New Jersey Schools Part II

[xanthomondo]

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anyone else receive their rejection off the waitlist from njms?

 

[beezel]

I called on Thursday and they said that they had cut the alternate list significantly. I'm not sure how many people that is or how many are left on the list. Sorry to hear about the bad news🙁

 

[parpat8]

did anyone find out about RWJ waitlist? did they cut down their list (did anyone get rejection letters)?

 

[xdor84]

i got rejected from njms.. dont kno about rwj

 

[xdor84]

anyone hear about rwj... where is the waitlist now?

 

[xdor84]

yep, got a rejection letter from NJMS in snail mail.

My first choice always has been RWJMS, and I'm soooo hoping to hear from them soon. I think the waitlist is about 30 people (source: Ms. Kramer sort of implied it back in June). I don't know where I stand. I do know a person who got a phone call something like the day before the classes started (two years ago).

In the meantime, I'm reapplying this cycle, and, despite my 30+ MCAT, retaking it to increase my chances.

30 people? are you talkign about hpwl or normal?.. they said they had a hpwl and a normal waitlist which is divided into thirds.

 

[xdor84]

So I guess this is the last hope. One week till RWJ starts orientation and still no word for many of us. There was a post a while back about how the waitlist moves fast the week before, but at this point it seems bleak. I just sent in my RWJ secondary for the 07-08 cycle -- a full two months earlier in the cycle than I sent last year. Hopefully that'll help a little bit. I thought I would certainly get selected from one of my four waitlists this app cycle, but I guess nothing is a sure thing in this process.

Anyway, it's time to regroup. It's August and after we have our nervous breakdowns and go to Europe or something, I think we should start looking towards the future. For those of you destined to get that call between now and next Friday, congrats. As for me, I don't think I can hold out for a miracle. Good luck.

 

[xanthomondo]

So I guess this is the last hope. One week till RWJ starts orientation and still no word for many of us. There was a post a while back about how the waitlist moves fast the week before, but at this point it seems bleak. I just sent in my RWJ secondary for the 07-08 cycle -- a full two months earlier in the cycle than I sent last year. Hopefully that'll help a little bit. I thought I would certainly get selected from one of my four waitlists this app cycle, but I guess nothing is a sure thing in this process.

Anyway, it's time to regroup. It's August and after we have our nervous breakdowns and go to Europe or something, I think we should start looking towards the future. For those of you destined to get that call between now and next Friday, congrats. As for me, I don't think I can hold out for a miracle. Good luck.

man this is the most depressing post of the thread lol congrats

ive been going crazy every time the phone rings, too, but for a different reason: jobs

whats everyone doing for the following year since waitlist movements all sucked?

 

[xdor84]

man this is the most depressing post of the thread lol congrats

ive been going crazy every time the phone rings, too, but for a different reason: jobs

whats everyone doing for the following year since waitlist movements all sucked?

haha.. yeah.. sorry about that.. i was going a little cookoo.

 

[MundaneMD]

Hey People,

Just thought I'd bump this thread for the 2008 interview cycle.

I haven't seen too many New Jerseyites (New Jerseyans?) in these forums for this cycle. Maybe everyone is just hiding. Stop lurking, and start posting! 😎

 

[Tourterm]

I see from one of the interview threads that a few interviews are going out already. I had an invite August 31st, but the earliest I could schedule was October 1st. Oddly enough, I see people being notified only a day or so before me, but having interviews mid / late September. Still, October 1st is good, I think. And I have an appointment with Dr. Heinrich mid September, so it's like having two interviews.

Good luck to everyone applying to UMDNJ.

 

[jae9970]

just a general question about in-state preference issue..

i've lived in Pennsylvania my whole life and recently moved to NJ. (Piscataway, 5 minutes away from one of the Medical campus ironically)

i've been staying in NJ since early August, and since i'm working now, i'll be staying here for a long time. I know it's a stretch for me to be considered a NJ resident, however, one of the 'essay' questions for non-residents is "How are you tied to this state of NJ?" I can explain about how I'm working here and all.

however, for both UMDNJ schools, the out-of-state applicants have very slim chance of having success, according to MSAR and another reference. Should I even bother spending $150 ($75 per school) on NJ secondary applications?

right now i'm torn between applying right away or throwing away the applications...

