2019-2020 Iowa (Carver)

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restlessdriven said:
Current Carver fourth year popping in to the thread to answer any questions you guys might have! Feel free to post here or PM me!
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Suggestions on where to live? I am completely lost and these prices are high compared to what I am used to. Either 1-2 bedroom and needs to be dog-friendly.
Also, where to park if we commute?
Thank you so much!
 
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kmsharp said:
Suggestions on where to live? I am completely lost and these prices are high compared to what I am used to. Either 1-2 bedroom and needs to be dog-friendly.
Also, where to park if we commute?
Thank you so much!
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I would not recommend depending on driving to school. I recommend getting an apartment where you are on a bus line (most apartments around here are) or else pay the extra price of being within walking distance of campus. There is a commuter lot for which you can purchase a permit (Finkbine lot) but it is a mile away from the biomedical campus. Otherwise it costs $20 for a whole day at the Newton Ramp which is conveniently across the street from MERF and the main hospital/clinics. (They do offer a discount for Newton for offtime use, like at night and on the weekend, but it is not helpful during the week.) I try to park at Newton only when I have to come in for a few hours or when I am running late for an important meeting or test.

I love Carver, but our campus has sh*tty parking. I live ~2.5 miles from school and bike to campus unless there’s a significant amount of rain or snow. A fair amount of students live in Coralville or University Heights where the rent is cheaper, and they bus to school.
 
Do they review apps on Tuesdays? As in if I submitted an update tonight, they may read it tomorrow as they (hopefully) review my app?
 
maa07977 said:
Is there a second look day? Can’t seem to find it anywhere.
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I don't know what the plans are for this year, but for the past several years, second look day has been the first Saturday in April. I'm sure you can contact Admissions for confirmation. If you can attend, consider doing so. It sealed the deal for me.
 
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for merit scholarships do we still need to fill out FAFSA? I dont qualify for aid anywhere so I just disregarded it..
 
butterlord666 said:
for merit scholarships do we still need to fill out FAFSA? I dont qualify for aid anywhere so I just disregarded it..
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Just do FAFSA because it cant hurt and you never know. I believe as an independent everyone should get some loans despite their EFC.
 
Anyone know how receptive this school is to update letters post-II? I know there is an option on the portal but I am curious if anyone has had a positive response before I send one? It isn't anything major like a publication but I have a few new volunteering activities I started in the past month (and possibly will be switching jobs) and was thinking about writing an update in early January.
 
Listle said:
Anyone know how receptive this school is to update letters post-II? I know there is an option on the portal but I am curious if anyone has had a positive response before I send one? It isn't anything major like a publication but I have a few new volunteering activities I started in the past month (and possibly will be switching jobs) and was thinking about writing an update in early January.
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I would say for sure update by the middle/end of January and if you are in the final pool, those extra experiences could help. I don't know if updating will increase your chances during the rolling phase, however.
 
Zen Arcade said:
I would say for sure update by the middle/end of January and if you are in the final pool, those extra experiences could help. I don't know if updating will increase your chances during the rolling phase, however.
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Thanks! Yeah, I was thinking it would help most with the final pool if I don't hear back before then (looking like there is 2 tuesday's left). I just hope they are significant enough since they are recent volunteering commitments.
 
Zen Arcade said:
I would say for sure update by the middle/end of January and if you are in the final pool, those extra experiences could help. I don't know if updating will increase your chances during the rolling phase, however.
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I was debating on whether it is more "effective" to update before final pool is released in hopes of swaying a borderline decision or accept the inevitability of final pool and update afterwards lol
 
crawloutthroughthefallout said:
I’m in the same position, I just sent in an update and letter anyways. Either way I’ve been mentally prepared to not hear anything until March @Dr. Rick Sanchez
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I just sent one as well. I’m not sure if it was worth it but I don’t know how much of a difference it could make waiting until January. From how it sounded, I don’t think it could reflect poorly on you if the update isn’t huge, esp. with Carver, but I could be wrong.
 
InsertBasicUsername said:
I just sent one as well. I’m not sure if it was worth it but I don’t know how much of a difference it could make waiting until January. From how it sounded, I don’t think it could reflect poorly on you if the update isn’t huge, esp. with Carver, but I could be wrong.
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My internal debate is mostly about the timing of sending an update. For example, sending it before final pool vs. afterwards. In general, I think sending an update while in a WL position is regarded as most effective, but I cant help but think sending it before final pool might sway a decision. This is really all conjecture haha.

