AZCOM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

[fratelli]

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Just my added thoughts on the books 🙂

For phys, I only used the BRS constanzo book. The textbook is okay but only sparingly, which the library can help you with. I agree. The BRS was fantastic. I never touched the textbook. For renal phys, though, I used USMLE First Aid and added my own notes to it; the picture of the nephron really helped.

For biochem, I borrowed lippincott every now and then, but they give you all of the info you'll ever need in the notes. I don't know about a review book.
Didn't touch a textbook for Bio. Yueh's notes were amazing.

For anatomy, I used Netter and Rohen, but I borrowed those from the library. I actually never bought an anatomy textbook, which might've not been the best decision in retrospect but I have one now.
I had Netter, and I got the flashcards when I signed up for AMA during club week. I would do the flashcards during the required Interdisciplinary class. 🙂

For psych, I used the little handbook that Dr. Ricardi should mention day one. It's like 10 dollars or something in the store.
I bought that too, but I never used it. Maybe it will come in handy for Psych rotation...

For neuro, I used only the Atlas. I wish I had the High Yield neuroanatomy book to review.
Me too.

For histo, I borrowed Wheaters at the library and went online. No textbooks here.
No textbooks for me as well, but I did use a program called "HistoTime" which makes it's way through student's flashdrives during the first week or so. It's a bootlegged copy of histo pics with quizzes and stuff; it actually helped me out a lot. It shouldn't be too hard to find a second year who can pass it on. Ask your Big Sib.

For embyro, I won the Saddler book from SDN and just used that. I wouldn't recommend buying it; just borrow it from the lib or use the ebook online which I think the school provides.
I had the same book that was passed down to me by a friend at a different med school. I have yet to open it.

For ICM, I only had the Maxwell guide.
Me too... You won't need it until Spring Quarter at the earliest though.

For OMM, I had the First Aid for COMLEX but that wasn't too helpful for their exams. I think the green book is good for review too but I don't have it.
I have the green OMT review and love it. It spells everything out in a concise way. I haven't used it for studying, per se, but I did reference it when a friend wanted me to do a treatment on her and I needed to refresh my memory. I'm definitely going to use it as I start to study OMM for boards

That should be everything.

 

[koala37]

is there a cutoff mcat for AZCOM?

 

[fakeyellowlight]

is there a cutoff mcat for AZCOM?

Don't quote me on this, but I can remember that when I toured the school the admissions lady I asked said the cutoff is roughly 24 for an interview.

 

[nfsonpowday]

Thanks for all the info on the books! I guess we'll get a book list at orientation?

Is there anything you 1st and 2nd years recommend doing before we get to orientation -anything you thought would have been helpful in making the transition?

 

[randomusername]

Thanks for all the info on the books! I guess we'll get a book list at orientation?

Is there anything you 1st and 2nd years recommend doing before we get to orientation -anything you thought would have been helpful in making the transition?

It will be quicker to just look up your "required" books on the school bookstore's website over the summer. Just remember that a lot of books are listed as required because it's the only way the HPSP students can buy the books with their military funding and not because you'll ever actually need them.
http://www.webmedbooks.com/azcom/default2.aspx

The only thing I'd suggest for easing the transition is to move into your apartment about a week before orientation. That way you have time to set it up however you want, pick up any supplies you need, explore the area more and figure out where things are, and you'll be able to interact more with your classmates before orientation and during orientation because you won't have so many random errands to run. Other than that, don't do a darn thing school-related.

 

[OMM1980]

When I went for my interview, they gave us a folder with a bunch of info. and on one of the pages inside, it indicated that class rank doesn't begin until the end of the 2nd year. This may sound stupid, but what does that exactly mean? It just seems like it's worded awkwardly. Thanks guys! 🙂

 

[keepitREAL]

Hey guys,

I work at MWU and we sometimes lurk around here and from time to time will post...a few things based on the comments in this tread...

If you are on waitlist or alternate we will discourage you to not come to campus in hopes of getting selected, please don't waste your money on that, we keep reading that if you meet with James Walter or if you visit we will remember you, any visit from alternate students or waitlist is NOT recorded and the committee will not have knowledge of this, students who visit and then are selected is purely coincidence I promise! Best thing to do is sent a short letter of interest, this is recorded for the committee to see

Also, you may call to check your status, you do not need another reason to call other than that, though if you haven't heard from us your status has not changed and yes the web portal is the most up to date information, when you call it is basically what we are looking at, your web portal so we will have the info you have.

we will try to post more often to clear up any information

BEST!

