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anyone have any idea how long it takes to clear the security screening process? I've gotten that it takes about 3-4 to clear DoDMERB if you dont have any remedials (hopefully BP of 138/88, even though i had a really bad URI and was coughing my lungs up, wont require remediation). So i was trying to piece together how long it would take to get through unconditionally. Any thoughts? Or does the security process take months? Just wondering

Good luck to everyone, Nov 1/Oct 31/Nov 3 isn't that far away. Hope to hear some more good news.

Cheers
 
speedyk said:
2 questions/comments

1- They are significantly behind last year's pace of scheduling interviews.
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Well that's certainly an intersting tidbit of info. How do you know this? Has anyone else heard this, can confirm/deny???

I'm thinking the 11/20 day has already been booked (since we're a month out). So that means all of Nov is booked (last week being turkey day).

So they should be into scheduling the december dates now.
 
So does anyone know how things likely turn out if one is placed on an alternate list?
 
FutureTexasMD said:
So does anyone know how things likely turn out if one is placed on an alternate list?
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My understanding is that getting placed on the alternate list is as bad as a rejection . . . b/c they'd have to go thru all of the acceptances and those on the waitlist, before they select someone from the alternate list.

are you on the alternate list? did you interview?
 
Yes, alternate... I felt as though the interview went very well, but I think my lack of experience with the military and military medicine was hurt. People have been known to get in off of the alternate list though and I am looking to shadow a military physician sometime in the near future, so we'll see how things turn out.
 
FutureTexasMD said:
Yes, alternate... I felt as though the interview went very well, but I think my lack of experience with the military and military medicine was hurt. People have been known to get in off of the alternate list though and I am looking to shadow a military physician sometime in the near future, so we'll see how things turn out.
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Well, I asked some folks once about the alternate list . . . I'll reiterate their honest answer. They told me that if on it, one should seriously consider other options or start thinking about re-applying next cycle.

but i suppose anything is possible. and given how early you were, you might have a decent shot. plus at least now you know, so you can start thinking about other options . . .yet another reason why applying early is so advantageous. (i don't even have an interview date, things aren't looking so good for me :scared:)

I don't think it was your lack of military or milmed experience, as most of the students don't have any. how were your numbers ? (if you dont mind sharing) . . . ahh who knows, could be anything. good luck with the rest of your apps. (I'd suggest going hpsp if you get in somewhere else).
 
DrMedal said:
Well, I asked some folks once about the alternate list . . . I'll reiterate their honest answer. They told me that if on it, one should seriously consider other options or start thinking about re-applying next cycle.

but i suppose anything is possible. and given how early you were, you might have a decent shot. plus at least now you know, so you can start thinking about other options . . .yet another reason why applying early is so advantageous. (i don't even have an interview date, things aren't looking so good for me :scared:)

I don't think it was your lack of military or milmed experience, as most of the students don't have any. how were your numbers ? (if you dont mind sharing) . . . ahh who knows, could be anything. good luck with the rest of your apps. (I'd suggest going hpsp if you get in somewhere else).
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ill reiterate the message sent on interview day: if you got an interview invite, your numbers are good enough for you to get in. Once you get past the interview invite i dont think numbers are really that important.

I think that if the poster did not have a significant knowledge of what milmed actually entails and could not convey the desire to specifically go into milmed vs. civie med then that could have significantly harmed him/her. This is the BIGGEST and most important question for anyone wanting to go to USUHS. Good luck on the alternate list though, FutureTexasMD - im still in the waiting and anxiety-ridden stage myself
 
TheGoose said:
ill reiterate the message sent on interview day: if you got an interview invite, your numbers are good enough for you to get in. Once you get past the interview invite i dont think numbers are really that important.
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I concur! That was most definitely the message I was getting.

As a side note, I know some one who is attending USUHS right now with an MCAT of 25. I don't know the break down, but this individual was very honest with me. So I think this goes very strongly to back up what Goose is saying with regards to emphasizing your interest in milmed vs civmed.

