2010-2011 Case Western Reserve University Application Thread

[FlowRate]

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a top post 😀

 

[Seven of Nine]

a top post 😀

whoaa FlowRate, joining in... look out! 😎

and congrats, of course!

 

[vc7777]

Ok...

hi, i was also admitted a little more than a month ago, and have been extensively reading over the cclcm website. I was hoping some of the cclcm students could answer some questions i had.

1. How is the no tests, only pbl curriculum?

Super. Thanks for asking! Just kidding...

First it is PBL AND seminar based, with PBL three times a week and seminars 4 times a week.

For me, the PBL format is a more engaging way of presenting material. It is also a very personal, and interactive environment of learning. However, there is no way around independent reading and self-learning before/after seminars and group meetings. What it does is force you to engage on a daily basis and be an active member of your education.

As for seminars, I don't know how other medical students can sit through a "didactic" lecture, where material is thrown at them while they passively listen. I've heard this sentiment echoed many times by classmates. I'll just say, we are a vocal and interactive group who like our seminar format 🙂.

As for tests, I am grateful every time the UP folks have an exam and drop off the face of the Earth because I am reminded of What Could Have Been. 🙂

1b. Do you feel worried you are not learning?

First, most medical students EVERYWHERE wonder at times if they are not learning. Personally, my worries about "not learning" are rooted in my own inabilities to grasp particular subjects. I don't blame the school or curriculum for any deficits in my education - I blame me.

Let me put a different spin on what you asked:

I feel sorry for the students who become complacent about their level of knowledge because they get "good grades".

Every week we do self-assessments of our comfort level with the material taught. I guarantee that we, as a whole, have a better idea of our weaknesses and shortcomings, ironically, because there is no boundary on what we learn, and we determine our own level of comfort. This is much harder to do than have someone else telling us "we got it".

Oops..gotta go...here's a rapid fire answer to the rest...

1c. Do you like the structure of learning environment?

Yes. We are like family here.

2. How easy is it to find research in the area you like?

Depends on the area, and how you define: "easy", "like", and "is". The mentor is more important than the research.

2b. Do you feel like cclcm offers their students good advising and attention?

Yes. We are like family here. As much attention as you want.

2c. I forgot if you were allowed to choose your summer research advisor or if they get assigned to you?

You get assigned, but you fill out a questionnaire to give them some ideas.

3. How stressed out are you on a general basis?

Me? Minimally.

3b. Do you still have time to enjoy and have fun?

If you define 3 kids as "fun".

3c. Outside of med school, do you still have time to travel and engage in other pursuits?

This is med school, not Club Med. You have a very flexible schedule - but plan to have your Lord of the Rings tour of New Zealand and Chernobyl Spa and Tanning Resort Vacation before you get her.

3d. Does "visiting a friend out of town one weekend" still happen?

Depends on the distance, and how you define: "visit", "friend", and "is".

4. Do you miss being in a larger college environment?

No. We are like family here.

4b. Do you like your classmates?

Yes. We are like family here.

4c. Does everyone get along?

For the most part. We are like family here.

 

[CCLCMer]

Hi, I was also admitted a little more than a month ago, and have been extensively reading over the CCLCM website. I was hoping some of the CCLCM students could answer some questions I had.

There is no way that anyone should EVER leave the interview day feeling like they didn't get to ask these questions to the students they met on interview day. If you weren't able to have your questions answered, please let vc7777 and me know so that we can make the admissions office aware of this problem, and they can correct it.

1. How is the no tests, only PBL curriculum? Do you feel worried you are not learning? Do you like the structure of learning environment?

I think vc7777 answered these questions sufficiently, and it's been so long since I was in PBL that he's a better person to talk about it anyway. But for the record, I really liked PBL and the curriculum in general.

2. How easy is it to find research in the area you like? Do you feel like CCLCM offers their students good advising and attention? I forgot if you were allowed to choose your summer research advisor or if they get assigned to you?

Again, agree with vc7777, with the one small correction that for the second summer (clinical research summer between years 1 and 2), you do get to choose your mentor. As he said, there are many opportunities for research, and besides CCF, people also do research at Case, UH, Metro, and the VA. I did my first research summer over at Case.

