Alright, I guess I'll start this up. So who's thinking of going to Columbia this fall? :cool:

I'm going this fall..I'm extremely excited! :D

I'm guardedly excited? I'm psyched about the school, though worried the classes are going to kick my ass.

Definitely going. So psyched I could hardly believe that I got in. Actually, I really shouldn't have.
What is everyone's plan regarding living, you guys planning on Bard hall or what.
How about all that financial aid crap, that's all due pretty soon, eh?

Definitely going. So psyched I could hardly believe that I got in. Actually, I really shouldn't have.
What is everyone's plan regarding living, you guys planning on Bard hall or what.
How about all that financial aid crap, that's all due pretty soon, eh?


Yea, i'm going to live at Bard Hall, and i'm going to fill out that financial aid stuff this friday hopefully. Isn't it funny that none of us know each other that well, and in the next 4 years that won't be the case at all? Also, the replies to this thread seem pretty sparse. We lucky few.

I'm deciding between cheap tuition at my state school and P&S. I'll probably wait until fin aid packages come in.

Ill be there in the Fall, living in Bard.....and Ill be on the rugby team.

Ill be the Miami guy that cant stand not being able to get away from the freakin cold weather that Ive had to get used to (but never can) for the last 4 years.

City life will be great....I mean, I love the Beach life in Miami...but NYC....Ill be going out every night. Pass/Fail is Gods gift to Med Students.

95% sure Ill be there in the fall. Prob living in Bard Hall. Wanted to congratulate all of you and hope to see you all soon.

what is the deal with cars and NYC. Heard it's ridiculously expensive. Ditch the or other alternatives?

what is the deal with cars and NYC. Heard it's ridiculously expensive. Ditch the or other alternatives?

Get rid of the car...it will be a huge burden in the City an public transporattion is so good you can get anywhere you need to

what is the deal with cars and NYC. Heard it's ridiculously expensive. Ditch the or other alternatives?

Definitely lose the car if possible. A car in Manhattan is practically useless. Besides, riding the subway is a craaaazy time when you're drunk!

Yea, I was afraid that was going to be the concensus. It's gonna be difficult letting her go though, the blue rooster and I have been through some great times.


Any idea how strict they are with those march 18 deadlines? I need to go through the financial stuff with my dad and he's away on business for a week.

how old will everyone be in the fall?. I'll be twenty one, I already feel young at my undergrad for my class, more of the same in med school I imagine.

Not much response on this thread, are a lot of people still waiting to hear?

how old will everyone be in the fall?. I'll be twenty one, I already feel young at my undergrad for my class, more of the same in med school I imagine.

Not much response on this thread, are a lot of people still waiting to hear?
I'm 22.

Any idea how strict they are with those march 18 deadlines? I need to go through the financial stuff with my dad and he's away on business for a week.

Dewz, just call the FinAid office and explain your situation, they're really nice(er) once you tell them you've been accepted. ;)

see you guys in the fall! I'll definitely be living in Bard too, they didn't seem nearly as bad as what people make them out to be.

goodbye car, goodbye california!!

how old will everyone be in the fall?. I'll be twenty one, I already feel young at my undergrad for my class, more of the same in med school I imagine.

Not much response on this thread, are a lot of people still waiting to hear?


I'll be 22. :thumbup:

and I'll be 23

24 here. ugh. what happened to my youth?

At least half (if not more) will have taken at least 1 yr off. I'd say the majority of your classmates will be around 23-24. A good amount of ppl in their mid 20s. Less in their late 20s-early 30s. Oldest student in my class just turned 34. One also had a baby over winter break!

bonnie

do you guys know if we get cable tv included in Bard?? I wont make it without sports center.

do you guys know if we get cable tv included in Bard?? I wont make it without sports center.

ha! u will soon learn that NOTHING is included.
free cable on 11th floor lounge (large LCD tv and pool table)

bonnie

dang it! maybe nyu would have been a better bet, don't they get free cable?? ahh well, I'll try to get a view of the river so I'll have something to look at.

Hold up...NO CABLE!?!?!

NO ESPN!?!?!

Can we at least buy it??!?!

So here's my question about Bard. There are no kitchens bc they are single dorm rooms. And there is no dining hall bc it's not at the same location as the UG campus. So what do people eat who live in Bard? Take-out every night??

Any other unexpected surprises that we should expect, bonnie? This whole food business is very disconcerting..i can't cook at all...any advice?

how old will everyone be in the fall?. I'll be twenty one, I already feel young at my undergrad for my class, more of the same in med school I imagine.

Not much response on this thread, are a lot of people still waiting to hear?

I'll be 21 also

So here's my question about Bard. There are no kitchens bc they are single dorm rooms. And there is no dining hall bc it's not at the same location as the UG campus. So what do people eat who live in Bard? Take-out every night??

Isn't there a cafeteria at the med school? I would assume there is at least one...right???

There is a small food facility called the Recovery Room on the first floor of Bard. There are also street vendors and local restaurants that are very cheap. I, for one, cooked a lot in the 11th floor kitchen and ate a lot of leftovers. Almost everyone I know has a fridge and a microwave in their room.

Now I'm in the towers... yay kitchen! :love:

Hey guys! I'm 99% sure I'll be at Columbia in the fall. I'm 22 and will be living in Bard. OK back to spring break :D

If you don't live in Bard, where else would you suggest? I'm used to an apartmernt; it's hard to go back to dorm life, shared bathroom, no private kitchen and no cable....

I was looking at the different types of rooms that we can get in Bard, but do we get to choose or is it random? I was thinking of going for the cheapest one that's about $10/day, but I would probably get jealous of the people with the river view.

Have you guys thought about what type of room you're going to get, or do we not even get a choice?

If you don't live in Bard, where else would you suggest? I'm used to an apartmernt; it's hard to go back to dorm life, shared bathroom, no private kitchen and no cable....

Many options. You can live off off campus (i.e. not wash heights) it will be more expensive though - I'd say at least $200-500 more per month! Rent in the heights is about 500-700 (shared apts of course).

Best option of staying on campus is to find a vacancy in the towers. About 4-5 of us were able to pull it off. When you come here for revisit, come find me and also go to the housing office in Bard - outside there is a bulletin board with off campusing housing openings. it''s a bit early to really do anything about this, so don't worry about it now. I'd say that for the ppl who did not choose Bard - most of us are in the Towers or nearby apts. Some live on the upper west side. And a few live below midtown.

Key thing is to find a place off the1/9/ A if you do live off campus - preferably A since it's express.

Bonnie

I was looking at the different types of rooms that we can get in Bard, but do we get to choose or is it random? I was thinking of going for the cheapest one that's about $10/day, but I would probably get jealous of the people with the river view.

Have you guys thought about what type of room you're going to get, or do we not even get a choice?

Try to check them out when you're there for revisit. I fell in love with the "30" room, and I was quick to return my housing form late spring. I ended up with room 830! It was big and beautiful, and for a dorm (yuck) it was great.

Like Bonnie said, talk to some first years when you're at revisit. You just might find somebody looking for a roomie (possibly me, actually... a third in our three-bedroom) for the upcoming year. And I know people (DEFINITELY me) are looking for subletters over the summer... so if you'll be doing research at Columbia or just hanging out in the city, whatever... let me know! Have I got a deal for you!

Hey guys! I'm 99% sure I'll be at Columbia in the fall. I'm 22 and will be living in Bard. OK back to spring break :D

Looks like i'm not the only WashU person who's probably going to Columbia next year! :D

Guys,

Im filling out this Financial Aid form and Im super confused on the Parent's Form.

On the back, #36, that chart you have to make, what exactly do they mean Parents Contribution and Total Financial Aid?
Is that just for educational costs that our parents paid for college aged students in the family or is that for all financial purposes?
My grandmother lives with us, my parents support her, but do I still put 0s in the columns for her sincec she isnt in college?
This form is super vague.....

I was looking at the different types of rooms that we can get in Bard, but do we get to choose or is it random? I was thinking of going for the cheapest one that's about $10/day, but I would probably get jealous of the people with the river view.

Have you guys thought about what type of room you're going to get, or do we not even get a choice?

OK here's what I know:

My tour guide at P&S had that $8 room. And it looked like the most miserable thing I've ever seen. I mean, I can deal with a dorm room cell block just like the next guy, but that thing was a fire hazard. She opened it up for us and let us go in one by one (because that's all that could fit at a given time). I'm serious, you literally had enough room to turn around...and you have to do that carefully.

Let's say that's $9 / day, that would amount to $2628 per year (292 days according to P%S website).
The $16-$17 rooms which were MUCH nicer would cost $4672-$4964 a year.

