Alabama Schools Thread Part 2!!

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
LumberJack said:
I realize that I may be offending many of the viewers/contributors to this thread by saying this, but doesn't anyone think that writing thank-you letters to one's interviewers is a bit sycophantic and extremely transparent? Don't get me wrong--I'm all about writing thank-you letters when someone has given me a gift, hosted me at their home, even extending small personal courtesies. I keep a drawer full of stationary for the purpose, whatever it may be. But to me, writing a thank-you letter for something that an interviewer really didn't have a choice in doing is disingenuous and such obvious fawning could be (but probably wouldn't be) considered intrusive to the selection process. To me, saying "Thank you so much for your time; I have really enjoyed talking with you" before leaving the interview room is adequate. I really did feel that way, too. But I wasn't going to drive the point home with a sledgehammer by writing a letter.

Again, I'm sorry if that offends anyone; I understand that everyone is just trying to do whatever it takes to get into medical school. Maybe you guys know something I don't know--I'm a 25 year old first-time applicant. I guess it just feels a little fake to me, and I would rather rest on the laurels of my application and my interview performance.

Good luck to everyone; I think we'll ALL be hearing something very soon.
Click to expand...

I dunno, I agree that thank-you letters can be that way, but I wrote my thank-you letters to say that I enjoyed my conversation with some of my interviewers. Besides, realistically they are not obligated to do it, they choose to be part of the interview process and I think it's polite to thank them for their time. So I sent thank-yous because I genuinely felt like I either enjoyed my convo w/ the interviewer and/or (in some cases 🙂) because I do appreciate their taking the time to be part of the process. However, I also don't think that that should be a metric of evaluation (whether or not you sent thank-yous) - they should be personal not tools to the asset or detriment of your app.
 
SansNom said:
I dunno, I agree that thank-you letters can be that way, but I wrote my thank-you letters to say that I enjoyed my conversation with some of my interviewers. Besides, realistically they are not obligated to do it, they choose to be part of the interview process and I think it's polite to thank them for their time. So I sent thank-yous because I genuinely felt like I either enjoyed my convo w/ the interviewer and/or (in some cases 🙂) because I do appreciate their taking the time to be part of the process. However, I also don't think that that should be a metric of evaluation (whether or not you sent thank-yous) - they should be personal not tools to the asset or detriment of your app.
Click to expand...

I actually agree with you, especially your last sentence. I enjoyed the hell out of my interviews, and when I was done with them my gut reaction was to write a thank-you note. But then I started thinking about it, and I didn't want any personal communication from me to be construed as meddling with the process. If I had been completely convinced that notes would in no way be connected with the process, I would have written them.

But hey...perhaps this will be my undoing.
 
Hey guys-
I haven't checked SDN in a couple of months probably, but logged in today and saw this thread. Good luck to all of you waiting to hear from UAB and/or USA. I interviewed 10/9 and was accepted 10/10 to UAB, in-state. I know it is a stressful process, but you will all get through it! Good luck!!
 
I already posted this in the other thread, but it's a graveyard over there. Does anyone have apartment suggestions for UAB?
 
there are a lot of apartments around UAB... if you have the money I would suggest Liv on 5th. I went into those the other night and they are mad nice but undoubtedly expensive. Otherwise I would shoot for the Highlands area to be close to school but there are a ton of apartments/town homes/rentable houses within 10-15 minutes of school (Hoover, Vestavia, Homewood, Mountain Brook).

I would stay away from the northside of town and really I wouldn't go further than Hwy 31 from school because traffic in the mornings is a major pita coming from the south.

I can probably answer any questions you guys have about the Ham if you can think of any.
 
One thing I keep hearing is to stay away from 280 due to the traffic.

That's all I have to contribute on that, but if you'll be coming up to Huntsville for 3rd year I can tell you all about the place.
 
Stick to Southside, Highlands, Homewood, and Mountain Brook. I live in Southside and love it, but it can be pretty shady sometimes. There are also some pretty affordable houses in the Crestwood area and along Montclair Road.

