2010-2011 Medical College of Wisconsin Application Thread

[Kchen22]

So I called admissions today, and the lady said they have reached capacity and are waiting for people with acceptances to decline their offers, so I guess they called the next batch of wait listed applicants already... Hopefully some of us will get that call in the near future....

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Hewulfff]

Yeah, I also called and was told that the class is full right now. Although, no deferment offers have been made yet.

 

[Kchen22]

So I guess those of us on the waitlist are screwed already? I thought they reach capacity usually at the end of the summer?

 

[Raryn]

So I guess those of us on the waitlist are screwed already? I thought they reach capacity usually at the end of the summer?

They might still make deferment offers to start in Fall 2012.

 

[OrkidLover]

Anyone know what we're supposed to wear for the first day of orientation? Is it casual or more professional for pictures? What about the rest of orientation, shorts and tshirts okay?

 

[medking]

Anyone know what we're supposed to wear for the first day of orientation? Is it casual or more professional for pictures? What about the rest of orientation, shorts and tshirts okay?

That's the million dollar question every year! lol

Casual is fine all week.

If you want to look "professional" for picture day (one day out of the whole week), that's fine too. I saw a mix of professional and casual 2 years ago.

 

[Kchen22]

So I'm guessing it's game over now for those of us on the wait list?

 

[OrkidLover]

That's the million dollar question every year! lol

Casual is fine all week.

If you want to look "professional" for picture day (one day out of the whole week), that's fine too. I saw a mix of professional and casual 2 years ago.

Is there even any reason to look really professional in the picture? I mean I won't wear a wifebeater or anything, obviously. You just have to use the badge for 4 years, and in the hospitals too, right?

 

[medking]

Is there even any reason to look really professional in the picture? I mean I won't wear a wifebeater or anything, obviously. You just have to use the badge for 4 years, and in the hospitals too, right?

Nopes, no need. Along with your badge pic you will be taking class pictures. Those class pics hanging on the wall all over the first floor, yea, those. So maybe some people like looking good? I have no idea. I go for comfort so I did casual all days.

Like I said, in my class there were more casuals than professionals if I remember correctly.

 

[skiwty]

We are two M1 medical students who are looking for one more roommate for our super 3 bed room duplex. the rent is going to be ~430, and door to door 7 mins walking to MCW. Here is a little bit more about the house: http://www.tooheyapts.com/Properties/Property_1261_63_Elm_Lawn.html

If interested, please PM me.

thanks.

 

[Venus Neutron]

On the Orientation Checklists and Deadlines, there are a bunch of medical forms that need to completed by Sep 1. Does anyone know if there will be ample time to get the physical and immunization examinations once we are at MCW?

Thanks! Looking forward to August 8th!

 

[Raryn]

Nopes, no need. Along with your badge pic you will be taking class pictures. Those class pics hanging on the wall all over the first floor, yea, those. So maybe some people like looking good? I have no idea. I go for comfort so I did casual all days.

Like I said, in my class there were more casuals than professionals if I remember correctly.

Even when we retook pictures that would be given to our clerkship directors for M3, we only had to be professional from the waist up. Led to some rather amusing outfits that day

 

[medking]

Even when we retook pictures that would be given to our clerkship directors for M3, we only had to be professional from the waist up. Led to some rather amusing outfits that day

Agreed.

 

[aabb111]

On the Orientation Checklists and Deadlines, there are a bunch of medical forms that need to completed by Sep 1. Does anyone know if there will be ample time to get the physical and immunization examinations once we are at MCW?

Thanks! Looking forward to August 8th!

I'm curious about this too.
Can any current student answer this?
Thanks!

 

[Kchen22]

So no one has heard from Jennifer from the past few days eh? I guess it's over for us this year.....

 

[snitchseeker88]

This is kind of a random question, but I was just wondering, what do current med students usually wear to class? I know MCW doesn't have an actual dress code, though obviously we should dress appropriately, but do students typically wear casual clothing (jeans/nice tops) or business casual attire or something else? And do students wear scrubs to anatomy lab, or do we just wear lab coats over our clothes? Thanks!

