Usuhs

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anyone else interviewing on September 25?
 
Has anyone who is interviewing put in a host application. I did it about two weeks ago, but haven't been contacted by anyone. I have a back up plan who lives near bethesda, but I wish I could tell them for sure whether or not I plan on staying with them. Just curious if anyone else has been contacted.


Thanks,

Whtlight
 
i think the form says that if you arent contacted by the week before your expected host date to contact them - i dont know if they send out confirmations but im sure they wouldnt kill you for calling and asking 🙂
 
Hey gang,

1. Are all of the interviews held on Thursdays?

2. Ok, my applicatin is complete as of Today. Was wondering if you could give me your opinion on my chances for getting an interview. Here's my story:

Undergrad GPA: 3.56 (both science and non-science)
MCAT: 32R (VS/PS/BS = 09/12/11)
Letters: 6 (4 academic, 1 clinical, 1 military) , pretty good letters I think!
Military service: 7 years as an 'O' in the Navy
Clinical: Volunteer work in an ER

3. Also, I'm going be in the DC-metro area the first week of October for my unit. Do you think it's reasonable to ask the Admissions Office if I can interview then (I guess that would be Thurs. 10/2), that is if they intend to interview me ????

Thanks everyone
 
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you should have no problem getting an interview with your stats and you should expect to get an invite in like 2 weeks....they dont usually push up dates but you sound like you have a good reason....good luck
 
wycubed said:
Speedky I sympathize!

I'm stuck waiting to hear about an interview...Everything was received by end of July. (I'm not trying to spout off stats, just trying to gauge my situation). MCAT 34R GPA 3.75 non-military but dad, stepmom, both granddads were. 3 years research and surgical internship at Baylor last summer. Any thoughts on my chances/anyone else in the same waiting game?
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Man it's been six weeks on monday since my secondary was complete. Ya'll with your under two weeks turn-around are REALLY LUCKY. I'm sweating trying to wait it out 🙁
 
are you sure youre confirmed? your stats are well above what they would need to be....did you get your recommendations in? i was complete in july but my recc's only came in 2 weeks ago
 
wycubed said:
Man it's been six weeks on monday since my secondary was complete. Ya'll with your under two weeks turn-around are REALLY LUCKY. I'm sweating trying to wait it out 🙁
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agree with Goose. you sure you got everything in?? you might wanna call admissions to verify that they received everything
 
crazybrancato said:
agree with Goose. you sure you got everything in?? you might wanna call admissions to verify that they received everything
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Yup letters are all there. I sent self addressed return cards with my application so I would know when my letters had arrived. I got those back early Aug...I'm just really bad at the waiting game. 😱
 
wycubed said:
Yup letters are all there. I sent self addressed return cards with my application so I would know when my letters had arrived. I got those back early Aug...I'm just really bad at the waiting game. 😱
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hmm. then that is strange, i don't blame you for being concerned. your stats look great. have you tried calling the admin office? (i dunno how much good that'll do you.) if you call them once just to check up, that should be ok. if you call them repeatedly you might perturb them!
 
Hi,

I've been reading this forum for a couple days and I decided to register and post. I'll give a little background on myself. I'm 26, male and currently active duty enlisted (USAF). I've been in for a little over 4 years and am currently working through my pre-requisite courses as well as my bachelor's degree. I'm about halfway through with my pre-reqs and my degree will be complete in April '09.

I graduated high-school in 2000 and began pre-med classes that fall. I completed the fall semester with 14 hours and a terrible GPA of around 2.0 including one science course in which I recieved a "D". I withdrew from that school during the spring semester and took a break from school for a couple of years. Since that time I have done very well in school. Including that semester, my current GPA is around a 3.6 and my science GPA is around 3.0. By the time I finish all of my courses I would expect those to rise to around 3.7 and 3.5, respectively. Disregarding that initial semster my GPA would be around 3.9.

I have enjoyed my military experience so far. I'm not blind to the problems of the military and I've taken my share of crap, but overall I've felt content. I did not grow up in a military family, but I did grow up in the medical community. My mother is an RN and my father is a CRNA. I have felt for a long time that medicine was the right place for me, but being married and having two kids caused me to put it off for too long. I was convinced that I had waited too long, but after a self examination of what I was doing and where I wanted to be, I determined that I had to push myself to reach my goals. For the last 6 months I have been full-time at 2 schools as well as working full-time for the USAF. I'm determined to succeed at this without excuses.

I'm here looking for advice. I anticipate completing my pre-reqs by Dec. 2009 and applying for Fall 2011 matriculation. I haven't decided when to take the MCAT. I do pretty well on standardized tests so I hope to have a reasonable score. As far as clinical experience goes, I worked for around 9 months as an OR orderly and I have arranged to shadow a former USAF orthopedic surgeon in his current civilian hospital for a week or two next spring. Because of my military obligations, I have had to take whatever I could get as far as science classes go. I'm getting the right classes for pre-reqs but not all from the same school, instructor ect.