For some reason people like Hoover. I personally think it's the pits. It doesn't have anything remotely resembling a downtown; it's a stupid-long commute; and it smells like Applebee's and children. The only reason to go there is for baseball games on Thirsty Thursday.

And yes...stay the hell away from 280.
 
LumberJack said:
And yes...stay the hell away from 280.
Click to expand...

LJ, elaborate on that for me, if you would. I just Google Mapped 280 to make sure I knew where it was and I can see why folks would want to live there if they were just looking at a map. Does the same hold true for the I-59/20 corridor?

Thanks! 👍
 
ferreed said:
LJ, elaborate on that for me, if you would. I just Google Mapped 280 to make sure I knew where it was and I can see why folks would want to live there if they were just looking at a map. Does the same hold true for the I-59/20 corridor?

Thanks! 👍
Click to expand...

No problem. Basically, I'm referring to the colossal traffic issues presented by Hwy 280. From 6am to 9am and from 4pm to 7pm it's a nightmare. Now, if you're talking about living on the "proximal" end of 280 closest to Birmingham and Homewood, it's not so bad. But I can't really think of any apartments in that area...it's mostly very expensive houses. The "distal" end of 280 closer to the Summit and past the I-459 intersection, however, is mostly overrun with chain restaurants, business parks, Wal-Marts, and the like. And yeah, the commute is a beast. I'm sure there are plenty of apartments out that way, but I personally wouldn't like being that isolated from the city of Birmingham. It's a matter of preference, I guess. I like being able to walk from my tiny apartment to UAB, work, and to any number of bars and restaurants.

I should point out that I'm mainly referring to rentals here. If you want to buy a decent house in a safe area for less than several hundred grand, you'd be forced out to Hoover, Pelham, or distal 280.
 
Good info-- thanks for taking the time to post it. 👍
 
LumberJack said:
No problem. Basically, I'm referring to the colossal traffic issues presented by Hwy 280. From 6am to 9am and from 4pm to 7pm it's a nightmare. Now, if you're talking about living on the "proximal" end of 280 closest to Birmingham and Homewood, it's not so bad. But I can't really think of any apartments in that area...it's mostly very expensive houses. The "distal" end of 280 closer to the Summit and past the I-459 intersection, however, is mostly overrun with chain restaurants, business parks, Wal-Marts, and the like. And yeah, the commute is a beast. I'm sure there are plenty of apartments out that way, but I personally wouldn't like being that isolated from the city of Birmingham. It's a matter of preference, I guess. I like being able to walk from my tiny apartment to UAB, work, and to any number of bars and restaurants.

I should point out that I'm mainly referring to rentals here. If you want to buy a decent house in a safe area for less than several hundred grand, you'd be forced out to Hoover, Pelham, or distal 280.
Click to expand...

An interesting aside...I have to travel 280 for just a few miles to get to work downtown... this morning I passed a four car pile up in the middle lane...narrowly escaping involvement myself...scary! Not only is 280 a beast, people drive like nuts on it (even on the proximal end)
 
Thanks everybody!

I was thinking about "distal 280," I suppose, but I really don't like the idea of the traffic. Homewood is probably a better fit unless I can find something really close.

I'm going up there this Thursday to look around, are there any specific units I should check out?
 
My mom wanted us to look at the dorms on campus. Apparently Dennman, which is across from Blazer, houses grad students and you can have your own full apartment. I wondered what people thougth of the townhomes/apartments near the YMCA youth center and community garden? I forget the street, maybe 17th south? I know they were just redone and are near a magnet school. Is that a rough area?
 
chemnerd89 said:
Thanks everybody!

I was thinking about "distal 280," I suppose, but I really don't like the idea of the traffic. Homewood is probably a better fit unless I can find something really close.

I'm going up there this Thursday to look around, are there any specific units I should check out?
Click to expand...

I used to live in Mayfair Apartments on highway 31 in Homewood...they're not much to look at from the outside but they're great on the inside and relatively inexpensive. They've all been renovated and are very roomy for apartment living...about 10 minutes to UAB.
 
chemnerd89 said:
Thanks everybody!

