2014-2015 University of Wisconsin Application Thread

[iheartvolleyball]

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Does any UW Madison undergrads/medical students know what's going to happen with Gov. Walker's proposed budget cuts? Does this mean less scholarships would be given? And higher tuition for this upcoming year?

There is a tuition freeze for the next two years (although I don't know if that only applies to instate) but there is definitely the possibility of a tuition increase after that. I don't think anyone is totally sure of what will happen with the budget cut unfortunately :/

 

[kevinsword91]

Does any UW Madison undergrads/medical students know what's going to happen with Gov. Walker's proposed budget cuts? Does this mean less scholarships would be given? And higher tuition for this upcoming year?

I remember the dean mentioning during his "hard sell talk" that tuition may not be as low as it is currently is depending on the 2014 election outcome. It was only a half-a-sentence aside and was probably pure speculation at the time as it was September.

 

[Jennyfishy]

Anyone know what the wait list situation is like for in state? I'm new to this forum and just got wait listed earlier today. No idea where I stand on the wait list. I applied in October, secondary in November, interviewed December.

They'll release the rank list some time around late March/April. Last year, about a dozen(ish) folks were pulled off the in-state waitlist, and none from the OOS to my knowledge (or 1-2 at most). If you end up getting ranked 1-10, your chances of getting accepted are still pretty good, but any higher than that is left to the fate of where the other students end up matriculating.

 

[Jennyfishy]

Does any UW Madison undergrads/medical students know what's going to happen with Gov. Walker's proposed budget cuts? Does this mean less scholarships would be given? And higher tuition for this upcoming year?

This conversation has definitely come up among our student government and we'll be meeting with the deans next week to discuss how it could potentially affect future classes.

From our previous meetings, the Deans have repeatedly stated that if tuition does increase (after the tuition freeze ends), they would increase financial aid to match it (especially for those who would receive some specific scholarships). Granted, most medical school education is funded by unsubsidized loans, so they would simply increase the cap on it to match the tuition increases for the others. The exact dollar amount of how much tuition would/could change is unclear, but we've been reassured that it would still be less than what most other med schools cost. We will get updates as we hear back 🙂

 

[kittykattat]

I remember the dean mentioning during his "hard sell talk" that tuition may not be as low as it is currently is depending on the 2014 election outcome. It was only a half-a-sentence aside and was probably pure speculation at the time as it was September.

Yes good memory! So since then, the current governor was re-elected so the tuition freeze has stayed in effect. It sounds like the most likely scenario now is that the freeze will go until 2017 and tuition will go up the next school year after that, so 2015 matriculants shouldn't be surprised if they have to take out a bit more loan money 4th year than the first 3 years.

As JennyFishy said, we will try to update you all as we get more concrete info!

 

[Vesh]

Without getting too political, I worry for the future of this university. The University of Wisconsin is consistently considered one of the better public schools in the nation, but whereas before I felt we were slowly climbing the ladder towards UM or UVA, I feel like this could be a big step backwards. Chancellor Blank already mentioned this past week that top faculty candidates for the medical school and nursing school withdrew their application upon hearing about the budget. There is not a ton of stuff going on in Wisconsin outside of the Packers, cheese, and UW. The diminishment of the academic and research reputation of the school will only hurt the state as a whole; the medical school is no exception.

 

[Glandzburg]

I'm sure we'll hear more about it soon, but I'm wondering if any current students that attended UW's second look day could give an overview of what the day was like?

 

[chris221]

They'll release the rank list some time around late March/April. Last year, about a dozen(ish) folks were pulled off the in-state waitlist, and none from the OOS to my knowledge (or 1-2 at most). If you end up getting ranked 1-10, your chances of getting accepted are still pretty good, but any higher than that is left to the fate of where the other students end up matriculating.

i'm also waitlisted, interviewed in november, in-state. do you recall approximately how many people were on the in-state waitlist last year? thanks for the info!

 

[Jennyfishy]

I'm sure we'll hear more about it soon, but I'm wondering if any current students that attended UW's second look day could give an overview of what the day was like?

Yeah, they should be sending a more detailed itinerary when it gets closer to April (or it'll be a complete surprise, I don't remember). It's almost a full day of programming from morning until 3ish pm, and they serve out their good ole Babcock's Ice cream at the end of the day for the informal mingling. Most of the "activities" are scheduled for students (and parents, couples, etc) to get every single last concern, doubt, or question about why they shouldn't choose UW over X school answered. A group of the prospective students (or maybe even current students) may organize an evening/informal event to get to hang out with your future classmates, or you all can figure it out over your facebook group beforehand.

i'm also waitlisted, interviewed in november, in-state. do you recall approximately how many people were on the in-state waitlist last year? thanks for the info!

