2011-2012 Northwestern Application Thread

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luckyducky87 said:
This is probably a stupid question, but what's considered a "good" deal when it comes to financial packages? As in, I assume that if it's fairly "standard" for all schools to offer $5000 (let's say), then it's not so exciting to see that you got that amount, whereas $10,000 would be more exciting. Any idea what FSM usually gives out? Or what amount would be considered a great deal?

Also, I see 3 lines in my report -- (1) FSM Grant, (2) Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, (3) Federal Graduate Plus Loan. Is my understanding correct that "FSM Grant" is basically the need-based scholarship ("free money," no need to pay back) that the school is giving me? And both (2)+(3) are loans I'll be paying back. On that note, how does the school divide the amounts between the two different loans, and what does that actually mean for me?

Lastly(!), to approximate what my debt would be at the end of medical school, I would just take (2) and (3) loans, add them up, multiply by 4 years, and that would be the number?

Thanks!! I'm not very familiar with these financial packages...
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You are correct on all front
 
did you guys do the aptly named "2010-2011 university aid application"? I think I mistakenly assumed that they discontinued that form since there wasn't a new version..hence why I've recieved no email setup email or fin aid package and had everything (else) done WEEKS ago. super bummed i think i missed getting a competitive fin aid package at my top choice school because of a misinterpretation. anesthesiology it is..
 
Ahh ok. $210,000 expected debt is more than I anticipated... but I guess I never thought about where that # came from very much. I suppose that an "average" MD student (as in, those who aren't in the MSTP program, getting merit-based scholarship, have outside scholarship, or significant parental contribution) has a lot more debt than the "average" figure.

Anyway, from the estimated student budget, I assume these items can't be reduced: tuition, loan fees, upass fee, and hospitalization insurance (total $52,135). That then leaves $25,568 for everything else (rent, personal expense, transportation, books, computer, etc)... I'll have to figure out how to cut corners!! I've been living in Boston so far with a $33K salary without too much room to save...
 
bbstrauss said:
did you guys do the aptly named "2010-2011 university aid application"? I think I mistakenly assumed that they discontinued that form since there wasn't a new version..hence why I've recieved no email setup email or fin aid package and had everything (else) done WEEKS ago. super bummed i think i missed getting a competitive fin aid package at my top choice school because of a misinterpretation. anesthesiology it is..
Click to expand...

I basically followed instructions here: http://chicagofinancialaid.northwestern.edu/application/feinberg_13_incoming_ap_instructions.html

Email (or call if you prefer) the admissions office! They are super fast with the reply. I sent in my forms all by ~March 20th, and never heard anything. So I emailed them asking when I might get my package (and that I never got the "set up your email" email) --> they gave me a preliminary package on an excel file via email right away... and also helped me set up my Feinberg account.
 
thanks! yeah I did all that by like March 6th or so! still nothing so I of course jumped to conclusions and assumed I made some sort of oversight. I just got an email literally encouraging me to submit fin aid info so I'm like banging my head against my desk..maybe it got lost in the mail or something. I'm gonna call though.
 
Yes they will also tell you if they received everything they need or not... 🙂
 
luckyducky87 said:
This is probably a stupid question, but what's considered a "good" deal when it comes to financial packages? As in, I assume that if it's fairly "standard" for all schools to offer $5000 (let's say), then it's not so exciting to see that you got that amount, whereas $10,000 would be more exciting. Any idea what FSM usually gives out? Or what amount would be considered a great deal?

Also, I see 3 lines in my report -- (1) FSM Grant, (2) Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, (3) Federal Graduate Plus Loan. Is my understanding correct that "FSM Grant" is basically the need-based scholarship ("free money," no need to pay back) that the school is giving me? And both (2)+(3) are loans I'll be paying back. On that note, how does the school divide the amounts between the two different loans, and what does that actually mean for me?

Lastly(!), to approximate what my debt would be at the end of medical school, I would just take (2) and (3) loans, add them up, multiply by 4 years, and that would be the number?

Thanks!! I'm not very familiar with these financial packages...
Click to expand...

Assuming that:

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan amount sum for 4 years in FSM = A
Federal Graduate Plus Loan sum for 4 years in FSM = B

When you graduate you will owe A+B. Then you will calculate your total cost of loan repayment (which is a sum of A+B, the respective interest they will accrue over the period that you plan to pay them back).

So the longer it takes you to pay back, the more you will end up paying. The interest is a substantial portion of the loan that is easy to elude the mind now, but impossible to avoid.
 
