Florida Schools Application Thread (2008) part 2

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It is so hard to be patient today. I've been checking my e-mail a lot. I need a distraction -- and SDN isn't exactly the best one, either. At least it's not waiting for MCAT scores -- that was twenty times worse!
 
I'll agree w/ you about waiting for the mcat score. Even though studying for the mcat sucks, it's the last time in the process where you still have control. Once your scores come in its all up to the adcoms..
 
I'll agree w/ you about waiting for the mcat score. Even though studying for the mcat sucks, it's the last time in the process where you still have control. Once your scores come in its all up to the adcoms..

Where are you leaning towards for school next year? Do you have facebook? PM me so I can add you!
 
It is so hard to be patient today. I've been checking my e-mail a lot. I need a distraction -- and SDN isn't exactly the best one, either. At least it's not waiting for MCAT scores -- that was twenty times worse!

When did you interview? LOL, who here has checked their e-mail over 50 times today.

I called and they said there was interviews today so it might be tomorrow or Monday. jdf;jadfkjasdflj@#%#%!#$%!#%#!!
 
When did you interview? LOL, who here has checked their e-mail over 50 times today.

I called and they said there was interviews today so it might be tomorrow or Monday. jdf;jadfkjasdflj@#%#%!#$%!#%#!!

I couldn't take it either, so I called, and was told that because of the interviews, they would be out this afternoon or Friday. I am with you on the freakout!:scared: I saw my Boca acceptance on a thursday at 7:15 am so it was weird wwhen I saw nothing this morning.
 
I couldn't take it either, so I called, and was told that because of the interviews, they would be out this afternoon or Friday. I am with you on the freakout!:scared: I saw my Boca acceptance on a thursday at 7:15 am so it was weird wwhen I saw nothing this morning.


AWWW not fair... I had finals on the next day so I absolutely could not interview at Boca until a month later. LOL, now I have to wait a month for that. ARgghhgh
 
cceptance at boca!!! Still waiting for miami main campus
 
alternate list... 🙁
now I have to wait for alternate list and decision from Boca. Boca is probably the choice I would have made anyway. We shall see.
 
Accepted to Boca and Miami. What a relief.:banana:
 
acceptance at Miami main campus!! This is the best day ever. Congrats swamp!! What's ur number one choice?
 
Congrats to all the new and soon to be 'Canes:hardy: It's on come Sept. 6th!
 
Accepted to the Miami campus!
 
alternate list... 🙁
now I have to wait for alternate list and decision from Boca. Boca is probably the choice I would have made anyway. We shall see.


Don't worry, Boca should make a decision soon depending on when you interviewed. So if you interviewed at Boca this week, you will find out next wed or thursday. If you interviewed last weekat Boca, you should have found out today. Also, Miami will have a large alternate list movement this year.
 
Wow congrats to those accepted to UM! 👍 :banana: Seems like the past few days have been exciting for the Florida thread.

I have a question on what to do now that I have been accepted at my top choice school. I definitely want to attend USF in the fall, but I have been offered an interview at UF and my application is currently under review at UM (so I am not sure if I will be asked to interview). I am wondering if I should go ahead and interview at more schools or if I should just withdraw. I would not want to spend more on travel if I don't have to as my budget is tight, but I also do not want to have any regrets. Additionally, I am wondering if multiple acceptances help with financial aid (I cringe as I write this because it sounds so bad), but I do need to consider finances as I alone will be responsible for my entire education. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Wow congrats to those accepted to UM! 👍 :banana: Seems like the past few days have been exciting for the Florida thread.

I have a question on what to do now that I have been accepted at my top choice school. I definitely want to attend USF in the fall, but I have been offered an interview at UF and my application is currently under review at UM (so I am not sure if I will be asked to interview). I am wondering if I should go ahead and interview at more schools or if I should just withdraw. I would not want to spend more on travel if I don't have to as my budget is tight, but I also do not want to have any regrets. Additionally, I am wondering if multiple acceptances help with financial aid (I cringe as I write this because it sounds so bad), but I do need to consider finances as I alone will be responsible for my entire education. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I don't know how and even if the financial aid packages would change as a result of multiple acceptances. Somebody else might be able to answer this better then I can.

