2013-2014 University of South Florida Application Thread

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Complete on 8/13 !! I thought I was forgotten by now--hope this brings others some hope 🙂 Also, forgot to mention that II was for CORE program.

IS, 3.85 sGPA/3.86 cGPA, 33 MCAT

CONGRATS! this gives me hope! Best of luck!!!
 
Thanks... to those accepted: do you know if there is a site to start figuring out roommate stuff? I'm looking at likely buying a house in South Tampa (near Hype Park) and renting out a room or two of the house (depending on how big... I've seen some condos that are 2B/2Ba that I really like). But I wanted to start to be able to meet people who would also want roommates, so that it isn't really a super random roommate
 
Thanks... to those accepted: do you know if there is a site to start figuring out roommate stuff? I'm looking at likely buying a house in South Tampa (near Hype Park) and renting out a room or two of the house (depending on how big... I've seen some condos that are 2B/2Ba that I really like). But I wanted to start to be able to meet people who would also want roommates, so that it isn't really a super random roommate

You can do most of those things through SALG I believe. They can help you get matched with medical students to room with, point you to good areas, and give you pointers. I would imagine that during the second look event current medical students will give more information regarding those things
 
Thanks... to those accepted: do you know if there is a site to start figuring out roommate stuff? I'm looking at likely buying a house in South Tampa (near Hype Park) and renting out a room or two of the house (depending on how big... I've seen some condos that are 2B/2Ba that I really like). But I wanted to start to be able to meet people who would also want roommates, so that it isn't really a super random roommate

They'll be a facebook group at some point and that will give you an avenue to seek out roommates. If you end up getting a place on ground level make sure you pay attention to the flood insurance rates (if it's required for your place). It's a big deal here as the flood insurance rates for a lot of places are doubling and tripling as the subsidies are scheduled to expire for them. It doesn't have be a waterfront property for this occur.
 
What would you guys recommend in terms of hotels around campus? Anyone stayed in the Clarion Hotel?
 
What would you guys recommend in terms of hotels around campus? Anyone stayed in the Clarion Hotel?

I didn't stay at a hotel for my II as my parents lived about an hour south, but the area south of it is pretty crappy. It's pretty close to campus so should be good. I would check any place in that area on the bedbug registry (google it, you can find it). Honestly I would recommend hosting if you're open to it, or any hotel in the USF area that gives a free shuttle to the airport will save you about $45 in cab fare (one way), so it's worth a bump in price.
 
I didn't stay at a hotel for my II as my parents lived about an hour south, but the area south of it is pretty crappy. It's pretty close to campus so should be good. I would check any place in that area on the bedbug registry (google it, you can find it). Honestly I would recommend hosting if you're open to it, or any hotel in the USF area that gives a free shuttle to the airport will save you about $45 in cab fare (one way), so it's worth a bump in price.
Great advice, thanks!
 
Hi guys, current MS3 here. Sorry I'm posting so late in the season but I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
 
Hi guys, current MS3 here. Sorry I'm posting so late in the season but I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Hi there! I'll be interviewing at USF next Tuesday from OOS. I was wondering what kind of aid they have available to OOS students. I'd also like to know what kind of clinical exposure you get in the first 2 years at USF. What is the student population like? Is everyone happy to be there? Competitive? Overworked? Just some general information that one might not be able to find on their website. Thanks in advance!
 
Hi there! I'll be interviewing at USF next Tuesday from OOS. I was wondering what kind of aid they have available to OOS students. I'd also like to know what kind of clinical exposure you get in the first 2 years at USF. What is the student population like? Is everyone happy to be there? Competitive? Overworked? Just some general information that one might not be able to find on their website. Thanks in advance!

MS1, here but so far I've had plenty of clinical experience. We practice interview/exam skills on standardized patients, do structured clinical shadowing, have plenty of opportunities for volunteering at free clinics/health fairs. By the end of first semester we had to do a full patient history interview for a grade in the clinical simulation center (called CACL) The BRIDGE clinic is completely student run and I just had my first opportunity to volunteer there (spots go fast!). It was pretty awesome. I've also volunteered at other health fairs and free clinics.