I've seen numbers into the low 30s being reported anecdotally from folks I know who applied, but I couldn't tell you how high the IS/OOS list goes!

 

[Jennyfishy]

Speaking of which, can any accepted students for the 2019 class PM me the link to their facebook group? Our current M1 class *may* be planning some events in the upcoming months and would like to invite prospective students/those who are in the area to attend.

 

[kwin37]

I am seriously considering coming here next year for medical school... I really like to have my own space at the end of the day, and am really wanting to find a place to live by myself. Can any current medical students or even undergrads give me an idea how feasible it is to live in a one bedroom/where to look? Thanks!

 

[kittykattat]

I am seriously considering coming here next year for medical school... I really like to have my own space at the end of the day, and am really wanting to find a place to live by myself. Can any current medical students or even undergrads give me an idea how feasible it is to live in a one bedroom/where to look? Thanks!

Its definitely feasible, a fair number of us live alone myself included, but if I could give you any advice I would say start looking ASAP! I started looking right around this time last year and I was shocked how many of the big property management companies in madison had barely any studios or one bedrooms left for next school year by this time of the year. The pickins were definitely getting slim and I had to decide if I wanted to settle for a little older place that wasn't super nice/updated or a nicer place that would stretch my budget more. And that goes for one bedrooms around the med school and downtown by the capital, because those were the two areas I was mostly looking in. If money is not an object for you than you will be fine. Also, if you have a car or don't mind a 10 minute drive or a 20 min bus commute to school you can look west of the school & hospital you will be fine on a smaller budget.

I don't know why but it seems that every year in downtown Madison studios and 1 bedrooms seem to run out looong before 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

 

[felixthegirl]

I have a few questions about housing. My boyfriend and I are moving out with 2 dogs and are looking for a house with a yard. I have seen a handful up for rent, and I am willing to commute to school (I know a bit about the parking sitch), but I was wondering when orientation is? A lot of the leases seem to start on 8/15 but that seems too late. I was thinking more around July in order to get settled. Also if you have any resources for finding a house, that would be amazing. Thanks!

 

[Jrcomsto]

I have a few questions about housing. My boyfriend and I are moving out with 2 dogs and are looking for a house with a yard. I have seen a handful up for rent, and I am willing to commute to school (I know a bit about the parking sitch), but I was wondering when orientation is? A lot of the leases seem to start on 8/15 but that seems too late. I was thinking more around July in order to get settled. Also if you have any resources for finding a house, that would be amazing. Thanks!

Am in a similar situation, would love to hear any advice!

 

[Glandzburg]

I have a few questions about housing. My boyfriend and I are moving out with 2 dogs and are looking for a house with a yard. I have seen a handful up for rent, and I am willing to commute to school (I know a bit about the parking sitch), but I was wondering when orientation is? A lot of the leases seem to start on 8/15 but that seems too late. I was thinking more around July in order to get settled. Also if you have any resources for finding a house, that would be amazing. Thanks!

Here is a good place to start:
http://campusareahousing.wisc.edu/

This site allows you to search for housing in different "zones" around campus, including near the medical school (or not so near if you are looking to save on cost!)

 

[Jrcomsto]

I have a few questions about housing. My boyfriend and I are moving out with 2 dogs and are looking for a house with a yard. I have seen a handful up for rent, and I am willing to commute to school (I know a bit about the parking sitch), but I was wondering when orientation is? A lot of the leases seem to start on 8/15 but that seems too late. I was thinking more around July in order to get settled. Also if you have any resources for finding a house, that would be amazing. Thanks!

According to Becky Duffy on the accepted students Facebook page, orientation begins August 17th!

 

[iheartvolleyball]

I have a few questions about housing. My boyfriend and I are moving out with 2 dogs and are looking for a house with a yard. I have seen a handful up for rent, and I am willing to commute to school (I know a bit about the parking sitch), but I was wondering when orientation is? A lot of the leases seem to start on 8/15 but that seems too late. I was thinking more around July in order to get settled. Also if you have any resources for finding a house, that would be amazing. Thanks!

A lot of the leases right around campus are on the August 15th schedule, but in my experience if you look a little further off campus, maybe east or west, the dates are usually the 1st of the month or just more flexible. I'm a current applicant but in grad school at UW right now. Good luck in your search!

