GA school applicants

[PanicAttack]

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Sounds great, but I would leave out the lipstick kiss and perfume. Think long and hard about the glitter, too. You want to look professional.

Oooh....I wore body glitter AT the interview, so....I might have stood out?
I am a dude, after all.

 

[dd128]

Anyone know Ms. DeVaughn's email address? I'm trying to get in contact with her, but I don't think the address on the business cards they gave us any good? lol, this may be on purpose who knows.

 

[fahimaz7]

There's next meeting is going to be on the 20th. So best of luck!

That's for Mercer btw.

 

[MDpride]

Anyone know Ms. DeVaughn's email address? I'm trying to get in contact with her, but I don't think the address on the business cards they gave us any good? lol, this may be on purpose who knows.

Address on business card is good.
I used it and got response after exactly one week on sunday.
may be she checks her email only on sundays or reply only on sundays.
I got interview invite on sunday too from her.

 

[dd128]

Address on business card is good.
I used it and got response after exactly one week on sunday.
may be she checks her email only on sundays or reply only on sundays.
I got interview invite on sunday too from her.

What address do you have? I used the [email protected]. I got an instant reply that said no such address exists??

 

[MDpride]

What address do you have? I used the [email protected]. I got an instant reply that said no such address exists??

dd128 check PM

 

[bodonid]

Is everyone taking out loans, or is anyone thinking about/already received country doc or military scholarships?

I asked the same question awhile back but the Mercer student was the only one to respond, and he gave the typical "only do it if you're sure". So I thought I'd ask if anyone's going to do it. I know lots of Mercer students do it because Mercer is expensive and sort of geared toward primary care anyway.

Editedit

 

[MDpride]

Is everyone taking out loans, or is anyone thinking about/already received country doc or military scholarships?

I asked the same question awhile back but the Mercer student was the only one to respond, and he gave the typical "only do it if you're sure". So I thought I'd ask if anyone's going to do it. I know lots of Mercer students do it because Mercer is expensive and sort of geared toward primary care anyway.

Editedit

I'm not sure what field I will go, so why to commit beforehand. If I am right, you can do service thing after residency and they will help in loan repayment.
By not committing at this point, ball is in our court.

 

[sirdeadcat]

Has anyone received acceptance offers from MCG lately? I interviewed in early february, and I was wondering when I'll be hearing from them.

 

[Raystar]

I haven't received anything yet (Interview back in November). Last week they sent out letters of acceptance, and apparently rejection. My assumption is that they'll be having their next ADCOM meeting tomorrow and new letters will be sent out for next week. Good luck to everyone waiting though!

 

[dd128]

I haven't received anything yet (Interview back in November). Last week they sent out letters of acceptance, and apparently rejection. My assumption is that they'll be having their next ADCOM meeting tomorrow and new letters will be sent out for next week. Good luck to everyone waiting though!

Are there people who actually get rejected post interview? I thought they just waitlisted everyone?

 

[Raystar]

Someone earlier in the thread said they received a rejection letter in the mail, that's all I'm basing it on.

Edit: Whoops, I didn't read carefully enough. I'm not sure about post-interview rejections. But let's not think about those quite yet...

 

[beepbloop]

I received an acceptance yesterday dated February 11th. I interviewed on January 9th. Hope that helps.

 

[dd128]

I received an acceptance yesterday dated February 11th. I interviewed on January 9th. Hope that helps.

holy crap man you're stats are pretty impressive 👍 Do you know where you are planning on going?

 

[bodonid]

I received an acceptance yesterday dated February 11th. I interviewed on January 9th. Hope that helps.

Wow. I bet he gets tons of posts about how great his stats are. I bet Emory was one of his "safety schools".

 

[sirdeadcat]

I received an acceptance yesterday dated February 11th. I interviewed on January 9th. Hope that helps.

so I guess that means there's a 30 day turnaround time minimum. (i'm assuming that they autoaccept you as soon as you gets up for review.

 

[PSU04]

Is everyone taking out loans, or is anyone thinking about/already received country doc or military scholarships?

I asked the same question awhile back but the Mercer student was the only one to respond, and he gave the typical "only do it if you're sure". So I thought I'd ask if anyone's going to do it. I know lots of Mercer students do it because Mercer is expensive and sort of geared toward primary care anyway.

