2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

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This may have been beat to death already elsewhere on the mil-med forums, but I have a question about branch choice.

Does the branch selection system work in a way that's analogous to the residency match system? For instance if you mark Navy as #1 preference and AF as #2, but they have filled all of the navy slots, will they slip you into AF if there are AF slots open? Or are those spots first given to people who have chosen AF as #1?

Do you see what I'm asking? I guess I'm curious if its like you're applying to three different schools, or if the branch is secondary to the actual acceptance. Please let me know if you guys have any insight into this! 👍
 
Branch has nothing to do with getting accepted. They make the decision to offer a conditional acceptance without checking to see which branch you want.

Once they decide to admit you they check to see what your preference is. If your first choice is full then they offer you your second choice and so on.

If you are interviewing soon or have already interviewed then every branch is open except for maybe PHS, which only has 4 slots to fill, so your #1 choice is what you would get if you were excepted.

As to the issue of commuting, not a problem, a good 1 BR apartment can be found in Bethesda for $800-900 that is only a few miles from campus. You can also take the metro but be warned that the metro stop is a 15 minute walk from the school.

My host said he bikes whenever the weather permits as do many people and walking is an option if you are really close. Parking is free and plentiful, which is a major plus since every civilian school charges a kings ransom for parking.

Traffic can be horrendous if you leave late but if you leave around 7 or 8 then it is fine, or so my host told me.
 
teacherman84 said:
Over two months after being complete at USUHS I finally got the official complete email from admissions. Now to see what happens as far as an invite...
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I called a few weeks ago to make sure they got my last two letters (USPS dropped the ball on the confirmation), and they said they have my entire package. But I didn't get my complete e-mail until 2 Oct, too.
 
xmsr3 said:
As to the issue of commuting, not a problem, a good 1 BR apartment can be found in Bethesda for $800-900 that is only a few miles from campus.
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Just FYI, that is a really low estimate on a one bedroom apartment in this area. There is a reason BAH is so high. (that said there are apartments near campus and you can afford to live in some of them without a roommate if you want)
 
BAH is set to cover 100% of the average rental cost of a house/apartment size specified for your paygrade. For an O-1 this means 100% of the avg rental cost of a 2 room townhouse plus 11% of the difference between the cost of a two and three room townhouse.

I spent about a week looking around Bethesda at housing to get an idea of what is normal. I found that an average 1 room apartment in Bethesda was roughly $1300-1400 and around 750 sq ft. An avg two bedroom apartment was about $1800 and 1000 sq ft. You can expect to pay around $1.80/sq ft. If you go farther north to Rockville or Gaithersburg the numbers drop as you would expect.

These are just my averages. I'm not a real estate expert, just an interested (and bored) party. You can certainly find apartments on both sides of these numbers.
 
NavyCy said:
I'm not a real estate expert, just an interested (and bored) party.
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I am also interested, and trying to occupy my mind until the 16th… in your investigations (or if anyone else has done any), have you noticed places that allow pets around Bethesda? I’m thinking maybe a townhouse or something with a small yard? When we moved to Alaska it was very hard to find rentals that allow pets, so I was just wondering if I should anticipate a similar situation. That is, if I get accepted, of course!!
 
Gecko, maybe you can confirm, but I think there is also a shuttle from the Medical Center Metro stop to USUHS. Either way, my friends have assured me that it is not uncommon for people to live in Rockville or Gaithersburg and take the Metro especially if you are looking for slightly more room than is available in Bethesda.
 
Yes there is a shuttle from the metro station to USUHS, the schedule is posted on the USUHS website but during rush hour is every 15 min.

As to housing, it does appear that finding a 1 bedroom close to school is hard but not impossible.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/apa/1405050216.html

This basement apartment has its own entrance, bathroom and is 5 minutes from USUHS for $900 including utilities.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1404248193.html

Another private 1 bedroom attached to a house, private entry, bathroom, $1k/ month including utilities as well as internet and cable.

Only down side is that you have to share a washer and dryer but on the major plus side the location is legendary.

Wisconsin Avenue, check the attached google map, .5 miles from USUHS, a 10 minute walk, 3-5 min bike ride and literally in the heart of the city.

They are looking for a single professional, which might not fit everyone but for many it is ideal.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1402129608.html

$700/month 1 bedroom, shared kitchen is a minus but on the plus side includes utilities including satellite tv and high speed internet.

Location is excellent, right next to a mall, less than a mile from a bigger mall and about 2 mile drive to USUHS.

