UWash adcom meeting

[NeuroSync]

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I agree that it's a great place. If I were single, I might even volunteer. Being recently married and knowing that my husband has to stay in the Puget Sound area for the year makes a 700 miles weekly drive necessary and difficult...
I'm thrilled to be in at UW, I just didn't expect a very difficult year personally AND academically. We'll see. I have two weeks in which to appeal the decision.

 

[Creatine]

I agree that it's a great place. If I were single, I might even volunteer. Being recently married and knowing that my husband has to stay in the Puget Sound area for the year makes a 700 miles weekly drive necessary and difficult...
I'm thrilled to be in at UW, I just didn't expect a very difficult year personally AND academically. We'll see. I have two weeks in which to appeal the decision.

You seem to have a valid reason for wanting to stay in the Puget Sound region, and from what I have heard, the UW is sensitive to such concerns. Good luck with the appeal. 🙂

 

[PhotoMD]

I totally saw lulubean when I dropped by the admissions office to ask about EXCOM dates at 1:20 yesterday. BTW, final WA EXCOM meeting is 3/23.

 

[lulubean]

oh i am bummed i missed you! if i was looking jittery and dazed it was probably before the interview 🙂

so it was stressful, no doubt, but i think i answered all the questions well and can only hope for the best from here! of course i got the physician-assisted suicide question, which i find the most difficult - anyway, i loved the school even more in person and will be holding my breath till the end of march. do they let you know about final decisions by snail mail or email or phone?

thanks for all the encouragement folks! good luck to you all!
so glad to be done with interviews!!!

PhotoMD you should've said hi!!!

 

[olydoc2b]

You seem to have a valid reason for wanting to stay in the Puget Sound region, and from what I have heard, the UW is sensitive to such concerns. Good luck with the appeal. 🙂

Neurosync--
I've heard the same as Creatine. I met a woman not too long ago that said that they were really understanding about family stuff (even sans kids) when it came to assigning rotation locations, so I'd imagine they'd be even more understanding knowing that when you're WWAMIed it's for a whole year....

If they aren't, however, although Pullman seems SO far away it is doable. I was living there while I was pregnant but was planning to deliver on this side of the mountains, so I made that drive every month (at least) and then every two weeks.... You see where I'm going. It sucked, but it was okay. My opinion though for all that get wwamied--Moscow sucks less than Pullman for living, so don't forget to check out over there for housing options too.

 

[NeuroSync]

Neurosync--
I've heard the same as Creatine. I met a woman not too long ago that said that they were really understanding about family stuff (even sans kids) when it came to assigning rotation locations, so I'd imagine they'd be even more understanding knowing that when you're WWAMIed it's for a whole year....

If they aren't, however, although Pullman seems SO far away it is doable. I was living there while I was pregnant but was planning to deliver on this side of the mountains, so I made that drive every month (at least) and then every two weeks.... You see where I'm going. It sucked, but it was okay. My opinion though for all that get wwamied--Moscow sucks less than Pullman for living, so don't forget to check out over there for housing options too.

Sigh...
Thanks, Olydoc. We shall see. I don't want to seem ungrateful, becasue I'm super happy to be going to school next year. I just feel deflated right now. The worst part is that I have to pay for my education on my own, but because my husband (a relatively new marriage) makes money, I am not eligible for much aid. He has a lot of prior obligations and got totally messed over finanically, so he looks way better on paper than he is. Plus, his credit (and thus ours) got hosed in the process. If I have to go to Pullman, that means that I have to pay rent that I really don't have. It means that we have to maintain two households, for which I am competely responsbile for my own. I was hoping to somehow swing everything with the GI Bill and about $8,500 in unsubsidized loans. There is no way. I've done the math over and over. Rent for a STUDIO at PULLMAN (!) is $450/mo. That's doable for students who have funding, but I don't. I'm SUPER stressed about how I'm going to pay for it if I have to go. Can you believe it? I'm at the cheapest med school in the country, and I'm worried about how to pay for it now. . . crazy.
Sorry, TMI. 🙂
Does anyone have suggestions? I'd welcome them.
NeuroSync

