Alright, I figure there have been a lot of us on here accepted to Pittsburgh already, so I think it is time for us to start a thread of our own.

Jim

Does Pitt have a second look weekend? When? I've been travelling so I haven't had time to go home and get the package even though it's been there forever.

Pitt's one of my top choices now. I have a lot of family near there and know the area is pretty good (despite the fact that the weather right now is probably totally miserable). My friends who are there like it a lot.

The acceptance package didnt say anything about a 2nd look weekend, so i'm sure we'll hear something later on about it.

Jim

Fairly sure there will be a second look day! Someone I know who goes there told me to go.

Where are you guys from? Pitt's one of my top choices, too.

Oookay, obviously I'm new to the forum. I see you all have your locations posted. :p Future doctor here, ladies and gentlemen.

Like I said, I grew up nearby. It's a great location: cheap COL, 30k college students near campus if that's your thing, plenty of "young professional" areas (like South Side) if it's not. Living in Oakland/Shadyside avoids most of the drawbacks of Pittsburgh, it's a city unto itself. The tuition break for PA residents makes it even sweeter. Only reason it's not an easy choice for me is that I kind of want to escape PA. Also, cardiac hill sucks nuts in january. :p

I am so excited about Pitt! I won't get a tuition break and I won't be near my family, but I love the school. I love it so much I'm choosing it over going to school in Boston and being near my family! I wish I got to see more of Pittsburgh, though, when I was there for my interview. I hardly know anything about the city.

Hey guys, congrats on getting accepted! It seems like a really great place and everyone seems pretty happy there. I for one really want to give birth to a dummy. Well not actually give birth to a dummy, but I mean birth a dummy. You know what I mean.

Anyway, I had a question about the weather, if any of you guys are familiar with it...I heard it's pretty grey most of winter. I'm from Florida and went to school in NC so I'm used to lots of sunshine. I can learn to deal with the cold, what I'm worried about is being so stressed in such a dreary environment. So if anyone who lives near there (dilated) or anyone else who is familiar with what it's like during the winter could maybe throw some thoughts about how depressing it really is out there, I'd appreciate it. Thank you much!

Anyway, I had a question about the weather, if any of you guys are familiar with it...I heard it's pretty grey most of winter. I'm from Florida and went to school in NC so I'm used to lots of sunshine. I can learn to deal with the cold, what I'm worried about is being so stressed in such a dreary environment. So if anyone who lives near there (dilated) or anyone else who is familiar with what it's like during the winter could maybe throw some thoughts about how depressing it really is out there, I'd appreciate it. Thank you much!

It's pretty gray. You get used to it though, and it's not like it's never sunny, you just need to take advantage of the sun when it shines (go ski). The one upside to the weather is that snow rarely accumulates. When I have my mental debates of, say, Emory/Vandy vs. Pitt, it's largely the cold that makes me want to move. The cloudiness isn't a big deal after a while.

Whee ... just found this thread. Congrats, everyone.

Yeah, I'm worried about the weather, too. I just bought a light box to treat my possible SAD (no dx, just a hunch) and I'll definitely have to bring that along. I survived in England for a year, but snow is a complete mystery to me. (What, I can't snowboard to class?!?)

I'm killing time at work looking at places to live. It's so obscene and cheap compared to the Bay Area. There's a warehouse-y place called the Noodle Factory ... how cool would it be to live in the Noodle Factory? (I'm a starch grrl)

Anyway, I'm excited about 2nd look b/c I really want my s.o. to see Pittsburgh -- the school and the town.

Anybody know when the "zone" will be up for class of 2010?

This poor thread has been neglected. I was just wondering if any of you knew to what extent Pitt is PBL? I mean like, how much are students in PBL sessions per week vs. lecture? Hope you all are doing well.

Check this out -- you can see how the schedule breaks down day by day:
http://navigator.medschool.pitt.edu/
Some of it's password protected, but there's a lot there.

EDIT: I get so excited looking at it ... I'm gonna be a med student!

Check this out -- you can see how the schedule breaks down day by day:
http://navigator.medschool.pitt.edu/
Some of it's password protected, but there's a lot there.

EDIT: I get so excited looking at it ... I'm gonna be a med student!
I'm probably just an idiot (nevermind I take that back, it's definite), but I see the schedule of classes in terms of blocks but I can't find a day to day schedule, complete with hours and such. Any ideas?

Click on the blocks to get more details! :)

Is anyone thinking about doing an Area of Concentration?
How about an MPH?

Click on the blocks to get more details! :)

Is anyone thinking about doing an Area of Concentration?
How about an MPH?
ah, it all comes together. I was trying to find an actual pretty picture schedule, but this works equally well. Thanks for the link. And if I go to Pitt I would most likely do the bioethics AOC; I looked into getting the masters, but it's not for me.

This poor thread has been neglected. I was just wondering if any of you knew to what extent Pitt is PBL? I mean like, how much are students in PBL sessions per week vs. lecture? Hope you all are doing well.

In my interview packet I also got a stapled packet that had all of the curriculum on it. It had a calendar of what you had everyday throughout the year. I assume everyone got the same thing.

Jim

Hey folks, I thought I'd check in- anyone know when second look weekend is? I'm like 3 states away from my mailbox, so I feel a bit out of the loop with regard to announcements and so forth.

Hi, everyone! I'll probably be joining all of you at Pitt next year. I'm just hoping that I'll get some financial aid...

On the FA note, which forms are we supposed to fill out? The ones on www.medschool.pitt.edu all say "2005-06" ... are those the right ones? Or are forms for 06-07 coming later? Thanks!

On the FA note, which forms are we supposed to fill out? The ones on www.medschool.pitt.edu all say "2005-06" ... are those the right ones? Or are forms for 06-07 coming later? Thanks!

does anyone konw if pitt videotapes their lectures and puts them online?

does anyone konw if pitt videotapes their lectures and puts them online?
Unfortunately, it seems like they don't. If you go to the link prana posted and click on the block in October, on the Jewish High Holy days it says that lectures will be videotaped that day so people observing the holiday don't miss anything. So, I think this means that generally speaking they don't videotape them. but if anyone knows otherwise, please correct me

The student that I interviewed with said he had audiotapes that he listened to while commuting for his long-distance relationship. Not visual, unfortunately, but at least some record of the lecture.

The student that I interviewed with said he had audiotapes that he listened to while commuting for his long-distance relationship. Not visual, unfortunately, but at least some record of the lecture.

I asked specifically about this on my interview day. They do NOT video or audio tape the lectures. I imagine that students may do so on their own, but the school does not provide either service. But there is a note taking service. This was one of the few things I didnt like about Pitt.

Jim

I asked specifically about this on my interview day. They do NOT video or audio tape the lectures. I imagine that students may do so on their own, but the school does not provide either service. But there is a note taking service. This was one of the few things I didnt like about Pitt.

Jim

If they don't offer a school sanctioned service, I wonder if it would be possible to set up a cooperative of students and create a video-transcription service. If you split the cost and labor of buying and running a camera, plus burning DVDs, over 20+ people it would be a great study aid for a relatively small investment of time and money. Something to think about.

If they don't offer a school sanctioned service, I wonder if it would be possible to set up a cooperative of students and create a video-transcription service. If you split the cost and labor of buying and running a camera, plus burning DVDs, over 20+ people it would be a great study aid for a relatively small investment of time and money. Something to think about.

Camera ~ $450 + DVD-Rs for every lecture (could we burn a week at a time?) I'm a very visual learner and would totally buy into this coop. That is, if we have beer night, as well!

I wonder if there are rules against video-taping.

Also, isn't the newness of med school going to be enough to worry about, w/o worrying about taping and camera angles? I'm all for it, if there's a low-stress, no freak-out way to do it. Viva la 21st century!

I think it sounds great in theory, but Pitt has lots of lectures(like 20-30hrs/wk), so i dont know how realistic it would be to have time to re-watch much of them. I have to admit grad school has changed the way that I look at this topic. Coming in from undergrad I was one to learn a lot in lecture and not have to study too much. Which is still somewhat the case, but in grad school (at least here) there is sooo much information you need to know itis really more efficient to study it on your own. Just my $.02. But count me in for beer night/happy hour, i'm a big fan of the work hard/play hard philosophy :D

Jim

All right -- beer night is a go ... video lectures ... maybe if we have time. I like the way you think!

I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but as a Pittmed student(LOA so I have time to visit this site) I can say that I don't think you'll have too much time to re-watch videotaped lectures... give it a couple of weeks and then decide if this is something you want to pursue. My advice, read your syllabus before you go, pay attention, and review after and one round of lecture will be enough (and all you'll have time for, really). The only tapes I ever watched were the extra anatomy prosections which were very worth the time spent... trust me, you'll hear his voice in your sleep by the end of the course :)

And go to 2nd look weekends, here and other places too if you have a choice to make. At this point, an extra plane ticket or 2 is a great investment to see if your first impressions of the place match how it really is over a few days. They usually arrange driving tours of the city by uppeclassmen for anyone unfamiliar with the area, which is pretty helpful. And it is a great chance to meet the people who will be your future classmates and to see how you'll "fit in" at a certain school. It was definately the deciding factor for me between Pitt and another school.

Best wishes.

I think it sounds great in theory, but Pitt has lots of lectures(like 20-30hrs/wk), so i dont know how realistic it would be to have time to re-watch much of them. I have to admit grad school has changed the way that I look at this topic. Coming in from undergrad I was one to learn a lot in lecture and not have to study too much. Which is still somewhat the case, but in grad school (at least here) there is sooo much information you need to know itis really more efficient to study it on your own. Just my $.02. But count me in for beer night/happy hour, i'm a big fan of the work hard/play hard philosophy :D

Jim

I don't think I'd want to rewatch ALL of them, but if you were studying for a final and there was a subject that you were having trouble with, or forgot, wouldnt a taped video lecture be awesome? Don't get me wrong, I know it would be a large investment, but it would be totally manageable if split among enough people. I'm talking about making a library.

I still don't think it would be too difficult- you stick it on a tripod at the side of the room, point it at the front, and push play before every lecture. The pain in the ass part would come from burning a bunch of DVDs, which is there the division of labor would come in.

Maybe, if the effort/reward ratio isn't all that high, then audio lectures would be more practical?

Anyways, I'm also very enthusiastic about the prospect of beer night, so I will be sure to join you folks.

I saw on a thread on Pre-Allo that 2nd look weekend is tentatively April 8th. Cool!

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=258874

Just curious. How did you guys find out about acceptance? E-mail? Phone? Mail? Thanks.

Just curious. How did you guys find out about acceptance? E-mail? Phone? Mail? Thanks.
thwarted by the double post

Just curious. How did you guys find out about acceptance? E-mail? Phone? Mail? Thanks.
Some people get e-mails from their interviewers but many don't, so don't worry if you haven't gotten one yet. The actual acceptance comes snail mail in a big envelope. Good luck!

Did you guys know that Dr. Curtiss just passed away this week? I was reading the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and ran across this article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06049/657579.stm

It sounds like he had a very positive effect on admissions at Pitt. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to interview with him. It makes me wonder how the rest of the admissions season and financial aid will be affected.

Wow, I feel like I owe him a lot as a non-trad.

Wow, I feel like I owe him a lot as a non-trad.
Did you interview with him, prana? I interviewed with Paula Davis and never got to meet him, although I heard a lot about him. :)

I never met him, although I had a great talk with Paula Davis. He sounds like an amazing guy.

I had the chance to be interviewed by him, but there's nothing I can say that isn't in the obituary. He was nice.

Some people get e-mails from their interviewers but many don't, so don't worry if you haven't gotten one yet. The actual acceptance comes snail mail in a big envelope. Good luck!

Thanks.

I also interviewed with Dr. Curtiss. He was extremely nice and welcoming.

Did you guys know that Dr. Curtiss just passed away this week? I was reading the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and ran across this article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06049/657579.stm

It sounds like he had a very positive effect on admissions at Pitt. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to interview with him. It makes me wonder how the rest of the admissions season and financial aid will be affected.

OMG, he was such a nice guy. I met him for a few minutes and corresponded with him later, via e-mail.

RIP

Did you guys know that Dr. Curtiss just passed away this week? I was reading the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and ran across this article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06049/657579.stm

It sounds like he had a very positive effect on admissions at Pitt. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to interview with him. It makes me wonder how the rest of the admissions season and financial aid will be affected.

wow, that is very sad news, and it's hard to believe I was fidgeting in his office only a month ago. I really liked him as well...he seemed a bit rough around the edges, and he definitely put me in my place, but I left thinking what a jovial, funny man he was.

On a not related note, did any of you guys apply for the CSTP program? If so, would you be doing the five years, or trying to finish in four?

Also does anyone know any thing about financial aid? are the forms out?

When I called last week, the lady said the 2006-2007 forms will be posted shortly. Keep an eye out for it!

Just wanted to say hello to all the Pitt people. See you at 2nd look.

Just wanted to say hello to all the Pitt people. See you at 2nd look.

Hey, I see you got accepted today. Congratulations.

Hey guys just wanted to join in. I am excited about Pittsburgh! See you all at the second look weekend.

Hey guys just wanted to join in. I am excited about Pittsburgh! See you all at the second look weekend.

What she said!

Also does anyone know any thing about financial aid? are the forms out?

So, in addition to the FAFSA, Pitt has its own forms for us? Where can I find them?

So did everyone get the second look email? I wish they hadn't scheduled the damn thing for my birthday, but I'll be going anyways. I can't dcide whether I'll have the energy for the 5k or not. Is anyone else thinking about doing that?

So did everyone get the second look email? I wish they hadn't scheduled the damn thing for my birthday, but I'll be going anyways. I can't dcide whether I'll have the energy for the 5k or not. Is anyone else thinking about doing that?

I'm sure there will be ample opportunity to celebrate :D

So did everyone get the second look email? I wish they hadn't scheduled the damn thing for my birthday, but I'll be going anyways. I can't dcide whether I'll have the energy for the 5k or not. Is anyone else thinking about doing that?

Hey, it will be my birthday too! We can celebrate together. What more perfect way to celebrate a birthday than with perfect strangers? :rolleyes:

Hey, it will be my birthday too! We can celebrate together. What more perfect way to celebrate a birthday than with perfect strangers? :rolleyes:

Sounds good to me. And as bobob subtly implied, there will be alcohol involved to boot. All the comforts of home...

Sounds good to me. And as bobob subtly implied, there will be alcohol involved to boot. All the comforts of home...


Haha I wonder how many will be participating in the night out AND the 5k. On that note, you guys sign up for all of the events? Looks like a packed weekend, should be a lot of fun! Wish I didn't have to grovel for two days off of work though...

Hey, it will be my birthday too! We can celebrate together. What more perfect way to celebrate a birthday than with perfect strangers? :rolleyes:

Its perfect to celebrate your birthday with the people that you may/will be celebrating your next 4 birthdays with :D We'll have a good time,promise....

Jim

You guys check out the Pitt financial aid forms? They just e-mailed me a link to the site. We have to guesstimate a "cost of attendance budget," itemizing by rent, utilities, food, books, transportation, etc... Lovely. Seems like these forms never end!