I apologize for such a long post, but I wanted to give a good intro to my situation. What advice could anyone give me to make myself more competitive at USU. I am dedicated to a career in the Air Force and it's not really about the money for me. I haven't even really considered any other schools because USU is exactly where I want to be. Thanks for taking the time to offer any advice or relevant experience you might have.
 
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keep doing what youre doing! sounds like youve got yourself in line to make it happen for yourself. (one piece of advice: dont underestimate the MCAT by thinking that you generally do well on standarized tests...this is not just another standardized test)....Good luck to you!
 
crazybrancato said:
hmm. then that is strange, i don't blame you for being concerned. your stats look great. have you tried calling the admin office? (i dunno how much good that'll do you.) if you call them once just to check up, that should be ok. if you call them repeatedly you might perturb them!
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agreed. call the office and explain the situation. ask them to see if your file is complete on their end - and if so, and they tell you to wait, then youve done all you can do.
 
whtlight2121 said:
Has anyone who is interviewing put in a host application. I did it about two weeks ago, but haven't been contacted by anyone. I have a back up plan who lives near bethesda, but I wish I could tell them for sure whether or not I plan on staying with them. Just curious if anyone else has been contacted.


Thanks,

Whtlight
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If things are still the same the host program at USUHS is a bit shaky. Basically your info will be put in a binder in the office of student affairs and those who are interested in hosting will stop by and flip through the book. If they see someone that they want to host they will contact you. The office will also send out some emails to the students asking for hosts. There is rarely a rush to sign up to host and usually the students tend to sign up late, so don't lose hope on finding a host, but a backup plan is definately recommended.
 
wycubed said:
Man it's been six weeks on monday since my secondary was complete. Ya'll with your under two weeks turn-around are REALLY LUCKY. I'm sweating trying to wait it out 🙁
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was just curious about your situation. Did you call the Admissions office, any luck, could they confirm receipt of your application?
 
Hey everybody

I just introducing myself. I am AD in the Air Force, and am working on the prereqs to get into USU. I have been reading these forums for a week now and found it to be really informative. Just because I can't break my contract too early, I won't be submitting my application for awhile. I am trying to get as much information as possible about USU and applying to it. Congrats to everyone that has recieved an acceptance or interview. Great job.
 
Do the years spent in residency count towards your time in the military?
 
Do we have to fill out and submit the Sponsor Program Questionnaire pre-interview or only if we are accepted? It seems like something you would do post-acceptance, but the form is on the interview materials page and the instructions don't state when to submit it.
 
Does anyone know about how long I can expect to wait for a decision after the interview? I'll be interviewing 25 Sept and would love an idea of when I might hear back. Does having a pending acceptance at another schools speed things up at all?

Thanks
 
eschott said:
Does anyone know about how long I can expect to wait for a decision after the interview? I'll be interviewing 25 Sept and would love an idea of when I might hear back. Does having a pending acceptance at another schools speed things up at all?

Thanks
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I think 2-4 weeks thereafter. You're in good shape if you got an interview that early! (I don't think having acceptances elsewhere matter)
 
Here's some information from USUHS AdCom in regards to response times for decisions:

Response Times
Please use the following as a general guideline regarding response times from the Admissions Committee. These time frames will be lengthened if you are taking fall classes, took the MCAT anytime after June 2007, did not secure a Letter of Approval, or any other extenuating circumstance.
If you interview in September, you should hear a response in approximately 4-6 weeks.
If you interview in October/November, you should hear a response in 6-8 weeks.
If you interview in December, you should hear a response in 8-10 weeks.
If you interview in January or thereafter, your response will arrive in a minimum of 10 weeks.
 
Just came this evening with some more interview prep material. Getting excited!!!
 
I really don't want to get into a debate over ethics here. I just have a question. Does anyone know if you are you able to opt out of the live animal physiology classes at USUHS?
 
Ennis said:
I really don't want to get into a debate over ethics here. I just have a question. Does anyone know if you are you able to opt out of the live animal physiology classes at USUHS?
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I am not sure but have to believe they would accomodate your desire. You would still be responsible for the work obviously.

I would recommend against opting out. This will be one of the most interesting and best learning experiences of your first year of medical school. Things are happening real time, and you and your lab partners are the ones doing it. Ethical issues aside, you cannot learn everything from a book as I'm sure you understand and this experience was very memorable. I think you should strongly consider participation....don't think you're a lesser person for not doing it but you would miss out on a great learning experience; just my $0.02👍
 
Dimitrighoti said:
Hey everybody

I just introducing myself. I am AD in the Air Force, and am working on the prereqs to get into USU. I have been reading these forums for a week now and found it to be really informative. Just because I can't break my contract too early, I won't be submitting my application for awhile. I am trying to get as much information as possible about USU and applying to it. Congrats to everyone that has recieved an acceptance or interview. Great job.
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Hey just FYI if you're enlisted make sure you stay at least 4 years plus one day so you can get O-1E instead of O-1 with 4 years active service like me. Will make a big financial difference over 4 years in med school. 👍
 
twillson said:
Hey just FYI if you're enlisted make sure you stay at least 4 years plus one day so you can get O-1E instead of O-1 with 4 years active service like me. Will make a big financial difference over 4 years in med school. 👍
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If only 4+ years of ROTC counted!!!
 
