2011-2012 University of Texas - Houston Application Thread

[LRAccord624]

---

Members don't see this ad.

As far as clinical experiences are concerned, what are the major differences between uth and bcm? (besides the extra time Baylor students have due to shorter preclinical years)

I don't know a lot of details about their clinical years vs. ours- armybound will probably know more. I met a 4th year from Baylor last weekend who told me that both schools have their pros and cons. In HIS experience, our students have harder call schedules, but our attendings are generally nicer and we do less scut. Once again, his words, so maybe armybound can elaborate on that and tell you more info.

I can tell you about their transition from basic sciences to clinical rotations. Next week Baylor MS2's take their last block exam Monday and their end of basic science exam Friday. The EBSE is basically an exam over everything they've learned in med school. This week they do the OSCE, which is basically a graded history/physical. They start rotations in January and don't take step until next January-march 2013... I think. Basically they complete a few of their core rotations, take like a month off to take step, then go back to rotations. Hope that helps.

 

[armybound]

Our connections to our clinical facilities are obviously very different. I've heard a rumor that they don't even take call, but I don't see how that could be true.

Sorry, I don't have an answer for you. I can tell you about our rotations but I don't know much about how BCM operates.

 

[Bojack Horseman]

is it common for students to do elective rotations during their third year?

 

[armybound]

is it common for students to do elective rotations during their third year?

Common at other schools, or common here?

We just started doing third year electives. I'm not sure how common it is at other schools.

 

[Bojack Horseman]

Common at other schools, or common here?

We just started doing third year electives. I'm not sure how common it is at other schools.

Common at uth. For example, if I was interested in doing an ER rotation, would I be able to do that 3rd year or would I have to wait until I complete all of the required rotations first?

 

[Cinematographer]

Any current student care to comment on the global health opportunities? For example, does the school allow finding your own programs at locations not part of the core GH program? Also, when are international rotations/volunteering usually done?

 

[armybound]

Common at uth. For example, if I was interested in doing an ER rotation, would I be able to do that 3rd year or would I have to wait until I complete all of the required rotations first?

Yeah, you'll be able to do it in the third year. Up until this year the 3rd year curriculum did not include electives, but due to student feedback they've added a 3-week elective into our schedule. It's graded as pass/fail, but it's great exposure to potential fields of interest.

Unfortunately I don't believe every single elective is offered, but a lot of the most popular fields are offered, including ER.

 

[armybound]

Any current student care to comment on the global health opportunities? For example, does the school allow finding your own programs at locations not part of the core GH program? Also, when are international rotations/volunteering usually done?

One of my classmates (tolip) is doing his own GH project. I sent him a text to see if he'll come talk more about it.

We do have several opportunities for global health work. We have a couple of clinics that our faculty routinely travel to, mostly in central and south America. We also have a connection to an orphanage (I believe) in Kenya. It's very common for students to go over their summer, on spring break, and as a 4th year elective. Our global health student interest group (SIGHT) is very active.

 

[Bojack Horseman]

Thank you for fielding so many questions!

 

[LRAccord624]

Any current student care to comment on the global health opportunities? For example, does the school allow finding your own programs at locations not part of the core GH program? Also, when are international rotations/volunteering usually done?

Yes you can find your own program, or you can do something with the GH organization. You have opportunities to do GH volunteering during spring and summer breaks. During spring break some people went to Honduras and there were several places people went during summer last year- south America, Africa (one of my best friends spent a month in Kenya). It's getting difficult to find places to send people right now bc of no-travel-zones. But the GH
Organization and the concentration track are pretty great.

They also take a couple weekend trips each semester to provide health screenings etc for an under-served community in Brownsville.

 

[DrGiraffe]

Happy Block week guys! Thanks for answering our questions despite your exams!

 

[cyanide12345678]

Was there any scholarship information in the admissions packet that everyone received?

 

[DrGiraffe]

My friends are chipping together to get me a grad present. They want to buy a steth for me. They want to know whether Littmann Cardio III or Master is better. Does anyone from UT-Houston know?

 

[Whatyousay]

Whenever my friends start talking about UT-H, the interview day chocolate cake inevitably becomes the center point of discussion.

