GPA's, GRE's, XTRA's, ACCEPTANCES

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Off topic, but I know a lot of you are seeing this so I would LOVE your input.

I am looking to apply in 2016 for the 2017 cycle. I just took the GRE today, and received low-ish scores. Most of the schools I will be applying for has their average scores between 154-157 for verbal and quant, respectively. Bear in mind, that is the AVERAGE. The minimum for most of these schools are between 144-146.

That said, I scored a 149 on both sections (writing section unknown as of now). Obviously I know that the higher the score, the better, but I was wondering how much schools care about this? Is it a "you meet the minimum and you're good"? I want to hear from YOUR experience. Have you or do you know anyone that has gotten in with low-ish GRE scores?

Also, have a CGPA of 3.9, so keep that in mind. I know that high GPA and low GRE is much better than the contrary.

Of course I have time to retake, but I would prefer not to so I would love some opinions on this. My high GPA indeed helps out with the low GRE, I will be having excellent recommendations, and my extra currics look pretty good. What do you all think? What would you do? In my mind right now it's not worth the extra $$$, time, and effort given that everything else is strong.

If it helps at all, the schools i'm looking at are.

UW Madison, Mayo, UW Lacrosse, and NAU

While each admissions committee is slightly different in their selection process, the GRE's provide a "general sense" or mathematical and verbal reasoning, problem solving and summarizing. I would not weight too much on GRE scores if other pre-requisites are in "good standing". Depending on your situation, I would recommend 3 things:

1) Attain observation hours across the patient spectrum (pediatric, sports, general orthopedic, in/outpatient, and acute).

2) Express sincere interest in the school (i.e. communicate with admissions director via email or phone) in order to make your name "stand out" during the application process.

3) Similar to the last point, try and discover what the program is looking for in an applicant. Within your essay or interview display yourself as that student, while also separating yourself from other applicants with a unique knowledge, passion and/or interest for learning.

Good Luck.
 
Hmm that's not that late. When did you officially submit your ptcas app? Sep?

9/30

I ignorantly created my application prior to the application window opening in July, so I would be "ready-to-go". However, PTCAS does not clarify that your application will be erased with the new cycle opening up, subsequently I was forced to start from scratch.
 
9/30

I ignorantly created my application prior to the application window opening in July, so I would be "ready-to-go". However, PTCAS does not clarify that your application will be erased with the new cycle opening up, subsequently I was forced to start from scratch.
You have good stats I'm surprised you haven't heard
 
I am surprised as well. I communicated heavily with NEU as they are my #1, and am feeling optimistic about their admissions.

What schools have you applied/been accepted to?
 
I am surprised as well. I communicated heavily with NEU as they are my #1, and am feeling optimistic about their admissions.

What schools have you applied/been accepted to?
I applied to like 10. Got interviews at Western U, university of the sciences, Thomas Jefferson, and Domincan. Have one rejection at NYIT because there class was already filled when I applied and UNLV. Still waiting to hear back from Touro and Loma Linda. West Coast U didn't invite interviews yet.
 
I applied to like 10. Got interviews at Western U, university of the sciences, Thomas Jefferson, and Domincan. Have one rejection at NYIT because there class was already filled when I applied and UNLV. Still waiting to hear back from Touro and Loma Linda. West Coast U didn't invite interviews yet.

Best of luck.
 
I was offered an interview with Temple in the beginning of November which I asked if I could change and they gave me a December date and let me know that they had sent out 80% of the acceptances already. They told me my chances of getting in would decrease so I pulled my application after being accepted at another university. I know it's not the best news but it's the only info I have. :/ good luck!
University: Springfield College (MA)
Major: Exercise Science
Overall GPA: 3.66
Pre-Req GPA: 3.75
GRE: Verbal: 160, Quantitative: 150, Writing: 3.5

Extra-Curriculars: Varsity Football, Olympic Weightlifting, Missions Trips (Haiti, Nicaragua), Exercise Science Club, Humanics in Action

Volunteer: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center -TBI, Amputee, Out & In-patient, Acute (50hrs), Romash Physical Therapy Outpatient Orthopedic (40hrs), Weisman Children's Hospital Pediatric (20hrs).