You guys check out the Pitt financial aid forms? They just e-mailed me a link to the site. We have to guesstimate a "cost of attendance budget," itemizing by rent, utilities, food, books, transportation, etc... Lovely. Seems like these forms never end!

I have no idea why they're making us fill it all out when they already have the estimated cost of housing, transportation, books, etc. on their fin aid website. I'm just using that (and any other personal costs I can think of) to fill it all out. I'm still probably gonna be way off.

I have no idea why they're making us fill it all out when they already have the estimated cost of housing, transportation, books, etc. on their fin aid website. I'm just using that (and any other personal costs I can think of) to fill it all out. I'm still probably gonna be way off.

My thoughts exactly.

For the "Request for Federal Stafford Loan" (Form B), are we actually supposed to fill in the amount?? I thought the individual school was supposed to determine all of this. I guess I would just put the maximum possible amount for the loan request ($40,722)...

wowzer posted UPitt's 2005 Match List in the allo forum, not sure if that means last year or this year(i'm assuming last year):

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=264735

Looks pretty sweet though :thumbup:

Jim

wowzer posted UPitt's 2005 Match List in the allo forum, not sure if that means last year or this year(i'm assuming last year):

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=264735

Looks pretty sweet though :thumbup:

Jim


So we've got two years of match lists posted here on SDN. Anyone have access to the others? I tried looking it up online, but don't have access. I can't get too much out of one or two years of a match list. I like to see 5 to get a good idea of trends.

wowzer posted UPitt's 2005 Match List in the allo forum, not sure if that means last year or this year(i'm assuming last year):

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=264735

Looks pretty sweet though :thumbup:

Jim
It has to be last year's, because this year's match isn't until next week. ;)

Hey Q, are you going to 2nd look?

On another note, for all of us Pitt acceptees... I'm kind of agonizing about what to do and thought I'd post here instead of on pre-allo.

So... right now I'm effectively choosing between Pitt and Iowa and I have a few concerns about Pitt. Two big ones:

1) During the interview they mentioned they are moving towards using a four (or maybe it was even five) grade system (ie, honors, high pass, pass, low pass, fail) because of student input. Students were saying they didn't like working really hard and getting so close to honors without getting honors, and then having nothing but a pass to show for it. This is pretty concerning to me because, though everyone seems really nice and friendly, it seems they are focused on doing what they can to distinguish themselves from their classmates.

2) Pitt's relatively recent rise in prestige is due to large research funds. This is actually a good thing, but because of the 'relatively recent' part, I'm concerned that faculty are going to be under more than the usual pressure to bring in grants and will have less time and energy for students.

So what does everyone think of these? Should we be worried? Do I have bad information?

Don't get me wrong here, I think Pitt is great, and I'm psyched about being accepted, but I'm trying to figure out what to do here.

Hey Q, are you going to 2nd look?

On another note, for all of us Pitt acceptees... I'm kind of agonizing about what to do and thought I'd post here instead of on pre-allo.

So... right now I'm effectively choosing between Pitt and Iowa and I have a few concerns about Pitt. Two big ones:

1) During the interview they mentioned they are moving towards using a four (or maybe it was even five) grade system (ie, honors, high pass, pass, low pass, fail) because of student input. Students were saying they didn't like working really hard and getting so close to honors without getting honors, and then having nothing but a pass to show for it. This is pretty concerning to me because, though everyone seems really nice and friendly, it seems they are focused on doing what they can to distinguish themselves from their classmates.

2) Pitt's relatively recent rise in prestige is due to large research funds. This is actually a good thing, but because of the 'relatively recent' part, I'm concerned that faculty are going to be under more than the usual pressure to bring in grants and will have less time and energy for students.

So what does everyone think of these? Should we be worried? Do I have bad information?

Don't get me wrong here, I think Pitt is great, and I'm psyched about being accepted, but I'm trying to figure out what to do here.

I havent heard anything about the grading system being changed during the first two years, but I did read that next year they were changing to a five-tiered grading system for 3rd and 4th years, is this what you are talking about? I specifically asked about the grading for the first two years and the dean told me they wanted it to stay H/P/F to keep the competitiveness down. I read in the last few days that 50% of Pitt students get their #1 residency and 90% get in their top 3, so you should be able to end up where you want to go if you go to Pitt.

As for #2, I think that Pitt will keep ascending up the rankings as it grows. I go to grad school at Johns Hopkins SPH and when many of my professors ask me where I will be going next year, they all have amazing things to say about Pitt, and many have said it is really one of the up-and-coming medical schools in both research and ability to train good physicians. I really wouldn't worry about the professors not having time for the students, maybe I'm being niave, I just dont see this as being a problem.

See you at 2nd look,

Jim

Hey Q, are you going to 2nd look?

On another note, for all of us Pitt acceptees... I'm kind of agonizing about what to do and thought I'd post here instead of on pre-allo.

So... right now I'm effectively choosing between Pitt and Iowa and I have a few concerns about Pitt. Two big ones:

1) During the interview they mentioned they are moving towards using a four (or maybe it was even five) grade system (ie, honors, high pass, pass, low pass, fail) because of student input. Students were saying they didn't like working really hard and getting so close to honors without getting honors, and then having nothing but a pass to show for it. This is pretty concerning to me because, though everyone seems really nice and friendly, it seems they are focused on doing what they can to distinguish themselves from their classmates.

2) Pitt's relatively recent rise in prestige is due to large research funds. This is actually a good thing, but because of the 'relatively recent' part, I'm concerned that faculty are going to be under more than the usual pressure to bring in grants and will have less time and energy for students.

So what does everyone think of these? Should we be worried? Do I have bad information?

Don't get me wrong here, I think Pitt is great, and I'm psyched about being accepted, but I'm trying to figure out what to do here.
I would like to attend if I can, but early April is not the greatest timing for me. So that's a definite maybe. ;)

1) I don't remember hearing this at my interview day, but maybe I was still :sleep: . I would actually prefer to see them move in the opposite direction, which is to make the first two years P/F rather than H/P/F. Many of Pitt's peer institutions already do this, and it makes sense to me. We are all adults now, and hopefully we are motivated to learn by more than just grades and tests.

2) There will always be some faculty at every institution who don't really want to "waste their time" teaching students. If they are forced to do it, they will, but they will just do the bare minimum to get by because they'd rather be elsewhere, and it will show. On the other hand, there will be other faculty who absolutely love teaching, and who will go way beyond what's expected of them to help students. I doubt that Pitt will be any worse or better in that regard than other schools. Some instructors will be great, and some will make us wish we'd done just about anything else besides go to med school. That's been my grad school experience, at any rate. :p

Hey guys,
Quick question. Where do we get the Master Promissory Note for new Pitt SoM loan takers.
I thought the school sends it to us but not sure. Anyone?

Hey guys,
Quick question. Where do we get the Master Promissory Note for new Pitt SoM loan takers.
I thought the school sends it to us but not sure. Anyone?

Hmm, this is my first time applying for Stafford loans, so I'm not sure either. I thought you had to go to your selected lender to get the MPN. I think each bank has their own MPN, but I'm not sure. If someone has done this before, please advise! I did a google search, but just found a bunch of partial answers to what I'm looking for :p

If I remember correctly (I did this for post-bac, only three years ago, where's my brain?!?) the school sends the MPN to you after you choose a lender off of a list of recommended lenders (like Bank of America, etc.) It's a scary moment, when you sign your name on one of those things!

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=2412219&postcount=5

Scroll down for PA and U Pitt ...

So are any of you concerned about the weather? While I've heard from a few Pitt students that the weather doesnt seem to affect them much at all, I've also heard from others (particularly those raised in warm, sunny locations) that the long, gray winters make school even more depressing and stressful. One went so far as to say he wouldn't make the same choice again. What do you all think?

And the idea of Pitt going to a 5-tiered grading system is frightening. I'll take straight P/F any day.

This is what admin has posted for current students re: grading:

3rd and 4th year grades are based more on personal performance rather than a straight curve, so I don't anticipate that it will affect competitiveness at that point....

"Effective for the AY 2005-2006, the third and fourth year courses will be a five-level grading on the official university transcript. H/HS/S/LS/U = honor/high satisfactory/satisfactory/low satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

The first and second year grading will continue to be three-level. H/S/U = honor/satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

You may review your University transcript on the Web at https://my.pitt.edu then select > My Communities > Student Services > Student Info"

Question: Has anyone been awarded merit $$ from Pitt NOT specifically for one of the "...TP" programs (MSTP, CSTP, BSTP...)??

So are any of you concerned about the weather? While I've heard from a few Pitt students that the weather doesnt seem to affect them much at all, I've also heard from others (particularly those raised in warm, sunny locations) that the long, gray winters make school even more depressing and stressful. One went so far as to say he wouldn't make the same choice again. What do you all think?

And the idea of Pitt going to a 5-tiered grading system is frightening. I'll take straight P/F any day.

I moved from a pretty warm, sunny location of the US to the northeast for hs and college, so I can kinda relate to your concerns. Honestly, aside from my frequent complaints about the weather--which really stemmed from being homesick more than anything else--I was totally fine. Yeah, it's not going to be blue skies and sunshine every day, but cloudy days aren't too bad either. It just becomes part of the scenery, and you may be surprised at how bright it is outside even when it's cloudy. An extra perk is that you start to really really appreciate sunny days, and each sunny day feels like a blessing from above. In college, there was an almost celebratory feeling in the air when the weather was sunny. The libraries would empty out and everyone would get ice cream and beach towels and find any spare patch of grass to study on. Somehow, I don't think we would've been as excited if every day were sunny.

Anyway, like I said, weather just becomes part of the scenery, and whether it's constant sunshine in California or constant cloudiness in upstate NY, once you get used to it, you barely notice it. When I really think about all the times I complained about weather, I was really just complaining about life in general, about adjusting to a new environment. If I'm in a good mood or it's been a good day, then I could care less about the weather.

Having said all that, I'm still semi-concerned about weather in general, and I'm seriously considering another school because I like its weather and campus better. I'm immune to cloudiness by now, but I love big sprawling campuses with big green lawns, and Pittsburgh just seems like a really dense, cramped city. Haha, so much for my post being "convincing." Go to second look though. Hopefully it'll be raining miserably and you can judge for yourself whether it gets your spirits down ;)

So are any of you concerned about the weather? While I've heard from a few Pitt students that the weather doesnt seem to affect them much at all, I've also heard from others (particularly those raised in warm, sunny locations) that the long, gray winters make school even more depressing and stressful. One went so far as to say he wouldn't make the same choice again. What do you all think?


I'm not too concerned, but maybe I should be. I'll be moving to Pittsburgh from Hawaii. I was just planning to buy a really warm coat.

How long are the winters in Pittsburgh?

I'm not too concerned, but maybe I should be. I'll be moving to Pittsburgh from Hawaii. I was just planning to buy a really warm coat.

How long are the winters in Pittsburgh?

I live near Pittsburgh, and I'd say we have cold weather from December to early March. By cold, I don't necessarily mean winterish and freezing...just windy and 40 or below. Personally, I love crisp 40 degree weather :). It's spotty though, like we'll have a week of warm weather in March then it rains and we have a week of much cooler weather. Definitely buy a good coat--don't buy it from Hawaii though! I've bought coats from warm-weather locations and find that they just don't make coats the same way!

So are any of you concerned about the weather? While I've heard from a few Pitt students that the weather doesnt seem to affect them much at all, I've also heard from others (particularly those raised in warm, sunny locations) that the long, gray winters make school even more depressing and stressful. One went so far as to say he wouldn't make the same choice again. What do you all think?

And the idea of Pitt going to a 5-tiered grading system is frightening. I'll take straight P/F any day.
Anywhere you go is going to have its downsides. Here in FL, we are gearing up for yet another fun-filled and exciting hurricane season. (The good times start again on June 1.) People die here every summer from heatstroke, being struck by lightning, getting attacked by alligators, or being attacked by stinging insects. But boy, it sure couldn't be any more gorgeous of a day here today. :D Pittsburgh, in contrast, sure will be nicer than FL come August when FL is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Zebulon. :rolleyes:

Hey Q, you are everywhere. Are you going to the revisit here too. I am too lazy to check.

Hey Q, you are everywhere. Are you going to the revisit here too. I am too lazy to check.
:laugh: I was just thinking the same thing about you. I saw you had posted in the Case thread. Guess you and I are destined to be classmates for sure. ;)

Not sure yet, but I'm going to try. You?

:laugh: I was just thinking the same thing about you. I saw you had posted in the Case thread. Guess you and I are destined to be classmates for sure. ;)

Not sure yet, but I'm going to try. You?

I think I will.

December to March doesn't sound too bad. I, too, enjoy 40 degree weather. I hope it doesn't get too windy. I hate strong wind in the winter! I plan on getting a coat when I go up there in August. I'm hoping to find a store like LL Bean or a good outlet store.

I live near Pittsburgh, and I'd say we have cold weather from December to early March. By cold, I don't necessarily mean winterish and freezing...just windy and 40 or below. Personally, I love crisp 40 degree weather :). It's spotty though, like we'll have a week of warm weather in March then it rains and we have a week of much cooler weather. Definitely buy a good coat--don't buy it from Hawaii though! I've bought coats from warm-weather locations and find that they just don't make coats the same way!

Has anyone else been looking into housing? According to the Pittsburgh housing office and my student interviewer, Ruskin Hall is already filled. They said that the deadline for applying for on-campus housing was back in January. According to the student affairs office, they'll be sending us housing information in May or June. It seems odd that they would send us housing info so far after the deadline for applying to on-campus housing. On the other hand, my student interviewer said that some 1st year students were able to get on-campus housing, although she wasn't able to.

So, I've been looking into possible neighborhoods to live in: Oakland, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Bloomfield, Friendship, Greenfield, Highland Park, Churchill.

Any thoughts? Is anyone familiar with the Pittsburgh area and able to give advice?

Here are some resources that I've found on the web so far:
http://www.fcas.pitt.edu/gradguide/before_you_arrive/housing/neighborhoods.htm
http://www.medschool.pitt.edu/studentaffairs/neighborhood.html

I did a little looking a few weeks ago and found this place about 1/2 of a mile from scaife hall. The one and two bedrooms are a little expensive, but the 3br is about 1500 with heat, water, gas, and trash included, so you only pay electricity and cable/internet. The floor plan makes it seem really big, 1570 square feet with 3BR, living room, dining room, 2 baths. And it would be a relatively short walk to class. See everyone at 2nd look....

website: http://www.sherwoodtowers.com/index.htm

Jim

I wish I could make the second look weekend, but I already have plans for going to Mexico on spring break. I hope all of you who attend will post some stories here to let those of us who couldn't make it know if it was a good time ;)

Anybody have the 2006 Match list for Pitt?

Anybody have the 2006 Match list for Pitt?
I'm sure I saw it posted in the pre-allo forum somewhere. You might try going in there and doing a search for it.

I don't think it was posted yet, I might be missing something. If anyone has this available, it would be much appreciated.