Must be gay friendly and like cats, so again not for everyone but if your socially liberal and feline friendly and don't ming sharing a kitchen you can't beat this place for the price and location.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1403000415.html

For those who prefer apartment buildings and don't mind a studio. For $950 included all utilities and only 3 mile commute to USUHS.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1396659849.html

$975, shared kitchen, 3 miles from school, includes its own fireplace and vaulted ceilings if that's your thing.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1405479203.html

$1000/month for a 3 bedroom town house, great for families, a bit farther from school, maybe 10-15 min drive.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1401307995.html

$750 including utilities for a basement apartment, only thing shared is Washer/dryer, 2.5 miles from USUHS.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1402691572.html

$975/month, basement apartment with own kitchen, Washer dryer, bathroom and parking. Includes utilities as well as fast wifi. Located 3.5-4 miles from school by car.

Of course by next July/August things may look different and some of these apartments are not in bethesda per say but all are 15 min or less drive. Some do require being flexible, such as sharing a washer dryer or kitchen or being socially and feline friendly. But affordable and convenient living is certainly doable for far less than the $1500 they budget for you in your BAH.
 
Again though to be clear you get like 1600 dollars as an O-1 in the DC area for housing. (or around 1900 if you have dependents) You don't have to spend it all on that but it is set at that number so that you don't need to live over someone's garage like so much Fonzie. You can if you want to but you don't have to. One of the little perks of getting paid to go to school.
 
I never really fretted about money too much when I was in the Navy. I was only an E-5 and was clearing plenty enough to pay all of my bills, stock some away, and splurge on shenanigans. An O-1, or O-1E makes considerably more than an E-5, so you will be quite comfortable.

If I matriculate, I am opting for a more expensive rental and might even hire someone to clean the place for me. I want a "sanctuary" feel that I can study for long hours in. I have been living in studios in the ghetto for the past several months, and I plan on spending at least 1200/month in Maryland just so I don't have to listen to pimps fighting with their business partners outside of my window. I am from Cali and am accustomed to exorbitant housing prices.
 
I guess it is just a matter of choice. You can clearly get housing for dirt cheap if that is what you choose. Just be careful what you sign if you choose to go with a place off of craigslist. I've had a couple of friends get themselves in trouble with contracts that weren't what they should have been.

Personally, after living with 3 guys in 40 sq ft for 3 years, I would rather have a little more space to spread out. Segovia is right. You won't get rich in the military, but you shouldn't be hurting for money either. Some things are simply worth the extra cost.
 
As Segovia, SirGecko and NavyCY have said its a matter of choice and Uncle Sam is very generous, so if you wish to live like a king you certainly can, (and if our military personal don't deserve too then who does?)

Here are the kinds of places one can get for $1600, very Frasier Crane like.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1401970968.html

$1065 for a studio in a gated community with its own 24 hour convenience store, small but very nice. 5 minutes from USUHS by car.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1404729209.html

$1100 full utilities, has own kitchen and bath, shared washer drier, (which is still better than laundramat) 1.5 miles from school.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1398350754.html

$1200, 1 mile from School, apartment tower living with all utilities included. Fitness center and pool for those who believe in living well, underground parking site.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1404262480.html

$1300 for 2 Bedroom, large with own washer dryer, 5 minute commute by car

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1400454183.html

$1425, luxury living with gorgous apartment in tower, washer dryer, pool the works, 5 minute commute by car.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1402022233.html

$1550 luxury condo, 3.5 miles from USUHS, tower living with a 24 hour concierge, pool, onsite dry cleaning + washer dryer in every unit.

And for those willing to spend all the BAH on a place.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/apa/1399354098.html

$1600 for a furnished luxury 2 bedroom in a gated community with 3 pools, underground parking, washer dryer in unit and all the bells and whistles.

Note, for $1600 you can also rent 3 bedroom townhomes, in case you have a big family, and if you have dependents you get $1900 BAH which can get you something huge, well equipped and on the doorstep of USUHS.

Personally, I have a passion for investing and hope to find something cheaper so I can put the extra $500/month into a long term small cap portfolio.

For those like me USAA has a fantastic career starter loan, $30K at 2% APR repaid over 5 years for $550/, month.

If you are frugal you can get this loan, incorporate it into your budget, get a nice place and still have $500/month to invest. Since time is on your side, having over $50K invested in your mid 20's means you can become a multimillionaire several times over (by your 50's or 60's), if you keep contributing to your portfolio as the years go on and you earn more.

Not that money is reason for going into mil med but to those that say mil docs give up great fortunes to do what they do, it isn't true. It all depends on personal choices and proper planning.

Oh and USAA is also great for auto insurance, a friend of mine in AF HPSP is paying $100/month which is $50/month savings.