Applied: Belmont University (TN), Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, Northeastern University

Acceptances: n/a

Rejections: Belmont University (filled)

Interviews: n/a

Any info on Temple U or TJU would be helpful.

Northeastern U just finished application deadline on Jan. 1st (non-rolling) - expected to hear late February/ early March.
 
Any idea how far on the wait list you are? For Madison that is. That's my #1 choice, but i'm not applying till next summer. Going for ED for them.
No idea. Some schools do not give you a quantifiable definition or position of where you are on the wait list. They say it is based on the qualities on the current class and where your own self fits in with the dynamics of the current class. Good luck! 🙂
 
I applied to like 10. Got interviews at Western U, university of the sciences, Thomas Jefferson, and Domincan. Have one rejection at NYIT because there class was already filled when I applied and UNLV. Still waiting to hear back from Touro and Loma Linda. West Coast U didn't invite interviews yet.
Surprised you got rejected from UNLV. Looking at your stats, they seem on par with the average and in-state too.
 
Anyone heard anything back from Stony Brook? hoping to hear about possible interview for january 23...
 
Surprised you got rejected from UNLV. Looking at your stats, they seem on par with the average and in-state too.
Yeah they give double points for overall GPA and triple for GRE. That's how 🙁
 
I applied to like 10. Got interviews at Western U, university of the sciences, Thomas Jefferson, and Domincan. Have one rejection at NYIT because there class was already filled when I applied and UNLV. Still waiting to hear back from Touro and Loma Linda. West Coast U didn't invite interviews yet.

Dptgirl, we applied to similar schools. I got rejected at NYIT, and waitlisted at thomas jefferson. Still waiting for lomalinda, withraw from west coast. Interview coming for western u. Just one acceptance so far (nazareth)
 
Lets try this for the 400th time. Since there isn't an MDAPPS for PT or a sticky on acceptances lets get this going.


University: Penn State
Major: Science
Overall GPA: 3.3
Pre-Req GPA: 3.2
GRE: 161 Math, 157 Verbal

Extra-Curric: Global Medical Brigades, THON (pediatric cancer fundraiser),

Volunteer: PAWS animal shelter, Outpatient Physical Therapy tech in Campus Health center, Inpatient physical therapy volunteer at Mount Nittany Medical Center

Acceptances: Mt St Mary's Los Angeles

Rejections:

Interviews: Rutgers South
 
Off topic, but I know a lot of you are seeing this so I would LOVE your input.

I am looking to apply in 2016 for the 2017 cycle. I just took the GRE today, and received low-ish scores. Most of the schools I will be applying for has their average scores between 154-157 for verbal and quant, respectively. Bear in mind, that is the AVERAGE. The minimum for most of these schools are between 144-146.

That said, I scored a 149 on both sections (writing section unknown as of now). Obviously I know that the higher the score, the better, but I was wondering how much schools care about this? Is it a "you meet the minimum and you're good"? I want to hear from YOUR experience. Have you or do you know anyone that has gotten in with low-ish GRE scores?

Also, have a CGPA of 3.9, so keep that in mind. I know that high GPA and low GRE is much better than the contrary.

Of course I have time to retake, but I would prefer not to so I would love some opinions on this. My high GPA indeed helps out with the low GRE, I will be having excellent recommendations, and my extra currics look pretty good. What do you all think? What would you do? In my mind right now it's not worth the extra $$$, time, and effort given that everything else is strong.

If it helps at all, the schools i'm looking at are.

UW Madison, Mayo, UW Lacrosse, and NAU
A variety of things go into acceptances more than just one statistic vs another. Think of it as a "points system"- you get ?/5 points for GRE, ?/5 for GPA, same for LOR, essay, etc. and if you have a certain amount of points by the end, then you get an interview (if they have one), points for the interview, you get wait-listed, rejected, or accepted.

From MY experience, I applied to UW-Madison and got rejected, so you can look at my credentials and go from there. What I've noticed from most programs is that they prefer students from in-state and/or in-region, unless you have an outstanding application for them to make an exception. While my GRE scores are higher than yours, my CGPA is a bit lower. I also live in Georgia and applied way out of state and out of region (for Wisconsin).

