REJECTED by USUHS

[AnneBoleyn]

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Hi all I just got rejected from USUHS after interviewing on 12/6/07. I'm depressed. My MCAT probably led to my demise. Mom w/ two kids. Are there any of you non-traditional students that have kids?? How did you study for the MCATS?? My hubby is stationed out in Maryland, I'm stuck in Chicago working. I should move out there! I graduated in 2002. Do you think auditing those science 101 courses at some university and then spending another 6 months doing straight MCAT prep should help? I've been working in research since 2003. Need some help w/ second pursuit, I've already emailed USUHS admissions for pin pointing my weakness. Waiting for reply.

 

[IgD]

Sorry to hear about the bad news. Did you apply to any other schools? What was your MCAT score?

 

[Sputnik34]

I am also sorry about the bad news. It seems like there as been a lot of that going around lately....

Quick and dirty about me: I was rejected in 1999-2000. I was at the Naval Academy and didn't even get an interview at USUHS. Then, in the summer of 2006, I decided to give it one more shot. I took a refresher BIO 101 course at a local community college in the fall of 2006. I'd study an hour or two 3-4 days a night for that biology course. But what made a difference for me was studying MCAT specific material I got from Kaplan. I'd study that stuff for an hour or two M-F and several hours Sat&Sun.

I am active duty military, but I had a pretty easy job that I never took home with me. I am also married and my son was born in October 2006, which made studying harder of course, but to be honest, my wife carried much of the load earlier on - she does not work. Then, in the spring of 2007, I took a Kaplan class. It met two nights a week for 3 hours. I spent a lot of time when not at work / class studying on my own. I probably was putting in 15-20 hours a week studying and taking practice tests (I probably took about 15 full length practice MCATs). I took the MCAT again in May 2007 and my score was 11 points higher than when I took it in 1999.

I dedicated myself to the MCAT. That was all I really did outside of work, family, exercise, etc. Back in 1999, after 3 years of academics at USNA, I took the MCAT without even knowing what was on the test. Seven years later, with the dust firmly encrusted on my academics, I learned how to take the MCAT. I don't know what good that will do me in medical school. It really was like learning how to play a game - studying for the MCAT became fun . . . wow, I'm a nerd.

Anyway, my heart goes out to you. And even though your situation sounds tougher than mine, I guess I am just trying to give you an example of a guy on active duty with a wife and a son that found a way to make it work.

It goes without saying that I wish you the best luck in the world - especially, if you try again!!!

 

[HumptyDumptyMil]

Hi all I just got rejected from USUHS after interviewing on 12/6/07. I'm depressed. My MCAT probably led to my demise. Mom w/ two kids. Are there any of you non-traditional students that have kids?? How did you study for the MCATS?? My hubby is stationed out in Maryland, I'm stuck in Chicago working. I should move out there! I graduated in 2002. Do you think auditing those science 101 courses at some university and then spending another 6 months doing straight MCAT prep should help? I've been working in research since 2003. Need some help w/ second pursuit, I've already emailed USUHS admissions for pin pointing my weakness. Waiting for reply.

If you felt your MCAT was your weak point, conisder DO schools, if you have not. We love non-traditional students (close to half of my classmates have kids, and/or have been out of school for quite some time) and it is not as competitive as traditional MD schools. We all end up in the same place in the long run, so if you are not obsessed with the MD title or do not mind doing some extra manipulative medicine during your training, I will definitely recommend it. Good luck with everything!, Oh and I have heard the military is DO friendly too

 

[betelnut]

Sorry to hear about your rejection. I hope this encourages you. I'm 35, married with 3 kids and in my second year at a state university M.D. school. I actually took the MCAT 5 times and applied 3 separate times. I used Kaplan, Berkely Review and Exam Krackers. Exam Krackers was by far the best resource. For my last MCAT (scored a 30), I used their material solely. Their "Audio Osmosis" review CDs are great. I listened to them during my morning and evening commutes. I found their textbooks far superior to Kaplan's. I took all their full length exams and also the official AMCAS full length practice exams. Back when I took the MCAT, it was still pencil and paper. I imagine that there are plenty of practice full length computer exams out there. I highly recommend taking as many of those as possible. Best of luck to you.

