Alabama Schools Thread

[aumed22]

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I've heard Huntsville is really nice. I've only been to a few concerts up there. I really like UAB though and Birmingham though.

 

[andi_cvr]

I think I want to spend my last two years in Tuscaloosa because that is where I am from sort of. Huntsville would be my second choice. I hate big cities, so Birmingham is out. UAB is my first choice med school right now. It was Tulane, but I don't know what is going to happen with that. Good luck everyone!

 

[BooMed]

lol, after living in Atlanta for the last year, Birmingham feels like such a small town! I guess it's all relative. 😛

 

[QofQuimica]

By AL standards, B'ham is a bustling metropolis. But AL is a very rural state. If you get a chance, BooMed, take a weekend and drive down to Panama City, FL. It will take about 4-5 hours, depending on whether you take I-65 down to Montgomery. You'll go through a zillion small towns, and the countryside is very pretty. I used to drive down to Dothan (in SE AL) sometimes to see my sister. Oh, and two things about eating on the road: they grow peaches in AL, which are very good, and they also have boiled peanuts, which aren't.

 

[BooMed]

I've been wondering about those peanuts. I thought they might be disgusting. There is an awesome store near hear called the Peanut Depot, they make really yummy roasted peanuts and apparently it's been here for about 100 years.

We've driven down to the Alabama/Florida coast several times, each time differently because it seems like everyone has "the best route." The countryside here is pretty, although I'm still an Oregon girl at heart. I miss the mountains, evergreens and waterfalls. 😳

One thing I love to do is drive out to small towns here and go to flea markets/farmer stands. We always meet really interesting and friendly people when we do that. Like this herbalist who came down from the hills and was telling us about the three types of drugs: "Tha sinthetics, tha geenetics, and tha druuugs." He was so cool, and amazingly similar to the hippie herbalists in Oregon! 😛

We have family in Jasper, Coleman and Eufaula so we've been around a bit...

 

[aumed22]

I know that everytime I go to the beach, we always take one wrong turn and I have no idea where I am. But the adventure is fun. Alabama has a lot to offer, you just have to go out and find it.

 

[MattD]

By AL standards, B'ham is a bustling metropolis. But AL is a very rural state. If you get a chance, BooMed, take a weekend and drive down to Panama City, FL. It will take about 4-5 hours, depending on whether you take I-65 down to Montgomery. You'll go through a zillion small towns, and the countryside is very pretty. I used to drive down to Dothan (in SE AL) sometimes to see my sister. Oh, and two things about eating on the road: they grow peaches in AL, which are very good, and they also have boiled peanuts, which aren't.

How can you not like boiled peanuts? They're fantastic! Still no word, although my advisor told me today that he'd heard from an EDP applicant to UAB who'd been turned down for EDP, so I guess they're starting to send word to some people.

 

[BooMed]

Wow, was he already interviewed? I thought they weren't giving EPDs interviews until the 22nd... but then I did see on MDapplicants that there is already somebody accepted through the "rural medicine" program. Ooooh how I wish I was rural! 🙄

Oh wait, maybe they rejected him without an interview. That makes a lot more sense.

 

[MattD]

Wow, was he already interviewed? I thought they weren't giving EPDs interviews until the 22nd... but then I did see on MDapplicants that there is already somebody accepted through the "rural medicine" program. Ooooh how I wish I was rural! 🙄

Oh wait, maybe they rejected him without an interview. That makes a lot more sense.

From what I understand, it must have been a pre-interview rejection, which surprises me because I had kinda thought that people qualified to apply EDP who did so would at least get an interview. Apparently not! Although, I don't think this guy was rejected, just deferred to the regular admissions cycle.

On another note, interview invites have started going out, cuz I got one today! Yay! Hopefully you guys will all hear something very soon!

 

[hsvpan]

Congrats on the interview. Are you an EDP or regular admission and did you get the invite through email?

 

[aumed22]

Congrats on the interview. Are you an EDP or regular admission and did you get the invite through email?

Yeah congrats, i'm curious about the interview invite as well.

 

[BooMed]

Congratulations!

Ooh, the waiting becomes more painful... 😳

 

[BooMed]

Oh, and you guys didn't get any kind of notification that your secondary was complete, right? I'm still freaked out by the "Date Deposite Recieved" thing in the required items list.

Wow, I really need to get into med school so I can have a normal life again where I don't check my email every 30 minutes.

 

[MattD]

Congrats on the interview. Are you an EDP or regular admission and did you get the invite through email?

