2011-2012 University of Texas - Houston Application Thread

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MusicalHenry said:
Thanks! I think I may have also heard that the earlier you put your expected move in date, the better your chances. Do you know anything about this? What's a good month to put down?
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I recommend a May or June move-in. The extra month or two you'd pay for pays off with a much lower rent than anywhere else in the area.
 
A few weeks ago, I thought I saw someone who was a MS at UT-H offering advice about update letters and whom to send them to. I would really appreciate it if you would consider PMing me. Thank you! 🙂
 
armybound said:
I recommend a May or June move-in. The extra month or two you'd pay for pays off with a much lower rent than anywhere else in the area.
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So out of curiosity, how does the housing process work. Lets say I want a 2 bed 2 bath apartment. So do I have to look around for a suite mate first and then apply with that person? Or do I just show my interest in a 2 bed 2 bath and they automatically match me with a roommate?
 
cyanide12345678 said:
So out of curiosity, how does the housing process work. Lets say I want a 2 bed 2 bath apartment. So do I have to look around for a suite mate first and then apply with that person? Or do I just show my interest in a 2 bed 2 bath and they automatically match me with a roommate?
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They won't match you up with a roommate. I'm pretty sure you can fill out an app for a 2 bed 2 bath apt by yourself tough. You'll have plenty of time to look for a roommate and you'll definitely find one... cheap rent. Btw, even though rent is a bit more for the newer complex, it is definitely worth it, and its still way cheaper than what you'd pay in other nearby apt complexes.
 
addo said:
They won't match you up with a roommate. I'm pretty sure you can fill out an app for a 2 bed 2 bath apt by yourself tough. You'll have plenty of time to look for a roommate and you'll definitely find one... cheap rent. Btw, even though rent is a bit more for the newer complex, it is definitely worth it, and its still way cheaper than what you'd pay in other nearby apt complexes.
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I agree with addo. Put yourself on the list and you can find a roommate later. You don't have to have a roommate to get a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment, as far as I know. And definitely try for new housing.
 
armybound said:
I agree with addo. Put yourself on the list and you can find a roommate later. You don't have to have a roommate to get a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment, as far as I know. And definitely try for new housing.
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So where do UTH students look for other roommates? Is it mostly on facebook? Or is there a specific website that you guys have (I know rice has a seperate website for apartments and off campus living). I'm assuming that there should be a facebook page for UTH class of 2016 forming soon where everything like this would happen *humph*
 
cyanide12345678 said:
So where do UTH students look for other roommates? Is it mostly on facebook? Or is there a specific website that you guys have (I know rice has a seperate website for apartments and off campus living). I'm assuming that there should be a facebook page for UTH class of 2016 forming soon where everything like this would happen *humph*
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Stop posting "humph". People will take you more seriously.
 
cyanide12345678 said:
So where do UTH students look for other roommates? Is it mostly on facebook? Or is there a specific website that you guys have (I know rice has a seperate website for apartments and off campus living). I'm assuming that there should be a facebook page for UTH class of 2016 forming soon where everything like this would happen *humph*
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Mostly on Facebook, and there will be a Google group formed eventually.

A spare bedroom in UT housing will be very popular. You can definitely find a roommate.
 
Would same the person mind PMing the information on update letters as well? Thanks in advance.
 
UT Housing is nice, but based on what I looked at it is only really cheaper if you choose old housing, new housing rates are comparable to other places nearby. Just wanted to reassure anyone who doesn't get into housing that they aren't going to be screwed by rent. 🙂
 
@Eli - what are some other area apts that are safe and clean that many students live at (and are close!).

Also, this may be a dumb question....but does UT Houston have a library? I just remember the LRC but it seemed really crowded....are there ample study rooms and spaces (like are classrooms open after a certain time...)
 
DrGiraffe said:
@Eli - what are some other area apts that are safe and clean that many students live at (and are close!).

Also, this may be a dumb question....but does UT Houston have a library? I just remember the LRC but it seemed really crowded....are there ample study rooms and spaces (like are classrooms open after a certain time...)
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Its really convenient to be close to the rail, so fannin street station, lanesborough and greenbriar apts come to mind. These are all on the south side of the med center. Im not really familiar with places on the north side of the tmc that are also close to the rail. Anyways, during welcome weekend we'll drive you all around to a bunch of places.

I don't study at the LRC much anymore, but i went through a phase and although it will be crowded at times, it won't be to the point that you can't find an open computer. There are definitely conference rooms around the school that you can use if you are studying with groups. Theres also a real library like right next door. I personally like to study at my apt or coffee shops.
 