 

[fratelli]

When I went for my interview, they gave us a folder with a bunch of info. and on one of the pages inside, it indicated that class rank doesn't begin until the end of the 2nd year. This may sound stupid, but what does that exactly mean? It just seems like it's worded awkwardly. Thanks guys! 🙂

Class rank is given after your first year actually. It's just a simple GPA ranked list, so your rank will show up as a number out of 250 (actually 264 for my class). So let's say you have a 4.0; you'll probably be 1 or 2. 3.9 will put you probably at about 30. 3.8 is probably about 50. 3.0 is probably around 200. 2.5 is probably 250. It's hard to say from class to class though, but this is what I've gathered from talking to my classmates.

From what I understand, though, the specific number of your class rank only matters for very competitive specialities. Beyond that, the Dean's letter will "highly recommend" the top 25%, "recommend" the middle 50%, and "recommend with reservations" the bottom 25%.

 

[Flushot]

Class rank is given after your first year actually. It's just a simple GPA ranked list, so your rank will show up as a number out of 250 (actually 264 for my class). So let's say you have a 4.0; you'll probably be 1 or 2. 3.9 will put you probably at about 30. 3.8 is probably about 50. 3.0 is probably around 200. 2.5 is probably 250. It's hard to say from class to class though, but this is what I've gathered from talking to my classmates.

From what I understand, though, the specific number of your class rank only matters for very competitive specialities. Beyond that, the Dean's letter will "highly recommend" the top 25%, "recommend" the middle 50%, and "recommend with reservations" the bottom 25%.

I think there was a thread in the Allo forums that discussed the exact language used, but I don't think any part of the letter is negative in terms of outright performance. That said, the letter basically states the same things you could find in the transcript, so it seems to matter more for, as you say, the extremely competitive specialties where candidates differ by only a few things.

At any rate, the words have defined values, so it wouldn't really matter what it said. I always found this aspect strange but it's not a big deal in the end.

 

[nfsonpowday]

Yay -housing assignments have been made! 😀

Does anyone know if I have an apartment # in the 100's if that is on the first floor? Also, how likely are they to fulfill a request to move in five days early?

Thanks for any input!

 

[DbDan]

Not all assignments have been made. When was yours posted? I am still showing my status as waiting acceptance and haven't received and e-mail regarding it. I know you submitted in Mid December and I'm in early January so hopefully they just haven't gotten to me yet...

 

[wudabum]

i received an assignment today as well. there was no email notification tho. i was assigned a studio w/ dishwasher, washer and dryer.

 

[randomusername]

Yay -housing assignments have been made! 😀

Does anyone know if I have an apartment # in the 100's if that is on the first floor? Also, how likely are they to fulfill a request to move in five days early?

Thanks for any input!

Yep, 100s=first floor. Moving in five days early is entirely dependent on when the previous occupant is moving out. If they're gone before then, you shouldn't have any problem getting them to move up your move-in date.

 

[nfsonpowday]

Not all assignments have been made. When was yours posted? I am still showing my status as waiting acceptance and haven't received and e-mail regarding it. I know you submitted in Mid December and I'm in early January so hopefully they just haven't gotten to me yet...

Mine posted a couple of hours ago -at least that was when I discovered it and I check earlier around 1:30 and nothing was there. He said he was going to finish them this week though.

 

[DbDan]

i received an assignment today as well. there was no email notification tho. i was assigned a studio w/ dishwasher, washer and dryer.

Mind sharing when you submitted your application? What does it say when you've been assigned? I wanted a studio w/ washer&drier >.< lol

 

[Dyingduck]

I got my on campus assignment a few hours ago! I got the choice I wanted, Studio!! (Apt F)

DB, I submitted my housing a few weeks ago (March), shortly after my acceptance.

I think what really helped was me calling in every week to check on the status, and today, I happened to call Jose right when he was doing the housing assignments. He asked for my name and said to check back by tomorrow.

Perhaps, if you haven't gotten it, try calling in tomorrow.

Edit: Does anyone know how early you can move in?

 

[DbDan]

I got my on campus assignment a few hours ago! I got the choice I wanted, Studio!! (Apt F)

DB, I submitted my housing a few weeks ago (March), shortly after my acceptance.

I think what really helped was me calling in every week to check on the status, and today, I happened to call Jose right when he was doing the housing assignments. He asked for my name and said to check back by tomorrow.

Perhaps, if you haven't gotten it, try calling in tomorrow.

Edit: Does anyone know how early you can move in?

