Florida Schools Application thread (2008)

[Frida13]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Thanks for getting back to me.....You both have made me feel a lot better. It is just so scary to think that I could not get into med school! But I guess it is too early to make that comment.

Hang in there Frida what Ufgrad said is on the mark. Most FL schools reserve a lot of their interviews and seats until after the first half of the season; i.e. Sept-Dec. You've still got to realize there are around 12 or so weeks left in which to interview from Jan-mar, so it's not over yet. Although I am a little surprised you haven't at least gotten one invite yet with a 30 mcat and a solid gpa. However, I do know of at least one person with a 33 mcat and good gpa that didn't get a USF invite until mid February, so I wouldn't lose hope just yet.
As far as the rock star thing is concerned, for the most part it's true. I called USF back in late Oct. and an administrator there told me they tend to divvy up their invites according to mcat and gpa with the best applicants getting the earliest spots. As far as I'm concerned, I don't need to be Jimmy Hendrix. As long as I'm on the stage I'll be happy.😎

 

[UFMed]

Yeah, it looks like we are similar; I have basically the same stats except I have a 30O on the MCAT.

I have an interview with Miami, and already went to two interviews up north, but I haven't heard from FSU, USF and UF. I have been complete since late september, and haven't heard a peep from those schools. I was hoping that my application for UF might get a boost since I went there for undergrad, but now, I don't think they give as much priority to their undergrads as I thought. Anyways, I guess the best thing to do is to keep a level head and still keep waiting.

Should I be scared....no interviews yet....FLorida Resident...Secondaries from all 15 schools applied too...Rejected by UF and Wake Forest after secondary. 3.7 at Ivy University, 3.6 at Ivy Post Bacc....30 on MCAT...nontraditional student....TOP Choice is USF....I have spent waaaay too much money in this Post Bacc program to not get into any med schools...is it terrible to not have any interviews yet???? HELP

No worries! Last year I was invited to interview in late-March and I was very skeptical of my chances. But I was accepted the next week! (I delayed my matriculation until 2012). I really think UF dives deeply into each application. Both of my interviewers knew my application and personal statement inside & out! I was really impressed. And they really do wait until they've interviewed most applicants before sending out the majority of their acceptances. Remember, UF (like USF & FSU) is a reputable & affordable state school; they are in no rush to fill up their class.

So just take a deep breath and wait for the good news!

 

[thegold91]

On a less positive note, I was waitlisted at USF last wednesday. Last tuesday I was invited for an interview at NYU and a few weeks ago rejected from boston. I feel like this whole process is so random.....get rejected from a school with a 32 median....invited to a school with a 35 median?

 

[ufgrad00]

Recieved an FSU invitation!!!! They are trying to squeeze some interview invitations out before christmas.

 

[MyInitialsAreJC]

Recieved an FSU invitation!!!! They are trying to squeeze some interview invitations out before christmas.

Cool! When are you interviewing?

Is anyone interviewing with me in Miami this Monday?

 

[ufgrad00]

Cool! When are you interviewing?

Is anyone interviewing with me in Miami this Monday?

I don't know yet when I am interviewing. I received a voicemail yesterday about the interview, but I didn't check it until this morning. So I'll call the admissions office monday to schedule.

 

[SwampGator]

I'm getting ready to interview at both Miami and Boca. I'm trying to figure out how to make it there. For anyone who has already interviewed there, even with the directions, it sounds confusing and like I should allow a bunch of time to get to the campuses. Can anyone post on whether or not it is difficult to find the campuses, time to allow in the morning, etc.?

Also, for the main campus, the itinerary doesn't give an exit off of I-95 in the city; I've driven through Miami once, is I-95 the one where you actually drive on surface roads through the city? Any help here would be appreciated too. Thanks in advance.

 

[PseudomonasPAO1]

I'm getting ready to interview at both Miami and Boca. I'm trying to figure out how to make it there. For anyone who has already interviewed there, even with the directions, it sounds confusing and like I should allow a bunch of time to get to the campuses. Can anyone post on whether or not it is difficult to find the campuses, time to allow in the morning, etc.?

