Howard Anyone?

[IwanttobeanMD]

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Do you think I should e-mail Howard expressing my interest in the school and asking what the status of my application is?

 

[IwanttobeanMD]

Can I please ask what your scores are? I'm very stressed aout this med school thing and want to know if my scores and extracurriculars hold up the competition. Thanks!

I'm really not sure what you can do, but to answer your question about not being a minority, I'm not a URM and I was accepted. I was complete end of August and offered an interview beginning of Sept. DC is great and the school is amazing. I also have extensive experience and a strong commitment to working with the underserved and that is why Howard is one of my top choices. So I'm sure that will help you get an interview. Best of luck! Maybe many of us on here will be classmates! That would be great!! Here's to class of 2012!

 

[GYN DOC]

Hey guys. Just visiting the forum. I just gotta say one thing. As minorities or aa students, please dont feel like you HAVE TO apply only to black medical schools. Dont get me wrong -Howard is a great institution. I personally graduated from a large historically black undergraduate institution. However, after speaking with aa students at my alma mater it seemed as if a lot felt as if they would only be competitive at black medical schools like howard and meharry. Definitely apply to these schools. I'm just saying dont limit yourselves. DONT AVOID APPLYING TO TOP MEDICAL SCHOOLS BECAUSE OF YOUR MCAT SCORE!! Apply to Johns Hopskins, emory, baylor,etc. I'm saying this because i fell in this trap and didnt apply. Although i got into a great school, i regret limiting myself and not applying to some place like emory which could've opened up more opportunities. These insitutions - by law- have to consider all applications equally. And yes they must extend these opportunities to minority students but if minorities dont apply how can they benefit!!! This is not affirmative action. This is young african americans taking advantage of opportunities. Dont cheat yourself!! These institutions also acknowledge the financial issues minorities face and they offer scholarships. No they're not going to blatantly advertise these opportunities. You have to take it amongst yourselves to do the research and get educated about these opportunities. So please apply to the institutions you truly want to go to and dont limit yourself

 

[BlackDr2b]

When you all get in, just make sure that you remember who I am next cycle so you can help me get in! 😀 I pray that the Lord blesses you all with whatever you heart desires, especially an acceptance! God bless yall!

 

[njbmd]

Hey guys. Just visiting the forum. I just gotta say one thing. As minorities or aa students, please dont feel like you HAVE TO apply only to black medical schools. Dont get me wrong -Howard is a great institution. I personally graduated from a large historically black undergraduate institution. However, after speaking with aa students at my alma mater it seemed as if a lot felt as if they would only be competitive at black medical schools like howard and meharry. Definitely apply to these schools. I'm just saying dont limit yourselves. DONT AVOID APPLYING TO TOP MEDICAL SCHOOLS BECAUSE OF YOUR MCAT SCORE!! Apply to Johns Hopskins, emory, baylor,etc. I'm saying this because i fell in this trap and didnt apply. Although i got into a great school, i regret limiting myself and not applying to some place like emory which could've opened up more opportunities. These insitutions - by law- have to consider all applications equally. And yes they must extend these opportunities to minority students but if minorities dont apply how can they benefit!!! This is not affirmative action. This is young african americans taking advantage of opportunities. Dont cheat yourself!! These institutions also acknowledge the financial issues minorities face and they offer scholarships. No they're not going to blatantly advertise these opportunities. You have to take it amongst yourselves to do the research and get educated about these opportunities. So please apply to the institutions you truly want to go to and dont limit yourself

I am a HUCM alum and had no problems getting national opportunities. It's a myth that attending a HBCU "limits" your opportunities. I scored extremely well on USMLE (all steps), made AOA (Alpha Omega Alpha) and did rotations at Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and other top institutions. When I applied for residency interviews, I had no problems getting interviews at any of the places that I applied to including Hopkins, Mayo, Duke, Stanford. I matched at my top choice again, without difficulty. I was able to do research in both basic and clinical science (CDC and American College of Surgeons). I also received a full-ride scholarship (yes from a HCBU medical school).

