##--DMU Class Of 2010--## part 01

[Redneck]

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Congrats!

 

[DORocksMySocks]

Thanks, I was really suprised! I am SUCH a control freak, so it was nice that he was able to really suprise me. I think we are going to get married on 7-7-07 or 8-8-08 to stay with a theme....

We got web cams so we could "be together" while we study....

 

[jbone]

We got web cams so we could "be together" while we study....

Rough way to spend a honeymoon...via web cam.
Actually probably more eventful than mine. 🙁
Congrats!! If he's a b-ball player, he can't be too bad. 👍

 

[flexall454]

Thanks Kahoo

We just bought a townhome in WDM about 8 miles from school. I am not looking forward to getting on the freeway every morning, but at least traffic is light.

I ride an old Honda 350cc that i'm counting on getting me there and back a few times. We'll see how long that lasts.

I can't wait to get out there.

Misparas, I go to the Y but am originally from Seattle.

Viva Brasil ! Penta Capeao Copa do Mundo! (World Cup)

 

[jbone]

Misparas, I go to the Y but am originally from Seattle.

I won't hold it against you. Nobody is perfect.
(unless you went to the U that is )

 

[misparas]

I'm already excited to get all the Y and U kids together next november for a certain football game. Pay back will be sweet.

Oh yeah...bone. Good to hear that DM was even better for you. We just got our official address in the four seasons yesterday! It's coming up fast!

 

[LuvGrand]

If you are talking mtn biking trails in SA check out OP Schnabel or McCallister park. Government canyon is also pretty good. If you are talking road then you can find some nice long rides just outside in the hill country.

Yeah we have gone to government canyon. That was alright. Haven't been anywhere else. It's a bit too hot now 🙁 I'm only here for three more weeks! I've been saving up to go to Europe for a couple of weeks.

Congrats Socks! It's going to be rough but it will be worth it!

SO our TV is permanently on Univision watching the World Cup. Misparas, sorry your team lost. We just watched the game. England's really good though so it's not a bad loss. My bf's a HUGE fan of Mexico so we'll be watching that tomorrow morning.......and there's my weekend.....playing scrabble and watching the world cup. haha

 

[DORocksMySocks]

Thanks everyone, I think it will be OK in the long run (especially if I can go to ND for 4th year once we are done with CORE rotations...probably won't happen)

Hey jbone....sorry all those folks hijacked your thread, I tried to make a constructive post, but you know I am in a different situation. I really wish you the best of luck trying to figure everything out.

 

[Jamers]

no doubt. When were you there? I went there 2 days ago (6/5) and saw a couple of students there.

I went there over Easter Vacation. The lady was a dick when we arrived, showed us a room but seemed to do it only as a favor. When we asked questions she was not very forth coming with answers. In the end, her attitude and the price tag scared me and my roommie away. She even had the nerve to call at 8 am the next day to see if we were interested in the apartment or not. I was like, what the ****, she doesn't have the time for us yesterday but her ass can wake me up at 8 am?

 

[Jamers]

Wow...so the strip looked pretty fun. I am so excited that my undies are all in a bunch.

I was totally not worried about $$ b/c I am not married, no kids, living with a roomie...etc, but this last weekend, the $$ thing struck. My bf of 3.5 years proposed to me (on 6-6-06...is that weird to anyone else) and now we are going to have to try to figure out how to pay for a wedding (and he is going to be an MSI @ UND) and we are totally broke. Yay for that...lets hope my parents start feeling really generous, or I will have to dig in garbages just to find food (want to join me anyone....kidding, kidding....)

Web cams, now there is an idea. My gf of 4 years and I have arranged "phone dates" haha. Being 1,000 miles away is going to suck donkey balls though :-(.

 

[FS-Pro]

Web cams, now there is an idea. My gf of 4 years and I have arranged "phone dates" haha. Being 1,000 miles away is going to suck donkey balls though :-(.

What is everyone going to be doing for loans other than the max $38k you may get from FAFSA? Grad Plus or T.H.E. or something else?
I don't know anything about student loans since I went to state school for undergrad, so help me out 😕

 

[Tenacious DO]

What is everyone going to be doing for loans other than the max $38k you may get from FAFSA? Grad Plus or T.H.E. or something else?
I don't know anything about student loans since I went to state school for undergrad, so help me out 😕

Let me know if I'm off base or missing something.

