Florida Schools Application Thread (2009) Part 3

[mikedc813]

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I can understand where you're coming from if you think character letters should be weighed more than faculty letters as character letters are potentially written by people who know you on a more personal and intimate level. These people theoretically can attest better to your abilities and motivations. On the other hand, these letters can be incredibly biased. MANY candidates get their best friend or family member to write them character letters. While they are sure to say great things about the candidate, faculty letters provide a less biased view of each applicant. Character letters are an important part of the application process, but in all honesty your faculty letters are weighed more. I hope this helps.

As an aside, since this is the beginning of the application cycle I should say to keep in mind your applicants are evaluated as a whole. Deficiencies in one area can be made up for in another. This is all relative - an F in calculus isn't going to be made up with a great personal statement. But in general, being a little weak in one area won't ruin your chances...nobody's perfect. Your applications and interviews should convey your interest in medicine and show that you have a reasonable idea that you know what you're getting yourself into. Medical school may seem like a prestigious thing to aim for as a pre-med, but you need to look past that acceptance letter and look at the many many many many many hours you'll be studying in school and working in residency and later on in your own practice.

Good luck. Medicine is a great field.

 

[locus000]

wow, some nice arguments on here about the letters. its keeping this thread lively, lol

Does anyone know how much does the letters (all of them 😀) weight in your application?

because i think i got a generic one from one of my professor, it took him one day, from when i asked him, to upload it to interfolio.

 

[mikedc813]

wow, some nice arguments on here about the letters. its keeping this thread lively, lol

Does anyone know how much does the letters (all of them 😀) weight in your application?

because i think i got a generic one from one of my professor, it took him one day, from when i asked him, to upload it to interfolio.

At least at USF your letters are considered in combination with the rest of your application. There is no set score assigned to your letters. Rather, it's the general appeal that your application gives to the reviewer as a whole. It might sound obvious, but you should get letters from faculty who really know you. It's painfully obvious when the letter writer has only met the applicant once or twice, especially after you read hundreds of letters of rec. That can hurt your application...

 

[locus000]

At least at USF your letters are considered in combination with the rest of your application. There is no set score assigned to your letters. Rather, it's the general appeal that your application gives to the reviewer as a whole. It might sound obvious, but you should get letters from faculty who really know you. It's painfully obvious when the letter writer has only met the applicant once or twice, especially after you read hundreds of letters of rec. That can hurt your application...

I went to the professor office hours many times discussing exams, material in class and I talk to him after class. I dont think I can do much more than that. The only thing else that I didnt do is ask him out for a drink and trade life stories. Cant blame me for not trying.

 

[mikedc813]

I went to the professor office hours many times discussing exams, material in class and I talk to him after class. I dont think I can do much more than that. The only thing else that I didnt do is ask him out for a drink and trade life stories. Cant blame me for not trying.

It sounds like your professor should be able to write an insightful letter on your behalf.

 

[mikedc813]

Mike,

While we are on the issue of letters, I have a question. Originally I wanted to get one of my character letters from the previous child life therapist (CLT) where I volunteered the last 2 years and continue to do so. That child life therapist has since left the clinic to go downtown with the children's cancer center. Anyhow, so she's no longer working directly above me but I've tried to get a hold of her to see if she would write a character letter since she was the direct supervisor.

But I've had no such luck getting a hold of her no matter how many times I call or go by there to try to get a hold of her. For the last several months, they didn't have much volunteers coming in because there was construction around the clinic and the new CLT was not yet situated. So I just started back at that clinic last week. In the meanwhile I was at the main hospital volunteering but not enough to get an insightful character letter.

So here's the dilemma.......should I get the social worker who had also been there the whole time and can write on my behalf to write me a letter?? Because the person directly above me is no longer there?? Or should I see if I can get a hold of the previous CLT one more time??? I'm so lost with what I should do cuz it always seems like the volunteer coordinators are leaving. The person who I knew at the VA also left and when the new vol. coordinator there came, she didn't know me as well as the previous one. bah. I hate this.

I would say that as long as you feel comfortable that your letter writer knows you and can write a great letter for you, then I would think that it doesn't matter so much who writes the letter. If you can't get in touch with that person, then there's not much you can do.

 

[locus000]

mikedc813, I see that you are a resident in Radiation Oncology correct? where are you doing your residency in tampa? If you dont mine me asking.

 

[deleted106503]

When is USF's first interview date for non-early decision students?

