2016-2017 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (Foster) Application Thread

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Anyone here already graduated and need to take biochemistry? What are your plans? Any leads on good affordable online biochem classes that a lot of medical schools accept?
 
Anyone here already graduated and need to take biochemistry? What are your plans? Any leads on good affordable online biochem classes that a lot of medical schools accept?

I would recommend using a community college if you need an affordable class. Some schools won't accept online classes, but I believe TX schools accept community college classes, especially if it's only one or two and if you're doing it for cost reasons.
 
Anyone here already graduated and need to take biochemistry? What are your plans? Any leads on good affordable online biochem classes that a lot of medical schools accept?
University of New England has an online course called Online Medical Biochemistry. I was in the same boat and that is what I took. From my research that is the best option. The Texas schools will accept it. It's been a while, but believe I confirmed that with TMDSAS.
 
University of New England has an online course called Online Medical Biochemistry. I was in the same boat and that is what I took. From my research that is the best option. The Texas schools will accept it. It's been a while, but believe I confirmed that with TMDSAS.

Aren't online classes easy to cheat on though? I remember I took online Sociology, and everyone would always use the internet or books to look up test questions during the exam, since you could take it in your house.
 
Aren't online classes easy to cheat on though? I remember I took online Sociology, and everyone would always use the internet or books to look up test questions during the exam, since you could take it in your house.
You can't cheat because it is timed and they use a company that monitors your computer and you through webcam. It is kinda weird actually, but not really an issue.
 
You can't cheat because it is timed and they use a company that monitors your computer and you through webcam. It is kinda weird actually, but not really an issue.

Woah that's neat. Our exams were timed, but two of my friends would use their notes and stuff because there was no webcam.
 
Does anyone know what the IT requirements are? Do they provide a laptop/tablet and charge us in fees or do we provide our own?
 
University of New England has an online course called Online Medical Biochemistry. I was in the same boat and that is what I took. From my research that is the best option. The Texas schools will accept it. It's been a while, but believe I confirmed that with TMDSAS.
I read about the course at the University of New England, too. I'm considering that and the course taught at the UC Berkeley Extension, although the Berkeley one isn't always accepted based on my research. Are you an applicant or current student, and did all the Texas schools accept it or just some (which ones if some, if you remember/can dig it up)? Any information would be helpful, as some of the schools haven't really been responsive!
 
I read about the course at the University of New England, too. I'm considering that and the course taught at the UC Berkeley Extension, although the Berkeley one isn't always accepted based on my research. Are you an applicant or current student, and did all the Texas schools accept it or just some (which ones if some, if you remember/can dig it up)? Any information would be helpful, as some of the schools haven't really been responsive!
I am an applicant who has been accepted to two TMDSAS schools. I applied to all of them, and none of them have had an issue with my online biochem course from University of New England. Give TMDSAS a quick call to confirm. It's quick and easy, and it will put your mind at ease.
 
I am an applicant who has been accepted to two TMDSAS schools. I applied to all of them, and none of them have had an issue with my online biochem course from University of New England. Give TMDSAS a quick call to confirm. It's quick and easy, and it will put your mind at ease.
It makes sense that you confirmed with TMDSAS since they do the course verification, but my initial instinct was asking the schools I've matched at if they took it. Your way sounds a lot more efficient though and if TMDSAS says it's okay, I don't see why the schools would object. How was the course itself? Textbook worth getting and are there a lot of assignments? I work full-time, but I know it's self-paced.
 
It makes sense that you confirmed with TMDSAS since they do the course verification, but my initial instinct was asking the schools I've matched at if they took it. Your way sounds a lot more efficient though and if TMDSAS says it's okay, I don't see why the schools would object. How was the course itself? Textbook worth getting and are there a lot of assignments? I work full-time, but I know it's self-paced.
So you have already been accepted without taking a biochem course? Contacting individual schools would be your safest bet. The course was very doable while working full-time, not a lot of assignments. I didn't use the text much, but it's worth having. Rented from Amazon for cheap.
 
So you have already been accepted without taking a biochem course? Contacting individual schools would be your safest bet. The course was very doable while working full-time, not a lot of assignments. I didn't use the text much, but it's worth having. Rented from Amazon for cheap.
Yep, accepted without taking biochem. Thanks for the advice!
 
Whoa, defiantly want to know what happened in 2015

Looks like it was the first year they increased their class size from 75 to 100. Looking at how they track student outcomes I'm confident they've probably fixed the issues. Might have just been student mentor resources or something. Plus during the interview their curriculum people were super passionate about their job, they've probably got it under control.
 