It's your performance in medical school that counts and you perform best at the school where you are most comfortable. I was accepted at six out of the six medical schools that I applied to (applied to one HCBU) but chose Howard because of it's excellence. It may not be the best school for everyone but it was the best school for me, Dr. La Salle Lefalle, Jr and Dr. Eddie Cornwell, III among others.

Having a strong mentor (I had the strongest in Dr. Clive Callender - nationally know transplant surgeon) is another key. At many institutions, minority students end up not getting the strong mentors because they are passed over. If you don't know what is out there, you can't know what to look for. I know for sure that this didn't happen to me at Howard and I know that those of us who have done well and are now pursuing careers in academic medicine outside of the HBCUs will try to make sure that minority students are not passed over but do not for one second, mislead anyone into thinking that a medical education at a HCBU is sub-standard or won't provide opportunities.

Apply where you are interested but being interested in a HCBU does not limit your opportunities. I am living proof of this.

 

[dancinRN1022]

njbmd...

that is a great post!!

can u clarify one thing for me...you went to howard?? why did i think you went to UVA??? oh i am so confused!!!

i don't mean to ask private questions if u r trying to maintain anonymity...but i am just curious because u have such an impressive resume'

now did howard set up your rotations at hopkins and the mayo clinic??? what other opportunities did u have???

 

[MSKalltheway]

now did howard set up your rotations at hopkins and the mayo clinic???

I'm sure they did...in your 4th year you have elective time where you may decide to do away rotations at other schools, usually you get no more than three, most I know of allow only two away from your home institution.

The fact that she got surg aways at those two institutions is extra impressive, because everyone wants to to away rotations at top programs to try to get a foot in the door. If a place is popular enough, they will use grades and USMLE scores to accept and deny rotation applicants (dont know how true this is, but i have heard it), so the fact that she landed them is extra impressive, youll see just how much so in a matter of months!

 

[mimi2kul]

...


i don't mean to ask private questions if u r trying to maintain anonymity..

hello....i send u a private msg but i do not know if you recieved it. i have completed the first two drafts of my personal statement and since you are a nurse that was succesful in the application season, i was wondering if you will be interested in reading my personal statement. pls can you send me ure email address thru private messaging? thanks.

 

[GYN DOC]

To Njbmd:
Congratulations on your success. But it seems as if i need to clarify my statement. I by know means meant that attending an historically black medical school would limit your opportunities. I believe that attending an HBCU gave me opportunities i probably wouldnt have received elsewhere. My point was to try to encourage young black (minority) future doctors to take advantage of ALL the opportunities out their and not to just limit themselves to applying only to black insitutions because for whatever reason they may feel that they'll have a better chance of getting into. I returned to my undergrad school in tallahassee, fl (figure it out) to offer advice on how to make one's application more competitive for medical school - such as doing summer research, volunteering in the hospital, shadowing a local doctor, etc. When asked "where are you applying" - the majority stated that they were only applying to meharry and howard - because of board scores,money, etc. This was disheartening for several reasons. One these students for some reason thought that howard and meharry were easier to get into- as if these institutions had a lower standard of excellence. Two they thought that they were limited by their mcat scores - as if it was the ONLY important aspect of the application. Three - many mentioned that they felt that they would have a better chance of getting a scholarship at these insitutions as opposed to somewhere else. I dont feel that minority students should only apply to black institutions for these reasons or limit themselves from applying to other institutions. A friend of mine graduated from my HBCU and went to Johns Hopkins on a full scholarship. My point is you can achieve anything - keep your options open.

 

[GYN DOC]

First, excuse some grammatical errors in my previous post. I was rushing.
Second, there is something to be said about the mentoring and family like atmosphere at black institutions. In this dog eat dog society, you need someone in your corner. Someone that is willing to take the time out to mentor you and make sure you're on the right track. I'm actually transferring from my residency to a historically black institution in atlanta. So black institutions offer great opportunities. Some of the most successful doctors in the nations are graduates from meharry and howard. That being said - dont limit yourself by not applying elsewhere also!