In terms of content, I think the quality of writing and the significance of the content could reflect on the applicant's professionalism.
 
Dr. Rick Sanchez said:
My internal debate is mostly about the timing of sending an update. For example, sending it before final pool vs. afterwards. In general, I think sending an update while in a WL position is regarded as most effective, but I cant help but think sending it before final pool might sway a decision. This is really all conjecture haha.

In terms of content, I think the quality of writing and the significance of the content could reflect on the applicant's professionalism.
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The latest you can send any kind of update is the end of January (as shown on the secondary). Then they rank the applicants during the final pool and take the updates into account then.
 
Zen Arcade said:
The latest you can send any kind of update is the end of January (as shown on the secondary). Then they rank the applicants during the final pool and take the updates into account then.
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Thanks for that info. So I suppose this makes the timing of the update even less important, whether it comes before final pool designation or not, since everyone's updates will be considered at once when ranking.
 
Dr. Rick Sanchez said:
My internal debate is mostly about the timing of sending an update. For example, sending it before final pool vs. afterwards. In general, I think sending an update while in a WL position is regarded as most effective, but I cant help but think sending it before final pool might sway a decision. This is really all conjecture haha.

In terms of content, I think the quality of writing and the significance of the content could reflect on the applicant's professionalism.
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Sending an update while in a waitlist position will not help at Iowa unless they have changed things. In the past, if you were waitlisted, you were given a numbered rank, and then acceptances will simply go in order based on other students withdrawing from or being accepted off the list. Before or after being put in the final pool, I don’t know how this will influence one’s application, but I would certainly send your final updates by the deadline that CCOM adcom gives you. After they rank the waitlist, I don’t think any updates or letters of intent will have any influence on your application. If you stay on the waitlist, they will assume that you still want to go there.
 
Ihatemedicine said:
Thank you for your helpful comments on this thread. I have a few questions I was wondering if you could help with: Do you have a lot of free time as a M1/M2? How much time is spent at the school? Does the H/HP/P/F system increase the stress levels at all? I’ve also heard some students talking about an abundance of busy work- is there any truth to that? Sorry to bombard you with questions, just curious about some of this stuff.
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You have more free time as an M2 in my opinion, but that's not to say you don't have a decent amount in M1. The free time depends on a few factors but particularly what grade you want, what balance you want to strike with your personal life, and how efficient you are at studying. Some people want H in everything, and they likely spend more time studying than those who want more outside activities. You can have a balance and do quite well if you are efficient. You have to evaluate what you want out of the experience. I don't find the H/NH/P/F to be that big of a deal, especially since 2 of the main courses are true P/F, only the science courses have H/NH designations.

Time spent at school depends on how you learn: in lecture/in a library vs. online lectures/at home/in a coffee shop. There are a certain amount of required classes, or classes for points. First year has more required activities than second.

I think I know the post you are referring to that mentioned busy work. Any school will have busy work, that is thanks to the accrediting bodies so choosing a school based on that may backfire. At Carver it doesn't take that much time up, there are reminders to do it and it's easy points. I did most of the little things when I was too tired/didn't want to focus on lectures. The "busy work" is in the P/F courses, so just do it and you'll be fine. The case-based learning is what you, your group, and your facilitator make of it. The subjects you write on may not make total sense to you when you present, but when the topics come up in lecture you get a little "aha!" moment.

Busy work doesn't end, think of CME and other requirements attendings have. Learning to take things in stride has been immensely helpful.
 
0.8GPA said:
You have more free time as an M2 in my opinion, but that's not to say you don't have a decent amount in M1. The free time depends on a few factors but particularly what grade you want, what balance you want to strike with your personal life, and how efficient you are at studying. Some people want H in everything, and they likely spend more time studying than those who want more outside activities. You can have a balance and do quite well if you are efficient. You have to evaluate what you want out of the experience. I don't find the H/NH/P/F to be that big of a deal, especially since 2 of the main courses are true P/F, only the science courses have H/NH designations.

Time spent at school depends on how you learn: in lecture/in a library vs. online lectures/at home/in a coffee shop. There are a certain amount of required classes, or classes for points. First year has more required activities than second.

