2014-2015 University of South Florida Application Thread

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Just got II this morning, scheduled for March 3rd. Am I just interviewing for the waitlist at this point, or is there still hope?

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Just got II this morning, scheduled for March 3rd. Am I just interviewing for the waitlist at this point, or is there still hope?

There's hope. The only schools that are likely interviewing students just to waitlist them are schools like st Louis, Jefferson, etc.
 
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For those who got accepted to CORE, how many days after your interview did it take for you to get the call? Interviewed 1/27 and no one i know from that day got called yet
 
For those who got accepted to CORE, how many days after your interview did it take for you to get the call? Interviewed 1/27 and no one i know from that day got called yet
It's usually supposed to take a 8 days (the following Wednesday) but they said it can be later than that depending on the applicant.
 
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Just got an II today too, complete july 31st. Totally out of left field but excited to be visiting in march!
 
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Posted this in last year's thread, but it's a good summary of the MS1 for those applying this year to keep in mind.

Most of learning is in lectures which are recorded and downloadable. The lectures are not mandatory unless they are active learning sessions, explanation to follow. My guess of the 50% number is they count "Active Learning" sessions as PBL. They are basically souped up lectures that teach the topics that we've learned about in lecture or in anatomy lab and apply them in a clinical scenario. They are supposed to have more audience interaction and sometimes we talk in groups during the lecture and come back and discuss the topics in the whole lecture. The quality of the experience is somewhat dependent on the lecturer and some were very helpful and some not-so-much. They seemed to become more useful as the year progresses. We also have a Clinical problem solving element that lasts about 8 weeks with 3 hour sessions every week in which it follows the more traditional PBL format you might be thinking of. Pretty painless and not a significant time waster.

There are 4 courses through the year that follow the block format of different organ systems. There are three tests spread within the block and one practical exam for anatomy. Within the courses we have anatomy lab scheduled to dissect the organ systems we are covering and doctoring that usually covers the exam skills and other topics within the organ system. In addition to doctoring we have ethics, humanities, and biostat/clinical research topics that are sprinkled throughout the courses. Ethics and biostats/clinical research have separate midterm and final tests. There is a comprehensive final exam that covers all the topics in a broad, high yield approach at the end of the year. SELECT has some additional requirements throughout the year

Doctoring, anatomy lab, humanities, ethics, and the active learning sessions are mandatory. Some biostat/clinical research methods classes are mandatory, but not the majority. They are also recorded. You also have a clinical experience for about the half the year that is once a week, most weeks. That is also mandatory.

That's pretty much first year in a nutshell. The benefits are you will definitely see a patient and talk to patients (some standardized, some not) in your first year and you will start to get a clinical flavor of why all this stuff is important. The downside is if you were planning on attending medical school from the comfort of your apartment first year, that's not really an option. In second year, anatomy lab is gone, but everything else is still present I think. I haven't started yet, so I can't say for sure we are still doing ethics, humanities, or biostat/clinical research next year. We still do doctoring, clinical problem solving, and the clinical experience for sure in second year. Second year ends at the end of February to allow time for step 1 prep and for us SELECT folks to move to Pennsylvania starting in May.

I like the P/F and block system. It allows me to to have a life, reduce stress , and reduce unneeded competition with my classmates. I don't worry about what grades they're getting. I just judge my performance based off my own expectations which is a definitely healthy attitude to develop for you MS1's.

Forgot to add in the previous thread, but I'm not 100% sure active learnings are in second year so there might be a significant reduction in MS2 mandatory classes. I'm honestly hoping that's the case. I really like watching the lectures recorded and on double speed. ;)

can you elaborate on the clinical problem solving class? Is CPS concurrent with the systems based blocks? And how many 3 hour meetings per week?
 
can you elaborate on the clinical problem solving class? Is CPS concurrent with the systems based blocks? And how many 3 hour meetings per week?

There's only one CPS session per week and not every week has them. CPS is generally concurrent with the blocks. In second year, CPS is shortened to 2 hours and depending on the preceptor you can be done in an hour or so. CPS is only for 14 weeks or so in second year. You basically work through a clinical case with a preceptor and an MS4, come up with learning issues to do independent research on for the next session and talk about the case. The learning issues are not intended to be major projects and should only take you about an hour or so. (I usually did them on Sundays while watching football and drinking beer if that gives you an idea of what they're like)

Having finished most of second year now, there's definitely much more distance learning options available. I have much more "free" (not mandatory attendance) time this year. Unfortunately, most of it is filled with studying. Hence the avatar.
 
Wow, they call you even if you're wait listed? I really appreciate the personal touch, but now I won't know how to feel when I see that area code.
 
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I got an II in November and interviewed a couple of weeks ago for SELECT. I was an MSP3'er last year. Haven't heard anything official but there have been rumblings of wait list letters mailed last Friday. Im assuming the recent blizzard in New England has delayed my letter's arrival.
What is an MSP3'er?? Also, what do people mean when they say they have volunteer hours in ED?
 
I'm not sure if they call everyone. She made it seems as they don't but I'm not sure! Good luck!

They only call a select few who are waitlisted

Thanks guys. They meet the following Tuesday, right? Oh boy that's today. Do they call the same day or the day after? Will the online status be updated beforehand? Sorry for the neurotic questions...
 
Thanks guys. They meet the following Tuesday, right? Oh boy that's today. Do they call the same day or the day after? Will the online status be updated beforehand? Sorry for the neurotic questions...
They meet Tuesday nights and call on Wednesdays. Usually takes about a week for status to be updated on the portal, though it's been 3 weeks for me and the status hasn't changed on my portal yet.
 