 

[FutureNavyFP]

I am also a non-traditional student. Mid thirties with a handful of kids. I used Kaplan and thought it was a good investment.

Hey don't worry about the rejection from USUHS. I was rejected by them as well a few years ago and I am actually very greatful, now, that I was not accepted. I am currently in a great DO school in the midwest. I am able to afford a house in a nice neighborhood that is only 15 minutes from campus. My kids are in great schools and I don't have to pay the extra 3 years back. Life is good. 😀

 

[UMangel224]

Hi all I just got rejected from USUHS after interviewing on 12/6/07. I'm depressed. My MCAT probably led to my demise. Mom w/ two kids. Are there any of you non-traditional students that have kids?? How did you study for the MCATS?? My hubby is stationed out in Maryland, I'm stuck in Chicago working. I should move out there! I graduated in 2002. Do you think auditing those science 101 courses at some university and then spending another 6 months doing straight MCAT prep should help? I've been working in research since 2003. Need some help w/ second pursuit, I've already emailed USUHS admissions for pin pointing my weakness. Waiting for reply.

I'm so sorry to hear about the news. How did you find out that you were rejected? Through regular mail? email? or a phone call? I also interviewed that same day and have not heard back yet.

 

[177584]

Hi all I just got rejected from USUHS after interviewing on 12/6/07. I'm depressed. My MCAT probably led to my demise. Mom w/ two kids. Are there any of you non-traditional students that have kids?? How did you study for the MCATS?? My hubby is stationed out in Maryland, I'm stuck in Chicago working. I should move out there! I graduated in 2002. Do you think auditing those science 101 courses at some university and then spending another 6 months doing straight MCAT prep should help? I've been working in research since 2003. Need some help w/ second pursuit, I've already emailed USUHS admissions for pin pointing my weakness. Waiting for reply.

I'd like to echo the condolences of the others in the forum. Capt. Macri is the head of recruitment and diversity at the school, you may want to try e-mailing or calling her office as well to get info about becoming a more competative applicant. You can find her info here http://www.usuhs.mil/ord/ordstaff.html. She does recruiting stuff for the school. Another strategy you may want to keep in mind is to rank you service selections equally, that way you get offered a slot in whatever service has an opening. I think the Air Force and Navy generally fill first but of course it changes each year. PHS may be one of the harder to place into since there are so few spots available. I interviewed in 06 on NOV 17th and was waitlisted for an AF slot.

 

[KNEEMO]

Hi Friends!

I interviewed 11/13. After completing multiple "quests" (i.e. completing 5 remedials =P) I received my rejection letter on 02/05. However, my question is do they always send out rejection letters considering dejected applicants to their USUHS Post-Baccalaureate Program? It states that "During April, your file will be reviewed with many others to determine your suitability for the program."

Is it naive of me to think that this is my silver lining to the dark cloud of rejection? Can anyone tell me more about this offer? After completing the 11 month curriculum which is a "condensed version of the first year medical school curriculum" is that a guaranteed acceptance to medical school the following year? The letter goes on to say that "there is no tuition required, and participants are furnished with a stipend to cover academic expenses and the cost of living."

Thank you for your help in advance!

 

[DrMetal]

Hi Friends!

I interviewed 11/13. After completing multiple "quests" (i.e. completing 5 remedials =P) I received my rejection letter on 02/05. However, my question is do they always send out rejection letters considering dejected applicants to their USUHS Post-Baccalaureate Program? It states that "During April, your file will be reviewed with many others to determine your suitability for the program."

