2008-2009 Univ South FL Medical (USF) Secondary Application Thread

[3pin3phrine]

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For those who have gone to the second look and were wait-listed, has it changed your mind about the school and what do you think are the best attributes of USF COM. I'm trying to get some perspective and opinions.
Thanks!

 

[CanHasNaps]

For those who have gone to the second look and were wait-listed, has it changed your mind about the school and what do you think are the best attributes of USF COM. I'm trying to get some perspective and opinions.
Thanks!

Well, as a current student...

Best:
1. Our clinical experience. A lot of people may discount having mandatory clinical experiences prior to 3rd year, but personally I don't think that I could keep motivated through this tidal wave of information that they throw at you. I need to see people, and if you are the type of person who likes to see and do things, then it is very helpful.
2. Our administration and 90% of our faculty are amazing. Everyone has an open door policy, and most will even go as far as giving out their personal cell numbers. They take our course evaluations seriously, and will adjust as needed.
3. Tampa has an incredibly diverse patient population, and the school is associated with a huge number of hospitals and clinics.

Not so great:
1. Our exams are really long - but they are that way to prep you for the boards. Everything is multiple choice, which is helpful as long as there is a correct answer listed.

Just think of it this way - going to medical school is like going back to high school. Your schedule is set for you, there are moments you feel totally overwhelmed, and there will be people who are hypercompetitive and form cliques. So choose a school that you feel comfortable with; where you get that inner feeling that says "This is right." because that is where you are going to be happiest and therefore successful.

 

[gujuDoc]

Also, while I'm not officially a med student at USF, I've been a grad student there and have had several friends who've gone to med school there.

Some of the other positive things about USF are that they use that organ system based model so if you are learning about one organ in one class you are doing so in the other class.

They have videostreamlining for lectures in the first 2 years. This means that if you are the type that would rather stay at home and study, you can watch lectures 2x the speed and stay home and get more done. if you are the type who'd like to hear the lecture again even if you go to class, this allows you to do that so you can get a better feel for the lecture.

They also have awesome study lounges and student lounges on campus which is a plus compared to some of the facilities at other universities.

Those are some of the other pluses. Some of the other downsides, however, go along the lines of having to travel to do some of your hospital rotations instead of getting to stay right near campus. Some people prefer having all the hospitals in close walking proximity as it is at other med schools. USF, however, has quite a few hospitals on campus but some hospitals that you have to travel 30-45 min. just to get to i.e. TGH and ACH. So some people consider that a drawback.

 

[p30doc]

Does anyone know if USF is willing to give out the waitlist ranks yet?

 

[CanHasNaps]

As of now, they aren't. Ever. No one understands why...

 

[gujuDoc]

As of now, they aren't. Ever. No one understands why...

Beat me to it!!! I was going to say the same thing!!

 

[3pin3phrine]

Well, as a current student...

Best:
1. Our clinical experience. A lot of people may discount having mandatory clinical experiences prior to 3rd year, but personally I don't think that I could keep motivated through this tidal wave of information that they throw at you. I need to see people, and if you are the type of person who likes to see and do things, then it is very helpful.
2. Our administration and 90% of our faculty are amazing. Everyone has an open door policy, and most will even go as far as giving out their personal cell numbers. They take our course evaluations seriously, and will adjust as needed.
3. Tampa has an incredibly diverse patient population, and the school is associated with a huge number of hospitals and clinics.

Not so great:
1. Our exams are really long - but they are that way to prep you for the boards. Everything is multiple choice, which is helpful as long as there is a correct answer listed.

Just think of it this way - going to medical school is like going back to high school. Your schedule is set for you, there are moments you feel totally overwhelmed, and there will be people who are hypercompetitive and form cliques. So choose a school that you feel comfortable with; where you get that inner feeling that says "This is right." because that is where you are going to be happiest and therefore successful.

Thanks for the feedback. USF seems like a great place to be. Also, do you know how long you are at TGH during the 3rd/4th year?

 

[CanHasNaps]

You have some flexibility. Most people spend a majority of time at TGH with a few rotations at the Haley VA. You can request to have more rotations at the VA, as well as places like All Childrens if you are interested in peds. Everyone does part of their outpatient FM at the USF clinic, and your oncology rotation at Moffitt during 4th year.

