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For others on the alternate list, do you plan on updating the admissions board? I have my fingers crossed for UTMB.
The sizes may correspond to dress size. That said, do they have a sizing chart posted anywhere? As a last resort, you could contact them asking for sizing information.For the females in this thread -- how would you know your coat size? The sizes are anywhere from 6 to 20, and I don't know how I can know the correct size without trying them on.
Email Ms. Tammy Bird and schedule a conference with Dr. Rabek - he will go over your TMDSAS profile and give you guidance with how to go about improving for reapplying.Need a little help here, guys. I didn't get into any schools this year, but I'm not letting that stop me. The first thing I'd like to do is get feedback from the admissions committees. I know that it's possible to do this, but I'm not entirely sure how to go about it. How should I do this? Who should I contact at UTMB?
Need a little help here, guys. I didn't get into any schools this year, but I'm not letting that stop me. The first thing I'd like to do is get feedback from the admissions committees. I know that it's possible to do this, but I'm not entirely sure how to go about it. How should I do this? Who should I contact at UTMB?
Need a little help here, guys. I didn't get into any schools this year, but I'm not letting that stop me. The first thing I'd like to do is get feedback from the admissions committees. I know that it's possible to do this, but I'm not entirely sure how to go about it. How should I do this? Who should I contact at UTMB?
Any idea if he'd be willing to do a Skype conference? The drive isn't impossible, but...I'd rather not do that to my historical artifact of a car.Email Ms. Tammy Bird and schedule a conference with Dr. Rabek - he will go over your TMDSAS profile and give you guidance with how to go about improving for reapplying.
3.69GPA, 3.8 BPCM, 512 MCAT, IS, and FinanceWhat are your stats? Are you in state? What was your major?
Lol thanks for that heads upAnd whatever you do, don't contact Theresa Silva! She's not helpful whatsoever and quite patronizing. Just ask to schedule an appt with Dean Rabek directly
3.69GPA, 3.8 BPCM, 512 MCAT, IS, and Finance
I find that really offensive that you would go out of your way to personally attack Theresa Silva. I don't know your own personal experience, but I've found Ms. Silva to be nothing but helpful and encouraging. I was concerned about my application and me not getting an interview back in October and I sent several emails to Theresa Silva and Tammy Bird. I got the email back from Ms. Silva reassuring me that my application was under review and they had received all application materials - and she reassured me that there were plenty of spots (this was end of October) for interviewing. Tammy Bird even made sure my application was under review multiple times. I don't know what you found so patronizing about Ms. Silva.And whatever you do, don't contact Theresa Silva! She's not helpful whatsoever and quite patronizing. Just ask to schedule an appt with Dean Rabek directly
I was simply given a time-slot and I made the call to Dr. Rabek myself. When he will speak to you, he will have your TMDSAS profile at hand so he could give you feedback on PS, ECs, etc.Any idea if he'd be willing to do a Skype conference? The drive isn't impossible, but...I'd rather not do that to my historical artifact of a car.
I find that really offensive that you would go out of your way to personally attack... the Director of Admissions.
Keep in mind the admissions director at almost all medical schools is responsible for the initial application screening - a lot of the times, it IS based on some numeric cutoff. There's no denying that initially, medical school admissions is all about the numbers game. After the initial screening, the application then goes to sub-committees for further review. At least that's what my basic understanding is.My post was not an attack but rather a heads up to future applicants. I have friends and family at the school who have unanimously had bad experiences with her. When she came to my alma mater to speak, I remember raising my hand to ask her:
"So.. Why UTMB? Now that we have more info about your ideal student, I'd like to ask about a student's ideal learning environment. Why should we choose UTMB if given the choice amongst other comparable schools?"
Her reply? Rather patronizingly, and defensively,
"That's not how it works. WE choose YOU, and then you are given the privilege to attend this school. If you don't like UTMB you can attend elsewhere."
Another time my old roommate, another reapplicant, calls in to speak with the Dean, and she says he is too busy (he's not), but that she could help herself. Then she goes on to say that an analysis isn't necessary, because his "3.65" GPA is "too low for the outstanding matriculant GPA averages of UTMB." Apparently they didn't care about his 33 MCAT score, or his hundreds of hours of hospice care?
(They do. I know people who got in with lower GPAs and "outstanding" life experiences and non-academic credentials.)
When he finally gets a hold of the Dean, he gets entirely different, actually helpful feedback.
Keep in mind the admissions director at almost all medical schools is responsible for the initial application screening - a lot of the times, it IS based on some numeric cutoff. There's no denying that initially, medical school admissions is all about the numbers game. After the initial screening, the application then goes to sub-committees for further review. At least that's what my basic understanding is.