However, I believe that you should visit the other schools as well. I absolutely love USF and it has been a great place for me but you have to decide for yourself if you prefer the educational system here at USF over UM or UF. I think the only way to really do that is to go and see the schools first hand. What do you have to lose anyways? If you really want to go to USF you will only be backing your choice to come to this fantastic school 😉 or maybe you will find a school that better caters to your personal learning style. It might cost a little more money for the travel but the schools probably have a hosting system where you can stay with a student and thus save money on a hotel. Hope this helps...
 
Wow congrats to those accepted to UM! 👍 :banana: Seems like the past few days have been exciting for the Florida thread.

I have a question on what to do now that I have been accepted at my top choice school. I definitely want to attend USF in the fall, but I have been offered an interview at UF and my application is currently under review at UM (so I am not sure if I will be asked to interview). I am wondering if I should go ahead and interview at more schools or if I should just withdraw. I would not want to spend more on travel if I don't have to as my budget is tight, but I also do not want to have any regrets. Additionally, I am wondering if multiple acceptances help with financial aid (I cringe as I write this because it sounds so bad), but I do need to consider finances as I alone will be responsible for my entire education. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm not sure about the financial aid part. Someone who's gone through the process might be able to better answer this question. I have heard of some applicants getting multiple offers; eventually leading to better financial aid packages (some even received a full ride). In my opinion it can never hurt to go forward with 1 or 2 more interviews. Ultimately if they're both in-state you'll only be paying for gas and a hotel stay, unless some MS1's offer to host you for a night. Face it, you'll be spending lots of $ on books, fees, travel, boards, etc. Why cheap out now. Granted, with an acceptance to your #1 choice your decision is a whole lot easier, but I'd go and see what the other programs have to offer; the ball's in your court now.
Congrats btw on the USF acceptance!:clap: Maybe in the midst of all this FL excitement some of these schools will decide to throw me an invite.
Keeping the hope alive!
 
But today has been eventful however.

I withdrew from my Drexel acceptance, but I will admit that it felt really weird to withdraw from a school. Hopefully they will let someone off the waitlist. 🙂

I then checked my email and saw a Miami campus Acceptance which was awesome. 👍

Feeling lucky, I decided to call Albert Einstein to see if they had made a decision on my application. Bad move. They did make a decision, but it was a rejection 👎.

However, I still feel very grateful for the results I have, and it was a really great experience to go to NYC and interview there.
 
Congrats to all the new and soon to be 'Canes:hardy: It's on come Sept. 6th!

First of all, that games is going to be a slaughter. Tebow and Percy will be throwing up points fighting each other for the Heisman. But at that point, I'd be a UF Alum so I couldn't lose.
 
First of all, that games is going to be a slaughter. Tebow and Percy will be throwing up points fighting each other for the Heisman. But at that point, I'd be a UF Alum so I couldn't lose.

Congrats to you on the Miami acceptance by the way. 😀
 
Congrats to everyone! That is freakin awesome. I got waitlisted at Miami, which was slightly disappointing, but the whole "67 out of 125 people in the class were on waitlist" was slightly redeeming.

I think I'm still most definitely feelin' UF though 🙂
 
Wow congrats to those accepted to UM! 👍 :banana: Seems like the past few days have been exciting for the Florida thread.

I have a question on what to do now that I have been accepted at my top choice school. I definitely want to attend USF in the fall, but I have been offered an interview at UF and my application is currently under review at UM (so I am not sure if I will be asked to interview). I am wondering if I should go ahead and interview at more schools or if I should just withdraw. I would not want to spend more on travel if I don't have to as my budget is tight, but I also do not want to have any regrets. Additionally, I am wondering if multiple acceptances help with financial aid (I cringe as I write this because it sounds so bad), but I do need to consider finances as I alone will be responsible for my entire education. Does anyone have any suggestions?

i would definately go to the uf interview, especially because its only a 2 hr drive from tampa. congrats on the usf acceptance.. maybe we shall be classmates next year... if i ever come off the waitlist!!
 
i would definately go to the uf interview, especially because its only a 2 hr drive from tampa. congrats on the usf acceptance.. maybe we shall be classmates next year... if i ever come off the waitlist!!

