My fellow SIU peeps

[SigPi]

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Anyone else anxiously awaiting that coveted Accept When Place Available (AWPA) letter?? OMG I can't wait to read those words (then hopefully it will be followed a week later with an ACCEPTANCE!) oh boy, this wait is killlllling me, i interviewed in early September!!! Good luck all!

 

[the brown note]

Good luck, SigPi! I interviewed there in September, too--one of my interviewers told me that we were too late for the September adcom meeting, but we'd make the October meeting. I guess we could get the letter any day now!

 

[SigPi]

when did you interview in september? Mine was on the 26th. BTW do you know when their adcom meets? is it monthly? good luck to you too!!

 

[the brown note]

I interviewed the same day as you! 🙂 I was the one with the longest hair. 😉

If I remember correctly, the interviewer said that the adcom meets once a month, toward the end of the month. He seemed to think that we would receive a letter telling us the tier we were placed in shortly after the meeting, and that the first batch of true acceptances would probably go out some time in late November. However, it's possible that even with an AWPA ranking, some people might not receive a full acceptance until one of the later batches (there were 3 total), if ever. Since we interviewed early, it's probably a decent sign that they liked us, and some state schools don't weight the interviews that heavily. (I'm not sure how much the interviews factor in at SIU, though.) But they're really careful not to overaccept, so it could be a painful wait! 🙁

Good luck, and I hope you get great news soon!

 

[SigPi]

I interviewed the same day as you! 🙂 I was the one with the longest hair. 😉

If I remember correctly, the interviewer said that the adcom meets once a month, toward the end of the month. He seemed to think that we would receive a letter telling us the tier we were placed in shortly after the meeting, and that the first batch of true acceptances would probably go out some time in late November. However, it's possible that even with an AWPA ranking, some people might not receive a full acceptance until one of the later batches (there were 3 total), if ever. Since we interviewed early, it's probably a decent sign that they liked us, and some state schools don't weight the interviews that heavily. (I'm not sure how much the interviews factor in at SIU, though.) But they're really careful not to overaccept, so it could be a painful wait! 🙁

Good luck, and I hope you get great news soon!

Bump. I thought they didnt let you know what tier you are in? man, i want this to be over asap...I'm so exhausted with the entire application process already, and its only November!!! Are you from the southern illinois region?

 

[the brown note]

Bump. I thought they didnt let you know what tier you are in? man, i want this to be over asap...I'm so exhausted with the entire application process already, and its only November!!! Are you from the southern illinois region?

I thought my interviewer said something about getting a letter that said AWPA or one of the other tiers before the actual acceptance decision in late Nov/late Jan/early Mar, but I could have misheard him. I think they don't tell you your ranking on the AWPA list, though.

I'm not from southern Illinois, but SIU has a really innovative program and I'm intrigued by the "all PBL, all the time" curriculum. There's a class thread for SIU 2009 here, which I also thought was interesting: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=212919

I agree--waiting sucks! But at least there's something to be hopeful for, at this point! 🙂

 

[SigPi]

got the AWPA letter today! Half-way there now, i guess 🙂 . Yeah i am very interested in the the all PBL curriculum. I am definately an independent/small group learner so that style is right up my alley. Little nervous about how it will prepare me for step 1 but i guess in any curriculum your med education is what you make of it. It just seems like the way they have things structured makes sense...less reorganizing of basic science into clinical problem solving because its all integrated. Alright, enough singing SIU's praises...I haven't been accepted, yet! 😉 Not a southern IL person?? Think you're up for living in the carbondale and springfield "boonies" for 4 years?? good luck in the november round!