I don't think it was posted yet, I might be missing something. If anyone has this available, it would be much appreciated.
Yes, it was. You have to go into the pre-allo forum, and in the search function type "match list" and it comes right up. Here it is: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=264735

So are any of you concerned about the weather? While I've heard from a few Pitt students that the weather doesnt seem to affect them much at all, I've also heard from others (particularly those raised in warm, sunny locations) that the long, gray winters make school even more depressing and stressful. One went so far as to say he wouldn't make the same choice again. What do you all think?

I am actually very afraid of winter. I have lived in Cali my whole life and this 40 degree and windy winter thing makes me a little nervous. :o I was actually warned during my interview that I would probably hate the weather. I am gonna have to be brave. It is about 35 degrees there right now...mid March. Will probably be cold for the second look weekend.

Yes, it was. You have to go into the pre-allo forum, and in the search function type "match list" and it comes right up. Here it is: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=264735

That's the 2005 Match list.

That's the 2005 Match list.
Geezus, dude, the 2006 match just took place exactly three days ago. I doubt any schools have published them yet.

Geezus, dude, the 2006 match just took place exactly three days ago. I doubt any schools have published them yet.

Uh, I was just asking about the 2006 Match list because I saw others posting lists from other schools. No need to make a big deal about it. :confused:

I think a few schools have posted their matchlist, by few i mean Cornell, to my knowledge but Pitt isn't one of them.

Hey Q, are you going to 2nd look?

On another note, for all of us Pitt acceptees... I'm kind of agonizing about what to do and thought I'd post here instead of on pre-allo.

So... right now I'm effectively choosing between Pitt and Iowa and I have a few concerns about Pitt. Two big ones:

1) During the interview they mentioned they are moving towards using a four (or maybe it was even five) grade system (ie, honors, high pass, pass, low pass, fail) because of student input. Students were saying they didn't like working really hard and getting so close to honors without getting honors, and then having nothing but a pass to show for it. This is pretty concerning to me because, though everyone seems really nice and friendly, it seems they are focused on doing what they can to distinguish themselves from their classmates.

We're not competitive with each other. But you've got to understand that for people who get 85 when honors is 86, it hurts to get so close to honors with nothing to show for it, and to be given the same grade as people who scrape by with a 64. It's not about being competitive, but it is about getting credit where credit is due. I think either a five-level system OR straight P/F would be better than H/P/F, but generally we don't stress each other out over this stuff here.

2) Pitt's relatively recent rise in prestige is due to large research funds. This is actually a good thing, but because of the 'relatively recent' part, I'm concerned that faculty are going to be under more than the usual pressure to bring in grants and will have less time and energy for students.

Not a concern at all - the faculty here bend over backwards for us.

We're not competitive with each other. But you've got to understand that for people who get 85 when honors is 86, it hurts to get so close to honors with nothing to show for it, and to be given the same grade as people who scrape by with a 64. It's not about being competitive, but it is about getting credit where credit is due. I think either a five-level system OR straight P/F would be better than H/P/F, but generally we don't stress each other out over this stuff here.



Not a concern at all - the faculty here bend over backwards for us.

Thanks, vftw. What year are you?

d

ahh should we be looking into housing now? I still haven't made my final decision yet. Will we be screwed for housing if we look later, like in June? See you guys at second look :)

ahh should we be looking into housing now? I still haven't made my final decision yet. Will we be screwed for housing if we look later, like in June? See you guys at second look :)

I plan on flying to Pittsburgh in June to look for housing. I think we'll be okay. My student interviewer said that she went there in July and was able to find housing for August.

I plan on flying to Pittsburgh in June to look for housing. I think we'll be okay. My student interviewer said that she went there in July and was able to find housing for August.


I grew up around Pittsburgh and will be starting at the med school this fall. In terms of housing, you have to remember that Pittsburgh lost some astronomical portion of its population after the steel mills closed. Consequently, there is a lot of excess housing stock. Finding something pretty nice shouldn't be that hard. If you're coming from anywhere even marginally expensive--I've been in New York for the past five years--you're probably in for a nice surprise. I think June should be fine for an August 1 lease. I found a nice place off of craigslist without much trouble and I've never heard of any of my friends from Pittsburgh having trouble finding housing either.

hey all,
I was wondering if anyone knew what a acceptable reason to defer acceptance was.... Thanks

Hey everyone, recent Pitt interviewee here. I don't know if I'll get accepted, but I just wanted to say hello to everyone and say that I loved Pitt. I don't know too much about the city, but I think I'd be quite happy as a student. Go Pitt! :D
Good luck, SOD! :)

hey SOD, when did you interview? I was there on the 14th.

Anyone know when the deposit is due for pitt?? oh and i'll be there for second look weekend, it should be fun.

Thank you! Any chance you'll be headed to Pitt, Q? :D

Oh, and mostwanted, I interviewed on the 17th. Only 1 - 3 more weeks until decisions should be handed out... :eek:

i know, i haven't been impatient about any other schools. its only 3 more weeks or 2 now :) , but i'm still impatient. best of luck

Anyone know when the deposit is due for pitt?? oh and i'll be there for second look weekend, it should be fun.

I think they accept the deposit between the 16th and 25th of May. They don't want it unless you're definitely coming.

whats up with ruskin hall? i checked the website and found out from a friend that the deadline for housing apps for the upcoming year passed in February. i hope this doesnt apply to incoming M1s

whats up with ruskin hall? i checked the website and found out from a friend that the deadline for housing apps for the upcoming year passed in February. i hope this doesnt apply to incoming M1s

Unfortunately, it looks to be full already with M2s, M3s, and M4s. I wish they had told us that Ruskin wasn't really an option, because the tour seemed to imply that it was a viable option for M1s.



Has anyone else been looking into housing? According to the Pittsburgh housing office and my student interviewer, Ruskin Hall is already filled. They said that the deadline for applying for on-campus housing was back in January. According to the student affairs office, they'll be sending us housing information in May or June. It seems odd that they would send us housing info so far after the deadline for applying to on-campus housing. On the other hand, my student interviewer said that some 1st year students were able to get on-campus housing, although she wasn't able to.

So, I've been looking into possible neighborhoods to live in: Oakland, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Bloomfield, Friendship, Greenfield, Highland Park, Churchill.

Any thoughts? Is anyone familiar with the Pittsburgh area and able to give advice?

Here are some resources that I've found on the web so far:
http://www.fcas.pitt.edu/gradguide/before_you_arrive/housing/neighborhoods.htm
http://www.medschool.pitt.edu/studentaffairs/neighborhood.html

whats up with ruskin hall? i checked the website and found out from a friend that the deadline for housing apps for the upcoming year passed in February. i hope this doesnt apply to incoming M1s

When I spoke to the Pitt Housing Office, they said that on-campus housing (Ruskin) is definitely not guaranteed, even for M1's, and that I should look into off-campus housing. My student interviewer said that she applied for Ruskin Housing but wasn't able to get it. However, she did say that other students were able to get into Ruskin, even though some of them applied after she did. It sounds like they have some kind of weird waitlist system.

Bottom line: You can try to get a place in Ruskin, but don't let that be your only option.

On a related note, if you plan on having a car... most students who live in Ruskin park their cars at the Holiday Inn, which costs them over $100 (I think I read $125 or 150) a month.

as a pittmed student who recently moved (from n oakland to sq hill), the websites listed earlier are probably the best general overviews... I know the pittmed housing site rents and costs haven't been updated in a while though, so don't expect to find a place you'd want to live in for what they say rent will be.

second look should include a housing presentation (will provide super helpful advice on which land companies to avoid... there are some sketchy ones here) and which to deal with (I liked sterling land). Also will probably include driving tours of da burgh which will thoroughly disorient you but should give you some idea of which neighborhood you could see yourself living in. Also good on second look to keep an eye out for future classmates you might like to live with.

as for ruskin, I decided to avoid it all together... if you want to apply, you might have a chance, but I would definately make alternate arrangements.

good luck!

as a pittmed student who recently moved (from n oakland to sq hill), the websites listed earlier are probably the best general overviews... I know the pittmed housing site rents and costs haven't been updated in a while though, so don't expect to find a place you'd want to live in for what they say rent will be.

second look should include a housing presentation (will provide super helpful advice on which land companies to avoid... there are some sketchy ones here) and which to deal with (I liked sterling land). Also will probably include driving tours of da burgh which will thoroughly disorient you but should give you some idea of which neighborhood you could see yourself living in. Also good on second look to keep an eye out for future classmates you might like to live with.

as for ruskin, I decided to avoid it all together... if you want to apply, you might have a chance, but I would definately make alternate arrangements.

good luck!

hattie - thanks for the post. was 2nd look weekend helpful for you last year? i'm trying to decide if i can justify the $300 for a plane ticket. i'd like to go, but i'm so tired of shelling out money for this process. thanks.

hattie - thanks for the post. was 2nd look weekend helpful for you last year? i'm trying to decide if i can justify the $300 for a plane ticket. i'd like to go, but i'm so tired of shelling out money for this process. thanks.

mine was a few years ago, and i'm not quite sure what the schedule is for you guys this year, but yes it was helpful for me to go... it was what helped me make my final decision on where to go (I went to 2 second looks, and ended up where I felt most comfortable, which happened to be pitt). I figured that an extra couple of hundred dollars was a pretty good investment in making the most informed decision that I could about where I was spending the next 4 years of my life. but then again, I know a bunch of people that didn't go that have been happy with their choice. its really a pretty personal decision... but for me, it was worth it.

h

hattie - thanks for the post. was 2nd look weekend helpful for you last year? i'm trying to decide if i can justify the $300 for a plane ticket. i'd like to go, but i'm so tired of shelling out money for this process. thanks.
I decided not to go to the Pitt second look because I just interviewed there last month, and I still remember the school well enough. The second looks I am going to are for the schools that I saw six months ago that are kind of fuzzy in my memory. :p So I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you were at Pitt recently enough to be able to compare it to your other schools, then it's probably ok not to go. I figure the school hasn't changed too much in the past month. ;)

:idea: CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW LONG IT TOOK PITT TO SEND YOU RESPONSE BY MAIL AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW?

WAS IT EXACTLY 3 WEEKS, SHORTER, LONGER?
(I'm going insane waiting) :eek:

AND THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET AN ACCEPTANCE LETTER - WHAT WAS THE PACKAGE LIKE - JUST ANOTHER TYPICAL ENVELOPE, OR A BIG, THICK 8x11 ONE?

ANYHOO - THANKS A BUNCH!

:idea: CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW LONG IT TOOK PITT TO SEND YOU RESPONSE BY MAIL AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW?


I was about to make this very post. :)

I was about to make this very post. :)

It takes about 4-5 weeks. Many of us had interviewers who emailed us to tell us that we'd been admitted. Some people had interviewers who didn't email. It depends on the interviewer. When the official decision comes by snail mail, acceptances are in large envelopes.

Also, the adcom meets on Wednesdays. My file went to committee five weeks after I interviewed (on a Wednesday) and I got an email from my faculty interviewer on Thursday. The official letter came in the mail the following tuesday.

Hey Busted - thanks for answering my post. It's only been 2.5, nearing 3 weeks now for me (I interviewed on March 17th).

But one question that arose from your response - how did you ever find out exactly when your file went to AdCom? I was already told by Paula Davis that the AdCom meets every Wed and sent out stuff on Thurs/Fri's, but how did you know specifically which week that was --> did you just back-track and assume it was the Wed before the letter came in the mail? Or did you ask someone at Admissions who then informed you exactly when?

Thanks!

Sleepless in Florida :confused:

Good luck everyone!
I'm having flashbacks to December just reading your posts.
:love:

Hey Busted - thanks for answering my post. It's only been 2.5, nearing 3 weeks now for me (I interviewed on March 17th).

But one question that arose from your response - how did you ever find out exactly when your file went to AdCom? I was already told by Paula Davis that the AdCom meets every Wed and sent out stuff on Thurs/Fri's, but how did you know specifically which week that was --> did you just back-track and assume it was the Wed before the letter came in the mail? Or did you ask someone at Admissions who then informed you exactly when?

Thanks!

Sleepless in Florida :confused:


you really are thinking about this a lot. it's giving me flashbacks to the days of minute-by-minute email checks punctuated with a dose of disappointment after 9:00 PM when I knew that everyone at the admissions office had gone home and that I would have to wait another day.

To answer your question: I knew the day that my file went to committee becuase I had to call the admissions office to switch my contact address the fourth week after I interviewed. The woman on the phone told me that I could still switch my address because I had not yet gone to committee and, consequently, no letter had been mailed.

I heard in three weeks from both of my interviewers. It might've been abnormally fast since I interviewed right after the winter break, so maybe they'd caught up. Good luck everybody!

I heard a couple weeks ago, interviewed first week in Feb.
My #1 choice, tied with Vandy

Fingers crossed in hope that the Fat (envelope) Lady sings!

Hey - just a quick question to throw out in the air:

Does anyone know if the 148# for Pitt's 2010 class has been hit yet?

In other words, has anyone heard down the grapevine if the AdCom is only handing out Waitlists and Denieds at this point, until the med-school musical chairs game gets going?

Thanks Guys. Hope someone has some idea of the 2010 Class Status.

I heard in three weeks from both of my interviewers. It might've been abnormally fast since I interviewed right after the winter break, so maybe they'd caught up. Good luck everybody!

Hey - when you say "BOTH" of your interviewers - what did you mean ... the student, and the faculty (i.e. inclusive of 15 min Admissions interview people like Paula/Lisa too?)

Hey guys... I just got accepted to pitt today!!!


I really want to attend second look weekend but I was planning to attend second look at another school :( . I'm totally split on what to do as Pitt and this other place (roc) are tied as my first choice schools. I grew up in Pittsburgh and I'm currently a student at UROC. Which second look should I attend, any thoughts or comments..

Hey guys... I just got accepted to pitt today!!!


I really want to attend second look weekend but I was planning to attend second look at another school :( . I'm totally split on what to do as Pitt and this other place (roc) are tied as my first choice schools. I grew up in Pittsburgh and I'm currently a student at UROC. Which second look should I attend, any thoughts or comments..


Congrats buddy! Do you mind if I ask when you interviewed at Pitt? Thanks!

Hey guys... I just got accepted to pitt today!!!


I really want to attend second look weekend but I was planning to attend second look at another school :( . I'm totally split on what to do as Pitt and this other place (roc) are tied as my first choice schools. I grew up in Pittsburgh and I'm currently a student at UROC. Which second look should I attend, any thoughts or comments..

Congratulations!

Why not attend both 2nd looks? The U of R one will be easy because you just have to walk across the street, so you'll only have to fly to one. Then you have more information to make your decision.

Hey - when you say "BOTH" of your interviewers - what did you mean ... the student, and the faculty (i.e. inclusive of 15 min Admissions interview people like Paula/Lisa too?)

Sorry for the ambiguity- I got an email from my student and faculty interviewer. My talk with Paula wasn't really an interview so much as a wrapup question session for me. The big envelope came a few days later.

