COMP Class of 2010

[Red Beard]

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Dang it... that's one of the two job-type I've yet to do on my list of 'random jobs'... wait staff and car salesmen. 😀

Fantastic! I appreciate the life experience people gain from a variety of work environments.

A brief list of some random jobs I've had up to this point...

Subway Sandwich Artist
House painter
Construction
Assembly line
Bank merchant teller
ESL tutor
Wheelchair washer
Phlebotomist
Research technician
Organic fruit farming
Landscaping
Record store clerk
Video store clerk
Cabinet delivery truck
Furniture factory QC
Chocolate covered banana dipper
Security gaurd
etc.

 

[Charlie Bravo]

You guys can add another acceptance to the Class of 2010. I just got word today!! 😀

 

[Junkster]

Woot!!! Welcome to the fold!!!

 

[Junkster]

Fantastic! I appreciate the life experience people gain from a variety of work environments.

A brief list of some random jobs I've had up to this point...

Subway Sandwich Artist
House painter
Construction
Assembly line
Bank merchant teller
ESL tutor
Wheelchair washer
Phlebotomist
Research technician
Organic fruit farming
Landscaping
Record store clerk
Video store clerk
Cabinet delivery truck
Furniture factory QC
Chocolate covered banana dipper
Security gaurd
etc.

Your list is about as random as mine.

Still... waiter and car salesman. I need to look into that.

 

[emeraldcity]

Fantastic! I appreciate the life experience people gain from a variety of work environments.

A brief list of some random jobs I've had up to this point...

Subway Sandwich Artist
House painter
Construction
Assembly line
Bank merchant teller
ESL tutor
Wheelchair washer
Phlebotomist
Research technician
Organic fruit farming
Landscaping
Record store clerk
Video store clerk
Cabinet delivery truck
Furniture factory QC
Chocolate covered banana dipper
Security gaurd
etc.

I think you win!

 

[melancholy]

I would say it is not difficult to be able to do all your rotations within the LA/San Bernardino/OC area.

 

[Khenon]

I would say it is not difficult to be able to do all your rotations within the LA/San Bernardino/OC area.

Thanks! I thought I remembered them saying at the interview that it wasn't unheard of. I just wasn't sure how realistic it was. Hopefully I can make it work out. 🙂

 

[Khenon]

You guys can add another acceptance to the Class of 2010. I just got word today!! 😀

Congratulations! 👍

 

[md10]

Where are our financial aid awards?! 😡

I know! I've called every week, and they keep saying "hopefully next week"...doesn't seem to be a very good way to start things off for us....

 

[jenniemh]

I know! I've called every week, and they keep saying "hopefully next week"...doesn't seem to be a very good way to start things off for us....

Your financial aid award will simply say: You get to borrow ~$59,000 for the year.

Everyone's eligible for it. Only question is if any will be a subsidized loan- and that tops out at $8500, which really doesn't make much difference in the grand scheme of almost $200,000 debt anyway...

Since they know it doesn't really matter, they tend to wait and mail everyone's letters at once...

 

[dr.z]

You guys can add another acceptance to the Class of 2010. I just got word today!! 😀

Congrats!

 

[emeraldcity]

Your financial aid award will simply say: You get to borrow ~$59,000 for the year.

Everyone's eligible for it. Only question is if any will be a subsidized loan- and that tops out at $8500, which really doesn't make much difference in the grand scheme of almost $200,000 debt anyway...

Since they know it doesn't really matter, they tend to wait and mail everyone's letters at once...

also: when I asked the school at my interview (oh sometime in Novemeber),
there is no more Perkins Loan money left, so they will not be offering it to us.

Jenniemh is right: you max subsidized stafford, unsubsidized stafford and the rest you find money for thru private loans or other means. (possibly being a used care salesman ala junkster 😉 )
it's just really up to you to decide how much you really need to get by on...

 

[sama823]

I know! I've called every week, and they keep saying "hopefully next week"...doesn't seem to be a very good way to start things off for us....

i feel you... the financial aid thing is a little daunting.

Hey guys... sorry to join in so late... I couldn't make up my mind. I've been bicoastal for the past 6 months [San Jose and Orlando] and it seems that the decisive part of my personality disappeared over that time. Its good to hear how psyched everyone is...we'll have an awesome class!

Congrats to all the recent acceptances!