Is it naive of me to think that this is my silver lining to the dark cloud of rejection? Can anyone tell me more about this offer? After completing the 11 month curriculum which is a "condensed version of the first year medical school curriculum" is that a guaranteed acceptance to medical school the following year? The letter goes on to say that "there is no tuition required, and participants are furnished with a stipend to cover academic expenses and the cost of living."

Thank you for your help in advance!

Not sure if your app gets automatically forwarded to the post-bac program. Would probably be best to call the admissions office and ask. You may have to do some more paperwork.

 

[mslall]

I would take betelnut's (sp) advice and pay the money to take an MCAT prep-class. You're going to have to pay to audit courses anyway, so you might as well get some 'training' in how to take the test. You'll also get like 20+ full-length, computer-based tests (taking these was, in my opinion, the BEST way to prep.....probably would be pretty tough in your situation). Whether you would choose Kaplan or Princeton Review or any other service you should do it. I think it will be much more valuable than spending several hours, 3days a week auditing classes.

Also, judging by your interview date, it looks like you were a bit late in submitting your applications. Timing is key. Again I realize that you've got lots of time constraints at home, but most schools (ESPECIALLY USUHS) admit students on a rolling basis. You got rejected after interviewing in December.....who knows what would have happened if you interviewed in September. That goes for applying to any medical school, whether MD or DO.

So DEFINITELY stick with it. Talk with admissions and find out how you could improve your application. Take an MCAT prep class since you perceive that as a weak-point. Start preparing for the next application cycle so you can submit your AMCAS and/or AACOM applications on the first possible day.

Again, please stick with it, and good luck

 

[TheGoose]

echoed from original question:

I had heard grumblings about this program as well and called the admissions office this morning. The program is by invitation only so there is no published material about it floating around.

The program is only offered to students who have been rejected by the admissions committee and for those that they believe would be a good match for the program. According to the admissions office, there is a guaranteed spot in the class "upon successful completion of the program".

Unfortunately, the program is not offered to applicants placed on the alternate list (such as myself) because we were deemed "successful applicants". I think this is kind of silly because it just relegates those of us on the alternate list to apply again through the normal channels and hope to get in next cycle. For someone like myself who is planning to go to an SMP program for a year (assuming i dont get picked up off the alt list), I would much rather spend the year that i have to take off anyways studying at USUHS and guaranteeing myself a position in the next class. This policy [re: alternate list applicants] doesnt make much sense to me. (Although their argument is that an alternate is still a viable candidate for matriculation so they wont offer a postbacc spot to anyone with a chance of not taking the postbacc program)

 

[sojourner75]

Sorry to hear about your rejection. I hope this encourages you. I'm 35, married with 3 kids and in my second year at a state university M.D. school. I actually took the MCAT 5 times and applied 3 separate times. I used Kaplan, Berkely Review and Exam Krackers. Exam Krackers was by far the best resource. For my last MCAT (scored a 30), I used their material solely. Their "Audio Osmosis" review CDs are great. I listened to them during my morning and evening commutes. I found their textbooks far superior to Kaplan's. I took all their full length exams and also the official AMCAS full length practice exams. Back when I took the MCAT, it was still pencil and paper. I imagine that there are plenty of practice full length computer exams out there. I highly recommend taking as many of those as possible. Best of luck to you.

I used Exam Krackers exclusively, did well on my first and only MCAT, and got accepted to USU on first try. EK is extremely good provided that
1. you subscribe to their philosophy completely (study exactly the test topics, reference other text only on weak areas, focus on techniques that increase score, etc)
2. repetition and discipline in your study. I read the EK material 3 times, a few hours on weekdays and a few more hours on weekends over a 10 month period. Worked many practice problems to reinforce the lessons.
3. take as many practice exams as possible under test conditions (i.e. focused, uninterrupted effort). My MCAT scores are comparable to all the practice 30-min EK mini-exams in each chapter. I did not use the EK osmosis CD or 1000 problem sets. But I imagine they are additional ways to reinforce the reading material.

