2014-2015 Louisiana State University - Shreveport Application Thread

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Yeah I spoke to Mrs. Hill yesterday about the late updates through email and she said it was an error in their system. It was supposed to send like normal last week so the delay wasn't anything in regards to our changing statuses. Sorry folks.
 
Geeze Louise there are a lot of acceptable listers. More waiting now.
 
Did anyone else NOT get their application update again last week?
 
How often do you guys send updates? I was put on the acceptable list a few months back but honestly, nothing's new. I'm not sitting on my butt but I have no new commitments. I worry about them thinking I'm not interested though
 
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Louisianadoc said:
How often do you guys send updates? I was put on the acceptable list a few months back but honestly, nothing's new. I'm sitting on my butt but I have no new commitments. I worry about them thinking I'm not interested though
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I've only sent 1 or 2. I have work, work, and more work so there really is no time for anything else. When im not working im on call for work..
 
Jabawocky said:
I've only sent 1 or 2. I have work, work, and more work so there really is no time for anything else. When im not working im on call for work..
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Nothing wrong with that! And I meant *NOT sitting on my butt. That sounded really bad haha
 
Louisianadoc said:
How often do you guys send updates? I was put on the acceptable list a few months back but honestly, nothing's new. I'm not sitting on my butt but I have no new commitments. I worry about them thinking I'm not interested though
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I think it's best to send no update rather than send something unsubstantial. If nothing's changed then nothing's changed. I'm sort of in the same boat. The only thing changing for me is publications, but apparently they stop accepting publication updates in December. Which is ridiculous bc it's not as though I can control when my lab published papers 🙁.
 
Amygdalarian said:
I think it's best to send no update rather than send something unsubstantial. If nothing's changed then nothing's changed. I'm sort of in the same boat. The only thing changing for me is publications, but apparently they stop accepting publication updates in December. Which is ridiculous bc it's not as though I can control when my lab published papers 🙁.
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Yea that's terrible luck. I mean I got scuba diving certified haha. And I've continued feeding the homeless at the same places that I mentioned on my primary app. So I see no point. I just feel like like they may look at my file and say "this kid doesn't care about us. No updates in 2 months." Oh the anxiety...
 
Any news on adcom meetings or is the date to wait for still after April 15th?
 
Jabawocky said:
I've only sent 1 or 2. I have work, work, and more work so there really is no time for anything else. When im not working im on call for work..
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Whenever you sent the update, did it show up in the weekly status email that they received it? I sent one a couple of months ago, but never got a confirmation that they received it.
 
stressingout said:
Whenever you sent the update, did it show up in the weekly status email that they received it? I sent one a couple of months ago, but never got a confirmation that they received it.
Click to expand...
For mine, they've only done that for abstract updates.
 
I have nothing worth mentioning as an update haha. I figured they would be looking for grade updates or "achievements" as they say on the website. I also hate not doing anything. Thinking about sending a letter of intent.
 
Here is a quick list of the deadlines for this semester and dates on when we can expect certain things:

January 5.

FAFSA -- No matter where you go to medical school, and even if you have no intention of using financial aid, you still need to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You need it to get a scholarships or awards. No FAFSA, no Scholarship.

January through July
Of students on the Acceptable List, some are admitted, some remain on the List, and some are asked to reapply.

March
Applicants holding places at more than one school are encouraged to "Do your friends a favor" by releasing their place at any school they do not plan to attend.

Deadline => April 15
Decision Day - Applicants who continue to hold places at other schools after April 15 are notified that their place in Shreveport has been forfeited.
Applicants who are for certain they want Shreveport' are encouraged to read and download, complete and otherwise begin taking care of pre-matriculation requirements referred to on the Registrar's website.

May 15 through registration on July 31
  • Any vacancies are filled with selected applicants on the Waiting List.
  • Admitted applicants --> Read, download, complete and otherwise take care of pre-matriculation requirements detailed under Things you Absolutely Must Do in order to Start School this July, in another section of our website.
Deadline => June 1
Graduate degrees - Applicants who are enrolled in the LSUHSCS School of Graduate Studies, or the joint Master's program with LSU-S must have completed all degree requirements. A letter from the Chair of their major department verifying that this has been done, must have been received by June 1.

June 5 to June 30
Admitted applicants have official final transcripts sent from all schools attended.

Deadline => July 15
CBC's. We need to receive a final report from Certiphi, the company performing the Criminal Background Checks, by close of business July 15, in case there are findings which need to be reviewed and addressed. Miss this deadline, and you'd better start thinking Deferred Enrollment.

