2013-2014 University of Florida Application Thread

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Hello CarlATHF,
Thank you so much for making yourself available to answer our pressing questions. I have just decided that I will be matriculating at UF this fall and would like your advice for housing. I would like to know where would you suggest the best place for a medical student to live. I am interested in living alone and not close to undergraduates (preferably near other graduate students). In other words, where can I find affordable housing (studio) for graduate students? Thanks so much!

Most people live in apartments around Gainesville, with a few renting houses (and one or two who own a house). In general, you live in a college town, so it's impossible to avoid undergraduates altogether, but the further you get away from campus proper, the less likely you'll have undergrads as your neighbors. In addition, the cheaper the housing you're looking for, the more likely you'll have undergrads nearby as well. Some popular places to live include The Bartram, Wildflower (both on the more expensive side, WF is walking distance to hospital), Mt. Vernon, Campus Edge (both very near campus and have mostly grad students), Campus View, Oakbrook Walk (both walking distance to the hospital), and Hunter's Run (further from campus). I would NOT recommend purchasing a home here unless you are 100% positive you want to do your residency at UF, and most people don't know where they will end up!

Hope that helps.
 
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Most people live in apartments around Gainesville, with a few renting houses (and one or two who own a house). In general, you live in a college town, so it's impossible to avoid undergraduates altogether, but the further you get away from campus proper, the more likely you'll have undergrads as your neighbors. In addition, the cheaper the housing you're looking for, the more likely you'll have undergrads nearby as well. Some popular places to live include The Bartram, Wildflower (both on the more expensive side, WF is walking distance to hospital), Mt. Vernon, Campus Edge (both very near campus and have mostly grad students), Campus View, Oakbrook Walk (both walking distance to the hospital), and Hunter's Run (further from campus). I would NOT recommend purchasing a home here unless you are 100% positive you want to do your residency at UF, and most people don't know where they will end up!

Hope that helps.
This is the best info I have gotten yet. Thanks so much!
 
I'd also like to add that Magnolia Manor, although small, has really affordable duplexes mainly resided by grad students. It's in the same general area as hunters run (mentioned above), but definitely runs cheaper. Good luck! 🙂
Thank you so much for the added input. I will definitely check it out!
 
Yeah, the undergrad campus is pretty awesome for this, but as for us...again, it's still blossoming. The lgbt interest group is about a year old, and while we've been trying to keep it afloat, it's been fairly stagnant (again, I'd like to emphasize that I have never felt this was due to lack of support on the school's side- we just haven't had many people in the 1st and 2nd years who've stepped up to run it.) I'm not trying to be negative- I just wanted to be honest about what to expect. That being said, our faculty adviser is absolutely amazing and really gung ho to make this group grow! 🙂

Who?
 
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Any ideas on when we'll start hearing about waitlist movement? I heard that the WL gets ranked in April, but not much beyond that.
 
^well played, SDN. Tried to edit my post like 100x before catching on lol.
 
UF is changing the curriculum from traditional format to more pbl, but I can't find anymore specific info than that. All I know about the new curriculum is the stuff listed in the this link:

http://howwelearn.med.ufl.edu/building/curriculum-for-the-future/

Any current UFCOM students out there that can give me more concrete facts about the new curriculum?I'm mainly concerned about the introduction of pbl.

Will the new curriculum be majority pbl?
Or more of an equal mix of lecture and pbl?
That link says 8 students will have weekly pbl session for 3 years, is that the total extent of the new pbl, or will there really be more that isn't listed?

Check this out

http://accepted.med.ufl.edu/offices/student-affairs/curriculum/

Hope it Helps!
 
Oh wow- cool to see our class picture floating around! For everyone looking at this, disregard the bottom half; Essentials of Patient Care, etc. were part of the old curriculum and no longer exist. The "Tentative 2018 schedule" looks accurate, though! 🙂 Let us know if you have any more questions!
 
