Rowan University (RowanSOM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

[Dr SunDai]

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Hey does anyone know if SOM accepts your best MCAT score or your last MCAT score. I'm debating whether I should retake it in January to do better than my current score, 28 (10PS 7VR 11BS). Thanks in advance!!

Best MCAT, but I would encourage you to talk to Ms. Watkins in admissions before retaking your MCAT. It may be unnecessary when in the context of your entire application.

 

[addieu345]

Best MCAT, but I would encourage you to talk to Ms. Watkins in admissions before retaking your MCAT. It may be unnecessary when in the context of your entire application.

Thank you, and I will contact her!

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Best MCAT, but I would encourage you to talk to Ms. Watkins in admissions before retaking your MCAT. It may be unnecessary when in the context of your entire application.

I just want to point out that THIS is the best option if you EVER have any question about what to do. Set up a phone appointment with Ms. Watkins, she provide some real insight. HIGHLY suggested

 

[pinktweedle]

can those who received the acceptance packet tell me what date is the last day for tuition deposit on your letter? My letter failed to say anything about it... I called in and they told me that they forgot to include that on my letter and deadline is supposed to be Dec 13th, could those who received the acceptance packet confirm that. I just want to make sure. Thankssss🙂

Just wondering, how long did it take for you to receive the acceptance letter/package in the mail? I was accepted last Friday and I haven't received a package yet. Plus, I don't really know how long it takes for mail from New Jersey to reach Florida.

 

[Luciadown]

Just wondering, how long did it take for you to receive the acceptance letter/package in the mail? I was accepted last Friday and I haven't received a package yet. Plus, I don't really know how long it takes for mail from New Jersey to reach Florida.

I am IS and it took me a week and half🙄

 

[lexiliza]

This school has been making every applicant go crazy and they know it! lol. Price you pay when you want the best school. However I feel like even when I called for my application update last month each person I spoke with contradicted the other person and they gave quite vague answers.

I wish they just did what every other school does and give students ONE date and stick with it. I still haven't interviewed yet, but I am reckoning this same "torture" is gonna happen to me. Hopefully they just like me enough and I get a quick acceptance! Good luck to the rest!

I feel ya. I interviewed early september and still haven't heard back. When I asked about my status, she couldn't tell me anything either, she had just mentioned that acceptance calls can come in anytime and that things are taking longer this year because of the 'holistic' approach they are using.

Don't know what to believe! I'm hoping I still get the acceptance!!

 

[Let It Be]

I am IS and it took me a week and half🙄

Same, but I'm OOS.

 

[lexiliza]

well just got a letter in the mail..on the wait list.

anyone have any advice?

 

[corinneselene]

does anyone know when the next committee meeting is? I have heard both the 18th and 25th as possible dates. Also, I just heard that the previous meeting got moved from Sept 20 to sept 27th. Since I interviewed on sept 26th, should I now be worried??

If anyone has any details, it'd be very much appreciated.. I'm on pins and needles over here!

Congrats to everyone that got in so far and good luck to the rest!!

I interviewed yesterday and the committee was meeting at that very moment- 10/18! Good luck to everyone who was reviewed yesterday!

 

[Blackxp]

I interviewed yesterday and the committee was meeting at that very moment- 10/18! Good luck to everyone who was reviewed yesterday!

Ooo! Very exciting news! I had thought Janethat it may have been the 25th this month based on a previous post. Good luck to you too! 😀

Edit: missed this!

well just got a letter in the mail..on the wait list.

anyone have any advice?

From speaking with admissions they seem to be very open to application updates. Some schools do not allow this so id take advantage and show them that you are still interested. I'd imagine that they are more likely to accept someone who is keeping them updated over someone completely silent. Of course do not overwhelm them because this could be negative too. I wouldn't do anything immediately, but perhaps as the cycle progresses you could update total volunteer hours, fall grades, etc.

Even looking up on this page you can see the medical students posting advice. Admissions will even counsel you to see if an MCAT retake is worth it! That's unheard of!

I would double check with some of the medical students here or wait a few weeks and give admissions a call asking if they will accept updates . There are some schools where being on the waitlist is very hands off. This doesn't feel the case at Rowan though. Good luck though and know that you made the waitlist! You should be proud and know that they didn't reject you for a reason.

 

[Dmr6186]

well just got a letter in the mail..on the wait list.

anyone have any advice?

