I'm pretty sure about attending UCSF. I'm just waiting for one other school of notification and financial package.

I just wanted to create a thread for 2009ers planning on attending UCSF, so that we can share information on what forms are needed to be filled out and what steps to take until school starts.

To everyone else best wishes in the process!

I'm pretty sure about attending UCSF. I'm just waiting for one other school of notification and financial package.

I just wanted to create a thread for 2009ers planning on attending UCSF, so that we can share information on what forms are needed to be filled out and what steps to take until school starts.

To everyone else best wishes in the process!

Hi Jellybean,

I'm pretty set on UCSF also! Have you gotten any additional info from them? I haven't yet and was wondering when they'd do that. I guess all the info is online anyway. I'm glad someone finally started this thread!

hey norcal
i believe the forms that need to be filled out are the financial aid packet, residency, and intention form. Correct me if there are more.

hey all,

we might be classmates next year! :) like you mentioned, money is also a factor for me so i'm not entirely sure if i'll end up at SF. but it is awesome place to be. did you guys complete the fafsa yet? i still haven't. i gotta get that done.

do you guys have housing worked out?

hey all,

we might be classmates next year! :) like you mentioned, money is also a factor for me so i'm not entirely sure if i'll end up at SF. but it is awesome place to be. did you guys complete the fafsa yet? i still haven't. i gotta get that done.

do you guys have housing worked out?

Hey there!
I live in the city now, but am planning on moving closer to the campus in August. Housing is tricky in the city (and I'm picky) so I plan on spending the summer months looking for a good place. I suppose you could start figuring things out now, but I imagine most places won't start opening up until the summer when people move out. Craigslist is usually a good place to start!

Hi Guys--

I'm looking to move to SF sometime in the early summer too, and sleep on friend's couches while I try to find an apartment. Any ideas on finding roomates? I think I'd really like to live with another m1/m2 at ucsf. Are you guys psyched! I am!

Ben

Hey there!
I live in the city now, but am planning on moving closer to the campus in August. Housing is tricky in the city (and I'm picky) so I plan on spending the summer months looking for a good place. I suppose you could start figuring things out now, but I imagine most places won't start opening up until the summer when people move out. Craigslist is usually a good place to start!

I'm also planning on moving to SF in the early summer and looking for an apartment...so where are you guys from?


Hi Guys--

I'm looking to move to SF sometime in the early summer too, and sleep on friend's couches while I try to find an apartment. Any ideas on finding roomates? I think I'd really like to live with another m1/m2 at ucsf. Are you guys psyched! I am!

Ben

I'm also planning on moving to SF in the early summer and looking for an apartment...so where are you guys from?

ditto!

I'm from Southern California. I wanted to start looking for housing early before the summer, but an MSI just told me that I shouldn't start looking until the end of the school year...until then, I guess I'm waiting with the rest of you. Btw...congratulations everyone!

ditto!

I'm from Southern California. I wanted to start looking for housing early before the summer, but an MSI just told me that I shouldn't start looking until the end of the school year...until then, I guess I'm waiting with the rest of you. Btw...congratulations everyone!

from SoCal as well. Are you guys pretty much set on UCSF?

count me in! i'll be there in the fall. i really just want to put off thinking about housing and $$ for now, but i think i'll start working on that stuff soon.
are y'all going to 2nd look (i think it's around may 1stish)?

I will definitely be there for the "2nd look" weekend even though I already work at UCSF! I want to meet possible future classmates and get more acquainted with the SOM. I'm from San Jose originally so I know the Bay Area pretty well. Congrats to everyone and I will be the first one to welcome you to the fog! :) (It's not that bad...)

count me in! i'll be there in the fall. i really just want to put off thinking about housing and $$ for now, but i think i'll start working on that stuff soon.
are y'all going to 2nd look (i think it's around may 1stish)?

i'll definately be there. i probably won't know if i will attend until i get a good second look at the place. i am having a real tough time deciding which school to attend... but it's a good thing i guess. i envy you guys who already have made up their minds.

calstudent, i assume you a cal grad as i am. i've heard many cal students go to sf. anyone else cal alum?

I'm a Cal grad also. Yeah I remember when I interviewed the guide told me (also Berkeley grad) there were about 30% Berkeley + Stanford grads.

For those who are familiar with the city's districts, what do you think is the safer districts? Is inner sunset (UCSF) a safe place?

BTW should we have already sent off the UCSF Fin Aid 05~06 form already? Just wondering because they said somewhere to submit it ASAP after you receive your admittance. Hope I'm not late.

I'm a Cal grad also. Yeah I remember when I interviewed the guide told me (also Berkeley grad) there were about 30% Berkeley + Stanford grads.

For those who are familiar with the city's districts, what do you think is the safer districts? Is inner sunset (UCSF) a safe place?

BTW should we have already sent off the UCSF Fin Aid 05~06 form already? Just wondering because they said somewhere to submit it ASAP after you receive your admittance. Hope I'm not late.

I haven't yet because I just completed my taxes for 2004 and tI think they want a copy of that... and my parents' taxes too. Ugh.

Anyway, the inner sunset is relatively safe. It's not the prettiest part of the city, in my opinion, but it's definitely the place to live if you want to be close to campus. That's where I'll be looking.

yep, go bears!
thanks for the info., norcalgirl, on inner sunset. on the housing page, they have a description of many of the different neighborhoods in the City. i believe inner sunset has lots of families and such and, while not as exciting as downtown, still has some great restaurants and is a safe area. i'll be looking there too; i was looking the SF chronicle classifieds today, and was stunned to see the expensiveness of the stuff there to rent!

also, someone mentioned stuff that we have to turn in above: don't forget to mail your final transcripts (if you are 100%)

i don't know about you guys, but i am feeling so tired of filling in anymore applications (i.e. the damn fafsa). i hope i get that done by next week. so you're not alone!

I will be attending in the fall as well. What do you guys think about the mission bay on campus housing project. Does anyone know whether it would be a good place to live. Are you all just waiting to find a roomate at 2nd look weekend? congrats everyone.

Hi everyone, again--I'm actually not from cali...so I don't know the bay area very well. where are some other good places to live?

UCSF representing!!!

I am 70% set on going there, but I still have to fill out my FAFSA and supplemental financial aid.

About living: I am considering getting a studio apartment at the brand-spanking new Mission Bay complex. Given that it is quite far from the Parnassus campus (4 mi), there is, however, a regular shuttle and public transportation that can get you there in 20-30 minutes.

It's damn hard to find clean, nice, and (relatively) inexpensive apartments in SF. I think that Mission Bay is a good option.