Editedit

I'm doing the Health Professions Scholarship Program with the Army. They also have a $20,000 sign on bonus for docs, which is nice.

 

[dd128]

I'm doing the Health Professions Scholarship Program with the Army. They also have a $20,000 sign on bonus for docs, which is nice.

Nothing wrong with serving the country 👍

I hear the army pays better, which is a plus I guess. So have you gone through everything and been sworn in yet?

I'd considered it for a while, but decided it just wasn't for me. Kind of the same reason I wouldn't do that rural scholarship thing, I honestly don't know what I'll end up wanting to do. I have an idea, but if I change my mind I don't want to be locked in somewhere.

 

[PSU04]

Nothing wrong with serving the country 👍

I hear the army pays better, which is a plus I guess. So have you gone through everything and been sworn in yet?

I'd considered it for a while, but decided it just wasn't for me. Kind of the same reason I wouldn't do that rural scholarship thing, I honestly don't know what I'll end up wanting to do. I have an idea, but if I change my mind I don't want to be locked in somewhere.

I haven't signed anything yet. I've wanted to do the military thing for a while now. Everyone I've talked to is divided about it, but I'm doing it. But it's better to just take out loans if you're not sure. Better safe than sorry.

 

[CmpE]

I received an acceptance yesterday dated February 11th. I interviewed on January 9th. Hope that helps.

Congrats man! Your stats are just amazing man. I find it funny though that UNC rejected you? Wow. Maybe they guessed that you wouldn't attend if you were accepted. 🙂

Know where you'll be headed?

 

[TenaciousOne]

I received an acceptance yesterday dated February 11th. I interviewed on January 9th. Hope that helps.

I'm also shocked you didn't hear from UNC. Even though I'm sure it's not top on your list, you should follow up. I'm OOS and they initially sent me a reject letter, only to later send me a secondary and invite me to interview. Apparently there was some glitch in the system. Odd...

 

[GAdoc]

Is everyone taking out loans, or is anyone thinking about/already received country doc or military scholarships?

I asked the same question awhile back but the Mercer student was the only one to respond, and he gave the typical "only do it if you're sure". So I thought I'd ask if anyone's going to do it. I know lots of Mercer students do it because Mercer is expensive and sort of geared toward primary care anyway.

Editedit

As a Mercer student here's my $0.02...."only do the country doc scholarship program if you're sure".

j/k.

I think you'd be surprised at how few people are doing the country doc scholarship at Mercer. I'm sure it changes from year to year, but I don't personally know of a single person in my class who has it. There are a couple HPSP recipients. It seems that people would generally rather take their chances with a guaranteed committment to the military in ANY specialty after graduation than to lock themselves into primary care for half the money. Remember, Country Doc and similar programs are only about $20,000 per year and at least one of the programs comes with a triple pay-back clause should you decide not to do primary care in a rural area.

Nobody would tell you not to do it...least of all me. I hate my loans. But, I work too hard in medical school to not at least have the option of doing what I want when I get out. Unless you have some huge trust fund, part of medical school is getting used to the idea that you will be majorly in debt to somebody. Maybe a bank, maybe the military, maybe a rural community. Pick your poison.

 

[bodonid]

As a Mercer student here's my $0.02...."only do the country doc scholarship program if you're sure".

j/k.

I think you'd be surprised at how few people are doing the country doc scholarship at Mercer. I'm sure it changes from year to year, but I don't personally know of a single person in my class who has it. There are a couple HPSP recipients. It seems that people would generally rather take their chances with a guaranteed committment to the military in ANY specialty after graduation than to lock themselves into primary care for half the money. Remember, Country Doc and similar programs are only about $20,000 per year and at least one of the programs comes with a triple pay-back clause should you decide not to do primary care in a rural area.