I think I know the post you are referring to that mentioned busy work. Any school will have busy work, that is thanks to the accrediting bodies so choosing a school based on that may backfire. At Carver it doesn't take that much time up, there are reminders to do it and it's easy points. I did most of the little things when I was too tired/didn't want to focus on lectures. The "busy work" is in the P/F courses, so just do it and you'll be fine. The case-based learning is what you, your group, and your facilitator make of it. The subjects you write on may not make total sense to you when you present, but when the topics come up in lecture you get a little "aha!" moment.

Busy work doesn't end, think of CME and other requirements attendings have. Learning to take things in stride has been immensely helpful.
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O.8 GPA and you got into medical school? Tell us your secret sauce. Reincarnated Einstein? Just playing with you. Thank you for the info. Much appreciated.
 
0.8GPA said:
You have more free time as an M2 in my opinion, but that's not to say you don't have a decent amount in M1. The free time depends on a few factors but particularly what grade you want, what balance you want to strike with your personal life, and how efficient you are at studying. Some people want H in everything, and they likely spend more time studying than those who want more outside activities. You can have a balance and do quite well if you are efficient. You have to evaluate what you want out of the experience. I don't find the H/NH/P/F to be that big of a deal, especially since 2 of the main courses are true P/F, only the science courses have H/NH designations.

Time spent at school depends on how you learn: in lecture/in a library vs. online lectures/at home/in a coffee shop. There are a certain amount of required classes, or classes for points. First year has more required activities than second.

I think I know the post you are referring to that mentioned busy work. Any school will have busy work, that is thanks to the accrediting bodies so choosing a school based on that may backfire. At Carver it doesn't take that much time up, there are reminders to do it and it's easy points. I did most of the little things when I was too tired/didn't want to focus on lectures. The "busy work" is in the P/F courses, so just do it and you'll be fine. The case-based learning is what you, your group, and your facilitator make of it. The subjects you write on may not make total sense to you when you present, but when the topics come up in lecture you get a little "aha!" moment.

Busy work doesn't end, think of CME and other requirements attendings have. Learning to take things in stride has been immensely helpful.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the extremely helpful response!! That was super insightful.
 
Ihatemedicine said:
Thank you for your helpful comments on this thread. I have a few questions I was wondering if you could help with: Do you have a lot of free time as a M1/M2? How much time is spent at the school? Does the H/HP/P/F system increase the stress levels at all? I’ve also heard some students talking about an abundance of busy work- is there any truth to that? Sorry to bombard you with questions, just curious about some of this stuff.
Click to expand...

0.8GPA said:
You have more free time as an M2 in my opinion, but that's not to say you don't have a decent amount in M1. The free time depends on a few factors but particularly what grade you want, what balance you want to strike with your personal life, and how efficient you are at studying. Some people want H in everything, and they likely spend more time studying than those who want more outside activities. You can have a balance and do quite well if you are efficient. You have to evaluate what you want out of the experience. I don't find the H/NH/P/F to be that big of a deal, especially since 2 of the main courses are true P/F, only the science courses have H/NH designations.

Time spent at school depends on how you learn: in lecture/in a library vs. online lectures/at home/in a coffee shop. There are a certain amount of required classes, or classes for points. First year has more required activities than second.

I think I know the post you are referring to that mentioned busy work. Any school will have busy work, that is thanks to the accrediting bodies so choosing a school based on that may backfire. At Carver it doesn't take that much time up, there are reminders to do it and it's easy points. I did most of the little things when I was too tired/didn't want to focus on lectures. The "busy work" is in the P/F courses, so just do it and you'll be fine. The case-based learning is what you, your group, and your facilitator make of it. The subjects you write on may not make total sense to you when you present, but when the topics come up in lecture you get a little "aha!" moment.

Busy work doesn't end, think of CME and other requirements attendings have. Learning to take things in stride has been immensely helpful.
Click to expand...

