2016-2017 Mercer University Application Thread

[dirtdiver]

If accepted, would you guys do macon or savannah?

I spoke with my interviewers regarding this. I asked them if there were any advantages to going to Macon or Savannah. Both said there is pretty much no difference academically, the curriculum is the same and they both have great hospitals. They said most people choose depending on proximity to their home town.

I'm going with Macon due to fact that it is closer to home and living expenses should be a bit cheaper. I figure Savannah is closer to the beach and probably has a better nightlife, but I don't think I'll have much time to mess around anyway.

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[georgiaMD1191]

If accepted, would you guys do macon or savannah?

I ended up choosing Macon as well. For similar reasons @dirtdiver stated, one is the cost efficiency, but also the fact that Mercer is working with Coliseum Medical Center and starting their IM and psych residency in 2017. The ED docs say they would start rotating students there as well, which opens up another hospital for 3rd/4th year students.

 

[bulldawg123]

Just had my interview today. The atmosphere was very relaxed and there is no reason to feel stressed or worried about it, but you should obviously prepare as it is still a medical school interview.
A group of just 5 of us started at 9 A.M.and were presented to for an hour by an admissions specialist. She gave us the run down of the day and even told us who our interviewers would be and whether or not they were on the committee that ultimately makes the decisions. She also explained how candidates are ranked and when we can expect decisions. (Mercer's committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month to make acceptance decisions, so the earliest my group will hear is Oct 19th (!!!))
We all had two interviews back to back right after that, each lasting an hour long. One of the interviewers was on the committee and the other wasn't. Both of the interviews were very laid back and conversational which made for great discussion that sometimes wasn't even related to medicine or your application. Make sure you know why you want to practice medicine in underserved areas!!! (Their mission)
After the interviews was lunch with two second years who we were told were evaluating us as well. Just be normal
Then came a tour of the facility by a fourth year and we were out of there by 2 P.M.

 

[BaseballMD17]

Hey guys! I'm a little late to the party I know, but I needed a week to process my acceptance! Just wanted to say that I am looking forward to meeting all my future classmates in Macon in August. Also, I will do my best to answer any questions someone may have.

 

[Thoroughbred_Med]

Hey guys! I'm a little late to the party I know, but I needed a week to process my acceptance! Just wanted to say that I am looking forward to meeting all my future classmates in Macon in August. Also, I will do my best to answer any questions someone may have.

Why did you choose the Macon campus?

 

[Dr. KBH]

should I send a thank-you email after te interview?

 

[779163]

should I send a thank-you email after te interview?

It's always a nice gesture to let your interviewer know how much you enjoyed meeting them, but don't write one with the expectation it will somehow benefit you.

 

[BaseballMD17]

Why did you choose the Macon campus?

Honestly, it was one of the toughest choices throughout this whole process for me. Ultimately it came to to the community feel of the Macon campus. Everything is savannah is spread out. (Most housing is 10-15 min away etc. Macon felt more united as a whole. Plus it was closer to home

 

[dirtdiver]

should I send a thank-you email after te interview?

I would, or send a thank you letter. I'd probably try to include something in your interview that was memorable.

 

[MD2B_2016]

should I send a thank-you email after te interview?

It's always a nice gesture to let your interviewer know how much you enjoyed meeting them, but don't write one with the expectation it will somehow benefit you.

I would, or send a thank you letter. I'd probably try to include something in your interview that was memorable.

Do you guys know how to send thank you notes? There isn't anywhere to upload them on the secondary site.

 

[SoYouDontWantaFishSandwch]

Do you guys know how to send thank you notes? There isn't anywhere to upload them on the secondary site.

Send them to the MUSM Admissions Office at the respective campus with ATTN:Interviewer

(unless someone has heard differently this year)

 

[dirtdiver]

Do you guys know how to send thank you notes? There isn't anywhere to upload them on the secondary site.

Mercer University – School of Medicine
Jina Parrish (ATTN: Dr. XXX)
1550 College Street
Macon, GA 31207

 

[Dr. KBH]

Do you guys know how to send thank you notes? There isn't anywhere to upload them on the secondary site.