3. How stressed out are you on a general basis? Do you still have time to enjoy and have fun? Outside of med school, do you still have time to travel and engage in other pursuits? Does "visiting a friend out of town one weekend" still happen?

Definitely depends on when you're talking about, and what kind of traveling you're wanting to do. Year 1 is great. Very low stress, and you have tons of free time. People do research, take grad school classes, shadow in the clinics/hospital, volunteer, etc. Year 2 is a lot more stressful, because there is more work, and because you have Step 1 looming over you. But you still have significant control over your time. You won't be making tons of trips during spring semester, but yes, you can still go out of town for a weekend. Year 3 is when you have the least control over your time. Basically, when you're on an inpatient rotation, try not to make plans to travel. On outpatient rotations, you have nights and weekends off, so you'll have more flexibility then. Research year depends on your project and research group. I had a lot of flexibility for mine since I could do a lot of my work from home. Year 4 has a few tough rotations (Case requires two acting internships), but you will have large blocks of time free to do what you want, including travel. I did an international elective. I'm going to Florida for two weeks in February, just because I can, and who wouldn't rather be in Florida than in Cleveland in February? 😀

4. Do you miss being in a larger college environment? Do you like your classmates? Does everyone get along?

I went to a small college, and the smallness was one of the things that attracted me to CCLCM. I didn't want to be a nameless, faceless person in a sea of other nameless, faceless people. You won't be if you come here--if anything, people sometimes feel like they get too MUCH attention! As for the students, I like some of my classmates better than others, but, yes, people do get along. When you work this closely with a small group of people, you learn to get along with everyone. You're not always going to love everyone you have to work with. That's real life.

I *did* ask questions at the time! But the tour afterwards kind of blew my mind...I mean, one of the hospital entrances is preceded by 6 reflecting pools??!?

Six reflecting pools? That's news to me! I think you might be confusing CCF with somewhere else. There's the one donut fountain by the main entrance, which really is awesome. I especially love how it looks in the winter with the snow all around it and in the donut hole. I'll try to take a pic the next time it snows--if I'm in town.

Haha, I also remember how when we got to the anatomy lab, our student tour guide mentioned that the anatomy teacher at CCLCM was an author of Gray's Anatomy. As if that wasn't shocking enough, he goes "Oh, and here he comes!" It was like a slow-motion film, as he walked towards us interviewees and we struggled to not to drop our jaws/pounce on him (I kind of wanted to ask for his autograph, is that dorky?).

If you want Dr. Drake to love you, all you have to do is ask him about how his book is doing. I like to ask what new languages it has been translated into. It's always something weird like Turkish or Swahili.

Honestly, my interview day was a great experience, albeit very stressful since it was my first interview. I remember everyone at the school emphasizing that you really need to find out if this program is for you, and that PBL isn't for everyone. I hope to make an informed choice and any insight would be appreciated, thanks!

People with your dilemma are the very reason why second look weekends were created. If you're seriously considering CCLCM, you should come back in March. Meet your potential future classmates. Meet more current students, and grill us about the school. Meet more faculty. Hang out at the Foundation House (mansion on the edge of campus owned by CCF). Eat lots of good food and get put up in a swanky hotel on campus at the school's expense. Ride Lolly the Trolley. Really, what's not to like? 😀

 

[ClevelandClinic]

Hi, I was also admitted a little more than a month ago, and have been extensively reading over the CCLCM website. I was hoping some of the CCLCM students could answer some questions I had.

1. How is the no tests, only PBL curriculum? Do you feel worried you are not learning? Do you like the structure of learning environment?
2. How easy is it to find research in the area you like? Do you feel like CCLCM offers their students good advising and attention? I forgot if you were allowed to choose your summer research advisor or if they get assigned to you?
3. How stressed out are you on a general basis? Do you still have time to enjoy and have fun? Outside of med school, do you still have time to travel and engage in other pursuits? Does "visiting a friend out of town one weekend" still happen?
4. Do you miss being in a larger college environment? Do you like your classmates? Does everyone get along?

I'm a first year student at CCLCM so I'll also add my two cents so that you have a variety of opinions..

How is the no tests, only PBL curriculum?

