Space reserved for prompt.

Please PM the essays or lack thereof to me when the secondary is available and I will update this.

Good luck to everyone applying! :luck:

Well here we go everyone! Really looking forward to applying with all of you! I know its early summer so is everyone studying for the MCAT? I'm looking at taking in late June or early July ready to get it out of the way its kind of overwhelming really.

I really like what I have seen from UAMS when I visited the campus about a month ago, any new news on the new curriculum being implemented? Also I know the university has not yet finalized the last class but any idea when some stats from their class get released?

There was substantial discussion of the new preclinical curriculum in the 2011-2012 thread, if you want to look there.

Hi all,

applying here as well, dunno why this thread is sooo dead!

does anyone know what are the stats for people chosen from Little Rock, adn surrounding areas?

Thanks.

I don't know how you'd go about finding area-specific numbers...but their total mean for last year is like 29 and ~3.7. Class size of ~170, and about 90% of their class is from in-state so that helps you out.

Thanks for the info, but I have heard about seats given out on the basis of quota for congressional districts. So I was just worried about that, I just became a resident of Arkansas, and the fact that I am in the Little Rock surrounding area scares me (people say that the highest stats are from this area).

does anyone know if its helpful to sign up for the rural prog. that UAMS has?

Oh dang didn't know about that. Definitely post it if you get that info.

Oh dang didn't know about that. Definitely post it if you get that info.

about?

Thanks for the info, but I have heard about seats given out on the basis of quota for congressional districts. So I was just worried about that, I just became a resident of Arkansas, and the fact that I am in the Little Rock surrounding area scares me (people say that the highest stats are from this area). All of that is true. The current policy is that 70% of the first 150 enrolled students must be equally distributed between the 4 congressional districts (ignoring that 105 isn't divisible by 4...*sigh*). The other spots, including the 151-174th spots, can basically be anyone the school wants, as long as the OOS enrollment doesn't break a certain percentage of the class - 20%, if I recall. As the centers of education and educated people in Arkansas, the districts containing Fayetteville and Little Rock are always the most competitive. The others are...uh...not as competitive.

does anyone know if its helpful to sign up for the rural prog. that UAMS has? I definitely would not do that. To me, the only way the Rural Practice Program is of any use to you is if you (think you) are dead-set on primary care of some kind AND are on the waitlist. They move the Rural Practice people to the head of the list, so you're basically guaranteed to get accepted. The scholarship/loan forgiveness sounds enticing, but if you're going to practice primary care, you'll have hospitals tripping over themselves to pay your loans in exchange for service, especially if you really do want to practice in rural Arkansas. Basically, the benefit the program offers is available to you anyway, and you can easily get it without the risk that you'll fall in love with dermatology and/or want to get the hell out of the state. Most people change their minds on specialties several times, so don't feel like your opinions now are going to hold throughout school. They might, but they probably won't.

I definitely would not do that. To me, the only way the Rural Practice Program is of any use to you is if you (think you) are dead-set on primary care of some kind AND are on the waitlist. They move the Rural Practice people to the head of the list, so you're basically guaranteed to get accepted. The scholarship/loan forgiveness sounds enticing, but if you're going to practice primary care, you'll have hospitals tripping over themselves to pay your loans in exchange for service, especially if you really do want to practice in rural Arkansas. Basically, the benefit the program offers is available to you anyway, and you can easily get it without the risk that you'll fall in love with dermatology and/or want to get the hell out of the state. Most people change their minds on specialties several times, so don't feel like your opinions now are going to hold throughout school. They might, but they probably won't.

Yea my stats are horrible, and if I get an interview and onto the waitlist- by miracle, I dont want to have signed up for the program. I am not in a position to be picky about what i'll have to do for the 3 years after graduation, i'll be happy enough to spend time in the backwoods of AR. ALso I am more inclined towards rural practice in teh first place, less traffic, you get to meet more people in the community, and low living costs. so it works out good for me.
Also I am not really doing it for the loan forgiveness thing, I can manage instate tuition, but doing so primarily because of the higher chance at getting accepted.

Thanks for the info though! really appreciate it. Do you know when UAMS starts sending out its primaries.

Arkansas resident, currently in New Orleans starting my MSPH (it's a one year)... I'll be applying for 2013. Best of luck to everyone! :thumbup:

This is from 2011-2012. It's a letter to the Arkansas state legislature from the dean. It breaks down the average MCAT and GPA by congressional district. I thought this might be useful to post.

http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/Meeting%20Attachments/000/I9866/Exhibit%20I.3%20-%20UAMS%20-%20College%20of%20Medicine%20Additional%20Informat ion.pdf

I'm an Arkansas resident applying this cycle as well!

ALso I am more inclined towards rural practice in teh first place, less traffic, you get to meet more people in the community, and low living costs. so it works out good for me. I don't think that you really get to meet more people in the community when doing rural practice, just a larger percentage. In fact, you'd probably have considerably more patients working in a city. I do understand the appeal of being a known figure in the town you live in, however. I'm just a city slicker and couldn't stand living anywhere that small.

How generous would yall say UAMS is with merit scholarships, and how competitive must one be to receive a merit scholarship? I'm currently sitting on a 3.9 and 35Q. I'd say you're in good shape to get one, but UAMS, like most schools, isn't really all that generous. There just aren't as many people with stats as high as yours applying to go to school in Arkansas. Keep in mind, though, that it's going to be tough to keep/renew that scholarship. Lots of people do decently or well but don't crush the MCAT and go on to obliterate med school. I think you'll find there's very little correlation between undergrad performance and med school performance, both in class and on Step exams. Consequently, there are a lot of sleepers vying for that scholarship money.

.

I don't think that you really get to meet more people in the community when doing rural practice, just a larger percentage. In fact, you'd probably have considerably more patients working in a city. I do understand the appeal of being a known figure in the town you live in, however. I'm just a city slicker and couldn't stand living anywhere that small.

.

I dont know, Rural practice just attracts me more. Its not like I want to spend the rest of my life in some midwestern village, but I do want to spend some time in rural practice.



And someone that posted the letter... thanks for posting it... quite informative.

90%? I could've sworn I saw somewhere that they accepted more OOS.
I am from Texas, reapplicant, good GPA volunteering etc. but probably won't have an outlandishly high MCAT.
Anyone know what they look for in OOS? or my chances?

Regarding OOS:

A good friend of mine is from Texarkana - Texas side. He is engaged to a girl who was still in school here in AR. He got a 30 on the MCAT and had a decent GPA I think. He was put on the wait-list and then got accepted in May. I know that's kind of a single situation to judge things by, but maybe it helps.

They definitely look for strong ties for sure. Or so I've heard. And I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have 30+ on the MCAT.

submitted amcas yesterday. Its good that they interview all in states, meaning I can explain my poor undergrad performance, and hopefully wow them in the interview. UAMS is just 3 of the MD schools that I am applying to this year, and is obviously the top preference for me.

The school is really nice, the lib is almost always quiet, and I have now realized that people in Little Rock are nice. Not as nice and friendly as people in New Orleans, but way friendlier than from Texas.
Also I saw some of the new classes for med schools during my late night strolls across campus, and they are quite modern and really nicely built.

Keeping fingers crossed for this year, though I believe I dont have more than 10% chance to get in.. But will start a new bachelors to increase cGPA and sGPA in fall and apply earlier next year like (jun 1st)haha for a better chance.

submitted amcas yesterday. Its good that they interview all in states, meaning I can explain my poor undergrad performance, and hopefully wow them in the interview. UAMS is just 3 of the MD schools that I am applying to this year, and is obviously the top preference for me.

The school is really nice, the lib is almost always quiet, and I have now realized that people in Little Rock are nice. Not as nice and friendly as people in New Orleans, but way friendlier than from Texas.
Also I saw some of the new classes for med schools during my late night strolls across campus, and they are quite modern and really nicely built.

Keeping fingers crossed for this year, though I believe I dont have more than 10% chance to get in.. But will start a new bachelors to increase cGPA and sGPA in fall and apply earlier next year like (jun 1st)haha for a better chance.

People in New Orleans are for sure friendly. I'm finding that out. I lived in Little Rock last summer though, and I loved it though. It doesn't bother me to come back at all if I happen to get in.

I'm not sure if applying earlier next year really affects you a whole lot for UAMS though. I've been told by admissions that they don't look at everyone's applications until like December - and that's everyone. It gets you an earlier interview, but it was always my impression that was the only thing it really affected.

yes you're right. The adcom sits end of nov. i think, if my info is correct, to decide on the instate students.

with the data provided in a letter from by someone, i should have a decent chance... but you never know unless you get in!!! :D

I have a question for anyone already at UAMS... I was waiting around for physics senior year for the MCAT. Then I just got timid about taking it early summer with all of the graduate school, moving, etc. etc. [Graduated in May. Took three weeks off. Then started my MSPH here at Tulane. It's been a bit crazy.] So here I am sitting on an August MCAT date. I know that's not considered good. The rest of my app is, I feel, fairly decent though. Committee letter should be good, and the chair of pediatrics is writing my second. 3.82 GPA. Interned with ACHRI. My congressional district also might play to my favor - I'm hoping. And by August 2013, I should have my MSPH. Granted that I don't bomb the MCAT, is this enough to dig me out of my late MCAT date?

This is from 2011-2012. It's a letter to the Arkansas state legislature from the dean. It breaks down the average MCAT and GPA by congressional district. I thought this might be useful to post.

http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/Meeting%20Attachments/000/I9866/Exhibit%20I.3%20-%20UAMS%20-%20College%20of%20Medicine%20Additional%20Informat ion.pdf

According to this link there was a little less than 400 applicants to UAMS last year, but according to http://www.uams.edu/com/comcat/2011-2012_Cat_Sects/2012_com_catalog_For-Applicant.pdf

174 of 2163 applicants have been accepted as of February 15, 2011.
• The undergraduate grade point average for accepted applicants was 3.66 based on a 4.0 scale.
• Average scores on the MCAT were 9.6, 9.6 and 10.0 respectively, in Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences

There is over 2000 so who is right? trying to realistically see if I'm competitive being an AR resident from the 4th district, pm me for stats.

.

Both are right. There are <400 in-state applicants. The rest of the applicants are from out of state.

From District 4 last year, 62 people applied and 27 were accepted. This comprises a 43.5% acceptance rate for that district. The cumulative GPA for applicants is a 3.5 while the MCAT is a 23.6.

Basically, if you're above a 25 and a 3.5, you stand a pretty decent chance being from district 4.

Here is a chart that I made using data from the link.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pnW62gPtMo/T4I3YUqkuPI/AAAAAAAABFQ/TbXq6rB9Hjk/s1600/Table.png

Map of congressional districts in Arkansas

http://jimellisinsights.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/arkansas-congr-dists.gif

And they actually accept an equal number from each district first - comprising 70% of the first 150 enrollment spots. Then the remaining 30% is a sort of "free-for-all" for all districts and up to 15% of that can be out of state. Or that's how I interpreted it (http://www.uams.edu/com/comcat/2011-2012_Cat_Sects/2012_com_catalog_For-Applicant.pdf)

This thread needs more lovin'

This thread needs more lovin'

Looks like it might just be you and me. :laugh:

Have you (or anyone else) received a secondary application for UAMS yet? I know they send them out in the mail, and it sounds like on their website that they send as soon as they know you're applying and don't want until verification and what not.

We are getting closer... I would love to go here Ahh...
I thought the website said you had to be verified and submitted?

Wow that map kinda makes me wish I was from district 4 instead of district 3... How much is MCAT weighted at UAMS, does good a GPA, travel, research, and extracurricular make up for a poorer MCAT? Still waiting on my MCAT scores but I’m optimistic on everything else!

What other medical schools are you all applying for?

.

We are getting closer... I would love to go here Ahh...
I thought the website said you had to be verified and submitted?

Wow that map kinda makes me wish I was from district 4 instead of district 3... How much is MCAT weighted at UAMS, does good a GPA, travel, research, and extracurricular make up for a poorer MCAT? Still waiting on my MCAT scores but I’m optimistic on everything else!

What other medical schools are you all applying for?

I'm quoting from here:
http://www.uams.edu/com/comcat/2011-2012_Cat_Sects/2012_com_catalog_For-Applicant.pdf


"Upon notification from AMCAS that you have applied, we will send you a UAMS College of Medicine Supplemental Application that provides an itemized list of other steps you must follow to complete your medical school application."

LSU-New Orleans had sent my secondary after simply receiving notification I was applying there, so based on wording, I assumed UAMS might be the same.

My AAMC was verified in early June. I hope Arkansas sends out the secondary soon. Snail mail??
LSU NO reapplicant here. Only school I applied to last round and last minute. Interviewed, rejected mid-May, spoke with the dean and he said I'm a great applicant....no reccommendations (OOS). Frustrating

My AAMC was verified in early June. I hope Arkansas sends out the secondary soon. Snail mail??
LSU NO reapplicant here. Only school I applied to last round and last minute. Interviewed, rejected mid-May, spoke with the dean and he said I'm a great applicant....no reccommendations (OOS). Frustrating

Yeah UAMS does snail mail. I got an email from Mrs. Linda DuPuy (admissions) today and she said they would be going out very soon. I'm guessing some of the rest of you guys got this email as well...?

I received the same email today around 4.

Scheduled my interview today. 3 months!

NY resident here, received the supplemental!

Sorry for the late entry to the thread, but welcome to all the future applicants out there! I'm a current M3 here and should be at all your interview days, so I look forward to meeting you all. I'll do my best to answer questions as I see them, but keep in mind that the current 2nd years and new 1st years are going to be the only ones that know anything from experience about the new curriculum (not yet of course), so they'll be the ones to grill about that.

Good luck to you all!

-Matt

Mailed in my secondary application about an hour ago. Now we play the waiting game. :scared:

what address do we use to send supplemental?

what address do we use to send supplemental?

Should be included with the supplemental paperwork, but it just goes back to the Admissions office I believe. Their address is:

Admissions Office
UAMS College of Medicine
4301 W. Markham St., #551
Little Rock, AR 72205

(in-state student) So I'm hoping I'm not drastically late but I'm taking the MCAT this Friday and hoping to submit my AMCAS by the following week. It's my understanding I can submit it for verification before I get my scores back and before all my LOR are in correct? Also once I submit it can I call UAMS for the secondary and interview date or what's the procedure there?

Thanks for your time and help!

(in-state student) So I'm hoping I'm not drastically late but I'm taking the MCAT this Friday and hoping to submit my AMCAS by the following week. It's my understanding I can submit it for verification before I get my scores back and before all my LOR are in correct? Also once I submit it can I call UAMS for the secondary and interview date or what's the procedure there?

Thanks for your time and help!


Yep, you can submit it for verification anytime, but I don't think schools actually look at your primary until the MCAT and LOR are in. After you've submitted the AMCAS, you can call UAMS to schedule your interview. Your application doesn't have to be verified in order to schedule. Within 1-2 weeks of submitting, you should receive a supplementary application.

Best of luck!

Well I just finished up the MCAT on Friday and I'm hoping to have my application submitted early this comming week. Any word on how full the interview dates are? Is the first one still open?

I look at this thread... and all I can think is Hunger Games! LoL!

i look at this thread... And all i can think is hunger games! Lol!


I VOLUNTEER! I volunteer as tribute!

I look at this thread... and all I can think is Hunger Games! LoL!

That is exactly what I was thinking!

Can't decide if I want to apply here or not. I submitted my primary last cycle, but never submitted the secondary. If I recall, it was because they they wanted 3 additional "personal" letters.

That is exactly what I was thinking!

Can't decide if I want to apply here or not. I submitted my primary last cycle, but never submitted the secondary. If I recall, it was because they they wanted 3 additional "personal" letters.

I don't recall anything like that being part of the UAMS secondary, but I suppose it may have changed recently. I haven't heard anything to indicate it has, though. They want the letters of rec through AMCAS letters like everyone else, and there are some questions and such on the secondary, but no extra "personal" letters that I know of.

The three personal letters are not required, but they are allowed.. and you submit them via AMCAS. It has nothing to do with the supplemental application.

That being said, who wouldn't want 3 more people singing their praises? ;)

The three additional letters are not mandatory. That part of the secondary is just a way for you to let them know if they should be expecting additional LORs.

