I keep hearing about the early clinical exposure and how hands-on UT is with their med students. How much interaction do you actually get? Does it only start in M3, or are there opportunities as an M1/M2? Is it just scut work and transporting patients around?
Omg you have no idea. Will return to answer this later. You'll be amazed: Suture tech and associated responsibilities are possible for those that wish to do such things and much more.
I've received and completed my secondary. My very broad question is, what are the chances for a lower MCAT/lower GPA? Are there multiple students in your class who have mid-to-high 20's MCAT scores? East Tenn rejected me pre-secondary right away, and I def thought I had a better chance there than here.
Depends on the combination: It's generally easier for a higher MCAT to compensate for lower GPAs than vice versa. There are some high 20s and I imagine a couple mid 20s. We don't tend to discuss our scores with each other, though; so it's difficult to know for sure. The class composite mean is useless, of course; and I'm not aware of the median, range, or mode. To put it in perspective, otherwise über competitive applicants will be interviewed with low MCATs (~23), but by no means accepted.
In a nutshell, if you're worried, shoot for the stars AND low hanging fruit (i.e., less competitive allopathic schools and osteopathic schools as back ups).
I have a few questions.
1) I read in previous threads that UT used the traditional A/B/C/D grading system. Is this true, or has the school adopted a P/F system? Is there a lot of cut-throat competition or grade-grubbing among the students?
2) Does the school utilize a systems-based approach during the preclinical years?
3) How much time off is given to prepare for Step-1? Does the school offer perks, like discounts for things like UWorld/Firecracker/etc?
4) What do you like about living in Memphis? I did spend a summer in the city and enjoyed my time there (well, except for the humidity and occasional thunder storm).
1) ABCF, but very collegial, no true gunning (throwing under the bus). I'm personally seeing to it that true P/F or H/P/F is lobbied to the admin. I think it's terrible that we're among the very last to remain ABCF.
2) Absolutely yes. First semester is the only non-systems while you learn all molecular requisites and gross anatomy to set you up for systems by March of your M1 Spring semester, basically like being an M2 curriculum wise.
3) I believe it's 5 or 6 weeks with most students saving a week post step to recuperate, can get back to you if you want me to verify down to the week. No perks
But you all will likely have iPads in gross like ETSU. Trust me, that's a huge perk. All our books are optionally kept free on google drive including all groas atlases like Rohen's and Netters, super helpful.
4) Utterly honest here, food and trauma (top 10 trauma ward in the nation size and volume wise). I loathe TN weather, ESP in Memphis due to humidity from the river. I'm a Cali kid, though.
Pls excuse typos & brevity, sent via iPhone.
Stewabeet! 
