Anyone going through the MATCH?

[lakesidegirl]

---

Members don't see this ad.

8 days and counting!
For so many months (years) my motto has been "wait and see" about location, houses, jobs, so on and so forth. And now it occurs to me that in a week, I am going to have lots of changes/decisions to make. I'd love to hear from someone else in a similar situation.
Has anyone one discovered good resources for information about moving to a new state, adjusting to a new home/job?
I feel like I should make a list of all the things I'll need to do once we know where we're going, but I don't know what should go on the list!
Anyone who has a match location that they have their heart set on, or against? (Please don't make me move the Minnestoa!)
I'm a new member and would love to hear from lots of you!

 

[YOYO230]

8 days and counting!
For so many months (years) my motto has been "wait and see" about location, houses, jobs, so on and so forth. And now it occurs to me that in a week, I am going to have lots of changes/decisions to make. I'd love to hear from someone else in a similar situation.
Has anyone one discovered good resources for information about moving to a new state, adjusting to a new home/job?
I feel like I should make a list of all the things I'll need to do once we know where we're going, but I don't know what should go on the list!
Anyone who has a match location that they have their heart set on, or against? (Please don't make me move the Minnestoa!)
I'm a new member and would love to hear from lots of you!

Welcome! I'm not going through "match" just yet...however my S.O. is deciding between medical schools at the moment (Duke/Wash U). I know exactly how you feel about the whole thing sneaking up on you. I wish you the best! Also, I would LOVE to know if there was a resource out there for adjusting to new cities...as I will have to do the same thing! I hope you end up somewhere where you BOTH will be happy!

 

[alison_in_oh]

Oof, it's scary, huh! I'm trying not to get attached to our #1, but I'm afraid it's too late for that. 🙂 We didn't rank anyplace that I absolutely wouldn't go.

 

[lovemydrhubby]

Anxiously counting down with you...


What specialty is your SO doing?

Our top 3 are Medical College of Wisconsin (people say we're crazy to want to live in milwaukee, but we don't mind the cold and it was such a friendly, interesting place.), Washington U (again, I'd be happy here and know my husband would too...but I've never seen/visited St Louis before...so I am a little nervous), and Pitt (this would be awesome too- we can't go wrong with our top 3...or 4 or 5 really! hehe he picked too many awesome programs we both loved for various reasons)

So, I'm really not favoring any specific place right now- I'd be happy with many- I just want to know already! I also feel like I need some kind of to-do list for moving- it's alot to think about, but we do have time too. We're going to be moving pretty far for sure though, so it will take some coordination. I have no tips or resources to share though.

 

[lovemydrhubby]

Oof, it's scary, huh! I'm trying not to get attached to our #1, but I'm afraid it's too late for that. 🙂 We didn't rank anyplace that I absolutely wouldn't go.

I was doing really good... Something just happened when March arrived though and now I'm having trouble thinking of anywhere but #1. (Though, like you I really would be happy to end up with 2, 3, 4, etc.)


Anyone have any Match Day plans? celebrations/ceremonies etc?

 

[Wifty]

Oof, it's scary, huh! I'm trying not to get attached to our #1, but I'm afraid it's too late for that. 🙂 We didn't rank anyplace that I absolutely wouldn't go.

Me too! We ranked only places that I would be happy in some way, but I only really felt like I was meant to be at our number one choice.....it felt like being home for the first time in my life. 🙂

Hubby is doing the MD match for PMR.....we know where we will be next year, but who knows after that!

I am a very que sera sera person.....and generally happy with being a poor med school wife and moving around....but our first choice seemed SOOOO right and I want to know if we got it or not.

Ughhhhhh! I hate being the spouse and having no real gauge over how hubby did in the interviews...you know? He says he did well....but who knows. I am not a control freak....but boy, do I wish I had more control over this!

Ah well, we will know soon and it should be good. Right?
With smiles,
A fellower waiter,
Wifty aka Rebecca

 

[alison_in_oh]

Me too! We ranked only places that I would be happy in some way, but I only really felt like I was meant to be at our number one choice.....it felt like being home for the first time in my life. 🙂

Our #1 *is* home, the only place I've ever felt completely myself, the city where we met and the only place I've lived for five years straight since I was 12. Oh, yeesh, I'm making myself homesick again. 🙁 I love, love that city. Can you believe I've only so much as set foot in one other city that we ranked -- #8, our current location!

I am a very que sera sera person.....and generally happy with being a poor med school wife and moving around....but our first choice seemed SOOOO right and I want to know if we got it or not.

I absolutely know what you mean! We can make anything work as long as we're together, but the uncertainty! And the overt superiority of choice #1! Augh!