I just sent thank-you emails directly to my interviewers of that day.

 

[OnaJourney01]

I just caught up with the recent comments on this thread. I applied ED and was accepted I am familiar with the Macon campus, but was wondering if anyone knows much about the Savannah campus.

 

[OnaJourney01]

This is a great question that I really couldn't answer until after attending my interview and talking with medical students (both Savannah and Macon students for bias pref lol). There are more similarities than differences between the two campuses but ultimately, I chose Savannah.

What made you choose Savannah?

 

[BaseballMD17]

I just caught up with the recent comments on this thread. I applied ED and was accepted I am familiar with the Macon campus, but was wondering if anyone knows much about the Savannah campus.

What would you like to know? I chose Macon but have toured Savannah twice.

 

[OnaJourney01]

What would you like to know? I chose Macon but have toured Savannah twice.

What did you think of the Savannah campus in general and the environment compared to the Macon campus? What did the Savannah students like and/or dislike about the campus?

I also heard that the professors at the Savannah campus are major players in implementing the new curriculum and exams. Apparently, the Savannah campus is more familiar with the new curriculum in comparison to the Macon campus. Did you hear anything about that?

 

[BaseballMD17]

In general there are more similarities than differences. Savannah is by far newer than Macon. They have a brand new clinical wing and library. It is one building just like Macon. The hospital is literally in the backyard.
The environment between the two is very different. Macon has a very strong community feel that I felt was lacking in Savannnah. This could be due to the fact that everything in Macon is much more centrally located. In savannah housing and everything is more spread out. Savannah had more of a professional feel to me.
Each student that I talked to at each campus loved where they were. Since you have been to Macon I'll focus on Savannah. The students said that they loved being so close to various activities including nightlife and the beach. They liked the convenience of having the hospital on site and access to practically new facilities. They did mention that the cost of living was a downside as well as how spread out decent housing is. Also the nightlife could be a distraction.

I haven't heard anything about the curriculum. I would think both area professors would be major players. I can't imagine how one would be more familiar.

Honestly, this was the toughest decision for me. The draw of Savannah was intense (new building and all) but it came down to the environment for me.

I hope this was at least somewhat helpful


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[ImmovableMover]

Does anyone know how late Mercer interviews for the RD cycle?

 

[Dr. KBH]

Does anyone know how late Mercer interviews for the RD cycle?

I believe in their email, they said if you don't hear anything after January, assume that is the rejection.

 

[OnaJourney01]

In general there are more similarities than differences. Savannah is by far newer than Macon. They have a brand new clinical wing and library. It is one building just like Macon. The hospital is literally in the backyard.
The environment between the two is very different. Macon has a very strong community feel that I felt was lacking in Savannnah. This could be due to the fact that everything in Macon is much more centrally located. In savannah housing and everything is more spread out. Savannah had more of a professional feel to me.
Each student that I talked to at each campus loved where they were. Since you have been to Macon I'll focus on Savannah. The students said that they loved being so close to various activities including nightlife and the beach. They liked the convenience of having the hospital on site and access to practically new facilities. They did mention that the cost of living was a downside as well as how spread out decent housing is. Also the nightlife could be a distraction.

I haven't heard anything about the curriculum. I would think both area professors would be major players. I can't imagine how one would be more familiar.

Honestly, this was the toughest decision for me. The draw of Savannah was intense (new building and all) but it came down to the environment for me.

I hope this was at least somewhat helpful


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Thank you for that in-depth response. I am leaning more towards Macon, but definitely want to go check out the Savannah campus in person and get a feel for it. Thanks again

 

[Thoroughbred_Med]

What made you choose Savannah?

This poster really summed it up:

In general there are more similarities than differences. Savannah is by far newer than Macon. They have a brand new clinical wing and library. It is one building just like Macon. The hospital is literally in the backyard.
The environment between the two is very different. Macon has a very strong community feel that I felt was lacking in Savannnah. This could be due to the fact that everything in Macon is much more centrally located. In savannah housing and everything is more spread out. Savannah had more of a professional feel to me.
Each student that I talked to at each campus loved where they were. Since you have been to Macon I'll focus on Savannah. The students said that they loved being so close to various activities including nightlife and the beach. They liked the convenience of having the hospital on site and access to practically new facilities. They did mention that the cost of living was a downside as well as how spread out decent housing is. Also the nightlife could be a distraction.