The three personal letters are not required, but they are allowed.. and you submit them via AMCAS. It has nothing to do with the supplemental application.

That being said, who wouldn't want 3 more people singing their praises? ;)

For some reason I thought they were "highly recommended" or something. Anyways, I'm not sure I could find 3 additional people who could write a really good letter!

I had three excellent choices for personal LoRs, but I also had a bit of a career (including an unrelated degree and teacher's license) before turning to pre-med. An old boss, coworker, preacher/priest/rabbi/whatever, fraternity/sorority authority, family friend with a Little Rock city job, etc. would all be pretty decent choices if you're still looking.. especially here in the south. Hell, the UAMS mission explicitly mentions healthcare in the state before the region or nation. From what I understand, the adcom is very gung-ho about Arkansas since UAMS is the only option for Arkansans not willing to leave.

Hello everyone!

And so, the time is upon us once again! Well, for me anyways...

Here's a little about me. This is my third time applying to UAMS. First year: rejected. Second year: alternate list but eventually not accepted. Hopefully third time's a charm! My main weakness is my MCAT score, but I retook it a third time and should get the results within a week. My practice scores were higher than before, so I'm hoping for the best. :xf:

Anyways, good luck to everyone!

Applying OOS, here it goes!

So I finally joined SDN after a year of creeping. Kind of a big day for me. So does anyone have any advice about the PMAC interview? I'm so nervous.

The advice I got from some UAMS students was pretty interesting.

Do some mock interviews with some doctors or faculty from your college if possible.

Have answers ready to the obvious questions: Why medicine? What are you most interested in within the field? If you changed majors/careers, why?

I hear they like to ask about legislature regarding healthcare as well. I would definitely know a bit about Obamacare and how it will affect both physicians and patients.

Other than that, try to dictate the direction of the conversation. If you like a subject, leave an answer hanging to encourage the group to ask more about it.

I also know that they may very well ask for your MCAT score. Be ready to talk about that - some students got that question, some didn't.

General interview questions are fair game, so be ready. An excellent bit for starting a conversation is simply "Tell us something about yourself." I'm personally hoping to use this to push the conversation in a direction I am confident and prepared in.

I'm pretty much nervous as hell, too. I practice answering questions when I'm in the shower or driving somewhere (solo.. friends and family get weirded out when you start having conversations by yourself). I just have to relax and remember that I truly think I am a candidate they would want in their program, and that if that is the case, they need to hear what I have to say without my being affected by nerves.. easier said than done!

Good luck!

Does anyone out there know of other schools which accept a Speech class in place of English? I know UAMS does.

The advice I got from some UAMS students was pretty interesting.

Do some mock interviews with some doctors or faculty from your college if possible.

Have answers ready to the obvious questions: Why medicine? What are you most interested in within the field? If you changed majors/careers, why?

I hear they like to ask about legislature regarding healthcare as well. I would definitely know a bit about Obamacare and how it will affect both physicians and patients.

Other than that, try to dictate the direction of the conversation. If you like a subject, leave an answer hanging to encourage the group to ask more about it.

I also know that they may very well ask for your MCAT score. Be ready to talk about that - some students got that question, some didn't.


General interview questions are fair game, so be ready. An excellent bit for starting a conversation is simply "Tell us something about yourself." I'm personally hoping to use this to push the conversation in a direction I am confident and prepared in.

I'm pretty much nervous as hell, too. I practice answering questions when I'm in the shower or driving somewhere (solo.. friends and family get weirded out when you start having conversations by yourself). I just have to relax and remember that I truly think I am a candidate they would want in their program, and that if that is the case, they need to hear what I have to say without my being affected by nerves.. easier said than done!

Good luck!

Thanks so much! My pmac is September 11th, kind of an iffy day.

Wear an Amurica! pin.

Wear an Amurica! pin.

Literally just laughed out loud. Thanks for that.

The advice I got from some UAMS students was pretty interesting.

Do some mock interviews with some doctors or faculty from your college if possible.

Have answers ready to the obvious questions: Why medicine? What are you most interested in within the field? If you changed majors/careers, why?

I hear they like to ask about legislature regarding healthcare as well. I would definitely know a bit about Obamacare and how it will affect both physicians and patients.

Other than that, try to dictate the direction of the conversation. If you like a subject, leave an answer hanging to encourage the group to ask more about it.

I also know that they may very well ask for your MCAT score. Be ready to talk about that - some students got that question, some didn't.

General interview questions are fair game, so be ready. An excellent bit for starting a conversation is simply "Tell us something about yourself." I'm personally hoping to use this to push the conversation in a direction I am confident and prepared in.

I'm pretty much nervous as hell, too. I practice answering questions when I'm in the shower or driving somewhere (solo.. friends and family get weirded out when you start having conversations by yourself). I just have to relax and remember that I truly think I am a candidate they would want in their program, and that if that is the case, they need to hear what I have to say without my being affected by nerves.. easier said than done!

Good luck!

Amazingly helpful. Thanks! Mind me asking when your interview is?

We're going to be talking about health care reform in my Health Systems Admin class this week. I wanted to do cartwheels when I heard that.

My interview is October 6. Haven't yet received the email to tell me anything more yet.

Love this school!
Applied OOS so I guess I won't be hearing about that January interview for some time :(

Love this school!
Applied OOS so I guess I won't be hearing about that January interview for some time :(

January interview??

They typically interview all the OOS kids on one day in January with a few sneaking in at an earlier date.

Interesting. Small number I assume then.

It's usually around 100-120 with about 25-30 being accepted. I guess the class sizes are increasing this year, so those numbers may bump up a little.

It's usually around 100-120 with about 25-30 being accepted. I guess the class sizes are increasing this year, so those numbers may bump up a little.

I just added this school to my processed AMCAS application yesterday. When do they mail out the secondaries, by any chance do you know how many essays it has?

Unless things have changed, it has zero essays. I got my secondary about 2 weeks after applying.

Unless things have changed, it has zero essays. I got my secondary about 2 weeks after applying.

Thanks! do they send an email or something to let us know that the secondary was mailed?

Thanks! do they send an email or something to let us know that the secondary was mailed?

Yes. They send you an email when they receive your secondary.

Does anyone know how the December acceptances usually work? Any idea of GPA, MCAT range?

December acceptances?

Does anyone know how the December acceptances usually work? Any idea of GPA, MCAT range?

Mr. South actually mentioned this when he spoke at my school. He said they review 15-20 applicants in December, and another 15-20 in January. He didn't mention any ranges, but rather said that the applicants they admit early are usually those that probably have multiple acceptances to other medical schools. 30-40 early acceptances is roughly 20%. The 90th percentiles at UAMS are 34 and 4.0, so I would guess that people they review probably land between 32-33 and 3.8-4.0. Of course, these are just estimates.

My interview is October 6. Haven't yet received the email to tell me anything more yet.

Same Here, haven't recieved an email or letter as well. I personally went and submitted my secondary, and scheduled the interview for Oct. 6th. The lady told me that they will mail something approx. 3 weeks before the interview date to tell about the interview date, place, time etc etc.
But I think I messed up something on the secondary, and that is why there is a delay. When they ask for the voter registration number, I gave my driver's license, since when I went to register at DMV the lady told me that was the case. But when the voter registration mail came in the number was completely different. I dunno whats up with teh delay!

Hoping to hear from them soon.

I was just wondering if there is anyone out there that can tell me about how to get in some mock interviews before the actually interview before the oct. 6th date???

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

I was just wondering if there is anyone out there that can tell me about how to get in some mock interviews before the actually interview before the oct. 6th date???

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

A lot of universities have career centers that offer mock interviews. At my undergrad university, there are several career advisors and you can have an unlimited number of interviews so you can really get practice. I had several mock interviews already and it has helped me tremendously. Just a little advice if you do use these services: some advisors are unfamiliar with medical school interviews, so tell them it is NOT for a job (i.e. no resume is required) and they should ask you medical school-specific questions like "Why medicine".

Is it worth applying here OOS with a GPA between 3.74-3.78 and a 32R MCAT?

I would say it's worth trying. That score is above the average acceptance score. App fee here is only $100 iirc.

If you've got decent shadowing/volunteer experience and you're worried about your other apps, I'd do it.

Is it worth applying here OOS with a GPA between 3.74-3.78 and a 32R MCAT?

It's worth applying. Those numbers are probably worth an invite to interview as long as the rest of your application is solid, and UAMS is big on fit (they really want people staying in Arkansas to practice) so I'd go ahead and apply and if you score an interview you could be in pretty good shape.

-Matt

This might be a dumb question, but when the app says to fill out page 2 OR 3 if applying for the freshman class of 2013,2014, or 2015, that doesn't mean graduating class, right? Because then we'd be applying for 2017.

My interview is October 6. Haven't yet received the email to tell me anything more yet.

This might be a dumb question, but when the app says to fill out page 2 OR 3 if applying for the freshman class of 2013,2014, or 2015, that doesn't mean graduating class, right? Because then we'd be applying for 2017.

freshmen class of 2013, 14, 15 means that you are going to be a freshmen in 2013-2014-or 15

But as far as I remember, the first page is for students that are in this years application cycle, while the second page is for those that will be applying for later starts or something...I might be wrong,
Therefore call Ms. Dupuy, she is just so nice, and explains everything very nicely.

I think as of right now you have to option to take the 2013 pre-matriculation requirements or you can go with the 2015 requirements. Kinda like they plan on changing them anyways, so if you complete the 2015 (which are more extensive), you can disregard the 2013 requirements.

And also, yeah, Mrs. Dupuy might be the nicest lady on the planet. She is incredible. She is definitely not one to be afraid of - she is a huuuuuge help!

Anyone else out there interviewing this coming Saturday?

I feel like I should be more nervous than I am, but I've had so much going on with grad school these past couple of weeks that I really haven't had time to think about being nervous. Honestly probably a good thing for me.

Hi! I will be attending the interview this Saturday. I would say that I am more excited than nervous.

Anyone else out there interviewing this coming Saturday?

I feel like I should be more nervous than I am, but I've had so much going on with grad school these past couple of weeks that I really haven't had time to think about being nervous. Honestly probably a good thing for me.

Hi! I will be attending the interview this Saturday. I would say that I am more excited than nervous.

interviewing this saturday as well.... first medical school innterview... kindof scared about some of the questions... If anyone wants to practice on friday or something, I am totally down for it...

Ill be there as well, looking forward to it!

interviewing this saturday as well.... first medical school innterview... kindof scared about some of the questions... If anyone wants to practice on friday or something, I am totally down for it...

You'll be fine! I will see you all this Saturday at the interviews and I'll give a tour to some of you. If you have concerns/questions about the interview before Saturday morning, feel free to get ahold of me (PM me or something) and I'm happy to go through some things with you.

-Matt

anxiously waiting in my hotel room! I'll be there tom as well. is everyone interviewing tom at 11:30? Kinda nervous, but feel prepared, this is my second time interviewing here so hopefully I shine this time. Best o Luck to everyone else.

Interviewing tomorrow as well.

And now the wait to possibly February begins. :lame:

Anyone else surprised at how good they feel about their interview? I've heard both ends of the spectrum so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I couldn't have asked for better interviewers. I'm hoping I got the right impression. I usually get overly excited and enthusiastic when I first meet someone and get to talking so I hope they didn't mind that. :D

I definitely feel relieved it went well (to my knowledge) though. I had sort of a meh-MCAT so I needed the pick-me-up.

I was surprised at how simple the interview was. I had been preparing pretty hard for it with off-the-wall questions, but I felt like they asked around ~5-6 basic questions. The rest was just a big conversation (which was great).

It was a great experience.

May be stupid to ask, but worth applying for an OOSer with a 27 MCAT and 3.5 GPA?

May be stupid to ask, but worth applying for an OOSer with a 27 MCAT and 3.5 GPA?

How strong are your ties to the state? Because I have a good friend who lives right across the border in Texas, went to undergrad in Arkansas, had a 30 on the MCAT, and was wait-listed, and was accepted off the wait-list at the end of the spring.

How strong are your ties to the state? Because I have a good friend who lives right across the border in Texas, went to undergrad in Arkansas, had a 30 on the MCAT, and was wait-listed, and was accepted off the wait-list at the end of the spring.
No ties whatsoever. I know, "I'll go to the school that accepts me" is not going to fly, haha.

Well, one less set of fees to pay...

The secondary app email was hilarious. I want to meet this Linda DuPuy.

Does anyone know of any other schools with similar non-rolling admissions like Arkansas?

No ties whatsoever. I know, "I'll go to the school that accepts me" is not going to fly, haha.

Well, one less set of fees to pay...

You don't need strong ties to apply, it's just one of the things they consider. Most of the OOS students in my class had no ties to AR overall. Just know about the school, enough about Arkansas to at least pretend you may one day want to practice there regardless of where you actually want to practice, and be a likable person in your interview. OOS is competitive of course, but it's not as if only people with strong ties are accepted.

-Matt

You don't need strong ties to apply, it's just one of the things they consider. Most of the OOS students in my class had no ties to AR overall. Just know about the school, enough about Arkansas to at least pretend you may one day want to practice there regardless of where you actually want to practice, and be a likable person in your interview. OOS is competitive of course, but it's not as if only people with strong ties are accepted.

-Matt

Oops.... Well, I suppose I was speaking of one isolated incidence.

Oops.... Well, I suppose I was speaking of one isolated incidence.

It is good to have strong ties, you're certainly right about that, but it isn't the end-all/be-all for OOS admissions at UAMS like it is at a lot of other public med schools like the other poster may have thought. UAMS considers it, I am sure they prefer it (they want good doctors to practice in Arkansas), but most of the OOS admitted students each year aren't close-ties candidates from what I've seen. Good scores and GPA are key to getting invited to interview, or if those are just average, a good "story" (something really unique or special about the student, or an exceptional CV) has also earned people invites to interview. The other thing you brought up that's pretty important is that a lot of the OOS applicants that are eventually accepted and attend here are wait-listed first. So if you get a wait-list and have decided UAMS is where you'd like to go, keep your fingers crossed because there will be a good group of the wait-listers getting in eventually.

-Matt

I'm a current UAMS M1 student who wandered back over here out of boredom and gross anatomy avoidance. I've also been involved in an interview day earlier this month, and may get in on some more. If any of you applicants have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

this thread is dead when do we find out acceptance?

The first round of acceptances goes out in December, so you've got awhile.

Would absolutely love to go to UAMS. I'm OOS, residence is CA. it was gorgeous. grandmother uncle and aunts lived over in arkansas for ~15years so i have been over there on different occasions throughout my childhood before they moved to Virginia 3.5 years ago. dad had a chance to do a consulting there 2 years back, that was the last time i been over there.

32L and 3.68o/3.64s - strong ECs especially in research and clinical experience. Really really hoping I will have a chance to be invited for an interview here as an OOS. :xf:

Sorry for the back to back post. I already know I am on the later spectrum of the applicants here, but is there a guideline on how the "strong ties to Arkansas" letter should be written? i.e. How long can the letter be be (word/character limit etc.)?'

I'm drafting my letter at the moment and hoping to send tomorrow.
Basically, my ties are as mentioned above in the previous post: I have had family living in Arkansas for quite some time and I've been to the state many of times staying with cousins for the summer or visiting family during holidays.

Anywho, UAMS is one of my top choices and I really want to go here and would appreciate some feedback on drafting the letter.

Many thanks in advance!! :)

edit: guess this thread is dead! =(

Yeah it's pretty dead. I'd offer some advice, but I am an Arkansas native. I've got no idea on anything having to do with that letter.

For the strong ties letter, the committee is looking for reasons you're likely to practice in Arkansas after you graduate. You may have absolutely no intention of doing so right now, but they know if there are things you like about the state and reasons for you to stay here, you may end up choosing to start a career here. So, the family stuff is always good, as are any happy stories about the state and why you would love to be here forever.

I'm surprised no one commented this week, but the second batch of in-state interviews is tomorrow morning. Good luck to everyone interviewing in the morning, and I'll see you there at registration (or for a lucky few, tours :D)!
-Matt

Anyone have an idea in terms of the date that early acceptances come out in December?

Think one of the PDF docs online about the admissions process says that it's around the 20th for December, January, and February accepts.

Usually mid-month. Last year, it was right on Dec 15, Jan 15, Feb 15th. Figure in transit times for the mail and you'll probably hear within a few days of those dates.