 

[Creatine]

Sigh...
Thanks, Olydoc. We shall see. I don't want to seem ungrateful, becasue I'm super happy to be going to school next year. I just feel deflated right now. The worst part is that I have to pay for my education on my own, but because my husband (a relatively new marriage) makes money, I am not eligible for much aid. He has a lot of prior obligations and got totally messed over finanically, so he looks way better on paper than he is. Plus, his credit (and thus ours) got hosed in the process. If I have to go to Pullman, that means that I have to pay rent that I really don't have. It means that we have to maintain two households, for which I am competely responsbile for my own. I was hoping to somehow swing everything with the GI Bill and about $8,500 in unsubsidized loans. There is no way. I've done the math over and over. Rent for a STUDIO at PULLMAN (!) is $450/mo. That's doable for students who have funding, but I don't. I'm SUPER stressed about how I'm going to pay for it if I have to go. Can you believe it? I'm at the cheapest med school in the country, and I'm worried about how to pay for it now. . . crazy.
Sorry, TMI. 🙂
Does anyone have suggestions? I'd welcome them.
NeuroSync

Regardless of financial need, the government will give you about 36K per year in federal loans. That should be plenty to finance your education and living expenses. Take a deep breath, realize that debt is inevitable, enjoy your medical education, and be prepared to live modestly after medical school until your debt is repaid. Cheers.

 

[NeuroSync]

Regardless of financial need, the government will give you about 36K per year in federal loans. That should be plenty to finance your education and living expenses. Take a deep breath, realize that debt is inevitable, enjoy your medical education, and be prepared to live modestly after medical school until your debt is repaid. Cheers.

I thought that it was just the unsubsidized loans that were not based on need...Am I wrong??? I hope so!!! What about family contribution? Do you think it will matter if I go in and explain the deal to financial aid?
Thank you for the feedback. This is helping...

 

[NeuroSync]

Regardless of financial need, the government will give you about 36K per year in federal loans. That should be plenty to finance your education and living expenses. Take a deep breath, realize that debt is inevitable, enjoy your medical education, and be prepared to live modestly after medical school until your debt is repaid. Cheers.

Also, I have a lot of debt from law school and undergrad. I don't mind incurring more, but I know there are limits. 🙂

 

[Creatine]

I thought that it was just the unsubsidized loans that were not based on need...Am I wrong??? I hope so!!! What about family contribution? Do you think it will matter if I go in and explain the deal to financial aid?
Thank you for the feedback. This is helping...

Yes, that is correct-only unsubsidized loans are not based on need. So, to put it more precisely, regardless of need you can get about 36K worth of unsubsidized in loans per year. However, with interest rates as low as they are, the difference between subsidized and subsidized loans is negligible in the long run.

 

[NeuroSync]

Yes, that is correct-only unsubsidized loans are not based on need. So, to put it more precisely, regardless of need you can get about 36K worth of unsubsidized in loans per year. However, with interest rates as low as they are, the difference between subsidized and subsidized loans is negligible in the long run.

I thought that the UNsubsidized portion of the loans was limited to about $8,500/year, and that the max was $135,000. I'm at $101 already..... I think I'm toast. 🙁

 

[Creatine]

I thought that the UNsubsidized portion of the loans was limited to about $8,500/year, and that the max was $135,000. I'm at $101 already..... I think I'm toast. 🙁

Okay, I'm actually going to cite a source this time instead of going from memory. Referring to http://www.aamc.org/students/medloans/students/stafford.htm, we find the following:

Annual Loan Limits:
Subsidized: 8500
Unsubsidized: 38500 less any subsidized amount

Aggregate Limit: 189,125

If you are already at 101K, then you can only take out an additional 88K, or 22K per year. That may not be enough for you, and in that case, your last resort option is to apply for private loans (bank loans, etc.). I'm less familiar with that process, but I do know that many lenders are very willing to lend to future physicians because of their relatively high earning potential.

Hope this helps.