I decided not to go to the second look weekend myself because I didn't want to spend the money on airfare, and Pitt is my clear favorite at this point, but it looks like a lot of fun

Also, DarkFark, love the avatar. I crack up just looking at it.

for the ppl who have been accepted, r there any areas on the pitt websites that you can login, once you have been accepted? for example, fin aid site for harvard.

for the ppl who have been accepted, r there any areas on the pitt websites that you can login, once you have been accepted? for example, fin aid site for harvard.

nope

Also, DarkFark, love the avatar. I crack up just looking at it.

Ahh, always nice to find someone else who appreciates Zoidberg.

i've posted the 2006 matchlist in the pre-allo forum. hope to see many of you next weekend!!

i've posted the 2006 matchlist in the pre-allo forum. hope to see many of you next weekend!!


WHEN IS 2ND LOOK WEEKEND FOR PITT ACCEPTEES?

THANKS!

WHEN IS 2ND LOOK WEEKEND FOR PITT ACCEPTEES?

THANKS!

Next weekend, April 6-9.

Hey everyone, I have a question for anyone going to 2nd look. Have you heard yet about who your student host is going to be? With only a few days to go, I'm getting a little nervous, particularly because the site where you send your info in seemed kind of shady, even when it was supposed to be working. Did anyone get a confirmation email or anything?

If theres a problem, I'll probably have to book a hotel room soon.

Hey everyone, I have a question for anyone going to 2nd look. Have you heard yet about who your student host is going to be? With only a few days to go, I'm getting a little nervous, particularly because the site where you send your info in seemed kind of shady, even when it was supposed to be working. Did anyone get a confirmation email or anything?

If theres a problem, I'll probably have to book a hotel room soon.

Hey there,

Nope, haven't heard a thing. I was under the impression that we would be hearing by Tuesday at the latest. Cuts it a little close, I know. There is an email address where you can ask questions: pitt.2ndlook@gmail.com

If you are worried about it I would email them. See you Thursday!

Hey there,

Nope, haven't heard a thing. I was under the impression that we would be hearing by Tuesday at the latest. Cuts it a little close, I know. There is an email address where you can ask questions: pitt.2ndlook@gmail.com

If you are worried about it I would email them. See you Thursday!

Thanks, MissMD. Cya there soon :)

Is there any additional fin aid forms for pitt? If so can someone post the link.

Thanks

Here's the Application for Financial Aid:

http://www.medschool.pitt.edu/OFFICES/FINAID/PDFFiles/Afa.pdf


and here's the School of Medicine Need-Based Financial Aid:

http://www.medschool.pitt.edu/offices/finaid/pdffiles/instaidapp.pdf


and the Federal Stafford Loan Request

http://www.medschool.pitt.edu/offices/finaid/pdffiles/loanrequest.pdf


and of course, good'ol FAFSA:

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/


Hope this helps ;)

PS: Don't forget you have to ask your lender for a:

"MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE" (MPN)

You have to turn it in to FinAid ASAP once you sign it for lending purposes.

Thanks!

Hey - is there anyone out there beside SanDiegoSOD who interviewed on the 17th of March? :confused:

That's when I did too - I just want to know if anyone from that date has heard back from Pitt yet in some way or another - be it e-mail, letter or phone call. :idea:

Thanks Everybody. :thumbup:

Some stuff about Ruskin:

So I called the housing office recently and the girl who answered informed me that 1.) Ruskin is full, 2.) there is no waitlist, 3.) Ruskin will be closed for reconstruction in the summer of 2007 and after that, will serve as an undergrad dorm 4.) another dorm is scheduled to be built at the same time for grad students (she couldn't tell me when it'd open though) .............anyway, it looks like Ruskin is totally out of the question for us. If anyone got something diff from the housing office, pls let us know!

I'm looking for houses/apartments now, hopefully to buy, but it's a real pain. I miss my required all-4-years-on-campus housing from undergrad.

Second look: over 100 people have signed up!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to it :D

Have they sent any info about student housing for second look yet if we already signed up?

Have they sent any info about student housing for second look yet if we already signed up?

You should hear something by April 4th. What I've learned after staying w/ a bunch of student hosts is that med students are sooo busy and they often don't get in touch until the last minute. It can be annoying, but it always works out in the end. You guys are definitely going to have a host to stay with...just arrive on Thursday!!

Here's the full-text of that email, just in case you want to read it again:

Dear Prospective Members of the Class of 2010,

The response for 2nd Look Weekend has been overwhelming! Over 100 of you have already registered at http://www.pittmed.pitt.edu/secondlook/ Don't miss out on the most fun you will ever have during a medical school visit. Please register prior to Monday April 3rd. You will hear from your student host before Tuesday April 4th so that you can make arrangements for your visit. If you are able to bring an air mattress or sleeping bag with you, then please email pitt.2ndlook@gmail.com. Please continue to view the website for updated schedule changes and other announcements for the weekend.

The Class of 2009 promises you an experience unlike any other, because we are a group of medical students unlike any other. Our achievements this year include: a guys moustache growing competition (that ended when the girls made us shave them off); social events with the Dental, Law and Nursing students; and the unification of a tremendously talented group of individuals who conduct high level research, start volunteer programs and selected a charity for whom our class will work over the next four years.

Our class has a special bond, and we would like to share it with you during 2nd Look Weekend when you make your first memories as the Class of 2010 at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Walch

President of the Class of 2009

Ugh. At least it wasn't goatees. :rolleyes:

Ugh. At least it wasn't goatees. :rolleyes:

Gah! Or a competition to see who could last the longest without a shower! We always had those around finals time :eek:

Hey Guys - I'm really nervous waiting to hear back - I interviewed on the 17th of March, and I know it's supposed to be about 3 weeks, and that several students got e-mails upon acceptance before snail-mail, but that plenty did not.

However, I heard a rumor from someone that on the App Status page inside the Admissions secure site, it says Decision Mailed or something like that once the Committee has completed your review in its entirety.

Anyone heard something like this? :thumbup:

Thanks,
- The Restless One :eek:

Hey Guys - I'm really nervous waiting to hear back - I interviewed on the 17th of March, and I know it's supposed to be about 3 weeks, and that several students got e-mails upon acceptance before snail-mail, but that plenty did not.

However, I heard a rumor from someone that on the App Status page inside the Admissions secure site, it says Decision Mailed or something like that once the Committee has completed your review in its entirety.

Anyone heard something like this? :thumbup:

Thanks,
- The Restless One :eek:
I actually found out because they sent me an email to remind me to fill out financial aid forms. I thought, hmm, that's funny, I haven't been accepted yet.... :meanie: Anyway, it might take longer than three weeks, FYI, especially if you don't get an email from your interviewer. I got my packet in the mail a month later.

anyway, it looks like Ruskin is totally out of the question for us. If anyone got something diff from the housing office, pls let us know!


Pittsburgh housing is so cheap there's no reason to pay exorbitant dorm fees anyway. From ghetto style (South Oakland) to fancy hipsterville (Shadyside), finding something nice to rent is easy, especially if you're amenable to house-sharing.

Hey Guys - I'm really nervous waiting to hear back - I interviewed on the 17th of March, and I know it's supposed to be about 3 weeks, and that several students got e-mails upon acceptance before snail-mail, but that plenty did not.

However, I heard a rumor from someone that on the App Status page inside the Admissions secure site, it says Decision Mailed or something like that once the Committee has completed your review in its entirety.

Anyone heard something like this? :thumbup:

Thanks,
- The Restless One :eek:


Hey man,

I know several people heard back from Pitt nearly five weeks post interview, so don't get your hopes up about hearing this week. It will be a looooong month if you don't tone down the anticipation :)

Thanks Guys. I appreciate the explanations. I've just never been in this waiting "chair" so to speak. So - it's driving me nuts, but, I'm gonna try some Zen breathing techniques, or maybe some Yoga. We'll see how it goes.
:laugh:

- The Enlightened One :p

Hey Guys - I'm really nervous waiting to hear back - I interviewed on the 17th of March, and I know it's supposed to be about 3 weeks, and that several students got e-mails upon acceptance before snail-mail, but that plenty did not.

However, I heard a rumor from someone that on the App Status page inside the Admissions secure site, it says Decision Mailed or something like that once the Committee has completed your review in its entirety.

Anyone heard something like this? :thumbup:

Thanks,
- The Restless One :eek:


Mistaken post--but I interviewed FEBRUARY 17 and still have heard nothing...you've likely got awhile!

Just was perusing since I haven't done so in so long and I noticed that some of you are kind of antsy about second look. I'm a first year student and there a few things I can tell you.

1) Second look will be awesome
2) You WILL have a place to stay--you may not have a king-sized bed to yourself, but people in my class have really stepped up to make sure that you guys have a place, and you should find out today or tomorrow, just be patient.
3) You should all do the Run with HAART on Saturday because it will be fun and for a good cause.
4) Second look will be awesome

If you have any specific questions about Pitt, feel free to PM me and I'll try to answer them. Or you can ask one of the 100+ med students you will probably meet this weekend. Hope this helps you all.

Mistaken post--but I interviewed FEBRUARY 17 and still have heard nothing...you've likely got awhile!

DNM503:

I've spoken with plenty of people who interviewed well after you who've already gotten in. One of them interviewed March 14th, and he got in.

I'd suggest you call up the Admissions Office at Pitt and ask what's going on. I know some people waited upwards of 4-5 weeks, but, you're talking almost 2 months. That sounds odd-ish to me. :confused:

Anyone else agree with me? :meanie:

DNM503:

I've spoken with plenty of people who interviewed well after you who've already gotten in. One of them interviewed March 14th, and he got in.

I'd suggest you call up the Admissions Office at Pitt and ask what's going on. I know some people waited upwards of 4-5 weeks, but, you're talking almost 2 months. That sounds odd-ish to me. :confused:

Anyone else agree with me? :meanie:
Yeah, that does seem long. I interviewed Feb. 10 and I found out in mid-March. :confused:

Yeah, that does seem long. I interviewed Feb. 10 and I found out in mid-March. :confused:


Thanks guys--I did call them a little over a week ago, and they told me my file was going in front of the committee this past Wednesday (as in 1 week ago tomorrow). My school's mail service sucks, so prehaps a decision has been sent and hasn't reached my PO Box yet. I think I'll call them today to confirm, though. They also told us it depends on how fast your interviewers turn in their report to the committee. My faculty interview seemed incredibly busy (late, paged a thousand times, phone ringing off the hook, people searching for her, etc.)...I could see her taking awhile to get back to them. I'm just starting to get concerned that their class is full.

Hey Guys:

Regarding calling the Admissions Office - do they get :meanie: upset if you call and ask them your file's status - i.e. if your file has gone to Committee yet?

:cool:

I just feel like the last thing I should do is piss someone off at the Office, know what I mean? I'm sure they get phone calls from the same anxious people - is it there yet? No. Ok, how about now? Still NO. lol :(

Thanks!

By the way, since DNM brought it up ...

Is Pitt's 2010 full as of now? Anybody know? :confused:

By the way, since DNM brought it up ...

Is Pitt's 2010 full as of now? Anybody know? :confused:


I just called, and to answer all your questions...
-No, they don't get upset if you call...I've called twice and asked if a decision had been made/when it would go to the committee...but I also mention immediately that I interviewed several months ago, so I'm not really being overanxious.
-My file is STILL under review (from Feb. 17) and she told me it will be going to the Committee either tomorrow or next Wednesday at the latest (of course, the last time I called they told me it was going LAST Wednesday, so who knows...)
-I was told there are still spots open in the class.

Pitt's secretary's are the best. They are honestly the most helpful of any school that I've called. I just thought I should mention that :)

Pitt's secretary's are the best. They are honestly the most helpful of any school that I've called. I just thought I should mention that :)
Its now b/t UPitt and Vandy...
I love the transplant program at Pitt :love:

Hey Guys:

I interviewed March 17th, and today finally called the Admissions Office and they told me my decision had been put in the mail yesterday, and to expect a 5-10 business day waiting period for it. :eek:

:idea: So I'm just wondering - for those of you who ended up getting GOOD news and called ahead of time to check on your status - if you also got the "standard treatment" so to speak? Or did any of you get "hints" of some sort when you called? :cool: I'm just wondering if you can gauge something by her tone, or if they're always just strictly professional. (the latter is my assumption) :thumbup:

Thanks

Hey Guys:

I interviewed March 17th, and today finally called the Admissions Office and they told me my decision had been put in the mail yesterday, and to expect a 5-10 business day waiting period for it. :eek:

:idea: So I'm just wondering - for those of you who ended up getting GOOD news and called ahead of time to check on your status - if you also got the "standard treatment" so to speak? Or did any of you get "hints" of some sort when you called? :cool: I'm just wondering if you can gauge something by her tone, or if they're always just strictly professional. (the latter is my assumption) :thumbup:

Thanks

I had to call after my decision had been mailed to make sure they had gotten my address change. I spoke to the secretary in the admissions office. Her affect was totally flat. There were no hints. Nothing. She kept the secret like a CIA agent under fierce interrogation. I couldn't break her. Her loyalty to the school was unflinching. I don't even think water torture would have provided actionable intelligence.

Good luck. We all know how hard it is to wait. If you do want to try the water torture, though, I don't think anyone would blame you.

I don't think they sell the water-torture manual on e-bay. hard to find. ;)

moreover, i don't have the clinical experience hours required by most torture centers for their recently hired executioners. i think that demands time in the bush administration. :meanie:

oooh, ouch. did i say that out loud? yikes. Donnie Rumsfelthisforeskin, if you're listening, and Tommy Ridgefigger too - ha - I don't care. Sue me.

but - it could be interesting to use such torture methods on friends who are a pain in the butt. as far as those individuals being friends, i do not know.

however, back to pitt - i also could not get ONE word out of the lovely lady. she was very sweet and courteous, but also VERY distinct about using the words "DECISION was mailed" - she did not say packet or letter. tough cookie. hands down - super nice, but man, you're right - no gold to dig deep for there. hard-core loyalty. i can admire that - but nonetheless - i am still going nuts waiting, esp now that i know the "DECISION" is coming, lol. :eek:

I don't think they sell the water-torture manual on e-bay. hard to find. ;)

moreover, i don't have the clinical experience hours required by most torture centers for their recently hired executioners. i think that demands time in the bush administration. :meanie:

oooh, ouch. did i say that out loud? yikes. Donnie Rumsfelthisforeskin, if you're listening, and Tommy Ridgefigger too - ha - I don't care. Sue me.

but - it could be interesting to use such torture methods on friends who are a pain in the butt. as far as those individuals being friends, i do not know.

however, back to pitt - i also could not get ONE word out of the lovely lady. she was very sweet and courteous, but also VERY distinct about using the words "DECISION was mailed" - she did not say packet or letter. tough cookie. hands down - super nice, but man, you're right - no gold to dig deep for there. hard-core loyalty. i can admire that - but nonetheless - i am still going nuts waiting, esp now that i know the "DECISION" is coming, lol. :eek:
You might try emailing your student interviewer....mine emailed me well before the packet arrived.

Did any of you initiate contact with your student interviewer post-interview, to see if they'd say something about you getting accepted?

I just wanted to see if anyone did, and got good news that way :cool:

I just don't want to force an interviewer to say something, good news or not; I figure if they wanted to send me an e-mail, they will. Just like I've heard from some students here on SDN - plenty of ppl get in without ever getting any e-mail.

