Greetings from Madison, WI, where it is currently eight degrees F.

My apartment features a view of the giant crane that is building the new research facility. It's a giant crane.

Woo.

-pH7.4

Now it's currently 2 degrees.

Come to Madison! We're really cold, but that just means we're really cool!

:D Thanks, I'll be here all week.

I'm glad to see that somebody finally started this thread! I will be joining you in the UW-madison class of 2010. I am excited about meeting my new classmates.

Hooray! I was happy to see it go up, too. I am not sure that I'll be at UWisc next year but it's definitely a strong possibility.

Happy (frozen) holidays!

I'm glad to see that somebody finally started this thread! I will be joining you in the UW-madison class of 2010. I am excited about meeting my new classmates.
Cool. Any questions for a current first-year, let me know. :thumbup:

Hey Darkside! I hope that you do decide to come to madison, judging by your applicant profile it sounds like you have a really cool background. Plus your more of a non-trad, just like me!

liverotcod- what are your thoughts on the summer anatomy option? I am pretty sure that I am going to take advantage of that to help ease me into the rigors of med school. (Although I'm not sure that it is ever possible to ease into med school :) ).

Cool. Any questions for a current first-year, let me know. :thumbup:

Heh, I was going to PM you but might as well get it out for everyone to take advantage of...

I've heard less than flattering things about the anatomy facilities from a couple of different people. What do you think about them and do you think the quality of your anatomy education was significantly affected by them?

One concern I have is that the students I met there seemed more stressed out than students I met at other schools. I know it's hard to compare, but would you say that your experience has been more stressful than average?

How is the competitiveness, really, and how do you think the grading scale plays into that?

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it!

liverotcod- what are your thoughts on the summer anatomy option? I am pretty sure that I am going to take advantage of that to help ease me into the rigors of med school. (Although I'm not sure that it is ever possible to ease into med school :) ).
I think summer anatomy is a great idea. The people that did it had a much more relaxed first semester, and also got to know each other pretty well. I must say, I hated each and every one of them when their semester was over after our last biochem was over, while the rest of us struggled through one more week of anatomy.

Heh, I was going to PM you but might as well get it out for everyone to take advantage of...

I've heard less than flattering things about the anatomy facilities from a couple of different people. What do you think about them and do you think the quality of your anatomy education was significantly affected by them?

One concern I have is that the students I met there seemed more stressed out than students I met at other schools. I know it's hard to compare, but would you say that your experience has been more stressful than average?

How is the competitiveness, really, and how do you think the grading scale plays into that?

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it!
The anatomy facilities are fine. Some schools with newer labs have computer monitors at every tank, but I can't see how that's much of an improvement over paper dissectors - the focus should be on the cadaver, anyway. Each cadaver has two teams of 3 or 4 assigned to it, and the teams alternate dissections. The dissecting team teaches the dissection to the non-dissecting team. This means less time in the lab, which is good. For me, I found that I learned the dissections that I personally completed and then taught more thoroughly than the ones taught to me. The anatomy instructional staff is first-rate. Check out the UW dissection videos for a (much dryer than in real life) example of how the course is taught, at http://www.anatomy.wisc.edu/courses/gross/index.html. Overall, I was very pleased with the anatomy course.

Here's the thing about grading scales. Almost without exception, schools base their class rank on raw exam scores rather than actual grades earned. So it doesn't much matter whether your school is pass/fail or H/P/F or A/B/C - if you're top third, then you're top third whether you got an A- average or a simple Pass. I find that having letter grades helps motivate me to study harder and therefore to learn the material better. Also, the choice of grading scale has no meaningful relationship to board scores. At UW, grades are unscaled, so you are not competing with your fellow students for grades. But as noted above, at essentially all schools (maybe not Yale) you ARE competing for class rank, no matter the grades.

I thought first semester was reasonably stressful. But I think it should be a little stressful. The learning curve is steep, and having a little edge of stress helps keep one going. I perceive it as a bunch of high-achieving young people trying to do their best. But there's no lack of sharing of study resources among students, nor any sense of competition among us, as far as I can tell. Reminds me of, say, a basketball team, where everyone is aware of their individual stats, but as concerned with the success of the team as they are with their own success.

Thanks! I appreciate your insight!

liverotcod-
How do you like the learning community setup at madison? do you think that it does a good job at allowing you to get to know the students who are not in your class (ex M3's and M4's)?

I love asking questions!

Could you tell us a little about how much patient contact you get and how early it starts?

Thank you!

Cool. Any questions for a current first-year, let me know. :thumbup:

anybody know anything or have any advice in terms of getting an apartment in madison?

anybody know anything or have any advice in terms of getting an apartment in madison?

I'm going to need some advice on this one too, although I will probably be buying a house since I am in for the long hall (MD/PhD program)...

I'm living in Madison right now, so I can help with housing advice. Feel free to PM me with more info about what you're looking for sizewise and budgetwise. I'm also happy to host anyone who comes for an interview or a second look. :)

Where are the rest of the folks who will be joining us in the class of 2010?
I know that their must be more of you on here. Come on and post to introduce yourself.

liverotcod-
How do you like the learning community setup at madison? do you think that it does a good job at allowing you to get to know the students who are not in your class (ex M3's and M4's)?
It definitely helps with the M2s. As for the M3s and M4s, they are 1) really busy, 2) started UW before the learning communities existed and thus have little commitment to the idea, and 3) are often on rotations throughout the state. We have had two planned sessions when they came in and talked about the transition to third year and about the process of selecting a specialty. But day to day there's not much contact with them.

By the way, the away rotations are something to think about. I think it's a great idea, but it may be a pain in the rear for some. Personally, I'm going to try to schedule as much as possible in Madison for the sake of my wife and children, but in general you're going to be away about half the time.

The learning communities are a pretty new idea for UW, and are still being worked out. The M2s are, happily, really taking charge of making improvements to the system. Next semester, for example, we will have an interhouse competitiong (yes, the House Cup).

I love asking questions!

Could you tell us a little about how much patient contact you get and how early it starts?

Thank you!
There are both formal and informal avenues. As part of the clinical sciences course, "Patient, Doctor and Society," you will spend at least 3 afternoons per semester with a GP who is assigned to you for at least M1 and M2. Then of course there are standardized patients and hospital visits with your PDS small group leader.

Informally, there are great extracurricular activities that involve patient contact, the best (arguably) or which is the MEDIC program in which med, pharm and allied health students go to free clinics throughout Madison and see patients, then present them to a voluteer attending. It's cooler than it sounds, and I especially liked working alongside PA, PT, pharm etc. students.

Also, there is unlimited shadowing at the hospital. Last week I scrubbed in on a liver resection and a Whipple procedure. My first surgeries, and a total and complete rush. But I don't think there is any situation in the world more likely to cause a person to feel unbelievably stupid than scrubbing in for the first time and then being handed retractors and a suction tube.

anybody know anything or have any advice in terms of getting an apartment in madison?
There is a good resource for apartment-hunting available off the med school web site. What my family did is get a short lease (7 month) and then shop for houses after we knew the area better. We're closing on our house in Middleton on Friday.

Most students seem to like living with other med or grad students, and there are always people looking for roommates. I'm not the best person to ask, though, given my own situation.

I'm going to need some advice on this one too, although I will probably be buying a house since I am in for the long hall (MD/PhD program)...
I just wanted to point out that the MD/PhD folks I've met (including one in my anatomy tank) are great. I think you'll really enjoy the program. For many, many years. ;)

Hey thanks for answering my question liverotcod! In regards to the away rotations, I am really looking forward to that opportunity. I hope to practice in a smaller community one day, so the away rotations seem like a good way to get a feel for that. I think that a rotation at the marshfield clinic would serve as an excellent way to talk with some docs who are in private practice in a smaller community. Although, I can see how away rotations would be more of a hassle for someone with a family. I also wanted to ask you which class, in your opinion was the hardest of the first semester?

liverotcod-

That is pretty cool that you had the opportunity to scrub in on a surgery in your first year!! If a person is interested in this type of shadowing, how do you go about getting setup with someone? Also are you free to pick the specialties that you would like to shadow in? This is pretty cool to hear about, I am glad that I picked UW :) .

liverotcod-

That is pretty cool that you had the opportunity to scrub in on a surgery in your first year!! If a person is interested in this type of shadowing, how do you go about getting setup with someone? Also are you free to pick the specialties that you would like to shadow in? This is pretty cool to hear about, I am glad that I picked UW :) .
The various specialty interest groups all have residents come in fairly early in the semester. In each of those meetings I've gone to (which is quite a few because of the free lunches they offer) the residents have offered to set up shadowing with med students. The particular program I did last week was set up by the M3/4 rotation coordinator, and was successful mainly because the upperclassmen were off for winter break as we were, so there was less demand. I was pretty surprised they invited me to scrub in, especially for something as complicated as the Whipple. I was expecting to just observe.