 

[NeuroSync]

Okay, I'm actually going to cite a source this time instead of going from memory. Referring to http://www.aamc.org/students/medloans/students/stafford.htm, we find the following:

Annual Loan Limits:
Subsidized: 8500
Unsubsidized: 38500 less any subsidized amount

Aggregate Limit: 189,125

If you are already at 101K, then you can only take out an additional 88K, or 22K per year. That may not be enough for you, and in that case, your last resort option is to apply for private loans (bank loans, etc.). I'm less familiar with that process, but I do know that many lenders are very willing to lend to future physicians because of their relatively high earning potential.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, Creatine! It DOES help. I think I was looking at grad school numbers, but not medical school graduate education numbers. I can live on very little, but making the rent is fairly important! Thanks for taking the time to give me the correct link and for a touch of my sanity back. I really appreicate it. 🙂

 

[PhotoMD]

oh i am bummed i missed you! if i was looking jittery and dazed it was probably before the interview 🙂

so it was stressful, no doubt, but i think i answered all the questions well and can only hope for the best from here! of course i got the physician-assisted suicide question, which i find the most difficult - anyway, i loved the school even more in person and will be holding my breath till the end of march. do they let you know about final decisions by snail mail or email or phone?

thanks for all the encouragement folks! good luck to you all!
so glad to be done with interviews!!!

PhotoMD you should've said hi!!!

I would have, but I was so intimidated by the suits, not to mention I didn't know which one was you, and it looked like the admissions folks were herding you guys somewhere.

 

[lulubean]

I would have, but I was so intimidated by the suits, not to mention I didn't know which one was you, and it looked like the admissions folks were herding you guys somewhere.

thats okay, hopefully i will see you later this year 😉

p.s. i was the small ethnically ambiguous (asian/latina) very nervous looking girl.

 

[MedicineBird]

Thanks, Creatine! It DOES help. I think I was looking at grad school numbers, but not medical school graduate education numbers. I can live on very little, but making the rent is fairly important! Thanks for taking the time to give me the correct link and for a touch of my sanity back. I really appreicate it. 🙂

NeuroSync -- I live in Seattle now but I graduated from UI and assure you that living in Moscow is hella doable and CHEAP (and I agree -- better than living in Pullman) I had my own little house with a loft that I adored. There were fruit trees all around, dear, owls and neighbors horses. It was so comfortable and it was only $375 -- and I paid more than most of my friends for housing. Shop for groceries at WinCo and everything else at WalMart and you are good to go. You can live just fine on a measly $800/mo. Fear not!

 

[NeuroSync]

NeuroSync -- I live in Seattle now but I graduated from UI and assure you that living in Moscow is hella doable and CHEAP (and I agree -- better than living in Pullman) I had my own little house with a loft that I adored. There were fruit trees all around, dear, owls and neighbors horses. It was so comfortable and it was only $375 -- and I paid more than most of my friends for housing. Shop for groceries at WinCo and everything else at WalMart and you are good to go. You can live just fine on a measly $800/mo. Fear not!

Thanks, MedicineBird! I really appreciate how helpful everyone is being. I'd love to pick your brain about where to live. 🙂 I think that the chances of getting out of the lottery to WSU are slim. I will still try, but I'm starting to count on WSU at this point.
Cheers,
Neuro(case) 😀

 

[MedicineBird]

Thanks, MedicineBird! I really appreciate how helpful everyone is being. I'd love to pick your brain about where to live. 🙂 I think that the chances of getting out of the lottery to WSU are slim. I will still try, but I'm starting to count on WSU at this point.
Cheers,
Neuro(case) 😀

Pick away my dear. PM me about anything. We're actually in a pretty similar situation.

 

[cheapdate]

Anyone know how many spot have been filled at UW? how many left? sooo worried. good luck everyone!

 

[NeuroSync]

Anyone know how many spot have been filled at UW? how many left? sooo worried. good luck everyone!