And you're question, though reasonable, sounds a bit presumptive. At least make it to the interview stage before asking questions like "why should I choose UTMB?" In fact, I never asked this question of anybody (including my interviewers). It just comes off as presumptive and it can sometimes put you in an awkward situation just like you experienced. And to be fair, she isn't really wrong - the admissions committee does choose the applicant. At the interview stage, you still don't know whether or not you would be good enough for the acceptance, let alone from multiple schools. Unless you do have multiple offers from other schools by your interview day at a school, I would just refrain from asking the "why should I choose school X" question.
I should mention it is perfectly OK to ask the "why should I come to school X" on the student panels, etc. They are much more informal and I believe are the best places to ask these types of questions that determine your "fit" with the school.
In my opinion, I'd rather prefer admissions staff who are blunt and truthful rather than those who go abut this process by being politically correct with their one-liners of "holistic review". In my first application, I spoke with several people who were just giving me a false hope (my 25 MCAT was nowhere near competitive even with my 4.0 GPA) - and I had an impressive resume with ECs, community service, clinical experiences and leadership to boot. But unfortunately got no interviews that cycle 🙁
All this being said, I hope people have more favorable experiences with the admissions staff. I hope others would corroborate this but really at my interview day, everyone was incredibly welcoming. Dr. Carroll met with everyone and congratulated us on making it to the important interview stage. Dr. Boyars who is the chairman of the committee was equally welcoming in his interview presentation. The day was really an incredible experience for me and I am so grateful that I will be pursuing my medical education at UTMB. I could NOT have asked for a better place to study medicine.
All the best to all. If anyone has any questions about the being a reapplicant, interviews, Match Day anxiety, feel free to PM me!!!!
Yeah there's a lot of subjectivity involved in the process and its totally arbitrary what kind of response you might receive to a question like that. I decided to play it safe for the most part.Well good for you! Although I asked the "why should I choose this school?" at every single interview and pre-matched everywhere except Dell and nobody seemed to care. In fact they enjoyed answering the question. I guess it just depends on how you ask it.
And you're question, though reasonable, sounds a bit presumptive. At least make it to the interview stage before asking questions like "why should I choose UTMB?" In fact, I never asked this question of anybody (including my interviewers).
The day was really an incredible experience for me and I am so grateful that I will be pursuing my medical education at UTMB. I could NOT have asked for a better place to study medicine.
We can only pick one track, right? I'm looking at the list right now, and so many of them look awesome.
What is Prep?So I got an e-mail on the Prep program an hour ago...
It's a 5 week summer program that is supposed to help introduce you to your first year classes, especially anatomy, and to help ease your transition to medical school. I was invited to it yesterday as well.What is Prep?
I think you can actually pick more than one. I heard of a few people that are in two of them and it doesn't take up much of their time.We can only pick one track, right? I'm looking at the list right now, and so many of them look awesome.
Thanks for the insight from inside!Hey all, current UTMB student here.
Congratulations to all of you who have been accepted already and those who will be accepted in the future. You're in for an incredible experience.
First off-
This school is amazing, and one of the gems of all medical schools in the country. There is tons of opportunity, but they aren't trying to break your back with needlessly excessive workloads. If I had got accepted to every school in Texas, I would pick UTMB every time. UTMB students enjoy a very high quality of life. I think our high step scores paired with our half days speak volumes about the quality of students at this school and the quality of the school itself.
Second-
You should do prep if you have the ability to. Its a great way to make a ton of friends, get to know the faculty, and familiarize yourself with the island. You can learn a lot, but dont have to take it super seriously since none of the grades matter or are recorded. Things will go 0-100 very quickly once school actually starts. But if you're lining up one last dream vacation before you never have a true summer vacation again, its ok to miss.
Third, and most importantly-
Get involved on the campus! There are many great student organizations here. UTMB is actually one of the last bastions of medical fraternities/sororities; a truly unique experience in medical school. Personally, I have loved being a member of TKY fraternity. The upperclassmen tutoring was crucial, and having a large brotherhood to call on for support during the trials and tribulations of medical school was invaluable. Not to mention, as far as room and board goes, living in the fraternity house is easily the best deal on the whole island. $420 a month includes utilities, 5 lunches a week, internet and cable, tutors at your fingertips, and its a 5 min walk from campus and literally next door to the supermarket and whataburger.
Medical school is hard. Really hard. Take it from me, the next 4 years will be much easier to go through with a group of like minded people who you can call on for support, relate to, and blow off steam with. I encourage all of you to take a look at the great organizations we have on this campus.