Wish me :luck:!!!

Just wanted to let y'all know that I interviewed on 3/6 and found out that I was accepted yesterday. Both interviewers emailed me but I have not received any letter yet. best of luck to those waiting!

Just wanted to let y'all know that I interviewed on 3/6 and found out that I was accepted yesterday. Both interviewers emailed me but I have not received any letter yet. best of luck to those waiting!
Congrats, ouli.

Algo, no, I didn't. My interviewer contacted me. But I don't think it is a huge faux pas to contact them as long as you aren't obnoxious about it. If they don't want to answer, then I wouldn't push it.

Just wanted to let y'all know that I interviewed on 3/6 and found out that I was accepted yesterday. Both interviewers emailed me but I have not received any letter yet. best of luck to those waiting!


Whyyyy has my file not gone to the committee yet if people who interviewed 3/6 and 3/17 have already had decisons mailed?!?! Try TWO/17.

Hey - to answer your query - I have not the slightest idea. :confused:

It does seem weird though, as I posted before. Others agree too.

Keep the faith! I truly know how excruciating the waiting is to go through.

It truly sucks, but I think it's just another part of the agony of the medical proving grounds - another test as you climb the totem pole. Unfortunately - one you have ZILCH control over! :mad:

Anyhoo - best of Luck MDN! You've got 3 cheers from my side of the fence. :thumbup:

Congrats, ouli.

Algo, no, I didn't. My interviewer contacted me. But I don't think it is a huge faux pas to contact them as long as you aren't obnoxious about it. If they don't want to answer, then I wouldn't push it.

Thanks QofQuimica! look forward to being classmates. Pitt is such a greaaaaaaaaaaat school!! and I love the city too, i've lived there for six years and i can't wait to go back. i never get it when people say they don't like it there.

Hey everyone, have any of you heard about your host for 2nd look yet? I'm starting to think there might be an issue!

Hey Guys. I am a student here at Pitt. When we interview people we often find out which students got in in waves. All of a sudden there will be a bunch of letters in our boxes. Sometimes that means we find out before you, but sometimes not. So you could try emailing your interviewer, but they may not know yet either. Have a great time at second look weekend and be sure to ask all your questions, even the ones you think may sound stupid because believe me someone else is thinking about it too. Cheers!

Hey everyone, have any of you heard about your host for 2nd look yet? I'm starting to think there might be an issue!


yup I heard from my student host...apparently, we're put into "families" with some med students and hostees. Sounds fun!!

yup I heard from my student host...apparently, we're put into "families" with some med students and hostees. Sounds fun!!

that does sound cool! I'm staying in a hotel, and now I'm jealous. (Don't take me for a recluse or a snob ... just really liked the hotel I stayed in for my interview.)

As for the Whyyyyyyy question ... I remember them saying that it could take longer if the student or faculty interviewer didn't turn in their forms in a timely fashion. Maybe some paperwork didn't make it to your file as soon as it could have? I'm sorry you have to wait like this. I remember waiting ... :(

Hey everyone, have any of you heard about your host for 2nd look yet? I'm starting to think there might be an issue!

I haven't heard yet either, so I wouldn't start worrying...yet


Question for sharkfan, dilated, or anyone familiar with Pittsburgh: Is it a good idea to live in the area between Shadyside and East Liberty? I was visiting some places on S. Negley, and on the part of Centre Ave between S. Negley and Highland Ave, and while they look really nice on the inside, students have told me to avoid any neighborhood near East Liberty. I've heard East Liberty is "up and coming", but that was from the guy trying to sell me the place.

East liberty actually is up and coming, they have a ton of work planned for that area in the next few years... but there is a solid amount of work still to be done... how did you feel when you were there? Really you're the only one that can make the call whether you'd like to live there. How you'd like it probably depends a lot on where you're moving from and your comfort level... but right now I don't think there are too many students who live in that area.

happy apt hunting!


QUOTE=funshine]I haven't heard yet either, so I wouldn't start worrying...yet


Question for sharkfan, dilated, or anyone familiar with Pittsburgh: Is it a good idea to live in the area between Shadyside and East Liberty? I was visiting some places on S. Negley, and on the part of Centre Ave between S. Negley and Highland Ave, and while they look really nice on the inside, students have told me to avoid any neighborhood near East Liberty. I've heard East Liberty is "up and coming", but that was from the guy trying to sell me the place.[/QUOTE]

I haven't heard yet either, so I wouldn't start worrying...yet


Question for sharkfan, dilated, or anyone familiar with Pittsburgh: Is it a good idea to live in the area between Shadyside and East Liberty? I was visiting some places on S. Negley, and on the part of Centre Ave between S. Negley and Highland Ave, and while they look really nice on the inside, students have told me to avoid any neighborhood near East Liberty. I've heard East Liberty is "up and coming", but that was from the guy trying to sell me the place.

I actually think I know the area you're talking about. Is there a Wendys near there, after the Boston Market/Taco Bell on Baum (the street next to Centre)? It's the only 24 hour Wendys in Pittsburgh so it's not a terribly bad landmark. I've driven there at 4am and it's not that bad. East Liberty is seriously ghetto, relative to Pittsburgh at least. But that's not really in the heart of East Liberty. I've never known anyone who lived there, but I can see why it would be a cheap alternative to Shadyside since it's not far away. On the other hand, as a dude, my nighttime perspective is different from a girls. I would suggest driving there at night and seeing if you feel comfortable.

Also, definitely look at some other neighborhoods. The most important thing is how easy it is to get to Pitt because parking near Scaife is absolutely brutal. www.portauthority.org has the bus schedules by neighborhood (pitt id = free bus pass). A lot depends on your housing situation: if you want a 1br at a low price you have to be less picky on a neighborhood, whereas if you're splitting a house you can get a really nice house in a good neighborhood at a low per person price. If you need more info you can pm me

that does sound cool! I'm staying in a hotel, and now I'm jealous. (Don't take me for a recluse or a snob ... just really liked the hotel I stayed in for my interview.)

As for the Whyyyyyyy question ... I remember them saying that it could take longer if the student or faculty interviewer didn't turn in their forms in a timely fashion. Maybe some paperwork didn't make it to your file as soon as it could have? I'm sorry you have to wait like this. I remember waiting ... :(

Oooh, was it that Hampton Inn? That place was the shiz.

Just wanted to let y'all know that I interviewed on 3/6 and found out that I was accepted yesterday. Both interviewers emailed me but I have not received any letter yet. best of luck to those waiting!

congrats, i also interviewed on the 6th, and i got my packet today.

wishing the best to all of y'all who are still waiting.

For anyone who interviewed on March 17th at Pitt: :thumbup:

Have any of you wondered if the MS-4's who interviewed us (because everyone else was on vacation) have any knowledge of the early Congratulations e-mail tradition the MS-1's have been using lately? :idea:

I figured - I have not read a post by anyone who I know interviewed that day, who's received an e-mail notice from their interviewer. On the other hand, all 20 of us could have proved dismal for the Pitt AdCom upon review +pity+

Until then, I've heard our decisions were mailed as of 2 days ago, and to expect 5-10 days travel time - it seems those letters come by mule now.
And of course, I love waiting and waiting. It makes me so happy joy joy.
See? ----> +pissed+ HAHA. J/K. But it does suck.

..

:rolleyes: Please see my new post above - for MARCH 17 INTERVIEWEES :cool:

ALSO ---> a med-student e-mailed me to tell me that those of us who did interview that day -- were part of an unexplained lag in the AdCom process, but that (most of) our letters have indeed been mailed as of 1-2 days ago.
:cool:

This guy also said that tid-bit came from Paula Davis's mouth. :thumbup:

Does anyone know if Pitt Med classes provide lecture notes with every course, or if we're expected to take notes by hand for everything, etc? :confused:

Thanks! :thumbup:

Does anyone know if Pitt Med classes provide lecture notes with every course, or if we're expected to take notes by hand for everything, etc? :confused:

Thanks! :thumbup:


i think they provide lecture notes, but no audio or video.

Does anyone know when scholarship notices go out? Do they go along with acceptances or are they sent seperately? Thanks!

I think they include Fin. Aid Forms in the Acceptance packets from what I've read on SDN and from ppl I've spoken to who've gotten good news. :D

But regarding scholarships, I did hear once from a med-student on AdCom that once they have a good idea of the class's make-up, they make a more definitive move on offering scholarships. If my recollection is correct, I also think those are more so need-based (I am unsure if any they have are merit-based). So, call it a grant or a need-based scholarship - same in my book.

Any current Pitt Med students want to correct any misconceptions - PLEASE DO :thumbup: - I'm just going off hear-say down the grapevine!!!!!

To any current Pitt-Med Student (or person who thinks they have insight):

I was wondering why ppl from the same interview bracket get sent decisions before/after others in their respective bracket? For example, I read someone's been waiting since Feb. 17th for a decision ... yikes. :(

Any ideas? :)

To any current Pitt-Med Student (or person who thinks they have insight):

I was wondering why ppl from the same interview bracket get sent decisions before/after others in their respective bracket? For example, I read someone's been waiting since Feb. 17th for a decision ... yikes. :(

Any ideas? :)
Someone said before that it depends in part on when your interviewer turns in his/her evaluation form.

Someone said before that it depends in part on when your interviewer turns in his/her evaluation form.

Yeah.

-The 2/17

Hey Q--

You are on the Pritzker thread too...how are you going to choose between Pitt and Pritzker? Are you considering anywhere else? If I get into Pitt--er...if they ever make a decision, that is--I will likely have the same decision.

Hey Q--

You are on the Pritzker thread too...how are you going to choose between Pitt and Pritzker? Are you considering anywhere else? If I get into Pitt--er...if they ever make a decision, that is--I will likely have the same decision.
It's a tough decision; they're both eclectic, really research-oriented schools with diverse student bodies and very non-trad friendly. I plan to go second look at Chicago before making a final decision. I think for me it will really be a very subjective decision, because the costs are pretty much the same at both schools, and I don't think it's possible to go wrong with either one. I guess one big thing to think about is how much you like a more traditional curriculum like Chicago, where they are in class every day from 9-5, versus Pitt, which has the PBL and small group work. The city of Chicago is also going to have a higher COL, but on the flip side there is more to do there. I have to say though that I liked Pittsburgh a lot more than I expected to like it. I also like Chicago's smaller class compared to Pitt, but Pitt isn't outrageously huge. They both have crappy winter weather (I'm from FL!), so it's a draw there. ;) Good luck w/ Pitt; I hope you hear soon. :luck: What are your thoughts?

It's a tough decision; they're both eclectic, really research-oriented schools with diverse student bodies and very non-trad friendly. I plan to go second look at Chicago before making a final decision. I think for me it will really be a very subjective decision, because the costs are pretty much the same at both schools, and I don't think it's possible to go wrong with either one. I guess one big thing to think about is how much you like a more traditional curriculum like Chicago, where they are in class every day from 9-5, versus Pitt, which has the PBL and small group work. The city of Chicago is also going to have a higher COL, but on the flip side there is more to do there. I have to say though that I liked Pittsburgh a lot more than I expected to like it. I also like Chicago's smaller class compared to Pitt, but Pitt isn't outrageously huge. They both have crappy winter weather (I'm from FL!), so it's a draw there. ;) Good luck w/ Pitt; I hope you hear soon. :luck: What are your thoughts?

Well, I'm completely traditional, so the non-trad friendly thing isn't that important to me, but it would be nice to have a class made up of students who had taken very different paths to medical school. I don't plan on going to the Chicago second look...as much as I'd like to, I just can't afford it right now. *If* I were accepted to Pitt, I think I am still leaning towards Chicago, though. I lived in Pittsburgh my entire life (except I go to college in Atlanta) and I don't really want to go back--I'm huge on exploring new places and I don't have a lot of family ties preventing me from doing so. I think this is probably the biggest issue for me, so it's definitely subjective as well. I also really really like lectures and learn well that way...I know most people see that as a drawback to Chicago, but I see it as a perk. Pitt seems to work the PBL in well, though, and they still have their fair share of lectures...so I think their curriculum would be great too. I am having trouble deciding if I want all lectures or a mix...the mix seems more appealing right now, but in the end I feel like I'm the type of person would would start to think PBL is somewhat of a waste of time after awhile. Neither is downtown in their respective city, which is something I was hoping for, but doesn't look like it is going to happen. Also, the P/F system at Chicago is much more appealing than the H/HP/P/F system at Pitt with the standard deviation approach (I think I would be more okay with the "graded" system if it were based on cutoffs, and maybe even prefer it because I sadly thrive on stress). The administration at Chicago also seems more efficient and more helpful and responsive to student needs, and Pitt has lost my letters of rec and taken so long with the decision, it hasn't really impressed me in that sense. But Pitt seems to have better elective options, more of an emphasis on the neurosciences (something I have an interest in). I also had a bad experience with my faculty interviewer at Chicago who was very antagonistic, so I wasn't really impressed with the school until *after* I was accepted and they did such a great job keeping in touch with/answering questions from/sending information to accepted students. I also sat in on a biochemistry lecture there that wasn't extremely well-taught. Basically--I didn't get the "feeling" when I was there. I'm also not extremely interested in research anymore, but I really want to have the opportunity to try clinical research during medical school (I've done the bench research thing--not for me). Pitt offers an MPH and Chicago doesn't...which is something I am interested in. But I emailed Joni and she told me that many of their students do MPH's anyway by taking a year off...and it could be considered a blessing that they don't have an MPH program since you basically get to choose the program you want instead of being locked into your med school's program...which is a good point. Both have great match lists. Both will cost about the same. Both seem to have very happy students. Basically--it would be a tough decision.

congrats, i also interviewed on the 6th, and i got my packet today.

wishing the best to all of y'all who are still waiting.


I interviewed on the 6th as well.
I wonder if I got to talk to any of you.

Just wanted to say hi, I interviewed March 17 and was accepted today. I am from PGH.

Just wanted to say hi, I interviewed March 17 and was accepted today. I am from PGH.

interviewed on the 14th waiting to hear back, when i called the admissions office they said a decision has not been made yet.

should i email paula davis?

Pitt offers an MPH and Chicago doesn't...which is something I am interested in. But I emailed Joni and she told me that many of their students do MPH's anyway by taking a year off...and it could be considered a blessing that they don't have an MPH program since you basically get to choose the program you want instead of being locked into your med school's program...which is a good point.

there is a public health program at ui-c which, last i knew, is very well-regarded in the country. u of c instead has a "health studies" department, which does research and courses that range from epidemiology (public health research), health policy, clinical trials methods, and biostatistics. it tends to emphasize research over practice, for what it's worth. they offer an m.a. degree that many doctors on fellowship work toward. not sure how the department interfaces with med students.

interviewed on the 14th waiting to hear back, when i called the admissions office they said a decision has not been made yet.

should i email paula davis?

HI There - honestly - you can call the Office in a week to ask about your status, But in general - if even ONE of your interviewers took a while to turn in their Eval, that explains the extra time-wait you're experiencing. Fret not child - they haven't forgotten about you. We all know what it's like to wait!!!!

