2009-2010 Case Western Reserve University Application Thread

[dmexs]

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Computer Prices are up and official, see the bottom of the chart. A tad pricier than last year for the Dells.

The current price for the E6510 with all the same specs is: $2,273.00 (dell.com)
So, pretty decent deal from Case, however, theres a few bells and whistles I could do without. Also, I feel this model is really overpriced and overpowered consider its limited usage (no one needs a processor that beefy unless they are hardcore gamers / video editors / CAD users). I may have to keep my eyes open for a dell coupon and buy the Latitude myself. I'll keep you guys posted on prices.

Good lookin out man, I'm wonderin if that 15" MBP price can be cut down if I scrap some extras..

 

[MCsoundt]

Has anyone gotten off the CCLCM waitlist recently? CCLCMer or Myuu...what is the LAST DAY we can expect to hear back a final decision? Has anyone been REJECTED from the waitlist?

Thanks!

I got rejected from the CCLCM waitlist, but haven't heard anythign since being put on the waitlist at UP.

I was catching up with the recent posts, and it seems like 5/3 was an important day? Is that true or did I just read too fast?

 

[adele87]

I got rejected from the CCLCM waitlist, but haven't heard anythign since being put on the waitlist at UP.

When did you hear about your waitlist rejection? Did you get the notice by snail mail?

 

[iceman77_7]

Iceman, do you have like, a blog I can subscribe to? Or a series of memoirs that describes your awesomeness in dealing with money? I'm not one to shy away from slickdeals and fatwallet, but your understanding of the financial system around you and how to utilize it amazes me.

Make a blog and post your misadventures / acts of brilliance. Hell, even a section on CodeBlue Case Wiki edited by you would rock.

Haha, thanks for the kind words. Perhaps after I get through with this hard grind of medicine, surgery, AI, AI, AI, I can get around to starting something. 🙂 I used to get a lot of stuff off of fatwallet, but haven't had much time lately to read those forums. I just come across some random good stuff when visiting sites that interest me now (namely travel) or just notice trends like with the KeyBank thing.

On another note, if you want to churn your KeyBank accounts yearly but still want a steady bank account in CLE, you can try opening an account at PNC to use while your Keybank accounts are closed. Unfortunately they don't have a bonus for opening an account.

 

[pelliper]

I got rejected from the CCLCM waitlist, but haven't heard anythign since being put on the waitlist at UP.

I was catching up with the recent posts, and it seems like 5/3 was an important day? Is that true or did I just read too fast?

Do you mean you accepted a position on the CCLCM waitlist and then got a new notice saying you were rejected, or that you were put on hold and then did not get on the waitlist at all?

 

[rockaction]

Looks like it's 13" MacBookPro for me! The jump in price for the 15" just ain't worth it.

 

[MCsoundt]

Do you mean you accepted a position on the CCLCM waitlist and then got a new notice saying you were rejected, or that you were put on hold and then did not get on the waitlist at all?

my bad. it was hold --> rejection for me. In this whole torturous app process I've come to equate hold with WL. Sorry guys!

 

[Meat]

Good lookin out man, I'm wonderin if that 15" MBP price can be cut down if I scrap some extras..

Is anyone current on MBP prices? Is the quoted price from Case a decent? Maybe I'm just a tech geek, but before prices were announced I was contemplating getting the mac, running bootcamp and only using windows 7 (I have some serious Mac OS hate). The graphics card on the Mac is significantly better than the Dell. However, since the price difference is that much, I'd rather just grab a new video card / mobo combo for my tower at some point.

On the subject of price and extras, I'm pleased with the price Case has quoted for the amount of goodies included in the Dell package (Windows Ultimate + full office, great warranty, backpack+External), but I'd rather NOT have many of these options and just pay less. Heres what can be shaved off:

1. Windows 7 Home instead of Ultimate
2. 2.4 ghz processor instead of 2.53
3. Microsoft office (who actually buys this, pirate ftw)
4. 2GB ram (way cheaper to upgrade myself)
5. Backpack
6. 9 cell battery
7. 1TB external
8. Complete care warranty (dont drink next to you laptop. Seriously.)

The computer above without all the bells and whistles is $400-$300 cheaper WITHOUT a dell coupon (which are notoriously easy to find, maybe subtract another $250). So, while its a good price for all the stuff above, I'm not so sure if we need it.

/rant

 

[Meat]

Looks like it's 13" MacBookPro for me! The jump in price for the 15" just ain't worth it.

I agree. While there is a significant difference in processing power and a slight difference in graphics card quality, it wont be noticeable unless you are really multitasking on your mac. Also, the 13" screen has a slightly lesser resolution, but this is negligible as the screen is smaller. Very portable, very light and a great battery life.

