2009-2010 University of Arizona Application Thread

[MadeInReydn]

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Man, this was one rough week for me!

That stinks dude. I do believe though, that both Tucson and Phoenix will pull through for us this next week (hopefully some 2nd lookers are going to Phoenix with blinders and think it's not for them ) Here's to more WL movement next week 😀 (Yes, you can toast with spam, I promise).

 

[ehandber]

I think we broke the boards! It won't let me see page 42!

Wait. Fixed.

 

[MadeInReydn]

This should give you some warm fuzzies inside, like it gives me 😀

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5bH9kTyg_M[/YOUTUBE]

I love to see Phoenix beatin' on SA. Or just youtube 'Amare Stoudemire dunks'.

I should have named my son 'Amare Stoudemire Reed'. I couldn't see 42 either. Less than 80 posts to go, Erik

 

[lrkoehle]

You don't have to add a year to do a dual MD/MPH. Every student I know doing it is still on the four-year track.

Even at UA? I know other schools have an integrated four-year MD/MPH, but from what I recall seeing on the UA website was that they have it set up as a 5 year program. I still think my interests would be better served by focusing my energy elsewhere during medical school and then just doing public health stuff on the side as a doc. Realistically, I already know where and with whom I will most likely be focusing my public health energies anyways. Heck, I even have some ideas of things I could do, and I don't think they would necessitate an MPH.

 

[lrkoehle]

Wow, page 42 already? I thought we were just on page 40 like yesterday. Well, doesn't a new page necessitate a new picture of Shep posted by Erik? C'mon Erik we know you want to...

 

[ehandber]

Turkelton-

I'm looking into Promontory. In fact, I am gonna call them and try to reserve a place. I looooved the largest 1bd/1bath. Giant kitchen. Very clean.

http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1010101.php

 

[ehandber]

Yup! Here's the first time me and Shep went to the beach out in CA!

 

[jturkel]

Turkelton-

I'm looking into Promontory. In fact, I am gonna call them and try to reserve a place. I looooved the largest 1bd/1bath. Giant kitchen. Very clean.

http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1010101.php

turkelton? haha.....i have a feelig that is going to stick in medical school. people call me that already because they either can't pronounce/read my name, like scrubs (which like half the world does), or just assume that is what it is after reading the first 6-7 letters

promontory is a nice area... right near the foothills....it is a bit far from campus, to be honest. traffic on stone or campbell in the morning will be killer. i'm assuming you would drive from there...?

for what its worth, i lived on roger and mountain for two yrs....which, in the morning traffic (which sucks) can be a solid 10 minutes to the medical campus. and stone and river is another 5 or so minutes away from there without traffic.

 

[ehandber]

-Yea, Turkelton is definitely going to stick. I even considered calling you "brown bear" but I decided it wouldn't make much sense. I look/sound/act nothing like JD, but you're all still welcome to call me "the boat."-

And actually, I don't know... What do you guys think about the apartment thing?

I really like those apartments. I thought about it a lot and even though I really want a roommate, since I don't know anyone down there well enough to know if we'd be good living together I decided that I should get a 1bd for the first year.

But, of course, here's the big problem- I'm NOT in medical school yet! I don't want to jump the gun and think I'm going to be a med student down in Tucson when it isn't for sure.

And of course, I have not stopped considering Phoenix. I think the biggest reason I have been so focused on Tucson is just because Phoenix is so unpredictable. I'm sure that you all know that at this point, after all this frustrating process, I just want something I can look toward and focus on. Giving me a number does that! But, at Phoenix, it is hard to get excited because I have genuinely, 100% no idea what my chances of getting in there are. Phoenix could really stomp my mindgrapes by letting me in now, and then I would have all this time to consider them versus Tucson and start noticing all the wonderful things that Phoenix could offer me.


Blah blah blah blah LET ME IN! UACOM @ Phx, Help me end this terrible week in a wonderful way please!

 

[MadeInReydn]

So here's my last post before work: B/c I'm from Snowflake I've been interested in the RHPP at UA. I've noticed that my FP from Snowflake actually participates in the program, and takes MS1's (I think) for internships during the first summer. Anyone else interested in the RHPP? Anyone else from rural AZ?

Also, if anyone else knows more about the LCE program at Phoenix, I'd like to know more about. Thanks yo! 😀

Oh, and Erik - I wouldn't lose hope yet. I still think you're solidly IN - I can understand the anxiety though 😎 I'm not a big fan of commute times. I'm looking for no longer than a 15 minute drive or bike ride. If I'm at Phoenix, the light rail would suffice (mostly b/c I could study while riding).

 

[lrkoehle]

If I'm at Phoenix, the light rail would suffice (mostly b/c I could study while riding).

I've never understood how people can do this. I am always too busy watching/judging people to study in public places...

 

[MedHopeful777]

Man, this was one rough week for me!