Also, for the main campus, the itinerary doesn't give an exit off of I-95 in the city; I've driven through Miami once, is I-95 the one where you actually drive on surface roads through the city? Any help here would be appreciated too. Thanks in advance.

That's US1. I95 is the major highway to get from Dade to Downtown to Broward and so on. You don't want to be on 95 in the morning, trust me!

For the Miller School of Medicine, your best bet is to find a MetroRail station and use that. It stops right at Jackson, and you don't have to worry about parking and all that. I forget which stop on the train Jackson is at, but just follow the people wearing scrubs.

 

[greg1184]

That's US1. I95 is the major highway to get from Dade to Downtown to Broward and so on. You don't want to be on 95 in the morning, trust me!

For the Miller School of Medicine, your best bet is to find a MetroRail station and use that. It stops right at Jackson, and you don't have to worry about parking and all that. I forget which stop on the train Jackson is at, but just follow the people wearing scrubs.

Civic Center is the stop.

 

[CGuy07]

bump

 

[thoffen]

I'm getting ready to interview at both Miami and Boca. I'm trying to figure out how to make it there. For anyone who has already interviewed there, even with the directions, it sounds confusing and like I should allow a bunch of time to get to the campuses. Can anyone post on whether or not it is difficult to find the campuses, time to allow in the morning, etc.?

Also, for the main campus, the itinerary doesn't give an exit off of I-95 in the city; I've driven through Miami once, is I-95 the one where you actually drive on surface roads through the city? Any help here would be appreciated too. Thanks in advance.

The Boca campus is very easy to find. Just 1 turn after the interstate I believe (I didn't take I-95 as I stayed with a student host, but things are wide open, clean, and well-signed in Boca so it's hard to get lost). Just park right in front of the biomedical sciences building, and Agnes should be waiting for you at the door with a parking pass.

I came from a hotel at the Miami airport to the medical campus, and I took surface streets to avoid toll roads and interstates. It's a congested city, but there is a general grid system to it, so you probably won't get lost. Just give yourself extra time just in case, especially if you have to find a spot in the deck. It took me a lot longer than I figured. When you get there, don't bother waiting for the elevator for 1 silly flight of stairs. Go to your left, down the hall to your right, and admissions is on the left (there will be signs).

 

[ufgrad00]

Just finished the interviews with Miami and Boca, and I really like both campuses. 😍 👍

But I won't be hearing any decision from them till Jan 16th 👎.

 

[pfh]

how was the hospital at boca, does the clinical experience seem good?

 

[bball86]

hey did anyone that interviewed at UF last week hear back yet?

 

[MyInitialsAreJC]

how was the hospital at boca, does the clinical experience seem good?

We only got to see one hospital (i think it was Boca Raton Community Hospital?)

Pros: It's not a teaching hospital so there's no residents so when you're working under a physician you get more responsibility and hands on training.

Cons: The patient population is almost entirely 55+ years. There's really not a lot of diversity in the patients presenting.

There are other hospitals that students at the campus go to. They might be different.

 

[Krystle11]

I FINALLY got my first interview invite on Monday. I interview at FSU January 4th. Hopefully they keep coming... (Come ON USF!!)

But I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice about interviewing at FSU. What kinds of questions did they ask, how was your experience, etc.

Any help would be appreciated 🙂

 

[ufgrad00]

Congratulations with your interview!

I am also curious about FSU and I have an interview there on Dec 17th. As far as my thoughts about the school and interview, I will gladly post how it goes.

 

[SoFlaKnight]

I FINALLY got my first interview invite on Monday. I interview at FSU January 4th. Hopefully they keep coming... (Come ON USF!!)

But I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice about interviewing at FSU. What kinds of questions did they ask, how was your experience, etc.

Any help would be appreciated 🙂

Hey, we're 'same-day interview' buddies...give or take about 130 miles🙂

 

[Dendrite]

I FINALLY got my first interview invite on Monday. I interview at FSU January 4th. Hopefully they keep coming... (Come ON USF!!)

