Florida schools - interviews?

[McMD]

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You gotta Love Yrodi's interview posts...I live each day waiting for another one of his *creative* posts. But tell me Yrodi, did you break out the gyrations in your interview with the hot blonde girl, or did you get nervous with such a beauty in sight?

Good Luck tomorrow Runner!

 

[McMD]

Odd question....but does anyone know of things to do in Reno besides gamble?

 

[REL]

Did some one mention USF interview?


Haha oh yea, I remember my experience... I was but 21 years of age.. a young buck just trying to find his path through life.... I arrived to Tam-pah the night before, and stayed in the wonderful Windgate; they tempted me with the lure of a free breakfast and free internet access, along with a complimentary belly dancing show that could rival those found in Las Vegas.

In any case, the interview started really early... I was dropped off, amphibiously, around the medical center - which was tucked away deep into the campus, hidden from sight (perhaps that allows them to test you... if you manage to find the office, you can't be that stupid, right? Yet another variable to consider along with MCAT and GPA). Once there, the head druid Larkin instructed me to feed. He explained a system where you would attain "points" depending on the net mass (measured in grams) of food you consumed throughout the day... He advised that the leaf-eaters should consume the greens... the carnivores the meat.. and the pansies the pastries. I had the pastry. Guava. Delicious.

After breakfast, they showed us around the school, and explained some of the history. It turns out, USF med was created by the Seminoles in 1867 in an attempt to find a cure for yellow fever. During WWII, it was used as a make-shift internment camp for Asian Americans. Every year, hundreds of elderly gather in Tam-pah to watch the annual citrus ritual - several hundred pounds of citrus are loaded onto wooden barges, and hauled by manitees up and down the West Coast. A rich, rich history indeed.

THe interviews were rather interesting in themselves. For starters, its closed file. THere are two interviewers, a faculty member and a student (normally a fourth year). The faculty member was a nice guy. After our handshake, he told me in fluent Spanish, "bebe del pezon de la sabiduria." Haha, what an odd fellow. The student interviewer was this incredibly hot blonde girl.

All in all, you should park in the lot that they instruct you Runner MD, that was the purpose of this post.



"-Amn gurl, you so pro-fine!"

Ok, Yrodi, you have been warned and you signed the agreement that you would never divulge the content of interview day. You know that I will be forced to send my special ops troops for a counseling session --- you cannot hide......we have special agents all over....disguised in many ways. We had great fear that you could be broken down by the enchantment of the young ladies......woe is you...they are coming

 

[foodlover]

Odd question....but does anyone know of things to do in Reno besides gamble?

Well, you could head over to Tahoe and get some skiing in - unless all the snow is melted by now! But in any case Tahoe is beautiful.

 

[REL]

I'll start with what I know about the prematriculation program and have REL come and add a response to the other questions, because I'm not too sure on the other stuff.

REL if you see this please come out and respond to Runner's questions since you probably know the most about this. Thanks in advance. 😀

Ok, with that said.......

Prematriculation is not required at all, unless you are doing the new Special Masters Program that they have developed. The purpose of prematriculation programs, as with other schools with similar programs, are to create a way to help students who want to get a heads up on the kinds of things to expect in med school. At least, the old program was that way. Priorly, the program had given you the opportunity to do some biochem, gross anatomy, and other courses. I remember my former MCAT instructor telling us how they got to start working on cadavers during the summer itself. You took tests but the grades didn't count against you, back during the summer of 04 when he did it. Last year, they revamped the prematric program to accomodate the new SMP program.

In this program, prematric consists of 2 components. Both components are sort of a cased based learning program and skills assessment portion. The case based learning part of the program is like PBL sort of. The other part is to help you develop better study skills and assess your study skills and test taking skills.


I think you are right about physical diagnosis. One of the MSII's that I spoke with a few months ago told me that the second year is basically the more clinically relevant portion of the basic sciences.

I think (but don't quote me on this) that the Colloquium might be some sort of seminar class where they discuss cases. But REL would have to come here and give more about that because I really don't know much about what it is.

Oh and one more request for REL,

Can you tell me more about the kind of international opportunities USF has at their medical school?? Are there any international medical trip electives at USF COM?? Thanks.