- At this point we should have filled out the FAFSA.

- DMU is getting #'s together for the classes that start this summer and will then get around to our class soon (I was told some time in June....or maybe that is just a humor that I am starting)

- The DMU Portal offers 2 links related to the GradPlus: 1) Grad PLUS MPN & 2) Grad PLUS Loan Request Form. To my understanding we are to attempt to fill out both. I made an attempt and the Grad PLUS MPN Form asked for the amount that I was requesting (which I will not know until I get the #'s back from DMU)....Catch 22.

Questions:

- Is the Wells Fargo Grad PLUS Loan offer through the DMU Portal the only GradPlus available or are there other GradPlus options that are better/worse.

- What is the scholarship situation for an Average Joe through DMU.....Maybe a MSII-IV could chime in on that one.

I will CC: this to the FA at DMU and let you know what I find out.

Have a Day.

 

[Tenacious DO]

Thanks everyone, I think it will be OK in the long run (especially if I can go to ND for 4th year once we are done with CORE rotations...probably won't happen)

Good luck, I hope you enjoy Grand Forks in January.....You will love it.....That is if you enjoy the brisk -70 degree wind chills, shoveling 3 feet of snow that the plow just pushed into your driveway (great CV workout), slipping on side walks (Avoid Dr. Martins)......You may want to look into a warmer climate (The wind chill in Fargo is only -60 degrees)

That sounds a lot more negative than it should.....GF is a very nice town with good people.......and at the very least they have a great hockey team and some sweet bars.

UND 2000


PS Sorry for taking the attention away from Texas for a minute, back to you Lone Stars 😛

 

[LuvGrand]

Thanks everyone, I think it will be OK in the long run (especially if I can go to ND for 4th year once we are done with CORE rotations...probably won't happen)

Good luck, I hope you enjoy Grand Forks in January.....You will love it.....That is if you enjoy the brisk -70 degree wind chills, shoveling 3 feet of snow that the plow just pushed into your driveway (great CV workout), slipping on side walks (Avoid Dr. Martins)......You may want to look into a warmer climate (The wind chill in Fargo is only -60 degrees)

That sounds a lot more negative than it should.....GF is a very nice town with good people.......and at the very least they have a great hockey team and some sweet bars.

UND 2000


PS Sorry for taking the attention away from Texas for a minute, back to you Lone Stars 😛

We can't help it that Texas is a great place haha j/k It sucks right now.....102 degrees is NOT fun.

-60 wind chill? I thought I was going to die in Des Moines! It's all in what you're used to!

SO I've been wondering what to do about loans too. Is the GradPLUS loan going to be better/worse than any alternative loan?

 

[It'sElectric]

At this point in the game, T.H.E. is the lender that I will more than likely be taking my Grad Plus Loan out through. I've provided a link for everyone. Comparing what T.H.E. has to offer versus Wells Fargo, it seems pretty clear that T.H.E. offers a better deal.

For one, they credit the 3% origination fee back to your account after 6 months (thus, there is no origination fee in the end). Plus, their repayment incentives end up bring the interest rate down to 7.2% right away, which is pretty sweet.

If anyone finds something better out there, please speak up.

T.H.E. Grad Plus Link

 

[chickens]

Anyone staying at Windsor Terrace? i just got a room there....my tour guide stayed there and he said it was nice. It is built during the 40's, but big rooms and right across the street. The management is a bit unorganized, and that threw me at first, but i decided that you can't beat a two minute walk to school.
I am still stuck on this being nervous about biochem kick....anyone else?

 

[jbone]

On the Grad Plus loan...does everyone charge (lenders)an origination fee? 3% can get pretty steep, unless it is calculated into the loan. Is it?

BTW, terrified about Bio chem too. Bring it.

 

[It'sElectric]

Apparently, they are "required" to charge the 3% origination fee, which sounds like some BS, but oh well. Like I said, T.H.E. at least credits that back to you.