When I got the e-mail about the lottery for the first students accepted, and I counted 44 people. That is 44 WA acceptees. I could be wrong, but I think that is all there are for WA so far. I think the rest are accepted and waitlisted in March. I hope that helps. And I hope you have nothing but good news! 🙂

 

[el dudarino]

To those who have been accepted at UW - did you get an email or letter saying you were admitted?

2/4: interview
2/7: email from UW admissions saying either an email or letter would be sent out on thurs, 2/10
2/10: no email....waiting for that letter!!

I'm assuming that if I am to receive a letter in the mail it will be either an acceptance or a flat out rejection (no hold-list) - a little nervous about it. Was anyone else in the same situation? Thanks.

 

[cheapdate]

To those who have been accepted at UW - did you get an email or letter saying you were admitted?

2/4: interview
2/7: email from UW admissions saying either an email or letter would be sent out on thurs, 2/10
2/10: no email....waiting for that letter!!

I'm assuming that if I am to receive a letter in the mail it will be either an acceptance or a flat out rejection (no hold-list) - a little nervous about it. Was anyone else in the same situation? Thanks.

talk about anxiety huh? cross your finger and hold your breath. good luck

 

[NeuroSync]

To those who have been accepted at UW - did you get an email or letter saying you were admitted?

2/4: interview
2/7: email from UW admissions saying either an email or letter would be sent out on thurs, 2/10
2/10: no email....waiting for that letter!!

I'm assuming that if I am to receive a letter in the mail it will be either an acceptance or a flat out rejection (no hold-list) - a little nervous about it. Was anyone else in the same situation? Thanks.

Dudarino:
I got the letter in the mail, but when I saw the status change, I couldn't stand it and I called to inquire. They gave me the answer over the phone. I was willing to go there in person to get it, though. I couldn't wait!
I hope that helps.
NeuroSync

 

[IDSpud23]

My status page changed today (like Neurosync's) and like Neurosync I couldn't wait to find out if I had been accepted or rejected. So I called and I was told I had been accepted! Good luck! I'll certainly be in Moscow this fall.

 

[NeuroSync]

My status page changed today (like Neurosync's) and like Neurosync I couldn't wait to find out if I had been accepted or rejected. So I called and I was told I had been accepted! Good luck! I'll certainly be in Moscow this fall.

YIPPIE! Congratulations, Spud! That's great news. There was NO WAY I could wait for a few days once I knew a decision had been made. BTW, I don't think I'll have to move away from my family for the first year (thank goodness). So I'll probably see you second year! I'll be the matriarch, at 36, who wants to be a neurologist. 🙂

 

[futuredoc10]

My status page changed today (like Neurosync's) and like Neurosync I couldn't wait to find out if I had been accepted or rejected. So I called and I was told I had been accepted! Good luck! I'll certainly be in Moscow this fall.

IDspud,
First of all, CONGRATS!!! So I take it that your a WWAMI applicant?

 

[IDSpud23]

I'm an Idaho WWAMI student. I'll keep an eye out for you Neurosync when I move to Seattle!

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

I understand the ADCOM meetings are primarily considering WWAMI students, but does anyone know of a WA resident getting accepted recently from the pool or otherwise? Things seem pretty quiet on that front. Maybe us WA residents can plan on no news until late March?

 

[futuredoc10]

I understand the ADCOM meetings are primarily considering WWAMI students, but does anyone know of a WA resident getting accepted recently from the pool or otherwise? Things seem pretty quiet on that front. Maybe us WA residents can plan on no news until late March?

Does anyone also know if there are any more normal ADCOM meetings for WA applicants before they meet during the last week of march? Or are we all waiting mo matter what until then?

 

[el dudarino]

To those who have been accepted at UW - did you get an email or letter saying you were admitted?

2/4: interview
2/7: email from UW admissions saying either an email or letter would be sent out on thurs, 2/10
2/10: no email....waiting for that letter!!

I'm assuming that if I am to receive a letter in the mail it will be either an acceptance or a flat out rejection (no hold-list) - a little nervous about it. Was anyone else in the same situation? Thanks.