I haven't heard anything about the curriculum. I would think both area professors would be major players. I can't imagine how one would be more familiar.

Honestly, this was the toughest decision for me. The draw of Savannah was intense (new building and all) but it came down to the environment for me.

I hope this was at least somewhat helpful


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The environment of Savannah. I don't so much care for the collegiate environment like Macon and, in fact, would prefer a "bare bones" immersion, if you will, during medical school. Memorial hospital is literally in your backyard. With the added benefits of environment/friends in Savannah I knew where I'd be happier for four years.

 

[Dr. KBH]

Savannah campus is closed tomorrow due to hurricane. T.T. Anyone reschedule interview in Nov 1?

 

[Faithwins]

Me here. They rescheduled me for Nov 1 at Savannah

 

[Thoroughbred_Med]

The committee meets in exactly two weeks to release the first RD decisions

 

[dirtdiver]

The committee meets in exactly two weeks to release the first RD decisions

Good luck everyone!

 

[Tommytom]

To what extent does Mercer practice yield protection? No II yet, complete 7/30, LizzyM 77.

Don't really think this is a thing.. We Have people in our class who had 3.3s and people with 4.0s. Also have people with 25 MCATS (old test) and 95th percentile MCATS. I'd say there is a better chance of there being some other red flag in your application

 

[ImmovableMover]

Don't really think this is a thing.. We Have people in our class who had 3.3s and people with 4.0s. Also have people with 25 MCATS and 95th percentile MCATS. I'd say there is a better chance of there being some other red flag in your application

Thanks! Though I doubt I have a red flag, haha. It's probably a function of the slight randomness of when certain applicants get IIs no matter when they're complete. Guess I'll keep waiting.

 

[Tommytom]

Thanks! Though I doubt I have a red flag, haha. It's probably a function of the slight randomness of when certain applicants get IIs no matter when they're complete. Guess I'll keep waiting.

It is totally random, don't worry about it though, I just spoke to someone in admissions the other day and they still have a little over 60 seats to fill. Plenty of room and time left.

 

[SusieCarmichael]

The committee meets in exactly two weeks to release the first RD decisions

I hope the storm doesn't delay that any!

 

[Tommytom]

Hey I am applying for the 2017-2018 cycle and so I am trying to prepare my application in advance for early decision next year. Any tips you can give as to what you did to get in? EC's you completed? Shadowing hours? Focus as far as your essay? Interview tips? Anything will help. By the way, congratulations on your acceptance!

I Think king garty nailed it. I Think the biggest thing that worked in my favor is that I've known I've wanted to do this since I was a kid so I've literally been shadowing since I could drive at 16. Now at 24 years old I'm a 1st year and have an uncountable number of shadow hours (thousands and thousands) and 2 years of experience working in the operating room. Obviously not everyone is going to Have that many shadow hours but you need to Have something that Will make you stand out, and that was Just my thing. I would say worry about interview tips later and focus on getting to that point first. Let me know if you Have anymore questions.

 

[Dr. KBH]

I hope the storm doesn't delay that any!

Have you done your interview?

 

[SusieCarmichael]

Have you done your interview?

Yes, Sept.29

 

[ksturdy]

It is totally random, don't worry about it though, I just spoke to someone in admissions the other day and they still have a little over 60 seats to fill. Plenty of room and time left.

Only 60 spots left?! Is that number including both campuses or just one?

 

[BaseballMD17]

Only 60 spots left?! Is that number including both campuses or just one?

I would assume both. They are on par with last years cycle.


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[ksturdy]

I would assume both. They are on par with last years cycle.


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That number just seems so small to me (compared to the 365 people they interview), but I guess it really isn't that small given that they have about 100 students in their M1 class. Good luck to you!

 

[BaseballMD17]

That number just seems so small to me (compared to the 365 people they interview), but I guess it really isn't that small given that they have about 100 students in their M1 class. Good luck to you!

