2011-2012 University of Tennessee Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
I also received the still under review letter so with that being said... I have spent some time in Memphis and it is a very violent place. People call it the perfect blend of hell and Indian slums for a reason. Statistics show that if you go to uthsc, 9.3 out of 10 students will be a victim of theft, rape, murder, or all three. So for those who have already been accepted this is just a warning and you may want to go somewhere else and open up some more wait list spots. 🙂

As someone who has lived in Memphis for 5 years, I can say that it's a great place to be unless you're afraid of living in a city that's not suburban utopia. There's NBA basketball, a vibrant downtown area, rich cultural and musical history, and a strong sense of partnership within the community to improve the city. As a medical student, I would imagine there are ample opportunities to improve the community's health.

Your 9.3 / 10 statistic is not only incorrect, but flat out highly unbelievable. I have no idea where you came up with that number. In Memphis, there's actually a 1/62 chance of being the victim of a violent crime, which includes theft, rape, murder, and assault (Work safe source: http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/tn/memphis/crime/). Of course Memphis IS a dangerous city, but there's not a 93% chance you'll be a victim of a violent crime!

And if you live on Mud Island (zip 38103) like many students do, your chances of experiencing a crime are likely significantly lower since it is a very safe area (I live there now).
 
As someone who has lived in Memphis for 5 years, I can say that it's a great place to be unless you're afraid of living in a city that's not suburban utopia. There's NBA basketball, a vibrant downtown area, rich cultural and musical history, and a strong sense of partnership within the community to improve the city. As a medical student, I would imagine there are ample opportunities to improve the community's health.

Your 9.3 / 10 statistic is not only incorrect, but flat out highly unbelievable. I have no idea where you came up with that number. In Memphis, there's actually a 1/62 chance of being the victim of a violent crime, which includes theft, rape, murder, and assault (Work safe source: http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/tn/memphis/crime/). Of course Memphis IS a dangerous city, but there's not a 93% chance you'll be a victim of a violent crime!

And if you live on Mud Island (zip 38103) like many students do, your chances of experiencing a crime are likely significantly lower since it is a very safe area (I live there now).

Nah that just means out of the 93% there is a 1/62 chance of survival. I know it's pretty scary stuff. All you accepted applicants better beware😱
 
Keep in mind that some of the things that make Memphis a less than ideal place to live make it an awesome place to study medicine. The emergency room is very very busy. You see advanced states of disease that you are unlikely to see in a rural medical school. The medical students do not have to fight over patients. Finally, Memphis, due to its diversity, has a huge variety of clinical training options. The students graduating from here match in every specialty.
 
Keep in mind that some of the things that make Memphis a less than ideal place to live make it an awesome place to study medicine. The emergency room is very very busy. You see advanced states of disease that you are unlikely to see in a rural medical school. The medical students do not have to fight over patients. Finally, Memphis, due to its diversity, has a huge variety of clinical training options. The students graduating from here match in every specialty.

With all the gang activity nearby, I assume the GSWs, lacerations, puncture wounds, and head traumas are all quite prevalent, too, right? Is it also true that medical students receive ample hands-on suture and line insertion experience in the ER? My physician sources here are quite a while out of med school; so I'm curious as to how much of this still holds true.

Thanks in advance.
 
With all the gang activity nearby, I assume the GSWs, lacerations, puncture wounds, and head traumas are all quite prevalent, too, right? Is it also true that medical students receive ample hands-on suture and line insertion experience in the ER? My physician sources here are quite a while out of med school; so I'm curious as to how much of this still holds true.

Thanks in advance.

I've volunteered in the Med's trauma unit for about 4 years. The med students definitely get chances to suture, because even I did as an undergrad (nothing serious) and I saw students doing it too. You can even become a "suture tech" as an M3 and get paid to perform minor suture procedures. I'm not sure about inserting lines.
 
