Alabama Schools Thread Part 2!!

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SL82: Based on your posts does that mean not a single student from UAH has any acceptances so far? That seems strange because I thought UAH is definitely one of the best programs in AL. Does any one have stats for students vs schools of Al like UA, AUB, BCS to UAB and USA.
 
We have one student with an acceptance to USA, another who didn't apply to any schools in state but got into some schools elsewhere (Thacked may know where, I don't, but the guy is really smart), a couple who got into pharmacy school, one who got into podiatry school, and one who got into UAB for dental school. It's just the Alabama MD applicants that are waiting for good news. UAH is a good school, I think. One of my friends from there applied to really competitive Ph.D. programs all across the country and was accepted to all of them.
 
I graduated UAH in 2001. I had at least four friends who went on to medical schools, three of them to UASOM.
 
I still find it odd that my secondary hasn't been updated since december while most y'alls has.


Good news is that it is a beautiful day!
 
I don't know what to say about that. Maybe they're just updating as a decision is made. I talked to one of my friends at school who hasn't heard anything and she said her secondary also says updated 3/18. But really, your stats are way better than mine, so I wouldn't put much stock into it meaning something worthwhile.
 
VanBrown, if it makes you feel any better, mine hasn't been updated since 10/16.
 
I honestly think that updated date is arbitrary and has nothing to do with whether we'll be accepted/waitlisted/rejected.

I do think we'll hear something by the end of this week,if past years are any indicator.
 
Darn you all!

The activity of this thread is totally causing me to be more freaked about not knowing my UAB status.

I will say though that I'm also thinking that we'll see something for certain next week. 🙄 I guess I'm at least glad I didn't get a rejection e-mail last week as SarahLiz mentioned. Continued good luck to all!

BTW has anyone heard from South? I would like to know given that it's looking more and more likely that I will definitely be there in the Fall (thought I might be deciding btwn the two but...).
 
Well, I've been stalking this forum for awhile now..
I am applying to both schools this year and got interviews and awaiting news...hopefully good news that is.

Now we all know that UAB has higher ranking that USA...
But from my interview in Mobile and reading past forum posts from previous years, it seems as though USA has better board scores..
So in the long run which school is better?

Good luck to all. Hopefully there will be good news for us next week:luck:
 
Have any of you guys given thought to UAB's rural programs? I applied as a rural applicant and it was mentioned to me at least seven times on interview day. I read about the one through UA which involves a year in Tuscaloosa, years 1 & 2 at UAB, and years 3 & 4 at the Tuscaloosa campus. For folks that already have a degree you end up with a masters of science in general studies I think...but you have to take 500 level biochem and I haven't even had biochem I.

I also looked at the one through Auburn, which involves a year at Auburn, years 1 & 2 in B'ham, and years 3 & 4 at the Huntsville campus. I would be more interested in that because we live just outside of Huntsville. They don't publish any information about their curriculum though--just that there is a strong emphasis on rural med, group bonding, study skills, etc. It sounds nice.

I'd like to have a practice in the outskirts anyways, so it might be a good fit for me.

What are your thoughts on the program? Do you know anyone in it? I know UA takes 10, but Auburn doesn't say how many they take. Geez, I have to look up where Auburn is.

*Edit*

Four hours away?! Geez, that's kind of far.
 
vogue said:
Now we all know that UAB has higher ranking that USA...
But from my interview in Mobile and reading past forum posts from previous years, it seems as though USA has better board scores..
So in the long run which school is better?
Click to expand...

Caveats to confound your decision process (as they have mine):

-South's boards are on average higher, but they also only allow you to take the boards if you pass their practice exam (which doesn't necessarily raise their board scores, only -potentially- eliminates negative outliers if they have any)

-This past year, both schools' average board scores were 222, above the national avg. (of 218 I think); so neither is higher, but both are above nat'l avg.