I like to study with a whiteboard (like I'm teaching....corny I know)....is there a place to do that that is usually available?
 
DrGiraffe said:
I like to study with a whiteboard (like I'm teaching....corny I know)....is there a place to do that that is usually available?
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They are pretty cheap. I bought a 3' x 4' one two years ago for my room.
 
DrGiraffe said:
I like to study with a whiteboard (like I'm teaching....corny I know)....is there a place to do that that is usually available?
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Some of the PBL conference rooms have an entire wall that's just a giant whiteboard (I remember the student guide saying that anyone could use these rooms as long as there wasn't a PBL session going on).
 
As an incoming MS1, if I were to put an app in the mail tomorrow for June move in to a 1 bedroom at the newer facility, am I unlikely to get a room? I got the impression that it was nearly impossible as a first year to secure a place in the newer set of apartments.

Also, what's the deal on this laptop requirement? The information in my admissions packet said that I need a laptop with 4 GB of RAM, which my laptop is no where near. What on earth do I need 4 GB of RAM in a laptop for.... I have an older Macbook Air for 2008 that I don't like to use; I prefer to use my desktop for everything. Do they really check that you have a computer that meets these specifications?
 
I think it's too early to submit an app for the waitlist (there's a certain day that it starts) but I don't think it's impossible to get a place there. I'd always have a backup plan, though.

The laptop requirement is stupid. You basically need to be able to run this 1 program on Windows. They won't enforce anything, but do pay attention to the screen resolution requirement. I used my netbook with an awful vertical resolution and the program was cut off, so I was unable to do my work on my laptop.
 
So basically, I just need to be able to view the program and I should be good? Will I need to run it in class/whatever, i.e. does it need to be on a laptop, or will I be able to just use my computer at home? Thanks for the quick reply. You're the man.
 
armybound said:
Yes, you will have to run the program in class, so you'll need a laptop.
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If finances are a consideration I believe that the school will allow you to borrow extra loans to cover the cost of a laptop (or at least they have done in prior years)
 
briton said:
If finances are a consideration I believe that the school will allow you to borrow extra loans to cover the cost of a laptop (or at least they have done in prior years)
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Yep it has been $2500. However, a common problem is that students need the laptop before loan money is disbursed. So you just have to figure it out I guess.

To anyone that has pm'd me, I'll get back to you tomorrow or monday. I've been out of town for the holiday and haven't checked sdn lately. Sorry for the slow response.
 
Anyone who received a prematch on november 16th gotten an admission packet in the mail yet? I know people who matched november 15th received it a while back.
 
Anyone have an idea how many more rounds of prematches are left? I interviewed on 10.28.
 
For those who have already received their packet in the mail, does it have a deadline for when we need to sign papers and send them back? I want to withdraw my other pre-matches but am paranoid since I haven't gotten the packet yet.

What kind of info is in the packet?
 
MusicalHenry said:
For those who have already received their packet in the mail, does it have a deadline for when we need to sign papers and send them back? I want to withdraw my other pre-matches but am paranoid since I haven't gotten the packet yet.

What kind of info is in the packet?
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They say they want it back in ~2 weeks, but they don't give any hard deadline.

You should have 5 pages when you receive your packet:
A "welcome to UTH" letter from the associate dean of admissions
Another "welcome to UTH" letter from the dean
An ethical pledge
A computer requirement list (need to sign and return)
A confirmation form (sign and return)

They include an envelope for you to send everything back in.
 
MusicalHenry said:
For those who have already received their packet in the mail, does it have a deadline for when we need to sign papers and send them back? I want to withdraw my other pre-matches but am paranoid since I haven't gotten the packet yet.

What kind of info is in the packet?
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The packet contains a hard copy of the acceptance letter, ethical pledge, and computer requirements.

You need to fill out and submit the Signature Page (stating whether you accept or decline their offer, and agree to abide by the ethical pledge if you accept) in addition to the form listing the computer requirements (stating that you read and understood these requirements).

There is no set deadline. But they do say "We would really appreciate receipt as soon as possible, preferably within the next two weeks."

Edit: oops, whatyousay beat me to it
 
Thanks for the info! Just to clarify: at this point all of these pre-match offers are non-binding correct? For example, can I accept both UTMB and UTH without losing a spot in the other? Lastly, does "accepting" an offer make me less desirable to schools I haven't heard back from yet? Lets say I accept 2-3 pre-match offers. How/when do I accept my final pick for real?
 