FYI. just called fin aid office and they informed me that admissions had difficulty assigning ~20 students net IDs and that they are working on fixing the problem. If you haven't received your account setup info or fin aid package but sent everything in you probably have an award but they just can't notify you about it until that's taken care of.
 
Gah. Already RSVP'ed a while back to Second Look, but had not bought flight tickets due to personal reasons... But at this point, the flight Thurs-Sat will cost me $450 and I'm wondering if it's worth going :-/
 
Can't make it to second look 🙁. Anyone have any insight to how important it is for finding an apartment / roommate?
 
I like meowmix said:
Can't make it to second look 🙁. Anyone have any insight to how important it is for finding an apartment / roommate?
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It would be nice to go if you can, but it's but no means necessary.

There will be a regularly updated google doc emailed out to everyone detailing available housing options, prices, amenities, etc. which is really helpful for finding a place. The only thing you'd miss out on is the fact that a lot of apartment buildings offer pretty good discounts if you tour them during 2nd look weekend.

As far as finding a roommate, you can probably still find one pretty easily as long as you're comfortable living with someone you haven't meet yet... Someone in our class put together another google doc in which you could sign up if you were looking for a roommate.
 
Can anyone share any information on housing? If there are particularly recommendable or avoidable places/neighborhoods whether in terms of convenience to getting to school, cost, safety, etc. Thanks!
 
luckyducky87 said:
Can anyone share any information on housing? If there are particularly recommendable or avoidable places/neighborhoods whether in terms of convenience to getting to school, cost, safety, etc. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'm only familiar with the places in Streeterville. As a whole, Streeterville is an extremely safe neighborhood. It appeals to a more ritzy crowd compared with the rest of Chicago, but with that population comes safety and cleanliness. Living close to the school allows you the most convenience and ease getting to and from class. Personally I love having the ability to come home for lunch or to grab something if I forgot it. Most apartment complexes in Streeterville are, at max, a ten minute walk from campus.

Do keep in mind Chicago is a pricey place to live. If you want to stay around Streeterville, and choose to forego the graduate student housing (called Worcester House), expect to pay between $900-$1400 per month (variable depending on number of roommates, apartment complex, utilities, etc).

I live close to campus and I personally LOVE IT. The convenience cannot be beat. But some of my friends are up in Lincoln Park, and it's also an awesome place to be. It's more of a neighborhood feel; plus it's nice to get away from campus and the downtown skyscrapers. The downside is the commute BUT every student is also provided a CTA pass for the entire year (built into your tuition), so you don't need to provide $$$ each time you hop on a bus/the L.

The Office of Medical Education has a great housing website: http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/AWOME/current-students/student-housing/index.html

There's a PDF on the right with a list of apartment open-houses during second look. Even though it says don't worry about making an appointment, I found as I was walking around on Saturday that having an appointment, while not necessary, was pretty nice. The later it got in the day, the emptier the leasing offices became since a lot of people were touring. Just a recommendation.

Hope that helps! Looking forward to seeing y'all at second look!
 
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So since I've been on the alternate candidate list u have sent an update letter and a letter of intent. What else can I do to improve my chances of getting in?
 
Donate a large amount of money 😀

I joke because I'm in the same boat - I'm not sure what else you really can do.
 
To those who went to Second Look, can you be so generous to share any information with us? 🙂
 
it was good...if u didn't go, i think the most critical thing was the discussion about the new curriculum (FSM 3.0) but they said they would send out more information on it and the schedule they provided was not the final draft. The main things i remember are the research requirement (scholarly concentration) but there were other things that were discussed - if any1 else wants to comment.
 
Decis said:
it was good...if u didn't go, i think the most critical thing was the discussion about the new curriculum (FSM 3.0) but they said they would send out more information on it and the schedule they provided was not the final draft. The main things i remember are the research requirement (scholarly concentration) but there were other things that were discussed - if any1 else wants to comment.
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How many people would you say went? Was the event fun, esp in terms of meeting future classmates, etc? I couldn't make it :/
 
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i think there were approximately 150-200. I was surprised by how many people were still undecided..and Dean Wallace said that 50% of people who attend 2nd look actually matriculate...so as far as meeting future classmates it was an ok opportunity but i honestly think u will get plenty opportunity to do that when we start orientation stuff in the fall. I had fun, but i wouldn't feel bad about not being able to attend if i were you...i found it helpful viewing apartments etc. because it gave me a sense of price range stuff to think about.
 