Hello!

Applied back in September and having heard anything about an interview yet :(

I have a 3.89 GPA and a 31Q MCAT with a master's degree. I am out of state but I do have lots of family in Arkansas and pretty much every one in my immediate family has a degree from Arkansas so I'd hate to be the black spot on a perfect score!

Anyways, lots of shadowing/volunteering and research experience. So should I contact admissions to make sure that my app is ok?

This med school application stuff is really stressful! :scared:

Thanks!

You can always contact Ms. Dupuy about any questions you might have. In state interviews are held pretty late in the cycle, as UAMS is bound legally to recruit a certain % of students from in-state. This leads to a heavily in-state oriented student group. Good luck!

ChemicalKat - UAMS traditionally sends emails by/around late December to let OOS's know if they'll be invited for an interview in early January. I wouldn't get worried yet. I'm sure you're fine. :)

It is good to have strong ties, you're certainly right about that, but it isn't the end-all/be-all for OOS admissions at UAMS like it is at a lot of other public med schools like the other poster may have thought. UAMS considers it, I am sure they prefer it (they want good doctors to practice in Arkansas), but most of the OOS admitted students each year aren't close-ties candidates from what I've seen. Good scores and GPA are key to getting invited to interview, or if those are just average, a good "story" (something really unique or special about the student, or an exceptional CV) has also earned people invites to interview. The other thing you brought up that's pretty important is that a lot of the OOS applicants that are eventually accepted and attend here are wait-listed first. So if you get a wait-list and have decided UAMS is where you'd like to go, keep your fingers crossed because there will be a good group of the wait-listers getting in eventually.

-Matt

Thanks for the tons of info.

I have a few questions. Do you know typically when II go out for OOS?

Some more stupid questions. :D Are there are parts in Arkansas that are underserved and is UAMS big on help those communities out?

Thanks for the tons of info.

I have a few questions. Do you know typically when II go out for OOS?

December. I have expressed my opinion in the past that this is too late to send out invites for interviews that occur in January (last minute flights, particularly to a city as small as Little Rock, can be pricey), but apparently they have to have some feel for what the IS rounds are looking like before they can send out invites I believe. I don't remember the exact reason for the late timing, but it's not something that's totally in their control.


Some more stupid questions. :D Are there are parts in Arkansas that are underserved and is UAMS big on help those communities out?
Most of the state is technically considered underserved. There are a few specific cities that aren't realistically under-served, but if I remember correctly, every county except for Pulaski County (where Little Rock is located) is considered a medically under-served area, even if some cities in that county aren't. The AHEC program is one of the ways UAMS reaches out to the state as a whole, and if you wanted to impress an interviewer about your commitment to practicing in an under-served area, mentioning the AHEC program and what you find appealing about it could be a good idea. Some interviewers will know more/care more about it than others of course, but if they do care it would certainly demonstrate that you've done your research on UAMS and are taking their mission seriously. Link: http://ruralhealth.uams.edu/

They also have done a big push and received a large grant for fiber optic broad band to all kinds of rural communities in Arkansas to allow for strong UAMS telemedicine in those areas, and they sponsor all kinds of rural health programs and education events. UAMS is unofficially and at times officially tasked with improving the entire state's quality of healthcare, so they are pretty good at outreach.

Hope that helps a little.
-Matt

.

Another question:

What's it like living in Little Rock? I have family that lives an hour away but I've never been there for an extended period of time and I was too young to remember most of it.

I live off Cantrell in West Little Rock in a nice apartment complex. Rent's kinda steep at this place, but the cost of living is definitely lower than almost any other urban (if you can call Little Rock urban) area. Gas is cheaper, food is cheaper, utilities are cheap, and rent isn't bad at all - there are pretty nice 2 bed 1.5 bath available for ~650 in the nice parts of town ~15 minutes from UAMS. Lots of stuff to do outside if you're into that, but not much of a local music scene. The bars near the Rivermarket can be fun, and there are a couple of REALLY nice movie theaters (I'm on the way to see Lincoln shortly actually). I really enjoy Pinnacle Mountain, Two Rivers Park, and, though it's small, the Little Rock Zoo.

It gets -very- hot during the summer and pretty cold in the middle of the winter. Little to no snow.

Traffic isn't terrible as long as you stay off the highways during rush hours. Even then, it's usually tolerable by 8:30 AM and 6 PM and clear most of the day. There is no public transportation system to speak of, but the population is not too big for the city's roads.

One thing I don't like about Little Rock is the lack of professional sports teams. The only big team to really cheer for is UofA Razorbacks, and if you've followed college football at all this year, you know it's a rough time to be a Hogs fan ;)

The food is surprisingly good. There's a few great pizza places in town (Damgoode Pies and Vino's come to mind), and there are a few great steak places (Riverfront Steakhouse being my favorite). There's plenty of choices to choose from, and we have most chains.

Depending on where you're at in Little Rock, it's pretty safe. The area directly surrounding UAMS is a little shady, but over in WLR where I'm at, things seem plenty safe. Southwest Little Rock gets pretty hairy though.. my dad worked over there when I was growing up and his shop was broken into at least once a month. I guess the same things apply as in any other city in the delta - there are some bad spots, and don't go walking solo in the dark in secluded areas.

There are nearby lakes, small mountains within 1.5 hours driving (although Pinnacle is like 20 minutes), and forests everywhere. I'm one of those people that actually like Arkansas. I feel like it has just about everything short of snow skiing and beaches.

I've lived around Little Rock my entire life (and I really enjoy it), so if you've got more specific questions other than what I've already said, I'd be happy to answer :)

I live off Cantrell in West Little Rock in a nice apartment complex. Rent's kinda steep at this place, but the cost of living is definitely lower than almost any other urban (if you can call Little Rock urban) area. Gas is cheaper, food is cheaper, utilities are cheap, and rent isn't bad at all - there are pretty nice 2 bed 1.5 bath available for ~650 in the nice parts of town ~15 minutes from UAMS. Lots of stuff to do outside if you're into that, but not much of a local music scene. The bars near the Rivermarket can be fun, and there are a couple of REALLY nice movie theaters (I'm on the way to see Lincoln shortly actually). I really enjoy Pinnacle Mountain, Two Rivers Park, and, though it's small, the Little Rock Zoo.

It gets -very- hot during the summer and pretty cold in the middle of the winter. Little to no snow.

Traffic isn't terrible as long as you stay off the highways during rush hours. Even then, it's usually tolerable by 8:30 AM and 6 PM and clear most of the day. There is no public transportation system to speak of, but the population is not too big for the city's roads.

One thing I don't like about Little Rock is the lack of professional sports teams. The only big team to really cheer for is UofA Razorbacks, and if you've followed college football at all this year, you know it's a rough time to be a Hogs fan ;)

The food is surprisingly good. There's a few great pizza places in town (Damgoode Pies and Vino's come to mind), and there are a few great steak places (Riverfront Steakhouse being my favorite). There's plenty of choices to choose from, and we have most chains.

Depending on where you're at in Little Rock, it's pretty safe. The area directly surrounding UAMS is a little shady, but over in WLR where I'm at, things seem plenty safe. Southwest Little Rock gets pretty hairy though.. my dad worked over there when I was growing up and his shop was broken into at least once a month. I guess the same things apply as in any other city in the delta - there are some bad spots, and don't go walking solo in the dark in secluded areas.

There are nearby lakes, small mountains within 1.5 hours driving (although Pinnacle is like 20 minutes), and forests everywhere. I'm one of those people that actually like Arkansas. I feel like it has just about everything short of snow skiing and beaches.

I've lived around Little Rock my entire life (and I really enjoy it), so if you've got more specific questions other than what I've already said, I'd be happy to answer :)

Going to echo what Bamfu said - the outdoors is amazing in Arkansas - especially the area surrounding LR in my opinion. Despite being an urban center, you get things like Pinnacle which are just 20 minutes away. I'm currently living in New Orleans, and although I like it for the most part, I miss Little Rock for this reason. I think here I'd have to drive for probably like an hour to get somewhere that secluded.

Damgoode Pies and Vino's are also two of my favorites... The Root is a great local cafe not too far from Arkansas Children's Hospital that gets a lot of their stuff fresh from the Dunbar Community Garden. My absolute favorite restaurant has to go to The House though - which is actually just a few blocks from UAMS. Really cool beer selection, great food, and an awesome new burger menu they're actually rolling out this week. I honestly can't wait to be back in Arkansas in a few weeks to try out their new menu, and of course, go hiking. :)

A couple of my friends applying to dental school just found out today they got in and it had renewed my interest in finding out about med school. Is the consensus that the first possible information will be Dec 20th? Do they send a letter, call, email?

Dec 20 sounds about right. I was told by UAMS staff that the first adcom committee is Dec 14. Not many acceptances at all go out from this December meeting.

I'll give another spin on life in Little Rock. I was born and raised in Kansas City, so that's kind of my baseline for comparison. Overall, I would say that LR is not really that great of a place to live but has been improving noticeably in the past few years.

In general, things in Little Rock have very little character. Yeah, there's the trendy, hipster-ish shops and bars in Hillcrest and The Heights, but most of them are just clones of each other. Downtown is also pretty nondescript. Outside of that, it's mostly ranch houses and strip malls as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately, that homogeneity describes the populace fairly well, too. It's devout white Southern Baptists all day long and everything that comes with. I was alarmed to discover that many of my classmates were at least a little racist and homophobic. There are sprinkles of diversity, but you have to look pretty hard to find them. People in LR are often nice, but it's nice in that superficial stab-you-in-the-back-later fashion that seems prevalent in the south. Basically, if you don't fit the mold, things will be a little more difficult for you. I suppose it isn't a coincidence that most of my friends were other out-of-staters.

Okay, so those are the main negatives of living in LR. The main benefit that I can see is that the cost of living is ridiculously low. I shared a nice ~2500 sq ft house with a fenced yard, garage, and 2 driveways that cost us roughly 500/month each, including utilities, and that was fairly expensive by local standards. As noted above, food and other necessities are similarly inexpensive. You will be able to live quite well off your cost of living loan allowance.

I'm a food guy, so finding good eats was a priority for me. First, the good news: there are a few really amazing places to grub around town. In particular, the Mexican food is awesome. The bad news: those are the only good places in town. For instance, there's a pretty good Vietnamese place right in the middle of the city but no other decent ones at all. Same goes for Thai and Chinese food. There just usually aren't many good options. However, the Indian food options are pretty strong. I disagree with the above regarding The House; they used to have excellent food but restructured their menu about 2 years ago and started serving hardtack and swill. If they're bringing back the old stuff, I'd be thrilled, for the space is a great one. Restaurant-wise, here are a few I'd recommend:

Italian: Capeo (NLR). Don't bother with the rest
Indian: Banana Leaf (food truck right down the street from UAMS), Taj Mahal (off of Rodney Parham), Taste of India (McCain Mall)
Viet: Thanh My (Markahm and Shackleford)
Mexican: Del Campo a la Ciudad (grocery store on the corner of 65th and University), Taqueria Jalisco San Juan (truck in parking lot of Colonial Liquor on Shackleford)
Thai: Chang (in Sherwood but well worth the drive)
Chinese: Mr. Chen's (University and Asher)
Mediterranean: Layla's (Rodeny Parham. Not fabulous but good enough)
Sandwiches: Argenta Market (NLR)
Pizza: Damgoode (Hillcrest - freaking awesome pizza), Vino's (edge of Downtown)
Burgers: David's (Markham and Bowman), Big Orange (the mall way on Chenal in WLR). It'd be awesome if The House returned to its old form.


Places I absolutely do not recommend that other people seem to enjoy:
US Pizza. Terrible pizza, mediocre sandwiches, high prices. They buy in their food, and you can literally get the exact same pizza in the UAMS hospital for half the price. Never, ever go here if you can avoid it.
Ferneau (or 21 or whatever it's called now). Decent food but outrageous prices.
Ciao Baci: God awful Italian food, astonishingly high drink prices for terrible drinks. You can't charge $7.50 for a Popov and tonic in Little Rock, guys. Beers are priced better, admittedly, but $3.50 for a bottle of Bud Light is still pretty damn bad.
B-sides: Ridiculously bad service, long wait times, and average food.
Leo's: Gross, relatively expensive Greek food. Long waits here, too
Canon Grill: Hands down the worst tex-mex I've ever had, and it ain't cheap, either.
Star of India: Worst Indian food ever. Before I met her, this was my girlfriend's only experience with Indian food, and she thought she just hated the food in general. It's now her favorite ethnic food.

Next up, night life. Despite how it may seem, you'll have plenty of time to go out and let down a bit. Unfortunately, Little Rock's night scene is abysmal. There are a grand total of 3 places open late at night, and most of the bars take advantage of the fact that there isn't much else around and charge accordingly. The late-night venues, Salut, Midtown, and Discovery (a.k.a. "Disco") are mediocre at best, but it's all LR has. All charge a cover and are slammed after bar hours (2 officially but often earlier). Disco is basically a gay club kind of off the beaten path, and they require you to drop a cool $18 bucks just to walk in the door. It's fairly bare-bones and in a crappy old barely-converted warehouse. They'd be laughed out of business in any other city. Midtown and Salut are renowned for their food, but it's really just regular bar fare. Being the only non-IHOP, non-Waffle House joint in town serving food later than 10 PM has its perks. Several of the more popular bars, most notably Ciao Baci, Ferneau/21, and Diversions are just awful. Bad douche-heavy crowds, expensive drinks, tons of people to fight through, bad service (especially at Diversions). Downtown is small and has fairly few options, some of which are of the piano bar type which is an instant no-go for me.

Okay, that's the negative stuff. The good part is that there's hope yet. The Fountain in Hillcrest is a great little neighborhood place. It can get annoyingly crowded on weekend nights, but any other time, you'll find that the same local regulars gather there in relative peace. The bartenders are all friendly and will single you out of the crowd for drinks once they know you. The Rev Room and Juanita's are both cool venues that get some impressive acts. I saw Orgy, The Wailers, Crystal Method, Lacuna Coil, and several others during my time there. There are also a few other townie bars around that offer good drinks for reasonable prices and good company. I also have a soft spot for Cajun's, a place sort of near Disco down by the River. It's an amazing venue with average drinks and a much different crowd than what you'll see downtown or in Hillcrest. All is not lost, but you have to look pretty hard for good places to go.

Little Rock lends itself well to outdoors activities. Pinnacle is a cool place, and the Ozarks are about an hour and a half away. If you like hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, etc., Little Rock is a great place for you to be. The city also has quite a few nice parks and trails to explore. You'll be quite pleased with the options.

I agree with the above assessment of the city's safety. I guess people aren't used to not being able to leave valuables in plain sight, but it always seems to surprise people when their windows get smashed and their iPods stolen from the passenger seat. You're living in a city. You can't do that ****. You'll hear lots of reports about LR being dangerous, but that usually consists of a robbery every few weeks. It is not at all a dangerous place to live unless you stray southeast of 630. Then it gets dicey.

Weather in LR is probably how you'd expect. It's crazy hot in the summer and gets down to the 40s in winter. Occasionally it'll get cold enough to snow, and god help you if it does. The entire damn city shuts down when there's an inch of slush on the ground, and the already awful drivers piss themselves in fear. Seriously, just don't go out when winter weather hits. It's dangerous, and there's nowhere to go, anyway.

That brings me to a(nother) pet peeve of mine: the traffic in LR is way worse than it should be. People drive slowly and unpredictably and create a lot of very difficult, dangerous situations. One thing you'll find happening very often is that people looking to turn across/onto the street you're on will edge the nose of their car into your lane like it's no big deal, essentially blocking it. Obviously, that gets ****ing treacherous when there's someone driving in the lane next to you. You'll also find people on highways and roads driving a solid 10 MPH below the speed limit for no real reason. All it takes is 2 of those people cruising next to each other to demolish traffic flow, and you'll find that practice is the rule, not the exception. If there's any sort of inclement weather, you throw caution to the wind by going out on LR streets. It's like precipitation flips an idiot switch in everyone in the city. As noted above, nobody there can drive in winter weather. Seriously, be careful.

Clearly, I have a lot of negative things to say about the city. To paraphrase one of my good friends, it's a town with all the bad parts of small towns and large cities but few of the good ones. That said, it is definitely getting better fast. I noticed a huge improvement over my time there. If nothing else, you can just carve out your own little niche and live cheaply and happily for 4 years. It worked for me.

