Harvard Medical School Class of 2010 [Archive] - Student Doctor Network Forums

Mr.Bip

03-17-2006, 07:09 AM

Hi HMS people! Add me to the list. I was SO excited and relieved to get my accceptance package yesterday, it's hard to describe. You know that tightly wound knot of anxiety that has built up over the past few months as your mind wanders towards next year? I opened my mailbox and it just melted away. It was wonderful.

I'm going to accept the HMS offer and sit on the UCSF waitlist and see what happens. If I get into UCSF, then I'll be a happy camper and probably go there. If not, then I'll be equally happy to find an apartment in Cambridge :)

Congratulations everyone!

P.S. Anyone torn between HMS and another school? What would draw you away from Harvard?

dajimmers

03-17-2006, 08:35 AM

P.S. Anyone torn between HMS and another school? What would draw you away from Harvard?
Financial aid, and my wife's ability to find a job, may be able to draw me to another school. UMich is already going to be much cheaper for me (in-state), but I'll wait and see what happens with scholarships there or elsewhere. But Harvard would be hard to turn down, regardless.

Risa

03-17-2006, 09:52 AM

Ha, though you weren't the first to get in, you at least got to start this thread!

I'm not *officially* in yet, but the FinAid site works, and I'm just too excited by the chance I may be in. I will be dutifully searching for mailmen at sun-up.

I really want to go to the second-look weekend, but it's scheduled on my graduation weekend! Not sure what I'll do yet, but I will definitely be visiting at some point before May 15, to convince myself (and my wife) that we for sure want to go there.

Enjoy that search for the mailman, dajimmers! Getting the actual packet is pretty darn fun.

As for second look, yeah, me too! Not graduation for me, but finals. At least I live in New England, so hopefully I'll at least get to go for a few hours at some point. Are both you and your wife graduating? That would be a pretty big bummer to miss :( .

By the way, we met at our Case interview! But I don't think we talked for more than a minute or two, and I didn't figure out you were on SDN until after the fact.

dajimmers

03-18-2006, 08:37 AM

Enjoy that search for the mailman, dajimmers! Getting the actual packet is pretty darn fun.

As for second look, yeah, me too! Not graduation for me, but finals. At least I live in New England, so hopefully I'll at least get to go for a few hours at some point. Are both you and your wife graduating? That would be a pretty big bummer to miss :( .

By the way, we met at our Case interview! But I don't think we talked for more than a minute or two, and I didn't figure out you were on SDN until after the fact.
Alright, the packet FINALLY arrived! Got a bit worried when nothing came yesterday. Yesterday I watched the mailman go up and down the street, and saw a manilla envelope in his sack, but alas it didn't go in my mailbox!

Yeah, both my wife and I are graduating May 5. I'm going to wait until they tell us what specifically goes on at second-look (I'll probably ask some current MS1s to see how useful they found it). We will definitely be visiting HMS, but we at the moment will probably schedule it at a different time, if we can arrange for a tour/meeting with people we want to speak with.

I think I do remember someone from Wesleyen. Were you chatting with the guy from Swarthmore? Oh well, there's a chance we'll meet again sometime anyways!

Uhhh, to stay on-topic for the class of 2010 (they really shouldn't call it that if so many students take at least an extra year): anyone have any tips on looking for housing options? Specifically apartments or other rental properties w/ in walking or public transport distance of the medical school?

Kimka83

03-18-2006, 10:17 AM

Risa

03-18-2006, 10:45 AM

Hello future classmates . . . what do you guys think about living in Vandy next year? I have pets, and I am conflicted about what to do. I guess my parents could keep them for a year. Anyone else considering living off campus?

I'm going to live in Vandy... can't beat it in convenience, and as far as dorm rooms go, I thought it was plenty nice.

I have a cat too... I guess he's just going to have an extended visit with his grandparents!

alpenglow

03-18-2006, 02:21 PM

Hello future classmates . . . what do you guys think about living in Vandy next year? I have pets, and I am conflicted about what to do. I guess my parents could keep them for a year. Anyone else considering living off campus?

I will be joining the off campus search - I have life threatening food allergies, and hence cannot share kitchen with anyone who isn't super careful and considerate. I wish this wasn't the case - Vandy seems soooo convenient!

dajimmers

03-18-2006, 03:53 PM

Even if I weren't married, I doubt I'd go for Vandy. While it would be convenient, I am done with dorm life. The concept of medical students in dorms just seems strange to me. And while I love you all, man I'm going to want somewhere to go to get away from the hospital, the classroom, and yes you!

2009md2b

03-18-2006, 06:04 PM

Hi. I'm an NP first year at HMS. Feel free to send any questions my way. I believe that revisit weekend is May 5th.

Risa

03-18-2006, 07:39 PM

I will be joining the off campus search - I have life threatening food allergies, and hence cannot share kitchen with anyone who isn't super careful and considerate. I wish this wasn't the case - Vandy seems soooo convenient!

Yikes!

I was an RA my junior year in a house where one of my residents had several severe allergies, including a life-threatening one to peanuts. We made it a top priority topic at house meetings and made a really clear rule that no one could have any peanuts in the house anywhere outside of their bedrooms. Anyway, you should definitely live where you know you'll be safe. But I'd like to think (idealistic me) that a community of smart, conscienscious future doctors could make a dorm kitchen a safe place for you if that were the only thing keeping you from living in Vandy... heck, I'll volunteer to be the president of the Keep Alpenglow Alive club! :cool:

Kimka83

03-18-2006, 09:31 PM

Yikes!

I was an RA my junior year in a house where one of my residents had several severe allergies, including a life-threatening one to peanuts. We made it a top priority topic at house meetings and made a really clear rule that no one could have any peanuts in the house anywhere outside of their bedrooms. Anyway, you should definitely live where you know you'll be safe. But I'd like to think (idealistic me) that a community of smart, conscienscious future doctors could make a dorm kitchen a safe place for you if that were the only thing keeping you from living in Vandy... heck, I'll volunteer to be the president of the Keep Alpenglow Alive club! :cool:

Risa, you rock! The whole Vandy thing is difficult. Dorm living isn't the best, especially if you have been in an apartment for a few years. On the other hand, I am sure that living in Vandy would help me to make important social connections . . . and have those once-in-a-lifetime experiences with my peers. I missed out on the dorm thing in college, as my suitemates were all upperclassmen with their own friends. I felt really left out and lonely. Maybe that is why I am doubting the dorm thing??? Okay, enough therapy for now. Is everyone planning on going to the second look? And what about the new curriculum? I heard that they were moving to a 1.5 year basic science program like Penn's, but the description in the acceptance packet didn't mention that. Sorry for the long post!
Cheers!

dajimmers

03-18-2006, 09:55 PM

And what about the new curriculum? I heard that they were moving to a 1.5 year basic science program like Penn's, but the description in the acceptance packet didn't mention that. Sorry for the long post!
Cheers!

I am excited for the curriculum reform, especially the 1.5 (actually it sounded like 1.75 at my interview) preclinical. But it sounds like things are a bit shaky still, so I'm interested in how things are resolved. I found this:
December 16, 2006: Design Groups Report Progress in Med Ed Reform (http://focus.hms.harvard.edu/2005/Dec16_2005/curriculum.shtml)

So how do you all feel about the limited info we have so far? Anyone know anything more? There's a ton I want to know about it, like how do/can we choose which hospital to do the longitudinal core clinical rotations at, how "decreased" are electives going to be, etc?

EDIT: Found more info (I love Google). It's old (Dec 04), but it oulines the original goals of reform, and has tons of reasoning for it.

HMS Medical Education Reform Initiative (PDF) (http://www.hms.harvard.edu/news/dec04meded_reform.pdf)
The current suggestion is to complete the preclinical component of the curriculum by April of the second year, as is the practice now at many of our peer medical schools. Although this represents a slightly shorter period of preclinical courses, the design group will be directed to identify ways of teaching basic science courses more rigorously and more efficiently and of incorporating into the preclinical curriculum the relevant social sciences and population sciences that underlie contemporary medicine. [The summer of the first year would be preserved as an unstructured free period for student exploration.]

Kimka83

03-18-2006, 11:18 PM

Thanks dajimmers!

2009md2b

03-19-2006, 03:38 PM

This might help on the cirriculum questions:
http://studentweb.med.harvard.edu/DG41/html/dienstag.pdf

alpenglow

03-19-2006, 08:27 PM

This might help on the cirriculum questions:
http://studentweb.med.harvard.edu/DG41/html/dienstag.pdf

still making decisions...all you wonderful, helpful, informative, caring people are making this a VERY difficult task!

I am going to do everything in my power to be at the second look weekend - I am open for a private message info exchange so that we can contact each other, chat via non-SDN means...maybe even a pic to be able to identify our friendly faces @ the SLW?

Risa

03-19-2006, 08:48 PM

still making decisions...all you wonderful, helpful, informative, caring people are making this a VERY difficult task!

I am going to do everything in my power to be at the second look weekend - I am open for a private message info exchange so that we can contact each other, chat via non-SDN means...maybe even a pic to be able to identify our friendly faces @ the SLW?

Ooh non-SDN means... fancy! How ambitious would it be if we actually managed to chat in a group on AIM???

I'm dying to go to second look... I'll be in the midst of several performance finals, but hopefully will be able to hop over from CT to Boston for at least a little bit!

Risa

03-19-2006, 08:50 PM

This might help on the cirriculum questions:
http://studentweb.med.harvard.edu/DG41/html/dienstag.pdf

Thanks md2b, that IS helpful!

I have another question... in our admissions letter, it mentioned that there were optional activities before orientation... a camping thing or a community service thing, I think. Did you do that last year? Do you know how many days earlier they start? Thanks!

Risa

03-19-2006, 08:54 PM

Risa, you rock! The whole Vandy thing is difficult. Dorm living isn't the best, especially if you have been in an apartment for a few years. On the other hand, I am sure that living in Vandy would help me to make important social connections . . . and have those once-in-a-lifetime experiences with my peers. I missed out on the dorm thing in college, as my suitemates were all upperclassmen with their own friends. I felt really left out and lonely. Maybe that is why I am doubting the dorm thing??? Okay, enough therapy for now. Is everyone planning on going to the second look? And what about the new curriculum? I heard that they were moving to a 1.5 year basic science program like Penn's, but the description in the acceptance packet didn't mention that. Sorry for the long post!
Cheers!

Awww Kimka! Don't worry, whether you live in Vandy or elsewhere, we won't let you feel lonely :) . I hear you on the dorm thing... I've lived in woodframe houses for the past 2 years so it'll definitely be a step back down. I have a feeling I'll get used to it quickly though. And when I interviewed, one of the things that impressed me was the prospect of having a gym in the building I live in. How cool will it be to actually have a gym IN the building! Maybe... I'll actually work out :eek:

alpenglow

03-20-2006, 01:36 AM

[QUOTE=Risa]Ooh non-SDN means... fancy! How ambitious would it be if we actually managed to chat in a group on AIM???

;) lol - I meant chat, as in telephone - not trying to co-opt the SDN forums by cheating on them with AIM :)

2009md2b

03-20-2006, 02:58 PM

Thanks md2b, that IS helpful!

I have another question... in our admissions letter, it mentioned that there were optional activities before orientation... a camping thing or a community service thing, I think. Did you do that last year? Do you know how many days earlier they start? Thanks!

FUNC is a community service program while FEAT is an outdoor adventure hike on the AT. I did FEAT--it was challenging but fun and definitely worth it. They start one week before orientation starts. I'm sure the admissions/student life office figured this out, but since you all start 2 weeks earlier than normal (because of the intro to profession course thingy), I'm not sure the second years will be done with their summer projects in order to lead you. (Sorry for the run-on sentence!) I'm sure it will work out. I definitely think they are worth doing!

Mr.Bip

03-20-2006, 06:27 PM

dajimmers

03-20-2006, 07:03 PM

I like a lot of the HMS curriculum changes - but does anyone worry about the drastically different clinical curriculum? What do you guys think - staying in the same hospital for an entire year during your training? I'm not sure what to think.
If it means getting more integrated into the "system" of the hospital, more familiar with the staff, more responsibilities, and overall more education opportunities than the current system, I am in favor of it.

But, I worry about how these hospitals will be doled out. Will competition return to our class as too many vie for spots at MHG than are available? Or will spots be given at random, regardless of what your intended focus is? And will education at one of the hospitals be noticibly better than education at another, with no "blending" since students are stuck at that hospital all year? (sorry if that doesn't make sense).

I'm sure we'll get plenty of opportunities before May 15 to ask and hopefully provide feedback about the changes- plus the clinical changes are going to have two more years to be prepared anyways.

alpenglow

03-20-2006, 11:53 PM

dajimmers

03-21-2006, 07:34 AM

I Finally Got My Letter/folder!!!! Yea!!!

Just Seems More *official* Now - Plus Friends/family Found It Humorous That The Only Thing That I Had To Prove My Acceptance Was A Financial Aid Application - Though, At This Point, The Finaid App May Be The Most Important Thing ;-)
Congrats! I wonder if finaid decisions are available online/email, or if you'll be waiting an extra few days for that as well? :meanie:

Kimka83

03-22-2006, 06:24 AM

Well, since I was waitlisted at Penn, it is pretty much official. I am so excited to be attending HMS next year!

Mr.Bip

03-22-2006, 07:57 AM

But, I worry about how these hospitals will be doled out. Will competition return to our class as too many vie for spots at MHG than are available? Or will spots be given at random, regardless of what your intended focus is? And will education at one of the hospitals be noticibly better than education at another, with no "blending" since students are stuck at that hospital all year? (sorry if that doesn't make sense).

I'm sure we'll get plenty of opportunities before May 15 to ask and hopefully provide feedback about the changes- plus the clinical changes are going to have two more years to be prepared anyways.