 

[Kandy2012]

I have been complete since September. I called Howard a few times in November. They told me I have a competitive MCAT and GPA and that they interview through March...I still haven't received an interview from them.

 

[UVABranch]

I have been complete since September. I called Howard a few times in November. They told me I have a competitive MCAT and GPA and that they interview through March...I still haven't received an interview from them.

ditto! but keep hope alive!

 

[Optimystik]

Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you know I got my interview invitation today! Things are really looking up!

 

[UVABranch]

ah! you did??? Congrats! When is it? Good to know they are still giving them out...now I just have to pray they let me join you 😉 G'luck

 

[labelfree]

good luck Optimystik!!! if you have any questions about the interview, let me know. i interviewed in oct and was accepted in nov.

hope you hear UVABranch!!! hang in there.

 

[IwanttobeanMD]

Does anyone know how Howard views having a Master's degree in their admissions process? Also, what is Howard's view on multiple MCAT scores. Does it take the highest or most recent score or the highest subset of scores? Thanks!

 

[BlackDr2b]

Does anyone know how Howard views having a Master's degree in their admissions process? Also, what is Howard's view on multiple MCAT scores. Does it take the highest or most recent score or the highest subset of scores? Thanks!

Ms. Walk who is the director of admissions told me that they see all of the scores and they make notes of increases, she also said sometimes they do piece together the highest subset of scores. Hope that helps, well at least for the MCAT part. God bless.

 

[shippudenfan]

I have another dumb question for you guys that's probably already been asked by I couldn't find it in the other threads: does anyone know if there is a specific day that the adcom at Howard gets together to make decisions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[UVABranch]

I *think* I read somewhere that they review apps on mondays...but I'm not positive.

 

[UVABranch]

BUMP...anything new?

 

[shippudenfan]

Nothing new. I called Ms. Walk today, and she's out of the office apparantly...maybe today's the day the adcom meets?

Winter + no interviews = hard to study.

 

[Optimystik]

THANKS SO MUCH...I'm excited! But to the question...Honestly...I know that it is much easier said than done, but don't worry about not hearing yet...I'm sure you will soon. In a manual I have, it says that those who submit secondaries in February or March may not get an interview, but they hold interviews through April, so you should be fine. Mine is scheduled for Feb. 27th. I hadn't heard from almost any schools, and then I had one and while I was at that interview...literally the same day, I got three more invitations, so just be patient...I'm sure the same will happen to you. I know that Howard has interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Ms. Walk allows Fridays for any advising or calls about questions...so I would guess that committee meets on either Mondays or Thursdays

 

[alphaholic06]

When I interviewed last year, the committee met on Thursdays. Ms. Walk will send you an email the morning that you go to committee after you interview.

 

[UVABranch]

Alphaholic I haven't seen you on these baords in a min. Hope things are going well, and thanks for the info.

G'luck Opt, I'm trying to be patient...so we'll see how that pans out 😉

 

[BlackDr2b]

Just wanted to say that I hope everything works out for everybody. And UVA, I hope you get that interview. I know you really want it. The Lord rewards those are patient and trust in Him. He is going to deliver for you, don't even trip! God bless.

I do have a question for people on this thread, I am applying next cycle and Howard is def my #1. I have been praying about Howard for 3 years now!!! My MCAT is not that great 9BS, 7PS, 6VR. Do you guys think I should retake? This would be my 4th time, that is the big problem I see. Let me know what you guys think. I normally wouldn't do this but I trust people in here and I feel comfortable asking you guys because I know you guys won't tell me that I will not become a dooctor and to choose another career, because that is not an option for me. Thank you guys again and God bless.

 

[njbmd]

Just wanted to say that I hope everything works out for everybody. And UVA, I hope you get that interview. I know you really want it. The Lord rewards those are patient and trust in Him. He is going to deliver for you, don't even trip! God bless.