Good luck all!
 
Davnport said:
I concur! That was most definitely the message I was getting.

As a side note, I know some one who is attending USUHS right now with an MCAT of 25. I don't know the break down, but this individual was very honest with me. So I think this goes very strongly to back up what Goose is saying with regards to emphasizing your interest in milmed vs civmed.

Good luck all!
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wow, must've have a kick-ass gpa. yeah, you don't have to have direct experience in milmed, but you do certainly have to be knowledgable about it.

i know some schools interview people with slightly lower numbers (or who they think are slightly weaker applicants for whatever reason) just to cover their basis, in case they can't fill seats. is that the case w/ USUHS?

To be honest, I'm suprised that someone interviewed was placed on the alternate list. I thought everyone interviewed was at least likely to make the waitlist.
 
DrMedal said:
To be honest, I'm suprised that someone interviewed was placed on the alternate list. I thought everyone interviewed was at least likely to make the waitlist.
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wait list is specifically used for applicants who they WOULD accept but there werent any spots left at the time. alternate list is entirely different
 
DrMedal said:
I don't think it was your lack of military or milmed experience, as most of the students don't have any. how were your numbers ? (if you dont mind sharing) . . . ahh who knows, could be anything. good luck with the rest of your apps. (I'd suggest going hpsp if you get in somewhere else).
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actually, half of each entering class has some sort of military experience [prior, academy, or rotc]. so that leaves roughly 100 spots for pure civilians to fight over.
 
FutureTexasMD said:
Yes, alternate... I felt as though the interview went very well, but I think my lack of experience with the military and military medicine was hurt. People have been known to get in off of the alternate list though and I am looking to shadow a military physician sometime in the near future, so we'll see how things turn out.
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Sorry to hear that. It's better than a rejection though. Make sure you follow through on your physical, etc. so you are eligible in case a spot opens up. Good luck.
 
utahjazz said:
Sorry to hear that. It's better than a rejection though. Make sure you follow through on your physical, etc. so you are eligible in case a spot opens up. Good luck.
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are you for sure an alternate??
 
giuseppe said:
actually, half of each entering class has some sort of military experience [prior, academy, or rotc]. so that leaves roughly 100 spots for pure civilians to fight over.
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yeah but I think that's just coincidence. They state that there's no preference for prior service. i wish there was!
 
DrMedal said:
wow, must've have a kick-ass gpa. yeah, you don't have to have direct experience in milmed, but you do certainly have to be knowledgable about it.

i know some schools interview people with slightly lower numbers (or who they think are slightly weaker applicants for whatever reason) just to cover their basis, in case they can't fill seats. is that the case w/ USUHS?

To be honest, I'm suprised that someone interviewed was placed on the alternate list. I thought everyone interviewed was at least likely to make the waitlist.
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I hate how everything has to always be turned into a numbers game.,... I knew people with 24s / possibly lower who have graduated from USUHS, I think a lot of these things are made on case-by-case bases. That was at least the vibe I got from everyone I've met from USUHS/at the interview....
 
airforcedukie said:
I hate how everything has to always be turned into a numbers game.,... I knew people with 24s / possibly lower who have graduated from USUHS, I think a lot of these things are made on case-by-case bases. That was at least the vibe I got from everyone I've met from USUHS/at the interview....
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I agree with you on how the admissions process in recent years at the majority of medical schools has become more and more by the numbers, which I think is mostly due to the sheer volume of applications. I also got the feeling that USUHS is more focused on considering the applicant through a wider lens that also touches on some of the intangibles that are not listed on the AMCAS, which I think is partly due to the specific demands of military medicine as well as a lower volume of applications.

FYI, I am non-prior but I have worked for the military and would love to go to the school if accepted.

Have any other Sept. 18th/25th interviewees heard back from the school with something other than an acceptance offer?
 