Dajimmers -

I talked to an MSII HMS friend. Sites for third year are assigned by lottery, and the education at one hospital won't necessarily be better than another because you still rotate through the different departments in the hospital, with different doctors and staff. And it's very true that HMS will have two years to see how this works before we get there.

Also, I just waitlisted at Penn - thank god! I'm having enough trouble deciding as it is. (note: this may sound obnoxious, but you guys know that it can be tough)

alpenglow

03-22-2006, 10:23 AM

Dajimmers -

I talked to an MSII HMS friend. Sites for third year are assigned by lottery, and the education at one hospital won't necessarily be better than another because you still rotate through the different departments in the hospital, with different doctors and staff. And it's very true that HMS will have two years to see how this works before we get there.

Also, I just waitlisted at Penn - thank god! I'm having enough trouble deciding as it is. (note: this may sound obnoxious, but you guys know that it can be tough)

:love: hey, we're sending you love for the decision struggle :love:

did any of us honestly think we'd be having these issues?
well, maybe some, but certainly not me!

I still remember the conversation with my pre-med advisor..."you know, you MCAT score if OK, but not great...you might want to think of retaking it..."
No well-known school under my belt...just lots of "being me"
doing what I love, and helping others
at least I know that it is me, and not a list of figures, that the schools like

yep...we are empathetic to your dilemma...you don't sound terrible for saying it...you've worked hard and deserve to have this "problem!"

(sending some decision-making vibes your way ;) )

Mr.Bip

03-22-2006, 12:57 PM

:love: hey, we're sending you love for the decision struggle :love:

...

(sending some decision-making vibes your way ;) )

Thanks, Alpenglow :) Hopefully those vibes will be enough to bump me into one camp once and for all. I hope the decision is going well for you too. I have to say, for every opinion I hear pro-UCSF or another school, I feel like two more reasons to go to HMS pop up.

Question for everyone: the students I met at HMS seemed quite happy and not at all self-important (which has been my experience with other schools in Harvard - feel free to disagree). Did everyone else have a similar impression?

Risa

03-22-2006, 03:08 PM

Question for everyone: the students I met at HMS seemed quite happy and not at all self-important (which has been my experience with other schools in Harvard - feel free to disagree). Did everyone else have a similar impression?

Yes! I loved the students at Harvard; they were what made the school my clear-cut top choice. Although I was impressed with the student body at other schools too (Pitt comes to mind), at Harvard I was literally STOPPED on the street MULTIPLE times by students who would say "Hi! You look like you're interviewing. I love it here. Is there anything I can do to help you or answer questions?" Multiple times! It was amazing.

alpenglow

03-22-2006, 07:40 PM

Yes! I loved the students at Harvard; they were what made the school my clear-cut top choice. Although I was impressed with the student body at other schools too (Pitt comes to mind), at Harvard I was literally STOPPED on the street MULTIPLE times by students who would say "Hi! You look like you're interviewing. I love it here. Is there anything I can do to help you or answer questions?" Multiple times! It was amazing.

Mr. Bip...you already know that I agree with you here...decided that if I want a shot at hanging onto UCSF, I should just quit talking now! The med student that I spoke with @ UCSF this week, who was supposed to tell me all the great things about my "fit" with UCSF, told me that she's going to Harvard when she finishes to do the extraneous things that we share interest in. She told me she'd see me @ HMS! She did tell me lots of positive things about UCSF, too...

happy decision making :luck:

Risa - same thing happened to me...actually all the Bostonians that I spoke with were friendly

Mr.Bip

03-23-2006, 09:29 PM

It's been quiet in here lately! What are you guys up to :) I have to do a helluva lot of work to be able to make it through next week alive ... but I can't concentrate on anything because I'm too distracted thinking about next year! AHH!

Kimka83

03-23-2006, 10:03 PM

Yep - I am thrilled too. We really should keep this thread alive :)

Risa

03-24-2006, 11:32 AM

I agree about the keeping the thread alive. Come on, we're future doctors here. Don't want an untimely death on our hands :cool:

So, perhaps we should discuss SUPER important issues. I'll start: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Me-> Tough choice, but at the moment I've gotta say it's Ben and Jerry's Dublin Mudslide. For one thing, it's delicious (and meets my general standard of light-colored base flavor with stuff in it but no nuts). For a second thing, the name is extra cool to me (facebook me--I'm the only Risa at Wesleyan--to see why).

Mr.Bip

03-24-2006, 12:19 PM

Good idea, Risa. We have to begin to learn to tackle important issues if we are going to be responsible citizens and doctors in the 21st century.

So, the issue: I'm torn between Strawberry and Mint Chip. Mmm. The sad thing is that they don't go together AT ALL. I also *love* Raspberry Sorbet ... :love:

P.S. In my aimless wanderings around the web I found the HMS 2005 Commencement speech (http://www.hms.harvard.edu/news/grad2005.html) by Atul Gawande (my hero!) - it's really good, and short!

P.P.S I'm just curious - can anyone find HMS's match lists for the past few years? I can't find anything! I'm sure they're amazing, but I'd just like to see them.

Risa

03-24-2006, 12:26 PM

You know, I never seek Strawberry out, but I'm always floored by how delicious it is when I do happen upon eating it.

As for match lists, there was one in that booklet we got on interview day. I'm unsure what year's it was... I'm home for spring break and it's on my bookshelf at school right now.

Speaking of school, I just brilliantly learned to read and realized that Mr. Bip, you're in New Haven! I go to school in Middletown. We're practically neighbors!

[edit: I just read the speech. Love it.]

Mr.Bip

03-24-2006, 12:57 PM

Speaking of school, I just brilliantly learned to read and realized that Mr. Bip, you're in New Haven! I go to school in Middletown. We're practically neighbors!

You're right! Though, Middletown is a bit of drive. Speaking of which, though, if you'd like a ride to the second look weekend and have the guts to go with a creepy pre-med you met online, I'm happy to give you a lift up to Boston. It's not particularly out of the way if I take the I-84.

[edit: I just read the speech. Love it.]

I know - Gawande is a very insightful writer, and I bet he's a great doctor. I secretly want to be a staff writer for the New Yorker, too ...

Kimka83

03-24-2006, 01:12 PM

Risa, you have the right idea with Ben and Jerry's . . . but my favorite is a new flavor, the Gobfather. Chocolate covered almonds, yuuuuummmm.

alpenglow

03-24-2006, 03:05 PM

CarleneM

03-24-2006, 03:12 PM

hey everyone, I did FUNC last year (the community service one) and would definitely suggest doing it. It was a great way to connect with classmates and learn about service oriented groups and projects.

I live off-campus and am happy to field any questions people have about apartment hunting. If you decide to live in vandy, do it for the sake of meeting people, not to save money. You can find a decent apartment for essentially the same price. Some love vandy, some have moved out during the year because they hate it it so much.

dajimmers

03-24-2006, 05:12 PM

Yep, the 2005 match list is on page 70 of the "What It Means to Be a Harvard Doctor" booklet they gave us at interviews. It is most definitely impressive. MGH and Brigham & Womens residents must be 90% HMS MDs.

I want to be Atul Gawande.

Anyone have any weird stories about their interview or Harvard in general? The day before I flew to Boston, I ate Chinese food. My fortune was "A great experience lies in the East" or something like that. I'm from Michigan, by the way.

Mr.Bip

03-24-2006, 07:11 PM

OK, you all have better memory than I do ... I looked in the interview manual, and there's the residency list. And damn, it is impressive. I also like seeing when lots of people stay at their school for residency.

Weird stories about Harvard ... this isn't really a weird story, but it's funny :) Some of you may have already heard it. At the Yale/Harvard football game last year (a pretty big event the weekend before Thanksgiving), a few Yalies in my class (yeah '05) made fake "Harvard Pep Squad" sweaters and went to the Harvard side of the stadium pretending to be Harvard students. They distributed white and red cards for people to lift up which they believed would end up spelling "Go Harvard" when everyone lifted their card up. Instead it said "WE SUCK" (http://www.harvardsucks.org/poster.html). It was amazing.

I wonder what retribution will be had at next year's game?

P.S. CarleneM - glad you're watching this thread! it's good to have you here. I had an off-campus question: if I'm going to HMS, there's almost no question that I'll be looking for an apartment. But is living off-campus a big barrier to getting to know the class? What has been your experience with Vandy/non-Vandy classmates of yours?

Kimka83

03-24-2006, 09:55 PM

Charlene M, I have off campus living questions too! I have two cats, and I really want to bring them with me. But I don't want to be socially isolated from the rest of the class! Can you recommend some areas where HMS students typically get apartments? Placed to avoid? Were you still able to have an active social life living outside of Vandy?

HMSNeuro

03-25-2006, 08:57 AM

Friend of HMSNeuro here. I did FEAT. Would recommend it to all (although, make sure and sign up for a level that you're positive you can do). And by the way, you must forgive Neuro for some of his antics... most were jokes. I had to explain to him that if he's not saying these things saracstically in the presence of people, it's hard for people in forums to know.

Anywho, any questions about FEAT, life in Vandy, or life at HMS, I'd be happy to answer.

Risa

03-25-2006, 09:00 AM

Mr. Bip, that WE SUCK story is pretty much the most amazing thing I've ever heard. It really, truly happened?? You Yalies must have just been overwhelmed with the feeling of accomplishment!

Thanks for the ride offer--that would be a lot of fun! Unfortunately, I actually have two (maybe three) finals for performance classes that weekend. So although I'm bound and determined to make at least an appearance at 2nd look, I'm probably going to have to go late/leave early. Otherwise I would definitely take you up on it. If by some miracle my finals all get cancelled (I can dream, right?), I'll letcha know :)

I'm sad I can't think of any weird Harvard stories. Dajimmers, I love your fortune cookie. The closest I can come to that is my horoscope the day before my letter came. It said "minor adjustments will get you to the happy place." My minor adjustment was a lucky nickel in my bra. Ta da!

Now that we've unveiled our ice creams of choice (well some of us have... *shakes fist at those who didn't name an ice cream*), drumroll please for... favorite article of clothing! Mine: if you don't count my new HMS sweatshirt ( :love: ), I've gotta go with my pink plaid flannel pj bottoms. When we get to school, you will know who I am by the fact that I never don't wear pink. Literally.

alpenglow

03-25-2006, 11:46 AM

med21

03-25-2006, 12:05 PM

Hey! Good to know about this thread. I will most likely be attending HMS next year in the New Pathway program. I'm deciding between Stanford and Harvard at the moment. I'm leaning toward the east coast school though!

dajimmers

03-25-2006, 12:13 PM

I admit, I skipped the ice-cream question. My favorite is Mackinac Island Fudge (you'll have to go to Northern Michigan to know), with bits of cookie dough and mashed strawberries added. Mmmmmmm....

I don't know if any of you saw this, but I found the HMS Class of 2009 (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=184920) thread; it's a beast at 10 pages long. I just started page 5, but figured some of you may want to see it. There's a ton of other "Harvard" threads if you use the search function (I chose to search for TITLES containing "Harvard" or "HMS" and excluded threads newer than 6 months).

So far it has been trying to find negatives in the curriculum, talking about housing, discussing the curriculum change we're going to face, etc.

Risa

03-25-2006, 03:55 PM

ooh, I wear pink, too! did you notice how much you stand out, too? maybe it was the fact that I wore a REALLY pink shirt with my suit on interview day...or the fact that I have, like three feet of white-blonde hair!

to partners in pink!
oh, and I can't have ice cream (that dairy allergy thing)...but I am a chef and can cook lots of other fabulous desserts...from back in the day of being able to eat B & Js...B&Js still wins, though!

To partners in pink! I wore pink on interview day too... I think kryptonite:Superman :: no pink:me... in any case, I liked standing out! And, I cordially invite you to cook fabulous desserts for me any time you want :D . Have you worked as a chef professionally? Either way, mmmm, I love good cookin'.

Dajimmers, nice footwork on the old threads. I'm definitely going to read through the Class of 09 one. I'm horribly inept at using the SDN search function, so, thank you!

And med21, welcome to the thread. Come to Harvard ;)

alpenglow

03-25-2006, 04:18 PM

To partners in pink! I wore pink on interview day too... I think kryptonite:Superman :: no pink:me... in any case, I liked standing out! And, I cordially invite you to cook fabulous desserts for me any time you want :D . Have you worked as a chef professionally? Either way, mmmm, I love good cookin'.

Dajimmers, nice footwork on the old threads. I'm definitely going to read through the Class of 09 one. I'm horribly inept at using the SDN search function, so, thank you!

And med21, welcome to the thread. Come to Harvard ;)

what a recruiter!

about the chef thing - yes, I'm actually doing it professionally right now via the realm of teaching for a college culinary arts program

Le Cordon Bleu was my year+ of school used as thinking time to decide whether I was really, truly dedicated to becoming a physician...and the skills that I gleaned from culinary school and my culinary internship have kept me paying the bills through undergrad without working at McDonald's :laugh:

Yalie05

03-25-2006, 09:13 PM

hey everyone!

congratulations on your acceptance! i'm a first year at hms and i think you all should come! i also went to yale and graduated in '05!

Risa

03-26-2006, 08:46 AM

hey everyone!

congratulations on your acceptance! i'm a first year at hms and i think you all should come! i also went to yale and graduated in '05!

Hi Yalie! I just finished reading the Class of 09 thread. Then I saw your name on here and was like oooooh I've heard of him/her! I feel like a celebrity is in our midst :)

And Alpenglow ooooooh Le Cordon Bleu! A pink-wearing bonafide chef... there is no way on the planet I won't like you. In fact I need to go tell my dog about you... we pronounce everything to him in fake french ('e eez a poodle) and "le cordon bleu" sounds like an opportunity I shouldn't pass up!

