I applied late to most schools, so I haven't heard back from many yet. Still waiting on UAB for an interview. They are so slow! When you say they were waiting to see what happened at UAB, do you mean how many students would choose to go there instead?
Your name rocks, BTW.
<---Neurobio major lol
Yeah, last year was, in fact, a bit odd (and I finally got Mark/Michael Scott to admit that). It looked like, and I was warned not to state this as fact, but it APPEARED that UAB was loading up their class with more than the usual number of out-of-staters. Apparently it was a financial decision, and all in all it would have balanced out in their benefit. So there was a lot of waiting around for UAB make decisions, to publish their waitlist, and for the list to move, and all of that trickled downstream. As you saw, many SDNers were greatly affected by this (and are in turn still here to talk about it). There's no denying that many folks come in thinking that UAB is the way to go (especially out of staters), and the class is bigger, so you can see how the competition affects us down here directly. Don't know if it will be that way this year, but I'm guessing that what happens at UAB will still have marked effects at South.
I'm glad you're enjoying your time! Have any criticism or thoughts about the school thus far? I did get accepted this year! YAY! I'm still waiting to hear from UAB, but the longer I think about it the more I'm leaning towards USA. I think I'd do better with a smaller class and more traditional curriculum.
I'm really happy for you. I hope the other waiting veterans are as lucky this year. Anyway, I love it here. Its definitely where I am supposed to be. There arent any deal-breaking issues, or big issues at all (there are hiccups anywhere you go, and that includes SOUTH and UAB). Here were some selling points for me:
1- Small Class size: we all know each other and are very close. Its good not to have to feel like you have to keep your guard up for classmates on top of all the other stress (and theres a lot of stress). Everybody helps each other. I dont know what its like at UAB, but I can imagine you are a fair amount less likely to get to know everybody. Also, I HAVE heard that things are a little more competitive there (i have many friends there). Weve only got a few gunners here, but it hasnt even been an issue.
2- Actual anatomy dissection lab. UAB does not dissect cadavers anymore. They have pre-done prosections. Since this was the coolest and greatest part about first semester, I would have hated to lose this.
3- Traditional curriculum Might be old-fashioned, not shiny with all the bells and whistles. But rest assured the board scores dont lie, so it works. Its also nice not to be wondering if things still arent hammered out with a newer systems based curriculum. Apparently it was a rough transition up at UAB, but I am told that things have probably leveled out by now.
4- People say that UAB looks nice on the application come residency time. I dont doubt this. Thats all fine and dandy. Im not planning on using a name to get my foot and the door (I havent done so yet, and Ive been fine thus far). Rely on your board scores and letters from 3rd and 4th year. Which brings me to my next point:
5- First off: I admit I am only a first-year, and have no experience with the following, but I have talked to many people on both sides that do. There is a general consensus that one has a higher likelihood of hands-on, valuable experience during 3rd and fourth years at South. This has been said to occur in Tuscaloosa and Hunstville for UAB, but in Birmingham there is an apparently significantly more competitive environment for quality time (higher concentration of students/residents/etc per patient/case, what have you). The clinical years are very important in getting letters of rec/experience and in determining your residency (in addition to board scores). This is truer for some residencies over others (many of which are the traditionally prestigious specialties).
Im sure theres a long list of reasons why UAB is a great school, too. Truth is, I knew in my gut South was for me, before I knew many of the above things. I dont think theres any reason to NOT go to UAB, I just felt right here. A lot of folks report a similar phenomenon, where they just knew once they interviewed. Just a better fit. The location, the attitudes, the vibe in general just added up right.
For me, I was warned ahead of time how important it was to make the transition smoothly, and hit the ground running. So every little bit of stress and every little form of relief
.they all add up. The recipe here was right, and I adapted very quickly, with only a few small road bumps. I think for people like us, this is VERY important to consider when choosing a school. I could tell this place was laid back, and I found balance very easy. I have time to play intramural sports (with classmates), video games, take a trip, be married, AND study and make good grades. I am not sure it would have been the same way for me at UAB.
Sorry for the novel. Hope the decision comes easily to you.
I think it's about time to upgrade.
