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2009-2010 University of Arizona Application Thread
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If I had to guess I'd say it's something to do with the state of the state's economy.
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Because they can
I don't think it's too early to start looking for a roommate and a place. I went to UA for my undergrad, and a lot of the nicer houses around campus get snatched up pretty early so you don't wanna wait until June/July. To be honest, I started browsing the houses on Craigslist a couple weeks ago! But then again, I am REALLY excited to get back to school, so maybe I'm just being overzealous.
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dang, I really wanna see you get in buddy. I've never seen anyone with this much motivation and determination and I'm very impressed. Might I ask what your stats are like? Or what you think is the weak spot in your app? Not to sound like d-bag or anything, but I'm just really curious about what's been holding you back for 3 years. best of luck
44K for out of state is steep! I was expecting more like 35k-39k.
In state tuition has been skyrocketing too. These are some approximate figures so you can gauge the price increase:
2004- 11k
2007- 17k
2008- 19k
2009- 22k (when I started)
2010- 27k
2011- ?
So in 6 years we have seen a 2.5X increase in tuition...! Still though, the administration justifies it by saying that it is far cheaper than going out of state. Also, cost of living in Tucson is pretty cheap relative to the rest of the US. Regardless, I hope its not 35k by the time I finish.
In state tuition has been skyrocketing too. These are some approximate figures so you can gauge the price increase:
2004- 11k
2007- 17k
2008- 19k
2009- 22k (when I started)
2010- 27k
2011- ?
So in 6 years we have seen a 2.5X increase in tuition...! Still though, the administration justifies it by saying that it is far cheaper than going out of state. Also, cost of living in Tucson is pretty cheap relative to the rest of the US. Regardless, I hope its not 35k by the time I finish.
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does U of A guarantee its students they will pay their 1st yr tuition all four yrs? or will students have to pay more if tuition goes up? i know some schools promise students will not pay more tuition than they expect their first yr.
Tucson is pretty cheap to live in relatively.....but I CAN think of an OOS private school off the top of my head that is cheaper....Baylor is 18.5k OOS and 6.5K IS, and you can claim IS residency and then get IS tuition after 1st yr IF you buy a house (which is cheaper to rent apparently b/c of the economy, mortgage rates, etc) your first yr. Significantly cheaper in that scenario....though i think that is likely the exception to the rule of OOS costs vs IS costs for medical schools.
To answer your question, no U of A does not guarantee any tuition prices. If tuition goes up you have to pay the new price for the following year. Baylor is one of the few exceptions in cost because they receive so much funding from private donors, as does the Mayo Clinic. The typical OOS tuition in most schools is around 44K, right where UA is priced.
I think I am just frustrated because part of the reason that I applied IS only was because of the price. I would love to stay here, but if I am going to end up paying the same price that I would (or close to it) then I probably would have applied all over the country. I definitely wasn't expecting the tuition to go up by 5k. And who knows what I will pay for my 4th year.
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I doubt the current tuition trend will change dramatically in the student's favor. UofA has been raising tuition rates across the board for undergrad, grad, and professional schools.
Yea, but I think it would suck if I end up paying like 39.9 for my 4th year. If this tuition trend continues then I think UoA will end up seeing IS students not wanting to stay in state. The biggest draw for instate (undergrad, and professional) is always tuition. If they make it so staying in state can save us 15-20k on top of our 200k loans I think there are very few students who would be willing to do what I have done and commit to staying instate by applying to only UoA.
But, hey, it could be worse. I could not get in at all! 🙂xf: let me in!)
But, hey, it could be worse. I could not get in at all! 🙂xf: let me in!)
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dang, I really wanna see you get in buddy. I've never seen anyone with this much motivation and determination and I'm very impressed. Might I ask what your stats are like? Or what you think is the weak spot in your app? Not to sound like d-bag or anything, but I'm just really curious about what's been holding you back for 3 years. best of luck
3.61/3.59 sGPA, 9/11/10/P. Not the best stats, but not exactly horrible. I am also an EMT and have a publication with lots of clinical volunteer hours, community service, etc. Of course, I wasn't an EMT or published author with not as much clinical experience the first couple of times I applied. I just figured with all the work I've put in in the last year that maybe I'd at least get some WL love, but no. Well, I guess there is still a small hope for Phoenix.
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Did you call UofA in the previous years to have a personal file review? If so, what did they say about improving your chances? I ask because my stats are similar to yours, and I missed the file review last year by a week and wondered what they would say.
