Oklahoma - (Prospective) Class of 2010 part 01

[TUHopeful]

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I guess this goes out to all of the current OU students. What was your interview experience like? What questions did they ask? How did you prepare? Did you think your experience was consistant with that of your peers?

 

[speedo542]

I guess this goes out to all of the current OU students. What was your interview experience like? What questions did they ask? How did you prepare? Did you think your experience was consistant with that of your peers?

And why would we help you, TUHopeful? Just kidding. You should look at the interview feedback section on SDN. You will get the best info there, and chances are, that all of us had posted our experiences there. Hope that helps!!

I will add that my interview only took 15 minutes, while they normally take ~45 minutes. Needless to say, it freaked me out and I was really upset because I figured that meant they hated me, even though the interview seemed to go well; the questions were all easy. But, I got accepted and found out 6 days after my interview by a big red envelope...I love red.

 

[TUHopeful]

And why would we help you, TUHopeful? Just kidding. You should look at the interview feedback section on SDN. You will get the best info there, and chances are, that all of us had posted our experiences there. Hope that helps!!

I will add that my interview only took 15 minutes, while they normally take ~45 minutes. Needless to say, it freaked me out and I was really upset because I figured that meant they hated me, even though the interview seemed to go well; the questions were all easy. But, I got accepted and found out 6 days after my interview by a big red envelope...I love red.

TUHopeful meaning current University of Tulsa student, not prospective Texas Med student. I received my first degree from OU, so I felt compelled to clarify.

 

[glp]

I guess this goes out to all of the current OU students. What was your interview experience like? What questions did they ask? How did you prepare? Did you think your experience was consistant with that of your peers?

definitely check out the interview feedback here

http://www.studentdoctor.net/interview/interview_read.asp

ive read thru all of those old feedbacks to prepare.

 

[kaykay73]

6 days??? i am gonna be a wreck for that week after my interview (not that i have one yet)....i went to mizzou for undergrad but grew up in Tulsa...i hope to return to oklahoma after my 5 year hiatus....when did you current students start hearing about interviews???

 

[Amxcvbcv]

I'm going to preface this post with the fact that I've been awake since 2:45 this morning, so I hope it comes across as coherent.

I agree with Speedo (it feels weird to type that instead of your name. 😛). The interview feedback on SDN really helped me prepare. Other than that, I think it's important to be moderately well informed about current events. Be informed about your own life too. If you mention that you're interested in something be able to follow through with more information. Don't try to create a smokescreen or mislead your interviewers cause if they call your bluff you're screwed.

Remember that you're there because you're academically capable and proven. They just want to make sure you're not immature and unstable as a person (Klismaphiliacs need not apply. I think that's the freakiest thing I've learned about this semester... actually, I take that back. *shudder* Let's just say there are some strange people out there and they don't need to be in medical school).

Smile, shake hand with a firm grip, make appropriate eye contact, etc. If I think of anything else I'll get back to you.

On an unrelated note, when and why did ER start to suck? I used to love this show and it used to be worth an hour every Thursday, but lately (the last two/three years, I guess) it has really gone downhill. I can't just give it up cause I've been watching since I was 14 years old (wow)! Heck I used to think I'd be the next Dr. Carter. I'd even go so far as to say that it played a role in me wanting to be a doctor. Blah... it's all become so heavy handed and melodramatic. It hurts... it really does. If I were a drinking person I'd be very drunk right now to drown the pain. And they just fired Haleh! What is this crap?! Ugh... Someone help. I'm stuck in denial and can't move on.

 

[IAMS]

It's not a reality show.. or is it??? From someone who only started to watch ER this year, I think they do a good job to bring some real issues to the fore while making it entertaining -

What was up with that 14 year old kid, though.. I don't know if I would handle it that calmly... serious problems there.

 

[Amxcvbcv]

-Note: I tried to post this last night before I went to bed, but the forum was down for a routine backup-

No, ER has always been a drama and predates this absurd phenomenon of "reality" TV.