Plus, it's right next to PacBell Park and, from what I understand, the Mission Bay campus has many amenities, including a new gym facility.

Congrats to everyone here!

Does anyone know what to do with the section where they ask you to choose a lender? (for the Stafford Loan) I'm planning on calling the financial aid office tomorrow but wanted to see what you guys thought.

Does anyone know what to do with the section where they ask you to choose a lender? (for the Stafford Loan) I'm planning on calling the financial aid office tomorrow but wanted to see what you guys thought.

I'm stuck on the same question. I've had this thing for 4 weeks now and still haven't filled it out. Anyway, will you let me know what they say? Thanks!

I'm stuck on the same question. I've had this thing for 4 weeks now and still haven't filled it out. Anyway, will you let me know what they say? Thanks!

Eesh! They weren't very helpful. They said, "Yeah you have to choose a lender. We can't process your financial AID without one. You can choose from the list we give you or find one on your own." Well, since I'm clueless about this stuff, I'll go over the list of lenders with my Dad. My boyfriend who is a 2nd year med student at UCI says he doesn't even know who his lender is!

I'll let you know if I get more info..

count me in! i'll be there in the fall. i really just want to put off thinking about housing and $$ for now, but i think i'll start working on that stuff soon.
are y'all going to 2nd look (i think it's around may 1stish)?

hey all,

i'm currently living very close to UCSF and i also work there, so i can provide lots of info on the neighborhoods in the vicinity. i'm happy to answer any q's, although i don't check this web site often, so please be patient.

btw, i haven't filled out any of the financial or housing forms either...it's been fun to sit back and enjoy the news.

regarding housing. I called the housing office and the person said incoming students will most likely get housing at Mission Bay. Brand new structure is the positive aspect; however, the downside is the distance. A 25 minute commute by shuttle to the Parnassus campus from Mission Bay.

hey does anyone have or know where I can get the residency match list for UCSF?

regarding housing. I called the housing office and the person said incoming students will most likely get housing at Mission Bay. Brand new structure is the positive aspect; however, the downside is the distance. A 25 minute commute by shuttle to the Parnassus campus from Mission Bay.

hey does anyone have or know where I can get the residency match list for UCSF?


here you go!

http://medschool.ucsf.edu/medstudents/resources/match/index.asp

[QUOTE=jellybean3]regarding housing. I called the housing office and the person said incoming students will most likely get housing at Mission Bay. Brand new structure is the positive aspect; however, the downside is the distance. A 25 minute commute by shuttle to the Parnassus campus from Mission Bay.

Exactly. Though I think it would be more fun to be where most of the other students are, so I applied for that. Perhaps at second look weekend we'll get a better idea of where most people are living...??

Anybody have ideas on how early you think it's necessary to go to find a decent place?

regarding housing. I called the housing office and the person said incoming students will most likely get housing at Mission Bay. Brand new structure is the positive aspect; however, the downside is the distance. A 25 minute commute by shuttle to the Parnassus campus from Mission Bay.
Wow. I would be _very_ careful about agreeing to live in Mission Bay. Knowing UCSF, I'm sure it will be very well developed and secure, but the Mission Bay area is a pretty ugly neighborhood.

Mission Bay is formerly industrial and has only been developed in recent years due to the dotcom boom and the mass influx of people to the city. But the charm of San Francisco lies in its neighborhoods, each of which has a different feel to it. Mission Bay is very new and doesn't have much in the way of infrastructure or history, and there's little nearby.

I would recommend the Inner Sunset, an area right near UCSF. 9th and Irving is the center of this area with some good bars, restaurants and book stores. Housing is plentiful there and somewhat affordable (by San Francisco standards). You are also a quick walk to Golden Gate Park, the Haight and lots of great public transportation.

I worked at UCSF for several years and know that most of the med students I met lived in the Sunset. I have a hunch that the only people who would live in Mission Bay would be those who don't know the area. And I'd reckon that they would only stay the first year.

As for finding places to live, if you aren't sure what to look for, there are several online rental companies that are useful as they let you look for sublets. This is a great way to get a place for a month/summer/year while you're getting your arms around the city and learning what is what. It also saves you from having to pay for all your furniture up front. Metrorent.com and Renttech.com were handy.

Anybody have ideas on how early you think it's necessary to go to find a decent place?
Most employers here recommend that folks line up temporary accommodation and allow themselves 4 weeks to find a place.

Realistically, it depends how fussy you are about price and neighborhood. If you are willing to pay $1,400/month for a one-bedroom apartment in the Inner Sunset or Outer Sunset, you will find a place within a week or two. If you're very price conscious, you can find a place in those same neighborhoods for $1,000/month, but you may be quite a while looking.

Something else to consider is cars and pets. Some neighborhoods are notoriously tough to park in, so you'll need a parking space. If you have to have an apartment with parking, this cuts down on your options by quite a bit. And the biggest pain is if you have pets. If you look on craigslist or other web sites you can see that when you restrict your search to places that allow pets, it reduces your options by 75%.

Housing is a pain, but only the first time. So much is done word of mouth that it will only be rough the first time you do it. And San Francisco is the best place to live. Hard not to love.

Wow. I would be _very_ careful about agreeing to live in Mission Bay. Knowing UCSF, I'm sure it will be very well developed and secure, but the Mission Bay area is a pretty ugly neighborhood.

Mission Bay is formerly industrial and has only been developed in recent years due to the dotcom boom and the mass influx of people to the city. But the charm of San Francisco lies in its neighborhoods, each of which has a different feel to it. Mission Bay is very new and doesn't have much in the way of infrastructure or history, and there's little nearby.

I would recommend the Inner Sunset, an area right near UCSF. 9th and Irving is the center of this area with some good bars, restaurants and book stores. Housing is plentiful there and somewhat affordable (by San Francisco standards). You are also a quick walk to Golden Gate Park, the Haight and lots of great public transportation.

I worked at UCSF for several years and know that most of the med students I met lived in the Sunset. I have a hunch that the only people who would live in Mission Bay would be those who don't know the area. And I'd reckon that they would only stay the first year.

As for finding places to live, if you aren't sure what to look for, there are several online rental companies that are useful as they let you look for sublets. This is a great way to get a place for a month/summer/year while you're getting your arms around the city and learning what is what. It also saves you from having to pay for all your furniture up front. Metrorent.com and Renttech.com were handy.

I agree. I live and work in the city and I would much rather live in the inner sunset. I'm sure Mission Bay will be nice, but it just seems really inconvenient to be out there.

for those of you who currently live in San Francisco I have a few concerns.