What I've heard about some programs, like UNC, there are "waves" of the interview process- if you meet the minimum requirements for sections (scores for GRE, GPA, etc), you move on to the next round where they're basically blind to the numbers and focus on LOR and essay. While that may be true, keep in mind how prestigious the institute is when applying, because UNC had a ~96% rejection rate this year and Regis had probably even higher considering they have over 1,400 applicants.

If there are any other questions you have, or something I missed, feel free to ask. Not all of us get accepted right away, so it's nice to hear what NOT to do as well as what TO do. Hope this helps!
 
When was
Dptgirl, we applied to similar schools. I got rejected at NYIT, and waitlisted at thomas jefferson. Still waiting for lomalinda, withraw from west coast. Interview coming for western u. Just one acceptance so far (nazareth)
when was your TJU interview?
Haven't heard back, they told you you are waitlisted?
 
A variety of things go into acceptances more than just one statistic vs another. Think of it as a "points system"- you get ?/5 points for GRE, ?/5 for GPA, same for LOR, essay, etc. and if you have a certain amount of points by the end, then you get an interview (if they have one), points for the interview, you get wait-listed, rejected, or accepted.

From MY experience, I applied to UW-Madison and got rejected, so you can look at my credentials and go from there. What I've noticed from most programs is that they prefer students from in-state and/or in-region, unless you have an outstanding application for them to make an exception. While my GRE scores are higher than yours, my CGPA is a bit lower. I also live in Georgia and applied way out of state and out of region (for Wisconsin).

What I've heard about some programs, like UNC, there are "waves" of the interview process- if you meet the minimum requirements for sections (scores for GRE, GPA, etc), you move on to the next round where they're basically blind to the numbers and focus on LOR and essay. While that may be true, keep in mind how prestigious the institute is when applying, because UNC had a ~96% rejection rate this year and Regis had probably even higher considering they have over 1,400 applicants.

If there are any other questions you have, or something I missed, feel free to ask. Not all of us get accepted right away, so it's nice to hear what NOT to do as well as what TO do. Hope this helps!
Hi there,

Thanks for the thorough response! While I am not an in state student for Madison, I am in the region (MN) and we get reciprocity.

You got rejected to UW? What were your stats if you don't mind me asking for everything. I suppose I could look but I'm on my phone so it's tough.

The gre will be my weakest point at 298 total. I have 3.9 gpa and pre req gpa is near. I'll have excellent recommendations, essays should be good of course, great variety in shadowing hours, and overall good resume. Dang GRE is the only thing and my therapists that I'm shadowing says it's not worth it to re take.
 
When was

when was your TJU interview?
Haven't heard back, they told you you are waitlisted?

Nov23. Just recently heard from them,
I am planning to withraw from waitlist.
My 1st choice is loma linda.
 
Hi there,

Thanks for the thorough response! While I am not an in state student for Madison, I am in the region (MN) and we get reciprocity.

You got rejected to UW? What were your stats if you don't mind me asking for everything. I suppose I could look but I'm on my phone so it's tough.

The gre will be my weakest point at 298 total. I have 3.9 gpa and pre req gpa is near. I'll have excellent recommendations, essays should be good of course, great variety in shadowing hours, and overall good resume. Dang GRE is the only thing and my therapists that I'm shadowing says it's not worth it to re take.
I think being a Minnesota resident, you should be better off than I was.

CGPA: 3.5
PreReqGPA: 3.36
GRE: 154-V 153-Q 4.0-W
Hours: 1000+ outpatient ortho, 15 inpatient acute, 15 inpatient subacute/rehabiliation
Plus all of my extra-currics from school.

I saw an applicant from UW-Madison with similar stats, maybe even a little worse get accepted, so it all varies.
 
Anyone heard anything back from Stony Brook? hoping to hear about possible interview for january 23...
I received an email from them on Dec. 29 for the Jan. 23 interview. I have declined the interview so hopefully that helps you out!
 
