Any one else applying to Texas A&M c/o 2015
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Does anyone know if they have separate in state and out of state waitlists or if it's just one ranked list? I'm going to call next week and ask but just wondered if anyone knew already. I'd call today, but I didn't figure they would be there this week given it's spring break
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Actually, there is someone there this week (because I had a question myself and called), but Yolanda is out until Monday. I'm sure the people that are there could give you some info. I think they might just be there in the morning, though, because I called yesterday afternoon and no one answered, but I tried this morning and got through.
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08
as far as i know they call you on the phone. The list moves the quickest in april around the dead line. After that its anybody's guess. I harassed them with phone calls checking what number they were on every few weeks. They will notify the next person on the list when the person who is rejecting their acceptance lets them know.
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Hey guys! I must admit that I have been stalking this forum, particularly this thread, fairly intensely for the last few months but have never posted. I was afraid of jinxing myself! Fortunately, I finally received my acceptance letter/packet today. Im excited to meet everyone!
Within the packet I received a memo regarding an Anatomy Workshop for students who havent taken something comparable to VIBS 305 Biomedical Anatomy in their undergraduate career to help them prepare for Gross Anatomy I. I was just curious if anyone had knowledge of how useful this course is/ if it would make a huge difference?
Within the packet I received a memo regarding an Anatomy Workshop for students who havent taken something comparable to VIBS 305 Biomedical Anatomy in their undergraduate career to help them prepare for Gross Anatomy I. I was just curious if anyone had knowledge of how useful this course is/ if it would make a huge difference?
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I was wondering the same thing. I mean, honestly, if it isn't going to make a huge difference, I don't really want to give up my last "stress free" summer! 😳
On the other hand, it could also help with the whole transition (getting to meet people early, etc., etc.) in addition to helping with anatomy, so I am having a hard time deciding if I want to do it.
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i heard from my friends who just finished their first year that its really helpful and she highly recommends it. too bad i already made vacation plans :/
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Everyone I know that took it really seemed to enjoy it and found it helpful. It's taught by the same professor who teaches the first semester of anatomy too so has an added benefit of getting you used to his teaching (not that it's hard to get used to in the first place, but there ya go) and testing styles.
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What do you guys think about the VILP program? It seems like it would be a really cool opportunity, but I worry about committing 6 weeks every single summer for the next 4 years. Has anyone actually participated in it?
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What's the VILP program?
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Veterinary International Leadership Program. There was an insert about it in the acceptance packet. It brings vet students (8 from TAMU, 4 from Tufts, and 8 from the University of Padua in Italy) to take special classes in physiology, pathology, and food safety for 6 weeks in the summers of 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
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has anyone else not gotten a letter yet? Or gotten an in-state rejection letter? I live in Round Rock and still havent gotten anything 🙁
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I would suggest giving them a call and checking.
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I was accepted last year at the beginning of the month but I have had several friends tell me that they didn't get their letter until the end of the month. In one case a roommate got her acceptance two weeks after the other roommate received her big envelope. So don't give up hope yet ! 😀
Now that I've been accepted, I've started the daunting task of beginning "the Next Steps." I've already started looking at houses to buy in the area, preferrably 1-2 bedrooms with 1-2 bathrooms. Since I'm not from the area (and am from a very small town!), the sprawling mass that is College Station and Bryan is a bit intimidating! I've got a few questions, though, so if anyone could help out, I would GREATLY appreciate it! I've heard such great about the College Station area, but are there any neighborhoods to stay away from? Since I'll be buying a house for the next four years, I'd like to be in a safe neighborhood! Also, I've been looking at the A&M bus routes. Does anyone on here use the bus routes to get to/from school? Are most of the neighborhoods that the buses reach safe and student-friendly? Also, speaking of buses, what does everyone normally do for parking (if not using the buses)? Are parking lots near the vet center normally filled? And how bad does traffic get when trying to get to class? **In addition, would it be most beneficial for me to just to find a house as close as I can to campus that is on the bus route as well??**
Thanks!!!
Thanks!!!
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I've heard such great about the College Station area, but are there any neighborhoods to stay away from?
So most people are going to tell you that C.S. is great and that Bryan is the ghetto but both places have good and bad areas. In general there are more bad neighborhoods in Bryan which may affect the resale of your house but this also means that the asking price is lower. I think I am not allowed to put links in my post so go to google and put in neighborhoodscout and you will find a website that will give you a breakdown of the crime in within a five mile radius of an area.