There are sprinkles of diversity, but you have to look pretty hard to find them. People in LR are often nice, but it's nice in that superficial stab-you-in-the-back-later fashion that seems prevalent in the south.

Oh Gosh. I've never heard a more accurate description. :laugh:

My take on Little Rock is very different than Alex's.

Overall, Little Rock is a pretty nice small southern city. It's about a decade behind the revitalization curve that a lot of larger cities in this part of the country have been experiencing, but has been making a lot of progress in the past several years (particularly in the downtown area, which has seen a lot of recent development and has some big projects underway right now as well). From what I've experienced, Little Rock is a pretty hospitable place overall and most people are friendly. The population is about half white, and the rest is mostly african american, but most neighborhoods seem to be pretty monochromatic. The cost of living is pretty low overall. Some places (downtown, Hillcrest) have a bit higher rent than most of the city, but nowhere is unreasonable. The scenery and outdoor activities in the area are excellent. There's an extensive bike/running trail and park network along the river and they get an impressive amount of use. The riverfront park downtown by the River Market is one of my favorites and has some nice sculptures and a wetlands park which is pretty cool. Downtown itself is pretty nice overall and a good place to rent if you want the loft/condo style living, but the options are priced too high for the size of the city and the quality of the apartments, IMO. The River Market area is a nice place to grab a bite to eat or have a drink, but is relatively small. Luckily more areas of downtown are developing and new options seem to be popping up. Hillcrest and the Heights are nice areas and have a small town/village feel in the middle of the city. They're close to UAMS and Hillcrest is very popular among UAMS students and young professionals. West Little Rock is as bland and sprawly as any other city and I have a general distaste for it due to that, but it's a nice area overall. Retail options are about average for a city the size of Little Rock, and unless you're used to a large city's options, you won't have any complaints. Entertainment is a bit disappointing in some ways. Music/concert options seem good, dining options are strong, but nightlife is limited to a couple areas of town and there are too few options for a city this size. There are a number of nice small museums to visit in town, and the presidential library is worth a visit. The zoo is small and has clearly been running on a shoestring budget for a long time, but is very clean and well maintained for an older zoo. The art museum is small and not terribly impressive, but at least it's free. The symphony is also small but the community seems to support it well and tickets are dirt cheap for UAMS students. The Rep puts on some good productions and also offers good deals to UAMS students from time to time. Crime in Little Rock is something that is frequently talked about but also very dependent on the part of town you wander into. There are very few reasons to go south of I-630, and a lot of the violent crime is in that half of the city. Property crime is everywhere, but with normal city precautions you'll probably be fine.

Anyway, that's a lot of rambling about the city and I'm sure it was hard to follow, but hopefully there was something helpful in there. I'm a bit tired so the brain isn't firing on all cylinders right now.

Good luck to those interviewing soon and the OOSers waiting on invites. If you've got any questions hit me up and I'll try to respond.
-Matt

Good stuff guys thanks! It doesn't take much to keep me happy. Just good food and maybe a good place to get a beer.

How does the satellite campus in Fayetville work?

I've got my fingers crossed! I would snatch up an invite in an instant!

I posted something very similar to this last year on the subject of the NW Campus:

As far as who ends up at the NW Campus, it is a volunteer type thing with a possible random "lottery" style selection for remaining spots if there aren't enough volunteers. To date no one has ever been forced to go, there have been enough willing volunteers. There was some mild drama with the current M4 group where a selection was done but then people stepped forward that were "on the fence" and had made decisions to take their spots. It was an unnecessary mess and in response to that they moved up the volunteer timeline so people have more resources and time to think about going to NWA. You'll have the opportunity to tour their campus, talk to their students and faculty, etc. about it well before a decision is required of you. Our class had more volunteers than spots as does the class below us, but I think that's just because they moved the sign-up date really far forward.

So what's it actually like? Well, not being up there I'm limited to second hand information, so here's what I've heard from students up there and administration here about it:
-You get more one on one time with faculty physicians and patients since there are fewer students and very few residents in NWA. This is good in some ways, and bad in others. It sounds like it's all good until you get to be a 3rd year and realize that knowing residents can be helpful and residents tend to be the best teachers, having other students around can be nice, residency directors aren't in Fayetteville, and learning skills in your third year is nice but less important to residency directors than your overall exposure and knowledge base... So it's a mixed bag on that front.
- Like Little Rock, you rotate through multiple hospitals (Fayetteville has a pretty nice, new hospital plus a VA hospital, Rogers has a brand new hospital, and Springdale has a bit older but reasonably nice hospital) and regional clinics, but they are much more spread out so you will spend more time commuting. The hospitals are generally smaller than the ones you rotate through in Little Rock and there is no children's hospital, but the facilities are still nice. Keep in mind NW Campus is community based hospitals and not academic medicine.
-The curriculum doesn't work in the same blocks as the main campus does, which means you'll not really have "easy" months and "hard" months, but a relatively consistent 3rd year overall. I don't know much about how the curriculum works exactly or have heard much about 4th year, but you'll hear more about that process during your 1st year. The pros I've heard is that it helps you do well on boards since everything runs consecutively and you learn it all together in an integrated fashion. The big con is it gives a totally unrealistic view of a specialty since it's a lot easier to enjoy something when you do it one day a week than it is when you do it for 6-8 weeks solid.
-Primary care leaning people seem to love it. It makes sense really, you get a bit more relaxed setting and a lot more time getting to know doctors and interacting with individual patients from what I hear. The downside is that you'll see far fewer unusual cases than you do at UAMS. NWA is decent sized but very suburban and just doesn't have the super-specialty kind of faculty and facilities UAMS does in Little Rock so the crazy zebra cases are going to end up in Little Rock most likely. If you have a thing for gunshot wounds or big time trauma, you're probably going to be a bit bored in NWA overall too since that is UAMS's domain.

Hope that helps a little. I strongly considered going to the NW Campus and decided against it in the end, but it could be a good experience for certain students. I think the pros/cons are difficult to balance for you right now, and depending on the specialty a student might be interested in matching into NW Campus could be a very poor choice (the more specialized your area of interest, the worse choice the NW Campus would be, essentially), but for most primary care fields I hear good things. I'm happy to answer more questions about it from what I know right now, but you'll hear a lot about the NW Campus throughout your M1 and M2 year as people make decisions.

-Matt

Do you make the decision during your M1? What if you don't have a particular field in mind during your M1?

Side note: just got my rejection letter from my state school. All hope resides in Arkansas! Engage panic mode!

Just got an email saying they'll be making their OOS interview decisions by Dec. 21st. Do all OOSers get this?

I really like how they go about IIs for OOSers. At least they let you know relatively quickly.

Just got an email saying they'll be making their OOS interview decisions by Dec. 21st. Do all OOSers get this?

I really like how they go about IIs for OOSers. At least they let you know relatively quickly.

I got one too. Love the fact that Arkansas keeps you informed on things like this. Fingers crossed!

I got one too. Love the fact that Arkansas keeps you informed on things like this. Fingers crossed!

Yeah, Linda DuPuy is awesome. Looking forward to the next 2 weeks. OOS state here as well.

I like that summary of the NWA campus Matt posted. Just to be clear, if you're looking to do something competitive (or go to a competitive program), you don't want to be in NWA. You want to be in Little Rock where the more well-known (and thus powerful) physicians are so you can get strong rec letters. You're also not going to be able to tailor your experiences to what you're interested in quite as well if you go to NWA, either

The director of the NW campus came to talk to us during the first 3 weeks of class or so to tell us about the program and get people to sign up. Our class (current M1s) filled up the required number of people willing to go pretty quickly. A lot of my class went to Fayetteville for undergrad, or have family up there, or are from there, so it wasn't a huge problem to get enough people to go.

The director of the NW campus came to talk to us during the first 3 weeks of class or so to tell us about the program and get people to sign up. Our class (current M1s) filled up the required number of people willing to go pretty quickly. A lot of my class went to Fayetteville for undergrad, or have family up there, or are from there, so it wasn't a huge problem to get enough people to go.

There are also going to be a number of people in your class change their minds before the time comes to leave for NW. The initial assumption about the NW campus was that since a lot of the UAMS class traditionally comes from the University of Arkansas that a lot of people would be eager to go back, but according to what they've said that has not proven accurate overall. (As in, it's not the Fayetteville undergrads going back in full force as expected when the time finally comes.) As an M1 you tend to have really fond memories of Fayetteville and would be happy to return, but wanting to live in Fayetteville is not a good enough reason to go to the NW campus, and most people realize that closer to 3rd year. That said, Dr. Smith is a nice guy and very willing to talk to students about the NW Campus if they have questions, and the students currently up there are a great group and would be willing to offer their insights (if asked) as well.


Also- Good luck to the last batch of in-state interviewees tomorrow! (Well, later today.) I'll see you there in a few hours.
-Matt

I'm not 100% sure where I remember hearing this... but someone said with regards to the NWA campus that some people who actually wanted to do competitive specialties preferred this because they had more responsibilities, got to assist on more surgeries, etc. Can any of you guys who are students comment on that? Though that might be true, as pointed out, the more well-known physicians wouldn't be the ones writing your rec letters. And definitely not many zebra cases.

I'm not 100% sure where I remember hearing this... but someone said with regards to the NWA campus that some people who actually wanted to do competitive specialties preferred this because they had more responsibilities, got to assist on more surgeries, etc. Can any of you guys who are students comment on that? Though that might be true, as pointed out, the more well-known physicians wouldn't be the ones writing your rec letters. And definitely not many zebra cases.

I have never heard someone going up there say that, but it's not a good justification for going if that's the only reason. I know of one person up there right now who is headed into a competitive specialty, but their GPA, Step, and general personality will carry them into that regardless of which campus they went to for 3rd and 4th year. What I tried to mention earlier and probably didn't explain well is that having more responsibilities and assisting on more surgeries sounds nice as a 3rd year, but it's totally irrelevant when it comes to matching into something competitive. There are residency directors at the main UAMS campus in competitive fields that will flat out tell you not to go to the NW Campus because it lacks the knowledge base, exposure, and variety of the main campus. To quote a residency director that talked to a friend about the NW Campus a couple weeks ago "I don't care if you know skills. Residency is for teaching you skills. I care that you see enough and know enough in your third and fourth years that I'm not reteaching you how to put together a comprehensive differential." Medical school is for learning knowledge, not how to do a surgery. If learning surgical skills earlier comes at the expense of seeing rare cases or learning from the residents, you haven't gained anything in the long run at all. It was that director's viewpoint that the NW Campus lets you do a lot more but teaches you a lot less. I don't necessarily agree with that, but his mindset is not unique, and it's probably the majority viewpoint among the directors of the more competitive programs right now. And this is still within UAMS overall, which is more familiar with the branch campus than outside institutions that won't have ever heard of it or the faculty you're working with up there.

It is also important (in my opinion) to consider that there are no residency programs other than Family Medicine that have positions in NW Arkansas. You won't see what a residency is really like, you won't know which programs run their residents into the ground and which groups actually seem to enjoy what they're doing, and you won't ever see what the super specialized programs do because they don't exist up there.

I'm really not intending to sound negative about the NW Campus, I think the community based campuses are a cool idea for some people and some specialties that are more suited to that environment... But unless you've got a 4.0 and knock Step all the way out of the park, I would strongly advise against going to the NW Campus if you're aiming for a really competitive specialty or residency. Actually, I'd advise against it regardless of how well you do academically, simply because you won't have a realistic view and exposure to what the specialties are like and how the residencies are. You would put yourself at a disadvantage in regards to faculty relationships, exposure/variety, and overall view of residency programs from the beginning of third year, and you simply won't catch up with those that didn't start at the same disadvantage.

-Matt

Question:

What are my chances of early acceptance in December? I'm a arkadelphia resident with a 3.7 GPA and 33Q on MCAT. The one catch is that I had my interview on the 8th. I'm not assuming I am going to get in. But, I'm just trying to deal with my mailbox anxiety a little I suppose.

Thanks,
Joe

I'd expect to continue to wait until mid-January before you start getting your hopes up for a big envelope. It could come earlier, or it could come in February, but I think you missed the window for a december admit.

Best advice about mailing dates (and also the hardest to follow): Expect nothing until February. If you get something before then, crack open the champagne. Otherwise, just assume you won't hear one way or another until February and then you only have to freak out for about a week instead of a week each month.

-Matt

Thanks for the quick reply Matt and Louie. Gonna take a chill pill in your honor.

-Joe

Got my II! Super excited!

What should I expect at this dinner thing on Friday with the current students? I assume that this isn't technically part of the interview?

Yay! Got a January interview OOS. So strange being considered OOS when I consider this home :)

Got my II! Super excited!

What should I expect at this dinner thing on Friday with the current students? I assume that this isn't technically part of the interview?

It's off the books. It's an opportunity for you to get to meet some current students and faculty, ask all your burning questions about UAMS prior to the interview, and get a feel for what the area and people are like here. For many OOS interviewees, this is their first visit to Little Rock (or Arkansas for that matter) so the evening reception is meant to be a way for them to learn about the area since they're only here a very limited amount of time. You don't have to worry about being on your game or it being considered in the admissions process in any way, it is meant to be a totally relaxed atmosphere for you and I recommend you take the opportunity to ask the students and faculty questions and meet some of your potential future classmates.

-Matt

Any particular interview questions I should prepare for or expect? Or are they "classified"?

Is it a group interview? One on one interview? Both? How long are the interviews?

I had one interview earlier this year in the cadaver room, anything crazy like that?

Any word on any early acceptances sent to anyone this year?

On Facebook today I saw someone who is going to Hendrix who said they got a letter of acceptance from UAMS today. Nothing in my mailbox... I'm at the edge of the state so here is to hoping it will be in the mail tomorrow! :rolleyes:

How did your Hendrix buddy do on MCAT if you are free to share that information? Matt has great advice (don't expect anything until February), but that's so difficult ;)

I've since heard of two coming in yesterday, so word is out!

Any OOS received a confirmation e-mail from Linda regarding interview invites?

Anyone have any thoughts about UAMS and update letters? I've generally heard mixed opinions about sending them in general, but I think that's because most schools are rolling and people send them too early in the admissions process...? I know January 15 is the deadline for all application documentation to be received at UAMS.

Does anyone know about the curriculum? Is it pass fail or graded? Thanks!

Anyone have any thoughts about UAMS and update letters? I've generally heard mixed opinions about sending them in general, but I think that's because most schools are rolling and people send them too early in the admissions process...? I know January 15 is the deadline for all application documentation to be received at UAMS.

I sent a ton when I was on the alternate list last year and obviously it did no good.

Does anyone know about the curriculum? Is it pass fail or graded? Thanks!
One of my classmates told me before our break that they recently made a change to Honors/Pass/Fail which will be implemented in the coming years. I don't think we've gotten official word from the higherups yet, but it makes sense that it'll happen.

I'm not sure when it was updated, but the UAMS.edu CoM site had some important dates.

December 14, 2012
Admissions Committee meets to determine which
non- Arkansas residents will be invited to be
interviewed in January and reviewed in February.

December 17, 2012
Letters to early accepts for Arkansas residents.

January 15, 2013
ALL application documentation must be received at
UAMS for ALL applicants.

January 23, 2013
Letters to early accepts for Arkansas residents.

February 20, 2013
Letters mailed to all applicants informing them of their
admissions status: Accepted, Alternate List or
Not Accepted.

source: http://www.uams.edu/com/comcat/

One of my classmates told me before our break that they recently made a change to Honors/Pass/Fail which will be implemented in the coming years. I don't think we've gotten official word from the higherups yet, but it makes sense that it'll happen.

Official language of the new grading system from the higher ups:

Starting with the Freshman class of 2017, the College of Medicine grading system for the first two years of the curriculum will change. Grades in the M1 and M2 years (except for the class of 2016 in the M2 year) shall be as follows:

Honors – reserved for students in a given course with a cumulative total score of 90% or above

Pass – considered a satisfactory passing grade and representing a cumulative total score in a course of 70% or greater up to less than 90%

Fail – Unsatisfactory, failing achievement in a course and representing a cumulative total score in a course of less than 70%.