Nobody would tell you not to do it...least of all me. I hate my loans. But, I work too hard in medical school to not at least have the option of doing what I want when I get out. Unless you have some huge trust fund, part of medical school is getting used to the idea that you will be majorly in debt to somebody. Maybe a bank, maybe the military, maybe a rural community. Pick your poison.

actually, I have heard that country doc is a much better deal than HPSP. Aside from the fact that with the military you don't choose where you want to practice (that is pretty much a given, and many people would enjoy being in the service) the reality is that 1) you don't get paid during your residency 2) your residency adds on additional years of commitment. For example, with country doc you incur four years of debt in school which is paid back in your first four years of practice in an underserved area. During your residency you are kind-of in "limbo" I would guess. In contrast, for the military, you incur 4 years in school plus three or more years in residency. Is this right, or did I talk to the wrong people? It seems like this would quickly turn into a lifetime of commitment.

 

[Skymastre]

If you want to get locked into something, consider moving to Germany after your education. I know several people who have done this, and it is impossible for the gov't to track them down...Their loans have been sold off to deb collectors and they are paying less than 45 cents on the dollar. Besides, the Euro is on the rise!

Seriously, though, I'm carrying undergraduate and graduate degree debt. If I'm accepted to a private institute, I'll have over 220k of debt. From the docs I've spoken w/, it will take about 7-8 years post residency to pay it off. I'll also have 4 years of UG, 2 years of Grad, 4 years of Med, an 3-5 years of residency. Ain't no way in hell a bureaucratic somewhere is gonna tell me where I can and cannot go...

On the 20k, aren't a lot of these scholarships taxable income? Something else to consider...

 

[dd128]

actually, I have heard that country doc is a much better deal than HPSP. Aside from the fact that with the military you don't choose where you want to practice (that is pretty much a given, and many people would enjoy being in the service) the reality is that 1) you don't get paid during your residency 2) your residency adds on additional years of commitment. For example, with country doc you incur four years of debt in school which is paid back in your first four years of practice in an underserved area. During your residency you are kind-of in "limbo" I would guess. In contrast, for the military, you incur 4 years in school plus three or more years in residency. Is this right, or did I talk to the wrong people? It seems like this would quickly turn into a lifetime of commitment.

It's a tad ambiguous. If you speak with a recruiter you have a choice, though many of the practicing physicians in the service will tell you they didn't get to chose their residency. You do get paid in military service (actually a bit more than private sector), and there is no malpractice insurance either. These years in residency do not count towards your payback so you still have to stay in the four years after finishing residency. So if you went into a specialty that required 7 years of residency you would get paid for that, but you're still required to give back 4 years after that.

I do agree you'd be done much quicker in country doc program, though not compensated as much as the military gives. Tution, stipend, etc.

If you want to get locked into something, consider moving to Germany after your education. I know several people who have done this, and it is impossible for the gov't to track them down...Their loans have been sold off to deb collectors and they are paying less than 45 cents on the dollar. Besides, the Euro is on the rise!

Seriously, though, I'm carrying undergraduate and graduate degree debt. If I'm accepted to a private institute, I'll have over 220k of debt. From the docs I've spoken w/, it will take about 7-8 years post residency to pay it off. I'll also have 4 years of UG, 2 years of Grad, 4 years of Med, an 3-5 years of residency. Ain't no way in hell a bureaucratic somewhere is gonna tell me where I can and cannot go...

On the 20k, aren't a lot of these scholarships taxable income? Something else to consider...

😆That's so funny, though they can probably never come back to the u.s. can they?

I'm with you on the debt. I'd rather have a ton of it and be able to go where I want then worry about being locked into something I'd hate...

 

[Skymastre]

Ambiguity from the military? Who woulda thunk it?

 

[Skymastre]

😆That's so funny, though they can probably never come back to the u.s. can they?

The guy I know who did it and is a 'sorta' friend comes back all the time. He just have a credit score that is the equivalent of my Aunt...who has been through bankruptcy several times!

The trick is w/ the social security number. Since it is meaningless in other countries, it took a long time for the feds to track to even him down. Moreover, since he is a productive doc in Germany's society, the law enforcement isn't keen on 'removing' him. He married a nice German girl and had fat babies, and then negotiated his student loan bills with the creditor, and now makes a reasonable payment in foreign currency (valued to a weak USAD goes a long way!).

Anyway, I wouldn't recommend this route.

 

[bodonid]

if we plan to practice in Georgia, should we get residencies in Georgia? Does it matter? Can I go to Kalamazoo and then come back?

Do you think residency programs want people that will stay in the area, or do they care?