Parking vs. Busses
I dont know anyone who rides the bus to school. There is a large parking lot at the school lot 36; if you can you will want to buy a pass for this lot. There is smaller lot across the street but I cant remember the number. Most vet students will get lot 36 if they request it. It is expensive (275$), I think that some people who organized roommates early enough may have bought one pass and shared. I will post something as soon as the application for parking passes goes up but their website says it will open April 6. You will want to set up your student email account or neo account as soon as you can because this will be the user name you will use to register for passes. As long as you get to school early there isnt any problem parking. If I get to school 30 minutes early I can park 5 ft away from my first class. If you dont like sitting in a classroom that long you can go get breakfast from the café or go to the grasshopper room and get complimentary coffee. Even if you get there 10 minutes early usually there is parking its just really far away from the building. If you miss your first class um not that you know I have or anything 😳 you will find it very hard to find a spot.
So most people are going to tell you that C.S. is great and that Bryan is the ghetto but both places have good and bad areas. In general there are more bad neighborhoods in Bryan which may affect the resale of your house but this also means that the asking price is lower. I think I am not allowed to put links in my post so go to google and put in neighborhoodscout and you will find a website that will give you a breakdown of the crime in within a five mile radius of an area.
Parking vs. Busses
I dont know anyone who rides the bus to school. There is a large parking lot at the school lot 36; if you can you will want to buy a pass for this lot. There is smaller lot across the street but I cant remember the number. Most vet students will get lot 36 if they request it. It is expensive (275$), I think that some people who organized roommates early enough may have bought one pass and shared. I will post something as soon as the application for parking passes goes up but their website says it will open April 6. You will want to set up your student email account or neo account as soon as you can because this will be the user name you will use to register for passes. As long as you get to school early there isnt any problem parking. If I get to school 30 minutes early I can park 5 ft away from my first class. If you dont like sitting in a classroom that long you can go get breakfast from the café or go to the grasshopper room and get complimentary coffee. Even if you get there 10 minutes early usually there is parking its just really far away from the building. If you miss your first class um not that you know I have or anything 😳 you will find it very hard to find a spot.
I really wish some current students had posted that summer anatomy was a waste of time so I could justify relaxing all summer! 😳 But since it's helpful, I think I'm going to try to do it. Thanks for the info everyone!
About housing... do most people live really close to campus, or is it not a big deal to come from Bryan? I'm used to commuting 45 minutes to school every day, but I don't want to make some big mistake. I'd like to live close, but I also don't want to live in a crazy loud neighborhood/complex full of rowdy undergrads who will keep me up all night.
About housing... do most people live really close to campus, or is it not a big deal to come from Bryan? I'm used to commuting 45 minutes to school every day, but I don't want to make some big mistake. I'd like to live close, but I also don't want to live in a crazy loud neighborhood/complex full of rowdy undergrads who will keep me up all night.
I completely agree - I'm used to commuting 15 minutes for school...but in the end I just want to choose the most economical option for transportation to school, and choose the best house possible! 🙂
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There is a bus route that drops of right in front of the vet school. It is an on-campus route which means you will need to ride your off-campus route get to main campus go to the bus stop for that route and then ride to the vet campus. The routes start at 7:00am and several of our classes start at 8am supposedly there are buses running every 15 minutes and transport recommends that you take a bus 30 minutes before you want to be somewhere. I would be concerned about being on time for the early classes. Additionally at 6:00pm the route goes to night service and it usually takes an hour to get to your stop. I am not sure how well that would work if you needed to get through two bus routes. If go look at the transport tamu webpage and look under transit they have a pdf of all of the expected leave times. The on-campus route is route 6 (12th man).
As for a bike, I personally haven't commuted on a bike but I see people that do. I don't know of any vet students that do but I don't know everyone🙂. I would consider how you would feel after being in school from 8am-5pm many days; at the end of that day would you feel energized/cathartic to get to ride your bike back home or would you feel like it was a chore?
We also have responsibilities for a week each semester that requires us to be here before school starts and after school ends where not having a car could be difficult.
As for a bike, I personally haven't commuted on a bike but I see people that do. I don't know of any vet students that do but I don't know everyone🙂. I would consider how you would feel after being in school from 8am-5pm many days; at the end of that day would you feel energized/cathartic to get to ride your bike back home or would you feel like it was a chore?
We also have responsibilities for a week each semester that requires us to be here before school starts and after school ends where not having a car could be difficult.