😡 Housing assignments are supposed to be done first come first serve according to them. I better get my studio as well. Still nothing for me. I have e-mailed and called Jose weekly for over a month asking for updates. This is looking eerily familiar to when it took me 2 months to get a rotation assignment.

 

[wudabum]

Mind sharing when you submitted your application? What does it say when you've been assigned? I wanted a studio w/ washer&drier >.< lol

i think i submitted the housing application the first day it came out. i remember checking the housing application almost every day to see when it came out. i think i made a post here saying the app was up so that was the day i submitted mine.

 

[Sloo0]

Haha, man I submitted mine in mid-january and I havnt heard back yet, but someone who did in March already did? Man this is funny.


Man if I thought it was like DC and required lobbying instead of just pressing a Submit button I would have gone about this differently

 

[nfsonpowday]

I got my on campus assignment a few hours ago! I got the choice I wanted, Studio!! (Apt F)

DB, I submitted my housing a few weeks ago (March), shortly after my acceptance.

I think what really helped was me calling in every week to check on the status, and today, I happened to call Jose right when he was doing the housing assignments. He asked for my name and said to check back by tomorrow.

Perhaps, if you haven't gotten it, try calling in tomorrow.

Edit: Does anyone know how early you can move in?

I did the same thing. I called once and left a message and of course no one called me back (this was in February to ask some basic questions). From then on I called until I spoke to someone and that's when I got answers.

DB: Just call and make sure you speak with Jose and I am sure you will get an idea as to when your assignment will be made.

 

[pdiddy916]

Hi Everyone,


I am interviewing next week and was hoping to get some help as far as where to stay and how to transport from the airport. I am hoping to stay somewhere that has a shuttle to/from the airport? I know the Drury Inn provides a shuttle to the campus, do they have a shuttle to the airport?

I am trying to get by without renting a car if it is possible. I will be calling Drury to find out the situation but just wanted to see what everyone else did and what is the least expensive route to take.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[randomusername]

Just an FYI for anybody who wants to get in touch with Jose in housing, emailing him is by far the easiest way to get a reply to any questions you have.

Edit: Never said you'd hear back from him same-day if you emailed and he's been off a couple of days this week...

 

[Sloo0]

Yea well, emailed him yesterday and called a few times today no response.

 

[Dyingduck]

Very odd. I am sure 99% of it is based on first comes first serves, and I was just one of very few lucky ones who happened to call at the exact right time. Keep trying

 

[DbDan]

Very odd. I am sure 99% of it is based on first comes first serves, and I was just one of very few lucky ones who happened to call at the exact right time. Keep trying

Like I said though, if I don't get assigned housing now or don't get my Studio despite applying 3 months before on a "first come first serve" assignment. I have every right to be incredibly angry.

That said, another day and no assignment for Dan. 😡

 

[randomusername]

Like I said though, if I don't get assigned housing now or don't get my Studio despite applying 3 months before on a "first come first serve" assignment. I have every right to be incredibly angry.

That said, another day and no assignment for Dan. 😡

Jose was off today (he's actually off a lot) but will supposedly be back tomorrow. Sit tight and hopefully you'll get some good news tomorrow. 👍

 

[DbDan]

Jose was off today (he's actually off a lot) but will supposedly be back tomorrow. Sit tight and hopefully you'll get some good news tomorrow. 👍

👍 Thanks for the updates. I appreciate it. I just stress quite often after the runaround I got when getting my assignment for rotations and the rejection -> waitlist -> rejection -> waitlist story I have from LECOM this year.

 

[randomusername]

👍 Thanks for the updates. I appreciate it. I just stress quite often after the runaround I got when getting my assignment for rotations and the rejection -> waitlist -> rejection -> waitlist story I have from LECOM this year.

I completely understand. The application cycle alone is a giant mind-game and this doesn't help any.

 

[Dyingduck]

👍 Thanks for the updates. I appreciate it. I just stress quite often after the runaround I got when getting my assignment for rotations and the rejection -> waitlist -> rejection -> waitlist story I have from LECOM this year.

Sorry man, I didn't mean for my post to make you angry. I was just trying to be informative and telling you what happened - it was just literally a routine/weekly call to housing, and I wasn't even expecting anything or even ask/request to be put ahead. I was just sincerely checking on how the status of the assignments, then he just asks for my name, look me up and told me how certain apartments are backed up and he'll do what he can for me with my other requests.

I actually feel really bad right now b/c probably someone somewhere out there calls him up and starts hassling him to put him/her first from assumptions of my above posts.