 

[OrkidLover]

This is kind of a random question, but I was just wondering, what do current med students usually wear to class? I know MCW doesn't have an actual dress code, though obviously we should dress appropriately, but do students typically wear casual clothing (jeans/nice tops) or business casual attire or something else? And do students wear scrubs to anatomy lab, or do we just wear lab coats over our clothes? Thanks!

I haven't started yet, but I did go sit in on lecture during my interview and people dressed like during undergrad, I would say. Very casual with jeans and t-shirts. I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb with my interview suit. My host said that the only time people dress up is when they see patients.

 

[Hewulfff]

I called and spoke to Jennifer Haluzak. They are waiting on one more person to make a choice. If that person declines MCW, then the last spot will be filled by a waitlister. Either way, deferment offers will be made. This is all supposed to happen by the end of this week.

 

[skiwty]

I called and spoke to Jennifer Haluzak. They are waiting on one more person to make a choice. If that person declines MCW, then the last spot will be filled by a waitlister. Either way, deferment offers will be made. This is all supposed to happen by the end of this week.

Hey guys, i am not sure if I am the last person. But I did decline my spot this morning. Good luck to you guys!! Cheers...

 

[medking]

This is kind of a random question, but I was just wondering, what do current med students usually wear to class? I know MCW doesn't have an actual dress code, though obviously we should dress appropriately, but do students typically wear casual clothing (jeans/nice tops) or business casual attire or something else? And do students wear scrubs to anatomy lab, or do we just wear lab coats over our clothes? Thanks!

casual 99% of the time

 

[snitchseeker88]

Thanks Orkid and Medking!

 

[lakers MD]

I called and spoke to Jennifer Haluzak. They are waiting on one more person to make a choice. If that person declines MCW, then the last spot will be filled by a waitlister. Either way, deferment offers will be made. This is all supposed to happen by the end of this week.

Any news on approximately how many deferment offers they will put out? Is my understanding correct that those offers will be made between today and tomorrow or was that in reference to filling the final spot in the class?

 

[Hewulfff]

Any news on approximately how many deferment offers they will put out? Is my understanding correct that those offers will be made between today and tomorrow or was that in reference to filling the final spot in the class?

She said a "handful" would be given out. Supposedly both that last spot AND the deferment offers would be given finalized and given out this week. Things can change though.

 

[StephenMaturin]

Paperwork sucks, and I am bad at getting it in on time. That is all.

 

[lakers MD]

Thanks for the heads up Hewulfff and all the other info you have brought to the forums over the past few months. Here is to hoping we get the call from Jennifer sometime before the end of next week !

to anyone else still holding out.

 

[letmeinplease12]

Ok, this may be a stupid question, but coming from California I have no knowledge about snow. How important is it to have underground heated parking for the winter? I am trying to decide between two places one is underground and heated parking, while the other place's parking is on a driveway. Is parking outside in the winter a dealbreaker, or is it not that bad clearing snow to be able to drive? Any input on things to know about Milwaukee winters would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PostHaste]

I wouldn't say it's a dealbreaker; thousands of people use street/driveway parking in Mke. If it was, say, $35 more a month, though, I'd probably pay it.

On the other hand, we probably only get 3-4 snowfalls a year that are actually difficult (vs. just a PITA) to get your car shoveled out of. And if your landlord is Johnny-on-the-spot with the driveway clearing you'll probably be OK.

 

[mcphung]

Ok, this may be a stupid question, but coming from California I have no knowledge about snow. How important is it to have underground heated parking for the winter? I am trying to decide between two places one is underground and heated parking, while the other place's parking is on a driveway. Is parking outside in the winter a dealbreaker, or is it not that bad clearing snow to be able to drive? Any input on things to know about Milwaukee winters would be greatly appreciated.

If you're coming from california, it can be a real pain the butt to get used to getting up earlier than usual and then scraping the snow off of your windshield. I was ok with it about the first couple of months, but when it was snowing into April it gets old real fast. One of the biggest reasons why I'm moving out of the place i'm at right now is a heated garage.