There is a rumor that they are going to start being even more flexible about 3rd year...but nothing official has been said yet.

 

[gujuDoc]

You have some flexibility. Most people spend a majority of time at TGH with a few rotations at the Haley VA. You can request to have more rotations at the VA, as well as places like All Childrens if you are interested in peds. Everyone does part of their outpatient FM at the USF clinic, and your oncology rotation at Moffitt during 4th year.

There is a rumor that they are going to start being even more flexible about 3rd year...but nothing official has been said yet.

I heard they had a new affiliation with a Pennsylvania hospital. How do you think that will factor in with the clinical training? Also, same with Morsani Center? how does that factor in with the clinical training? Any idea or are you not sure??

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

What would be the advantage of not telling you guys where you are on the waitlist? Not even what tier you're in.

Outside of torturing applicants, I can't think of one. Any ideas?

 

[gujuDoc]

What would be the advantage of not telling you guys where you are on the waitlist? Not even what tier you're in.

Outside of torturing applicants, I can't think of one. Any ideas?

None to the applicant. More like an advantage to the admins if they've overaccepted too many people or if they end up dropping people from the waitlist further down or off of it and want to cover their butt. I'm going to PM you something.

 

[CanHasNaps]

I heard they had a new affiliation with a Pennsylvania hospital. How do you think that will factor in with the clinical training? Also, same with Morsani Center? how does that factor in with the clinical training? Any idea or are you not sure??

The Pennsylvania affiliation has no clinical significance until 2013 - so it may be up and running by the time that this incoming class gets to fourth year, and then again, it may not.

Morsani is mostly empty at this point. There aren't a lot of doctors practicing out of there yet, so there is no opportunities for students as of now. Hopefully that will change in the next few years. It really is a neat concept.

 

[CanHasNaps]

None to the applicant. More like an advantage to the admins if they've overaccepted too many people or if they end up dropping people from the waitlist further down or off of it and want to cover their butt. I'm going to PM you something.

Every school in Florida overaccepts. There is so much movement on the waitlists that they have to.

As to why they aren't telling people...I'm really at a loss. There hasn't been any rationale given. It was just a flat "Our policy is to not give out ranking." Period. They are actively looking for a new director of admissions, so hopefully that will change next cycle, but I'm afraid you all applying this year are stuck with not knowing until you come off the waitlist.

 

[gujuDoc]

Every school in Florida overaccepts. There is so much movement on the waitlists that they have to.

As to why they aren't telling people...I'm really at a loss. There hasn't been any rationale given. It was just a flat "Our policy is to not give out ranking." Period. They are actively looking for a new director of admissions, so hopefully that will change next cycle, but I'm afraid you all applying this year are stuck with not knowing until you come off the waitlist.

I sent you a PM as to why I brought up overacceptances. Please check it. I don't feel comfy talking about it on here.

Now onto the bolded portion of your post.

what's up with the bolded statement??? I thought they combined the role of Dean of Admissions, Dean of Educational Affairs, and Dean of Diversity Initiatives in USF Health all in one for Dr. Alicia Monroe. Therefore, I thought she was Director of Admissions. I'm confused. also, I thought Leila Amiri is Associate Director.

Are either Leila or Dr. Monroe leaving? Or are they looking for someone to be Director and have Dr. Monroe act more in the Dean role as when Dr. Specter was both Dean of admissions and student affairs and REL was director? I'm confused.

 

[CanHasNaps]

I don't know of anyone leaving, I just got an e-mail about a lunch meeting with an applicant for the director of admissions.

Admissions is still changing, so I really don't know what is going on other than what I have received via e-mails from the school.

 

[gujuDoc]

I don't know of anyone leaving, I just got an e-mail about a lunch meeting with an applicant for the director of admissions.

Admissions is still changing, so I really don't know what is going on other than what I have received via e-mails from the school.

Ahh I see. Hopefully they get it figured out.

 

[ivynole]

I have also been quite frustrated by USF's lack of communication about their waitlist. Particularly because they said in the fall after I interviewed that you would be able to know more in the spring. Which evidently is false. When I talked to Leila she said that the earliest she expected to call people from the waitlist was May 15th.