 

[Tenacious DO]

Let me know if I'm off base or missing something.

- At this point we should have filled out the FAFSA.

- DMU is getting #'s together for the classes that start this summer and will then get around to our class soon (I was told some time in June....or maybe that is just a humor that I am starting)

- The DMU Portal offers 2 links related to the GradPlus: 1) Grad PLUS MPN & 2) Grad PLUS Loan Request Form. To my understanding we are to attempt to fill out both. I made an attempt and the Grad PLUS MPN Form asked for the amount that I was requesting (which I will not know until I get the #'s back from DMU)....Catch 22.

Questions:

- Is the Wells Fargo Grad PLUS Loan offer through the DMU Portal the only GradPlus available or are there other GradPlus options that are better/worse.

- What is the scholarship situation for an Average Joe through DMU.....Maybe a MSII-IV could chime in on that one.

I will CC: this to the FA at DMU and let you know what I find out.

Have a Day.

This is the info that I received today....It sounds like general inforamtion, so I don't mind sharing it with the rest of you:

"We are currently working on processing loans for students who start in June and July. We should start processing loans for incoming students in the next couple of weeks. Once your loans are processed you will receive an email notifying you of your award letter.

You can certainly go through another lender for your Grad PLUS loan, but you will still need to fill out the request form. Make sure you contact our office to let us know who you will be going through if you choose a lender other than Wells Fargo. We need the name, address and lender code for them. That way we know who your lender will be before you fill out the request form. There are lots of other Grad PLUS loan lenders. Since this loan is new to us, I do not know which ones are better than others. Just let us know if you choose another lender.

Finally, as an incoming student the admissions office awards scholarships to your class. Then once you are a student here, you will be able to apply for other DMU scholarships next year. You can check with admissions to see if you qualify for any scholarships."

Hope this helps you all or at least updates you to the FA situation.

 

[LuvGrand]

Thanks for all of the info! It's good to know that I'm not the only one lost and freaking out right now.

 

[sennp9]

Hey everyone, I will be joining you in the fall. Thought I would quit being a newb and start posting. I am headed in a week to find an apt, so I really appreciate the tips on places you have been giving.

 

[jbone]

Hey everyone, I will be joining you in the fall. Thought I would quit being a newb and start posting. I am headed in a week to find an apt, so I really appreciate the tips on places you have been giving.

Congrats!! Glad to have ya! I just got back from Des Moines last week and looked at about 13 places so if you need any info, just ask. 😀

 

[DORocksMySocks]

Is it my understanding then, that we should all just apply for the grad plus loan??? K. Thanks.

 

[jbone]

Is it my understanding then, that we should all just apply for the grad plus loan??? K. Thanks.

yea, just chose a lender or go through the schools (Wells Fargo).
But I think we are all doing it. 😀

 

[jbone]

Just got approved for additionaly funds from Bank of America. They have a maximizer loan that allows you to take up to $30,000/year. It isn't approved through the school and they don't care what the established budget is, if your credit is good, they will loan you cash. The interest rate is fairly low (8.5% but is credit based) and you can defer payments until after you graduate. There is however an origination fee (approx 9%) but if it gives you peace of mind knowing you will have money if needed, then, to me, it is worth it. Check it out if you need additional funding like I do. We'll do the best we can living on $1600/month but this will help us if we ever need it. PM me if you have any questions.
Jason

http://www.bankofamerica.com/studentbanking/index.cfm?template=stb_education_maximizer_loans

BTW, I think it would be cool to set up a dinner party like a week before school with all of us that met here on SDN. What do ya'll think? For me, the more friends the better. I learn better when the class knows each other and can relax. 😀 👍

Oh yea, for the grad plus loan, is there a better lender than Wells Fargo? (Lower interest rate, etc????)

 

[sennp9]

For those of you that never need medical insurance (don't get sick, arent a clutz) I would look into getting a Health Savings acct(HSA) instead of the school insurance. I think it would save everyone alot of money. If you dont know what one is, read about it, and I think you will agree.

 

[It'sElectric]

For those of you that never need medical insurance (don't get sick, arent a clutz) I would look into getting a Health Savings acct(HSA) instead of the school insurance. I think it would save everyone alot of money. If you dont know what one is, read about it, and I think you will agree.