Grades in the M3 year will continue to be assigned as A, B, C, D, F as defined above under Scholastic cognitive grades, as will grades in the 2013-2014 M2 year for the class of 2016.

Grades in the M4 year will continue to be assigned as “Pass” and “Fail” as described above under Scholastic cognitive grades.

M1 and M2 year will also be phased to subject based modules instead of independent classes, so instead of getting grades in a bunch of separate courses that run concurrently, you'll be graded on the entire modules/organ systems as you go through the first two years.

-Matt

I am amazed at how quiet the board has been this year... I know there are about 90 of you coming to Little Rock this weekend to interview, so who is out there and where are you from?

For those of you traveling in, make sure to come to the reception Friday night if at all possible. It's a great way to meet students and faculty in a relaxed atmosphere before your interview, and just as importantly, learn more about Little Rock and Arkansas in general (very important factors if you get accepted and are trying to decide between schools). I'll be there and look forward to meeting many of you, but feel free to ask anyone there your questions about UAMS, Little Rock, Arkansas, or any other random things you think of... I know in the past this is a first trip to Arkansas for many of the OOS applicants so there are always a lot of questions and concerns. So come out Friday, see how the students and faculty are when they're not on campus, and don't be shy.

-Matt

Are there plenty of research opportunities for students? Specifically, are there summer research fellowships (preferably with a stipend) at UAMS geared towards med students, and do these positions often continue through the academic year? How many students are involved in research that leads to publication?

Are there plenty of research opportunities for students? Specifically, are there summer research fellowships (preferably with a stipend) at UAMS geared towards med students, and do these positions often continue through the academic year? How many students are involved in research that leads to publication?

I don't know exact numbers on this, but I don't know anyone that wanted to do research that didn't get a position of some sort. Some options have stipends, those are more competitive, and others don't (you're only in it for the CV bump/to get published on those). Some are summer only between the first and second years, others are ongoing. I don't know what the numbers are on how many get published, but based off my own friends it is certainly a significant portion of them. There are also research opportunities at other campuses that Dr. Wheeler will make sure you're aware of before the summer of your M1 year and some of those are pretty cool opportunities. They're competitive of course, but there have been a number of UAMS students go to off-site research institutions for med student research programs between the M1 and M2 year and they have a pretty good handle on what the best programs are and will do what they can to help make your application competitive.

I hope that helps, I wish I had more solid numbers for you.
-Matt

What is the dress of the reception?

What is the dress of the reception?

I think the e-mail from Linda recommended "business casual or anything close."

There is a MD/PhD applicant meet and greet this saturday at 1:30. I am not from the out of state crowd, and am wondering what I should wear. How formal is this meeting? Any other thoughts on how to prepare for this?

Thanks,
Joseph

I think the e-mail from Linda recommended "business casual or anything close."

Guys typically wear a tie and girls wear a dress or whatever the girl equivalent of a button down shirt and tie happens to be. At any rate, leave the suit jacket in the closet. Students and faculty should all be wearing UAMS name badges so they're easier to pick out of the crowd. Don't be afraid to approach any of them and strike up conversation. They are all at the event because they enjoy meeting you guys (no one is forced to be there and no one is evaluating you), but we're not going to corner you and force you to talk to us. (Well, I won't anyway.)

-Matt

I'll be at Friday's reception as well. The lure of free food in exchange for wearing a tie was too much to bear.

Does anyone know if the early acceptances are evenly distributed amongst the four districts?

Just got back from Little Rock! I came away very impressed with just about everything associated with UAMS from facilities to research to class structure to faculty. The Dean said exactly what I wanted to hear regarding how things were handled at UAMS. Even Little Rock has improved significantly since the last time I was there (10 years ago?). Loved it. I've got my fingers crossed!

I did a little calculation while at the interview and I'd like to be checked on my math/accuracy (moreso accuracy, I know the math is right). If there are around 150 students per class, and 78% are in-state, then UAMS accepts around 30 OOS applicants? Which means that out of the 90 that interviewed this weekend, you have to clearly demonstrate via the interview that you are better than 60 of them. I feel confident about my interview but I'm not THAT confident.

The numbers aren't there aren't quite current. There are currently 174 students per class. I knew what their theoretical OOS top number was at one point, but off the top of my head I can't remember it for sure. What I do know is they typically don't utilize the maximum number of spots, it seems to be around 24-26 OOS students admitted for the past few years. The big OOS cut is who gets invited for interviews (being invited is a big deal, congrats to all of you on that), but then it's still a little less than a third that can eventually be part of the class.

That said, it always seems like most OOS students get waitlisted first and then there's a burst of movement on the waitlist and that's how they end up accepted into the class. I don't know if that's because some of the initial OOS acceptances decline (certainly some, but not as many as I'm talking about) or if they initially offer some of those spots to IS students who go elsewhere (also possible, everyone IS and OOS finds out on the same day aside from early admits), but that always seems to be the way things shake out. So, if you're OOS and get waitlisted, I know that makes things more difficult, but that's where most of the OOS members of our class started out so don't lose hope.

To all the people who may get accepted but decide to go elsewhere: once you know you're going elsewhere, withdraw your application. Those on the waitlist will appreciate your prompt action.

-Matt

I totally forgot to send in my Fall transcripts to UAMS. The other schools just had me input my grades without sending a transcript, and UAMS didn't have that option so I just forgot.

I totally forgot to send in my Fall transcripts to UAMS. The other schools just had me input my grades without sending a transcript, and UAMS didn't have that option so I just forgot.

I'm not 100% sure on this, but when I emailed Linda a while back she told me to send them just if we wanted them to be considered in the admissions process. I got the impression that they weren't necessarily required. I know that doesn't fix the fact that I'm sure you wanted to send them though.

Anyone else, despite knowing that letters are sent in the mail on specific dates that have not arrived yet, still get an increased heart rate when those emails came in this afternoon? :laugh:

I'm not 100% sure on this, but when I emailed Linda a while back she told me to send them just if we wanted them to be considered in the admissions process. I got the impression that they weren't necessarily required. I know that doesn't fix the fact that I'm sure you wanted to send them though.

Anyone else, despite knowing that letters are sent in the mail on specific dates that have not arrived yet, still get an increased heart rate when those emails came in this afternoon? :laugh:

Yeah. I called her after the second email because I was like "Transcripts, what???" She said they were "highly recommended."

Certainly a good idea to get those transcripts in if they show any improvement or have something else that's impressive on them. On the other hand, if you're slacking off now and got a C in Beginner's Basket Weaving, might not send that transcript in until they demand it...

And to all of you anxiously checking the mailbox this week: You're not getting in early, very few people do. You'll find out next month with the bulk of your future class. You should relax until then. (There, my weak attempt at soothing you and lowering your expectations will make you all the more thrilled when you are one of the lucky 10-15 that get a letter this week!)

-Matt

Certainly a good idea to get those transcripts in if they show any improvement or have something else that's impressive on them. On the other hand, if you're slacking off now and got a C in Beginner's Basket Weaving, might not send that transcript in until they demand it...

And to all of you anxiously checking the mailbox this week: You're not getting in early, very few people do. You'll find out next month with the bulk of your future class. You should relax until then. (There, my weak attempt at soothing you and lowering your expectations will make you all the more thrilled when you are one of the lucky 10-15 that get a letter this week!)

-Matt

Oh, I definitely don't expect anything next week. It's better to have no expectations. :laugh: Still makes me nervous every time she sends an email though. I tend to think it's going to say "We missed some big grueling error and your application is now revoked."

My graduate transcripts barely showed any improvement, but I only had nine hours of summer grad courses on the original ones. I took 17 during the fall so I was hoping it would at least just show I could survive that heavy of a graduate load. Don't know. Hope it wasn't a bad idea.

Oh, I definitely don't expect anything next week. It's better to have no expectations. :laugh: Still makes me nervous every time she sends an email though. I tend to think it's going to say "We missed some big grueling error and your application is now revoked."

My graduate transcripts barely showed any improvement, but I only had nine hours of summer grad courses on the original ones. I took 17 during the fall so I was hoping it would at least just show I could survive that heavy of a graduate load. Don't know. Hope it wasn't a bad idea.
Sounds like a good move to me. More hours at the same or slightly better GPA isn't a bad thing, that's for sure.

-Matt

I'm looking at buying a new laptop here shortly and I was wondering if there was any UAMS preference for Mac vs PC? Any software we have to use that only works one vs the other?

I'm looking at buying a new laptop here shortly and I was wondering if there was any UAMS preference for Mac vs PC? Any software we have to use that only works one vs the other?

No. Some of the software seemed to work better on PC (took extra steps/tech support to set up on Mac) but that shouldn't really sway you one way or another. Just buy whatever you like (and don't blow a lot of money on one just because of med school, nothing you run is very demanding, and you won't use it even a tenth as much after 2nd year).

-Matt

Most of my class are mac users. If I were to buy a new one (and I've been looking), I'd pick up a gently used/refurbished macbook air and a tablet of some sort. I've got a 5 year old macbook pro and an ipad and have been developing a decent routine with it here lately. The upgrade to an air would just be to make the walk from the parking lot a little less heavy.

quick question... hopefully someone will know...

As for the OOS applicants that interviewed on the 12th- are we suppose to receive our letters on February 20th or is that the day they are put in the mail???

Not trying to be nit-picky but I have a deposit due to another school on the 22nd and I would rather not drop $500 on this other school if I hear good news from UAMS :)

It varies. It seems like they send out letters starting about 2-3 days before the posted date, so if you're in one of the early batches, you may get a response earlier than the 20th.

Hmm... lets hope thats the case. Thanks MilkmanAl!

This wait is killing me. I had my interview back in mid-November. I've been trying to keep my mind occupied with other things, but every once in a while it pops up in the back of my head and I lay in bed all night thinking about it. Anyways, how's everyone doing? Any cool stories or interesting things to share?

I just got the January early acceptance. I live in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, so if you are about an hour away from Little Rock, you may have a letter awaiting you. Beyond that distance you may have to wait another day or so, but I'm not entirely sure.

Can't wait for med school this fall. Good luck everyone.

-Joe

Congratulations Joe. Seriously, man, that's pretty cool. What were your stats (MCAT, GPA, volunteering, etc.) if you don't mind telling the people of SDN?

Congratulations Joe. Seriously, man, that's pretty cool. What were your stats (MCAT, GPA, volunteering, etc.) if you don't mind telling the people of SDN?
Thanks so much.

Well... I applied last year and got on the alternate list. I had a 26 MCAT at that point. I retook the MCAT this past summer and got a 33. I think reapplying and showing continued dedication really helped my chances. GPA is 3.7ish or something. I did some nursing home volunteer work for about a year, but the two wonderful women I was visiting died early 2012.... I shamefully stopped helping and visiting after that. Active ACS member. A lot of research experience (probably the reason I even got on the alternate list last year). Shadowed a family doctor for about a semester. I've tutored science at my school for years and was a TA for a genetics lab. Just typical stuff.

I don't think my interview went as well as it could have gone. In fact, it was so rough and obscure I was deeply concerned I may have not gotten in. Thankfully, the remainder of my application pulled me through.

Getting on the alternate list was quite a humbling experience... I'm so glad it worked out this time. From what I know, reapplying applicants have great chances if they stay the course, so (to all who might unfortunately suffer my same fate) don't be discouraged. It can work out very well for you in the long run.

Good luck to you Womperton. I certainly hope we begin medical school together next fall.

-Joe

Congratulations Joe, I was wondering what you think my chances are of actually getting in this year. Our applications seem similiar, but I have only done 45 hours of shadowing with a family doctor and grew up in a pharmacy, would help deliver medications and stuff like that. Also I'll have a PhD focusing on Cancer research with one first author pub and two secondary author pubs as of application time. My MCAT is only a 27 and I'm from district 4 as well. Any feedback would be appreciated. Of course you can just tell me i'll be fine so i'll be less stressed out about it.

Congratulations Joe, I was wondering what you think my chances are of actually getting in this year. Our applications seem similiar, but I have only done 45 hours of shadowing with a family doctor and grew up in a pharmacy, would help deliver medications and stuff like that. Also I'll have a PhD focusing on Cancer research with one first author pub and two secondary author pubs as of application time. My MCAT is only a 27 and I'm from district 4 as well. Any feedback would be appreciated. Of course you can just tell me i'll be fine so i'll be less stressed out about it.
Wow!

I'm no authority or anything. But with a PhD in Cancer research, I would be surprised if they let you get away. Don't expect anything this month, because of your MCAT, but I would say you have a very strong application.

Also, 45 hours of shadowing is sufficient. Especially with your background in a pharmacy.

Where did you get your PhD? What kind of cancer research were you involved with?

Wow!

I'm no authority or anything. But with a PhD in Cancer research, I would be surprised if they let you get away. Don't expect anything this month, because of your MCAT, but I would say you have a very strong application.

Also, 45 hours of shadowing is sufficient. Especially with your background in a pharmacy.

Where did you get your PhD? What kind of cancer research were you involved with?

I'll have my PhD from Texas Tech University. The actual degree is in Environmental Toxicology, but my focus has been more on Molecular Toxicology related to prostate cancer. Specifically, exposing prostate epithelial cells to arsenic (environmental risk factor) and 17-betaestradiol (endogenous risk factor) and measureing epigenetic modifications as well as a few other things. I'm familiar with cell culture techniques, various PCR techniques, Western blot, Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, DNA methylation analysis by Pyrosequencing. I've done a little fluorescent microscopy, but i'd need more practice to obtain experimentally sound results.

Thanks so much.

Well... I applied last year and got on the alternate list. I had a 26 MCAT at that point. I retook the MCAT this past summer and got a 33. I think reapplying and showing continued dedication really helped my chances. GPA is 3.7ish or something. I did some nursing home volunteer work for about a year, but the two wonderful women I was visiting died early 2012.... I shamefully stopped helping and visiting after that. Active ACS member. A lot of research experience (probably the reason I even got on the alternate list last year). Shadowed a family doctor for about a semester. I've tutored science at my school for years and was a TA for a genetics lab. Just typical stuff.

I don't think my interview went as well as it could have gone. In fact, it was so rough and obscure I was deeply concerned I may have not gotten in. Thankfully, the remainder of my application pulled me through.

Getting on the alternate list was quite a humbling experience... I'm so glad it worked out this time. From what I know, reapplying applicants have great chances if they stay the course, so (to all who might unfortunately suffer my same fate) don't be discouraged. It can work out very well for you in the long run.

Good luck to you Womperton. I certainly hope we begin medical school together next fall.

-Joe

Wow, we actually sounds eerily similar. I was on the alternate list with a 26 MCAT last year and managed to bring it up to the 30s this year. I come from a strong research background too, as I currently work in a research lab and have for the past few years. I got rejected my first time applying though (this is my third year applying). Still crossing my fingers for February!

Wow, we actually sounds eerily similar. I was on the alternate list with a 26 MCAT last year and managed to bring it up to the 30s this year. I come from a strong research background too, as I currently work in a research lab and have for the past few years as well. I got rejected my first time applying though (this is my third year applying). Still crossing my fingers for February!

What district are you from if you don't mind me asking?

What district are you from if you don't mind me asking?

I'm from the 2nd district, which (from what I've heard) isn't doing me any favors.

I'm from the 2nd district, which (from what I've heard) isn't doing me any favors.

From what I've read and heard district 2 is the most competitive and district 4 is the least. But it concerned me when Joe said that he got wait listed with a 26 on the mcat and he's pretty much my neighbor. My biggest weaknesses are a 27 on the MCAT and according to a few people on interview committees my lack of exposure to the medical field. They said that I should do more shadowing with different types of doctors instead of just the family doc I did shadow.

From what I've read and heard district 2 is the most competitive and district 4 is the least. But it concerned me when Joe said that he got wait listed with a 26 on the mcat and he's pretty much my neighbor. My biggest weaknesses are a 27 on the MCAT and according to a few people on interview committees my lack of exposure to the medical field. They said that I should do more shadowing with different types of doctors instead of just the family doc I did shadow.

Honestly, talk as we may on SDN, nobody REALLY knows what happens behind closed doors when the 15 admissions committee members sit down and review our applications. I'm just speculating. It looks like you have good things going for you: the PhD, the congressional district, volunteering, etc. It seems as though more and more people are applying to medical school, so the MCAT bar gets set higher and higher. I think 27 is a solid score, but with more people applying, they have a bigger pool to choose from and tend to grab high MCAT applicants. Good luck though, man.