Congratulations to all who have been accepted at UW!! I just called the admissions office and found out the letter they sent to me was a....rejection 👎. But that's ok - I think UW was a pipe-dream...and it makes my decision much easier: USC-Keck c/o 2009! Good luck everyone else!

 

[NeuroSync]

Congratulations to all who have been accepted at UW!! I just called the admissions office and found out the letter they sent to me was a....rejection 👎. But that's ok - I think UW was a pipe-dream...and it makes my decision much easier: USC-Keck c/o 2009! Good luck everyone else!

I'm sorry to hear it, Dudarino. But that is what happened to me last year. Of course, if I had applied anywhere else (and been accepted), I'd have gone. USC will be a great experience, I think! Good luck. 🙂

 

[yanita]

YIPPIE! Congratulations, Spud! That's great news. There was NO WAY I could wait for a few days once I knew a decision had been made. BTW, I don't think I'll have to move away from my family for the first year (thank goodness). So I'll probably see you second year! I'll be the matriarch, at 36, who wants to be a neurologist. 🙂

Hi NeuroSync!
I'm your exact age and ...wow its just fabulous to see that you are doing what you are doing and going where you are going - Hats Off!!!! Me, I'm hoping against hope that being in the competitive pool is not my last official relationship with UW this year-Maybe just maybe I'll be lucky enough to join you this fall. Either way, a big fat congratulations to you from someone who knows a (very) little something about being non-traditional. Yay!!

 

[NeuroSync]

Hi NeuroSync!
I'm your exact age and ...wow its just fabulous to see that you are doing what you are doing and going where you are going - Hats Off!!!! Me, I'm hoping against hope that being in the competitive pool is not my last official relationship with UW this year-Maybe just maybe I'll be lucky enough to join you this fall. Either way, a big fat congratulations to you from someone who knows a (very) little something about being non-traditional. Yay!!

Thanks, Yanita. I just sent you a PM. I think that UW is very open to non-traditional students. I sure hope you get in this year!

 

[dnickers]

Hey, I've got an interesting question. I interviewed in Seattle on Monday and I'm a WY WWAMI student. The people in admissions told us that they wouldn't notify us of decisions by email and that we should expect to hear something fairly definite by mail next week sometime. They also sounded like the take-a-couple-now-make-the-others-wait-in-the-competitive-pool-until-April thing didn't apply to us. Today I got the competitive pool email. I'm confused for a couple of reasons: 1) I thought the committee wouldn't have met until Friday concerning this weeks' interviews (they still have WY interviews today and tomorrow) 2) I thought the competitive pool thing was mostly for WA/out of region applicants 3) My status hasn't changed at all on the status page (does it change from "your application is complete" if you're put in the competitive pool?)

Maybe I was just confused. I've got no problem with being in the competitive pool and I wouldn't expect them to make mistakes. Any thoughts?

 

[olydoc2b]

3) My status hasn't changed at all on the status page (does it change from "your application is complete" if you're put in the competitive pool?)

Can't answer many of your questions, but I know your status page does not change in the competitive pool because I've been stuck seeing the "Your application is complete page" since November when I got thrown in. And I think other WWAMI folks on this site have been placed in the pool too. Probably no mistake, but definitely not an easy place to be! Good luck. Waiting can be hard, but not as bad as a rejection, right? 😉

 

[PhotoMD]

Hey, I've got an interesting question. I interviewed in Seattle on Monday and I'm a WY WWAMI student. The people in admissions told us that they wouldn't notify us of decisions by email and that we should expect to hear something fairly definite by mail next week sometime. They also sounded like the take-a-couple-now-make-the-others-wait-in-the-competitive-pool-until-April thing didn't apply to us. Today I got the competitive pool email. I'm confused for a couple of reasons: 1) I thought the committee wouldn't have met until Friday concerning this weeks' interviews (they still have WY interviews today and tomorrow) 2) I thought the competitive pool thing was mostly for WA/out of region applicants 3) My status hasn't changed at all on the status page (does it change from "your application is complete" if you're put in the competitive pool?)

