Pacific Northwest University (PNWU-COM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

[BB8730]

---

Members do not see this ad.

New year, new thread!

Helpful links:
PNWU-COM Page of the College Information Book (pdf)

PNWU-COM Website

 

[Melomare17]

how close ties do you need if you are not from the area?

 

[zerocrane]

I'm an OOS applicant. I love washington and have a passion for rural medicine. prefer DO to MD. 24 MCAT 3.4cgpa, 3.75sgpa. are my stats competitive and do i have any real shot of getting in?

 

[dermpathdoc]

try to get that MCAT up a little higher..the science GPA is fine...you might be invited for interview but higher MCAT is more competitive. we look at more..such as community involvmentand extracurricular medical...also things like international and community outreach

 

[Temperature101]

.......

 

[Skeeks]

how close ties do you need if you are not from the area?

I would also like to know this. OOS applicant here from Utah

 

[Art Vandele]

I will be starting this fall. I had a 3.4 cGPA and I think 3.2 sGPA with a 24 MCAT: 1st time around, 7V, 9P, 8B. 2nd time 9V, 7P, 8B. Close to 100 shadowing hours, worked part-full time through undergrad, and had several EC's. Oh also OOS applicant, but from the pacific northwest region. I would however advise trying to get that MCAT up a little if you can, I feel that I was extremely lucky to get into this school with that. I agree with dermpathdoc above though that they look heavily on your EC's, which I think is what reallysets you apart from the other applicants.

 

[Urnathok]

I'm not applying just yet, but I'm about as OOS as you can get down here in Florida, so I'll be keeping an eye out for what helps out non-Washingtoni applicants.

Seems like a nice town, from what I've seen, too!

 

[thesauce]

I'm not applying just yet, but I'm about as OOS as you can get down here in Florida, so I'll be keeping an eye out for what helps out non-Washingtoni applicants.

Seems like a nice town, from what I've seen, too!

Yakima? LOL

 

[Anicetus]

.

 

[Tuor]

Secondary anyone?

 

[Skeeks]

none here, not even a confirmation email

 

[thebam21]

none here, not even a confirmation email

Same here, was looking at 2012-2013 thread and it looked like people started receiving them the 3rd or 4th week of July so I would expect they will start sending them out in the next couple of weeks.

 

[sylvanthus]

The Dean stepped down so they have a bit on their hands right now I imagine.

 

[mechanictodr]

The Dean stepped down so they have a bit on their hands right now I imagine.

Haha, so sudden too. Didn't see that one coming. I wonder how much weight there is in a dean's letter from someone you'll never meet.

 

[maybemed2013]

This essay questions bugs me.
Explain why the opportunity to study and participate
in clinical experiences in the Pacific Northwest appeals to you.

Do you think I could just write abt why I want to attend this med. school.

 

[mechanictodr]

I'm not applying just yet, but I'm about as OOS as you can get down here in Florida, so I'll be keeping an eye out for what helps out non-Washingtoni applicants.

Seems like a nice town, from what I've seen, too!

I think I see a new opportunity to get students to actually stay in Yakima... Recruit from the South.

Take one trip to the local Wal-Mart close to campus and you'll see all you ever needed to see about Yakima before you get out of your car. Sure there are nice places in Yakima and they have gates to keep the rest of Yakima out.

 

[mechanictodr]

This essay questions bugs me.
Explain why the opportunity to study and participate
in clinical experiences in the Pacific Northwest appeals to you.

Do you think I could just write abt why I want to attend this med. school.

I would talk about how amazing the PNW is and how its been a goal of yours to live/study/start a new life in the area. It's beautiful/diverse/new school with blossoming opportunities/rural towns with rotations, you know all that good mushy stuff.

Get used to this kind of question as this will be one of many during medical school. Think about how nice you can make it sound and write your answer so that when you read it even you forget the real truth because the one on paper just looks so wonderful. You have to learn to write what other people want to hear. Figure that out and you can write about anything, turn it in, and get great results. (For example: You don't really want to do the majority of your rotations in those rural towns because you'd miss out on a lot of cool rotations, but you should sound like you would like to do them in rural towns and explain how rural towns have impacted your life and your commitment to living and practicing in them in the future.)