 

[PBMaxx]

Hey,
I'm an MS1 from SIU, and as for the PBL curriculum-- I wouldn't have it any other way!! Yeah, it takes some getting used to if you come from wall-to-wall lectures as 99.9% of us did (I came from U of I, so I'm no stranger to lectures); but as you are immersed in it, you become used to thinking clinically and mechanistically.
What makes it good and better than other PBL-like curriculums is that SIU is committed to PBL-- we don't half-ass it. Many other schools that incorporate PBL into their curriculums hedge their bets with traditional lectures and teaching styles. This forces their students to constantly be switching mindsets and study habits. Hence all of the "PBL Sucks!!" threads on allo and pre-allo.
As far as the boards are concerned, all of our written exams are modeled after Step One and Two-- multiple choice, approx. 90 sec/question, passage-based, etc. We do OSCE's (Objective Structured Clinical Exam), CCX (Clinical Competency Exam) cases, and Clinical Medicine training starting in the first month (helps when Step 2 Clinical Competency Exams roll around).

PM me with any ?'s, advice, or info

PBMaxx
MS1
SIU SOM

 

[License2IL]

Hey guys-
When I interviewed at SIU (late September) my interviewer told me to be patient because I wouldn't hear until November or possibly even December. Aaaaaaaah!!!! I just want to know already! I feel your pain. Do you know exactly what the AWPA means? Is that a guarantee you'll get in, or are you still in limbo?

 

[godawgs39]

For any of you that interviewed in Sprinfield, where did you stay? I've got my first interview there next Thursday, but I have yet to book a hotel for the night.

 

[the brown note]

Congrats on the AWPA letter, SigPi!! Even though I'm not from southern Illinois, I don't feel the need to live in a really large city. When I visited Springfield, it seemed plenty urban to me! I haven't visited Carbondale, but I've heard the state parks there are really pretty. 🙂 Good luck in November--I'm sure you'll get in!

Thanks for the info, PBMaxx! It's reassuring to know that there has been such careful attention to prepping for boards. I'm sure I'll have more questions if I get in--thanks for your generous offer to answer them! 👍

License2IL--from what I was told, SIU is really careful not to overaccept, so they put people they like into the "Acceptable When Place Available" category. If you get this letter, you have a really good shot at getting in, but it's NOT a guarantee that you're in. If SIU has an unusually high number of people accepting spots in the class, then they might not make it through all of the AWPA people. But PBMaxx probably has more accurate info on this! Good luck!

godawgs39--I stayed at the America's Best Inn on 500 N. First St. I paid ~$45 (with the "Awesome Autumn" internet promotion). It's not the ritziest place, but it was okay (and there's free continental breakfast, so you don't have to worry about finding some place to eat before your interview). The major draw for me was that it's literally 2 blocks or so from the hospital--I didn't want to worry about finding parking or getting lost. Make sure you know how far your 2 interviews are from each other--mine were a little over a mile apart. I knew this in advance, and had planned to walk it, but everyone else assumed that I'd be driving to the second interview and I had to leave the tour a little early in order to make sure I'd get to the second interview in time. Good luck!

 

[PBMaxx]

Congrats on the AWPA letter, SigPi!! Even though I'm not from southern Illinois, I don't feel the need to live in a really large city. When I visited Springfield, it seemed plenty urban to me! I haven't visited Carbondale, but I've heard the state parks there are really pretty. 🙂 Good luck in November--I'm sure you'll get in!

Carbondale is OK, as long as you can handle being on an undergrad campus for another year. The state parks are pretty cool, and the faculty and staff here rock. I hear that when you get to Springfield, you feel more "grown up." My class has been of the mindset to take advantage of living in a party-town for a year before we have to "grow up" for good.

Thanks for the info, PBMaxx! It's reassuring to know that there has been such careful attention to prepping for boards. I'm sure I'll have more questions if I get in--thanks for your generous offer to answer them! 👍

You're welcome.

License2IL--from what I was told, SIU is really careful not to overaccept, so they put people they like into the "Acceptable When Place Available" category. If you get this letter, you have a really good shot at getting in, but it's NOT a guarantee that you're in. If SIU has an unusually high number of people accepting spots in the class, then they might not make it through all of the AWPA people. But PBMaxx probably has more accurate info on this! Good luck!