So you do save money by getting that small crate of a room, but be prepared to sleep standing up. :laugh:

Let's say that's $9 / day, that would amount to $2628 per year (292 days according to P%S website).
The $16-$17 rooms which were MUCH nicer would cost $4672-$4964 a year.

So you do save money by getting that small crate of a room, but be prepared to sleep standing up. :laugh:

They budget $6821 for housing in your FinAid package. So if you choose the cell block you can put $3653 somewhere else in your budget. As far as the trade-off, it probably depends on how you study. I hardly spend any time in my room now in undergrad so it may not be such a bad trade for folks like me. Also, I lived in a riverside room in Bard for a summer program. The view was nice but the sun sets directly across from your window. It can get annoying if you like to keep the shades up.

Is anyone else thinking about doint research at Columbia over the summer? I haven't gotten any info about about working yet so I was a curious if you all have. Does anyone know who to talk to or if there are specific programs available?

OK here's what I know:

My tour guide at P&S had that $8 room. And it looked like the most miserable thing I've ever seen. I mean, I can deal with a dorm room cell block just like the next guy, but that thing was a fire hazard. She opened it up for us and let us go in one by one (because that's all that could fit at a given time). I'm serious, you literally had enough room to turn around...and you have to do that carefully.

Let's say that's $9 / day, that would amount to $2628 per year (292 days according to P%S website).
The $16-$17 rooms which were MUCH nicer would cost $4672-$4964 a year.

So you do save money by getting that small crate of a room, but be prepared to sleep standing up. :laugh:

Thanks for the info, I'll definitely try to turn in my housing app ASAP to get one of the nicer rooms. Does anyone know if they have the updated prices for the rooms? All I can find are those old ones from 2000.

Hey guys what are most of you doing for the summer? Are you going to be doing research at Columbia or take the summer off?

Hey guys what are most of you doing for the summer? Are you going to be doing research at Columbia or take the summer off?

I haven't really heard anything about summer research yet, but I think I'm gonna take the summer off. My job ends June 20th, and then I want to travel, go to the beach, and party.

Research this summer? Oh, pshaw. I am planning on playing a crap-ton of Halo 2. and drinking... and maybe some bowling. but mostly drinking.

Haha all that sounds good, maybe I should take a que from you all.

So who is planning on going to re-visit weekend? I heard a rumor that the second year students take us out and show us a good time. sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

So who is planning on going to re-visit weekend? I heard a rumor that the second year students take us out and show us a good time. sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

Me! I'll be there starting the Friday of it anyways

Thanks for the info, I'll definitely try to turn in my housing app ASAP to get one of the nicer rooms. Does anyone know if they have the updated prices for the rooms? All I can find are those old ones from 2000.

In the little blue pamphlet about University housing, the back pocket contains a sheet with a listing of prices and the layout of the rooms at Bard for this past year 04-05. The cheap "28" room was $9.75.

Have you guys submitted the request for housing application? Why does it needs to be sent by certified mail?

I'm thinking about going to the revisit weekend. I'm confused do you only have a host for that thursday? I was thinking about flying in on wednessday night or staying through saturday morning.

Have you guys submitted the request for housing application? Why does it needs to be sent by certified mail?

It probably makes them feel more important

I'm thinking about going to the revisit weekend. I'm confused do you only have a host for that thursday? I was thinking about flying in on wednessday night or staying through saturday morning.
I thought it was that thursday and friday. But my folks just got something in the mail today about a parents day that saturday. But I did get an email with a tentative schedule. We're going to a Broadway show and to Dr. Hutcherson's house (it could be on MTV cribs I heard)!

Oh, and if your on the east coast you might be able to get an independence air ticket for cheap. They're giving college student discounts now. I got a round trip to JFK for $110

In the little blue pamphlet about University housing, the back pocket contains a sheet with a listing of prices and the layout of the rooms at Bard for this past year 04-05. The cheap "28" room was $9.75.

Have you guys submitted the request for housing application? Why does it needs to be sent by certified mail?

hey leverp,

I got that little pamphlet, but it seems like it didn't list all the rooms that are available (judging by the list on the web). I was just wondering if there was a more complete list.

I agree with remix on the priority mail thing, they just want to feel special, but they also like making you spend more money than necessary. I submitted the request already, but I think it doesn't matter how quickly you do it because they send everyone the application at the same time.

See you guys at the revisit!

I'm thinking about going to the revisit weekend. I'm confused do you only have a host for that thursday? I was thinking about flying in on wednessday night or staying through saturday morning.

Oh, I haven't tried figuring out a host yet. The Friday thing is based solely on my lack of vacation days post-med school application process. Are most people going to both days? Or just one?

I thought it was that thursday and friday. But my folks just got something in the mail today about a parents day that saturday. But I did get an email with a tentative schedule. We're going to a Broadway show and to Dr. Hutcherson's house (it could be on MTV cribs I heard)!

Oh, and if your on the east coast you might be able to get an independence air ticket for cheap. They're giving college student discounts now. I got a round trip to JFK for $110

I got that too, but I think those activities are seperate from the regular days activities that are just for minority acceptances.

I may be wrong.

The hosting this has me confused too.....cuz it has a Host SignUp form in the Minority Packet, but I had alreayd requested one through the normal response that came wit hthe acceptance packet.

Im so lost with all this...I just got the Financial Aid stuff done and now Im moving onto the Housing Forms....

Hey ted,

The way I was looking at it was by matching up the prices in http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/hshousing/bhrate.html, with those on the sheet. There are still 6 pricing categories, so you can basically just convert the prices from the 2000 price to the 2004-2005 price.

hey leverp,

I got that little pamphlet, but it seems like it didn't list all the rooms that are available (judging by the list on the web). I was just wondering if there was a more complete list.

I agree with remix on the priority mail thing, they just want to feel special, but they also like making you spend more money than necessary. I submitted the request already, but I think it doesn't matter how quickly you do it because they send everyone the application at the same time.

See you guys at the revisit!

Has anyone here heard back from the school confirming the receipt of the accepting of the spot in the class and acknowledgement of our RSVP for revisit?

I emailed the email address provided to ask if they had gotten it a few days ago...no reply.

Has anyone here heard back from the school confirming the receipt of the accepting of the spot in the class and acknowledgement of our RSVP for revisit?

I emailed the email address provided to ask if they had gotten it a few days ago...no reply.

right now columbia is on spring break and all the adminstration offices close for a couple of days whenever we have days off, i would try giving the office a call to see if there are any announcements as to when they are coming back.

Hey ted,

The way I was looking at it was by matching up the prices in http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/hshousing/bhrate.html, with those on the sheet. There are still 6 pricing categories, so you can basically just convert the prices from the 2000 price to the 2004-2005 price.


I didn't realize that there were only 6 different pricing categories, I was just looking at how many different types of rooms there were. Thanks for clearing that up!

right now columbia is on spring break and all the adminstration offices close for a couple of days whenever we have days off, i would try giving the office a call to see if there are any announcements as to when they are coming back.

I was starting to get kind of antsy because I haven't heard back yet. I already withdrew from everywhere else, so I really want something back from them in writing!!!

I didn't realize that there were only 6 different pricing categories, I was just looking at how many different types of rooms there were. Thanks for clearing that up!



I was starting to get kind of antsy because I haven't heard back yet. I already withdrew from everywhere else, so I really want something back from them in writing!!!

yeah columbia has a tendency to do that, like revoke your financial aid without telling you, GRR. you really have to stay on top of them because the adminstration offices are seriously disorganized :)

WAIT, you all got housing forms to complete???

I didn't get any!

WAIT, you all got housing forms to complete???

I didn't get any!

Its just that pamphlet about housing that you send back the stickers filled out. I think....

I'm a little confused too. I *think* the only paper I received about housing came with the acceptance packet, and that paper might have been called the "request for housing application." Did I miss something?

don't worry, there hasn't been any housing application yet. it was just the request for the housing application. It came inside the big envelope along with the acceptance letter.

sorry if i caused any confusion!!

It's not spring break - that's the undergrad. Different yrs have different breaks at the med school. I don't think the offices are closed. Find at office here is actually pretty nice. During revisit, you can ask to see your package if you handed in your stuff early - a few of us were able to see it.

Umm ok I just tore through everything I received from Columbia. I didn't get some of the stuff you did in your acceptance packets. I didn't get an envelope for the Revisit Weekend form, and I didn't get any housing request forms or information about housing whatsoever.


Can someone just give me the address on the envelope for the Revisit Weekend form? Thanks.

does anyone know when the orientation dates are? i can't seem to find it on the website.

does anyone know when the orientation dates are? i can't seem to find it on the website.

Starts Monday August 22nd. Classes start Mon, Aug 29th.

Move in day is also Aug 22nd, but you are allowed to move in a few days early if you like. Just ask Housing.

