I'm interviewing at Texas Tech in October. I'm OOS, and Lubbock seems like a pretty dead place but the school seems great. What did you like about the school? Also, what are some good things about Lubbock that I can sell to my wife?
cbas,
with a disclaimer: I am older than most applicants, married with 2 kids. So I am seeing things from my own perspective.
1) The location wouldn't be ideal if all I wanted was to go to bars, drink and pickup chicks. However as a father of 2 kids, with my kind of responsibilities, I think the place is ideal. For one thing, cost of living is low. I will have to borrow more money that a traditional student, and this money will go further over Lubbock. Secondly the weather is nicer than many other places in Texas. Cool evenings and mornings. During my stay, I enjoyed that, even if it was for 2 days only. So I would definitely want to live there. The location is very "conducive" to the pursuit of my own goals. And the cherry on the cake: No traffic! For me, it is a huge plus.
2) The school is great. Facilities, students and faculty were all great. The sim lab is very cool, with surgery stuff, Harveys and 3D displays. Buildings, student center, gym are simply great. The interviewers I had were very kind, and the students extremely helpful.
So for me, all around, it clicked really well. It is more a feeling than a rational reaction. I just enjoyed being there, and discovering the place.
Now the truth is that I interviewed at UTMB as well and will interview at UTSW. I enjoyed UTMB and I am sure UTSW will not disappoint me. For me, it is kind of the big meeting to come. If anyone of these school accepts me, I am lucky. Of course financial burden and feasibility will weigh quite a lot (and being a father of 2 kids, you can imagine).
Good luck for your interview. I bet you will enjoy it.