1. Rent: do you know what the avg rent is for a one bdrm around sunset? Does anyone know what the a one bdrm at the mission bay housing is?

2. Public Transportation: When does the bart stop running at night? How about the Muni (specifically N-Judah)?

thank you in advance for your replies!

for those of you who currently live in San Francisco I have a few concerns.

1. Rent: do you know what the avg rent is for a one bdrm around sunset? Does anyone know what the a one bdrm at the mission bay housing is?

2. Public Transportation: When does the bart stop running at night? How about the Muni (specifically N-Judah)?

thank you in advance for your replies!


you can check out www.craigslist.org to check out the prices of rent around sunset and mission bay. Be sure to click SFC and not SBY or EBY or anything. After you click SFC you can click the apartments and housing link and then click where it says all neighborhoods and scroll down to inner sunset/UCSF or whatever area you are interested in and you can get an idea of what rent is.

Go to www.bart.gov to check out the bart schedules as well as when it stops running.

www.transitinfo.org is a great site to plan your trip without visiting bart and muni sites, it does it for you.


Good luck :luck:

I hope that helps.

1. Rent: do you know what the avg rent is for a one bdrm around sunset? Does anyone know what the a one bdrm at the mission bay housing is?
If you're patient and not too fussy, you should be able to get a place for about $1,200.
2. Public Transportation: When does the bart stop running at night? How about the Muni (specifically N-Judah)?
BART and MUNI both stop running at about 1:00 a.m. If you're planning on late nights coming back to Mission Bay, I'd plan on cab fare. The area between the last N stop and 600 16th is not nice at night. You'd probably be fine walking it, but you'd be right to feel uncomfortable, particularly if you're a woman travelling alone.
If you're planning on late travel, you might consider the 22 bus, which is a helpful route that also runs every half hour at night. It also brings you closer to Mission Bay than the N Judah would. But again, the Mission Bay area is not that safe at night, so I'd be careful walking alone.

for those of you who currently live in San Francisco I have a few concerns.

1. Rent: do you know what the avg rent is for a one bdrm around sunset? Does anyone know what the a one bdrm at the mission bay housing is?

2. Public Transportation: When does the bart stop running at night? How about the Muni (specifically N-Judah)?

thank you in advance for your replies!

1. I'd suggest finding roommates. It's MUCH cheaper and that's what most students tend to do. If you do that, expect to pay anywhere from $600-1000 for your own bedroom. I live a couple blocks away and pay only $650 for my own bedroom. The housing market in the Bay Area has improved tremendously (for renters).

2. BART stops around midnight-ish but for all your traveling within the city, use the Muni. The N-Judah line (to and from the Parnassus campus) runs really late; it's got an owl service bus after the light rail shuts down around 1ish, which definitely has come in handy many times!

I don't know if this is customary for just UCSF, but both my interviewers sent me letters congratulating me on my acceptance. I'm just wondering whether it would be impolite if I didn't write them back.

Also, I wanted to know whether or not anyone's received anything back from the financial aid office yet. I turned in my fafsa a couple of weeks ago and haven't got a confirmation or anything at all.

Thanks for your help!

I don't know if this is customary for just UCSF, but both my interviewers sent me letters congratulating me on my acceptance. I'm just wondering whether it would be impolite if I didn't write them back.

Also, I wanted to know whether or not anyone's received anything back from the financial aid office yet. I turned in my fafsa a couple of weeks ago and haven't got a confirmation or anything at all.

Thanks for your help!


Received my acceptance last week and 99% sure about going there. I'm thrilled!! Also received an email from my faculty interviewer, and am sending a reply. If there isn't a reason why you wouldn't want to reply, why not?

I'll be looking for a place nearby with my 5 pound dog. Hopefully something clean (essential) and cute (flexible). I'm very easygoing, not big into partying. Currently, I'm living at home, with parents, in the LA area. If any potential roommates want to meet up, feel free to PM me. Happy to meet you-- future classmates!!

Did you guys know that there are few Dean's scholarships awared each year to the select few? I have been told that they are going to make the decision within the next month or so. Can we post on this thread if anyone hears anything?

One more thing. Anyone else trying to look for a roomate?

Eesh! They weren't very helpful. They said, "Yeah you have to choose a lender. We can't process your financial AID without one. You can choose from the list we give you or find one on your own." Well, since I'm clueless about this stuff, I'll go over the list of lenders with my Dad. My boyfriend who is a 2nd year med student at UCI says he doesn't even know who his lender is!

I'll let you know if I get more info..

I choose T.H.E. because there are no up front fees and med students on SDN seemed happy with them.

For the upcomming 2nd look weekend, I am trying to figure out which airport to fly into. I can fly southwest to Oakland or United to SFO and the cost is about the same. Which would you recommend and what transportation should I take once I get into town? I am looking for the most hassle-free travel between UCSF and the airport.

Thanks!

Why doesn't UCSF have a mascot?

Maybe we should make one. :)

For the upcomming 2nd look weekend, I am trying to figure out which airport to fly into. I can fly southwest to Oakland or United to SFO and the cost is about the same. Which would you recommend and what transportation should I take once I get into town? I am looking for the most hassle-free travel between UCSF and the airport.

Thanks!

If it costs the same, I'd fly into SFO. From there you can take BART to a station that also stops where the N-Judah (MUNI metro line) stops and catch that back towards UCSF. That would be the cheapest way to get to UCSF from the SFO. (Any SF folks who are more public transportation savvy, please suggest a better route if you know of any!)

This trip planner website may be useful!
http://www.transitinfo.org/tripplanner/index.asp

If it costs the same, I'd fly into SFO. From there you can take BART to a station that also stops where the N-Judah (MUNI metro line) stops and catch that back towards UCSF. That would be the cheapest way to get to UCSF from the SFO. (Any SF folks who are more public transportation savvy, please suggest a better route if you know of any!)

This trip planner website may be useful!
http://www.transitinfo.org/tripplanner/index.asp

Quick q: I'll be taking the Amtrak from Sacramento to Richmond, and the Bart to SF...does anyone know which BART line I should take, and what bus line I should transfer to?

THANKS!!!

Quick q: I'll be taking the Amtrak from Sacramento to Richmond, and the Bart to SF...does anyone know which BART line I should take, and what bus line I should transfer to?

THANKS!!!