If you like it now, I urge you to check out the early seasons available on DVD. It was critically acclaimed for good reason back then.

And with that folks, my day is done. I had to stay up and watch The Daily Show cause I'm just that desperate. 😉

 

[speedo542]

You're up too, Amxcvbcv (and your right, it is weird not just using your name)? I tried my hardest to sleep in today, but waking up at 3 or 4 for the past week to study before exams has ruined me. Up at 7. 🙁

 

[speedo542]

6 days??? i am gonna be a wreck for that week after my interview (not that i have one yet)....i went to mizzou for undergrad but grew up in Tulsa...i hope to return to oklahoma after my 5 year hiatus....when did you current students start hearing about interviews???

I found out about my interview when I got back home from Thanksgiving that Sunday (sooo, the end of November). I probably would have known sooner that week, but I think my husband and I went out of town that Wednesday. Also, I didn't interview until the first slot in January--which wasn't too bad cause the first interviews for us were in December...I think it might be November for you guys...but not sure. However, if they are really emailing you about interviews, you will probably get it sooner. But still, it must suck for those who interview in Febuary, cause they might not get theirs until later (but again, not sure cause I haven't talked to anyone who interviewed in Febuary).

The six days go fast, but think of poor me. My interview lasted 15 MINUTES!!!!! I was a reck the whole week. The big red envelope made me cry. 😍

Good luck everybody!! Like Amx, I am also an ambassador for the COM and will be around during interviews to help get you guys around, answer questions, and give tours.

 

[DMBFan61]

i think everyone in 232 is incapable of sleeping in now....

 

[MechE]

On an unrelated note, when and why did ER start to suck? I used to love this show and it used to be worth an hour every Thursday, but lately (the last two/three years, I guess) it has really gone downhill. I can't just give it up cause I've been watching since I was 14 years old (wow)! Heck I used to think I'd be the next Dr. Carter. I'd even go so far as to say that it played a role in me wanting to be a doctor. Blah... it's all become so heavy handed and melodramatic. It hurts... it really does. If I were a drinking person I'd be very drunk right now to drown the pain. And they just fired Haleh! What is this crap?! Ugh... Someone help. I'm stuck in denial and can't move on.

That’s what happens to shows when they’ve been on for a long time. Look at the Simpsons, when that show was first on it was one of the best shows at the time. I still watch the DVDs of the early seasons because they were great, but now....they’re not so great.

I rented the 1st season of ER (I 😍 Netflix) and it's definitely better than the current season of ER. Maybe that’s because I would rather have Dr. Greene as my chief resident than Dr. Morris.

 

[Amxcvbcv]

That’s what happens to shows when they’ve been on for a long time. Look at the Simpsons, when that show was first on it was one of the best shows at the time. I still watch the DVDs of the early seasons because they were great, but now....they’re not so great.

I rented the 1st season of ER (I 😍 Netflix) and it's definitely better than the current season of ER. Maybe that’s because I would rather have Dr. Greene as my chief resident than Dr. Morris.

I think I might do that (rent ER this weekend).


And as for waking up, I can totaly empathize. I woke up at about 6:15 this morning with no alarm. Ugh... And what's even more pathetic is that I think I'm going to go grab Weigel's syllabus from my mailbox on campus.

To keep this relevant to the whole thread, though... I got my interview invitation the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I believe. I can't remember what day exactly, but I interviewed in January.

 

[speedo542]

I got my interview invitation the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I believe. I can't remember what day exactly, but I interviewed in January.

I do!! You interviewed with me, group C, at 11:00 on January 13th (my Grandpa's birthday...he was my good luck charm).

 

[kaykay73]

whats weird is that you guys heard about your january interview in November...and now that they are doing November interviews, you would think that peope would have to start receiving them soon to allow travel preparation and stuff. weird. i love how i am obsessing over this when really it wont make it happen any faster. ahh the sdn obsession

 

[Doctor Bagel]

whohoo! just got an interview invitation for nov. 30!! hopefully all of you either got this, too, or will be hearing soon! 😀

and i just realized after accepting the offer that i have a stupid lab practical the night of nov. 29, which absolutely cannot be rescheduled. why, oh why, did i take the one bio class where they refuse to let you reschedule anything!