[edit: i think i should win some kind of prize for my superfluous use of "oooooh!" :rolleyes: ]

2009md2b

03-26-2006, 12:20 PM

re: off campus living

I'm a first year that started in Vandy and recently moved off. I think people spread out pretty well across Boston, Cambridge, and even the suburbs. I would say that one of the most popular spots is Coolidge Corner in Brookline at least for the second year class. I can't say if there is any one concentrated place that the first year class is settling. I think almost anyplace fine if you make it a point to come to all the LIFE events. A lot of the students here have spent a least a little time in Boston before coming and have an idea of where they want to live. If you want any specific advice, PM me.

alpenglow

03-26-2006, 12:39 PM

HMSNeuro

03-26-2006, 03:30 PM

notabiobot

03-26-2006, 03:53 PM

I just found this thread and wanted to say that I'll most likely be joining HST next year. Hope to see you all at second look!!

Mr.Bip

03-26-2006, 08:10 PM

I just found this thread and wanted to say that I'll most likely be joining HST next year. Hope to see you all at second look!!

Notabiobot, good to have you here. I wonder if we'll actually see each other after Second Look :) I do hear that HST and NP students are in their own universes ... is this true?

Also, if anyone cares: I've been edging closer and closer to deciding that HMS is where I'm going to be this fall. There are just too many reasons to be there. I feel like there are only a few definite HMS-bound people in this thread. How are the rest of you progressing in your decisions?

periodic

03-26-2006, 09:38 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm an HMS II and wanted to address some of the curricular questions, because I can guess it is causing more consternation than it's worth. I've gone to many of the curriculum reform meetings here and tried to keep informed.

The curriculum in the first two years is making important changes - tighter integration, some shifting around of material, and the requirement of a longitudinal course that covers aspects of the healthcare system, ethics, and medical anthropology. Additionally, you will probably be asked to pick an area of concentration, from three groups (basic science, clinical science, and medicine and society, which covers most other things like global health, health economics, bioethics, etc). Pretty much, anything you are interested in is fair game, as long as it has enough substance to let you produce a scholarly work (a "white paper" or more rigorous thesis, if you wish) by graduation. Some students were concerned that this would "force" them to choose a specialty early or take a 5th year, but the concentration/scholarly work is more about formally requiring students to gain experience in scholastic work related to medicine. Frankly, most students do this anyway, or something that could be easily adapted, without a formal requirement. A huge benefit will be engaging more of the many experts in the HMS system with mentoring and guiding students.

But overall, the preclinical courses will not change drastically enough to break anything that's been working before - it's still the same faculty leading the (largely) same courses. Instead, I think the new preclinical curriculum is more tightly designed, and you will benefit from the intense focus by faculty to review and revise it. For example, there will be a shortened pharmacology intro course, and then organ-system specific pharmacology sections will be integrated into their respective areas during 2nd year pathophys (ex: renal pharmacology during renal pathophys...whereas in the standalone 1st year pharmacology class, we spent half our time learning pathophys to understand the drug mechanisms).

Doing all the 3rd year clerkships at one hospital is meant to 1) give you more longitudinal patient exposure, and 2) give you closer supervision and mentorship, so faculty can help you progress over time. These are the "longitudinal pilot clerkships" at MGH, the Brigham, the BIDMC, and Cambridge Hospital. HMS's approach to assigning clerkships, including these, is to let you fill out preferences, and then hold a lottery. I can't see this changing, and it seems fair. There will always be people unhappy with the result of a random selection, but everyone I know who didn't get their first choice for a clerkship program ended up fine with it. Numerically, evaluations for clerkships don't vary that much across HMS hospitals, in general, and you will be impressed by the faculty and different aspects of all of these hospitals. And, when it comes down to it, your Dean's letter for residency doesn't even mention where you did your 3rd year rotations, just that you were in the Harvard system.

Anyway, I hope to see you all here! Ask questions, but go with your gut and pick a place where you see yourself being happy and successful. These types of decisions will continue forever.

Best of luck!

Mr.Bip

03-27-2006, 05:37 AM

Hey everyone,

I'm an HMS II and wanted to address some of the curricular questions, because I can guess it is causing more consternation than it's worth. I've gone to many of the curriculum reform meetings here and tried to keep informed.
...

Best of luck!

periodic -

Thanks so much for the information! That was a great post. A question: which clinical option are you doing for your third year and why?

alpenglow

03-27-2006, 07:30 PM

Notabiobot, good to have you here. I wonder if we'll actually see each other after Second Look :) I do hear that HST and NP students are in their own universes ... is this true?

Also, if anyone cares: I've been edging closer and closer to deciding that HMS is where I'm going to be this fall. There are just too many reasons to be there. I feel like there are only a few definite HMS-bound people in this thread. How are the rest of you progressing in your decisions?

if we were racing...we'd be tied

I think that I remember a post of yours somewhere that mentioned something like "for every one good thing I hear about UCSF, I hear two about HMS"

it's beginning to look undeniable - I will let the accepted student weekend be my feeling indicator

ps - good to see you here, Notabiobot!

alpenglow

03-27-2006, 07:33 PM

periodic -

Thanks so much for the information! That was a great post. A question: which clinical option are you doing for your third year and why?

I second the thanks and the inquiry

periodic

03-27-2006, 09:22 PM

I second the thanks and the inquiry

I am doing one of the longitudinal pilots next year. I'm more interested in seeing one hospital in depth across departments and having some extra faculty attention. The comfort and familiarity associated with one place will be nice too. Some people preferred to see multiple hospitals, and thus, decided not to do one of the pilots. The number of Harvard hospitals is one its cited strengths, after all.

Your class will all be in the longitudinal 3rd year, though, and these pilots will no longer be "pilots". I think that, like the preclinical years, the reform process itself will create a stronger learning environment, since faculty and students will be more attuned to education and improving it in myriad ways. Making sure everything is in place for your class is a major focus of HMS faculty involved in the curriculum right now. Don't be fooled though, getting to this point and deciding what to and not to do was a complex, and sometimes political, process.

In the end, though, I'd caution against placing too much weight on curriculum reform one way or another. We have our way of doing things, Duke has theirs, UCSF has theirs, etc...etc. They all work pretty well, mostly because they have good students and good faculty. That's not going to change soon.

Kimka83

03-27-2006, 10:26 PM

Risa

03-28-2006, 07:47 AM

Hey guys, has anyone received a confirmation that your "statement of intent to matriculate/acceptance of the acceptance" form has arrived? I have decided on Harvard . . . and I don't want to mess this up! I am just a tad bit neurotic that it got lost in the mail and they will give away my spot! :(
Okay, I am nuts. But seriously, did anyone get a confirmation?

Hooray for deciding on Harvard! No confirmation here... I didn't even think to be neurotic about it! But I'd say if we all continue not to get one, then the likelihood of ALL our mail being lost is low :) .

Periodic, thanks for coming in to check on us. Everything you've said has been really helpful!

Notabiobot, welcome to the thread.

And Mr Bip and Alpenglow, you're leaning our way! That is most excellent.

I just got back to school from spring break, and am feeling less motivated than ever. I definitely already had senioritis, but now that I know where I'm headed in the fall it's pretty much quadrupled. And it's not even like I'm taking hard classes...

blah7

03-28-2006, 10:55 AM

Kimka83

03-28-2006, 07:37 PM

sirpado

03-28-2006, 07:53 PM

Current HMS students, could you tell us a little about living in Vandy? Some of the pros/cons, what daily life is like there. Are people social? How about your rooms, size, what can you fit in there? Any stories about what it is like to live there would be appreciated!

car or no car? I don't know the area at all so unsure about practicality of bringing auto.

alpenglow

03-28-2006, 08:00 PM

I read this forum every day, so I figured I'd post and say hi! I really really want to go to HMS next year.. and I'll definitely be at revisit weekend. I just have to decide whether turning down a full ride somewhere else is worth it :confused:

Welcome! Or, I should say, thanks for joining the forum :)

Do you have any idea what your HMS finaid package will be like? I noticed the trend (albeit a small sample size) that underrepresented minority and/or immigrants get AMAZING finaid if they apply and inquire. I, not being either of those, but do swing toward the poor/disadvantaged segment. I think that I will get fairly good financial aid from HMS based upon preliminary calculations. Enough, anyway, that the loans that I'll have to take out will not amount to enough for someone becoming a physician to forgo a school of their dreams for. Point is, I would figure out what you'll get finaid-wise, and go to the 2nd look weekend(s) before making a final decision - you definitely have a tough one!

alpenglow

03-28-2006, 08:04 PM

Current HMS students, could you tell us a little about living in Vandy? Some of the pros/cons, what daily life is like there. Are people social? How about your rooms, size, what can you fit in there? Any stories about what it is like to live there would be appreciated!

we're all ears! I've never lived in any dorm before, so please use this as an excuse to rant about the things that no one else wants to hear, or that you are too smooth to say in an un-anonymous situation :thumbup: :thumbdown :confused:

dajimmers

03-28-2006, 08:56 PM

we're all ears! I've never lived in any dorm before, so please use this as an excuse to rant about the things that no one else wants to hear, or that you are too smooth to say in an un-anonymous situation :thumbup: :thumbdown :confused:
Well then it seems you NEED to stay in Vandy next year. First, any self-proclaimed college grad by definition has some dorm experience. Luckily, your decision to enter med school, and a med school w/ a dorm nonetheless, allows you to rectify this mistake. Secondly, how do you plan to relate to your poor 19-yr old patients living in dorms if you've never done it yourself? If you want to be a good doctor, you'll live in Vandy.

:meanie:

alpenglow

03-28-2006, 10:39 PM

Well then it seems you NEED to stay in Vandy next year. First, any self-proclaimed college grad by definition has some dorm experience. Luckily, your decision to enter med school, and a med school w/ a dorm nonetheless, allows you to rectify this mistake. Secondly, how do you plan to relate to your poor 19-yr old patients living in dorms if you've never done it yourself? If you want to be a good doctor, you'll live in Vandy.

:meanie:

:laugh: are you trying to better serve the ailing 19 year-old sect of society...or, are you trying to out the off-campus apartment "competition"? ;)

actually, I probably will, since the extent of experience that I have in Boston, or the entire East Coast for that matter, occurred during my HMS interview!

besides, one of you fine folks may be roommate potential when second year rolls around - who can resist living with their own chef ;)

dajimmers

03-29-2006, 06:13 PM

No way this thread is allowed to go a whole day without a post! We're not that boring, are we? ;)

Umm, in pretty much useless news, HMS seems to be at the top of the USNews rankings again...

alpenglow

03-29-2006, 06:24 PM

No way this thread is allowed to go a whole day without a post! We're not that boring, are we? ;)

Umm, in pretty much useless news, HMS seems to be at the top of the USNews rankings again...

yeah - I hate when the only news is that your school is #1 - again! we need to start a support group :D

as for boring, or slightly ADD, I am checking out the un-posts of the day before heading out to dance my night away...anyone else like electronic music? boston has a great music scene, though I still give the points to the sf bay area...

I have lots of random interests (i.e. outlets) outside of medicine - what do you all do for fun? besides dancing, I am a dinner party (cooking of all sorts), running (distance), hiking, snowboarding, reading (news, literature, non-fiction), playing outside, playing music (violin) politically-intrigued person...and more

Risa

03-29-2006, 06:51 PM

Man oh man, I am waaay behind the times on posting here! Sorry guys, I should be ashamed of myself :( .

Random interests, eh? Hmm, well, as far as dancing goes, I took lindy hop lessons for a while last year. It's SO fun, and although I've stopped for the time being I'm definitely hoping to pick it back up next year. Y'all should come with me :) . I have to admit that I've always had kind of a hard time dancing to electronic... I prefer hip hop for the club scene. As far as just plain listening goes, I love jazz singers and show tunes!

I loooove dinner parties... we have them at home on a regular basis! My mom is in charge, but I'm her sous-chef (you have no idea how hard a time I just had figuring out how to spell that :p ). So alpenglow, if you want a right-hand woman to wash and chop things, I'm your gal. I also aspire to actually know what I'm talking about re: wine, but I'm not there yet.

I also like reading (mainly fiction), movies (both good-good and bad-good ones), SURVIVOR (!!!), knitting, bingo ( :o ), playing of all sorts (from board games to cards to outside to just goofing around), swimming, and most things that qualify as an adventure... although preferably not involving bugs (ew!).

Oh and, hi to blah7... welcome to the thread!!!

dajimmers

03-29-2006, 07:31 PM

Downhill skiing (also know how to snowboard, but skiing’s where its at :D ). Not a fan of racing, but backcountry, straightlining, jumps in the park, tree skiing are all good. Been out west a few times, never to the East yet, though (and do yourselves a favor, coastal people, and avoid skiing in the Midwest at all costs). Also enjoy x-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice-skating, and other winter activities.

Amateur photograph and photo/video editing. But I’m way behind, tons of pictures and video from my study abroad and wedding to edit, name, categorize, print, etc.

I like reading fiction, and article-style nonfiction. Anything I can understand in a journal is often interesting to me. Movies are fun, and a few TV shows (Scrubs, House, Law and Order, CSI, Lilo and Stitch: The Series).

Sporadic interests (if I have the time): biking (mostly x-country mtb, but street works too), jogging, tennis, and soccer.

blah7

03-30-2006, 08:45 AM

dajimmers

03-30-2006, 02:34 PM

Does anyone have info on the revisit weekend? i'm trying to book a flight and i know that the dates are Thursday May 4- Saturday May 6, but has anyone asked about approximate times we should be arriving? Thanks!
I just got an email on it, you should have too. I'm going to ask them a few questions, though:

1. I doubt I'll be able to make it (graduating that weekend), but I wondered if they'd be willing to put some of the amphitheater discussions online (since that's where they tape lectures anyways). No idea if this is feasible, but worth checking I suppose.

2. They didn't mention anything about if we could bring significant others, where we could stay if we came as a couple, and what my s/o would be allowed to attend.