Sorry to hear this. I was a waitlisted applicant too and still got in. So there is absolutely hope, as dismal as it seems right now.

Unless they changed the policy after the merger (call to double check if you want), the two items to update that can push you up the waitlist are GPA and MCAT, as that is how the waitlist gets ranked. The actual ranking didn't happen for the past cycle until about February/Marchish.

Good luck!

 

[lexiliza]

Ooo! Very exciting news! I had thought Janethat it may have been the 25th this month based on a previous post. Good luck to you too! 😀

Edit: missed this!


From speaking with admissions they seem to be very open to application updates. Some schools do not allow this so id take advantage and show them that you are still interested. I'd imagine that they are more likely to accept someone who is keeping them updated over someone completely silent. Of course do not overwhelm them because this could be negative too. I wouldn't do anything immediately, but perhaps as the cycle progresses you could update total volunteer hours, fall grades, etc.

Even looking up on this page you can see the medical students posting advice. Admissions will even counsel you to see if an MCAT retake is worth it! That's unheard of!

I would double check with some of the medical students here or wait a few weeks and give admissions a call asking if they will accept updates . There are some schools where being on the waitlist is very hands off. This doesn't feel the case at Rowan though. Good luck though and know that you made the waitlist! You should be proud and know that they didn't reject you for a reason.

I graduated already so I won't have any new grades. I updated them a few weeks ago since I got a new job and volunteer work. It doesn't seem like anything will change from now til August since I plan on keeping these new jobs. Not sure what I can update them with, which is my problem and what I am unsure about :/

also thank you for your encouragement! I am glad I wasn't rejected. Still have hope!

 

[KobeDO]

Sorry about the Waitlist. Like others have said, you still have a chance. You interviewed early so they def like you. Just wait it out and good luck!

I just interviewed. I think I did well, but this whole app process is nuts so anything can go.

Looks like they met on the 18th but no calls went out? I didn't see any posts mentioning recent acceptances...perhaps they fell short on time to make calls, who knows?

 

[Dr SunDai]

Sorry about the Waitlist. Like others have said, you still have a chance. You interviewed early so they def like you. Just wait it out and good luck!

I just interviewed. I think I did well, but this whole app process is nuts so anything can go.

Looks like they met on the 18th but no calls went out? I didn't see any posts mentioning recent acceptances...perhaps they fell short on time to make calls, who knows?

Calls went out. Be patient with the process. You'll end up where you're meant to be.

 

[KobeDO]

oh really! how do you know? regardless, that's good hopefully some people got more acceptances.

 

[xrealityx]

well just got a letter in the mail..on the wait list.

anyone have any advice?

Everyone will always tell you that the waitlist gets ranked by MCAT/GPA, but I honestly don't believe this is true. I know someone who got taken off of it with a lower than average GPA and a very low MCAT. I believe it was cause he kept showing interest in the school (he didn't harass them or anything, just kept in contact with Paula).

 

[DocToBe1998]

EDIT

 

[Blackxp]

Everyone will always tell you that the waitlist gets ranked by MCAT/GPA, but I honestly don't believe this is true. I know someone who got taken off of it with a lower than average GPA and a very low MCAT. I believe it was cause he kept showing interest in the school (he didn't harass them or anything, just kept in contact with Paula).

Yeah lexiliza, there is always hope and I think admissions can definitely see if you are genuine about it. Of course don't be neurotic and bothering them every week (or few days ::shivers:🙂, but perhaps an update every month or few months so they know that you are still very interested. You said that you have already graduated from your academic program, but based on reality's post I do not think it would be wrong to give them an update on what you are doing in life if it pertains to medicine. They seem to be very holistic about the process which is why they take into account everything on your application. So let them know if you are volunteering still or what you are doing at your job that makes you an awesome match for Rowan SOM. Dmr did say that GPA/MCAT might physically move you up and down the list, but I do not think its wrong to think that they might show preference to students that show interest.

I think I might be in the same boat now because I am in that in-between zone of the committee meeting and phone silence. But its all about staying positive. I am going to wait it out for a while (Get a confirmation on where I stand first - waitlist,etc) and then see if they will accept an end-of-semester update on my grades and my volunteering experiences.

EDIT: Everytime I post I feel like someone is also posting at the same time haha.

Went complete October 17th and just got an interview invite today, October 23rd.Man, they move fast! Scheduled to interview November 1st. Anyone have an idea of what percentage of interviewed applicants actually get accepted? I'm IS if it matters.