July 1 to July 15
A few Wait-Listed applicants are advised to ready themselves for possible fast-track admission/matriculation. They are asked to submit final transcripts, complete the medical forms, and other things that matriculating students must do.
This is so that someone can step in and register in the event that one or more accepted students forfeit their place by failing to fulfill their obligations with respect to pre-matriculation requirements and deadlines.

July 30 is Registration
  • The first-year class of the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Shreveport is welcomed and congratulated!
  • Applicants still on the Waiting List are advised that they must reapply
 
Jabawocky said:
Here is a quick list of the deadlines for this semester and dates on when we can expect certain things:

January 5.

FAFSA -- No matter where you go to medical school, and even if you have no intention of using financial aid, you still need to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You need it to get a scholarships or awards. No FAFSA, no Scholarship.

January through July
Of students on the Acceptable List, some are admitted, some remain on the List, and some are asked to reapply.

March
Applicants holding places at more than one school are encouraged to "Do your friends a favor" by releasing their place at any school they do not plan to attend.

Deadline => April 15
Decision Day - Applicants who continue to hold places at other schools after April 15 are notified that their place in Shreveport has been forfeited.
Applicants who are for certain they want Shreveport' are encouraged to read and download, complete and otherwise begin taking care of pre-matriculation requirements referred to on the Registrar's website.

May 15 through registration on July 31
  • Any vacancies are filled with selected applicants on the Waiting List.
  • Admitted applicants --> Read, download, complete and otherwise take care of pre-matriculation requirements detailed under Things you Absolutely Must Do in order to Start School this July, in another section of our website.
Deadline => June 1
Graduate degrees - Applicants who are enrolled in the LSUHSCS School of Graduate Studies, or the joint Master's program with LSU-S must have completed all degree requirements. A letter from the Chair of their major department verifying that this has been done, must have been received by June 1.

June 5 to June 30
Admitted applicants have official final transcripts sent from all schools attended.

Deadline => July 15
CBC's. We need to receive a final report from Certiphi, the company performing the Criminal Background Checks, by close of business July 15, in case there are findings which need to be reviewed and addressed. Miss this deadline, and you'd better start thinking Deferred Enrollment.

July 1 to July 15
A few Wait-Listed applicants are advised to ready themselves for possible fast-track admission/matriculation. They are asked to submit final transcripts, complete the medical forms, and other things that matriculating students must do.
This is so that someone can step in and register in the event that one or more accepted students forfeit their place by failing to fulfill their obligations with respect to pre-matriculation requirements and deadlines.

July 30 is Registration
  • The first-year class of the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Shreveport is welcomed and congratulated!
  • Applicants still on the Waiting List are advised that they must reapply
Click to expand...
Ahh you're killing me! This wait is anguish enough, lol! I get so excited about going there whenever I read about it.
 
Accepted here and still NFA'd at New Orleans. Is there any reason to prefer this school over LSUHSC New Orleans? The environment and students sure are nice but some of the facilities look like they're falling apart....
 
supernguyen5000 said:
Accepted here and still NFA'd at New Orleans. Is there any reason to prefer this school over LSUHSC New Orleans? The environment and students sure are nice but some of the facilities look like they're falling apart....
Click to expand...

The only sketch thing is a certain elevator.
 
supernguyen5000 said:
Accepted here and still NFA'd at New Orleans. Is there any reason to prefer this school over LSUHSC New Orleans? The environment and students sure are nice but some of the facilities look like they're falling apart....
Click to expand...
supernguyen5000 said:
Ugh...I don't want to go to Shreveport...the campus seems like a dungeon compared to LSUHSC New Orleans
Click to expand...

Judging by your above quotes from here and the New Orleans thread, I think your mind is already made up. I also really think you need to have a little more respect for what I'm assuming is the only school that currently wants you. I'm not trying to be mean; it just needs to be said.

Now that we have the above out of the way, let me clear the air for those trying to decide between the two:

LSU-S was built in the early 60s and is relatively (I'm looking at you, winter storms) sheltered from major weather issues like hurricanes. LSU-NO would likely look very similar if it wasn't for the renovations done after Katrina. But as far as the school looking run down and "dungeon-like", I think you are really exaggerating. All the facilities are quite nice IMO. Both see a diverse patient population, etc.

The only people remotely geared to answer if/why one school is better are transfers and OMFS students (but they only went to dental school in NO, not the med school). No one else has been to both schools and can give a fair comparison. Yes, each school can say things they hear about the other school, but those things are usually taken out of context and consequently won't hold much value anyway.