I do have a question... has anyone [that was interested] recieved information about the ISAC program? I'd love to know if someone recieved an application/invite... whatever..

 

[jenniemh]

\
... has anyone [that was interested] recieved information about the ISAC program? I'd love to know if someone recieved an application/invite... whatever..

If you are interested in ISAC, contact Dr. Craig Kuehn via email - he does the admissions for that program (it's his class). [email protected]

I highly recommend the program with one caveat: After working your tail off all summer, you'll have an 8 week block of no science exams while everyone else does anatomy... and that's plenty enough time to build bad habits that are hard to break once you are back into the core sciences (Taking Biochem, histo, physcio, genetics, etc all at once). So you need be be really self-driven to study ahead during that lull...

Lots of pluses, though - more time in lab, smaller groups, more time with the prof, no other classes to distract from anatomy, chance to get to know 30 classmates really well, you do anatomy 2x so you'll remember it better...

 

[jenniemh]

Financial aid letters..

Keep checking your WesternU email acct - that's where your award will be sent and it should be there or coming shortly...

 

[wazzudoc]

hey guys, a NWT student here, i've been following this thing for a while and decided to join. For some background info, I'm a non-trad. student, 27 years old with a wife and daughter. I went to Washington State U for an undergrad degree and then after getting rejected in this process two years ago did a master's degree. I current work for WSU as a research assoc. Looking forward to starting school. See you guys soon.

 

[Alpenmuffin]

If you've felt that someone was lurking in the background, spying on your thread-- it's true. It was me. I've been following this one for awhile now, but I'm coming out of the shadows now that I have my acceptance letter in hand!

Thirty years ago I was born in Seattle, WA. I graduated from UW in 1998 and Columbia University's Post-Bacc Premed in 2005, so I guess that makes me unofficially "non-traditional" and officially "NWT". I'm thrilled to be attending school with you guys this August!

 

[Khenon]

hey guys, a NWT student here, i've been following this thing for a while and decided to join. For some background info, I'm a non-trad. student, 27 years old with a wife and daughter. I went to Washington State U for an undergrad degree and then after getting rejected in this process two years ago did a master's degree. I current work for WSU as a research assoc. Looking forward to starting school. See you guys soon.

Hey I went to UI for undergrad and grad school. I actually got accepted into WSU's vet school back in 2001, but ultimately turned it down (too burned out). Anyway, just wanted to say "Hi" to my fellow Palouse resident. 🙂 See you in the fall! 👍

 

[wazzudoc]

Glad to see there's another former palouse resident in the class : ).It's going to be difficult to leave this area we really like it. I've been in Pullman for almost a decade now.
I had a question for everyone, how is everyone planning to finance this medical school thing. I've looked into programs like the national health service corps, WA has a state service corp, and there is also a WICHE program. On the positive side, they take a significant chunk of potential debt off your hands, but on the other side, they are "conditional " loans or scholarships meaning they dictate where and what type of practice you have (i.e. primary care, rural town). I'm not opposed to this but I'm not sure what type of medicine I want to practice yet and would not like to make a commitment and then later realize I want to do something else.
It's realistic i'm going to be 200K in debt when this is over. That type of debt could prevent me from getting a home loan in the future (not sure how true this is). Nonetheless, it's concerning, but something i'm willing to do to finish this thing.
I've read another thread about financial aid and was just curious what my classmates were doing, since we'll all be in the same location paying the same tuition and fees.

 

[Khenon]

Glad to see there's another former palouse resident in the class : ).It's going to be difficult to leave this area we really like it. I've been in Pullman for almost a decade now.
I had a question for everyone, how is everyone planning to finance this medical school thing. I've looked into programs like the national health service corps, WA has a state service corp, and there is also a WICHE program. On the positive side, they take a significant chunk of potential debt off your hands, but on the other side, they are "conditional " loans or scholarships meaning they dictate where and what type of practice you have (i.e. primary care, rural town). I'm not opposed to this but I'm not sure what type of medicine I want to practice yet and would not like to make a commitment and then later realize I want to do something else.
It's realistic i'm going to be 200K in debt when this is over. That type of debt could prevent me from getting a home loan in the future (not sure how true this is). Nonetheless, it's concerning, but something i'm willing to do to finish this thing.
I've read another thread about financial aid and was just curious what my classmates were doing, since we'll all be in the same location paying the same tuition and fees.