Bonnie

Starts Monday August 22nd. Classes start Mon, Aug 29th.

Move in day is also Aug 22nd, but you are allowed to move in a few days early if you like. Just ask Housing.

Bonnie
Hey, P&Sers is the financial aid buget used by the office pretty comparable to reality in Manhattan?

Hey, P&Sers is the financial aid buget used by the office pretty comparable to reality in Manhattan?

That's hard to answer. It depends on how much you want to spend. You can get by on a bag of rice every week, or you could go out to dinner a few nights a week. It's your call... ;)

Generally, I think Washington Heights is a little cheaper than the rest of NYC.

I have to say that in terms of going out, it has been pretty cheap. Granted, I'm not going to Bungalow 8 every night, but... It's not to hard to find dive bars, and usually there's one mixer or another going on through P&S, or NYC Medical schools, or Columbia Grad Schools, etc that will get you cheap deals. Last week the third years had a Switch weekend party at a club downtown where it was free to get in, and a deal on drinks, for all Columbia med students. We usually get deals with places for the class the weekends after exam blocks, as well. And there's a bar on the upper west side that does half price drinks for Columbia students w/ IDs on Thurs nights. Awesome!

:wow: How did you know my REAL question within the question was about cheap alcohol?

Got a letter in the mail yesterday letting me know that they received my acceptance response. Thought I'd let you guys know.

I was in Manhattan this weekend visiting some friends and I thought I'd take a subway ride waaaaaay uptown and visit the school I might be going to. Well, I gotta say it was DEAD. There was no one around outside. It was like a ghost town. I got really nervous and started second-guessing whether or not I wanted to go to columbia. And then I went on the P&S website today and checked the curriculum calendar and I saw that the med students have like 16 exams this week. So that made me feel a lot better. They must have all been hiding in the library. :laugh:

Good luck on exams sarah, bonnie, and any other current student who reads this.

I was in Manhattan this weekend visiting some friends and I thought I'd take a subway ride waaaaaay uptown and visit the school I might be going to. Well, I gotta say it was DEAD. There was no one around outside. It was like a ghost town. I got really nervous and started second-guessing whether or not I wanted to go to columbia. And then I went on the P&S website today and checked the curriculum calendar and I saw that the med students have like 16 exams this week. So that made me feel a lot better. They must have all been hiding in the library. :laugh:

Good luck on exams sarah, bonnie, and any other current student who reads this.

16 exams??? Jeez ... The end of those block schedules must be a little rough.

16 exams??? Jeez ... The end of those block schedules must be a little rough.

I may have exaggerated. Slightly.

I may have exaggerated. Slightly.

Seven this week.

Anatomy written and practical exams on head/neck/upper extremity tomorrow am... but then anatomy is over with for good!

Thanks for the well wishes.

And PS-- this is definitely the worst it's been in terms of exams for us... ever. We don't always hide out in the library! I promise.

When are you guys flying in/out for the revisit weekend? Are you staying for both days and/or Saturday? Is it worth coming to both days?

When are you guys flying in/out for the revisit weekend? Are you staying for both days and/or Saturday? Is it worth coming to both days?


I'm pretty sure i'll be there for all three days.

I'm pretty sure i'll be there for all three days.


Sounds good. Are you staying with a student all three days?

When are you guys flying in/out for the revisit weekend? Are you staying for both days and/or Saturday? Is it worth coming to both days?
I'm flying in thursday morning around 10:30 and leaving friday around 7pm. Does anyone know how long it takes to ride the sub from JFK to w168th and Broadway?

Sounds good. Are you staying with a student all three days?

I live in Jersey (approximately 4 miles from Columbia), so I think I'm just going to commute for the three days. Sorry if this provides no information on the overnight hosting situation.

JFk to P&S will take a looooong time. But if $$ is an issue, take the airtrain, then A train - approx 1.5-2hrs! no joke... otherwise a cab is kinda expensive like $50 or more.

It's gonna be hard to find someone that is willing to host you for 3 nights....maybe 2. Esp in bard where the rooms are small and you'd be right in the middle of everything. Not to deter you guys..but you guys probably know ppl in the city anyway.

Bonnie

I've been looking at the Bard Hall floorplan and I have some questions.

I don't really get the unisex bathroom.

Is it:
A) Single toilet/shower units that only one person can be in at a given time
B) Completely unisex. Anyone and everyone at any time.


Option B could be a lot more fun. ;)

My friend, who was at Columbia this summer, told me that they were completely unisex: stalls, showers, sinks are all for everyone's use.

It does seem intriguing...

I've been looking at the Bard Hall floorplan and I have some questions.

I don't really get the unisex bathroom.

Is it:
A) Single toilet/shower units that only one person can be in at a given time
B) Completely unisex. Anyone and everyone at any time.


Option B could be a lot more fun. ;)

This thread keeps drifting away. Are that few people really planning on going to Columbia? If so, waitlist movement should start flying soon!

:confused:

This thread keeps drifting away. Are that few people really planning on going to Columbia? If so, waitlist movement should start flying soon!

:confused:
Any discussion of Columbia in the Pre-Allo room will inevitably move into unisex bathrooms before it progresses to anything valuable.

Any discussion of Columbia in the Pre-Allo room will inevitably move into unisex bathrooms before it progresses to anything valuable.


HAHAHA...agreed :laugh:

I was wondering where you guys are all coming from. Are most of you already from the north-east? I am coming from California and I'm hoping that I'm not the only non-Ivy Leaguer.

Don't worry Tedrik, I'm also a non-ivy leaguer who will be flying in from California. I'm sure we'll be out-numbered, though.

Don't worry Tedrik, I'm also a non-ivy leaguer who will be flying in from California. I'm sure we'll be out-numbered, though.
I'm non-ivy too!!!! Small endowments UNITE!!!!!

Small endowments UNITE!!!!!


:laugh:

I'm non-ivy... Washu undergrad hell yeah!

HAHAHA...agreed :laugh:

I was wondering where you guys are all coming from. Are most of you already from the north-east? I am coming from California and I'm hoping that I'm not the only non-Ivy Leaguer.


I'm from the northeast. And I am a non-ivy leaguer.

Got a letter in the mail yesterday letting me know that they received my acceptance response. Thought I'd let you guys know.


whoa, did anybody else get this?

I havent...

Im also a non-Ivy...U Rochester here, from Miami,FL

whoa, did anybody else get this?


I got it a few days ago.

whoa, did anybody else get this?

I got the thing letting me know that received my signature on their offer. Also, two days ago I got a little card from the housing office saying that they have recieved my request for a housing application. It looks like the date you mail that thing in does matter so try and get that sucker in ASAP.

Guys, when are our passport photos due? I lost my little brown envelope thingy.

May 6th.

I still havent received anything saying they received my acceptance...oh well.

May 6th.

I still havent received anything saying they received my acceptance...oh well.


You might want to call and check up on that. I sent mine in late and got the notification last week.

Hey everyone,

Congrats on the acceptances and on choosing the gem of med schools in NYC :)

I'm a third year right now....Is the revisit weekend already this thurs/fri??? Didn't realize it was going to be so soon. I'm in the towers so if you want to see the better housing (life after Bard), then feel free to contact me and you can check out my place....
Part of the reason NYC was dead this weekend is b/c it was raining like a mofo all saturday...The 1st years are on spring break..and the second years were probably relaxing from partying the past week.
Third years it's hit or miss depending on the rotation...

If I wasn't on call all weekend (blows!), I'd have a preparty at my place and then head downtown with anyone who wanted to...but this weekend is bad for me.

Still, feel free to contact me with any questions or if you wanna hang out for a bit.

Congrats!

~Scooby

scoob, its the weekend after that

well if anyone is around on friday night ....then hit me up!

Wanted to bump this thread back up.

We (class of 2008) are looking forward to meeting you all. For some reason I wasn't assigned a newbie to host, so if anyone needs a place, let me know.

-Bonnie

A while ago, someone mentioned that P&S offers summer research positions for incoming students? Has anyone heard anything yet? Are these limited to bench research?

THANKS

A while ago, someone mentioned that P&S offers summer research positions for incoming students? Has anyone heard anything yet? Are these limited to bench research?

THANKS

It's thru the Psych department, call admissions for the contact info. I think you can choose either basic science or clinical.

It's thru the Psych department, call admissions for the contact info. I think you can choose either basic science or clinical.
are you in the 04-05 handbook by the same name?

Yes,

It's under Doo...

Scooby....

I can't make it to Revisit (work sucks!) but I hope everyone posts when they get back. I really want to hear all about it! :(

I can't make it to Revisit (work sucks!) but I hope everyone posts when they get back. I really want to hear all about it! :(
will do

I'm guardedly excited? I'm psyched about the school, though worried the classes are going to kick my ass.