Runner: Go to the main entrance to USF to pick up your parking pass and ask them to direct you to Lot 19. Once parked, follow the small access road (Med center Dr) until it ends and the walk toward the covered walkway ahead of you. The walkway will place you in a courtyard near the med school bookstore. We will be in MDC-1004 which has an entrance off the north side of that courtyard.
As for prematric - that is not required and will be explained in the afternoon
As for curriculum - that will be overviewed during the first hour while you are consuming Panera pastries and racking up the grams (points). Look at www.hsc.usf.edu/medicine and select USF Health at the top. Review the recent article regarding our selection by the Carnegie Foundation as a participation in the update of the Flexner Study of 1910 --- that study created the foundation for the way med school curriculum had been structured since. This new study is looking at programs who are out ahead of the pack doing things a new way. It's dynamic and makes it seem like USF will become a model for the future curriculum in medicine in many ways.
Sleep well and come hungry -- this interview day will be easy, nothing to be concerned about. Be yourself.

 

[RunnerMD]

Thanks to REL and everyone else for all their answers. You guys are always so helpful! 🙂

PS - The funniest thing happened to me tonight! I was hanging out with some friends and someone jokingly said, "Hey we should start a band!" And so people start saying, "Oh I'll play the guitar!" "I'll play the drums!" and so on. Then my friend turns to me and says, "Hey Runner! Do you want to play the triangle?" I guess I am destined to become a triangle player.

 

[McMD]

Thanks to REL and everyone else for all their answers. You guys are always so helpful! 🙂

PS - The funniest thing happened to me tonight! I was hanging out with some friends and someone jokingly said, "Hey we should start a band!" And so people start saying, "Oh I'll play the guitar!" "I'll play the drums!" and so on. Then my friend turns to me and says, "Hey Runner! Do you want to play the triangle?" I guess I am destined to become a triangle player.

Oh no Burnsie...Runner's quitting the band. We need to give her an incentive to stay!!

 

[MrBurns10]

Thanks to REL and everyone else for all their answers. You guys are always so helpful! 🙂

PS - The funniest thing happened to me tonight! I was hanging out with some friends and someone jokingly said, "Hey we should start a band!" And so people start saying, "Oh I'll play the guitar!" "I'll play the drums!" and so on. Then my friend turns to me and says, "Hey Runner! Do you want to play the triangle?" I guess I am destined to become a triangle player.

But the important question is...does your friends' band include interpretive dance?

 

[MrBurns10]

So, I was wondering if I could get some feedback from you guys. I think I have this med school thing narrowed down to two schools: UM and Case Western. I just went to Case's second look weekend and loved it...I loved the prospective students (it's amazing how you can form a solid clique in less than an hour, although admittedly it's no Red Tide), the faculty and their ability party and drink beer with students, and everything about the school itself. The problem is a) the location sucks for my equatorial genes, and b) I loved UM when I visited, too, but that was way back in September and there hasn't been a revisit weekend or anything (speaking of which, is the one this Saturday mainly for FAU-campus students?). I guess I was wondering if any of you who might have some insight on things like faculty-student interaction at UM, student-student interaction, student happiness, things like that. Arsenic and deuist are probably the best to ask about this, but I thought I'd throw it out to any of you in case you have friends who are current med students there. And one more question...how important is weather to you when you're deciding on a med school? Thanks, guys. Oh, and thanks deuist for answering my step 1 study time question.

Go George Mason!

 

[gujuDoc]

But the important question is...does your friends' band include interpretive dance?

And might I ask how we define intepretive dance??? Runner, you'll have to see if they meet the same deals that your contract with Red Tide offers you. We'll up your deal to stay. 😀

 

[unfrozencaveman]

You can't define interpretive dance, woman. Stop stifling my creative expression.

 

[McMD]

So, I was wondering if I could get some feedback from you guys. I think I have this med school thing narrowed down to two schools: UM and Case Western. I just went to Case's second look weekend and loved it...I loved the prospective students (it's amazing how you can form a solid clique in less than an hour, although admittedly it's no Red Tide), the faculty and their ability party and drink beer with students, and everything about the school itself. The problem is a) the location sucks for my equatorial genes, and b) I loved UM when I visited, too, but that was way back in September and there hasn't been a revisit weekend or anything (speaking of which, is the one this Saturday mainly for FAU-campus students?). I guess I was wondering if any of you who might have some insight on things like faculty-student interaction at UM, student-student interaction, student happiness, things like that. Arsenic and deuist are probably the best to ask about this, but I thought I'd throw it out to any of you in case you have friends who are current med students there. And one more question...how important is weather to you when you're deciding on a med school? Thanks, guys. Oh, and thanks deuist for answering my step 1 study time question.