Update, Alternate List at Western Carolina.
Edit update 1/6 rejection stockton

NJ State School for Undergrad
Major - Health and Exercise Science
GPA - 3.2 (3.37 locally with repeats of unrelated classes)
Pre Req - 3.8
Last 60 - 3.7
GRE V - 153, Q - 158 AW - 5.0

Observation - 420 outpatient ortho, 50 acute care, (in progress - 25 pediatric)
Some extras
- 1 year of work experience as an Exercise Physiologist
- 3 years experience in adapted sports community service
- organized large scale community service projects as an undergrad

Applied - Rutgers North/South, Stockton, Seton Hall, Temple, UMES, Alvernia, Long Island- Brookyn, Western Carolina, Lynchburg
Interviews - UMES (11/18) Temple (11/20) Western Carolina (12/11) Rutgers South (12/18)
Waitlist - Lynchburg "unable to come to decision", Western Carolina (1/5)
Accepted - Nervously Waiting and Praying
Rejected - Rutgers North, stockton
 
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Hey there, congrats on the acceptance to MCPHS! Did you interview at MGH? I have an interview on 1/30/16
I was put on some waitlist for an interview and I told them to remove my spot so it could free it up for someone else. Goodluck!
 
Hi there,

Thanks for the thorough response! While I am not an in state student for Madison, I am in the region (MN) and we get reciprocity.

You got rejected to UW? What were your stats if you don't mind me asking for everything. I suppose I could look but I'm on my phone so it's tough.

The gre will be my weakest point at 298 total. I have 3.9 gpa and pre req gpa is near. I'll have excellent recommendations, essays should be good of course, great variety in shadowing hours, and overall good resume. Dang GRE is the only thing and my therapists that I'm shadowing says it's not worth it to re take.
I would research your schools I was concerned about my gre too but found out most of my schools seemed to give preference to 300+ and that it didn't matter above that value. I would try to be around average. You have a good gpa which will help but from the schools I applied to meeting at least average for acceptance is your best bet.
 
Anyone heard anything back from Stony Brook? hoping to hear about possible interview for january 23...

They also have an interview date on February 12th! So keep your hopes up! I haven't heard anything yet either.
 
I would research your schools I was concerned about my gre too but found out most of my schools seemed to give preference to 300+ and that it didn't matter above that value. I would try to be around average. You have a good gpa which will help but from the schools I applied to meeting at least average for acceptance is your best bet.
Yeah for sure.

I'm over all of the minimum requirements for the for my intended programs at a 298. The requirement for my schools i'm applying to seem to be 144 on each section, so 288.

Average from accepted students look to be around 310. Average GPA looks to be around 3.6 - 3.7, so at least my 3.9 is above that.
 
I've been lurking on this forum for a while but never posted anything and I figured better late than never.

Undergrad:
University of Hartford
Major: BS in Health Science, minors in psychology & biology (I'm in the 7 year BS/DPT program)
Cumulative GPA: 3.57 (All stats I applied with back in August, so before academic update)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.46
Science & Math: 3.35
GRE: V:156, Q:152, W:3.5

Extra Curricular: Physical Therapy Student Association (undergrad VP last year, undergrad President this year), Capitol Winds Symphonic Band, University of Hartford Pep Band (fundraising chair last year & this year), U of H Circle K, babysitting

Observation: 900 outpatient orthopedics (volunteer and PT aide), 65 pediatrics

Applied: Rutgers North

Interviews: Rutgers North (10/23)

Accepted: Rutgers (1/6)

Rejected: N/A

Attending: RUTGERS!

And just to give some hope to people, I got a C+ & B- in chemistry freshmen year and I still got accepted, so its possible to get into a program without a super high GPA. 🙂
 
I've been lurking on this forum for a while but never posted anything and I figured better late than never.

Undergrad:
University of Hartford
Major: BS in Health Science, minors in psychology & biology (I'm in the 7 year BS/DPT program)
Cumulative GPA: 3.57 (All stats I applied with back in August, so before academic update)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.46
Science & Math: 3.35
GRE: V:156, Q:152, W:3.5

Extra Curricular: Physical Therapy Student Association (undergrad VP last year, undergrad President this year), Capitol Winds Symphonic Band, University of Hartford Pep Band (fundraising chair last year & this year), U of H Circle K, babysitting

Observation: 900 outpatient orthopedics (volunteer and PT aide), 65 pediatrics

Applied: Rutgers North

Interviews: Rutgers North (10/23)

Accepted: Rutgers (1/6)

Rejected: N/A

Attending: RUTGERS!