Having an awful breakup with my (now, ex)girlfriend. Essentially realized that I am (most likely) going to drop down in honors, so those graduation announcements that were sent out to my whole family proudly proclaiming Summa Cum Laude status are going to be wrong. Visited Tucson and was saddened to realize that I really am growing up and moving away. That is, if this waitlist would finally get moving again! Then there is just the general stresses of being in school, applying to medical school, loans, work, etc. And, of course, got sick- most likely because of all that other stuff.

Come on U of A, cut me some slack and start picking up the pace next week!

On the plus side, I think I found the apartment I am going to get in Tucson. Would have been nice to find something closer, but these ones are very nice and not too far away. And, it is funny that this message board has quickly become on of my go-to places for when I'm anxious or depressed about this whole process. I'm honored to be a scrublet like the rest of you! 🙂

It sounds pretty much like we have duplicate lives. Keep your chin up Erik, everything will be OK. Better times are right around the corner, I'm sure of it! 🙂

 

[ehandber]

LOL LRK, I agree. I only get studying done if there are not any interesting people around to stare at. Anyway, back to doing some homework. Barf. Damn this week!

 

[Jgold]

Hey guys, I just learned about this site yesterday when I was at the second look day for Phoenix (how did I miss this awesome resource before?). I'm definitely going there, but I wanted to give you guys on the wait list some info that you can take any way you like.

First: The Second Look Day was awesome. The students threw us a little party on Thursday night where we got to meet some of them and a bunch of our incoming classmates. Friday was full of activities and a lunch with all the students and almost all the faculty. They treated us to a really great time and made me feel like family (thanks go especially to Amber that put together most of the fun events). That's exactly how they act, like they're all family; one of the benefits of being at a small campus, I guess.

Unfortunately for you waitlisters, most of the prospectives that were there were dead set on attending. There were definitely undecideds though. Most of them claimed that they were over 90% sure that they were going to come to the Phoenix campus, but you should take that with a grain of salt as some of them didn't sound as sure as that percentage.

The good news (I think) is that not nearly all 48 of the accepted students showed up. I never did a count, but there was definitely less than 30 and probably less than 25 of the accepted students. I don't know whether that means that they weren't that interested or if they just didn't care to meet their new classmates or if they just couldn't get out of work/school to show up on a Friday.

I will tell you that of the people I met, I didn't feel there was a week link in the bunch. There were a lot of really cool people and a lot of diversity. I think most of us have already graduated from college and have been working in health care or doing graduate work for a couple years. If you're still in the running, I strongly recommend the campus.

Good luck to all! I hope your fellow applicants will do you the courtesy of withdrawing their applications in a timely manor if they decide against attending. As you know, there are accepted students waitlisted at other schools that may not know til May (or even later). Don't give up hope!

 

[2 LEGIT 2 QUIT]

I'd love to hear some more feedback about Phoenix's Second Look.

 

[2 LEGIT 2 QUIT]

Hey guys, I just learned about this site yesterday when I was at the second look day for Phoenix (how did I miss this awesome resource before?). I'm definitely going there, but I wanted to give you guys on the wait list some info that you can take any way you like.

First: The Second Look Day was awesome. The students threw us a little party on Thursday night where we got to meet some of them and a bunch of our incoming classmates. Friday was full of activities and a lunch with all the students and almost all the faculty. They treated us to a really great time and made me feel like family (thanks go especially to Amber that put together most of the fun events). That's exactly how they act, like they're all family; one of the benefits of being at a small campus, I guess.

Unfortunately for you waitlisters, most of the prospectives that were there were dead set on attending. There were definitely undecideds though. Most of them claimed that they were over 90% sure that they were going to come to the Phoenix campus, but you should take that with a grain of salt as some of them didn't sound as sure as that percentage.

The good news (I think) is that not nearly all 48 of the accepted students showed up. I never did a count, but there was definitely less than 30 and probably less than 25 of the accepted students. I don't know whether that means that they weren't that interested or if they just didn't care to meet their new classmates or if they just couldn't get out of work/school to show up on a Friday.

I will tell you that of the people I met, I didn't feel there was a week link in the bunch. There were a lot of really cool people and a lot of diversity. I think most of us have already graduated from college and have been working in health care or doing graduate work for a couple years. If you're still in the running, I strongly recommend the campus.

Good luck to all! I hope your fellow applicants will do you the courtesy of withdrawing their applications in a timely manor if they decide against attending. As you know, there are accepted students waitlisted at other schools that may not know til May (or even later). Don't give up hope!

Thanks JGold for the information and welcome to the wonderful of SDN. Like you said there are many of us Phoenix WL'ers out there and it is nice to learn a lit bit more about the campus that we all already love. For me, among the many things that I like about Phoenix is the fact that it has that family feel to it just like you said. Hopefully, this Phoenix WL will start moving a little bit quicker so I can be one of group. My heart is set on Phoenix, I just hope they feel the same way.

