GA school applicants

[bioman2006]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I called mercer today. Mary wasn't there, but the lady I spoke to said that everyone who's accepted getting a phone call is "not necessarily true". 😕

Well, well. Unless Ms. Putnam herself said that all the calls have already gone out, then I won't give up yet.

 

[bodonid]

I called mercer today. Mary wasn't there, but the lady I spoke to said that everyone who's accepted getting a phone call is "not necessarily true". 😕

Welcome. We have been expecting you.


Do you know anything more? (Thought I'd ask. Someone was bound to.)

 

[Ty Webb]

I called mercer today. Mary wasn't there, but the lady I spoke to said that everyone who's accepted getting a phone call is "not necessarily true". 😕

So you're telling me there's a chance!

I feel like Charlie when he finds out there's a golden ticket left.

 

[PSU04]

So you're telling me there's a chance!

I feel like Charlie when he finds out there's a golden ticket left.

 

[GAdoc]

I'm sorry that this is such a rediculous process...I know the waiting is the toughest part.

I know the last of the decisions were made last Wednesday, but I'm not sure whether you should still expect a call or not.

When I was accepted, Mary called me herself to give me the news. I've also heard about your committee member calling. But, I've also had friends who only received a certified letter and didn't receive a call at all. I don't think there is a standard policy for how they notify students. It's kind of up to the committee member.

With that said, they may have changed the policy so that now all candidates are notified by phone. But, I do know that Mary had to go home early Thursday because she was sick and that she was out sick yesterday. So, it is possible that the process was delayed.

I don't want to give you guys false hope though. As I've said over and over on this forum, it took me two rejections before I got my acceptance (the first time was an outright rejection, the second was a waitlist).

There will be a lot of wait-list movement, so hang in there and prepare for a long summer. I don't know what else to say. Good luck and keep us all posted on what happens!

 

[Skymastre]

I called mercer today. Mary wasn't there, but the lady I spoke to said that everyone who's accepted getting a phone call is "not necessarily true". 😕

Interesting. Who did you talk to? PM me if you don't want want it over the boards

Like I said earlier, the person I talked to told me different. There appears to be a lot of hearsay, but I agree that being overly optimistic isn't a good idea.

GAdoc, good to see you again. I will get into Mercer w/in the next four years (I hope) and then will buy you that drink I promised. 🙂

 

[drmarshmellow]

I don't recall her name, but called around 12:40 pm friday, dying from anticipation and exhaustion. Plus I couldn't believe that not a single person on sdn got a call. Don't wanna give anyone, including myself, false hope.

All i want is the TRUTH!!!!!!!!!🙁

 

[GAdoc]

I don't recall her name, but called around 12:40 pm friday, dying from anticipation and exhaustion. Plus I couldn't believe that not a single person on sdn got a call. Don't wanna give anyone, including myself, false hope.

All i want is the TRUTH!!!!!!!!!🙁

YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!

(sorry, couldn't resist)

If you just go by this thread, there are not that many Mercer applicants. Out of the 800 or so applicants, only a handful even know about SDN. I remember thinking the same thing while I was waiting. I couldn't imagine that out of "all those people on SDN" one of us didn't get in. But I'd say in my class, the number who even know what SDN is is probably less than 20.

I'm pulling for you guys even though I don't know you simply because I've been where you are. Also, if you have the resilience to be on here as much as you are worrying about getting in you probably have the drive Mercer is looking for. Hopefully it'll work out for you.

Skymastre....make it a milk!

 

[Skymastre]

Also, if you have the resilience to be on here as much as you are worrying about getting in you probably have the drive Mercer is looking for. Hopefully it'll work out for you.

It'll work eventually, I'm sure! This application cycle I learned a lot about Mercer, and will apply early decision next year (now knowing the ins and outs a bit)

GAdoc, what did you do in your time between college and school?

Skymastre....make it a milk!

Want a Cranberry instead? ha ha

 

[ruhler]

Just in case I don't make it I have applied to Grad School. I am half-way through the mcat review and retake it in May. I will also continue to work as a paramedic. I have spent a lot of money on "just in case" and am truly hoping that I wasted my time and money (best case scenario). Still hoping for a positive experience with the wait list... although a certified letter of acceptance on Monday would be better!