But I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice about interviewing at FSU. What kinds of questions did they ask, how was your experience, etc.

Any help would be appreciated 🙂

It is a very laid-back interview. They do their best to get to know you. I interviewed with the 11 AM group earlier (as opposed to 9AM). For example, if you are a pharmacy tech, they pair you up with an interviewer that teaches pharmacology; if you are into research, they pair you up with a PhD, etc. They want to see how you will fit in with their unique style of group learning environment, and want to see whether you will be happy in their class. There were no trick questions when I went there, and they really know your application (primary, secondary, etc.) backwards and forwards, and will ask you questions about that, your interests in medicine and specifically their school, and just about your past and where you see yourself in the future. I would check out the interview feedback section on SDN for typical questions they ask. You also get to speak with a lot of students who give the interviews and have lunch with you - the bunch that I met were all very nice, and gave me their perspective on the school.

All in all, you're going to like it (IMO). Good luck!

 

[EMTpremed181]

I am probably the only person who had a bad interview experience at FSU. My first interview went great, the woman told me she was going to give me a four (which is the higest evulation at FSU). The second interview did not go as well. The second question he asked me was, "what religion are you?" followed by "why do you think one in 2000 preists are child molesters? Very akward questions... I kept my cool and felt I was able to give an appropriate response to everything he threw at me. I have been an EMT for a coupple years and he also asked me a lot about that. I was asked a lot of ethical questions about euthanasia and my own experiences involving DNR's and living wills. I recieved a rejection about a week and a half after and when i called to inquire about why, I was told that they felt I would be to arrogant and condesending amougst my peers. I have another friend who was an EMT and had AMAZING scores/GPA/E.C's. He had the same interviewer, same experience, and was given the same reason for rejection. From what I understand, this was a very different experience from everyone else I have talked to, so don't worry. But just be prepaired to defend all the things that you feel are strong points in your application. (for example i was asked if I would be arrogant in learning certin lessions that I had preliminary instruction in because I was an EMT. I was also asked what was the purpose of obtaining my CNA if I never worked in the hospital...) I am sure you will be fine and I am not meaining to scare any of you, but just don't be caught like a deer in head lights. Good Luck!

 

[PS85Graphite]

Hey everyone, this is a little different topic but I think it still relates to florida schools. I have currently been put on the waitlist at some florida schools. My problem is that I am graduating in december but may end up with a D in a science class I need to graduate. Does anyone know how siginficant is this in my chances of getting off the waitlist? I know some schools do not take updates once you are on the waitlist like USF. would they retract their decision if they let me in and found out i had a D?

Thanks

 

[Dendrite]

Hey everyone, this is a little different topic but I think it still relates to florida schools. I have currently been put on the waitlist at some florida schools. My problem is that I am graduating in december but may end up with a D in a science class I need to graduate. Does anyone know how siginficant is this in my chances of getting off the waitlist? I know some schools do not take updates once you are on the waitlist like USF. would they retract their decision if they let me in and found out i had a D?

Thanks

Unfortunately, schools want you get to maintain at least a C average to qualify for admission. Of course, I am by no means an expert or apart of an Adcom.

 

[Krystle11]

Hey, we're 'same-day interview' buddies...give or take about 130 miles🙂

Where are you interviewing that day?

 

[Krystle11]

It is a very laid-back interview. They do their best to get to know you. I interviewed with the 11 AM group earlier (as opposed to 9AM). For example, if you are a pharmacy tech, they pair you up with an interviewer that teaches pharmacology; if you are into research, they pair you up with a PhD, etc. They want to see how you will fit in with their unique style of group learning environment, and want to see whether you will be happy in their class. There were no trick questions when I went there, and they really know your application (primary, secondary, etc.) backwards and forwards, and will ask you questions about that, your interests in medicine and specifically their school, and just about your past and where you see yourself in the future. I would check out the interview feedback section on SDN for typical questions they ask. You also get to speak with a lot of students who give the interviews and have lunch with you - the bunch that I met were all very nice, and gave me their perspective on the school.