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I didn't get the official file review, but I did email a professor I knew who happened to be on the admissions committee, and he looked at my file. He said it was mostly a lack of clinical experience. That was after the first year. After the second year, I didn't really do any kind of review, I just went out and found a research position, got my EMT certification and more volunteering. If, as is likely, I am once again rejected, I will get the official review to see if there is something else that I really need to do beyond what I am planning.
Is anybody out there going to attempt to call Phoenix to see what they have planned, or if they are even there this week?
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Hmm, I really think those stats and ECs are well within the range of acceptances for UA. Is it possible one of your LOR are not as good as they should be and perhaps indicate doubt in your qualifications to become a doctor? Or it is possible that the way you have presented your ECs is not detailed enough for the adcoms to really appreciate what you have done? Perhaps your personal statement is outside the norm? How did you feel about your interviews? Aside from these few things, I'm not sure what could exclude you from the WL.
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Hmm, I really think those stats and ECs are well within the range of acceptances for UA. Is it possible one of your LOR are not as good as they should be and perhaps indicate doubt in your qualifications to become a doctor? Or it is possible that the way you have presented your ECs is not detailed enough for the adcoms to really appreciate what you have done? Perhaps your personal statement is outside the norm? How did you feel about your interviews? Aside from these few things, I'm not sure what could exclude you from the WL.
If it's any of those things, it may be an LOR. I don't think that this particular professor would say anything negative, but she may have said something to the effect of "well, I didn't know him very well, but he seemed like an OK guy and he got an A in my class."
My interviews were solid, my Phoenix interviewer even said she liked the way I wrote my personal statement (PHX allows their interviewers the option of reading a student's file).
When I reapply, I am not going to mess around. I am going to retake at least 4 classes I didn't get A's in and use those to get new letters and a higher GPA.
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I think sadly one letter could sink an applicant. ML you have good stats. Don't beat yourself up over a few not quite A's during your undergrad. If you really feel inclined to retake courses, perhaps you can take upper division course in the same area (i.e. - low grade in gen chem, show that you can do well 300-400 level biochem, p-chem, etc.). Otherwise, you could get a Masters in whatever interests you to pull up your GPA. Honestly there are numerous people on this site that have comparable or lower stats and have gotten in or are WLed. Some of us have more than several Cs or Ds on our transcripts. Others have outstanding stats and were either rejected or WLed in the 100's. My point is I don't think a) your stats are low and require you to spend money and time retaking old courses and b) you should dwell on minor things that even if improved may not ensure you a victory in this race. Also, if you retake classes it is fine to get LORs from the profs, but an LOR that says yeah he got an A in my course is a lot less meaningful than one that says yes I know this guy and I can think of no one better to become a physician. You also should diversify your LORs (i.e. profs, doctors, people who know you through volunteering, research, EMT-ing, etc.). You have applied 3 times and ALL of us think you should've been in by now or be on that WL with us. Even if ehandber's adcom wrestling team won the WL smack down! You need to get the file review and see what is holding you up in this process. No one doubts that you want to be a doctor. Your desire to do it is obvious.
I agree with aztri on all her points, but I think that the one main thing here is this-
We are not an admissions committee. We aren't even a single member of one.
Obviously the only people who can give you any advice that will affect your chances are those people who are on an ADCOM. And, remember that when UoA tells you "We really would prefer you wore red on interview day!" that you might hear from Mayo that "We really would prefer you wore blue on interview day!"
If by some horrible happenstance you do not get into Phoenix this year I think it would be in your best interest to pursue all the ADCOM advice you can get. If you applied anywhere else I suggest you ask them too. Then, next year when you apply broadly, maybe you will end up finding that school that thinks "Man, this guy REALLY knows how to dress for interview day!!"
😀
All that being said, I'm definitely with aztri when she said that we all are pulling for you and know that you'll get in somewhere soon. If we can see the immense commitment that you have (when compared just to ourselves and those we know) imagine how obvious it is to an ADCOM that sees 6k applications. Maybe you just haven't hit the magic combo of app/adcom/interview yet. You never know if your app/adcom/interview this year would have been the perfect fit for some school in FL or WI, and for some reason just didn't work in AZ.
We are not an admissions committee. We aren't even a single member of one.