Listen Djali,
two words... you're accepted. (Congratulations!!) The adcom here at P&S picked you for a reason and I am sure you will do great. It is the overconfident people who don't feel like they need to study or work to do well that struggle at first.

Hope you all are really stoked to check out P&S; it is an awesome school and every year I am here I realize what a great choice it was! PM me if you have any questions or concerns about the school. If someone is coming last minute and needs a place to crash I live in the towers, so let me know.

late,
ra

are you in the 04-05 handbook by the same name?

First name? Yes.

are you in the 04-05 handbook by the same name?


that would be funny if she was listed as just "Miss Bonnie" in the book.

Like Miss Cleo. Only Bonnie will probably contribute to society in some way.

that would be funny if she was listed as just "Miss Bonnie" in the book.

Like Miss Cleo. Only Bonnie will probably contribute to society in some way.
Aw come on, you know Miss Cleo contributed much to society. She showed us how dumb you look when you fake a Jamaican accent!
:laugh: Don' trip now y'know? Why you wan' go and tramp Miss Cleo fir? G'wan now. :laugh:

I've finally decided on Columbia. Now I'm trying to decide whether it's worth it to get a room with a river view, or to pay less for a non-view room.

I've finally decided on Columbia. Now I'm trying to decide whether it's worth it to get a room with a river view, or to pay less for a non-view room.

SPEND the extra money on river view...INSIST on it! Go find exact rooms that you like and list them...specify you want "river, sink, corner room, etc etc etc etc" Every single thing on that form.

Don't do street....lots of noise and problems....
also stay away from rooms close to the showers cuz they tend to make more noise cuz of the beeping...

River is worth every penny....

How do they decide housing? Is it first-come first-served or do they have some kind of lottery system based on your preferences.

SPEND the extra money on river view...INSIST on it! Go find exact rooms that you like and list them...specify you want "river, sink, corner room, etc etc etc etc" Every single thing on that form.

Don't do street....lots of noise and problems....
also stay away from rooms close to the showers cuz they tend to make more noise cuz of the beeping...

River is worth every penny....

How do they decide housing? Is it first-come first-served or do they have some kind of lottery system based on your preferences.

hey lev,

One of the students told me that she returned her housing form the day after she got it from P&S and got the exact room she wanted. She suggested that you do that because you are pretty much guaranteed to get the room of your choice. I think they send out the housing applications all at once, so you guys should just fill it out and return it right away. The other thing she said was that if you are planning to move in earlier in the summer (for research), they don't have all the rooms ready so your choices are more limited.

It would probably help us out if some of the current students would just tell us which rooms we should go for. If we can request specific rooms by their number, would you guys be willing to give us some suggestions??

thanks in advance!

Hi everyone. I wanted your input on a decision that I'm having a little trouble making. I thought you guys would be the best people to ask since you're all going to Columbia and I assume you really love the school. I really love Columbia also, but I have been offered a 30k/yr for 4 years scholarship to AECOM. I like AECOM as well, but I also absolutely love Columbia. I'm having trouble figuring out whether the school and experiences that I could get at Columbia are so much better as to offset the substantial $ I'm getting at AECOM. Most people I've talked to feel that I should go to AECOM. So, I wanted to ask you, my fellow Columbia-lovers, LOL, that if you were in my spot, would you give up Columbia? Thank you in advance!!

Did anyone go to revisit? How was it? details details

hey lev,

One of the students told me that she returned her housing form the day after she got it from P&S and got the exact room she wanted. She suggested that you do that because you are pretty much guaranteed to get the room of your choice. I think they send out the housing applications all at once, so you guys should just fill it out and return it right away. The other thing she said was that if you are planning to move in earlier in the summer (for research), they don't have all the rooms ready so your choices are more limited.

It would probably help us out if some of the current students would just tell us which rooms we should go for. If we can request specific rooms by their number, would you guys be willing to give us some suggestions??

thanks in advance!

Go for the "30" room. I had 830. Biggest room on the floor. Two large windows facing the river. Only weird thing was that it was long and bowling lane shaped.

The 31 room is nice too, especially higher up. Really large, and face the river and can see downtown.

Drawback is that neither of the rooms have a sink. But one could make the argument that sinks make rooms prison cell-esque.

Go for the "30" room. I had 830. Biggest room on the floor. Two large windows facing the river. Only weird thing was that it was long and bowling lane shaped.

The 31 room is nice too, especially higher up. Really large, and face the river and can see downtown.

Drawback is that neither of the rooms have a sink. But one could make the argument that sinks make rooms prison cell-esque.
Sarah, did the room rates go up? I asked a friend in ur class how much he pays for his room and it was a couple dollars/day more expenmsive than the website indicated.

Sarah, did the room rates go up? I asked a friend in ur class how much he pays for his room and it was a couple dollars/day more expenmsive than the website indicated.

I think they do go up a few dollars every year. I'm now in the Towers, and I know that they're at least going up for us. I'm told it happens every year.

I was wondering, are some of the floors in Bard Hall not coed? If so, which ones?

Also, did anyone else go to the revisit program? I thought that a lot of the prospective students were very cool. :cool:

I was wondering, are some of the floors in Bard Hall not coed? If so, which ones?

Also, did anyone else go to the revisit program? I thought that a lot of the prospective students were very cool. :cool:

It switches every year, I **think**... but this year, floor 9 is all women and floor 7 is all guys. There may be others.

Revisit weekend was awesome. Every minute that I was sober and can remember, I had a great time. The students there were also freaking great.

Great time.

Hi everyone. I wanted your input on a decision that I'm having a little trouble making. I thought you guys would be the best people to ask since you're all going to Columbia and I assume you really love the school. I really love Columbia also, but I have been offered a 30k/yr for 4 years scholarship to AECOM. I like AECOM as well, but I also absolutely love Columbia. I'm having trouble figuring out whether the school and experiences that I could get at Columbia are so much better as to offset the substantial $ I'm getting at AECOM. Most people I've talked to feel that I should go to AECOM. So, I wanted to ask you, my fellow Columbia-lovers, LOL, that if you were in my spot, would you give up Columbia? Thank you in advance!!
Anyone?

Please feel free to PM me; I would appreciate any advice that you may have.

Thanks so much!

Anyone?

Please feel free to PM me; I would appreciate any advice that you may have.

Thanks so much!
that's a lot of money to turn down...
Think about what you may want to do. If you think you may go into primary care or work in under-served communities, AECOM is probably you're best bet in order to keep the debt down. If you want to be something like a neurosurgeon don't worry too much and go where you think you'll be set up the best for your career; 120k down the road won't matter much in the scope.
I know nothing about AE so I'm certainly not going to judge them versus P&S. It's wrong to "judge" schools anyway in my opinion
*You're avatar is cool

that's a lot of money to turn down...
Think about what you may want to do. If you think you may go into primary care or work in under-served communities, AECOM is probably you're best bet in order to keep the debt down. If you want to be something like a neurosurgeon don't worry too much and go where you think you'll be set up the best for your career; 120k down the road won't matter much in the scope.
I know nothing about AE so I'm certainly not going to judge them versus P&S. It's wrong to "judge" schools anyway in my opinion
*You're avatar is cool

i'm obviously biased, but P&S! I have a friend at AECOM who really wanted to come to P&S but was waitlisted. It's really out there location wise, I know we're far uptown but it's different. NO subways in walking distance to AECOM, you are relatively isolated too. I'm probably going to get flamed for this :).

i'm obviously biased, but P&S! I have a friend at AECOM who really wanted to come to P&S but was waitlisted. It's really out there location wise, I know we're far uptown but it's different. NO subways in walking distance to AECOM, you are relatively isolated too. I'm probably going to get flamed for this :).
Thank you Remix and missbonnie!

I would definitely rather live in Manhattan, but I went to the AECOM revisit and the area surrounding AECOM is pleasant and students do go down to Manhattan quite frequently and easily. There is a bus that takes you to the subway in 5-10 min and there is also a Manhattan Express bus that takes you to Manhattan in 40 min. Given the choice, I agree that I'd rather be living in Manhattan, but I want to base my decision on more than that alone, such as the overall medical education/experiences, clinical experiences, research, school rep, how it would affect me in the long run, etc.

Also, I am totally undecided specialty-wise, but I don't think I'll be doing primary care.

I want to base my decision on more than that alone, such as the overall medical education/experiences, clinical experiences, research, school rep, how it would affect me in the long run, etc.

In none of those criteria did you mention $$. Where would you go if the scholarship wasn't on the table?

In none of those criteria did you mention $$. Where would you go if the scholarship wasn't on the table?
No question, without the scholarship, I would definitely go to Columbia. I just don't know if it would be worth it to give up all that $$.