And just to give some hope to people, I got a C+ & B- in chemistry freshmen year and I still got accepted, so its possible to get into a program without a super high GPA. 🙂

Congrats! I'm just curious, if you are in the 7 year BS/DPT at U of Hartford, why are you applying elsewhere? I guess you didn't mean you were in a 3+ 3 program where you are guaranteed a spot in the DPT program pretty much ? Do you know anything about U of Hartford's DPT program, I was considering applying there. Thanks!
 
Congrats! I'm just curious, if you are in the 7 year BS/DPT at U of Hartford, why are you applying elsewhere? I guess you didn't mean you were in a 3+ 3 program where you are guaranteed a spot in the DPT program pretty much ? Do you know anything about U of Hartford's DPT program, I was considering applying there. Thanks!

Thanks! I was guaranteed a spot in the program at Hartford (why I only applied to one school). Hartford's program is a 4+3. I applied to another school even though I already knew I had a spot at Hartford because Rutgers is a little cheaper and I could live at home so wouldn't have to worry about living expenses. What do you want to know about Hartford? I would happy to answer your questions!
 
Updates

Major: Psychology with a minor in Biology
Overall GPA: 3.38
Pre-Req GPA: 3.34
GRE: 154 V 157 Q 5.0 AW

Extra Curricular:

Business manager/writer for the school newspaper, Society of Women Engineers (worked with other members to get local girls interested in STEM), Women's Mentor Program, Active Minds, Relay for Life, intramural volleyball, tour guide.

Observation:
47 outpatient orthopedics, 20 outpatient pediatrics/aquatics, 30 SNF, 10 elementary school

Applied: New York Medical College, NYU, Sage, Stony Brook, Sacred Heart University, University of Scranton
Interviews: NYU (11/6), NYMC (11/13), Stony Brook (declined)
Acceptances:
NYMC (11/23), NYU (11/25): declined offer
Rejections: Sacred Heart (1/4), University of Scranton (1/6)
 
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Updates

University: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Major: Psychology with a minor in Biology
Overall GPA: 3.38 (3.49 with Physics I retake)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.34 (3.57 with Physics I retake)
GRE: 154 V 157 Q 5.0 AW

Extra Curricular:

Business manager/writer for the school newspaper, Society of Women Engineers (worked with other members to get local girls interested in STEM), Women's Mentor Program, Active Minds, Relay for Life, intramural volleyball, tour guide.

Observation:
47 outpatient orthopedics, 20 outpatient pediatrics/aquatics, 30 SNF, 10 elementary school

Applied: New York Medical College, NYU, Sage, Stony Brook, Sacred Heart University, University of Scranton
Interviews: NYU (11/6), NYMC (11/13), Stony Brook (declined)
Acceptances:
NYMC (11/23), NYU (11/25): declined offer
Rejections: Sacred Heart (1/4), University of Scranton (1/6)


I'm kinda bummed out about the Sacred Heart rejection. They said that I was rejected because my pre-requisite GPA was below a 3.2, which it's not, so I'm kind of confused about that. I have also declined the NYU offer. Even though I really love their program, I just can't justify the cost of the program as well as living expenses. Only one more school to hear back from before this very stressful application process is over with!
Did you retake pre req classes? They don't take the higher of a repeated class. Also, if you got a D in a prerequisite and retook it for an A they won't look at the A only the D
 
Has anyone heard from Ohio State University yet (for a second round)? Is there a way to check your online status?
 
Did you retake pre req classes? They don't take the higher of a repeated class. Also, if you got a D in a prerequisite and retook it for an A they won't look at the A only the D
Thank you for the clarification! I did retake one pre-req class. My first attempt was lower than a C so I'm thinking that might have played a role in their GPA calculation like you said. But even if they only look at my first attempt, I still have over a 3.2. If they have a specific GPA calculation that they use they should be clearer about it on their website and PTCAS page.
 
Thank you for the clarification! I did retake one pre-req class. My first attempt was lower than a C so I'm thinking that might have played a role in their GPA calculation like you said. But even if they only look at my first attempt, I still have over a 3.2. If they have a specific GPA calculation that they use they should be clearer about it on their website and PTCAS page.
It's on their website. That you will not be eligible if you have a prerequisite first attempt score lower than a C.
 
