2013-2014 University of Colorado Application Thread

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Last interview day was yesterday. I'm expecting more acceptances in 3, 2, 1 . . .

I just looked at last year's thread and it looked like about a week and a half after the last interview day before the big acceptance day.
 
I just looked at last year's thread and it looked like about a week and a half after the last interview day before the big acceptance day.
That's what I garnered too... Of course, I'm going to try to ignore it to avoid needless neuroticism. It seemed like 10 days after the last interview acceptances started coming out in waves throughout the month of March interspersed with some rejections and WL notifications as well (sometimes all on the same day)!
 
SO ... what are the chances of someone getting accepted if they scored.... say.... oh i don't know ... a 91 on the interview portion of the application?
 
SO ... what are the chances of someone getting accepted if they scored.... say.... oh i don't know ... a 91 on the interview portion of the application?

How did you find out your interview score?
 
SO ... what are the chances of someone getting accepted if they scored.... say.... oh i don't know ... a 91 on the interview portion of the application?

I'd assume you probably know the answer to that Q better than anyone on here if you've managed to snag your interview score.
 
Anyone know why Colorado plummeted in the primary care us news rankings? Is focus shifting more towards research?
 
How is it even determined?
I "enjoyed" this article. It explains how US News most likely ranks schools and suggests several problems with their methodology:

http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/publish/news/newsroom/7993

It seems primary care rankings are determined by combining the MCAT scores and GPAs of admitted students, the number of graduating students selecting to pursue primary care, and the "faculty/student" ratio. MCAT/GPA statistics change every year but usually not more than a few tenths of an MCAT/ few hundredths of GPA (however, this results in radical changes in placement). The article discusses other issues with the elements.

As for research, I'm not sure. I always assumed that research rankings were determined by a mix of admissions statistics (GPA/MCAT) and the amount the school received in funding for research. Colorado is notorious for not funding schools (hence the ridiculous price-tag for OOS attendance) and CUSOM claims their budget was affected when two of their departments merged... I don't know the details and frankly, I don't care than much. The only statistic that would really matter to me would be the USMLE pass rates. Other than that, residency seems to be more important.
 
Opinions of having a puppy/dog during med school?
 
Opinions of having a puppy/dog during med school?

I have 2 cats and plan on keeping them. :cat:
I do think dogs are probably a little bit more high maintenance, but I haven't had one since my childhood. Maybe adopt an older doggie so they won't need to be taken out to pee ever few hours like puppies.
 
If one of the benefits of going to second look day is finding a roommate, what do you suppose people generally do if they get accepted after April 25, especially the ones accepted off the waitlist at the last minute? So far, the only options I see are: Suck it up/panic to find a last minute place to live, live at home, pray that another person who gets accepted off the waitlist needs a roommate as well.

On another note: I called 21 Fitz today, they have a couple 2-3 bedroom apartments available now (no waitlist required), but the deposit and admin fee cost ~$500 and they expect it to be filled up fast. They are also opening up a new building on June 1st. On top of that, they said they were expecting several openings due to students moving out on Aug 1st when their lease is up. Do you guys think it would be a bad idea to wait off until late June/early July to commit to a place?
 
If one of the benefits of going to second look day is finding a roommate, what do you suppose people generally do if they get accepted after April 25, especially the ones accepted off the waitlist at the last minute? So far, the only options I see are: Suck it up/panic to find a last minute place to live, live at home, pray that another person who gets accepted off the waitlist needs a roommate as well.

On another note: I called 21 Fitz today, they have a couple 2-3 bedroom apartments available now (no waitlist required), but the deposit and admin fee cost ~$500 and they expect it to be filled up fast. They are also opening up a new building on June 1st. On top of that, they said they were expecting several openings due to students moving out on Aug 1st when their lease is up. Do you guys think it would be a bad idea to wait off until late June/early July to commit to a place?
I was going to put in a deposit early may. Imagine all the nurse/PT/other majors starting to plan and move in for August. They typically (or so I am told) have a wait list by July.