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

whohoo! just got an interview invitation for nov. 30!! hopefully all of you either got this, too, or will be hearing soon! 😀

Exlawgrrl!! I'll get to shake hands with you on the 30th!!! This just rocks.
Woo-hoo!!! I'll say this for the first time... (been an OSU Cowboy up until now...) GO SOONERS!!!

 

[glp]

Exlawgrrl!! I'll get to shake hands with you on the 30th!!! This just rocks.
Woo-hoo!!! I'll say this for the first time... (been an OSU Cowboy up until now...) GO SOONERS!!!

i'll see you there!

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Exlawgrrl!! I'll get to shake hands with you on the 30th!!! This just rocks.
Woo-hoo!!! I'll say this for the first time... (been an OSU Cowboy up until now...) GO SOONERS!!!

no, i'm never going to support the sooners! i'm grew up in stillwater, so that's just blasphemy. well, it looks like i got rescheduled for dec. 1, so i won't meet you guys. 🙁

 

[kaykay73]

booo...no word here...did you guys get it via email? now i am just really gonna be checking my email like crazy...CONGRATS to everyone else!!!!!!

 

[freesolo]

nothing here =/, but my 2 of my freinds got ones. What a depressing process

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

booo...no word here...did you guys get it via email? now i am just really gonna be checking my email like crazy...CONGRATS to everyone else!!!!!!

Not to worry - did you notice they updated the web-site? There will be interviews in November, December, January, and February. Don't even know if they've finished sending out Round 1 invites yet...

OU Admissions really deserves a gold star. I had a couple of questions for them through this process, and they always replied to my e-mails in less than an hour - and they were very professional as well as friendly. I was also very impressed with the e-mail they sent as soon as my AMCAS was transmitted to them. First-class operation, I think!

 

[Amxcvbcv]

Congratulations! 🙂

Now it's time to relax and have a good Thanksgiving holiday. 😛

 

[IAMS]

My interview is scheduled 11/29, but I can't make it because of an orientation I have all that week. I called the admissions office, and they said they'd reschedule me Dec 6th. I thought that was nice, because the website says they don't reschedule. Anyone else interviewing that day? See you there!!!

 

[MoosePilot]

whohoo! just got an interview invitation for nov. 30!! hopefully all of you either got this, too, or will be hearing soon! 😀

and i just realized after accepting the offer that i have a stupid lab practical the night of nov. 29, which absolutely cannot be rescheduled. why, oh why, did i take the one bio class where they refuse to let you reschedule anything!

How did you receive it?

 

[Doctor Bagel]

How did you receive it?

email -- ou's decided to be modern this year, unlike some schools.

 

[Antigunner]

...who make "theirs" with Splenda

Mmmmm... Splenda.... wait, what the heck am I saying??!?

Congrats to everybody who's gotten interviews so far. I'm not one of the official "ambassador" people, but I might be around for at least some of the interview days. Hope to meet some of you there!

 

[Mr. Freeze]

Now I know my OCD manifesting itself as email checking may be fruitful. I can only wonder how long it'll be before I get something more meaningful than fantasy football updates and away.com newsletters... 😕

Congrats to those that have heard from OU and GL to the rest...

 

[vir0n]

email -- ou's decided to be modern this year, unlike some schools.

As an OOS (grew up in Oklahoma, went to high school, etc.), I hope to hear from them myself. Any recommendations as to who I could contact in the admissions office?

 

[MechE]

As an OOS (grew up in Oklahoma, went to high school, etc.), I hope to hear from them myself. Any recommendations as to who I could contact in the admissions office?