 

[DadofDr2B]

if we plan to practice in Georgia, should we get residencies in Georgia? Does it matter? Can I go to Kalamazoo and then come back?

Do you think residency programs want people that will stay in the area, or do they care?

You may not have a choice in residency. The process is pretty goofy. My daughter is graduating from MCG and in December she went on 10 interviews and she will rank those teaching hospitals (all over the country). The teaching hospitals invited her to the interviews. The hospitals will rank her. Both parties turn in their rankings and a computer matches you with the hospital you spend the next three years with.

During residency you are required to pass STEP lll (you will most likely have passed STEP l and ll) test that gives you the opportunity to get a license from the state you want to practice.

After the three years, if you elect to specialize, you have to get a fellowship from a teaching hospital ,an additional 2-7 years depending on the specialty.

See how easy it is. Anyone can be a doctor, you need only give up half your life with little to moderate pay and many long hours. Nothing to it.

 

[bodonid]

You may not have a choice in residency. The process is pretty goofy. My daughter is graduating from MCG and in December she went on 10 interviews and she will rank those teaching hospitals (all over the country). The teaching hospitals invited her to the interviews. The hospitals will rank her. Both parties turn in their rankings and a computer matches you with the hospital you spend the next three years with.

Yes, I understand the process, though not very well. By "choosing" residencies close to home, what I really mean is ranking them high in the match -> more attention from that hospital -> good chance of match.

Say we get pretty good grades and top 20% USMLEs. For example, we could get a sort-of elite residency in VA or MD, or one that is almost as good in GA or AL. Which should we rank higher and why, if we were equally impressed with the hospitals? If I wanted to go somewhere else for residency and come back to GA later, would I be sacrificing anything?

 

[dd128]

Yes, I understand the process, though not very well. By "choosing" residencies close to home, what I really mean is ranking them high in the match -> more attention from that hospital -> good chance of match.

Say we get pretty good grades and top 20% USMLEs. For example, we could get a sort-of elite residency in VA or MD, or one that is almost as good in GA or AL. Which should we rank higher and why, if we were equally impressed with the hospitals? If I wanted to go somewhere else for residency and come back to GA later, would I be sacrificing anything?

I don't think so. The goal of the GA schools, and most state schools, is to educate physicians that will ultimately practice in the state (Be it during or after residency). They receive state funding in the attempt at filling needed positions. There is nothing they can do to keep you from applying, and ultimately going, to whatever state you want. It's may be just sort of a moral obligation as we're pledging in interviews that we want to stay in the state. Honestly if you could get a better residency in another state, I don't see the problem in going there and ultimately brining your expertise back home once through.

 

[bodonid]

I don't think so. The goal of the GA schools, and most state schools, is to educate physicians that will ultimately practice in the state (Be it during or after residency). They receive state funding in the attempt at filling needed positions. There is nothing they can do to keep you from applying, and ultimately going, to whatever state you want. It's may be just sort of a moral obligation as we're pledging in interviews that we want to stay in the state. Honestly if you could get a better residency in another state, I don't see the problem in going there and ultimately brining your expertise back home once through.

So med schools don't want you to go oos for residency? I thought they only cared where you ultimately practice.

 

[MDpride]

I think what matters is where u practice and thats what school claims when they say how many of their graduates practice within their state.
Teaching hospital in another state many have good residency program for a particular field.
Well, we can go and learn and come back to serve our state with that expertise which may not be available at a residency program in our state.
Stopping us from going there will not be in our state's long term interest. Because state will then not have good quality physician.

 

[dd128]

So med schools don't want you to go oos for residency? I thought they only cared where you ultimately practice.

I'm sure they would prefer you to remain in GA for residency, but it probably wouldn't be that big a deal as long as you came back. I can't say for certain, but I would imagine people who leave for residency don't remain in the state as often as people who stay here for it. I may be wrong though.

 

[DadofDr2B]

I'm sure they would prefer you to remain in GA for residency, but it probably wouldn't be that big a deal as long as you came back. I can't say for certain, but I would imagine people who leave for residency don't remain in the state as often as people who stay here for it. I may be wrong though.