3. If an alternative revisit date can be set up with a few of the same opportunities to talk with students, sit in a tutorial session, etc.

alpenglow

03-30-2006, 04:59 PM

It's official - got my plane tix for the weekend; so, I'll be the brave one...or the stu**d one...to post a couple pictures (hope the thumbnails work). Please post one (or more) of yourselves so that we can meet in person! Or, if posting pics on the internet is not your thing, please find me and say "hi." I'm easy to find in a crowd.

For Risa, there is a cooking pic ;-)
The other is just a snazzy dressed up pic from a recent bday outting for a friend

hope to see some pics, and see you in person, soon!

[edit: teeny tiny pics removed, PM me with your email address and I'll send you ones you can actually see!]

alpenglow

03-30-2006, 05:01 PM

So, I'll be the brave one...or the stu**d one...to post a couple pictures (hope the thumbnails work). Please post one (or more) of yourselves so that we can meet in person! Or, if posting pics on the internet is not your thing, please find me and say "hi." I'm easy to find in a crowd.

For Risa, there is a cooking pic ;-)
The other is just a snazzy dressed up pic from a recent bday outting for a friend

hope to see some pics, and see you in person, soon!

sorry, guess the thumbnail thing didn't work so well...
the pics' file sizes are too big to do much else...I'm open to suggestions :o

to find me: I have waist-length white blonde hair - that'll probably out me without further description :)

Risa

03-30-2006, 07:20 PM

sorry, guess the thumbnail thing didn't work so well...
the pics' file sizes are too big to do much else...I'm open to suggestions :o

to find me: I have waist-length white blonde hair - that'll probably out me without further description :)

haha those suckers are like 3 pixels by 3 pixels!

nice try though.

i'll pm you a couple of me... anyone else who wants 'em just let me know :)

alpenglow

03-30-2006, 09:42 PM

haha those suckers are like 3 pixels by 3 pixels!

nice try though.

i'll pm you a couple of me... anyone else who wants 'em just let me know :)

ditto that :laugh:

Kimka83

03-31-2006, 01:13 PM

I just bought my second look tickets, so I will hopefully see you all there!

Mr.Bip

03-31-2006, 04:03 PM

Kimka83

03-31-2006, 04:13 PM

Another one of my fabulous questions for the lovely potential HMS '10 community (which I believe consists mainly of me, Kimka, Alpenglow, Dajimmers, and Risa): finding off-campus housing and roommates - how does one go about this? I don't know any close friends going to HMS this year, but I don't really want to live in a 1 BR apartment by myself ...

As for random interests: I'm a pretty hardcore classical musician (oboist). I love (almost) all things musical :) I'm also a compulsive reader - I love literature, science fiction, non-fiction, just about anything good. I'm the kind of person who subscribes impulsively to magazines and spends half his free time reading news and commentary on the web. Really random stuff: I love entomology, Chinese (taking Mandarin right now!), Wikipedia (have edited some articles), roadtripping, hiking ... Plus, I'm a foodie.

I also call dibs on alpenglow's first dinner party ;) I'll bring a bottle of nice wine.

Mr. Bip, are you planning to go to revisit weekend? That might be a good place to find potential roommates. I think I have caved in and decided to live in Vandy, at least for a semester. I also don't really know anyone in the the HMS/Boston area, and I think living in Vandy will help me adjust. I had a nice long talk with my mother pretty much begging her to take my cats.
As for random personal info: I am a HUGE theatre fan. I love all things technical theatre, lighting, design, and especially stagemanagement. Theatre is probably the biggest part of my life at the moment, soon to be replaced with medical school surely. That being said, I am the world's most horrible actress. Seriously. If there was an award for being a terrible actor, I would have it. I also really love good literature, am a huge Ayn Rand fan, and I love pets, museums, and trying new things! I recently found an ice-skating rink near my college and proceeded to make an absolute fool out of myself. The little kids there put me to shame!
I am glad we are getting to chat on here a little. It will be nice to know some of my classmates before I get there. As a southern, state school kid, I am a little intimidated by you guys. I am glad you are nice!!!!!

2009md2b

03-31-2006, 07:33 PM

I'll try to belatedly answer some of the questions here.

1. Vandy pro/cons
Pro: So incredibly close to class, easy to attend LIFE events, close neighbors facilitates meeting people, on the cheaper (but not cheapest) end of Boston living, you don't have multiple utility bills to pay, bigger singles than my undergrad dorms
Cons: people steal food, its dorm room, you can go a week without ever leaving Longwood, no cable, no wireless, get packages late, hard to cook for yourself

2. Sorry, not revealing my address on an internet forum!

3. Finding roommates. Well, I met mine once I got in Boston, so that's not too much help. Try looking at the Trading Post, but my sense is those are mostly temporary living situations or older resident-type posting. You might try meeting people at revisit that you like and inquiring if they want to live off-campus with you. To actually find a place, I highly suggest looking at http://boston.craigslist.com Rent per roommate can range from $500 to $1200 depending on your location/quality/#roommates, etc.

4. No car! For sure! Its really expensive to keep a car in Boston (~$200/month for a space) and highly unnecessary. Living off campus, I have an unlimited T pass for $40/month but you can spend even less on transportation living in Vandy. If you are absolutely bound to your car, you will probably have to live in the more suburban areas or get ready to shell out. But, seriously, there is no need for it!

Also I highly suggest going to revisit. Keep the questions coming but a lot of them will be answered then.

Risa

04-01-2006, 05:43 PM

Everybody's interests sound like a lot of fun. If we SDNers are at all representative, I think our class is going to be pretty amazing. In this thread alone we have a chef, a theater person, a musician, .... me :rolleyes:

md20092b, thanks for the info. I'm definitely getting very excited about second look weekend... why oh why is it so long from now!

Anyone do anything fun this weekend? I saw Ice Age 2... gotta love that poor acorn-seeking squirrel! He is so determined... keep on keepin' on, little guy. And my school had an all-seniors party which was "come as you aren't" so I got to dress up as a guy. Add all that to GORGEOUS first-days-of-spring weather, and it's been a good time.

aumed22

04-02-2006, 06:39 PM

I figured I would give a shout out to my potential classmates next year. As of now, I'm about 98.7% sure I'll be at Harvard with y'all come fall. I'm also pretty sure that I'll be in Vandy too. I'm pretty pumped and looking forward to the second look weekend. If any of y'all are from Boston, can you give me an estimate as to what the weather should be in early May? Anyways, from reading your posts all of you sound way cool, and I'm sure we're going to have a great time next year. Hopefully, I'll meet y'all soon.

Indryd

04-02-2006, 06:43 PM

alpenglow

04-02-2006, 06:47 PM

Risa

04-02-2006, 08:20 PM

come on folks...go with my gut (it's HUGE)!

haha that is probably the best argument i've ever heard. indryd, i remember how in love you were with hopkins from my very earliest days using sdn. i think you're going to really love it there! but hey, you can still pretend you're interested in harvard and hang out with us here for the time being (man, if the hopkins thread is a ghosttown compared to this it must be REALLY slow... :eek: ). i won't tell.

aumed, welcome to the thread! 98.7% seems like pretty good odds to me... where's the other 1.3% of you considering? by the way, you're behind the times... you have to tell us what your favorite ice cream flavor is! this is key :) .

alpenglow

04-02-2006, 08:51 PM

Sigh...I know some of y'all got in at JHU. Come to Baltimore with me!

...I don't know why I'm choosing Hopkins over Harvard, just a gut feeling, I guess...come on folks...go with my gut (it's HUGE)!

Problem is, the Hopkins thread is like a ghost-town. All you I know from here are choosing Harvard...am I just nuts, or what?

See you round!

...go with the gut...but my HMS interviewer didn't have the greatest opinion of JHU, to put it mildly...neither has any other friendly, personable people that I've met...hope that isn't your experience there...you should just come to HMS and not worry about it! J/K - you HAVE to trust your gut - there's no other way when you're making this kind of decision. Good luck! :luck:

aumed22

04-02-2006, 09:37 PM

I feel for you Indryd, my other 1.3% is on JHU, but the more I think about it, the more I think my gut feeling is for HMS. As for ice cream, I think you can't go wrong with a good batch of cookies and cream. I think it's that perfect balance between chocolate and vanilla.

hehaha

04-02-2006, 09:52 PM

Hi everyone...just found this thread (thanx to risa). Just want to drop by =D...i'll be going to 2nd look weekend. Still need to book my tickets

Risa

04-03-2006, 08:09 AM

Hi everyone...just found this thread (thanx to risa). Just want to drop by =D...i'll be going to 2nd look weekend. Still need to book my tickets

Welcome to the thread!

med21

04-03-2006, 10:48 AM

Hey all,

Just bought my tickets for Revisit. I'll see all of you there!

notabiobot

04-03-2006, 01:01 PM

Kimka83

04-03-2006, 05:44 PM

I've posted on this thread before, but just so Risa doesn't feel like it's becoming a ghosttown I'll ask some questions. :)

What are you guys wearing to second look? How many of you will be joining HST next year?
For second look, certainly NOT my suit. I have some gray pants, maybe a casual skirt.

P.S. - Future classmates, do you use facebook? PM me if you want to be facebook friends!

Kimka83

04-03-2006, 06:27 PM

One more thing . . . is anyone bringing any family members of SOs to revisit weekend? Can we do that?

alpenglow

04-03-2006, 06:59 PM

I'm also on the "pants, nice-casual" boat for second look. I don't have facebook, but will still be your friend :)

I will be attending alone - no family, no significant others. I will get to see a couple close friends while I'm in Boston, though! Reeaalllyy excited about that!

aumed22

04-03-2006, 08:28 PM

I need to get on the ball. I still haven't booked my tickets yet. Since the second look weekend is right in the middle of my finals week, I'm not bringing my girlfriend. She's been to Boston before though. I think I'll probably be wearing jeans/slacks and some collared shirts, I guess. To be honest, I haven't even thought about it. I'll catch up after my next test.

Mr.Bip

04-04-2006, 08:01 AM

For the sake of keeping discussion alive, I'll think out loud to everyone in this forum.

Vanderbilt vs. Off-campus

Vandy - Pros: Easier to meet people/socialize, close to campus, cheap(er), gym; Cons: HMS overload?, small rooms, difficult/annoying to cook, return to dorm life, have to throw away/sell current furniture

Off-campus - Pros: Independence, can learn different neighborhoods of Boston, can use my own furniture, can get away from school if I need to; Cons: Only have Aug 8th-20th or so to find apartment, roommate(s)???, more expensive, more isolated socially

OK, my thoughts. Yours?

hehaha

04-04-2006, 09:24 AM

Risa

04-04-2006, 10:59 AM

Wow, look at all this thread activity! You go, guys.

Second look attire... did the email they sent us mention anything about it? I don't think it's a big deal either way... I'll probably do something on the casual end of business casual. Skirts if it's nice out... come ON sunshine! And yeah, I'll be attending alone.

As for Vandy, I think Mr. Bip did a good job of covering the basic pros and cons. I'm gonna at least start out living there... the convenience is big for me, as is the ease of meeting/hanging out with people. And I'm bound and determined to make use of the gym. It'll definitely be really weird at first to be back in a dorm (right now I'm in an apartment where I do all my own cooking and have a queen-sized bed and a walk-in closet. I'm gonna miss that closet SO much :rolleyes: ). But I think it'll be a pretty quick adjustment.

Oh, and like Kimka said, facebook me! She and I are already friends on there... you know you all want to get in on it. :D

Aumed, good luck on your test!

huknows00

04-04-2006, 11:49 AM

It's nice of Risa to organize this nice thread. Now I can talk to my future classmates online before I get hurded into the classroom and never see y'all again (I'm HST).

So what's this "intro to the profession" course thing about? Does anyone know when that starts and what kind of activities are planned?

For current students: if you live in Vanderbilt, what are the dining options? what do people usually eat around there?

notabiobot

04-04-2006, 05:10 PM

I don't think the email included anything about attire...so I'll probably dress on the casual side (like everyone else seems to be doing).

I'll most likely be living in Vandy next year, and won't really mind dorm life since I lived in the dorms for most of college. Plus, this will be a good way to stay in touch will all you NP people!

Looking forward to meeting all of you.

dajimmers

04-04-2006, 08:45 PM

alpenglow

04-04-2006, 09:48 PM

Wow, I didn't know anything about this new bill for health insurance in Massachusetts: NYTimes article (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/04/us/04cnd-mass.html?ex=1144814400&en=7dc11ea55cf4c6ff&ei=5009&partner=MSN_HEALTH).

Boston (or elsewhere in Massachusetts) people, what do you think of this?

Physician for National Health Care, Physicians for Human Rights, and sooo much more! I think my social medicine-focused self is pretty much convinced where I'm going in the fall! Can't wait to finish reading that article.

I am dying (ok, not really) not to live in the dorms, but my budget does not include deposits on top of the cost of moving 3,000 miles :(

At least there will be some good folks in Vandy. If you get at apartment, Mr. Bip, can we do the dinner party @ your place...I'll cook...or we can have a cooking class party...sushi...thai food...desserts...whatever :)

aumed22

04-05-2006, 08:29 PM

Mr.Bip

04-05-2006, 08:54 PM

Hey guys, quick question. Have any of y'all received the housing application for Vandy yet? I don't think I would have missed it, but it crossed my mind today and I want to be sure. Thanks for the help, I hope you guys are having more fun than I am at the moment.

Not to worry, we definitely haven't received it yet. I doubt they send it out until after May 15th when people have committed.

Alpenglow - if I get an apartment (75% likely), you can have free reign in the kitchen :)

superZ4040

04-05-2006, 11:06 PM

Any Jewish students want to check out Shabbat dinner at Hillel with me during second look weekend?

alpenglow

04-06-2006, 12:02 AM

Any Jewish students want to check out Shabbat dinner at Hillel with me during second look weekend?

are you an accepted student?

someone trying to help Jewish students feel at home?

whatever the case - welcome!