The whole application cycle is one big mess, I agree. But, the key is be sincere. Hang tight

 

[DbDan]

Sorry man, I didn't mean for my post to make you angry. I was just trying to be informative and telling you what happened - it was just literally a routine/weekly call to housing, and I wasn't even expecting anything or even ask/request to be put ahead. I was just sincerely checking on how the status of the assignments, then he just asks for my name, look me up and told me how certain apartments are backed up and he'll do what he can for me with my other requests.

I actually feel really bad right now b/c probably someone somewhere out there calls him up and starts hassling him to put him/her first from assumptions of my above posts.


The whole application cycle is one big mess, I agree. But, the key is be sincere. Hang tight

No Big deal, I'm sure it will all work out in the end. Not getting the assignment may force me into a better situation, who knows. I'll cross that bridge when i get to it. I'm not angry at all, the whole process is just incredibly frustrating. you'd figure they would update everyone with housing assignments at once.

 

[Sloo0]

Heh, just talked to him on the phone, I mentioned that the reason for calling was that I was just a little worried that maybe my application fell through the cracks or something since I heard that other fellow classmates who submitted after me had already heard back and I hadnt yet.


He kind of ignored that and just kept saying that he ran out of the top Studios (the ones with the washers and dryers).


I told him that I understood that the likelihood of getting those would be low and that that wasnt the issue I was concerned with (since I had listed 6-7 preferences), more concerned with the fact that people who applied after me on a first come first serve basis had heard back already and I hadnt but he kept diverting the conversation away from that route.




End result

-I got no answer as to why someone who applied in March got assigned before someone who applied in December/January.

-The studios with washer/dryer are gone

-I dont know how many studios are still available

-He is working on it and will release assignments for me? or everyone? by either tonight or tomorrow


Sorry, mission failed haha

 

[Dyingduck]

Heh, just talked to him on the phone, I mentioned that the reason for calling was that I was just a little worried that maybe my application fell through the cracks or something since I heard that other fellow classmates who submitted after me had already heard back and I hadnt yet.


He kind of ignored that and just kept saying that he ran out of the top Studios (the ones with the washers and dryers).


I told him that I understood that the likelihood of getting those would be low and that that wasnt the issue I was concerned with (since I had listed 6-7 preferences), more concerned with the fact that people who applied after me on a first come first serve basis had heard back already and I hadnt but he kept diverting the conversation away from that route.




End result

-I got no answer as to why someone who applied in March got assigned before someone who applied in December/January.

-The studios with washer/dryer are gone

-I dont know how many studios are still available

-He is working on it and will release assignments for me? or everyone? by either tonight or tomorrow


Sorry, mission failed haha

My worst fear confirmed. awesome.


anyhoo...hopefully, you'll get yours soon. If you scroll up a bit in this thread, someone said one of his friends who got accepted in the summer managed to secure a nice on-housing campus studio (in the summer!). There is still plenty of time.

edit: deleted some wall of text.

 

[Dyingduck]

No Big deal, I'm sure it will all work out in the end. Not getting the assignment may force me into a better situation, who knows. I'll cross that bridge when i get to it. I'm not angry at all, the whole process is just incredibly frustrating. you'd figure they would update everyone with housing assignments at once.

Yeah, man, totally. If I had a choice and the resources, I would probably just team up with someone/finance/buy a house and sell it back after I'm done with med school and/or residency 🙂 - looking at the amount of debt I will accumulate is scary.

 

[DbDan]

Well, I just called and spoke with him. He asked me to repeat my name, told me that I'd been assigned and that It was online. Then he told me he hadn't saved yet so it wouldn't be online but it'd be posted in the next hour or so.

Not happy to hear that there are no more studios with washer/drier but I kind of expected those to go to second year students anyway so I guess its not the biggest loss. I am just hoping now that I actually got assigned a studio. My biggest fear now that they've jacked tuition another 3k is that I get the 1BR and they raise the prices on that too. I only put it there as a worst case scenario. Who knows... Guess I'll find out in an hr

 

[DbDan]

Assignments are up. Got my studio w washer and drier. All that worrying for nothing. Much more relaxed now lol

 

[Asianboy]

Hi Dan,

How do you know your studio comes with washer and drier? I got mine (studio Apt. E), but it does not say anything about washer/drier. BTW, does the studio come with some furnitures or do I have to bring it?

Thanks

Assignments are up. Got my studio w washer and drier. All that worrying for nothing. Much more relaxe now lol

 

[CMo048]

Does anyone happen to know which type of apartments are located in building F?

 

[Dyingduck]

Does anyone happen to know which type of apartments are located in building F?