There are ALWAYS houses available - but may not be close to school or ideal. I know a place that charges 400 for a town home master bed room - but it's like 25 - 35 min away if no serious traffic.(west of denver)
 
In case anyone else is wondering, I just heard back from an MS2:
"I found it really nice during anatomy to live so close to campus. On the days where we had lab in the morning and then physical exam skills in the afternoon, it was nice to be able to go home, eat real fast, and shower before coming back. Also being so close to campus made it really easy to study in the anatomy labs in the evening. I noticed a lot of people basically camping out on campus which I'm glad I never had to do. Talking to classmates, the one thing I hear them complaining about is the time they spend with commute. I imagine its annoying some days more than others but they definitely have issues with that. As for those still living at 21 Fitz, since we're done with classroom work a lot of them are moving out to Denver this summer. I wouldn't worry about finding a roommate. My first year buddy didn't end up finding a roommate until July and signed a lease to move in 2 weeks after school started. If you're interested in living at 21Fitz, I'm sure you can find someone even if its in July. Living alone though wasn't terrible. I always had people over for dinner or to study to keep myself from being too alone all the time. Hope this answers your questions!
For sanity purposes during anatomy, I would suggest living on campus. After anatomy and from then on out it becomes much less important to be on campus for everything."

This calmed my nerves a lot. I suppose I'll just chill out and save some money before committing to anything. Maybe get a job at IKEA, or find someone who does . . .
 
Sooo.. Is Colorado done with acceptances?
The majority of their acceptances will come via email, most likely starting next week through the end of March/April (this is based on last year's thread so it is subject to change). Just hang tight!
 
In case anyone else is wondering, I just heard back from an MS2:
"I found it really nice during anatomy to live so close to campus. On the days where we had lab in the morning and then physical exam skills in the afternoon, it was nice to be able to go home, eat real fast, and shower before coming back. Also being so close to campus made it really easy to study in the anatomy labs in the evening. I noticed a lot of people basically camping out on campus which I'm glad I never had to do. Talking to classmates, the one thing I hear them complaining about is the time they spend with commute. I imagine its annoying some days more than others but they definitely have issues with that. As for those still living at 21 Fitz, since we're done with classroom work a lot of them are moving out to Denver this summer. I wouldn't worry about finding a roommate. My first year buddy didn't end up finding a roommate until July and signed a lease to move in 2 weeks after school started. If you're interested in living at 21Fitz, I'm sure you can find someone even if its in July. Living alone though wasn't terrible. I always had people over for dinner or to study to keep myself from being too alone all the time. Hope this answers your questions!
For sanity purposes during anatomy, I would suggest living on campus. After anatomy and from then on out it becomes much less important to be on campus for everything."

This calmed my nerves a lot. I suppose I'll just chill out and save some money before committing to anything. Maybe get a job at IKEA, or find someone who does . . .

I just called 21 Fitz to inquire about prices.. and their smallest (studio) apartment costs $900/month, no utilities included. The location and all of its amenities are incredible, but I don't know if it is worth $1000+/month total. What do you guys think?
 
I just called 21 Fitz to inquire about prices.. and their smallest (studio) apartment costs $900/month, no utilities included. The location and all of its amenities are incredible, but I don't know if it is worth $1000+/month total. What do you guys think?

Look into Copper Flats (http://www.copperflats.net/). It is close to campus as well (a few blocks south of coflax on Potomac st. or the SE corner of campus), and I believe that they offer discounts to people who work or go to school on the Anschutz campus. I know for sure they do for employees, so I don't see why they wouldn't for students. Rates for studios start at $800 or so, and with a discount it would be more reasonable than 21 Fitz.
That is if you are looking for something cheaper and within walking distance to campus.
 
I just called 21 Fitz to inquire about prices.. and their smallest (studio) apartment costs $900/month, no utilities included. The location and all of its amenities are incredible, but I don't know if it is worth $1000+/month total. What do you guys think?

The general consensus that I got was that it just wasn't worth it in the end. That is a lot of money. The 2nd year I mentioned was banking on the smallest studio as well, but got stuck with a studio+study for $1200 because nothing else opened up in time. Unless you are planning to live off of ramen to offset the cost, or have a lot of money saved up, I would think twice. You are already going to graduate with 180k+ in debt, and that extra 400$ a month can go a long way, especially when factoring in interest. But in the end it really is up to you. Best of luck deciding.
 