Ughhhhhh! I hate being the spouse and having no real gauge over how hubby did in the interviews...you know? He says he did well....but who knows.

Yeah, my guy should be an awesome candidate by the numbers -- but he was an awesome candidate for med school yet it took 3 app cycles to get in to a less-preferred school. 🙁 Without knowing how the interview days went, or what subjective factors go into the ranking, I still get really nervous sometimes when I think about it too much. 🙁

Oh yeah, he's matching into EM. 🙂 And lovemydrhubby, I'm getting off work briefly for the envelope ceremony, but then I have to go back. We'll probably have a celebratory dinner or go out with friends on the weekend -- assuming there's something to celebrate.

 

[MJB]

Anxiously counting down with you...


What specialty is your SO doing?

Our top 3 are Medical College of Wisconsin (people say we're crazy to want to live in milwaukee, but we don't mind the cold and it was such a friendly, interesting place.), Washington U (again, I'd be happy here and know my husband would too...but I've never seen/visited St Louis before...so I am a little nervous), and Pitt (this would be awesome too- we can't go wrong with our top 3...or 4 or 5 really! hehe he picked too many awesome programs we both loved for various reasons)

So, I'm really not favoring any specific place right now- I'd be happy with many- I just want to know already! I also feel like I need some kind of to-do list for moving- it's alot to think about, but we do have time too. We're going to be moving pretty far for sure though, so it will take some coordination. I have no tips or resources to share though.

I will pray for you to get Milwaukee as I wouldn't wish St. Louis on anyone. 🙂

 

[YOYO230]

I will pray for you to get Milwaukee as I wouldn't wish St. Louis on anyone. 🙂

i'm curious as to your experience with st. louis. my S.O. has recently got accepted to Wash U in st. louis and the chances of us being there next here are high. i would love to know why you feel the way you do about st. louis (i've never been and know nothing about the city)

 

[redrocky]

i'm curious as to your experience with st. louis. my S.O. has recently got accepted to Wash U in st. louis and the chances of us being there next here are high. i would love to know why you feel the way you do about st. louis (i've never been and know nothing about the city)

It really depends on where you are from and what you're used to. I am from CA and I can't wait to get out of the midwest. STL is great in that the cost of living is great especially compare to the coasts. All the residents ( and a handful of med students) we know own homes (2-4 bedrooms with basements), mostly in South County (West Co is more expensive) with a budget/salary of 38-45k. My biggest problems with STL is the lack of diversity, extreme poverty, and racial segregation. Oh and the smoking. Everyone smokes, everywhere. STL is the 3rd most segregated city in the country. It is one of the most unhealthiest cities. STL/E. STL is one of the most dangerous cities in the US. The # of abadoned and boarded up buildings is depressing. The city and counties function as seperate entities. If you have school aged children, you'll want to live in the county bc the city schools are horrible. STL city is mostly black with the counties being mostly white and the few other racial groups that exist in this city. The weather sucks in the summer. Tornado warnings and crazy thunder and lightning storms. The humidity and large noisy bugs are disgusting. Food variety is limited. Produce is expensive and not very good.

On the up side, there are great things to do with kids. Many of the coolest attractions are free admission. The zoo is free and better than most zoos I've been to with exception to San Diego and Cinncinatti. If you like beer, there is plenty of free beer to be had as Anheiser owns most of city. There is no traffic. The freeway in the city is a big loop and easy to follow. The amount of snow is perfect (thus far) and beautiful. Wash U is in a nice area and located in a college towny area. It is in the city so if you have kids the schools are going to suck. The fall is beautiful but doesn't last long enough. Again, it depends on what you're used to and like. Most of my class is from out of state and the majority of them can't wait to get out. But, anything is doable for 4-5 years. And the time goes by fast. Good luck to you. And feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 

[Wifty]

Luvmydrhubby,

We ranked U.ofWI in Madison first, Northwestern in chicago 2nd, and Baylor in Dallas 3rd (for family reasons).

We just really fell in love with Wisconsin and it seemed like where we should be as a family. The program was awesome and madison offers exactly the sort of life I want to raise my daughter with - culture, free culture, and diversity. 🙂 She is 2 now and so would be spending formative years there.
Chicago also has that....but it is more expensive and less safe overall although the program is excellen.

I love that hubby took into consideration family and lifestyle and not just if a program had a bigger name. Its hard to not be swayed by a big name program.....but its not as important and living somewhere you are happy (if you can swing it).

So, our fingers are crossed, my hair is in braids (hair crossed), I cross my eyes when I can, and pray that we will be where we are meant to be.