I'm an EDP applicant, and the invite did come thru email. There was no suspense, the subject line was "Interview Requested". The text of the message just said what day the interview was scheduled for, directions on where to go, an itinerary, lodging info, etc., and a request to confirm by a certain date. The interview day is apparently from 8-2:30, with interviews in the morning, then lunch, then an afternoon tour and Q&A.

 

[QofQuimica]

How can you not like boiled peanuts? They're fantastic! Still no word, although my advisor told me today that he'd heard from an EDP applicant to UAB who'd been turned down for EDP, so I guess they're starting to send word to some people.

Boiled peanuts make me I don't understand what would have ever possessed an old-time Alabamian to try them, much less like them. I've lived in the South most of my life, and I like a lot of other Southern foods (I love love LOVE biscuits with honey in particular) but if I have to starve or eat boiled peanuts, well, I guess they'll just have to start preparing for the funeral. 😛

I think that only in-state people have heard anything. I haven't received my secondary yet. It's my last one, so I hope it comes soon and then I'll be complete everywhere. 🙂

 

[BooMed]

I sort of hate meat. I'm not a good Southerner. 😳

I like all of the sides though--grits, beans, corn, etc. I could eat grits all day...

I'm surprised they haven't sent out secondaries for out of staters yet. I guess everything just always ends up taking a little longer than expected.

Matt-is your interview for the 22nd? Or did you get to choose what day?

 

[MattD]

I sort of hate meat. I'm not a good Southerner. 😳

I like all of the sides though--grits, beans, corn, etc. I could eat grits all day...

I'm surprised they haven't sent out secondaries for out of staters yet. I guess everything just always ends up taking a little longer than expected.

Matt-is your interview for the 22nd? Or did you get to choose what day?

Q, I guess that's ok that you don't like boiled p'nuts.. more for me!! Southern food is fantastic, although I personally believe that ALL food is fantastic... in fact if all the med schools shut down I'd prolly have to try to open a restaurant, I love to cook. I've been on a creole kick lately though, so I hafta cut back a little, it's not particularly heart-friendly!

I seem to remember from the last few years that UAB tends to run a little behind the pack when it comes to getting things out fast, but it's not like there's a rush, the ppl we're competing with aren't getting things any faster.

The interview is on the 22nd, and no, I didn't choose. I supposed you could call and reschedule if you couldn't go on that day, but if you're EDP the 22nd is about as late of an interview as is reasonable anyway. Plus Thursday's are my light days, so it's all good 🙂

This thread has gotten kinda birmingham-centric.. has anyone heard from USA?

 

[ybbil919]

I sent back the secondary for USA is august, and was trying to call them today to make sure they had everything, but something happened with the phones here in mobile this afternoon and I couldn't get a call through. I hate how USA doesn't make it easy to check on your application like UAB does.

 

[aumed22]

Hey Matt, what made you decide to EDP if you don't mind me asking?

 

[MattD]

Hey Matt, what made you decide to EDP if you don't mind me asking?

It was a variety of factors, really. We're going to be relying as much as possible on my wife's salary as possible, she's graduating this spring and has a job hookup in B'ham, so EDP would let us know early on whether she can start the job search there or if there's a chance we could go elsewhere. More time for house hunting. It's a great price for an in-stater to go to a top-25 school, I love North Alabama and the birmingham region, I have family around here, I want to practice here in Al after graduation, UAB seems that it would give more research opportunities... lots of reasons, plus the EDP success rate is pretty good there and I was encouraged by one of the deans to apply EDP if I was interested, which I took as a good sign. To me the hassle and expense of applying to 10 or 20 schools didn't make sense when I had the opportunity to commit myself to such a good school right off the bat, and I felt like I had a decent chance of it not backfiring on me. Here's hoping!

 

[aumed22]

Wow, those sound like great reasons to me. I'm sure everything will work out. Thanks for sharing

 

[aumed22]

Thought I'd just check in and see if y'all have heard any new information from South or UAB.

 

[jammin06]

Thought I'd just check in and see if y'all have heard any new information from South or UAB.

still no word from ANYWHERE... 🙁 Called South earlier this week, they said they're only interviewing EDP applicants right now. HTH.

 

[QofQuimica]

Thought I'd just check in and see if y'all have heard any new information from South or UAB.

I haven't heard anything yet, either. Any out-of-staters receive a secondary yet?

 

[ybbil919]

Just got an interview invite from South today. It was mailed yesterday but I got it really fast because it had to go down the street basically. The interview is on Oct. 5 and they didn't give me any choice. They did say that you could call them if you had to reschedule. Hopefully I'll hear from UAB soon, but this was a great birthday present.