 

[Tourterm]

just a general question about in-state preference issue..

i've lived in Pennsylvania my whole life and recently moved to NJ. (Piscataway, 5 minutes away from one of the Medical campus ironically)

i've been staying in NJ since early August, and since i'm working now, i'll be staying here for a long time. I know it's a stretch for me to be considered a NJ resident, however, one of the 'essay' questions for non-residents is "How are you tied to this state of NJ?" I can explain about how I'm working here and all.

however, for both UMDNJ schools, the out-of-state applicants have very slim chance of having success, according to MSAR and another reference. Should I even bother spending $150 ($75 per school) on NJ secondary applications?

right now i'm torn between applying right away or throwing away the applications...

I don't know. August, early or otherwise, isn't exactly that long ago. But it gives you at least something to write about in the application. Still, I think they wold be looking for something more significant. Do you have any other ties to the state beside work? Family? School? ...trips to Atlantic City? UMDNJ is pretty good, from what I hear, at helping students get in state tuition once they are actually accepted, but as for the actual application process, that's another ball game.

As you said, the out of state acceptance rate is rather poor. OOS applications are even kept in their own separate filing cabinet. But, from what your MDapplicants profile says, your GPA is above average for the school, and your MCAT is at the median I think (30-31).

 

[NewFrance6]

I emailed Dr. Heinrich two days ago and he hasn't responded. I am wondering how fast he usually responds. I understand that he must be extremely busy obviously particularly at this time of the year. I'm just a little worried now particularly since NJMS is my top choice...

 

[MundaneMD]

i've lived in Pennsylvania my whole life and recently moved to NJ. (Piscataway, 5 minutes away from one of the Medical campus ironically)

i've been staying in NJ since early August, and since i'm working now, i'll be staying here for a long time. I know it's a stretch for me to be considered a NJ resident, however, one of the 'essay' questions for non-residents is "How are you tied to this state of NJ?" I can explain about how I'm working here and all.

I agree that its quite a stretch to call yourself as an NJ resident after just a month of living here. On the other hand, you will be a resident of NJ when you matriculate.

If I were you, I would fill the application out as a nonresident. Maybe you can mention the fact that you plan to live here permanently, and that you'll have lived here for 1 year at the time of matriculation.

Maybe you can call the admissions office for both schools, and ask them if it would be acceptable to consider yourself an NJ resident.

 

[MundaneMD]

First of all, congrats to everybody who has an interview at either of the NJ schools.

For those of you with interviews at NJMS: Be careful about arriving early to the interview. I go to Rutgers - Newark, so I can tell you that there is a lot of construction going on. Many streets are closed off for repairs. Get there EARLY!!!

This is especially true for those of you who will take Route 280 East. To get to the UMDNJ Admissions office, you need to take Exit #13. But soon as you get out from the exit, there is construction going on. Two lanes are reduced to one lane. Even without the construction, there are usually delays on the street (1st Street). The construction doubles the delay time. Expect to lose quite a bit of time on this street.

Another warning: In an attempt to reduce congestion, cops are stationed at every intersection to direct traffic. If you attempt to make a left turn or something that blocks traffic, the cop may redirect you. So to be safe, make sure you have a map of the area. Luckily, since Newark has a grid-type road pattern, you can easily find your way back if you get lost.

If your interview is after 10 AM, you don't have to worry too much about traffic delays. But for those of you with interviews before that, be very careful.

Good luck.

 

[Tourterm]

First of all, congrats to everybody who has an interview at either of the NJ schools.

For those of you with interviews at NJMS: Be careful about arriving early to the interview. I go to Rutgers - Newark, so I can tell you that there is a lot of construction going on. Many streets are closed off for repairs. Get there EARLY!!!