I also wanted to ask you which class, in your opinion was the hardest of the first semester?
That's really going to depend on your preparation. I had had biochem in post-bacc, so the first couple modules were (relatively) easy. But then the testing in biochem was pretty difficult. I should think a CVA or undergrad human anat course would really help with anatomy. My best grade was in Histology, even though at the beginning of the semester I had absolutely no clue what I was looking at.

liverotcod-

Thanks for answering our questions and sharing your experiences with us! I'll let you know when I think of some more questions.

I had an interview in Madison a couple of weeks ago. I loved everything about the school. It is definitely at the top of my list. :thumbup:

I had an interview in Madison a couple of weeks ago. I loved everything about the school. It is definitely at the top of my list. :thumbup:


LT8R- I wish you the best of luck, it would be great to have you as member of the UW class of 2010 :) In case you're wondering about time frame, I interviewed on October 14 and received my acceptance letter on November 5th. I would guess that as the application season progesses, it takes them longer to get back to you. Also, my acceptance offer came in a small, thin, regular sized envelope. I assumed that it was a rejection letter at first!

It definitely helps with the M2s. As for the M3s and M4s, they are 1) really busy, 2) started UW before the learning communities existed and thus have little commitment to the idea, and 3) are often on rotations throughout the state. We have had two planned sessions when they came in and talked about the transition to third year and about the process of selecting a specialty. But day to day there's not much contact with them.

By the way, the away rotations are something to think about. I think it's a great idea, but it may be a pain in the rear for some. Personally, I'm going to try to schedule as much as possible in Madison for the sake of my wife and children, but in general you're going to be away about half the time.

The learning communities are a pretty new idea for UW, and are still being worked out. The M2s are, happily, really taking charge of making improvements to the system. Next semester, for example, we will have an interhouse competitiong (yes, the House Cup).


liveritcod:

How hard is it for M3 and M4's with Family living with them in Madison to get rotations in Madison or within driving distance?

SC Slug

liverotcod-

I know you are an M1, but I was wondering if you knew the degree of freedom that we get in selecting where to do our away rotations? Do we get to pretty much pick our away rotations or is there some sort of lottery system that randomly assigns us to a site somewhere in Wisconsin?

liveritcod:

How hard is it for M3 and M4's with Family living with them in Madison to get rotations in Madison or within driving distance?

SC Slug
Slug and Pike, my experience with this is nil, of course, but I'm told that people with "special circumstances" - which includes having a family - get extra consideration. Other than that, you get a certain degree of freedom in choosing rotations. But sites with more students than slots are decided by lottery.

When asked, both the administration and students just say that it's really complicated. So unfortunately we're all a little in the dark.

liverotcod-

Thanks for trying to answer my question! Are you guys back at it already in terms of classes?

liverotcod-

Thanks for trying to answer my question! Are you guys back at it already in terms of classes?
Tomorrow :mad:
But also :D

liverotcod-

Good luck with the rest of your M1 classes! Just think, in a few months you will be 1/4 MD :)

Hey thanks for answering my question liverotcod! In regards to the away rotations, I am really looking forward to that opportunity. I hope to practice in a smaller community one day, so the away rotations seem like a good way to get a feel for that. I think that a rotation at the marshfield clinic would serve as an excellent way to talk with some docs who are in private practice in a smaller community. Although, I can see how away rotations would be more of a hassle for someone with a family. I also wanted to ask you which class, in your opinion was the hardest of the first semester?


Marshfield Clinic isn't really a "private practice." It is like any normal clinic but coins itself as physician run. Regardless, I would say you could garner much better experiences elsewhere (personal opinion).

liverotcod,

Thanks again for all of the good info. I have one more selfish request. Could you tell us what your schedule has been like as an M1? I don't know if you have a class schedule you'd be able to link to or something similar, I'm curious about how early things start and how late they finish.

Many thanks,
7.4

Tomorrow :mad:
But also :D

Waitlisted into top 1/3...ouch! Anybody know how much movement there is on the waitlist? I'm trying to figure out what I am going to do at this point. Any suggestions?

Waitlisted into top 1/3...ouch! Anybody know how much movement there is on the waitlist? I'm trying to figure out what I am going to do at this point. Any suggestions?

Sorry to hear that, LT8R.

Last year there was no waitlist movement. This year my understanding is that they are accepting much more conservatively, so there is at least a decent chance of some waitlist movement this year. I think all you can do at this point is keep them aware of your interest in the school and hope for the best.

Good luck! :luck:

Waitlisted into top 1/3...ouch! Anybody know how much movement there is on the waitlist? I'm trying to figure out what I am going to do at this point. Any suggestions?

Sorry to hear that LT8R. If you don't mind my asking, when did you interview and when were you notified? I also agree with darkside, the top third can be a good thing, if i'm correct this is the extent that wisc. ranks, so showing interest could definitely help! Best of luck with the rest of the process.

Thanks for the luck!

liverotcod,

Thanks again for all of the good info. I have one more selfish request. Could you tell us what your schedule has been like as an M1? I don't know if you have a class schedule you'd be able to link to or something similar, I'm curious about how early things start and how late they finish.

Many thanks,
7.4
One of my few gripes with UWSMPH (everyone's really excited about the new name. Seriously.) is the calendar system. It's a logon-controlled web system that instructors always seem to be updating without telling anyone. So for example, our 10 AM lecture gets changed to 11 AM in the scheduling system the day before, but because most of us have already downloaded our sched for the week, everyone shows up at 10 and we wind up watching an hour of Family Guy that somebody has downloaded. Whatever.

So if you're asking about daily schedule, I can't just point you to the site. First semester it was lectures 9-12, and afternoon activities 1:30-4 or so 3-4 times a week. This semester, it's 8-12 lectures, and afternoon activities 2 times a week. I would say that we're relatively rich in scheduled class time relative to the average school. But of course, most of this stuff is not really required and for sure many people don't go to lectures.

If you're asking about academic calendar, we have Aug 16 - Dec 12 and Jan 4 - May 9.

Thanks for the luck!
Sorry to hear about your waitlist, and add my luck in there with the rest. Do you have other schools lined up?

Hey yall,
I am flying out to UW from CA in February for an interview. Can anyone offer any helpful advice? What should I avoid or stress? They'll be asking why UW, are there any outstanding attributes of the students, school, or faculty? Any programs anyone can mention? Anything at all will be helpful. Just reading this thread has already given me some idea of what to expect.

Makaka,
Don't stress the interview. As you may have heard, it counts only as much as a LOR in the process. As far as plusses, the school has incredible facilities, a strong research program (in stem cells in particular, but look it up), above average residency placements, and Madison is a really cool small city. Good luck.

Hey yall,
I am flying out to UW from CA in February for an interview. Can anyone offer any helpful advice? What should I avoid or stress? They'll be asking why UW, are there any outstanding attributes of the students, school, or faculty? Any programs anyone can mention? Anything at all will be helpful. Just reading this thread has already given me some idea of what to expect.

Just be yourself! Everything you need to know is in the interview feedback section of SDN and on the medical school website. Good luck with the interview.

Hey everybody,

I thought I'd put together a little list of potentially useful and/or entertaining links about life in Madison.

The Daily Page (http://www.thedailypage.com) : The website of Madison's alternative newsweekly, Isthmus. Has a database of restaurants, listings of movie theatres and showtimes, current events, club calendar, classified ads, a forum, and more.

madison.com (http://www.madison.com) : A general site with content from the two largest local newspapers, The Capital Times and the Wisconsin State Journal, as well as the local NBC 15 TV station. Classified ads here, too.

startrenting.com (http://www.startrenting.com) : An apartment search site. Good for a general idea of prices, locations, etc. For apartments closest to the medical school you'll want to look at the Near West listings, or the Central listings if you want to be close to the downtown action.

Metro Transit (http://http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/metro/metro.html) : Madison Metro is the city bus service. I'm pretty sure that students ride free (undergrads do, at least, and I think grad students do as well).

The Madison Bar Tour (http://www.madisonbartour.com) : This is a blog by a group of friends who decided to systematically visit every bar in Madison. As of today, they're 53% done.

Eating in Madison A to Z (http://www.madisonatoz.com/) : In a similar vein, this is the blog of a couple who have decided to eat their way alphabetically through the city. This is challenging, since Madison has the most restaurants per capita of any city in the US.


I guess that'll do for starters... I'll update if I think of anything else!

Hey everybody,

I thought I'd put together a little list of potentially useful and/or entertaining links about life in Madison.

The Daily Page (http://www.thedailypage.com) : The website of Madison's alternative newsweekly, Isthmus. Has a database of restaurants, listings of movie theatres and showtimes, current events, club calendar, classified ads, a forum, and more.

madison.com (http://www.madison.com) : A general site with content from the two largest local newspapers, The Capital Times and the Wisconsin State Journal, as well as the local NBC 15 TV station. Classified ads here, too.

startrenting.com (http://www.startrenting.com) : An apartment search site. Good for a general idea of prices, locations, etc. For apartments closest to the medical school you'll want to look at the Near West listings, or the Central listings if you want to be close to the downtown action.