My whole philosophy is that I'm going to keep trying as long as I can (yes, even past 3 years of applying). When you ultimately get rejected two LONG application cycles, it kind of take a toll on you. I had to do a little "soul searching" so to speak, but I know I'm in it for the right reasons. Plus, I'm maturing every year I apply and learning to appreciate things I never used to. What I'm trying to say is, there's no set path for medicine. You don't have to get accepted this year, or the next, or the one after that to reach your ultimate goal. So keep trying if you don't get an acceptance letter this year. I have no idea whether you will or won't, I just wanted to share my thoughts.

I kinda wish admissions at UAMS could be a bit more transparent.

Honestly, talk as we may on SDN, nobody REALLY knows what happens behind closed doors when the 15 admissions committee members sit down and review our applications. I'm just speculating. It looks like you have good things going for you: the PhD, the congressional district, volunteering, etc. It seems as though more and more people are applying to medical school, so the MCAT bar gets set higher and higher. I think 27 is a solid score, but with more people applying, they have a bigger pool to choose from and tend to grab high MCAT applicants. Good luck though, man.

My whole philosophy is that I'm going to keep trying as long as I can (yes, even past 3 years of applying). When you ultimately get rejected two LONG application cycles, it kind of take a toll on you. I had to do a little "soul searching" so to speak, but I know I'm in it for the right reasons. Plus, I'm maturing every year I apply and learning to appreciate things I never used to. What I'm trying to say is, there's no set path for medicine. You don't have to get accepted this year, or the next, or the one after that to reach your ultimate goal. So keep trying if you don't get an acceptance letter this year. I have no idea whether you will or won't, I just wanted to share my thoughts.

I needed this. :thumbup: I just had a rough summer last year and felt like I could do everything... including graduating, moving to NOLA, starting grad school three weeks later, and taking the MCAT. I think my score (26) may have been a product of that. I think my EC's are good - research at my undergrad and ACH, 70 hrs of shadowing, leadership, independently teaching a lab... High undergrad GPA. And I'll be finishing my MSPH in August - a two year degree in a year. District 4 too. But, dang MCAT score stabbed me in the back....:thumbdown

But seriously... thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's encouraging, especially on SDN, to not just hear from people who have 4.0 and 38's.

You too IndigoJoe. Thanks!

I kinda wish admissions at UAMS could be a bit more transparent.

Honestly, it's probably more transparent than most, they just have some added factors (thank you 1960s state legislature) that make things a whole lot more complex. If you ever want to know what makes an application competitive in their opinion, or why an application wasn't competitive, they're more than willing to sit down and talk with an applicant about what would have improved their chances.

-Matt

Honestly, it's probably more transparent than most, they just have some added factors (thank you 1960s state legislature) that make things a whole lot more complex. If you ever want to know what makes an application competitive in their opinion, or why an application wasn't competitive, they're more than willing to sit down and talk with an applicant about what would have improved their chances.

-Matt

I have heard this. I hope I don't have to find out :o

Freakin' next month needs to hurry up.

Grats Joe!

Honestly, it's probably more transparent than most, they just have some added factors (thank you 1960s state legislature) that make things a whole lot more complex. If you ever want to know what makes an application competitive in their opinion, or why an application wasn't competitive, they're more than willing to sit down and talk with an applicant about what would have improved their chances.

-Matt

I wouldn't know what other schools are like, but I can say with confidence that they do a superb job of making themselves accessible. I sat down with Mr. South and Mrs. Dupuy a few times and they broke down my application with me. In my opinion, I've incorporated their advice as best I can while still doing things that are important to me. I haven't been accepted yet, but if I am, then their advice was spot on.

Honestly, talk as we may on SDN, nobody REALLY knows what happens behind closed doors when the 15 admissions committee members sit down and review our applications. I'm just speculating. It looks like you have good things going for you: the PhD, the congressional district, volunteering, etc. It seems as though more and more people are applying to medical school, so the MCAT bar gets set higher and higher. I think 27 is a solid score, but with more people applying, they have a bigger pool to choose from and tend to grab high MCAT applicants. Good luck though, man.

My whole philosophy is that I'm going to keep trying as long as I can (yes, even past 3 years of applying). When you ultimately get rejected two LONG application cycles, it kind of take a toll on you. I had to do a little "soul searching" so to speak, but I know I'm in it for the right reasons. Plus, I'm maturing every year I apply and learning to appreciate things I never used to. What I'm trying to say is, there's no set path for medicine. You don't have to get accepted this year, or the next, or the one after that to reach your ultimate goal. So keep trying if you don't get an acceptance letter this year. I have no idea whether you will or won't, I just wanted to share my thoughts.

Thanks for the good advice. If I don't get in this year I guess that just means that things are working out the way they are supposed to. I've got a good friend who will be applying for the 2014 freshman class. It would be great if we could go through med school together.

I understand that the acceptances come in large packets and that rejections are just sent in regular letter envelopes. How do the alternate list letters get packaged? Thanks!

I understand that the acceptances come in large packets and that rejections are just sent in regular letter envelopes. How do the alternate list letters get packaged? Thanks!

Alternate list is in a thick package. I've received both a rejection and an alternate list package. The rejection was very thin, as all they put in it was a letter that said I was not accepted. However, the dimensions of the outer envelope were the same both years (big enough to where the papers inside are not folded). However, they may have changed this since I received a rejection letter two years ago. The only reason for the discrepancy of thickness is that if you're accepted/placed on alternate list, there is other paperwork enclosed that you must fill out.

I'm an OOS student interested in the rural medicine, but only IS are allowed to apply to the Rural Practice Program Scholarship (different scholarship). I was told that I could apply to the Hick's Scholarship my sophomore year (see description below).

Do any current UAMS students on here know how competitive the Hick's Scholarship is?

Thanks!

Ethel Brickey Hicks Charitable Trust Rural Scholarship: The Hicks Scholarship is offered through a private foundation to rising sophomore, junior, and senior medical students who will commit to practicing in rural communities in Arkansas. The scholarship provides $19,000 per year, and is loosely patterned after the state’s Arkansas Rural Practice Program. Please note that students on the Rural Practice program may only apply to have their scholarship switched from the Rural Practice Program to the Hicks Scholarship if they were accepted into medical school prior to being accepted into the Rural Practice Program. Scholarship Applications specific to this program are provided to the student body each spring by the Financial Aid Office.

I'm an OOS student interested in the rural medicine, but only IS are allowed to apply to the Rural Practice Program Scholarship (different scholarship). I was told that I could apply to the Hick's Scholarship my sophomore year (see description below).

Do any current UAMS students on here know how competitive the Hick's Scholarship is?

Thanks!

Ethel Brickey Hicks Charitable Trust Rural Scholarship: The Hicks Scholarship is offered through a private foundation to rising sophomore, junior, and senior medical students who will commit to practicing in rural communities in Arkansas. The scholarship provides $19,000 per year, and is loosely patterned after the state’s Arkansas Rural Practice Program. Please note that students on the Rural Practice program may only apply to have their scholarship switched from the Rural Practice Program to the Hicks Scholarship if they were accepted into medical school prior to being accepted into the Rural Practice Program. Scholarship Applications specific to this program are provided to the student body each spring by the Financial Aid Office.

I'm not a UAMS student, but I have a suggestion. This may not work at all but its a possibility. Once you find out your accepted maybe you could move to arkansas right away and get an Arkansas drivers license and just apply to the rural practice program as an Arkansas resident. I've seen people from out of state move to Texas 6 months before school starts and end up paying in state tuition.

Is there a second-look date for UAMS, or do we need to arrange that privately somehow?

I do not believe there is a second look date, but I am sure you could find someone to give you a tour off of the books.

Also, February is finally here! Good luck remaining calm everyone!

I'm doing way better at remaining calm lately (reread my last post and, boy, was it whiney)... :D Easy to keep calm when there's way more pressing matters... like trying to find a parking spot near school in downtown New Orleans last week that wasn't $50.

Quick question for anyone who is a student or who has applied before... I know that you can ask admissions what was lacking in your application if you're rejected. I think they requested for a friend of mine to schedule an appointment with them and come in last year. Can they do it over the phone though?

I'm not a UAMS student, but I have a suggestion. This may not work at all but its a possibility. Once you find out your accepted maybe you could move to arkansas right away and get an Arkansas drivers license and just apply to the rural practice program as an Arkansas resident. I've seen people from out of state move to Texas 6 months before school starts and end up paying in state tuition.
You can't get around the OOS tuition that way at UAMS (if you're accepted as an OOS student, you're always an OOS for fee purposes... unless you get married to someone in-state I believe), so I'd be surprised if you can do that for the rural scholarship program. If you asked Tammy I'm sure she'd tell you if that's possible.

Is there a second-look date for UAMS, or do we need to arrange that privately somehow?
There is not an organized day for that. If you want to come back and look around UAMS, have questions answered, etc. I'd be willing to meet up with anyone trying to make up their mind on weekends, just PM me first. I'm sure there are others that would be willing to do that too.

-Matt

What have the Step 1 and 2 scores been like recently? I had heard Step 1 scores have been a little down, but have not heard anything about CK?

If anyone (like me) needs a good laugh to take the edge off, I would highly recommend:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=808486

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon this thread, but I lol'd quite a few times already.

I'm doing way better at remaining calm lately (reread my last post and, boy, was it whiney)... :D Easy to keep calm when there's way more pressing matters... like trying to find a parking spot near school in downtown New Orleans last week that wasn't $50.

Quick question for anyone who is a student or who has applied before... I know that you can ask admissions what was lacking in your application if you're rejected. I think they requested for a friend of mine to schedule an appointment with them and come in last year. Can they do it over the phone though?

If I'm not mistaken (after my rejection), I scheduled a meeting with Mr. South and they asked if I wanted to meet in person or do it over the phone.

What have the Step 1 and 2 scores been like recently? I had heard Step 1 scores have been a little down, but have not heard anything about CK?

Step 1 scores are all over the board (UAMS has a very wide range of scores), but averages are down, particularly the last couple years... thus the major restructuring of the curriculum that affected the current M2s, and it will be changing again (based off student and faculty feedback and curriculum studies at other institutions) for the incoming class. Based off which classes have had the most change in their curriculum, I think the expectation/hope is that they'll see some improvement in Step 1 scores with the current M2 class, more improvement with the current M1s, and even more with the new M0s.

Step 2 scores I don't know the exact data on. I do know that they're better than Step 1 and have heard that UAMS students typically do quite a bit better on Step 2 CK than they did on Step 1, but I don't know how accurate that is. Step 2 hasn't been as important in the past as it is now, so the administration may not have paid as much attention to that data until the last few years. If they share it with us (or they already have and I find it), I'll post it in here.

-Matt

I hope that part of the curriculum revamping involves a "use these sources for Step 1 study" email. Lord knows nobody did that for us. That'd help more than any curriculum change, in my opinion. You guys who already know about SDN have a huge advantage.

I hope that part of the curriculum revamping involves a "use these sources for Step 1 study" email. Lord knows nobody did that for us. That'd help more than any curriculum change, in my opinion. You guys who already know about SDN have a huge advantage.

Apparently they actually discouraged DIT this year and talked about Pathoma and of course First Aid. What I think (and have suggested) they really need to do is a class-wide practice Step 1 like some schools do right after the end of the first semester. From what I hear, it effectively scares the crap out of people and gives them a better idea of what to study and what the questions are like than any of the tests will (and encourages people to dust off their qbank subscription and put it to use earlier). The meeting on "how to prepare for Step 1" was relatively mediocre for my class but it wasn't totally useless. It was probably a bit too late in the year, but they apparently moved it up this year.

It is frustrating to have these problems of course, but I do appreciate that the administration (and most of the faculty) have been very responsive in trying to fix these things recently.

-Matt

I am now checking the mail 2 or 3 times a day. :scared:

I've read on other forums that people last year were getting letters a few days before Feb 20th. Anyone know if uams usually sends out their letters early?

This month since the interview has been one of the slowest in my life, its felt like an entire semester has gone by. If any of you fellow applicants get letters before the 20th, would you mind posting.

Good Luck everyone.

I believe I got mine a few days before the 20th last year, but I pretty much live on UAMS's doorstep. It might take an extra day for some of you on the borders of Arkansas and for sure OOSers. I heard that for years they used to always send them out on the 15th, but it takes a little longer now because they get so many applicants. Not sure how much truth there is to that, but I got mine in the 17-18th range the past two years.

So close, yet so far away...

Does anyone else wish they would switch to electronic notification or do you like the formality of a paper letter?

Damn you, Wompy. Now I have to set up a tent at the mailbox Friday instead of "sometime next week."

Damn you, Wompy. Now I have to set up a tent at the mailbox Friday instead of "sometime next week."

I don't mean to be Buzz Killington, but I'm betting that it comes the first part of the following week (Feb. 18-20). However, I will also be checking my mailbox at least 10 times next Friday.

I just remembered that next Monday is a holiday (Presidents Day).

That means no mail. :smack:

Yes i'd love electronic notification.

If they send it out on the 15th then i'd probably get it on the 20th since I live in West Texas.

I recently wrote a letter of Intent to Arkansas on apparently the false understanding that I can apply for in-state tuition for MS2 because I married an Arkansas resident last summer (2012).

Have any of you heard of an OOS applicant applying for and qualifying for IS tuition AFTER matriculation?

I recently wrote a letter of Intent to Arkansas on apparently the false understanding that I can apply for in-state tuition for MS2 because I married an Arkansas resident last summer (2012).

Have any of you heard of an OOS applicant applying for and qualifying for IS tuition AFTER matriculation?

Not in Arkansas. If you read towards the end of page 4 or beginning of page 5 on this forum you'll see that someone posted that you can't switch over to AR residency status once you've been accepted. I'm not sure if there are any special circumstances (such as marriage) but i'm sure that Mr. South could point you in the right direction.

My roommate just called UAMS and the word is that the letters were mailed today! Here is hoping they make it to our houses tomorrow!

My roommate just called UAMS and the word is that the letters were mailed today! Here is hoping they make it to our houses tomorrow!

Wow, dude, thanks for the heads up. For some reason, I just got REALLY nervous. It's like I'm standing on train tracks and I can see the train coming directly at me. Good luck everyone!!!!!

:scared: :xf:

Holy crap, me too (@ really nervous). I was fine til I started imagining opening my mailbox and seeing a big or small packet or letter...

I got a packet today. My girlfriend is bringing it to my work as we speak. :eek:

I got a packet today. My girlfriend is bringing it to my work as we speak. :eek:

:thumbup: Sending prayers, positive thoughts, and all those good things. :)

Just received a packet...Alternate! Ultimately, the wait continues but I'm still so excited right now! Good luck to those who are still waiting!

People who got packets, mind me asking where you live? Im curious if it will make it to Fort Smith today.

Accepted! :cool:

So excited about what the future holds for me. I hope to see many of you pals next fall. For now, time to celebrate.

And for those of you on the alternate list, good luck and be patient. From what I understand, UAMS gets a good amount of movement.

Accepted! :cool:

So excited about seeing what the future holds for me. I hope to see many of you pals next fall. For now, time to celebrate.

And for those of you on the alternate list, good luck and be patient. From what I understand, UAMS gets a good amount of movement.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: CONGRATS! :)

I doubt the packets make it as far south as New Orleans by today, but I've really got my fingers crossed by tomorrow. I've got a big exam on Tuesday and really would prefer to know before then...

People who got packets, mind me asking where you live? Im curious if it will make it to Fort Smith today.
West Little Rock.

Accepted! See you guys in the fall!

I live in Jonesboro btw.

Waitlisted..So when you say UAMS gets a good amount of movement, do you have numbers from last year?

People who got packets, mind me asking where you live? Im curious if it will make it to Fort Smith today.
My acceptance packet made it to Hot Springs today- so excited and shocked to get the news today!!

Has anyone in NWA received anything?

Does anyone know how long until they create a "Class of 2017" Facebook group?

Accepted, Lonoke.

Accepted (Fort Smith).

I think I may be turning it down, though.

Accepted- Fort Smith!!!

Waitlisted..So when you say UAMS gets a good amount of movement, do you have numbers from last year?