This is exactly what I've done this past year while I've been out of school, and it's worked out just fine. Premiums are much lower than what DMU is offering, but of course you do make sacrifices in coverage. My premium was roughly $55 a month with a good sized deductible. Everything is out of pocket for me until I eclipse the deductible, which isn't going to happen.

Nevertheless, it's been a nice alternative that has kept my covered for an affordable price, but it's not for everyone.

 

[misparas]

For those of you that never need medical insurance (don't get sick, arent a clutz) I would look into getting a Health Savings acct(HSA) instead of the school insurance. I think it would save everyone alot of money. If you dont know what one is, read about it, and I think you will agree.

Isn't the catch that you must have a plan "comparable" to the school's plan. Give it a try, let us know if they say it's ok.

Bone... A dinner party is a great idea. I'll be there.

 

[SOUNDMAN]

Isn't the catch that you must have a plan "comparable" to the school's plan. Give it a try, let us know if they say it's ok.

Bone... A dinner party is a great idea. I'll be there.

I'm all up for the dinner party.

Secondly on this insurance issue, I really don't think we are getting that great a deal here. I'm able to get as good or better coverage off of the blue cross website with the Alliance Select Enhanced plan at a 4200 deductible. Plus then get my family covered seperately with them on a different plan the comprehensive one. I would be pretty miffed if they did not think that the plan I'm selecting or a HSA would be comparable.

Usually I think they just want to make sure that you have major medical coverage if something disastrous happens.

Anyways I'm not using the DMU insurance and am instead doing the above plan. It will save me nearly 2000 a year for my family. That's huge!

 

[kahoo99]

I'm in for dinner too. Anyone interested in two? One with kids/SOs and one without? My kids go to bed before most people eat dinner.
Kurt

 

[Redneck]

I bake a decent cheese cake. Recognizing that some people aren't rolling into town until close to orientation, I hope the planned day isn't too early.

 

[FS-Pro]

I'm down for the dinner. I'll be getting in town on Aug. 1, probably when everyone else is pretty much getting there also.

 

[sennp9]

Isn't the catch that you must have a plan "comparable" to the school's plan. Give it a try, let us know if they say it's ok.

Bone... A dinner party is a great idea. I'll be there.

It is full coverage. Yes if you do get hurt or sick, you have to pay a higher deductible. But the point is you are gambling that you aren't going to get sick or hurt. However, if you do get hurt, you are still covered, and you will just have to meet your deductible. If you don't have to use it, you save money(and the account balance rolls over ever year, and is a tax write-off, and you can keep the savings account wherever you go).

I will let you know what they think when I run it by them.

 

[flexall454]

Thanks guys for the advice on health insurance. Has anyone else found a plan better than the plan offered by the school? I'm more concerned about affording comprehensive coverage for my wife and daughter than anything.

We'll be moving on the 13th of July. I'd be down with a BBQ or something.

 

[tlls13]

Has anybody been able to get hold of our book list for next year? I hoped to pre-order some books and save some $ by buying used on the internet. I stopped by the school bookstore during my apartment hunting trip last week, but a woman in the bookstore informed me the list is not available until a few weeks before schools starts.

I am arriving on or around aug. 1 and definitely am interested in pre-orientation bbqs/dinners/etc.

 

[DO it right]

i'm down for dinner too...keep me posted 😉

 

[kahoo99]

for what it's worth...all the students i've talked to say do not buy any books early, because there are so many you won't use.

 

[LuvGrand]

I'm down for dinner! That sounds fun

As for the books, I heard that you shouldn't buy them until school starts because #1 there are some you don't need like kahoo said and #2 students from last year will be selling their books for cheap. I think all of the second years will tell us the ones you should really buy and the ones you should just borrow from the library. Hope that helps. Otherwise, half.com is a great website. I always bought my books there for way cheaper than I could find anywhere else.

 

[misparas]

We'll be moving on the 13th of July. I'd be down with a BBQ or something.