Try Buddhist transcendental meditation, or Bathad Yoga. :laugh:

;)

Just so all of you know, I had a med-student tell me that about 1/3 of the (finalized) Incoming Class is from the Wait-List. He was a 4th year, and interviewed me on the 17th. He also mentioned he was wait-listed all of 4 years ago ... so don't lose hope!

(PS: to boot - he matched at Hopkins for Pediatrics ---> go figure) :cool:

HI There - honestly - you can call the Office in a week to ask about your status, But in general - if even ONE of your interviewers took a while to turn in their Eval, that explains the extra time-wait you're experiencing. Fret not child - they haven't forgotten about you. We all know what it's like to wait!!!!

Try Buddhist transcendental meditation, or Bathad Yoga. :laugh:

;)

I think my interviewers left the country or something...
In the meantime, I decided I'm going to to to Pritzker instead of Pitt even if I get in...so...good luck to everyone who still cares. Somebody can have my spot if I'm lucky enough to be accepted. But right now I'd consider it lucky to be anything at all and put an end to this limbo.

-Miss I Interviewed 2/17 and AM STILL WAITING TO HEAR

SOMEBODY HASN'T READ MY POST ON BUDDHIST TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION AND RELAXATION-BREATHING TECHNIQUES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:rolleyes: <sigh> :mad: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Look on the bright-side Miss Impatient - at least you'll get to understand Bob Swersky and ... DA BEHRSSSS, and their unending devotion to Mek Ditkeh. lol

Oooh, was it that Hampton Inn? That place was the shiz.

agreed. nicest hampton inn I've been too. did anyone go to second-look weekend? i couldn't make it because it conflicted with another school's weekend, but I'm still seriously considering Pitt. I may visit it on my spring break. Did you learn anything new at second-look? How do the prospectives and current students seem?

I just got back from 2nd look this afternoon. The weekend was pretty good. The panel of 4th years made it seem like they had their chioce of residencies, which is nice, and everyone all weekend was very friendly. There were 127 of us prospectives there and it seemed as though about half of the people I talked to were at least 90% set on Pitt, and many 100% set on it, while others were considering a slew of schools, or were on waitlists at their institutions of preference. The prospectives, as well as the 1st year class, were all very cool and friendly. Most of the med students of all years seemed genuinely happy there. For some reason I really love the city of Pittsburgh, I dont know what it really is about it, but it just seems like the perfect size place for me. I just get that gut feeling when I'm there, that I would be happy. Anyways, hopefully they will show me the $$$ and help make my final decision, so that I dont have to worry about getting off the Cleveland Clinic hold list. I'd say i'm 90% set on Pitt at the moment even if I do get off the hold list. Hope to see many of you at orientation.

Jim

would love to hear more from people who attended second look ( i decided to attend northwestern's cause they paid for my flight, but am strongly considering pitt as well)

some q's:

1. the fact that grading is on a curve. what did m1s say about that?
2. what was teh social scene like?
3. is there a spanish speaking community in pittsburgh? does upitt teach medical spanish?
4. i know research is big there. do students normally do it during that first summer, or also during the m1/m2 school years?
5. share anything!

It was awesome to meet a bunch of you at second look! What a fun weekend. Dark Fark, I was looking for you to wish you a happy bday but I never figured out who you were! Maybe next April. Hope to see all of you in August.
:D

would love to hear more from people who attended second look ( i decided to attend northwestern's cause they paid for my flight, but am strongly considering pitt as well)

some q's:

1. the fact that grading is on a curve. what did m1s say about that?
2. what was teh social scene like?
3. is there a spanish speaking community in pittsburgh? does upitt teach medical spanish?
4. i know research is big there. do students normally do it during that first summer, or also during the m1/m2 school years?
5. share anything!

I second this-- anyone game for a recap?

Ok, so now I am confused too. If Pitt is graded H/P/F, how is there a curve? Does that mean the individual exams are curved, or does that mean the designation of H/P/F is based on a curve? (In other words, do, say 10% of people get H, 80% get P, and 10% F?)

My host explained to me that the grading is based on the mean and standard deviation. If you score better than a SD above the mean then you get honors. We didn't discuss it, but I presume that the failure thing works the same way, but in reverse.

The grading is H/P/F. Honors is one standard deviation above the mean, while failing is two standard deviations below the mean. My host said averages are usually in the 70's and the failing line is normally low 60's or high 50's. In the 3rd and 4th years grading is H/HP/P/LP/F,not sure how it is done though. The students said there is a lot of cohesion among the classes, people send out study materials and it doesnt seem like too many people are worried about the grading.

The social scene was pretty good I thought. We went to a bar in shadyside on friday night and some people went off to a club in the southside afterwards. There was then a house party in squirrel hill the next night, where there were lots of MS1s and it was a good time. Oakland, Shadyside and the southside all seemed like pretty cool neighborhoods. Oakland being more of an undergrad dominated area. There will certainly be plenty to do in the city.

Dont know about the medical spanish, but I did hear that you can do your Family Medicine rotation in Hondoras, i think it was. You can also do a surgery rotation in Polermo, Sicily (I probably spelled both of those wrong) because there is a large UPMC facility there. They also mentioned that the biggest hospital in Las Vegas will soon be owned and run by UPMC, not sure if its newly built or what. So I would assume there would be opportunities to do rotations there.

As far as research, I think that most students do it during the summer between M1 and M2. But some did say that you have the time to do it during the year if you want to. There are also building a big research center in Sicily, so I would assume we may have the opportunity to do it there if you wish.

Oh and last year there was also a prematriculation program, which started 6 weeks before school started. They said you did three weeks of anatomy, two weeks of cell/tissue physiology and a week of biochem, or something like that. It is for anyone that wants to do it and you can get kind of settled in Pittsburgh before classes start and get an idea of what the classes will be like. I guess only like 10 kids did it last year though. Oh and they pay you $1000 if you want to do it and your airfare/driving expenses to get there.

Umm thats all I got right now, maybe i'll remember more later, hope this helped.

Jim

Ok, so now I am confused too. If Pitt is graded H/P/F, how is there a curve? Does that mean the individual exams are curved, or does that mean the designation of H/P/F is based on a curve? (In other words, do, say 10% of people get H, 80% get P, and 10% F?)


I think honors is one std dev. above avg, p is avg, and f is two std dev. below avg. so its really hard to fail or honor.

Regarding Spanish - to whoever asked - I did not go to Second Look, but I asked a similar question when I was interviewing - I was told that Pitt's largest existing communities were often Eastern European, Irish, and Italian ...

BUT, that although the Hispanic communities were smaller, they had larger growth rates than any of the others, and that a big chunk of the people immigrating into Pittsburgh Metro Area were Spanish (Central/South Am, Puerto Rican), so they were experiencing an influx of Spanish people which the city is not accustomed to, and at which point, they'll have to learn how to start dealing with.

As far as a Medical Spanish "course" being available - that I have no idea about. Good question :confused: - someone should call Med-Education or ask a Pitt med student to find out.

Let me know what you find out! :thumbup: :)

The grading is H/P/F. Honors is one standard deviation above the mean, while failing is two standard deviations below the mean. My host said averages are usually in the 70's and the failing line is normally low 60's or high 50's. In the 3rd and 4th years grading is H/HP/P/LP/F,not sure how it is done though.


I asked some 3rd years about grading during the clinical years. We were short for time, and I didn't get the complete rundown. But it sounds like they set a percentage for honors, high pass, etc. So it's not like only 10% of people on a given rotation can get honors and you have to try and make your classmates look stupid during rounds. In theory, everyone who meets the numbers could get it.

I also asked a 1st year about Spanish speaking communities in Pittsburgh. He said there weren't as many opportunities to speak Spanish as in some other big cities - not like New York or DC. But he did volunteer at a clinic where students worked as translators for Spanish speaking patients. Not sure about classes for medical Spanish.

I asked some 3rd years about grading during the clinical years. We were short for time, and I didn't get the complete rundown. But it sounds like they set a percentage for honors, high pass, etc. So it's not like only 10% of people on a given rotation can get honors and you have to try and make your classmates look stupid during rounds. In theory, everyone who meets the numbers could get it.

I also asked a 1st year about Spanish speaking communities in Pittsburgh. He said there weren't as many opportunities to speak Spanish as in some other big cities - not like New York or DC. But he did volunteer at a clinic where students worked as translators for Spanish speaking patients. Not sure about classes for medical Spanish.

I am from Pittsburgh, and there is like ZERO hispanic population. Pittsburgh is not all that diverse...at least not in terms of culture/ethnicity. I'm sure there would be some small opportunities to use your Spanish, but I doubt it would be on a daily basis.

The grading is H/P/F. Honors is one standard deviation above the mean, while failing is two standard deviations below the mean. My host said averages are usually in the 70's and the failing line is normally low 60's or high 50's. In the 3rd and 4th years grading is H/HP/P/LP/F,not sure how it is done though. The students said there is a lot of cohesion among the classes, people send out study materials and it doesnt seem like too many people are worried about the grading.

The social scene was pretty good I thought. We went to a bar in shadyside on friday night and some people went off to a club in the southside afterwards. There was then a house party in squirrel hill the next night, where there were lots of MS1s and it was a good time. Oakland, Shadyside and the southside all seemed like pretty cool neighborhoods. Oakland being more of an undergrad dominated area. There will certainly be plenty to do in the city.

Dont know about the medical spanish, but I did hear that you can do your Family Medicine rotation in Hondoras, i think it was. You can also do a surgery rotation in Polermo, Sicily (I probably spelled both of those wrong) because there is a large UPMC facility there. They also mentioned that the biggest hospital in Las Vegas will soon be owned and run by UPMC, not sure if its newly built or what. So I would assume there would be opportunities to do rotations there.

As far as research, I think that most students do it during the summer between M1 and M2. But some did say that you have the time to do it during the year if you want to. There are also building a big research center in Sicily, so I would assume we may have the opportunity to do it there if you wish.

Oh and last year there was also a prematriculation program, which started 6 weeks before school started. They said you did three weeks of anatomy, two weeks of cell/tissue physiology and a week of biochem, or something like that. It is for anyone that wants to do it and you can get kind of settled in Pittsburgh before classes start and get an idea of what the classes will be like. I guess only like 10 kids did it last year though. Oh and they pay you $1000 if you want to do it and your airfare/driving expenses to get there.

Umm thats all I got right now, maybe i'll remember more later, hope this helped.

Jim
Thanks Jim. I must have slept through that part of the presentation. :p

It was awesome to meet a bunch of you at second look! What a fun weekend. Dark Fark, I was looking for you to wish you a happy bday but I never figured out who you were! Maybe next April. Hope to see all of you in August.
:D


Ah, I was the tall guy who wore a Yankee hat on Friday. At dinner they got me a brownie sunday and sang happy birthyday, it was nice. I noticed they celebrated your birthday at the party.

I had a great time, I cant wait till August.

Ah, I was the tall guy who wore a Yankee hat on Friday. At dinner they got me a brownie sunday and sang happy birthyday, it was nice. I noticed they celebrated your birthday at the party.

I had a great time, I cant wait till August.

Hey, after thinking about it I think we did meet at the party Sat. For some reason it didnt click at the time. Good stuff. See you in the fall! :)

Hey, after thinking about it I think we did meet at the party Sat. For some reason it didnt click at the time. Good stuff. See you in the fall! :)
You met me at the party? Uh oh... you might have met a different side of me than normal. I get silly at parties... sometimes a bit too much fun.

I swear, I was fine until the MS1s made me do that keg stand!

You met me at the party? Uh oh... you might have met a different side of me than normal. I get silly at parties... sometimes a bit too much fun.

I swear, I was fine until the MS1s made me do that keg stand!

:laugh: yeah I think that party was fun for everyone.

So, it seems that a lot of people are talking about opportunities to speak Spanish...Pittsburgh definitely doesn't have the largest Hispanic population (coming from New Mexico and Texas, it's definitely different), but Pitt does have a great opportunity. There is a free clinic on the Southside called Birmingham Clinic. They have 2 students go there a few days a week, but on Saturday, there is a special program called "SALUD" where only those with Spanish speaking skills go and translate for the physicians. Other duties will be taking histories, vitals and assisting the physician with a physical exam. I personally haven't gone, but I have not heard anything but great things about it, and the schedule usually books up pretty quickly. And it's also great, because you can get credit if you go 4 times and get out of your "CE3" and have an extra afternoon off a week for a month during the second semester.

There is also some medical spanish "club." They don't meet that regularly, but it's there. Usually they just get together at lunch every so often and pick a topic and go over the medical terminology.

Also, people asking about grading. The first two years are H/P/F. Someone said it, but I'd like to clarify, H is more than 1 std-dev above the mean. F is more than 2 std-dev below the mean. While some people will tell you that this means that statistically, 2 people have to fail, for those of you adept with your stats, you'll realize that this would only be true if it was normally distributed. So, technically, no one has to fail, but usually 1 or 2 people do. But really, it's not that difficult to pass, it's only somewhat tough to get honors. No one here really worries about it once anatomy is over and nerves calm down a bit.

About research: it seems that some people do it during the summer between M1 and M2. However, people do a lot of different things during that summer. I don't really know many people that do research during the school year, but if you're really into it, there are plenty of opportunities. The nice thing about doing research during the summer is that you can get the work for your scholarly project out of the way. I personally don't know that much about that requirement, but basically you have to have a project and write up a paper, I think (fortunately, since I'm spending 4 extra years to get a PhD, they don't make me do that).

And the social scene: it's about whatever you want it to be. I must say my class is big on the bar scene, but it seems like the 2nd year class is a little bit more tame. People generally go out or hang out with their groups and then there is probably an all-class event organized by our VP every other week. Usually just casual things like going out to a club or bar, but he's organized lots of events with the other professional schools, which has been a lot of fun. So, for those of you that are coming next year, find a good VP.

Well, I think that covers most of the questions I saw. Hope this was helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.

And if no other schools "make" you do a keg stand, you choice should be easy, right?

Like Homer (Simpson) would concur, all important life decisions should be swayed by their ability to accurately render beer content. :)

Thus - we should follow the aforementioned MS-1's critical insight :idea: as the great factor in deciding what medical school to attend ...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. If thou art hitherto forced to stand upon the steely keg = Vote :thumbup:

2. If thou art never brought to the Great Temple of Hops = Vote :thumbdown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

And with that, as Confucius say, goeth the Gong, "DONG". :laugh:

Algorhythmik, did u get ur decision yet? gl

I am from Pittsburgh, and there is like ZERO hispanic population. Pittsburgh is not all that diverse...at least not in terms of culture/ethnicity. I'm sure there would be some small opportunities to use your Spanish, but I doubt it would be on a daily basis.


It's a myth that there is no hispanic community here in Pittsburgh. There is a large one, albeit many people don't realize this. SALUD is a free clinic where you can speak Spanish. Of course you're not going to be speaking Spanish every day, but there are opportunities to learn Spanish and to use it.