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The lot across is Lot 71. You can purchase ANY parking pass and you will be able to park in 71 and the bigger lot (71A) just beyond it. Those two lots are literally a hop, skip, and jump away from the CVM. As for getting Lot 36, keep in mind that any undergrads can also claim these passes, so try to get your stakes in early!
Also, a note on housing. There are so many new places to live now, it's unbelievable. I see new housing projects spring up daily it seems! I personally live about 10 minutes from campus in a wonderfully quiet mixed neighborhood (students/families), but there are many more student-only options in my area. The city is making it more and more accessible to live further from campus through all this road construction they're doing. It's SO nice. They've done such wonderful work that they've shaved off 5 minutes from when I first moved out into the area my sophomore year (4 years ago!).
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Oh...uh, totally a waste of time! Yah you ah...don't wanna look at dead dogs all summer right? Go to the beach instead (preferably one NOT in Texas).
But yah if you've had anatomy before, it won't be that useful aside from a refresher (though I don't think you can take it if you've had anatomy before). If you haven't had anatomy before...well I can't really imagine trying to learn all that we have to learn in anatomy without having had prior exposure. I'm sure someone did it but I wouldn't want to have been them.
It's a mix. I live 10 - 20 minutes away dependent on traffic and lights. I think we have a couple people that live an hour away. Not sure how they do it lol. But you can find housing ranging from any commute distance you want. Close enough to ride a bike or far enough that you have to pack a snack.
Also I would highly recommend NOT riding the buses! They are soooo slow and take forever to get anywhere. Plus riding an off-campus bus you'd have to get off at the Trigon, walk about 5 - 10 minutes to the health center, wait another 5 minutes, catch number 6, ride to the vet school (bout another 5 - 10 minutes), and...well it's probably just another source of stress that you don't need. Also it won't be possible when you're doing your husbandry rotations.
Parking passes are pricey but you get enough money to pay for one. If not, we have a classmate that parks in a residential neighborhood by Northgate and walks to class every morning. Hasn't gotten a ticket yet to my knowledge.
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I was just wondering... in case I get bad news and get a rejection letter, does anyone know if the deadline has already passed to apply for a masters program at the college of veterinary medicine? I'm just getting worried so I want to weigh my options!
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It's not too late! I know the program I'm interested in has a deadline of June 1st (Veterinary Public Health). I think it's safe to say that any other M.S. programs within the college have the deadline of May 1st (seems to be the universal date for all the universities I'm looking at, anyway!). I'm sure you'll hear good news soon though!
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I know everyone has horrible things to say about Bryan, but I love it. I'm ~4 miles from the vet school and most of that is on 2818 with a speed limit of 60 mph. Needless to say, It takes me less than 5 minutes to get to campus. There's NEVER traffic either. Plus I have a small backyard for my dog to run around in and there's a decent little trail I can walk him on. Maybe I just haven't experienced the crappy parts of Bryan. Utilities are cheaper too!
As far as lot 36 goes, I've never had a problem finding a parking spot. Even if you park at the far end of the lot, it's a pretty minimal walk to the building.
As far as lot 36 goes, I've never had a problem finding a parking spot. Even if you park at the far end of the lot, it's a pretty minimal walk to the building.
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FYI - those of you in the Houston area.....
I called Concentra (Katy Freeway @ Dairy Ashford), and they said they do all the vaccines that we need, including rabies. They even said that they keep the rabies vaccine (and Hep B and tetanus) on hand at all times, because they do a lot of vaccines for people that travel out of the country, etc. The cost is only $225 per rabies shot (compared with the $300/shot at A&M). Also, tetanus is $74 and Hep B is $60/shot. The other nice thing is that you don't have to make an appt. (walk-in only), and it is much closer than having to drive to College Station for all three rabies vaccines!
I called Concentra (Katy Freeway @ Dairy Ashford), and they said they do all the vaccines that we need, including rabies. They even said that they keep the rabies vaccine (and Hep B and tetanus) on hand at all times, because they do a lot of vaccines for people that travel out of the country, etc. The cost is only $225 per rabies shot (compared with the $300/shot at A&M). Also, tetanus is $74 and Hep B is $60/shot. The other nice thing is that you don't have to make an appt. (walk-in only), and it is much closer than having to drive to College Station for all three rabies vaccines!