 

[thesauce]

I think I see a new opportunity to get students to actually stay in Yakima... Recruit from the South.

Take one trip to the local Wal-Mart close to campus and you'll see all you ever needed to see about Yakima before you get out of your car. Sure there are nice places in Yakima and they have gates to keep the rest of Yakima out.

This is funny as hell

 

[Roberie]

Haha, so sudden too. Didn't see that one coming. I wonder how much weight there is in a dean's letter from someone you'll never meet.

I was wondering the same thing about the letter. I've heard contradictory statements as to how greatly those factor into residency selection, but I'll tell ya, I'm not feeling super excited for them to bring in a "ringer" to write my letter. Even though I had limited dealings with our dean, I always sort of felt like she was a kind of extended relative. she just has that maternal vibe.

 

[thesauce]

I was wondering the same thing about the letter. I've heard contradictory statements as to how greatly those factor into residency selection, but I'll tell ya, I'm not feeling super excited for them to bring in a "ringer" to write my letter. Even though I had limited dealings with our dean, I always sort of felt like she was a kind of extended relative. she just has that maternal vibe.

The dean's letter is generally of low importance in residency selection, mainly because the programs already get all of that information through the other materials (grades, board scores, etc).

 

[Roberie]

The dean's letter is generally of low importance in residency selection, mainly because the programs already get all of that information through the other materials (grades, board scores, etc).

thanks. I'm not fretting too much, but being neurotic I dislike new untested variables that I can't change.

 

[sylvanthus]

thanks. I'm not fretting too much, but being neurotic I dislike new untested variables that I can't change.

There are really only two important parts of the Dean's letter, your rank, and if you had any disciplinary actions during medical school. All the rest is fluff and is ignored. So, don't worry.

 

[Skeeks]

Just received secondary invite!

 

[tripl3s3v3n]

I just received a secondary as well. Here is the essay:
What inspired you to apply specifically to PNWU?

 

[Melomare17]

do they screen hard before sending out secondaries?

 

[Tuor]

do they screen hard before sending out secondaries?

Probably not. I interviewed here last cycle, and there were a bajillion people. I personally know one kid who had a low MCAT score (<25) who interviewed, was wait-listed, and then got accepted.

 

[Melomare17]

Probably not. I interviewed here last cycle, and there were a bajillion people. I personally know one kid who had a low MCAT score (<25) who interviewed, was wait-listed, and then got accepted.

i meant for those not from the region do they screen hard? they only sent 761 secondaries to people out of the 2500 people who applied last year

 

[sylvanthus]

Received the secondary. Should I bother filling it out?

3.68c/3.64s/25 MCAT, out of region (Illinois)

I feel like my stats are good but being from Illinois will kill me here.

Could always hold onto it, see what interviews you get, and then if you need to, fill it out. Fyi, for the applicants out there, the Dean just recently stepped down. So, that is 2 Presidents,a Dean, and they almost lost the building at one point due to finances, in what? 5 years? Keep that in mind when applying.

 

[Seagate13]

i meant for those not from the region do they screen hard? they only sent 761 secondaries to people out of the 2500 people who applied last year

Really? What's your source for these numbers, if you don't mind me asking? 🙂

 

[sylvanthus]

I still want to submit early to have a better chance at getting an interview. I was just wondering will being out of region keep me out?

While they have a preference for people from the region, they do take people from outside. My class had several people who had no ties to the area. Is it still a bloody expensive secondary? Even if it is, better to go overboard with applying and be sure, than to do the whole process again. So, I say go for it.