The "shock trauma" bays of the ER are very, very busy. I was told by a current M4 that there were 12 GSWs in a single day when he was on rotation. Also, because there is a fairly large indigent population in Memphis, a huge number of very sick people come into the ER with advanced stages of disease because they couldn't afford to go to primary care clinic earlier. The trauma and medicine ER rotations are seperate.
 
As someone who has lived in Memphis for 5 years, I can say that it's a great place to be unless you're afraid of living in a city that's not suburban utopia. There's NBA basketball, a vibrant downtown area, rich cultural and musical history, and a strong sense of partnership within the community to improve the city. As a medical student, I would imagine there are ample opportunities to improve the community's health.

Your 9.3 / 10 statistic is not only incorrect, but flat out highly unbelievable. I have no idea where you came up with that number. In Memphis, there's actually a 1/62 chance of being the victim of a violent crime, which includes theft, rape, murder, and assault (Work safe source: http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/tn/memphis/crime/). Of course Memphis IS a dangerous city, but there's not a 93% chance you'll be a victim of a violent crime!

And if you live on Mud Island (zip 38103) like many students do, your chances of experiencing a crime are likely significantly lower since it is a very safe area (I live there now).

I'm fairly certain Mr. Punkle was exaggerating his statistics a bit in order to sway those accepted applicants whose sense of sarcasm was less than developed into avoiding the "hazards" of life in Memphis (thereby vacating some seats). However, your more realistic representation of the crime statistics is also very much appreciated.
 
You can become a suture tech as an M1! You shadow. Your second year you can get paid. And for all those worried about safety, I'm an M2 and grew up in Memphis (didn't go for undergrad though). I'm 5'2 and a girl and have never been a victim of a crime of any sort *knock on wood* There have been a couple of students who got their wallets stolen (I literally can only think of 2 or 3). If you can stand a little wolf whistling/hassling and can be smart about where you go when it's dark, you'll be fine. Also, if you're moving to Memphis and don't know the area well, I suggest you talk to a current student. Memphis is one of those places where it's fine in one area and pretty awful a block away. Final thought for all the vols fans, you can do most of your 3rd and 4th year rotations in Knox! Good luck and hope to see you next year!
 
I'm fairly certain Mr. Punkle was exaggerating his statistics a bit in order to sway those accepted applicants whose sense of sarcasm was less than developed into avoiding the "hazards" of life in Memphis (thereby vacating some seats). However, your more realistic representation of the crime statistics is also very much appreciated.

Yeah I guess I didn't pick up on the sarcasm because I have met so many people who actually do have this attitude about Memphis (how did I miss the smiley face at the end of the message? :lame: I must have been hungry).

Well, at least I gave some good information...?
 
Yeah I guess I didn't pick up on the sarcasm because I have met so many people who actually do have this attitude about Memphis (how did I miss the smiley face at the end of the message? :lame: I must have been hungry).

Well, at least I gave some good information...?

You did, indeed! And don't worry about missing the sarcasm; it was very subtle. I had to do a double-take the first time I read it.
 
I also received the still under review letter so with that being said... I have spent some time in Memphis and it is a very violent place. People call it the perfect blend of hell and Indian slums for a reason. Statistics show that if you go to uthsc, 9.3 out of 10 students will be a victim of theft, rape, murder, or all three. So for those who have already been accepted this is just a warning and you may want to go somewhere else and open up some more wait list spots. 🙂


I would let this kid in just based on this post, awesome.
 
This is total wishful thinking but has anyone heard about the Scholarship interviews in March? I heard they were going out at the end of February....
 
To reply above, I haven't heard anything about scholarships...but I'm also definitely not expecting to.

My question is also about housing. Is now a good time to look? I currently live in Boston, and flying down to Memphis to find an apartment would be a hassle 😳. I'll be staying with family in Knoxville from mid-July until school starts, though, so maybe I could go then? But I guess that might be too late...? Does anyone have opinions on that?

Somewhere earlier in this thread, a second look weekend was mentioned. Is that a real thing? I haven't gotten any information about it.

Looking forward to August!!
 