Here's a few things that CAN be objectively compared:

- Shreveport has a working podcast system so you can watch lectures from your house in PJs (other than the occasional mandatory lectures). New Orleans is currently starting this up. I'm not sure how functional it is yet, but I'm pretty sure as of this year its still mandatory attendance for most things (but I can be corrected on this if someone knows better).
- Cost of living is cheaper in Shreveport. I think everyone knew this already, though.
- Class size is smaller. Whether this means anything to you or at all, who knows. I'm sure NO has just as many awesome teachers that will donate their time as Shreveport does.
- Curriculum. Shreveport is systems based (after 1 semester of basic sciences). New Orleans does the older style of a dedicated path class, anatomy, etc. Don't know if this is in the process of being changed, you'd have to ask someone over there.
- Laptops. Shreveport gets everyone MacBook Airs. NO gets an HP laptop. Warning: personal opinion ahead. Coming from a long-time windows user, I can honestly say I really love the macbook airs. The battery life is amazing. I can study all day on one charge and recharge overnight.

In the end though, everyone reading this needs to realize you will graduate with an MD from both schools. Neither school is a nationally recognized power-house turning out amazing researchers. The only advantage you'll likely get is a home school advantage when applying for residencies (so this is mostly a null point).

I can go on and on about this, but I'm not going to make this wall of text any larger. Anyone can feel free to PM me if they have specific questions about the school (if it wasn't obvious from this post, I am a student here).
 
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supernguyen5000 said:
Accepted here and still NFA'd at New Orleans. Is there any reason to prefer this school over LSUHSC New Orleans? The environment and students sure are nice but some of the facilities look like they're falling apart....
Click to expand...
For me, the benefit of LSU New Orleans is that it's in New Orleans. I like the city, I wouldn't have to move away from my perfect apartment and my boyfriend and family, and I like being close to Tulane and the LCRC because I'd want to do research there, and they have some great stuff going on with collaborators from all over.

But I like Shreveport's *school* slightly more. I like the systems based curriculum, LOVE the podcasts, and it feels a little closer and more tightly knit between classes. They also apparently see much more during their clinical years since they're the only Level 1 trauma center in a 300 mile radius, and I've heard they get to do a LOT by themselves during clerkships that others don't get to do until later.

My honest opinion is that over the years, Shreveport had to compete with New Orleans for admissions, and since the location was far less desirable, they had to find other ways to compensate. And I think in attempting to do so, they ended up going above and beyond. This is just conjecture, but I think it might have played a role.

Both are excellent schools, and if I got into both, I honestly don't know how I'd decide. I seriously hope you get into New Orleans though, because I'd sure love to get off of that A-list, and I know a bunch of the rest of us would too. Good luck!
 
supernguyen5000 said:
Accepted here and still NFA'd at New Orleans. Is there any reason to prefer this school over LSUHSC New Orleans? The environment and students sure are nice but some of the facilities look like they're falling apart....
Click to expand...

They will both do a good job of preparing you to be a physician. There's really no argument to say that one is better than the other education-wise. The rest of the differences are small and perhaps insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Shreveport has older facilities, yes, but they really focus on the students and show alot of dedication to helping students thrive rather than survive. That's a huge selling point for me. They have a progressive and organized approach to education which makes sense in my opinion. The students there also show a tremendous amount of positivity for the school which says a lot.
Nola is a much more traditional medical school and their facilities are much nicer. However, the atmosphere is not quite as friendly as Shreveport. Most applicants seem to prefer Nola because they find it more prestigious for whatever reason. Of course, New Orleans is awesome.
If given the choice between the two, i would likely pick Shreveport. Once I'm flooded with the workload of a medical student, I know that the facility quality will be the last thing on my mind. I don't mean to be negative about New Orleans at all considering Ide be honored to go there. However, I encourage you to think about it in terms of what will be best for you as a student over anything else.
 
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Can any current students comment on these things:

What is a typical weekly schedule as far as time spent in lecture and anatomy lab?
Has anyone participated in the summer prematriculation program? Pros and Cons
Where do most medical student live? Any areas you recommend?

Thanks for any and all comments.
 
laheadmed2015 said:
Can any current students comment on these things:

What is a typical weekly schedule as far as time spent in lecture and anatomy lab?
Has anyone participated in the summer prematriculation program? Pros and Cons
Where do most medical student live? Any areas you recommend?

Thanks for any and all comments.
Click to expand...

Our schedule is pretty sweet. We are generally done with everything by early early afternoon, but it's variable depending on which module. This week, there's only one day we have class until 2 pm, the rest of the week is finished at noon. The labs are usually 2-3 hours a day when you have them. The schedule is very doable.