 

[CCLCMer]

Good morning, Case fans! It's 67° and clear here in the Cleve. I'd take pictures, but I drove to Metro this morning and was thinking that it's probably not such a good idea to snap photos on the interstate when you're the driver.

Talk about risking a major faceplant. More like a megaplant. 😱

 

[vc7777]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=9641500&posted=1#post9641500

 

[kalpit210]

just withdrew my acceptance, hope someone on the waitlist from sdn gets the spot!

 

[FluffyRabbit]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=9641500&posted=1#post9641500

I just went over and wrote a highly objective post. 😀

 

[dntpanic]

I agree. While there is a significant difference in processing power and a slight difference in graphics card quality, it wont be noticeable unless you are really multitasking on your mac. Also, the 13" screen has a slightly lesser resolution, but this is negligible as the screen is smaller. Very portable, very light and a great battery life.

For any UP students planning to bring their laptop to lecture, the extended battery life is definitely a plus since the lecture hall apparently has no plugs for laptops... a common gripe I heard from many students I talked to during my visit. 😀

 

[Myuu]

For any UP students planning to bring their laptop to lecture, the extended battery life is definitely a plus since the lecture hall apparently has no plugs for laptops... a common gripe I heard from many students I talked to during my visit. 😀

Ah, yeah. I see people porting around power cords everywhere. I usually don't carry one unless I'll be needing to run windows in a virtual machine or do something of that order of intensity.

 

[Meat]

I spent some time this morning fussing around with the Dell Latitude website and a new 30% off coupon (XRHR$T3JKBPT04).

Essentially, you can get the same package as Case offers MINUS the accidental care and bag / external for $200 less (after tax, free shipping), but with a better resolution screen. I have a sinking feeling though that I'd be asked by IT to upgrade the warranty to include accidental care if I bought the laptop myself.

Overall though, the price from Case, post tax / shipping / goodies is fair. Its comparable even with a 30% off coupon.

**Major Edit**

I just noticed on the ordering page for Case that all the laptops are PRE-TAX. That means the $1,480 is actually $1,600 after tax, which makes the Dell.com total, after coupon, of $1,300 (shipping + tax) a viable option, IMO. I'll keep you guys updated, I'd personally like to pay $300 less :O

 

[JTJ]

I just completed my student loan entrance counseling! The answers to the quiz questions are all "true" or "all of the above." 😀

 

[dmexs]

I spent some time this morning fussing around with the Dell Latitude website and a new 30% off coupon (XRHR$T3JKBPT04).

Essentially, you can get the same package as Case offers MINUS the accidental care and bag / external for $200 less (after tax, free shipping), but with a better resolution screen. I have a sinking feeling though that I'd be asked by IT to upgrade the warranty to include accidental care if I bought the laptop myself.

Overall though, the price from Case, post tax / shipping / goodies is fair. Its comparable even with a 30% off coupon.

**Major Edit**

I just noticed on the ordering page for Case that all the laptops are PRE-TAX. That means the $1,480 is actually $1,600 after tax, which makes the Dell.com total, after coupon, of $1,300 (shipping + tax) a viable option, IMO. I'll keep you guys updated, I'd personally like to pay $300 less :O

How did you figure out that they were pre-tax? That 15" MBP is looking less and less like an option..🙁

EDIT: Matter of fact where do you even go to order or do you just email the IT office?

 

[Meat]

I just completed my student loan entrance counseling! The answers to the quiz questions are all "true" or "all of the above." 😀

Lol, I noticed that too when I completed it. They really put a lot of thought into creating that quiz eh?

How did you figure out that they were pre-tax? That 15" MBP is looking less and less like an option..

EDIT: Matter of fact where do you even go to order or do you just email the IT office?

Here is a picture of the laptop selection screen. You can get to it by clicking the "laptop" link on the top right of your iApply account (while on the application status page). You can order it from there. And yes, the MBP price is absolutely atrocious (not Case's fault). I wish you could comprehend the BEAST of a desktop set up you could create for $2,500. We're talking Multiple 24"+ monitors, top of the line graphics cards 2x running in SLI, pure aluminum case, Blue ray, spanking new quadcore processor, raptor hard drive, just the absolute works, with enough money left over for video games / movies for a year. Or a 15" mac book pro. Not that they aren't great laptops, but wow are they expensive.

EDIT** Woot post 4,500!

 

[stonaye]

For those still sweating it out on the CCLCM waitlist, just got the call from Dean Franco, and am jumping out of my skin right now.