 

[armybound]

My friends are chipping together to get me a grad present. They want to buy a steth for me. They want to know whether Littmann Cardio III or Master is better. Does anyone from UT-Houston know?

I like having a separate bell end and diaphragm end instead of using a tunable diaphragm. It also helps in peds because you can use the bell end as a pedi diaphragm. For convenience I'd take the Cardiology III.

I actually have the Classic II SE and I don't think it's a bad steth, though sometimes it seems like I'm having a hard time hearing what everybody else hears easily. A lot of that is about the observer and not the stethoscope, though.

 

[smallbadwolf]

Does anyone know if UT Houston is offering out any more interview invites for either the 12/16 or 1/6 dates, or if they've likely already given all of them out?

Also, has anyone heard of writing a letter of intent/interest for the purposes of getting an interview? Seems somewhat desperate...

 

[LRAccord624]

Does anyone know if UT Houston is offering out any more interview invites for either the 12/16 or 1/6 dates, or if they've likely already given all of them out?

Also, has anyone heard of writing a letter of intent/interest for the purposes of getting an interview? Seems somewhat desperate...

I'm sure the invites for 12/16 have gone out (unless someone cancels last minute) but not sure about 1/6.

As for LOI's, apparently the administration has stated that they aren't accepting them this year, although they've been successful in the past.

 

[SanAntonian]

Whenever my friends start talking about UT-H, the interview day chocolate cake inevitably becomes the center point of discussion.

Good point. It seems the cake trumps the helicopter most of the time.

I'm sure the invites for 12/16 have gone out (unless someone cancels last minute) but not sure about 1/6.

As for LOI's, apparently the administration has stated that they aren't accepting them this year, although they've been successful in the past.

Thanks for sharing. I think a lot of people are praying to get that last date (especially those who went to the reapplication workshop and have not been interviewed despite impovement).
Are you sure about the administration not accepting a LOI or could it be hearsay?

 

[LRAccord624]

Good point. It seems the cake trumps the helicopter most of the time.


Thanks for sharing. I think a lot of people are praying to get that last date (especially those who went to the reapplication workshop and have not been interviewed despite impovement).
Are you sure about the administration not accepting a LOI or could it be hearsay?

It could definitely be hearsay (I believe it was posted earlier in this thread... or maybe the Republic of Texas thread not sure). I wouldn't have let that stop me from writing one, but that's just me.

 

[MongrelDr]

I wrote a letter, I haven't heard anything but (it was discussed also) at this point what do you have to loose?

I was pretty honest about my intentions... I writing this update in the hope it will entice you to reconsider me for interview... that kinda thing. Sad but I have/had my heart set on UTH 🙄

 

[SanAntonian]

I wrote a letter, I haven't heard anything but (it was discussed also) at this point what do you have to loose?

I was pretty honest about my intentions... I writing this update in the hope it will entice you to reconsider me for interview... that kinda thing. Sad but I have/had my heart set on UTH 🙄

Well, know that you're not alone. There are thousands of us wanting to be interviewed here, let alone accepted. I'm sure it's difficult at times for the admin to decide who and who not to interview. At least you're giving it a valiant effort 🙂

 

[laxian]

I wrote a letter, I haven't heard anything but (it was discussed also) at this point what do you have to loose?

I was pretty honest about my intentions... I writing this update in the hope it will entice you to reconsider me for interview... that kinda thing. Sad but I have/had my heart set on UTH 🙄

Yea I also sent them a letter but also nothing. I mean there are still jan interviews but not too likely of a chance anymore, I think.

Or are there no jan interviews? Hah

 

[cyanide12345678]

Yea I also sent them a letter but also nothing. I mean there are still jan interviews but not too likely of a chance anymore, I think.

Or are there no jan interviews? Hah

I think the last interview date is until 1/6. Though I think UTH sends out interview invites for their interview dates until up until the last minute. Like I was given an 8 day notice for my interview date. So, I wouldn't be surprised if somebody received an interview invite up until the 26th or 27th or december.