Go George Mason!

To try to answer your question, though current students would be much better at this...What I heard a year or two ago from some UM students is that the students will actually arrange happy hour at bars after exams (I think a student may have mentioned this during the interview day as well)

Also, weather/location did factor into my decision for med school....I've never lived in the snow and although I do want to...I'm almost afraid to.....So MIAMI HERE I COME!!

 

[unfrozencaveman]

I would actually like to echo Burns' questions about UM-- how many of you guys there have some sort of faculty mentor type relationship?

 

[gujuDoc]

You can't define interpretive dance, woman. Stop stifling my creative expression.

 

[MediCane2006]

I've found faculty to be extremely receptive to mentoring students at UM. The school provides contact information to physicians in various specialties, and I for one have forged some very valuable relationships in my four years there.

The student body has great rapport with one another, and Miami being Miami, each class has a social chair that is responsible for setting up parties at bars/clubs for post-exam, post-match, welcome-back, etc. If you're the kind of person who can (cringing at the cliche) work hard and play hard, I think you'll thrive in this environment.

 

[McMD]

Thanks for the info Medicane! 🙂

 

[MrBurns10]

I've found faculty to be extremely receptive to mentoring students at UM. The school provides contact information to physicians in various specialties, and I for one have forged some very valuable relationships in my four years there.

The student body has great rapport with one another, and Miami being Miami, each class has a social chair that is responsible for setting up parties at bars/clubs for post-exam, post-match, welcome-back, etc. If you're the kind of person who can (cringing at the cliche) work hard and play hard, I think you'll thrive in this environment.

Thanks a lot for the info, that helps a lot. Any more thoughts on the subject are much appreciated. And thanks to all those who've PMed me with suggestions and advice, you guys rule.

Caveman, if only you had a 2-BR apt you were willing to share...then I could wear your clothes whenever I wanted!

Oh, and I just noticed there's a building on campus called Papanicolaou, which is spanish for "pap smear." Yet another reason to go to UM.

 

[McMD]

Oh, and I just noticed there's a building on campus called Papanicolaou, which is spanish for "pap smear." Yet another reason to go to UM.[/QUOTE]

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Thanks a lot for the info, that helps a lot. Any more thoughts on the subject are much appreciated. And thanks to all those who've PMed me with suggestions and advice, you guys rule.

Caveman, if only you had a 2-BR apt you were willing to share...then I could wear your clothes whenever I wanted!

Oh, and I just noticed there's a building on campus called Papanicolaou, which is spanish for "pap smear." Yet another reason to go to UM.

We could probably convert the walk-in spandex closet into a second bedroom. Give in to stretchy temptation...

 

[MrBurns10]

We could probably convert the walk-in spandex closet into a second bedroom. Give in to stretchy temptation...

But then what would become of the spandex?

 

[McMD]

God I'm hungry....I do wish I were consuming Panera pastries at the USF interview right now! 🙂

 

[deuist]

(speaking of which, is the one this Saturday mainly for FAU-campus students?).

Anyone who has been accepted or waitlisted can attend the open house, regardless of which campus you've been assigned to. I remember meeting several people from the Miami campus when I visited Boca last year. You should check out the program this weekend to get to know some of your future classmates. Also, you never know---you might become envious of the nerdery and want to transfer.

 

[McMD]

Anyone who has been accepted or waitlisted can attend the open house, regardless of which campus you've been assigned to. I remember meeting several people from the Miami campus when I visited Boca last year. You should check out the program this weekend to get to know some of your future classmates. Also, you never know---you might become envious of the nerdery and want to transfer.

That's what I'm afraid of!! I've been accepted to the Boca Campus but if I go there, my husband will have to move to Miami w/o me (in the Navy and transferring to recruiting duty in Miami)!!

For anyone on the waitlist at FSU...I'm withdrawing my acceptance today....should be at FSU in a few days!! Good Luck!