I believe you can take the Milbrae bound BART train to the Embarcadero station and then there you can catch the N-Judah to UCSF.

http://www.bart.gov/stations/map/systemMap.asp

I believe you can take the Milbrae bound BART train to the Embarcadero station and then there you can catch the N-Judah to UCSF.

http://www.bart.gov/stations/map/systemMap.asp


take the n-judah and get off at irving & judah street; go to the parking structure elevators and take the elevators to parnassus street; walk out to parnassus and turn right; the health sci building is across the street after you walk past moffit/long hospital

If it costs the same, I'd fly into SFO. From there you can take BART to a station that also stops where the N-Judah (MUNI metro line) stops and catch that back towards UCSF. That would be the cheapest way to get to UCSF from the SFO. (Any SF folks who are more public transportation savvy, please suggest a better route if you know of any!)

This trip planner website may be useful!
http://www.transitinfo.org/tripplanner/index.asp

Thanks for the quick response! So BART does stop at SFO or do you have to take a shuttle or cab?

I believe you can take the Milbrae bound BART train to the Embarcadero station and then there you can catch the N-Judah to UCSF.

http://www.bart.gov/stations/map/systemMap.asp

Awesome!

Thanks, and I hope to see you and everyone else there!

Awesome!

Thanks, and I hope to see you and everyone else there!

Hi everyone, this map may also help you navigate the city bus lines when you're in town. I found it very useful during my trip to UCSF a few weeks ago:

MUNI BUS LINES AND MAP (http://www.baycityguide.com/images/maps_pdf/muni_line.pdf)

Hope to see you soon!

--Crimson (eagerly awaiting news)

just curious, does anyone have a link to the ucsf match list of the past two years? thanks!

Thanks for the quick response! So BART does stop at SFO or do you have to take a shuttle or cab?

Yup, BART stops at SFO. There is a shuttle that stops at every terminal and at the BART station, and it runs pretty frequently. If you are going this way, then I would take the Bart to Civic Center Station, and then transfer there to the N-Judah. (For people coming from the East Bay, as another poster mentioned, you can transfer anywhere between Embarcadero and Civic Center).

Here is a link with a bunch of previous match lists:
http://medschool.ucsf.edu/medstudents/resources/match/index.asp

Travel to UCSF from SFO and Oakland takes about the same amount of time, but SFO is a bit more convenient.

FROM OAK:
Take the AirBART bus shuttle to the Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART stop (it is the only stop for the shuttle). Tickets are $2 and machines are inside the terminal or at the airport’s AirBART stops. Shuttle runs every 10-20 minutes til midnight. Trip to BART takes about 15-20 minutes.

At the BART station, board a "Daly City" or "SFO/Millbrae" bound train. Trains run about every 5-10 minutes. Cost is $3.15, schedule at www.bart.gov. Exit at Civic Center, BART trip will be about 25 minutes.

FROM SFO:
SFO has a BART station on the Departures/Ticketing (Level 3) of the International Terminal, on the Boarding Area G side of the terminal. You can also access the BART stop from any terminal by taking the AirTrain to the “Garage G/BART Station” stop. This AirTrain is a free monorail that runs every few minutes from terminal to terminal.

In the BART station, you will need to take any of the northbound BART trains (Richmond, Pittsburg/Bay Point, Dublin/Pleasanton, Freemont). Trains run every 15-20 minutes until 11pm.

Cost is $4.95, schedule at www.bart.gov. Exit at Civic Center, BART Trip will be about 28 minutes.

FROM CIVIC CENTER:
After getting off the train, you'll have to go up an escalator, through a turnstyle. Go to another set of turnstyles marked for MUNI and put in $1.25 in quarters (there are change machines nearby). After going down the escalators, you'll want to go to the side of the tracks that say "Outbound". Wait for the N train (runs about every 10 minutes) and take it to Carl and Arguello/2nd. It's a big stop and you'll see a parking entrance off to your left. Head in the elevators and you'll be taken to the top floor which is ground level of the hospital/UCSF, across the street at Parnassus.

N schedule is at http://transit.511.org/schedules/routeinfo.asp?cid=SF&rte=5675

Why doesn't UCSF have a mascot?
UCSF's mascot is the bear. But a much more nurturing, sensitive one than the brute at Cal.

I'm a Cal grad also. Yeah I remember when I interviewed the guide told me (also Berkeley grad) there were about 30% Berkeley + Stanford grads.

For those who are familiar with the city's districts, what do you think is the safer districts? Is inner sunset (UCSF) a safe place?

BTW should we have already sent off the UCSF Fin Aid 05~06 form already? Just wondering because they said somewhere to submit it ASAP after you receive your admittance. Hope I'm not late.


Hey guys;

I'm an MSI here at UCSF so I'm going to try to answer some of these questions.

As far as the SF districts, as long as you stay out of the Tenderloin and the Mission, you're in good hands. Inner Sunset is safe and is where a lot of the students live. Students also live in Cole Valley, which is on the opposite side of campus in relation to the inner sunset, quieter, more family-like. People also live in the Haight. In my opinion, you want to be close to school, driving/parking is out of the question and taking the bus all the time sucks up precious time.

Hey guys;

I'm an MSI here at UCSF so I'm going to try to answer some of these questions.

As far as the SF districts, as long as you stay out of the Tenderloin and the Mission, you're in good hands. Inner Sunset is safe and is where a lot of the students live. Students also live in Cole Valley, which is on the opposite side of campus in relation to the inner sunset, quieter, more family-like. People also live in the Haight. In my opinion, you want to be close to school, driving/parking is out of the question and taking the bus all the time sucks up precious time.

What's so bad about Mission Bay?

I'm sorry, but I don't know much about the Bay Area. I applied for housing there at the new complex, but after reading some comments on this thread, I am not sure about living there anymore. :scared:

I live in the area (although I have nothing to do with UCSF), so maybe I can help clarify a little.

Mission Bay is literally being brought up from the dust. UCSF Mission Bay, circa 2002, was a big dirt lot with some abandoned industrial buildings in the area. The area surrounding it had more character... but it was also more crime ridden. Straight to the west of Mission Bay is the very culturally diverse area known as "the Mission" (NOT Mission Bay); traditionally the hispanic region of SF, it also became ground-zero for the counter/artist-culture during the Dot-Com boom years. It's a cute, commercial area with lots of great restaurants, bars... and small apartments for artist types. It also has a well-deserved reputation for crime. It's not a gang-bang area, but it still does see a fair share of drug-related shootings, robberies, assaults, prostitution, etc. I wouldn't live here, but it's a fun place to bar-hop.

