It has been truly a humbling process, but all worth it in the end. I hope this helps future applicants. Please let me know if you have any questions about applying at any point. I am more than happy to answer any questions. Good luck!!
Attended Interview, Waitlisted
Medical College of Wisconsin
Applying for combined PhD/MSTP? No
Submitted: Yes
Secondary Completed: 07/29/2014
Interview Invite: 01/22/2015
Interview Attended: 02/12/2015
Waitlisted: 02/19/2015
Accepted: No
Rejected: No
Summary of Experience:
MCW has a lot going for it. I really liked the scholarly projects they offered. It is there to help with residency applications and getting into a competitive residency. They do have a big interview group because of interviewing only twice a month. The interview was fairly laid-back. I had a 4th year student and faculty member, with one of them on the admission board. Also, it's in Milwaukee, and the area and I didn't click together. Overall, MCW is definitely a good school to consider.
Summary of Experience:
The school is trying to gain a reputation as being a good primary care school. They try to tailor their students to serve at Hampton Roads, since it is a public school. One of the cons is definitely cost. They do not offer much aid, at least from what they told us. The panel interview was interesting, to say the least. Be prepared to get a little stressed during it. I believe my panel interview was a stress interview. Plus, this was my first interview, so I was already nervous as it was. Some pros about the school though is their standardized patient curriculum. They focus a lot on patient care, and they show it in their curriculum. Their students seem laid back, and they were happy to offer some advice about interviews and med school. Overall, the school and I didn't click with each other. I couldn't imagine myself there, so I am hoping my spot goes to someone who would enjoy it a lot better than I would have.
Summary of Experience:
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!!!! Everything about it was wonderful, and I can't think of a downside of attending this school. First, the school is GORGEOUS!! Although it is a bit isolated from towns, I actually prefer that since it is more easy to study without distractions. However, they are trying to build a medical city, and so far, they are doing a beautiful job. UCF COM has the most transparent admission process in the history of med schools. I am not exaggerating on that. From the moment they call you for an interview (how many schools calls for an interview?) to explaining the process after the interview, they truly are a special school. The staff, faculty, and other students act as a family. You can see it on interview day. They had first years interacting with fourth years. The students are funny, smart, caring, and act like family towards each other. I loved the environment that UCF COM displayed. \ The interviews were so laid back. They did have to ask you standard questions, in which they wrote your responses, but that, again, was to make the process fair towards others. They really want you involved in research, through the FIRE project. It is for getting into a competitive residency, especially since it is a relatively new school, and they are trying to gain a reputation. I love the fact we can do research, which not only helps with residencies, but can impact the patients we will serve. It is a lettered grading system (A-F), but it gives more room for error for the STEP exams, since you can prove you know the material through grades rather just simply P/F. (Plus, how would competitive residencies distinguish between P/F?). I think it's a good idea. Also, it does NOT promote competition, since you have to actually EARN the grade, and there is NO curve. Everyone is trying to help each other out to get the highest grade, promoting cooperation. The interview day was action packed and I definitely recommend applying here! They like pioneers, people who like to break ground for future generations to follow. They have one of the best programs in the nation, in my opinion. They truly CARE about their students. I CANNOT BELIEVE I HAVE THE HONOR OF ATTENDING THIS SCHOOL IN THE FALL!!!:)