No question, without the scholarship, I would definitely go to Columbia. I just don't know if it would be worth it to give up all that $$.
You're going to accumulate millions of dollars in your career as a doc...

So, I need to ask for some guidance from the people on this list. I am trying to decide between Yale and Columbia. I missed the revisit weekend for P&S--Would anyone mind giving me a general idea of what it was like, what they perceived to be the atmosphere of the school? What has everyone heard about the curriculum at P&S?

My biggest worry about Columbia is that I'm not a big NYC-person... I don't know my way around the subway etc. Also, I'm not that big into partying... I guess my preferred social scene is a little more low-key? I like to have fun... just in smaller groups with close friends. Will I fit in with the anonymnity of NYC and/or the trendy bar/club scene?

HELP!!

My biggest worry about Columbia is that I'm not a big NYC-person... I don't know my way around the subway etc. Also, I'm not that big into partying... I guess my preferred social scene is a little more low-key? I like to have fun... just in smaller groups with close friends. Will I fit in with the anonymnity of NYC and/or the trendy bar/club scene?

HELP!!

The biggest draw for me to Columbia was the student body cohesiveness that leaves you anything but anonymous. The affordable on-campus housing and the P&S club are both media through which you are able to meet other people with similar interests (OUTSIDE of medicine!) and develop those interests.

As for the trendy bar/club scene... I'd say people are more into hitting up the dive bars! On a med student's budget, you really don't need to worry about that.

I'll admit that I had some concerns about keeping up with NYC fashion, style, etc... but life in Washington Heights is so low key that I haven't really thought about any of that too much since I've been here.

Yale....


The biggest draw for me to Columbia was the student body cohesiveness that leaves you anything but anonymous. The affordable on-campus housing and the P&S club are both media through which you are able to meet other people with similar interests (OUTSIDE of medicine!) and develop those interests.

As for the trendy bar/club scene... I'd say people are more into hitting up the dive bars! On a med student's budget, you really don't need to worry about that.

I'll admit that I had some concerns about keeping up with NYC fashion, style, etc... but life in Washington Heights is so low key that I haven't really thought about any of that too much since I've been here.

So, I need to ask for some guidance from the people on this list. I am trying to decide between Yale and Columbia. I missed the revisit weekend for P&S--Would anyone mind giving me a general idea of what it was like, what they perceived to be the atmosphere of the school? What has everyone heard about the curriculum at P&S?

My biggest worry about Columbia is that I'm not a big NYC-person... I don't know my way around the subway etc. Also, I'm not that big into partying... I guess my preferred social scene is a little more low-key? I like to have fun... just in smaller groups with close friends. Will I fit in with the anonymnity of NYC and/or the trendy bar/club scene?

HELP!!
How come you think that you have to crash the party/social scene if you're a Columbia student? First years are housed together but that doesn't mean that there is a dominance of "5th year undergrads". Of course many will be into things like that but there will be plenty who don't (like me! :D ). As far as getting around the on the subway system, you can get this nifty credit card sized Manhattan subway map from the bookstore. I have one and it saved my butt during revisit weekend.

As far as getting around the on the subway system, you can get this nifty credit card sized Manhattan subway map from the bookstore. I have one and it saved my butt during revisit weekend.

And we give it to you free when you matriculate!

And we give it to you free when you matriculate!

I don't remember the line number--A or C, I think--but didn't the express line to P&S get pretty scorched a few months back? If so, is it out of commission? For how long? What are the ramifications for P&S students? I thought I heard someone mention that it may take up to two years to make the necessary repairs, and am wondering if damage to the line has caused any frustration at P&S. Thanks.

I don't remember the line number--A or C, I think--but didn't the express line to P&S get pretty scorched a few months back? If so, is it out of commission? For how long? What are the ramifications for P&S students? I thought I heard someone mention that it may take up to two years to make the necessary repairs, and am wondering if damage to the line has caused any frustration at P&S. Thanks.

the A was fixed in like 1-2 weeks. It's fine now.

Yale vs Columbia is tricky. very different schools & locations. NYC location was key for me so that was easy.

Is anyone thinking about taking spanish or french at columbia undergrad during school next year? I know it'd be helpful to speak at least some spanish, and I definitely want to go abroad somewhere cool for my fourth year and think the language capabilities would help a bunch for me getting the full experience. Think it'll be too much work? How's everybody's spanish? Maybe take some not so intensive course or self guided study this summer when I'm sitting oceanside?

hey! first post on SDN.. i'm seriously thinkign about this too.. do you think we'd have time to take classes at columbia undergrad next year? i know there is some sort of an informal medical spanish class going on, but not sure how good it is, or if its or beginners.. i'm planning to do some self-study this summer and investigate whats available at CU...

I just got the call from Dean Frantz that I was accepted off the waitlist! Can't wait to see yall in August!

If you don't mind me asking, did you get a second interview invite with Dr. Frantz? If so, was it an automatic invite from the original waitlist letter or did you specifically ask for it later. Last thing, did you send Letter of Intent or something else?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I just got the call from Dean Frantz that I was accepted off the waitlist! Can't wait to see yall in August!

Boy am I bad. I just read the Columbia waitlist thread. Congratulations Margerita. Columbia is a really good school!!!!


If you don't mind me asking, did you get a second interview invite with Dr. Frantz? If so, was it an automatic invite from the original waitlist letter or did you specifically ask for it later. Last thing, did you send Letter of Intent or something else?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Congrats margerita!!...well i was just wondering if anyone received their financial aid letters yet? If so, when? and if not, when exactly are we supposed to receive it? i was under the impression that they were gong to be sent out this week

Hey guys! I got my call from Dean Frantz this week also and I'm so psyched! It's nice to know there are more than a few Californians making the big move with me...I can't wait to meet everyone at the end of the summer!

Hey all... this is a shot in the dark, and I probably have already asked... but I thought I'd ask again anyway!

I live in Tower III with two other girls. We're all going away for the summer and we're looking for three people to sublet over the summer. All the amenities of luxury housing... for $695/mo (utilities included)! We'd like to give preference to Columbia students (future or current).

Plus, if we like you.... we'll be looking for a third next fall at some point to replace a roomie who's leaving. ;)

Pls. PM me if interested...

I think the passport-sized pictures for our eventual student IDs are due on Friday, so don't forget to send those little bastards in... I've been a walking train-wreck and forgot about them until just now.

Whoa--where did you read about this probation? What does it mean? Do you have a link for it?

Columbia is NOT on probation. The LCME presented P&S with a few issues with which they thought there was room for improvement... and many of the issues don't have anything to do with a present situation, but have more to do with addressing the situation in the future. For instance, when listing this concern, the LCME wasn't saying that Columbia isn't diverse enough. They asked, "What are you doing to MAINTAIN student diversity in the years to come?" They wanted a more concrete plan than the one they were given.

"columbia definitely does NOT have the most interesting and diverse student body. they are on probation (LCME accreditation) and one of the reasons for this probation is LACK OF DIVERSITY. i couldn't understand how this could be true until i visited two days ago for the revisit. totally a frat-boy/country club kind of atmosphere (which was also the sense i got during interviews). it *is* completely ivy like everyone talks about."

What is this COLUMBIA ON PROBATION deal? It's certainly caused me to have second thoughts about the whole process. I don't want to have to say that my alma mater wasn't accredited when I received my degree. Any other thoughts?

Even w/o considering the location, P&S was one of the least diverse schools I visited. Still, that can't be enough to deserve probation. There have to be other reasons for the probation as well. Does anyone know them? Undoubtedly this has something to do with Columbia's drop to 10th in USNews - the biggest drop for a top tier school.

Let me know what you guys think.
You're like that annoying little chihuahua down the street from me that never stops barking and tries to hump everyone's leg. But at least he barks because he's "stimulated." You're just barking BS.

You're like that annoying little chihuahua down the street from me that never stops barking and tries to hump everyone's leg. But at least he barks because he's "stimulated." You're just barking BS.


:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

very true, very funny.

During the revisit, the director of the md/phd program addressed the accreditation issue. It seems like schools do read the SDN forums because he said, “In case you have heard the rumors circulating on the online forums, Columbia is in no danger of losing it’s accreditation.” His said that there were several issues the LCME brought up, but that this kind of thing happens often to top tier schools. He said that schools like Columbia normally feel too “high and mighty” to pay attention to small details when they know they are training topnotch physicians and that this is why the LCME has to throw around words like probation in order to induce change.

I thought that this whole discussion was buried in the (thankfully) long-gone “Official doo doo” thread. I guess not. Thanks to SarahGM for always stepping in and trying to set people straight :thumbup:

I'm hoping current P&S students can help me out on this... I just got my housing forms, and I heard that you can make a request for a specific room in Bard Hall? There's no place on the form that mentions specific room requests, so should I just jot down a note in the "special considerations" part of the form? Thanks!

