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I will keep me fingers crossed for you. I'm not sure how the benchmark the invites. I hope you get what you want.
Me, I'm hoping for a letter from them in the next few days.... GRRRR.
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Western/COMP Discussion Thread 2008-2009
Started by mshheaddoc
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I will keep me fingers crossed for you. I'm not sure how the benchmark the invites. I hope you get what you want.
Me, I'm hoping for a letter from them in the next few days.... GRRRR.
Its only been two weeks! Be patient! I know its hard but you've gotta do it. Western is pretty slow at giving secondaries/interview invites because they screen the primary apps pretty thoroughy. You've probably got a lot of people ahead of you on the review list so you need to give it time.
My primary application was verified in early-mid July and I didn't hear word from Western until mid August. So, it was about a month turn around time in the BEGINNING when there really wasnt much of a "review list". Who knows what it is now.
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deleted172531
Thanks! And congrats Viciouz!
..
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haha i just got the secondary today too! 
i guess we're in the same boat again! 😛
i guess we're in the same boat again! 😛
I don't think anyone knows what they screen for exactly. But they have a tough screening processes which probably includes the whole app. Besides, even if you get past the initial screening your app will get even a more thorough screening post interview. So it is best that you make your app as good as possible in all areas.
This is true, Western screens the primary apps very thoroughly. I was told once by a recruiter there that the primary screen is the most difficult screen to make it past......from there its a lot easier b/c they have alreayd screend out most of their applicants and they are really intersted in you coming to their school. Sometimes they even send secondary applications at the SAME time as the interview invitation. So, don't hold back anything and make a very good first impressino! Its smooth sailin from there 🙂
I have been complete since 10/3 and I check my email like a mad woman! Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I just got back from Western U's interview today.
As expected, and like many others have expressed here, I thought the school was great! Their curriculum is really impressive and encompassing. They try hard to make sure you know everything about the school. You will not be disappointed by their efforts. The lunch wasn't as bad as some have said. I was expecting cup-a-noodles or something.
I hope I can hear from them as soon as possible, before Oct. 27th at least so I can cancel all other DO school applications and interview. Western is my top DO school for sure.
Good luck to me and good luck to those who are waiting on secondaries/interview invites.
As expected, and like many others have expressed here, I thought the school was great! Their curriculum is really impressive and encompassing. They try hard to make sure you know everything about the school. You will not be disappointed by their efforts. The lunch wasn't as bad as some have said. I was expecting cup-a-noodles or something.
I hope I can hear from them as soon as possible, before Oct. 27th at least so I can cancel all other DO school applications and interview. Western is my top DO school for sure.
Good luck to me and good luck to those who are waiting on secondaries/interview invites.
I think I remember who you were, didn't get a chance to speak to you I'm guessing. Glad you enjoyed it! I thought the day went a little long and sitting in that lecture hall got old fast. Other than that I was impressed by the overall atmosphere and the academics. I hope we hear something soon!
Did anyone hear back faster than two weeks (who didn't already have an acceptance elsewhere)?
Good luck everyone!
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deleted172531
Sounds like you two came away impressed with the school. That's good to hear! Let us know when you get accepted.😀 ronicajay is western your first choice?
And don't forget the feedback forum if you get the chance for us poor late interviewing folk. 😀
And don't forget the feedback forum if you get the chance for us poor late interviewing folk. 😀
I'm not sure if it's my first choice. I still have CCOM and DMU to look at. I know that academics are top notch at Western, but the interview day was slightly lacking...I felt like they had us sitting in a miserable little room too long when we could have been outside or in one of the common areas of the building. That said, I'm sure I would be happy there and still hope I have the option of going there 🙄
I am way behind on interview feedback. I have the week off from interviewing, so I'll do my best!
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I don't think schools like their secondaries given out to applicants who haven't received them yet. The essay questions are posted on the secondary thread but you should wait for the actual secondary. Michigan made a big deal about people giving access the secondary to applicants who didn't receive an invite yet.
GRRR. No mail today. DARN YOU COLUMBUS DAY!