This is especially true for those of you who will take Route 280 East. To get to the UMDNJ Admissions office, you need to take Exit #13. But soon as you get out from the exit, there is construction going on. Two lanes are reduced to one lane. Even without the construction, there are usually delays on the street (1st Street). The construction doubles the delay time. Expect to lose quite a bit of time on this street.

Another warning: In an attempt to reduce congestion, cops are stationed at every intersection to direct traffic. If you attempt to make a left turn or something that blocks traffic, the cop may redirect you. So to be safe, make sure you have a map of the area. Luckily, since Newark has a grid-type road pattern, you can easily find your way back if you get lost.

If your interview is after 10 AM, you don't have to worry too much about traffic delays. But for those of you with interviews before that, be very careful.

Good luck.

Good advice. At the risk of stating the obvious, I would also add that interviewees should arrive early so that they have time to find parking, which can be hard to come by at times, at least at the NJMS campus. And try not to park on the street, if you can help it, because ....well, it's Newark.

 

[jae9970]

Good advice. At the risk of stating the obvious, I would also add that interviewees should arrive early so that they have time to find parking, which can be hard to come by at times, at least at the NJMS campus. And try not to park on the street, if you can help it, because ....well, it's Newark.

would by GPS be gone if i street-parked??

im still agonizing over whether i should send the checks or not to the two schools.. i feel if my chance is like 1% as an OOS then it's not worth the money. IF OOS chance is that low then I have to be an outstanding applicant but im clearly not

 

[xanthomondo]

would by GPS be gone if i street-parked??

im still agonizing over whether i should send the checks or not to the two schools.. i feel if my chance is like 1% as an OOS then it's not worth the money. IF OOS chance is that low then I have to be an outstanding applicant but im clearly not

take an extra $6 and park in the garage that njms has - its worth the avoidance of a headache

 

[MundaneMD]

Well I don't think street parking will be a big issue for the interview, because they sent me a parking pass along with the interview letter by mail. Its a free parking pass for one day at NJMS, so I doubt parking will be a problem.

As for the GPS device, here is an e-mail I recently got from the Rutgers Newark Public Safety Department:

* Use university parking lots whenever possible.
* Secure you car and remove your keys.
* Remove all valuables from view, such as GPS devices, satellite radios, face plates from in dash car radios, textbooks, laptops, money that is visible to passersby's, etc.



The NJMS campus is in the "University Heights" area (along with Rutgers, NJIT, etc.), which is relatively safe. Try not to go crazy about security, you'll have enough to worry about on the interview day. Just close your windows, hide any valuables, lock your doors, and take your keys with you (just as you would in any city). Everything will be just fine. Just relax. 🙂

 

[Tourterm]

I emailed Dr. Heinrich two days ago and he hasn't responded. I am wondering how fast he usually responds. I understand that he must be extremely busy obviously particularly at this time of the year. I'm just a little worried now particularly since NJMS is my top choice...

He's usually quick about responding, about a day or so, and it may come at some odd times (ie: non business hours). I would not worry about it or read into it too much. I'm sure he read it. Not everything warrants a response, like if you are sending him a quick update. Depending about what your e-mail was about, you could also consider e-mailing the admissions staff.

 

[MundaneMD]

im still agonizing over whether i should send the checks or not to the two schools.. i feel if my chance is like 1% as an OOS then it's not worth the money. IF OOS chance is that low then I have to be an outstanding applicant but im clearly not

Well, I won't lie to you. I'll give you facts straight from a flyer that I got from NJMS:

OOS Applicants: 3189
OOS Matriculated: 15

But in addition to the "OOS factor," you also need to consider the fact that:

1) You're a male. Males represent 55% of the class at NJMS.
2) You're Asian. About 40% of the class at NJMS is Asian.

I don't know if you've taken statistics, but the chances of an OOS Asian male are pretty slim.

But I'll tell you this: my stats are very similar to yours (I even commented on your MDApps before about the similarity of our applications). I got an interview invite pretty early in the game, so they must like me. If they invited me this early, they may also show you the same love (especially because you recently moved to NJ).

Call Dr. Heinrich, and ask him if you stand a decent chance. Really. Call him first thing Monday morning.