yeah - you get paid at your previous rank/prior years but drop your rank
 
Weird question: for cadets/prior E people coming to interview in service dress, I would imagine there's a fair amount of saluting going on (since pretty much everyone has bars and is in uniform). Any special advice out there?
 
eschott said:
Weird question: for cadets/prior E people coming to interview in service dress, I would imagine there's a fair amount of saluting going on (since pretty much everyone has bars and is in uniform). Any special advice out there?
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Most of the campus is designated as "No hat/no salute" You'll be fine.
 
st0rmin said:
Most of the campus is designated as "No hat/no salute" You'll be fine.
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Ditto...if you're on bricks (you'll see what I mean when you get there) lose the hat and just offer a greeting if you want but no salutes.
 
Ennis said:
I really don't want to get into a debate over ethics here. I just have a question. Does anyone know if you are you able to opt out of the live animal physiology classes at USUHS?
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I remember this differently than twillson - I think we were told we couldn't decline and still graduate. So if it's that important to you, you probably shouldn't come here.
 
MoosePilot said:
I remember this differently than twillson - I think we were told we couldn't decline and still graduate. So if it's that important to you, you probably shouldn't come here.
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Do you remember which animals are used in the required courses? From what I've read, there is an intubation lab which uses ferrets, but I'm not sure if it's elective.
 
Ennis said:
Do you remember which animals are used in the required courses? From what I've read, there is an intubation lab which uses ferrets, but I'm not sure if it's elective.
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Pigs.
 
MoosePilot said:
I remember this differently than twillson - I think we were told we couldn't decline and still graduate. So if it's that important to you, you probably shouldn't come here.
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I guess I thought they were kidding....or was not paying attention...that does happen

The moose pilot has a rep in our class for never missing even the finest detail so I would go with whatever he says😀 and I'm not kidding
 
Ennis said:
Do you remember which animals are used in the required courses? From what I've read, there is an intubation lab which uses ferrets, but I'm not sure if it's elective.
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The beginning of your MS3 clerkship in peds, you intubate a ferret. The lab is pretty controlled, each ferret only gets a certain number (5?) of intubations, and then it is woken up and goes back to its playpen.

And yes, it is mandatory.
 
To be competitive what forms of "clinical experience" did you all gain? I am currently shadowing a physician. I know that applications say that you can never have too much experience, but I was wondering how much you all had (you being those that have been accepted, or at least going to an interview). Any information about it would be great. I am starting to put together my AMCAS application for next year and I am looking for any ways outside of academic performance to be competitive. I read these forums daily, and it seems like all of you have great insight on what needs to be done to get into USUHS. Any help would be great! Thanks
 
Dimitrighoti said:
To be competitive what forms of "clinical experience" did you all gain? I am currently shadowing a physician. I know that applications say that you can never have too much experience, but I was wondering how much you all had (you being those that have been accepted, or at least going to an interview). Any information about it would be great. I am starting to put together my AMCAS application for next year and I am looking for any ways outside of academic performance to be competitive. I read these forums daily, and it seems like all of you have great insight on what needs to be done to get into USUHS. Any help would be great! Thanks
Click to expand...

Getting clinical experience has probably been my favorite part of preparing for med school. I did about 160 hours with a pediatrician, shadowed a flt surgeon for a day, and volunteered as a campus EMT for a few years.

On a side note, does anyone have any inside information about the interviews? I'm coming this thurs, and would love any insight that people can provide!!!
 
DrMedal said:
Anybody interview this past Thurs? any comments?
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Interview complete. Overall, I'd say it was a great day; very informative. The morning was spent receiving briefings from the senior staff from the school. Lunch was spent in an open forum discussion with a panel of about 10 students. Interviews were in the afternoon. There were two interviews; each one was one-on-one, lasting 30 minutes each. The interviews vary depending on the interviewer (of course). After talking to the other interviewees, I found some interviews were very informal and some were more traditional.

The make up of the interviewees (my estimation):
About 30 persons
4 Active Duty Personnel (2 Academy, 1 ROTC, 1 Line Officer)
2-3 Prior Service

The interviewers included both Active Duty and Retired Officers ranging from 4th year med students (O-1) to Rear Admiral (O-8)

My recommendations:
Dress Conservative: Business Attire or Service Dress
Be able to answer the questions: Why do you want to be a doctor, Why do you want to be a doctor in the military, Why do you want to go to USUHS?
Have questions to ask the interviewer.
Be ready to expand on the information in your USUHS Essay and AMCAS Personal Statement.
Remember that the military uses Sirs and Ma'ams.
Don't be nervous, the interviewers want to get to know you.

Good Luck to all those with upcoming interviews.
 
Thanks coastie for the info!!! Great post...did you do the tour of the new facility at the end?
 
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