Take away message: At USUHS your pay is generous and you are well taken care of, so focus on your job of studying and becoming a great military doctor.
 
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xmsr3 said:
As Segovia, SirGecko and NavyCY have said its a matter of choice and Uncle Sam is very generous, so if you wish to live like a king you certainly can.
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Ensign salary isn't bad. Working for the government isn't usually lucrative but it does tend to be financially secure if you are smart about it. I think you are overstating the point with the "live like a king" stuff though.

xmsr3 said:
For those like me USAA has a fantastic career starter loan, $30K at 2% APR repaid over 5 years for $550/, month.
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Hate to burst your bubble but that loan isn't a 2% APR anymore. It recently jumped to 5% for a 25k loan. Just so you know.
 
SirGecko said:
I think you are overstating the point with the "live like a king" stuff though.

I couldn't agree more with you Gecko. I know a lot of officers, but I don't know any who are making a killing on their military pay. You will be comfortable and you will be able to save and invest if that is what you choose to do. You must have some other reason for joining the military outside of compensation. If you choose the military because of its great compensation, in a couple of years all the extra things that go along with the military (deployments, unfavorable orders, random bs, etc) will begin to be more important than how much money you make. There are a lot of bitter and disillusioned officers in the military and if you listen to their stories, most had unrealistic expectations of what military life was going to be like. Xmsr3, I've talked to you and it seems like you have the proper motivation and enthusiasm for the military which is fantastic. I'm more concerned about the people reading these boards who might be drawn to the promise of "living like a king."
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I've been living in a fraternity house full of 40 crazy guys for the past 3 years. Sometimes during that stint I thought I was living like a king. So I guess I'll be living like a god if I make it into USUHS? haha
 
NoMoreAMCAS said:
Does anyone know when they make decisions on acceptance (ie a week after each interview date, the 1st of every month, etc)?
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FYI, I interviewed last year on the first interview day, had my package complete well in advance, and was eagerly awaiting Oct. 15th. Did not get the call that day. Had my phone glued to my hand the next two weeks and felt kind of rejected. I finally got my acceptance call on like the 29th. So moral of the story, even if you interview the first day, and every thing is perfect, they might not get to calling you until a later date. Be patient!:xf:

7 weeks in and already had two tests in Biochem, 1 in Intro to Structure and Function, and 1 in Military Studies. The speed material covered is break neck. Oh yeah, Biochem sucks. 👎

If you get in, I can't stress enough that you should plan on having an awesome summer before officer training or school starts. Go abroad, travel across country, take a cruise, whatever. Don't start studding early to "get ahead", it probably would not help you anyways.

If anyone has any specific questions, let me know or PM me.
 
Sorry to confuse the subject with my "live like a king" comment. What I meant is that if you choose to spend all $1600 BAH on a 1 bedroom apartment you can get a very swanky digs. I am talking luxury tower living 1-2 miles from USUHS complete with doorman, concierge, olympic pool, fitness center, onsite dry cleaner and in unit washer/dryer. Oh and the apartment itself looks like something out of Frasier.

Or, if you live in Rockville or Silver Spring $1600 can get you an entire house, which many might consider living like a king.

Of course, living comfortably and securely but frugally, saving and investing for the future and finding joy and satisfaction in serving a noble cause alongside some really great people is what I imagine most people seek out of mil med in general and USUHS in particular.
 
xmsr3 said:
Sorry to confuse the subject with my "live like a king" comment. What I meant is that if you choose to spend all $1600 BAH on a 1 bedroom apartment you can get a very swanky digs. I am talking luxury tower living 1-2 miles from USUHS complete with doorman, concierge, olympic pool, fitness center, onsite dry cleaner and in unit washer/dryer. Oh and the apartment itself looks like something out of Frasier.

Or, if you live in Rockville or Silver Spring $1600 can get you an entire house, which many might consider living like a king.

Of course, living comfortably and securely but frugally, saving and investing for the future and finding joy and satisfaction in serving a noble cause alongside some really great people is what I imagine most people seek out of mil med in general and USUHS in particular.
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So, not trying to be argumentative or anything, but I live in downtown Bethesda (2miles from school) and the only one of those that I have is in unit washer/dryer. I don't know any apartment that has a doorman, concierge, dry cleaners or Olympic sized pool. Pool - yes, Olympic sized - no. Some have fitness centers, but they're pretty small. Oh, I do know one apartment complex that has a doorman but they're apartments you buy for a LOT of money, not rent for 1600. I don't spend all of my BAH but I do spend a decent sized chunk.