Since USF does not appear to have a true Dean of Admissions at this time, who is it that is heading Admissions now, Dr. Monroe? (i.e. If I want to send a letter to Dean of Admissions/Person who determines class composition do I address it to her?)

 

[gujuDoc]

I have also been quite frustrated by USF's lack of communication about their waitlist. Particularly because they said in the fall after I interviewed that you would be able to know more in the spring. Which evidently is false. When I talked to Leila she said that the earliest she expected to call people from the waitlist was May 15th.

Since USF does not appear to have a true Dean of Admissions at this time, who is it that is heading Admissions now, Dr. Monroe? (i.e. If I want to send a letter to Dean of Admissions/Person who determines class composition do I address it to her?)

I think she is the dean of admissions at the time. yes. however, if you would like you could consider getting that letter out to Dr. E. Gonzalez. Do you need his contact info?

 

[ivynole]

I think I'm good just addressing it to Dr. Monroe, thanks though 🙂

 

[gujuDoc]

I think I'm good just addressing it to Dr. Monroe, thanks though 🙂

Ok. Good luck.

 

[MED786]

Countdown to May 15th begins!!!!!!!!

 

[talleyrand]

I have also been quite frustrated by USF's lack of communication about their waitlist. Particularly because they said in the fall after I interviewed that you would be able to know more in the spring. Which evidently is false. When I talked to Leila she said that the earliest she expected to call people from the waitlist was May 15th.

Since USF does not appear to have a true Dean of Admissions at this time, who is it that is heading Admissions now, Dr. Monroe? (i.e. If I want to send a letter to Dean of Admissions/Person who determines class composition do I address it to her?)

What are you trying to accomplish with this letter? They made it fairly clear that you cannot affect your rank on the wait list with updates, and they're being secretive about wait list rankings because they've heavily over-accepted (as others have been hinting at).

 

[MED786]

they're being secretive about wait list rankings because they've heavily over-accepted (as others have been hinting at).[/quote]



Wow! that statement doesn't give much hope for wait-listed people for this cycle. As it did previous years! 🙁

 

[CanHasNaps]

Also, FYI, Dr. Monroe is the one who made the decision that they weren't going to release any information about the waitlist.

 

[gujuDoc]

Also, FYI, Dr. Monroe is the one who made the decision that they weren't going to release any information about the waitlist.

That is just ******ed. To be honest, they should get rid of the admissions role that Dr. Monroe has and put her in charge of EDU affairs only. Let someone else take the role of Director of Admissions. Maybe designate that solely to Leila if she hangs around long enough.

Then they should get a separate dean of diversity initiatives. or have Dr. monroe because the OAE Dean and have someone else for Dean of EDU Affairs. they should also re-delegate role of Dean of Admissions back to Dean specter as it had bee before.

 

[CanHasNaps]

That is just ******ed. To be honest, they should get rid of the admissions role that Dr. Monroe has and put her in charge of EDU affairs only. Let someone else take the role of Director of Admissions. Maybe designate that solely to Leila if she hangs around long enough.

Then they should get a separate dean of diversity initiatives. or have Dr. monroe because the OAE Dean and have someone else for Dean of EDU Affairs. they should also re-delegate role of Dean of Admissions back to Dean specter as it had bee before.

They are hiring a new Director of Admissions - but I don't know if Dr. Monroe will still be Dean of Admissions or not. Although, I am not sure that this policy is going to change back to the way it was. This may be the new policy (as far as the waitlist is concerned.)

I really feel for everyone going through this cluster*&^% this cycle. Just know that once you are in (somewhere) you never have to talk to admissions again 🙂

 

[gujuDoc]

They are hiring a new Director of Admissions - but I don't know if Dr. Monroe will still be Dean of Admissions or not. Although, I am not sure that this policy is going to change back to the way it was. This may be the new policy (as far as the waitlist is concerned.)

I really feel for everyone going through this cluster*&^% this cycle. Just know that once you are in (somewhere) you never have to talk to admissions again 🙂

I know you already told me about the whole new hiring thing they are looking into. Remember??

But it should just go back to how it was. Its so stupid. I guess good things can't last forever. Look at our economy for proof of that one.

 

[CanHasNaps]

I know you already told me about the whole new hiring thing they are looking into. Remember??