All the best and thanks for the info,

2 legit

 

[Brrooother]

So here's my last post before work: B/c I'm from Snowflake I've been interested in the RHPP at UA. I've noticed that my FP from Snowflake actually participates in the program, and takes MS1's (I think) for internships during the first summer. Anyone else interested in the RHPP? Anyone else from rural AZ?

Also, if anyone else knows more about the LCE program at Phoenix, I'd like to know more about. Thanks yo! 😀

Oh, and Erik - I wouldn't lose hope yet. I still think you're solidly IN - I can understand the anxiety though 😎 I'm not a big fan of commute times. I'm looking for no longer than a 15 minute drive or bike ride. If I'm at Phoenix, the light rail would suffice (mostly b/c I could study while riding).

Hey, MIR,

What do you want to know about it? You probably already know all of this, buuuuuuuuuut: We have LCE every other week (it alternates with Doctoring, our simulated clinic with standardized patients class) for about 4-5 hours. We are paired with one doctor in the community (I think they are all Family Practice, to introduce us first to primary care), who we spend our first two years with, shadowing/participating (level of participation depends on the preceptor you have) one-on-one. Before starting med school, we were given a list of the participating physicians and fairly lengthy bios that they put together, which talked about their professional and personal interests, type of practice (general patient population, location, etc), their schooling, and whatever else they wanted to include. From this info, we listed our top ten choices and the school did their best to pair us accordingly. I was matched to my second choice, which now I am so happy about! Some students, however, didn't even get one of their listed ten.

LCE is great because it reminds you why you are here - you basically get to play doctor once every two weeks (which you also get to do in Doctoring, but Doctoring is a little more pressure because you are being graded and critiqued). It all depends on your preceptor, but mine has me see all patients before he does, getting the HPI and a brief history as well as performing a brief, focused physical exam. I then go back out and present the patient formally (he is very concerned about preparing me for third year clerkships, of which I am so glad) to him, then we go back in together to see the patient. He also tries to schedule small procedures on days when I am there, as he knows I enjoy them and am interested in a surgical specialty.

Anyway, I am of the opinion that LCE is definitely a highlight of our curriculum (along with Capstone). If you have any other questions, let me know.

 

[lrkoehle]

The good news (I think) is that not nearly all 48 of the accepted students showed up. I never did a count, but there was definitely less than 30 and probably less than 25 of the accepted students. I don't know whether that means that they weren't that interested or if they just didn't care to meet their new classmates or if they just couldn't get out of work/school to show up on a Friday.

Even though I've already decided on Tucson and declined my Phoenix acceptance, I hope this is good news for Phoenix WLers. You figure the people who are dead set on Phoenix are going to be the ones to show up. That means that if 25 showed up there is a potential 23 more spots up in the air. Although as Jgold said, maybe these people just couldn't get the day off of work/school.

 

[shepardsun]

The good news (I think) is that not nearly all 48 of the accepted students showed up. I never did a count, but there was definitely less than 30 and probably less than 25 of the accepted students. I don't know whether that means that they weren't that interested or if they just didn't care to meet their new classmates or if they just couldn't get out of work/school to show up on a Friday.

Unfortunately I had a different second look scheduled during the same time and as I am 99% sure I'll be going to Phoenix I wanted to give this one a shot. Sad to have missed being able to meet everyone, though. Glad to hear it went well!

 

[MadeInReydn]

Just as a reminder of where we're at:

Entering Tucson Fall 2010:

3/15 (3 days): 13
3/22 (10 days): 14
3/30 (2 1/2 weeks): 16
4/10 (4 weeks): 16

If no one else volunteers, later tonight I'll scout out the 2nd look days for '08 and '09 - just for fun.

 

[shepardsun]

Entering Tucson Fall 2010:

3/15 (3 days): 13
3/22 (10 days): 14
3/30 (2 1/2 weeks): 16
4/10 (4 weeks): 16

If no one else volunteers, later tonight I'll scout out the 2nd look days for '08 and '09 - just for fun.

I know that there hasn't been very much movement on the waitlist, but it still seems like we're ahead of the last couple of years.

 

[MadeInReydn]

Entering Fall 2007:

Around 4/28: 10
Around 5/15: 38
By matriculation day: 53-54

Entering Fall 2008:

3/24 (12 days): 3
3/25 (13 days): 5
4/04 (3 ½ weeks): 12
4/07 (4 weeks): 13
4/10 Tucson and PHX 2nd Look
4/22 (6 weeks): 18
4/28 (6 ½ weeks): 20
5/01 (7 weeks): 25
5/08 (8 weeks): 32
5/12 (8 ½ weeks): 33
5/15 (9 weeks): 39
5/19 (9 ½ weeks): 42
5/23 (10 ½ weeks): 48
5/27 (11 weeks): 49
6/03 (12 weeks): 52
6/05 (12 weeks): 57
6/11 (13 weeks): 59
7/28 (19 ½ weeks): 63
Matriculation day: 65

