Thread: Fall 2012 4 year program Applicants-- Introduce yourself!!

Hey guys,

I'm not going to bother asking "what are my chances" since my application is currently complete and am now just anticipating the interview. I personally look at the interview as a good opportunity to speak more about myself especially given my 26 MCAT and gpa under 3.0(out of 4). In the past few years after completing undergrad I have contributed and led volunteer and fundraising campaigns. For a brief time I was considering Public Health and took a nonmatriculated grad course at UMDNJ in environmental health which I aced. Currently I am working at a cadaveric lab/simulated OR primarily aimed towards surgeon education. My company focuses in spinal surgery products and procedures and has pioneered the lateral approach. I have to constantly find ways to streamline lab processes and am constantly learning new products and procedures in development. I appreciate my job very much as it has given me a hands-on learning experience with surgery. I am constantly being tested as well; last year I had to take the clinical spine exam, a test that covers spinal anatomy, products, procedures, and other topics related to the company. I am currently preparing for a certification exam which tests my ability to lead a surgeon through a specific procedure. If I pass that, I am then able to teach surgeons that technique and the products associated with it.

Sorry for rambling, I just felt like there's a lot to talk about! Please share!

I'm strongly considering applying. I'm a 28-year-old male. I've got a BSc & MS in Chemistry. undergrad GPA of: 3.02. masters GPA of: 3.49. MCAT: 25M (8/9/8).

I am an American & Dutch citizen (EU citizenship woohoo) but I've never lived in Europe. I think Jag sounds like a fantastic opportunity! The cost is very appealing as is the recognition in all 50 states.

I'm a massive Seahawks fan! And I love the Chicago Cubs

Now I'm wondering how many applicants they get?

The price is so low they must get tons of applicants, especially in this economy. I wonder how competitive I am.

Hi there! I received my acceptance letter to Jagiellonian a few days ago and will most likely accept. I haven't applied to any American schools and will probably not need to, because I like the idea of starting this immediate september and living in Europe for a few years. Being an IMG doesn't worry me the slightest bit because I don't plan on being a dermatologist or neurosurgeon, and these first 4 years of medical education at JU is every bit as good as it would be at most institutions in the US (at 1/3 of the cost). I visited Krakow in March and like many have said, it is a beautiful city. I sat in on the classes, and thought they were surprisingly good (contrary to internet rumors, that is).

I am a 25 year old boy. I graduated from university 4 years ago and have spent all my time since then traveling/working around the world, until sometime in 2011 when I decided to go to medical school. I took Organic Chemistry over the summer to fulfill the last bit of prerequisites, and then the MCAT on the earliest date this year and immediately applied to Jagiellonian after. I was invited for interview while I was traveling in Europe, so it was convenient to just visit the university and have my interview there. I had a follow-up phone interview a month later.

I am an avid climber, so the rock, ice and mountains surrounding Krakow (in Slovakia, Czech and France for example) are a massive bonus reason why it is an ideal place to be. I am excited for the prospect of studying in E. Europe, and wish those of you applying good luck with your applications and interviews. I think it's a wonderful opportunity not to be hesitant about and missed!

Originally Posted by climbnplay

Hi there! I received my acceptance letter to Jagiellonian a few days ago and will most likely accept. I haven't applied to any American schools and will probably not need to, because I like the idea of starting this immediate september and living in Europe for a few years. Being an IMG doesn't worry me the slightest bit because I don't plan on being a dermatologist or neurosurgeon, and these first 4 years of medical education at JU is every bit as good as it would be at most institutions in the US (at 1/3 of the cost). I visited Krakow in March and like many have said, it is a beautiful city. I sat in on the classes, and thought they were surprisingly good (contrary to internet rumors, that is).

I am a 25 year old boy. I graduated from university 4 years ago and have spent all my time since then traveling/working around the world, until sometime in 2011 when I decided to go to medical school. I took Organic Chemistry over the summer to fulfill the last bit of prerequisites, and then the MCAT on the earliest date this year and immediately applied to Jagiellonian after. I was invited for interview while I was traveling in Europe, so it was convenient to just visit the university and have my interview there. I had a follow-up phone interview a month later.