Mr. Bip - thank you for the kitchen therapy! I'll need it in the dorms!
I am excited to have gym(s) in the building, though ;-)

alpenglow

04-06-2006, 01:28 AM

Wow, I didn't know anything about this new bill for health insurance in Massachusetts: NYTimes article (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/04/us/04cnd-mass.html?ex=1144814400&en=7dc11ea55cf4c6ff&ei=5009&partner=MSN_HEALTH).

Boston (or elsewhere in Massachusetts) people, what do you think of this?

OK - I read it...then found this

Steffie Woolhandler, M.D., M.P.H. and David Himmelstein, M.D.,
Associate
Professors at Harvard Medical School, provide their response to the
Massachusetts health reform bill at the following link:

Massachusetts Health Reform Bill: A False Promise of Universal
Coverage:
http://www.pnhp.org/news/2006/april/massachusetts_health.php

hehaha

04-06-2006, 10:32 AM

hi,

I'm trying to send a AP score report for math requirement to the admissions office. Admissions gave me a code (4238) but AP says it's invalid. I called admissions back and they said it is the right code. Then, I called AP back and they said it is definitely invalid (is that too confusing?)

Has anyone send their AP reports yet? Can someone give me some advice on this? :o

Lilmspiano

04-06-2006, 01:30 PM

Hey guys,
I'm an HMS II (hoping that my best friend will join your class!) -- I just wanted to make sure you knew that 2nd look is totally casual - I wore ratty jean skirts and tank tops. It's super chill. Make sure to bring stuff to go out in at night, though!
For the person wondering about Hillel -- Friday night dinners are awesome (I was an undergrad here) and you can take the M2 shuttle right across to Cambridge from the med school.

alpenglow

04-06-2006, 01:34 PM

superZ4040

04-06-2006, 06:24 PM

are you an accepted student?

someone trying to help Jewish students feel at home?

whatever the case - welcome!

Mr. Bip - thank you for the kitchen therapy! I'll need it in the dorms!
I am excited to have gym(s) in the building, though ;-)

I'm an accepted student trying to make myself feel at home. :) I saw some info about the Friday night dinners on the HMS Maimonides Society website.

2009md2b

04-06-2006, 07:20 PM

alpenglow

04-07-2006, 04:53 PM

Revisit clarifications (from a darn close source!):

The weekend is arranged to gradually become more casual. Although you can wear anything, I would bring nicer clothes for the first part (faculty banquet) and more casual clothes for society olympics, saturday activities, etc. Email your revisit coordinators with any additional questions.

If you are a Jewish student, I know the Jewish organization would like to organize a Shabbat. Please email the revisit coordinators if possible.

Thanks!

OK - so nice tank tops to start with, and THEN casual ones - got it :laugh:

Thank you for the packing help!

Really, I'm posting to bring this thread back from the abyss...

Mr. Bip - so, your last few posts (and mine) sound pretty set on HMS. Is that correct? I am getting ready for the revisit weekend at UCSF, but it feels half-hearted. At the very least, I looovvveee SF and will see some great friends at the end of my long car ride.

OK - babbler out - Happy Friday everyone!

Kimka83

04-07-2006, 07:29 PM

Hey all, I just wanted to say sorry for my long absence. I defended my undergraduate honors thesis today, and I am finally done!

Mr.Bip

04-07-2006, 10:32 PM

Mr. Bip - so, your last few posts (and mine) sound pretty set on HMS. Is that correct? I am getting ready for the revisit weekend at UCSF, but it feels half-hearted. At the very least, I looovvveee SF and will see some great friends at the end of my long car ride.

Alpenglow - how perceptive of you. I'm not lucky enough to have the choice to go to UCSF at the moment, so I'm just assuming I'm going to HMS. I sent UCSF a letter of interest last week, but I pulled back from completely committing myself to them. Let's see what happens?

And Kimka - congrats! now you can relax :)

dajimmers

04-08-2006, 12:08 AM

Hey all, I just wanted to say sorry for my long absence. I defended my undergraduate honors thesis today, and I am finally done!
Congrats! I didn't know people had to defend undergrad theses, that's crazy! Enjoy the rest of your senior year!

I'm trying to decide for sure when I want to revisit HMS (my graduation AND my wife's graduation AND her birthday are during the scheduled revisit). I've found out I can schedule a personalized revisit any time I want, but I really want to meet some perspective 2010 students, attend the planned events (especially curriculum reform), etc. Depending on how things work out with my wife, I may be revisiting Weds, Thurs, Fri (fly back Friday night) during the revisit time, so I can see the Friday things. I'd miss some graduation events, but there are more planned on Saturday. I hope to have decided by the end of the weekend, but if any of you have any advice, feel free to suggest something!

alpenglow

04-08-2006, 01:45 AM

Alpenglow - how perceptive of you. I'm not lucky enough to have the choice to go to UCSF at the moment, so I'm just assuming I'm going to HMS. I sent UCSF a letter of interest last week, but I pulled back from completely committing myself to them. Let's see what happens?

Oh! I've done it again!

I am so incredibly sorry for my ignorantly rude comment; I had absolutely no intention of offending you or rubbing anything in. I am pretty sure about HMS because of my specific interests, but just want to make sure that everything feels right. I will most likely be increasing your odds of having the opportunity to chose between the two as well. I am glad that you've sent you letter, and that you found a way to show interest without absolute commitment. I guess that you just seemed so personable and talented when we spoke that I felt somehow you would eventually be in a position to choose, and thus took the tone of your comments to mean that your choice was leaning in the direction of HMS. Again, I truly did not mean to make an offensive, hurtful or rude comment. I'm really sorry.

Enjoy your weekend,
m

Mr.Bip

04-08-2006, 01:52 PM

Oh! I've done it again!

Alpenglow - Reading my comment again, I see how it could have come off as sarcastic and a little bitter, but I didn't mean it that way at all! You have nothing to apologize for.

The fact that I got waitlisted at any school is not a particularly sensitive issue to me - I'm happy and super lucky I got into my first choice (HMS), and my other tied-for-first choice (UCSF) might come up as a real option after May 15th. What I should have said to you is that at this point, I think that even if I got into UCSF, I would still be leaning heavily toward HMS.

I hope you enjoy the UCSF revisit weekend - I still really want to hear about it! If you have a random free afternoon that weekend, you should go to the Scharffen-Berger (http://www.scharffenberger.com/factory.asp) chocolate factory in Berkeley and take their tour - it's the greatest.

paradisedoc

04-08-2006, 04:02 PM

Alpenglow - Reading my comment again, I see how it could have come off as sarcastic and a little bitter, but I didn't mean it that way at all! You have nothing to apologize for.

The fact that I got waitlisted at any school is not a particularly sensitive issue to me - I'm happy and super lucky I got into my first choice (HMS), and my other tied-for-first choice (UCSF) might come up as a real option after May 15th. What I should have said to you is that at this point, I think that even if I got into UCSF, I would still be leaning heavily toward HMS.

I hope you enjoy the UCSF revisit weekend - I still really want to hear about it! If you have a random free afternoon that weekend, you should go to the Scharffen-Berger (http://www.scharffenberger.com/factory.asp) chocolate factory in Berkeley and take their tour - it's the greatest.
Mr. Bip:
I am a little concerned for you re the LOI for UCSF. My understanding is that if they accept you and you say, thanks but no thanks, that could jeopardize your other admission (to HMS). You may want to make certain by talking to your premed advisor about this, just to be careful. Good luck.

Mr.Bip

04-08-2006, 10:14 PM

Mr. Bip:
I am a little concerned for you re the LOI for UCSF. My understanding is that if they accept you and you say, thanks but no thanks, that could jeopardize your other admission (to HMS). You may want to make certain by talking to your premed advisor about this, just to be careful. Good luck.

Paradisedoc - thanks for your concern. I sent UCSF a very carefully worded letter that showed my genuine interest in the school, not a concrete committment to matriculate if they accept me. I was worried about the same situation you are, so I made sure to not tell UCSF that they were my unambiguous "first choice."

Rebs

04-09-2006, 03:42 AM

Paradisedoc - thanks for your concern. I sent UCSF a very carefully worded letter that showed my genuine interest in the school, not a concrete committment to matriculate if they accept me. I was worried about the same situation you are, so I made sure to not tell UCSF that they were my unambiguous "first choice."

If you're not going to UCSF then you should tell them so I can get off this stupid "high priority list." Chances are most of you are going to HMS, so help a brother out by letting a native Californian make it happen. Gracias.

ChocolateKiss

04-09-2006, 08:13 AM

If you're not going to UCSF then you should tell them so I can get off this stupid "high priority list." Chances are most of you are going to HMS, so help a brother out by letting a native Californian make it happen. Gracias.

On that note, if you're also in at Yale or on their waitlist, I beg you to withdraw!
Good luck at HMS.

Mr.Bip

04-09-2006, 10:57 AM

alpenglow

04-09-2006, 02:32 PM

Hi everyone - I'd like to keep this thread on the topic of HMS 2010 stuff, not my decision about where to go to school. It's been an emotionally charged and very difficult situation for me for several reasons that have nothing to do with this thread.

Also, my decision to stay on or leave a waitlist will have such negligible impact on anyone else's medical school success that it isn't even worth mentioning. For all you know, I may end up being ranked below any hope of getting in. I appreciate the advice, but please PM me if you have something you'd like to tell me.

Complete change of topic: has anyone gotten in touch with their interviewers since being accepted? I'd like to, but I'm not sure if it's something we shouldn't do. What do you guys think?

Thanks for bringing us back to center and pointing out the obvious. I'll help ;)

I think that it is more than acceptable to get in touch with your interviewers. One of my interviewers, the student, gave me his email during the interview - we are interested in most of the same areas of medicine, from similar areas of the country, etc. He genuinely wants to hear from me, I think. The other interviewer gave me his card in case I wanted to reach him after acceptance. The stipulation was that we shouldn't contact our interviewers again before being accepted, because it might sway their decision. I think any that you hit it off with enough to want to speak with would welcome being contacted.

dajimmers

04-10-2006, 10:51 AM

alpenglow

04-10-2006, 12:24 PM

Got my finaid package from HMS today. I submitted all the needed info the Monday after receiving the acceptance, and my FAFSA was out in early February.

I'm actually pretty happy with the award. Too bad my EFC is going to go up next year (my wife will have a job), and the year after (my sister will be out of school). Still, though, at least I know HMS is still an option for me!

I've got to look up some info on the Perkins Loan and HMS Revolving loan now, no idea what types of interest rates these have...

when you say that you submitted all needed info, does that mean the online forms, or does that include all tax/W2 forms?

when you check out the interest rates, remember that stafford loan, and all loan interest rates in general, are going up

sooo...did you decide about the revisit weekend? (you said monday was your deadline ;-)

thanks for the info on the finaid package!

dajimmers

04-10-2006, 12:40 PM

Here, this makes it easier: Form, followed by date HMS received (or at least acknowledged) it. Copied and pasted from my HMS Finaid site:

Free Application For Federal Student Aid Received 3/17/2006
CSS Financial Aid Profile Received 3/23/2006
Parent Federal Tax Return Received 3/27/2006
HMS Financial Aid Application Received 3/18/2006
Student/Spouse Federal Tax Returns Received 3/27/2006

No, I unfortunately haven't fully decided when I'm revisiting yet. Still looking at what alternative dates would work for me, and trying to get in contact with people I want to meet with to see when they'd be available. And looking at flight costs... I'll know soon, though, I promise!

EDIT: By the way, my finaid award is available online. Yours may be too. Check it! (https://medweb.med.harvard.edu/finaidapp/logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2ffinaidapp%2fPgHome.aspx)

Risa

04-10-2006, 01:14 PM

Hi everyone!

I've returned from my loooong leave of absence. And so many things happened... attire for second look was discussed (yay casual). SuperZ made a first appearance (what's your favorite ice cream flavor??). Kimka finished her thesis (congrats!). Bip and Alpenglow almost accidentally had a fight. The thread got derailed into the kind of business that makes me want to renounce SDN for all eternity... but only for a moment before Mr. Bip gave it a swift kick back onto track (phew!). Dajimmers got his financial aid (so did I). What a whirlwind!

I went home for the weekend and am now feeling bummed to be back at school. Luckily, I'm going back on Thursday for my brother's 17th birthday. I'm excited to play with his present (which I'd better not name on here in case he's stalking me, but it rhymes with "damecube")!

So it looks like I've yet to say anything substantive in this post... and I'm gonna keep it that way! Ha!

dajimmers

04-11-2006, 03:03 PM

Finally decided: I'll be at second-look, kinda. My wife and I are flying in Tuesday night, we'll see Boston, work options for her, and schedule some HMS meetings for me on Weds-Thurs, and then we'll be at the HMS second-look things Thursday night and Friday until lunch. We'll be flying out before the olympics, in order to get back for graduation/birthday dinner with our parents in Michigan. Works out well for the both of us in the end.

Hope I get to meet you all there! Now I've got to get my finals and essays done early though, so back to work!

Risa

04-11-2006, 04:10 PM

alpenglow

04-12-2006, 10:13 AM

alpenglow

04-12-2006, 10:15 AM

I, too, am glad to have the chance to meet you and your wife, dajimmers! What do we have to do to show you we're as friendly as the Mich. people? Hey, I'm was born Midwesterner! I've definitely switched to a Californian @ heart thought...a Northern California, NOT a Southern Californian! No offense to the SCs, but it ain't my thing...'cept the sunshine and beautiful warm waters :love: surfing is not as much fun in a dry suit as a swim suit!

PS - No, I am not a Californian @ heart because I go surfing all the time...I actually am a terrible swimmer, so it's almost always too dangerous for me to go on the North Coast...hiking and running instead :D

superZ4040

04-12-2006, 01:23 PM

For those of you that got your financial aid package: what is the unit loan for class? Also, does the package come with housing information?

dajimmers

04-13-2006, 09:20 AM

For those of you that got your financial aid package: what is the unit loan for class? Also, does the package come with housing information?
No housing information, just a regular envelope w/ ~3 pages in it (you can access the finaid package online too, though).