I interviewed at Western last Thursday. It was just as expected. The area is a bit sketchy but being in southern California would be pretty sweet. The inside of the school is a lot nicer than it seems from the outside. The students were extremely friendly and all made it seem they were really happy to be there. I feel this was one of the most important things when deciding a school. It doesn't say much about a school where students are miserable and not willing to say positive things about their own school. I'm really hoping to get in 🙂
I agree! And even though I didn't have the best time interviewing, I know the school has a great reputation and I haven't met a student who doesn't love it there. I still love you Western! Love me too!
i was wondering if a 3.29 C 3.35 SCI (upward trend) with a 26 MCAT is somewhat competitive? i took two graduate level courses in infectious disease, don't know if that's helpful or not.
i also have volunteeering at local hospital
volunteering at a student run clinic for the homeless or impoverished
medical mission experience Honduras
research assistant at UCSF for a summer ( research isn't for me -.-)
shadowed a physician (m.d)
participate in a program imPACT geared toward underpriveleged children in Oakland ( teach them things like bio, chess, physics, drama, music etc, aim to be a big brother/sister sense and encourage them to be interested in school)
developed a anatomy curriculum for elementary school children...a course offered in school
Nursing home volunteer --> elderly care, invite to just get in a relationship and to be friends. adminster meds, but not as clinical but more social work
halfthesky...-->volunteer at the office, not really a chance to interact with the kids but do some fundraiser activity to try and raise awareness
Cal dragonboat team for fun...not really a real sport
i also don't really have any honors or awards? mainly because gpa is low to qualify for those things, don't know how to make up for it
i think that maybe my extracurriculars are ok, but my general LORs aren't that good...im getting one from a doctor, and two professors i know somewhat....how many letters are required?
im graduating this semester, don't know what I can do to boost my app?
I was thinking of training to become a EMT-B, find a tutoring job, aids health project counselor, and find a DO to shadow in the bay area?
I don't know, what do you guys think? I really really want to get into med school (especially western because my dad has cancer and I want to be around the area to support him), i was going to try this cycle but i think it is too late, so I am hoping next cycle will be better?
please tell me what you think
thank you
i also have volunteeering at local hospital
volunteering at a student run clinic for the homeless or impoverished
medical mission experience Honduras
research assistant at UCSF for a summer ( research isn't for me -.-)
shadowed a physician (m.d)
participate in a program imPACT geared toward underpriveleged children in Oakland ( teach them things like bio, chess, physics, drama, music etc, aim to be a big brother/sister sense and encourage them to be interested in school)
developed a anatomy curriculum for elementary school children...a course offered in school
Nursing home volunteer --> elderly care, invite to just get in a relationship and to be friends. adminster meds, but not as clinical but more social work
halfthesky...-->volunteer at the office, not really a chance to interact with the kids but do some fundraiser activity to try and raise awareness
Cal dragonboat team for fun...not really a real sport
i also don't really have any honors or awards? mainly because gpa is low to qualify for those things, don't know how to make up for it
i think that maybe my extracurriculars are ok, but my general LORs aren't that good...im getting one from a doctor, and two professors i know somewhat....how many letters are required?
im graduating this semester, don't know what I can do to boost my app?
I was thinking of training to become a EMT-B, find a tutoring job, aids health project counselor, and find a DO to shadow in the bay area?
I don't know, what do you guys think? I really really want to get into med school (especially western because my dad has cancer and I want to be around the area to support him), i was going to try this cycle but i think it is too late, so I am hoping next cycle will be better?
please tell me what you think
thank you
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heeeey i got mail on columbus day! but the post office was closed, so i dont know how that happened...
anyways--CONGRATS on that acceptance (i saw your post in another thread)!! I got one too but now im kicking myself cuz i also got into ATSU-SOMA which i absolutely loved as well.
Well, actually most every school I've interviewed with has been amazing. All these AdComs are great salesmen for their schools! Its gonna be hard deciding against any of the programs...
do you have any idea where you will be attending as of yet?
your stats sound reasonable and could very well get you accepted into med school SOMEWHERE in the nation. BUT you never know unless you apply!
as far as Western is concerned; keep in mind they are a bit more competitive than most so they will be a bit more selective as a result. A 26 is fine for most programs though, but its not really considered a spectacular score anywhere that I know of.
BTW, I applied to PNWU on their DEADLINE last year with a 22-R MCAT and got an interview. It can be done...
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deleted172531
Congrats to the latest round of people getting accepted!👍 Hope to join that growing list next month.😀
I would like to join the list, too! Interview invite on Nov 13 (lucky...right?) I really really really want to stay in SoCal, and I love the school.🙂
Anyone else interviewing the 13th?
Anyone else interviewing the 13th?
yay western loves me!
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hi,
so when Western asks us to "Describe your participation in community service activities" do they just mean the volunteering stuff? i should not include employment? the reason i ask is, b/c during one of my jobs, we would travel specifically to underserved areas and do free cardiological assessments.. can i include this? it wasn't volunteering...
so when Western asks us to "Describe your participation in community service activities" do they just mean the volunteering stuff? i should not include employment? the reason i ask is, b/c during one of my jobs, we would travel specifically to underserved areas and do free cardiological assessments.. can i include this? it wasn't volunteering...