Im in the same boat as Stewabeet. I'm flying to Memphis in May to look at apartments. I'd like to live on Mud Island and am planning to look at Estases, Island Park and Belle Harbour. All honestly more than I'd like to pay for. Any suggestions on other places to live, possibly a little more affordable? I've read some bad reviews for a lot of the places near the school, either too many undergrads from UofM or not the safest place.
 
Im in the same boat as Stewabeet. I'm flying to Memphis in May to look at apartments. I'd like to live on Mud Island and am planning to look at Estases, Island Park and Belle Harbour. All honestly more than I'd like to pay for. Any suggestions on other places to live, possibly a little more affordable? I've read some bad reviews for a lot of the places near the school, either too many undergrads from UofM or not the safest place.

Try the Arbors of Harbor Town, which is another (the largest) apartment complex on Mud Island. I live there. I've had a few maintenance issues, but the apartments are reasonably priced (especially compared to Island Park and Belle Harbour) and the property is attractive (lots of trees, flowers, sidewalks, and space in general). Also, there are tons of med students that live here. If you have any specific questions, PM me.
 
The best time to look for places on mud island is probably late march early april. A lot of students live in midtown as well which isn't too bad and generally cheaper than the island, a lot of the places close to campus can be a little sketchy/rundown, but not all of them are and there are a few students I know that live within walking distance to campus in blair tower apts which aren't too bad (as long as you don't go on the other side of poplar at night) and affordable. Also if you're thinking about joining the medical fraternity, phi chi, rent there is majorly cheap, and you will be within walking distance to school as well. Lots of options, but overall, best time to look if you're thinking the island, which i'm sure most people are, is late march early april.
 
still no date for an interview yet... not a good sign 🙁
 
Hey all, Has anyone interviewed with Dr. Delozier? I have a friend who just got an interview invite.
 
Finally got the email! Next Wednesday
 
ok im confused. why did they give us the addresses of the two ppl we are interviewing with? are we supposed to go meet with them there? dumb question i know
 
From what I remember, yes, the addresses listed are generally where your interviews will be. You'll be shown how to get to those places on interview day, though, so don't worry about it for now!

Good luck to you!!
 
ok im confused. why did they give us the addresses of the two ppl we are interviewing with? are we supposed to go meet with them there? dumb question i know

A couple reasons:
1. Yes, you will meet them at their office (the addy in the letter)
2. Diane will mention writing thank yous to your interviewers, so that information will be necessary for the snail mail's delivery.

But, really, #2 is the main reason you need it. You'll get taken around in your whole group to see campus and the locations of every single person's interview. Don't worry, Diane will hold your hand through the interview day, as will fellow interviewees and current students. You won't be left hanging!
 
Is anyone else attending the scholarship event this weekend?
 
Okay, so they said they were going to interview me, but I still haven't received a date. I emailed Dr. Strother to check on my date status. Apparently they're "interviewing into mid April, at least." I hope this news encourages a few of you. Good luck.
 
Last edited:
Scholarship event? Do you have to be invited to it?
 
is anyone interviewing tomorrow? how big are the interview groups?
 
is anyone interviewing tomorrow? how big are the interview groups?

The interview groups are usually about 10 people. The admissions committee meets every two weeks so you usually find out what happens to you pretty soon. Good luck and be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
 
what a day! i think i stumbled too much in one of the interviews when ethics got brought up. we ended up chatting for an hour and a half though
 
what a day! i think i stumbled too much in one of the interviews when ethics got brought up. we ended up chatting for an hour and a half though

Don't sweat it, man; that's the purpose of those questions. You should be fine if you stuck to your guns and supported your answers. Good luck, I'm rooting for ya!
 
very ethics heavy interviews though lol the second one turned into more of a lecture than an interview so im not sure. not holding my breath but i loved it down there
 
im going to be a wreck until i get my letter. ive been trying not to jinx myself... i didnt buy a shirt there that i liked cause i thought it would have been bad luck
 
im going to be a wreck until i get my letter. ive been trying not to jinx myself... i didnt buy a shirt there that i liked cause i thought it would have been bad luck