Metro Transit (http://http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/metro/metro.html) : Madison Metro is the city bus service. I'm pretty sure that students ride free (undergrads do, at least, and I think grad students do as well).

The Madison Bar Tour (http://www.madisonbartour.com) : This is a blog by a group of friends who decided to systematically visit every bar in Madison. As of today, they're 53% done.

Eating in Madison A to Z (http://www.madisonatoz.com/) : In a similar vein, this is the blog of a couple who have decided to eat their way alphabetically through the city. This is challenging, since Madison has the most restaurants per capita of any city in the US.


I guess that'll do for starters... I'll update if I think of anything else!


Thanks T.D.S - I guess your new avatar means that you are going to be attending UW in the Fall? Great choice, congrats! :thumbup:

Darkside-

Thanks for the links!

Thanks T.D.S - I guess your new avatar means that you are going to be attending UW in the Fall? Great choice, congrats! :thumbup:

Heh. It's not 100% yet but it's likelier and likelier as time goes on. I just thought it was silly that my rotating avatars did not include one for the only school to thus far accept me!

I'm in!!!!! Yay, can't wait to go back for second look weekend! I'm so grateful, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would be in the position that I'm currently in! G'luck to everyone still waiting and perhaps I'll see some of yall at second look!

Congrats Ashanti!!

When did they tell you about a second look weekend? I wasn't aware that UW had a formal second look weekend setup. I just went down there this past weekend to check things out again and to get to know the campus. After seeing it again, I can hardly wait to get started!

Congrats Ashanti!!

When did they tell you about a second look weekend? I wasn't aware that UW had a formal second look weekend setup. I just went down there this past weekend to check things out again and to get to know the campus. After seeing it again, I can hardly wait to get started!


Thanks Pike!

I was talking to a friend of mine who goes to school there and he told me about it, however, I don't have any details or anything yet, I'll kepp yall posted!

I can't tell you how nice it feels to *not* be the newest kid on the block anymore ;)

Has anyone completed their FAFSA and UW student tax form yet? How are we supposed to do the student tax form when it asks for a UW student ID number? The financial aid office told me that I should have received this with my acceptance letter.

Anyone have this ID number on their acceptance letter?

Congrats Ashanti!!

And, pike, I don't have an ID number on my acceptance letter. Hmmm, I wonder if I can use my undergrad ID?? (Not that this solution would help anyone who isn't already a student here.)

That's very confusing!

Congrats Ashanti!!

And, pike, I don't have an ID number on my acceptance letter. Hmmm, I wonder if I can use my undergrad ID?? (Not that this solution would help anyone who isn't already a student here.)

That's very confusing!


Thanks Darkside! Hmmm, I'll have to check my letter again for this id#.

Congrats Ashanti!!

And, pike, I don't have an ID number on my acceptance letter. Hmmm, I wonder if I can use my undergrad ID?? (Not that this solution would help anyone who isn't already a student here.)

That's very confusing!
I was able to call financial aid back today and get my UW ID#. They used my social security number to look it up in their system. So if your paranoid like me and want to send everything in right away, just give the financial aid office a call to get your ID #.

What has everyone been doing while waiting to start med school?

Here is what I've been up to:

1. graduated from college in December (feels good to be done!)

2. Working 3rd shift at a cheese factory to save up some money before I move down to Madison (this experience has made me want to start med school ASAP!)

Come on and post your experiences, we should try to keep this thread alive. Plus, it would be cool to get to know future classmates (even if this is an anonymous internet forum :) )

Hey pike1.

I graduated May '05. Since then I have been working. It's weird to know that I'm accepted. I try not to 'wait', since I don't want to waste what precious life I have left as someone outside of medicine. Some days I doubt my decision. Other days I'm sure of it.

So yeah, Nothing too exciting. Now that I'm working I miss school, and I know that when I'm in school I'll miss working. (Especially the 'not poor' aspect. Can't wait for 4 more years of poverty.) :)



What has everyone been doing while waiting to start med school?

Here is what I've been up to:

1. graduated from college in December (feels good to be done!)

2. Working 3rd shift at a cheese factory to save up some money before I move down to Madison (this experience has made me want to start med school ASAP!)

Come on and post your experiences, we should try to keep this thread alive. Plus, it would be cool to get to know future classmates (even if this is an anonymous internet forum :) )

Hey pike1.

I graduated May '05. Since then I have been working. It's weird to know that I'm accepted. I try not to 'wait', since I don't want to waste what precious life I have left as someone outside of medicine. Some days I doubt my decision. Other days I'm sure of it.

So yeah, Nothing too exciting. Now that I'm working I miss school, and I know that when I'm in school I'll miss working. (Especially the 'not poor' aspect. Can't wait for 4 more years of poverty.) :)

Hey PH7.4-

It's nice to hear from you! What kind of work are you doing down there in Madison? Yeah, 4 more years of poverty is sort of a depressing thought, but I just think about how lucky I am to have the opportunity to pursue a medical education. The thing that I worry about most regarding my decision to go to med school is if I will be able to hack it or not. I keep having this thought in the back of my mind that makes me think that I must have somehow slipped through the cracks of the admissions committee. However, I'm sure that every soon to be med student probably has this fear. They wouldn't of let me in if they didn't think I could do it.

Also, since your down in Madison I am sure that you must know more future members of the class of 2010 then I do (I don't know of any up here in Wausau) If you do know some more future students, tell them to post on here!

Hey liverotcod-

I was wondering if you would be able to tell us when we will start receiving more info from the UW? (regarding starting med school, summer anatomy option, vaccine paperwork, etc..)

Also, how is the second half of first year going?

Thanks,

pike1

When is the revisit weekend?

Hey liverotcod-

I was wondering if you would be able to tell us when we will start receiving more info from the UW? (regarding starting med school, summer anatomy option, vaccine paperwork, etc..)
I remember it was pretty late. Like starting in May or so. And then a couple of mailings throughout the summer. It was a little frustrating, to say the least. You get so excited, and then wait, wait, wait. But it all works out OK. My class is working with the administration to improve the whole orientation experience, which may include earlier/more informative info packets. But I'm not personally involved in that effort, so I'm not sure.

Also, how is the second half of first year going?
January was actually quite easy, with just one physiology exam. We've been waiting for the other shoe to drop, and of course it has. We just had a neuro exam (96% for an A, ouch!) and have another physio on Monday. Etc. Etc. I'm having the time of my life, though, really :)

Thanks,

pike1
Hey, no problem at all.

When is the revisit weekend?

Hi izibo-

I was never told that the UW was having a revisit weekend. Although, I believe it was ashanti rocks who said that her friend (who is a med student at madison) claimed that the uw did have a revisit weekend. I would be interested in going to this as well so that I could begin to meet some future classmates in person. Perhaps liverotcod knows something about a possible revisit weekend? If you are a Wisconsin resident just go down there on a Saturday and check it out again. The HSLC should be open and I believe their is free parking in one of the lots right near the school (I can't remeber the lot #, someone else on here probably knows it). In any event I hope that you will decide to join us at the UW :)

Hey liverotcod-

So they won't even send us info on summer anatomy until May? Do you think that I could perhaps call to get some more information about this a little earlier?

I also wanted to ask you about the grading system. Tell me if my interpretation is correct: the professors essentially pre-set the score cutoffs for each grade. So they might say that an 87 is a B, this would mean that anyone who can achieve at least this score would get a B? So their is not really a curve, correct?

A 96% for an A!! Where I come from a 93-92% will ussually get the A. They sure do "pre-set" the bar high don't they :laugh: What kind of score would get you an AB? Sorry about all of these questions.

Thanks

-pike1

Hey liverotcod-

So they won't even send us info on summer anatomy until May? Do you think that I could perhaps call to get some more information about this a little earlier?
Yeah, I would go ahead and call. I'm sure they can help. I think summer anatomy is a great idea, by the way. The people that took it had both an academic break first semester as well as a head start on their social structure, and I envied them. But maybe that's because I was just working, not doing anything fun, last summer.

I also wanted to ask you about the grading system. Tell me if my interpretation is correct: the professors essentially pre-set the score cutoffs for each grade. So they might say that an 87 is a B, this would mean that anyone who can achieve at least this score would get a B? So their is not really a curve, correct?
Yes, the maximum cutoffs are preset. Most courses seem to be 92-3% for an A, 88-90 for an AB. The only curve would be a downward curve if everyone struggles with a particular exam or something. The actual cutoffs do vary by class, and neuro's is high, perhaps because it's so well taught that most folks score pretty high.

Hey, thanks for the help with my questions liverotcod! I would like to wish you good luck as you progress to the end of your M1 year (I am sure your doing an awesome job down there in madison :) )

I think that I will go ahead and call them to see if they would be able to give me any info pertaining to summer anatomy

Hi Everyone,
I just found out i have been accepted to UW.
Great news, loved the school and the people!
Is anyone else from California, and in particular the Bay Area? I know in Madison the leases are signed pretty early so its time to start looking for a place. I am not sure yet how to go about that since i am in San Francisco. Is anyone looking for roommates?