I do have a question for people on this thread, I am applying next cycle and Howard is def my #1. I have been praying about Howard for 3 years now!!! My MCAT is not that great 9BS, 7PS, 6VR. Do you guys think I should retake? This would be my 4th time, that is the big problem I see. Let me know what you guys think. I normally wouldn't do this but I trust people in here and I feel comfortable asking you guys because I know you guys won't tell me that I will not become a dooctor and to choose another career, because that is not an option for me. Thank you guys again and God bless.

Retaking the MCAT: The question to ask yourself is "Can I make a substantial increase in my scores (especially that verbal) with a re-take?" You need to look hard and honestly at why that score is so low and if you can significantly raise both verbal and PS. If you know that you can raise these two scores, then re-take. What you don't want to do is score lower and making that decision to re-take especially with three previous scores is downright hazardous.

Make sure that if you plan to retake, that you totally change your prep routine. Whatever you have been doing before isn't working so take some time and really work out a good plan. PM LovelyMD who really raised her MCAT score on a re-take and get some good solid advice. She's a great resource. She took a huge gamble and it paid off for her but she will be the first to say that she worked hard for that increase in score.

Good luck and may the Lord be with you every step of the way. I know you will make the right decision in terms of a retake.

 

[alphaholic06]

Alphaholic I haven't seen you on these baords in a min. Hope things are going well, and thanks for the info.

G'luck Opt, I'm trying to be patient...so we'll see how that pans out 😉

I've been around. I spend a lot of time posting on the Allo board, but I peek in on you guys. It's good to see everyone doing so well.

 

[UVABranch]

Any HU updates?? How were recent interviews (if any)

 

[alan06]

Any HU updates?? How were recent interviews (if any)

How are you doing UVABranch? Miss Walk, the director of admissions, told me that they interview until april and send out decision letters on the 15th of each month. In addition, the adcom meets every week fourth on the month to review and decide. Hang in there...keep hope alive.

 

[UVABranch]

How are you doing UVABranch? Miss Walk, the director of admissions, told me that they interview until april and send out decision letters on the 15th of each month. In addition, the adcom meets every week fourth on the month to review and decide. Hang in there...keep hope alive.

Hey Alan, I['m trying to keep hope alive (in honor of blac history month 😉). But seriously I'm ok. I fluxuate between freaking out, and being at peace with whatever happens nxt...but manly freaking out. I hate not being able to activly "do" something about this you know?

Thanks for the info! Now I can foccus my growing obsession (I finally embrace what I'm feeling) ased on the time of month, and when others were offered interviews during the course of the week 😉

How was your interview?

 

[njbmd]

Hey Alan, I['m trying to keep hope alive (in honor of blac history month 😉). But seriously I'm ok. I fluxuate between freaking out, and being at peace with whatever happens nxt...but manly freaking out. I hate not being able to activly "do" something about this you know?

Thanks for the info! Now I can foccus my growing obsession (I finally embrace what I'm feeling) ased on the time of month, and when others were offered interviews during the course of the week 😉

How was your interview?

Definitely keep in mind that Howard issues invitations for interview well into April and sometimes into May (depending on what is happing with the class). It is still the first half of February and I am sure that the incoming class is in a state of flux.

Also keep in mind that Dean Cannon, the dean of Admissions, is also the Dean of Student Affairs meaning that she has been very involved in getting the graduating class set for ERAS and the MATCH. Admissions stuff goes on major slow-down when ERAS is in high gear. Now that ERAS is just about done, with most residency programs submitting their rank lists and the ranking closing for applicant in a couple of weeks, things may move a bit faster.

No news is good news where Howard and admissions is concerned. If you were not in the group that was interviewed before December, then you are likely in the group that is coming up. If you were in that group and you don't have a rejection letter, you are still under consideration.

 

[alan06]

Hey Alan, I['m trying to keep hope alive (in honor of blac history month 😉). But seriously I'm ok. I fluxuate between freaking out, and being at peace with whatever happens nxt...but manly freaking out. I hate not being able to activly "do" something about this you know?