All in all, you're going to like it (IMO). Good luck!

Thank you so much!

 

[Krystle11]

USF is my first choice and I just can't seem to hear anything from them other than I am complete and under review. This is driving me crazy. I have been complete since 10/17 and have called a couple times to check the status. Everytime I get the same "you were already told you were complete, you are under review" with the underlying message being stop calling.

Is there absolutely ANYTHING I can do to facilitate getting an interview there? 😕

BTW, it is Wednesday and again I didn't get a call from them

 

[medguy83]

I'm sorry to hear that about FSU. Kind of scary to think maybe one thing you did, said, didn't do, etc. could tip the axe. I'm still on their hold list and probably won't hear anything until Feb-Mar. Also, to PS85 I'm not sure you're obligated to send out grades after you're interviewed. In fact, if you have already been interviewed and put on hold the decision has already been made. Most schools give you a score, put you on hold, and if a spot opens up and you're the next highest number you get the seat; kind of like a deli unfortunately. Anyways, I wouldn't worry too much about it; however, I do think schools have the right to request that info, so you never know.

Here's a Q of mine: I'm still waiting with bated breath for USF to call for an invite. Previously, they were sending out invites 3 1/2 weeks ahead of time. Recently, it seems they cut that down to 1 1/2 or so. When would schools start sending out invites for Jan? Offices are closed the last few weeks of Dec., so I'm kind of wondering how they'll go about it. An invite next week for mid Jan? who knows.

Thanks to everyone and good luck. Remember, there is still a lot of time left and for most schools they're only about half way through the interview season.

 

[ufgrad00]

Yeah, I'll keep that in mind for FSU?

 

[LifetimeDoc]

My interview at FSU (last year) was kinda weird. I was asked about abortion, and I don't think they linked my answer (though friends, other professors, colleagues, liberals, conservatives all think my answer is fine). I think they play "good cop" and "bad cop" in the interviews. I was put on eternal hold at FSU and was never accepted there. It all turned out well as I got accepted to my first choice anyways! 🙂

 

[Krystle11]

My interview at FSU (last year) was kinda weird. I was asked about abortion, and I don't think they linked my answer (though friends, other professors, colleagues, liberals, conservatives all think my answer is fine). I think they play "good cop" and "bad cop" in the interviews. I was put on eternal hold at FSU and was never accepted there. It all turned out well as I got accepted to my first choice anyways! 🙂

So, since it says you are from Tampa, I am going to assume you go to USF. Any chance you want to walk into the admissions office and tell them to invite me for an interview?? haha... I just wish they would call! 🙁

 

[Krystle11]

So, since it says you are from Tampa, I am going to assume you go to USF. Any chance you want to walk into the admissions office and tell them to invite me for an interview?? haha... I just wish they would call! 🙁

PS - when I first looked at your post, the "USF c/o 2011" wasn't there, I swear 🙂

 

[ufgrad00]

My interview at FSU (last year) was kinda weird. I was asked about abortion, and I don't think they linked my answer (though friends, other professors, colleagues, liberals, conservatives all think my answer is fine). I think they play "good cop" and "bad cop" in the interviews. I was put on eternal hold at FSU and was never accepted there. It all turned out well as I got accepted to my first choice anyways! 🙂

That's not cool at all. So, we're supposed to come up with solutions to controversial ethical dilemmas on the fly. 🙄

Or are interview candidates penalized for not having the convictions of their interviewers?

 

[medguy83]

I FINALLY got my first interview invite on Monday. I interview at FSU January 4th. Hopefully they keep coming... (Come ON USF!!)

But I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice about interviewing at FSU. What kinds of questions did they ask, how was your experience, etc.