-I have heard from people who matched into competitive residencies, residency selection folks, and faculty staff every single POV on the more hands-on experience vs. 'big-name' argument.
On one hand, South's clinical experiences (as well as the first/second year support and professorial access) seem much stronger b/c they're more intimate and I've heard that you could end up being 1st assist on a surgery, you get to know your attendings really well, etc...which all mean that (as I have heard from several South grads) your LORs are more personal and specific to you which is a big plus.
But on the other hand, UAB is a regional and national research name and while you might be 3rd assist your whole surgical rotation you'd have a UAB medical degree backing your app.
(BTW my argument for South's clinical advantage could be applied to UASOM's ancillary campuses, but this isn't a consideration for me as I wouldn't go to either...just don't want to move my third year and then move back)

So for me all of this stuff definitely confounds my decision process...because I really like the idea of South - small school focused on medical student education; but the rep and prestige of UASOM are a big draw, especially since I am interested in some competitive surgical specialties.

Any perspectives on the decision that I'm missing? It's an academic argument for me now since I hold only one acceptance of the two necessary to be waging this tug-of-war, but I figured maybe my thoughts would help someone in the enviable place of having the choice of both schools.

Anyway, here's hoping those of you waiting on South decisions hear something this week, and that UASOM final decisions come out this week.
 
I don't know about choosing between USA and UAB.

I'll start by saying that I've never been to USA and wasn't invited to interview. I'll add that I have two friends there--an MS1 who was accepted to multiple schools, chose USA and now hates it, and an MS3 who was accepted to multiple schools, chose USA and now loves it.

The girl that hates it has said that the teaching isn't very good and that the grading is unfair. And she's really smart and not at all lazy. But of course, that's all I know.

I would just pick the school where you feel the most comfortable. Happiness is worth more to me than prestige, name recognition, etc. I felt really at home at UAB this summer and that's why it's my first choice. I felt like the deans and staff (and hopefully the teachers--we had different people teaching our program) were really friendly and accessible and I liked that. I felt like overall I could be pretty happy there and it would be better than starting over somewhere new, not that USA is an option for me now. One thing I liked about UAB is how easy it is to do shadowing on the side. Facilities also are important to me, and that is one thing I don't like about UAB. The lower levels of Volker are in disrepair and remind me of a dungeon. A dungeon with a lot of incandescent lighting. So, there are trade-offs.

On a separate note, what should one where to tour a satellite campus? Surely not a full interview attire. Maybe business casual?
 
It sounds like South is making decisions pretty soon, and I don't know what I'll do if I have to choose. I've got 2 good friends going to South, and I really like the idea of the smaller class size. I'm not much on big cities, either. It's hard to argue with UAB's national rep, though.
 
chemnerd89 said:
It sounds like South is making decisions pretty soon, and I don't know what I'll do if I have to choose. I've got 2 good friends going to South, and I really like the idea of the smaller class size. I'm not much on big cities, either. It's hard to argue with UAB's national rep, though.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry I have to say here...B'ham is not a big city...it's barely a city. I don't even think the metro makes top 50 in the US (and I believe that Metro has to pull in Tusc.). I'm actually a little worried that I'll die of chain food moving back to AL but I'm hopeful that the proximity to LA + Gulf fresh seafood means Mobile has a good local food scene. I've lived in B'ham and there's very few good, non-chain eats save your std. bbq / wings / southern-style buffets... It's a concern.

That being said, I'm way excited about South's small class size, plus the tech-savviness (did you see the anatomy lab setup?) seems neat, and all the students I met and that I know there seem really happy at South. The folks I know at UAB just seem so stressed all the time...but yeah, the rep does mean a lot if you're aiming for the more selective specialties.

*sigh*
 
SansNom said:
The folks I know at UAB just seem so stressed all the time...
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate? I'm getting worried. I stress enough as it is now! I'm looking to have less stress (if that's possible).

B'ham is a big city to some of us!
 
SansNom said:
I'm sorry I have to say here...B'ham is not a big city...it's barely a city. I don't even think the metro makes top 50 in the US (and I believe that Metro has to pull in Tusc.). I'm actually a little worried that I'll die of chain food moving back to AL but I'm hopeful that the proximity to LA + Gulf fresh seafood means Mobile has a good local food scene. I've lived in B'ham and there's very few good, non-chain eats save your std. bbq / wings / southern-style buffets... It's a concern.

That being said, I'm way excited about South's small class size, plus the tech-savviness (did you see the anatomy lab setup?) seems neat, and all the students I met and that I know there seem really happy at South. The folks I know at UAB just seem so stressed all the time...but yeah, the rep does mean a lot if you're aiming for the more selective specialties.