Yes, mostwanted ---> I got High WLed :o

(I'll be waiting a little longer and hoping for good news sooner rather than much later - we'll see how that goes)

Yes, mostwanted ---> I got High WLed :o

(I'll be waiting a little longer and hoping for good news sooner rather than much later - we'll see how that goes)

i wish u best of luck, btw when did u recieve ur decision letter, they told me i should be receiving mine by next week. (just a lil impatient :o )

Hey Q,
Did you go to Upitt's revisit too. Ha! I guess i was never meant to figure out who you really are.
gl

Hey Most-Wanted:

I got the letter in the mail this past Friday.

I had called the Thursday of the week just before, and was told it was in the mail, so expect a good 5-7 days for it to arrive. It's ok to call the Office and ask them the status of your decision. They're pretty professional and courteous about it. I think they understand how nerve-wracking it can be. :)

Good Luck to you. :luck: And don't lose hope if you get WLed!!!! Stay positive! I would also recommend, IF that does happen, to immediately send a LOI saying you'd like to go there, etc (IFFFFF they're your first choice).

My student interviewer told me about 1/3 of his 4th year class came from the Wait-List that year. I can only imagine that will be more so true, since this year is now their first using Rolling-Admissions.

Hey Q,
Did you go to Upitt's revisit too. Ha! I guess i was never meant to figure out who you really are.
gl
No, I couldn't attend, unfortunately. I already answered your PM before I saw this message. :p But don't worry, I'll be easy to pick out. I'm the OLD one. :meanie:

Hey A, thank you for the encouraging words. Pitt is one of my top choices. My final decision is going to come down b/n my state school (rwj) and pitt.

Here are some books, most of which I've read, but plenty of others I've heard down the grape-vine as good to look into reading

::MED-SCHOOL READING:: :D
================================================== ========

* Letters to a Young Doctor - Richard Selzer

* On Doctoring: Collected Stories, Poems, and Essays - Richard Reynolds and John Stone (see 3rd Edition)

* The Blank Slate: the Modern Denial of Human Nature - Steven Pinker (this is more of a human psyche exploration that can help docs)

* Doctoring: the Nature of Primary Care Medicine - Eric Cassell

* The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down - Anne Fadiman (an Anthro-based study like Mel Konner's)

* The Silent World of Doctor and Patient - Jay Katz

* On Call: a Doctor's Day and Nights in Residency - Emily Transue

* Bedside Manners: One Doctor's Reflections on the Oddly Intimate Encounters between Patient and Healer - David Watts

* Complications: A Young Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science - Atul Gawande

* Hot Lights, Cold Steel: Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon's First Years - Michael Collins

* Doctor Stories - William Carlos Williams

* Waking Up in America: How One Doctor Brings Hope to Those Who Need It Most - Pedro Jose Greer and Liz Balmaseda

* A Dream Surpassing Every Impasse: Becoming a Doctor Against All Odds - Hans Herlinger

* Mortal Lessons: Notes on the Art of Surgery - Richard Selzer

* The House of God - Samuel Shem

* The Intern Blues - Robert Marion

* First Do No Harm - Lisa Belkin

* Learning to Play God - Robert Marion

* Becoming a Doctor: A Journey of Initiation in Medical School - Melvin Konner

* Bodies and Souls - Maxence van der Meersch

* Doctors: A Biography of Medicine - Sherwin Nuland (a history of medicine)

================================================== ========

Hope some of you find this a cool source of excitement, and moreover, a big reminder of why we're all here in the 1st place :laugh: :thumbup:

I swear, I was fine until the MS1s made me do that keg stand!

i can attest to that :D

i can attest to that :D

And I can attest to the fact that you only got to *six* when it was your turn. Lightweight!


Don't worry, that just means there's plenty of room for improvement. ;)

strong work, y'all. I had to leave early and I missed the keg stand party, Promise we'll have them next year? I've never actually done one ... I'll be working on my yoga headstands to get ready.

On a more serious note ...
To the waitlisters: Best of luck! Definitely write those LOIs ... I felt like Pitt really respected my instinct (which I conveyed in a letter of interest in December, before my admission) that Pitt was the *right* place for me. If you got that feeling too, then I think Pitt is really open to hearing about it.
Again, good luck everyone! :luck:

strong work, y'all. I had to leave early and I missed the keg stand party, Promise we'll have them next year? I've never actually done one ... I'll be working on my yoga headstands to get ready.

Ha Ha me neither...I was proud of everyone who got up there though. And sort of amazed it was happening. I'm definitely a lightweight so I didnt even try, but next year maybe. And I have been working on my headstands. who knew medschool was so much fun? btw prana, I like your screenname. definitely happy to have other yogis in the class.

Ha Ha me neither...I was proud of everyone who got up there though. And sort of amazed it was happening. I'm definitely a lightweight so I didnt even try, but next year maybe. And I have been working on my headstands. who knew medschool was so much fun? btw prana, I like your screenname. definitely happy to have other yogis in the class.

I went to some great yoga classes on both my trips to Pittsburgh at Schoolhouse Yoga. They have a studio in Lawrenceville, and just opened up another one in Squirrel Hill. I've been lagging a bit on getting to class, but I've got to get a yoga habit going again before MS1 hits.

I went to some great yoga classes on both my trips to Pittsburgh at Schoolhouse Yoga. They have a studio in Lawrenceville, and just opened up another one in Squirrel Hill. I've been lagging a bit on getting to class, but I've got to get a yoga habit going again before MS1 hits.

prana, were you at 2nd look? it will be good to have some non-traditionals around.

I am from Pittsburgh, and there is like ZERO hispanic population. Pittsburgh is not all that diverse...at least not in terms of culture/ethnicity. I'm sure there would be some small opportunities to use your Spanish, but I doubt it would be on a daily basis.

Yeah, that's the one thing I noticed when I moved here in 2000. Once you're outside of Oakland/Shadyside/other academic neighborhoods, the cultural diversity and attractions seem to disappear.

Aww mannn....I wish i wasnt WL and had the chance to meet some fellow classmates at the 2nd Look. :(

Aww mannn....I wish i wasnt WL and had the chance to meet some fellow classmates at the 2nd Look. :(


Ya seriously... sounds like second look was a hell of a time. Probably misled future students about how much fun med school is :)

I agree with you guys ... from what I heard about 2nd look, it sounds like the info-mercial should read:

"Me Chief Pitt Doc ... I pass the pipe of peace to my wife, Stands on a Keg ... together, we lead great native tribe of our ppl through gallons of glory. Please - pass the pipe. Thank you."

:laugh:

I agree with you guys ... from what I heard about 2nd look, it sounds like the info-mercial should read:

"Me Chief Pitt Doc ... I pass the pipe of peace to my wife, Stands on a Keg ... together, we lead great native tribe of our ppl through gallons of glory. Please - pass the pipe. Thank you."

:laugh:


yeah, it wasn't really like that. if that were the info-mercial, i'd run the other way fast. seriously.

BKF:
ummmm ... so --> :idea: --> :laugh: --> :rolleyes:

I was actually being <GASP!> sarcastic. I thought the Chief Sitting Bull thing kinda made it painfully obvious; I guess not. I was just trying to imply that for those of us on WL, it sounds like it was fun, in addition to the normal 2nd look stuff involved.

I'm not stupid enough to choose a school by keg-stand or no keg-stand. I would hope no one posting on here is that dumb. Or naive.

What's the living situation for most Pitt Med students? If I end up going, I think I'd go for a one bedroom or studio apartment in Oakland... Thoughts?

What are your reasons for living in Oakland as opposed to Shadyside or Squirrel Hill?

What are your reasons for living in Oakland as opposed to Shadyside or Squirrel Hill?


It's not something I've looked at much, I just mentioned Oakland because (I believe) its the closest neighborhood to the school. I'm open to living elsewhere as well, my main interest is getting my own place.

Yeah, the school is in Oakland, but that's not a great reason to live there (at least for the first 2 years). A good number of people do live in Oakland, mostly in Ruskin Hall, but in my opinion that's no bargain. Be aware that most of the student apartments in Oakland are undergrad.

I'd look into Shadyside or Squirrel Hill. I have my own place in Shadyside and I wouldn't live anywhere else. It's a great neighborhood. Plus, when the class goes out, it tends to be in Shadyside more often than not, so it's good to be able to walk home. Squirrel Hill tends to be a bit cheaper than Shadyside, and it's a beautiful neighborhood, too. But Squirrel Hill is a bit more family-oriented, whereas Shadyside has a lot of grad students.

what do you think about south side? it seemed like a nice area when i was there.

South side is pretty cool. It's wild on the weekends, which can be good and bad. The main street has tons of traffic. Only 2 people in our class live there, but it's definitely doable. There's only one bus that goes there, which could make your wait a bit longer. My only concern would be that you'd be somewhat isolated, given that very few people in each class live there.

does anyone know a good place to look for housing in pittsburgh?

Did any of you guys listen to that PalPITTtations CD they sent in the mail? I have to tell you that it's totally awesome. Are there any current students who are members? How talented do you actually have to be to join??? :p

Just noticed on a thread in pre-allo that the average USMLE STEP 1 at Pitt is 227 :thumbup:

Just thought people on here would be interested,

Jim

the average USMLE STEP 1 at Pitt is 227 :thumbup:


what's the national average?

I'm not stupid enough to choose a school by keg-stand or no keg-stand. I would hope no one posting on here is that dumb. Or naive.

:idea:

anybody got their financial aid package yet? ths

anybody got their financial aid package yet? ths


No, did you? I think they're gonna start sending them out in May.

No, did you? I think they're gonna start sending them out in May.

The financial aid folks at Pitt are pretty good regarding your Federal forms... although, I gotta say, the Institutional Fin Aid App stuff is TOTAL crap unless you fit specific demographics. When I was at Pitt they had tons of Jewish, Hispanic, and African American financial aid, but NADA, zero, zip, zilch for Joe Schmo. Fine, I'll say it- what's new? They still require you to fill it in constantly (why? I dunno, it's a Pitt thing). Anyways, don't sweat about your finaid package from the University. All you really need is the cost of attendance sheet that they put together (you'll need that to get your FAFSA processed correctly).

I just started looking at this board- I'm a graduated MD/PhD from Pitt, finishing my Intern year. If anyone has specific (ie focused) questions about housing, feel free to hit me up for a No BS answer. I had a hard time with that when I came out here from San Diego...

How generous is the fin aid at Pitt? I've heard they give out pretty good packages the first year, but start skimping each year after that. Is this true?

How generous is the fin aid at Pitt? I've heard they give out pretty good packages the first year, but start skimping each year after that. Is this true?

Nah! That's just weird rumor. You'll be able to count on pretty much the same living budget year after year. Like I said- expect nothing from the school, it'll all be your gov't loans.

As far as housing, DO NOT buy the "party line" of Shadyside, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Ruskin... there are a lot of decent areas, just steer clear of Tunnels and Route 28. Both cause major traffic. Parking is available and reasonable on campus. Commuting will get you a nicer pad, esp for the non-traditionals, people with dogs, or if you just don't want to run into your freaky classmates when you're out having a good time. :meanie: I've lived 10-15 minutes away for the past 7 years and love it up here (Observatory Hill).

Did anyone receive their anticipated reward package yet?

Did anyone receive their anticipated reward package yet?
:laugh: Didn't read above

Nah! That's just weird rumor. You'll be able to count on pretty much the same living budget year after year. Like I said- expect nothing from the school, it'll all be your gov't loans.

As far as housing, DO NOT buy the "party line" of Shadyside, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Ruskin... there are a lot of decent areas, just steer clear of Tunnels and Route 28. Both cause major traffic. Parking is available and reasonable on campus. Commuting will get you a nicer pad, esp for the non-traditionals, people with dogs, or if you just don't want to run into your freaky classmates when you're out having a good time. :meanie: I've lived 10-15 minutes away for the past 7 years and love it up here (Observatory Hill).

hey dagst,

thanks for your input. other than the craigslist, is there any good housing list for pittsburgh? i just want to stay off any major highways and freeways to avoid traffic and driving over ehh... 30mph on snow.

Nah! That's just weird rumor. You'll be able to count on pretty much the same living budget year after year. Like I said- expect nothing from the school, it'll all be your gov't loans.

As far as housing, DO NOT buy the "party line" of Shadyside, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Ruskin... there are a lot of decent areas, just steer clear of Tunnels and Route 28. Both cause major traffic. Parking is available and reasonable on campus. Commuting will get you a nicer pad, esp for the non-traditionals, people with dogs, or if you just don't want to run into your freaky classmates when you're out having a good time. :meanie: I've lived 10-15 minutes away for the past 7 years and love it up here (Observatory Hill).

I disagree. I mean, sure... don't buy the party line. But if you don't live in Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, or Ruskin, you're not going to be near your classmates. If you don't care about that, then fine. But if you're a person who likes to be social then you're going to be sorry.

And I don't see why you'd want to drive into school every day if you don't have to. Sure, it's possible. But it's so much easier to just use the buses.

Parking is available and reasonable on campus. Commuting will get you a nicer pad, esp for the non-traditionals, people with dogs, or if you just don't want to run into your freaky classmates when you're out having a good time.

It is? Where and how much? I asked a friend who went to Pitt UG and he said he dropped like 350 a semester for a terrible lot up on top of the mountain by Sutherland Hall. Is there a special deal for med students?

It is? Where and how much? I asked a friend who went to Pitt UG and he said he dropped like 350 a semester for a terrible lot up on top of the mountain by Sutherland Hall. Is there a special deal for med students?

You buy parking "cards" (magnetic security cards) at a booth near the Emergency Department. Last year they were 3$ per day- it may have gone up, but expect somewhere around that price. You'll have to show your SOM ID to get your card. The lot is located behing Trees Hall (the old gym)- it's a secure parking garage with shuttle service to the front door of Scaife Hall.

I disagree. I mean, sure... don't buy the party line. But if you don't live in Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, or Ruskin, you're not going to be near your classmates. If you don't care about that, then fine. But if you're a person who likes to be social then you're going to be sorry.

And I don't see why you'd want to drive into school every day if you don't have to. Sure, it's possible. But it's so much easier to just use the buses.

Well that's an asinine comment. :laugh: You should probably consider that I did both my MD and PhD at Pitt, and have lived here for all but the first year. I know of which I speak. You're certainly entitled to your own opinion, but statements like "if you're a person who like to be social then you're going to be sorry" are clearly not based on experience. In other words, I don't think you should state that as fact.

My social life most certainly never suffered by not living in Ruskin/Shadyside. In fact, I made a lot of friends that I wouldn't have otherwise met. PLUS I still could hang out with classmates at any time. It's not like you get kicked out of the "cool kid's clubhouse" because you don't live in Shadyside (or... maybe you would). I get a lot of requests to have BBQs at my place (because I can afford a 2bd house with a yard here). Yeah, I'm a real hermit. :rolleyes: If you think that living 6 miles from many of your classmates will inhibit your "bonding" or "social experience", you may have larger issues. Sorry if that sounds caustic, but your comment serves only to perpetuate pure crap.