Loans, loans, and then some more loans. Between me and my husband's student loan debt we'll have about $350K total when I'm done with medical school. Granted that's assuming I max out every year, which I may not have to do if hubby get's a good enough job. But at this point, I'm planning for the max. I guess I figure I'll just have to live conservatively for the first 5 years or so after residency and use a majority of my "doctor's money" to pay down most of that debt.

 

[bananafish27]

Has anyone figured out where they are living? I am looking for a place and I'm curious to know others' responses to having a commute vs living very close to school. How inconvenient is it? How cumbersome is it? Is it worth moving further if the place is nicer? I understand it's subjective, just thought I'd ask to see some opinions..

 

[Junkster]

Has anyone figured out where they are living? I am looking for a place and I'm curious to know others' responses to having a commute vs living very close to school. How inconvenient is it? How cumbersome is it? Is it worth moving further if the place is nicer? I understand it's subjective, just thought I'd ask to see some opinions..

You beat me to the question...

I know there was a few posts earlier in the thread, and I've taken them into consideration, but I'm wondering if anyone has really narrowed it down besides someone who went with the lofts near the school. I hate commuting and really love walking around everywhere, so the lofts sound good.

Anyone have it nailed down?

 

[bananafish27]

I visited the lofts today. I wasn't terribly impressed. They are pretty narrow and do not have much storage area and the building is a bit worn down. While the perks are proximity to school and the downtown location, I think that someone who is more interested in having a "nice" place with bedrooms (rather than studio-type) will be benefited by going elsewhere. I have a couple pictures I took if anyone wants to see what the lofts look like.

Personally I am strongly considering Phillips Ranch and Diamond Bar. They arent too far away and have a pretty nice backdrop of trees/mountains/etc. and access to modern conveniences like grocery stores and restaurants. Anyone else living in those areas?


EDIT: In my opinion, if someone wants to live close to school they might benefit more from Helix as opposed to the few areas I saw in downtown.

You beat me to the question...

I know there was a few posts earlier in the thread, and I've taken them into consideration, but I'm wondering if anyone has really narrowed it down besides someone who went with the lofts near the school. I hate commuting and really love walking around everywhere, so the lofts sound good.

Anyone have it nailed down?

 

[sgac]

So, I sent in my deposit! It's official - I'm moving out to Pomona from the East Coast to be part of the Class of 2010! I'm really excited to get out West again - my undergrad degree is from CU-Boulder. If anyone can offer some apartment advice, that would be great!

I visited the lofts today. I wasn't terribly impressed. They are pretty narrow and do not have much storage area and the building is a bit worn down. While the perks are proximity to school and the downtown location, I think that someone who is more interested in having a "nice" place with bedrooms (rather than studio-type) will be benefited by going elsewhere. I have a couple pictures I took if anyone wants to see what the lofts look like.

Personally I am strongly considering Phillips Ranch and Diamond Bar. They arent too far away and have a pretty nice backdrop of trees/mountains/etc. and access to modern conveniences like grocery stores and restaurants. Anyone else living in those areas?


EDIT: In my opinion, if someone wants to live close to school they might benefit more from Helix as opposed to the few areas I saw in downtown.

 

[uwalum]

I think that I have decided to look for apartments in the the Claremont area. It seems like a really nice area and has more of the college atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, etc. From what I heard, it isn't too far from school either. Any thoughts?

 

[the alchemist]

hi, i'm writing from western just after my interview today and the HELIX is full and there is already a waitlist. just thought ppl should know if they wanna get on the waitlist. and yes, if u're interested (as i was), they allow pets and u can get either free or cheap pet care from the banfield sponsored by the vet school here.

 

[Junkster]

I think that I have decided to look for apartments in the the Claremont area. It seems like a really nice area and has more of the college atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, etc. From what I heard, it isn't too far from school either. Any thoughts?

I saw one place there, which looked nice... forget the name.

Bananfish, send me some pics of the loft. Did you check to see if they have places still open? PM me or...

I finally got my westernu email!!! I feel official now!!! 😎

PM me for the address.

 

[bananafish27]

There have been a few people interested in pictures of the lofts and details on availability. For anyone else interested, just send me a PM with your email address and I'll make sure you get them.

 

[md10]

I saw one place there, which looked nice... forget the name.