Entering Fall 2009:

3/18 (7 days): 6
3/25 (2 weeks): 10
3/30 (2 ½ weeks): 11
4/01 (3 weeks): 13
4/08 (4 weeks): 15
4/09-11: Tucson and PHX 2nd Look
4/15 (5 weeks): 17
4/27 (6 ½ weeks): 19
5/04 (7 ½ weeks): 23
5/11 (8 ½ weeks): 25
5/15 (9 weeks): 32
5/18 (9 ½ weeks): 37
5/21 (10 weeks): 40
5/29 (11 weeks): 44
6/05 (12 ½ weeks): 47
7/08 (17 weeks): 49
7/28 (19 ½ weeks): 51
Matriculation day: 55

Entering Fall 2010:

3/15 (3 days): 13
3/22 (10 days): 14
3/30 (2 1/2 weeks): 16
4/08-10: PHX 2nd Look
4/10 (4 weeks): 16

 

[MadeInReydn]

This year is obviously already very different from previous years. Despite that, I'm going to make a prediction: I bet we see average movement of 2 spots/week for the final 3 weeks of April (that's being pretty optimistic). If you don't want to see all the math, skip to the last paragraph.

Based on facts from previous years, I'm also going to predict that this year's:
- May 1st number will be like '08's and '09's: it will represent 39% (+ or - 3%) of the final number pulled.
- May 15th number will be like the previous years', representing about 59% (+ or - 3%) of the final number pulled.
- June 1st number will represent 87% (+ or - 3%) of the total.

It's funny how the month of May is similar between the two years in other ways. '08 moved an average of .79 spots per day (27 spots in 34 days) and '09 moved .75 spots per day, or 24 spots in 32 days. We could probably expect a rate of .77 + or - .05. And movement was, unfortunately (or maybe that's fortunately?) greater AFTER May 15th.

If that's true, paiger and I need it at a bare minimum of 23 (MedHopeful: 18) on May 1st, and a bare minimum of 35 (MH: 28) on May 15th, 52 (MH: 42) on June 1st - it's gonna be close. If we're at 25 by May 1st, I'll do a backflip off the wall - even though I've never tried! 😀 I'll video it and show you guys how that goes . . . 😉

Sorry for all the numbers, but I'm hoping to give myself and anyone else in my predicament the best idea possible (flawed as it is) as to where this baby's going (at least having a decent idea by May 15th or June 1st). Just multiply your rank by .36-.42, .56-.62, and .84-.90 to see respective date numbers (lower percentages are obviously more optimistic). Alright, I promise not to do any more math until either nonlocality sends me his excel, or we see some really NICE WL movement. Cross my heart, hope to cry. (One thing didn't change: Phoenix still likes the April 10th weekend for second look 😀)

 

[MadeInReydn]

I want to make sure I say: A HUGE thanks to Jgold and Brrooother for the info! I/we really appreciate it.

Brrooother, a lot of that was new to me, so it was just what I needed. 😎

 

[MedHopeful777]

This year is obviously already very different from previous years. Despite that, I'm going to make a prediction: I bet we see average movement of 2 spots/week for the final 3 weeks of April (that's being pretty optimistic). If you don't want to see all the math, skip to the last paragraph.

Based on facts from previous years, I'm also going to predict that this year's:
- May 1st number will be like '08's and '09's: it will represent 39% (+ or - 3%) of the final number pulled.
- May 15th number will be like the previous years', representing about 59% (+ or - 3%) of the final number pulled.
- June 1st number will represent 87% (+ or - 3%) of the total.

It's funny how the month of May is similar between the two years in other ways. '08 moved an average of .79 spots per day (27 spots in 34 days) and '09 moved .75 spots per day, or 24 spots in 32 days. We could probably expect a rate of .77 + or - .05. And movement was, unfortunately (or maybe that's fortunately?) greater AFTER May 15th.

If that's true, paiger and I need it at a bare minimum of 23 (MedHopeful: 18) on May 1st, and a bare minimum of 35 (MH: 28) on May 15th, 52 (MH: 42) on June 1st - it's gonna be close. If we're at 25 by May 1st, I'll do a backflip off the wall - even though I've never tried! 😀 I'll video it and show you guys how that goes . . . 😉

Thank you for doing all that math! It is definitely more comforting to have an idea of the actual number we have to shoot for. I'm just hoping so hard that the waitlist really starts moving these next couple weeks. I feel so much like I am sitting right on the edge. The feeling I have I can relate closest to is probably what skydiving feels like when you are the second person in line to jump. You can kinda see out the door, the blue skies that are waiting for you and where you might be going, but its just not your turn yet.