And.....que sera sera (for you young'uns - thats 'whatever will be, will be') LOL

With smiles,
Rebecca

 

[lovemydrhubby]

Well Rebecca- we'll both cross our fingers for Wisconsin...then pack up our coats and boots 🙂
I also liked the family friendly-ness of WI. It was a nice place and lots to do. Milwaukee is on the lake and they have all kinds of festivals and things to do during the year. I also liked that the medical college was in a suburb- it's a really quiet, safe area. Housing is quite affordable. One of the biggest drivers for DH was the hospital system and diversity- they have private, public, VA, children's, and community hospitals for training. The Children's Hospital is one of the best in the US.
He decided against interviewing at Madison...I'm a little sad because I think we would have liked that too, but it wouldn't fit in the schedule and he wanted more trauma and diversity with patients. (even though U of WI has a better reputation than MCW).

How does it work with the P&R program? You do a prelim year somewhere else?


RedRocky-thanks for the STL insight. I can definitely (from limited research) see where you are coming from. It's extremely affordable and seems to have alot to do...esp with kids like you mentioned. All anyone ever told me though, was to live in CWE (Central West End for non stl people)... I looked at the choices there and it didn't seem like a fit. It looked interesting, but not really for families. I didn't know about the lack of traffic- i'd always heard otherwise-so I couldn't seem to figure out where else you'd live. outside the city definitely seems like the answer, but not sure where! I didn't know about the smoking and health concerns.


Alison- I have the day free and we have friends babysitting...I still don't know what our plans are though.


At least my husband wasn't the only one giving me vague answers about the interviews.

 

[redrocky]

RedRocky-thanks for the STL insight. I can definitely (from limited research) see where you are coming from. It's extremely affordable and seems to have alot to do...esp with kids like you mentioned. All anyone ever told me though, was to live in CWE (Central West End for non stl people)... I looked at the choices there and it didn't seem like a fit. It looked interesting, but not really for families. I didn't know about the lack of traffic- i'd always heard otherwise-so I couldn't seem to figure out where else you'd live. outside the city definitely seems like the answer, but not sure where! I didn't know about the smoking and health concerns.

The CWE is nice, but it's more college towny. There is some traffic, but it is NOTHING compared to traffic in CA. If someone from here told you there was traffic, I'm not surprised. The locals seem to think that 15 mintues away is too far and that being in "traffic" but still going 35-40mph is horrible. And the times that your DH is going to have to be at work, isn't going to matter. I live in South County on the border of Mehlville and Oakville. Most of the med student/resident families that we know live in South Co. We do know one family that lives in Clayton (West Co) but they pay 300$$ more a month in rent for a place smaller than ours. They grew up here and when her DH got into med school they moved to Clayton. Clayton is the "uppitty" part of town. It is nice and clean and has a "normal city" feel to it. There are some art shows (it is where the Ritz Carlton is located) and the people there jog and look healthy. But for me, I'm not going to pay that much to live and still be in STL. Not to mention, that the city is just around the corner from Clayton. Webster Groves and Kirkwood (both in West Co) are nice but more expensive. If you have kids and want to buy an decent sized house and especially if your kids will be in school South County ( I really like Oakville and Mehville) is your best bet. All of our friends who live in Mehlville got their homes for 160 and under (3-4 bedrooms with a basement). Just be careful, because some of the homes are old. And if you're going to rent, make sure you see the place first. I got my place on-line bc the pics looked good and I was in a time crunch. Horrible!! We had to live there for 10 months, but that gave us time to look around. And we're really happy with our apartment complex. We are off the 55 (which rarely has traffic/the 40 and 44 have "traffic" durring rush hour) where it meets the 255. We are about 15 minutes south of the city and 20-30 minutes from Barnes Jewish Hospital which is near the zoo.

The smoking is pretty ridiculous, especially after living in CA. We rarely eat out bc of it. They have nonsmoking sections but you know how that goes. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with match. Take care

 

[YOYO230]

The CWE is nice, but it's more college towny. There is some traffic, but it is NOTHING compared to traffic in CA. If someone from here told you there was traffic, I'm not surprised. The locals seem to think that 15 mintues away is too far and that being in "traffic" but still going 35-40mph is horrible. And the times that your DH is going to have to be at work, isn't going to matter. I live in South County on the border of Mehlville and Oakville. Most of the med student/resident families that we know live in South Co. We do know one family that lives in Clayton (West Co) but they pay 300$$ more a month in rent for a place smaller than ours. They grew up here and when her DH got into med school they moved to Clayton. Clayton is the "uppitty" part of town. It is nice and clean and has a "normal city" feel to it. There are some art shows (it is where the Ritz Carlton is located) and the people there jog and look healthy. But for me, I'm not going to pay that much to live and still be in STL. Not to mention, that the city is just around the corner from Clayton. Webster Groves and Kirkwood (both in West Co) are nice but more expensive. If you have kids and want to buy an decent sized house and especially if your kids will be in school South County ( I really like Oakville and Mehville) is your best bet. All of our friends who live in Mehlville got their homes for 160 and under (3-4 bedrooms with a basement). Just be careful, because some of the homes are old. And if you're going to rent, make sure you see the place first. I got my place on-line bc the pics looked good and I was in a time crunch. Horrible!! We had to live there for 10 months, but that gave us time to look around. And we're really happy with our apartment complex. We are off the 55 (which rarely has traffic/the 40 and 44 have "traffic" durring rush hour) where it meets the 255. We are about 15 minutes south of the city and 20-30 minutes from Barnes Jewish Hospital which is near the zoo.