The HMS Financial Aid Guidebook (PDF) (http://www.hms.harvard.edu/finaid/html/Guide.pdf) has answered all/most of my questions about their financial aid packaging. For our class, the unit loan is $24,500, meaning they expect you to borrow that much in various loans before HMS scholarship is awarded.

Kimka83

04-14-2006, 01:15 PM

Has anybody heard from a student host for 2nd look?
Also, do you guys know when we get housing info?
Maybe it is way too early for this stuff, but I was wondering.

Mr.Bip

04-16-2006, 09:35 AM

Has anybody heard from a student host for 2nd look?
Also, do you guys know when we get housing info?
Maybe it is way too early for this stuff, but I was wondering.

Kim -

No word about the student host. I think we'll be getting housing info soon - check out the Vandy (http://www.hms.harvard.edu/operations/vh/) website. I was looking at the Harvard Off-Campus apartment listing on the website, and you know - I really want my own place next year. It's so nice to have your own (clean) kitchen and a (clean) common room where you can plop on to the sofa and watch the Daily Show after a long day at school. Let's hope I find a roommate solution in the next few weeks :) Otherwise, I may just take the path of least resistance and give in to a whole year of dorm living - ahhhh!! Can someone read the Vandy "Terms and Conditions" and confirm my interpretation of the terms of the housing contract: you can leave whenever you want, provided that you give 60 days notice and forfeit your reservation fee (however much that is ...).

alpenglow

04-16-2006, 12:59 PM

Kim -

No word about the student host. I think we'll be getting housing info soon - check out the Vandy (http://www.hms.harvard.edu/operations/vh/) website. I was looking at the Harvard Off-Campus apartment listing on the website, and you know - I really want my own place next year. It's so nice to have your own (clean) kitchen and a (clean) common room where you can plop on to the sofa and watch the Daily Show after a long day at school. Let's hope I find a roommate solution in the next few weeks :) Otherwise, I may just take the path of least resistance and give in to a whole year of dorm living - ahhhh!! Can someone read the Vandy "Terms and Conditions" and confirm my interpretation of the terms of the housing contract: you can leave whenever you want, provided that you give 60 days notice and forfeit your reservation fee (however much that is ...).

I was told that your interpretation of the Vandy "Terms and Conditions" is true; however, I will look for myself. I am in the same boat. It seems that Vandy monthly $$ aren't anymore than a modest apartment, however I believe that we don't get finaid until the beginning of Sept...please, please correct me if I'm wrong on this :confused: ! This prevents me from having deposits for apartment/off-campus needs until that time. If I end up at Vandy initially, and it seems that I will, I hope to move relatively soon. I like/need clean kitchens and bathrooms!

CarleneM

04-16-2006, 01:28 PM

I was told that your interpretation of the Vandy "Terms and Conditions" is true; however, I will look for myself. I am in the same boat. It seems that Vandy monthly $$ aren't anymore than a modest apartment, however I believe that we don't get finaid until the beginning of Sept...please, please correct me if I'm wrong on this :confused: ! This prevents me from having deposits for apartment/off-campus needs until that time. If I end up at Vandy initially, and it seems that I will, I hope to move relatively soon. I like/need clean kitchens and bathrooms!

You're wrong but the situation is actually worse. Financial aid isn't dispersed until the end of september, not the beginning. They expect you to have savings from the summer to cover until that time. The amount of aid you'll get is supposed to cover september but you have to dip into your own money until the school pays you back. Regarding leaving vandy, yes many folks do that and I think the deposit is around $500 or $600.

alpenglow

04-16-2006, 02:49 PM

You're wrong but the situation is actually worse. Financial aid isn't dispersed until the end of september, not the beginning. They expect you to have savings from the summer to cover until that time. The amount of aid you'll get is supposed to cover september but you have to dip into your own money until the school pays you back. Regarding leaving vandy, yes many folks do that and I think the deposit is around $500 or $600.

One word: Ahhhhh!! :eek:

calimus

04-16-2006, 04:09 PM

Hi all,
I kinda went AWOL after I posted on the Harvard Decision Thread a while back. I got into both HST and NP, but am strongly leaning toward HST (I like research). Anyway, about favorite ice-cream flavors: it's a tie--I really like vanilla and mint chocolate chip. Hrmm...favorite clothing-anything pink, especially skirts!
I'm having a hard time deciding between HMS and UCSF. I'm from cali, and love it here! My boyfriend really prefers UCSF to MIT (for PhD), but HST is such an incredible program, I'm really pretty torn.
Oh, as far as Vandy goes--I'm definitely living there next year if I come. I think it'll help me meet some NP folks, seeing as how I'll be holed up practically 9-5 with all HST people, it might be nice to have some variety...:-)
This whole decision business has been driving me crazy! Everyone keeps asking me if I've made a decisions yet! Hopefully, I will soon. Plan to go to re-visit weekends at both UCSF and HST.
Oh, right, and about Hopkins--I actually really LOVED it there! I got in, but my bf didn't, so I'm pretty much deciding between HMS and UCSF now, but I thought it was totally awesome. Go with the gut instinct.
Okay, I think there was one last thing that was being asked on this thread--music. I'm actually a classically trained musician (did a double major with molecular biology and music), and love musical theater, opera, etc. I also love salsa dancing. Anyone know of any good places in Boston?
Phew--I'm trying to catch up on everything on this thread, and now my entry has just gotten incredibly long. Oh well. Hope to see you all soon!

superZ4040

04-16-2006, 08:29 PM

With respect to off campus housing, what do you guys think about having your own one bedroom or studio vs. sharing a 2 bedroom apartment?

Having my own place would be super convenient, but I think it would get kind of lonely. I wouldn't mind having a roommate, but only if it's someone I click with. What do you guys think?

alpenglow

04-17-2006, 03:42 AM

to calimus - are you going to the UCSF accepted student weekend? I am - PM me if you are. Maybe we'll be able to chat.

to superZ4040 - if you do decide to get a roomy, you should have no problem. Lots of people, like myself, can't afford to go the studio/1bdrm route. I think that I'll always have the pleasure of roomies :laugh:

2009md2b

04-18-2006, 12:47 PM

Hey all. The Vandy room reservation/leave early fee is $250. I would say nearly half my class made the leap and forfeited this deposit. But definitely may have not and its a personal decision.

Also please please please submit your revisit forms already! And you won't get student host information until you arrive (unless you have to be hosted off-campus). Sorry! If you can't tell already, I am the revisit coordinator. ;)

drlalchick

04-18-2006, 01:37 PM

alpenglow

04-19-2006, 09:49 PM

Hi everyone! I thought I would join this thread....you guys are so great about doing posts, it took me like an hour to read through everything! I am going to be at Second Look weekend in May, so hopefully I'll see many of you there!

I am excited to meet you this weekend! We won't be strangers when May rolls around ;)

Did you see that one of the new student groups @ HMS is called "Changing Coasts"? Yep, an HMS group for displaced Californians :laugh:

drlalchick

04-19-2006, 11:36 PM

I am excited to meet you this weekend! We won't be strangers when May rolls around ;)

Did you see that one of the new student groups @ HMS is called "Changing Coasts"? Yep, an HMS group for displaced Californians :laugh:

I know, this weekend will be great! Haha, Changing Coasts! That cracks me up! Actually, I mistakingly read that first as "Changing Coats," (it's been a long day) and I thought, changing? Don't they mean buying for the first time? Haha. Boston's an awesome city.

hehaha

04-20-2006, 09:32 AM

I know, this weekend will be great! Haha, Changing Coasts! That cracks me up! Actually, I mistakingly read that first as "Changing Coats," (it's been a long day) and I thought, changing? Don't they mean buying for the first time? Haha. Boston's an awesome city.

where's that thread? I'm one of those displaced soul ....can't wait till may..but for now...california sunshine!

alpenglow

04-20-2006, 09:42 AM

where's that thread? I'm one of those displaced soul ....can't wait till may..but for now...california sunshine!

oh, they're a new group and don't have a link yet. PM me for the contact information of the group leader. They will also have a table Sat a.m. of the HMS revisit weekend

superZ4040

04-20-2006, 10:26 AM

Do any of you know whether there will be a White Coat Ceremony or any events that our parents can attend before school starts?

hehaha

04-20-2006, 01:13 PM

Do any of you know whether there will be a White Coat Ceremony or any events that our parents can attend before school starts?

Hi SuperZ....it's so sunny today! Still planning to look for housing 2nd look?

Mr.Bip

04-21-2006, 09:14 PM

bumpity bump

... what's everyone up to these days. I'm currently dragging myself through the last week of class. The President of China visited my school today! It was quite a circus on campus.

alpenglow

04-21-2006, 10:50 PM

bumpity bump

... what's everyone up to these days. I'm currently dragging myself through the last week of class. The President of China visited my school today! It was quite a circus on campus.

any hecklers? thought it was ironic that the woman on the scaffolding at the WH pleaded with the US Pres. to make the Pres. of China change his ways...did this make anyone else go - hmmm?

Mr.Bip

04-22-2006, 07:44 AM

any hecklers? thought it was ironic that the woman on the scaffolding at the WH pleaded with the US Pres. to make the Pres. of China change his ways...did this make anyone else go - hmmm?

Apparently, there was one CNN producer who was kicked out of the reception with the University president because he was asking rude questions, but besides that nothing at the speech itself. There were oodles of student and local protesters, including some dude driving around in a car with mounted speaker blasting the Chinese national anthem all around New Haven. Just another day in the life of Connecticut's most thrilling city ;)

2009md2b

04-22-2006, 12:23 PM

Do any of you know whether there will be a White Coat Ceremony or any events that our parents can attend before school starts?

I think the White Coat Ceremony occurs during orientation or shortly thereafter. There is a reception for friends and family but they aren't invited to the actual ceremony. The focus is on the meaning of being a physician and then an introduction to patients and hence they try to build a more intimate gathering. But the reception afterwards is definitely inclusive of everyone! They send you a nice invitation from the dean over the summer so no worries for now.

alpenglow

04-23-2006, 04:16 PM

Hi all -

Just got back from the UCSF revisit...where I met at least 20 people (I am pretty sure that I'm not even exaggerating) that will be at the HMS revisit...and they were super nice! Just thought I'd give you a heads' up that it will be a semi-reunion.

Hope you're all surviving your current graduations, finals, marriages, decision making, etc. :luck:

Mr. Bip - Feel free to message or call me, but I still have no idea what I'm going to do. Still leaning the same direction, though.

Jacqui3932

04-23-2006, 04:18 PM

Can I ask whether any of you accepted Harvard students retook the MCAT?

alpenglow

04-23-2006, 04:43 PM

Can I ask whether any of you accepted Harvard students retook the MCAT?

No, but I didn't do fabulously either. My acceptance was definitely for other reasons. What was your score?

Kimka83

04-24-2006, 06:24 AM

Did you folks get that prematriculation email? Sounds like a packet of goodies is headed our way!
I have a quick question for Boston natives . . . how far from HMS is the nearest T stop? Does it cost extra to change lines? Also, is anyone familiar with the communter rail?

alpenglow

04-24-2006, 11:38 PM

To: Ms. C from Caltech who wants me to forward you an email

Something happened to your email address. I did the best I could to remember it, and sent an email. Please Private Message me here if you don't get it and are reading these posts incognito again ;)

alpenglow

04-25-2006, 11:15 AM

Hi everyone,
After some soul searching, and admittedly a few visits to dorm rooms over the weekend, I have decided to go apartment hunting instead of living in Vandy the first year. I am social enough that I'm not worried about not meeting people, I love to cook, love clean kitchens and bathrooms, generally like a place to call "home." I am still on a budget, easygoing, and have usually had good luck with roommates, so I am also roommate hunting. If you are also considering these things, please PM me. We can set up a phone call or I can email you more personal details about myself. I will be looking for a 2-4 bedroom as close as possible to HMS. I do have a few leads, specifically a 4 bdrm/2 bth for $2800/mo beginning in August.

I have no male/female preference as long as you meet the (obvious) considerate, friendly, take care of you own "stuff" criteria. No smokers, please.

:luck: :)

sirpado

04-25-2006, 11:36 PM

what cell phone provider gets the best reception in vandy, as well as at hms..

hehaha

04-26-2006, 09:28 AM

what cell phone provider gets the best reception in vandy, as well as at hms..
I have similar question too. Does T-mobile get good reception in vandy and hms?

Kimka83

04-26-2006, 09:38 AM

I think that I might also be doing the roommate search, but I am still waiting to check out vandy. If I do get an apartment, I will need to find a roomate(s) who will tolerate my kittens! Anyone with pets thinking of getting an apartment? Maybe our pets could be friends?

Kimka83

04-26-2006, 01:18 PM

alpenglow

04-26-2006, 02:47 PM

Did anyone else get that prematriculation email several days ago????
Has your packet arrived yet?

YEP, AND YEP :)

Happy immunizing!

EdmontonOilers

04-26-2006, 11:32 PM

Hey guys,

I am studying medicine in Ireland and hope to write the USMLEs and do a residency in the US. My medical course is lectures-based. Most students over here use each lecture as a template, go to the recommended textbook, and then make notes from portions of the textbook that are relevant to the lecture. Afterwards, we then add info from the lecture not found in the textbook to our set of notes. Basically, we create our own set of notes from the lecture and the textbook.

Lately I’ve become really curious as to how you guys study in the US during your courses. Do you guys get….
1) Lectures and just study the lectures
2) Lectures and supplement with the textbook like us
3) Lectures but don’t bother using them of even attending them and just read the textbooks (seems like a lot – don’t know if this is possible unless using review book or small textbook – could you specify if you are reading review books or actual textbooks – for example, I would consider Guyton a textbook and Costanzo a review book for physiology)
4) Coursepackages (ie. booklets containing notes made by your professors) that you just study and don’t bother at all with textbooks
5) Or does it depend on the course and professor and your study method varies

If you guys could let me know how the material is presented to you guys and how you study that would be awesome. Lately Ive been second guessing the way Im studying because Im thinking maybe I should be studying more like a US student if I am to do well on the USMLEs. If this makes any sense?

