Class of 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[drmak89]

Gut feeling I'll end up at Northwestern... but still making a final decision.

That's awesome! My gut is not working right now... I'm still waiting on 3 schools.

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[jsquared91]

That's awesome! My gut is not working right now... I'm still waiting on 3 schools.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ahwpDm9u1qcm16uo1_1280.jpg

 

[drmak89]

Alas, in the mean time I am trying to decide where to travel to before school starts. Any suggestions? I am looking for somewhere not too touristy and not super expensive either.

 

[jsquared91]

Alas, in the mean time I am trying to decide where to travel to before school starts. Any suggestions? I am looking for somewhere not too touristy and not super expensive either.

Outdoorsy? I'm not sure where you're located, but I'm pondering renting a cabin in the fingerlakes/adirondacks, which can be found on the cheap.

 

[ZezKaiEll]

Very pleased to have an acceptance in the class of 2019. I'm glad that the pre-medical years finally have an end in sight as they've taken their toll. It didn't happen the way I had expected, nor as early as I'd hoped, but I am relieved to finally be in. It's been a heck of a journey filled with perseverance, uncertainty, disappointment, sleepless nights, encouragement, optimism and a roller coaster of ups and downs. Still, all of it appears to have been necessary since the growth over these past few years is what got me to this goal.

Anyways, I am glad this is the last "Class of __" thread I will partake in, though I am happy to continue posting on SDN for years to come. I owe a debt to the contributors and management of this forum for keeping me informed and being supportive throughout this process. I couldn't have done it without you.

The first time I saw the awesome smiley below, I silently promised to wait until I got an acceptance to use it for the first time. It's probably the only thing that went according to plan in my pre-medical process, so here goes:

Class of 2019!
Thank you SDN.

 

[ridethecliche]

Alas, in the mean time I am trying to decide where to travel to before school starts. Any suggestions? I am looking for somewhere not too touristy and not super expensive either.

Why alas?

If stateside, head to cooler climes and car camp or such. If you want to jetset, head to SE Asia for a super low cost of living not including airfare which isn't terrible if you time purchase right.

I'm thinking of adding 2ish countries to my India list for the summer. I actually hate traveling and being touristy preferring to set up in a place for atleast a couple of weeks to figure out the rhythm.

I'm of half the mind to find an internship for the summer somewhere abroad but not sure I actually want to work even though it'd be so much fun to chill in a place for a month or so. If I go that route, maybe addis?

 

[JVav]

Exactly, it's hard to save when everyone around you is living a middle class lifestyle.

My numbers were assuming 7% average interest and 4 year residency. So first year of loans is 1.07^8, last year of loans is 1.07^4 or 1.7 and 1.3 respectively. Average this out and you get ~1.5 as your multiplier for every year of loans. It's frustrating that interest accrues during medical school as well as residency.

I might say 120k is a bit of an extreme on pcp side, more like 150k. Pediatricians start at ~135k from what I recall, and doctors often make less in desirable locations (like NYC/bay area).

However I think 300k for specialty isn't that unreasonable. Emergency medicine isn't an extremely competitive specialty and 19% make 200-250k, 23% make 250k-300k, 17% make 300-350k and 13% make 350-400k. (http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/compensation/2013/emergencymedicine) If you use 150k then you end up having the 20k discretionary figure I mention later in my post. The main thing is that while a pcp is making say half what a specialist makes, specialists may end up having 4-8x the discretionary income.

I agree that this is the most frustrating thing. I guess it isn't that surprising, but it seems a little silly to give a loan to students, acknowledge that they won't be able to pay it back until they are done with school, but still allow it to accrue interest. This is also probably me just being salty about how much in debt I/we will be.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I agree that this is the most frustrating thing. I guess it isn't that surprising, but it seems a little silly to give a loan to students, acknowledge that they won't be able to pay it back until they are done with school, but still allow it to accrue interest. This is also probably me just being salty about how much in debt I/we will be.

You do know that interest is how they (the loaners) make a profit, right? They probably don't care that interest starts building up during school; it's more money for them once you do start paying them back.

 

[Flintwire]

http://whitecoatinvestor.com/sofi-raises-lowers-the-bar-again/ I've heard if you have a good income you can get it down to ~2-3%. PSLF (if it's around for us) might be a better bet depending if you're interested in academic medicine etc.@amad01

I'm not an expert or anything, but I just took a quick look at those refinancing options ... the really low ones have a term of only 5 years. If you have $150k in loans, you're looking at ... ~$2,500 a month for payments? That's not doable for many people at the residency stage of the game.