I'm hoping current P&S students can help me out on this... I just got my housing forms, and I heard that you can make a request for a specific room in Bard Hall? There's no place on the form that mentions specific room requests, so should I just jot down a note in the "special considerations" part of the form? Thanks!

Yes... that's what I did... I requested a "30" room. I got 830, so I was happy about that.

Send it back ASAP!

are the "30" rooms that much bigger than the other riverview rooms with a sink? though i guess you could request one with a sink and still get one without one, so perhaps it might be best to take a shot at the "30" rooms.. what do you think of the "01" series.. looks like a corner riverview, decent sized, with a sink in it... unfortunately, i'm far far away now, so couldnt make it to revisit or before school starts to check in.. and dont have much of a memory of the rooms from interview day tour.. any help would be appreciated

also, 8th is pretty much the highest floor right? how long do you have to wait for the elevator? does it get unbearably cold during the winter from the hudson winds? or is it too hot because you cant open a window and the heating is constantly on? (just asking these questions since i had a dorm room on the 10th floor facing a river, and while the view was amazing, it was too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.. brr..)

thanks !

Is anyone else a little worried about living in NYC on the $13,236 that the finacial aid office budgeted for living expenses? With that much money is it even possible to do anything ever in the city?

Also did anyone else forget to mail in a pic for your ID? I'm going to send mine today and hopefully they won't be too upset.

Regarding housing recommendations:
Does anyone have any tips for room requests in the Towers couples' housing?

Any advice is appreciated.

Since housing is the Topic of the moment, do some students avoid 'on campus' housing all together by living in the UWS? is it feasible to live in the UWS? By feasible I mean getting to classes and such....not financially. Thanks.

Since housing is the Topic of the moment, do some students avoid 'on campus' housing all together by living in the UWS? is it feasible to live in the UWS? By feasible I mean getting to classes and such....not financially. Thanks.


Couples housing : did you apply for it? Just call the housing office..the farther u currently live from NYC, the higher priority you get.

UWS: totally doable..much more pleasant, but much more expensive

when do we have to be at school for orientation and stuff. where can i find out all this information?

when do we have to be at school for orientation and stuff. where can i find out all this information?
There are some threads on the admissions website discussion section that deal with this.
http://t1.berlinprod.com/accounts/columbia/columbiasite8/bbs.htm


On an unrelated topic, I'm still really worried about finding greenspace around CUMC. Does anyone out there know if the park across the river (pallisades interstate park) is decently maintained or safe to run/study in??

There are some threads on the admissions website discussion section that deal with this.
http://t1.berlinprod.com/accounts/columbia/columbiasite8/bbs.htm


On an unrelated topic, I'm still really worried about finding greenspace around CUMC. Does anyone out there know if the park across the river (pallisades interstate park) is decently maintained or safe to run/study in??
I know Riverside Park isn't that far away from Bard. I know of a few med students that run there.

Has anyone received their financial aid package yet? I received mine and well, suffice it to say, wasn't that great. Just wondering if anyone else could comment (does anyone know what the max. amount for loans or grants is?) It's so damn expensive.

bump.

are the "30" rooms that much bigger than the other riverview rooms with a sink? though i guess you could request one with a sink and still get one without one, so perhaps it might be best to take a shot at the "30" rooms.. what do you think of the "01" series.. looks like a corner riverview, decent sized, with a sink in it... unfortunately, i'm far far away now, so couldnt make it to revisit or before school starts to check in.. and dont have much of a memory of the rooms from interview day tour.. any help would be appreciated

also, 8th is pretty much the highest floor right? how long do you have to wait for the elevator? does it get unbearably cold during the winter from the hudson winds? or is it too hot because you cant open a window and the heating is constantly on? (just asking these questions since i had a dorm room on the 10th floor facing a river, and while the view was amazing, it was too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.. brr..)

thanks !


I didn't think the 01 rooms were that great because you have a view right into the psych annex, and not that great a view of the river. Also, I hear they're cold.

In contrast, I found MY room to be unbearably warm. In fact, most of Bard is... you can't really control your heat, because if you turn it off, the radiators clang incessantly. Booooo.

The highest floor is the 11th, but the highest floor with student rooms is the 10th. The elevator wait isn't too long. Stairs aren't too bad either....

A quick question on Bard - Riverview vs. Streetview: is one quieter than the other or are they they same in that respect? Do the south pointing windows get a lot of sun, or are they blocked by the other buildings in the area? I have to admit, it's kind of fun obsessing over this stuff. Heh.

wake up, thread! im in! im in! yayyyy!!! now i am buried under financial aid forms and housing requests...a lil late on the train, but hopefully will still get there. :D

nyc...gonna be quite the change from NC an TX...in a good way. i'm SO excited yet terrified of all you smart people! :laugh: see you in august -- i'll be in bard!

HEY EVERYONE! I just got in today. In my euphoric pre-drinking and partying mood I've decided to extend an open invitation to everyone starting at P&S this fall to PM if you have questions about NYC. I've been out of school for a while and have been liviing here for several years. If you have questions about the Subway, i know that by heart. Questions about: where to get a certain type of food, drink, party (my speciality here!!), music, shoe, book, hammer, movie....Anything, jsut ask me. We are, more or less, going to be together for the next 4 years, and so I'm asking you now (since I'm still very excited about my acceptance) to PM me about any questions about things in the city. trust me I know a lot.
Congrats to all of you.....and I'm looking forward to this!!!

Congrats to you guys who have been getting in, it's nice to see people who are as excited as me :D

see you guys in august!!

HEY EVERYONE! I just got in today. In my euphoric pre-drinking and partying mood I've decided to extend an open invitation to everyone starting at P&S this fall to PM if you have questions about NYC. I've been out of school for a while and have been liviing here for several years. If you have questions about the Subway, i know that by heart. Questions about: where to get a certain type of food, drink, party (my speciality here!!), music, shoe, book, hammer, movie....Anything, jsut ask me. We are, more or less, going to be together for the next 4 years, and so I'm asking you now (since I'm still very excited about my acceptance) to PM me about any questions about things in the city. trust me I know a lot.
Congrats to all of you.....and I'm looking forward to this!!!

I got in yesterday too! I'm ridiculously happy still, especially considering my impending hangover.... can't wait to see you all in NYC.

Congrats everyone!! Waitlist movement seems pretty good this year. Look out for a letter from me in June, and again in July (I am one of your Orientation Coordinators)

Bonnie

For those of you who have lived in Bard:

This is a minor thing, but I need to get a new cell phone in two weeks and I was wondering if there are any carriers that have good or bad service in Bard, or anywhere around P&S for that matter.

Thanks!

For those of you who have lived in Bard:

This is a minor thing, but I need to get a new cell phone in two weeks and I was wondering if there are any carriers that have good or bad service in Bard, or anywhere around P&S for that matter.

Thanks!
that's not a minor issue, i was wondering the same thing

Verizon works very well in Manhattan, and at P&S. But they don't have rollover minutes which sucks.

Verizon works very well in Manhattan, and at P&S. But they don't have rollover minutes which sucks.

Yeah I'll be losing over 1500 rollover minutes if I switch from Cingular, but I'd rather have a new phone :)

So verizon works, does anyone have complaints about t-mobile? I was probably going to choose between those two anyways.

Cingular GSM works great for me. I switched to Cingular from Sprint just before I moved to NYC last year. The reception is fine everywhere in CUMC and Bard Hall, except for two first floor hospital hallways that I've learned to avoid. I regularly have phone calls run for over 45 minutes without dropping.

That said, VZ Wireless is generally considered to have the best coverage in Manhattan. I chose Cingular because of free calls to/from other Cingular customers (M2M), and it's cheaper than VZ.

My V400 phone is about toast, though, after being dropped once too often. I'm thinking of replacing it with a Razr V3. (anyone have a good experience with one of those?)

VZ Wireless is generally considered to have the best coverage in Manhattan.

WHOOHOO! my verizon phone --> :love:

anyone know how fast that fin aid stuff gets turned around? I just sent mine in yesterday (since I got off the waitlist, but thankfully relatively early), but it'd be nice to know exactly how much i need to work my butt off this summer, haha.

hi everyone,

my girlfriend will be a master's student at columbia this fall and i will be moving with her to find a clinical research position.

Are there a lot of off-campus housing available? How do people find out about them?

Also, is the health sciences campus in a safe area? Are there plenty of restaurants and cafe's around the area?

Lastly, what about parking accesibility if I bring up a car?

Thank you for your help

hi everyone,

my girlfriend will be a master's student at columbia this fall and i will be moving with her to find a clinical research position.

Are there a lot of off-campus housing available? How do people find out about them?