Actually, I don't have great info, I can just tell you that I was accepted from the Waitlist (or "Ranked Alternate" list as it is known at SIU SOM). AWPAs (I think) can hear in November, Jan, or April/May for a definite decision. But as far as I know, the AWPA system is in place to prevent overacceptances. Remember it takes patience to see patients.

godawgs39--I stayed at the America's Best Inn on 500 N. First St. I paid ~$45 (with the "Awesome Autumn" internet promotion). It's not the ritziest place, but it was okay (and there's free continental breakfast, so you don't have to worry about finding some place to eat before your interview). The major draw for me was that it's literally 2 blocks or so from the hospital--I didn't want to worry about finding parking or getting lost. Make sure you know how far your 2 interviews are from each other--mine were a little over a mile apart. I knew this in advance, and had planned to walk it, but everyone else assumed that I'd be driving to the second interview and I had to leave the tour a little early in order to make sure I'd get to the second interview in time. Good luck!

I have no idea about Springfield hotels. Sorry.

OK then. G'Luck to all.

PBM

 

[IDforMe]

For any of you that interviewed in Sprinfield, where did you stay? I've got my first interview there next Thursday, but I have yet to book a hotel for the night.

I highly recommend the Carpenter Street Hotel. Look them up online and when you call, tell tell them you are going to medical school interviews at the hospital to get a lower price. Not only are they less expensive than other hotels in the area, they will drop you off and pick you up from interviews-- just call the front desk. (If you don't need to worry about heels, however, you could just walk too. The hospital and school are only a few blocks away. Personally, I thought the van service helped, since I had one interview at the Pavilion and the other at the medical center.) They have a free continental breakfast and free juice 24/7 in the lobby. The rooms are decent and well kept. I paid about $50 for the night.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your interview.

 

[IDforMe]

"License2IL--from what I was told, SIU is really careful not to overaccept, so they put people they like into the "Acceptable When Place Available" category. If you get this letter, you have a really good shot at getting in, but it's NOT a guarantee that you're in. If SIU has an unusually high number of people accepting spots in the class, then they might not make it through all of the AWPA people."

PBMaxx, would you happen to know how many people from this list usually get accepted? You said most, but I'd appreciate more detailed information if you have it. I had my interview in October, and am anxiously awaiting a letter...

 

[the brown note]

Got the AWPA letter today! 😀

 

[IDforMe]

Got the AWPA letter today! 😀

Congratulations!

 

[the brown note]

Congratulations!

Thanks! 🙂 I hope you get your AWPA letter soon!

 

[SigPi]

Thanks! 🙂 I hope you get your AWPA letter soon!

AWESOME! Congrats all!! Anyone know if they meet later in the month to accept people like us with the AWPA in hand or is this letter our review for the month of november?? I can't imagine their being a group that gets reviewed before us (we interviewed in September!!!). Good work, hang in there fellas. God willing i'll be seeing all of you in carbondale in August 2006! 👍

 

[PBMaxx]

"License2IL--from what I was told, SIU is really careful not to overaccept, so they put people they like into the "Acceptable When Place Available" category. If you get this letter, you have a really good shot at getting in, but it's NOT a guarantee that you're in. If SIU has an unusually high number of people accepting spots in the class, then they might not make it through all of the AWPA people."

PBMaxx, would you happen to know how many people from this list usually get accepted? You said most, but I'd appreciate more detailed information if you have it. I had my interview in October, and am anxiously awaiting a letter...

No, I don't have any hard numbers or anything. But I was accepted off the waitlist, as were a few other of my classmates. That means that they got through all of their AWPAs for the class of 2009. If I find out more, I'll post.

 

[SigPi]

I was accepted off the waitlist, as were a few other of my classmates. That means that they got through all of their AWPAs for the class of 2009.

Wow, that is interesting. So, PBMaxx, you originally didnt get a AWPA letter? After your interview you became an actual "Ranked Alternate"? Because I heard that last year they had MANY more accept the acceptance off the AWPA list then were expected too --meaning not all from this list were taken. ...On the other hand I can't really remember who gave me that tidbit, maybe i'm just being paranoid. Man i hope so, I am so pumped about SIU! PBMaxx, glad to hear you are enjoying PBL! I am really looking forward to this style of education. 👍

 

[IDforMe]

No, I don't have any hard numbers or anything. But I was accepted off the waitlist, as were a few other of my classmates. That means that they got through all of their AWPAs for the class of 2009. If I find out more, I'll post.