We'll be moving on july 15th. I would be down for a BBQ. We saw some great pavilions next to sailorsville lake when we were there. A nice lakeside BBQ sounds fun.

 

[monai24]

just wanted to say hello and introduce myself again. i actually posted once at sdn but then never got the time again. although i'ver read all the messages. i can't wait for school to start and meet u guys....i can't especially wait to quit work. this whole working thing gets really tiring after a while especially with all the crap i have to deal with in the hospital. anywayz, just a quik question . i have a friend who's been waitlisted at CCOM and been accepted to DMU. she was just wondering if any of u guys knew through previous experiences, friends, etc. what her chances are of getting into CCOM. we actually live in chicago so life would really be easier for her if she goes to CCOM. unfortunately, CCOM told her she can be waitlisted till up to the first week of september and DMU starts in august. so that's a big risk. is there anyway for her to jump from one school to the other without paying a price (tuition wise, etc). or should she just choose one school. if so by when should she decide? she's already paid for the deposit so she's set for dmu. it's just the chance to save so much by going to CCOM that's making her hesitate to make a decision. is there still a good chace to get in even now at CCOM....what do u guys think?
thanks for ur help

GO DALLAS!!

 

[kahoo99]

well hi then,
i think that each school is different on how much waitlist movement they get and then your friend would have to know approximately where she is on the waitlist. Often schools will tell you top third etc, and your relative chances. Has she done this? As for going to one school then switching I'm pretty sure you can but i think she'd get dinged financially if she left a school after she'd already started. As far as saving money, I thought CCOM was very expensive, no? Anyway good luch to you and your friend.

 

[DORocksMySocks]

I will be moving in on the 23rd, and my roommate will be moving on the 22nd. I am totally game for dinner....I am sure she would be as well.

 

[SOUNDMAN]

Well we just closed on the house today. Then we walked around campus and everything. I showed my wife everything and she was impressed. It was fun just to be on campus again and get things going.

 

[LuvGrand]

Well we just closed on the house today. Then we walked around campus and everything. I showed my wife everything and she was impressed. It was fun just to be on campus again and get things going.

Congrats on your house!

 

[DORocksMySocks]

Where has everyone been lately???

 

[jbone]

Where has everyone been lately???

looking for banks that are both here in Utah as well as Iowa.
It's either going to be us bank or wells fargo. Any suggestions? 👍

 

[Redneck]

I was wondering where everyone was too. Here's a suggestion. Or at least an option. Don't bother with a bank. Just keep your existing credit union or hometown one. I stumbled across a 'bank deposit' data entry site somewhere in the depths of the school's pages. My thinking is if the school has our routing info, they can just deposit the loan monies for us. Since I'm assuming most people are living off of loan money it works great. Need cash? Get cash back at a grocery store. I did this the past two years for college and it worked fine. Need to cash a check? Go to a grocery store. Certain ones in my neck of the woods would cash them for you only witholding some of the money in the form of a prepaid/coupon/discount for their store. Since I shopped there anyways for food I didn't care.

So in summary you could get away with not picking up a new bank.

 

[shminger]

We went with US Bank primarily because they have an ATM at DMU.

 

[smithj16]

Michelle aren't you proud of me, I'm here!!! I miss doing this everyday. I can not wait for work to be over and to finally be in Des Moines. Dinner, of course I'm up for dinner. I'm always up for doing anything.

 

[Megustamaiz]

I decided to go with Wells Fargo. They have a Wells Fargo ATM at every Dahl's grocery store, where you can also make deposits and buy stamps. There are plenty of banks nationwide, and you don't get charged any miscellaneous fees. The best part is the online access to your account where you can make transactions between your checkings and savings accounts and keep track of your spending or make a budget. Customer service is also responsive. Plus the debit card just makes life so much easier!

And yes, you can also count me and my boyfriend in for dinner! We're already here! I think that Misparas's idea for a BBQ at Saylorville Lake is a grand idea! I haven't been there, but the company that I used to work for had retreats up there and everybody loved it. Gray's Lake could be another option if we wanted to stay in Des Moines. Another fun idea could be to go to Adventure Land, which is a decent amusement park, or to Prairie Meadow's for the horse races or some light casino fun. 🙂