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deleted172531
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deleted172531
I would include it.
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deleted172531
congrats!! 👍
looks like i have 1 week to go...
Looks like the adcom likes SDN members so you have nothing to worry about.😀
haha, thanks sithr!
thanks everyone! and good luck ronicajay and anyone who is waiting to hear or for an interview!congrats!! 👍
looks like i have 1 week to go...
congrats redrumi!
Glad to hear about the "thoroughly screened" primary apps since I just got a secondary (fairly late compared to my other secondaries).
Does anyone know how competitive it is for NW Track? My primary interest in Western is for the NW Track and especially Oregon since that's my home and most of my family/best friends are there still.
thanks
Lisa
Does anyone know how competitive it is for NW Track? My primary interest in Western is for the NW Track and especially Oregon since that's my home and most of my family/best friends are there still.
thanks
Lisa
I think that if you get an interview, you have a VERY high chance of getting accepted!
I'm saying this because out of 3,227 applications, they gave 576 interviews for 222 seats.
AND most schools have to offer more acceptances than there are seats because lots of people get multiple acceptances.
So, I'd imagine that they accept nearly everyone who interviews (barring any bad interview)? what do you guys think?
And for those with the pre-secondary interview invite, I'd just assume the chances are near perfect...
I'm saying this because out of 3,227 applications, they gave 576 interviews for 222 seats.
AND most schools have to offer more acceptances than there are seats because lots of people get multiple acceptances.
So, I'd imagine that they accept nearly everyone who interviews (barring any bad interview)? what do you guys think?
And for those with the pre-secondary interview invite, I'd just assume the chances are near perfect...
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these are the numbers according to USNews, I don't know how accurate they are:
Total admissions data 3204 applied, 659 interviewed, 501 were accepted, 220 enrolled
which is a 76% post-interview acceptance rate!
Total admissions data 3204 applied, 659 interviewed, 501 were accepted, 220 enrolled
which is a 76% post-interview acceptance rate!
There are only 30 NW track seats in the class, so it would seem competitive to me. However, I don't know how many NW track applicants there are. They will also accept people from the region as regular track students and you still may have a chance of doing NW track if someone changes their mind or leaves.
I think there were 2-3 NW track applicants in a pool of approx 30 during the 10/2 interview.
I had a similar question and called admissions. My question was: "if I check the NW track box do I have to go this route if accepted." They told me no and said that the acceptance process is regardless of route you plan to take. According to admissions the way it works is:
1. Interview
2. You get accepted.
3. They give you the opportunity to sign the NW track contract.
4. A. If you accept the contract the obvious happens.
B. If you decline, you retain your seat in the class.
BTW - they publish that there are 30 seats available to NW track, but also according to admissions, they typically offer more seats than this. Last year they had ~200 applicants who checked the NW track box.
So, all the statistics you hear, also pertain to NW track applicants.
I hope this helps!! 😀
Thanks all of you for your answers re: NW track. Now, even more specific, any idea how competitive it is to then get the track you want (e.g. Oregon)?
I've heard from a former employer that the new facilities being built in Lebanon are pretty darn amazing.
I've heard from a former employer that the new facilities being built in Lebanon are pretty darn amazing.
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In short, it's a lottery system with preference. Basically you list your top 3 choices and they roll the dice on their computer which reports out where you're going. Class standing or home state or whatever, is not a factor. I got all of this from admissions too. 8) I think they're tired of me calling... lol
I met the director of the NW track program a few months ago and talked to him extensively about the track selection process. I think you list more than 3 choices when you go to pick your site. The sites are Portland, Corvallis, Roseburg, Tacoma...let me know if I'm missing any. There are 8 tracks in Portland alone. Maybe 8 in Tacoma and 4 in Corvallis and Roseburg. You are also free to swap specific rotations with other NW trackers. It sounds like the chance of getting the site you want is pretty good (80% get one of their top 3 tracks, and if you put down all 8 Portland tracks for example, you are likely to go there).
BTW, the tracks in each city are the same rotations I think, just in a different order.
BTW, the tracks in each city are the same rotations I think, just in a different order.
I am debating if I should re-take my MCAT after a 26 score (PS-7, VR-9, BS-10). I have a GPA of 3.28, and I feel I have great clinical experience to boost my quality as an applicant. I have been working as a CNA in a Trauma Center for 4+ years. I'm really hoping to go to Western COMP - I just don't know how comfortable I am with my MCAT score / admission chances... any thoughts?
Well on their site they say their avg is a 27 on the MCAT and a 3.5 overall and in science. I don't think your MCAT is the problem. It never hurts to put in a application. You never know what they are looking for.
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