Look into Copper Flats (http://www.copperflats.net/). It is close to campus as well (a few blocks south of coflax on Potomac st. or the SE corner of campus), and I believe that they offer discounts to people who work or go to school on the Anschutz campus. I know for sure they do for employees, so I don't see why they wouldn't for students. Rates for studios start at $800 or so, and with a discount it would be more reasonable than 21 Fitz.
That is if you are looking for something cheaper and within walking distance to campus.

Thanks! I'll definitely look into it.
 
I just called 21 Fitz to inquire about prices.. and their smallest (studio) apartment costs $900/month, no utilities included. The location and all of its amenities are incredible, but I don't know if it is worth $1000+/month total. What do you guys think?

That's a loooooot of money to live in Aurora, in a studio no less. I'd say do some Craigslist shopping to get a sense of the kind of money you're going to spend on housing. I know it's a bit of a trek in compared to on-campus housing, but I think quality of life is gonna be a lot higher in Denver if you're ready to pay that kind of rent.
 
That's a loooooot of money to live in Aurora, in a studio no less. I'd say do some Craigslist shopping to get a sense of the kind of money you're going to spend on housing. I know it's a bit of a trek in compared to on-campus housing, but I think quality of life is gonna be a lot higher in Denver if you're ready to pay that kind of rent.

I am attending RVUCOM, not U Colorado, but yeah, you can easily get a nice 2 bedroom house with a fenced in yard and a garage in Aurora for $1200/mo. Which is a lot more bang for your buck, if you ask me.
 
I am attending RVUCOM, not U Colorado, but yeah, you can easily get a nice 2 bedroom house with a fenced in yard and a garage in Aurora for $1200/mo. Which is a lot more bang for your buck, if you ask me.
For sure your money will get you more house in Aurora, but maybe you can help me out with my own housing question: how's living there? The neighborhood I'm in now (not in CO) is diverse, fairly quiet, and has a lot to do within walking distance--anything like that to be had outside of Denver city limits?
 
For sure your money will get you more house in Aurora, but maybe you can help me out with my own housing question: how's living there? The neighborhood I'm in now (not in CO) is diverse, fairly quiet, and has a lot to do within walking distance--anything like that to be had outside of Denver city limits?
Well I'm class of 2018 as well and am from MN so I can't comment on specific neighborhoods, but from what I can tell, there are some areas in Aurora that are pretty walk-able and fairly diverse. Obviously nothing like downtown Denver will be, but not all cookie cutter suburbia either. 🙂
 
For sure your money will get you more house in Aurora, but maybe you can help me out with my own housing question: how's living there? The neighborhood I'm in now (not in CO) is diverse, fairly quiet, and has a lot to do within walking distance--anything like that to be had outside of Denver city limits?

Pretty much anywhere outside of Denver will have parks, trails, community centers, restaurants etc...

I grew up in a suburb of Denver and I live in the North Denver/Highlands/Regis area now. I like the area, it is close to downtown, near amazing restaurants and social scenes. It is going to mean a commute to school, but I make that commute now so I am not bothered by it. In terms of other areas in Denver, pretty much all of them carry the same benefits (parks, food, community), but the cost varies. Some of the older areas of Aurora are what I would consider "run down" but that is just my personal take, I would recommend exploring if you come out for second look so that you can get an idea of what the immediate area is like. I have friends that live off of Havana and Alameda (South West of campus) and attend graduate school on campus, they like it a lot. I think the area is nice, there is a little outdoor shopping area, plenty of apartment and condo complexes and the neighborhood is quiet.

In actuality though, Colorado and the Denver metro area is all fairly nice with plenty of things to do because it is Colorado and people love to be outdoors.
 
I just called 21 Fitz to inquire about prices.. and their smallest (studio) apartment costs $900/month, no utilities included. The location and all of its amenities are incredible, but I don't know if it is worth $1000+/month total. What do you guys think?
I believe the 2 bed rooms are like 600-700$/month and 3 bedrooms are 500-600$/month.
 
So should people expect to hear back starting around this week?
 
So should people expect to hear back starting around this week?