 

[LRAccord624]

Any current student care to comment on the global health opportunities? For example, does the school allow finding your own programs at locations not part of the core GH program? Also, when are international rotations/volunteering usually done?

Thought you might want to see this. Great blog written by our students who went to Kenya for a month this summer. Enjoy!

http://uthoustonstringsattached.wordpress.com/

 

[PianoMajor]

Interview tomorrow morning. Anyone else?

 

[therunner12]

Interview tomorrow morning. Anyone else?

Good luck buddy.

 

[joshloucks]

Interview tomorrow morning. Anyone else?

Good luck man!

 

[Whatyousay]

Good luck buddy.

Good luck man!

Best of luck! 👍

 

[Missorleans]

Interviewed today. Loved this school!!! Can't tell if my interviews were good or not. I know I didn't do bad but I don't think I impressed them either...wonder when the committee meets.

 

[TheQ]

Could someone tell me the schedule of the interview day? I'm an OOS applicant and will be interviewing on Jan 6. The e-mail says that the interview day ends by 3:30, but if the actual interviews are in the morning and facility tours etc are in the afternoon, I could catch a 2:15 flight which would be great.

 

[nysw]

Could someone tell me the schedule of the interview day? I'm an OOS applicant and will be interviewing on Jan 6. The e-mail says that the interview day ends by 3:30, but if the actual interviews are in the morning and facility tours etc are in the afternoon, I could catch a 2:15 flight which would be great.

Half the group interviews in the morning until lunch (noon ish? I don't remember), and the other half interviews after lunch. You tour when you're not interviewing (for example, 2 morning interviews, lunch, tour in the afternoon or vice versa).

 

[TheQ]

Half the group interviews in the morning until lunch (noon ish? I don't remember), and the other half interviews after lunch. You tour when you're not interviewing (for example, 2 morning interviews, lunch, tour in the afternoon or vice versa).

Thanks, that's helpful. I'll ask them to see if I can get scheduled for the morning interviews.

 

[CargoPants]

Whenever my friends start talking about UT-H, the interview day chocolate cake inevitably becomes the center point of discussion.

Is the chocolate cake regularly served at a UTH restaurant?

Thanks, that's helpful. I'll ask them to see if I can get scheduled for the morning interviews.

It will be interesting to hear what they say, as they are notorious for being inflexible regarding scheduling. It may be a good idea to just go on the tours anyways because that's a big selling point of UTH and you may not get the full experience if you leave early.

 

[armybound]

Is the chocolate cake regularly served at a UTH restaurant?

not that I've found. we rely on interview days to have a chance to get some cake

 

[LRAccord624]

Is the chocolate cake regularly served at a UTH restaurant?



It will be interesting to hear what they say, as they are notorious for being inflexible regarding scheduling. It may be a good idea to just go on the tours anyways because that's a big selling point of UTH and you may not get the full experience if you leave early.

Just sayin, they let me interview at UTH and Baylor on the same day. I didn't get to do the afternoon tours, but I came back for a second look on the January interview day and attended the rest of the tour then. N=1 and all but I don't think they're unwilling to work with applicants.

 

[armybound]

Tours are definitely optional, and I'm sure they could get you in with a morning interview. It's not as big of a deal as rescheduling an entire day.

 

[Flumba]

Hey all, I have a fairly loaded question for the current students about what school I should attend. I am stuck between UTHSCSA and UT Houston, and I don't know which one I should rank higher. Here is my feelings on both schools.

The case for San Antonio:
I am graduating from Trinity in May and have a strong undergrad social support base. My fraternity brothers will still be here for me to have dinner with. I am already acknowledging that I won't have enough time to hang out with them on a regular basis, but I would be able to occasionally. I already know the city so I won't have to worry about that learning curve. Basically I have a great support system.

When I interviewed at San Antonio, on Halloween, it "felt right". I had the same feeling that made me choose Trinity over other schools. I liked the school, setting, and the people. I could see myself hanging out with these people and I could see myself working in the school. Also, I already prematched to San Antonio. The curriculum is exciting and I think it looks really cool. The current probation status doesn't worry me.