I am sure you will be coming off the waitlist. I bet with your stats you are fairly high up. Thanks for the advice. I think I will check out UF so that I explore all my options.
 
Waitlisted at Miami 🙁🙁

i'm thinking this'll help clear up choosing between UM and USF 🙄
 
Congrats to everyone! That is freakin awesome. I got waitlisted at Miami, which was slightly disappointing, but the whole "67 out of 125 people in the class were on waitlist" was slightly redeeming.

I think I'm still most definitely feelin' UF though 🙂

Yea, that is one good thing I can say about Florida, they take care of their own. LOL, I think UF takes care of their own really well but that is a different subject. Don't you wish that the undergrad school you went to = automatic acceptance to med school there? Yea right!

i think the worst part about the waitlist is having to go through another semester waiting. Don't they know if they accept me I would come :laugh: why make me wait. Well I still have the Boca chance and that is where my 1st choice is so I sill have that to wait for.

Good luck to you all.
 
Yea, that is one good thing I can say about Florida, they take care of their own. LOL, I think UF takes care of their own really well but that is a different subject. Don't you wish that the undergrad school you went to = automatic acceptance to med school there? Yea right!

i think the worst part about the waitlist is having to go through another semester waiting. Don't they know if they accept me I would come :laugh: why make me wait. Well I still have the Boca chance and that is where my 1st choice is so I sill have that to wait for.

Good luck to you all.


The bolded would be nice but then it would screw all the people not at undergrad schools where there was a med school. cough UCF, UNF, cough.

Not to mention FIU prior to this coming year. Same with UCF until this coming year.. LOL
 
Yea, that is one good thing I can say about Florida, they take care of their own. LOL, I think UF takes care of their own really well but that is a different subject. Don't you wish that the undergrad school you went to = automatic acceptance to med school there? Yea right!

i think the worst part about the waitlist is having to go through another semester waiting. Don't they know if they accept me I would come :laugh: why make me wait. Well I still have the Boca chance and that is where my 1st choice is so I sill have that to wait for.

Good luck to you all.

As a UF undergrad that hasn't been my experience. I'm sure there is more, but I only know of two UF students who have been accepted into the program. From what I can tell on this board, more non UF students have made it into UF, than UFers (correct me if I'm wrong). That's not to say that the UF people aren't qualified, but I think UF knows that they're COM is highly desireable to their own undergrads, so it wont hesitate to make them wait till later on the cycle. I think once May roles around, thats when more Gators are accepted.
 
acceptance at Miami main campus!! This is the best day ever. Congrats swamp!! What's ur number one choice?

I was really impressed with both Boca and Miami main, but the opportunities at the main campus are unmatched. The facilities at each were great (albeit the main campus is older), but the patient population is so much more diverse in Miami. If I had to give one reason, there's just more action at the main campus; I'm going to feel really bad declining Boca - of all the interviews, these people were the most courteous and respectful in what can be a very stressful and sometimes impersonal process.

Of all the Florida schools, I liked UF and Miami the most. Right now, I'm on hold at UF, so if nothing else happens, Miami is number 1. However, if I were to be accepted at both, it would be the hardest decision of my life. Honestly you can't go wrong at either school, but they each have completely different approaches and styles. There was some talk about this some time back, and even a new thread started weighing Miami against UF. At this point, I'm just not sure, but at the same time, it wont matter anyway if I don't come off the waitlist. Personally, I've realy enjoyed the last 4 years in Gainesville and it would just be really hard to leave. At this point, I'm just not sure, but at the same time, it wont matter anyway if I don't come off the waitlist. With several months still to go, we'll see what happens. How bout you Gold, who's number one? Good luck to all.
 