The area to the south/southwest of Mission Bay is Potrero Hill. This is more residential, and did pretty well in picking up loft/urban housing developments during the dot-com boom... so many cute loft developments left around. The area just isn't very heavily populated however... feels a bit like a zombie development area. I'd consider living here, but I'd also pick my neighborhood here carefully. (Someone was just shot/killed in a Potrero nightclub last night.)

Now, the area *north* of UCSF Mission Bay is where you really want to live if money is less of an object... the area known as "South Beach" squeezes in along the Embarcadero/King St., right in front of Pacbell (er, SBC?) Park. The entire area is about 2 years old, and packed with gorgeous view-condos, a new urban-design supermarket, Borders, chic European furniture boutiques, etc... all the toys you could possibly want and more.

All 3 of these areas are anywhere from 2-15 blocks from UCSF Mission Bay, and within walking or biking distance.

PS. Oh, and Tenderloin is north of Market. This is where the chronic homeless live w/ lots of crack+meth usage, prostitution, and the worst of San Francisco's social ills. Avoid living here, heck... avoid *coming* here if at all possible. (I've seen public bus drivers assaulted in broad daylight. It's just not a happy place unless you're a very urban kid.)

Yikes! For folks looking for San Francisco neighborhoods, I would _strongly_ recommend trying to find someone you know personally and asking their opinion. San Francisco, like NY, LA or any other major city, has neighborhoods that each have a personality and a lot of character.

Unfortunately, there is also a lot of subjectivity and stereotyping. For instance, UCSF is in the Inner Sunset. Some folks find the neighborhood charming and very comfortable; others find it boring and lilly white. The Haight is also nearby, which some find lively and fun, others find it dirty and loads of homeless.

Note that the Mission and Mission Bay are very different. The Mission is a popular place to live and you'll see lots of adverts for rentals there (it's quite big). It's a predominantly Latino neighborhood, which of course makes folks interpret that it's crime ridden. There is a fair bit of crime there (far more than the Sunset, but about the same as the Haight), but it's grossly exagerrated. Note that this is true of any non-white neighborhood in SF. Even the Tenderloin isn't near as bad as people say. I've lived in the Mission and Tenderloin both. The Mission I'd recommend to the open minded and savvy, the Tenderloin is not for the faint of heart.

If you have not personal contacts in San Francisco, if you stay within walking distance of UCSF, you will be fine as far as neighborhoods are concerned. Try to get a place with a month to month lease, giving you freedom.

If you've ever lived in a big city, you'll find San Francisco is a cakewalk as far as urban problems such as gangs, drugs and crime are concerned. If this is your first forray into an urban area, San Francisco has training wheels.

Thanks so very much for the invaluable insight on living options!

Notdeadyet,

Thanks for your pointers. It helps to have broad perspectives of the different areas. I've lived in cities before so I think I'd be aright anywhere. No one really says much about the on campus housing. What's that like? I'd stayed with someone in the Aldea coimmunity. It seemed quiet and convenient....

Yikes! For folks looking for San Francisco neighborhoods, I would _strongly_ recommend trying to find someone you know personally and asking their opinion. San Francisco, like NY, LA or any other major city, has neighborhoods that each have a personality and a lot of character.

Unfortunately, there is also a lot of subjectivity and stereotyping. For instance, UCSF is in the Inner Sunset. Some folks find the neighborhood charming and very comfortable; others find it boring and lilly white. The Haight is also nearby, which some find lively and fun, others find it dirty and loads of homeless.

Note that the Mission and Mission Bay are very different. The Mission is a popular place to live and you'll see lots of adverts for rentals there (it's quite big). It's a predominantly Latino neighborhood, which of course makes folks interpret that it's crime ridden. There is a fair bit of crime there (far more than the Sunset, but about the same as the Haight), but it's grossly exagerrated. Note that this is true of any non-white neighborhood in SF. Even the Tenderloin isn't near as bad as people say. I've lived in the Mission and Tenderloin both. The Mission I'd recommend to the open minded and savvy, the Tenderloin is not for the faint of heart.

If you have not personal contacts in San Francisco, if you stay within walking distance of UCSF, you will be fine as far as neighborhoods are concerned. Try to get a place with a month to month lease, giving you freedom.

If you've ever lived in a big city, you'll find San Francisco is a cakewalk as far as urban problems such as gangs, drugs and crime are concerned. If this is your first forray into an urban area, San Francisco has training wheels.

Hi again,

Just wondering if a current M1 could comment about the structure of your days/weeks at UCSF. The website gives the broad picture of how the blocks are sequenced, and what the missions are. I interested in knowing the formal logistics of your days/weeks. Things like what time your days start, do you have an afternoon or (noons) off, is there time to unwind or maybe start some research? Just looking for some insight. Thanks.

Notdeadyet,

Thanks for your pointers. It helps to have broad perspectives of the different areas. I've lived in cities before so I think I'd be aright anywhere. No one really says much about the on campus housing. What's that like? I'd stayed with someone in the Aldea coimmunity. It seemed quiet and convenient....
Aldea is a lovely spot if you can stand the weather. Nice and quiet, zero crime, a quick walk to UCSF and if you're feeling frisky, a quick stroll to the bars, restaurants and coffee houses of Haight, Cole Valley and Inner Sunset.

If anyone has any specific questions about places to live in San Francisco, please let me know. I've lived in the Bay Area all of my adult life, in SF since 1994. I've lived in lots of different neighborhoods in the City with an open mind, so I'd be happy to give opinions and links to more info. Feel free to PM me as well. You'll all be moving to one of the finest cities in the world, trust me...

Sorry to be such a bother, but has anyone been to the new UCSF Mission Bay campus? Is the area really that bad?

For me, the big plus of living here is the new housing, comfortable atmosphere, and a consistent reliable landlord (i.e., UCSF).

Would it be stupid to live at the new Mission Bay housing complex and to take the shuttle every day to Parnassus?

Sorry to be such a bother, but has anyone been to the new UCSF Mission Bay campus? Is the area really that bad?

For me, the big plus of living here is the new housing, comfortable atmosphere, and a consistent reliable landlord (i.e., UCSF).