Hey guys, I really don't post on SDN too much but I read a lot of these threads. I am hoping I could get some advice from a fellow SDNr. I am thrilled to have prematched here and a few other schools. I have been thinking a lot about the order that I am going to submit my rank list in. Up until Friday I was pretty sure that El Paso would be my number one, however, after speaking to my PI, I am totally second guessing myself. Given the fact that I've been born, raised, and attended college in El Paso, they recommended that I spread my wings and leave town for medical school. I like TT EL Paso because its close to my family, there is need in the community, the curriculum is awesome, and the forced Spanish immersion program. However, I do think that I'd be equally as happy at McGovern for a different set of reasons. Is there any future or current medical student out there who has been in a similar situation and would be willing to put in their two cents? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
 
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Hey guys, I really don't post on SDN too much but I read a lot of these threads. I am hoping I could get some advice from a fellow SDNr. I am thrilled to have prematched here and a few other schools. I have been thinking a lot about the order that I am going to submit my rank list in. Up until Friday I was pretty sure that El Paso would be my number one, however, after speaking to my PI, I am totally second guessing myself. Given the fact that I've been born, raised, and attended college in El Paso, they recommended that I spread my wings and leave town for medical school. I like TT EL Paso because its close to my family, there is need in the community, the curriculum is awesome, and the forced Spanish immersion program. However, I do think that I'd be equally as happy at McGovern for a different set of reasons. Is there any future or current medical student out there who has been in a similar situation and would be willing to put in their two cents? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

I may go to El Paso for many reasons, one being that I have lived most my life in the Houston area, and want to try something new. Leaving the nest does contribute to growth, but so does medical school. Ask yourself how important will it be to you to have your family within driving distance for the next 4 years. How close are y'all? Do you need their support on hard stressful days, or can you find support easily in new friends? Are you READY to leave your home? You can always spread your wings for residency. It's a hard choice. Good luck!
 
I may go to El Paso for many reasons, one being that I have lived most my life in the Houston area, and want to try something new. Leaving the nest does contribute to growth, but so does medical school. Ask yourself how important will it be to you to have your family within driving distance for the next 4 years. How close are y'all? Do you need their support on hard stressful days, or can you find support easily in new friends? Are you READY to leave your home? You can always spread your wings for residency. It's a hard choice. Good luck!
Thank you for your insight
 
Hey guys, I really don't post on SDN too much but I read a lot of these threads. I am hoping I could get some advice from a fellow SDNr. I am thrilled to have prematched here and a few other schools. I have been thinking a lot about the order that I am going to submit my rank list in. Up until Friday I was pretty sure that El Paso would be my number one, however, after speaking to my PI, I am totally second guessing myself. Given the fact that I've been born, raised, and attended college in El Paso, they recommended that I spread my wings and leave town for medical school. I like TT EL Paso because its close to my family, there is need in the community, the curriculum is awesome, and the forced Spanish immersion program. However, I do think that I'd be equally as happy at McGovern for a different set of reasons. Is there any future or current medical student out there who has been in a similar situation and would be willing to put in their two cents? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

I was raised in the DFW community and, going into the application process, I knew my top choices would include schools like UTSW, AM, and TCOM because I wanted to be close to my home town, where most of my support group is. I figured I could always go away for a bit during residency or do some away rotations during 4th year. However, I also see your PI's point. Being away from home definitely lets you find more about yourself but it may be tough being away from your family/friends and being in a new location. Ultimately it is up to you to decide what is most important for you but I hope my input helps you through the thought process!

Both El Paso and McGovern are great schools. Congratulations! I bet you will succeed whichever path you choose.
 
Just got an interview for December 15th at El Paso! I've interviewed already at Lubbock and TCOM in Fort Worth. I was really hoping to get a prematch but I'm not sure now. How often are prematches given out later in the prematch season? Thanks in advance, and any advice on my upcoming interview would be greatly appreciated 🙂
 
Just got an interview for December 15th at El Paso! I've interviewed already at Lubbock and TCOM in Fort Worth. I was really hoping to get a prematch but I'm not sure now. How often are prematches given out later in the prematch season? Thanks in advance, and any advice on my upcoming interview would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Congratulations on the II! Anyway, as far as interviews, it really depends on the interviewer. Both of my interviewers were laid back, which made the conversation flow more easily. I heard they also have interviewers that just sit back, ask questions nd listen for your answer with no feedback. It also seems like they try to pair you with an interviewer that you can relate to (at least that's what I felt at both Tech interviews). Good luck!
 
Is El Paso giving out any more interviews? I know the interview season is winding down :/
 
Has anyone started looking at housing?
I have, I remember they said most students live on the west side, but I am done with driving. No way I'm driving more than 10 minutes to get to school. There is an apartment complex in front of the shopping center/Target/CostCo/IMAX/Mall. That area looks most appealing at the moment.