 

[shepardsun]

Thank you for doing all that math! It is definitely more comforting to have an idea of the actual number we have to shoot for. I'm just hoping so hard that the waitlist really starts moving these next couple weeks. I feel so much like I am sitting right on the edge. The feeling I have I can relate closest to is probably what skydiving feels like when you are the second person in line to jump. You can kinda see out the door, the blue skies that are waiting for you and where you might be going, but its just not your turn yet.

Have you done it, MedHopeful? That's actually a pretty accurate description. When you guys get in you'll definitely have to join the skydiving club I'm going to make. Eloy (which is where the best jump zone is) is halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, so everyone can take part!

 

[MedHopeful777]

Have you done it, MedHopeful? That's actually a pretty accurate description. When you guys get in you'll definitely have to join the skydiving club I'm going to make. Eloy (which is where the best jump zone is) is halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, so everyone can take part!

I never have done it myself because I have been too scared, but my roommates have and that was just how I imagined it must feel. I think if I am accepted though that will be a sign that I have to get over my fear and just try it because all I hear is good things about it!

 

[mathlink]

I've still been haunting this thread, and I gotta say I'm suprised there has not been more waitlist movement. I'm strangely relieved that I'm not going through what you guys are right now.

In an update on myself, I have gotten pretty psyched up to go to Ross. I'm interviewing in a couple of weeks, and I went to a pretty cool info seminar yesterday in Phoenix where I actually met the guy who will be interviewing me. I came away pretty impressed by what they had to offer, and I have done a complete 180 on my opinion regarding the school. I've done a ton of research about it. I've even watched Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3 several times in recent weeks just because they were filmed primarily in Dominica and I want to get a feel for the island.

Of course, I have established not getting into medical school as my greatest talent. I'm not sure how I will react if I can't get into a school with an average MCAT of 25 and GPA of 3.4 that accepts 900 new students a year. I think I should be awarded the first ever Ph(ail)D degree.

 

[ehandber]

LoL @ "Ph(ail)".

I can't wait for us to be co-docs man, and I am gonna hold on to high hopes for ya!

 

[MadeInReydn]

Of course, I have established not getting into medical school as my greatest talent. I'm not sure how I will react if I can't get into a school with an average MCAT of 25 and GPA of 3.4 that accepts 900 new students a year. I think I should be awarded the first ever Ph(ail)D degree.

Yo mathlink, good to hear from you! I think if you measured schools by the end result their students get, the large majority are basically the same (you're going to be a doctor - same hours, same pay as most who graduate from 'top' schools). 👍

I hope that because you are more highly qualified than most of the other students, they don't assume you're not interested - I've heard about that happening. And I disagree with you ML, you should be awarded the first ever M(uscle)D, M(esmorize)D, or Ph(ulfille)D degree 😎

Good luck with that! Let us know when you get in.

 

[MadeInReydn]

Just over 70 posts Erik, 70 posts . . .

 

[ehandber]

Good lord, how did I go this long without having seen Firefly? This show is amazing, and it just put a hole in my heart to know that I'll never see past episode 14.

 

[shepardsun]

Good lord, how did I go this long without having seen Firefly? This show is amazing, and it just put a hole in my heart to know that I'll never see past episode 14.

Not sure where this came from but I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. You do know about Serenity, right?

 

[mathlink]

Good lord, how did I go this long without having seen Firefly? This show is amazing, and it just put a hole in my heart to know that I'll never see past episode 14.

Have you seen the Mrs. Reynolds episode yet? I think all medical school applicants have spent some time in the "special hell" that Shep mentions.

 

[SurfdudeJD]

-I really like those apartments. I thought about it a lot and even though I really want a roommate, since I don't know anyone down there well enough to know if we'd be good living together I decided that I should get a 1bd for the first year.

I can definitely understand your dilemma here - I plan on having a roommate, but don't know anyone down at UA either. And there are some sickkkkkkk apartments that I've found that would be awesome to live in, but doing it alone would be taxing on the finances. Having someone else to help balance out those costs would be the best case scenario... I've lived in 1 bdrm's for a while now, and love the independence and peace of mind knowing that I can come home to a quiet space, but it could potentially suck in terms of $$$.

What are you other WLer's thinking?

Erik - where else have you looked at living besides Promontory? Are you looking more North of campus along the Foothills? West? Maybe an apartment hunting search party should be convened...

 

[Ilovewater]

Wherever I move, I think I'm going to get a 1 bedroom apartment. With the stress of moving and starting med school, I don't want the additional stress if my roommate turns out to be crappy. That's just something I don't even want to deal with.

If you know someone though, sharing wouldn't be too bad. You can stay in a much nicer place for a good price!

 

[MedHopeful777]

I can definitely understand your dilemma here - I plan on having a roommate, but don't know anyone down at UA either. And there are some sickkkkkkk apartments that I've found that would be awesome to live in, but doing it alone would be taxing on the finances. Having someone else to help balance out those costs would be the best case scenario... I've lived in 1 bdrm's for a while now, and love the independence and peace of mind knowing that I can come home to a quiet space, but it could potentially suck in terms of $$$.