The case for Houston:
I interviewed on the 16th and it went pretty well, even though one of my interviewers said "are you wasting my time by interviewing here" after I was honest about my prematch status. I have friends from Houston and likely friends who will move to Houston after graduation. The cost of living in Houston and TMC is higher than cost of living in San Antonio and UTHSCSA. I really like facilities. All I could describe them as is beautiful and they look like they would be great to learn in. The curriculum is a little daunting but it is doable. The students and staff at Houston and San Antonio seem interchangeable. Again, I liked the atmosphere. I could see myself hanging out with the students and practicing. I didn't feel the "magic" that makes my hair stand up, but I still felt something. Either way I really like the school, and the more I think about it the more I could see myself at Houston!

So students of Houston. What do you think I should do? I am stuck at in impasse. Even if I rank Houston above San Antonio, and Houston doesn't accept me, I still have an acceptance somewhere.


Thoughts, questions, screams of angst?

 

[armybound]

Hey all, I have a fairly loaded question for the current students about what school I should attend. I am stuck between UTHSCSA and UT Houston, and I don't know which one I should rank higher. Here is my feelings on both schools.

The case for San Antonio:
I am graduating from Trinity in May and have a strong undergrad social support base. My fraternity brothers will still be here for me to have dinner with. I am already acknowledging that I won't have enough time to hang out with them on a regular basis, but I would be able to occasionally. I already know the city so I won't have to worry about that learning curve. Basically I have a great support system.

When I interviewed at San Antonio, on Halloween, it "felt right". I had the same feeling that made me choose Trinity over other schools. I liked the school, setting, and the people. I could see myself hanging out with these people and I could see myself working in the school. Also, I already prematched to San Antonio. The curriculum is exciting and I think it looks really cool. The current probation status doesn't worry me.

The case for Houston:
I interviewed on the 16th and it went pretty well, even though one of my interviewers said "are you wasting my time by interviewing here" after I was honest about my prematch status. I have friends from Houston and likely friends who will move to Houston after graduation. The cost of living in Houston and TMC is higher than cost of living in San Antonio and UTHSCSA. I really like facilities. All I could describe them as is beautiful and they look like they would be great to learn in. The curriculum is a little daunting but it is doable. The students and staff at Houston and San Antonio seem interchangeable. Again, I liked the atmosphere. I could see myself hanging out with the students and practicing. I didn't feel the "magic" that makes my hair stand up, but I still felt something. Either way I really like the school, and the more I think about it the more I could see myself at Houston!

So students of Houston. What do you think I should do? I am stuck at in impasse. Even if I rank Houston above San Antonio, and Houston doesn't accept me, I still have an acceptance somewhere.


Thoughts, questions, screams of angst?

It doesn't actually sound like there are any benefits to being in Houston, unless I missed them.

 

[Flumba]

It doesn't actually sound like there are any benefits to being in Houston, unless I missed them.

I liked the facilities at Houston over San Antonio, and the students/staff seem interchangeable. As I said before I enjoyed the students and staff at each. Houston is a better city than San Antonio, and it would be a nice change of pace to live in a different city for another 4 years. I am having a hard time deciding, but the more the I look at the issue Houston like a better choice. I am really just look for students to weigh in on the issue (hence the reason I did an x-post to the San Antonio post).

 

[therunner12]

.

 

[armybound]

I liked the facilities at Houston over San Antonio, and the students/staff seem interchangeable. As I said before I enjoyed the students and staff at each. Houston is a better city than San Antonio, and it would be a nice change of pace to live in a different city for another 4 years. I am having a hard time deciding, but the more the I look at the issue Houston like a better choice. I am really just look for students to weigh in on the issue (hence the reason I did an x-post to the San Antonio post).

I don't really know what to tell you. Maybe other students will chime in with their opinion.

I've said before on here that if I had to go back and reapply, the things I'd consider important for ranking would probably be different. Living where you want to live and being either close to or far away from your family/friends/support network would be highest on my list. Things like average Step score and curriculum would be incredibly low. Basically I'd say go wherever you're going to be happiest, with the lowest stress and best opportunities for relieving stress.