Lisa Jaques: [email protected]
-or-
Dotty Shaw Killam: [email protected]

 

[Napoleon1801]

Out of curiosity, have all you 2010'ers picked classes for spring sem yet? I'd urge everyone to consider science classes that go beyond the pre-reqs for OU, since some of them have definitely made life easier in first year for people in our class. 👍

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

Out of curiosity, have all you 2010'ers picked classes for spring sem yet? I'd urge everyone to consider science classes that go beyond the pre-reqs for OU, since some of them have definitely made life easier in first year for people in our class. 👍

Do you have any suggestions? Beyond intro bio, I've taken Micro and I'm taking Human Anatomy and Cellular Biology this term. Plan for next term is to take Human Physiology and Biochemistry. I thought taking biochem prior to med school was critical. I've thought about dropping Physiology in favor of taking Genetics - but Genetics and Biochem together would be a really tough load when I'm working full-time and getting ready to go to school. I know the load is going to be far tougher in MS-1, but, unfortunately, I've gotta keep working and making those mortgage payments right up until school starts! Thanks for the tip, and looking forward to the advice!

 

[Amxcvbcv]

If you've already met your prerequisites, I wouldn't encourage taking advanced classes unless you need them to complete your degree program. Now, having said that, I took histology and cellular pathology when I didn't need to. Did it help? Not yet, not really. We have histology next semester and pathology next year (Intro to Human Illness). I think the important thing for me was just to stay academically involved.

Do it if you're genuinely interested in the subject. Don't do it just to get a leg up on medical school. The pace and scope of medical schools classes are very different from undergraduate classes and while you will get some benefit out of it you'll appreciate having taken the time off when you're 1 week into MS-1 and wondering where all your free time went.

How's that for a non-answer? 😉

 

[Mr. Freeze]

This kinda falls in line with something that has been on my mind:

Is your acceptance contingent on completion of your UG degree program? Because I have been thinking sort of the same thing, i.e. taking a few classes that are outside my UG plan, but probably applicable (some schools require bioc, for example) My particular situation will only apply if I get into an interview group early enough and find out either way prior to the beginning of spring. I'm enrolled already for the remainder of my BS, but if I get in and don't technically have to finish, bioc and cell bio will serve me better than invert zoo and evolution...

 

[freesolo]

i dont even think histology is offered, but im chilling spring semester 9 hours, and only really immunology that might be remotely hard.

 

[Amxcvbcv]

This kinda falls in line with something that has been on my mind:

Is your acceptance contingent on completion of your UG degree program? Because I have been thinking sort of the same thing, i.e. taking a few classes that are outside my UG plan, but probably applicable (some schools require bioc, for example) My particular situation will only apply if I get into an interview group early enough and find out either way prior to the beginning of spring. I'm enrolled already for the remainder of my BS, but if I get in and don't technically have to finish, bioc and cell bio will serve me better than invert zoo and evolution...

The quick answer is no, as far as I know. The prerequisites are all they require you to have prior to matriculation. However, I seem to recall some people getting acceptances that are contigent on completing and passing courses in the spring/summer. I don't know if those are extra classes or just the prerequisites OU has outlined. We're just talking OU here, though. I know there are some medical schools that do require a bachelor's degree prior to matriculation.

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

How's that for a non-answer? 😉

It's a great answer - tells me a lot. Seriously, it's really generous of you to take time to participate in this thread. If OU offers me a position, I am sooo there. Getting an early interview offer is a hopeful sign, no?

I don't need any additional classes for UG - actually, my bachelor's and master's were done a long (long) time ago. But - since my degrees are in business, I knew that Human Anatomy wouldn't help me much at all with Gross Anatomy, but I took it anyway - hoping that it would allow me to avoid looking like a complete fool once I make it to med school. I at least wanted to make sure that I knew all the names of the bones!!!

I do think biochemistry will be helpful so I'll stick with that plan - but not kill myself next semester. I am enjoying the learning just for learning's sake - I sat in Cellular Biology a few nights ago and thought, "if it wasn't 8pm and if I weren't dead tired, this would be one of the most interesting things I've ever learned."

A friend of mine who is a doc has already labeled me a "gunner" - but I just want to be prepared when I get there. His advice for next summer is - no school at all, and take as much vacation from work as possible. Sounds like you'd second that advice.