Finally, I was hoping you guys could tell me what textbooks you use for the following courses (if you guys use them in your study)….
1) Neuroanatomy
2) Biochemistry
3) Behavioral Sciences
4) Pathology
5) Pharmacology
6) Cell biology and Histology
7) Microbiology and Immunology

Thanks guys. I would really appreciate any help!!!!

Mr.Bip

04-27-2006, 07:31 AM

Kimka83

04-27-2006, 10:32 AM

YEP, AND YEP :)

Happy immunizing!

When did you get the packet? Mine hasn't gotten here yet!

alpenglow

04-27-2006, 12:29 PM

When did you get the packet? Mine hasn't gotten here yet!

Monday, and I live in the middle of nowhere. You should probably give them a call.

Good luck :luck:

aumed22

04-30-2006, 08:10 AM

Just to make sure we're on the same page, this is the packet that contains the housing application, the immunization form, and the FEAT packet right? I never got an email though. Also, I figured I would just through this out there. My finals start on Wednesday and I'm having an awful time trying to get motivated for them. The absolute worse case scenario is that I will get straight B's for the semester, and my overall GPA would be lowered to a 3.9. Do you think this would be grounds for rescinding my acceptance? I know I'm probably being way overly cautious; but I guess I'm just worrying about worse case scenarios at the moment. What do y'all think?

dajimmers

04-30-2006, 08:31 AM

I'm sure you'll be fine with B's, but if it makes you more comfortable, go ahead and call them tomorrow. I've got two papers and a final left myself, and it's likely they won't be the greatest things ever, so I'm expecting a slight dip in my grades. I doubt "at a standard comparable in quality to that of past academic performance" really means that, if you've got a 4.0, you need to keep a 4.0.

The email was entitled "Prematriculation Mailing" and included three attachments: a memo for the class of 2010 (calendar, tuition, immunization info, housing info, and prematriculation info), an important dates document including deadlines and orientation start dates, and a HUHS form for Harvard medical insurance or something like that.

PM me if you want me to email you the attachments. Oh, and you're right, that's the packet we're supposed to have.

Kimka83

04-30-2006, 09:17 AM

alpenglow

04-30-2006, 11:10 AM

Yeah, I got the email, but the packet never got here. I called and asked them to send another. I am sort of freaked out that they have dropped me and I will not be able to go to HMS next year. I am sure I am over-reacting, but I will be really releaved when that packet arrives.

deep breaths, smile - they like you!
you probably have plenty to worry about without thinking they changed their mind about you :)

superZ4040

04-30-2006, 12:54 PM

deep breaths, smile - they like you!
you probably have plenty to worry about without thinking they changed their mind about you :)

That's funny, Kimka. I feel the same way; as if any day they are going to send me a letter saying they were "just joking" when they let me in.

BTW, what do you guys think will be most appropriate to wear to the faculty banquet:
Nice-casual: jeans and button-up shirt
OR
Semi-formal: slacks, dress-shirt, tie?

Kimka83

04-30-2006, 02:13 PM

Yeah, thanks superZ. When I called and asked about the packet, I was totally expecting them to say, "who are you again?" Haha. Anyway, I am looking forward to meeting you all this week. I have no idea what to wear. How's the weather in Boston these days? I am sure I could look that up on the weather channel, but I always find that people who live there have a better idea of exactly what type of clothing will be comfortable.

Mr.Bip

04-30-2006, 11:07 PM

alpenglow

05-01-2006, 10:22 AM

The weather in the northeast has been pretty beautiful recently, actually! I think you definitely don't need to bring any heavy clothes, but it can get pretty chilly at night. Bring some light, summery stuff though - it could be lovely outside. But don't forget an umbrella.

ooh, I'm so excited!
just checked the boston weather for the weekend, and it's *exactly* the same as "home" for me (which I love, sans the constant rain)

see you all in a few days :)

Kimka83

05-01-2006, 01:15 PM

Well, that packet still hasn't gotten here. They have sent TWO, and still no luck. I guess I will just have to pick one up while I am in Boston!

alpenglow

05-01-2006, 01:41 PM

Well, that packet still hasn't gotten here. They have sent TWO, and still no luck. I guess I will just have to pick one up while I am in Boston!

Kimka83 - besides what was emailed to you, the only things in the packet are the reg form for Vandy (due May 15), the FEAT description and reg form (due May 15) and the off-campus housing info (due today). If you want to complete the application today go to: http://hpre-srv2.harvard.edu/RRE/NewWeb/Brochure/Housing/about.htm
You can do everything online and fax in your letter of acceptance. You are OK - Promise.

2009md2b

05-02-2006, 03:55 AM

Answering a few questions:

With regard to cell phones, being a major city Boston has great coverage with every provider I am aware of. No need for special considerations.

With regard to the T, the closest stop is about two blocks away. This stop is 'Longwood Medical Area' on the Green E line, not to be confused with 'Longwood' on the Green D line. There is no charge for transfers, $1.25 fare for your trip no matter how short or far you are going.

Risa

05-03-2006, 08:19 AM

Page 2?! Unacceptable.

This is cause for bringing me out of my long class-thread hibernation.

So, how excited is everybody for revisit weekend??? I personally can't wait till tomorrow. I'm planning on arriving at about 3:30... how about everyone else?

See you soon!

Kimka83

05-03-2006, 03:58 PM

Excited! Now I have to find the 2nd look email so I know what to pack!

Kimka83

05-03-2006, 08:34 PM

Classmates!!!! We will be meeting each other tomorrow. Shall we have a secret SDN handshake?!? Kidding. :)
I cannot wait to meet you all.

dajimmers

05-05-2006, 11:08 PM

Hey everyone! I had a great time a second-look; it was fun meeting some of you and the other prospective students! And, Boston and the weather were great!

On less fun news, I figured I should let you all know that I have decided to withdraw from Harvard. I will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. It has been an excrutiating decision, but I think that Michigan is the best choice for my wife and me. There's no one thing I can point to being the "deciding" factor; in fact the students, facilities, faculty, staff, weather, even the expenses didn't play that big a role, it is more of a gut-feeling thing that I hope will turn out to be correct. I wish you all good luck with your future careers, wherever you wind up, and perhaps we'll meet again sometime!

Oh, someone needs to post how the weekend wrapped up from noon on (including society olympics). I had to leave early, unfortunately. And Kimka, I was just kidding about the "girlie' beer :p . Take care, everyone!

Mr.Bip

05-06-2006, 10:55 AM

Dajimmers -

Too bad to hear that we won't be classmates next year, but it sounds like you're making the right choice for yourself, and that's the best thing. The rest of the day yesterday was a lot of fun; the day was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and the olympics were incredibly incredibly goofy and fun to watch.

And it was great meeting other SDNers - goes to show you that not everyone you meet on the internet is a weirdo (though others might dispute that in my case ...).

Miya

05-07-2006, 09:54 PM

alpenglow

05-08-2006, 01:59 PM

Hi everybody,

I finally joined up with SDN :-) Don't know what took me so long.

It was so good to meet everyone at the Revisit Weekend! I'm really excited about HMS now and I can't wait till next year. (Okay, maybe I can wait a little bit... I need some time off from school!) Definitely going to live in Vandy at least to start out and then I'll play it by ear from there.

And yes, that's my real first name, not a secret identity - so anyone I didn't meet at Revisit, hello!

Welcome Miya!
It was really nice to meet everyone - definitely the warmest, most interesting, diverse, friendly, caring, talented group of students (and future students) that I met ANYWHERE - you guys rock! I am in agreement about being excited for school, but ready for a vacation...or at least an adventure.

Speaking of an adventure, after traversing the country from coast-to-coast on a moving excursion, I will be sooo happy to go play in the mountains, experience the bonding that only not showering for 4 days can bring. Who else is thinking of doing FEAT? Who is thinking of FUNC?

Oh, if you haven't noticed - I FINALLY DECIDED ON HMS!!!
I am getting more excited by the moment and am confident that I have made the right choice for me. Thanks to all who listened to my incessant verbal barrage of half-self argument, half-advice seeking babble.

Risa, what's your favorite animal? :laugh:

alpenglow

05-08-2006, 02:01 PM

Risa, you are the next HMS heartthrob - I love your signature quotes! :laugh:

Mr.Bip

05-08-2006, 02:13 PM

Alpenglow -

Yay! So glad to hear you've decided. If you couldn't tell, I've decided finally too. I'm withdrawn from everywhere else as of today. I also found a roommate during the revisit, and we're in the process of looking for apartments right now. So things are looking good :)

blah7

05-09-2006, 09:15 AM

hey all.. i withdrew from all my other acceptances yesterday as well. so, i guess it's official. i'm going to harvard too! i mailed my feat & vandy applications in today. now all the stress of deciding where to go is finally over and we can all be excited about the journey we're about to begin!
wooohoooooo :)

Kimka83

05-09-2006, 11:14 AM

I've decided too! I cannot wait to see you all there :)

alpenglow

05-09-2006, 02:25 PM

Mr. Bip, blah7, Kimka83...and everyone else who will be joining the HMS adventure in August:

Yeeaaa!!!! I am doing a happy dance that you will be there!

I am curious blah7; who are you?

ChyLn

05-09-2006, 06:18 PM

Yay for HST 2010, Yay for Roommates, Yay for the possibility of off-campus housing!

Looking forward to seeing you guys in the fall :)

alpenglow

05-10-2006, 10:09 PM

I'll let her post it herself, but I'm excited - there has been another decide-e!

drlalchick

05-11-2006, 12:48 PM

Hey! So it's official, I am coming to Harvard! Meeting all of you made the decision for me, I had a blast during the second look weekend! I am so excited to be joining you all this fall!

Kimka83

05-11-2006, 08:22 PM

Yay for HST 2010, Yay for Roommates, Yay for the possibility of off-campus housing!

Looking forward to seeing you guys in the fall :)

Yay! ChyLn and Drlachick, did I meet you guys at second look?

ChyLn

05-11-2006, 11:01 PM

Hey Kimka, I was there, so you may've :)

Mr.Bip

05-16-2006, 08:42 PM

*listens to the crickets chirping quietly*

Kimka83

05-16-2006, 08:54 PM

Sorry, I graduated this past weekend, so my crazy family took up all of my SDN time. Did anyone else sign up to do FEAT? I am really excited about it!

alpenglow

05-16-2006, 09:50 PM

*listens to the crickets chirping quietly*

no doubt!

yep - I signed up for FEAT :)

and...drumroll...found an apartment!!! yea!

anyone who needs a ride on a cross country roadtrip from CA to MA and is good company is welcome to join me on the 3,300 mile (per mapquest) marathon driving session ~July 25/26th-ish...

how are graduations, moves, plans, decisions, life upheaval, et cetera going for everyone?

ChyLn

05-17-2006, 06:16 AM

hey alpen, congrats! may we ask where your apartment is located? A couple of us are still looking for apartments in the area :)

aumed22

05-17-2006, 09:49 AM

Hey guys, I'm pumped about everyone deciding to go to HMS next year. I'm also going to be going to FEAT in August, it should be pretty cool. Anyways, quick question, has anyone received an email confirming that you are a part of the 2010 class? I haven't heard anything since May 15th, and I know I'm worrying about nothing, but I would sleep easier at night knowing that all went well and I wasn't mistakenly still holding another acceptance or something. Let me know what you guys have heard, I'm just being overly worrisome I guess. Anyways, you guys are all pretty cool, and I'm crazy pumped about next year. I'll catch y'all later.

Kimka83

05-17-2006, 10:08 AM

no email for me since may 15th. But I am sure it is fine. Congrats on the apartment guys! I still cannot decide if I want one or not. Ahhhhh! For all you apartment hunters, can one get a decent single for under $1400?

ChyLn

05-17-2006, 10:43 AM

if you have a roommate, you can get really nice places for in or around 700-800/month/person

that's what we're aiming for :)

alpenglow

05-17-2006, 10:46 AM

hey alpen, congrats! may we ask where your apartment is located? A couple of us are still looking for apartments in the area :)

of course!
use google maps (or any other one) to look up the intersection of Englewood Ave & Beacon St in Brookline, MA
it's right by the C & D T lines...and has a parking spot - yea!

kimka83 - yes, you can find a 1 Bdrm or Studio for $1400 or under

the best places to apartment/roommate search are Craigslist Boston and the HMS Off-campus Housing Bulletin Board: http://mycourses.med.harvard.edu/tradingpost.asp

honestly, soooo many apartments to choose from!

aumed22 - don't worry about your spot
you could always call the admissions office to ask,
but they haven't sent any confirmations out
and they won't give away your spot even if you're holding multiple acceptances - they'll just be upset with you if that is the case
I did get an email confirmation for my FEAT registration from Mimi, though

hope this helps!
feel free to PM me any questions
or, if you received the email contact list @ the revisit weekend, I am the 1st person listed with the initials "M.H." (there are only two) and the email address ending in ".edu"

:luck:

ChyLn

05-17-2006, 10:50 AM

Hey Alpen,thanks for the info, do you konw how long of a walk it is from there to longwood? we're really trying to find something relatively walkable.

alpenglow

05-17-2006, 11:52 AM

Hey Alpen,thanks for the info, do you konw how long of a walk it is from there to longwood? we're really trying to find something relatively walkable.

It's 2.5 miles - you probably don't want to walk that. Searching around Brookline closer to Coolidge Corner would be better if you are looking in Brookline. Google for a Boston neighborhood map - that helped me A LOT.

Mr.Bip

05-17-2006, 02:28 PM

So, searching for apartments is now officially the most soul-sucking, time-consuming, obsessive and endless activity possible. I have been sitting at my computer for THREE and a HALF hours calling realtors (who are only a step above used-car salesmen) and trying to squeeze information out of wacky landlords.