They said it was the most they have ever had...I think about 180 ppl. I believe them too because they had to put a good amount of people up in hotels because they exceeded the capacity of their student hosts. I had a great time interacting with both other 2nd lookers and the students there. I get the impression that the students who choose NW are a self selecting bunch in that they are adventurous and outgoing enough to want to live in downtown chicago, etc. The visit definitely made me more likely to ultimately choose NW, as I had a great time going out to the bars, etc. You can PM me if you have more specific questions.
 
Dean Wallace said there were about 180 students at second look, compared to the norm of about 120. It was a large group, and to be honest I really only met a small fraction of students who will be our classmates in the fall because many were undecided. I think orientation activities will be the time where many solid friendships will begin to form, so don't stress about missing it. A current student did suggest to me to get to know people before the actual start date of classes, because you do have to hit the ground running in terms of academics and it helps if you already have a network of friends established.

Second look did begin to clarify some new changes in the curriculum; for instance, we are going to be the first class with a required scholarly project, and they emphasized choosing an area of interest very early on, by January of M1 year. As a pp mentioned, they will be sending out information on all of this information. Also, we will have basic science computer based modules to complete prior to the start of classes; there will be 8 of them, and they will be available in July. The required reading is a book entitled Better and an article TBA.

Small group sessions painted pictures of student life in terms of research, community health clinics, and global health. The most unique in my opinion was the Children's hospital hard hat tour. I literally began to tear up during it bc this hospital is going to be amazing.
If you didn't get to go to second look, as others have mentioned, it was helpful to be able to scope out apartments in the area. They all suggest getting on their priority waitlists as soon as possible; many will send you the applications via email, or have applications on their website. The most popular are 420 E Ohio, McClurg Court Center, and Onterie Center.

Hope that helps 🙂
 
Thanks everyone for your responses. If that many people showed up to 2nd look, maybe our class might overenroll?
 
Haha I hope not... I am set on Feinberg and already withdrew at all other places 🙂

Another FinAid question: So we have to accept/decline our financial aid package... Does anyone decline the package deal they get?? I don't want to accept it now and find out after the fact that many people try to negotiate for a better deal 😉
 
Withdrew my place today. Good luck to those on the waitlist!
 
Lol, I'm guessing that's a no. Any more news on the possible over-enrolling?
 
I emailed to ask and here's what I heard:

Wednesday, Aug. 8th - Picnic
Thursday, Aug. 9th - Orientation begins
Monday, Aug. 20th - Classes start

The White Coat Ceremony should take place on the first day of classes.

SO much earlier than usual!
 
Wow so early! Who did you hear this from btw? I've been emailing Peggy but never get responses...
 
we heard about it during the 2nd look weekend! It's sooooo early!!
 
Hi All,

For those who decided on Feinberg, congrats! My name is Laura, and I'm finishing up my M2 year right now. I'm in need of a roommate (girl or guy). I live in a 3bed/3bath apt. in streeterville with a 24 hour doorman and in unit washer and dryer. The room available is HUGE... tons of closet space, private bath and beautiful views of the lake. The apartment building is less than 10 minutes from campus, super close to Mich ave., beaches and public transportation. We also have a gym/ heated lap pool (included in the rent) and on site dry cleaning. Rent is approx $1200. Let me know if you're interested! You can email me at [email protected].

-Laura
 
I imagine if they over-enroll, all of us on the waitlist will get an email soon telling us that they won't be taking anyone from the waitlist this year.

Is this a logical thought?
 
You would think that would be the logical way to do it. I'm still hoping they don't overenroll...
 
LittleMonster said:
I imagine if they over-enroll, all of us on the waitlist will get an email soon telling us that they won't be taking anyone from the waitlist this year.

Is this a logical thought?
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Just dropped. Good luck
 
withdrawing my spot, and hope that my scholarship goes to a cool SDNer 🙂
feinberg is awesome, but i'll have to stay closer to home. and good luck to all waitlisted folks :luck:
 
just withdrew my spot as well. a little sad... good luck anna & littlemonster. Hope you two hear good news soon!
 
Also just withdrew my spot today. I hope you guys get it 🙂
 
I just got an email asking if I was still interested and saying there was an opening for students on the Waitlist. Did everyone get this email?
 
I got this email too. Fingers crossed it means we'll hear back some good news soon!!
Did you check last years thread to see how people on the wait list were notified if they were accepted. I wonder if they're just doing a "hey, who's still interested?" type of thing.
 
fayedunaway said:
I got this email too. Fingers crossed it means we'll hear back some good news soon!!
Did you check last years thread to see how people on the wait list were notified if they were accepted. I wonder if they're just doing a "hey, who's still interested?" type of thing.
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Well I called them recently to say I was still interested, so maybe that's why I didn't get the email? When was the last time you guys told them you were interested?
 
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