 

[freesolo]

so how long are the 1st round interviews? Is it this group of people now? Do the 2nd rounders start in Jan?

 

[speedo542]

so how long are the 1st round interviews? Is it this group of people now? Do the 2nd rounders start in Jan?

The interviews are scheduled to be 45 minutes long. Some might be shorter, some may go a little longer (but not much, cause the next group for the day will be starting). There should be a few days of interviews in Nov, Dec, Jan, and Feb. However, an early interview is not in any way a sure thing in getting into medical school!!!! Be prepared (ie: look at SDN interview feedback)!!!!

During the interview day, there will probably be three groups, A, B, and C. A will have interviews at (hypothetically) 9:00, B at 10:00, and C at 11:00. These are random assignments, and they do not mean that group A of the first day of interviews are the top students. Just splits you guys up so we can take you around the day's events easier.

As for UG classes, I busted my ass. I really believe that it has helped me now in medical school, as I am very happy with my performance thus far. In the very least, it prepared me well. However, med school is a hundred times more everything than undergrad, but at least I had some exposure to a minimal amount, and that my mind knew how to look at the material. In actuality, in med school, we covered everything I learned in an entire semester in undergrad in a 2 hour lecture. That said, here is an idea of some things I took in undergrad (I will add that my last year was slow cause I had a lot of general eds to take cause I put them off):

physiology
human anatomy (we only had a cat to dissect)
biochem
cellular biology
genetics
pathogenic microbiology
microbiology
pathophysiology
immunology
epidemiology

and all the other science prereqs required by OU

I hope this helps someone, or at least gives you something to think about. Remember, if you take science courses your last semester in college, your mind will still be in that format somewhat when med school starts!!! (but it does come back FAST if you don't...mine sure as hell did)

 

[speedo542]

I forgot to mention that I agree that you should do NOTHING during the summer if you get accepted. Unless, of course, it is some really cool medically related opportunity, or if you have to work to support your family/lifestyle...so is life!!!

 

[Napoleon1801]

Do you have any suggestions? Beyond intro bio, I've taken Micro and I'm taking Human Anatomy and Cellular Biology this term. Plan for next term is to take Human Physiology and Biochemistry. I thought taking biochem prior to med school was critical. I've thought about dropping Physiology in favor of taking Genetics - but Genetics and Biochem together would be a really tough load when I'm working full-time and getting ready to go to school. I know the load is going to be far tougher in MS-1, but, unfortunately, I've gotta keep working and making those mortgage payments right up until school starts! Thanks for the tip, and looking forward to the advice!

The thing you have to keep in mind when you're taking an undergrad class is that you can never really get to the grad level, but you do get an introduction and it does help in integrating material when you see it again later on (At least in my case).

We really don't have that much to do with genetics in med and I'd tend to say that Physiology would definitely be of more benefit. Biochem at OU-Norman wasn't the most informative experience in the world (since I saw the same stuff in other bio classes), but I think its a nice overview for building a foundation in the subject. I'm hearing that neuroscience and physiology in the MS1 spring semester are going to be pretty tough, so I'd recommend finding classes that correlate to that. I never took neuro or phys at Norman and I do regret it to some degree now. Histology was a really good course at Norman and it tied alot of concepts together for me. Immunology was interesting too at Norman, I think the guys who teach it there also do it for OUHSC (Hyde and Fuller I think???) although I don't think it really matters until MS2 year. Also, one of the best things you can do is find a cadaver lab. I know alot of people will downplay this, but I think it helped greatly considering I used the same atlases we're using now and I've heard other folks who've had lab before have had an easier time of it too. Just knowing where stuff generally is in the body lets you go faster in lab, and the quicker you get out, the more time you have for studying. 👍

I know you can't take cadaver lab at Norman if you're a pre-med, but I do know you can get it at UCO, OKCCC, and OSU.