I was thinking about "distal 280," I suppose, but I really don't like the idea of the traffic. Homewood is probably a better fit unless I can find something really close.

I'm going up there this Thursday to look around, are there any specific units I should check out?
Click to expand...

Look at the Redmont Gardens apartments. They're right on the border of Mountain Brook and Birmingham in an area called English Village. My girlfriend lives there, and a lot of medical students and young professionals live there. They're older units, which means that they have small kitchens but also have really nice hardwood floors. I think the rent is about 600 for a 1BR and around 900 for a 2BR. Not bad if you can find a roommate.
 
SarahLiz82 said:
My mom wanted us to look at the dorms on campus. Apparently Dennman, which is across from Blazer, houses grad students and you can have your own full apartment. I wondered what people thougth of the townhomes/apartments near the YMCA youth center and community garden? I forget the street, maybe 17th south? I know they were just redone and are near a magnet school. Is that a rough area?
Click to expand...

To put it plainly...my mother wouldn't want me to live near the YMCA youth center/community garden.

As far as living in Dennman...to each her own...but it may be difficult to study in a predominantly undergrad environment
 
I live on southside currently and it is ok. not very dangerous


If I were you guys though I would look around english village/mountain brook village because those are nice, safe, calm areas. Personally I don't want a long drive and little traffic so anything down 280 or 31 is out for me.


On another note: anyone hear anything lately?
 
Yeah, I wondered about that. I know Dennman is seniors and up, but I don't know what the senior to grad student ratio is or if it's crazy loud around the buildings during the school year. I can't concentrate at all when it's loud. Makes me crazy.
 
It probably doesn't make a difference to you guys, but we just heard from housing that Dennman is graduate students only next year. Of course, this is all just talk for me... But I think my brother will end up there.
 
SarahLiz82 said:
It probably doesn't make a difference to you guys, but we just heard from housing that Dennman is graduate students only next year. Of course, this is all just talk for me... But I think my brother will end up there.
Click to expand...

I got my graduate degree from the building directly in front of Denman Hall, so I've been around it quite a bit. It's a dump. I wouldn't live there if I were an undergrad.
 
I am on a waitlist for some apartments in the Homewood area, but am not real thrilled about the costs I have encountered. For anything relatively new, you are looking at $700+ for a one bedroom. However, I have been looking at rental houses North of Bham (gardendale/morris area) and have found good prices. Not so sure how I feel about the 20 minute drive to school in the morning, but I do know that I like being secluded/out of the big city.
 
tylerh87 said:
I am on a waitlist for some apartments in the Homewood area, but am not real thrilled about the costs I have encountered. For anything relatively new, you are looking at $700+ for a one bedroom. However, I have been looking at rental houses North of Bham (gardendale/morris area) and have found good prices. Not so sure how I feel about the 20 minute drive to school in the morning, but I do know that I like being secluded/out of the big city.
Click to expand...

I'd rather not live right in the city either. Something on the periphery would be great. I'll report back after I look around Thursday for further consultation.
 
chemnerd89 said:
I'd rather not live right in the city either. Something on the periphery would be great. I'll report back after I look around Thursday for further consultation.
Click to expand...

Don't forget to check out crestline gardens...supercute cottages (some for rent)...
 
I just checked my UASOM secondary status page and it now says that my secondary was last updated 3/18/2009. I haven't sent them anything since before my interview, so I am hopeful that this means they will be sending out some more emails soon.

It still says 'Campus Choices Received' for my current status.
 
ferreed said:
I just checked my UASOM secondary status page and it now says that my secondary was last updated 3/18/2009. I haven't sent them anything since before my interview, so I am hopeful that this means they will be sending out some more emails soon.

It still says 'Campus Choices Received' for my current status.
Click to expand...

At first I didn't know what you were talking about...I was only looking at the page where your "required items" are displayed next to a date, then i saw that small print at the very bottom that says 3/18/2009. Never noticed it before. Is this something you've been watching over time? When was the last "revision" date for your app?
 
hrmm interesting observation... of course my status is the same and has been since I updated them on my campus choices in december (any three with preference!!!!)
 