Yeah, what they said : )

I would agree with the previous post. I wouldn’t say that you have a lot of free time as an M1/M2, but you have enough time to balance things out between school and life outside of school. In fact, I would have gone bonkers in the last year if I hadn’t been super active in volunteering weekly and participating or leading different student organizations lol, and I still exercised and usually slept pretty well. First semester is the busiest because you have two weekly labs for anatomy, plus you are taking anatomy with Foundations and then MOHD I, alongside your clinical skills (CAPS) and public health (MAS) classes. In the second and third semesters, you only have one ongoing science/physiology/pathophysiology class going on the same time (MOHD II, III, IV, and Keystone) along with CAPS and MAS, which I found easier to be able to focus on one science class at a time. There are a fair amount of small groups second semester, lesser so third semester. So it dwindles down until you enter rotations.

I have said this to other SDN posters. I can’t speak for the whole class, but I don’t think most of us at Carver care about the H/HP/P/F grading system. My friends don’t seem to, anyway. The only students I know who get Honors all the time study ALL THE TIME. I think that most of the rest of us are happy with an H here and a HP there, and think ”just” passing is just fine too. If you are disappointed in your grades, it comes from you, not from anyone else. If you were planning to go in Neurosurgery, fine, you might want to get Honors, but even our seniors who get into the most competitive programs typically don’t honor in everything. It IS really important to at least pass your classes!; but I understand that the school is supportive and works with those who struggle academically, they want you to succeed. Free tutoring is available too, both individually or in groups. I really wouldn’t worry about grades. Step 1, on the other hand... ; )

The one post about busy work probably was referring to things like small group projects, case-based learning issues, wellness passports, etc. I agree that I don’t always enjoy these little assignments; but they are easy, they don’t take long, and I usually do them as far in advance as possible, on a weekend with a glass of wine while watching Netflix at the same time. Also as the other post says, you probably won’t ever be rid of assignments like these in a medical career. I know several working physicians who have to present learning issues regularly to their team. I will say that our school does a good job at asking for and listening to student feedback and they incorporate that when they try to improve the curriculum. For example, if a significant portion of the class writes that they hated this one project on their class evaluation and gave legitimate reasons why, CCOM usually changes it in the curriculum. I respect Carver for that.

I don’t really have many mean things to say about our school, actually. Parking sucks.
 
Congrats on your acceptance to Carver College of Medicine - Class of 2024! I'm an MD/PhD student at Carver. I love my time here, and I have been here for a long time. 🙂

An important way to connect with your incoming class is through Facebook Groups. Each class has its own facebook group. People post class information, general inquiries, housing and more.

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.
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UnknownObi said:
Thank you both for your info ! Regarding the grading , is there internal ranking associated with it too ? How are the exam formulated and how often are they ? And with the short pre clinical , you take step beginning of 3rd year ? and all the rotations are in Iowa city itself?
What about the class itself , do you feel you guys hang outside for fun ? Things you like about the city itself ?

Thanks again
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I have no idea how they rank us. Exams are (so far) all multiple choice, typically between 35-50 questions, usually either weekly or every other week depending on that particular semester. I think the last week of the first semester we had two major exams, one on Monday and one on Friday, but I don’t really remember. Most take Step 1 about halfway through the 3rd year, after you have finished your core rotations; you get a 2-week winter break then followed by 6 weeks of dedicated time for Step. The MSTP students take Step 1 earlier.

Rotations are not all in Iowa City, two are required to be away (community-based practice and family med) unless you have a family or medical circumstance keeping you here. This had kind of pissed me off when I found out because I have a pet and did not want to have to board a pet somewhere in the next year, but I was fortunate to get both rotations within commuting distance anyway. For some students, it is a lot of fun to do those rotations, either to be close to home or to experience a rural setting, for example. Carver also has a program where a group of students can do their core rotation (or individual classes) at the Des Moines campus. You can plan other away rotations for some of your advanced electives if you want to, or global electives too.

For fun, the only thing I regret is that there are not very good hiking trails around here (it is pretty flat in this area of the state lol), but overall Iowa City is pleasant and has a growing number of good quality restaurants. There are a fair amount of arts and cultural events offered through the university, there is a funkier theater downtown that attracts bigger name musicians/comedians/etc, and a decent jazz festival in the summer. It does feel like a small town if you are used to a big city. But there’s an airport in Cedar Rapids, and Madison is 3 hours away and Chicago is 4 hours away by driving, so you can get away pretty easily if you want to. Also, University of Iowa has several gyms, one of them is fantastic and has a lot of great group classes for things like Zumba and yoga, and a decent indoor climbing wall.
 
11/11 Interviewer here - haven't heard back yet.
 
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