Obviously the only people who can give you any advice that will affect your chances are those people who are on an ADCOM. And, remember that when UoA tells you "We really would prefer you wore red on interview day!" that you might hear from Mayo that "We really would prefer you wore blue on interview day!"
If by some horrible happenstance you do not get into Phoenix this year I think it would be in your best interest to pursue all the ADCOM advice you can get. If you applied anywhere else I suggest you ask them too. Then, next year when you apply broadly, maybe you will end up finding that school that thinks "Man, this guy REALLY knows how to dress for interview day!!"
😀
All that being said, I'm definitely with aztri when she said that we all are pulling for you and know that you'll get in somewhere soon. If we can see the immense commitment that you have (when compared just to ourselves and those we know) imagine how obvious it is to an ADCOM that sees 6k applications. Maybe you just haven't hit the magic combo of app/adcom/interview yet. You never know if your app/adcom/interview this year would have been the perfect fit for some school in FL or WI, and for some reason just didn't work in AZ.
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I'm glad to see a few of you making plans to apply again - way to go! You've got guts.
I wanted to renounce the last bit of math I did (the post with all the assumptions), except for the fact that I find it interesting that in 2008 they moved through almost 60% of the waitlist. In 2009, with a WL of similar size, it would have been as low at 50%. 50% of 125 is 62, 60% of 125 is 75. Going straight up with the number left on the WL in previous years (45 in '08, around 55 in '09), we get 125-45or55= 80 or 70. All speculation though 🙂
Not to say that the adcoms is expecting numbers like that, but I think the fact they increased the WL size means they think it's definitely possible.
I also agree about the roommate thing, ehandber - it's not too early to be looking. It's always better to be prepared, even if your plans change at the last minute.
mathlink, I may not try calling anywhere this week (so do we think they're in or out for SB?), but I'm definitely calling both schools some time next week.
I wanted to renounce the last bit of math I did (the post with all the assumptions), except for the fact that I find it interesting that in 2008 they moved through almost 60% of the waitlist. In 2009, with a WL of similar size, it would have been as low at 50%. 50% of 125 is 62, 60% of 125 is 75. Going straight up with the number left on the WL in previous years (45 in '08, around 55 in '09), we get 125-45or55= 80 or 70. All speculation though 🙂
Not to say that the adcoms is expecting numbers like that, but I think the fact they increased the WL size means they think it's definitely possible.
I also agree about the roommate thing, ehandber - it's not too early to be looking. It's always better to be prepared, even if your plans change at the last minute.
mathlink, I may not try calling anywhere this week (so do we think they're in or out for SB?), but I'm definitely calling both schools some time next week.
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Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pretty sure they will say something about boosting my gpa or getting new letters, so there are 4 classes I plan on retaking to accomplish both. My MCAT score is a couple of years old now, so I will need to retake that any way. Another 3 or 4 points on that couldn't hurt. Combine that with the advice I get from my personal file review, and my app should be pretty well bullet proof next time I apply, which may be this year or next depending on whether or not we move to Texas. Next time I'm at my computer I'll paste the link to the TMDSAS data for applicants and matriculants. I can definitely see why some people move to Texas just to get residency and apply for med school there.
I just called PHX and spoke to Wendy. (Wendy is very nice btw) Apparently they ARE there over Spring Break, but she did not know what was going to happen next as far as the WL is concerned. She said she would ask her director and then email me(us?) to inform on what she finds out.
Ok everyone! Back to holding our breath! 😛
And, just out of curiosity, is there anyone who still reads this who would be interested in me as a roommate at PHX or at Tucson? And, LRK, is it presumptuous of me to ask that on the "accepted" boards since I am not accepted yet? 😀
Ok everyone! Back to holding our breath! 😛
And, just out of curiosity, is there anyone who still reads this who would be interested in me as a roommate at PHX or at Tucson? And, LRK, is it presumptuous of me to ask that on the "accepted" boards since I am not accepted yet? 😀
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Sounds like you've got your bases covered. I've seen some of the older numbers for Texas, and it IS very appealing! Work hard and you'll have it in the bag.
ehandber, IF I went where you went, and I didn't already have a female 'roommate' whose looks are out-of-this-world, AND if I didn't have a son, then I'd totally be your roommate!
Seriously though, if I were single and was going to Tucson for sure, I'd sign up.
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Well, I wouldn't say I am going to Tucson "for sure." But, right now I think that's where I would be leaning if I got both acceptances at this moment. But realistically, that has changed in the past week. So, who knows how I will feel come June.