Hey everybody! Haven't been to this thread in a while!

I'm still not 100% sure that I'll be here this fall, but it continues to look likely.

Regardless of whether or not I will be, I just wanted to reiterate that if anybody is coming to visit Madison for a second look, apartment hunting, or whatever and doesn't want to spring for a hotel, you're welcome to crash at my pad. I'd love to meet up with fellow SDNers!

Hi Everyone,
I just found out i have been accepted to UW.
Great news, loved the school and the people!
Is anyone else from California, and in particular the Bay Area? I know in Madison the leases are signed pretty early so its time to start looking for a place. I am not sure yet how to go about that since i am in San Francisco. Is anyone looking for roommates?

Hi Makaka-

Congrats and welcome to the UW class of 2010! Right now I am still looking for a place in Madison, but I will be moving there in May in order to start summer anatomy. Will you start in May or will you wait until August?

Hi Makaka-

Congrats and welcome to the UW class of 2010! Right now I am still looking for a place in Madison, but I will be moving there in May in order to start summer anatomy. Will you start in May or will you wait until August?


Thanks Pike1,

Congratulations to you as well! I am not sure if May or August is better! I have been debating the idea since finding out about the acceptance. It seems like a good idea to get started early and have a pretty chill first semester, but I don’t know if I want to part with my family and friends any sooner than I have to.
Honestly, while I cannot wait to start this incredible journey, I am scared out of my wits to be on my own for the first time and 2100 miles away from home. I pray that I will find a strong support system when I get there. This is one of the reasons that I hope to move in with other first years. Do you, or anyone else reading this, feel the same anxiety?

As for apartment hunting, do you think the closer to the med school the better, or to give yourself a bit of distance is ok?
And do you think one should have a car in Madison?

Thanks Pike1,

Congratulations to you as well! I am not sure if May or August is better! I have been debating the idea since finding out about the acceptance. It seems like a good idea to get started early and have a pretty chill first semester, but I don’t know if I want to part with my family and friends any sooner than I have to.
Honestly, while I cannot wait to start this incredible journey, I am scared out of my wits to be on my own for the first time and 2100 miles away from home. I pray that I will find a strong support system when I get there. This is one of the reasons that I hope to move in with other first years. Do you, or anyone else reading this, feel the same anxiety?

As for apartment hunting, do you think the closer to the med school the better, or to give yourself a bit of distance is ok?
And do you think one should have a car in Madison?

Hi Makaka-

I think that you will find the people in Wisconsin to be a pretty friendly bunch. When I visited UW their were a few out of state people giving us our tours/student interviews. The out of state people seemed really happy despite being far away from family. The only thing that they seemed to complain about was the winters. However, the winters here for the last several years have been very mild. There can be cold snowy days, but it's not like living in Siberia or something like that. Who knows, you may even discover that you like the winter weather.

The distance to live from the school is up to you. Some folks may prefer to live a little bit further away because it's closer to the undergrad scene. I want to live as close to the school as possible because I am sick of having a longer drive to get to school (For undergrad, I drove 40 mins one way everyday Yuck!) I just found out yesterday that I got my apartment at the UW owned Eagle Heights apts (these are really close to the med school). Also, check out the med student website on the UW med school homepage. Other med students are begining to advertise so that they can find roommates for the upcomming year. The number of folks searching for roommates will probably increase as we approach summer.

Parking in Madison sucks! I plan to leave my car parked at my apt for the majority of the time and either walk, bike, or use the shuttle system to get around. For the first two years of med school you would probably not have any problems if you did not have a car. The bus system and bike trails can take you nearly anywhere that you would need to go. However, when clinicals start you may need a car to get to the off campus sites. I believe that we are required to do at least several weeks of away rotations at other sites throughout Wisconsin. They may make exceptions to this and let you do all rotations at UW if you have some extenuating circumstances. If you don't bring a car and find that you need to use one I'll let you try your hand at driving my 96' Ford Tarus (Yeah I know, it's a pretty sweet ride :laugh: ) I think you are going to have a great time going to school here (except for maybe the huge amounts of studying that we'll have do to :) ) I think that everyone is little anxious about this whole med school deal. I am sure that you will make some great life long friends by the time med school is over. Let me know if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me as well.

Thanks Pike1,

Congratulations to you as well! I am not sure if May or August is better! I have been debating the idea since finding out about the acceptance. It seems like a good idea to get started early and have a pretty chill first semester, but I don’t know if I want to part with my family and friends any sooner than I have to.
You'll be OK first semester without taking summer anatomy. The primary advantage, I think, is getting a head start on your social life. A majority (or nearly) of students here went to UW Madison undergrad and already know each other, which puts the rest at a slight disadvantage.

Honestly, while I cannot wait to start this incredible journey, I am scared out of my wits to be on my own for the first time and 2100 miles away from home. I pray that I will find a strong support system when I get there. This is one of the reasons that I hope to move in with other first years.
Good idea, but also consider upperclassmen, who can help you both with classes and with acclimatization.
Do you, or anyone else reading this, feel the same anxiety?
I feel quite certain that *everyone* does. Don't worry, by September you'll be fully in the swing of things.
As for apartment hunting, do you think the closer to the med school the better, or to give yourself a bit of distance is ok?
And do you think one should have a car in Madison?
You will need a car third year for your non-Madison rotations. Living close by seems pretty convenient for most people. I live in Middleton, five or so miles from school, and take the bus when it's cold, bike when it's warm. I preferred the Middleton schools for my 5 year old, and kinda like being able to get away.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of you, i wish you all the best of luck...

can any of you tell us prospective students, who WISH to be in your shoes next year, what your mcat and gpa's were when you applied???

thanks,
schooler.

Yah, 2.95 and 39. I think the mean for my class was something like 3.8 and 33, a little higher than previous years.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of you, i wish you all the best of luck...

can any of you tell us prospective students, who WISH to be in your shoes next year, what your mcat and gpa's were when you applied???

thanks,
schooler.

3.62

CONGRATULATIONS to all of you, i wish you all the best of luck...

can any of you tell us prospective students, who WISH to be in your shoes next year, what your mcat and gpa's were when you applied???

thanks,
schooler.

schooler-

check out my MD applicants profile, it's #04700

Hey Makaka! I am a fellow Californian who has been admitted and is seriously considering U of W. I loved the school, but I too am nervous about being away from my famiily and friends. Are you going to the second look weekend? I think I am. Email me if you have any questions.

Hey guys I have a couple of questions.

1) To any current students, do you know anything about scholarships the med school offers, how many they offer, when you find out?

2) Did anyone thats been accepted get a letter from the dean talking about how your outstanding qualifications would make you an excellent fit for the school and that he urged you to attend madison? I know a couple of people that have and am wondering if this may mean scholarship $$$??

Congrats to everyone in so far, I love madison and the new med school is awesome. Hope to see everyone next year!

Hey guys I have a couple of questions.

1) To any current students, do you know anything about scholarships the med school offers, how many they offer, when you find out?

Last year, a letter concerning merit scholarships was distributed April 13. Your mileage may vary.
As for needs-based, that was considerably later, after financial aid was squared away.

Hey Makaka! I am a fellow Californian who has been admitted and is seriously considering U of W. I loved the school, but I too am nervous about being away from my famiily and friends. Are you going to the second look weekend? I think I am. Email me if you have any questions.


Hey RCMUSTANG,
I am so glad to hear that you might be there next year! Where did you go for undergrad? When did you interview?
I have not heard anything about second look weekend. Actually, i have not heard anything from UW since the acceptance letter, and the initial email to accepted applicants. When is second look weekend?
I hope you choose UW! Its absolutely amazing.

Also, do any of yall residing in Madison know about University Heights Apartments? If so, what do you think?

Hi all,

Just officially introducing myself as a UW-Mad 2010 class member. Actually, I'm having some last minute difficulties deciding between MCW (milwaukee) and Madison. Any advice out there? How many of the rotations are you outside of Madison, esp. if you aren't married/no kids/etc? Do you think a school like MCW might make you a bit more disadvantaged when it comes to residencies, compared to Madison? Comments would be much appreciated...

Anyways, good chance I'll be staying at UW. Any tennis players out there? There are tons of good indoor courts at Nielson (cheap too!).

-joe zechlinski
UW-Madison, Biomedical Engineering

Hey RCMUSTANG,
I am so glad to hear that you might be there next year! Where did you go for undergrad? When did you interview?
I have not heard anything about second look weekend. Actually, i have not heard anything from UW since the acceptance letter, and the initial email to accepted applicants. When is second look weekend?
I hope you choose UW! Its absolutely amazing.

Also, do any of yall residing in Madison know about University Heights Apartments? If so, what do you think?