Thank you. And one other question I just thought of. Do you happen to know if you are rated after you get an AWPA letter, or do they just accept the next person from that list by interview/AWPA date?

 

[the brown note]

AWESOME! Congrats all!! Anyone know if they meet later in the month to accept people like us with the AWPA in hand or is this letter our review for the month of november?? I can't imagine their being a group that gets reviewed before us (we interviewed in September!!!). Good work, hang in there fellas. God willing i'll be seeing all of you in carbondale in August 2006! 👍

Thanks! 🙂

To answer your question, it was my impression from talking with my interviewer that for our September interview date, AWPA status would be decided upon in October, and that in late November actual acceptances from the AWPA group would be decided upon and sent out. The November date would include people with AWPA status from September's meeting and October's meeting (I'm not sure about the people who interviewed in November). My interviewer did say that there was an adcom meeting at the end of September (which you and I just missed), so we might not have been the first group to be reviewed. But I defer to the master, PBMaxx! 😳

 

[godawgs39]

I highly recommend the Carpenter Street Hotel. Look them up online and when you call, tell tell them you are going to medical school interviews at the hospital to get a lower price. Not only are they less expensive than other hotels in the area, they will drop you off and pick you up from interviews-- just call the front desk. (If you don't need to worry about heels, however, you could just walk too. The hospital and school are only a few blocks away. Personally, I thought the van service helped, since I had one interview at the Pavilion and the other at the medical center.) They have a free continental breakfast and free juice 24/7 in the lobby. The rooms are decent and well kept. I paid about $50 for the night.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your interview.

This morning I called and booked a room there! I'm a dude, so I'm pretty sure I won't be wearing heels -- could be a gametime decision though. 😉 Thanks for the help!

 

[IDforMe]

This morning I called and booked a room there! I'm a dude, so I'm pretty sure I won't be wearing heels -- could be a gametime decision though. 😉 Thanks for the help!

🙂
No problem. Glad I could. I'd like pictures of your interviewer's faces if you decide on heels at the last minute though.... 😀

 

[SigPi]

Bump. Hope we can keep this one alive.

 

[the brown note]

I'm a dude, so I'm pretty sure I won't be wearing heels -- could be a gametime decision though. 😉 Thanks for the help!

Hey, that could be a way for you to "stand out" from all the other applicants! 😉 Make sure you don't wear 4-inch stilettos, though--that will just make you look cheap and trashy.

 

[PBMaxx]

Thanks! 🙂

To answer your question, it was my impression from talking with my interviewer that for our September interview date, AWPA status would be decided upon in October, and that in late November actual acceptances from the AWPA group would be decided upon and sent out. The November date would include people with AWPA status from September's meeting and October's meeting (I'm not sure about the people who interviewed in November). My interviewer did say that there was an adcom meeting at the end of September (which you and I just missed), so we might not have been the first group to be reviewed. But I defer to the master, PBMaxx! 😳

I am not at all involved with the Admissions Committee, so I cannot say when or how the AWPA pool is treated, ranked, or stratified. If you go on the SIU SOM website, you can find out when the AdCom meets on the calendar. I think it's the 2nd Weds or Tues of each month. Check the calendar on the website to know for sure. But, remember anything done by committee is notoriously SLOW!

So just hold on loosely, but don't let go...

 

[the brown note]

I am not at all involved with the Admissions Committee, so I cannot say when or how the AWPA pool is treated, ranked, or stratified. If you go on the SIU SOM website, you can find out when the AdCom meets on the calendar. I think it's the 2nd Weds or Tues of each month. Check the calendar on the website to know for sure. But, remember anything done by committee is notoriously SLOW!

So just hold on loosely, but don't let go...