 

[jeghaber]

Alas, in the mean time I am trying to decide where to travel to before school starts. Any suggestions? I am looking for somewhere not too touristy and not super expensive either.

If you're looking within the states, Alaska is amazing.

And if you're going pseudo-international, Canadian Rockies? They're supposed to be gorgeous and quite traversable via train as well if you need breaks from hiking.

Outside the states, I heard Ryan air will be opening up some cheap Europe lines so they may be worth a look. Things might get pricey once you get there though. If you're willing to invest in the flights more and are looking for a longer trip, SE Asia is beautiful and quite affordable once you're there. Obviously Europe and SE Asia can have touristy areas but there are definitely places where things aren't as congested yet!

 

[JVav]

You do know that interest is how they (the loaners) make a profit, right? They probably don't care that interest starts building up during school; it's more money for them once you do start paying them back.

I 100% am aware of that, which is why I acknowledged that my being upset was mostly a part of the realization of how much I will owe back.

 

[TxC]

Regardless of how much money we will owe and have to repay, at the end of the day, as long as we're passionate about what we do, it's all worth it!

(Right? I hope so haha...)

 

[Scribblers]

Alas, in the mean time I am trying to decide where to travel to before school starts. Any suggestions? I am looking for somewhere not too touristy and not super expensive either.

Eastern Europe is a pretty popular destination for not too expensive + lots of history + more off the beaten path. Anything in the Eurozone will be much cheaper this year due to the recent fall of the euro. Other options, as RTC suggested, are Southeast Asia, though I understand this is becoming VERY touristy, Thailand in particular, or Central or South America.

If you're feeling really adventurous, look into visiting Iran. One of my coworkers has a lot of family there and visits fairly regularly. She very highly recommends going if you are willing to navigate the horrific red tape and needing a state-sponsored guide. It's very cheap because of the Western sanctions, and while the government is cold to US visitors, the actual people are not.

Example of pretty stuff in Iran:

 

[Ace Khalifa]

Regardless of how much money we will owe and have to repay, at the end of the day, as long as we're passionate about what we do, it's all worth it!

(Right? I hope so haha...)

No. I don't agree with that statement, and many others who are physicians or otherwise going into the field think the same.

 

[TxC]

No. I don't agree with that statement, and many others who are physicians or otherwise going into the field think the same.

I just hope it's still a true statement to some people; the PCP shortage is already bad enough.

 

[sunflower18]

Regardless of how much money we will owe and have to repay, at the end of the day, as long as we're passionate about what we do, it's all worth it!

(Right? I hope so haha...)

I think so my other passion, which is teaching, is not lucrative either. But you can't help what you love! I'd never want to go into finance or business, no matter how much money I'd make, because I'd hate it and wish I was working with patients and students. That's what I love, so that's what I'll do -- no matter the cost or commitment.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I just hope it's still a true statement to some people; the PCP shortage is already bad enough.

Oh, there will always be people who go into primary care, whether by choice or not. Doesn't mean all of them will stay happy forever.

 

[TxC]

Oh, there will always be people who go into primary care, whether by choice or not. Doesn't mean all of them will stay happy forever.

I know that, but it is nice to have PCPs who are happy and passionate about what they do.

 

[dechristine]

I know that, but it is nice to have PCPs who are happy and passionate about what they do.

One of the primary reasons I'm considering being a pediatrician is how much I love working with children (and yes, I have more than enough experience when kids are being little balls of ) and how fulfilling it would be to be able to see kids as they grow up!

 

[ridethecliche]

You do know that interest is how they (the loaners) make a profit, right? They probably don't care that interest starts building up during school; it's more money for them once you do start paying them back.

No crap, but you realize that they still make tons of money even if the interest doesn't accrue until after graduation, right? You can't really write off student debt so it's not like you can really default without huge penalties.

The irony that banks can borrow from the fed at how much interest again?

Regardless of how much money we will owe and have to repay, at the end of the day, as long as we're passionate about what we do, it's all worth it!

(Right? I hope so haha...)

I think this is naive because medicine has always been changing and many recent changes have been political. Whether you like it or not, you have to play the game at some level or pay someone else to play it for you.

Oh, there will always be people who go into primary care, whether by choice or not. Doesn't mean all of them will stay happy forever.

Did you get up on the wrong side of bed this morning or something?

 

[RedPhys]

Eastern Europe is a pretty popular destination for not too expensive + lots of history + more off the beaten path. Anything in the Eurozone will be much this year due to the recent fall of the euro.