I don't think you'll find anybody who said it was a complete waste of time, nobody wants to feel that way about what they've already done. I think if you would rather spend your summer enjoying yourself, DO IT!! I think you'll find people who felt the workshop saved their grade, people who wished they had taken it, and people that are fine without it. I fall into the last category, mainly because I had the same feeling you seem to have and really wanted my summer for myself. That being said, I bombed the 1st test (along with half the class). Then I figured it out, spent more time in the lab and made the class average or higher for the next 2 tests (in the B range). It seems like the summer class helps people avoid slipping up on the 1st test, but I don't know how helpful it is beyond that. The actual class goes far more in depth.
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I got my shots done here local at the Scott and White Clinic on University Dr. It was $150 per shot IIRC and insurance ended up covering two of the three shots (not sure how or why since they outright refused when I called to ask but hey...).
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Wow, that is awesome! I was assuming insurance wouldn't cover it, but I'll have to check into that.
...and for $150/shot, I might make the drives to CS after all!🙂
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Would somebody be willing to share the details on the summer anatomy workshop with us waitlisters? I'd love to know more about it since I have a really good shot at getting in and it's been quite a while since a took anatomy. TIA 🙂
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I'm pretty sure that's what the cost of each shot was. I could be off by a bit, but it was cheaper than through Beutel. Locally they quoted me prices as high as $1,200 for the set. 😱
I drove 3 hours (each way) 3 times to get my rabies shots. I say I drove for the Freebird's and just happened to get vaccinated while I was there. 😀
The anatomy workshop runs from 6/27 to 8/5 and meets 5 days a week (lab 2-4pm 5 days a week, lecture 12:30-2 M/F). It's not for a grade, but they'll drop you if you accumulate more than 3 absences, so no vacations. It's mainly meant to get students some basic knowledge, especially those that haven't taken anatomy before or have only had a basic survey class. It's $500 plus notes/supplies. There are 36 seats. Registration forms will be accepted between 4/18 and 5/6. Seats will be assigned based on the order in which applications are received as well as "priority groups" (basically they're giving priority to non-A&M students over A&M students). They'll let everyone know on 5/6 if they got a seat or not. Since priority is being given to non-A&M students, it will probably also be a good opportunity to meet people and get familiar with campus and College Station.
Hope that helps! 🙂
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Does anyone know if A&M looks favorably on doing one of their non-thesis masters programs to raise your GPA?
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The Vet School does not look unfavorably upon getting a Master's, no. I'm getting a Master's, though not for the GPA boost, and discussed it with one of the professors on the selection committee and she said it does not hurt (it's what she did to get in many years ago, lol!). Though, I probably wouldn't go into the program with a "I need this only so I can have a better GPA so I can get into vet school" attitude. 😉
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If you are going to do a Master's, I highly recommend considering a thesis Master's. The latter are looked upon much more highly. No offense to those that have non-thesis masters, but from what I have garnered in my time in residency, its the truth. Not that non-thesis MS are looked DOWN upon at all - it would give you a boost, sure. But not nearly as much as a thesis.
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I have been lurking on this site for some time now as my son went through the process of applying for the veterinary program at Texas A&M. As I sat and read through the post, sometimes daily, I was impressed with the quality and professionalism of the people posting on the site. I stressed as they stressed, sometimes laughed, sometimes felt sad but there was a connection with people I will never forget and most likely will never meet.
As the letters began arriving last Saturday my wife and I would look at our list of posters and be so happy if they got in, concerned if they were on the wait list and most certainly felt the sadness of a rejection.
My son received his letter of acceptance last Monday, after three trips to the post office the same day, thats right three, dont ask why we just kept going and going and on the last trip it was there, I received a text message from my wife with simply OMG and a photo of or a large envelope in a small P.O. Box. This was his dream since he was 8 or 9. Texas A&M was the only school he ever wanted to attend and as far as he was concerned there were no others. We are so very blessed.
My son will be in great company surrounded by incredibly amazing people with a drive and a love for a profession that will give you life long rewards.
Thank you all for a road well traveled you are all truly an incredible group of people.
As the letters began arriving last Saturday my wife and I would look at our list of posters and be so happy if they got in, concerned if they were on the wait list and most certainly felt the sadness of a rejection.
My son received his letter of acceptance last Monday, after three trips to the post office the same day, thats right three, dont ask why we just kept going and going and on the last trip it was there, I received a text message from my wife with simply OMG and a photo of or a large envelope in a small P.O. Box. This was his dream since he was 8 or 9. Texas A&M was the only school he ever wanted to attend and as far as he was concerned there were no others. We are so very blessed.