I don't think that they release exact numbers. They might, though, and I just don't know where to look. I believe that they usually have 40-50ish people on the list and maybe half of them eventually matriculate that cycle. The rural health program moves you to the top of the list, regardless of where you were originally ranked.

Best of luck all. Was rejected

Does anyone know how long until they create a "Class of 2017" Facebook group?
The Facebook group will appear in the coming months as the new acceptees start returning paperwork and finalizing everything. The way it worked with our class is that other students in higher years will be there to answer questions and welcome you guys, while the new M0s get acquainted with each other. Over time, your class will elect officers to take over administration of many things within the class, and you'll eventually assert control over the page, kicking everyone out but your class and a few other class-friends.

Edit: On a side note, I have to add, congratulations to everyone who has been accepted! Enjoy the next 6 months! You'll soon be joining us and we can't wait to have you!

If any of you will be needing to relocate, resources like padmapper.com have worked well for some of my classmates. Also, UAMS has a campus-wide classifieds area where rentals occasionally get posted. If you need me to flip through there to find anything for you, feel free to shoot me a message. I've also lived in the Little Rock area for about 10 years, on and off, so I can probably answer any questions you might have.

For those who didn't make it this time (of which I have a few friends), keep your head up and keep at it! You've all worked very hard and deserve to be proud of what you've accomplished. Keep at it and I'm sure you'll get to where you want to be one day.

Was rejected =(

That's ok I have a good job and will definantly apply next year! I was extremely impressed with Arkansas and it seems like a perfect fit for me. Any tips for the next cycle?

Was rejected =(

That's ok I have a good job and will definantly apply next year! I was extremely impressed with Arkansas and it seems like a perfect fit for me. Any tips for the next cycle?

You're OOS right? Good Lord my packet is never going to get to New Orleans... There is no way my mailman has come by my house today too because my outgoing mail is still in the slot. Ugh. :(

As far as tips for next cycle, I've heard everyone say that calling and talking with admissions on how to improve your application seems to be a big help.

You're OOS right? Good Lord my packet is never going to get to New Orleans... There is no way my mailman has come by my house today too because my outgoing mail is still in the slot. Ugh. :(

As far as tips for next cycle, I've heard everyone say that calling and talking with admissions on how to improve your application seems to be a big help.

Yes I'm down in Georgia, got it about an hour ago.

http://www.freakonomics.com/2010/01/08/if-its-raining-you-might-want-to-reschedule-that-interview/

It was raining for the OOSers on interview day. I'm blaming it on the rain.

Accepted, Lubbock, Texas

Congrats to those that have been admitted, good luck to those that have been waitlisted, and condolences that didn't get the letter they wanted. I wish you all the best of luck in deciding where to attend (or what your next step is).

-Matt

Congrats to everyone who was accepted! I don't have numbers for waitlist movement, but it is definitely substantial. You still have a pretty good shoot at getting in, though it's going to take some more waiting.

I say this to people every year, but very few listen: don't buy the required texts just because someone tells you they're required. I know we're all "type A" rule followers to the extreme, but seriously, people, save yourselves some money. There's a reason all the people in classes above you will be dumping "barely used!" texts on you. They don't get used because they're essentially useless to you. Consider yourself warned. It's also generally a good plan to buy books that are used and 1 edition old to save some bank.

If anyone has any leads on land for sale within 25 miles of UAMS could you please send me a PM. I've been looking in the Arkansas Gazzette and the thrifty nickel, but I haven't found anything that is reasonable priced. I'll be moving a mobile home with me to Little Rock so land with or without the hook ups will be fine.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

I am currently on the wait-list and was wondering if there is anything I need to be doing to increase my chances of getting a spot outside of rural practice. Any suggestions?

Deffinately talk to Mr. South. A little communication goes a long way to keep your name fresh in the minds of the admissions office. Give updates if you complete any classes with good grades or submit a manuscript for publication. Try to stay involved with extracurricular activities incase the opportunity comes up to mention them. I read a post in which one person said that they believe the wait list to be fairly dynamic (didn't have any hard proof though). But it makes sense that its dynamic if enrolling in the rual practice program will put you at the front.

Accepted! (Waiting on that... officially, the longest weekend of my life.)

Accepted! (Waiting on that... officially, the longest weekend of my life.)

Congratulations!! :thumbup: I was definitely pulling for you.

Accepted! (Waiting on that... officially, the longest weekend of my life.)

Congrats! I bet it was awful waiting an extra few days as you knew the letter was on its way. :scared:

Accepted! (Waiting on that... officially, the longest weekend of my life.)


Woot woot! I was definitely rooting for you!! :D

Thanks guys! And yes, waiting that extra bit was definitely hard... so much so that I skipped an afternoon lecture to sit in front of my mail slot. :rolleyes:

If anyone is in need of a roommate let me know. :thumbup:

Accepted! (Waiting on that... officially, the longest weekend of my life.)

Congratulations. I'm glad you made it. I'll see you there!

Thanks guys! And yes, waiting that extra bit was definitely hard... so much so that I skipped an afternoon lecture to sit in front of my mail slot. :rolleyes:

If anyone is in need of a roommate let me know. :thumbup:

When the facebook group gets rolling in the near future, you'll be able to get in touch with other classmates to find roommates.

Congratulations!

For all you medical students who have been down this road, how does the student loans process play out? I doubt I qualify for scholarships, so I'll probably have to take everything out on loans.

Do I meet with someone or do I have to handle everything on my own?

Accepted as well! OOS student from CA, this is a pretty exciting time!

For all you medical students who have been down this road, how does the student loans process play out? I doubt I qualify for scholarships, so I'll probably have to take everything out on loans.

Do I meet with someone or do I have to handle everything on my own?


Make sure you've filled out the fafsa. You should have a bunch of paperwork in the packet about financial aid. At the end of orientation, at registration, you'll sign a couple more pieces of paper detailing tuition and fees and financial aid. Toward the end of August, you'll get a check in the mail. It's all pretty streamlined. I didn't have any problems with it. The big downside is that refund checks don't come until about 3 weeks after classes start, so you've gotta support yourself somehow until then.

Great, thanks for the reply LouieLouie. One more question. I saw that I can take out once during the 4 years up to $1500 for a computer. In my case, I haven't had a laptop in over two years and manage to keep up with the internets via my work computer or iphone.

I was curious what is the most effective way to use technology in lecture, team based learning, etc. Do most people lug a laptop around or is it feasible to use an ipad (I'll be investing in one of those nifty things sometime soon). Or do most of you guys go old school and print off hard copies ahead of time?

Also, I know this may not be the best place to ask, but what would be a reasonably priced and accommodating laptop for medical school? I am by no means a computer whiz and have no idea where to start.

I dunno about you Wompy, but my packet had a page about a laptop requirement.

Check your packet again (it was a yellow page). It's got details about the required specifications for laptops too.

Also, the details for financial aid are covered on a single sheet in the packet. It just sort of points you at the website. I knocked out the FAFSA and was sick of it, so I'll hit it again tomorrow =P.. that is assuming I have power.. stupid frozen precipitation. I'm sort of clueless on financial aid too though. I was fortunate enough to have enough scholarship money to get through undergrad without paying out of pocket until post-bac.

Great, thanks for the reply LouieLouie. One more question. I saw that I can take out once during the 4 years up to $1500 for a computer. In my case, I haven't had a laptop in over two years and manage to keep up with the internets via my work computer or iphone.

I was curious what is the most effective way to use technology in lecture, team based learning, etc. Do most people lug a laptop around or is it feasible to use an ipad (I'll be investing in one of those nifty things sometime soon). Or do most of you guys go old school and print off hard copies ahead of time?

Also, I know this may not be the best place to ask, but what would be a reasonably priced and accommodating laptop for medical school? I am by no means a computer whiz and have no idea where to start.

So glad you asked about financial aid. I'm not too fond of the lack of aid in the month of August. But I guess as long as a hurricane doesn't ruin my first week of school and financial aid like it did this year... we're good. :)

As far as the laptop thing is concerned, I don't know what the current students will say, but I have loved my MacBook Air for grad school. I got an 11 inch Air last summer, and it goes with me everywhere. It's a great coffee shop study laptop and because of its size I really could care less about having an iPad. They are also currently Apple's cheapest models and if you buy one under the education store it's discounted $100.



Also, the details for financial aid are covered on a single sheet in the packet. It just sort of points you at the website. I knocked out the FAFSA and was sick of it, so I'll hit it again tomorrow =P.. that is assuming I have power.. stupid frozen precipitation. I'm sort of clueless on financial aid too though. I was fortunate enough to have enough scholarship money to get through undergrad without paying out of pocket until post-bac.

I wasn't familiar with financial aid much either for the same reasons until grad school this year. It really wasn't that hard though. I pretty much just filled out the FAFSA, went to Tulane's financial aid online page, logged in, accepted my loan amount, then it went into my student account to pay for everything, and they direct deposited my refund money. I honestly thought it was going to be a huge pain and hard to figure out... And it really wasn't. Fingers crossed UAMS is the same.

I dunno about you Wompy, but my packet had a page about a laptop requirement.

Check your packet again (it was a yellow page). It's got details about the required specifications for laptops too.

Also, the details for financial aid are covered on a single sheet in the packet. It just sort of points you at the website. I knocked out the FAFSA and was sick of it, so I'll hit it again tomorrow =P.. that is assuming I have power.. stupid frozen precipitation. I'm sort of clueless on financial aid too though. I was fortunate enough to have enough scholarship money to get through undergrad without paying out of pocket until post-bac.

Yeah, I'll definitely buy a laptop before school starts. I saw the required software and all that, I was more looking for specific models that people like because I have to go find something to buy.

The MacBook Air looks pretty good and is in my price range.

Yeah, I'll definitely buy a laptop before school starts. I saw the required software and all that, I was more looking for specific models that people like because I have to go find something to buy.

The MacBook Air looks pretty good and is in my price range.

I'd say 80+% of our class has macbooks of some kind. I just upgraded from an older macbook pro to a new 13" macbook air and it's the best thing I've done so far. Lugging the old one from the parking lot got old.

There is a laptop requirement because we take our exams on them. Right now we're using the educational lab pc's, but the software we have lets us take the exam wherever. They're going to be going to that type of setup more regularly next year as the educational labs are the most scheduled rooms on campus.

I was curious what is the most effective way to use technology in lecture, team based learning, etc. Do most people lug a laptop around or is it feasible to use an ipad (I'll be investing in one of those nifty things sometime soon). Or do most of you guys go old school and print off hard copies ahead of time?


All of the above. Most people set their laptops up on the tables during TBLs. Some people take notes on ipads. Some people print out powerpoints [or we have them printed off], and take notes the old fashioned way.

I've done all of the above and still haven't found a proper rhythm yet. Your study methods will change so many times that you just have to go with what works.

I figure I'll get a mac simply for compatibility purposes with other students. Since like you said most others will probably also have one.

Get whatever you like to use and can "afford" (if you're going to be on loans like me, that's more of a joke). The majority of the educational things created at UAMS/used there are PC based because that's obviously what the campus runs on, but there are far fewer compatibility issues with Mac than there used to be. Everyone is going to be using powerpoint and such anyway, so you're not going to have to worry about problems transferring things between classmates. If I were going back and doing it over again I'd get one of the tablet/keyboard combo things like a Surface or a Transformer for convenience sake. I took my laptop everywhere first year and although it wasn't heavy as far as laptops go, a full sized laptop isn't the route I'd go again.
-Matt

Get whatever you like to use and can "afford" (if you're going to be on loans like me, that's more of a joke). The majority of the educational things created at UAMS/used there are PC based because that's obviously what the campus runs on, but there are far fewer compatibility issues with Mac than there used to be. Everyone is going to be using powerpoint and such anyway, so you're not going to have to worry about problems transferring things between classmates. If I were going back and doing it over again I'd get one of the tablet/keyboard combo things like a Surface or a Transformer for convenience sake. I took my laptop everywhere first year and although it wasn't heavy as far as laptops go, a full sized laptop isn't the route I'd go again.
-Matt

I was going to say the same thing. I think for me the biggest problem software wise was just trying to find things that made working with my ipad easier. By far, goodreader + dropbox seems to be the best combination. If only goodreader could modify powerpoints as well as it works with PDFs. Noteability is the other app most people use as well. I haven't really gotten into it, though.

I'm going to further reinforce the idea of not buying all the books recommended on the booklist you received in the packet. Except the genetics book - I bought the kindle version of that and ended up getting screwed because of lack of page numbers. I hope Dr. Schaefer's book is better with that. I would highly recommend acquiring ebooks, though, if you are a book reader. The medphys paper book is massive. The CHM or PDF version is virtually weightless. Since August I've gone from carrying a full and heavy backpack with binders and printed powerpoints, to only carrying a laptop and a small folder to contain written notes.

The $80 Netter's ipad atlas app was an okay purchase. It was useful for quizzing myself in anatomy, but sometimes a book did help (I used/am using Lippincott's).

I feel a bit silly asking this... but... oh well. I'm excited. :p

Stethoscopes. A friend of mine at Tulane said that the school pays for their first stethoscopes. (Which I informed him I'm sure his ridiculous tuition and fees were paying for.) UAMS does not provide stethoscopes, correct? Personally, I'm fine with this because I wanted to pick out my own. Cardiology III is a pretty common, good one right? Are colored ones okay? I mean I'm a girl... I wanted a Reddie/Razorback red one or a plum one...

I feel a bit silly asking this... but... oh well. I'm excited. :p

Stethoscopes. A friend of mine at Tulane said that the school pays for their first stethoscopes. (Which I informed him I'm sure his ridiculous tuition and fees were paying for.) UAMS does not provide stethoscopes, correct? Personally, I'm fine with this because I wanted to pick out my own. Cardiology III is a pretty common, good one right? Are colored ones okay? I mean I'm a girl... I wanted a Reddie/Razorback red one or a plum one...

If the colors exist I'd assume it's at your discretion how much personality you put into your equipment. At worst you'd just be "that girl with the red stethoscope".

I feel a bit silly asking this... but... oh well. I'm excited. :p

Stethoscopes. A friend of mine at Tulane said that the school pays for their first stethoscopes. (Which I informed him I'm sure his ridiculous tuition and fees were paying for.) UAMS does not provide stethoscopes, correct? Personally, I'm fine with this because I wanted to pick out my own. Cardiology III is a pretty common, good one right? Are colored ones okay? I mean I'm a girl... I wanted a Reddie/Razorback red one or a plum one...

You'll be able to place orders during orientation for books and supplies as a pre-order against your financial aide. All of the details will be given to you then in one of the many packets you'll get.. or, you can buy one on your own. I went the pre-order route because you don't need them for a few months into school. I, and most of my classmates, have the Cardiology III, in various colors. The bookstore has limited colors, though, so if you want the roadcone orange with the rainbow anodized diaphragm/bell, you might want to get that one from Amazon.

Making the huge assumption that the orientation bonanza prices are roughly the same as they were 5 years ago, most of the stethoscopes are actually similarly priced. I think there was like $40 difference between the cheapest and most expensive. For what it's worth, I can actually tell a difference between the cardio 3 and my Harvey DLX despite not exactly being the most skilled auscultator. That said, the cardio 3 is a fine steth that'll serve you well, and not buying the bizarre 3-headed DLX will save you a lot of **** on the wards.

Just FYI, here's a list of things you should buy from classmates or the school during orientation:
-Stethoscope

Things you should buy from Amazon:
-Reflex hammer, pen light, tuning fork (should cost you ~$10 total for all 3, so you might as well have them)
-Whatever books you want, one edition old and used, preferably. Lippincott's biochem, a dissector, an anatomy atlas (Rohen's or whatever illustrated atlas you like), RR micro, High Yield Embryo +/- Langman's Embryo, maybe an anatomy review book, BRS phys, Costanzo's phys text, and Haines's neuro atlas should really be all you need to rock the year.

Things you absolutley should not buy, under any circumstances:
-Devlin's Biochem, Whatever cell bio text nonsense they "require" now, basically any of the recommended texts
-An oto/ophthalmoscope. I needed one once in med school when I didn't have easy access to it. Ditto intern year so far. Save your $600.
-Blood pressure cuff. Complete waste of money.

Pro tip 1: Never, ever put the student parking sticker on your car. Doing so just prevents you from parking anywhere near the hospital. Without it, you can park unmolested in the VA and Children's lots.