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Dude, I'm in the same boat as you. As uplifting as those stats were (THANKS MIR!!), it's still a waiting game till end of May or Early June. I was just wondering, just because they gave us a number, does it mean they will stick to that order??
At this point, I'm having visions of Tucson already 😛. Like you, I'm also thinking about housing or just trying to do something proactive during all this waiting. Nothing is yet "for sure."
ML, man, I'm sorry you're having another rough app-cycle. I sincerely hope that Phoenix comes through for you.
And yea ACE28, this is killing me. I hate thinking that now I am just gonna be on ice until late May / early June. This feels like an inordinate amount of waiting! I really want to start taking trips down to Tucson and all that. And, it bugs me that I won't be accepted in time for 2nd looks, if I am accepted at all.
But, flying blind is apparently the way to do it. So, I'll just be sitting here waiting and if I find out I get a choice I will use my 72 hour window to decide!
And yea ACE28, this is killing me. I hate thinking that now I am just gonna be on ice until late May / early June. This feels like an inordinate amount of waiting! I really want to start taking trips down to Tucson and all that. And, it bugs me that I won't be accepted in time for 2nd looks, if I am accepted at all.
But, flying blind is apparently the way to do it. So, I'll just be sitting here waiting and if I find out I get a choice I will use my 72 hour window to decide!
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Thanks for sharing U of A with us OOSers! I am now rejected from both PHX and Tucson. I was really impressed with PHX after my interview there...
EDIT: PS: Good luck to all, ML especially.
EDIT: PS: Good luck to all, ML especially.
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Where's mine Phoenix!?!?! Give it to me already!
Yea, aztri, according to the WL confirmation email from Phoenix-
If you are currently accepted elsewhere, including our Tucson program, and offered a position for the College of Medicine-Phoenix, you will be asked to make a decision within the following timelines. Note: UA does not ask for a financial deposit.
Today-May 15th: a window of two-weeks to either retain or release the acceptance offer
May 16-June 1st: a window of one-week to either retain or release the acceptance offer
June 2 July 19 (orientation): a window of 72 hours to either retain or release the acceptance offer
Since I am expecting that if (I am lucky and) I end up with two offers it will likely be June 2nd or later, that gives me a window of 72 hours. That's a requirement on their part, not just me trying to be nice. Although, I will likely make a final decision (in that situation) within 24 hours.
If you are currently accepted elsewhere, including our Tucson program, and offered a position for the College of Medicine-Phoenix, you will be asked to make a decision within the following timelines. Note: UA does not ask for a financial deposit.
Today-May 15th: a window of two-weeks to either retain or release the acceptance offer
May 16-June 1st: a window of one-week to either retain or release the acceptance offer
June 2 July 19 (orientation): a window of 72 hours to either retain or release the acceptance offer
Since I am expecting that if (I am lucky and) I end up with two offers it will likely be June 2nd or later, that gives me a window of 72 hours. That's a requirement on their part, not just me trying to be nice. Although, I will likely make a final decision (in that situation) within 24 hours.
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Oh gotchya, I haven't received my WL confirmation email yet so thanks for posting that. I would think most people are at least leaning to one campus or another by now. Still, just courtesy to others, I would hope people that have made up their mind between the two campuses (if accepted to both) would notify within a few days, rather than take the whole 1 or 2 weeks alotted.
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Are you sure you want a roommate? How are you going to walk around naked and listen to loud electronica? oh wait.... but seriously, I was thinking it might be better to live alone?
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Yeah, ehandber, instead of that beer, just give me your spot at the other campus . . . In your decline email/call, tell them you met this kid named Rustin Reed, and you think he'll make the most amazing doctor some day . . . 😀
Let us know when Wendy gets back to you. Thanks!
Let us know when Wendy gets back to you. Thanks!
I have tried living alone and living with roommates ranging from 1-5 other people. I have figured out that I get the most out of the situation when I live with 1 or 2 other people. Essentially, it comes down to price and solitude.
Tempe prices, for reference:
1 Bed/1 Bath would cost me about 599 + utilities (internet, electricity)
2 Bed/2 Bath costs me (1/2) of 799 + (1/2) utilities (internet, electricity)
Overall, I save about 300$ a month.