My son will be in great company surrounded by incredibly amazing people with a drive and a love for a profession that will give you life long rewards.
Thank you all for a road well traveled you are all truly an incredible group of people.
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Hey, just triple-checking... There's no deposit, right? I looked all over the acceptance packet and couldn't find that there was one, and I can't get ahold of Yolanda.
And I have to agree with Scout Runner- everyone here seems so nice and I'm so excited to have yall as my classmates for the next four years!
And I have to agree with Scout Runner- everyone here seems so nice and I'm so excited to have yall as my classmates for the next four years!
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No deposit, just have to send in the acceptance sheet and the signed waiver!
I have a question though- I'm still finishing up animal science and animal nutrition from OSU. I know that it has to be done by the end of the spring semester. Does anyone happen to know the date that A&M considers to be then end of the semester? I can call and ask, but I was trying to avoid annoying Yolanda.
I'm working on a non-thesis masters right now at A&M for the reason of boosting my GPA and its been working. If you're like me and don't want to get caught up in two or three years of research, non-thesis is the way to go. Besides most professors that agree to take you on in their lab would not like the idea of you leaving half-way through to go to vet school after investing time and money into you working in their lab. My impression has been that there is nothing wrong with doing non-thesis and actually wouldn't hurt either way. It was a personal decision not to focus on one subject as you would with a thesis but instead be able to take several classes that would better prepare me for vet school.
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Looking at the academic calendar, it states that "Monday, noon. Final grades due for all students." The actual last day of the semester (finals finishing) is the 11th, however. Hope that helps! :}
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Thanks! I'm actually in your position as well, and HAVE emailed/annoyed Yolanda 😀
This is her response:
"You must make sure that you complete this course by May 31, 2011. You may not complete this course anytime after this date. You must have your final exam take prior to May 31, 2011.
Yolanda"
I THEN called again to ask whether this meant graded by (just in case!) but I was told that as long as I submitted the last assignment by the 31st, I would be fine. I hope that helps!
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Very helpful, thanks! Is it terrible that I've had the materials for both courses since July, and I just started doing the assignments last month? In my defense, I've been taking 20 and 23 hours per semester, not counting these 2! Now that I have the acceptance I'm busting the assignments out, because I'm not going to let something dumb like this keep me out of vet school!
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Don't worry- I'm scrambling to get them done as well. I basically wanted to take the pre-req's as late as possible so that I could get at least a partial refund if I happen to not get into A&M (stupid, I know).
Also, what is everyone doing in terms of housing- is everyone living alone, or with roommates? I know I'd prefer to live with a roommate to save some money... but I don't know anyone else going to A&M next year so I might have to stick it out alone 🙄
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I'm thinking about looking for a 2/2 house with a roommate. More room, less rent. I'm not sure how many people would be willing to live with me though, since I have 2 cats and a dog! The bf will probably be keeping one of the animals for company in Houston, but we haven't decided how that's going to work. PM me if any of y'all might be interested. 27, female, non-smoker, occasional drinker, not a serial killer!
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Has anyone set up a facebook group yet? A lot of people found roomies through that.
Actually now that I think about it, I think the previous year set up our facebook page...
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Drats! I already have a small kitty, so I think 3 animals might be a bit too many for me 🙁
I guess I'll also post my roommie plea here: I will try to find 2/2 apartments not more than 10 minutes away from campus and I'm trying to stick under $400 per person. I will have a small cat with me, but I don't mind another pet (but some places have a limit of 2 pets). I'm a 21-year-old female, clean, and pretty quiet. I also like to make ice cream for people 😉 PM if interested!
Edit: Whoops I didn't see your post, HopefulAg! I tried to set up a facebook group but sadly I don't know anyone else going to A&M and it wouldn't let a loser like me create a one-person group!
I guess I'll also post my roommie plea here: I will try to find 2/2 apartments not more than 10 minutes away from campus and I'm trying to stick under $400 per person. I will have a small cat with me, but I don't mind another pet (but some places have a limit of 2 pets). I'm a 21-year-old female, clean, and pretty quiet. I also like to make ice cream for people 😉 PM if interested!
Edit: Whoops I didn't see your post, HopefulAg! I tried to set up a facebook group but sadly I don't know anyone else going to A&M and it wouldn't let a loser like me create a one-person group!