I did not participate in the summer prematriculation program, but it seemed very beneficial to those who did because it covered almost all of test 1 material. I guess a down side is that you're giving up part of one of the last free summers you'll have.

Many live near the school in the Fairfield area.
 
Anyone interviewing on Tuesday?/ Any advice or intel on how interviews are?
 
laheadmed2015 said:
Can any current students comment on these things:

What is a typical weekly schedule as far as time spent in lecture and anatomy lab?
Has anyone participated in the summer prematriculation program? Pros and Cons
Where do most medical student live? Any areas you recommend?

Thanks for any and all comments.
Click to expand...
You mainly put lab time in during your first year. During 2nd year, the only time spent in lab is to review systems (cardio/GI/etc.) for an oral exam (which is pretty relaxed, btw). The first year is rougher IMO. This is mainly because of all the required labs, etc. Lecture density goes down after 1st year; rarely are lectures scheduled past the lunch hour break (noon-1 pm) during the 2nd year.

Once you get into systems, things start to feel more organized. Many of the courses are ~ 1 month long and divided into 2 tests. The first test's material is mainly physiology - learning whats normal; the 2nd test is generally pathology - how common diseases deviate from normal physiology for the system. Two notable exceptions to this are neuro (just because it spans ~ 14 weeks instead of the average 4) and the marathon that is the microbiology course (a test every Monday for 7 weeks).

Just for a general idea of the curriculum, this is the order you take things:

1st semester, first year:
1. Basic sciences (biochem, anatomy, cell bio, immunology, basics of pharm)

2nd semester, first year
2. Musculoskeletal system
3. Neuro system (this is basically head and neck anatomy along with the nervous system)

3rd semester, 2nd year:
4. Microbiology
5. Hematology & Oncology
6. Cardiology
7. Renal
8. Dermatology (a 1 week crash course, it really isn't much)

4th semester, 2nd year:
9. Respiratory
10. Gastrointestinal
11. ERGU (endocrine, reproductive, genito-urinary)

Theres some basic things like ethics in medicine, physical exam techniques, biostatistics, etc. scattered throughout these courses as well.

No idea about the pre-matriculation program. I don't really think it will give you much of a tangible advantage, though.

Places to live will depend on if you want to room with someone in the class. It's good to ask on your class's facebook group if anyone is looking for a roommate.
 
WhodatNation said:
Anyone interviewing on Tuesday?/ Any advice or intel on how interviews are?
Click to expand...


I interviewed back in September and can give you some small advice. The interviews are really relaxed and light in terms of the atmosphere IMO. What was kind of annoying though was how they separated you into your interview groups. They give you a card with names, times, and locations of the person you will be speaking with and kind of send you on your way to find them. Even though they do try and explain where to go, it can get confusing if you haven't been up there before.

Having said that, the people were very nice and welcoming. I did ED so I did not get the tour but from what I hear, its really informative and interesting. I got a short tour from a couple friends in their first year. I had one male and one female interviewer. The woman was very nice and seemed like she was really interested in what I had to say. The man however was a little more serious and I don't think I did as well with him.

In the end, show up early, dress professionally, and get some good sleep the night before. You wont get grilled like some of the horror stories on SDN say but DO show up knowing WHY you want to be a doctor. That is the best advice I can give. You could have bottle-fed baby orphans in a war zone for 12 years but if you don't know why you want to be a doctor, you'll be in trouble.

Good luck! Hopefully we can all laugh about this neurotic thread next year in class!
 
WhodatNation said:
Anyone interviewing on Tuesday?/ Any advice or intel on how interviews are?
Click to expand...

Like Jabawocky I interviewed in September. I think your closed book interviews will vary depending on who you interview with. I interviewed with two nice doctors, a pediatrician and a surgeon. My interview with Kennedy lasted about five minutes. He's been doing this a long time so I think he already has a good feel for people just from their paperwork. He was also really friendly, although he can be unpredictable based on other people I've talked to who interviewed with him.

I kind of looked at it as a game, where everything I did was to communicate how badly I want to be a physician. I was nice to everybody. I explained how every experience I put down in my application added to my capacity as a future doctor. Oh, and be genuine about this. For instance, I tutored college students in math and this trained me to be better at communicating foreign concepts in an understandable way which would surely come in handy for patient care.

Other than that:Eye contact, firm handshake, etc. Good luck!
 
Anyone heard of a single person moving on the A-List this entire time?
 
Jabawocky said:
Anyone heard of a single person moving on the A-List this entire time?
Click to expand...
Nothing yet over here. Still waiting. But do we know yet when the next adcom meeting is? That'll give us an idea of when we might hear something...
 