Maybe I was just confused. I've got no problem with being in the competitive pool and I wouldn't expect them to make mistakes. Any thoughts?

As it says on the admissions web site they gave us, the WY EXCOM meets for the final time in February, hence you get a final, non-competitive list decision in Feb (or the ranked waitlist).

http://depts.washington.edu/mdadmit/interview/process.htm

 

[dnickers]

It turns out it was a mistake. I talked to Admissions and they said that WY people should find out something pretty concrete next week. Apparently there was supposed to be a filter on a mass mailing of competetive pool emails that wasn't there. So if you're from WY and you got that email this week, disregard it. The website is correct that final decisions regarding Wyoming, Montana, Alaska will happen this month (next week for WY).

Thanks PhotoMD. You're right. 🙂

 

[futuredoc10]

Any WA applicants hear anything lately? It sure has been quiet the last week or so. Are they not having ADCOM meetings for us anymore?

 

[PhotoMD]

Any WA applicants hear anything lately? It sure has been quiet the last week or so. Are they not having ADCOM meetings for us anymore?

As I understand it, they are, just not much. Final EXCOM meeting is 3/23, we should know a couple of days after that. Looks like there's a mere month to wait. And by mere I mean interminable.

 

[macha]

Anyone have any idea (or any stories) to share about WA people who were on the unranked waitlist but not accepted and then re-applied? This is my situation this year. I am pretty much just making myself crazy by even looking at this website, but I can't help myself!! A friend of mine was put on the ranked list the 2nd year, and ultimately accepted off of that, but that's the only story I know...Thanks!

 

[futuredoc10]

Anyone have any idea (or any stories) to share about WA people who were on the unranked waitlist but not accepted and then re-applied? This is my situation this year. I am pretty much just making myself crazy by even looking at this website, but I can't help myself!! A friend of mine was put on the ranked list the 2nd year, and ultimately accepted off of that, but that's the only story I know...Thanks!

From what I've heard from a previous member of the EXCOM, the most important factor they look at for re-applicants is whether or not the application has changed from the previous year. He went as far as saying that they almost even look unfavorably on a re-applicant that pretty much turns in the same application as the previous year. On the flip side, they tend to like re-applicants who have improved scores, participated in an activity that supported their motivations on pursuing medicine, or even sometimes applicants who have dabbed in other endeavors to show that they are not just treading water. Simply stated, to improve one's chances...one must improve their competitiveness... persistance alone will not do it.

 

[PhotoMD]

Adcom meeting today... Good luck everyone. Especially good luck to me. 😛

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Adcom meeting today... Good luck everyone. Especially good luck to me. 😛

Anybody hear anything?

 

[brookester]

Anybody hear anything?

Have not heard anything but am very eager to!!! How is the Washington resident update going?

 

[Mitro]

Apparently action was taken on my application. My status page changed today - even though it says action was taken Monday. I'm a Washington resident and was in the competitive pool. Here's keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck everyone.

 

[NeuroSync]

Apparently action was taken on my application. My status page changed today - even though it says action was taken Monday. I'm a Washington resident and was in the competitive pool. Here's keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck everyone.

You can call and get your answer if you don't want to wait for the snail mail. Good luck! 🙂

 

[Mitro]

You can call and get your answer if you don't want to wait for the snail mail. Good luck! 🙂

And ruin the anticipation of having that letter go about a mile from there to my mailbox - I think not 😛

 

[NeuroSync]

And ruin the anticipation of having that letter go about a mile from there to my mailbox - I think not 😛

You have far more patience than I! I couldn't stand to wait a moment longer than I had to. 🙂

 

[brookester]

Apparently action was taken on my application. My status page changed today - even though it says action was taken Monday. I'm a Washington resident and was in the competitive pool. Here's keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck everyone.

How can you tell tha action was taken on your application. Where do you find the 'status page'?

 

[futuredoc10]

Apparently action was taken on my application. My status page changed today - even though it says action was taken Monday. I'm a Washington resident and was in the competitive pool. Here's keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck everyone.

Since when have you been in the dreaded pool?