Good luck to everybody, there is still hope!

 

[Meat]

For those still sweating it out on the CCLCM waitlist, just got the call from Dean Franco, and am jumping out of my skin right now.

Good luck to everybody, there is still hope!

Congratulations! Thats great to hear! See you in Cleveland 😀

 

[Meat]

**THIS IS A PRICE WARNING POST TO ALL UP MAC BUYERS, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO BUY YOUR MACS FOR LESS**

I've spent some time looking up Mac prices through my school and online, and the amount that Case is charging you for your Macs is much more expensive than if you were to order online / through your school. I'm assuming the extra money is being spent on the "Junk" in the package, external HD, mighty mouse, whatever. Windows 7 is ~$100. All the other specs are the SAME (albeit small variation in hard drive sizes). Look for yourself below.


Macbook Pro 13":

Case price - $1,906

Online School price: $1,431 (warranty included)

Macbook Pro 15"

Case Price - $2,391

Online School Price - $2,087 (warranty included)

These are BIG price differences guys. Please consider buying through apple then sending your laptop in early. If I were looking into Macs, I would email the IT guys ASAP and express how unhappy I am with them forcing you to buy extra "goodies" then making you pay out the behind for them. For the price of the 15" MBP, you could get the tech superior and larger 17" MBP off the student apple website! (~$2,400).

Also, if I'm posting too much on this, lemme know, I'll settle down. I just love tech stuff!

 

[AmyB425]

Anyone hear anything about the UP alternate list?

 

[TheFreak]

Anyone hear anything about the UP alternate list?

nope im definitely still waiting.

 

[FluffyRabbit]

I spent some time this morning fussing around with the Dell Latitude website and a new 30% off coupon (XRHR$T3JKBPT04).

Essentially, you can get the same package as Case offers MINUS the accidental care and bag / external for $200 less (after tax, free shipping), but with a better resolution screen. I have a sinking feeling though that I'd be asked by IT to upgrade the warranty to include accidental care if I bought the laptop myself.

Overall though, the price from Case, post tax / shipping / goodies is fair. Its comparable even with a 30% off coupon.

**Major Edit**

I just noticed on the ordering page for Case that all the laptops are PRE-TAX. That means the $1,480 is actually $1,600 after tax, which makes the Dell.com total, after coupon, of $1,300 (shipping + tax) a viable option, IMO. I'll keep you guys updated, I'd personally like to pay $300 less :O

These are BIG price differences guys. Please consider buying through apple then sending your laptop in early. If I were looking into Macs, I would email the IT guys ASAP and express how unhappy I am with them forcing you to buy extra "goodies" then making you pay out the behind for them. For the price of the 15" MBP, you could get the tech superior and larger 17" MBP off the student apple website! (~$2,400).

We don't necessarily have to buy it through the school, do we? The "goodies" are indeed pretty silly. We could always just purchase the exact same model. What software do we need on there that we wouldn't be able to install on our own computer, or have them install for us?

Also, does CCLCM deal with computers for students any differently?

For those still sweating it out on the CCLCM waitlist, just got the call from Dean Franco, and am jumping out of my skin right now.

Good luck to everybody, there is still hope!

Congratulations, see you there! 🙂

 

[Meat]

Last of the laptop posts, I promise:

I spoke with the head of IT concerning buying a dell from outside the school. The school requires that you buy a "complete care Warranty," which includes an upgraded warranty and accidental care, just to be supported by the school ($300+ dollars). This pretty much kills any money saving deals.

Also, he said that other Latitudes models (or other dells) are NOT supported, only the 4 computers listed will be supported by IT. I'll be going with the 15.6" Dell then, as the savings of buying online are marginal now. People considering the 13" Macbook pro should continue to look into buying online.

 

[rockaction]

Last of the laptop posts, I promise:

I spoke with the head of IT concerning buying a dell from outside the school. The school requires that you buy a "complete care Warranty," which includes an upgraded warranty and accidental care, just to be supported by the school ($300+ dollars). This pretty much kills any money saving deals.

Also, he said that other Latitudes models (or other dells) are NOT supported, only the 4 computers listed will be supported by IT. I'll be going with the 15.6" Dell then, as the savings of buying online are marginal now. People considering the 13" Macbook pro should continue to look into buying online.

After looking into 13" Macbook pros, I can easily see how I can save money by having a 250GB HD over 320GB and not buying a Magic Mouse or backpack. As long as you get the Apple Care warranty and have Windows 7, it will be supported, right? If I bought outside, would I just have to bring the laptop to orientation and they'd prep it for me?