*sigh*
Click to expand...

Haha you're right. Compared to Tuscaloosa it's bigger, at least.
 
SarahLiz82 said:
Can you elaborate? I'm getting worried. I stress enough as it is now! I'm looking to have less stress (if that's possible).

B'ham is a big city to some of us!
Click to expand...

:laugh: Understandable...this whole process is stressful enough as is. I just mean that I can expect a return call pretty consistently from my friends at South, whereas I guess the bi-weekly testing at UAB just leads to a constant level of studying (UAB - bi-weekly wkd tests on the module you're currently in, South - 3?/4? wks btwn tests but you have tests in multiple subjects).

Guess it depends on your learning style...I tend to cram so I think that a UAB type schedule would keep me honest. On the other hand, I expect the volume of material to be such that I will have to study to keep up at South anyway. I dunno.

Back to my original point though, friends at UAB def just seem much more stressed, maybe it's even harder than South...idk I haven't taken the classes so I couldn't speak to that.

Oh and lastly, sorry if I offended with the city comment, I just mean that the urban sprawl that makes B'ham is not really a city it's just like a bunch of smalls towns amalgamated; if you look at NYC or Boston or w/e there's distinct neighborhoods, with a feel and your local drycleaner, market, etc.

When I was in B'ham I'd have to drive like clear across town for organic, or when I lived downtown, to Homewood for Wal-Mart; nothing's in walking distance. But I suppose that's a problem with any city built around the automobile though...I will say that the Highlands are beautiful and if I lived in B'ham that's absolutely where I'd live, it definitely seems most neighborhood-y with Rojo, and that Western market, and the nice café, and the park....😍
 
auburnO5 said:
VanBrown, if it makes you feel any better, mine hasn't been updated since 10/16.
Click to expand...


that is weird... it seems (correct me if I am not remembering, it is 6am) that the folks who interviewed late have had their secondary updated/modified and those of us who interviewed early have not. that seems strange to me... why not update all of them if you have re-reviewed all of them?
 
VanBrown said:
that is weird... it seems (correct me if I am not remembering, it is 6am) that the folks who interviewed late have had their secondary updated/modified and those of us who interviewed early have not. that seems strange to me... why not update all of them if you have re-reviewed all of them?
Click to expand...
I think your observation is correct, I interviewed in October and my secondary hasn't been updated either. I also think that we're over-analyzing the situation, as there's been no follow-up from UAB to those who have seen their secondary updated.
 
No worries SansNom, I knew you were just kidding around. Where I live is so small that we have that kind of community just because there are no other options as where to shop, etc. but I understand what you mean about B'ham in comparison to the small villages of NYC. I'm not familiar with Highlands but will have to check it out. I've heard from others that it isn't the safest area, but I do think YMCA youth center/magnet school/community garden area of B'ham is pretty. When we were volunteering down there this summer there were loads of sunflowers and it was really nice.

I think I've narrowed my options for next year down to just a few: find some kind of medically related job (with a French major?), substitute teach and travel, apply to the rural program through Auburn, take more classes at UAH, or start a second bachelor's in nutrition at Oakwood. I think the nutrition thing would be really interesting.

Any thoughts on that, the rural programs, or what I should wear to tour the satellite campuses?
 
VanBrown said:
that is weird... it seems (correct me if I am not remembering, it is 6am) that the folks who interviewed late have had their secondary updated/modified and those of us who interviewed early have not. that seems strange to me... why not update all of them if you have re-reviewed all of them?
Click to expand...

Just FYI, I interviewed on the last possible date and mine hasn't been updated since that date (still says 3/12). Whether that counts as being updated relative to your Octobers and Novembers, I'm not sure but it hasn't been updated since my interview.

As far as the topic of which medical school to go to, I can only wish that that was a decision I have to make🙂 Congrats to those of you with that "problem" though!
 
SarahLiz82 said:
I think I've narrowed my options for next year down to just a few: find some kind of medically related job (with a French major?), substitute teach and travel, apply to the rural program through Auburn, take more classes at UAH, or start a second bachelor's in nutrition at Oakwood. I think the nutrition thing would be really interesting.
Click to expand...