Would it be stupid to live at the new Mission Bay housing complex and to take the shuttle every day to Parnassus?

umm...i wouldnt live at mission bay as a med student. i work at mission bay now and the housing looks nice, the ucsf mission bay campus is nice, but there isnt much around here, besides many homeless people and the railroad tracks. if i get into ucsf (i am waiting to hear back post-interview, doesnt look good though since i interviewed first week of january), i would NOT live in the mission bay units. san francisco is a great place to live and staying at mission bay would take away from that. if you dont mind having to drive everywhere, then maybe it wont be so bad. also, public transit isnt so great. there are the few ucsf shuttles and one MUNI bus line that come here. new, cheap housing is wonderful, however, since you spend all of med school at parnassus and the mission bay area sucks (unless you have a desire to see lots of ballgames), i would definitely get an apartment in the city in a nice sf neighborhood (there are tons). when you come for revisit, you should check out the area. take the shuttle from parnassus (about 15 minute ride) and take a peak at the area.

umm...i wouldnt live at mission bay as a med student. i work at mission bay now and the housing looks nice, the ucsf mission bay campus is nice, but there isnt much around here, besides many homeless people and the railroad tracks. if i get into ucsf (i am waiting to hear back post-interview, doesnt look good though since i interviewed first week of january), i would NOT live in the mission bay units. san francisco is a great place to live and staying at mission bay would take away from that. if you dont mind having to drive everywhere, then maybe it wont be so bad. also, public transit isnt so great. there are the few ucsf shuttles and one MUNI bus line that come here. new, cheap housing is wonderful, however, since you spend all of med school at parnassus and the mission bay area sucks (unless you have a desire to see lots of ballgames), i would definitely get an apartment in the city in a nice sf neighborhood (there are tons). when you come for revisit, you should check out the area. take the shuttle from parnassus (about 15 minute ride) and take a peak at the area.

Thanks for the advice! It's always nice to have some inside insight.

G'luck on hearing back from UCSF! I'm rooting for you. :luck:

Hey yall,

Current MSI here, just was browsing the forums (for old times sake) and wanted add my congrats for getting into UCSF. Honestly, I think you guys are going to really like it here. I definitely do and I can't imagine what it would have been like to go anywhere else. ;)

Alright, take care and good luck to anyone who's still waiting to hear back!

I posted this before, but I'll try again. Do you guys know that UCSF hands out few Dean's Scholarships every year? They have told me they were going to announce the recipients within couple of weeks. Anyone hear anything?

any of you sign up for the yosemite trip yet?

Anyway getting a little hesitant of the mission bay housing now that a lot of people have said it isn't so hot.

lastly for those of you taking finals (quarter system) good luck.

Has anyone heard anything from Financial Aid? I never received notice that my file was complete but I assume everything's all there since I personally took everything to their office! I'm just wondering because I've already received an award letter from another school...

I posted this before, but I'll try again. Do you guys know that UCSF hands out few Dean's Scholarships every year? They have told me they were going to announce the recipients within couple of weeks. Anyone hear anything?

nope...not yet. i'm kinda hoping that these scholarships do exist. it'd be nice to have some extra money in my pocket if i were lucky enough to get one. i'll let you know if i hear anything though

Does anyone know if the scholoarship is only for in-state students only?

Has anyone heard anything from Financial Aid? I never received notice that my file was complete but I assume everything's all there since I personally took everything to their office! I'm just wondering because I've already received an award letter from another school...

Has anyone heard about the Dean's Scholarships offered at UCSF? I know someone asked, but I didn't see a response to the question of whether they're just for in-state students....

...Also, I received some news that they will give an estimate financial aid package without getting a lender. I think they realize that many of us will base our decision on financial aid, so they're not going to request the MPN from our lender until its time for the official package to be generated....

Holla back anyone with the 411...

anyone know when we should expect financial aid packages to arrive? i'm hoping soon, but i've heard that some schools send the packages after the 15th.

Aldea is a lovely spot if you can stand the weather. Nice and quiet, zero crime, a quick walk to UCSF and if you're feeling frisky, a quick stroll to the bars, restaurants and coffee houses of Haight, Cole Valley and Inner Sunset.

Just wanted to mention that a large chunk of the single studio apartments at Aldea are being demolished this summer (along with Turk) so they will not be available for this upcoming Fall. Another complex of studio apartments owned by UCSF is in the process of being constructed right next to campus on 3rd Avenue and Irving, and should be done by Fall 2006 I believe.

Has anyone heard anything from Financial Aid? I never received notice that my file was complete but I assume everything's all there since I personally took everything to their office! I'm just wondering because I've already received an award letter from another school...


DO NOT ASSUME anything with UCSF. I was told today that my app had not been received even though I sent it over a month ago and had even confirmed it 3 weeks ago with someone in the office! They finally found it after a few hours, but no work has been done on it since it was missing. You should give them a call and make sure it got filed properly. I called about the Dean's Scholarships and they said that they would be decided in a few weeks!

DO NOT ASSUME anything with UCSF. I was told today that my app had not been received even though I sent it over a month ago and had even confirmed it 3 weeks ago with someone in the office! They finally found it after a few hours, but no work has been done on it since it was missing. You should give them a call and make sure it got filed properly. I called about the Dean's Scholarships and they said that they would be decided in a few weeks!

Gosh, thanks for letting us know... sorry about your application! (They make us fill out all that paperwork and then lose it or take their time sitting on it!) I just called them right now and thankfully, my stuff is complete. The woman said the next thing we should be expecting is a confirmation letter in the next few weeks and then an official offer in the first week of May. We'll see!

Does anyone know the schedule for the 2nd look? I know it's the May 6th and 7th, but don't know when it starts. Can someone post?

Actually, it's May 7-8. And this is what the email said: (probably more info than you needed, but what the heck?) :)

"Breakfast and check in will be 8:00 - 8:40 a.m. in the Nursing Building
in room N-225. To get there, enter the Medical Sciences Building at
513 Parnassus, walk through the lobby and up the stairs on the right
side, exit the building through the double-glass doors at the top of the
stairs, and walk across the courtyard to the Nursing Building. Although
there will be signs to direct you, please consult the campus map for
directions.

A map of the campus may be found at:
http://www.ucsf.edu/campuses/maps/parnassus.html

The activities on Sunday will conclude at 2:00 p.m.

Public parking will be available in the Millberry Union garage. The
cost will be $3 on Saturday and $3 on Sunday. When you check in for the
program, you will receive a packet of information, which will include a
parking permit entitling you to the $3 discount for parking on Saturday
and Sunday. You can submit this permit to the parking attendant upon
exit.

If you requested housing, a current medical student will be contacting
you shortly to make arrangements.

If you have any questions about the weekend, please contact Gabrielle
Fisher at 415-514-1390 or fisherg@medsch.ucsf.edu."

on mother's day?
that is odd.

Did they mention what the dress code is? or is it just going to be casual.
BTW 3 months till school is almost approaching so start preparing to get TB tests and your other immunization records ready.