I got a some lecture in my ethics interview, too, but I still got in! Rooting for you!
 
im going to be a wreck until i get my letter. ive been trying not to jinx myself... i didnt buy a shirt there that i liked cause i thought it would have been bad luck

God, screw the bad luck, I just wouldn't want to have to deal with that shirt in the event I was rejected. Can you imagine getting a rejection letter and running across that shirt in your dresser drawer? I'd probably end up burning it in some melodramatic scene of teary eyed rage. LoL
 
God, screw the bad luck, I just wouldn't want to have to deal with that shirt in the event I was rejected. Can you imagine getting a rejection letter and running across that shirt in your dresser drawer? I'd probably end up burning it in some melodramatic scene of teary eyed rage. LoL
haha idk man. it was a pretty nice shirt. besides... im an alum of the UT system so i can wear it and be ok 😀
 
haha idk man. it was a pretty nice shirt. besides... im an alum of the UT system so i can wear it and be ok 😀

LoL I was imagining a UTHSC Med shirt.

Man, I am so tired of waiting. I can't believe I still have an interview to attend this late in the game. It makes me wonder how seriously the committee will take me at this point, you know? I mean, are they just interviewing for the WL at this point?
 
LoL I was imagining a UTHSC Med shirt.

Man, I am so tired of waiting. I can't believe I still have an interview to attend this late in the game. It makes me wonder how seriously the committee will take me at this point, you know? I mean, are they just interviewing for the WL at this point?
i have no idea. strothers danced around the question when i asked him about the numbers
 
In all honesty, you are most likely interviewing for the waitlist right now. Nelson's not going to tell you that but interviews done around this time are pretty much for waitlist spots. On the plus side, you most likely won't get rejected either and will just receive the "no decision" letter, their version of a waitlist. They will rank you on April 15th and you can call in to see where you are. If you are in the top 60, you most likely will get in. If you are lower then that, they will just give you a fraction to make you feel better that you won't be getting in. However, you never know, you could still rock your interview and get one of the very few spots still left right now. Good luck guys. Believe me I know your pain.
 
In all honesty, you are most likely interviewing for the waitlist right now. Nelson's not going to tell you that but interviews done around this time are pretty much for waitlist spots. On the plus side, you most likely won't get rejected either and will just receive the "no decision" letter, their version of a waitlist. They will rank you on April 15th and you can call in to see where you are. If you are in the top 60, you most likely will get in. If you are lower then that, they will just give you a fraction to make you feel better that you won't be getting in. However, you never know, you could still rock your interview and get one of the very few spots still left right now. Good luck guys. Believe me I know your pain.

Thanks a bunch for the clarification. Even though I suspected as much, it feels better to read it outright. *sigh* ETSU just called and accepted a few people off their WL. I wasn't among the lucky as of yet.

I remember reading other peoples' posts in this position last year while I planned ahead for this cycle and thinking, "Man, I'd hate to be in their position." Ah, life...
 
In all honesty, you are most likely interviewing for the waitlist right now. Nelson's not going to tell you that but interviews done around this time are pretty much for waitlist spots. On the plus side, you most likely won't get rejected either and will just receive the "no decision" letter, their version of a waitlist. They will rank you on April 15th and you can call in to see where you are. If you are in the top 60, you most likely will get in. If you are lower then that, they will just give you a fraction to make you feel better that you won't be getting in. However, you never know, you could still rock your interview and get one of the very few spots still left right now. Good luck guys. Believe me I know your pain.

Any idea when the "interviewing for the waitlist" starts?
 
Any idea when the "interviewing for the waitlist" starts?

From what it sounds like, it's already started. I finally got my date scheduled via email last night around 9p for next Monday. Someone must've been working late. Anyone else interviewing Monday?

Has anyone interviewd with my alpha interviewer, Don Gallant, MD, or my beta, David Nutting, PhD? Any pointers as to what to expect from these two or which will focus on academics and the other ethics? Thanks ahead of time and good luck to all.
 
congrats! and good luck. no way to tell which one does which though
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top