Thanks for the info! Now I can foccus my growing obsession (I finally embrace what I'm feeling) ased on the time of month, and when others were offered interviews during the course of the week 😉

How was your interview?

Dear UVABranch,

My interview was fairly relaxing. I was very impressed with Howard. It is indeed my top choice. Regarding the interview day, there was only 6 of us. IT was a very small group, so everything went smoothly. The students were very open and encouraging. Everyone was so genuine and happy. I hope that you will get your wish soon.

 

[UVABranch]

Definitely keep in mind that Howard issues invitations for interview well into April and sometimes into May (depending on what is happing with the class). It is still the first half of February and I am sure that the incoming class is in a state of flux.

Also keep in mind that Dean Cannon, the dean of Admissions, is also the Dean of Student Affairs meaning that she has been very involved in getting the graduating class set for ERAS and the MATCH. Admissions stuff goes on major slow-down when ERAS is in high gear. Now that ERAS is just about done, with most residency programs submitting their rank lists and the ranking closing for applicant in a couple of weeks, things may move a bit faster.

No news is good news where Howard and admissions is concerned. If you were not in the group that was interviewed before December, then you are likely in the group that is coming up. If you were in that group and you don't have a rejection letter, you are still under consideration.

Thank you for the additional insight! Sometimes when you're not placed on hold or get any other correspondance you don't completly know where you stand, and if in fact no news is good news. So I'll definitly take good over bad 🙂 👍

Dear UVABranch,

My interview was fairly relaxing. I was very impressed with Howard. It is indeed my top choice. Regarding the interview day, there was only 6 of us. IT was a very small group, so everything went smoothly. The students were very open and encouraging. Everyone was so genuine and happy. I hope that you will get your wish soon.

That's a pretty small group! Probably a good thing though so the experience was more personal 🙂 Thanks for the well wishes! I know you're excited to hear the result, I'll keep you in my thoughts/prayers.

Thanks for all the support everyone, I really do appreciate it, especially when I start thinking the worst. It only takes one, and I'll take an acceptance even if it's the week before orientation 😉

 

[shippudenfan]

Definitely keep in mind that Howard issues invitations for interview well into April and sometimes into May (depending on what is happing with the class). It is still the first half of February and I am sure that the incoming class is in a state of flux.

Also keep in mind that Dean Cannon, the dean of Admissions, is also the Dean of Student Affairs meaning that she has been very involved in getting the graduating class set for ERAS and the MATCH. Admissions stuff goes on major slow-down when ERAS is in high gear. Now that ERAS is just about done, with most residency programs submitting their rank lists and the ranking closing for applicant in a couple of weeks, things may move a bit faster.

No news is good news where Howard and admissions is concerned. If you were not in the group that was interviewed before December, then you are likely in the group that is coming up. If you were in that group and you don't have a rejection letter, you are still under consideration.

Thanks njbmd, that helped a lot.

UVABranch, hopefully we'll be hearing from them soon!

 

[shippudenfan]

Anyone hear anything from Howard recently?

 

[UVABranch]

nothing yet :-\ Schools have to submit their Match rank order lists in about a week, so per NJB, things should speed up between then and the days just before Match day which is 3/20. So maybe in a week we'll get our wish 😉

 

[xeulee]

nothing yet :-\ Schools have to submit their Match rank order lists in about a week, so per NJB, things should speed up between then and the days just before Match day which is 3/20. So maybe in a week we'll get our wish 😉

Are you talking about Match lists for residency or for pre-med?


Does anyone know if there is a day people have to drop multiple acceptances?

 

[UVABranch]

Are you talking about Match lists for residency or for pre-med?


Does anyone know if there is a day people have to drop multiple acceptances?

Essentially during your 4th year will doing rotations and electives you interview for residency at the places you are interested in and for the specialty you're interested in (I believe you can do this for more than one specialty). You rank the programs (hospitals) that you are most interested in attending, and they do the same for all who interviewed. Then there is one day where every 4th yr med student finds out where they have matched. Those who haven't matched are notified before match day and this is called the scramble where they "scramble" to find a residency with spots still open.