 

[xanthomondo]

Well I don't think street parking will be a big issue for the interview, because they sent me a parking pass along with the interview letter by mail. Its a free parking pass for one day at NJMS, so I doubt parking will be a problem.

Ha. Good luck trying to use that parking pass on your interview day, unless you have a first-thing-in-the-morning interview. Otherwise, I'd bring a few bucks for the parking garage.

 

[NewFrance6]

Thanks for your reply Tourtem. I emailed him to ask if I could meet with him so I did expect a response of some sort. Oh well.

 

[jae9970]

Call Dr. Heinrich, and ask him if you stand a decent chance. Really. Call him first thing Monday morning.

Call the person in charge by phone and ask what kind of chance i have?? that seems a little.. wrong to me. Hmm?

Oh and i appreciate your statistics. For that 0.1% chance of interview invite, i have just sent my two checks to two UMDNJs and threw away 150 dollars...

 

[Sureshot83]

For that 0.1% chance of interview invite, i have just sent my two checks to two UMDNJs and threw away 150 dollars...

MS-3 at RWJMS here.


I know that RWJMS, at least, is relatively welcoming to OOS applicants. (Of course, there is definitely preference given to NJ residents.) I know several students in my year and the year below who were not NJ residents at the time they applied. The statistics given by the school are somewhat misleading. Since all you need to receive in-state tuition is a NJ driver's license, and you can get a NJ driver's license as long as you have a documented address in NJ, nearly everyone becomes a NJ resident by the time school starts.

I don't know how these rules apply if you really did just move to NJ in August. (i.e. can you just get a license now and be considered a full NJ resident for the application cycle?) You could also send an email to the RWJ admissions office explaining your pseudo-in-state situation, since you are planning to apply there too. They are usually pretty good about responding back.

 

[Tourterm]

NewFrance, when I wanted to make an appointment to see an admissions counselor, I mentioned it to Dr. Heinrich as part of an update on my MCAT scores, but also e-mailed the admissions staff directly. While both wrote me back, the admissions office are the ones to handle the appointments. If I were you, I'd e-mail the office and ask if you could make an appointment to speak to an admissions counselor to discuss your application and NJMS.

From the NJMS website:

"The Office of Admissions is available to assist you or provide an academic consultation if you desire. You can also arrange a visit to the school by contacting the Office of Admissions."

Keep in mind that Dr. Heinrich's student consults are on Thursdays, and that you may not get one for a few weeks, depending on his schedule.


jae9970, good luck. If you don't want to call Dr. Heinrich, you could e-mail him. Or better still, make an appointment. Or you could speak to one of the other admissions staff members.

 

[MundaneMD]

Ha. Good luck trying to use that parking pass on your interview day, unless you have a first-thing-in-the-morning interview. Otherwise, I'd bring a few bucks for the parking garage.

Ahh I see. I assumed that the parking area would have a few openings. Good call. But lucky for me, there's a shuttle bus that runs from Rutgers to UMDNJ, so I'll just park at Rutgers and take the shuttle bus. But yeah, carrying around a few bucks (~$20-$50) wouldn't be a bad idea.

Call the person in charge by phone and ask what kind of chance i have?? that seems a little.. wrong to me. Hmm?

Yup, that's exactly what you should do. Everybody else is doing the same thing. I remember I once met Mr. Lonnie Wright, and he told me that if I needed help with my personal statement, or anything in regards to the admissions process, I could contact him. Isn't it refreshing when the medical school actually cares about you? 😛

By the way, kudos for applying even with the 0.1%. Good luck.

 

[jae9970]

MS-3 at RWJMS here.


I know that RWJMS, at least, is relatively welcoming to OOS applicants. (Of course, there is definitely preference given to NJ residents.) I know several students in my year and the year below who were not NJ residents at the time they applied. The statistics given by the school are somewhat misleading. Since all you need to receive in-state tuition is a NJ driver's license, and you can get a NJ driver's license as long as you have a documented address in NJ, nearly everyone becomes a NJ resident by the time school starts.