Not sure if Russia has recovered, but because of the sanctions due to Ukraine (and [probably mainly] oil manipulation?), the ruble took a big dive in February. Trips to Russia shouldn't be expensive, as far as I know..

 

[ridethecliche]

And yeah, thailand is getting more pricey, but Cambodia/Vietnam/Laos are still super cheap. Like... doable on less than 30 bucks a day cheap for food and more than reasonable lodging.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

Did you get up on the wrong side of bed this morning or something?

LOL nope just really bad internet connection all day due to regional issues (can't stream videos, and it's raining outside, so boredddd). I'm chill tho, just saying my opinions.

 

[amad01]

Does anyone else feel like they are no more closer to knowing where they are living in a few months?

I remember back in October I thought FOR SURE I would know exactly where I was going by Christmas..........

 

[JVav]

I got funding for my summer research today! Whoooo!

 

[Leslie_Knope]

I got funding for my summer research today! Whoooo!

Congratulations! How?

 

[JVav]

Well, I didn't get the physical money, but got it approved. The Carver College of Medicine funds research for pre-M1 and M1 students in the summer with nice stipends. I am going to be working on publishing my research from last summer!

 

[onceawolverine]

Good news: I have to make a choice for medical school.

Bad news: I have to make a really hard choice for medical school and I suck at making decisions.

Kinda pathetic news: I'm procrastinating thinking-about-all-this by studying for a pair of stats exams. So that's kinda sad.

 

[sunflower18]

I'M DYING WITH CURIOSITY TO KNOW WHERE EVERYONE ENDS UP. SERIOUSLY. I'M SO CURIOUS. AHHHHHH!

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I'M DYING WITH CURIOSITY TO KNOW WHERE EVERYONE ENDS UP. SERIOUSLY. I'M SO CURIOUS. AHHHHHH!

Chillax lololol. There's still a whole month left (longer for us relying on waitlists).

 

[sunflower18]

Chillax lololol. There's still a whole month left (longer for us relying on waitlists).

I knooooow but I'm so curious

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I knooooow but I'm so curious

Go look at everyone's MDapps and guess where we'll go if you don't know already. Idk, it might be entertaining.

 

[sunflower18]

Go look at everyone's MDapps and guess where we'll go if you don't know already. Idk, it might be entertaining.

Oh believe me, I regularly stalk all y'all on MDApps. I have predictions for everyone. Not to be a total creep or anything...

 

[Flintwire]

I'M DYING WITH CURIOSITY TO KNOW WHERE EVERYONE ENDS UP. SERIOUSLY. I'M SO CURIOUS. AHHHHHH!

I knooooow but I'm so curious

Oh believe me, I regularly stalk all y'all on MDApps. I have predictions for everyone. Not to be a total creep or anything...

I feel like I should make an MDApps profile, just to give you someone else to stalk

 

[wishingprayinghoping]

I have a waitlist/finaid question. Im just wondering if after 4/30 a school you're waitlisted at accepts you, will you get a finaid packet at the same time or there's no hope for any at all? I'm jw if it's even worth it to stay on a waitlist if it's aboit equal to another school that has already offered a generous finaid package.

 

[sunflower18]

I feel like I should make an MDApps profile, just to give you someone else to stalk

Oh yes please do!!!!!!

 

[Ace Khalifa]

I have a waitlist/finaid question. Im just wondering if after 4/30 a school you're waitlisted at accepts you, will you get a finaid packet at the same time or there's no hope for any at all? I'm jw if it's even worth it to stay on a waitlist if it's aboit equal to another school that has already offered a generous finaid package.

Might be worth it to call the admissions office for your waitlisted school and ask. There's no harm in staying on any number of waitlists past 4/30 otherwise.

 

[amad01]

I have a waitlist/finaid question. Im just wondering if after 4/30 a school you're waitlisted at accepts you, will you get a finaid packet at the same time or there's no hope for any at all? I'm jw if it's even worth it to stay on a waitlist if it's aboit equal to another school that has already offered a generous finaid package.

They don't have to tell you anything about their financial aid, but according to traffic rules they "Should recognize the problems of applicants with multiple acceptance offers, applicants who have not yet received an acceptance offer, and applicants who have not yet been informed about financial aid opportunities at schools to which they have been accepted." ( https://www.aamc.org/download/364264/data/2014trafficrules.pdf )

They also only have to give you a 5 day period to respond. If you find yourself in a situation where you've been offered generous aid at one school and are afraid to take the gamble with aid at a newly accepted school, I would be calling their office for some sort of expedited aid package. Being completely caught up with all necessary paperwork at all schools is a must as well. IMO there should be a rule that schools must give accepted students a financial aid package by April 30th and within the same amount of time their offer is valid if accepted off the wait-list. $ is too big of a factor.