 

[Meat]

After looking into 13" Macbook pros, I can easily see how I can save money by having a 250GB HD over 320GB and not buying a Magic Mouse or backpack. As long as you get the Apple Care warranty and have Windows 7, it will be supported, right? If I bought outside, would I just have to bring the laptop to orientation and they'd prep it for me?

You may have to mail it (the laptop) to them a week early, but it should work. Make sure you send an email to the head of IT. [email protected]

You could easily save a few hundred doing this.

 

[iceman77_7]

Last of the laptop posts, I promise:

I spoke with the head of IT concerning buying a dell from outside the school. The school requires that you buy a "complete care Warranty," which includes an upgraded warranty and accidental care, just to be supported by the school ($300+ dollars). This pretty much kills any money saving deals.

Also, he said that other Latitudes models (or other dells) are NOT supported, only the 4 computers listed will be supported by IT. I'll be going with the 15.6" Dell then, as the savings of buying online are marginal now. People considering the 13" Macbook pro should continue to look into buying online.

Interesting to follow the development of the laptop sub-thread. Unfortunately I couldn't read it earlier and could have saved you a lot of trouble by telling you earlier that the main reason the Macs are so expensive is the comprehensive care. Although you may think you will never use it, I came into med school with that same mentality. I'm relatively tech savvy, I take good care of my computers, etc, and I have taken it to them 2-3 times. I estimate 90% of my class has taken their computer to IT for one reason or another. That said, if you can extract cost savings by buying on your own with comprehensive care, eschewing extras, and mailing it in early, go for it.

Also, I actually don't remember seeing our laptops as a separate line item on my bill during 1st year... 😕

 

[Myuu]

Interesting to follow the development of the laptop sub-thread. Unfortunately I couldn't read it earlier and could have saved you a lot of trouble by telling you earlier that the main reason the Macs are so expensive is the comprehensive care. Although you may think you will never use it, I came into med school with that same mentality. I'm relatively tech savvy, I take good care of my computers, etc, and I have taken it to them 2-3 times. I estimate 90% of my class has taken their computer to IT for one reason or another. That said, if you can extract cost savings by buying on your own with comprehensive care, eschewing extras, and mailing it in early, go for it.

Also, I actually don't remember seeing our laptops as a separate line item on my bill during 1st year... 😕

They're listed as "medical laptop" for us.😳.

As to the apple warranty, the default is 3 years, but the deal that the school has covers four, but only because they've been "trained" to handle things themselves. This kind of means they'll re-image your drive at the drop of a hat (they're huge Windows fans over there)... I wouldn't go so far as to say that 90% have had issues (yet).

 

[Meat]

Interesting to follow the development of the laptop sub-thread. Unfortunately I couldn't read it earlier and could have saved you a lot of trouble by telling you earlier that the main reason the Macs are so expensive is the comprehensive care. Although you may think you will never use it, I came into med school with that same mentality. I'm relatively tech savvy, I take good care of my computers, etc, and I have taken it to them 2-3 times. I estimate 90% of my class has taken their computer to IT for one reason or another. That said, if you can extract cost savings by buying on your own with comprehensive care, eschewing extras, and mailing it in early, go for it.

Also, I actually don't remember seeing our laptops as a separate line item on my bill during 1st year... 😕

At the apply store the "Applecare Protection" only costs like $200. Is this different than the "Comprehensive Protection?"

 

[Myuu]

At the apply store the "Applecare Protection" only costs like $200. Is this different than the "Comprehensive Protection?"

AppleCare through Apple is three years. The school-option is four years, although people have gotten around that.👍

 

[vc7777]

Also, does CCLCM deal with computers for students any differently?

For the Class of 2015, the computers are the HP 6930p (Windows 7 Professional).

The computers are loaded with Microsoft Office 2007, Adobe Acrobat and anti-virus and anti-spyware software and also have links to useful resources added to the browser favorites. In addition students get free access to software downloads from the CWRU software center.

In short Fluffy: No choice = No angst 🙂

 

[vc7777]

For those still sweating it out on the CCLCM waitlist, just got the call from Dean Franco, and am jumping out of my skin right now.

Good luck to everybody, there is still hope!

Congrats! Weclome! Top of the page too...nice 😎

 

[Meat]

AppleCare through Apple is three years. The school-option is four years, although people have gotten around that.👍

Please elaborate Myuu, the dell warranty is three years also. How was that circumvented?

 

[Myuu]

Please elaborate Myuu, the dell warranty is three years also. How was that circumvented?