Bananfish, send me some pics of the loft. Did you check to see if they have places still open? PM me or...

I finally got my westernu email!!! I feel official now!!! 😎

PM me for the address.

CONGRATS!!

 

[Junkster]

Okay, decided to fly out to Cali to settle on an apt on may 9th.

I've seen some emails from the student mass emails about places, so I might check them out.

I'll take pics and whatnot for others who might need info.

Speaking of which, I totally forgot to call the insurance places last week. 😛

 

[Khenon]

So I checked my banweb account and got my financial aid award. Hooray for debt! Anyway, does anyone know what a "Grad Plus Loan" is? Is that just what I'll have to pull out in private loans?

And does anyone know if we get extra for laptops this 1st year, or is that already factored in to the amount I'm seeing?

One step closer to being a med student! 😀

 

[Junkster]

So I checked my banweb account and got my financial aid award. Hooray for debt! Anyway, does anyone know what a "Grad Plus Loan" is? Is that just what I'll have to pull out in private loans?

And does anyone know if we get extra for laptops this 1st year, or is that already factored in to the amount I'm seeing?

One step closer to being a med student! 😀

I was in the thought that you get the laptop and show the reciept to the financial office.

 

[emeraldcity]

Okay, decided to fly out to Cali to settle on an apt on may 9th.

I've seen some emails from the student mass emails about places, so I might check them out.

I'll take pics and whatnot for others who might need info.

Speaking of which, I totally forgot to call the insurance places last week. 😛

Speaking of Insurance:
I'm doing the NW Track program, so i'll be headed back in Seattle after 2 years. Is it even worth switching my car insurance? I'm planning on keeping my car licensed/registered in WA state. does it matter?

 

[emeraldcity]

So I checked my banweb account and got my financial aid award. Hooray for debt! Anyway, does anyone know what a "Grad Plus Loan" is? Is that just what I'll have to pull out in private loans?

And does anyone know if we get extra for laptops this 1st year, or is that already factored in to the amount I'm seeing?

One step closer to being a med student! 😀

I thought if you had to buy a laptop, they just increased the max on your loans to accomodate the purchase of one?

 

[Junkster]

Speaking of Insurance:
I'm doing the NW Track program, so i'll be headed back in Seattle after 2 years. Is it even worth switching my car insurance? I'm planning on keeping my car licensed/registered in WA state. does it matter?

I'm planning to just have my car registered in CO through my parent's address. I think it'll be less of a hassle in general.

 

[Khenon]

Anyway, does anyone know what a "Grad Plus Loan" is? Is that just what I'll have to pull out in private loans?

I found the answer to this question:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=277570

 

[Khenon]

I thought if you had to buy a laptop, they just increased the max on your loans to accomodate the purchase of one?

I guess I'll have to call the financial aid office. I was granted enough to cover all the normal costs, but I didn't see anything pertaining to a laptop. It must be separate. I'll let you guys know when I find out. 🙂

 

[Khenon]

I guess I'll have to call the financial aid office. I was granted enough to cover all the normal costs, but I didn't see anything pertaining to a laptop. It must be separate. I'll let you guys know when I find out. 🙂

Okay, according to the financial aid office you can purchase a laptop during June, July, August 2006 and bring the receipt to them. They will increase your award at that time and you'll be dispursed the additional funds for the laptop. I didn't think to ask if there was a limit on how much they'll reimburse you . . . if someone was planning to call, maybe they can ask and update us.

That's what I know so far. 🙂

 

[emeraldcity]

Hey guys,

so I have a question for you...
I'm very excited to go to COMP, to be part of the class of 2010 (you all sound great!)

I'm on the waitlist right now for Utah, but because I'm OOS, there are only about 17 spots. I was waitlisted last year too, but didn't get in.
I'm also waitlisted for Washington, but I've been on their "unranked" list for the third time now...
Not really holding my breath for either school, I know they are both longshots, but the thought of in-state tuition (I'm from Seattle, and you can claim residency at Utah after the first year) compared to 4 years at COMP reeeaaaalllly tempts me to keep my fingers crossed...

but it also makes me hesistant to begin looking for a place or finding a roomate for next year. I don't want to bail on someone at the last minute, becase that sucks.