Regarding the commute and busses, I lived on Emsworth Ave, Shadyside, with 2 roomies in a crummo, overpriced, 3bd1ba apartment. It took me 35 minutes on average for a 2.2 mile commute in the morning to get to Pitt. The buses are often full to capacity in/around Shadyside, so your "wait time" will vary from a few minutes to over 30. Since you never quite know what bus will have space for you, you'll want to leave your apartment about an hour before classes start. Buses in Shady/Oakland tend to stop every 100 yards or so. When you add heavy traffic into the mix, and consider that you're wedged between a wino and a 'hood rat, it becomes a painful morning ritual.

FWIW, the bus service isn't exclusive to Shadyside! Yes, I can take the same Port Authority buses into Pitt, and yes, it's still free with your ID (that's a system wide thing- you can go anywhere with your ID including the airport). It takes me 45 minutes door-to-door, but the buses here are on time and never crowded. I can reliably walk to the corner, get a bus at the scheduled time (within reason), get a SEAT on the bus, and be at Pitt in 45 minutes. I can even ride with the same Winos and 'Hood rats.

This brings me to another point- almost none of you (let me repeat that) ALMOST NONE OF YOU will be taking the bus when you hit your 3rd year rotations. You will frequently have to be in the hospital way before the bus can get you there. Especially Surgery, Internal Medicine, OB/Gyn. Some rotations are pretty slack, and you can get away with the bus, but most people don't want to be bothered with it. Ask the seniors how many of THEM take the bus anymore.

hey dagst,

thanks for your input. other than the craigslist, is there any good housing list for pittsburgh? i just want to stay off any major highways and freeways to avoid traffic and driving over ehh... 30mph on snow.

You can try the pittsburgh post-gazette and (I think) the city paper for classified ads, but also talk to your Temple student counterparts. West Penn Hospital (two blocks away from Shadyside Hospital) is a Temple SOM clinical campus. Since most of their students are coming in from Philly, they've organized a nice list where students and landlords post available properties. If Pitt doesn't have a similar list by now, I know for a fact that Temple/West Penn does. Don't be shy about asking- the guy who runs that site is really cool/approachable.

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but you'll probably want to travel the major roads/highways in winter because they're the first to get plowed and salted!! Your smaller back streets will be plowed last, if at all. Also, the back streets can be incredibly narrow with cars parked on both sides... especially Mt. Washington, which I wouldn't recommend anyways. Don't worry too much about driving in the snow, and, God I hope you do more than 30! ;) It's really not bad, especially on the freeways.

I recommended a few neighborhoods specifically for "favorable" traffic patterns and cost of housing: Westview, Ross, BenAvon, Highland Park, Bloomfield, Observatory... pretty much anywhere north or northeast of Pitt. If you've got specific neighborhood questions, hit me up and I'll give you my opinion (whatever that's worth).

30-45 minutes just to get to class? Hmm, I think I'd rather live in Oakland within walking distance, even if it means the apartment's going to be crappy. The buses were really crowded when I visited...my hosts said they just "got used to it" but what do you do during those 45 minute busrides? Study for class? Wouldn't you freak out on exam days?

For anyone who's looking: I found the area between Shadyside and Friendship to be quite nice...there are a bunch of condos on Hemingway which you can buy for around 200K, and I believe a lot of doctors and residents live here. I'd check out prudential online, schedule an appt with a realtor and look around for a day before deciding.

I recommended a few neighborhoods specifically for "favorable" traffic patterns and cost of housing: Westview, Ross, BenAvon, Highland Park, Bloomfield, Observatory... pretty much anywhere north or northeast of Pitt. If you've got specific neighborhood questions, hit me up and I'll give you my opinion (whatever that's worth).

thanks again dagst. temple idea is a great one except i do want to be with other pitt students at least for the first couple years. but the other areas you had listed really look great. i guess i won't be signing any 1yr contracts yet. :) i'll be in the prematriculation program anyway, so i think i'll look into this further in june & july while i'm in pitt.

Who else is doing the Premat program? I'm on the fence. I don't have a strong science background (other than pre-reqs) so I'm thinking it might be good to get a head start. On the other hand, it moves my moving-to-Pittsburgh timetable way up to mid-June ... kinda scary.

I was thinking about the pre-mat program, but all of my friends that are in med school say dont do it. They say these programs don't really help that much and to just take the summer to relax because 1st year is long enough as is. Just what I was told...

Jim

30-45 minutes just to get to class? Hmm, I think I'd rather live in Oakland within walking distance, even if it means the apartment's going to be crappy. The buses were really crowded when I visited...my hosts said they just "got used to it" but what do you do during those 45 minute busrides? Study for class? Wouldn't you freak out on exam days?

For anyone who's looking: I found the area between Shadyside and Friendship to be quite nice...there are a bunch of condos on Hemingway which you can buy for around 200K, and I believe a lot of doctors and residents live here. I'd check out prudential online, schedule an appt with a realtor and look around for a day before deciding.

Bingo! Good observation- either A) live within walking distance in Oakland or B) Drive and accept it.

When I took the bus from my area, I always had a seat so I could read, study or do crosswords. You will generally be STANDING on a crowded bus from Shadyside. And Hell Yeah it's anxiety provoking when you're on your way to an exam and you have to think about whether your bus will be on time!! :eek: Most people drive on those days anyways... throw down the 3 bucks, you'll be much happier.

That area around Friendship isn't so bad, not a bad choice at all for a place. However, you won't be walking from there (it's around 2 miles- count on 200 days of precipitation/yr).

Your money will go further in "other" areas- example: there are NEW (nice) houses (HOUSES) around the corner from me on the market for 149K. :)

I was thinking about the pre-mat program, but all of my friends that are in med school say dont do it. They say these programs don't really help that much and to just take the summer to relax because 1st year is long enough as is. Just what I was told...

Jim

i heard pretty much the same thing. but it's been awhile since some non-traditionals like myself sat on a desk with a textbook open, so we may need to warm up a little bit before the marathon. :p

i heard pretty much the same thing. but it's been awhile since some non-traditionals like myself sat on a desk with a textbook open, so we may need to warm up a little bit before the marathon. :p

Just relax. You'll have plenty of time to study.

Hello Future Panthers!

Congratulations on getting accepted to one of my first choice schools (I just took the MCAT and am applying this summer)! Any advice? I'm def. planning on applying early (early June)...

I'm out of state but Pittsburgh is ~4 hrs. from my home town. :love:

Sorry if that sounds caustic, but your comment serves only to perpetuate pure crap.


I'm not gonna get into an argument on here, and I certainly respect your opinion. But I don't think it's pure crap at all. Take orientation week. You'll have at least 3 nights with events in Shadyside. Our class goes out after every exam, and every one of those has been in Shadyside. On weekends, there is always a big group that goes out in Shadyside or Oakland. On Wednesday nights, there is a big group that goes out in Squirrel Hill. A lot of people have movie nights, poker nights, or whatever at their apts. And all of them live in one of those 3 neighborhoods.

So yeah, you can say it's pure crap... but the reality is that those three neighborhoods are where at least 75% of my class lives (and it's probably closer to 90). The buses are a pain sometimes, I agree. But honestly I never think about it. I leave 30-40 minutes in the morning... but if I drive in, I only save about 10 minutes. There's a lot of traffic getting into Oakland no matter where you're coming from.

And it's stupid to determine where you're going to live your 1st year by what your schedule will be like 3rd year. I don't plan on living in Shadyside 3rd year, but I'm certainly glad I do for these first two.

If you're buying a house (which a lot of MD/PhD's do) then it's a totally different ballgame. But if you're just renting an apt, you can't go wrong by being in the "Big 3."

I would encourage all of you to come out for a few days, maybe email the people you interviewed with or stayed with during second look, and decide what you want.

Taking the opinion of just one or two people, as you can see, may not clarify things completely.

i found the official link for the roommate matching:

http://www.pitt.edu/~property/matchinglistings.html#Anchor-SHADYSID-20286

i guess it's either way too early for the entering ms1's or we need to get more acquainted before any actual matching can occur.

You buy parking "cards" (magnetic security cards) at a booth near the Emergency Department. Last year they were 3$ per day- it may have gone up, but expect somewhere around that price. You'll have to show your SOM ID to get your card. The lot is located behing Trees Hall (the old gym)- it's a secure parking garage with shuttle service to the front door of Scaife Hall.

So do you buy a card with a certain money value and then use it whenever you want or something? That's a lot better than a per semester one because I'd probably just take the bus in most days and then for exams and stuff drive. Cool.

how many % of the first year has a car in pittsburgh?

i'm debating whether to bring my car at all... or maybe just store it somewhere for the third year rotations.

how many % of the first year has a car in pittsburgh?

i'm debating whether to bring my car at all... or maybe just store it somewhere for the third year rotations.

I would say over half have cars and it could be more than that... but honestly I'm not sure what the % is. I can only think of a few people I know that don't have cars, so I'm guessing it could be a very high %.

If you have a car, definitely bring it. Pittsburgh is not NYC, SF, Boston, or Philly. Public transportation only gets you so far and it's not exactly a dense city, so you can't just walk to most things.

I would say over half have cars and it could be more than that... but honestly I'm not sure what the % is. I can only think of a few people I know that don't have cars, so I'm guessing it could be a very high %.

If you have a car, definitely bring it. Pittsburgh is not NYC, SF, Boston, or Philly. Public transportation only gets you so far and it's not exactly a dense city, so you can't just walk to most things.

that's great news! thanks. :)

just out of curiosity, are there any tennis courts (indoor or outdoor) near campus?

There are outdoor courts in Schenley Park, which is pretty close to school... just on the edge of Squirrel Hill. There are also some indoor courts in Pittsburgh. I know a few people from our class played over the winter.

To those who are attending the Pre-matriculation program, are you planning to get housing before or during the program? I saw on the schedule that they have a day devoted to "Housing Search" so I am debating whether to just stay in temp housing (dorm) in the beginning and look for a more permanent housing later.

What are you all doing? Do you think that good housing will be gone by then (late June/July)?

To those who are attending the Pre-matriculation program, are you planning to get housing before or during the program? I saw on the schedule that they have a day devoted to "Housing Search" so I am debating whether to just stay in temp housing (dorm) in the beginning and look for a more permanent housing later.

What are you all doing? Do you think that good housing will be gone by then (late June/July)?

I'm getting housing before then, but I'm sure you'll be able to find good places in late June/July. It just fit my schedule better to find a place now and move in June.

To those who are attending the Pre-matriculation program, are you planning to get housing before or during the program? I saw on the schedule that they have a day devoted to "Housing Search" so I am debating whether to just stay in temp housing (dorm) in the beginning and look for a more permanent housing later.

What are you all doing? Do you think that good housing will be gone by then (late June/July)?

if you're just looking for a vote, i'm trying to get the housing before the program. i thought i can always get another place later if something better comes up.

i found the following two websites helpful:
www.craigslist.com
www.fastrental.com

hope it helps!

Thanks for your responses. I would prefer to find housing before the program begins but I don't have the time to look for apts right now. Also, I would like to have a roommate preferably a fellow med student so I'm not sure what to do at this point. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your responses. I would prefer to find housing before the program begins but I don't have the time to look for apts right now. Also, I would like to have a roommate preferably a fellow med student so I'm not sure what to do at this point. Any suggestions?

how about negotiate for month to month, find a summer sublet, or just live in the temp housing and wait to meet some people in the program?

at least that's what i'm thinking. i would personally prefer to live with my classmates than alone even at the same price & condition.

Some more Pittsburgh-specific rental connections ...

http://www.forbesmanagement.net/
http://www.mozartapts.com/
http://www.walnutcapital.com/

Some more Pittsburgh-specific rental connections ...

http://www.forbesmanagement.net/
http://www.mozartapts.com/
http://www.walnutcapital.com/

You may want to stay away from Mozart Apartments. Check out this link I found about them:

http://bandit.pc.cs.cmu.edu/mozart/

You may want to stay away from Mozart Apartments. Check out this link I found about them:

http://bandit.pc.cs.cmu.edu/mozart/

OMG, I'm having flashbacks from renting as an undergrad! I've definitely outgrown my parents co-signing my lease. Back to CraigsList ...

Unfortunately, even if you went a while not having to have your parents cosign your lease while you had a job, few people in pittsburgh will rent to someone with no income (ie any kind of student) without a cosigner. I've rented at two different places and both have required it, and many of my friends have had to do this as well. Not saying you won't be able to find a place that doesn't require this, just letting you know you might have to look a little harder.

I had pretty good luck with sterling, but I've had some friends with very bad experiences with lobos (with a name like that, go figure) and mozart.

I would really recommend if at all possible to see the exact apartment you will be renting in person... there are lots of sketchy landlords here and you really want to minimize your chances of having your ceiling falling on you or your landlord steal your stuff or fun things like that (these have actually happened to people I know) while you're trying to study.

h

It's dawning on me, now. This is a college town, and where there are students, there are always shady landlords. Yech. I've been so happy living as a grown-up for the past 8 years ...

I'm an MS-1 looking to sublet my apartment for June and July this summer. The apartment is a nice one-bedroom for only $450/month without utilities. THe utilities are never that expensive during the warm months, though--they will probably amount to about $30-$40/month at the most. The apartment is within walking distance to Walnut St. in Shadyside and the huge beautiful Giant Eagle on Centre Ave. There is parking included and laundry in the basement for only 75 cents/load. It is also directly on the bus route of the 71A, which comes about every 10 minutes and brings you directly to Oakland and Pitt. It stops literally across the street from my house. Let me know if you are interested in coming to Pittsburgh a bit earlier this summer to get settled and would be interested in subletting.

Has anyone heard anything about financial aid?

Has anyone heard anything about financial aid?

I called and was told that letters will be mailed out next week (monday). aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrh.. this is making it difficult for me to drop other schools.

I called and was told that letters will be mailed out next week (monday). aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrh.. this is making it difficult for me to drop other schools.

When I called they said they are not mailing by postal mail but are sending them online. I guess they are still figuring out what they wanna do. I hope I get it by teh beginning of next week. I graduate next week and I did want to be worried about droping school and financial aid stuff :-(. So much for getting everything settled this week.

Did everyone else get a pitt e-mail account? I was thinking this was how they were going to send financial aid information.

Did everyone else get a pitt e-mail account? I was thinking this was how they were going to send financial aid information.

I got one but haven't accessed it. Is anything there?

I heard that pitt's email has a long and short version. The one we got in the mail, is that a short version and the long version being lastname.firstname@medstudent.pitt.edu? Does anyone know?

The "short" one is your @pitt.edu address. You'll (very occasionally) get stuff from the university on this... mostly regarding your tuition account. The "long version" that you posted above is your med school account. That's the main email you'll be using.

I know most people here have already been accpeted, wonder if any of you know anything about the waitlist people, is the admission starting to select people from the waitlist pool yet? or is the class filled already?

I know most people here have already been accpeted, wonder if any of you know anything about the waitlist people, is the admission starting to select people from the waitlist pool yet? or is the class filled already?

I'm sure there will be a lot of movement after May 15.

The "short" one is your @pitt.edu address. You'll (very occasionally) get stuff from the university on this... mostly regarding your tuition account. The "long version" that you posted above is your med school account. That's the main email you'll be using.

Thanks for the clarification. So I guess that means you will have two separate email accounts then.