Thanks!!Hey all, current UTMB student here.
Congratulations to all of you who have been accepted already and those who will be accepted in the future. You're in for an incredible experience.
First off-
This school is amazing, and one of the gems of all medical schools in the country. There is tons of opportunity, but they aren't trying to break your back with needlessly excessive workloads. If I had got accepted to every school in Texas, I would pick UTMB every time. UTMB students enjoy a very high quality of life. I think our high step scores paired with our half days speak volumes about the quality of students at this school and the quality of the school itself.
Second-
You should do prep if you have the ability to. Its a great way to make a ton of friends, get to know the faculty, and familiarize yourself with the island. You can learn a lot, but dont have to take it super seriously since none of the grades matter or are recorded. Things will go 0-100 very quickly once school actually starts. But if you're lining up one last dream vacation before you never have a true summer vacation again, its ok to miss.
Third, and most importantly-
Get involved on the campus! There are many great student organizations here. UTMB is actually one of the last bastions of medical fraternities/sororities; a truly unique experience in medical school. Personally, I have loved being a member of TKY fraternity. The upperclassmen tutoring was crucial, and having a large brotherhood to call on for support during the trials and tribulations of medical school was invaluable. Not to mention, as far as room and board goes, living in the fraternity house is easily the best deal on the whole island. $420 a month includes utilities, 5 lunches a week, internet and cable, tutors at your fingertips, and its a 5 min walk from campus and literally next door to the supermarket and whataburger.
Medical school is hard. Really hard. Take it from me, the next 4 years will be much easier to go through with a group of like minded people who you can call on for support, relate to, and blow off steam with. I encourage all of you to take a look at the great organizations we have on this campus.
Current MS4 at UTMB. Recently matched into a top Emergency Medicine program. I am done with clinical rotations, so I am happy to take any questions here or via PM.
Overall I had a great experience at UTMB and genuinely think that the school is only getting better and better. Within the past 3.5 years the school renovated its library, created a new student lounge, opened a new student health center, transitioned to using NBME exams for all four years (previously only years 3 and 4), and is opening a brand new hospital soon. I remember having to decide between UTHSC in Houston (renamed McGovern Medical School not too long ago) and UTMB. I chose UTMB based on the laid back and friendly personality of the students I met on my interview day, short commute to campus (5-8 minutes walking!), and the well-established clinical rotation location (Galveston-, Houston-, Austin-based) sites.
I completed the Bilingual Health Track and participated in a Global Health summer elective, so I can answer questions on these topics as well.
Good luck!
How does the process work for choosing (or being assigned to) rotation locations? Is it fairly easy to stay in Galveston for the bulk of clinical years, or is it expected that one will spend a substantial amount of time at the other sites? Also, do you have any advice for someone who might also be interested in EM?
Also, do you have any advice for someone who might also be interested in EM?
Thanks for this!
Question: How much Spanish would you need to know for the Bilingual Health Track? I only have a minor in Spanish from undergrad and I'm not a native speaker. Did you find the track helpful for you in any way?
I also wanted to ask... Is there a Facebook group for the incoming class set up yet?
Check out the post from member name Phi Chi on this thread dated 1/16/16. He tells about the med student fraternity which you can join and even live in-I'm pretty interested in joining a fraternity. Does anyone have more information on UTMB fraternities and/or the rush process?
Has anyone heard any news since being placed in the alternate pool?
Every time someone gives up a spot to take a different offer, it will take some time for the affected schools to verify everything and then make an offer to someone on the Wait ListNope! I know the waitlists at other schools have started moving so I'm curious as to why I haven't seen any news on here
This is true, and there are also those who hold an out of state acceptance and a Texas acceptance who will be dropping one or the other.
This is another possibility. The main reason it is very hard for people to accept OOS is because Texas schools have almost the lowest tuition in state and for most to leave, they need a major scholarship or large FA grants.
@wysdoc - I see that you are an attending physician in Rio Grande Valley. Someone told me the new UT medical school there is offering free tuition for 4 years for the first batch. Have you heard about it?
Yes TexasVandy, the tuition discount is for the first year only at this point. I am a doc in the RGV but not a teacher at the med school, just to clarify. My son is a current med school applicant.This is another possibility. The main reason it is very hard for people to accept OOS is because Texas schools have almost the lowest tuition in state and for most to leave, they need a major scholarship or large FA grants.
@wysdoc - I see that you are an attending physician in Rio Grande Valley. Someone told me the new UT medical school there is offering free tuition for 4 years for the first batch. Have you heard about it?