I've asked that same question a few times but I have yet to get a response. I don't know if anyone would know for sure honestly. They may not have one like NO does until april 15.
 
Do people join the facebook group before they make a commitment to one school or the other or before they are even accepted?

If not, there are already 93 people in the group and a class size or normally around 118.
 
Jabawocky said:
Do people join the facebook group before they make a commitment to one school or the other or before they are even accepted?

If not, there are already 93 people in the group and a class size or normally around 118.
Click to expand...
I think you join after you're accepted, but a few may not yet be committed.

A few of those people might be accepted at LSU but waiting to hear back from other schools (Tulane, &c.), and then of course some might have been accepted and are committing to LSU but don't have facebook.
 
Jabawocky said:
Do people join the facebook group before they make a commitment to one school or the other or before they are even accepted?

If not, there are already 93 people in the group and a class size or normally around 118.
Click to expand...
Don't take the facebook group as an accurate sizing of the class so far. There are people without FBs, & people that haven't made a final decision on which school they want (or are waiting to hear back from others). They are trying to slowly expand the class size to ~150. Last year they accepted around 125, but I don't know if that number will increase this year.

The final interview date is next Tuesday. You should start seeing some more activity by then. But the major movements are going to occur on the day (April 15?) when you can only hold an acceptance from 1 school.
 
jsl09 said:
Don't take the facebook group as an accurate sizing of the class so far. There are people without FBs, & people that haven't made a final decision on which school they want (or are waiting to hear back from others). They are trying to slowly expand the class size to ~150. Last year they accepted around 125, but I don't know if that number will increase this year.

The final interview date is next Tuesday. You should start seeing some more activity by then. But the major movements are going to occur on the day (April 15?) when you can only hold an acceptance from 1 school.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply. So do you think they will take 125+ this year? Also, how long after April 15th(yes that was the correct date you put) do they start notifying A-list people?
Today has just been one of those days so the anxiety is weighing heavier than normal.
 
Jabawocky said:
Do people join the facebook group before they make a commitment to one school or the other or before they are even accepted?

If not, there are already 93 people in the group and a class size or normally around 118.
Click to expand...

Just to put your mind at additional ease, the M1 that lunched my interview group in February advised all of us to join the fb group just for access to updates. So I, along with a few others in my group, joined. Point is I'm an A-lister, along with a few others I know, and I was in the group! (Recently left). No worries! 🙂
 
That is really good to know. Thanks for the heads up!👍
 
Do most people end up getting accepted off of the A-list? I know Dr. Kennedy said that last year only 6 people were left on the list, but I'm wondering if that holds pretty true every year?
 
hopefulstudent3 said:
Do most people end up getting accepted off of the A-list? I know Dr. Kennedy said that last year only 6 people were left on the list, but I'm wondering if that holds pretty true every year?
Click to expand...
Most people that get accepted get in off the A-list I think. But as far as how many are left, thats going to vary from year to year obviously. Sorry I can't really give you a definitive answer.
stressingout said:
Does this mean they're not sending out anymore II?
Click to expand...
I actually may have been wrong on that. The signup list for interview tours goes up to April 28. I had just heard people saying the last interview date was March 10. I probably should have checked on that before posting. I tend to trust the here-say about that though, since everyone likes to know when those amazing cookies in the interview conference room stop showing up.
 
jsl09 said:
Most people that get accepted get in off the A-list I think. But as far as how many are left, thats going to vary from year to year obviously. Sorry I can't really give you a definitive answer.
Click to expand...



When do they start taking people off the list? Are they calling people April 16th after the deadline or what? I looked at the thread from last year and it was pretty scarce on news between april and may
 
Jabawocky said:
When do they start taking people off the list? Are they calling people April 16th after the deadline or what? I looked at the thread from last year and it was pretty scarce on news between april and may
Click to expand...
Wouldn't have a clue. Just know that it will be soon after. I'd venture to say within a week, but like I said, I've really no idea. Considering April 15 is a Wednesday, you should give the admissions office some time to work. I think you should try to be patient, though. If you are on the A-list, then expect to see something within the last 2 weeks of April. They will try to finalize the incoming class roster ASAP to give people time to find a place to live, etc.
 
Yeah, im patient its just been rough week. I did figure out after looking on the 2012-2013 thread that they started calling people April 16th. So that is good
 
Jabawocky said:
Yeah, im patient its just been rough week. I did figure out after looking on the 2012-2013 thread that they started calling people April 16th. So that is good
Click to expand...

Fast approaching.
 
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