1. Lectures are called seminars at CCLCM because they try to make them interactive instead of the lecturer just standing there and talking to the students while they struggle to stake awake--though not every seminar has been interactive since it depends on lecturer.

Just so you get a better idea, here is a rough schedule for year 1:

Monday:
Anatomy:8 am-10am
PBL: 10:15 am - noon

Tuesday:
Seminar (humanities/ethics, art of medicine kind of stuff): 8am -10am
Seminar on either physiology/genetics/biochemistry/histology, etc: 10 am- noon
Longitudinal Clinic (clinic day varies from person-to-person): 1pm-5:30 pm

Wednesday:
Seminar on either physiology/genetics/biochemistry/histology, etc: 8 am - 10 am
PBL: 10 am - noon
Clincial Skills: 1pm-5pm

Thursday: NO SCHOOL!

Friday:
Seminar: 8am-10am
PBL: 10am-noon
Research seminar (listen to researchers talk about their research): 1-2:15pm

Do you feel worried you are not learning?
If you go to the allopathic forum on SDN, you will see posts from medical students at various medical schools saying that they never feel thoroughly prepared. Its inherent in medical school education just because you are learning so much in so little time. Having said that, I kind of wish CCLCM did have anonymous tests kind of like the Yale System because I have been used to taking exams all my life but I would not want graded exams because they add unnecessary stress. We do have to write 2 short-answer essay questions after each week and answer 30 multiple choice questions so that is one way to ensure you are learning the material. You do have to be self-motivated but I do like that freedom and student-centered approach--it has its positives and negatives and I personally think the positives outweigh the negatives. But, CCLCM has one of the highest averages on USMLE (240+) and an equally impressive match list so its not like the system is holding us back in anyway.

How easy is it to find research in the area you like? Do you feel like CCLCM offers their students good advising and attention? I forgot if you were allowed to choose your summer research advisor or if they get assigned to you?
You have access to researchers at Cleveland Clinic, Case Western, and all the hospitals (metro, VA affairs, etc.) and there are only 32 of us per year so plenty of opportunities--whether you are interested in basic science, clinical or translational research. You cannot choose your basic science researcher for summer 1 but they try to match you up with someone based on your interests (you fill out a questionnaire). You can choose your clinical science researcher and for the year long research you can choose both the type of research you want to do (clinical, basic science, public health related, etc) and researcher.

How stressed out are you on a general basis? Do you still have time to enjoy and have fun? Outside of med school, do you still have time to travel and engage in other pursuits? Does "visiting a friend out of town one weekend" still happen?

3. Not stressed out at all though sometimes I feel like I should be when I see my friends at other medical schools. We definitely have more time to do things we enjoy as compared to other medical school students. There is time to do things, we are only in school from 8-12 and Thursdays are off. Some people enroll in a joint masters degree (can take master classes for free at Case--MPH, Masters in Clinical Research, Biomedical engineering, etc), do research, shadow, study, etc. Having said that there are other things going on like Anatomy office hours (not required though), required research seminars from 1pm-2:15pm once a week, clinical skills class (doing physical exams and interviews with standardized patients) once a week from 1pm-5pm, seeing patients with your longtidinual preceptor once a day very other week first year from 1pm-5:30/6pm and then every week second year. You can visit friends on weekends depending on how much time/effort/money you are willing to put in--a lot of my classmates are in significant relationships that are long-distance and they find ways to keep their relationships going.

4. Do you miss being in a larger college environment? Do you like your classmates? Does everyone get along?
I came from a medium-sized school (~6,000 undergrads) and at times I do miss the larger college environment because its easier to meet new people but medical school is nothing like undergrad where you may have completely different classmates in every class every semester. Any medical school you go it is kind of like high school--you see the same people every day until clinical years. Luckily, everyone in my year for the most part get along and, at the very least, we are all friendly/cordial with each other--at least for the past 6 months. But there is always the option of making friends with students at Case Western campus--which is a medium-sized college environment you have to be really proactive about it and put in effort if that is a priority--the option is there though (rooming with Case med/dental/law/etc students off-campus is an option).

I *did* ask questions at the time! But the tour afterwards kind of blew my mind...I mean, one of the hospital entrances is preceded by 6 reflecting pools??!?