LumberJack said:
At first I didn't know what you were talking about...I was only looking at the page where your "required items" are displayed next to a date, then i saw that small print at the very bottom that says 3/18/2009. Never noticed it before. Is this something you've been watching over time? When was the last "revision" date for your app?
Click to expand...

Here's a screen grab to show what I mean:

AMCASupdate.jpg


Yeah, I've been following the 'Date Secondary Received/Updated' box off and on. Mostly I used it to confirm that my last (very late) LOR and my final transcript reflecting a class I took Fall 2008 had been received. Lately I've been checking in hopes that my status would change from 'Campus Choices Received' to 'Accepted' or 'You Win at Life!' Yeah, I know. It's OCD but a fellow has to have his vices. :scared:
 
I just checked my secondary page as well...also updated 3/18/09.

I checked it last night and it said updated 3/3/09, the date I had to reschedule my interview because I was sick.

Previously it said updated some time in February, when I was offered an interview.

I still haven't submitted my campus preference because I can't tour the Huntsville campus until next week. I think I want Huntsville since it's where I've lived almost my whole life, but I want to make sure I "click" with those people like I do with the ones in Birmingham.

Does anybody have thoughts on the different campuses?
 
SarahLiz82 said:
I just checked my secondary page as well...also updated 3/18/09.

I checked it last night and it said updated 3/3/09, the date I had to reschedule my interview because I was sick.

Previously it said updated some time in February, when I was offered an interview.

I still haven't submitted my campus preference because I can't tour the Huntsville campus until next week. I think I want Huntsville since it's where I've lived almost my whole life, but I want to make sure I "click" with those people like I do with the ones in Birmingham.

Does anybody have thoughts on the different campuses?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I submitted HSV as my only choice because my wife isn't going to be moving and I want to spend what time I can with her. However, given what I heard from the students at UAB if I could choose any of the three, I'd pick HSV and Tuscalooosa. The students I talked with were of the opinion that going to one of the satellites would give you more opportunities to assist with procedures, have close patient contact, etc. That's my take on it.
 
if you are interested in primary care then the satellites are better... if you want to do something more specialized or surgery or EM.. the birmingham is better. The biggest problem with bham is that you are behind so many people so you don't get as much exposure as the satellite students.
 
ferreed said:
Here's a screen grab to show what I mean:

AMCASupdate.jpg


Yeah, I've been following the 'Date Secondary Received/Updated' box off and on. Mostly I used it to confirm that my last (very late) LOR and my final transcript reflecting a class I took Fall 2008 had been received. Lately I've been checking in hopes that my status would change from 'Campus Choices Received' to 'Accepted' or 'You Win at Life!' Yeah, I know. It's OCD but a fellow has to have his vices. :scared:
Click to expand...

In that case, my secondary has not been updated, although it should have been. My last update was apparently on 1/8/2009. I sent an update earlier this week, but maybe they haven't processed it yet. The only place on my status screen with today's date is at the very bottom, but at second glance that may have more to do with the website being updated and not my application.
 
Yeah, that's what I've heard as well. Actually, it makes me more wary of going to Huntsville Hospital because I've heard students here get to do things that they aren't allowed to do in B'ham. Apparently there are some hardfast rules about what students can and can't do (alone) and they aren't always followed at the satellites. I don't want to be anyone's guinea pig! But then, like I said, this is second-hand info, definately not verified! My brother picked B'ham because he is interested in surgery, but it's not like we're tied at the hip, so I'm still considering Huntsville... Really, I just want to be happy wherever I end up, you know? I'll learn/see what I need to see wherever.
 
I have been sending updates regularly as I get grades in but they never show up as updates to my secondary application. Hrmm....
 
ferreed said:
Here's a screen grab to show what I mean:

AMCASupdate.jpg


Yeah, I've been following the 'Date Secondary Received/Updated' box off and on. Mostly I used it to confirm that my last (very late) LOR and my final transcript reflecting a class I took Fall 2008 had been received. Lately I've been checking in hopes that my status would change from 'Campus Choices Received' to 'Accepted' or 'You Win at Life!' Yeah, I know. It's OCD but a fellow has to have his vices. :scared:
Click to expand...