Well, the one that I got specifically was F, and it is said to be studio w/ dishwasher/added upgrades (645) so im guessing everything except for the washer/dryer.

 

[randomusername]

Hi Dan,

How do you know your studio comes with washer and drier? I got mine (studio Apt. E), but it does not say anything about washer/drier. BTW, does the studio come with some furnitures or do I have to bring it?

Thanks

The studios that come with washer and dryer should explicitly be listed "with washer and dryer" in the description. As far as furnishings go, you will have to provide your own because the apartments are unfurnished.

 

[DbDan]

The studios that come with washer and dryer should explicitly be listed "with washer and dryer" in the description. As far as furnishings go, you will have to provide your own because the apartments are unfurnished.

This. Mine is in K1--. It specifically says with washer and dryer. It is 680/month.

 

[wudabum]

This. Mine is in K1--. It specifically says with washer and dryer. It is 680/month.

looks like we're hall mates👍

 

[Asianboy]

Well, it's not fair. I also pay 645 for my studio but it does not come with anything. I heard the Apt. E was quite old. Any comments?

Well, the one that I got specifically was F, and it is said to be studio w/ dishwasher/added upgrades (645) so im guessing everything except for the washer/dryer.

 

[Dyingduck]

Well, it's not fair. I also pay 645 for my studio but it does not come with anything. I heard the Apt. E was quite old. Any comments?

Well, mine is a bit weird. Like before I accept, it says ~Apt F with dish-washer/added upgrades (whatever that means), then after I accept and set in a move-in date, it just says Apt F/room # etc without the (dishwasher/added upgrade).

So, I am confused.


Dan, does your apartment page say Apt K now or does it says Apt K + blah blah blah? And does anyone get Apt + dishwasher for 645?

 

[DbDan]

looks like we're hall mates👍

👍 cali represent lol

 

[CMo048]

Well, mine is a bit weird. Like before I accept, it says ~Apt F with dish-washer/added upgrades (whatever that means), then after I accept and set in a move-in date, it just says Apt F/room # etc without the (dishwasher/added upgrade).

So, I am confused.


Dan, does your apartment page say Apt K now or does it says Apt K + blah blah blah? And does anyone get Apt + dishwasher for 645?

Mine just says Apt F/room for 645. No mention of dishwasher or upgrades on either page.

 

[randomusername]

As far as apartments go, what you see here should be what you get in regards to what you're paying and what you're getting.

 

[Dyingduck]

As far as apartments go, what you see here should be what you get as far as what you're paying and what you're getting.

Thanks! Yeah, that is the updated rate from last year, it looks the studios all went up by 15bucks from the paper they gave us at orientation. Okay, so I got what I wanted, cheapest studio - i figure washer/dryer is within walking distance.

 

[22q11]

Hey everyone,

I've been a "lurker" for some time but figured I'd jump in here since housing assignments are up. I'm disappointed to have received an email stating that I did not get housing after all. My housing app was complete by mid-Feb. and I ranked almost all the options (although my first choices were 2 bedroom apartments with an assigned roommate). Anyone else in the same or a similar boat? I'd really appreciate if someone can offer advice on where to go from here. I was really depending on the student housing...

 

[DbDan]

Well, mine is a bit weird. Like before I accept, it says ~Apt F with dish-washer/added upgrades (whatever that means), then after I accept and set in a move-in date, it just says Apt F/room # etc without the (dishwasher/added upgrade).

So, I am confused.


Dan, does your apartment page say Apt K now or does it says Apt K + blah blah blah? And does anyone get Apt + dishwasher for 645?

I just signed the contract and set my move-in date. It still says

AZ On-Campus Apt. K, K1##
Studio
613 sq. ft.
with dishwasher and washer & dryer

Did the # of your apartment change? I can't remember but I thought there were 3 types of studio. Actually I'm certain there were 3 because I remember ranking 7 total including the 1br

EDIT: Random posted above

 

[DbDan]

Hey everyone,

I've been a "lurker" for some time but figured I'd jump in here since housing assignments are up. I'm disappointed to have received an email stating that I did not get housing after all. My housing app was complete by mid-Feb. and I ranked almost all the options (although my first choices were 2 bedroom apartments with an assigned roommate). Anyone else in the same or a similar boat? I'd really appreciate if someone can offer advice on where to go from here. I was really depending on the student housing...

Sorry to hear that. If I were you and you really were open to anything I would contact Jose and see if any rooms at all were still available. Housing just finished going out today so I would have to assume that some of the people that were assigned may not actually accept their housing assignment and opt to live off campus or may even hear back about attending a different school. Doesn't hurt to call and ask.