Pro tip 2: Find an older student after you've gotten your orientation schedule an have him point out which lectures you need to go to and which you can skip. You can literally save yourself a couple days of time this way.

Pro tip 3: When registering for classes and getting your loans signed and all that crap, go to the immunization line first, no matter what. Seriously, just do it.

Pro tip 4: Go to every orientation event you can. They're fun, free, and getting to know your classmates is always good.

You're filled with so much useful info, Al. Keep that knowledge flowing, man.


I kinda feel like this thread is slower than in previous years. :(

You're filled with so much useful info, Al. Keep that knowledge flowing, man.


I kinda feel like this thread is slower than in previous years. :(

Agreed. All of you guys have been a big help. :thumbup:

Yeah, there's hardly anyone on here... I'm hoping the Facebook group will be a bit more active once that's created.

Agreed. All of you guys have been a big help. :thumbup:

Yeah, there's hardly anyone on here... I'm hoping the Facebook group will be a bit more active once that's created.

I'm thinking it probably will. Not everyone does sdn, but everyone and their mom has Facebook. It'll be nice to see the people I'll be spending the next 4 years of my life with.

Pro tip 1: Never, ever put the student parking sticker on your car.
Agreed. I don't think they give you one to park in the War Memorial lot, which makes it easier to park in the neighborhoods.. but, that being said, I used to live in the immediate neighborhood around campus and could see why the residents get upset. I don't think parking on side streets is worth the hassle as you have to cross Markham. I've found the walk to War Memorial to be just slightly longer, flatter, and not terrible.

Pro tip 2: Find an older student after you've gotten your orientation schedule an have him point out which lectures you need to go to and which you can skip. You can literally save yourself a couple days of time this way.

I'm not sure how this is going to work with the again-revised curriculum that the new M1s are going to deal with next year. I'm inclined to skip all the lectures and watch them on blackboard on my own time, with VLC, at an accelerated playback rate of around 1.2x to save myself some time every week.. that leaves me at the mercy of the faculty not screwing up blackboard, though, which has happened more than once when I thought it was worth skipping.

Pro tip 3: When registering for classes and getting your loans signed and all that crap, go to the immunization line first, no matter what. Seriously, just do it.

I'm not even sure we had an immunization line. I think we cleared all that before orientation. Our big time-waster line was the clicker checkout line. Everything else moved pretty quickly, but I had to wait over an hour for that one. They had one guy sitting there, filling out forms and scanning them out to us.

Pro tip 4: Go to every orientation event you can. They're fun, free, and getting to know your classmates is always good.
Yup. The PhiDE parties were the best. Don't expect to remember anyone's name though. I still don't know everyone in my class yet.

The administration is combining physiology, microanatomy, biochem, and cell bio into system-oriented blocks. Each block will get a grade, it seems. These classes will cease to exist after our year, so I'm not sure what the requirements will be for books. I think the only books I've really used this year are the embryology book and a bunch of different review books.

Gross Anatomy is going to be over and done with in the first couple months from what I hear, too. I'm not sure how the schedule is going to pan out for you new guys, but I hope it works for you. I got sick enough of gross lab after 2-3 dissections per week for months on end. If you're living it straight through, maybe it'll be better for you? I dunno, but I'm interested to see how it works out.

Don't buy an otoscope. Or a sphyg.. unless you really want one. Pick up the other ICM items on Amazon.

You guys will hear all of this repeatedly during orientation as well. I thought orientation days were the worst part of the first month or so.. it's just a week straight of being talked at during the day, and partying at night. Take notes, make friends, and drink up.

Until then, enjoy your free time. You'll miss it soon enough.

Hey all,

My wife and I are starting to think about what our living situation will look like.

What do you think about buying vs. renting in Little Rock?
Also what neighborhoods would be good places to start looking for either?

Thanks everyone for the already helpful tips!

To add to some previous posts:

Parking:
I have the after hours parking sticker for the UAMS deck and was glad I have it, but that's only because I live somewhat close to campus and I just liked being able to park there in the evening when I was studying. The hours that permit is good for make it useless for anything other than evening/night studying and night float. What is annoying about that sticker is that depending on which person is working the parking gate they are not technically supposed to let you park in that deck any other hours because you're a student (even if you pay). That can be really annoying if you're running late one day and are willing to pay the $7 or whatever it costs to park there that day. The Lot 10 permit (the gravel lot by the VA) is free, but it does label your car as a student. If you're not parking somewhere you shouldn't (like the VA patient lot, they have really been cracking down on this lately due to the lot being resurfaced and patients/families not having a place to park) it's a good permit to have. I've only had one instance of not finding a spot in lot 10.

Books:
Buy review books. You won't have time to use textbooks as anything other than a reference, and sometimes you won't even have time to do that. Upperclassmen will be able to tell you which textbooks are actually good references, but to be honest I didn't find any of them particularly excellent.

Orientation:
Orientation is a lot less painful than it used to be, actually. Our class cut a full day and a half of crap out of it for the current M2s when the administration asked us for ways to improve orientation, and I am sure they didn't add any of that fluff back for the current M1s either. The downside to that is it's pretty much cut down to the stuff they're legally required to do now and basic course info, which is all very boring. Our orientation week parties were the bright spot though. I met literally everyone in my class (that attended the parties, which was a very high percentage fortunately) those few nights and it really helped make the first few weeks easier since then you've already been introduced and friendships will develop pretty quickly. If you don't drink, still go to the parties and meet people. If you have social phobia, drink a little so you can relax enough to meet people.

Hey all,

My wife and I are starting to think about what our living situation will look like.

What do you think about buying vs. renting in Little Rock?
Also what neighborhoods would be good places to start looking for either?

Thanks everyone for the already helpful tips!
The buy vs. rent question is tough since there is the unknown of "will I be in Little Rock longer than 4 years?" to factor in. When I did the math, it broke down to where it was "cheaper" for me to rent than buy, but if I'd be in Little Rock longer than about 5 years the benefit swung back over to buying at the price range I was looking at. Renting is lower risk of course, you can bail any time you please (which is nice if you end up going to the NW campus or when it comes time to move away for residency), but if you want to build equity/don't mind the hassle or risk of selling then you'll probably not be too satisfied with renting.

I'm a fan of the Hillcrest area, it's close to campus and has a nice little town/village feel to it along Kavanaugh. It's a popular place for students to rent, as well as buy, but it's probably the most expensive non-condo rent in Little Rock. I know quite a few people that rent downtown, which is the only real option if you want loft/condo living in Little Rock, but you pay a premium for that niche. Midtown and north of Markham are also good areas for students and the prices are more reasonable, it's just a little farther from campus and entertainment but still quite convenient. Riverdale is another popular area to rent, and is quite nice if you like living near the riverfront/trails/parks. Some people rent/buy out in west Little Rock (which is newer, relatively reasonable price-wise, and has larger homes), but then you have to deal with driving in and out to campus every day. Some people don't mind, but if I had to waste an extra hour of my day on commute after a 12-14 hour day on surgery I might snap. I know a couple people that live in Maumelle or comparably far out from campus, but once again, I wouldn't want to live that far out. Good luck with your search.

-Matt

To all the med students who posted: thanks for all the info! I'm super excited.

again-revised curriculum Ugh. Nuff said.

Orientation is a lot less painful than it used to be, actually. Our class cut a full day and a half of crap out of it Good news, to be sure.

I have the after hours parking sticker for the UAMS deck and was glad I have it, but that's only because I live somewhat close to campus and I just liked being able to park there in the evening when I was studying...but it does label your car as a student Solution: don't take the sticker off its backing, and keep it inside your car. Hide it when you're not using it. As nice as marginally easier library access is, I don't think that's a good trade for easy rotation parking. When you've got to be in at 5 AM, nothing is worse than having to get up an extra 10 minutes early because you know you've got to walk across the whole damn campus to get where you need to be.

As for the rent/buy question, it's really a matter of where you're buying and what your finances are like. If you have the scratch and can get a place in a desirable area close to campus, I'd buy. Homes are insanely cheap in Little Rock, and you might as well secure your living for the next 4 years if you can. If you're like most students, though, renting is probably better. Like Matt said, you can always bail if things go wrong, and you don't run the risk of getting a place you'll be unhappy with down the line. If you're unfamiliar with the area and can't easily get to LR for some home scouting, renting, at least for your first year, is going to be way smarter, in my opinion.

Accepted as well! OOS student from CA, this is a pretty exciting time!

Will you be taking the acceptance? Cali to Arkansas, quite a change of scenery, eh?

All the talk of parking. Must be a big deal :)

Think it would be easier to commute on my motorcycle as far as parking goes or would I just get more of the same? And speaking of motorcycles do any of you guys ride? It would be nice to have someone to explore LR with when the summer rolls around.

All the talk of parking. Must be a big deal :)

Think it would be easier to commute on my motorcycle as far as parking goes or would I just get more of the same? And speaking of motorcycles do any of you guys ride? It would be nice to have someone to explore LR with when the summer rolls around.

If I'm not mistaken, you can park at War Memorial, and they even have a shuttle. Which no offense, but in my opinion is a little silly. The school isn't THAT far. Of course, New Orleans has given me a whole different perspective on what bad parking and roads are. I will agree though that stickers seem good to have for late night studying.

I know here the motorcycles are allowed to park in front of the building with the bicycles... Wonder how UAMS is. Even if it was about the same parking wise, wouldn't you still save on gas?

If I'm not mistaken, you can park at War Memorial, and they even have a shuttle. Which no offense, but in my opinion is a little silly. The school isn't THAT far. Of course, New Orleans has given me a whole different perspective on what bad parking and roads are. I will agree though that stickers seem good to have for late night studying.

I know here the motorcycles are allowed to park in front of the building with the bicycles... Wonder how UAMS is. Even if it was about the same parking wise, wouldn't you still save on gas?

I think scooters can park right in front of the library, which is in a central location. I've heard that they give priority to med students (not sure how much truth there is to that), but as an employee I've been on one of the parking waiting lists for over a year now.

I just checked, I'm still #139 of 561 people on the parking 2 list.

Will you be taking the acceptance? Cali to Arkansas, quite a change of scenery, eh?

Of the acceptances I have right now, most likely. Depends on financial aid and a few other places I'm still waiting to hear back from. Would be quite the change though! Excited for a new adventure :)

I know here the motorcycles are allowed to park in front of the building with the bicycles... Wonder how UAMS is. Even if it was about the same parking wise, wouldn't you still save on gas?

I find that I always have the best intentions of taking the bike instead of the car but there's something to be said about how lazy I am when I first wake up. If parking wasn't substantially better I'd probably just take my car. But honestly I hope I can get a place to rent within walking distance.

I find that I always have the best intentions of taking the bike instead of the car but there's something to be said about how lazy I am when I first wake up. If parking wasn't substantially better I'd probably just take my car. But honestly I hope I can get a place to rent within walking distance.

Hah, I'm guilty of this as well. I live mere blocks from Tulane's uptown campus, and there is a free shuttle service that runs almost every 30 minutes to the downtown campus. Guess who values their extra 20 minutes of sleep more than their gas? :D

Wompy... Good grief, how many people do they get to in a year's time I wonder... :eek:

I have a motorcycle, but haven't brought it out to campus yet as it kind of got buried in the garage after I finished building it. Parking for motorcycles is relegated to the parking decks. Here's a link for more info, but it doesn't mention students, so I'm not sure how useful it is:

http://www.uams.edu/parking/motorcycle_information.html

The shuttle cuts a ~10 minute walk into a ~10 minute bus ride. It's useful if it's cold or rainy, or if you're just feeling a little lazy.

We're getting the facebook group established now. Invitations to M0s should be going out once we get the list, if they haven't gone out already.

A friend just told me that they made the Class of 2017 Facebook group.

I was going to wait to be invited... but then Linda sent out an email... so I just requested to join instead. :p

I'm also sure everyone else got the background check email?

Background check email received and messed with.

Always nervous of malware with those browser apps. Glad to see someone else got it too ;)

Any alternate-listers out there?

Any alternate-listers out there?
One here. When will the first names start coming off the list?

I've heard early April is when OOS people start getting pulled off, so I imagine IS should hear before then.

I've heard early April is when OOS people start getting pulled off, so I imagine IS should hear before then.

Not necessarily, OOS accepted are replaced with OOS alternates. District 1 accepted are replaced with district 1 alternates, etc.

Not necessarily, OOS accepted are replaced with OOS alternates. District 1 accepted are replaced with district 1 alternates, etc. I don't know that that's strictly true. They certainly try to replace people with similar alternates (e.g., white male from Wyoming with another white male from Wyoming or whatever), but that's not always going to be feasible. The only thing they have to do with alternates, if at all possible, is adhere to the state requirements for admissions per district and limits on OOS admits.

In any event, the list started moving in early May for my class, after all the rural practice people got accepted. Unless things have changed, that typically happens in mid-late April.

The way I've had it explained to me by admissions is that the list does stay static once the the rural practice program participants have been selected and moved to the top, but that just because the list is static it does not mean that the next person on the list is always the one to be offered the next available position. This is because, just as was stated in the previous post, the school is required to have a minimum number of admitted students from each congressional district. So if the minimum number, for example, is 35 (I'm sure this is not the number) for each district and District 1 only has 35 students admitted, then if one of those students declines the acceptance then no matter where on the list the next alternate is from District 1, well that is who would next be offered that spot. However, if all the districts have more than the required minimum accepted, then apparently the next available spot does indeed go to the alternate who is next on the list. This was just my understanding of how it was explained to me. Others on here may have additional information.

I do not know if things are separate for OOS applicants and if they have their own alternate list and go by a separate set of rules and are replaced by each other, or if everyone is on the same list.

Does anyone know how many of the rural practice people have been offered acceptances to the school and about how many were accepted into the program? That could give us a better idea of when movement will start for the remaining alternates not in the program.

Hello! So I was reading through last years thread (I saw a link at the beginning saying to check that out for info about the curriculum) and saw they were worried about getting on probation with LCME. Do you think this is still a concern? What happens if your school loses accreditation after you graduate? I know its an issue while you're still in school, but what about after you're done- assuming you've already started residency.

Hello! So I was reading through last years thread (I saw a link at the beginning saying to check that out for info about the curriculum) and saw they were worried about getting on probation with LCME. Do you think this is still a concern? What happens if your school loses accreditation after you graduate? I know its an issue while you're still in school, but what about after you're done- assuming you've already started residency.

Based off recent conversations with the administration, no, they're not as concerned. I think it was a shock to them at the time when another school they felt was similar to UAMS (they may have overestimated the similarity) was put on probation and that is what caused all the concern. They've since had the opportunity to go on some site visits at other schools up for review/renewal that are apparently far less prepared than UAMS as far as LCME criteria goes, which has been somewhat reassuring for them. They feel pretty confident that with their better baseline than other recent renewals and the improvements that have already been made (and ongoing curriculum improvements) that they'll be in good shape when the LCME does their review/renewal in 2014. The good thing is that the shock of the other university being put on probation led to some pretty rapid changes at UAMS that have probably been needed for a while.
-Matt

Based off recent conversations with the administration, no, they're not as concerned. I think it was a shock to them at the time when another school they felt was similar to UAMS (they may have overestimated the similarity) was put on probation and that is what caused all the concern. They've since had the opportunity to go on some site visits at other schools up for review/renewal that are apparently far less prepared than UAMS as far as LCME criteria goes, which has been somewhat reassuring for them. They feel pretty confident that with their better baseline than other recent renewals and the improvements that have already been made (and ongoing curriculum improvements) that they'll be in good shape when the LCME does their review/renewal in 2014. The good thing is that the shock of the other university being put on probation led to some pretty rapid changes at UAMS that have probably been needed for a while.
-Matt

Good to know. Thanks!

Okay, I'm looking for someone who knows anything about the Rural Practice program and my chances of getting accepted to UAMS since I have recently been bumped to the top of the alternate list apparently. Are my chances as good as they make them out? They're so sensitive about answering direct questions regarding the alternate list info. But I am just hoping that I get accepted to UAMS; it will be a dream come true!

Oh, and I just spoke with Tammy Henson last week when I got accepted into the program. She said they accepted only 10 this year. Does anyone know if I should be comforted by being on top 10 of the alternates? It's so hard to feel good about your chances until you get the official confirmation I guess. :confused:

Good luck to everyone on the alternate list.