And, I have to tell you, when you come home it is nice to have a friend there. I never recommend people get a roommate that they are "neutral" with, you need to find someone that is cool. If you don't get along it is hell, and if it is neutral you will eventually become annoyed. But, I've lived with close friends many times and it is great. It makes coming home actually enjoyable, rather than just a place to sleep. If you are truly looking for just a place to sleep then I suggest you find someone to rent a couch from (I did that for a few years too). You can save a lot of money, but let me warn you- you will realize how nice it is to feel at "home" when you never really do.
Oh, and I think that the naked electronica thing - Wanna be roommates? 😀
Tempe prices, for reference:
1 Bed/1 Bath would cost me about 599 + utilities (internet, electricity)
2 Bed/2 Bath costs me (1/2) of 799 + (1/2) utilities (internet, electricity)
Overall, I save about 300$ a month.
And, I have to tell you, when you come home it is nice to have a friend there. I never recommend people get a roommate that they are "neutral" with, you need to find someone that is cool. If you don't get along it is hell, and if it is neutral you will eventually become annoyed. But, I've lived with close friends many times and it is great. It makes coming home actually enjoyable, rather than just a place to sleep. If you are truly looking for just a place to sleep then I suggest you find someone to rent a couch from (I did that for a few years too). You can save a lot of money, but let me warn you- you will realize how nice it is to feel at "home" when you never really do.
Oh, and I think that the naked electronica thing - Wanna be roommates? 😀
Hey Everyone,
Looks like the PHX emails were just send out.. Got mine at 12:45pm. Rejection! Too bad.. I loved the campus but I have some acceptances elsewhere so I'll be ok 😉 I wish the BEST of luck to all of you who are accepted or waitlisted! (I'm OOS, btw)
Looks like the PHX emails were just send out.. Got mine at 12:45pm. Rejection! Too bad.. I loved the campus but I have some acceptances elsewhere so I'll be ok 😉 I wish the BEST of luck to all of you who are accepted or waitlisted! (I'm OOS, btw)
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I agree with the cost benefit of sharing a flat, and I have always lived in some sort of shared environment. But, there are pros and cons to both. I was leaning towards just living alone for the frist year, but if I find a good situation that would work too.
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http://hardrockhideout.com/2009/02/24/new-video-theory-of-a-deadman-hate-my-life/
For those of you in my situation, I am once again declaring this the theme song for today, as it was on Friday.
Congratulations to all the acceptees/waitlisters. I will continue stalking this thread to make sure all those waitlisted get in.
For those of you in my situation, I am once again declaring this the theme song for today, as it was on Friday.
Congratulations to all the acceptees/waitlisters. I will continue stalking this thread to make sure all those waitlisted get in.
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Hmm, no email yet from Phx.... Aghh! Send me one
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haha...oh god. naked electronica.
regarding renting places in tucson.....my senior yr at U of A, i lived with three roommates in tucson. 2400sq ft house, two stories, 2 car garage, backyard. 4 bedroom. 3 bath. it was legit. total rent between the four of us was 1600, and since there was a master, one person paid like 450 and eeryone else under 400. (plus utilies, tv. water and internet included). it was legit. granted, it was south tucson, but only a 10-15 minute drive at MOST to the parking garage/lots on the undergrad campus. probably another 2 minutes to the medical campus. carpooling and having similar school/work schedules really helped out too with cutting costs of gas and stuff.
and the electronica comment is funny b/c one of my ex-roommates is a DJ (and premed; applying to med school this next round; taking two years off) in tucson and, well, having a full dj setup in the house with huge speakers, subs, his crazy setup with stuff i don't know the name of...was fun at times. i but i like electronica and all of the roommates in our house learned to like it.
and regarding the roommate thing, i agree. i prefer living with roomates. i have lived with 1, 2, and 3 others. i really liked 3 and it made rent cheap. if i end up going back to tucson for medical school, i will definitely be living with at least 2 (if not 3) roommates for the reason you stated about having someone/friends there. and similar interests...and cheaper rent lol. if you really like electronica, you would really get along with my ex-roommate/dj friend.
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If applicants of PHX have 2 weeks to accept or deny now, does that mean they send out acceptances every two weeks as well? Does this apply to people who have been accepted for months now? Is there acceptance now on the time line?
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Who is your friend? ;-)
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haha......tim. i'm guessing you know him and perhaps me lol...
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Who are you? I do not follow this regularly...I live in Phoenix and do not go to Tucson much :/
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Yep, rejected from Phx, it's about time.
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Rejected from both. I do not care.
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Josh, are you going to the Tucson or Phoenix campus?
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