What are you other WLer's thinking?

Erik - where else have you looked at living besides Promontory? Are you looking more North of campus along the Foothills? West? Maybe an apartment hunting search party should be convened...

I currently live in a 3bd rental house with two roommates. One of them and I are moving to a 2bd rental in a month or so. I would definitely recommend checking out the Craigslist housing section for Tucson because I have friends who have found great deals on one bedroom bungalows/rental houses in the area that are comparable to or cheaper than a one bedroom apartment. They are nice because you don't have to worry about noisy upperstairs/downstairs/side tenants like an apartment, you have tons of parking, usually more square footage and it has a nice cozy feeling of course 🙂

 

[MadeInReydn]

It's tough when you don't know anyone. Besides CL, I also like to search using Google Maps' real estate tab - I guess I'm just visual and like to see where places are. Try it out if you haven't already. 🙂

 

[ehandber]

I honestly hadn't even thought to check out craigslist. I think I am basically going to just go with a nice, clean 1 bedroom in a decent area. Essentially because I don't want my first year to be more complicated than it needs to be. I will acclimate on my own, have my space and be in a nice clean apartment. If it ends up costing me an extra 2 grand over the course of the year or something... well, so be it. In 15 years hopefully I won't really be too worried about it.

Are any of you ASU'rs on campus today? I'm gonna go grab some hawaiin food in about 30minutes if you want in. Just gimme a text/email.

[email protected]
480.776.7812

 

[mathlink]

I've lived in Tucson for a long time now and have a lot of experience looking for apartments around town. I've said before here that I think the best area to rent in town is somewhere along River, where the aforementioned Promontory Apartments are and where I currently live.

It looks like a number of you may be considering flying solo at least to start. I know my complex has 455 sq ft 1 bedroom/ 1 bath apartments for $449 and a 636 sq ft floor plan for $519. Don't know if that's within your budget plans or not (I've forgotten what it's like to be single and or a student), but I do recommend the complex.

 

[lrkoehle]

I've lived in Tucson for a long time now and have a lot of experience looking for apartments around town. I've said before here that I think the best area to rent in town is somewhere along River, where the aforementioned Promontory Apartments are and where I currently live.

It looks like a number of you may be considering flying solo at least to start. I know my complex has 455 sq ft 1 bedroom/ 1 bath apartments for $449 and a 636 sq ft floor plan for $519. Don't know if that's within your budget plans or not (I've forgotten what it's like to be single and or a student), but I do recommend the complex.

According to the estimated COA on the financial aid website for the College of Medicine, they give first years $8,290 towards housing alone for the 10 month school year. That amounts to 690 over 12 months if you don't get a job for the 8 weeks between MS-I and MS-II. I plan on doing research which will hopefully be paid so I don't have to spread that $8,290 over 12 months. Also, the amount for housing and such goes up for MS-II because they estimate an 11 or 12 month school year (thus more money needed), and by MS-III you get a full 12 months worth of housing budgeted (thus $829/mo).

 

[lrkoehle]

I honestly hadn't even thought to check out craigslist. I think I am basically going to just go with a nice, clean 1 bedroom in a decent area. Essentially because I don't want my first year to be more complicated than it needs to be. I will acclimate on my own, have my space and be in a nice clean apartment. If it ends up costing me an extra 2 grand over the course of the year or something... well, so be it. In 15 years hopefully I won't really be too worried about it.

Whoa whoa whoa, wants to live alone....doesn't want others making things "complicated" for him? Sounds to me like we have a gunner on our hands folks. I caution everyone to watch out for Erik next year...sounds like he's gunna be a scary dude.

 

[melissaliss]

I've still been haunting this thread, and I gotta say I'm suprised there has not been more waitlist movement. I'm strangely relieved that I'm not going through what you guys are right now.

In an update on myself, I have gotten pretty psyched up to go to Ross. I'm interviewing in a couple of weeks, and I went to a pretty cool info seminar yesterday in Phoenix where I actually met the guy who will be interviewing me. I came away pretty impressed by what they had to offer, and I have done a complete 180 on my opinion regarding the school. I've done a ton of research about it. I've even watched Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3 several times in recent weeks just because they were filmed primarily in Dominica and I want to get a feel for the island.

Of course, I have established not getting into medical school as my greatest talent. I'm not sure how I will react if I can't get into a school with an average MCAT of 25 and GPA of 3.4 that accepts 900 new students a year. I think I should be awarded the first ever Ph(ail)D degree.

Hey Mathlink, it's great to hear from you. I have a few friends who go to Ross and they LOVE it. Just think, while everyone at UA is out here in the desert heat, you'll be relaxing on a pristine Caribbean beach. I mean aside from the medical school part and the near-constant studying, it's like a year-round vacation, right? =P

 

[mathlink]

Actually, there's a very good chance I could spend my 3rd and 4th semesters in the Bahamas, then my 5th semester in Miami. I can then choose to go to pretty much any ACGME-accredited hospital for my rotations. I'm thinking San Diego or maybe I'll just stay in Miami. But hey, at least they have a Boston Market right there across the street down here in Tucson, and you don't have to worry about spring training visitors any more.