You seemed to have really liked San Antonio but for some reason feel like taking a chance at UT-Houston, and I can't quite tell what the motivating factor is. How nice your facilities are don't really play much of a role in your education, in my opinion -- it comes more from the faculty and residents, and your patient population. With the way our streaming is set up, you don't really even need to be in class for much of the first 2 years, except for required stuff... though I will admit that having those computers at the cadaver lab seems pretty baller.

It's definitely your choice to make and I think UT-Houston is a great school. I think anybody would be happy here, with few exceptions. Bottom line is I think it's most important to go where you feel most comfortable, because that's the only thing that's truly different among the schools.

 

[PianoMajor]

Okay so I totally loved this school. It really seemed like the med students were the stars of the community there. I love the big city, I love the big stage, and could see myself going here for sure. My first interview was alright, a bit challenging, but overall ok. My second interview was great. We'll see how it goes. San Antonio interview tomorrow. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to compare these amazing schools.

 

[SanAntonian]

I liked the facilities at Houston over San Antonio, and the students/staff seem interchangeable. As I said before I enjoyed the students and staff at each. Houston is a better city than San Antonio, and it would be a nice change of pace to live in a different city for another 4 years. I am having a hard time deciding, but the more the I look at the issue Houston like a better choice. I am really just look for students to weigh in on the issue (hence the reason I did an x-post to the San Antonio post).

Houston is a better city than SA? Maybe if you're a big sports fan, otherwise I would just say it's bigger.

 

[DrGiraffe]

No, Houston > San Antonio because of the TMC.

 

[eli20]

Houston is a better city than SA? Maybe if you're a big sports fan, otherwise I would just say it's bigger.

Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, SA is nice but it's not even in the same league, they aren't even really comparable. Better food, cultural opportunities, bigger diversity, great sports, symphony, opera, ballet, great bars/nightlife.

 

[Morzh]

If a giant city with lots of nightlife is important to you, then Houston>Dallas>San Antonio>College Station>Galveston>Lubbock>El Paso as far as the Texas cities go.

Those things aren't important to everybody though. To me the size and congestion of Houston are actually a major turn off. Plus the cost of living is higher. I like the small-town feeling. I'm also married with a kid so I don't care about night life like single students who like to party do.

 

[eli20]

If a giant city with lots of nightlife is important to you, then Houston>Dallas>San Antonio>College Station>Galveston>Lubbock>El Paso as far as the Texas cities go.

Those things aren't important to everybody though. To me the size and congestion of Houston are actually a major turn off. Plus the cost of living is higher. I like the small-town feeling. I'm also married with a kid so I don't care about night life like single students who like to party do.

Giant cities offer more than nightlife, there is just more to do in general and more varied people. Houston also has excellent museums, which I forgot earlier. Cost of living in Texas is essentially identical throughout the entire state except for rent, which even then is super low compared to cities elsewhere in the country. Just wanting to dispel the "big cities = partier school" idea.

That said, go where you'll be happy. If you don't like cities you probably wont enjoy Houston or Dallas for four years. I think most college-aged people prefer a big city though.

 

[BlakeV]

That sounds awesome! I'm a music major. please post if you find out anything about it.

You should send a message to the SDN user "Jolie South". She goes to BCM but she plays in the TMC Orchestra.

Thank you very much! I found a Youtube link to the TMC orchestra and they're better than I thought! I never expected there would be many people out there interested in music 🙂

here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twAlzhILtys&feature=related

 

[briton]

If a giant city with lots of nightlife is important to you, then Houston>Dallas>San Antonio>College Station>Galveston>Lubbock>El Paso as far as the Texas cities go.

Those things aren't important to everybody though. To me the size and congestion of Houston are actually a major turn off. Plus the cost of living is higher. I like the small-town feeling. I'm also married with a kid so I don't care about night life like single students who like to party do.

Houston to me feels more like a collection of small towns. Everything I need is close to the house so I never have to deal with any of the congestion you seem concerned about since I hardly ever leave the neighborhood.

I personally think Houston is a great place to have a family. There is a lot to do for everyone, married or single.

 

[toxictrix]

I prematched here this morning. I found it odd since I was at the very first interview date.