How much bio and chem have you had? You could look into taking some grad level bio at UAH. I believe they'll let you apply up to four grad-level bios toward a Masters when you commit to the program, so you can take those four without risk of losing credit if you decide to finish the MS. Not sure I'd go for the second Bachelor's unless you really want to do that.

You can always work-in some shadowing and volunteering. If you're interested in international medical missions shoot me an email on FB and I'll tell you about the trips I know of here going out from groups in our area.
 
Thacked said:
Just FYI, I interviewed on the last possible date and mine hasn't been updated since that date (still says 3/12). Whether that counts as being updated relative to your Octobers and Novembers, I'm not sure but it hasn't been updated since my interview.

As far as the topic of which medical school to go to, I can only wish that that was a decision I have to make🙂 Congrats to those of you with that "problem" though!
Click to expand...


ok so some people just haven't had their secondary modified yet... this is confusing and unhelpful.
 
I think we've more or less determined that waitlist/rejection notifications are getting sent out this week. I'm not sure how UAB determines who gets put on the waitlist and what place they fall into, but I think it's different than just the regular admissions decisions.

Here's how I see it: UAB accepts many applicants with very high stats during the regular admissions cycle, knowing that a lot of those people won't end up matriculating because they'll choose a better school. However, when they choose people onto the waitlist, they more or less "expect" those that are accepted off the waitlist to matriculate. So while the regular rolling admissions are mostly merit based (meaning that you're just a number based on your stats and you get accepted if you've above the cutoff), waitlist acceptances require a lot more scrutiny. UAB has to be absolutely sure they want you, and I feel that a lot more factors are incorporated into waitlisted students.

What do you guys think? I know it's kind of futile to speculate too much about the waitlist, seeing as how we'll all know (*hopefully*) by the end of this week, but it would be interesting to know if anyone sees it the same way I do.
 
VanBrown said:
that is weird... it seems (correct me if I am not remembering, it is 6am) that the folks who interviewed late have had their secondary updated/modified and those of us who interviewed early have not. that seems strange to me... why not update all of them if you have re-reviewed all of them?
Click to expand...

I'm an outlier. I interviewed 2/19 and my secondary was last updated 2/23. Who knows what any of this means? I'll just be glad to finally have an answer...hopefully by the end of this week. :xf:
 
ferreed said:
How much bio and chem have you had? You could look into taking some grad level bio at UAH. I believe they'll let you apply up to four grad-level bios toward a Masters when you commit to the program, so you can take those four without risk of losing credit if you decide to finish the MS. Not sure I'd go for the second Bachelor's unless you really want to do that.

You can always work-in some shadowing and volunteering. If you're interested in international medical missions shoot me an email on FB and I'll tell you about the trips I know of here going out from groups in our area.
Click to expand...

Hi, I've basically only had the required science courses for admissions to medical school. I'm pretty sure that graduate level biology classes would not be something I would be allowed to take. I would have to start with the undergraduate ones like genetics and biochemistry. I was only considering the second degree because I'm really interested nutrition. Also, I am interested in some of the trips you do. Steph told me all about them.
 
HsvFixed said:
I think we've more or less determined that waitlist/rejection notifications are getting sent out this week. I'm not sure how UAB determines who gets put on the waitlist and what place they fall into, but I think it's different than just the regular admissions decisions.

Here's how I see it: UAB accepts many applicants with very high stats during the regular admissions cycle, knowing that a lot of those people won't end up matriculating because they'll choose a better school. However, when they choose people onto the waitlist, they more or less "expect" those that are accepted off the waitlist to matriculate. So while the regular rolling admissions are mostly merit based (meaning that you're just a number based on your stats and you get accepted if you've above the cutoff), waitlist acceptances require a lot more scrutiny. UAB has to be absolutely sure they want you, and I feel that a lot more factors are incorporated into waitlisted students.

What do you guys think? I know it's kind of futile to speculate too much about the waitlist, seeing as how we'll all know (*hopefully*) by the end of this week, but it would be interesting to know if anyone sees it the same way I do.
Click to expand...

Makes sense. However, I think that the regular admissions acceptances would be just as scrutinized as waitlist, if not more. You have to consider that an outright acceptance must be treated as a student that will matriculate there(well, they would if I was head of admissions).

Like you said, though, no reason to speculate about it. What's done is done, and hopefully we'll all hear some good news this week!
 