 

[kwin37]

Some people have been mentioning you can live farther off campus if you'd like. So how do most people get to school then? I was told parking on campus isn't really possible!

 

[Glandzburg]

Some people have been mentioning you can live farther off campus if you'd like. So how do most people get to school then? I was told parking on campus isn't really possible!

I believe that the bus route encompasses a relatively large area. I've heard that some students live in the neighboring town of Middleton and are still able to take the bus. It would be a fairly time-consuming commute, however.

 

[felixthegirl]

Some people have been mentioning you can live farther off campus if you'd like. So how do most people get to school then? I was told parking on campus isn't really possible!

On this note, from things I heard about parking, is it true that you can get a parking space if you really want one, maybe from a lot or business off campus if you are willing/able to fork over the money?

 

[DocGirl7300]

On this note, from things I heard about parking, is it true that you can get a parking space if you really want one, maybe from a lot or business off campus if you are willing/able to fork over the money?

Ya..I heard its pretty much impossible as well

 

[asyouwish]

For current students and accepted students, are there any required financial aid forms other than the FAFSA? Thanks in advance.

 

[kittykattat]

On this note, from things I heard about parking, is it true that you can get a parking space if you really want one, maybe from a lot or business off campus if you are willing/able to fork over the money?

Yes, this is true. Some people just pay the visitor rate to park in the hospital visitor lot everyday but I think that is pretty silly... if you are willing to walk 2 or 3 blocks to the door of the HSLC you can rent a spot from a nearby apartment building or business for cheaper than parking in hospital ramp everyday, but its still gonna cost you, since the businesses in the area know that parking by the hospital is at a premium (the range that I've seen within a 2-3 blocks from the med school is anywhere from 90-150$ a month). That is what I would get if I lived in Middleton or an area of Madison not on a bus route. You will probably save 100-150 in rent a month anyway by living further away from downtown as you get the more bang for your buck the further you get from campus.

 

[kittykattat]

Some people have been mentioning you can live farther off campus if you'd like. So how do most people get to school then? I was told parking on campus isn't really possible!

I PM'ed you, but to answer this questions since it seems like others are also interested:

People who live further off campus either take the bus(most popular-all students get free bus passes), ride their bike(and take the bus if theres a blizzard or whatever), ride a moped(there are designated moped parking lots and permits are about $120 for a whole year), get a ride from a sig-other, drive and park in the hospital visitor ramp (this is very expensive though-wouldnt recommend), or drive in and park in a nearby lot or garage and walk the last couple of blocks to the med school.

 

[Jennyfishy]

For current students and accepted students, are there any required financial aid forms other than the FAFSA? Thanks in advance.

If memory serves correctly, I'm pretty sure FAFSA is the only document. The school doesn't need additional documentation because they don't even consider your financial situation to provide need-based aid (grants that aren't scholarships) for the first year. Our school only offers need-based aid to qualifying students in their 2nd year.

 

[Rollerbladdin]

Hi all,

Luckily, I have been accepted to both UWSMPH and MCOW. I am having a real hard time choosing between the two schools. Any people in a similar position + any advice/thoughts any of you were willing to share? What criteria should I use to pick between the two schools and is there anything that makes one school "better" than the other? If it matters, I currently am a senior at Madison.

Thanks!

 

[Jennyfishy]

Hi all,

Luckily, I have been accepted to both UWSMPH and MCOW. I am having a real hard time choosing between the two schools. Any people in a similar position + any advice/thoughts any of you were willing to share? What criteria should I use to pick between the two schools and is there anything that makes one school "better" than the other? If it matters, I currently am a senior at Madison.

Thanks!

UW!

...because you're on the UW class thread

I guess the important factors you could look into comparing were how you felt about the location/class/opportunities/support the two have to offer. If you have a specific interest in the urban health disparities of Milwaukee, you will definitely encounter a more diverse patient population out there (but UW does have opportunities to gain clinical training in MKE, such as TRIUMPH etc). If you're [edit: OOS, but especially IS, tuition is a sizable] difference factor, but potential scholarship offers may help you make your decision as well 😉

There are some older threads with people discussing the same topic on SDN - but given that it's SDN, the information is pretty biased towards UW (there are some folks who gave very detailed comparisons on the link below).

Try: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/uw-madison-or-mcw.886834/

 

[kittykattat]

UW!