 

[unfrozencaveman]

From UF's second look:

5:30-6:30: Second look reception, Health Professions Building
Food and Beverage Provided
Musical accompaniment by medical students

 

[QofQuimica]

From UF's second look:

5:30-6:30: Second look reception, Health Professions Building
Food and Beverage Provided
Musical accompaniment by medical students

UF is too far inland to have a Red Tide. 😱

 

[unfrozencaveman]

UF is too far inland to know what constitutes a good time, so it seems.

 

[QofQuimica]

UF is too far inland to know what constitutes a good time, so it seems.

lmao. Ouch, caveman, that was harsh.

 

[MrBurns10]

UF is too far inland to know what constitutes a good time, so it seems.

Whoa, they have a piano that students can play on? Anytime they want? Did they mention this on interview day??

 

[yrodri15]

Case Western? I hear that school promotes infanticide as an acceptable form of population control.



As far as UM goes, I know a lot of 3rd and 4th years, and their rapport with one another is amazing. They seem to have a lot of fun there.... hope that helps lol.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Whoa, they have a piano that students can play on? Anytime they want? Did they mention this on interview day??

Does anyone know how many pianos we would have access to at UM? And conversely, how many underground fight club roid gyms we have access to at UF? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[RunnerMD]

For all of you guys with acceptances to FSU, did you get an e-mail today from Financial Aid? I just received one saying I was awarded a 1000/yr grant from FSU. I don't think I applied for anything there---just wondering if this was a standard award they give to everyone. (Too bad I couldn't add another 0 to that grant )

 

[MrBurns10]

And conversely, how many underground fight club roid gyms we have access to at UF?

I know of at least one, but you have to dress up as a children's character to fight. Last week, Bert kicked the living crap out of Little Bo Peep. She should have known Bert should never be messed with.

 

[Miss Doctor]

Runner, did you interview at USF today??
if so, how did it go?

 

[RunnerMD]

Runner, did you interview at USF today??
if so, how did it go?

Yes, I did. And thanks so much for asking! 😉

It went well (I think!). Its always tough for me to judge interviews, and these were a little more challenging for me b/c they were closed file. I don't feel comfortable talking about my accomplishments and don't want to come across as cocky, ya know? I'd have been more comfortable discussing healthcare policy stuff.

But overall, I loved USF! (Actually, I kinda didn't want to like it, that way it would be easy for me to start making plans for moving to Miami, but USF was just awesome). Everyone was so warm and supportive--and I really like the new 3rd year curriculum!! Oh, and there is a chance...small chance...but a chance, they might have a md/jd program 😀 😀 😀

So anyway, yes I loved USF, but I'm trying not to get too excited in case things don't work out.

 

[QofQuimica]

Yes, I did. And thanks so much for asking! 😉

It went well (I think!). Its always tough for me to judge interviews, and these were a little more challenging for me b/c they were closed file. I don't feel comfortable talking about my accomplishments and don't want to come across as cocky, ya know? I'd have been more comfortable discussing healthcare policy stuff.

But overall, I loved USF! (Actually, I kinda didn't want to like it, that way it would be easy for me to start making plans for moving to Miami, but USF was just awesome). Everyone was so warm and supportive--and I really like the new 3rd year curriculum!! Oh, and there is a chance...small chance...but a chance, they might have a md/jd program 😀 😀 😀

So anyway, yes I loved USF, but I'm trying not to get too excited in case things don't work out.

I thought USF was awesome too. 👍 Good luck, Runner. When did REL say you'd hear?

 

[RunnerMD]

I thought USF was awesome too. 👍 Good luck, Runner. When did REL say you'd hear?

April 12 (the suspense is killing me already!)

 

[Miss Doctor]

But overall, I loved USF! (Actually, I kinda didn't want to like it, that way it would be easy for me to start making plans for moving to Miami, but USF was just awesome). Everyone was so warm and supportive--and I really like the new 3rd year curriculum!! Oh, and there is a chance...small chance...but a chance, they might have a md/jd program 😀 😀 😀

So anyway, yes I loved USF, but I'm trying not to get too excited in case things don't work out.

That was my reaction too- I just loved it! I got on the waitlist though but I wish you the best of luck

 

[RunnerMD]

That was my reaction too- I just loved it! I got on the waitlist though but I wish you the best of luck

Aww thanks! Hey, the waitlist isn't bad! Lots of people get in off of the WL! Maybe we will be classmates next year?