Hey everyone -- I was just accepted last week and am just now starting to think about financial aid considerations for a few schools... i already did my fafsa and had it sent to ucsf... what else do i need to send in and where do i get the forms?

thanks -- and i can't wait to see everyone at second look!

p.s. anyone have any clue what % of ucsf kids are out of state?

p.s. anyone have any clue what % of ucsf kids are out of state?

They seem to aim for approximately 20% non-California residents. However, there are quite a few students who weren't California residents but became California residents after college so in reality there are more than 20% not from California despite approximately just 20% not having California residency.

Gosh, thanks for letting us know... sorry about your application! (They make us fill out all that paperwork and then lose it or take their time sitting on it!) I just called them right now and thankfully, my stuff is complete. The woman said the next thing we should be expecting is a confirmation letter in the next few weeks and then an official offer in the first week of May. We'll see!
I also called and, unfortunately, they had not received my FAFSA. For some reason, the other schools I had designated did receive it--in the end, however, they found out that someone had incorrently entered my SSN into the system. Now I'm ok.

So I called the financial aid office yesterday to check whether my application was complete. The secretary who answered said that everything was complete and that all I needed to do was wait for my confirmation and award letter arriving soon. However, today I got a letter from the office telling me that I haven't turned in my promissory note. Same thing happen to anyone?

So I called the financial aid office yesterday to check whether my application was complete. The secretary who answered said that everything was complete and that all I needed to do was wait for my confirmation and award letter arriving soon. However, today I got a letter from the office telling me that I haven't turned in my promissory note. Same thing happen to anyone?

Hmm... so I just called home (where I get my mail) and my brother said I got a letter saying my parents' info is incomplete and they need to sign a form declaring their assets?! (I also called the office last week, and they said I was complete) I thought I provided all the parental info they needed on those supplemental forms. Apparently not! What is going on over there?? :thumbdown

I remember my own financial aid woes- they kept on telling me to wait, then by Aug.1- still no package, I called and harassed them until someone actually looked me up and realized my app hadn't been processed yet because they claimed to have been missing some form I had already sent in. But not to worry- after that little mishap was cleared up, I had a check in the mail within 2 weeks.

Also, I don't think any of the 1st years are even considering Mission Bay housing....take that as a clue. Who wants to live that far away from school when it's time for an 8am required class? A good alternative is to wait a bit and contact some current first years, or second years that will need roomates for the upcoming year. There are lots of us (I'm going to be looking for one) and most of us live close to campus, and it would almost be like a built-in big sib. Check out the UCSF housing website, or make some contacts during second look weekend. Whatever you do, don't be concerned because you can def find a place near campus for $600-800/mo and enjoy your OWN room (priceless).

Since I saw there are replies from a few current UCSF students, I was wondering if you guys can give me some advice.
I interviewed at the end of Feb and I still haven't heard anything from them, so I assumed it's either a rejection or waitlist. I have sent in two additional letters fo recommendation a few weeks ago already, but apparently that's not good enough. Thus, I am thinking about writing a letter of intent to UCSF. Do you think that will make a difference? I got accepted to HMS, but UCSF is clearly my number one choice. Do you think I should mention my acceptance to HMS in my letter? Or do you think that's kind of snobbish?

I don't know how admission procedures work, so please take my advice with a grain of salt. I can't tell you if the letter of intent will help, but I can tell you with some confidence that it will not hurt. If UCSF is really your dream school, then what do you have to lose? Make sure the admissions office knows you will matriculate for sure if they offer you one of those precious spots (believe me, they don't like to get rejected either).

As for name-dropping, I don't know that I recommend mentioning your acceptance to HMS. The majority of students at UCSF were holding multiple acceptances from other top 10 schools (I believe for our class, avg was 7 other med school acceptances). What I'm getting at is that a HMS acceptance will not impress them, and if anything, may even deter them from offering you a spot. (Again, this is just my own opinion). If I was on the comittee, I would think you already had a great acceptance, so why not give someone else the opportunity. I don't know that this is what they would think, but I'm just getting to the fact that I don't see how much mentioning this would help. For the most part, they are already assuming you have other acceptances, so it wouldn't change anything in the way that they read your letter of intent.


Good luck!

P.S. The point is that you should def write an honest and concise letter of intent!

Thanks for your reply.

Do u know in general when do people get pull off from the waitlist at UCSF? Can u estimate how many people at your class were waitlisted before?


I don't know how admission procedures work, so please take my advice with a grain of salt. I can't tell you if the letter of intent will help, but I can tell you with some confidence that it will not hurt. If UCSF is really your dream school, then what do you have to lose? Make sure the admissions office knows you will matriculate for sure if they offer you one of those precious spots (believe me, they don't like to get rejected either).

As for name-dropping, I don't know that I recommend mentioning your acceptance to HMS. The majority of students at UCSF were holding multiple acceptances from other top 10 schools (I believe for our class, avg was 7 other med school acceptances). What I'm getting at is that a HMS acceptance will not impress them, and if anything, may even deter them from offering you a spot. (Again, this is just my own opinion). If I was on the comittee, I would think you already had a great acceptance, so why not give someone else the opportunity. I don't know that this is what they would think, but I'm just getting to the fact that I don't see how much mentioning this would help. For the most part, they are already assuming you have other acceptances, so it wouldn't change anything in the way that they read your letter of intent.


Good luck!

P.S. The point is that you should def write an honest and concise letter of intent!

anyone else get their financial aid package in the mail yet? apparently i received my estimate yesterday at my home address. i'm praying it's less loan money and more grant/scholarship money!!!

I was told my package was sent out on the 22nd, and I still have not received it. I know I live on the East Coast, but I'm a little worried....So, the answer to your question is no, but they did say they had mailed out all completed packages late last week and early this week....I hope it's good news as well....

anyone else get their financial aid package in the mail yet? apparently i received my estimate yesterday at my home address. i'm praying it's less loan money and more grant/scholarship money!!!

I was told my package was sent out on the 22nd, and I still have not received it. I know I live on the East Coast, but I'm a little worried....So, the answer to your question is no, but they did say they had mailed out all completed packages late last week and early this week....I hope it's good news as well....
DAMN!!! I got a letter telling me that my application is incomplete...and I submitted it over a month ago. Sigh.

I received my financial aid package yesterday (berkeley).

Just returned from the revisit weekend. I met a ton of amazing people! UCSF is an amazing place to learn medicine. I especially enjoyed the talk by Dr. Lowenstein.