GAdoc, do you know how many transfer applicants Mercer accepts? I know it is based on drop/fail rate. Just wondering what my chance would be to transfer in if I started someplace else.

 

[bioman2006]

Just in case I don't make it I have applied to Grad School. I am half-way through the mcat review and retake it in May. I will also continue to work as a paramedic. I have spent a lot of money on "just in case" and am truly hoping that I wasted my time and money (best case scenario). Still hoping for a positive experience with the wait list... although a certified letter of acceptance on Monday would be better!

GAdoc, do you know how many transfer applicants Mercer accepts? I know it is based on drop/fail rate. Just wondering what my chance would be to transfer in if I started someplace else.

Here's a webpage where you can see the transfer policies for all med schools, including how many were accepted.

http://services.aamc.org/tsp_reports/

 

[GAdoc]

It'll work eventually, I'm sure! This application cycle I learned a lot about Mercer, and will apply early decision next year (now knowing the ins and outs a bit)

GAdoc, what did you do in your time between college and school?



Want a Cranberry instead? ha ha

I've posted this on here a dozen times, but the other posts are no doubt lost in cyberspace, so on the off-chance that this encourages someone:

First application cycle: I was a senior in college (Mercer School of Engineering..I was a biomedical engineerg). Took the April MCAT after having spent $1200 on a Kaplan course and made a 24 (they projected my score at 32). I retook the MCAT in August and actually did worse (22). I applied to Mercer early decision and got rejected. Not to be deterred, I applied to a bunch of schools all over the county but had no success. I didn't apply to any DO schools. I did apply to two Caribbean schools: Ross and SGU. I was accepted to both. Unfortunately (or fortunately as the case may be), my fiance pitched a fit and I didn't go to the Caribbean. Instead, we got married, moved to Macon, and I got a job at the Medical Center of Central Ga (putting my biomedical engineering degree to work). I volunteered part time at the Macon Volunteer Clinic. It was a great year and I don't regret it.

Second application cycle: I applied to Mercer early decision and was rejected on October 1...on October 14, my new MCAT scores came in (from my third time). I made a 27. So I applied to MCG, Morehouse, USUHS, and GA-PCOM. I was waitlisted to every school (including Mercer) and accepted at GA-PCOM. Again, I took a step out on faith and turned down PCOM. This was my second year out of college and I taught middle school.

Third cycle: I interviewed in the first interview group and received "The Call" from Mary Putnam on September 14 to tell me I had been accepted.

Some tips I picked up along the way:

1. No matter what they say, knowing people helps. In my job at the hospital, the volunteer clinic, and through friends I made who were students at Mercer I had a lot of people in my corner pulling for me. I'm not saying that tipped the adcom in my favor, but it didn't hurt. I had to prove myself, but as we all know, scores aren't everything and when someone can vouch for you, it helps a lot.

2. My fancy Kaplan course did not help me acheive a good MCAT. Working my tail off 8 hours a day, six days a week for six weeks helped me acheive a good MCAT.

3. The interview is huge. I still don't know exactly what they look for, but if one of my buddies can get in with a 21 MCAT, you know something must have gone right at his interview.

4. There is no formula for how to get in. You can do certain things to increase your chances, but in the end, it's a crap shoot.

Good luck...

 

[GAdoc]

Just in case I don't make it I have applied to Grad School. I am half-way through the mcat review and retake it in May. I will also continue to work as a paramedic. I have spent a lot of money on "just in case" and am truly hoping that I wasted my time and money (best case scenario). Still hoping for a positive experience with the wait list... although a certified letter of acceptance on Monday would be better!

GAdoc, do you know how many transfer applicants Mercer accepts? I know it is based on drop/fail rate. Just wondering what my chance would be to transfer in if I started someplace else.

I don't know exactly...if there are any slots it would only be during 3rd year. I actually know of one guy who was at orientation with me this past year. He did his first two years in the Caribbean then started his third year at Mercer. Please know that is the exception not the rule. Again, it depends on how many people Mercer has lost between first year and third year for a given class (and they don't loose many). At most, in a given year you might have 2 or three spots open to transferees.