How long do you think I should wait until I need to move on with my life? End of June? Beginning of July?

thanks guys... 🙄

 

[wazzudoc]

Hey guys,

so I have a question for you...
I'm very excited to go to COMP, to be part of the class of 2010 (you all sound great!)

I'm on the waitlist right now for Utah, but because I'm OOS, there are only about 17 spots. I was waitlisted last year too, but didn't get in.
I'm also waitlisted for Washington, but I've been on their "unranked" list for the third time now...
Not really holding my breath for either school, I know they are both longshots, but the thought of in-state tuition (I'm from Seattle, and you can claim residency at Utah after the first year) compared to 4 years at COMP reeeaaaalllly tempts me to keep my fingers crossed...

but it also makes me hesistant to begin looking for a place or finding a roomate for next year. I don't want to bail on someone at the last minute, becase that sucks.

How long do you think I should wait until I need to move on with my life? End of June? Beginning of July?

thanks guys... 🙄

It's really up to you, I was rejected by UW so the choice was made for me at an early time. The bummer about it is, UW does not start school until the end of september whereas if you were at COMP you would be almost two monthes into school. Because of the tuition difference I would have gladly taken a UW acceptance late. Ultimately, they want there class filled, if it was the day before school starting and a spot was made available they would go down there ranked alternate list and find someone who would go. On the otherhand, it does not help you with planning in terms, of getting your self situated in southern cal. What waiting list are you on? They have the "competitive list" and then the "ranked alternate list". It's a tough decision and I wouldn't blame you if in August you were on here telling us you were staying in Seattle. The amount of money you would save is amazing. Aside from the decision, I live in the helix with my fam. and I asked them about getting out of a lease if a situation arises, and they have a condition where you pay one month, and they will release you. At 1350.00 for a two bedroom per month, it's a lot of money, but against the tuition savings it would have been worth it. You might look around and see if you can find an apartment that will let you out of a lease or let you rent month per month until you know your status. Good luck, it's a tough predicament to be in.

 

[emeraldcity]

unfortunately, i'm on the unranked list. which means, Dr Samson gets to cherry-pick, if a spot opens up and the ranked list is exhausted (which has happened the past 4 years)
but yes. I think I'll keep my hopes up until around June. I figure after May 15th, most of the waitlist movement will happen then. I don't have enough faith to think that I'll be one of those lucky ones who gets called on the 1st day of classes for a spot. 🙄
but thank you!

 

[the alchemist]

So I checked my banweb account and got my financial aid award. Hooray for debt! Anyway, does anyone know what a "Grad Plus Loan" is? Is that just what I'll have to pull out in private loans?

And does anyone know if we get extra for laptops this 1st year, or is that already factored in to the amount I'm seeing?

One step closer to being a med student! 😀

at my interview orientation yesterday, the financial officer said that a grad plus loan is a loan with a fixed 8.5% interest rate that is not based on credit worthiness like alternative (private) loans which have a rate of 7.7% prime plus or minus sth like 1.5%, depending on ur lender. i *think* its a federal loan. the grad plus loans start july 1st so if u're doing the isac or sth that starts earlier in june, u can't get a grad plus loan 4 ur 1st disbursement but they can work out sth 4 the 2nd one once school starts - like cancel the 2nd disbursement of ur alt loans and put in a grad plus loan from then on.

 

[the alchemist]

unfortunately, i'm on the unranked list. which means, Dr Samson gets to cherry-pick, if a spot opens up and the ranked list is exhausted (which has happened the past 4 years)
but yes. I think I'll keep my hopes up until around June. I figure after May 15th, most of the waitlist movement will happen then. I don't have enough faith to think that I'll be one of those lucky ones who gets called on the 1st day of classes for a spot. 🙄
but thank you!

i didn't realize there was a 'ranked' alternate list. dr hanson told us yesterday that its unranked and whenever a spot opens up, the adcom goes through every file again and that alternate files are reviewed periodically (like at least once a month) just 4 this purpose - i guess an internal mental ranking on the adcom's part?