...because you're on the UW class thread

I guess the important factors you could look into comparing were how you felt about the location/class/opportunities/support the two have to offer. If you have a specific interest in the urban health disparities of Milwaukee, you will definitely encounter a more diverse patient population out there (but UW does have opportunities to gain clinical training in MKE, such as TRIUMPH etc). If you're in state, tuition is a non-factor, but potential scholarship offers may help you make your decision as well 😉

There are some older threads with people discussing the same topic on SDN - but given that it's SDN, the information is pretty biased towards UW (there are some folks who gave very detailed comparisons though).

Try: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/uw-madison-or-mcw.886834/

Jenny makes some great points! But in regards to the bolded:

On the contrary, MCW is much more expensive than UW, ESPECIALLY if you are in state! I interviewed at both last year and MCW tuition was about $21,000 more per year than UW (for me since I was in state - 45k vs 24k per year), and I think that it would be about 16k more for OOS then, so Im guessing its about the same this year. Tons of my classmates got into MCW and all of them obviously chose UW (since they are my classmates lol) but I do know one person who got a sizeable scholarship to MCW so ultimately chose to go there.

I can't speak for others, but for me it was a no brainer after getting into both schools. Much cheaper tuition, much higher ranking and overall academic reputation, badger football and basketball games, location (I love Milwaukee but MCW isn't actually in Milwaukee its in the suburbs), P/F first year, statewide campus for rotations, awesome match list (I haven't seen MCWs though so theirs might be good too!), SO MANY research opportunities (can't emphasize this enough, literally anything you could possibly want to do you can find someone to help you do it), etc.

Good luck with your decision and congrats on getting into both schools! If you are really having a tough time deciding I would just say to go to both second looks and meet some of your future classmates, see where you would be more comfortable. I didn't go to MCW's second look but I did go to other schools' to help me decide between them and UWSMPH!

 

[Jennyfishy]

Jenny makes some great points! But in regards to the bolded:

On the contrary, MCW is much more expensive than UW, ESPECIALLY if you are in state! I interviewed at both last year and MCW tuition was about 22k more per year than UW (for me since I was in state - 46k vs 24k per year if I remember correctly), and I think that it would be about 17k more for OOS then, so Im guessing its about the same this year. Tons of my classmates got into MCW and all of them obviously chose UW (since they are my classmates lol) but I do know one person who got a sizeable scholarship to MCW so ultimately chose to go there.

Right! I meant that arguing tuition as a deciding factor of MCW OVER UW as an in state resident would be silly, since UW is dirt cheap for you folks, whereas it's a little more equal for OOS people like me between MCW/UW (although UW would still be cheaper). I'll edit that 😉

My, we are having quite a number of miscommunication conversations today, @kittykattat !

 

[kittykattat]

Right! I meant that arguing tuition as a deciding factor of MCW OVER UW as an in state resident would be silly, since UW is dirt cheap for you folks, whereas it's a little more equal for OOS people like me between MCW/UW.

My, we are having quite a number of miscommunication conversations today, @kittykattat !

Whoops! That makes more sense then, glad we are on the same page! Yeah I am just on a struggle bus today. I blame renal histology. ALL OF THE TUBES LOOK THE SAME

 

[mnbmen]

Yes good memory! So since then, the current governor was re-elected so the tuition freeze has stayed in effect. It sounds like the most likely scenario now is that the freeze will go until 2017 and tuition will go up the next school year after that, so 2015 matriculants shouldn't be surprised if they have to take out a bit more loan money 4th year than the first 3 years.

As JennyFishy said, we will try to update you all as we get more concrete info!

I would not say that the tuition freeze for medical school tuition is the "most likely" situation. Tuition will still be reasonable but don't be surprised if there is an increase for next year either.

 

[kittykattat]

I would not say that the tuition freeze for medical school tuition is the "most likely" situation. Tuition will still be reasonable but don't be surprised if there is an increase for next year either.

Perhaps you are right, I don't know the politics of it, I am just relaying the information I have gotten from the school based on their intents to raise tuition but also based on the Governor's intents to keep it frozen while in office. Even though the school is proposing tuition increases, anything that gets approved can't go into effect until the freeze is over, so if you know more about when the freeze is likely to end than I do (which I don't doubt because I know nothing!) please share that info with us

 

[Glandzburg]

I've got another quick question for current students. How does the process of finding a PI for research work? It it possible to get involved in any type of research that I am interested in, or are the options for medical students relatively limited. I ask this because I know that the University of Minnesota has a "Craigslist" style website where PI's can post open research opportunities, and it is extremely easy to navigate. Does UW have anything like this? Or is it more along the lines of "cold-calling" PI's that you are interested in working with? Thanks!