Hey Makaka-

The UW owns two apartment complexes: Harvey street apartments and Eagle Heights apartments. I will be moving into my 1 bdrm Eagle Heights apt in May so that I will be ready to start summer anatomy. Below is some info about each one:

Harvey street apts: Mostly 1bdrm fully furnished apts located on Harvey street (duh :) ) Harvey street is just on the other side of University ave. close to the med school. You would have to cross university ave to get to the school (university ave is a very busy street, it may be a pain.) There are about 40 units located at Harvey st. I believe rent was about $500, although I don't have the exact figure for Harvey st. Also they charge an additional $15 dollars a month for parking.

Eagle Heights: Mostly 1 and 2 bdrm, not fully furnished (laundry, fridge, and oven is provided). Eagle Heights has close to 1,000 units and is located very close to the med school on the free shuttle service route. The area around Eagle heights is nice, quiet, and even a little woodsy with a large community garden located nearby. No busy street to cross in order to get to the med school. Even grocery stores are very close by. You could easily walk or ride your bike everyday to get to the med school. The rent is $585 dollars a month with everything except electricity included. Parking is also included at no additional charge. There are alot of grad/professional students who are married with kids living at Eagle Heights.

If you are considering living in these apts then you should fill out an application ASAP. That way you will be towards the top of the wait list (if you did not fill out an app until august you might have a very difficult time getting into these apts). The application and more info can be found at:

www.housing.wisc.edu/universityapartments/ Or you can call them at 1-608-262-3407. I hope this helps!

Hi all,

Just officially introducing myself as a UW-Mad 2010 class member. Actually, I'm having some last minute difficulties deciding between MCW (milwaukee) and Madison. Any advice out there? How many of the rotations are you outside of Madison, esp. if you aren't married/no kids/etc? Do you think a school like MCW might make you a bit more disadvantaged when it comes to residencies, compared to Madison? Comments would be much appreciated...

Anyways, good chance I'll be staying at UW. Any tennis players out there? There are tons of good indoor courts at Nielson (cheap too!).

-joe zechlinski
UW-Madison, Biomedical Engineering

Hi Joe-

Congrats on becoming a member of the UW class of 2010! I really suck at tennis, but I still enjoy playing when I get the chance (I am ashamed to be admitting this, but a couple of girls have destroyed me in a tennis game!). Perhaps you could help me to bring my game up to a respectable level.

As far as the whole UW vs MCW thing is concerned, I don't think you can make wrong choice either way. I was very impressed with MCW and I do not think that it will put you at any disadvantage when comes time to apply to a residency. My friend is a student there right now and he is really enjoying it. UW vs MCW is a tough choice to make because I feel they are both really great schools. Go with what you feel is the best for you!

Hi all,

adding myself to the list. just curious if you guys have or will pick U Wisconsin Madison over other schools and which.

I got accepted to U Wisc and I found out only 2 days ago!!

Im a Southern Californian and really excited about UW

A lot of people have asked about the second look weekend. Does anyone know anything for sure??'

liverotcod, did you go to the second look weekend?

hooray for the class of 2010. :thumbup: :thumbup:

Hi all,

Just officially introducing myself as a UW-Mad 2010 class member. Actually, I'm having some last minute difficulties deciding between MCW (milwaukee) and Madison. Any advice out there? How many of the rotations are you outside of Madison, esp. if you aren't married/no kids/etc? Do you think a school like MCW might make you a bit more disadvantaged when it comes to residencies, compared to Madison? Comments would be much appreciated...

Anyways, good chance I'll be staying at UW. Any tennis players out there? There are tons of good indoor courts at Nielson (cheap too!).

-joe zechlinski
UW-Madison, Biomedical Engineering

What's up fellow PLT'er? Congratulations on getting into UW! Professor Strang would be proud.

I got accepted to U Wisc and I found out only 2 days ago!!
Congrats!

Im a Southern Californian and really excited about UW
I'm wondering if you are the person that stayed in a particular Middleton basement when you interviewed. My basement, that is.

A lot of people have asked about the second look weekend. Does anyone know anything for sure??'

liverotcod, did you go to the second look weekend?
No, although I did take my family exploring in Madison while we were trying to decide between UM and UW. Hard to say whether it's worth flying in from LA for it. If you have any questions about UW or living in Madison that I might be able to answer, please let me know.

Congrats!.
Thanks!!

I'm wondering if you are the person that stayed in a particular Middleton basement when you interviewed. My basement, that is
Indeed, I am the same lucky girl who stayed on the new air mattress in the particular basement in middleton...remember the Chinese fortune cookie I opened the night before the interview, it said something like: " you will achieve what your heart desires" and we all laughed about the implications :p well it came true!! :) ;)
Say hi to your family for me


No, although I did take my family exploring in Madison while we were trying to decide between UM and UW. Hard to say whether it's worth flying in from LA for it. If you have any questions about UW or living in Madison that I might be able to answer, please let me know.

I was thinking of coming for the second look to arrange my future living arrangements and sign a housing contract and figure out what Ill need to bring with me come time to start school.

Hi DrZee,

Congratulations on the acceptance! I'm also from California, and I am glad there will be a few of us out there.

I don't know if you have looked on the medical student web site, but that's how I found my place.
http://www.uwmedstudents.com/
You can ask the tenants or your future housemate to send you some pictures and maybe a floor plan. Also, I signed my lease by fax, and that was pretty painless. So maybe you don't even have to fly out to get a place, unless you want to.
What sux about many places in Madison is that the lease starts August 15th..and our classes start the 16th. At least that’s what ended up happening in my case.

So, are you thinking of driving to Wisconsin?
ROAD TRIP!


Thanks!!

I was thinking of coming for the second look to arrange my future living arrangements and sign a housing contract and figure out what Ill need to bring with me come time to start school.

Glad to see so many responses but I know there are more of you out there! Only 5 months until Orientation!

Hi DrZee,

Congratulations on the acceptance! I'm also from California, and I am glad there will be a few of us out there.

I don't know if you have looked on the medical student web site, but that's how I found my place.
http://www.uwmedstudents.com/
You can ask the tenants or your future housemate to send you some pictures and maybe a floor plan. Also, I signed my lease by fax, and that was pretty painless. So maybe you don't even have to fly out to get a place, unless you want to.
What sux about many places in Madison is that the lease starts August 15th..and our classes start the 16th. At least that’s what ended up happening in my case.

So, are you thinking of driving to Wisconsin?
ROAD TRIP!
Hi Makaka,
Sorry I responded so late, I was out of town for a while. I actually didnt remember to check the med student website so my first assignment is to check that out and see whats up for rent. Thanks for posting the link.
Now that Im thinking, I prolly dont need to come up to madison until August.

I have no idea how to carry my bed and desk....are you going to drive all the way with your stuff???? :confused: Im considering buying a new set of furniture instead. Do they have an IKEA in Madison? :D

Do they have an IKEA in Madison? :D

Sadly, no. :( The closest one is in Schaumberg, IL, about 100 miles away.

Sadly, no. :( The closest one is in Schaumberg, IL, about 100 miles away.
Oh :o

I guess I dont need much stuff anyways... just a bed, some clothing and maybe a desk....I can fashion the furniture out of empty cardboard boxes and spend the money on textbooks instead :laugh:

Oh :o

I guess I dont need much stuff anyways... just a bed, some clothing and maybe a desk....I can fashion the furniture out of empty cardboard boxes and spend the money on textbooks instead :laugh:
Actually, I find myself spending considerably under-budget on textbooks, since the course packets are pretty inclusive and cheap, and copies of the optional texts are in the library or available used from upperclassmen. I just got a pretty decent deal on a futon frame and mattress from a discounter here in Madison; worth considering especially if you have a small apartment.

Oh :o

I guess I dont need much stuff anyways... just a bed, some clothing and maybe a desk....I can fashion the furniture out of empty cardboard boxes and spend the money on textbooks instead :laugh:

You can make just about any furniture item you might possibly need from cinder blocks and boards. :) We do have Home Depot.

(Ok, so I'm sort of kidding, but you really can do an impressive variety of things. My friend upgraded to glass block and, with some paint for the boards, actually made a totally kickass entertainment center/bookshelf/desk combination. I myself am not quite that creative.)

OK, who's taking summer anatomy? Just got the e-mail and it looks good to me.

Summer Anatomy looks good to me as well but I am suddenly unsure about what to do with waitlists at other places. Does taking summer anatomy mean that you are technically and irrevocably enrolled for ever?? I guess it does.

:o

OK, who's taking summer anatomy? Just got the e-mail and it looks good to me.


Count me in for summer anatomy! I signed up yesterday.

PH7.4, are you taking summer anatomy for sure then, or are you still deciding?

Summer Anatomy looks good to me as well but I am suddenly unsure about what to do with waitlists at other places. Does taking summer anatomy mean that you are technically and irrevocably enrolled for ever?? I guess it does.