I was really impressed with both Boca and Miami main, but the opportunities at the main campus are unmatched. The facilities at each were great (albeit the main campus is older), but the patient population is so much more diverse in Miami. If I had to give one reason, there's just more action at the main campus; I'm going to feel really bad declining Boca - of all the interviews, these people were the most courteous and respectful in what can be a very stressful and sometimes impersonal process.

Of all the Florida schools, I liked UF and Miami the most. Right now, I'm on hold at UF, so if nothing else happens, Miami is number 1. However, if I were to be accepted at both, it would be the hardest decision of my life. Honestly you can't go wrong at either school, but they each have completely different approaches and styles. There was some talk about this some time back, and even a new thread started weighing Miami against UF. At this point, I'm just not sure, but at the same time, it wont matter anyway if I don't come off the waitlist. Personally, I've realy enjoyed the last 4 years in Gainesville and it would just be really hard to leave. At this point, I'm just not sure, but at the same time, it wont matter anyway if I don't come off the waitlist. With several months still to go, we'll see what happens. How bout you Gold, who's number one? Good luck to all.

What I liked best about my opportunities at Boca is the fact I would be able to do a rotation or two at Jackson if I wanted to. This is probably the reason why Boca is my number one choice as of now. But until I get an acceptance I should probably be trying to stear you away from Boca right now. LOL, yea main is where it's at. :meanie:
 
What I liked best about my opportunities at Boca is the fact I would be able to do a rotation or two at Jackson if I wanted to. This is probably the reason why Boca is my number one choice as of now. But until I get an acceptance I should probably be trying to stear you away from Boca right now. LOL, yea main is where it's at. :meanie:

I think they are really trying to keep incoming students all 4 years at Boca, but I do remember there being some flexibility. For instance, doing an ER rotation in Miami, is vastly different than doing one in Boca Raton, so in the past they have let these students (those interested in ER, or other specialties where being in the big city is an advantage) do a rotation or two at Jackson. Going in as a freshman though, and just to be sure, I would talk to the staff, and make sure they know of your plans. I'm pretty sure they would accomodate you though; Boca is really committed to making sure their students are happy, as well as providing a good education.
 
I think they are really trying to keep incoming students all 4 years at Boca, but I do remember there being some flexibility. For instance, doing an ER rotation in Miami, is vastly different than doing one in Boca Raton, so in the past they have let these students (those interested in ER, or other specialties where being in the big city is an advantage) do a rotation or two at Jackson. Going in as a freshman though, and just to be sure, I would talk to the staff, and make sure they know of your plans. I'm pretty sure they would accomodate you though; Boca is really committed to making sure their students are happy, as well as providing a good education.


Actually I asked about it in my interview. That is were I got the conformation. Now, you are right that doesn't equal me actually doing it and things change. For me I have done countless hours of volunteer and shadowing in the area so I don't want all m time to be in one place. Therefore, I would actually press the issue a little. The way it was told to me is that the third year rotations are set but the electives are fair game. So, in forth year if I still want to do Jackson rotations it will be ok. Again, who knows but I don't see why this would ever be a problem regarding my electives. I will tell you something else that the med students told me here that might even make you want boca even more but again until I get my acceptance I am sandbaging.
 
Actually I asked about it in my interview. That is were I got the conformation. Now, you are right that doesn't equal me actually doing it and things change. For me I have done countless hours of volunteer and shadowing in the area so I don't want all m time to be in one place. Therefore, I would actually press the issue a little. The way it was told to me is that the third year rotations are set but the electives are fair game. So, in forth year if I still want to do Jackson rotations it will be ok. Again, who knows but I don't see why this would ever be a problem regarding my electives. I will tell you something else that the med students told me here that might even make you want boca even more but again until I get my acceptance I am sandbaging.