Note: please correct me if I'm wrong

 

[IwanttobeanMD]

Hi,
I hope you're all doing well and trying not to freeze in this uber cold weather. Has anyone has heard anything from Howard recently?

 

[shippudenfan]

nothing yet :-\ Schools have to submit their Match rank order lists in about a week, so per NJB, things should speed up between then and the days just before Match day which is 3/20. So maybe in a week we'll get our wish 😉

Hi,
I hope you're all doing well and trying not to freeze in this uber cold weather. Has anyone has heard anything from Howard recently?

It looks like we'll have to wait until next week IwanttobeanMD.

 

[UVABranch]

nope. Nada. Fingers still crossed though :-D

 

[BlackDr2b]

Wassup UVA! Im here in Cali praying for ya. Everytime I come on here and see your name I'm always praying that you have some great news for us! It is coming, just keep praying and believing. I'm like your #1 fan on here! 👍 God bless.

 

[Cestmoi]

I think they are quite alive in the office. I recently got an intervew invite but since i'm kinda decided on where I'm headed, i turned it down, hope it opens a spot for one you hopefuls. You're all such deserving individuals (at least its the vibe i get from you guys) and best of luck to you with everything.

 

[shippudenfan]

I think they are quite alive in the office. I recently got an intervew invite but since i'm kinda decided on where I'm headed, i turned it down, hope it opens a spot for one you hopefuls. You're all such deserving individuals (at least its the vibe i get from you guys) and best of luck to you with everything.

Thanks Cestmoi, you're too sweet. I wondered if you could tell us when you were invited?

 

[Cestmoi]

I got the email invite 2/7 and initially scheduled it for 3/4 though the earliest was 2/26. I sent an email cancellation 2/17. I just needed time to think without losing the date. They do conduct interviews through April so there's still hope.🙂

 

[UVABranch]

aww thanks BlackDr2B 😀 From your lips, you know? I'm working on getting the good news, and believe you me if an interview comes my way it will be plastered allllll over SDN! LOL. Oh and if there's an acceptance after, then let me tell you (after I'm done passing out, and shouting from the top of my lungs), I will def let my super supportive SDN cyber family know. I think that these forums are a good source of information, but I have to say that the support on here is indescribable, and I feel truly blessed to receive any of it 😳

 

[dancinRN1022]

Wassup UVA! Im here in Cali praying for ya. Everytime I come on here and see your name I'm always praying that you have some great news for us! It is coming, just keep praying and believing. I'm like your #1 fan on here! 👍 God bless.

hahah i feel the same way.... uva fixes the acceptance thread alot and i always get excited when i see her name as the last one posted...

i think alot of us are praying too...she seems like such a sweet person!! good luck!!!!

 

[sairam84]

Congratulations to everyone who got in, still waiting for Howard! Hope it works!!

 

[UVABranch]

hahah i feel the same way.... uva fixes the acceptance thread alot and i always get excited when i see her name as the last one posted...

i think alot of us are praying too...she seems like such a sweet person!! good luck!!!!

Thanks DancinRN! I feel so blessed that you all are praying for me to get into medical school😳 I really do appreciate everyone's kind words and support. My family tries to be supportive in their way, but they can't really empathize. I know they try to understand what I'm (we are) going through; but it's nice to know that others in this process care so much 🙂 It only takes one, so I'm not giving up hope!!👍

 

[labelfree]

Thanks DancinRN! I feel so blessed that you all are praying for me to get into medical school😳 I really do appreciate everyone's kind words and support. My family tries to be supportive in their way, but they can't really empathize. I know they try to understand what I'm (we are) going through; but it's nice to know that others in this process care so much 🙂 It only takes one, so I'm not giving up hope!!👍

whenever i see your screen name as the latest person to post on this thread, i get excited, hoping that you got an interview!! fingers crossed for you!! hang in there. hope you hear real soon!!!