I sure hope so. According to my expert facebook stalking skills, only about half the class have been filled. The facebook page seems to have people trickling in little by little each week.
 
I am only looking at 1 bedrooms because I will be living with my significant other. :happy:
Will he be splitting the cost? 1000$/month for two people isn't bad. He can even take the garage! 😀
 
I sure hope so. According to my expert facebook stalking skills, only about half the class have been filled. The facebook page seems to have people trickling in little by little each week.

Also a good number of the people in the Facebook group are current students, from what I can tell at least 10.
 
I believe the 2 bed rooms are like 600-700$/month and 3 bedrooms are 500-600$/month.

Unfortunately the prices might be even higher. I'm getting quoted $750-800+ for newly available 2b/2ba units. The new phase they're developing had a 3b/3ba going for $700+ per bedroom not including utilities. Hopefully it will help everyone in setting a more accurate budget.

I think the biggest drawback personally would be the lack of grocery stores or restaurants close by. I'd still have to drive out for running even the most basic errands. But like another poster mentioned, it might be the penalty one pays for anatomy!
 
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Did the price change?
 

Hmmm, they never sent me a price list. The prices I was quoted were for units listed plus being above the first floor or something silly so they tacked on $$ to the prices you have. I was also only getting availability for phase I and nothing in II or III so the 2Br starting prices were at $750.

It really is dependent on what unit ends up opening up at the time you need to rent, where you are on the waitlist, and how quick you can snatch it up. I was told never to expect a W or M floor plan to become available for example and that a J was almost always available. It sounds like August will be a feeding frenzy for the cheapest floorplan since we'd be competing against dental, nursing and other grad students.

I referenced the Y for the last one and there were different prices for first vs other floors $2195-2215 which leads to $700+ pp for the 3b/3ba. That was the only 3bd floor plan that was available over the phone. There are only 14 units in the $500-600 range 3b/2ba for the entire complex. Hope that clears things up!

p.s. I just noticed the +$20 monthly pet rent and $200 pet fee. Lol!!
 
Hmmm, they never sent me a price list. The prices I was quoted were for units listed plus being above the first floor or something silly so they tacked on $$ to the prices you have. I was also only getting availability for phase I and nothing in II or III so the 2Br starting prices were at $750.

It really is dependent on what unit ends up opening up at the time you need to rent, where you are on the waitlist, and how quick you can snatch it up. I was told never to expect a W or M floor plan to become available for example and that a J was almost always available. It sounds like August will be a feeding frenzy for the cheapest floorplan since we'd be competing against dental, nursing and other grad students.

I referenced the Y for the last one and there were different prices for first vs other floors $2195-2215 which leads to $700+ pp for the 3b/3ba. That was the only 3bd floor plan that was available over the phone. There are only 14 units in the $500-600 range 3b/2ba for the entire complex. Hope that clears things up!

p.s. I just noticed the +$20 monthly pet rent and $200 pet fee. Lol!!
Hear phase 1 is the "luxury" plan.

Anyways, now you have it 🙂

I asked the guy to send me information and an application. Let me know if you want to room together. I will think of putting a deposit in later this month. I hear they get booked super full during summer. D:
 
My guess would be more students going to residencies that are not in primary care fields. There seems to be a dramatic increase in students doing ortho and EM over the last few years. I wouldn't be concerned; there is tons of support for students interested in primary care.

Oppenheimer plus a Guinness username? I really hope you're not a teetotaler!
 
You guys are on top of things. I'm not in a big rush just yet to put down a deposit. I'm actually pretty excited for using second look day to scope out potential roommates. If you're going to live with someone, don't you want to make sure you guys get along well, or at the very least not rush into rooming with a gunner? I have also never heard of people not finding a place to live at 21 fitz, it just may not be the exact floor plan you want. But that isn't guaranteed anyways right? Plus they have an entire new building opening up in June. But who knows, Maybe thats just me trying to convince myself to stay calm.
On another note, Dai an mentioned something about pigs feet on the fb page. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that we aren't going to be eating them. Suturing anyone?
 
Lurker and out of state student - first post.

I noticed a lot of discussion here about housing lately. I found the MS1 Handbook, on the accepted students page, to be very helpful with regard to housing, neighborhoods, transportation, student life...etc. Sort of an instruction manual for new students as written by current students; and a great resource for anyone unfamiliar with the area.