 

[sylvanthus]

Class Profiles
Class of 2016

Class of 75 newly admitted students
85% are from the Pacific Northwest region
3.41 is the average cumulative GPA
3.30 is the average science GPA
25.86 is the average of their highest MCAT score
26.16 is the average age
41 females and 34 males
Primary applications (AACOMAS): 2,536
Secondary applications: 761
Class of 2015 Class of 2015

Class of 75 newly admitted students
93% are from the Pacific Northwest region
3.44 is the average cumulative GPA
3.36 is the average science GPA
26.39 is the average of their highest MCAT score
25.61 is the average age
30 females and 45 males
Primary applications (AACOMAS): 2,388
Secondary applications: 607
Class of 2014Class of 2014

Class of 75 newly admitted students
87% are from the Pacific Northwest region
3.48 is the average cumulative GPA
3.41 is the average science GPA
25.93 is the average of their highest MCAT score
25.76 is the average age
39 females and 36 males
Primary applications (AACOMAS): 2,373
Secondary applications: 680
Class of 2013Class of 2013

Class of 75 newly admitted students
84% are from the Pacific Northwest region
3.44 is the average cumulative GPA
3.36 is the average science GPA
26.79 is the average of their highest MCAT score
25.7 is the average age
32 females and 43 males
Primary applications (AACOMAS): 2,300
Secondary applications: 566
Class of 2012Class of 2012

Residency Results:
Primary Care: Family, Internal, Pediatrics = 66.17%
Basic Care: Family, Internal, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Emergency, OBGYN, Psychiatry = 85.29%
75 students
77.33% are from the Pacific Northwest region
3.42 is the average cumulative GPA
3.30 is the average science GPA
25.45 is the average of their highest MCAT score
25.67 is the average age
37 females and 38 males
Primary applications (AACOMAS): 1,976
Secondary applications: 712

 

[Seagate13]

^Thanks, sylvanthus! 👍

 

[Melomare17]

Yup that's from their site--soo I'm guessing they do screen hard?

Sylvanthus--any idea?

 

[thesauce]

i meant for those not from the region do they screen hard? they only sent 761 secondaries to people out of the 2500 people who applied last year

I don't think that's right, Melomare. The 761 number is likely how many were completed and returned to them. With an essay requirement and heavy fee, most probably decide it isn't worth it.

I'm guessing, like most schools, they send one out to everyone.

 

[Melomare17]

I don't think that's right, Melomare. The 761 number is likely how many were completed and returned to them. With an essay requirement and heavy fee, most probably decide it isn't worth it.

I'm guessing, like most schools, they send one out to everyone.

I doubt that 70% of people who received a secondary did not send one in. That is too high a number for those who already sent in their aacomas there.

their higher fee is not that much higher, and might just be higher because they dont send secondaries to everyone. if they sent it to everyone, it most likely wouldn't need to be that high since they could easily take in more money if it was $30-$40 if everyone got one and sent it in.

2 years ago and prior they actually only sent secondaries to people in the PNW region before december, after dec 1st they sent secondaries to people not from the area, yet the number of secondaries you see on the site hasn't changed much. if non-PNW people got it after december, there would be LESS people turning it in then. but the past 2 years those from the area AND not from the area got it at same time, no need for a 6 month wait to get it. therefore your reasoning doesn't make sense.

 

[thesauce]

I doubt that 70% of people who received a secondary did not send one in. That is too high a number for those who already sent in their aacomas there.

Funny. That wouldn't surprise me at all. Adding a school on the primaries is a simple matter of checking a box and a very nominal fee. You've already done all of the work compiling your application. It takes more effort (and even more money) to complete the secondary. Especially if the essay involves tongue and cheek pandering for the out of staters having to profess their love for the Pacific Northwest.

Not to mention that you may have other opportunities that are materializing at that point in the application season and it may not be worth the additional cost and effort. When I applied, I was overzealous sending out primaries from amcas and when I became flooded with secondaries, I only filled out probably half of them.

their higher fee is not that much higher, and might just be higher because they dont send secondaries to everyone. if they sent it to everyone, it most likely wouldn't need to be that high since they could easily take in more money if it was $30-$40 if everyone got one and sent it in.