Actually, Ross has a fairly high attrition rate (I was told it was 8-12% annually. That's as much as 100 students a year.) because people go down there thinking it will be a Caribbean vacation with med school on the side, so they wind up just not making it academically. My wife and daughter will have all kinds of fun, but I will be studying like no other. I've become a master of failure at getting in to medical school, so failure is not an option when I (hopefully) get in.

I don't mean to turn this into a Ross discussion board, but I have learned a lot about it. I really think it is a fine school with great facilities and a very good reputation. If anybody has any other questions, feel free to PM me and I might be able to answer.

 

[lrkoehle]

Actually, there's a very good chance I could spend my 3rd and 4th semesters in the Bahamas, then my 5th semester in Miami. I can then choose to go to pretty much any ACGME-accredited hospital for my rotations. I'm thinking San Diego or maybe I'll just stay in Miami. But hey, at least they have a Boston Market right there across the street down here in Tucson, and you don't have to worry about spring training visitors any more.

Actually, Ross has a fairly high attrition rate (I was told it was 8-12% annually. That's as much as 100 students a year.) because people go down there thinking it will be a Caribbean vacation with med school on the side, so they wind up just not making it academically. My wife and daughter will have all kinds of fun, but I will be studying like no other. I've become a master of failure at getting in to medical school, so failure is not an option when I (hopefully) get in.

I don't mean to turn this into a Ross discussion board, but I have learned a lot about it. I really think it is a fine school with great facilities and a very good reputation. If anybody has any other questions, feel free to PM me and I might be able to answer.

I know you said you don't want to turn this into a Ross thread and to PM you, but I guess I don't really feel like it...

Anyways, I think the Caribbean is a much better option than most people give it credit for. Obviously, you will face some challenges coming back if you want a residency in plastics, derm, ortho, etc., but I think most of the less competitive specialties are still very attainable.

I do have a question about the clinical rotations though, what are they based on? They're basically a bunch of away rotations, right (since you don't have a "home hospital," or do you?)? Are they based on Step-I scores?

 

[mathlink]

I know you said you don't want to turn this into a Ross thread and to PM you, but I guess I don't really feel like it...

Anyways, I think the Caribbean is a much better option than most people give it credit for. Obviously, you will face some challenges coming back if you want a residency in plastics, derm, ortho, etc., but I think most of the less competitive specialties are still very attainable.

I do have a question about the clinical rotations though, what are they based on? They're basically a bunch of away rotations, right (since you don't have a "home hospital," or do you?)? Are they based on Step-I scores?

The Caribbean in general is a lot better than most people think, but there are still drawbacks. I honestly believe that Ross and St George's are as good as any other med school out there. Ross's step one pass rate is 93.3% (average 217), the national allopathic average is 94%, and the osteopathic average is 81% (Midwestern's is 90%). Unfortunately, there are still enough horror stories out there to give the Caribbean a stigma of mediocrity or worse. From what I can tell, Ross has first-rate teaching facilities (I would venture to say they are more aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced than Tucson, though I will not go down to tour the school until I get an acceptance offer), and it's never bad when your medical school looks like this from the air.

Even the residency appointments are better there than most people realize. Only 34% of Ross graduates go to family practice or a sub-specialty (compared to 60% for DOs). Another 27% go into IM with almost all of those then further specializing in something like cardiology or GI. At the info session I went to, they had a Ross grad who had obtained a surgery residency from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Also, I learned that there are only 40 first-year neurosurgery residencies in the US, and one of them last year was obtained by a Ross graduate. So competitive residencies aren't out of reach at all. You just have to bust your John Brown hind-parts, as Coach Boone would say. But don't you have to do that anywhere you go, anyway?

So, there are 10 15-week semesters. The first four will be on Dominica, with the possibility of moving to Freeport, Grand Bahama for the 3rd and 4th. Your fifth will either be in Miami or Saginaw, Michigan, with the possibility of also staying on Dominica. At this point, you take step one. The last five are your clinicals, which consist of 48 weeks of core rotations and 30 of electives, which I believe is the same for everybody. You do the core rotations at a Ross-affiliated hospital. There are over 70 throughout the US. Then, you can do your electives at any ACGME approved hospital, which are pretty much everywhere. So you have a ton of freedom as to where you want to do your rotations. My cousin who went to Ross has done all of his rotations either in Show Low or within the Scottsdale Healthcare System.

There is also the possibility of pre-matching, which US-based allopathic students are forbidden from doing. Anyhow, I'm gonna get off of my soap box now. I hope I answered your questions.