Not sure about auditing courses, but acing all pre-requisites may help bring up the GPA. I have seen some people rank the focus of effort like this:
1. MCAT
2. GPA
3. letter of rec (extracurricular activities)
4. clinical experience

 

[haujun]

Hi Friends!

I interviewed 11/13. After completing multiple "quests" (i.e. completing 5 remedials =P) I received my rejection letter on 02/05. However, my question is do they always send out rejection letters considering dejected applicants to their USUHS Post-Baccalaureate Program? It states that "During April, your file will be reviewed with many others to determine your suitability for the program."

Is it naive of me to think that this is my silver lining to the dark cloud of rejection? Can anyone tell me more about this offer? After completing the 11 month curriculum which is a "condensed version of the first year medical school curriculum" is that a guaranteed acceptance to medical school the following year? The letter goes on to say that "there is no tuition required, and participants are furnished with a stipend to cover academic expenses and the cost of living."

Thank you for your help in advance!

This may be outdated but here goes...
At end of May USUSHS send out these special offers to those applicant who have not been accepted to other medical schools AND who may benefit from attending USUHS. This special program requires you to take most of the classes taken by the first year medical student (except few classes which will lighten your schedule) and you need to obtain at least B average to be eligible to become first year medical student. You will be paid E-5 salary and those classes that you get an A you do not need to take the class again during your first year and can become teacher's asssitant. I think they select about three students into this program. Good luck.

BTW I got into USUHS (8 year ago), but went to HPSP instead. Good luck.

 

[haujun]

echoed from original question:

I had heard grumblings about this program as well and called the admissions office this morning. The program is by invitation only so there is no published material about it floating around.

The program is only offered to students who have been rejected by the admissions committee and for those that they believe would be a good match for the program. According to the admissions office, there is a guaranteed spot in the class "upon successful completion of the program".

Unfortunately, the program is not offered to applicants placed on the alternate list (such as myself) because we were deemed "successful applicants". I think this is kind of silly because it just relegates those of us on the alternate list to apply again through the normal channels and hope to get in next cycle. For someone like myself who is planning to go to an SMP program for a year (assuming i dont get picked up off the alt list), I would much rather spend the year that i have to take off anyways studying at USUHS and guaranteeing myself a position in the next class. This policy [re: alternate list applicants] doesnt make much sense to me. (Although their argument is that an alternate is still a viable candidate for matriculation so they wont offer a postbacc spot to anyone with a chance of not taking the postbacc program)

My best friend was offered a postbacc spot, but he turned it down because he got into other medical school.

 

[rotatores]

This may be outdated but here goes...
At end of May USUSHS send out these special offers to those applicant who have not been accepted to other medical schools AND who may benefit from attending USUHS. This special program requires you to take most of the classes taken by the first year medical student (except few classes which will lighten your schedule) and you need to obtain at least B average to be eligible to become first year medical student. You will be paid E-5 salary and those classes that you get an A you do not need to take the class again during your first year and can become teacher's asssitant. I think they select about three students into this program. Good luck.

BTW I got into USUHS (8 year ago), but went to HPSP instead. Good luck.

Who cares! But overall good advice!

 

[AF_PedsBoy]

Deep meaningful musing deleted since on further review I note that she posted the one post a year ago and since then, nada. Oh well, since there's no delete button...

 

[KNEEMO]

This may be outdated but here goes...
At end of May USUSHS send out these special offers to those applicant who have not been accepted to other medical schools AND who may benefit from attending USUHS. This special program requires you to take most of the classes taken by the first year medical student (except few classes which will lighten your schedule) and you need to obtain at least B average to be eligible to become first year medical student. You will be paid E-5 salary and those classes that you get an A you do not need to take the class again during your first year and can become teacher's asssitant. I think they select about three students into this program. Good luck.

BTW I got into USUHS (8 year ago), but went to HPSP instead. Good luck.

I called in today and have found out that the only slight update is that they are now accepting 4 students. O boy...my chances are still extremely slim...