 

[kittykattat]

I've got another quick question for current students. How does the process of finding a PI for research work? It it possible to get involved in any type of research that I am interested in, or are the options for medical students relatively limited. I ask this because I know that the University of Minnesota has a "Craigslist" style website where PI's can post open research opportunities, and it is extremely easy to navigate. Does UW have anything like this? Or is it more along the lines of "cold-calling" PI's that you are interested in working with? Thanks!

Like I just said a couple posts ago, you can get involved in pretty much anything you can possibly conceive. We have a running list of projects that PIs are looking for help with (from bench work to clinical trials to a lot of chart reviews that can get you an easy pub in a field that interests you) that you can use to find a mentor. There are more projects on there than there are students looking for research, so if your goal for finding a PI is just to make it as quick and painless as possible you can just use that. If your goal is to investigate a specific research question or specific topic that isn't on that list obviously you will have to email people in the field and see if they would be open to mentoring you in your research, but most PIs here are used to mentoring med students so you shouldn't have a problem with that method either.

 

[Glandzburg]

Now that the invite is officially out, who's planning on attending second look day?!

 

[ladyluck23]

Has anyone who interviewed in January heard a decision?

 

[motivationalmd]

I have a few questions about housing. My boyfriend and I are moving out with 2 dogs and are looking for a house with a yard. I have seen a handful up for rent, and I am willing to commute to school (I know a bit about the parking sitch), but I was wondering when orientation is? A lot of the leases seem to start on 8/15 but that seems too late. I was thinking more around July in order to get settled. Also if you have any resources for finding a house, that would be amazing. Thanks!

Hi. I went to UWSMPH for med school and it was awesome! I stayed for residency and currently own a duplex. I'm looking for someone interested in renting the other half. I just put an ad up in the free classified section of this site. Check it out for more details if interested.

During medical school, I lived in an expensive apartment across street from med school. This was nice because I was within walking distance of everything, however, living about 10-15 minutes away from campus is definitely doable as well. Especially to get a change of scenery and if you have pets or a family. Thats why I moved for residency. (I also have a dog and am married with two kids so living further out was better for us). Well anyway, congrats to all who got accepted to UWSMPH and good luck to all those waiting or on wait list. Remember no matter what happens, never give up on your dreams!!! Its tough now, but everything will pay off in the long run! 🙂

 

[Rollerbladdin]

Hi all - did anyone happen to go to the town hall talk today? Any new information?

 

[ladyluck23]

Has anyone who interviewed in January heard a decision?

+1?
Getting anxious...

 

[TspCapacity]

+1?
Getting anxious...

I'm waiting too. Praying for a phone call to come very soon.

 

[ladyluck23]

I'm waiting too. Praying for a phone call to come very soon.

When did you interview?

 

[TspCapacity]

When did you interview?

1/23. Six week mark is coming up shortly.

 

[ladyluck23]

1/23. Six week mark is coming up shortly.

Ah, okay. I didn't interview until 1/30. Looks like I won't be hearing for a while. Good luck to you!

 

[TspCapacity]

Speak of the devil. I came home to an acceptance letter! This school, my beloved alma mater, is my top choice, so I am happy to say that I will definitely be joining the class of 2019!

 

[ladyluck23]

Speak of the devil. I came home to an acceptance letter! This school, my beloved alma mater, is my top choice, so I am happy to say that I will definitely be joining the class of 2019!

AHH! Congratulations! Glad everything worked out for you! Did you not receive a phone call before the letter?

 

[TspCapacity]

AHH! Congratulations! Glad everything worked out for you! Did you not receive a phone call before the letter?

Thank you! It feels unreal at the moment. XD Best of luck to you too! Hopefully you hear good news in the upcoming week.

And I did not. (I'm going through my call history just in case....) I was expecting one because I was under the impression that phone calls came first, so imagine my shock to find an envelope at home.

 

[donutgabe]

Interviewed 2/13 (the final group I believe) and got the call yesterday! I'm so excited! I'll see some of you in the fall, I hope!

 

[april221]

Has anyone heard anything about scholarships recently?

 

[Rollerbladdin]

In addition to april221's comment, any idea when we get financial aid packages?

 

[2015hopeful]

@Rollerbladdin

Hopefully soon.. I'm also curious if they're still awarding scholarships. I just received my financial aid info from another school, which I loved but has a significantly higher price tag, but they offered me a scholarship which makes the difference pretty negligible.

It's hard to believe that we are expected to make a final decision so soon given that we're still working with incomplete information, but I guess that's just how it goes.