Competitive or overworked would not be adjectives that I would use to describe our MS1 population. It's P/F here (and not based off a curve) with all the lectures recorded. We all want to pass, but we all know that we'll get there easier by helping eachother out. Usually the week leading up to the test our facebook page is bombarded with links that my fellow classmates found helpful in studying or understanding a concept.

3rd and 2nd years definitely have more of a time crunch, but I can't imagine they suddenly turn into cutthroats after MS1.

Bottom line: Lots of clinical experience, low pressure environment, with a wonderful community of students.
 
Hi there! I'll be interviewing at USF next Tuesday from OOS. I was wondering what kind of aid they have available to OOS students. I'd also like to know what kind of clinical exposure you get in the first 2 years at USF. What is the student population like? Is everyone happy to be there? Competitive? Overworked? Just some general information that one might not be able to find on their website. Thanks in advance!

Congrats on your II, and GL 🙂

Medical school is an expensive endeavor, USF is no exception (particularly for those of us OOS students). I cannot tell you specifics on what kind of packages they offer as this typically isn't discussed among us students & I'm only one person. I will say that our financial aid office (specifically Michelle) is phenomenal and bends over backwards for us.

Clinical exposure the first two years is definitely one of USF's strengths. You start seeing standardized patients in the first few days and have your first longitudinal clinical experience (1 day/week) starting in October-November-ish of first year. They prepare you extremely well for your clinical years.

Student population? Well, avg age was like 24, we had roughly over 50% females, I'd say over half the class was from Florida but we had a good mix from around the country.

I doubt EVERYONE is happy to be here... but overall, this is one of the most laid back, friendly medical school environments you'll find. Now, I have not been to every other medical school in the county but I'm comfortable saying this- it really cannot get much better in terms of comradery (or camaraderie if you prefer).

Overworked? No. There is an adjustment period but I believe that happens everywhere & then you settle into your groove and its manageable. For me, the first two years were less academically challenging than UG. Everyone is different.
 
Thanks a lot for your responses! Those were very helpful!
 
So, there is no way to update USF on important updates? I haven't been offered an II invitation yet, and I feel that my new updates might change their minds.:thinking:
 
So, there is no way to update USF on important updates? I haven't been offered an II invitation yet, and I feel that my new updates might change their minds.:thinking:
This is exactly how I felt about my updates, too. One of my friends actually went ahead and sent them an update letter anyway, but they responded that they do not accept them.
 
This is exactly how I felt about my updates, too. One of my friends actually went ahead and sent them an update letter anyway, but they responded that they do not accept them.

+1.

I actually completed the M.S. in Medical Science at USF in December with a 3.85 and an MCAT score above their average...if I don't get an II I'm going to be annoyed.

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Has anyone started some sort of communication forum for those who are accepted? I.e. future classmates trying looking to meet/talk?

P.S. Good luck to everyone still interviewing or waiting!
 
Has anyone started some sort of communication forum for those who are accepted? I.e. future classmates trying looking to meet/talk?

P.S. Good luck to everyone still interviewing or waiting!

There should be a facebook group formed by a 1st or 2nd year at some point.
 
does anyone know if USF waitlists a lot of people post-interview and has decent movement off of it later on, or if they accept a lot post-interview and the waitlist doesn't move much
 
does anyone know if USF waitlists a lot of people post-interview and has decent movement off of it later on, or if they accept a lot post-interview and the waitlist doesn't move much
Someone posted statistics earlier showing that A LOT of interviewees get accepted (just go back a couple of pages). Can't say anything about WL, but if you look through the last year's thread that may give you some idea.
 
wow ya, that does seem too good to be true

The stats I heard last year for SELECT was 200 interviewed, 57 in the class, so you can speculate from there how many received acceptances, but I can state from my interview day last year, about 4 of the 6 folks that interviewed in Tampa with me are currently in my class now (and we interviewed around this date, not early)

I'm not sure about the core program.
 