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So, my interview is this Thursday (Oct 23rd) and my heart sank when I read a little tidbit on one of their forms. I don't know about any of you, but this is my last semester of undergrad. The 'update sheet' said the admissions committee will hold off on making admissions decisions for students taking fall classes until they receive the grades. Not that I'm particularly worried about my grades this semester, but the semester doesn't end until late December! It seems this puts me in a serious time disadvantage, like perhaps interviewing this early makes no damn difference now. 😡🙁

Any thoughts...?
 
Roberie said:
So, my interview is this Thursday (Oct 23rd) and my heart sank when I read a little tidbit on one of their forms. I don't know about any of you, but this is my last semester of undergrad. The 'update sheet' said the admissions committee will hold off on making admissions decisions for students taking fall classes until they receive the grades. Not that I'm particularly worried about my grades this semester, but the semester doesn't end until late December! It seems this puts me in a serious time disadvantage, like perhaps interviewing this early makes no damn difference now. 😡🙁

Any thoughts...?
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i dont think you have anything to be worried about. First, if you don't have your grades yet, you certainly can't report them (they're still 'in progress'). Second, I think they're only looking for glaringly awkward things, like someone failing an important course. I think the 'update sheet' is just a way to check, to make sure you didn't go nuts after your submitted your application.
 
Roberie said:
So, my interview is this Thursday (Oct 23rd) and my heart sank when I read a little tidbit on one of their forms. I don't know about any of you, but this is my last semester of undergrad. The 'update sheet' said the admissions committee will hold off on making admissions decisions for students taking fall classes until they receive the grades. Not that I'm particularly worried about my grades this semester, but the semester doesn't end until late December! It seems this puts me in a serious time disadvantage, like perhaps interviewing this early makes no damn difference now. 😡🙁

Any thoughts...?
Click to expand...

Everyone else waiting for grades will be in the same position as you so it's not like you alone are at a major disadvantage. Your interviewing somewhat early will still be an advantage when you are evaluated against people with new grades in who interviewed later... but even if you didn't have new grades in you wouldn't have heard till Dec/Jan anyway.
 
Roberie said:
So, my interview is this Thursday (Oct 23rd) and my heart sank when I read a little tidbit on one of their forms. I don't know about any of you, but this is my last semester of undergrad. The 'update sheet' said the admissions committee will hold off on making admissions decisions for students taking fall classes until they receive the grades. Not that I'm particularly worried about my grades this semester, but the semester doesn't end until late December! It seems this puts me in a serious time disadvantage, like perhaps interviewing this early makes no damn difference now. 😡🙁

Any thoughts...?
Click to expand...

oct/nov interviews will hear back in 6-8 weeks. september interviews, 4-6 weeks. the update sheet is to see that you're not tanking your gpa now that you've gotten into med school or if you have any pre-reqs left to fulfill before they can accept you. although, i'm in week 5 after my interview (sept 17th) and haven't heard back yet...
 
Even if you're offered acceptance i doubt they'll withdraw an acceptance offer unless, like was mentioned, you fail a course. Like if you're taking biochem and got an F, they might have some reconsidering to do. I dont think they'd be too disappointed in like, a C or something.

I currently have coursework in progress (as a graduate student) and was offered an acceptance. Maybe because my coursework is at the graduate level they went ahead and offered my acceptance anyway. who knows
 
Maybe I should clarify. After reading the update sheet I was under the impression that the adcom would just sit on my application for several months until my fall grades are released. However, it was already pointed out that decisions for Oct take 6-8 weeks anyway. So, I guess it doesn't matter.
 