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What is an MSP3'er?? Also, what do people mean when they say they have volunteer hours in ED?
MSP3er is referring to people in the medical master's program at the USF MCOM. It's a master's program focusing on preparation for health professional schools. Most of the graduates apply for MD, DO, Dental, Vet, ... There is no guarantee for an interview but it definitely boosts your application if you do well.
 
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Anyone have any insight on the Pre-matriculation Medical Science Skills Development Program that is from Jul 6-27? Seems like it would be pretty helpful for basic science review. I'm considering it because I've been out of school for 2 years. But the thought of losing my last month of freedom is a bummer. Thoughts????
 
I didn't get a call from Dr. Daniel but I just received an acceptance email. Would have loved to get the call but an email will do :). So I accepted the offer on USF's secondary application website but nothing shows up after. No confirmation and no status update. Is this normal?

Anyway, what's the next step? I'm getting stuff ready for the financial aid, and the email said to hold off on creating the USF health account. I'm assuming a packet of forms and information will be sent along with the acceptance letter?

I hope to see all of you soon!
 
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I didn't get a call from Dr. Daniel but I just received an acceptance email. Would have loved to get the call but an email will do :). So I accepted the offer on USF's secondary application website but nothing shows up after. No confirmation and no status update. Is this normal?
Congrats! I am sitting here waiting anxiously. Nothing as of yet.
 
I didn't get a call from Dr. Daniel but I just received an acceptance email. Would have loved to get the call but an email will do :). So I accepted the offer on USF's secondary application website but nothing shows up after. No confirmation and no status update. Is this normal?

Anyway, what's the next step? I'm getting stuff ready for the financial aid, and the email said to hold off on creating the USF health account. I'm assuming a packet of forms and information will be sent along with the acceptance letter?

I hope to see all of you soon!

Congrats! When did you interview?
 
Congrats! I am sitting here waiting anxiously. Nothing as of yet.
Yes, the wait was a little longer thank I expected. Good things come to those who wait :). They can call as early as the next Wednesday after your interview date, but it will probably be later, as in my case.

Congrats! When did you interview?
Thank you! I interviewed 1/27.
 
It's been 2+ weeks since my SELECT interview and so far no news from admissions. Status portal says my app was last viewed on the day of the interview. Does anyone know how much longer I can expect to wait before hearing back? Should I call them up and ask?
 
Waitlisted today.

Edit: CORE
 
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For those of you on the waitlist, don't lost hope! There's usually a lot of waitlist movement on/around May 15th, when applicants are only allowed to hold an acceptance at 1 school. So right now someone who is accepted may be holding multiple acceptances and does not have to decide until May 15th on his/her top choice
 
Has anybody from the February 3rd CORE interview date heard back yet? Do you think we will hear back this Wednesday on the 18th?
 
Invited for an interview today! Scheduled for March 24th! So happy to finally hear from a Florida school
 
Nothing yet. At least I don't think so. I'm out of the country, so if they called, I obviously didn't answer lol.
Has anybody from the February 3rd CORE interview date heard back yet? Do you think we will hear back this Wednesday on the 18th?
 
I expect to hear back this Wednesday....my interviewer actually knew a doctor I shadowed....small world. This school was very impressive and welcoming. The student body seems to maintain a very intimate relationship...astonishing considering the class size. I am looking forward to their decision. And for those of you that are worried about spots....there are still some available if your app is strong enough...if not expect to be waitlisted. The interviews are extremely relaxed and Dr. Daniel is one of the funniest people I have met in a long time. Just enjoy the day.
 
Two questions for current students:

Is there a housing guide concerning which apartment complexes to avoid and which are favorable?

Also, out of curiosity, what was the average Step 1 score last year?

Many thanks!
 
People who interviewed from out of state, which hotel did you stay at? How did you get to the college- bus, shuttle, or just walking? Are there any hotels that offer shuttles?
 
Two questions for current students:

Is there a housing guide concerning which apartment complexes to avoid and which are favorable?

Also, out of curiosity, what was the average Step 1 score last year?

Many thanks!

They will send you information re: housing as it gets closer. In general, there are some areas right near campus to avoid renting at. Those locations will be pointed on that guide (primarily west of Bruce B. Downs and between Bearss and Busch Blvd, if you know the area). Other than that there are no specific recommendations.

The score told to us (MS2's prepping for step this year) was 228 as the average for last year's class.
 
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USF just left a voicemail saying they needed to "touch base" with me on my interview last week. Is that what they usually say! And I guess from scrolling they call everyone?
 
USF just left a voicemail saying they needed to "touch base" with me on my interview last week. Is that what they usually say! And I guess from scrolling they call everyone?
When did you interview?
 
USF just left a voicemail saying they needed to "touch base" with me on my interview last week. Is that what they usually say! And I guess from scrolling they call everyone?

They were kind of vague about how they communicate with the applicants. They said they may call or email, but all final decisions come via snail mail
 
To all waitlisted applicants: did your portal change to reflect that you've been waitlisted?
 
Does anyone know if there is a difference between getting waitlisted via call, email or snail mail?
 
I think there is, ie when they called me for the waitlist they said they were only calling certain people
Maybe they only call those they've got zero interest in. JK, hope you're right bud, I was called too.
 
Accepted student here, have a few questions for someone attending the school :). What is the social dynamic at USF? Do the students generally have a lot of fun/tend to do things during free time? And if so, what? I'm from California so I'm trying to get a feel for what Floridians do :). Maybe someone else from California can shed some light on the transition from here to there. Thanks!!
 
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