I am an avid climber, so the rock, ice and mountains surrounding Krakow (in Slovakia, Czech and France for example) are a massive bonus reason why it is an ideal place to be. I am excited for the prospect of studying in E. Europe, and wish those of you applying good luck with your applications and interviews. I think it's a wonderful opportunity not to be hesitant about and missed!

Great perspective! Congratulations on your acceptance!

Can you tell a little about your background? Are you Polish?

Where are you from in the US?

take it for what it's worth but I found this online a couple of days ago. It's residency placements for UJ 4-year MD graduates from 2009.

http://www.medschool.cm-uj.krakow.pl...duates2009.pdf

Hi there,

I am 23 years old girl, a trainee pharmacist from UK!! I am in process of my application and waiting for reference and GAMSAT results etc. Also, bit busy with my training year and don't have time to breath but hopefully i will finish my application by next month.

CLIMBNPLAY- How DID YOU FIND YOUR INTERVIEW? HOW LONG WAS IT? WHAT SORT OF QUESTIONS THEY ASKED YOU? DON'T THEY DO SKYPE INTERVIEW?

I'm a male from the US, in my late-20s.

Jagiellonian is the only Polish med school I've applied to because it seems to have the best reputation and from what I have found it sounds like Krakow is the best city in Poland. Although I'm now giving strong consideration to Poznan too.

I'm giving strong consideration to Jagiellonian because of what appears to be pleased students (if you go by what you read on VALUEMD). AND JPII went there!

I am definitely a bit concerned about learning Polish but I think it's something that I can handle.

suzzjj, I don't believe they interview over Skype. I've heard a combination of telephone interviews and/or face-to-face interviews. In the US they have set dates in New York & Chicago. You also have the option of scheduling an interview in California or Krakow, Poland. For you, being in the UK, Krakow is probably your best bet. The good news is that they sound pretty flexible when it comes to scheduling an interview in Krakow (or California).

Thanks for your info Targaryen!! Jag site says 10th June for application deadline!!! Is this deadline for everyone? They have not mentioned anything about European student application deadline like others? Bit confused now!!!

I think the reason for that is that the majority of the students in the 4-year MD program are from North America. It's best for somebody in your situationto contact the School of Medicine in English office. When do you get your GAMSAT score? I would guess you could schedule an interview in Krakow after June 10th; however, it's best to ask the staff.

Originally Posted by suzzjj

Thanks for your info Targaryen!! Jag site says 10th June for application deadline!!! Is this deadline for everyone? They have not mentioned anything about European student application deadline like others? Bit confused now!!!

Okay, I just tried to post the email address for the School of Medicine in English and VALUEMD changed it twice. It's easy enough to find on their website though.

Originally Posted by suzzjj

Hi there,

I am 23 years old girl, a trainee pharmacist from UK!! I am in process of my application and waiting for reference and GAMSAT results etc. Also, bit busy with my training year and don't have time to breath but hopefully i will finish my application by next month.

CLIMBNPLAY- How DID YOU FIND YOUR INTERVIEW? HOW LONG WAS IT? WHAT SORT OF QUESTIONS THEY ASKED YOU? DON'T THEY DO SKYPE INTERVIEW?

To reiterate what Targaryen has said, in my impression I don't think they offer Skype interviews. I flew over to Krakow while I was traveling in the UK via EasyJet and it was super cheap. I couchsurfed in Krakow for the 4 nights I was there - highly recommended, as you will find out a lot more about Krakow from a local resident.

The interview was quite pleasant actually. We didn't talk much about medicine, but instead we just talked mostly about traveling, our respective interests, and Poland. He started off with a sheet of paper, which I persume had the list of questions, but I don't think he followed it really at all because we spent much more time talking about the Tatra mountains than medicine. Oh and we had a good trivial laugh about America. Maybe 30 minutes for the duration? I don't think you need to worry much - they don't quiz you like some other schools do; it seemed like purely an interview about my motivation to study medicine and personality.

And to answer Cpt, I live in the US but I'm not American. I graduated from WashU in St. Louis with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I currently live in a cabin in New Hampshire and spend most of my time climbing, making a little money on the side by taking people climbing and sometimes working in a climbing center in Boston. I know once school starts there will not be this kind of opportunity to indulge for a few years, so I am taking full advantage of the last bit of complete freedom.