I'm glad they're willing to make accomodations. Like I said, the folks here were as courteous as you could ask for. So, when do you get your decision, so you can spill the beans?😀
 
I'm glad they're willing to make accomodations. Like I said, the folks here were as courteous as you could ask for. So, when do you get your decision, so you can spill the beans?😀


I just got the alternat list from Miami and another person posted that it is possible to get an acceptance to the other campus and hopefully this will be the case. With that said, let me ask you do you have an idea of what type of mediine you want to go in?
 
I was really impressed with both Boca and Miami main, but the opportunities at the main campus are unmatched. The facilities at each were great (albeit the main campus is older), but the patient population is so much more diverse in Miami. If I had to give one reason, there's just more action at the main campus; I'm going to feel really bad declining Boca - of all the interviews, these people were the most courteous and respectful in what can be a very stressful and sometimes impersonal process.

Of all the Florida schools, I liked UF and Miami the most. Right now, I'm on hold at UF, so if nothing else happens, Miami is number 1. However, if I were to be accepted at both, it would be the hardest decision of my life. Honestly you can't go wrong at either school, but they each have completely different approaches and styles. There was some talk about this some time back, and even a new thread started weighing Miami against UF. At this point, I'm just not sure, but at the same time, it wont matter anyway if I don't come off the waitlist. Personally, I've realy enjoyed the last 4 years in Gainesville and it would just be really hard to leave. At this point, I'm just not sure, but at the same time, it wont matter anyway if I don't come off the waitlist. With several months still to go, we'll see what happens. How bout you Gold, who's number one? Good luck to all.



About the UF vs. Miami thread, sorry if it came off that I or others were trying to take sides of Miami over UF. I guess a lot of people who would be able to support UF just don't post on SDN.

I've noticed off all the Fl. schools, UF med students are the ones I least hear from on here and Miami are the ones I hear the most from. There was a guy who grad. 2005 from UF med who used to post on here. He was real informative. Medgator something or another was his username.

That said, I agree both are awesome. The best thing I can say is take the following 3 or 4 factors:

1. Look at financial aid packets and/or scholarships. Is it equal cost or more at one place or another?
2. Location. Where could you see yourself spending 4 years in terms of big city or smaller location and also in terms of where you have the best support system.
3. Which curricula and teaching style do you prefer?

4. Most important of all: GO WITH YOUR GUT on where you feel the best place for you is.

For one of my 2 best friends that place was UF and I think she is one of the few people I would say to go somewhere else other then USF too because I know her personality from spending years around her and I knew she'd fit in there more. I know she felt that in her gut as well and has no regrets of leaving behind her 4+4 acceptance to USF through the Early Assurance Program to apply out.

Good luck with your decision if you end up getting off UF waitlist. The friend I just alluded to was waitlisted there as well.
 
Months after I applied to many schools, I finally got my first rejection: Feinberg School of Medicine. This is like a historical landmark for me. 😀
It was one of those schools I applied for fun to see if I could snatch an interview on a reach top 20 school.
 
Months after I applied to many schools, I finally got my first rejection: Feinberg School of Medicine. This is like a historical landmark for me. 😀
It was one of those schools I applied for fun to see if I could snatch an interview on a reach top 20 school.

:laugh: :laugh: but you still got in your top choice. That is what matters after all!!!!!

😀
 
Gujudoc, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you go to USF? Could you tell me anything about the 1-year masters program(s) they have? And a question to anyone...do you think a 1-year masters program is worth it if I have a 3.7 gpa? I hear that these programs are for "gpa enrichment". I may start applying for these things just in case I don't hear back from anyone. I suppose the other routes are just taking the year off working in a lab, volunteering, and retaking the MCAT. What do most people do in their year off?
 
Gujudoc, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you go to USF? Could you tell me anything about the 1-year masters program(s) they have? And a question to anyone...do you think a 1-year masters program is worth it if I have a 3.7 gpa? I hear that these programs are for "gpa enrichment". I may start applying for these things just in case I don't hear back from anyone. I suppose the other routes are just taking the year off working in a lab, volunteering, and retaking the MCAT. What do most people do in their year off?


So from the last portion of your post, are you indicating that it is your MCAT that is average and GPA that is good?