Oh wow- cool to see our class picture floating around! For everyone looking at this, disregard the bottom half; Essentials of Patient Care, etc. were part of the old curriculum and no longer exist. The "Tentative 2018 schedule" looks accurate, though! 🙂 Let us know if you have any more questions!

Thank you for clearing this up, as I was a bit confused.
 
Oh wow- cool to see our class picture floating around! For everyone looking at this, disregard the bottom half; Essentials of Patient Care, etc. were part of the old curriculum and no longer exist. The "Tentative 2018 schedule" looks accurate, though! 🙂 Let us know if you have any more questions!

Aaaaaaand they updated it! The bottom half now contains accurate descriptions of the courses you'll be taking! 🙂
 
@Bluepanda87 How would you describe the EC profile of applicants favored by UFCOM? Are they big on community involvement, or more interested in research experiences, or no preference?
 
I think it's more about being genuine and actually interested in the things that you've been pursuing. There are plenty of people in my class who have very strong research backgrounds, and there are tons of people passionate about their volunteering/ involvement. We're different, and I imagine they did that on purpose. Only the admissions officers could say for sure, but I think the real kiss of death would just be doing things because you think they're important, when you actually hate them.
 
Hello again,
I have one last housing question. From the Facebook group and on this thread, I've heard people suggest many places for living including; the Bartram and Wildflower. Yet, I have not heard anyone comment or suggest The Continuum. I am considering renting a studio at The Continuum and was hoping that someone can please comment on it. Do any current students (on this thread) live there, know someone who lives there or simply have information about The Cont..Thank you so much for your help!!
 
Well that's convenient- I live at the Continuum! There are pros and cons, I suppose. The facility is nice and safe and the studios, while tiny, are very well laid out. I've personally really liked having a smaller living space that's easy to keep clean. The maintenance is very kind, and I've never had a problem with getting things fixed when needed. One of the biggest perks for me has been living within walking distance of downtown- it's really convenient to be able to head down there whenever without having to worry about parking! As for cons, I do think it's overpriced (though probably not by that much if the other options you're looking at are the Bartram or Wildflower,) and the walls are pretty thin, especially in the studios. Overall, though, I've been pretty happy, and I'm staying next year (though I'm moving into a 2 bedroom!)
 
I think it's more about being genuine and actually interested in the things that you've been pursuing. There are plenty of people in my class who have very strong research backgrounds, and there are tons of people passionate about their volunteering/ involvement. We're different, and I imagine they did that on purpose. Only the admissions officers could say for sure, but I think the real kiss of death would just be doing things because you think they're important, when you actually hate them.

Agreed. Ours was a very diverse class as well. As long as you are genuine about your passions, you can't go wrong. I, for one, am not big into research but I truly enjoy volunteering at free clinics and working with the underserved; conversely, there are some in my class who have multiple publications but who almost never volunteer in the community. It just depends on where your interests lie.
 
Has anyone taken the UF Biochemistry online course? If so, please PM me
 
Well that's convenient- I live at the Continuum! There are pros and cons, I suppose. The facility is nice and safe and the studios, while tiny, are very well laid out. I've personally really liked having a smaller living space that's easy to keep clean. The maintenance is very kind, and I've never had a problem with getting things fixed when needed. One of the biggest perks for me has been living within walking distance of downtown- it's really convenient to be able to head down there whenever without having to worry about parking! As for cons, I do think it's overpriced (though probably not by that much if the other options you're looking at are the Bartram or Wildflower,) and the walls are pretty thin, especially in the studios. Overall, though, I've been pretty happy, and I'm staying next year (though I'm moving into a 2 bedroom!)

Okay🙂 About how much is rent for a studio and a one bedroom apartment at The Continuum?
 
I have a couple of questions for current students:

Does UF generally offer some financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships? If so, how many students get them, and what are the approximate ranges of awards? Are they recurring each year or just awarded one time?

Also, what equipment or books are typically provided by the college? I was told by one student that stethoscopes were given to each MS1 this past year.

Thanks in advance!
 
I had one other question that I forgot to mention...