Do we still have to do academic update if we have been accepted to a program?
 
Do we still have to do academic update if we have been accepted to a program?

Yes, you should complete the academic update. All they do is verify your grades/classes you completed (assuming you took classes this past fall).
 
University: Lipscomb University
Major: Exercise Science
Minor: Biology
Overall GPA: 3.47
Pre-Req GPA: 3.53
Lipscomb GPA: 3.78
GRE: 154 V 157 Q 4.0 AW
Application Submitted: 10/1
Application Verified: 10/30

Observation: 40 Outpatient, 35 Pediatrics, 30 Inpatient

Extra Curriculars: Year round D1 athlete, led a week-long mission trip to Jamaica, mentorship program, part-time job, various other volunteer work.

Applied:
MGH, Colorado, Northern Arizona, University of Washington, Washington University - St. Louis, Florida, Miami, Columbia, Rosalind Franklin, Emory, Regis, Duke.

Interviews
: Columbia (Jan 13), Emory (Jan 22), MGH (Feb 6), Rosalind Franklin (Jan 16- Declined), Regis (Feb 1- Declined)
Acceptances: Washington University - St. Louis (Jan 6) :soexcited:

Rejections:
Colorado, Northern Arizona

Have not heard from: Miami, Duke, Florida, University of Washington

I will most likely be attending WUSTL. I am still going to interview at Columbia, Emory, and MGH. I would also consider UW (I'm a Washington resident) if I am accepted there, but I won't know until late Feb.

My overall GPA is so low because I took a year full of college courses my junior year of high school. The results were not good (2.51 GPA for 30 semester credits). Once I started traditional undergrad coursework I faired much better, achieving a 3.78 over the last 3 and a half years. It looks as though some schools were not able to overlook my academic mistakes as a 16-year-old (NAU, Colorado), but most have (WUSTL, Columbia, Emory, MGH, Rosalind Franklin, Regis). My GPA dropping from a 3.78 to a 3.47 when my PTCAS grades were calculated is the reason why I applied to so many schools.
 
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NEED SOME ADVICE!

University:
CSU Sacramento
Major: BA in Music, Bio Minor
Overall GPA: 3.85
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8
GRE: N/A (will be taking it this summer)

Observation: 200 hours

Extra Curriculars: Church leadership, pianist/accompanist, Med Tech at assisted living facility, elementary school Paraeducator, Patient Transporter at a Hospital, Vice president of PrePT club, Cadaver Lab Assistant, ER volunteer


I will be applying this next cycle to CSU's and University of Puget Sound, as well as University of Washington.
I'm not a traditional science major, and I have sort of a dilemma. I got a B in one of my Chem classes and it kinda hurt my prereq GPA. If I were to retake it, it would raise it up to a 3.95. Or I can stay an extra semester (I'm set to graduating in the fall rn), and double major in Kinesiology, since I've met most of the requirements already. I can't do both of these because it doesn't work with my schedule. Which one would be more appealing? A double major, or a higher prereq GPA?

My number one school is in Washington and those schools are really competitive. Anyone have any advice?
 
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UPDATE:
A couple of updates since the last time I posted. Another rejection and an interview offer that started on the interview wait-list. Some waiting pays off! Anyone else have an interview for Regis (1/29)? Or any advice on the interview process? Good luck to everyone still waiting to hear back!

Institution: Georgia Gwinnett College
Major: Exercise Science
Cumulative GPA: 3.50
Pre-Req GPA: 3.36
GRE: 154V/153Q/4.0W

Submitted: 9/30
Verified: 10/27

Hours: 900+ outpatient (orthopedic) as a PT technician/aide
75 outpatient (sports)
15 inpatient (sub-acute/rehabilitation)
15 inpatient (acute)

EC's: 4 year college athlete, National Society of Leadership and Success, Kappa Omicron Nu Exercise Science Honor Society, B.E.A.R.S Club (Bridging Exercise and Real Science)

Applied: University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Medical University of South Carolina, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Regis University.

Acceptances:
Interviews: Regis (1/29; moved from interview wait-list, so thank you to anyone who declined)
Rejections: University of Wisconsin-Madison, UNC

First year applying! Waiting for replies is the worst, but best of luck to everyone!
 
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