 

[Ashers]

Ok, this may be a stupid question, but coming from California I have no knowledge about snow. How important is it to have underground heated parking for the winter? I am trying to decide between two places one is underground and heated parking, while the other place's parking is on a driveway. Is parking outside in the winter a dealbreaker, or is it not that bad clearing snow to be able to drive? Any input on things to know about Milwaukee winters would be greatly appreciated.

It really depends on you. I'm from everywhere warm out West, and for me it was very important. At my first apt I had a separate non-heated garage that I paid $100/mo for. Now I pay $50/mo for my underground heated parking spot. In residency, I get mostly covered parking spots, so I maybe have to scrape ice/snow from my windshield 1-2x/year.

Winters here suck -- they're long, beyond cold, and there's a lot of snow and no mountains.

 

[2050vlsb]

How is the gym on campus? I remember seeing something during my interview but I don't remember much ... Does it usually get pretty full? I'm mostly interested in cardio machines and maybe some weight machines.

Thanks!

 

[Justforkicks4]

How is the gym on campus? I remember seeing something during my interview but I don't remember much ... Does it usually get pretty full? I'm mostly interested in cardio machines and maybe some weight machines.

Thanks!

Tonkens gym (in the basement) is relatively good for basic stuff. There's a couple treadmills, a couple elipticals, a couple benches and some weights. The first week of school I think it filled up between classes but after that you'll likely be able to get anything you want. Many (if not most) students get an off campus membership at either the Wisconsin Athletic Club or the YMCA. The WAC is ~$50/mo but right across the street and the YMCA is ~$25/mo but is two miles from school. Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[medking]

It really depends on you. I'm from everywhere warm out West, and for me it was very important. At my first apt I had a separate non-heated garage that I paid $100/mo for. Now I pay $50/mo for my underground heated parking spot. In residency, I get mostly covered parking spots, so I maybe have to scrape ice/snow from my windshield 1-2x/year.

Winters here suck -- they're long, beyond cold, and there's a lot of snow and no mountains.

...only lived here for 2 years (also from cali), but this blows my mind. Unbelievable. You'd expect awesome skiing/snowboarding in this state, but that's just not the case. Very unfortunate.

 

[Ashers]

...only lived here for 2 years (also from cali), but this blows my mind. Unbelievable. You'd expect awesome skiing/snowboarding in this state, but that's just not the case. Very unfortunate.

LOL. I never came here expecting good snowboarding. Most of the pro-boarders are from the East or West coast, not many come from the Middle. I expected cold and wind. I brought my snowboard expecting a chance to go, but I was disappointed in what they have. This is the Middle. It's flat in the Middle. There is the garbage pile ski slope.

I expected total flatness like central Illinois, so it's much better than that. Though, the hills do kill me when I ride my bike on the streets, but they're fun for mountain biking, so I don't think I'm going to kill myself like if I were going out on some of the trails out west.

 

[medking]

LOL. I never came here expecting good snowboarding. Most of the pro-boarders are from the East or West coast, not many come from the Middle. I expected cold and wind. I brought my snowboard expecting a chance to go, but I was disappointed in what they have. This is the Middle. It's flat in the Middle. There is the garbage pile ski slope.

I expected total flatness like central Illinois, so it's much better than that. Though, the hills do kill me when I ride my bike on the streets, but they're fun for mountain biking, so I don't think I'm going to kill myself like if I were going out on some of the trails out west.

Haha, I just knew that it snowed over here so that's what I was expecting. In my simple mind (sometimes too simple I guess), lots of snow = great snowboarding. In Cali, that equations works. Shows you how much I knew about the midwest before coming over, LOL.

 

[Kchen22]

So has anyone heard from Jennifer yet? I guess it's over for those on the waitlist now?

 

[Hewulfff]

So has anyone heard from Jennifer yet? I guess it's over for those on the waitlist now?

I'm hoping they're just taking a little longer to make their decisions over there.

 

[lakers MD]

Yeah, I'm with you guys. Haven't heard anything on this end either. This upcoming week is likely the end of the road, one way or another.

 

[Hewulfff]

So I called this morning and spoke to one of the admissions people (not Jennifer, she was in a meeting). She said that deferment offers have not been given out yet, and that Jennifer had mentioned this morning that the process may be complete soon. Maybe they're talking about deferment offers in the meeting Jennifer is in right now lol.