EDIT: also, something interesting I didn't know: "After May 15, any school that plans to make an acceptance offer to an applicant already known to have been accepted to or granted a deferral by another school or program for that entering class ensure that the other school or program is advised of this offer at the time that an offer of acceptance, either written or verbal, has been communicated to an applicant. This notification should be made immediately by telephone and email by the close of business on the same day. The communication should contain the applicants name and AAMC ID number, the program being offered (MD only, joint program) and the date through which the offer is valid."

Sounds like applicants are traded with phones ringing like the stock market lol "Hey we just swiped wishingprayinghoping from you guys! they got 5 days to decide!"

 

[resiroth]

I'm not an expert or anything, but I just took a quick look at those refinancing options ... the really low ones have a term of only 5 years. If you have $150k in loans, you're looking at ... ~$2,500 a month for payments? That's not doable for many people at the residency stage of the game.

They won't give you those rates if you're a resident anyway, you don't make enough money. You refinance after residency.

@amad01 It's somewhat common for places with a bit of money to throw around to give scholarships to those they pull off the waitlist in an attempt to woo them. This is especially true after June (aka Chicago gives a full ride to someone that's tentatively going to Duke because they know they may have already even signed a lease). It does feel like we're meat on display, but if you're one of the few with multiple offers it can feel nice in a weird way.

 

[FFH]

Oh believe me, I regularly stalk all y'all on MDApps. I have predictions for everyone. Not to be a total creep or anything...

what's your prediction for me???I need to know!!!

 

[FFH]

I feel like I should make an MDApps profile, just to give you someone else to stalk

Please please please do. Dying out of curiosity here.

 

[sunflower18]

what's your prediction for me???I need to know!!!

Hmmmmm I think WashU!

 

[FFH]

Hmmmmm I think WashU!

We'll see. If I still can't make up my mind by the end of April, then your guess will be as good as mine.

 

[sunflower18]

We'll see. If I still can't make up my mind by the end of April, then your guess will be as good as mine.

Is it between WashU, Yale, and Michigan?

 

[FFH]

Is it between WashU, Yale, and Michigan?

Yep. Throw in Stanford and Penn too...although I haven't got accepted, I am debating whether or not to pursue the school for the slim chance of getting off the WL....

 

[sunflower18]

Yep. Throw in Stanford and Penn too...although I haven't got accepted, I am debating whether or not to pursue the school for the slim chance of getting off the WL....

Stanford is the one school that I think I'd be unable to justify turning down, and I don't understand why anybody else would either. Ultimate dream school! That I didn't even apply to hahaha...

Seriously though any of those schools would give you a fantastic education. I don't know that Penn at full price vs WashU for free is a tough decision, but I didn't apply to nor obviously visit either, so perhaps I have no idea what I'm talking about hahaha

 

[Ace Khalifa]

Stanford is the one school that I think I'd be unable to justify turning down, and I don't understand why anybody else would either. Ultimate dream school! That I didn't even apply to hahaha...

Seriously though any of those schools would give you a fantastic education. I don't know that Penn at full price vs WashU for free is a tough decision, but I didn't apply to nor obviously visit either, so perhaps I have no idea what I'm talking about hahaha

Why is Stanford so highly regarded? Also, go look at Penn's match list.....you'll see why it might be a tough decision lol.

 

[cactus8910]

Why is Stanford so highly regarded? Also, go look at Penn's match list.....you'll see why it might be a tough decision lol.

It's ranked #2 for research, graduates students with some of the least debt of all US MD schools, and the weather is amaaazing! What's not to love?

 

[hellanutella]

Hmmmmm I think WashU!

I shall dare to be contrary and go with U Mich. I was reading an article about U Mich and they even photos of your interview group in there! You could be the future face of UM!

It's ranked #2 for research, graduates students with some of the least debt of all US MD schools, and the weather is amaaazing! What's not to love?

The Bay Area is a(n expensive) slice of heaven. And the S-ford campus is heartbreakingly beautiful.

 

[justonemorequestion]

just want to put it out there that the dean of admissions at penn said unlike previous years (no waitlist movement), there will be significant WL movement this year - found out yesterday through guidance counselor. also Penn likes to match full offers from WashU to poach their students