But it should just go back to how it was. Its so stupid. I guess good things can't last forever. Look at our economy for proof of that one.

Yeah, I know we talked about it over PM - couldn't remember if I had actually posted the info for everyone else 🙂

 

[gujuDoc]

Yeah, I know we talked about it over PM - couldn't remember if I had actually posted the info for everyone else 🙂

No I thought you posted it here initially then we PMed each other. Cuz I bolded something you said on this thread. I could swear. Let me double check.


EDIT: Scroll above to post number 163 and 165 in the thread. That's where we discussed it. We discussed some other stuff in PMs not the issue of new directors of admissions. its just a few posts above this one on this page.

 

[talleyrand]

Wow! that statement doesn't give much hope for wait-listed people for this cycle. As it did previous years! 🙁

It really doesn't help that they kept touting that they went through approximately half of the wait list in previous years during the interview day.

 

[gujuDoc]

It really doesn't help that they kept touting that they went through approximately half of the wait list in previous years during the interview day.

You know despite the overaccepts, I still think a good percentage will have other acceptances that they'd much prefer to USF when all is said and done. As such, I think that at least the top 1/3 may still get in. It is too early to tell though. Hang in there. There is one month til May 15th and then things will get rolling.

 

[MED786]

Countdown to May 15th: 28 day more days

 

[mikedc813]

I got my acceptance on May 12 - I'll never forget it! The list will start really moving soon as it does every year around this time. Many people get in off the waitlist so if you haven't gotten an acceptance yet there's still time...

 

[MED786]

I got my acceptance on May 12 - I'll never forget it! The list will start really moving soon as it does every year around this time. Many people get in off the waitlist so if you haven't gotten an acceptance yet there's still time...

yay!!!! thank you for bringing positive hope to this thread finally!!! I wish I have a story like yours 🙂

 

[gates_2]

BTW anyone looking for their financial awards- you can log on to the USF system and check- not looking too promising for me- almost $40K in loans

 

[p30doc]

Does anyone know if USF responds favorably to letters of intent? Also who would I send such a letter to? They are my number 1 choice...

 

[gujuDoc]

Does anyone know if USF responds favorably to letters of intent? Also who would I send such a letter to? They are my number 1 choice...

It won't hurt but I wonder if it will really help. In the past USF had it decided that once they voted on you and placed you on the waitlist, i was not like they were moving you so significantly b/c of a LOI. For instance, in the past when one was on low tier, the chances of them getting moved to high tier waitlist was slim to none. Just didn't work that way. That said, if you are going to speak to anyone speak to them personally and talk to them about your situation. It seems for most people that made a difference more preinterview rather then post interview.

 

[p30doc]

It won't hur but I wonder if it will really help. In the past USF had it decided that once they voted on you and placed you on the waitlist, i was not like they were moving you so significantly b/c of a LOI. For instance, in the past when one was on low tier, the chances of them getting moved to high tier waitlist was slim to none. Just didn't work that way. That said, if you are going to speak to anyone speak to them personally and talk to them about your situation. It seems for most people that made a difference more preinterview rather then post interview.

Thanks for the insight. 🙂

 

[mikedc813]

Does anyone know if USF responds favorably to letters of intent? Also who would I send such a letter to? They are my number 1 choice...

It can't hurt, but then again most likely will not affect any decision on your application.

 

[p30doc]

Is the admissions office still being tight-lipped on waitlist rankings? May 15th is coming up! Good luck to everyone who is waiting.

 

[gujuDoc]

Is the admissions office still being tight-lipped on waitlist rankings? May 15th is coming up! Good luck to everyone who is waiting.

Yes sorta. but check your PMs please.

 

[MED786]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikedc813
I got my acceptance on May 12 - I'll never forget it! The list will start really moving soon as it does every year around this time. Many people get in off the waitlist so if you haven't gotten an acceptance yet there's still time...

yay!!!! thank you for bringing positive hope to this thread finally!!! I wish I have a story like yours 🙂



That wish came TRUE! I DO HAVE A STORY LIKE YOURS!! JUST A DAY LATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT OFF THE WAITLIST!!!!!!!! THE MOVEMENT HAS BEGUN!!!!!!!!!! PRAY AND KEEP YOUR FINGERSCROSSED EVERYONE!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYY- I LOVE USF COM! MY DREAM SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!😍😍😍 GREATEST SCHOOL IN THE WORLD!😍😍

USF COM 2013!