You may be referring to this:

http://media.cleveland.com/health_i...lian-horizontaljpg-5ce7055d95f7ffd1_large.jpg

 

[Auriga]

Happy New Year, everyone!

Lots to look forward to in 2011 - it will be one of the best years of your life.
Med school is a blast - super busy, sometimes stressful, more material than neural capacity...but it's genuinely enjoyable.
Especially at Case 😉

(Disclaimer: I can only vouch for 1st year, so far 😉

 

[vc7777]

Happy New Year, everyone!

Lots to look forward to in 2011 - it will be one of the best years of your life.
Med school is a blast - super busy, sometimes stressful, more material than neural capacity...but it's genuinely enjoyable.
Especially at Case 😉

(Disclaimer: I can only vouch for 1st year, so far 😉

(Technically, HALF of 1st year, 😉 )

 

[vc7777]

Pho sometime Auriga? Myuu owes me! 😀

 

[Myuu]

Pho sometime Auriga? Myuu owes me! 😀

It is certainly true. I do owe vc77777777777777 some good pho!

Also, I can vouch for first year. It is indeed a blast.

 

[d4zy588]

Thank you for all the detailed answers!! That information was really helpful and I will definitely be coming to second look 🙂

 

[Auriga]

Pho sometime Auriga? Myuu owes me! 😀

We certainly must have a SDN pho outing - but tomorrow's not good for me tho T_T

On another note, Myuu, I ate a plain sweet potato for dinner. And it was delicious. I'm sorry I ever doubted you.

 

[Auriga]

But that got me pondering...what's the difference between a sweet potato and a yam? Nothing, or everything?

Yay for instantaneous answers from Wikipedia!
"The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has traditionally been referred to as a yam in parts of the United States and Canada, but it is not part of the Dioscoreaceae family."
"Yam tubers can grow up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in length and weigh up to 70 kg (154 lb)."

......wow.

 

[Dr Love]

VC7777, I'm a little confused by your previous post:
Are you saying CCLCMers are like family or no?

 

[vc7777]

VC7777, I'm a little confused by your previous post:
Are you saying CCLCMers are like family or no?

 

[Myuu]

Hey, now. That question could have been completely legitimate. Also, since you're posting in the middle of whatever it is that you're supposed to be (but not) doing right now, I'm spawn camping behind this illegally parked secure shred truck.

 

[vc7777]

Sorry Auriga! Soon We shall go!

 

[vc7777]

Hey, now. That question could have been completely legitimate. Also, since you're posting in the middle of whatever it is that you're supposed to be (but not) doing right now, I'm spawn camping behind this illegally parked secure shred truck.

😳
OH!
😳


CCLCMer and I are on our way down! see you in 5!

 

[Myuu]

There is a page 2 thread. I need to bump it.

 

[FlowRate]

I feel like the next round of acceptances are in the next week or two... hopeful.

 

[spideyman44]

I feel like the next round of acceptances are in the next week or two... hopeful.

The committee meets today so we should hear something very soon! 🙂

 

[spideyman44]

For both the UP and CP students, I was wondering what type of clinical research projects do students partake? I've never done any sort of clinical research so I'm curious to see what students are doing.

Also, I know at Case you can get a master's degree in a number of subject areas. I'm interested in the nutrition program. I remember during my interview at CCLCM that we were told you can obtain a master's degree while in the program but I can't find any information in my folder in what subject areas. Would someone mind helping me out with this?

Thanks! 🙂

 

[ClevelandClinic]

I don't know if this has been already posted on this thread but I'll post it again.

For all CCLCM applicants, if you go to http://cclcm.ccf.org/ you can enter a public version of our student portal by entering the following information:

Username: guest
Password: guest

You can see our typical schedule and also master degree options as well. The basic and clinical research compendium (database of faculty and types of research, its not extensive or updated though and for clinical research you can choose anyone even if they are not on the database--most won't be on database).

 

[tr0gd0r]

I'm trying to not be neurotic about this, but failing miserably :/
Does anyone know if applicants who have received the "hold" letter at CCLCM are still considered at the adcom meetings? Or do we really have to wait until April 15th to hear anything?

 

[vc7777]

The committee meets today so we should hear something very soon! 🙂

I feel like the next round of acceptances are in the next week or two... hopeful.