Hmm! They made a big deal about that last year. Maybe they've given up this year! They had some arrangement where if the IT guys underwent special training as apple techs, we could have an on-site service agreement lasting four years instead of 3, but without the option to take stuff to the apple store. Perhaps they've since seen the light.

 

[Myuu]

Hmm! They made a big deal about that last year. Maybe they've given up this year! They had some arrangement where if the IT guys underwent special training as apple techs, we could have an on-site service agreement lasting four years instead of 3, but without the option to take stuff to the apple store. Perhaps they've since seen the light.

And as to the circumvention part, I believe they emailed Mr. Pilasky and worked out a deal. IT is not inflexible, despite the image they present (perhaps as an effort to make things as easy for them as possible, seeing as they have a zillion orders to handle).

 

[dmexs]

Here is a picture of the laptop selection screen. You can get to it by clicking the "laptop" link on the top right of your iApply account (while on the application status page). You can order it from there. And yes, the MBP price is absolutely atrocious (not Case's fault). I wish you could comprehend the BEAST of a desktop set up you could create for $2,500. We're talking Multiple 24"+ monitors, top of the line graphics cards 2x running in SLI, pure aluminum case, Blue ray, spanking new quadcore processor, raptor hard drive, just the absolute works, with enough money left over for video games / movies for a year. Or a 15" mac book pro. Not that they aren't great laptops, but wow are they expensive.

Thanks, never would have seen the link. 🙂 And trust me I know how much that could build me. I'm more of a console gamer right now myself though. Nice to know there's other gadget geeks in the class! 🙂

As for my 15" MBP I think I'll buy it through Apple and save ~$200. (after Windows 7 licensing) Definitely won't miss the magic mouse or the external. I'm guessing the education discount on their website is the best available?

EDIT: Doesn't look like I'd get to take advantage of the free iPod deal even if I order direct though. 🙁 Does anybody know if it's retroactive? (ie. I can still redeem for one when they offer the deal in September?)

 

[Myuu]

Thanks, never would have seen the link. 🙂 And trust me I know how much that could build me. I'm more of a console gamer right now myself though. Nice to know there's other gadget geeks in the class! 🙂

As for my 15" MBP I think I'll buy it through Apple and save ~$200. (after Windows 7 licensing) Definitely won't miss the magic mouse or the external. I'm guessing the education discount on their website is the best available?

I would still run that by IT to see if there's anything extra they want you to do.👍

 

[dmexs]

I would still run that by IT to see if there's anything extra they want you to do.👍

Most def, thanks!

 

[CrimsonMirage]

For those still sweating it out on the CCLCM waitlist, just got the call from Dean Franco, and am jumping out of my skin right now.

Good luck to everybody, there is still hope!

CONGRATS!!!!

I hope the waitlist movement continues... Waiting is no fun.

 

[droofish47]

Is everyone else's iApply broken?

 

[Myuu]

Is everyone else's iApply broken?

Looks down from here.

 

[Myuu]

Aaaaaaand it's back up! 🙂

 

[blondiegal]

For those still sweating it out on the CCLCM waitlist, just got the call from Dean Franco, and am jumping out of my skin right now.

Good luck to everybody, there is still hope!

Congrats, btw were you invited to preview?

 

[CCLCMer]

For those still sweating it out on the CCLCM waitlist, just got the call from Dean Franco, and am jumping out of my skin right now.

Awesome, congrats! 😀

We don't necessarily have to buy it through the school, do we? The "goodies" are indeed pretty silly. We could always just purchase the exact same model. What software do we need on there that we wouldn't be able to install on our own computer, or have them install for us?

You don't have to purchase them at all. The school buys a computer for each of us, and it's yours to keep once you graduate. Though how much good a five year old computer will be is certainly up for debate. I'm planning to buy a new one when I graduate, because mine is already annoyingly sloooooooooooow. But the computers the first years have are pretty sweet. They even got webcams. 👍

 

[Myuu]

You don't have to purchase them at all. The school buys a computer for each of us, and it's yours to keep once you graduate. Though how much good a five year old computer will be is certainly up for debate. I'm planning to buy a new one when I graduate, because mine is already annoyingly sloooooooooooow. But the computers the first years have are pretty sweet. They even got webcams. 👍

Wow. I did not know that!

 

[Latetotheparty]

Well, I've officially decided to withdraw from the UP. Best of luck to all of you!

 

[vc7777]

👍 Good Luck LTTP!

I bumped your thread to ask what your final decision is...

 

[CrimsonMirage]

CCLCMer:

How many people have been taken off the CCLCM waitlist so far? How many are remaining? Is the WL ranked? How do they decide who to take off?

Still waiting anxiously...