 

[QofQuimica]

Just got an interview invite from South today. It was mailed yesterday but I got it really fast because it had to go down the street basically. The interview is on Oct. 5 and they didn't give me any choice. They did say that you could call them if you had to reschedule. Hopefully I'll hear from UAB soon, but this was a great birthday present.

Wow, congrats ybbil, and good luck on the interview. 😀

 

[jammin06]

Just got an interview invite from South today. It was mailed yesterday but I got it really fast because it had to go down the street basically. The interview is on Oct. 5 and they didn't give me any choice. They did say that you could call them if you had to reschedule. Hopefully I'll hear from UAB soon, but this was a great birthday present.

HEY! I got my invitation in the mail today!! I am so stoked. Mine's set for the 5th as well, but I have midterms all that week. (week before fall break). Arg! I'll have to try and talk to my profs about that. But, whatever, I finally got one!

 

[penguinophile]

I haven't heard anything yet, either. Any out-of-staters receive a secondary yet?

I'm from GA and just got an email saying that I was invited to fill out the secondary and that the link would be in a separate email....still waiting for that email.... 😕

 

[QofQuimica]

I'm from GA and just got an email saying that I was invited to fill out the secondary and that the link would be in a separate email....still waiting for that email.... 😕

I think they haven't sent them out to anyone out-of-state yet. I wrote to them and asked about it, but I haven't heard back yet. I'm applying straight MD, not MSTP, so that may play a factor too. Hope you get yours soon. 🙂

 

[BooMed]

Hey, that's exciting that UAB is finally sending out secondaries to out of staters!

The first interviews are happening tomorrow, I'm curious as to whether I'll see a whole bunch of applicants milling around the school/hospital tomorrow.

Good luck to anybody interviewing tomorrow! 🙂

 

[MattD]

Hey, that's exciting that UAB is finally sending out secondaries to out of staters!

The first interviews are happening tomorrow, I'm curious as to whether I'll see a whole bunch of applicants milling around the school/hospital tomorrow.

Good luck to anybody interviewing tomorrow! 🙂

Thanks, I'll be one of them LOL. Hopefully there won't be too much milling around though, as long as I can find my way from the medical center holiday inn to volker 🙂

 

[BooMed]

I wish the temperature would drop below 90 so everyone didn't have to tromp around in their interview suits getting heat stroke!

I am praying for fall to come before I interview. 😛

 

[QofQuimica]

I wish the temperature would drop below 90 so everyone didn't have to tromp around in their interview suits getting heat stroke!

I am praying for fall to come before I interview. 😛

Heh heh, yeah, B'ham can be brutal this time of year. Do they still give you ozone forcasts every day on the news?

Good luck to all of the interviewees!

 

[BooMed]

Heh heh, yeah, B'ham can be brutal this time of year. Do they still give you ozone forcasts every day on the news?

Yes, and it scares me! That and the UV index. I swear I can already see the age spots appearing on my hands.

It really wasn't that bad during most of July/August, so this sudden heat wave is killing me. I thought summer was winding down...

 

[QofQuimica]

FYI out-of-staters: I received my MD secondary invite today from UAB. Those of you who interviewed yesterday, how did it go?

 

[1/2asser]

ROLL TIDE and GO YELLOWJACKETS!!


Sorry, it's been a good day in Tuscaloosa!

McT grad?

 

[tennisnr]

I'm an out of stater applying reg MD and got the secondary today.

 

[QofQuimica]

Can someone post the link for the UAB secondary or PM it to me? I am having technical difficulties with my email. 🙄

 

[QofQuimica]

Can someone post the link for the UAB secondary or PM it to me? I am having technical difficulties with my email. 🙄

Thanks to those who responded. 😍

 

[MattD]

FYI out-of-staters: I received my MD secondary invite today from UAB. Those of you who interviewed yesterday, how did it go?

It went great, actually! All of the interviewers I talked to were extremely, super nice, and the interviews were really just get-to-know you type conversations. The other interviewees seemed pretty cool, and all in all it was a very positive experience. Plus, the acceptance email today was nice 🙂 I'll have interview feedback up as soon as I get a chance to type it up, but for those of you with interviews coming up, relax, it's nothing to worry about. Be yourself and you'll be fine!

 

[MattD]

McT grad?

Sorry, don't know what McT is.. care to share? U. of Alabama student, actually 🙂 And I must say Auburn's shaping up some since that first game, Iron Bowl may be interesting!

 

[aumed22]

Matt, congratulations on the acceptance, i'm sure that must feel great. I too am looking forward to another great Auburn victory at the Iron Bowl. War Eagle!