I've heard that students above MS1 can be "hired" to tutor students in subjects which they've (the tutors) already completed (I am not talking about the 4th year four-week teaching electives). I'm wondering how abundant this opportunity is, and if the prep and time spent tutoring is worth the compensation. I feel like this could double in value as it would help the tutor prepare for Step 1. Thanks again!
 
Hey, I'm a soon to be grad student (OT!) and I've been following all the UF boards on this website , trying to scope out housing info. The info I've found hasn't been super helpful because many places are more expensive than I'm looking for or don't rent by the room, and since I don't know anyone in Gainesville yet I am hesitant to sign a joint lease. I also don't have my own living room furniture (live with my parents now) so I am looking at the furnished/all-inclusive places. I figured I'll share what I've found in case anyone else is in the same boat! I toured these 2 last weekend and I'm pretty sure I'll sign at one -

Hidden Lake - https://www.hiddenlaketcc.com/
This place has 3 bed/3 bath you rent by the room. It's $504/month, it includes a 35$ utility cap so you pay the overages.
I thought this place was very spacious looking and had a nice kitchen. The bedrooms all have a private bathroom and a very big walk in closet.
It is about 2 miles up 13th street from school. There are also 2/2 but they are more expensive.

The Landings - https://www.thelandingstcc.com/
This place is 2 miles south of campus, also off 13th street. They have 3 bed/3 bath you rent by the room for $414, electric not included. The inside of these places seemed very similar to Hidden Lake, the only difference I really noticed was the closets might be smaller.

I am kind of torn between the two. The landings is slightly cheaper, but it is really convenient to nothing. You can drive to campus in about 5 minutes because there isn't a lot of traffic down there, but there aren't any grocery stores or anything else near by. The neighborhood looks a little sketchy, what with all the hotels and the adult superstore you pass on the way to campus... 😱
Hidden Lake on the other hand seems to be a more convenient location - closer to grocery stores like Ward's, Earth Origins and Publix. Less middle of nowhere. They both include internet, they both have free parking/no decals required. They're both no pets... Anyone else looking at these places or know someone who has lived there?
 
Hey, I'm a soon to be grad student (OT!) and I've been following all the UF boards on this website , trying to scope out housing info. The info I've found hasn't been super helpful because many places are more expensive than I'm looking for or don't rent by the room, and since I don't know anyone in Gainesville yet I am hesitant to sign a joint lease. I also don't have my own living room furniture (live with my parents now) so I am looking at the furnished/all-inclusive places. I figured I'll share what I've found in case anyone else is in the same boat! I toured these 2 last weekend and I'm pretty sure I'll sign at one -

Hidden Lake - https://www.hiddenlaketcc.com/
This place has 3 bed/3 bath you rent by the room. It's $504/month, it includes a 35$ utility cap so you pay the overages.
I thought this place was very spacious looking and had a nice kitchen. The bedrooms all have a private bathroom and a very big walk in closet.
It is about 2 miles up 13th street from school. There are also 2/2 but they are more expensive.

The Landings - https://www.thelandingstcc.com/
This place is 2 miles south of campus, also off 13th street. They have 3 bed/3 bath you rent by the room for $414, electric not included. The inside of these places seemed very similar to Hidden Lake, the only difference I really noticed was the closets might be smaller.

I am kind of torn between the two. The landings is slightly cheaper, but it is really convenient to nothing. You can drive to campus in about 5 minutes because there isn't a lot of traffic down there, but there aren't any grocery stores or anything else near by. The neighborhood looks a little sketchy, what with all the hotels and the adult superstore you pass on the way to campus... 😱
Hidden Lake on the other hand seems to be a more convenient location - closer to grocery stores like Ward's, Earth Origins and Publix. Less middle of nowhere. They both include internet, they both have free parking/no decals required. They're both no pets... Anyone else looking at these places or know someone who has lived there?