 

[MiketheAnimal]

Usually it would be around the 3rd or 4th week of Sept. So if it wasn't this Mon. I would assume this coming Monday would be the first interview if it is the same as in the past. But Mike if you are out there, please confirm. Thanks 😛

This Monday is the first date of scheduled interviews for non-early decision students...atleast according to their office of admissions when I was scheduling my interview.

 

[deleted106503]

Thanks for the responses. How many students do they interview per Monday?

 

[Tertbutyl]

MS1 here at UF.

Message me for any questions about UF or interviewing here or about life as an MS1 at UF in general.

 

[mikedc813]

Thanks for the responses. How many students do they interview per Monday?

I believe USF interviews around 14-16 per interview day.

 

[gatorguy]

bump.

 

[MDean86]

As I was stressing today about my current lack of interviews, I started thinking about UCF and the fact that I was actually competing for one of about 15 seats. When you slice the 40 in half for gender and then think about the URMs that will be admitted, there just aren't a whole lot of places left to fill! That, of course, applies to all the other schools but it sure hit me a lot harder thinking about UCF and the fact that there are really so few seats available. Nothing like letting your mind wander to help compound the stress! Isn't this process just great?

 

[gates_2]

As I was stressing today about my current lack of interviews, I started thinking about UCF and the fact that I was actually competing for one of about 15 seats. When you slice the 40 in half for gender and then think about the URMs that will be admitted, there just aren't a whole lot of places left to fill! That, of course, applies to all the other schools but it sure hit me a lot harder thinking about UCF and the fact that there are really so few seats available. Nothing like letting your mind wander to help compound the stress! Isn't this process just great?

I've talked to several people who are surprised(myself included) to not have heard anything from UCF yet- I wouldn't worry too much about it- it is still early(their first interview date is this friday)

 

[zippa]

Regarding the USF interview, I think the first interview session was today. I was in Nickels (the computer lounge) and two sets of interviewees came in. Each group had about 10 students, if I had to guess.

 

[p30doc]

one of my recommenders told me he never wrote a recommendation for someone who wasn't accepted at USFCOM, i'm going to be disappointed if I don't end up with at least an interview from USF

 

[MiketheAnimal]

Regarding the USF interview, I think the first interview session was today. I was in Nickels (the computer lounge) and two sets of interviewees came in. Each group had about 10 students, if I had to guess.

Yep, today was the first day, I had my interview and USF is a pretty impressive program, and the facilities are, for the most part, brand spanking new!!

 

[zippa]

Yep, today was the first day, I had my interview and USF is a pretty impressive program, and the facilities are, for the most part, brand spanking new!!

Could you give an overview of the interview day? I went to a presentation by Ms. Amiri and I know she said that they were changing up somethings this year. Do they really bus you over to TGH for a tour?

 

[pianola]

YAY! USF interview...question, guys, when does the USF interview day start? 😕

 

[gatorsforchrist]

USF interview as well! Arrrgghh, conflicts between interviews and classes.....

 

[pianola]

USF interview as well! Arrrgghh, conflicts between interviews and classes.....

You're telling me...

 

[gates_2]

YAY! USF interview...question, guys, when does the USF interview day start? 😕

7:30- make sure you eat the breakfast- it is a long day

have fun, and congrats!

 

[pianola]

7:30- make sure you eat the breakfast- it is a long day

have fun, and congrats!

Thanks and DOUBLE congrats on Wake 🙂🙂 soon-to-be Dr gates_2 😀

 

[gatorsforchrist]

You have a test that day or something?? Are your professors willing to reschedule it??

BTW Congratulations to you as well!!

I do for the next three Mondays, but thankfully I was able to move one back so I will be there on Oct. 6! Thanks!!

 

[pianola]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! 😀 😀

🙂.

^Thank you 🙂 No more worrying about whether I'm 'actually' complete or not 😛.

 

[SillyMeMD]

Congrats for those of you who've received interviews at USF! It's a great program. PM me if you have any questions 🙂

 

[Fp02c]

got the invite today!!! top choice!!! Congrats to all the USF interview invites as well!

 

[RSAgator]

not sure, was last year's florida thread much more active guju?

On a side note I got a miami interview over the weekend! Scheduled it yesterday so excited to head back home for that one.

I can't believe some of us will potentially have an acceptance in hand in 8 days! AAAAAH!

 

[locus000]

any news on FSU giving out interview? havent hear people saying much about them.