 

[BooMed]

Wow Matt, congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 😍 🙂

That's amazing that they got back to you so quickly, I'm really impressed. I'm so glad that the whole thing was pretty relaxed, that's good to know.

Now that you have been accepted, would you mind telling us a bit about your stats?

I met an interesting woman last night whose son was rejected last year even though he had good numbers and is "a computer programmer genius" and his father is "a prominent neurosurgeon in Birmingham." Apparently the kid had no interviewing/social skills and they told him so when he asked why he didn't get in.

Ouch.

 

[MattD]

Matt, congratulations on the acceptance, i'm sure that must feel great. I too am looking forward to another great Auburn victory at the Iron Bowl. War Eagle!

ROOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!

hehehe, at least I can get along ok with auburn fans.... unlike those other orange folks up north!

 

[QofQuimica]

It went great, actually! All of the interviewers I talked to were extremely, super nice, and the interviews were really just get-to-know you type conversations. The other interviewees seemed pretty cool, and all in all it was a very positive experience. Plus, the acceptance email today was nice 🙂 I'll have interview feedback up as soon as I get a chance to type it up, but for those of you with interviews coming up, relax, it's nothing to worry about. Be yourself and you'll be fine!

Congrats, Matt! I definitely would agree that your interview indeed did go well based on that outcome. 😉

Did you get a chance to look around Volker Hall much? I've heard that it's been remodeled.

 

[MattD]

Congrats, Matt! I definitely would agree that your interview indeed did go well based on that outcome. 😉

Did you get a chance to look around Volker Hall much? I've heard that it's been remodeled.

haha, true! I would say it's been expanded, more than remodeled. The new addition is REALLY NICE, it has these learning community areas that are like giant living rooms, refrigerators and microwaves, study rooms, a few classrooms... but as you walk from the new part to the old section, it's like a time machine to the '70s! Anatomy lab is still down in a dungeon. The old part doesn't appear to be remodeled at all, although there are nice projectors and screens in the old rooms. All in all, it's a building, just like any other, but I was pretty impressed with the new wing. The new north wing of university hosp. looked impressive too.

BooMed, what would you like to know? My numbers were 3.72/39Q. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. The impression I got about the EDP process, anyway, was that once you get an interview, you're assumed to be capable, and they're just weeding out the ppl like you mentioned, who can't function socially. One student made the comment to us while we were there that we were def. going to be accepted as long as we didn't walk into the interview room and take a s#&! in the floor LOL.. I don't know how it works in the regular admissions process or for out of staters though. At any rate, good luck!!!

 

[BooMed]

39! 😱

Woooooooow. That is so awesome.

So how many people were at the interview? (Aka, do you think my spot is taken? 😉 ) I wish I could have done EPD, I can't imagine what it must feel like to know that you're in already.

The new part of Volker is really nice, I especially liked all of the windows. The old part of the school is so funny, it's a total flashback to the 70's.

I work in the North Pavillion and I love it. The elevators are so fast they remind me of amusment park rides. Supposedly the next development is going to be a women's and children's hospital across the street, which would be so cool.

Man, I thought we loved our football up in the Northwest, but the South takes it to a whole new level! 😀

 

[BooMed]

P.S. What were the students like who gave the tours? Did they seem pretty happy/relaxed/stressed/etc.?

After talking with that kid's mom for 45 minutes I was not shocked at all that he was rejected. I'm going to make it one of my life goals to never become a "name dropper" 😎 It just seems so rude somehow.

 

[1/2asser]

Sorry, don't know what McT is.. care to share? U. of Alabama student, actually 🙂 And I must say Auburn's shaping up some since that first game, Iron Bowl may be interesting!

McGill-Toolen. It's a high school in mobile. you said 'go yellow jackets in a previous post so i thought maybe you were an alum.

 

[QofQuimica]

After talking with that kid's mom for 45 minutes I was not shocked at all that he was rejected. I'm going to make it one of my life goals to never become a "name dropper" 😎 It just seems so rude somehow.

I think it's just a bad idea to compare yourself to other applicants, period, because you never know the whole story. Who knows what this woman's kid's LORs, PS, and ECs were like, right? Or, the mom may even be exaggerating his stats, or may not know what competitive stats for medical school actually are.

For example, *we* are impressed with Matt's MCAT score, b/c we have all taken the MCAT, we know what the score ranges mean, and we know how hard it is to score a 39 and how few people manage to do it. But a non-medical person might wonder why he didn't score perfect like *her* child did on the SAT or something. (I've actually been asked when I would retake the MCAT since I didn't ace it. 😱 )