 

[emeraldcity]

i didn't realize there was a 'ranked' alternate list. dr hanson told us yesterday that its unranked and whenever a spot opens up, the adcom goes through every file again and that alternate files are reviewed periodically (like at least once a month) just 4 this purpose - i guess an internal mental ranking on the adcom's part?

nope.
UW has two lists. the ranked list is approximately #1-25, and the there's the alternate list, which is unranked.
This is different from being placed in the "competetive pool" after you've interviewed. The adcom meets periodically during interview season to revisit people in the pool, and then by the end of March, everyone left in the pool is reevaluted and either given a spot, placed on the ranked list or the unranked alternate list, or rejected.
They have exhausted the ranked list every year, and then pull people from the alternate list as spots open up. Last year, I think 3 were taken from the unranked list. And Dr. Samson has final say who he pulls off the unranked list. This is why they really encourage having the post-interview with Dr. Samson, so he remembers who you are etc. etc. when time comes to pull ppl off the unranked list.
Unless they have recently changed the system. But that's what I know from the last three years...

sorry! we'll get back to COMP business... 🙂
btw: how bad are gas prices in Cali right now? I'm trying to estimate how much I will have to spend on gas for commuting, if I live in the surrounding neighborhoods.

 

[Junkster]

sorry! we'll get back to COMP business... 🙂
btw: how bad are gas prices in Cali right now? I'm trying to estimate how much I will have to spend on gas for commuting, if I live in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Don't tell anyone...

I'm thinking of getting a motorcycle. Not a scooter... a bike.

 

[emeraldcity]

Don't tell anyone...

I'm thinking of getting a motorcycle. Not a scooter... a bike.

*haha*
only if I get a ride!
that's sweet.
just don't tell your mother... 😛

 

[Junkster]

*haha*
only if I get a ride!
that's sweet.
just don't tell your mother... 😛

Literally... my uncle nearly killed his passenger during college.

But I think I have a good argument.

 

[Dr. 90605]

sorry! we'll get back to COMP business... 🙂
btw: how bad are gas prices in Cali right now? I'm trying to estimate how much I will have to spend on gas for commuting, if I live in the surrounding neighborhoods.[/QUOTE]


In Whittier,CA its about $3.17 a gallon for regular unleaded.

 

[Dr. Don]

Hey guys,

so I have a question for you...
I'm very excited to go to COMP, to be part of the class of 2010 (you all sound great!)

I'm on the waitlist right now for Utah, but because I'm OOS, there are only about 17 spots. I was waitlisted last year too, but didn't get in.
I'm also waitlisted for Washington, but I've been on their "unranked" list for the third time now...
Not really holding my breath for either school, I know they are both longshots, but the thought of in-state tuition (I'm from Seattle, and you can claim residency at Utah after the first year) compared to 4 years at COMP reeeaaaalllly tempts me to keep my fingers crossed...

but it also makes me hesistant to begin looking for a place or finding a roomate for next year. I don't want to bail on someone at the last minute, becase that sucks.

How long do you think I should wait until I need to move on with my life? End of June? Beginning of July?

thanks guys... 🙄

Hey emerald city, Western/COMP-DO 2008 here representing! Anyways, I just wanted to share my story with you in regards to waitlists. I was waitlisted at just about every UC medical school (except UCSF) and Einstein in New york. I was fortunate enough to get a straight acceptance to Western and Ohio U. So what I did was wait until June 15th, and if no movement happened, go with the acceptances that I had (so obviously Western won 😀 ) and I called every medical school that I had gotten waitlisted and told them to take me off their waitlist, because I had already made up my mind to go to Western/COMP. My advisors over at UCLA told me to just wait and "see what happens", but quite honestly waiting sucks, and you really need to move on with your life and get ready to start a wonderful journey into medicine, including relocation, gettting an apartment, etc, and what a better place than Western (had to plug that in 😉 ) to do that! I even had the luxury of declining interviews (late may) to New Jersey Med (MD), Nova (DO) and Howard (MD), because I felt that Western was the best place for me.

I wish you the best of luck, and yeah instate tuition is awesome! and so is staying close to family and friends, but remember whether it's 15Gs or 35Gs per year, it's an investment, so do yourself a favor, give yourself a deadline (and the day before school starts is not a good one 👎 ) and just decide and MOVE ON, trust me you'll sleep better at night. Good luck and now back to my boards studying 🙄

 

[Alpenmuffin]

sorry! we'll get back to COMP business... 🙂
btw: how bad are gas prices in Cali right now? I'm trying to estimate how much I will have to spend on gas for commuting, if I live in the surrounding neighborhoods.

An hour and a half south of Pomona, gas was $3.29 a gallon for regular unleaded this morning... 👎