The vast majority of med schools send primaries to everyone and charge $100-$150 a pop. No one said they "need" the money - they want it. They aren't trying to hit a target and keep costs down for the applicants. They are simply trying to get as much as possible.

2 years ago and prior they actually only sent secondaries to people in the PNW region before december, after dec 1st they sent secondaries to people not from the area, yet the number of secondaries you see on the site hasn't changed much. if non-PNW people got it after december, there would be LESS people turning it in then. but the past 2 years those from the area AND not from the area got it at same time, no need for a 6 month wait to get it. therefore your reasoning doesn't make sense.

Actually this may support the argument. One thing the data doesn't tell us is how the fraction of out of state applicants changed in that period. It likely dropped as the school demonstrated its preference for in-staters (which we can see increased over those years). Thus, the number of out-of-state applicants probably dropped off, making their contribution to the numbers proportionally smaller. So while more of them may be filling the secondaries out now relative to then, they are a smaller group in general.

 

[thesauce]

Most importantly, consider the stats posted. The number of secondaries given out is a worthless number to include. The important number is how many were returned to them (i.e. how many they used to come up with their class with the posted stats).

 

[gpcstudent]

I am not sure whether to send my secondaries or not. After reading about the school, I am afraid that I don't any chance at PNWU.

MCAT 25, cGPA 3.65, sGPA 3.66, non-sGPA 2.7
Georgia resident

and I don't have tie to washington.
What you guys think? I do not waste hope and money on a school that I know is not going to accept me. Also, it is on the bottom of my list.

 

[Uh oh]

Honestly if its on the bottom of your list and you are concerned as an OOS applicant. I don't think you should- especially if money's tight. It appears that this school has a high regional bias. Something like >70% are from the Pacific Northwest region. But either way you'd never know unless you'd try. The admissions process is so random.

Best of luck!

 

[Uh oh]

For the secondary, when they say write a 1 page essay, is it single spaced or double?

The prompt didn't specify. I think it can be either.

 

[Uh oh]

Anyone get a confirmation after they submit? I just submitted and didn't get any kind of email.
Maybe cause its Sunday?

 

[thebam21]

Anyone get a confirmation after they submit? I just submitted and didn't get any kind of email.
Maybe cause its Sunday?

I didn't receive a confirmation that it was submitted and I submitted on Friday so I am thinking the no confirmation is a normal thing.

For the secondary, when they say write a 1 page essay, is it single spaced or double?

Mine was just under a page with 12 font and 1.25 spacing.

 

[Uh oh]

Anyone get an email from PNWU to set up a Self-Service Account.. lol it's kind of jumbled.

 

[Melomare17]

yea i got in--does anyone know how long it takes for them to process? when are they going to start calling for interviews??

 

[kderekb]

I didn't get a confirmation either, but a few hours later they emailed me my username and password...sort of a confusing process.

 

[Uh oh]

yea i got in--does anyone know how long it takes for them to process? when are they going to start calling for interviews??

No idea. Last year looked like 8/27 on sdn

 

[dermpathdoc]

The dean's letter is generally of low importance in residency selection, mainly because the programs already get all of that information through the other materials (grades, board scores, etc).

For the most part I agree with the sauce, however if there is anything in your record that can be flagged, such as unprofessionalism, honors, extra curricular activities, this is the place they will be...

 

[thesauce]

Right. There's always the potential for unprofessional comments. However, honors and extracurriculars are included in the residency application itself.

 

[thesauce]

I am not sure whether to send my secondaries or not. After reading about the school, I am afraid that I don't any chance at PNWU.

MCAT 25, cGPA 3.65, sGPA 3.66, non-sGPA 2.7
Georgia resident

and I don't have tie to washington.
What you guys think? I do not waste hope and money on a school that I know is not going to accept me. Also, it is on the bottom of my list.

I actually would recommend that you send it in. It's early in the season and with lower stats, it's wise to exhaust all options until you have an offer firmly on hand.