 

[pianola]

😍 the state of Florida.

(Whether or not I choose to stay in-state, which I'm still not sure about either way).

 

[pianola]

not sure, was last year's florida thread much more active guju?

On a side note I got a miami interview over the weekend! Scheduled it yesterday so excited to head back home for that one.

I can't believe some of us will potentially have an acceptance in hand in 8 days! AAAAAH!

Congrats, RSAgator! Have a good interview!

 

[MDean86]

any news on FSU giving out interview? havent hear people saying much about them.

I had an interview at FSU last Friday. There were only five of us there, and their office indicated that it was still really early for them. It's a great place and they have an excellent culture and support system for their students.


I still am waiting to hear something back from UF. Based on the dates I see on the Interview thread I'm thinking I was passed up after my first review. Hopefully they haven't completely written me off!

 

[JAL05]

I interviewed at FSU on the 22nd and was accepted by email on the 1st. This is my top choice and I will be attending. Good luck to everyone.

 

[p30doc]

I interviewed at FSU on the 22nd and was accepted by email on the 1st. This is my top choice and I will be attending. Good luck to everyone.

Congrats!!!!

 

[locus000]

I interviewed at FSU on the 22nd and was accepted by email on the 1st. This is my top choice and I will be attending. Good luck to everyone.

Congrats, hopefully i will join you

 

[MDean86]

I interviewed at FSU on the 22nd and was accepted by email on the 1st. This is my top choice and I will be attending. Good luck to everyone.

Seriously, nice work!! It must be pretty nice to be done with the application process in the beginning October. Now you get to just sit back, relax, and watch the rest of us freak out.

 

[8Labyrinth8]

How long did it take USF to verify everyone's fee payment? I am worried because my application is still not complete, and I submitted all materials a month ago. I was granted the AAMC Fee Waiver, so sent this in lieu of a check, to the Orlando finance office. USF is my #1 and I am very worried about not being complete yet. Did this happen to anyone else?

 

[MDean86]

How long did it take USF to verify everyone's fee payment? I am worried because my application is still not complete, and I submitted all materials a month ago. I was granted the AAMC Fee Waiver, so sent this in lieu of a check, to the Orlando finance office. USF is my #1 and I am very worried about not being complete yet. Did this happen to anyone else?

My check to them cleared on 9/15 and I wasn't marked complete until 10/5. I called them last Friday to see if there was a problem and they said they had just received a stack of receipts that they hadn't gone through yet. It's a slow process, but the good news is that everyone has to deal with it so it doesn't put you at any real disadvantage.

 

[JAL05]

Thank you for all the congratulations! I did not apply early decision but I believe I had the first interview date of the year for regular decision. It feels great but now I cant make myself study anymore because I know I only need Cs.

Good luck to everyone.

 

[juxhoo]

I interviewed at UF last week, and just wanted to let everyone know that UF's interviews are pretty stressfree, more like coinversations, and the admissions office is really, really nice (especially Denise!) Good luck to everyone!

Still waiting on UCF and USF...where are you?

 

[locus000]

I interviewed at UF last week, and just wanted to let everyone know that UF's interviews are pretty stressfree, more like coinversations, and the admissions office is really, really nice (especially Denise!) Good luck to everyone!

Still waiting on UCF and USF...where are you?

Nice MDapp profile.. what school are your top choices? I am sure USF and UCF arent in there with that list, just my 2cent 🙂

 

[pianola]

I would definitely agree with juxhoo that the UF interview is not stressful at all. I really thought the whole day was rather laid back, but again, it kind of depends on who you ask. The admissions people were very warm and friendly. Definitely no trick questions. 🙂

Also, you seriously shouldn't assume that someone with a high MCAT automatically won't favor USF or UCF...

I think in deciding what kind of school you go to, you need to consider what type of doctor you *think* you want to be. Do you want to work with rural and/or geriatric populations? (FSU) Do you want to serve a largely Hispanic-speaking population and have unparalleled ED rotations? (UMiami) Do you want to work in a relatively suburban environment and have a first-rate research experience? (UF) Do you want excellent personal attention and guidance + Celebration hospital + significant loan relief? (UCF). Perhaps you really like USF's facilities. There's every reason in the world to like their new Morsani building; it was an excellent place to go on the tour. Tampa General's pretty nice, too.