Also, is the health sciences campus in a safe area? Are there plenty of restaurants and cafe's around the area?

Lastly, what about parking accesibility if I bring up a car?

Thank you for your help

I had the same car question last year. Don't bring the car. I sold mine. There's no where to park in NYC without driving around incessantly. Where are you going to go that you can't go by subway (much cheaper and much less of a hassle)?

There are some people in my class with cars, but parking runs them several hundred dollars a month.

I'm in between exams (procrastinating..what else) so I thought I'd give you guys some pertinent info since you probably won't get any informative mailings until mid June or so.

Orientation begins Monday, Aug 22nd. Classes start the Mon after on 8/29. You *can* move in earlier (like over the weekend), just call Housing.

White Coat will be the Friday morning of Orientation Week.

Don't buy any books until the used book sale during first week of classes. You can really do without a lot of books. I bought virtually all my books used and it only cost like $250 for the whole yr. (I'll be selling some books :)). What else ...first year ends this Friday - it wasn't so bad. So don't worry if you are (for some reason).

about housing - where's the farthest that you know of classmates living, that still isn't too bad of a commute? anyone live downtown? how about in a different borough?

damn...there is a good amount of diversity here....
Diversity is more than just skin color...I'm amazed everyday to hear some of the things my classmates have done...and that doesn't mean they were raised in a golden crib.

There are lots of kids here who aren't pure ivy-bred....Most the people I'm friends with are mixed - some from privates..some from public...i'm from public and i'm not excluded so oh well...

If you don't like it...no biggie..so somewhere else.

PM me with any questions

We have classmates who live in SoHo and has far as Staten Island...

We have classmates who live in SoHo and has far as Staten Island...

CHALK UP ONE MORE STUDENT OFF THE WAITLIST WOOOOOO!!

I'm waiting for my acceptance package still, but I had some concerns about dorming at Bard. I went to NYU undergrad, so i've already been looking for apts to live in manhattan (most of my friends are bankers here now). Do you think dorming off campus first year significantly inhibits your ability to meet and mingle with classmates?

I don't want to sacrifice getting to know my classmates for the convenience of living in my own apt, so could anyone give some advice?

FYI - I'd probably be living a few stops down on the A, so it'd be a 20-30 minute commute - not bad.

ALSO - I was a lacrosse player in undergrad, and VERY psyched about rugby - anyone gonna play rugby or interested in starting up club lacrosse?

CHALK UP ONE MORE STUDENT OFF THE WAITLIST WOOOOOO!!

I'm waiting for my acceptance package still, but I had some concerns about dorming at Bard. I went to NYU undergrad, so i've already been looking for apts to live in manhattan (most of my friends are bankers here now). Do you think dorming off campus first year significantly inhibits your ability to meet and mingle with classmates?

I don't want to sacrifice getting to know my classmates for the convenience of living in my own apt, so could anyone give some advice?

FYI - I'd probably be living a few stops down on the A, so it'd be a 20-30 minute commute - not bad.

ALSO - I was a lacrosse player in undergrad, and VERY psyched about rugby - anyone gonna play rugby or interested in starting up club lacrosse?

i was also wondering a bit about this...my gf and i have been living together for a year now in boston, and can't really imagine going back to dorm living now...we're gonna look for places on the upper west side or even farther up depending on what we can afford...anyone have thoughts on this?

my $.02: I went from living in my own beautiful apartment back to living in a dorm for grad school this year (a teensy little single-bedded room), and actually found it kind of nice to simplify. So I've decided to spend one more year of life in a dorm room (Bard), and then move downtown next year. That being said, if you've got a gf, that single bed ain't gonna be no fun...

Living off campus is fine - just keep in mind that all school related events happen on-campus (duh). Living close to campus comes in handy close to exams cuz of all the review sessions (at night). Study breaks, and other fun events are all on campus too. That said, plenty of ppl live off campus and make it work.

I've considered moving off campus too - mostly to just have a place away from the heights - but I can't justify the increase in cost - cuz I live in the Towers now. You guys should seriously look into getting into the Towers. They are amazing apts - very spacious - (by NYC standards) and not so hard to get into if you know waht to do. You can always live in Bard and then transfer into a vacancy when it opens up (no penalty to move within housing system). Towers come in 2,3,4 bedroom configurations. Mine is a 4 bedroom with 2 bathrooms , living room, and kitchen with dishwasher. Rent per person is between $650-750 (4 bedroom to 2 bedroom) plus gas/electricity. Remember high speed internet is included since it's Columbia housing. You sign an actual NYC lease for your room only. Central air conditioning, package service as well. If you're not from NYC, you won't get a doorman or central air unless u pay a crap load more. Almost all the apts have amazing views of the city as well. Plus the bard gym is right there.

About 5 of us procured tower rooms before starting school. NONE of us regret not living in Bard. (towers are right next to Bard, and Tower 1 is connected to Bard Lobby). And we especially love that we don't have to deal with housing at all until we graduate.

bonnei

is it hard to get a single room within one of the Tower apartments if we're just first years?

I'm having similar issues about moving to Bard. I have lived in the East Village for that past 3 years and am dreading the move to Washington Heights. However, I talked to many students and former students at Columbia and ALL of them suggested I live there the first year. It's only nine months, and you can move down with other students. It is TOTALLY doable to live downtown. I work at Columbia Pres. and live in the EV. It is a long commute (35-40 minutes), and a little bit more expensive, but to me it is worth it. So the bottom line is, Live in bard for the first year, make good friends in the school, then move Downtown for second year.

About 5 of us procured tower rooms before starting school. NONE of us regret not living in Bard. (towers are right next to Bard, and Tower 1 is connected to Bard Lobby). And we especially love that we don't have to deal with housing at all until we graduate.

bonnei

How did you get tower rooms before starting school? Any tips? :)

thanks to everyone who answered my previous post.

it's already been asked, but i would also like to know what the easiest way for an incoming m1 to get into the towers. also, i'm living in california right now, so i was wondering if there was some sort of online listing of openings, or if they are all posted on a bulletin in bard somewhere (i think i saw it during revisit).

If you don't live in NYC or can't come here, it'll be hard to get a tower room unless you know a student here. It'll be hard for someone to take u as a roommate if they can't meet you first (would you?). At least I wouldn't.

No online bulletin. Technically there is a list at the housing office but you have to physically go to apt and leave a note (yeah pretty dumb I know). I had a friend email the 3rd and 4th yr classes and I got 2 responses. I took one and I gave the other to a fellow classmate.

Honestly, if u really want a tower apt. the best thing to do is to come on campus for a few days and look at signs. There is also an off campus housing office that has signs for nearby apts if you are really adverse to living in Bard.

If I get emails about vacancies, I can let people know..not sure to do that discretely as I don't want to post emails or phone numbers. I'm not around this summer either, otherwise, I could be more helpful.

bonnie

welcome class of 2009!
just my experience: i lived off campus this year (moved to NYC with a dog), but not too far--up at 184th. it was a MUCH better neighborhood than around campus and MUCH cheaper/bigger than space downtown.
if you want to live off-campus call Adele Selick (sp?) in the off-campus housing office and ask for a list of landlords. i found a great one who takes columbia people without credit check or anything (and no fee for broker). she isn't always around (i had to come by many many times last summer and live in a sh***y apartment for a week before i was hooked up) but she has some good contacts.

that being said--i am (shock and horror) moving into bard for next year to be an RA. this will be the first time since one semester in undergrad when i lived in the dorms (and i'm not gonna say how long ago it was and give away that i'm a geriatric med student, but i took several years off since undergrad)...it will be different not having a kitchen or bathroom of my own, but it is sooo convenient and cheap.
and hopefully i'll get to know more of you guys in the class of 09--just PLEASE PLEASE do not lock yourselves out of your dorm rooms at 4am before a 2nd year exam ;)

okay, enough rambling...god SDN is good for avoiding studying. must...pass..first...year.
good luck guys & please ask if you want more info. i promise that all of us soon-to-be-second-years (YAY) are friendly and happy to help. and can't wait to meet you! :D

-noami
(P&S 2008)

Hey, I have a question for you current students. I'm going through the student insurance plan and can't find anything on dental coverage. Is it included in the plan?

Hey, I gotta question for you current students. I'm going throught the student insurance plan and can't find anything on dental coverage. Is it included in the plan?

Good question. Can you guys also comment on how the coverage is in general? Do people ever get additional health insurance because they need more than the bare minimum?

thanks!

It's separate. They actually just added a "real" dental option for like $200 which includes 2 cleanings and some other things. It's not automatically added to your bill..I'm not sure how to sign up for it since it's going to new for us too.

They also added an annual eye exam to the health plan as well.