Ahhh...38 Special...haven't thought about them in years! 🙂

Thanks for the info--here's the link to the calendar, for anyone who's interested:
http://www.siumed.edu/studentaffairs/eventscalendar.html

The next adcom meetings are 11/8 and 11/29. I thought I remember reading/hearing somewhere that "late November" was when the official acceptances were decided upon (and that we might find out in early December), so the 11/29 meeting might be when they make the fateful decision! 😱 Good luck, everyone!

 

[SigPi]

Bump Bump Bump

 

[neuronick]

I interviewed on the 4th of Nov. Congrats to all of you who have heard something already. I guess that I just made the November ADCOM meeting. Hope that means that Ill know something by Christmas. Ah what a glorious Christmas it would be if I knew what I was going to do with the next 4 years of my life.

 

[SigPi]

bump

 

[IDforMe]

bump

Got my AWPA letter today!!!! I'm joining SigPi and The Brown Note!!!! Hopefully we'll get even better news by the end of this month!

Best of Luck to everybody still waiting to hear something! (Letter was dated Nov. 9 and posted Nov 10, for those of you wanting to know)

 

[the brown note]

Got my AWPA letter today!!!! I'm joining SigPi and The Brown Note!!!! Hopefully we'll get even better news by the end of this month!

Best of Luck to everybody still waiting to hear something! (Letter was dated Nov. 9 and posted Nov 10, for those of you wanting to know)

Yayyyyy, IDforMe! Congrats!!!!! 👍 I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you and SigPi. 🙂 I hope the 11/29 meeting brings good news for you both!

 

[IDforMe]

Yayyyyy, IDforMe! Congrats!!!!! 👍 I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you and SigPi. 🙂 I hope the 11/29 meeting brings good news for you both!

Thanks! I'm so glad the AWPA letter came! (U. of Rochester sent me my first rejection.... 🙁 ..... so it's nice to know that SIU likes me 🙂 ) I'll keep my fingers (and toes) crossed for both of you as well! 😉

 

[godawgs39]

Thanks! I'm so glad the AWPA letter came! (U. of Rochester sent me my first rejection.... 🙁 ..... so it's nice to know that SIU likes me 🙂 ) I'll keep my fingers (and toes) crossed for both of you as well! 😉

Great to hear that you have received your AWPA letter! I had a great time at SIU on Thursday, I was definitely nervous but I thought the interviewers did everything possible to make it low stress. The student that gave the tour was really excited about PBL, as were both the interviewers. That got me even more excited about things, now I just have to hope that I hear some good news following that Nov. 29 meeting! Thanks again for all the advice, the Carpenter street hotel was definitely a good choice. And in case you were wondering, I decided against wearing heals, it just wasn't the right day for me. 😉

 

[License2IL]

Hey all you AWPA's for SIU:
I got my letter yesterday and am quite excited! But here's what I am wondering: Should I put a deposit down at another school, just to be safe? The deposit deadline is Dec. 14. Should I write a 'letter of intent' to SIU to let them know they're my first choice? Or should I just be patient and wait it out? I feel better getting the AWPA letter, but I am still a bit worried that I'm not 100% in yet. I'd appreciate any thoughts, comments, etc.
gracias!

 

[the brown note]

Hey all you AWPA's for SIU:
I got my letter yesterday and am quite excited! But here's what I am wondering: Should I put a deposit down at another school, just to be safe? The deposit deadline is Dec. 14. Should I write a 'letter of intent' to SIU to let them know they're my first choice? Or should I just be patient and wait it out? I feel better getting the AWPA letter, but I am still a bit worried that I'm not 100% in yet. I'd appreciate any thoughts, comments, etc.
gracias!

Is the other school an allopathic or osteopathic school? I ask because most allopathic schools will refund your deposit if you withdraw before May 15 (or April 15 if they start early). Check the MSAR and/or the stuff they sent you, but if this is the case, then I would absolutely put down a deposit at the other school if you can afford it. While you'll probably get in with AWPA status, it's not a guarantee, and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

However, if the school is osteopathic, I've heard that they typically do NOT refund your money (and they want a sizeable deposit, like $1,000). In that case, I'd be more tempted to wait until early Dec. and see if you get in during that round before forking out the deposit. It seems a little premature to write a letter of intent at this point, since you've gotten AWPA status. If you don't hear back from SIU before you have to put down the deposit (or your decision is deferred until a later round), then the letter of intent might be helpful if you're absolutely sure that SIU is your top choice. Or you might be able to call/email SIU's admissions office in early Dec. and explain your situation to see if they have any advice for you.