:o
I should think so. Most people don't do summer anatomy and do just fine, of course. So if you have waitlists you want to sweat out, I wouldn't let summer anatomy influence that.

Hi Makaka,
Sorry I responded so late, I was out of town for a while. I actually didnt remember to check the med student website so my first assignment is to check that out and see whats up for rent. Thanks for posting the link.
Now that Im thinking, I prolly dont need to come up to madison until August.

I have no idea how to carry my bed and desk....are you going to drive all the way with your stuff???? :confused: Im considering buying a new set of furniture instead. Do they have an IKEA in Madison? :D

Hey DrZee,

Well, i am going to drive out, but i will not take any furniture. I suggest getting new stuff when you get there. I was just thinking, what do you sleep on for the first few days though?

I am currently looking for a summer sublet just for the duration of summer anatomy! If anyone knows anyone who is subletting a furnished apartment, please let me know.

Hey DrZee,

Well, i am going to drive out, but i will not take any furniture. I suggest getting new stuff when you get there. I was just thinking, what do you sleep on for the first few days though?

I am currently looking for a summer sublet just for the duration of summer anatomy! If anyone knows anyone who is subletting a furnished apartment, please let me know.

Question: what is the "move in day" (Aug 15) mentioned in the school calendar for? a pre-orientation meeting or some official school function/Holliday? Do all leases for apts REALLY start on the 15 of the month?? How is it feasible to move in on one day?
I guess I would sleep on the floor for the first night :(
By the way, I looked at the calendar again and orientation starts on my birthday (August 16 :p :) )

Question: what is the "move in day" (Aug 15) mentioned in the school calendar for? a pre-orientation meeting or some official school function/Holliday? Do all leases for apts REALLY start on the 15 of the month?? How is it feasible to move in on one day?
I guess I would sleep on the floor for the first night :(
By the way, I looked at the calendar again and orientation starts on my birthday (August 16 :p :) )
Most leases for student housing do indeed start on the 15th of August. I was able to get a lease in Middleton starting August 1, which worked out a lot better.

Anybody hear anything about the second look weekend?....

One of the student newspapers, the Badger Herald, does a summer sublet guide every year. It comes out April 18th. www.badgerherald.com

were is every1, Im getting lonely :) and
bored
very bored
v.v. bored

So to update..Ive been trying to sell off some stuff by advertising in the papers. No one had come forward yet. I guess I will end up throwing stuff away :eek:

were is every1, Im getting lonely :) and
bored
very bored
v.v. bored

So to update..Ive been trying to sell off some stuff by advertising in the papers. No one had come forward yet. I guess I will end up throwing stuff away :eek:
I remember the time from acceptance to matriculation seeming really long. And the school doesn't send out much communication, so you feel like, "Hmmmm. I wonder if I really am accepted." I didn't really believe it until I arrived in August and saw my name on a student mailbox. Of course it *still* may be some other liverotcod they intended to admit.

Try to enjoy the relative inactivity. Take up a new hobby or something ;)

I remember the time from acceptance to matriculation seeming really long. And the school doesn't send out much communication, so you feel like, "Hmmmm. I wonder if I really am accepted." I didn't really believe it until I arrived in August and saw my name on a student mailbox. Of course it *still* may be some other liverotcod they intended to admit.

Try to enjoy the relative inactivity. Take up a new hobby or something ;)

liverotcod-

That's exactly how I have been feeling during this in between time. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who has had these thoughts. Thank God that I don't have to wait until August to get started! Although, it would really suck to show up the first day of summer anatomy and have them tell me that my acceptance letter was actually a terrible mistake made by the admissions office :)

I remember the time from acceptance to matriculation seeming really long. And the school doesn't send out much communication, so you feel like, "Hmmmm. I wonder if I really am accepted." I didn't really believe it until I arrived in August and saw my name on a student mailbox. Of course it *still* may be some other liverotcod they intended to admit.
Wow, thats exactly how I feel right about now. I just feel like my head is empty, so when Im watching TV or reading something or looking at news, my head just memorizes enitre lines :o ...this only happens when there is significant brain inactivity or when I am out of school more than 3 months.

Gotta get a new hobby

I remember the time from acceptance to matriculation seeming really long. And the school doesn't send out much communication, so you feel like, "Hmmmm. I wonder if I really am accepted." I didn't really believe it until I arrived in August and saw my name on a student mailbox. Of course it *still* may be some other liverotcod they intended to admit.

Try to enjoy the relative inactivity. Take up a new hobby or something ;)

Madison is my one acceptance and I am super happy about it but I'm also on some waitlists. Anyone know how late I could wait to find housing within walking distance to the med school? Also, I'm in San Francisco so it's not easy for me to get to Madison before I have to.

Madison is my one acceptance and I am super happy about it but I'm also on some waitlists. Anyone know how late I could wait to find housing within walking distance to the med school? Also, I'm in San Francisco so it's not easy for me to get to Madison before I have to.
I suspect, though I can't say for sure, that there will be people looking for roommates right up until early August. Housing near the med school is a little easier in some ways than housing nearer the main campus.

Anyone else care have a more definite answer? :o

Madison is my one acceptance and I am super happy about it but I'm also on some waitlists. Anyone know how late I could wait to find housing within walking distance to the med school? Also, I'm in San Francisco so it's not easy for me to get to Madison before I have to.

Hey rainyday,
Congratulations on your acceptance. Good luck with the waitlists! I am also in San Francisco and i am planning a cross-country road trip to Madison in August. In the mean time i got a summer sublet while taking summer Anatomy.

About the housing...a few med students told me most leases are signed in spring for the next year so i wouldn’t wait too much longer. But if you are desperate, the place where i am subletting will probably be looking for tenants when i will move out August 14th. It should be a 15 minute walk with a few bus lines near by.

By the way, it would be awesome to meet someone who will be going to the same school. I bartend at a local bar on Nob Hill (California and Leavenworth) called Zeki's. Feel free to stop by.

How have you been handling the rain? Is that the sad reason for your screen name?

Hey rainyday,
Congratulations on your acceptance. Good luck with the waitlists! I am also in San Francisco and i am planning a cross-country road trip to Madison in August. In the mean time i got a summer sublet while taking summer Anatomy.

About the housing...a few med students told me most leases are signed in spring for the next year so i wouldn’t wait too much longer. But if you are desperate, the place where i am subletting will probably be looking for tenants when i will move out August 14th. It should be a 15 minute walk with a few bus lines near by.

By the way, it would be awesome to meet someone who will be going to the same school. I bartend at a local bar on Nob Hill (California and Leavenworth) called Zeki's. Feel free to stop by.

How have you been handling the rain? Is that the sad reason for your screen name?

Oh, you know, that's not the inspiration for my screen name but I'm gonna say it is from now on. I think it was because I like Eeyore.

I'll stop by and say hi if I make it up to Nob Hill before you leave for anatomy.

Has anyone gotten their financial aid package yet?
Email or regular mail?

Has anyone gotten their financial aid package yet?
Email or regular mail?

not yet

not yet

me neither.

who thinks i can have a dog in med school? i mean, i would be in med school, not the dog. is that possible without a significant other to take care of it?

me neither.

who thinks i can have a dog in med school? i mean, i would be in med school, not the dog. is that possible without a significant other to take care of it?


Would it be a full grown dog or are you talking about getting a puppy? I would think that starting out with a puppy in med school would be kind of difficult if you are living by yourself.

Would it be a full grown dog or are you talking about getting a puppy? I would think that starting out with a puppy in med school would be kind of difficult if you are living by yourself.

i was thinking more like rescuing a grown-up small dog.

i was thinking more like rescuing a grown-up small dog.

I think having a small full grown dog would be fun to have around :thumbup: . You would just have to make sure that you can be around enough to let the dog out twice a day and give it some attention once in a while.

However in years 3 & 4 it might become a little bit more difficult. Especially if you are sent to clinical sites outside of Madison. I know Housing is provided at these sites, but I have no idea on what the pet policy would be. From what I can tell it looks like you would share housing in a 2-3 bdrm apt with other med students during rotations outside of Madison. I guess the presence of a dog would be somewhat dependent on the feelings of the other students.

I think having a small full grown dog would be fun to have around :thumbup: . You would just have to make sure that you can be around enough to let the dog out twice a day and give it some attention once in a while.

However in years 3 & 4 it might become a little bit more difficult. Especially if you are sent to clinical sites outside of Madison. I know Housing is provided at these sites, but I have no idea on what the pet policy would be. From what I can tell it looks like you would share housing in a 2-3 bdrm apt with other med students during rotations outside of Madison. I guess the presence of a dog would be somewhat dependent on the feelings of the other students.

Ah, thanks for your reply. I found two threads in allopathic that address just this. But I think it may be extra difficult at Madison 3/4 years as you said.

Oh boy, I just read through the past five pages on this thread.

Hi everybody,

Like many of you, I was accepted to madison as well(back in february but i got sick of SDN). So anyways. A little about myself so that once you see me, you'll konw my background already.