I don't know how these rules apply if you really did just move to NJ in August. (i.e. can you just get a license now and be considered a full NJ resident for the application cycle?) You could also send an email to the RWJ admissions office explaining your pseudo-in-state situation, since you are planning to apply there too. They are usually pretty good about responding back.

Thank you for your advise, i really appreciate it and will ask the office asap.

Thank you for others who helped me , too !

 

[NewFrance6]

Thanks for the advice Tourterm. I'll try to set up an appointment through his office.

 

[MundaneMD]

One more thing about traffic patterns in Newark. They plan to start construction on Route 280 on 9/28.

But luckily, that's one day after my interview, so I don't have to worry. 😛

 

[April16MCAT]

I have interviewed at both schools and I am wondering how long I will have to wait. RWJ said oct 15th but NJMS said four to six weeks after oct 15th. This sounds a little late? Does any one know if NJMS makes calls on the 15th? Thanks!

 

[pukuhouse]

why, what is so special about october 15th???

how did your interviews go aprilmcat? would you might sharing your thoughts, and also the names of the people who interviewed you if possible. thanks 🙂

 

[MundaneMD]

why, what is so special about october 15th???

In the MSAR, both schools have October 15 as the earliest acceptance notice date.

April16..congrats on being done with both interviews. Feel free to share any insights with us. 🙂

 

[QTCL13]

I have interviewed at both schools and I am wondering how long I will have to wait. RWJ said oct 15th but NJMS said four to six weeks after oct 15th. This sounds a little late? Does any one know if NJMS makes calls on the 15th? Thanks!

I'd love to hear how your interview went and how the day was structured at NJMS. I have my interview on Friday and I'm curious!

 

[pukuhouse]

I'd love to hear how your interview went and how the day was structured at NJMS. I have my interview on Friday and I'm curious!

I too am curious to know how the interviews went at njms. good luck today, QTCL, and please do post feedback on how the day went. it would be highly appreciated 🙂 thanks.

 

[QTCL13]

I too am curious to know how the interviews went at njms. good luck today, QTCL, and please do post feedback on how the day went. it would be highly appreciated 🙂 thanks.

So, I had my interview today at NJMS and wnated to share with you guys. Hopefully, it's somewhat helpful.


The interview day was not as structured as many of the ones seem to be at other schools (i.e. there is no formal program of presentations, speeaches by deans, lunch with students, etc). My interview was at 9AM with a emergency medicine faculty member--she was so nice and down-to-earth, and the interview was very conversational--I think she asked me all of 5 pretty standard interview questions and the rest of our conversation stemmed from those questions as well as other questions I asked her. It was approximately a 1hr interview. After that, nothing was scheduled until the tour at 12noon. Fortunately,I had a friend who is an M1 so I went to class with her. If you have an early interview, I would recommend checking with the admissions staff to see if any 1st of 2nd year classes are in session--it's something to do while you're waiting for the tour and you get an idea of the lecture style. The tour was pretty good, out tour guide initially showed us the library, anatomy labs, student lounge, and it lasted about 1/2 hour. Then some students had the option of having a student interview (which I think are given out on a first come first serve basis when you schedule your interview). I was supposed to have one but i was informed when I got there that the student who was gong to interview me had a conflict. So, the rest of the applicants and I who did not have student interviews went on an extended tour with our guide and went into University Hospital and went through the ER and other areas of the hospital. Overall, I thought the day was pretty good--it was really low stress but I would have liked a more full day without so many lulls.

Hope that helps. Best of luck. Let me know if you have any more questions I can answer.

 

[njmed]

WOW... It seems you had a great interview. Good luck on your acceptance. I'm just wondering, what questions did they ask and what questions did you ask them ?. How many students were there with you, for interview yesterday ?.

 

[4success]

Hmm i submited my application in early July, and still haven't heard back from the schools.... did it take people over two months to hear back from them? in temrs of getting interviews and such? i'm getting worried

 

[plauto]

I submitted mine in July and heard back from NJMS (interview this coming Monday). I called RWJ a week ago and they said I'd hear fomr them real soon. I haven't heard anything yet.