Actually we have already given out 10 acceptances after our first of 3 full committee meetings just after Thanksgiving. After the Jan 11th meeting (within 2 weeks of that date) the next group will be notified. And then there will be the final meeting which will also develop a waiting list. Further acceptances off the waiting list will trickle out as people decline after that date.

Not sent from my cell phone 😏

I should have said my source is Dean Franco, for those who may be doubting my original post.

 

[hitsugaaya]

Happy New Year y'all!! Has anyone who was on pre interview hold heard back about their status yet? Before Christmas it was said that we would be reviewed and perhaps hear back by new years. I still have hope...

 

[hitsugaaya]

oh, and i mean at CCLCM

 

[Legerdemain]

Happy New Year y'all!! Has anyone who was on pre interview hold heard back about their status yet? Before Christmas it was said that we would be reviewed and perhaps hear back by new years. I still have hope...

Yes -- I was rejected an hour ago haha.

Hopefully it's good if you haven't heard anything yet! 🙂

 

[Seven of Nine]

I'm trying to not be neurotic about this, but failing miserably :/
Does anyone know if applicants who have received the "hold" letter at CCLCM are still considered at the adcom meetings? Or do we really have to wait until April 15th to hear anything?

my neuroses tell me that you're in a pretty good place. those people who haven't heard could quite possibly have rejections coming their way in the not so distant future. so many people interviewed before the first meeting (relative to those interviewed in the period between meetings) that they have to hold on to a few gems... they just have to make sure there isn't a late applicant to whom they'd rather give the 1/32 spot. so i feel like you are in that category, and the people who haven't heard are just waiting for a status change.

disclaimer: this is purely of my own speculation with no grounding in fact. i really have no idea.

 

[hitsugaaya]

Yes -- I was rejected an hour ago haha.

Hopefully it's good if you haven't heard anything yet! 🙂

I'm sorry to hear that 🙁 Was this through your status page? Mine is still blank. Hopefully its good news but it could also mean they haven't goteen to my application yet and praying

 

[vc7777]

my neuroses tell me that you're in a pretty good place. those people who haven't heard could quite possibly have rejections coming their way in the not so distant future. so many people interviewed before the first meeting (relative to those interviewed in the period between meetings) that they have to hold on to a few gems... they just have to make sure there isn't a late applicant to whom they'd rather give the 1/32 spot. so i feel like you are in that category, and the people who haven't heard are just waiting for a status change.

disclaimer: this is purely of my own speculation with no grounding in fact. i really have no idea.

+1 This is speculation.

 

[Legerdemain]

I'm sorry to hear that 🙁 Was this through your status page? Mine is still blank. Hopefully its good news but it could also mean they haven't goteen to my application yet and praying

Yeah, my status page says that CCLCM is unable to interview me. No email notification yet -- I'm sure it will come soon enough. But it's nothing a good beer and some football can't fix 😀.

 

[FlowRate]

I should have said my source is Dean Franco, for those who may be doubting my original post.

I shouldn't have said "feel like"--when I said week or two, I was referencing your earlier post 🙂

 

[spideyman44]

I should have said my source is Dean Franco, for those who may be doubting my original post.

I was talking about the university program meeting today. Sorry about the confusion. That's what I was told by Dr. Haynie.

I'm not doubting you vc7777 when cclcm meets.

 

[vc7777]

A, yes I realized later off-line I may have been presumptive. My bad. I have he luxury of having a signature stating which program I am (nearly) always referring to. My brain defaulted to "CP". Thousand apologies

 

[DrTica]

I knew about vc7777's previous quote about when the meeting would be and how we would be hearing around the 25th-ish, so reading the post about the comittee meeting today and possibly hearing in a few weeks almost made me throw up. Waiting for this school is as bad as waiting for my first acceptance.

 

[Xinlitik]

I am on the "High Hold List" at CCLCM. Anyone know what I should make of this? (certainly better than rejection or "normal?" hold I'd say). How big is this list?

 

[spideyman44]

I've been accepted to the University program!!!!

I love Case! 😍

 

[Myuu]

Congrats!

 

[vc7777]

I am on the "High Hold List" at CCLCM. Anyone know what I should make of this? (certainly better than rejection or "normal?" hold I'd say). How big is this list?