Not sure, but they do show in-state preference because of state funding. So your chance is probably better in-state vs out-of-state. But I am unsure of the exact numbers. Your got the interview though so you are definitely in a good place! Congratulations and Good Luck!

 

[hopefulmed3]

Is it too late to submit a secondary here? I'm out of state but nearby in PA.

 

[xrealityx]

Is it too late to submit a secondary here? I'm out of state but nearby in PA.

Not at all. Go for it.

 

[CaramelSandiego]

Hmm, so if I interviewed on 10/11, would my file have been in the batch for the committee that met on 10/18? I didn't get a call this past weekend, which is why I'm a little nervous.

 

[Dr SunDai]

Is it too late to submit a secondary here? I'm out of state but nearby in PA.

Not too late. Get everything in as soon as you can

 

[Dr SunDai]

Hmm, so if I interviewed on 10/11, would my file have been in the batch for the committee that met on 10/18? I didn't get a call this past weekend, which is why I'm a little nervous.

Not guaranteed that you were in that batch. Don't freak out. Breathe

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Everyone will always tell you that the waitlist gets ranked by MCAT/GPA, but I honestly don't believe this is true. I know someone who got taken off of it with a lower than average GPA and a very low MCAT. I believe it was cause he kept showing interest in the school (he didn't harass them or anything, just kept in contact with Paula).

Present! Hahaha, I can't confirm it but keep showing interest. It really never hurts.

Hmm, so if I interviewed on 10/11, would my file have been in the batch for the committee that met on 10/18? I didn't get a call this past weekend, which is why I'm a little nervous.

If you are really worried about it just give them a call. If not, i'm sure you will find out by the end of next week. Worrying is like a rocking chair, gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.....write that down (~Van Wilder)

 

[lexiliza]

Thanks! I sent them an email after I got the letter thanking them and confirming they have the right address...I sent that to April since I did not have Paula's contact info.

Does anyone have Paula's email address?

Also I hope the waiting list isn't ranked by mcat, I have a good GPA but my mcat score is what is killing me. It's below the average.

 

[ToKingdomCome]

Would a letter of intent/interest help in getting an ii? I'm pretty sure I've been indirectly placed on pre-ii hold

 

[Dr SunDai]

Thanks! I sent them an email after I got the letter thanking them and confirming they have the right address...I sent that to April since I did not have Paula's contact info.

Does anyone have Paula's email address?

Also I hope the waiting list isn't ranked by mcat, I have a good GPA but my mcat score is what is killing me. It's below the average.

[email protected]

 

[Elevencents]

Present! Hahaha, I can't confirm it but keep showing interest. It really never hurts.



If you are really worried about it just give them a call. If not, i'm sure you will find out by the end of next week. Worrying is like a rocking chair, gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.....write that down (~Van Wilder)

Love it, haha.

 

[kj8210]

Do they send out confirmation emails when your files complete?

 

[bionerd89]

Do they send out confirmation emails when your files complete?

Yes. It may take awhile for them to send it.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Would a letter of intent/interest help in getting an ii? I'm pretty sure I've been indirectly placed on pre-ii hold

I would recommend submitting one as it can't really hurt your chances

Thanks! I sent them an email after I got the letter thanking them and confirming they have the right address...I sent that to April since I did not have Paula's contact info.

Does anyone have Paula's email address?

Also I hope the waiting list isn't ranked by mcat, I have a good GPA but my mcat score is what is killing me. It's below the average.

 

[DrLeon]

I would recommend submitting one as it can't really hurt your chances



I hate to break it to you but the waitlist is a composite score based on multiple factors which includes your MCAT. I would look at the past forums because I think there is suggest list of things that SOM probably looks at. I know for sure GPA, MCAT and Interview score is mixed in there but I am not sure what else.

Rowan SOM has moved to a holistic review this year which means the entire process, from interviewing to waitlist movement, has been revamped. What has moved students from the list in the does not necessarily hold true this year. If you guys are on the list, I encourage you to contact admissions to see how much info they can share with you about waitlist movement

 

[heathercelina13]

can those who received the acceptance packet tell me what date is the last day for tuition deposit on your letter? My letter failed to say anything about it... I called in and they told me that they forgot to include that on my letter and deadline is supposed to be Dec 13th, could those who received the acceptance packet confirm that. I just want to make sure. Thankssss🙂

That's correct!