Some of the evaluation by the adcom may center around how attached you are to the State of Georgia. When my daughter was applying they wanted to know where her grandparents lived and for how long. This may have influence the committee to accept her. Her ties with Georgia were strong through her family. JMO>

 

[dd128]

Some of the evaluation by the adcom may center around how attached you are to the State of Georgia. When my daughter was applying they wanted to know where her grandparents lived and for how long. This may have influence the committee to accept her. Her ties with Georgia were strong through her family. JMO>

Yeah, I would definitely agree. At both my mcg and mercer interviews, where my family lived and my intentions as to where I wanted to practice were pretty significant parts of the interview.

 

[GAdoc]

actually, I have heard that country doc is a much better deal than HPSP. Aside from the fact that with the military you don't choose where you want to practice (that is pretty much a given, and many people would enjoy being in the service) the reality is that 1) you don't get paid during your residency 2) your residency adds on additional years of commitment. For example, with country doc you incur four years of debt in school which is paid back in your first four years of practice in an underserved area. During your residency you are kind-of in "limbo" I would guess. In contrast, for the military, you incur 4 years in school plus three or more years in residency. Is this right, or did I talk to the wrong people? It seems like this would quickly turn into a lifetime of commitment.

Before I address this, let me address the debate about what GA schools expect as far as residency and practice. I can only speak for Mercer, but since that seems to be the center of the controversy let me just say that they are extremely supportive of students going out of state to residency. I mean lets be honest...a good match list is good for business and in a sense that is what a medical school is. But aside from that it shows that they are doing something well. Mercer's goal has never been to keep all of its students in state for residency. They do, however, place a HUGE emphasis on their graduates RETURNING to GA to practice. If you dig around in some old posts from last year you can find last year's match list. I'd say its pretty darn impressive for any school, let alone a small, private school that pushes rural medicine.

Now to the scholarship thing. Again, this is very personal and I'm not going to tell anyone what I think they should and shouldn't do. If you are accepted to Mercer or any med school you will be required (by law if you plan to take out a dollar of government loans) to attend a summer financial aid seminar. At that time you will learn more than you ever wanted to know about all of the country doc programs as well as the HPSP. In fact you'll get to listed to three branches of military tell you pretty much the same thing.

I strongly considered the HPSP. The rules are pretty much the same for all branches but FOR THE ARMY I can tell you this:

1. Its year for year up to four years of med school, and you have the option of accepting the scholarship your second year of med school and paying back three years.

2. Residency is where it gets tricky. You are required to at least attempt to match a military residency first. If you are successful you must accept. The pros are you are paid by your rank and they GUARENTEE promotion to Captain upon graduation and promotion to Major before residency is over. That means while your fellow classmates are paying their $200,000 med school debt from their meager $40,000 a year residency salary, you are making about $80 or 90,000 based on your rank and you have NO debt. These years do not count towards pay back.

If you don't match your military residency you will have no trouble being deferred into the civilian residency you desire (provided you match into it). However, you will be paid normal residency pay, and the military will still be waiting on you when you finish. The upside is you get the residency you want and you still have no debt.

As far as years of EXTRA service. Any residency up to or including 4 years won't add additional time to your service payback (it may be 5 years, but I'm being conservative). For ortho or general surgery I think you're fine. Really, its only when you do neurosurgery or a fellowship that you rack up extra years of service.

Most people know the rest of the details such as what they pay for and the stipend you get. However, if you want that info, pm me.

 

[bodonid]

Before I address this,

wow, that was pretty helpful.

thanks

any news from the M's? even if not acceptance? Another Wednesday has passed and talk of acceptances has slowed, thought I would ask.

 

[dd128]

wow, that was pretty helpful.

thanks

any news from the M's? even if not acceptance? Another Wednesday has passed and talk of acceptances has slowed, thought I would ask.

Someone had mentioned the 20th earlier so that will be the next big "freak out day" 😛 I had emailed ms. putnam earlier in the week kind of poking around, and she just said to try and remain patient. She was nice about though 👍

 

[bodonid]

If you got WL at MCG, would that bother you? I talked to a girl last week who is currently a student at Mercer, she said she was accepted at Mercer and WL at MCG in early March, and she immediately withdrew from MCG without giving them a chance. She said she wanted to go to a school that wanted her. Isn't that crazy? (or is it?)