Any help would be appreciated 🙂

My experience with FSU was really good. For the most part the questions centered around my desire for medicine and my secondary as well as primary applications. Suffice it to say they know your app backwards and forwards by the time you interview there, so it's best to be prepared to talk about all your patient encounters, volunteer work, etc. My other piece of advice is to just be yourself. You don't have to awe them by waxing poetic about your gpa, how you cured something, etc. They already know about it. Just relax and speak from your heart and you should do fine.
I'm also eagerly awaiting any news from USF; although I believe this was probably the last Wednesday by which to get an invite for Dec. I, too have called them a few times and keep getting the same "Don't Bother US" message. What do they expect? When my future hangs on a phone call it's kind of expected that I would be a tad bit anxious. I hope you do well at FSU. The facilities are amazing and everyone was really nice and considerate. Good luck

 

[ufgrad00]

I'm also eagerly awaiting any news from USF; although I believe this was probably the last Wednesday by which to get an invite for Dec. I, too have called them a few times and keep getting the same "Don't Bother US" message. What do they expect? When my future hangs on a phone call it's kind of expected that I would be a tad bit anxious. I hope you do well at FSU. The facilities are amazing and everyone was really nice and considerate. Good luck

I called USF today, and I was told not to bother either.

But then the person on the phone said "hold on" and checked my stats. I forgot what I said to make him think about it, but he told me to expect to hear from them before or during February. I wonder if there is some kind of "Red Flag" on my application that made them want to consider me later.

 

[ufgrad00]

This bump's for you. 👍

 

[SoFlaKnight]

Where are you interviewing that day?

UF...is this you're 1st interview also, and if so, has it hit you yet?...it still seems unreal that this is happening w/in a month

Concerning the USF phone calls, I called them during Thanksgiving break for what had to have been the 30th or so time this semester😳...I got a similar "Stop calling us, if we had to put $ on it you're probably gonna get an interview in the coming 1-2 months but you're not a RoCkStAr candidate so we'll pass on you now, so just stop being on full tilt and chill out" talk that you guys got😀

 

[Tertbutyl]

UF...is this you're 1st interview also, and if so, has it hit you yet?...it still seems unreal that this is happening w/in a month

Concerning the USF phone calls, I called them during Thanksgiving break for what had to have been the 30th or so time this semester😳...I got a similar "Stop calling us, if we had to put $ on it you're probably gonna get an interview in the coming 1-2 months but you're not a RoCkStAr candidate so we'll pass on you now, so just stop being on full tilt and chill out" talk that you guys got😀

I've also called them about 30 times this semester (maybe they are slow to give out interview cause we all keep calling them too much). No invite yet. My friend with very similiar stats as me has already interviewed there, though. I dunno what the deal is.

 

[zephyrhills123]

That's not cool at all. So, we're supposed to come up with solutions to controversial ethical dilemmas on the fly. 🙄

Or are interview candidates penalized for not having the convictions of their interviewers?

I am currently going to FSU CoM and I answered some of the ethical questions "wrongly" (or is it "wrong"?)...well, the interviewer told me the AMA's stance on the issue, and it was not how I answered. I also wasn't able to answer a question about how would I change healthcare or something along those lines (I basically said I didn't know what the first thing to do would be because I'm not a politician). So in conclusion, I don't think you necessarily get penalized for messing up the ethical questions.

I think it's more important to be forthcoming and as genuine as you can be. Try not to be confrontational with your interviewer, even if you don't agree with them (obviously), and just be friendly but not overly fake friendly. I didn't study any of the healthcare issues very much and I do not think it hurt me (I was also accepted to Miami).

 

[Soccer885]

Last year, I also experienced the "good cop, bad cop" interview at FSU. My first interview went great and the guy really loved me. I was feeling so good about how the interview was going. Then I had to go to the second interviewer. I didn't get too many ethical questions but the doctor (in my opinion) began attacking me. He would say that my MCAT score wasn't good and asked me why I did poorly. After my response, he simply said "well your MCAT score isn't bad, it's above our averages". Then the same thing happened with grades. I had a total of three B's and the rest A's. And he asked me why I did so poorly in the classes I got B's in! All I wanted to do was shout "those aren't poor grades". But I explained that the material was challenging... I thought it was strange but I think the point of the interview was to see how you reacted under pressure and stress. I didn't lose my cool even though I was being attacked on such trivial things. At the end he told me I had done a very good job. A week later I was accepted!