Good luck! My interviewer said that we would most likely hear about definite acceptances in early December, so the timing will probably work out for you. Just be sure to stay on top of things and if you don't have an official acceptance before the deposit deadline (if it's an osteopathic school with a non-refundable deposit), I'd consider securing a spot at the other school! Just my 2 cents....

 

[IDforMe]

Excellent advice. Exactly what I was going to say. ^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[IDforMe]

Great to hear that you have received your AWPA letter! I had a great time at SIU on Thursday, I was definitely nervous but I thought the interviewers did everything possible to make it low stress. The student that gave the tour was really excited about PBL, as were both the interviewers. That got me even more excited about things, now I just have to hope that I hear some good news following that Nov. 29 meeting! Thanks again for all the advice, the Carpenter street hotel was definitely a good choice. And in case you were wondering, I decided against wearing heals, it just wasn't the right day for me. 😉

Glad everything worked out well! Lets hope we all hear some good news after the 29th.
.....I WAS hoping to see pictures of the looks on faces when you showed up in heels though..... 😉

 

[License2IL]

thanks everyone for your advice- the other school is a DO school, so that means a nice chunk of money set aside for a deposit. I'll probably do it, just to be safe.

 

[IDforMe]

Buuuump!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Is the class filling up? I just recently submitted my primary application...am I delusional to think they will even look at it?

 

[IDforMe]

Is the class filling up? I just recently submitted my primary application...am I delusional to think they will even look at it?

The first acceptances are sent out in late November. Everyone who is placed in AWPA status is then rated anew when another batch of acceptances are offered. (Acceptances are batched in November, January and March according to the admissions office.)

So... don't worry you're not too late 🙂

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

So... don't worry you're not too late 🙂

Whew!

Hey, is that your cat?

 

[SigPi]

Just thought i'd bump. Ten days and counting, who's feelin lucky?? Good luck all!

 

[neuronick]

Just thought i'd bump. Ten days and counting, who's feelin lucky?? Good luck all!

I interviewed on the 4th of this month, and I havent received a letter yet. Guess that means Im in on the next ADCOM meeting. Congrats to you all who have a letter. After the interview I really felt like SIU was a top choice for me, so Im waiting somewhat impatiently for some sort of news. Does anyone know if SIU ever sends out a straight accepted letter, or does everyone get an AWPA letter first?

 

[IDforMe]

Whew!

Hey, is that your cat?

No 🙂 my cats like to do other funny things. I'd probably use a picture of one, but this computer is relatively new, and the pictures on my old computer have not been dumped onto this one yet.

Just thought i'd bump. Ten days and counting, who's feelin lucky?? Good luck all!

me... keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[SigPi]

Does anyone know if SIU ever sends out a straight accepted letter, or does everyone get an AWPA letter first?

No straight acceptance letter. If they like you you're put on the AWPA list and wait it out with everyone else. Things must be made as difficult, drawn-out and painful as possible

Think it's possible for me to hold my breath until Nov. 29th?? 😱 lol.

 

[IDforMe]

Think it's possible for me to hold my breath until Nov. 29th?? 😱 lol.

You seem like a cool person-- The kind I'd like to know was in my class-- So for my own selfish (and other more charitable) reasons, I'd advise against trying... 😛 😉

 

[godawgs39]

No straight acceptance letter. If they like you you're put on the AWPA list and wait it out with everyone else. Things must be made as difficult, drawn-out and painful as possible

Think it's possible for me to hold my breath until Nov. 29th?? 😱 lol.

This would be fairly difficult to do alone, so given that the two of us are in the same position, I think if we share the breath holding minutes (12 hr shifts maybe?) it could be done. Let me know, I'll continue to hold until I hear back. 😱