Let me just go ahead and jump on the OCD wagon...did you happen to notice on that first page wether the hyperlinked "Check the status of your application" was in light green or dark green like the rest?
 
ferreed said:
I just checked my UASOM secondary status page and it now says that my secondary was last updated 3/18/2009. I haven't sent them anything since before my interview, so I am hopeful that this means they will be sending out some more emails soon.

It still says 'Campus Choices Received' for my current status.
Click to expand...

I hate to fuel the fire but mine was last updated the day I got accepted.
 
kdsims said:
Let me just go ahead and jump on the OCD wagon...did you happen to notice on that first page wether the hyperlinked "Check the status of your application" was in light green or dark green like the rest?
Click to expand...

HAHAHA! :laugh: No, but I'll go check...

EDIT: Light green, but I think that's just because my browser recognizes that I've been to that URL recently.
 
Mine was in light green because I checked the page after midnight last night (early this morning) which is when it still said status updated 3/3/09. So there has been some activity of some kind since I went to bed. And, for whatever it's worth, I haven't sent them updates of any kind on grades, etc. although I guess maybe I should? Who knows what all of this means. We may be reading too much into it like I used to do while I was waiting on classweb for my o-chem teacher to post grades. Eventually he told me to get a life. 🙂
 
To be the devil's advocate...I think everyone's page will be updated eventually because there will be a decision made about everyone. So who knows if this is the "No thanks" the "Maybe-waitlist" or the "We like you!". I'm going to get lunch. This is stressing me out! I can see advantages to going now and sitting out a year, and I bet the committee could see both for me too.
 
Well, mine hasn't changed either. It still has it listed as being last updated on 10/16, my interview date. Furthermore, my status never changed to "Campus Choice Received". It still says "Interview Complete. Remain Under Consideration".
 
I swear this crap is giving me an ulcer... I need another car bomb... :luck:
 
LumberJack said:
I've been wondering about this...did you get your acceptance email before your secondary page reflected your acceptance status? If so, then maybe I'll stop checking the page for updates 3x/day.
Click to expand...

The email definitely came first. I couldn't log in to the scholarship application stuff as an accepted student until the following monday. It still said Campus Choices Received for a while after I got the email.
 
Okay, I'm back. What happens if you non-accepted folks click "pay your deposit"? Mine says, I can't pay my deposit until my legal residence is confirmed by the AdCom. Then it has a button that says continue. I'm afraid to though! There might be someone on the other end wondering if I'm a total twit or not.

*Edit*

I broke down and clicked it. It just took me back to the secondary homepage.

It also says that these pages were revised today...like the website itself.

*2nd Edit*

I can get into the financial aid stuff. I clicked "financial aid" on the left hand side of the secondary (green bar). Then I clicked educational funding and could get into a few forms, but I don't know if this is what chemnerd meant.
 
Last edited:
SarahLiz82 said:
Okay, I'm back. What happens if you non-accepted folks click "pay your deposit"? Mine says, I can't pay my deposit until my legal residence is confirmed by the AdCom. Then it has a button that says continue. I'm afraid to though! There might be someone on the other end wondering if I'm a total twit or not.

*Edit*

I broke down and clicked it. It just took me back to the secondary homepage.

It also says that these pages were revised today...like the website itself.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I posted the same question on this thread a few pages back. Everyone's page says that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

wysdoc
  • Sticky
*~*~*~* Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*~*
2 3 4 5
Replies
217
Views
18K
thestrugglingpremedd
T
chilly_md
  • Sticky
*~*~*~* Official AMCAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*
2
Replies
90
Views
13K
chilly_md
chilly_md
wysdoc
2025-2026 Alabama
Replies
26
Views
7K
nutinyoursoup
N
chilly_md
~*~*~*~*~* Official Letters of Evaluation Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*~*~
2
Replies
70
Views
5K
chilly_md
chilly_md
wysdoc
2025-2026 U South Alabama
Replies
6
Views
2K
nutinyoursoup
N
Top