In 12 Font, this list easily fits onto a single 8.5 X 11" Page. 😉

No seriously...list size is not known and even if it was, it would not be useful as there are too many other variables in the equation.

 

[futureMD2015]

On hold for UP... sigh... Here's hoping I hear good news before May 2nd.

 

[aptwor]

On hold for UP... sigh... Here's hoping I hear good news before May 2nd.

me too 🙁 good luck!

 

[snorlaz]

I have a few questions about the curriculum that I was hoping some current UP students could address.

I've heard more than once to avoid PBL at all costs, as some people seem to think it's not an efficient way to learn the material. Personally, I like how it seems to add a clinical context when it comes to learning the basic sciences, and it definitely creates an interactive learning environment. What do you like most/least about the IQ groups? What types sources do you usually pull information from (textbooks, articles, etc.)? How much guidance are you given in seeking out sources to study from for IQ groups? Do you feel like you are being adequately prepared for step 1? How much time off do you get to study for step 1?

I've also heard that the anatomy program at Case is "weak", and that one should strongly consider doing a masters in applied anatomy if they are interested in a specialty where anatomical knowledge is very important. From what I understand, anatomy is longitudinal over two years. I was wondering if someone could elaborate some more on this, and perhaps explain why there is a negative consensus out there towards anatomy at Case.

Finally, I understand that students have a choice of three hospitals for each core rotation. Say someone wants to do CCF for med/surg, UH for peds/OBGYN, and metrohealth for neuro/psych. Are they guaranteed to get their first choice for each rotation or do they rank their preferences and hope for the best?

Sorry if some of these questions have been answered before, but this thread is just too massive to dig through. Thanks!

 

[Myuu]

I have a few questions about the curriculum that I was hoping some current UP students could address.

Always glad to be of service!😀

I've heard more than once to avoid PBL at all costs, as some people seem to think it's not an efficient way to learn the material.

Those are generally people at places that half-ass PBL just to say that they do it (and therefore be trendy in the medical education world).

Personally, I like how it seems to add a clinical context when it comes to learning the basic sciences, and it definitely creates an interactive learning environment.

You and me both.

What do you like most/least about the IQ groups? What types sources do you usually pull information from (textbooks, articles, etc.)? How much guidance are you given in seeking out sources to study from for IQ groups? Do you feel like you are being adequately prepared for step 1? How much time off do you get to study for step 1?

On IQ likes/dislikes: Lessee. I like the chance to discuss topics with people with many different takes on the subject matter due to their own varied backgrounds. What do I not like? Second year it starts at 10, so all the first years get to eat all the leftover admission snacks. It makes me a sad penguin.

On IQ guidance: We're given a goal and several very adequate recommended resources (often more than we need), which you may supplement with a handily available online text of your choosing.

On adequacy of IQ to prepare a student for USMLE: Yes.

On time to study for boards: I think you get 4 weeks + 2 weeks slosh time, but if you do research/core 3 before that, then you have toooons of time to study. Go nuts.

I've also heard that the anatomy program at Case is "weak", and that one should strongly consider doing a masters in applied anatomy if they are interested in a specialty where anatomical knowledge is very important.

It was weak in the 70s, sure. You reaaally don't have to take the masters in anatomy. I have no idea who keeps perpetuating that idea, but they really need to stop. I think you'll find we match just fine in rads, surg, and everything else.

From what I understand, anatomy is longitudinal over two years. I was wondering if someone could elaborate some more on this, and perhaps explain why there is a negative consensus out there towards anatomy at Case.

On longitudinalism: Yes, it is over the course of two years, so that relevant normal anatomy is introduced in tandem with lectures/IQ cases on the same organ system. It's like triple exposure, which I happen to think is awesome.

On consensus: lolwut? I think that's either a) people who are basing their conclusions on the curricula of yore or b) pure, unabashed fear of the unknown.

Finally, I understand that students have a choice of three hospitals for each core rotation. Say someone wants to do CCF for med/surg, UH for peds/OBGYN, and metrohealth for neuro/psych. Are they guaranteed to get their first choice for each rotation or do they rank their preferences and hope for the best?