MusicalHenry said:
Thanks for the info! Just to clarify: at this point all of these pre-match offers are non-binding correct? For example, can I accept both UTMB and UTH without losing a spot in the other? Lastly, does "accepting" an offer make me less desirable to schools I haven't heard back from yet? Lets say I accept 2-3 pre-match offers. How/when do I accept my final pick for real?
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All prematch offers are non-binding. From the TMDSAS website:

Applicants may accept offers from more than one medical school during the pre-match offer period without the risk of an offer being withdrawn by a medical school during the pre-match offer period.
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Schools do not know where you've accepted, so getting a pre-match offer from one school will have no effect on your chances of an acceptance at another school. Your school decisions become finalized when you submit your match list on Jan. 10.
 
Great, thanks again. So with non-TMDSAS schools such as BCM, I can get accepted after I match to my top choice TMDSAS on January 10 correct? At which point I would have two acceptances and would just have to pick one over the other by a certain "final deadline?"
 
MusicalHenry said:
Great, thanks again. So with non-TMDSAS schools such as BCM, I can get accepted after I match to my top choice TMDSAS on January 10 correct? At which point I would have two acceptances and would just have to pick one over the other by a certain "final deadline?"
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Yep, AMCAS acceptances are treated separately from the TMDSAS match.

I think the deadline to hold only one acceptance is around May 15-ish, but I could be wrong (don't know if that's for AMCAS schools only, or AMCAS+TMDSAS).
 
MusicalHenry said:
Great, thanks again. So with non-TMDSAS schools such as BCM, I can get accepted after I match to my top choice TMDSAS on January 10 correct? At which point I would have two acceptances and would just have to pick one over the other by a certain "final deadline?"
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Correct. After January 10, you can hold on to your top-choice TMDSAS school + however many AMCAS acceptances you get until May 15.
 
Whatyousay said:
A second, slower opinion 😛
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Well the first time I was slow because I couldn't find my packet. The second time our posts had the exact same timestamp. But for whatever reason SDN decided to put yours first 🙁
 
I am OSS and interviewed 9/16 and still haven't heard anything regarding an acceptance or rejection. Does anyone know much about the timeline for OSS? I was thinking between 8-10 weeks but it's going on 11 now. I already have one acceptance at another TX school, would that have any influence on their decision?
 
andence said:
I am OSS and interviewed 9/16 and still haven't heard anything regarding an acceptance or rejection. Does anyone know much about the timeline for OSS? I was thinking between 8-10 weeks but it's going on 11 now. I already have one acceptance at another TX school, would that have any influence on their decision?
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If you're OOS, and you didn't tell them about it, how would they know you got accepted to another Texas school? TMDSAS doesn't reflect it. And in any case, they don't tell schools where residents got accepted. That's not whats holding you up. You've probably just got more waiting ahead, like til after match happens.
 
Anyone know when the next batch of Pre-Match offers might be out?
 
Hey y'all. I feel really fortunate to have prematched into UT-Houston because it was my top choice for a really long time. However, lately I have started to worry a lot about the exam schedule and how rigorous it appears/the effects it has on the students. For example, right now, the MS1s are studying for their Block 3 exams this week, and then right after they finish those, they have Final Exams. There's not really much time in between to study for the finals as you're dealing with other block exams and when I took the opportunity to visit UT-Houston, many of the MS1s looked really stressed or tired.

Many of the students (first year and above) have described the exam schedule as a "rollercoaster" experience where you study really hard for block finals or for block and semester finals and then you go wild for a weekend and take it easy for a week. But I've also heard a need for continuous reviewing of the material through the semester so that you're ready for the back to back block 3/semester final crunch, and that just sounds like a lot on top of all of the normal studying medical students do each day. Is it as overwhelming for MS1s as it actually seems/as they actually appeared to be? I am also worried because one of the professors for a class I sat in on said that certain topics might be tested on the semester final but said that they wouldn't be tested on his block exam. First of all, is this common? Also, are all of the semester exams NBME-type at UT-Houston? What about the block exams?
 
ManlyMan246 said:
Hey y'all. I feel really fortunate to have prematched into UT-Houston because it was my top choice for a really long time. However, lately I have started to worry a lot about the exam schedule and how rigorous it appears/the effects it has on the students. For example, right now, the MS1s are studying for their Block 3 exams this week, and then right after they finish those, they have Final Exams. There's not really much time in between to study for the finals as you're dealing with other block exams and when I took the opportunity to visit UT-Houston, many of the MS1s looked really stressed or tired.