Bottom line is don't do anything over your comfort level. I wouldn't try to stack up and overload by any means, but you ought to plan stuff out. I know alot of other people would say not to do anything over the summer, but I don't necessarily see anything wrong with keeping active and possibly doing things that would apply to your future career. I didn't blow mine off and I don't feel any regrets, b/c I know I still had fun and didn't stress myself out. Do what feels right, but also keep an eye out for possible opportunities. 😀

 

[Amxcvbcv]

The histology class that Dr. Mroczka and Dean Bell teach at Norman is a really good prep for medical school histology. We're even going to be using the same book in the spring. I met a lot of my current classmates and some current MS2s in that class.

Just keep your goals and values in mind. You're going to learn what you need to know one way or another. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion. I'm definitely not an all-out Type A person; I'm not a complete slacker either (I wouldn't be here if I was). If you've got the opportunity, time, desire, and money to do some extra pre-med classes, do it. I think we've made it clear that it can be beneficial. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking you have to do it to be successful in medical school. The prerequisites are the prerequisites for a reason.

Now, what am I doing up at 6:30 when I don't have class until 10:00?

 

[kaykay73]

well i am on OK resident and depressed that I haven't been offered an interview. I guess they raised the bar on the whole "formula" cut off because if it was supposed to be an 11...i woulda been invited. Do they wait like another month before sending out their second round of interviews? Ahhh...I had the highest hopes for getting into OU and now i am getting worried. Someone tell me that I am crazy. I keep thinking well maybe they dont have my email right or something...is there any way to call and ask without sounding desperate or obnoxioius???

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

Lots of people on this thread know much more about the process than I do, Kaykay, but I wouldn't be worried at all - it seems way too early to worry. Interviews run all the way through February and I'm sure that they've just begun the process of sending interview invitation batches. I was happy to get an invite, but of course that really means nothing if I can't present myself well as a prospective student. If you're still concerned later on, I found that if I sent an e-mail with a question that I usually got a helpful answer back within an hour. I suspect an e-mail may be more convenient for them than a phone call. Good luck to you!!

 

[Amxcvbcv]

I have no clue when they send out interview invitations for the later interviews, but here are the interview dates for this year.

November 29th, 30th, and December 1st
December 6th and 7th
January 24th, 26th, 27th, and 31st
Feburary 2nd

 

[speedo542]

well i am on OK resident and depressed that I haven't been offered an interview. I guess they raised the bar on the whole "formula" cut off because if it was supposed to be an 11...i woulda been invited. Do they wait like another month before sending out their second round of interviews?

RELAX (but I know it is hard...). I am sure they haven't sent out all the interviews. They probably only sent the first round out now. There will probably be more sent out around Thanksgiving, and more even later.

That said, if your (not necessarily you, kaykay, just in general) MCAT wasn't an 8, you probably won't get an interview (you might squeeze by with a 7 if REALLY high GPA...but still doubtful). However, don't give up!!! If you really want to go to OU, work really hard the next year and get your scores up.

 

[mshheaddoc]

I know you can't take cadaver lab at Norman if you're a pre-med, but I do know you can get it at UCO, OKCCC, and OSU.

You can take it at OSU? how?


Any OSU's out there with any classes (or professors) they would recommend?

Anyone had Berlin for ochem? How different from Ford is this professor? Just curious. Feel free to PM me as not to take over the thread. Thanks in advance!

 

[speedo542]

Oh, and Kaykay, i sent you a pm

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I know you can't take cadaver lab at Norman if you're a pre-med, but I do know you can get it at UCO, OKCCC, and OSU.

man, i've decided undergraduate cadaver labs are a fraud, at least at my school. i'm taking a&p right now and thought it was so cool that we'd use a cadaver. well, it turns out we have two cadavers for like 500 people (25 people in a lab -- as many as possible in open labs). so, i have pretty much zero access to the cadavers and yet we're quizzed on them. i'm very bitter. i am so not taking a&p next quarter.

 

[kaykay73]

thanks guys for the support. i am hoping that they havent sent out all the interview invites considering i havent seen people on here interviewing past the first spots in Dec....so i am hoping for a jan invite.