 

[qwerty89]

As far as third and fourth year rotations go, how are they graded? What percentage of your grade is based on evaluation and what percent is based on shelf exam performance?

 

[lakers MD]

I spoke with admissions today. It looks like they are still waiting to hear about who will received deferred acceptances. I was told it may be today or tomorrow, but certainly by the end of the week.

So keep your for that magical 414 phone call.

 

[cubssox2000]

As far as third and fourth year rotations go, how are they graded? What percentage of your grade is based on evaluation and what percent is based on shelf exam performance?

This depends on the rotation that you are on, but it will generally be based more on evaluation than shelf.

I'm on family med right now and the evaluation is worth 45% while the shelf is worth 20%, team based learning is worth 15%, the end of rotation OSCE is 10%, one paper worth 5% and "patient based learning" worth 5% (which is just logging the patients you see on the computer so they can keep track of what you've seen).

Other people can give you better insight into their rotations. I don't think there are any SDNer's in my track.

 

[Hewulfff]

Hey guys... just got the delayed admission offer this morning! It was about 10:50am Pacific time. You guys could have already received the call, or may be receiving one soon! Good luck!

 

[medking]

Hey guys... just got the delayed admission offer this morning! It was about 10:50am Pacific time. You guys could have already received the call, or may be receiving one soon! Good luck!

Congrats and welcome to MCW! Enjoy your time off!

 

[medking]

As far as third and fourth year rotations go, how are they graded? What percentage of your grade is based on evaluation and what percent is based on shelf exam performance?

Peds (2 months, one inpatient, one outpatient)

Inpatient eval 40%
Outpatient eval 20%
Shelf 30%
OSCE 10%

 

[lakers MD]

Congrats Hewulfff.

No call on my end, so I'm a bit sad that I have reached the end.

 

[Raryn]

Medicine (2 months)
Clinical Preceptor Evaluation (50%) (35% attending, 15% senior resident)
NBME Examination Score (30%)
OSCE (10%)
EKG Examination (10%)

Surgery (2 months)
Clinical Evaluations: 50%
Shelf Exam: 35%
Professor’s Rounds Presentation: 5%
OSCE: 5%
Professor Rounds: 5%

Peds (2 months)
Inpatient evaluations – 40%
Outpatient evaluations – 20%
Shelf exam – 30%
Peds OSCE - 10%

Ob/Gyn (6 weeks)
Evaluations (50%)
NBME shelf exam (40%)
OSCE (10%)

Psych (4 weeks)
Clincal Grade: 60%
Subject (shelf) Exam: 30%
Psychiatry OSCE: 10%

Neuro (2 weeks)
OSCE: 20%
Observed Neuro Examination Score (passport): 10%
Written Exam: 30%
Faculty and Resident evaluations: 40%

Family Med (1 month)
Evaluations (45%)
Final exam (20%)
TBL (15%)
OSCE (10%)
community health case study paper (5%)
clinical log experience (5%)

Rescuscitative and Perioperative Medicine (3-4 days of EM, 2 days of trauma surgery, rest of the month is anesthesia)
30% anesthesia clinical performance
35% written exam
15% mock trauma
15% ED performance
5% encounter log on oasis

There are also electives, which vary quite a bit.

 

[stevalin]

Current students - does MCW still use live animals in their curriculum? I heard that mcw did so in the past but were considering taking them away..
I was looking at the m1 schedule on ANGEL and there was a session titled "dog lab" as part of the clinical continuum psych course in Sept..
Thanks!

 

[Justforkicks4]

Current students - does MCW still use live animals in their curriculum? I heard that mcw did so in the past but were considering taking them away..
I was looking at the m1 schedule on ANGEL and there was a session titled "dog lab" as part of the clinical continuum psych course in Sept..
Thanks!

Hey. The dog "lab" is not with a live animal (and actually isn't really a lab at all, just discussing one). Dr. Mcbride (pysch prof) actually has interesting stories about when he was a student here at MCW and they still used live animals. The only time I think we used animals was when we did a pulmonary physiology lab and we used rats.