Not trying to down play Bethesda - I love where I live, and the convience of being close to school and not hitting traffic is worth the extra money. Especially for someone who doesn't have a family to support yet. I don't live like a king (or queen in my case), but I live comfortably and am happy with what I have.
 
kleos atanatos said:
I've been living in a fraternity house full of 40 crazy guys for the past 3 years. Sometimes during that stint I thought I was living like a king. So I guess I'll be living like a god if I make it into USUHS? haha
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I could not go back to living in a dorm like situation. Did that for four years and I was really sick of it by the end. Taking your keys with you to go to the bathroom isn't my idea of a good time. (and no kitchen!) I can't imagine living in a frat house.
 
SirGecko said:
I could not go back to living in a dorm like situation. Did that for four years and I was really sick of it by the end. Taking your keys with you to go to the bathroom isn't my idea of a good time. (and no kitchen!) I can't imagine living in a frat house.
Click to expand...

Ya living in a dorm can be annoying too after a while.

While the frat house would be gross from parties and events and what not, we luckily had pledges who had to clean and mop up the house everyday. Obviously the shared bathrooms were never as clean as you would want them. I knew this would be the last time I would be sharing a space with a ton of my buddies before I "grew up" (although being deployed or being located on a ship might give me another chance 🙂 ) I think having a high-quality chef at the house made it livable though lol.
 
Did you go to a big d1 type school or more liberal arts place? I've been to both in my college career and the difference between the dorm houses is amazing haha. the d1 ones had so much more character (and sorority houses) but man would they get nasty.
 
ruiner said:
Did you go to a big d1 type school or more liberal arts place? I've been to both in my college career and the difference between the dorm houses is amazing haha. the d1 ones had so much more character (and sorority houses) but man would they get nasty.
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Big D1 school. Our house was built in 1930 so it's pretty old. My dad was in my house too and his photo was right next to one of my rooms. Kind of creepy sometimes but it was a good conversation starter with the girls lol. Ruiner...I just realized who you are haha. I'm so slow. Let's just say we talked a good amount together on our interview day.
 
If USUHS gives me an acceptance I would be willing to live in a tent in the parking lot. I just want the acceptance.
 
dru2002 said:
If USUHS gives me an acceptance I would be willing to live in a tent in the parking lot. I just want the acceptance.
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Hmm while on the topic of tents..If we all get in, we should set up tents in the WAVE simulation room and project mountains and trees on the screens around us.
 
kleos atanatos said:
Hmm while on the topic of tents..If we all get in, we should set up tents in the WAVE simulation room and project mountains and trees on the screens around us.
Click to expand...

May I recommend Hawaii?
 
dru2002 said:
If USUHS gives me an acceptance I would be willing to live in a tent in the parking lot. I just want the acceptance.
Click to expand...

ME TOO!!! especially if there are s'mores.

I hate waiting to hear things, it turns me into a crazy person. I thought waiting for the interview was bad enough, but this going to be a LONG week and a half!!
 
BluSkye712 said:
I stayed with my host (AF 1st year) in that complex and it was AMAZING. HUGE, beautiful rooms with lots of windows. And they allow pets!
Click to expand...

YES, that's so awesome. If i get accepted to USUHS, I'm definitely checking that place out.
 
NoMoreAMCAS said:
YES, that's so awesome. If i get accepted to USUHS, I'm definitely checking that place out.
Click to expand...

It does look awesome, unfortuneatly no three bedroom apts. 🙁 I don't think the kids will be too happy about sharing a room.
 
Apparently lots of people crave the ability to shop for groceries at 3am in the morning because the previously mentioned apartment listing has been removed by the poster.
 
scooter02 said:
ME TOO!!! especially if there are s'mores.

I hate waiting to hear things, it turns me into a crazy person. I thought waiting for the interview was bad enough, but this going to be a LONG week and a half!!
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Brother I hear you. If I didn't have my physical training to focus on, (1.5 lbs to go to make weight🙂 I would be going nuts right now.

By the way, anyone here interviewing tomorrow? If so good luck and enjoy Bethesda, it really is a fantastic and beautiful place.
 
Just got a nice little letter stating that I'm medically qualified for USUHS. Now I just want a nice phone call saying I'm in at USUHS.
 
Hi everyone-

I have a few questions that I've been having a tough time finding clear answers to. Maybe someone on this forum - particularly the prior service folks - can help me out:

First, I understand that prior service time gets "halved" in terms of credit toward paygrade; i.e. upon graduation from USUHS, someone with 8 years prior commissioned service would graduate as an O-3 over 4...is that right? How does that affect promotion status? Do those prior service years count towards time in rank?

Second, USUHS years "count" only after reaching 20 years; in other words, at 20, you jump to 24 years service. Do service academy years count on TOP of that? Does 20 become 28 for a USUHS/service academy grad? That seems like quite a big jump.