 

[Chillywilly]

Got the Alternate List letter yesterday. 🙁 I would feel a whole lot worse if this wasn't my #1 school. But it's still my Top 3. Is anyone writing a letter of intent/continued interest?

 

[kj8210]

Got the Alternate List letter yesterday. 🙁 I would feel a whole lot worse if this wasn't my #1 school. But it's still my Top 3. Is anyone writing a letter of intent/continued interest?

Was the letter pre-interview?

 

[Blackxp]

Got the Alternate List letter yesterday. 🙁 I would feel a whole lot worse if this wasn't my #1 school. But it's still my Top 3. Is anyone writing a letter of intent/continued interest?

In the same boat here too. Just opened the letter today. I think I am going to call to confirm my mailing address and to check in to see if they got all of the required document as was written in the letter. Also see what exactly they will take as an "update" as the cycle continues, then just finish out this semester strong.

I believe I have become... Waitlist Kitteh 😛

 

[Chillywilly]

post-interview

Was the letter pre-interview?

 

[docqb]

If any you guys have questions about anything SOM related or would like to shadow a student for day then PM me.

 

[UOENO]

Some thoughts after my interview.

I thought there would be a bigger group of students (only 4 of us) and a presentation of some sort at any point during the day (going over curriculum, fin aid, blah blah). Except what actually happened was you check in with April, immediately do your interview, eat lunch at the admissions office, go on a tour with current students, then head home. I understand that most of the information is on the website. I understand that everyone is busy. I just wished that they made more of an effort to really sell the school to those of us who traveled a long way. Especially since the school has gone through recent changes, shouldn't they be telling us even more of what's going on? Maybe it's just me but after interviewing at other schools (that made their interview days a big deal and had a defined agenda to really make us feel welcomed and informed of what they offered), Rowan's interview day was not particularly satisfying. The only faculty interaction that you get is with the person who interviews you.

With that said the campus is really nice and the school obviously knows what they are doing academically. The students were really nice and some of them even stopped to talk to us during our tour.

At the end of the day, first impression is something but not everything. Rowan is still very high on my list and I would love to attend if accepted.

 

[Hemorrage]

Some thoughts after my interview.

I thought there would be a bigger group of students (only 4 of us) and a presentation of some sort at any point during the day (going over curriculum, fin aid, blah blah). Except what actually happened was you check in with April, immediately do your interview, eat lunch at the admissions office, go on a tour with current students, then head home. I understand that most of the information is on the website. I understand that everyone is busy. I just wished that they made more of an effort to really sell the school to those of us who traveled a long way. Especially since the school has gone through recent changes, shouldn't they be telling us even more of what's going on? Maybe it's just me but after interviewing at other schools (that made their interview days a big deal and had a defined agenda to really make us feel welcomed and informed of what they offered), Rowan's interview day was not particularly satisfying. The only faculty interaction that you get is with the person who interviews you.

With that said the campus is really nice and the school obviously knows what they are doing academically. The students were really nice and some of them even stopped to talk to us during our tour.

At the end of the day, first impression is something but not everything. Rowan is still very high on my list and I would love to attend if accepted.

Great feedback.. thanks 🙂

 

[MPHOrtho13]

Congrats on all of the acceptances and thanks so much to those of you who posted interview feedback. Rowan seems like an incredible school. 🙂

From what I was told during the interview process, the school as a ranking system directly correlated to your MCAT score and gpas. If you get an early interview and meet a certain thresholds with these numbers (and don't completely bomb your interview) you should be fine: apply as early as possible! I also believe they interview New Jersey residents first.

I wish I would've read this before I applied. I'm an non-trad OS applicant with a low undergrad GPA but with a 4.0 at a top 10 graduate school. I'm retaking the MCAT in January (27), so the strength in my app lies is in my ECs/work/life experience... But from what you posted, it sounds like they won't be giving me a second look with that automated GPA/MCAT ranking system. Bummer... I was really excited about this school. 🙁

Good luck to everyone else in this cycle!

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Some thoughts after my interview.