 

[gujuDoc]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikedc813
I got my acceptance on May 12 - I'll never forget it! The list will start really moving soon as it does every year around this time. Many people get in off the waitlist so if you haven't gotten an acceptance yet there's still time...

yay!!!! thank you for bringing positive hope to this thread finally!!! I wish I have a story like yours



That wish came TRUE! I DO HAVE A STORY LIKE YOURS!! JUST A DAY LATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT OFF THE WAITLIST!!!!!!!! THE MOVEMENT HAS BEGUN!!!!!!!!!! PRAY AND KEEP YOUR FINGERSCROSSED EVERYONE!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYY- I LOVE USF COM! MY DREAM SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!😍😍😍 GREATEST SCHOOL IN THE WORLD!😍

USF COM 2013!

I sent a PM but again I'll say it here. SEE I TOLD YOU THAT YOU'D GET IN!!!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀

I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy for you. If anyone deserves it you do. 🙂

Good luck to the rest of you. Remember god almighty is with you. 🙂

 

[p30doc]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikedc813
I got my acceptance on May 12 - I'll never forget it! The list will start really moving soon as it does every year around this time. Many people get in off the waitlist so if you haven't gotten an acceptance yet there's still time...

yay!!!! thank you for bringing positive hope to this thread finally!!! I wish I have a story like yours 🙂



That wish came TRUE! I DO HAVE A STORY LIKE YOURS!! JUST A DAY LATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT OFF THE WAITLIST!!!!!!!! THE MOVEMENT HAS BEGUN!!!!!!!!!! PRAY AND KEEP YOUR FINGERSCROSSED EVERYONE!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYY- I LOVE USF COM! MY DREAM SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!😍😍😍 GREATEST SCHOOL IN THE WORLD!😍😍

USF COM 2013!

Woooooooooooo! Congrats! 😀 Glad to hear the list is moving already, hopefully we will be classmates!

 

[airplanes]

Got the Call today! The waitlist movement has definitely begun. USF was my second choice school and I absolutely loved it there. I was lucky enough to be accepted to my first choice as well, so I will be withdrawing shortly.

Good Luck to those still waiting and congrats to those who got in recently!

 

[mikedc813]

Congrats!

 

[gujuDoc]

Got the Call today! The waitlist movement has definitely begun. USF was my second choice school and I absolutely loved it there. I was lucky enough to be accepted to my first choice as well, so I will be withdrawing shortly.

Good Luck to those still waiting and congrats to those who got in recently!

GRATs!!! Fl. will miss u. Your post made some of my friends happy because it means a chance for them. hahaha. I wish you well in Oregon. I've heard the school is amazing from a girl that I knew in my old ochm lab. She was originallly from Oregon as well and was planning on moving back with her hubby and children. I've heard that it is amazing.

 

[airplanes]

GRATs!!! Fl. will miss u. Your post made some of my friends happy because it means a chance for them. hahaha. I wish you well in Oregon. I've heard the school is amazing from a girl that I knew in my old ochm lab. She was originallly from Oregon as well and was planning on moving back with her hubby and children. I've heard that it is amazing.

Hey Thanks guju! I really appreciated your help and insight during the whole process. Best of luck to your friends, Oregon is home for me and I'm really excited to stay here but a part of me is jealous of the incoming USF students, I liked it there alot. 🙂

 

[gujuDoc]

Hey Thanks guju! I really appreciated your help and insight during the whole process. Best of luck to your friends, Oregon is home for me and I'm really excited to stay here but a part of me is jealous of the incoming USF students, I liked it there alot. 🙂

Awww LOL!!!

 

[jnjMD86]

Has anyone else heard anything from the school recently? I'm so nervous... I keep my phone near me literally all day. I called the office because I was flying to Canada on Thursday and back on Monday, and I wanted to know what they do if the person they call doesn't answer. The lady I spoke with told me that they didn't expect to be making calls for the next few days anyway (that was on Wednesday). Good luck to everyone!

*** fingers crossed ***