seilienne said:
Affirmative, FastForward. . . but since I've been a West-Coaster since I was 4 (WA then various parts of CA) and my parents are nouveau East-Coasters, I'm trying to gather a stockpile of info that might convince me to overcome my stereotypes and actually move to TX. It's mostly the heat/humidity and the urban-ness off Houston that are the biggest drawbacks I've noted thus far, but the school itself is awesome. I just wish it were in, say, Virginia or NorCal.
Why I love Baylor. Let me count the ways:
1. I really like it here in Houston (though everyone else thinks it sucks apparently). Im from Dallas and though its a cleaner city, I think there is WAY more to do in Houston. This is mostly because Houston is so culturally diverse (much more so than Dallas). I, personally, like hanging out at the Asian spots (Bubble tea houses, Karaoke bars, Sushi places, KILLER Vietnamese places etc). If you like the country life, just go to the outskirts and ride horses! The clubs here are a lot of fun, there are Huka Bars, Any place you could possibly want to shop or eat EVER is in Houston, water parks (bye bye Astro world ) etc, etc. Pretty much if you want to do it, you can find it in Houston. If you can get over the heat/humidity and the fact that its really polluted and disorganized (no zoning laws) Houston is a really fun place to be.
2. Baylor is in the world famous Texas Medical Center. I think this is great for several reasons. Of course there are lots of opportunities in the TMC and you are going to be the first to learn about the newest procedures/ best technology. Also, since Baylor likes to keep its own, you can easily do a residency at one of these awesome hospitals.
3. The patient population: Im a minority, so I think its important to work in close contact with minorities who need health care. Not only do you come in contact with diverse people (who really need health care) at Bin Taub, but many of the research professors have projects that directly effect minority health. The guy I interviewed with was studying the differences in how Diabetes affects African Americans vs. Hispanic Americans. Apparently the biological mechanism is quite different and these variations can be targeted so that minorities get specific treatment that better serves their needs. I dont think other schools are so in touch with such a diverse community. On the flip side, if you want to see very rare pathology or treat diseases that you would not see in every-day hospitals, you can work at St. Luke, MD Anderson, or Methodist. Since these hospitals are so well known, people from all over the world go there for the best care.
4. The Students: I happen to know quite a few students at Baylor and at UT Houston, so it will be cool to keep in contact with my friends. Also, Baylor students seem to be MUCH more laid back than those at the other top 20 schools where I interviewed.
5. Streaming lectures: this is just beautiful
6. 18 months of basic sciences/ bad ass curriculum: Apparently it works because Baylor students kick ass on the step one.
7. Administration: I can already tell that Baylors administration really cares about the students. Last year I just waltzed into Dr. Phillips office because I knew I wanted to go to Baylor and I thought Id get in contact with the administration early. That he just let me meet with him without knowing me AT ALL says a lot about the mentality there. Also, he got me connected to an awesome summer program that I didnt even know about. When I went to his office and told him I had no definite plans for the summer, he immediately called Case Western and told them he had a student who would be attending their program that summer and who would have her application in the next day (he didnt ask me, but whatever). It turned out to be an awesome experience! I cant imagine many schools have admins who would do this for a perfect stranger.
Really, I could write a freakin book, but Ill stop here. In a nut shell: Baylor is bad ass and anyone who gets in would be lucky to go there.
I'm so glad you got in! 