If that's the case I don't know if the masters program I'm doing is going to help you, but the IMS sometimes allows you to bypass having to take the MCAT again if it is 24 or above.

At RFU, their IMS kind of program called the Biomedical Science Masters (BMS) M.S. program allows you to get a guaranteed interview if you maintain a certain GPA in the program.

But the IMS is probably the way to go if you are going to do a masters or a program like that out of state that allows you to not have to retake the MCAT.

I'd not do my program though.

Are your extracurriculars and other such things good? Do you think that if you study and retake it that you'll have a good chance of retaking.
 
Gujudoc, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you go to USF? Could you tell me anything about the 1-year masters program(s) they have? And a question to anyone...do you think a 1-year masters program is worth it if I have a 3.7 gpa? I hear that these programs are for "gpa enrichment". I may start applying for these things just in case I don't hear back from anyone. I suppose the other routes are just taking the year off working in a lab, volunteering, and retaking the MCAT. What do most people do in their year off?


Hey I just realized you had posted a while back that you had a 29 to complement that 3.7. What are your ECs like? I don't think your numbers are bad for Fl. schools but even if you decide to retake the MCAT, my advice would be to do a true SMP or to do something like NIH postbac IRTA or get more clinical experience if you are weak in that.

Without your non numerical profile stats I can't gauge what would be the best idea.

I would advise for official advice PM REL with your stats and extracurriculars to ask what he'd suggest as the former USF admissions director and new UCF admissions director. I'd also set up an appt with any of the following: Dr. Stephen Specter ([email protected]), Suzanne Jackson or Seema Rampersad of the Office of Diversity initiatives (They run IMS; [email protected] or [email protected]). Other people are Dr. Ted Williams ([email protected] or [email protected]). There's also Dr. Koehler or Leila Amiri but don't know their emails. I know Dr. Koehler's number is (813)974-2229.

That's for USF people.

For Miami, I'd call their admissions office and ask to speak directly to Dr. Hinkley. that's what has been advised on here.


But if I were you and you wanted general advice, I'd start with REL since he posts on here as an advisor and has several years of experience. Then go onto the specific school directors of the respective schools.
 
gatorCHOMPions do you have one school that you are especially interested in? I don't know if you have tried this already, but why not write a letter of interest? Talk to the school about the reasons you like their program and maybe provide a brief update of activities you have done since applying. I know there are so many mixed opinions about letters of interest, but I have heard several success stories. At this point, I don't think it will hurt you. It can only help!
 
Thank you, gujudoc and jennifer, for your advice and the contact info. I wish I had discovered SDN before I started the application process...everyone is really insightful and helpful!
 
Bump.

Here's to a hopeful week of good news for us all.
 
Bump.

Here's to a hopeful week of good news for us all.

Amen to that. With it being the last week in Jan. I'm starting to sweat a little bit considering I haven't heard anything from USF or Miami. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe these schools invite approx. 3-4 weeks in advance, thus the hope of an interview before March is fading. I've still got my fingers crossed. Good luck to all the other FL applicants still playing the waiting game. Maybe this week will be the one! (sounds uncomfortably familiar)
 
Amen to that. With it being the last week in Jan. I'm starting to sweat a little bit considering I haven't heard anything from USF or Miami. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe these schools invite approx. 3-4 weeks in advance, thus the hope of an interview before March is fading. I've still got my fingers crossed. Good luck to all the other FL applicants still playing the waiting game. Maybe this week will be the one! (sounds uncomfortably familiar)


Actually now the interviewing process is starting to slow. So, when you do get an interview you will probably have a week or two turn around. I know in UF's case and Miami's I pretty much could have went the same week but due to finals I had to defer a little bit. In fact I had to defer the Boca interview for a whole month hence I am still waiting to hear back from them while have already heard back from Miami. Point is, don't worry about how late you get an interview, especially UF because, lol, unless you are soflaknight or from an IVY league school you're GONNA BE PUT ON HOLD :laugh: JK kinda (waits for the lashing.)

Keep hope you'll be fine.
 
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