I would choose based on the bus schedules, because more than likely, it will be more convenient to ride a bus rather than driving. Bus 13 runs every ten minutes during the week, while the only bus to shands from hidden lake, the 8, runs every 30 minutes. http://go-rts.com/ As far as shopping there is a Publix 5 minutes away (it looks farther) on Williston Road. I would say it is not too sketchy, because most of the people living there are UF students.

The main con, it is usually random roommate matching, so that could be hit or miss. But if you find two friends, you can get the same apartment.
 
I would choose based on the bus schedules, because more than likely, it will be more convenient to ride a bus rather than driving. Bus 13 runs every ten minutes during the week, while the only bus to shands from hidden lake, the 8, runs every 30 minutes. http://go-rts.com/ As far as shopping there is a Publix 5 minutes away (it looks farther) on Williston Road. I would say it is not too sketchy, because most of the people living there are UF students.

The main con, it is usually random roommate matching, so that could be hit or miss. But if you find two friends, you can get the same apartment.

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I have a couple of questions for current students:

Does UF generally offer some financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships? If so, how many students get them, and what are the approximate ranges of awards? Are they recurring each year or just awarded one time?

Also, what equipment or books are typically provided by the college? I was told by one student that stethoscopes were given to each MS1 this past year.

Thanks in advance!

I would also like to know this. Looking at previous years' threads, it doesn't look like UF gives out a lot of aid, but UF has been on this preeminence trip for a while now, so they might be a little more generous this year. Supposedly they should have our award packages ready before second look...
 
Hey, I'm a soon to be grad student (OT!) and I've been following all the UF boards on this website , trying to scope out housing info. The info I've found hasn't been super helpful because many places are more expensive than I'm looking for or don't rent by the room, and since I don't know anyone in Gainesville yet I am hesitant to sign a joint lease. I also don't have my own living room furniture (live with my parents now) so I am looking at the furnished/all-inclusive places. I figured I'll share what I've found in case anyone else is in the same boat! I toured these 2 last weekend and I'm pretty sure I'll sign at one -

Hidden Lake - https://www.hiddenlaketcc.com/
This place has 3 bed/3 bath you rent by the room. It's $504/month, it includes a 35$ utility cap so you pay the overages.
I thought this place was very spacious looking and had a nice kitchen. The bedrooms all have a private bathroom and a very big walk in closet.
It is about 2 miles up 13th street from school. There are also 2/2 but they are more expensive.

The Landings - https://www.thelandingstcc.com/
This place is 2 miles south of campus, also off 13th street. They have 3 bed/3 bath you rent by the room for $414, electric not included. The inside of these places seemed very similar to Hidden Lake, the only difference I really noticed was the closets might be smaller.

I am kind of torn between the two. The landings is slightly cheaper, but it is really convenient to nothing. You can drive to campus in about 5 minutes because there isn't a lot of traffic down there, but there aren't any grocery stores or anything else near by. The neighborhood looks a little sketchy, what with all the hotels and the adult superstore you pass on the way to campus... 😱
Hidden Lake on the other hand seems to be a more convenient location - closer to grocery stores like Ward's, Earth Origins and Publix. Less middle of nowhere. They both include internet, they both have free parking/no decals required. They're both no pets... Anyone else looking at these places or know someone who has lived there?

Why are you insisting on finding a furnished place? Just go to Ikea and spend a few hundred dollars and furnish your room that way. Worked for me for 8+ years (college + med school + soon to be in residency)
 
Anyone tried calling and asking about WL rank?
 
Does anyone know if the school has a recommended book list for each course or are we on our own in terms of gathering such resources.

Also, with regards to the new curriculum, when do we take Biochemistry and Anatomy/Physiology? I do no see these courses on the new list.

Thank you very much!!
 
Does anyone know if the school has a recommended book list for each course or are we on our own in terms of gathering such resources.

Also, with regards to the new curriculum, when do we take Biochemistry and Anatomy/Physiology? I do no see these courses on the new list.

Thank you very much!!