However, when I was debating on whether or not to go to PCOM, I talked to Mary and she told me that they would consider taking me after my first two years there if I scored well on Step 1.

Just something to think about.

 

[Skymastre]

I've posted this on here a dozen times, but the other posts are no doubt lost in cyberspace, so on the off-chance that this encourages someone:

Good luck...

Thanks a lot, always appreciated.

 

[dd128]

There was a girl at my interview at mercer who was currently attending a caribbean school. She didn't say, but it sort of sounded like she was an MS 1. So at least you know they're interviewing them.

 

[Skymastre]

It would be hard to imagine someone actually transferring out of DO school for MD. My understanding is that both degrees are basically equivalent, only the approach is a little dissimilar.

I'm not sure if I'm wrong in this thinking...since I dont know as much about the DO, but I think their training is supposed to be just as good.

 

[bodonid]

There was a girl at my interview at mercer who was currently attending a caribbean school. She didn't say, but it sort of sounded like she was an MS 1. So at least you know they're interviewing them.

If she had a regular pool interview, she would probably have to start over with MS1 at Mercer, but I could see someone doing that (but the money wasted... I wouldn't)

 

[GAdoc]

If she had a regular pool interview, she would probably have to start over with MS1 at Mercer, but I could see someone doing that (but the money wasted... I wouldn't)

Some people don't seem too concerned with money...just drive through the parking lot at Mercer someday. I personally like my '95 Ford Thunderbird...it reminds me of how much I have to look forward to. If I was driving a brand new BMW as an MS1 where would I have to go?

If nothing else, a year in a Caribbean school would be a good preview for US med school and might give someone an edge. Still, it is a lot of money down the tube.

As far as the DO thing, the training is very similar. In fact, DOs do a little extra in their first two years (OMM). However, their boards (the COMLEX) are different than the USMLE and not always comparable (I've heard there is more of a focus on anatomy in the COMLEX). Thus, allopathic residencies probably favor MDs over DOs unless there is a long-standing history of DOs in that program. I don't think the difference is competence...its lack of knowledge all the way around.

Most DO school web-sites are open about their mission (which, by the way, is very similar to Mercer). If I knew I wanted to be in primary care, I wouldn't think twice about going to a DO school. But, if you think you're set on a specialty...I'd wait.

 

[futuresportsdoc]

I have been lurking around this thread for a while in search of hope. I am also waiting to hear from Mercer. I interviewed on February 26. I hope I'm near the top of the waitlist. I really don't know what to tell my employer about next year. I work at a school with students with learning disabilities. Even if I get waitlisted, there is still a chance that I get in (and won't be able to return for next year). This uncertainty is really frustrating. GADoc, its good to know that I'm not the only one who got absolutely nothing out of the $1200 Kaplan course. My post-Kaplan score is identical to yours. It's encouraging that your score actually went up once you used your own "tried and true" study methods. The latest I intend on retaking is August. If I feel I'm ready to get at least a 30 before then, I'll readjust.

 

[bioman2006]

As far as the DO thing, the training is very similar. In fact, DOs do a little extra in their first two years (OMM). However, their boards (the COMLEX) are different than the USMLE and not always comparable (I've heard there is more of a focus on anatomy in the COMLEX). Thus, allopathic residencies probably favor MDs over DOs unless there is a long-standing history of DOs in that program. I don't think the difference is competence...its lack of knowledge all the way around.

DOs can take the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX if they want to be more competitive for an allopathic residency.

 

[fahimaz7]

So, when are we going to start getting those magical little letters from MCG? Think we'll get them before the waitlist/rejection letters from Mercer?

🙂

 

[Skymastre]

So, when are we going to start getting those magical little letters from MCG? Think we'll get them before the waitlist/rejection letters from Mercer?

🙂

I hope lots of you get accepted at MCG 🙂 How many people have accepted at Mercer that will end up at MCG in this batch?

Personally, I didn't apply to MCG as I really want to go to Mercer. So, I hope everyone on this board eventually gets into MCG!

Good luck!

 

[GAdoc]

DOs can take the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX if they want to be more competitive for an allopathic residency.

You're right, and I was getting to that when I wrote that early this morning...but I lost my train of thought!