 

[MundaneMD]

Hmm i submited my application in early July, and still haven't heard back from the schools.... did it take people over two months to hear back from them? in temrs of getting interviews and such? i'm getting worried

You should have atleast heard from RWJ to signify your application's completion. But not many people have gotten interviews from them yet.

For NJMS, I submitted my secondary on 7/3/07, and my LORs should have reached there 8/14/07, and I got an interview invite 8/28/07. So about two weeks from the time the LORs should have reached there.

Since they don't send a confirmation letter about your application being complete, you may want to call them if you have any doubts about LORs getting lost in the mail or something.

 

[MundaneMD]

So, I had my interview today at NJMS and wnated to share with you guys. Hopefully, it's somewhat helpful.

I agree with njmed, it sounds like your interview went great. Congratulations on your acceptance. 😛

 

[QTCL13]

WOW... It seems you had a great interview. Good luck on your acceptance. I'm just wondering, what questions did they ask and what questions did you ask them ?. How many students were there with you, for interview yesterday ?.

Ha, thanks guys! Um questions I was asked: What are your strengths and weaknesses, why medicine, why NJMS, stuff like that. I asked her about her position in the ER, her background/road to medicine. We also talked about access to healthcare, esp. in Newark, Hillary's healthcare plan.

 

[pukuhouse]

Ha, thanks guys! Um questions I was asked: What are your strengths and weaknesses, why medicine, why NJMS, stuff like that. I asked her about her position in the ER, her background/road to medicine. We also talked about access to healthcare, esp. in Newark, Hillary's healthcare plan.

hey qtcl, thanks so much for the briefing about your interview. i'm glad it went well. hopefully you should be getting good news soon (or did you already?). i was wondering what your impression was of the school itself. especially since you got to sit in on a class, what did you think of that, and the facilities, the environment in general? i'd love to know more of your opinion. sorry to be so demanding hehe. your comments are appreciated though 🙂

 

[VoiceofReason]

Hey guys, I just had my interview at NJMS, so I'll share my experience as well.

My interview was with a doc on the Neurology floor, and I actually went to that area for the interview (didn't stay close to the admissions office). It was pretty conversational although he did ask me some tough questions about some cases he'd seen. I think the purpose of them was to probe my motivation for going into medicine, but I still couldn't see how very clearly, I just answered them honestly and the best I could. He also asked me some tough questions about my personal philosophies (i have a philosophy minor) and how they relate to medicine. I felt like most of his questions required an essay to really answer properly, or at least more time to think. He seemed like a very thoughtful, and amicable person, so I'm glad it was him asking those questions and not someone who would have been more at home interrogating prisoners.

So as you can guess, my answers were pretty average, nothing I was too thrilled about. Feeling kind of disconcerted really at this point. My interviewer complemented me on my application, and also said at the end that the interview "went well." So thats good.

Oh well, I'm cautiously optimistic.

 

[njmed]

Hey, thanks for posting the interview experience. Good luck on your acceptance. It seems you had pretty good stats on your application, that made the interviewer to compliment you. What were your stats ?.

 

[VoiceofReason]

He said my "application" was good, not my stats specifically. I'm pretty much dead average in that department actually, 11 VR / 9 PS / 10 BS. I have fairly typical extra curriculars, and maybe a few uncommon ones too.

 

[pukuhouse]

sounds like you had a mixed experience with teh interview. do you remember any of the particularly challenging/off the wall questions that you were asked?

in spite of the wierd questions, at least the interviewer was encouraging. it's something. 🙂

 

[numberrronee]

who are the ones applying to nj schools this year..are u out of state or in state? do u go to rutgers now and most importantly, what is ur gpa n mcat score?

 

[VoiceofReason]

sounds like you had a mixed experience with teh interview. do you remember any of the particularly challenging/off the wall questions that you were asked?

in spite of the wierd questions, at least the interviewer was encouraging. it's something. 🙂

Well, I do think the interview went well overall, despite what I consider lacking answers on my part. And I really liked my interviewer.