Roberie said:
So, my interview is this Thursday (Oct 23rd) and my heart sank when I read a little tidbit on one of their forms. I don't know about any of you, but this is my last semester of undergrad. The 'update sheet' said the admissions committee will hold off on making admissions decisions for students taking fall classes until they receive the grades. Not that I'm particularly worried about my grades this semester, but the semester doesn't end until late December! It seems this puts me in a serious time disadvantage, like perhaps interviewing this early makes no damn difference now. 😡🙁

Any thoughts...?
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hmm...is this a definite? cuz that would really suck. a lot.
 
airforcedukie said:
hmm...is this a definite? cuz that would really suck. a lot.
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Well, since I opened this can o' worms, let me just post what the update form says:

"Bear in mind that the Committee will not review any applicant who has completed the fall semester but has not reported the grades to the Admissions Office. Notification may be done by email at [email protected], an official transcript is not necessary."

That's what I've got. For me, it seems like it wouldn't matter anyway since the semester ends within the 6-8 week post interview window.
 
Roberie said:
Well, since I opened this can o' worms, let me just post what the update form says:

"Bear in mind that the Committee will not review any applicant who has completed the fall semester but has not reported the grades to the Admissions Office. Notification may be done by email at [email protected], an official transcript is not necessary."

That's what I've got. For me, it seems like it wouldn't matter anyway since the semester ends within the 6-8 week post interview window.
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Probably since USUHS does the majority of its interviewing/accepting/waitlisting in late winter/early spring, they probably emphasize fall grades more in the latter half of the cycle.
 
Roberie said:
"Bear in mind that the Committee will not review any applicant who has completed the fall semester but has not reported the grades to the Admissions Office. Notification may be done by email at [email protected], an official transcript is not necessary."
.
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airforcedukie, i would think that youre ok. you havent completed your fall semester yet so of course you havent reported your grades. im hoping we hear on the 1st. What they might do though, is wait to give an unconditional until fall grades come through (maybe?)
 
I am still an undergrad and need to complete fall semester to graduate. I have been offered a conditional acceptance. I am not sure if they are waiting on my fall grades to offer me the unconditional or not. I do know that the conditional acceptance will be offered even if you have pending undergraduate course work.


WHTLIGHT
 
whtlight2121 said:
I am still an undergrad and need to complete fall semester to graduate. I have been offered a conditional acceptance. I am not sure if they are waiting on my fall grades to offer me the unconditional or not. I do know that the conditional acceptance will be offered even if you have pending undergraduate course work.


WHTLIGHT
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Ditto. Still in undergrad and received a conditional acceptance.
 
dwb8p said:
Ditto. Still in undergrad and received a conditional acceptance.
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Yeah, I think that's the point of the conditional acceptance. It becomes unconditional when the school knows for sure that you:
a) passed your physical
b) passed your security clearance
c) taken and passed your pre-req courses and all other courses you said were 'In Progress' . . in other words, nothing is academically foul
d) (this is important) you haven't done anything foolish recently, that would constitute conduct unbecoming as an officer: adultery, felony arrests, DUIs (watch out for this one, seriously!)
 
ok so, should i be worried about possibly making a C in graduate level physical organic chemistry this semester? Its probably the hardest/dumbest class i've taken and am probably not going to do very well. I shouldn't be worried about them taking back an acceptance over that right? i think we're all thinking way too much about this
 
DrMedal said:
Yeah, I think that's the point of the conditional acceptance. It becomes unconditional when the school knows for sure that you:
a) passed your physical
b) passed your security clearance
c) taken and passed your pre-req courses and all other courses you said were 'In Progress' . . in other words, nothing is academically foul
d) (this is important) you haven't done anything foolish recently, that would constitute conduct unbecoming as an officer: adultery, felony arrests, DUIs (watch out for this one, seriously!)
Click to expand...
a) and b) are correct; however, c) and d) do not influence the official acceptance condition based upon the specific info that was given out during my interview day.