Third, fellowship years: how do they count towards (or against) USUHS commitment years? From what I understand, they don't add to your commitment unless your fellowship is longer than time REMAINING on your payback clock. Is that right?

Thanks for any help; good luck to everyone out there, especially those interviewing tomorrow.
 
I can answer the first two. Someone else will have to take the third.

Previous time as an officer gets halved for the purposes of time in rank. In your example you would graduate and be commissioned as an O-3 with 4 years in rank toward O-4. Nothing should be halved for base pay. Because of the new save pay rules, you will be payed at your previous grade. During your time at USUHS, your credit toward retirement is frozen. When you graduate you'll be commissioned as an O-3 over 8 and the time begins to count again.

As for retirement, you will get credit for the time at USUHS once you hit 20 years of service. Like you said you will jump from 20 to 24 for retirement purposes when that occurs. Time at USNA used to count once you hit 20, but it was changed some time ago. Too bad, that would have been a really good deal.

I asked the same questions that you did and these were the answers I received. Hope it helps.
 
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NavyCy said:
Apparently lots of people crave the ability to shop for groceries at 3am in the morning because the previously mentioned apartment listing has been removed by the poster.
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Exactly dude. I could be totally wasted at 3am and just walk down stairs to buy whatever I wanted. ****in awesome.
 
Completely wrong. I have no idea what I was thinking. Sorry.
 
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Could anyone send me the the security packet if I PM them my email address? I interview next week and I still haven't gotten it!

Also, when did you guys hear about hosting? I haven't heard a peep on that yet either 🙁
 
Send me your email and I'll forward it to you. Good luck.
 
harrothere said:
Could anyone send me the the security packet if I PM them my email address? I interview next week and I still haven't gotten it!

Also, when did you guys hear about hosting? I haven't heard a peep on that yet either 🙁
Click to expand...

The 2nd years have pretty big exams next week (note the plural), so many of them are probably not up for hosting, and there just may not be enough 1st years who have signed up. They send us emails every so often about people who need hosts, so you might get someone who volunteers last minute. Or, you might want to start looking at hotels in the area as a backup.
 
Thanks for the help re: prior service issues. However, as far as save pay: correct me if I'm misunderstanding, but I believe there is now policy in place that allows prior service folks to maintain base pay at their previous paygrade. BAH remains at the O-1 level, but a prior service O-3 USUHS student will collect O-3 base pay.
 
Yep, not sure how I forgot about that. I even mentioned save pay and then completely butchered the description. This is why you should never type while watching baseball. I'll fix myself momentarily.
 
So I received an email from admissions today asking for me to "please provide further information on your undergraduate grade point average."

I am taking this as "We are interested in you but your GPA is a hold up...give us a reason why we should interview you."

I wrote up a response...anyone online willing to read it for me and give me some feedback...thanks
 
teacherman84 said:
So I received an email from admissions today asking for me to "please provide further information on your undergraduate grade point average."

I am taking this as "We are interested in you but your GPA is a hold up...give us a reason why we should interview you."

I wrote up a response...anyone online willing to read it for me and give me some feedback...thanks
Click to expand...

teacherman84...I'll read it
 
kleos atanatos said:
Big D1 school. Our house was built in 1930 so it's pretty old. My dad was in my house too and his photo was right next to one of my rooms. Kind of creepy sometimes but it was a good conversation starter with the girls lol. Ruiner...I just realized who you are haha. I'm so slow. Let's just say we talked a good amount together on our interview day.
Click to expand...

If that's the case then you were right about my second interviewer. He was a cool dude, very glad to have talked with him.
 
harrothere said:
Could anyone send me the the security packet if I PM them my email address? I interview next week and I still haven't gotten it!

Also, when did you guys hear about hosting? I haven't heard a peep on that yet either 🙁
Click to expand...

Someone should take care of ya, they are sending out a bunch of e-mails (or at least I hope someone does!) I'd do it but I have guests and no extra room, sorry!

Anyway, as for the person with the request for more information on their GPA, that is a good sign, write a good essay! (and don't make excuses either, show that you've changed)
 
Do all the USUHS students take the Army PFT or do the different branches take their individual tests? I've heard people say that everyone has to meet the Army height/weight standards, but I haven't heard anything about the PFT.
 
NavyCy said:
Do all the USUHS students take the Army PFT or do the different branches take their individual tests? I've heard people say that everyone has to meet the Army height/weight standards, but I haven't heard anything about the PFT.
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All services do their own tests and their own BCA (height/weight). If you are in the Navy you meet Navy standards, Air Force does Air Force, etc.
 
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