Interviewed here on Tuesday. It was pretty great ^.^
 
Interviewed here on Tuesday. It was pretty great ^.^
Mind elaborating? I'm there next Tuesday; this is not my first interview but it's my first in-state one so I'm getting a little nervous haha.

Thanks!
 
Mind elaborating? I'm there next Tuesday; this is not my first interview but it's my first in-state one so I'm getting a little nervous haha.

Thanks!

Don't be nervous. I know you always hear that most interviews are "super chill," but USF makes an effort, quite successfully, to create that atmosphere. The interviews are in the afternoon which means you have the whole morning to talk to students and faculty and learn more about the school, which gives you more to talk about in your interviews, too. On top of the actual interview day logistics, I was impressed with the curriculum and available clinical opportunities which you'll learn more about on your interview day! Good luck!
 
Just to add to the post above: everyone who participates in the interview day goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and welcome. It really is an enjoyable experience, and not stressful at all. Both of my interviews were very conversational, relaxed, and fun. So no worries guys! Just know who you are, why you want to enter medicine, and have fun! Good luck 🙂
 
The interview here was really genuine in the sense that they didn't try to make it a dog and pony show. They just wanted to show you the school, give you the information, and get to know you in person.

I think the reason they are so laid back is because they already weeded out the students by grades and an extensive essay to pick their "right" students. At this point, they just want to see if you like them as much as they liked you. At least with this school, you can be yourself and simply see if this is the right school for you.
 
The interview here was really genuine in the sense that they didn't try to make it a dog and pony show. They just wanted to show you the school, give you the information, and get to know you in person.

I think the reason they are so laid back is because they already weeded out the students by grades and an extensive essay to pick their "right" students. At this point, they just want to see if you like them as much as they liked you. At least with this school, you can be yourself and simply see if this is the right school for you.

Thank you for your input! This definitely puts me at ease. I actually have some experience with USF MCOM--got a Master's in 2012 and did a little over a year's worth of research there with my Pharmacology prof. My last interview was in early December; I've just like...forgotten the experience/felt my nerves creep up on me haha. Glad to know your day was so comfortable and straight-forward! Thanks for the helpful words, everyone! Best of luck to ya'll. I'll be sure to post my thoughts for anyone who has an upcoming interview here as well 🙂
 
For those of you who recently interviewed, did you find the SDN student feedback to be helpful? Cause I only noticed one person who posted on it for this cycle.
 
I am hoping to stay with a student host for my interview next week but I haven't received any information about student hosting yet. The invitation email said it would be sent separately from SALG. Those of you who have interviewed here, when did you receive this information? I wonder if I should just call the admissions office and ask?
 
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For those of you who recently interviewed, did you find the SDN student feedback to be helpful? Cause I only noticed one person who posted on it for this cycle.
I found it helpful. I looked at posts from 2007 and they were still relevant for my day here. In fact, in hindsight, I wish I had looked at it a little more thoroughly.

I am hoping to stay with a student host for my interview next week but I haven't received any information about student hosting yet. The invitation email said it would be sent separately from SALG. Those of you who have interviewed here, when did you receive this information? I wonder if I should just call the admissions office and ask?
I got the e-mail with this info on Jan. 16; my interview was today (Jan. 21st). I don't think it would hurt to call and ask to make sure you can get arrangements made, as the e-mail states that hosting with a student is not guaranteed.
 
I found it helpful. I looked at posts from 2007 and they were still relevant for my day here. In fact, in hindsight, I wish I had looked at it a little more thoroughly.

Thanks, I'll be sure to look at it. How was the interview day itself? What were you impressions of the school as far as curriculum, clinical rotations and such? ( if you dont mind me asking)
 
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