Remember that while DOs are absoultely competent physicians, the focus is intentionally different. Osteopathy is not just a different way to "do" medicine...it's a completely different philosophy based on a holistic approach which as most school websites will tell you is best suited for primary. I don't even know why DO schools get excited when they have "competitive" match lists - all they're doing is assimilating with allopathic medicine. They should pride themselves in match lists where 90% of graduates enter family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, etc.

Anyway, my point is that there are distinct differences. One of those is the holistic, anatomy-centered approach which is definately evident on the COMLEX as opposed to to the USMLE. Thus, some very good DOs do very poorly on the USMLE because they haven't trained specifically for it. On the other hand, some do well and match into great allopathic residencies and I'm thrilled for them.

 

[ruralmd]

I hope lots of you get accepted at MCG 🙂 How many people have accepted at Mercer that will end up at MCG in this batch?

Personally, I didn't apply to MCG as I really want to go to Mercer. So, I hope everyone on this board eventually gets into MCG!

Good luck!

It seems weird to me that no one on this forums has not heard anything from either Mercer or MCG over the past couple of weeks. I would think that someone would have been accepted, waitlisted or rejected, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised after having read last years threads about the GA schools.

Well, here's to waiting.

 

[ruralmd]

any new info

 

[fahimaz7]

any new info

Negative. But, the good news is that it's not actually March 31st, 2008.. It's really January 16th, 2008 and we're a long way from hearing!

Oh wait, that's not the case, it's almost April Fools... Brace yourself for a lot of "I got in!!!!!!!" posts on this thread tomorrow.

 

[dd128]

I actually just found out there's a weird loop hole in the mcg charter that if you call up the dean and sing "mary had a little lamb" followed by "I'm a little teapot" they have to let you in.

 

[dd128]

April fools 🙂

I know I'm early.

 

[medstud2be]

I actually just found out there's a weird loop hole in the mcg charter that if you call up the dean and sing "mary had a little lamb" followed by "I'm a little teapot" they have to let you in.

Happy April Fools Day!!!

Have you thought of phoning any Mercer applicants with phony acceptances?
I would be very leery of any phone calls today.

 

[PanicAttack]

Are you trying to get a free pass to Hell?

 

[bodonid]

Mercer just called me and offered me another position. I don't know if this means I will be taking up two spots in the incoming class, but good luck!

 

[CmpE]

i opened up my mailbox and there was a wonka bar.

i'll keep you informed.

 

[dd128]

Haha, are u serious bodonid, or is this an April fools thing?

 

[bodonid]

Haha, are u serious bodonid, or is this an April fools thing?

Totally, 100%, what-you-talkin'-bout-willis serial. 😱

 

[medstud2be]

My wife paged me with 911. I call home thinking there is an emergency. She is freaking out because a thick envelope from MCG arrived in the mail. She wants to know if I want her to wait or open it. I say to open it.........and I hear a long pause.

Turns out it is an invitation to a CME program being offered by the school. My wife was more disappointed than me. lol

 

[Blade28]

Damn! Thought for sure it would be an acceptance package! 😱

 

[ruhler]

Seems like the silence before the storm!

I am betting there will be a flurry of anxiety come Thursday and a lot of hand tremors as folks open the mailbox Fri, Sat, ... as the mail trickles in. I hope everyone posts their results as they come in.

For myself it usually only takes a day for mail to travel between Macon and Griffin. I figure that if letters are sent out Thur I will know Sat (Mon for sure).

Good luck all. I hope we all make it.

 

[Skymastre]

Seems like the silence before the storm!

I am betting there will be a flurry of anxiety come Thursday and a lot of hand tremors as folks open the mailbox Fri, Sat, ... as the mail trickles in.

I'm actually not very anxious any more. From the posts, we have a pretty good idea that any letter that comes in over the next week will either be a waitlist or a rejection. I'm betting that unless you are a boob, most people will receive a waitlist (total of ~70 from last year's #).

Options?
If I am a boob and get a rejection that means an application EDP to Mercer next year. At least I know I'm good enough to get an interview.