Books: While the course directors will tell you what resources they recommend in their syllabi, I'd strongly advise you not to buy ANYTHING (books, medical equipment, etc.) before you start school (or at least until you meet your big.) A lot of upperclassmen, including your big, will probably have books they can give you, and even if they don't, someone else likely will. Also, a lot of times their are better resources our there than the ones the professors use, so consider waiting to hear what the upperclassmen suggest to save some money.

Biochemistry is in the first semester as a part of the "Fundamentals" class. Anatomy runs the entire two years and is matched up with the various systems blocks (so, basically, your first semester you do three months with prosections and "introductory" anatomy, and then you come back to it when you start cardiology and start really dissecting.) Physiology is taught in each systems block (basically, every time you begin a new organ system, it follows a specific pattern: anatomy-physiology-pathology-pharmacology.)
 
Books: While the course directors will tell you what resources they recommend in their syllabi, I'd strongly advise you not to buy ANYTHING (books, medical equipment, etc.) before you start school (or at least until you meet your big.) A lot of upperclassmen, including your big, will probably have books they can give you, and even if they don't, someone else likely will. Also, a lot of times their are better resources our there than the ones the professors use, so consider waiting to hear what the upperclassmen suggest to save some money.

Biochemistry is in the first semester as a part of the "Fundamentals" class. Anatomy runs the entire two years and is matched up with the various systems blocks (so, basically, your first semester you do three months with prosections and "introductory" anatomy, and then you come back to it when you start cardiology and start really dissecting.) Physiology is taught in each systems block (basically, every time you begin a new organ system, it follows a specific pattern: anatomy-physiology-pathology-pharmacology.)
Awesome! Thank you so much 🙂
 
For those who went to Second Look, how was it? What'd they talk about?
 
Does anyone know of the Aviara apartments on SE 16th avenue (I.e is it heavily populated by undergrads?) Thank you so much!!
 
How do current students feel about Step 1 prep? Some schools have individualized prep or extra classes...does UF have anything like this?
 
How do current students feel about Step 1 prep? Some schools have individualized prep or extra classes...does UF have anything like this?
there is no extra classes but they give you a couple months before step to study
 
I have officially declined all acceptances to other programs and have committed to UF. I look forward to spending more time with all of the nice folks from second look!
And now you're gator-guy 😀.
 
I have a friend and potential roommate who is waiting to hear back on wait list movement here.

Anyone know the statistics on how many get accepted off the wait list for UF?
 
I have a friend and potential roommate who is waiting to hear back on wait list movement here.

Anyone know the statistics on how many get accepted off the wait list for UF?

Read my post in this forum from Nov 25. The info is there but it is not validated because I am not a member of the admissions staff.
 
Deos anyone know what the COA is for 2014-2015. Could someone kindly post or pm me a breakdown of tuition and fees + room/board, etc. Thank you very much.
 
Just wanted to say good luck to all of you who are choosing to attend UF for school. I've had a great 4 years here and although my residency will be taking me elsewhere, I know that UF has prepared me well for the task ahead. If you choose UF, I can confidently say that you will not regret it. I wish all of you the best of luck, and I will leave the rest of the questions in the hands of our very capable MS1s, 2s, and 3s. I've talked with a lot of you, and if you have any other questions or just want to stay in touch, I'll be in the residency forums.

Go Gators!
 
Deos anyone know what the COA is for 2014-2015. Could someone kindly post or pm me a breakdown of tuition and fees + room/board, etc. Thank you very much.

Ill put it here for everyone. These are estimated amounts from the Office of Financial Aid

FL resident tuition = 37,000 and non-FL resident = 49,100

For everyone:

Books/supplies = 2,150
Room and board = 12,645
Personal/Computer/Phone = 1,645
Transportation = 1,750
Total indirect = 18,410

Add tuition plus total indirect to get the cost of first year (10.5 months). Personally, my indirect costs for 10.5 months will be just a few thousand more, but that'll vary based on living habits.
 
Any heard of waitlist movement yet today? Im watching my phone like a hawk
 
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