At the end of my quest, perhaps I will find a decent 2 BR place for under $2000 within walking distance of HMS! *the clouds part as a vision of the ideal apartment fills the sky* And my roommate and I will not want to kill each other!

For Alpenglow, aka "M.H." - the kitchen offer still holds, by the way.

2009md2b

05-17-2006, 07:23 PM

Hi, all! No worries about confirmation emails for the class--they don't send them. If you have apartment/housing questions, feel free to email me--my contact information is abundant in the second look materials. :)

Generally, I think if you have roommates and live in a safe area, reasonable rent should be 800-1000/month and if you are in a studio around 1200ish. Look carefully at transportation options, considering Boston's harsh winter weather and wearing appropriate clinic clothes (you don't want to walk a mile in the snow in dress pants--well, I don't). The housing on the Trading Post seems to be geared towards international/visiting students. Most med students will find a roommate and then look for housing with that person outside of the HMS community, typically on Craigslist or with a real estate agent.

Good luck with housing! I know everyone is excited to welcome you next fall!

ChyLn

05-18-2006, 08:12 AM

confirmation emails have been received (i think?) and a website has been created for us! Unfortunately, about half of the links are broken.... or is it just me?

Miya

05-18-2006, 01:03 PM

huknows00

05-18-2006, 07:42 PM

Just got the email and responded already. I'm so excited! Is anyone else thinking of doing FUNC? It sounds like a great blend of community service and getting to know each other/the city, plus I'm looking forward to having people come talk to us about physicians&society etcetera. (That and getting to stake out my corner of the Vandy kitchen early :p )

I'm excited about FUNC too, too bad I planned a vacation without knowing how early move-in is and I will miss a day or two in the beginning. It seems like good fun and plenty of time to get settled in boston. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

alpenglow

05-18-2006, 08:52 PM

For Alpenglow, aka "M.H." - the kitchen offer still holds, by the way.

sooo...any good news on the apartment?
more than just clouds parting?
I found a roomy, too!
I think we'll get along really well - yea!

oh, you're on with the kitchen offer!
(even though I'll have one, too : )
I just finished decorating a bday cake for a close friend that contains over 4# of chocolate! :love:
this is truly the richest dessert that I have ever been able to come up with

Mr.Bip

05-19-2006, 05:07 PM

[QUOTE=alpenglow]sooo...any good news on the apartment?
more than just clouds parting?
/QUOTE]

I'll tell you after Tuesday - I'll be seeing about 10 or so apartments in one day! Ahh!

alpenglow

05-23-2006, 06:48 AM

[QUOTE=alpenglow]sooo...any good news on the apartment?
more than just clouds parting?
/QUOTE]

I'll tell you after Tuesday - I'll be seeing about 10 or so apartments in one day! Ahh!

xxxx crossing my fingers for ya - good luck today! :luck:

Mr.Bip

05-24-2006, 06:51 PM

Alpenglow -

Thanks for the positive thoughts :) In fact, my roommate and I found a close to ideal apartment in Brookline about 3/4 mile from Vandy, and one block from Coolidge Corner. The funny thing is that though we scheduled and saw about 10 apartments yesterday, the unit we found was a place that we randomly walked by and saw on a whim! Hope things are working out for you, too.

alpenglow

05-24-2006, 08:40 PM

ChyLn

05-24-2006, 09:15 PM

Congrats!

Is your roomy another first year? Mine is - we'll be in Brookline, too!

:) m

Yes, he is. I'm sure we'll be seeing lots of you guys! :)

alpenglow

05-25-2006, 11:51 AM

Yes, he is. I'm sure we'll be seeing lots of you guys! :)

hmm
I'm guessing that "he" is you?
Yes, I'm psychic, just in case you're wondering :laugh:

ChyLn

05-25-2006, 11:53 AM

quick you are :) excited!

alpenglow

05-27-2006, 02:13 PM

http://www.kineticsculpturerace.org/

(yes, I'm procrastinating)

people always seem to be curious about the "rumors" that they hear about the area that I live in now (Humboldt County, CA)

the area is the quirkiest place that I've ever been
awesome people watching
this annual, Memorial Day Weekend, event epitomizes what it is like to live here

there always seems to be a clip somewhere on the mainstream news, but the website above explains the Kinetic Sculture Race

Our biology department's sculpture, The Stomatopod, won something last year (I think an 1983 rusted out Toyota, and various other things...)
The Rutabaga Queen was crowned...fairy dust was sprinkled...sand dunes traversed...

My hometown in Iowa (Mason City) has the much less interesting Band Festival today. It commemorates the filming of the Music Man; Meredith Wilson is one of the only claims to fame that the town has.

What are out of the ordinary things that you do in your home/college towns?

Kimka83

05-29-2006, 11:15 AM

Miya

05-30-2006, 08:19 AM

You guys . . . it is almost June . . . which is almost August!!! I am already getting so excited about starting school! Haha. Its funny, I remember in elementary school just dreading the end of the summer. My mother had to bribe me with new pencils/markers and new school shoes. Now here I am wishing the summer was done. Funny how things change, huh?

Well, this time they'll be HMS pencils, so no wonder you're excited ;) I will admit to having already gone over to the HMS Coop to look at shirts and stuff...

aumed22

06-02-2006, 04:36 PM

Haha, but have you bought anything yet?? My parents ordered mugs a few weeks ago. Anyways, I hope everyone's summer is going well, mine has been very relaxing so far. I was curious though, does anyone have a copy of our finalized schedule for next year? I'm trying to plan flights for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and some weddings already scheduled for next summer. Anyways, I look forward to meeting all of you, and I hope everyone's having an amazing summer.

AlanG87

06-03-2006, 09:28 PM

alpenglow

06-04-2006, 10:48 AM

hello all, and congratulations first and foremost!

I am not sure where to ask this, but I will try here first. I am a recent high-school grad getting ready to start college in the fall as you all start at HMS. anyways, onto my real questions:

what would you say would be one piece of advice you wish you had as an undergrad in getting into HMS...now that you all have gone thru the process, what is your advice to me, a future HMS hopeful (class of 2014)

would becoming an EMT-basic be a good experience for me, i have always thought of earning an EMT-b and gaining exp. from that

sorry for all these questions, I am envious of you all!!

again, much congrats to you all, your hard work has certainly paid off!!

thank you, alan :)

Hi AlanG87,

The one thing that I can attest to about all of us is that we are very different from each other: different backgrounds; different nationalities; different talents, hobbies, interests; and different undergraduate schools. The best advice that I can give you is to do well in your classes and MCAT, but not at the expense of exploring who you are as a person. Do what you love, do it passionately and as well as you can. If EMT is your thing, do it. If you want to play an instrument, sports, fight for injustices of those around you, or become a chef instead, do not think that they will be seen as less valuable than something in the "realm of medicine." Make sure to find yourself a good mentor - this is key! In addition, engage in research (not required, but the vast majority of student do research in undergrad), shadow various types of physicians in various healthcare settings, and make sure that you are doing all of this for you, because you love it.

Good luck & best wishes,
MH

AlanG87

06-04-2006, 08:19 PM

thank you very much, i appreciate the quick response

any others, feel free to chime in

thank you all

-alan :cool:

Kimka83

06-11-2006, 12:16 PM

Has anyone received their Vandy housing contract? I know that it should be headed our way this month. I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying your summer!
P.S. - When do we get our HMS email addresses?

aumed22

06-11-2006, 09:40 PM

I've received nothing from Vandy, and I was wondering the same thing about the email address. At first I thought the Pin # thing was the way to access your email address, but I turned out to be wrong. Also, has anyone heard anything about a finalized calendar for next year? I hope all of your summers are going well!

Miya

06-12-2006, 08:59 AM

On the subject of schedules and planning ahead for next year, does anyone know anything about our white coat ceremony? Is it something that family members come to? Anyone know when it is? I could only find info from past years the last time I looked and I know the calendar has changed this year.

aumed22

06-12-2006, 11:18 AM

Haha so many questions....so few answers

Kimka83

06-12-2006, 08:07 PM

Haha so many questions....so few answers
So true aumed22. Where are all the current HMS students? Oh wait . . . they are spending their summers trying not to think about medical school! ;)
I am so excited, so keep the questions coming.

2009md2b

06-13-2006, 07:01 PM

So true aumed22. Where are all the current HMS students? Oh wait . . . they are spending their summers trying not to think about medical school! ;)
I am so excited, so keep the questions coming.

Well, um, actually HMS likes to keep us [and soon you too!] in school for a long friggin' time, so we are still in class getting through our micro exam. However, briefly, you don't get your email addy until orientation. I know it stinks. I strongly suggest getting gmail though and just having your HMS accoutn forward to gmail, because my mailbox always seemed to fill so quickly with HMS. They say they are working on increasing size but it is pretty minimal. Most of my classmates use gmail.

White coat ceremony is only for your class (and not family members). You'll get it when you experience it but it is supposed to be about your relationship with patients and the unique patient-doctor bond. There is an 'open' reception afterwards. Some parents came into town but mostly I thought the parents there were the ones that lived in the area. It occurs during orientation or slightly after I think.

FYI-we were planning your LIFE events today. Get excited!
~Mimi

Risa

06-15-2006, 07:10 PM

Hi everyone!

I know I've been gone from this thread for EVER... it seems like crickets have more or less been chirping, anyway :)

But I'm excited because I got my Vandy room assignment today! Anyone else?? It's starting to seem so real and imminent... we'll be there in less than 2 months!

aumed22

06-15-2006, 07:56 PM

Hmm...I didn't get my room assignment today. I assume it was by email. Oh well, I guess I'll give it a few days.

Miya

06-16-2006, 12:34 AM

alpenglow

06-16-2006, 02:53 PM

hi all,

hope your summers are going well
things are becoming more real for me as well - I'm selling all of my furniture, packing the rest of my belongings, and got hitched Wednesday (put a hitch on my car :) ). I am getting excited for my long, crazy road trip out East!

thanks for planning things to make our transitions easier, exciting and intriguing Mimi!

Kimka83

06-16-2006, 03:57 PM

I didn't get mine yet either. But it is getting sent to Atlanta, so that might take a while.

ChyLn

06-16-2006, 09:11 PM

I didn't get mine yet either. But it is getting sent to Atlanta, so that might take a while.

Atlanta! What are you doing in Atlanta? I live in Atlanta :)

Risa

06-17-2006, 06:13 PM

Got my housing contract!!! This is starting to feel real! I'll be in room 264. I have to mention that I already officially :love: the housing office - I had made a couple requests about my room pick and "Tom" attached a handwritten note to my contract about how my room fit my specifications.

Let me know where you other Vandyites (Vandyers? yipes) are living!

Mimi - thanks for the info. See you soon!

I know!! I :love: them too! I also made a few requests and also got a note from Tom. Tom is the man! I'll be in room 132. My family is going on vacation to Maine next week and we're stopping in Boston on the way, so I'm gonna swing by Vandy and hopefully gaze lovingly at my future door for a minute or two :)

Kimka83

06-18-2006, 01:10 AM

Atlanta! What are you doing in Atlanta? I live in Atlanta :)

I grew up there, and that is where my parents live. I just finished college in NC, and I will be headed back to ATL to visit them in August before we start at HMS!

ChyLn

06-19-2006, 11:20 AM

Really? Cool. I actually grew up in Snellville (I say Atlanta for the non-Georgians). Where'd you go to school?

Mr.Bip

07-05-2006, 12:46 PM

Hi Everyone -

Seeing that this thread has been active in over two weeks, I thought I'd give it a bump. How are your summers going? I'm having a blast in Colorado playing music. It's so beautiful here during the summer - blue skies with lots of puffy clouds and dramatic thunderstorms about every afternoon. Also, the whole apartment thing is more or less settled, which is a big relief. My place will be a block from the Brookline Trader Joe's :) Anyway, I'm just blabbing - what are you guys up to?

oneaat

07-06-2006, 07:49 AM

hi - not going to harvard, but i was going to be starting at tufts. got in off a waitlist and now need to break a lease. it's a studio, in allston, 2 blocks from the B/green line for 850/month including new appliances and paint. please pm me if interested.

aumed22

07-11-2006, 06:22 PM

Hey guys (wipes dust off of thread), how is everyone's summer gone so far? Only about a month now until I move into Vandy. Anyways, has anyone heard anything about orientation yet, or equipment lists or book lists or anything? Just wondering. Anyways, the days are lazy here so hopefully I'll hear back from someone out there. Take care guys.

Kimka83

07-21-2006, 08:56 AM

Our first assignment has arrived. Let the games begin!

PleaseOhPlease

07-25-2006, 10:54 AM

im on the hms waitlist but there are no open spots :( . is anyone here thinking of deferring?

volans

07-25-2006, 01:07 PM

Our first assignment has arrived. Let the games begin!

ooo... really? mine hasn't come it yet, is it just reading?

Risa

07-25-2006, 06:36 PM

Yay, first homework assignment! I can't believe I'm actually excited :o

For those who haven't got the packet but are eager beavers to start, there are three parts to the assignment.
1. Two short articles included in the mailing
2. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
3. this 4 hour Frontline show on AIDS (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/)

As for summer... I can't believe it's winding down already! I have just a few more days of my summer job. In the next week, I'm also going to the opera with my mom and to six flags with some friends. Plus, this weekend my family adopted a rescue puppy, who is now our third dog! Her name is Roxie; here's a picture (I'm such a proud parent):
http://photos-490.facebook.com/ip006/v35/230/68/4200832/s4200832_30270490_6901.jpg

Ok, so I've done my part at keeping the thread alive! Actually, I'm kind of hopeful that we'll make our facebook group wall at least somewhat lively over the next few weeks, since I think more of us are on there than here. In any case, see you all in just a few weeks!

volans

07-26-2006, 08:49 AM