Many of the students (first year and above) have described the exam schedule as a "rollercoaster" experience where you study really hard for block finals or for block and semester finals and then you go wild for a weekend and take it easy for a week. But I've also heard a need for continuous reviewing of the material through the semester so that you're ready for the back to back block 3/semester final crunch, and that just sounds like a lot on top of all of the normal studying medical students do each day. Is it as overwhelming for MS1s as it actually seems/as they actually appeared to be? I am also worried because one of the professors for a class I sat in on said that certain topics might be tested on the semester final but said that they wouldn't be tested on his block exam. First of all, is this common? Also, are all of the semester exams NBME-type at UT-Houston? What about the block exams?
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The curriculum at UT-Houston needs to be revamped there has to be a better way then to have hell week for two weeks in a row. I am not a student at UT-Houston but I have a friend that goes there. They start their block exams and after that start their finals. He told me it is NOT easy and it sucks. There is no way to sugar coat it. However, as a student you adapt and looking at their average step scores they are very much prepared for the boards. The hardest thing about the curriculum at UT-Houston is that if you fall behind the system makes it VERY difficult to catch up. In addition, it may create a binge/purge habit in students. In honestly, I would struggle in a curriculum like UT-Houston and UTSW...However, preclinicals grades do not mean much for residency anyways.
 
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Techmed07 said:
I would struggle in curriculum like UT-Houston and UTSW...However, preclinicals grades do not mean much for residency anyways.
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UT-H is block.
UTSW is not block.

You would struggle in both systems? Is there something that I'm misunderstanding about UT-H's or UTSW's curriculum? 😕
 
Whatyousay said:
UT-H is block.
UTSW is not block.

You would struggle in both systems? Is there something that I'm misunderstanding about UT-H's or UTSW's curriculum? 😕
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UT-Houston is block? What I define as a block system is where there is one subject at a time, UT-Houston takes multiple subjects at one time. Why I know I would struggle at both schools is the lecture time. 8-5 seems like a lot to me.
 
Techmed07 said:
UT-Houston is block? What I define as a block system is where there is one subject at a time, UT-Houston takes multiple subjects at one time. Why I know I would struggle at both schools is the lecture time. 8-5 seems like a lot to me.
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Eh, you're in school 8-5 ish, but I wouldn't say you're in lecture the entire time. From my understanding, UTSW and UTH MS1s generally have lecture 8-12 or 9-12, and then some type of lab/PBL/clinical skills/whatever type deals in the afternoon, which vary in length. Starting in 2012, I don't think any school in Texas will have an 8-5 lecture schedule.

https://one45.uth.tmc.edu/app/one.p...sched_type=public_curric&one45_public_access=
 
Techmed07 said:
... I am not a student at UT-Houston ... they are very much prepared for the boards.
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Two important points here.

Are exams fun? Does anybody enjoy them?

Are UT-H students constantly complaining about how awful our system is? Are other schools constantly talking about how wonderful their system is?

It's medical school. You have to study a lot and you have to take exams. Is there a school out there that doesn't require studying and doesn't require exams?

I've been on here for a few years discussing these exact same concerns with applicants and incoming students. I know several of them who still post on here had these same concerns over the past few years, and they can now tell you that it's not nearly as bad as they thought it was going to be. I've been through my first 2 years and I never once called it "Hell week" or anything similar, because it's not. It's 4-6 weeks of studying to take a 1 hour exam, once a day, over 4-5 days. Is that really too much effort? You know you're going in to medicine, right, and it requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice?

My own opinion is that the block schedule that we have is very nice because it gives you flexibility in your study schedule. I also think it's a very minor point in your overall medical school experience, which is where a couple of years of experience come in to play. I know applicants are thinking it's College 2.0 and all you do is lecture, study, exam, but it's not. Medical school does not revolve around exams.

Don't let a fear that will turn out to not be an issue guide a major decision. I think it's one you'll end up regretting. If UT-H is your top choice, it was for good reason. I wouldn't let a fear of having to work dissuade you from it.

And besides, if you remember all of our smiling faces at the interview, we're very happy here. If the system was so awful that it required immediate action, why wouldn't we just tell everyone to turn around and go away? If it was too difficult to handle, why are we doing so well academically while still having time to show you guys a good time on interview days?
 
You first and second years need to step it up 😉 I know you guys had these same concerns when you applied and now you're going through it. Let them know if reality meets your expectation...
 
Not to be a pain but when I went the MS1s were really laying it on thick how much they hated it....and they weren't really smiling....one even said he regretted not going to tech
 
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