********So now that its all said and done for me, here is my advice: I would never recommend applying to only one school if you can avoid it. That being said, I think everyone has to approach this process however best works for them. I knew I didn't have the resources to go all out this year, so decided to give it a shot- Lucky for me it worked out.
My biggest piece of advice while working towards medical school is that you only do things you are GENUINELY INTERESTED in. My application may not have been the most impressive right off the bat, but I know that in the interview they found out that I learned a ton from every single thing I had done. Stop asking yourself 'What will help me get in?', and start asking yourself, 'What will teach me to be a good health care provider, and what am I interested in doing?************
Oh, and UW no longer gives automatic interviews!!!! Lots of people with numbers better than mine were rejected pre-interview. UW wants a MINIMUM of 40hours of shadowing, so be sure you have lots of clinical experience. I am positive that is what got me my interview.
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I thought I was going all out and applying to about 20 schools, but then I realized I have NO money. Actually, make that NEGATIVE money. So, that being said, I'm only applying to UWSOM. I know applying to one school is not statistically a good idea, but it's all I could do.
09.15.07.
Began first draft of PS (at 3 in the morning...)
09.28.07
Met with head of pre-med committee to discuss applying next year. She said as long as I do well this year (to make up for a terrible year last year) that my committee cover letter should be good.
01.14.08.
Started Kaplan class. Am registered for Aril 18th MCAT
02.14.08
Just trying to keep track of what I have to do:
*Non science letter(KP)......... DONE
*Letter from BB prof(KA).......... DONE
*Letter from PH prof(CC)......... DONE
*Letter from H prof(SB)......... DONE
*Letter from doc(SB)......... DONE
*Letter from research......... DONE
*Letter from past employer(JW)........ DONE
03.01.08
Had another meeting with my pre-med advisor who said regardless of my grades and MCAT score, my committee letter would be outstanding as far as my character and how well prepared I am for being a doctor. But she did say I needed a stellar MCAT so they could emphasize that over my grades
03.11.08
My weighted GPA for UWSOM is 3.5 or so, which is the cut off, along with a 9 9 9 on the mcat, for an auto interview invite...ok, according to the latest poster, its a min of 30 for an auto invite now...GRRR
08.22.08
Finally submitted primary.
09.10.08
AMCAS VERIFIED!! So fast, I'm so happy! Also, letters are already submitted as well
09.11.08
Received Secondary. Got working on it right away, but soon found out I'd have to verify my residency. I'm so annoyed, they say it could take 4-6 weeks =(
10.00.08
Complete, residency finally verified
11.01.08
no news all nov, just more waiting
12.01.08
no news all dec, just more waiting
01.00.09
INTERVIEW INVITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
02.00.09
Interview mid Feb
02.xx.09
Had interview today and went a million times better than I ever could have hoped for. Still stressful, have NO IDEA if i have any chance of getting in, but I know my interview had to have helped. Should know by next week...eeeeeeeek
02.17.09
Well I'm basically on hold, or as UW puts it 'continue to review', so the waiting continues...................................................................
03.04.09
Called the admissions office and was basically told that I'll be having to wait till the final meeting to hear anything. So I have to wait till the end of March
03.09.09
Got the phone call at 9pm, ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We help students become doctors. TM