 

[Miss Doctor]

Aww thanks! Hey, the waitlist isn't bad! Lots of people get in off of the WL! Maybe we will be classmates next year?

Oh man I hope so!!! REL says I might not hear good news until June and that gives me reason to hope. I have a friend who was told he is near the bottom of the waitlist, but even then, I wouldn't give up. I wonder if there is anything I can do to improve my chances... like announcing a publication and spring grades? But I would think not since the waitlist is already ranked. Does anyone have an answer to that?

 

[dancer4]

quick question- if you're going to miami, how are you figuring out where to live next year? i've heard they post a list of students looking for roomies but does anyone know how it officially works and when this list will be ready?

 

[RunnerMD]

quick question- if you're going to miami, how are you figuring out where to live next year? i've heard they post a list of students looking for roomies but does anyone know how it officially works and when this list will be ready?

Check the U Miami thread in the allopathic forum. There is a link to a yahoo groups forum where people can post for roomies. Personally, I'm just checking out stuff online for a place to live.

 

[Turquoisey]

Hey guys. So I just got an envelope for an interview for Rosalind Franklin in Chicago. Should I entertain this? The earliest interview day available is May 2. I bet they are only interviewing for alternates. I really cant see myself leaving Florida.

 

[MrBurns10]

Hey guys. So I just got an envelope for an interview for Rosalind Franklin in Chicago. Should I entertain this? The earliest interview day available is May 2. I bet they are only interviewing for alternates. I really cant see myself leaving Florida.

Only go if you are really interested in the school. I've declined a couple interviews, including one that was in my initial top choices when this whole process began...it can be kind of scary to do so because you always wonder "what if I'm missing out on a school I'd really like", but if you're already accepted to someplace you like and don't think it's worth the trip then just decline. Besides, Chicago is COLD.

 

[QofQuimica]

Hey guys. So I just got an envelope for an interview for Rosalind Franklin in Chicago. Should I entertain this? The earliest interview day available is May 2. I bet they are only interviewing for alternates. I really cant see myself leaving Florida.

Yeah, I would say that if you already have an acceptance that you like better than RFU, it's fine to decline. But if you don't have an acceptance in your hot little hands yet, definitely go.

 

[medgator]

Whoa, they have a piano that students can play on? Anytime they want? Did they mention this on interview day??

Hey now, the Maren room is actually really nice (especially in between classes). The nice cozy couches, the artwork, tons of magazines.... it's not unusual for med students to catch naps in there from time to time. Plus it's exclusively ours. 😀

 

[QofQuimica]

Hey now, the Maren room is actually really nice (especially in between classes). The nice cozy couches, the artwork, tons of magazines.... it's not unusual for med students to catch naps in there from time to time. Plus it's exclusively ours. 😀

It *is* really nice. Although I thought that the no-studying rule was a bit rigid and unfriendly. What if I want to relax by reading through a textbook or something? It's never happened once in my 30 years on this planet, but you never know; med school does funny things to people. 😛

 

[MrBurns10]

Hey now, the Maren room is actually really nice (especially in between classes). The nice cozy couches, the artwork, tons of magazines.... it's not unusual for med students to catch naps in there from time to time. Plus it's exclusively ours. 😀

haha, I have no doubt. Caveman and I had just joked after our interviews about the emphasis they put on the reading room and the presence of a piano. I guess those couches really are comfy, considering one of the other interviewees fell asleep while the head of the reading room gave her spiel.

 

[QofQuimica]

haha, I have no doubt. Caveman and I had just joked after our interviews about the emphasis they put on the reading room and the presence of a piano. I guess those couches really are comfy, considering one of the other interviewees fell asleep while the head of the reading room gave her spiel.

That's what they get for starting the interview day so early.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Hey now, the Maren room is actually really nice (especially in between classes). The nice cozy couches, the artwork, tons of magazines.... it's not unusual for med students to catch naps in there from time to time. Plus it's exclusively ours. 😀

How are you supposed to nap with your whole class gathered round the piano singing show tunes?

 

[inflamesdjk02]

Question for Miami people...

Is it possible to find out one's position (or relative position) on the waitlist?