The smoking is pretty ridiculous, especially after living in CA. We rarely eat out bc of it. They have nonsmoking sections but you know how that goes. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with match. Take care

Thanks so much about the info about STL. I'm coming from Tennessee (one of the most unhealthiest states). I lived in Memphis but will graduate from UT in Knoxville (where the traffic is RIDCULOUS). My S.O. got accepted to Wash U and I think we are both thinking about buying a house/condo in STL if that's where he chooses to go. I'm not really sure how to do all of this stuff but I guess I'll learn at some point. (we are both fairly young--21). He has mentioned stuff about the free zoo which seems totally cool to me. I don't have children so the schooling wouldn't be an issue with me. HOWEVER I will hopefully be going to school to become a teacher and I just wonder if I would have to do practicum's in the city schools...who knows. It sucks that it's a "smokey" city. I cannot stand smoke and I wish they would outlaw it at all public restaurants!! Thanks again for the info, I'm sure I'll think of more questions and probably ask some of the same ones again 🙂

 

[lakesidegirl]

Anxiously counting down with you...


What specialty is your SO doing?

We're doing ENT. I'm rooting for a top three match, which puts us in VA (on the beach!), at home, or in "college town usa" - Columbia MO. Really, they call it that. 🙄 It's strange that I'm pulling so hard for these places, cause two I've never seen, and there are others on the list that are closer to home. But to be honest, I don't mind moving (I stayed nearby for college) and he just seemed so happy when he went to interview there. I'm sort of against anyplace really cold, but I guess any match is still good news when you think about it.
It sounds like you have your work cut out for you, moving with two small children. Any grandparents going to give you grief about taking their babies away? Our family (really just my mom and esp. my grandmom) is passive/aggressively hoping we stay here, but since my parents moved across the country for several years when they were young they are more undrestanding than most. One of our friend's mom has been in tears for days just thinking about her moving.
Sigh, its a crazy, crazy time. 😉

 

[Wifty]

Well, we matched!!! Now we just have to wait and see where. Ugh!
Right now, I kind of wish we only put one place....so we would know where we will be. Though, its only another couple days in the grand scheme, right? 🙂

Lakesidegirl - 'college town usa' was one of our top choices too. Its a great little city and has a very seattle feeling to it but on a condensed level. It was my top choice until I saw Madison (Mad city as they call it), Wisconsin which is like columbia but has even more cultural stuff to do!

Good luck to everyone and I hope everyone is happy in a couple days when we know where we will be for the next leg of this journey! LOL

With smiles,
Wifty aka Rebecca

 

[alison_in_oh]

Well, we matched!!! Now we just have to wait and see where. Ugh!
Right now, I kind of wish we only put one place....so we would know where we will be. Though, its only another couple days in the grand scheme, right? 🙂

Oof, someone in EM only ranked one program. That would scare the bejeebers out of me! I think I can wait...about 45 hours to know. I think. 😉

 

[lovemydrhubby]

I feel like I don't even want to know or care about the match anymore...they've drug it out too long! hehe.

We DID match though- so hooray.


No angry grandparents. we live on the west coast and all our family is on the east coast... one of our goals was to get closer to them. So, we should be able to be a little closer, but still not right around the corner. I am leaving my best friend though--we've been sad for weeks. I cry thinking about leaving him! He's going to be starting his 3rd yr of med school next year. I told him he's just going to have to do a "city" (or at least state) match to follow us!

 

[MJB]

I would say redrocky has pretty well summed up St. Louis.

For me...too dirty, too big, it's in Misery, etc...

Smoking doesn't bother me too much so I don't notice it too much. Traffic there DOES suck (coming from a person that would never, ever, ever live in LA). Weather is interesting, but never too cold. Stuff like that.

I prefer KC because I grew up near KC...but if I have to live in MO forever, I want to be in the middle.

 

[MJB]

That being said, some areas of Downtown can be pretty cool.