I thought there would be a bigger group of students (only 4 of us) and a presentation of some sort at any point during the day (going over curriculum, fin aid, blah blah). Except what actually happened was you check in with April, immediately do your interview, eat lunch at the admissions office, go on a tour with current students, then head home. I understand that most of the information is on the website. I understand that everyone is busy. I just wished that they made more of an effort to really sell the school to those of us who traveled a long way. Especially since the school has gone through recent changes, shouldn't they be telling us even more of what's going on? Maybe it's just me but after interviewing at other schools (that made their interview days a big deal and had a defined agenda to really make us feel welcomed and informed of what they offered), Rowan's interview day was not particularly satisfying. The only faculty interaction that you get is with the person who interviews you.

With that said the campus is really nice and the school obviously knows what they are doing academically. The students were really nice and some of them even stopped to talk to us during our tour.

At the end of the day, first impression is something but not everything. Rowan is still very high on my list and I would love to attend if accepted.

Just a heads up, nothing really changed when we went over to Rowan, just the name. There was no massive hiring, expanding or anything like that of the school. As far as I am concerned, the only real change has been the ability to use Rowan's main campus but beyond that I really see nothing. Classes are the same, Professors are the same, faculty are the same, building is the same. Nothing really new as of yet. I am sure there are some things that are pending but none of us know about it yet.

Sorry your interview day wasn't all that you dreamed of. If you wanted some additional information and etc, you can email April and shadow one of us for a day. I feel that the Official Tours conducted by Admissions would really "sell" this school as opposed to on the interview day. I went to one and it really gave me the info I needed before applying. Anyways, good luck on the process and have a Happy Halloween.

 

[UOENO]

Just a heads up, nothing really changed when we went over to Rowan, just the name. There was no massive hiring, expanding or anything like that of the school. As far as I am concerned, the only real change has been the ability to use Rowan's main campus but beyond that I really see nothing. Classes are the same, Professors are the same, faculty are the same, building is the same. Nothing really new as of yet. I am sure there are some things that are pending but none of us know about it yet.

Sorry your interview day wasn't all that you dreamed of. If you wanted some additional information and etc, you can email April and shadow one of us for a day. I feel that the Official Tours conducted by Admissions would really "sell" this school as opposed to on the interview day. I went to one and it really gave me the info I needed before applying. Anyways, good luck on the process and have a Happy Halloween.

My b for the late reply as I was out all weekend. Thanks for the info! I hope you had a fun Halloween also.

Oh and I got the call on Friday. Accepted!

 

[Dmr6186]

My b for the late reply as I was out all weekend. Thanks for the info! I hope you had a fun Halloween also.

Oh and I got the call on Friday. Accepted!

Congrats!!!

 

[UOENO]

Congrats!!!

Thanks!!

 

[rken3]

I interviewed here recently and thought I would share some information to OOS'ers. I was told that OOS'ers do not get to claim in state residency for tuition purposes the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years. The staff told me there were scholarships available to help alleviate the extra burden; however, I know there is no guarantee I will receive any. As for the interview itself, the questions I was asked had to do with my current activities, hobbies, what I know of OMM, what would I do if I couldn't be a physician, why this school, etc. It was a one on one interview with a practicing physician(though I understand there's usually a medical student paired with a physician during interviews) and the interview itself was very laid back. Good luck.

 

[xrealityx]

I interviewed here recently and thought I would share some information to OOS'ers. I was told that OOS'ers do not get to claim in state residency for tuition purposes the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years. The staff told me there were scholarships available to help alleviate the extra burden; however, I know there is no guarantee I will receive any. As for the interview itself, the questions I was asked had to do with my current activities, hobbies, what I know of OMM, what would I do if I couldn't be a physician, why this school, etc. It was a one on one interview with a practicing physician(though I understand there's usually a medical student paired with a physician during interviews) and the interview itself was very laid back. Good luck.

That's odd. I'm a first year and on our accepted students day we were told that OOS could get in state tuition after their first year.

 

[Dr SunDai]

That's odd. I'm a first year and on our accepted students day we were told that OOS could get in state tuition after their first year.

2017 was grandfathered in as your application cycle started prior to the merger. 2017 will still be able to claim instate for 2nd year and beyond.

 

[corinneselene]

My b for the late reply as I was out all weekend. Thanks for the info! I hope you had a fun Halloween also.

Oh and I got the call on Friday. Accepted!

Congratulations!! When did you interview, I interviewed on the 18th and there was only 4 of us too!

 

[UOENO]

Congratulations!! When did you interview, I interviewed on the 18th and there was only 4 of us too!

Thank you! I interviewed last week