In any case, I think it goes without saying that you cannot ultimately matriculate with outstanding academic deficiencies or a developed criminal record.
 
mslall said:
ok so, should i be worried about possibly making a C in graduate level physical organic chemistry this semester? Its probably the hardest/dumbest class i've taken and am probably not going to do very well. I shouldn't be worried about them taking back an acceptance over that right?
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Nah, don't worry. Even the tougher medical schools still let you get by with a post-acceptance "C"; though some make you explain why. Just keep your other grades up and don't make straight "C's."
 
yeah thats what i figured. That C is balanced by an A in advanced instrumental analysis. Both classes ultimately being almost completely useless toward my future education/profession
 
Roberie said:
Well, since I opened this can o' worms...
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haha, this forum can be dangerous at times.


and yes.......I'm hoping we find out on the 1st....although it is a Saturday, so idk if they give calls then...and I'll be spending that day doing an Ironman, so not like I'd be able to take the call anyway. Let's hope for Oct 31 🙂
 
airforcedukie said:
haha, this forum can be dangerous at times.


and yes.......I'm hoping we find out on the 1st....although it is a Saturday, so idk if they give calls then...and I'll be spending that day doing an Ironman, so not like I'd be able to take the call anyway. Let's hope for Oct 31 🙂
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just called in to inquire on the status of sept 18th interviewees... unhesitatingly, she said we'll know by the end of the week via phone call.
 
giuseppe said:
just called in to inquire on the status of sept 18th interviewees... unhesitatingly, she said we'll know by the end of the week via phone call.
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I got basically the same answer for Sept. 25th interviewees....crossing my fingers...
 
giuseppe said:
just called in to inquire on the status of sept 18th interviewees... unhesitatingly, she said we'll know by the end of the week via phone call.
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It's nice of you to share that info... hopefully they are giving you accurate info this time. Good luck to the 9/18 people still waiting.
 
Will we hear by the end of this week (10/24) or next week (10/31).

Thanks for finding that out either way.
 
DocIDhopeful said:
Will we hear by the end of this week (10/24) or next week (10/31).

Thanks for finding that out either way.
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she has me convinced we'll know by the 24th. however, i'm getting used to being let down through this process... 🙂
 
giuseppe said:
just called in to inquire on the status of sept 18th interviewees... unhesitatingly, she said we'll know by the end of the week via phone call.
Click to expand...

Good to know. I'm starting to go crazy. I guess I can push back freaking out until next week.
 
At least you guys waiting to hear decisions already interviewed! I've been sitting here waiting for a decision on whether or not I get an interview for a while now. Super nerve wracking because the longer this takes the more nervous I get about whether or not they will interview me.
 
SirGecko said:
At least you guys waiting to hear decisions already interviewed! I've been sitting here waiting for a decision on whether or not I get an interview for a while now. Super nerve wracking because the longer this takes the more nervous I get about whether or not they will interview me.
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I feel your pain! I'm in the same boat. When was your application complete (everything, letters, secondary, etc)?
 
So, I just checked my DoDMERB status and here is what it says:

07-OCT-08 Actual date of exam
17-OCT-08 Date exam received at DoDMERB
17-OCT-08 Medical data entry
22-OCT-08 Date letter sent - DD2368: Status Letter
22-OCT-08 Date letter sent - DD2368: Status Letter R263.02

Agency: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
Admission Status Change Date: 2-SEP-2008
Current Medical Status: Qualified (as of 22-OCT-08 )


So I thought, great! I'm qualified!....but then I wondered why it has a remedial code (R263.02) on the last line where it says Date letter sent. R263.02 is the remedial code for a urinalysis (protein).....so if I needed a repeat urinalysis, why the heck would they put my status as "qualified" and not "remedial"?

Any ideas? Should I expect an actual remedial in the mail?
 
dwb8p said:
So I thought, great! I'm qualified!....but then I wondered why it has a remedial code (R263.02) on the last line where it says Date letter sent. R263.02 is the remedial code for a urinalysis (protein).....so if I needed a repeat urinalysis, why the heck would they put my status as "qualified" and not "remedial"?

Any ideas? Should I expect an actual remedial in the mail?
Click to expand...

This was the same thing I got back when I decided to go snowboarding the day before my last DoDMERB...I'd call Rebecca and get set to schedule another cup to pee into!
 
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