I've been living in San Francisco for the past 14 years. Before that, I lived in Hong Kong since birth. I went to UC Berkeley, MCB major. Graduated from that hell hole May '05 and has been working at UCSF from summer 04 to now. Time has been passing by so fast for me, especially with all this stress from the lab. Getting experiments to work is no easy task.
Three things that I love and can talk forever about: Cars, photography, and FOOOOOOOOOD.

Sorry all but I wont be joining you guys at that summer anatomy, that course conflicts with my backpacking in europe schedule. I'm leaving in three weeks!!!

everyone can drop me a PM for my email address. I already tried PMing some of you Californians already.

Wisconsin is... the badgers right? =)
I feel so out of it, I just want to relax and go to sleep.

Wisconsin is... the badgers right? =)
Correct, the badgers. You may find this animation inspiring:
http://www.badgerbadgerbadger.com
At any rate, congrats and I look forward to meeting you.

We totally got knocked down to page 3.

So, I got my OASIS login. That was fascinating! I can't see my schedule yet, though. I think when that happens it will also be exciting.

Well, I am now settled into my apartment over here in Eagle Heights and anxiously awaiting the start of summer anatomy. In order to keep myself occupied I have been exploring the Madison bike trail system. This trail system is pretty awesome (I have never seen so many joggers in my life :) ).

Who else is now in Madison and awaiting the start of summer anatomy?


PH7.4, I have to admit that I to was excited by the OASIS login. I guess that my life is lacking in excitement at the moment.

Who else is now in Madison and awaiting the start of summer anatomy?

I don't think you're permitted to await summer anatomy 'til we're done slogging through finals. You may start on Friday morning. Thank you.
;)

I feel under-prepared. I wish there were a few more months left so I could do all the things I can think of: like seeing the rest of the world. I am gonna do something about that soon.

I am planning to go see Hearst Castle by Amtrak, stay the night and then go see the california Wine country before the end of may. In june, I wanna go visit london, and hopefully convince my cousin to follow me on a backpacking tour thru Europe (not likely :o ). In July, I am gonna read all the novels, magazines, gossip columns, trashy teen flicks, whatever I can find. In early August I am gonna start worrying about medical school. Like I said, there just isnt enough time. I feel like its coming up too soon.

:laugh: :laugh:

on a more serious note, how is the weather in madison from Aug-June? Does it snow to a point where riding a bike to school is not recommended?
How high and low does the temperature go around the year?

on a more serious note, how is the weather in madison from Aug-June? Does it snow to a point where riding a bike to school is not recommended?
How high and low does the temperature go around the year?

The weather here is highly variable, but it's fairly predictable on a month-to-month basis. Things tend to get ugly toward the end of October. The first snow tends to fall sometime around (or shortly after) Thanksgiving and the last snowfall is typically in March. Within this timeframe, as I stated earlier, it can vary alot. There may be a few inches of snow on Monday and by Wednesday it's 50 degrees with puddles everywhere - neither of which are great for biking. Most of the time, at least lately, it's just cold and dry during the winter months with normal daytime highs from about 15 - 35 degrees. Native Midwesterners will bike in this weather (even recreationally), but you may need some practice before making a habit of it ;) . As far as Aug/Sept, don't be surprised by temps in the 80s or 90s - upper 70s is typical. The spring comes in with a bang usually, as temps will go from the 40s in April to the 60s and even 70s around now. That should about cover it - my mental almanac is about 22 years in the making, so I think this is a pretty accurate picture. Just my $0.02.

The weather here is highly variable, but it's fairly predictable on a month-to-month basis. Things tend to get ugly toward the end of October. The first snow tends to fall sometime around (or shortly after) Thanksgiving and the last snowfall is typically in March. Within this timeframe, as I stated earlier, it can vary alot. There may be a few inches of snow on Monday and by Wednesday it's 50 degrees with puddles everywhere - neither of which are great for biking. Most of the time, at least lately, it's just cold and dry during the winter months with normal daytime highs from about 15 - 35 degrees. Native Midwesterners will bike in this weather (even recreationally), but you may need some practice before making a habit of it ;) . As far as Aug/Sept, don't be surprised by temps in the 80s or 90s - upper 70s is typical. The spring comes in with a bang usually, as temps will go from the 40s in April to the 60s and even 70s around now. That should about cover it - my mental almanac is about 22 years in the making, so I think this is a pretty accurate picture. Just my $0.02.
Oh Wow. Thanks for the info. :)

I don't think you're permitted to await summer anatomy 'til we're done slogging through finals. You may start on Friday morning. Thank you.
;)

Oops! I guess that I will have to wait for Friday morning :)

So which class will be your last final of the M1 year?

I feel under-prepared. I wish there were a few more months left so I could do all the things I can think of: like seeing the rest of the world. I am gonna do something about that soon.

I am planning to go see Hearst Castle by Amtrak, stay the night and then go see the california Wine country before the end of may. In june, I wanna go visit london, and hopefully convince my cousin to follow me on a backpacking tour thru Europe (not likely :o ). In July, I am gonna read all the novels, magazines, gossip columns, trashy teen flicks, whatever I can find. In early August I am gonna start worrying about medical school. Like I said, there just isnt enough time. I feel like its coming up too soon.

:laugh: :laugh:

HOO-RAY for Amtrakers. I live in SF but in early July I'm taking the Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle.

Even though it's been an easy year for me, I feel like there's not enough time either. I also feel like I forgot all my science. Eek.

Oops! I guess that I will have to wait for Friday morning :)

So which class will be your last final of the M1 year?
Population Medicine, 10-12 tomorrow. We had four this week, 3/4 done!

Population Medicine, 10-12 tomorrow. We had four this week, 3/4 done!

liverotcod-

It must be a nice feeling to know that the first year of med school is nearly finished for you. I was wondering if you would perhaps have some words of wisdom for us soon to be first year students?

liverotcod-

It must be a nice feeling to know that the first year of med school is nearly finished for you. I was wondering if you would perhaps have some words of wisdom for us soon to be first year students?
Wear clean underwear to anatomy lab 'cause you never know when you're going to get lucky.

Wow, that was in really poor taste. Ask again after this last final :o

Wear clean underwear to anatomy lab 'cause you never know when you're going to get lucky.

Wow, that was in really poor taste. Ask again after this last final :o


Thanks for the tip! :laugh:

I feel under-prepared. I wish there were a few more months left so I could do all the things I can think of: like seeing the rest of the world. I am gonna do something about that soon.

I am planning to go see Hearst Castle by Amtrak, stay the night and then go see the california Wine country before the end of may. In june, I wanna go visit london, and hopefully convince my cousin to follow me on a backpacking tour thru Europe (not likely :o ). In July, I am gonna read all the novels, magazines, gossip columns, trashy teen flicks, whatever I can find. In early August I am gonna start worrying about medical school. Like I said, there just isnt enough time. I feel like its coming up too soon.

:laugh: :laugh:
Oh rats....the london/ eurotrip idea got canceled. Were going Next year :( :( :( :( very sad. I dont get to go out of the country and I have 2 months. 2 more months of waiting. thats ok. I can do that. no hurry to have to wear underwear (with emphasis on clean :) ).

WOW. I am moving to Madison on Tuesday! I can't believe this is actually happening. Its a joke the cruel UW adcomm is playing on me. I don't really know what to take with me, except bed sheets and clothes.

So who else is definitively taking summer anatomy?

Lets hook up some time next week before class starts. That will be awesome!

WOW. I am moving to Madison on Tuesday! I can't believe this is actually happening. Its a joke the cruel UW adcomm is playing on me. I don't really know what to take with me, except bed sheets and clothes.

So who else is definitively taking summer anatomy?

Lets hook up some time next week before class starts. That will be awesome!

Makaka-

Count me in for summer anatomy! I think it would be a cool idea for us summer anatomy folks to get together before the start of class. I am really looking forward to meeting my future classmates.

Makaka-

Count me in for summer anatomy! I think it would be a cool idea for us summer anatomy folks to get together before the start of class. I am really looking forward to meeting my future classmates.

Hey Pike,
How is going? Can't wait to get outside. This studying is killing me. I have never spent this much time in the library.
Are you studying right now?

Hey Pike,
How is going? Can't wait to get outside. This studying is killing me. I have never spent this much time in the library.
Are you studying right now?

I'm not studying right now, but I should be. I just got my a-- kicked on our first lab practical

I'm not studying right now, but I should be. I just got my a-- kicked on our first lab practical

I'm thinking about stopping down at Mcdonald's to pick up some job apps. Perhaps things will work out better for me down there

I'm thinking about stopping down at Mcdonald's to pick up some job apps. Perhaps things will work out better for me down there

Well that's one alternative to a career in medicine. I think i'll just go back to bartending. But i don't know if i'll ever be able to relate to alcohol the same way after smelling the cadavers preserved in ethanol.