I don't have any health problems really so I only go for an annual physical and gyn. Basically the way it works from what I understand - for all basic primary care you use the on site health services (located in Tower 1 - right next to Bard hall), and u need a referral for anything "special". I find it pretty convienent (& easy to get an appt) and they have some prescription drugs (and oral contraceptives) for real cheap.

They might have a list of what is covered on the student health website:

http://www.columbiahealth.info/index.php

Bonnie (just finished first yr!!!!!)

Bonnie (just finished first yr!!!!!)

Congrats!

And thanks for the information :)

Are we going to be using our computers much? I'm trying to decide between getting a laptop and a desktop. Any advice?

Are we going to be using our computers much? I'm trying to decide between getting a laptop and a desktop. Any advice?


it depends on you.
do you want to be able to take your computer with you? do you prefer less expensive/bigger moniter/features of a desktop?
i personally have my computer permanently attached to my lap (one of the small group preceptors actually refers to me as "noami with the computer" whenever he asks me a question) while a few of our classmates don't have a computer at all and rely on the computer labs.
the majority of the class has a computer of some sort, though few carry them as religiously as i do--and few would die the thousand deaths i'd die if their computers were lost.

the first year lecture hall is equiped with wireless internet, as are most of the buildings on campus (with the exception of Bard rooms...though it doesn't really matter since the rooms aren't big enough to actually NEED wireless and the study lounge downstairs is hooked up). i definitely loved having access to the internet all the time. there is an additional (one time) loan you can take out for a computer if you want--i think it was $1400 or so for a desktop and $2000 for a laptop.

there are things that you'll need a computer to do, it just depends on how mobile you'll want to be with it. my vote is absolutely for laptop though (as i hug mine).
desktops run cheaper though, so if you don't think you'll use the mobility features of a laptop it should be fine.

goodluck, PM me if you like
-n

my vote would be laptop hands down.

1) for mobility
2) wireless
3) mobility

you definitely need a computer here. everything is online. we have a main courses webpage where all lecture slides are posted (and grades). many online atlases, etc etc.

apple gives awesome student discounts. I got mine (powerbook g4) for like $1300 and got a 20gb ipod for $60, no joke. They have deals for students starting around August, so check out apple.com. usually a free inkjet is included too. i bought this with the one time computer loan like noami mentioned. i use my laptop all the time. I don't bring it to class much (as I don't take notes), many ppl type up notes in prep for exams. And many ppl study at the undergraduate library and bring their laptop with them (wireless there too).

Thanks for the advice Noami and MissBonnie

are we going to need to type up a lot of reports and stuff? I ask because I'm not used to typing on the miniature laptop keyboards. I was thinking that if there was a lot of report typing, then I should get the desktop.

Thanks for the advice Noami and MissBonnie

are we going to need to type up a lot of reports and stuff? I ask because I'm not used to typing on the miniature laptop keyboards. I was thinking that if there was a lot of report typing, then I should get the desktop.

nope. not a lot of report typing. there are a couple of papers for clinical practice that you have to write, but never anything more than a couple of pages. there are some online exams though, and interactive stuff you'll definitely want to do online. (as an aside: i found things like the netter CD really helpful--you can search much more quickly than the paper version and it is a heck of a lot easier to carry around!)

back to typing: some people type notes, lots of people type (and share) review sheets as Bonnie said.
it took me a couple of days to get used to the smaller keyboard on my computer (Dell Inspiron 700m) but its fine now and i'm glad to have the lighter/smaller version.
some other laptops have larger keyboards and you could always get a separate keyboard to keep at home on your desk if you really don't like it.

i'm firmly in the laptop camp though, so i'm biased ;)

I read somewhere at Columbia doesnt accept AP credits for prereqs...but I havent heard anything from them saying that there's a problem with my courses? Does this mean that I"m ok???

Has anyone sent in a deposit of some sort? I haven't read anywhere to send one in! If any one knows, please post.

Has anyone sent in a deposit of some sort? I haven't read anywhere to send one in! If any one knows, please post.

I'm assuming you're talking about housing?? They will be requesting that deposit soon, I think. Going by that little checklist they keep sending, that's the last thing on the list for us to do to finalize our housing.

I'm assuming you're talking about housing?? They will be requesting that deposit soon, I think. Going by that little checklist they keep sending, that's the last thing on the list for us to do to finalize our housing.

I'm assuming the housing deposit is sent in after we sign the housing contract they send us...I have not received the contract yet. I was talking more along the lines of a deposit for our spot in the class after we've chosen to matriculate. Did you send a deposit for that?

bueller? bueller?

I'm assuming the housing deposit is sent in after we sign the housing contract they send us...I have not received the contract yet. I was talking more along the lines of a deposit for our spot in the class after we've chosen to matriculate. Did you send a deposit for that?

There has been no request for a deposit yet. I spoke with the admissions office a few weeks ago regarding this.

Thanks Margerita for the info on deposits.

I'm having a minor catastrophe...I have my H&P +immunizations appointment with my doctor tomorrow morning and I just noticed that THREE shots are needed for the HepB vaccine--all of which have to be given in 1-2 or 3-4 month intervals! Do we have to have all of the three shots before we enroll this August?? I can get the 1st tomorrow and the 2nd in a month, but there's no way to squeeze in the third + the post-immunization titer before schools starts. Does anyone know if all three shots are needed before we enroll? Does this mean I can't come? :(

Please tell me I'm not the only one who has never gotten the HepB vaccine until now.

Thanks Margerita for the info on deposits.

I'm having a minor catastrophe...I have my H&P +immunizations appointment with my doctor tomorrow morning and I just noticed that THREE shots are needed for the HepB vaccine--all of which have to be given in 1-2 or 3-4 month intervals! Do we have to have all of the three shots before we enroll this August?? I can get the 1st tomorrow and the 2nd in a month, but there's no way to squeeze in the third + the post-immunization titer before schools starts. Does anyone know if all three shots are needed before we enroll? Does this mean I can't come? :(

Please tell me I'm not the only one who has never gotten the HepB vaccine until now.

I wouldn't worry about it. just call health services tomorrow and find out what the deal is.

I was going to call tomorrow, but was hoping someone on SDN knew for sure or was in the same boat as I am. It does make me feel better to hear you say that I shouldn't worry about it, though...

Relax, I had to go through the same thing when I started lifeguarding in high school. As long as you start the vaccine sequence before school starts you should be fine. You may (probably) have to provide health services with documentation that you completed all 3, but as long as you start it before you enroll you should have no problems.

I am 99.99% sure of this.

Thanks Lemmiwinks. BTW, do all of you already have HepB vaccinations (before they were required for med school)? If so, why did you get the shots? I don't remember ever having to get them for college or other activities.

Thanks Lemmiwinks. BTW, do all of you already have HepB vaccinations (before they were required for med school)? If so, why did you get the shots? I don't remember ever having to get them for college or other activities.

EMT requirements

BTW, do all of you already have HepB vaccinations (before they were required for med school)?

Luckily I had to get those shots for a volunteering thing, but when did they ever mention getting immunized? I don't remember reading anything about them being required for med school.

Sorry if this is a retarded question, which I'm sure it is.

There's a list of immunizations--measles, mumps, rubella (which I'm sure we all already have), PPD, hepatitis, and the optional meningitis--in the blue/white health services booklet that came with our acceptance package. The booklet also contained the health history forms that we have to fill out and send back.

Thanks Turtle48, I need to start opening my mail. I didn't know we needed to get a physical too! :eek:

Thanks Turtle48, I need to start opening my mail. I didn't know we needed to get a physical too! :eek:

This reminds me - I had no health insurance during this time (ironic huh?). They accept physicals from up to 1 yr prior, I think. At least they acepted mine.

BTW, one of the first packets of mail went out today for you guys.



bonnie

What's in the new mailing that was sent out today? I enjoy getting mail from P&S...cheesy huh? Do we find out who our advisor is? BTW, is that randomly assigned?

There's a list of immunizations--measles, mumps, rubella (which I'm sure we all already have), PPD, hepatitis, and the optional meningitis--in the blue/white health services booklet that came with our acceptance package. The booklet also contained the health history forms that we have to fill out and send back.


don't worry -- the immunizations will not keep you back. you should definitely call health services and set something up. i had hepB already for a previous hospital job, but when i got my physical they ran a blood test and i found out that i wasn't immune to mumps (who knew? apparently some of the MMRs from back in my day weren't good)...so i had to the same thing and get it done in the summer before school. call them, set it up, come in...it will all work out. just don't freak out about it, it really will be fine.
i was able to get a new vaccine and not only did they let me start school--i also didn't contract measles, mumps ruebella OR Hep ;)

best of luck.
(i don't know what was in the mailing or i'd tell you and i also don't know how they assign advisors. we had lunches with them every other week or so for first year, as far as i could tell the assignment was random.)