Anyways, all the best to those of you who are decided on being there...and to those of us that are undecided...follow your bliss... :)

Take care,
Aeneid

Anyone know anything about the wait-list so far? I called a while back when my friend got in off the high priority in mid april. They told me that before May 15th they will send us something saying what part of the waitlist we are on or if we are rejected. Anyone gotten anything along those lines yet?

BUMP--What's new on the UCSF front?

BUMP--What's new on the UCSF front?

hey tra la la--where did you finally decide between SF and LA?

hey tra la la--where did you finally decide between SF and LA?

Hi! I'll be heading to UCSF...thanks for asking. And you? Where are you off to in the fall?

:luck:

Anyone know anything about the wait-list so far? I called a while back when my friend got in off the high priority in mid april. They told me that before May 15th they will send us something saying what part of the waitlist we are on or if we are rejected. Anyone gotten anything along those lines yet?

Hi , i received a letter stating that I am in the top portion of the waiting list of about 100 people. Does anyone know how realistic an acceptance could be?

Any non-traditional applicant at UCSF out there? I am one.

How did you guys choose a lender from the list that the FAO provides? Unfortunately I have NO idea what the heck I'm doing... :confused:

Bump!

How did you guys choose a lender from the list that the FAO provides? Unfortunately I have NO idea what the heck I'm doing... :confused:


Yo, I just chose medcap because I do all my stuff with wellsfargo. I think as long as you choose one that doesn't have an initial fee then they are pretty much the same. Some offer you different benefits when you are paying it off.

Are most people living alone or did most of you find roommates at second look?

1. I'd suggest finding roommates. It's MUCH cheaper and that's what most students tend to do. If you do that, expect to pay anywhere from $600-1000 for your own bedroom. I live a couple blocks away and pay only $650 for my own bedroom. The housing market in the Bay Area has improved tremendously (for renters).

2. BART stops around midnight-ish but for all your traveling within the city, use the Muni. The N-Judah line (to and from the Parnassus campus) runs really late; it's got an owl service bus after the light rail shuts down around 1ish, which definitely has come in handy many times!

Hey, i was wondering if you could share something about your experience as an M1 at UCSF. I interviewed there but I am still on the waitlist. Can you tell me about your class composition in diversity ( I am non-traditional, too old to mention) and the curriculum? Is it true that they really cut down anatomy to the....bone?

Does UCSF have a listserv or website of some kind that would assist in finding roommates for the coming year? :)

Does UCSF have a listserv or website of some kind that would assist in finding roommates for the coming year? :)

I think this is it:
http://www.campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/housing/OffC_lt_ocls.html

Also, Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) is a good place to look!

I think this is it:
http://www.campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/housing/OffC_lt_ocls.html

Also, Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) is a good place to look!

Thank you, NorCalGirl. (I'm somewhat concerned about trying to coordinate a roommate from a distance -- I'm out of the state for a couple months...)

Is anybody moving to SF in the next three weeks from LA area? I just found an appartment but I am trying to cut moving cost.

Is anybody moving to SF in the next three weeks from LA area? I just found an appartment but I am trying to cut moving cost.
.

Very little discussion on this thread, so maybe nobody's reading it, but I'll give this a shot. :)

Are you guys going to buy any of the equipment on the sheet they sent us prior to orientation? If so, what brands/models etc? I've been perusing the internet and I'm overwhelmed.

Or is this going to be covered during orientation? (Just want to make sure that if I order it online it'll arrive in time for whenever we need it.)

Also, aside from one old thread from ~2002, does anyone have or has anyone read advice on which of the required/recommended books we really need?

Thanks for any input. I'm getting excited!

Very little discussion on this thread, so maybe nobody's reading it, but I'll give this a shot. :)

Are you guys going to buy any of the equipment on the sheet they sent us prior to orientation? If so, what brands/models etc? I've been perusing the internet and I'm overwhelmed.

Where have you been looking? I just got the sheet and was a little shocked to find out that there is even more to buy. The letter suggested that additional financial aid could be given for this equipment. Does that mean that it is not included in our required fees? I wish they would have told us a little sooner cuz I am broke! I think I will wait to talk with 2nd years and professors to find the best deals.

Or is this going to be covered during orientation? (Just want to make sure that if I order it online it'll arrive in time for whenever we need it.)

Also, aside from one old thread from ~2002, does anyone have or has anyone read advice on which of the required/recommended books we really need?

I really don't know, but I heard you get a free Netters if you sign up with AMSA. Where are you buying your books?

Thanks for any input. I'm getting excited!
I am excited too!!! Are you going camping?

Very little discussion on this thread, so maybe nobody's reading it, but I'll give this a shot. :)

Are you guys going to buy any of the equipment on the sheet they sent us prior to orientation? If so, what brands/models etc? I've been perusing the internet and I'm overwhelmed.

Or is this going to be covered during orientation? (Just want to make sure that if I order it online it'll arrive in time for whenever we need it.)

Also, aside from one old thread from ~2002, does anyone have or has anyone read advice on which of the required/recommended books we really need?

Thanks for any input. I'm getting excited!

Hi guys! I feel like everyone I know has already started school except for me!

I don't know about all that equipment they are asking us to buy. All I have so far is a stethoscope (Littmann Cardiology III), and I'm just going to wait until I know that I'll need the other stuff-- Unless some current students know if we'll need an otoscope, etc. anytime soon! Advice on books would also be appreciated.

Unfortunately, I won't be seeing any of you on the camping trip because I'm moving in that weekend. Hope you're enjoying you last few days of summer! :)

I won't be going camping. I have a wedding to go to that weekend. Sort of dissapointed because I bet it'll be fun, sort of glad because honestly, I'm not much of a "camper."

[QUOTE=Where have you been looking? I just got the sheet and was a little shocked to find out that there is even more to buy. The letter suggested that additional financial aid could be given for this equipment. Does that mean that it is not included in our required fees? I wish they would have told us a little sooner cuz I am broke! I think I will wait to talk with 2nd years and professors to find the best deals.

I don't think the equipment is in our "fees" but I do think it's accounted for in the financial aid. If you look on the financial aid office website at the budget (where it's broken down my med, pharm, dent, etc) there's a column for supplies/books that's included in the $43k budget.

My search has been random medical supplies websites, nothing organized. I think it's wise to wait 'til we get some seasoned opinions.

[QUOTE=I really don't know, but I heard you get a free Netters if you sign up with AMSA. Where are you buying your books?[/QUOTE]

That's good to know. Not sure where to buy the books from, I assume the school store is overpriced, so I'll probably get them on amazon etc. Even though I really want to just do it, I guess I'll wait 'til school starts and we get opnions from older students on what to bother buying.