If I get a waitlist letter
a) It comes in the 'first batch' and I have a poor shot (0-30)
-At least I know I'm good enough that they want me
b) It comes in the 'second batch' I have a poorer shot (31-75)
-At least I know I'm good enough that they sorta want me

Either way, I don't plan on waiting anxiously for a pleasant outcome. People may decide to go to MCG (etc). I've been told that the majority of this movement happens from April to Early May. Odds are against acceptance right now, by the end of May until they are overwhelmingly against acceptance.

If I learned anything from my interviews and application process, its that a lot of people are repeat applicants and the key to success is early application and constant applicant improvement. My EDP-application to Mercer will be completed no later than the end of June this time around, and I'm repeating classes right now.

...just my rambles

 

[mahfa08]

I talked to my pre-med advisor yesterday about MCG and he said that it's still a good sign we haven't heard from MCG yet because there are people who have received rejections from them recently. So let's hope we hear some good news within the next few days!

 

[ashestoashes52]

I had a dream last night that I received a thick letter from MCG. I got nervous opening it, and to my dismay, it was a rejection letter...along with part of my file returned to me. I was like wow, they hated me so much, they sent my application back? I woke up with my heart beating really fast. I am so lame. Let's hope that doesn't really happen! haha

 

[bodonid]

I had a dream last night that I received a thick letter from MCG. I got nervous opening it, and to my dismay, it was a rejection letter...along with part of my file returned to me. I was like wow, they hated me so much, they sent my application back? I woke up with my heart beating really fast. I am so lame. Let's hope that doesn't really happen! haha

The actual acceptance letter is letter-sized (not an 8 x 11.5) but is pretty packed.

 

[fahimaz7]

I talked to my pre-med advisor yesterday about MCG and he said that it's still a good sign we haven't heard from MCG yet because there are people who have received rejections from them recently. So let's hope we hear some good news within the next few days!

People have gotten rejected? Why are we not hearing about these instances? With all the people that read ST.net you would think that we would hear something.

The last few years, acceptances took place over a 2-3 week period with MCG, only to be followed up by a mix of waitlists and rejections. We haven't even seen 1 person get accepted from the 9 meetings that were held in March. Maybe there is a disgruntal mail employee with a vengeful side.

 

[Ty Webb]

People have gotten rejected? Why are we not hearing about these instances? With all the people that read ST.net you would think that we would hear something.

The last few years, acceptances took place over a 2-3 week period with MCG only to be followed up by a mix of waitlists and rejections. We haven't even seen 1 person get accepted from the 9 meetings that were held in March. Maybe there is a disgruntal mail employee with a vengeful side.

As far as rejections and acceptances go, I think it's the same phenomenon that you see with MCAT scores posted on SDN, in that people only want to post good news. For instance, a 38 on the MCAT occurs with the same frequency that a 10 does, but I've never seen someone post a 10. I think alot of people are understandably reluctant to come on here and say they got flat-out rejected.

You're entirely right though: there's been very little discussion of both rejections and acceptances to GA medical schools recently. maybe the postal service is sick of us stalking their mail trucks every afternoon.😀

 

[CmpE]

yeah, i hope no news is good news lol.

 

[futuresportsdoc]

Wasn't the Mercer ADCOM supposed to meet today to determine the people on the waiting list? Or did they already meet another day to determine this?

 

[jane904]

yeah, i hope no news is good news lol.

I hope so too.

 

[UGA MDPhD 21]

Anyone out there waiting to hear from MCG's MD/PhD program?

 

[bodonid]

Anyone out there waiting to hear from MCG's MD/PhD program?

You guys haven't even heard? Huh. How does that work? Do you have to be accepted by both, or are you only reviewed by the PhD people for those slots? Are there a certain # per year?

But in response to your question, this is the first time I've heard mention of it, so probably not... good luck anyway.

 

[UGA MDPhD 21]

You guys haven't even heard? Huh. How does that work? Do you have to be accepted by both, or are you only reviewed by the PhD people for those slots? Are there a certain # per year?

But in response to your question, this is the first time I've heard mention of it, so probably not... good luck anyway.

You must be accepted by the MD folks first and then, if the MD/PhD people like you, they can also offer you an acceptance. The MD/PhD advisory committee communicates to the MD ADCOM who they are interested in, but have no say so at the MD meetings.

 

[ruralmd]

Anyone heard anything or has made a call to get some information.