One suggestion to interviewees...
Find something you can relate to with the interviewer. It helps you talk about a subject you are comfortable with and they are interested in. They also will be able to remember you better. My first interviewer at FSU had twins, and my brother and his wife were expecting twins. The second interviewer liked soccer which I had played for many years. Both were just brought up casually throughout the interview but I found it very helpful. At USF, somehow my interviewer and I started talking about Harry Potter! He never forgot who I was...

Good luck!

 

[MyInitialsAreJC]

I am currently going to FSU CoM ... (I was also accepted to Miami).

If you don't mind me asking - why did you choose FSU over Miami?

These posts are making me a little nervous about interviewing at FSU (which is probably a good thing).🙄

 

[Krystle11]

UF...is this you're 1st interview also, and if so, has it hit you yet?...it still seems unreal that this is happening w/in a month

Congrats on the UF interview!! I'm jealous 🙂 I am graduating from UF this semester and still no interview invite 🙁 Yes, this is my first interview, and I am very nervous!! It sounds like most people had a good experience at FSU though, so that makes me feel better.

 

[Krystle11]

maybe they are slow to give out interview cause we all keep calling them too much

haha! maybe.

 

[medguy83]

I called USF today, and I was told not to bother either.

But then the person on the phone said "hold on" and checked my stats. I forgot what I said to make him think about it, but he told me to expect to hear from them before or during February. I wonder if there is some kind of "Red Flag" on my application that made them want to consider me later.

When I called I got someone who asked if I received their "your file is complete" email. I said yes and then there was this awkward silence followed by me trying to find something else to ask. I ended up saying something about my LORs and transcripts, yada yada. Long story short, he ended up checking my file telling me not to worry and then he said "you know we do interview up through April" Kind of makes me think the waiting has just begun🙁
This was followed by telling me that most of the current interviews are for applicants with 35+ mcats and high gpa's; i.e. stellar applicants they really want. Hopefully something will come through at USF by Feb-March; I don't think I could last until April.

 

[Avenger9]

Say, has anyone ever received a reply to a "status check" email at UM Miller (sent to the med.admissions@... address)?? They must be swamped...

 

[SoFlaKnight]

I used to wonder the same thing...2 months after said update, with no response, I think I know the answer😳...

 

[mikedc813]

For those of you interviewing at FSU and are interested in doing more competitive specialties (rad onc, derm, etc) I would be sure to ask about how much support there is from the administration. I always knew FSU primarily caters to students going into primary care, but was surprised to hear about how unaccommodating they seem to be for those going into advanced programs. I bring this up because I just interviewed somewhere for radiation oncology and an FSU student was also there who said that he had to fight with the school to even let him do a rad onc rotation. He basically feels like FSU has not supported his decision to go into radiation oncology. I know this is just one scenario, but my point is that you should be making an informed decision for medical school by asking the students there about their experiences and asking the faculty about their emphasis on primary care.

I am NOT saying that FSU is bad med school! I honestly don't know much about it, but I am sure they produce fine doctors. The point is you should be aware of the potential difficulty you may face entering a more competitive field as a FSU med student. I would be interested to see what current FSU students think and if the person I came across represents a minority view.

 

[greg1184]

Say, has anyone ever received a reply to a "status check" email at UM Miller (sent to the med.admissions@... address)?? They must be swamped...

This time of year I would call them instead of e-mailing them. You may get an answer faster. Tip: Speak to Agnes.

 

[ufgrad00]

3

​

Oh, and thanks for the advice about FSU. I knew they concentrated on family med, but I didn't know they have some druthers in helping their students in endeavors other than family or internal med.​

 

[Team Zissou]

2.....

 

[Tertbutyl]

So how are finals coming along for everyone? I still have one left on Monday 🙁

..It can't be as annoying as the 17 page Biochem final I took this past week though.

 

[thoffen]

Wait...why are we ending this thread?