Check it out if you haven't already:
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/c...ts/Documents/MS I Handbook Temporary 2013.pdf

Congratulations to all those accepted. Looking forward to meeting some of you on second look day!
 
Hi everyone,

I was wondering if CU provided financial assistance for those OOS interested in attending second-look? I'm doing my year of service in AmeriCorps and barely getting by.
 
Hi everyone,

I was wondering if CU provided financial assistance for those OOS interested in attending second-look? I'm doing my year of service in AmeriCorps and barely getting by.

I have heard of some schools that offer to help with students in your situation. But honestly, I would just call up the school and ask. I haven't received my 2nd look invitation yet, so I wouldn't know if there might be something on there addressing that. It would be great if you are able to come, but I do know that 2nd look day is not mandatory and many students are accepted after that date anyways. Correct me if I'm wrong but there should be something similar held at a later date for those who aren't able to come.
 
Hear phase 1 is the "luxury" plan.

Anyways, now you have it 🙂

Thank for all the info and that's a cute puppy! Sorry, I'm relocating with a permanent roomie and we'll move a few months earlier for his work so my schedule is super accelerated. I agree, phase II and III have the friendliest price points. I think the best deal out there is 3B/2ba. Existing tenants will need to give 60 day notice so I'd start asking in late May, early June for Aug move in dates.

You guys are on top of things. I'm not in a big rush just yet to put down a deposit. I'm actually pretty excited for using second look day to scope out potential roommates. If you're going to live with someone, don't you want to make sure you guys get along well, or at the very least not rush into rooming with a gunner? I have also never heard of people not finding a place to live at 21 fitz, it just may not be the exact floor plan you want. But that isn't guaranteed anyways right? Plus they have an entire new building opening up in June. But who knows, Maybe thats just me trying to convince myself to stay calm.
On another note, Dai an mentioned something about pigs feet on the fb page. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that we aren't going to be eating them. Suturing anyone?

Absolutely, I'm sure there will be spaces even in August just YMMV with price. I have a earlier move-in date so I've learned more about availability and wanted to share. The 13 month lease is annoying and I feel it limits room availability for incoming students. Phase III is pretty awesome, they have a dog run and dog wash as a building amenity.

Now that you mention it, I'm curious about your scoping strategy! In college it was either random or friends so the 1 day thing is an entirely different beast. Are you going to talk to everyone or secretly observe? 😵
 
Thank for all the info and that's a cute puppy! Sorry, I'm relocating with a permanent roomie and we'll move a few months earlier for his work so my schedule is super accelerated. I agree, phase II and III have the friendliest price points. I think the best deal out there is 3B/2ba. Existing tenants will need to give 60 day notice so I'd start asking in late May, early June for Aug move in dates.



Absolutely, I'm sure there will be spaces even in August just YMMV with price. I have a earlier move-in date so I've learned more about availability and wanted to share. The 13 month lease is annoying and I feel it limits room availability for incoming students. Phase III is pretty awesome, they have a dog run and dog wash as a building amenity.

Now that you mention it, I'm curious about your scoping strategy! In college it was either random or friends so the 1 day thing is an entirely different beast. Are you going to talk to everyone or secretly observe? 😵

You know, I'm not entirely sure yet. I like to consider myself a pretty social person, so I'll most likely talk to as many people as I can. I'll definitely be sure to hit up as many people from the housing list as possible. Turn on the quirky charm. I hope that I'm not the only one with this plan so that my search may go smoother.
 
Lurker and out of state student - first post.

I noticed a lot of discussion here about housing lately. I found the MS1 Handbook, on the accepted students page, to be very helpful with regard to housing, neighborhoods, transportation, student life...etc. Sort of an instruction manual for new students as written by current students; and a great resource for anyone unfamiliar with the area.

Check it out if you haven't already:
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/education/Admissions/AcceptedStudents/Documents/MS I Handbook Temporary 2013.pdf

Congratulations to all those accepted. Looking forward to meeting some of you on second look day!
I found this extremely helpful. It's lowered my stress level. Thanks for sharing!
 
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