Well that's one alternative to a career in medicine. I think i'll just go back to bartending. But i don't know if i'll ever be able to relate to alcohol the same way after smelling the cadavers preserved in ethanol.


Did you here about that girl who friggin rocked that practical exam. Her brain must be on steroids or something.

Did you here about that girl who friggin rocked that practical exam. Her brain must be on steroids or something.

U mean me?

U mean me?

GIRLS ROCK!

U mean me?


I don't know who she is, but I heard that she only shows up for the exams. She is that friggin good!!!

I don't know if I can be of any help to you summer anatomy folks, but I'm happy to try. One thing to keep always in mind is how sweet it's going to be NOT having anatomy in the fall!

I don't know if I can be of any help to you summer anatomy folks, but I'm happy to try. One thing to keep always in mind is how sweet it's going to be NOT having anatomy in the fall!

What are your thoughts on units III and IV the head and neck?

What are your thoughts on units III and IV the head and neck?
Deep head and neck was the hardest unit (by far, to my mind). Lots of stuff compressed into such a tiny space. Plus, figuring out the spacial relationships between all of the fossae and their contents was really hard for me. On the other hand, cutting the calvarium and removing the brain was a cool experience. My tip would be to spend time up front with the skull learning the internal and external landmarks really well - I finally did this during exam prep and realized that I would have understood the dissections MUCH better if I had done it first.

Superficial head and neck wasn't so bad, just lots of picky muscles. If you do OK on superficial, it makes the limbs seem not so bad by comparison. Skinning the face and scalp is pretty weird, one of the more disturbing dissections.

Good luck! If you're already through the pelvis, you've covered a lot of ground. I hated the pelvis, plus I didn't prepare well enough for the exam and really blew that one.

Deep head and neck was the hardest unit (by far, to my mind). Lots of stuff compressed into such a tiny space. Plus, figuring out the spacial relationships between all of the fossae and their contents was really hard for me. On the other hand, cutting the calvarium and removing the brain was a cool experience. My tip would be to spend time up front with the skull learning the internal and external landmarks really well - I finally did this during exam prep and realized that I would have understood the dissections MUCH better if I had done it first.

Superficial head and neck wasn't so bad, just lots of picky muscles. If you do OK on superficial, it makes the limbs seem not so bad by comparison. Skinning the face and scalp is pretty weird, one of the more disturbing dissections.

Good luck! If you're already through the pelvis, you've covered a lot of ground. I hated the pelvis, plus I didn't prepare well enough for the exam and really blew that one.


I also hated the pelvis! It was really hard to get a handle on where everything was going in that region. We will be covering both units III and IV in a time span of 2.5 weeks (no class on July 3rd & 4th, with the exam on July 7th). I hope that I can survive these two units, several others have also told me that this was the most difficult section.

Not to shift things away from the pelvis talk... but I was thinking that maybe those of us in town already could go get a beer out at the terrace sometime. We've had some pretty amazing weather the past few weeks.

i'm spending my summer in the lab, so my time is pretty flexible. if anyone else is interested, feel free to post a good time.

I'd be totally up for a beer with SDNers. I'm available pretty much any night. I know that doesn't help much. I don't know if one night works any better than any other for summer anatomy people...

Not to shift things away from the pelvis talk... but I was thinking that maybe those of us in town already could go get a beer out at the terrace sometime. We've had some pretty amazing weather the past few weeks.

i'm spending my summer in the lab, so my time is pretty flexible. if anyone else is interested, feel free to post a good time.

I'd be totally up for a beer with SDNers. I'm available pretty much any night. I know that doesn't help much. I don't know if one night works any better than any other for summer anatomy people...

I think it will be fun. Our next test is July 7th, it is a Friday. Maybe that evening?

I am up for July 7th. After that I am gone for 3 weeks so that's actually the last day I could personally do it.

Anyone else up for July 7th?

Anybody still looking for housing? I will admit that my place is not close to the hospital or the school, but if you're looking for something that allows you to separate the two, please respond here!

I have a one bedroom on the eastern edge of Madison that I'm moving out of...I work at the hospital and have started taking my pre reqs (non trad here!), and have found a place that is closer to the hospital.

PM me for more info, or drop me a line here and I'll respond!

Even if you're not interested and you know of someone who's looking for a place in Madison, send them my way as well!

Thanks, and congrats to all of you first years! I hope someday I can claim the same...but first, let me get through Chemistry! (Yes, just CHEMISTRY, not even organic or bio!!!) :eek:

WooHoo!!!!

We are done with head & neck, but it sucks that we have to wait until monday to find out the scores on our written exams. I guess ignorance is bliss!

Hi all!

Are there good neighborhoods around Lake Mendota? Also, how long would a commute like that take? Any suggestions on what part of town I should look?
Thanks!!

Can't wait to meet everyone!
:love:

Hi all!

Are there good neighborhoods around Lake Mendota? Also, how long would a commute like that take? Any suggestions on what part of town I should look?
Thanks!!

Can't wait to meet everyone!
:love:
I live in Middleton and love it. It's 5-6 miles west of school around the lake and on the bus line, usually takes me about 20-25 minutes to get in to school on the bus or by bike. Sometimes I'm jealous of those within walking distance, though.

Seems like all leases start on 8/15, and many many apts are available right now. How is the vacancy rate?

Is it possible to show up 2-3 days beforehand, walk around the 5 or 6 blocks where I'd like to live, and immediately land an apt?

Or will a low vacancy rate force me to lease via the internet without first seeing the place?


Any suggestions on which apt complexes are good and close to the UW Hospital?

Thanks.

I'm not referring to 120 Gorham, but the Steve-Brown apts within walking distance to the UW Hospital (Otto House, University Manor, Russell Terrace, and Birge). Anyone have experience or word-of-mouth on whether these apts are any good? I've heard nasty things about the property mgmt company being rude and unresponsive. Please comment! THanks :) :)

Summer anatomy is over!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Summer anatomy is over!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Congratulations!!11!!one!eleven1!!
Your prize for enduring that is...the easiest first semester of medical school ever, anywhere.

Hey Makaka-

You'll never believe what happened to me yesterday. My awesome ford tarus was destroyed in some freak flooding that occured on university ave. The mechanics told me that my motor is completely ruined. I spent the day securing some funds so that I can get a different car. I have not even been able to go home yet, since I no longer have a car. I hope to find a new car before school starts back up. I hope everything is going well for you in SF.

-pike1

Hey guys, I was so stressed out because i coudlnt' find any fellow UW-mad M1 folks to talk to. I kept looking at the barely updated uwmedstudent listings and just thought, wow, did everyone go on vacation all at once?

ANyways, you guys should bounce over to the uwmedstudents.com forum and start talking there so i wont feel like i'm posting reply threads to myself.

Also, I might need some help moving in to my apartment on the west side. does anyone want a free lunch and dinner by helpnig me?

Go badgers, i got lots of things to talk about!

I kept looking at the barely updated uwmedstudent listings and just thought, wow, did everyone go on vacation all at once?

Ouch! Stabbed in the back on SDN. ;)
You'll be a good addition to the MIG (Medical Informatics Group), methinks.

what's that MIG thing?

Another question: How do we find out what books we will be needing? I just wanna make sure not to buy the same books as I used in college.

I just stumbled accross this thread and wanted to welcome the new M1s to the UWSMPH. I'm a M3 here, and my experience has been outstanding so far. To those of you that took summer anatomy...good choice! It really makes the fist semester alot easier.

As for the books, most of the classes have handouts, so you don't end up buying textbooks as often as you would think. Plus most of the important texts are available free online from the Ebling library.

It's really a great school, with some really good teachers, and a good support system; if you have any q's, I'd be happy to try and answer.

Have fun!
OC.

what's that MIG thing?

Another question: How do we find out what books we will be needing? I just wanna make sure not to buy the same books as I used in college.
MIG is a fairly new student org that runs the uwmedstudents.com web site (including the new forums), organizes events like PDA demos, and advises administration on student technology policy.

I'm with Ottercreek on the books. I only bought 2 books first year: a Netter for anatomy and the required Psychiatry book for second semester. From time to time, I referred to my college biochem text or looked at references in the library, but pretty rarely. The lecture note packets are comprehensive.

EDIT: You can also get your Netter free by joining AMSA, or at least you could last year. I really wouldn't buy *anything* at this point.

wow a free netter! awesome. I'm glad professors prefer these "handouts." I grew so accustom to that style of teaching from berkeley.

I need someone to help me move possibly... anyone wanna volunteer? ;)

Since you said you woudln't buy anything at this point, would you suggest bringing college text books or college notes? I'm traveling 2000 miles, it's going to be hard to want something at the last minute that's sitting at home in some box stored away in the garage.

Honestly, I wouldn't bring any old material. We were never tested on something that wasn't in the class notes and objectives! If you need clarification on something, again, the library system here makes everything really facile.
Ciao,
OC.

Okay thanks for the info then. I will not bring any notes with me.

*deleted*