 

[lrkoehle]

The Caribbean in general is a lot better than most people think, but there are still drawbacks. I honestly believe that Ross and St George's are as good as any other med school out there. Ross's step one pass rate is 93.3% (average 217), the national allopathic average is 94%, and the osteopathic average is 81% (Midwestern's is 90%). Unfortunately, there are still enough horror stories out there to give the Caribbean a stigma of mediocrity or worse. From what I can tell, Ross has first-rate teaching facilities (I would venture to say they are more aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced than Tucson, though I will not go down to tour the school until I get an acceptance offer), and it's never bad when your medical school looks like this from the air.

Even the residency appointments are better there than most people realize. Only 34% of Ross graduates go to family practice or a sub-specialty (compared to 60% for DOs). Another 27% go into IM with almost all of those then further specializing in something like cardiology or GI. At the info session I went to, they had a Ross grad who had obtained a surgery residency from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Also, I learned that there are only 40 first-year neurosurgery residencies in the US, and one of them last year was obtained by a Ross graduate. So competitive residencies aren't out of reach at all. You just have to bust your John Brown hind-parts, as Coach Boone would say. But don't you have to do that anywhere you go, anyway?

So, there are 10 15-week semesters. The first four will be on Dominica, with the possibility of moving to Freeport, Grand Bahama for the 3rd and 4th. Your fifth will either be in Miami or Saginaw, Michigan, with the possibility of also staying on Dominica. At this point, you take step one. The last five are your clinicals, which consist of 30 weeks of core rotations and 48 of electives, which I believe is the same for everybody. You do the core rotations at a Ross-affiliated hospital. There are over 70 throughout the US. Then, you can do your electives at any ACGME approved hospital, which are pretty much everywhere. So you have a ton of freedom as to where you want to do your rotations. My cousin who went to Ross has done all of his rotations either in Show Low or within the Scottsdale Healthcare System.

There is also the possibility of pre-matching, which US-based allopathic students are forbidden from doing. Anyhow, I'm gonna get off of my soap box now. I hope I answered your questions.

I think you answered my questions and then some. I think Caribbean schools are just like any other medical school (or any school for that matter), in that you get out of it what you put into it. In fact, I was told exactly that by a fourth year med student just yesterday. I think the horror stories are the result of people not putting in enough effort, which may happen at a higher rate in the Caribbean because of the lower admission standards (which you alluded to in your first post about the attrition rate).

One more question, I have heard that some Caribbean schools will not let you take Step-I until your practice scores reach a certain level to ensure they can claim to have a high pass rate and a competitive average. Is this the case at Ross?

 

[mathlink]

I think you answered my questions and then some. I think Caribbean schools are just like any other medical school (or any school for that matter), in that you get out of it what you put into it. In fact, I was told exactly that by a fourth year med student just yesterday. I think the horror stories are the result of people not putting in enough effort, which may happen at a higher rate in the Caribbean because of the lower admission standards (which you alluded to in your first post about the attrition rate).

One more question, I have heard that some Caribbean schools will not let you take Step-I until your practice scores reach a certain level to ensure they can claim to have a high pass rate and a competitive average. Is this the case at Ross?

Yes, it is. You take an almost identical test made up of retired USMLE questions. If you don't pass, you can't sit for step one. I believe that is a common practice among many medical schools, though I could be mistaken.

 

[lrkoehle]

Yes, it is. You take an almost identical test made up of retired USMLE questions. If you don't pass, you can't sit for step one. I believe that is a common practice among many medical schools, though I could be mistaken.

I have never heard of it at other schools, but it might not come up as much at other medical schools for the same reason that there are lower attrition rates at US med schools than Caribbean schools. I have a feeling though that this won't apply to you anyways, because we all know you're going to work your ass off and become a killer doc...er, I guess that didn't come out right. I mean you're going to be an awesome doc.

Do you have a particular field in mind?

 

[melissaliss]

I think you answered my questions and then some. I think Caribbean schools are just like any other medical school (or any school for that matter), in that you get out of it what you put into it. In fact, I was told exactly that by a fourth year med student just yesterday. I think the horror stories are the result of people not putting in enough effort, which may happen at a higher rate in the Caribbean because of the lower admission standards (which you alluded to in your first post about the attrition rate).

One more question, I have heard that some Caribbean schools will not let you take Step-I until your practice scores reach a certain level to ensure they can claim to have a high pass rate and a competitive average. Is this the case at Ross?

I love hearing that medical school is exactly what you put into it. I couldn't agree more. I mean, I suppose I'm no medical student yet, but I've heard from M.D.s and D.O.s alike that it makes no difference where you go to school, but what you, yourself do in that school. That is why I've always kept my options open to the Caribbean and osteopathic schools in addition to the traditional allopathic education. I've always based my opinion of a school on its merits and values and not on the degree it grants or some perceived reputation. Proving ourselves as good physicians should have nothing to do with what school we attended.