Every single school in Florida has significant strengths and you kind of have to consider what type of physician you want to become and what population you want to serve. Obviously, schools outside of Florida are strong, too, in these areas and in other areas. You just have to think about what you value and what you want for the next four years of your life.

That's just my little spiel about why Florida's a great place to be 🙂. And also how every school is unique in its own right.

 

[pianola]

^Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I only scratched the surface talking about some of the major benefits at each school. But of course there are others I didn't address.

 

[juxhoo]

Nice MDapp profile.. what school are your top choices? I am sure USF and UCF arent in there with that list, just my 2cent 🙂

Thanks! I have no idea what my top choice is yet. Right now I really like UF,. but its also the only school I've interviewed at. And I still think I might want to be in a more urban setting and really like Mount Sinai so far, but its really hard to know before interviewing there.

Patience. The first interviews were maybe 2 weeks ago at best at some of these schools. So the cycle is only now picking up.

Did you by any chance fill out an interview feedback so people can see what kind of questions were asked??

I know when my friends interviewed there it was not stressful per say as some of the questions tripped them up. Mostly it was a question about what you would do if you didn't get into medicine i.e. another career and they were testing to see if you really wanted medicine badly enough. My friend whose an MS II there now told me to relate the answer back to medicine for that question. Were you asked things like that or about current events?? Just curious cuz I hear lots of people say that those are the kinds of things they ask about.

Also, when the MS II interviewed another interviewee of that season said her interviewer told her point blank that if you get put on hold, keep updating them with anything new that you have i.e. new grades, new volunteer activities, new research activities or publications, blah blah.

Haha I'll work on the patience. but this website is feeding my anxiety! Ill fill out an interview feedback in a little bit, too lazy right now and I'll post more interview specific info there. Oh, and UF encourages posting interview feedback on SDN, which I thought was funny. They also did encourage you to send updates and let them know whats going on with you, because they wait to accept alot of people until April.

Also, you seriously shouldn't assume that someone with a high MCAT automatically won't favor USF or UCF...

I think in deciding what kind of school you go to, you need to consider what type of doctor you *think* you want to be.

Definitely true, Florida has schools that are great in a lot of different areas. And I have to say, UCF's free tuition would be pretty tempting...

 

[MossPoh]

I just got offered an interview at FSU today, so I'm super excited about that. I usually linger around the DO forums. I am very surprised I was given a chance. My stats are lower than average due to a horrendous freshman year. I'm kind of glad they notified me now. I've already had interviews at 5 osteopathic schools, so I've got plenty of practice! FSU is my number one choice due to family proximity and what not, so hopefully I won't choke.

 

[MossPoh]

It seems like interview days can be kind of touch to botch. My 5 interviews so far have involved lots of talk as to why they are better. I felt like I was getting sold a used car much of the time. I kind of wished they just let us do the interview and then wander around with students or sit in for half of a day rather than some little cursory tour through the building.

Thanks for the congrats by the way. 😉

I find it funny to see how we all have different perceptions of the schools. I never toured UF but I talked to a few med students there and they all seemed miserable and very cut throat premed-ish. It was a huge turnoff for me and I didn't even send an application. I know multiple other people that had the same vibe and while they got accepted, they chose other schools in florida over it. It all just depends on your day though. Its hard to find a med student that is happy 24/7, especially nearing exam times.

 

[locus000]

Thanks! I have no idea what my top choice is yet. Right now I really like UF,. but its also the only school I've interviewed at. And I still think I might want to be in a more urban setting and really like Mount Sinai so far, but its really hard to know before interviewing there.

The orthopedic surgeon that I shadowed here in Tampa also went to Mount Sinai and she went to college in Minnesota. She told me that it was a change that she wanted, see the big city etc... So it worked well for her, so I am sure if it comes it it you can do it

Pianola.... I didnt say that USF and UCF are bad school, they are all high quality school, i would die to go one of them. I know a people that choose USF over John Hopkins and Columbia because USF gave a full ride scholarship. But what I meant was that when the times comes those are going to be some tough decisions

 

[locus000]

Thanks for clarifying. I think I know the person you are talking about with re: to the scholarship. I'm going to PM u.

yep. same person. I think me and you probably have seen each other at one point here at usf. because i know some of those people that you mention. 😀

 

[gatorguy]

Don't know about you guys, but I'm anxiously awaiting October 15th. Please let me get some love from the Florida schools! Somehow though, I think waiting for my MCAT score was more nerve-wrecking than waiting for the 15th.