Timberwolf Apartments, 1313 Magruder Street, El Paso, TX 79925
 
I have, I remember they said most students live on the west side, but I am done with driving. No way I'm driving more than 10 minutes to get to school. There is an apartment complex in front of the shopping center/Target/CostCo/IMAX/Mall. That area looks most appealing at the moment.

Timberwolf Apartments, 1313 Magruder Street, El Paso, TX 79925

This is me right now which is why UTMB and lubbock seem so appealing. Because of less driving and traffic. I remember at one of my interviews a student mentioning that it's not just the stress of classes that gets to you but also little things like being stuck in freaking traffic wasting precious study time.

But then again, it'll be irresponsible to choose a school based on my driving preference.
 
There's a meet and greet the night before my interview. Does anyone know what I should wear? Idk if I should be more casual or formal.


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man, I wonder how quickly this school responds post-interview. :/ In years past, it looks like if they like you, then they will respond the next day 😛
 
Ya traffic I hear sucks, but I'm weighing being able to afford a nice rental house in exchange. Also I already drive 20 min to school so it's not worse at least. I think biking to school sounds awesome though.
 
man, I wonder how quickly this school responds post-interview. :/ In years past, it looks like if they like you, then they will respond the next day 😛
I feel your pain, I recently interviewed last week and I was really hoping to hear back the day after but I think I will have to wait until the match :/ The students in the meet and great told me that 60-70% of the class come from the match and a lot of them from the October/November/December interviews, so its not over until its over!
To answer MeantforMed question, it is very casual, a few students come and in mine about 10-15 students maximum
 
I feel your pain, I recently interviewed last week and I was really hoping to hear back the day but I think I will have to wait until the match :/ The students in the meet and great told me that 60-70% of the class come from the match and a lot of them from the October/November/December, so its not over until its over!
To answer MeantforMed question, it is very casual, a few students come and in mine about 10-15 students maximum

Thank you very much!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
I feel your pain, I recently interviewed last week and I was really hoping to hear back the day after but I think I will have to wait until the match :/ The students in the meet and great told me that 60-70% of the class come from the match and a lot of them from the October/November/December interviews, so its not over until its over!
To answer MeantforMed question, it is very casual, a few students come and in mine about 10-15 students maximum
Lol lololala, I was there on the same interview day 😀 Maybe, I ran into you. From my understanding, the admission committee meet right after we have finished our interviews.
 
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Hilarious
Lol lololala, I was there on the same interview day 😀 Maybe, I ran into you. From my understanding, the admission committee meet right after we have finished our interviews.
I always wondered if it's possible to run into one of sdn members in real life. Do you know how they rank you?they meet right after the interviews and they put your picture on a projector and a summary of your application and they rank you. No pressure.
 
Hilarious

I always wondered if it's possible to run into one of sdn members in real life. Do you know how they rank you?they meet right after the interviews and they put your picture on a projector and a summary of your application and they rank you. No pressure.
I do not know how the ranking process works, just praying for an acceptance. Both of my interviews were great and SUPER AMAZING, and my stats are above the average matriculated rate.
 
I thought my interviews sucked, like I rambled a lot. But got in! One interviewer even emailed me saying he was glad to hear I was accepted! Maybe they all do that?
 
I thought my interviews sucked, like I rambled a lot. But got in! One interviewer even emailed me saying he was glad to hear I was accepted! Maybe they all do that?
hahaha, congratz 😀 Sometimes, "doing bad" on an interview could all be in your head. 😛 I'm just kinda anxious, because I feel like most Texas medical school will announce their 2nd wave of Pre-match before X-mas. I'm sure by next week, everyone is looking forward to vacation. lol
 
My first interview was amazing, but my second was more of a question and answer format, lots of ethical questions and no feedback. The school blew me away, I hope I get to go there.
 
My first interview was amazing, but my second was more of a question and answer format, lots of ethical questions and no feedback. The school blew me away, I hope I get to go there.
Yeah, I remember the staff talked extensively about the curriculum during our tour and orientation. I just remember trying to scribble down as much as I can. Actually, I think we went over-time. You could really tell that the staff was super passionate.
 
Yes! and the entire day was well planned - you can tell they put effort into luring students. I am praying for some good news before the end of the year! Good luck!
 
I have, I remember they said most students live on the west side, but I am done with driving. No way I'm driving more than 10 minutes to get to school. There is an apartment complex in front of the shopping center/Target/CostCo/IMAX/Mall. That area looks most appealing at the moment.

Timberwolf Apartments, 1313 Magruder Street, El Paso, TX 79925
Used to live here, they're pretty nice
 
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