It does seem small doesn't it! What I can tell you is that no matter the predetermined number of seats they look at everyone sincerely. It is my understanding that they are accepting about 124 this cycle. Good luck to you!


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[BaseballMD17]

Hey guys! Congrats to all of you who've interviewed RD so far and those of you with interviews coming up in the near future! Rooting for you guys!

Accepted folks - looks like I'm headed to Macon for all 4 years! Had some conversations with some of my buds from both campuses and pulled the trigger. Also, did y'all get an email confirmation from the school when they received your background check? I've got a message for receipt of everything in the packet but that

@SoYouDontWantaFishSandwch @Tommytom big thanks for all of the helpful advice.

Hey! I'm in the same boat. No background check confirmation yet. See you in August


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[dirtdiver]

Only 60 spots left?! Is that number including both campuses or just one?

Probably both, considering each school gets 60.

 

[dirtdiver]

Hey guys! Congrats to all of you who've interviewed RD so far and those of you with interviews coming up in the near future! Rooting for you guys!

Accepted folks - looks like I'm headed to Macon for all 4 years! Had some conversations with some of my buds from both campuses and pulled the trigger. Also, did y'all get an email confirmation from the school when they received your background check? I've got a message for receipt of everything in the packet but that

@SoYouDontWantaFishSandwch @Tommytom big thanks for all of the helpful advice.

Same here, nothing regarding the background check. It's third party, so there must be some kind of disconnect. See you in Macon!

 

[georgiaMD1191]

I got a confirmation and a review after my background check was run by the company. It asked for my release to Mercer, but no confirmation from Mercer.


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[Tommytom]

Only 60 spots left?! Is that number including both campuses or just one?

It's both campuses. Considering how there is 125 seats to give out and they give about half to ED folks I think that's a good number of seats left.

 

[nainzui]

Application complete mid August, and still no II. Georgia resident. Does that mean I shouldn't expect one?

 

[dirtdiver]

Application complete mid August, and still no II. Georgia resident. Does that mean I shouldn't expect one?

I'd email or call them and see if they just missed it.

 

[beebreezy]

I have an interview in 2 weeks that I scheduled 2 weeks ago. Guess it's time to start getting into dat interview mindset. My MCG interview was just a week after I scheduled it, so I didn't have all of this time to push it out of mind for a few weeks.

 

[dirtdiver]

I have an interview in 2 weeks that I scheduled 2 weeks ago. Guess it's time to start getting into dat interview mindset. My MCG interview was just a week after I scheduled it, so I didn't have all of this time to push it out of mind for a few weeks.

Good luck!

 

[studentdocftw]

There will be a good amount of waitlist movement (there is every year). It's too early to worry at this point. Good luck folks!

 

[ImmovableMover]

@nainzui Definitely give them a call, it can't hurt you. The other thing I'd suggest you do is look at your application and make sure that your grades, service, etc. are on par for the program. You might want to do this first, as calling the office may prompt a conversation about the strength of your application. Good luck! We're pulling for ya.

I don't we should call now if we haven't received an II, right?

It's still pretty early, especially since Mercer says "Should you be chosen by the Admissions Committee for an interview, you will receive an invitation via e-mail by 5:00 PM ET January 20, 2017."

I was planning on calling maybe early December if I haven't received one by then. What do you think?

 

[SoYouDontWantaFishSandwch]

I don't we should call now if we haven't received an II, right?

It's still pretty early, especially since Mercer says "Should you be chosen by the Admissions Committee for an interview, you will receive an invitation via e-mail by 5:00 PM ET January 20, 2017."

I was planning on calling maybe early December if I haven't received one by then. What do you think?

They interview non-stop through February at both campuses (every Tuesday and Thursday), so I wouldn't think it is out of the ordinary for it to take a little bit to get all interviews out. I would be more concerned that you have a MCAT 519+ and your app wasn't given preference.

 

[ImmovableMover]

They interview non-stop through February at both campuses (every Tuesday and Thursday), so I wouldn't think it is out of the ordinary for it to take a little bit to get all interviews out. I would be more concerned that you have a MCAT 519+ and your app wasn't given preference.

I guess I'll give it a month-ish.