So I heard from Mrs. Calma today and she confirmed that all acceptances had been extended and that the adcom is currently forming the waitlist and that she expected it to be complete by the end of the month... so hopefully that means this week.
 
VanBrown said:
So I heard from Mrs. Calma today and she confirmed that all acceptances had been extended and that the adcom is currently forming the waitlist and that she expected it to be complete by the end of the month... so hopefully that means this week.
Click to expand...

My heart sank a little when I read this... I know everyone at my school was holding out hope that what we heard Friday wasn't correct. I know I called myself, but you know, the company line kind of thing. Sigh.
 
well I trust Mrs. Calma quite a bit as she has always been really honest with me. I don't think this is the end of the world and I am certain that what docbama quoted from Mrs. Dawson is correct in that there will be a lot or waitlist movement due to how the admissions standard was this year (i.e. more people with multiple acceptances = more attrition).
 
VanBrown said:
well I trust Mrs. Calma quite a bit as she has always been really honest with me. I don't think this is the end of the world and I am certain that what docbama quoted from Mrs. Dawson is correct in that there will be a lot or waitlist movement due to how the admissions standard was this year (i.e. more people with multiple acceptances = more attrition).
Click to expand...

I certainly agree with you on Julie. She's a really nice and honest person. I don't doubt that there will be a lot of movement, and I'm sure there are lots of people that get in off of waitlists, etc. I guess there is a part of me that is disappointed that I'm not a schools first choice. More of a, "Well, there's a spot open and I guess you would be okay. I mean, this guy would be better, but if we can't have him then..."

Are you applying to other stuff? I wonder how that works? I mean, firstly I don't know if I will even make the waitlist, but if you start applying to other programs and then get the call...do you just drop your other arrangements?
 
Agh! I really hope "end of the month" means this week. I'd hate to have to wait until next week.
 
SarahLiz82 said:
Are you applying to other stuff? I wonder how that works? I mean, firstly I don't know if I will even make the waitlist, but if you start applying to other programs and then get the call...do you just drop your other arrangements?
Click to expand...

pretty much, I mean most programs would expect some attrition.
 
I still cannot get over the fact that only three or four people that have regularly posted on SDN for this cycle have been accepted at UAB. Along with the folks on this board and the people I personally know who have applied and gotten interviews to the school, I only count 4 out of 34 who have gotten acceptances as of today. I find that amazing...
 
yeah man it is weird... but we have known pretty much all along that UAB was being hyperselective this year. In January they had only accepted ~80 students... so they seem to have set the bar very high and kept it there for a long time.
 
I wonder why things are different this year...why be hyperselective? Anyone know?
 
I received an email from Dean Smith at UASOM this morning informing me that my Application for Classification as an Alabama Resident was denied and that I will be considered for admission as an out-of-state student. Without going into the matter in too much detail (it's complicated), I will just say that I was given assurance that I met the qualifications for in-state residency and was ultimately screwed.

I was also given an "informal" update on my status--I made it onto the alternate list as an out-of-state applicant. My "tier" will probably be determined later this week.

And if you're wondering...yes, I am considered an Alabama resident by the University of South Alabama.

Ugh.
 
LumberJack said:
I received an email from Dean Smith at UASOM this morning informing me that my Application for Classification as an Alabama Resident was denied ... I was given assurance that I met the qualifications for in-state residency and was ultimately screwed.
Click to expand...

LJ, I'm really sorry to hear that. That really sucks. Is there any avenue for appeal of the decision?
 
LumberJack said:
I received an email from Dean Smith at UASOM this morning informing me that my Application for Classification as an Alabama Resident was denied and that I will be considered for admission as an out-of-state student. Without going into the matter in too much detail (it's complicated), I will just say that I was given assurance that I met the qualifications for in-state residency and was ultimately screwed.

I was also given an "informal" update on my status--I made it onto the alternate list as an out-of-state applicant. My "tier" will probably be determined later this week.

And if you're wondering...yes, I am considered an Alabama resident by the University of South Alabama.

Ugh.
Click to expand...

I'm really sorry to hear that,LJ. Is there a separate wait list for out of staters?
 
I never applied for residency for tuition purposes. Was I supposed to apply for in state residency, for tuition or admissions purposes?

'twould suck if I didt get in because of that...
 
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