview and see what a school is about regardless of where else you've gotten accepted especially if money isn't an issue stopping you from going.


REL was discussing the same thing at the forum the other day as well.

 

[thegold91]

has anyone gotten any fsu or usf invites recently? i have borderline mcats and gpa scores and want to know if i should be hearing back soon. do they let u know if they don't want to interview you?

i heard from fsu for an interview invite last week.

 

[gujuDoc]

has anyone gotten any fsu or usf invites recently? i have borderline mcats and gpa scores and want to know if i should be hearing back soon. do they let u know if they don't want to interview you?

Look above but there were people on here who posted about recent invites to USF.

 

[Jack Saltiel]

Does anyone know who I am? I brominate alkanes.

 

[gujuDoc]

Does anyone know who I am? I brominate alkanes.

Is it me, or does anyone else think this guy is a tool and a troll from his previous postings. I did a post history search and he repeats the same things over and over.

Get out of the Fl. thread Jack, if you are not hear to discuss Fl. admissions to med school. Go troll somewhere else.

 

[Jennifer5109]

I withdrew from UF today. I feel bad because my interview was tomorrow, but I thought long and hard about it and I feel like I belong at USF.

Good luck to all the future Gators.

 

[mikedc813]

I withdrew from UF today. I feel bad because my interview was tomorrow, but I thought long and hard about it and I feel like I belong at USF.

Good luck to all the future Gators.

In the end, you gotta do what you feel is right for you. Now relax and enjoy your time before your USF experience begins.

 

[Jennifer5109]

In the end, you gotta do what you feel is right for you. Now relax and enjoy your time before your USF experience begins.

Yes, I think I have made the right decision. But the bad weather sure helped my decision along. I was not looking forward to waking up at the crack of dawn and driving through the storms.

 

[SwampGator]

SoFla, somthing is killing me that I just have to get off my chest. I've got no problem signing posts with your school, and Congrats on UF, but the THE, in THE University of Florida, has got to go. We beat up on schools that emphasize the "The," As in The Ohio State University, and The Florida State University. You just can't emulate the schools you kill on the field. It pains me, man.

 

[MossPoh]

SoFla, somthing is killing me that I just have to get off my chest. I've got no problem signing posts with your school, and Congrats on UF, but the THE, in THE University of Florida, has got to go. We beat up on schools that emphasize the "The," As in The Ohio State University, and The Florida State University. You just can't emulate the schools you kill on the field. It pains me, man.

hahahahahahaha. I agree. I also don't care for "duh U" though either.

Now, if there were A University of Florida in addition to The University of Florida, the emphasis is warranted.

 

[Frida13]

has anyone gotten any fsu or usf invites recently? i have borderline mcats and gpa scores and want to know if i should be hearing back soon. do they let u know if they don't want to interview you?

I was wondering the same thing....do FSU and USF let you know by now if they are NOT planning on interview (REJECTION)???

 

[mikedc813]

I was wondering the same thing....do FSU and USF let you know by now if they are NOT planning on interview (REJECTION)???

I don't believe that USF calls you to tell you that you're not going to receive an interview. That would be A LOT of calls to make since there were almost 3,000 applicants this year. However, I don't deal with that end of the admissions process so don't hold me to that...

 

[vw200405]

I got accepted into the UM Boca campus!
I am so excited.
It looks like I will have to decide between USF and UM Boca.
What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Also is anyone looking for a roommate in Tampa for USF?
Thanks.

 

[gujuDoc]

I got accepted into the UM Boca campus!
I am so excited.
It looks like I will have to decide between USF and UM Boca.
What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Also is anyone looking for a roommate in Tampa for USF?
Thanks.

I am biased in that if this was between main campus Miami and USF, I might say main campus Miami, but since its between Boca and USF, I say USF.

But that's me. The two programs are completely different. USF is much more like main campus Miami in that it has over 100 students and follows a more lecture based format with less PBL stuff. Boca on the other hand is primarily PBL. The other big thing with USF is that it is more like Miami in that it has a lot more established teaching hospitals whereas Boca has more community hospital. Research opportunities, Boca is = with main campus miami because they allow you to go to Miami for research.

This is the tip of the iceberg. But again, the 3 big things that differ between USF and Boca is that boca has a smaller class size, PBL curricula, and is in a smaller area with more community based hospitals, whereas USF is more like what you'd get had you been accepted to the main campus program for Miami Miller (large class size, lot of research opps nearby, big city life though nowhere near Miami scale 😉, more hospitals, etc.)

 

[thegold91]

I got accepted into the UM Boca campus!
I am so excited.
It looks like I will have to decide between USF and UM Boca.
What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Also is anyone looking for a roommate in Tampa for USF?
Thanks.

If you are looking for some comparison/contrast of all of the different schools, search this thread. All of the schools are been spoken about extensively and in detail.

 

[NewAndImproved]

Boca on the other hand is primarily PBL.

This would be a deal breaker for me.

 

[gujuDoc]

This would be a deal breaker for me.

Are you more for PBL or lecture based? Just curious.

 

[NewAndImproved]

Are you more for PBL or lecture based?

Lecture. I rarely accomplish anything in groups. But as others have pointed out, this is a matter of preference. I also like the idea of watching lectures from home. Pretty sure that option is off of the table with lots of PBL.

 

[gujuDoc]

Lecture. I rarely accomplish anything in groups. But as others have pointed out, this is a matter of preference. I also like the idea of watching lectures from home. Pretty sure that option is off of the table with lots of PBL.

I'm with you on that. I don't like the whole PBL idea even though I heard its supposed to be real good. I prefer the more traditional format and being able to watch from home or rewatch parts that I need to listen to again if I'm missing a point.

 

[Soccer885]

I'm with you on that. I don't like the whole PBL idea even though I heard its supposed to be real good. I prefer the more traditional format and being able to watch from home or rewatch parts that I need to listen to again if I'm missing a point.

I am a student at USF and I go to the majority of the lectures, but sometimes I miss a day or just need a little break and that's when I absolutely love the idea that they record lectures. Besides, I can't type or write as fast as some of the professors talk so I watch many lectures again to pick up on the details that I missed during class. I can't imagine med school with out the recordings!