You could rotate at all 3, sure. People generally get the choices they want. If they don't, they trade and all is well.👍

Sorry if some of these questions have been answered before, but this thread is just too massive to dig through. Thanks!

No problem~

 

[Auriga]

I have a few questions about the curriculum that I was hoping some current UP students could address.

I've heard more than once to avoid PBL at all costs, as some people seem to think it's not an efficient way to learn the material. Personally, I like how it seems to add a clinical context when it comes to learning the basic sciences, and it definitely creates an interactive learning environment. What do you like most/least about the IQ groups? What types sources do you usually pull information from (textbooks, articles, etc.)? How much guidance are you given in seeking out sources to study from for IQ groups?

There is no end to the guidance available. They have formal instruction at first guiding us to the resources available, and then there are several available tutors / education assistance / librarian etc to give you advice at any time. They even had an optional session where we did a Kolbe exam (which they paid for) and helped us determine our best studying style.


IQ is the best way, bar none, that I learn. I feel actually that it's more efficient in learning the material in the long run - because it actually STICKS. You explain and digest the material so thoroughly that you actually understand it, rather than just memorizing it. Our board scores went up when we adopted the PBL learning style into the curriculum.


They give all students access through accessmedicine, uptodate, and several other online resource databases that are astronomical in terms of how much info they have - access medicine has almost ALL textbooks available for FREE through Case's network, which you can access via password protected virtual networking from ANY computer anywhere. Even on iphone/ipad etc. Up to date is...well look it up, it's fantastic. Up to date research condensed into topics.


I came here for the PBL, and I realized quickly that I would have suffered at the other school I got into, which has a traditional lecture curriculum.

I've also heard that the anatomy program at Case is "weak", and that one should strongly consider doing a masters in applied anatomy if they are interested in a specialty where anatomical knowledge is very important. From what I understand, anatomy is longitudinal over two years. I was wondering if someone could elaborate some more on this, and perhaps explain why there is a negative consensus out there towards anatomy at Case.

Whoever told you this has no idea wtf they are talking about. Case's match stats make it obvious that this isn't a weak anatomy program. The classmates I know who take the masters program want an insaaaaaaaaaanely deep mastery of the anatomy/histo/embryo/etc part of medicine.

The medical school anatomy/histo curriculum is strong. If I gave you the list of things we are responsible for learning just this block, your jaw would drop, it's massive - and there is an even more massive amount of effort made from multiple angles to teach/help us learn this massive info: there are the formal lectures, weekly review sessions videostreamed, scheduled gross anatomy dissections (4 students to a body!), lab is almost always open, there are tons of tutors for individual or group tutoring in lab or outside lab, student study groups, online modules, textbooks free online........

The Master's program is a program that Case happens to offer above and beyond the high standards that are already in the curriculum, which a lot of schools don't offer - and which we can take for free.

Also, the curriculum improves yearly as things are refined.

There are some students have the desperate urge to take every single other possible extreme opportunity to put something else to set them apart in their CV for competitive specialties...but that is not necessarily reality. Like Myuu said, fear of the unknown drives people to try everything.

If you look around at just SDN, you'll see an abundance of overly zealous people who swear that you ABSOLUTELY NEED something outrageous X Y or Z to get into to a particular med school (or med school in general), but they too often have a skewed idea!

 

[spideyman44]

Thank you for the congrats.

For the ones put on hold today keep your hopes up. I'll be hoping that there's some positive movement for you each as well.

 

[dummymummy]

I've been accepted at Case, thank you Lord!!!!!!!!!against all odds!!!!😍😀

 

[Emmeline]

Congrats to all those accepted =)

I got an e-mail that I was on hold for the UP program.
Prior to my interview/visit, it was one of my top choices, after the visit - it became my top choice. It's an amazing program, so I'm remaining optimistic and crossing my fingers.

Belated Happy New Year!

 

[hitsugaaya]

Pre interview hold switched to rejection today... 🙁

 

[Auriga]

Thank you for the congrats.

I've been accepted at Case, thank you Lord!!!!!!!!!against all odds!!!!😍😀

Congrats!! Doublemonkey for you!

 

[Auriga]

Pre interview hold switched to rejection today... 🙁

I'm so sorry to hear that! I've been holding crossed fingers for you for a while. Hope that your news elsewhere is positive!!