 

[bodonid]

I wish schools would tell us who took our withdrawn spot. I could use a servant for a day. (Massage, errands, nonspecific encouragement and praise, etc.)

 

[dd128]

If you got WL at MCG, would that bother you? I talked to a girl last week who is currently a student at Mercer, she said she was accepted at Mercer and WL at MCG in early March, and she immediately withdrew from MCG without giving them a chance. She said she wanted to go to a school that wanted her. Isn't that crazy? (or is it?)

Nah, I don't think so. I'd do the exact same thing. Rather than waiting anxiously all summer she can start getting set up in macon or savannah.

 

[MDpride]

Nah, I don't think so. I'd do the exact same thing. Rather than waiting anxiously all summer she can start getting set up in macon or savannah.

MCG cost lot less than Mercer.
Its worth waiting.
Those who waited will be more happier financially when they graduate.

 

[beepbloop]

Sorry for the turnaround time, I haven't been on here in a while. Thanks to everyone for all the compliments 🙂 No, Emory wasn't one of my "safety" schools. I live in Atlanta and have had a fair amount of contact with Emory through my research. In fact, I didn't really have any safety schools--I have a clear reason for every school I applied to (not reasons like, "Well, I knew I could get accepted here"). Even at the beginning of the season, I realized that this whole process could at times be pretty random, and stranger things have happened than someone with #s similar to mine being rejected/not interviewed at all/most of the schools they applied to. Overall, I've been very fortunate. On another note, I'm a bit puzzled by the UNC thing, too. I really loved that school. At this point, however, I'm a bit too lazy to follow up on the whole rejection thing. Again, I appreciate all the kind words and I hope you all get into your top-choice schools.

 

[CmpE]

anyone else interview at morehouse today?

 

[Skymastre]

MCG cost lot less than Mercer.
Its worth waiting.
Those who waited will be more happier financially when they graduate.

Financially I agree. Tough to argue the difference between 70k of debt and 140k (or whatever the difference comes out for MCG and Mercer).

But I do stand by the thread that talked about going wherever you want, despite debt. I don't know a single doctor who wasn't able to pay off the loans. If you like MCG's style better than Mercer/Emory/wherever, then that would be the place to go. Personally, I like the small school feel...

One thing that is unfortunate about Mercer, in terms of its admissions process; it is basically a state school that charges a private schools tuition! What's the deal with that?

 

[dd128]

One thing that is unfortunate about Mercer, in terms of its admissions process; it is basically a state school that charges a private schools tuition! What's the deal with that?

Yeah that is weird, I guess they get some state funding, guess just not as much as mcg.

I love the small school feel at mercer too. At this point I don't really care who takes me, just as long as I get in either school. 😛

 

[bodonid]

MCG cost lot less than Mercer.
Its worth waiting.
Those who waited will be more happier financially when they graduate.

happier financially!!!!?!!!!! lol, Thank you for saying that, you have made my day!!!

 

[GAdoc]

Financially I agree. Tough to argue the difference between 70k of debt and 140k (or whatever the difference comes out for MCG and Mercer).

But I do stand by the thread that talked about going wherever you want, despite debt. I don't know a single doctor who wasn't able to pay off the loans. If you like MCG's style better than Mercer/Emory/wherever, then that would be the place to go. Personally, I like the small school feel...

One thing that is unfortunate about Mercer, in terms of its admissions process; it is basically a state school that charges a private schools tuition! What's the deal with that?

That's a really good way of putting it and I think all of us have wondered why they (Mercer) are so eager to recruit "mission compliant" students due to "state funding" and then charge outrageous tuition fees. All I can figure is that Mercer is not subsidized as much as MCG. Still, MCG doesn't seem to care at all where you go after residency. So, that is a question that still baffles a lot of us.

I will say that it amazes me how many of my classmates got into MCG and actually chose Mercer. I'm not just talking about one or two examples either. I can't say I had that luxury. My choices were between St. Georgia, Ross, GA-PCOM, and Mercer. However, having gone to Mercer undergrad I really liked Mercer's program and would like to think I would've choosen to attend even if I had been accepted to cheaper schools.

Is it worth the extra debt to have a really excellent med school experience? Like so many opinions on this site, that is a personal choice. For me I'd say yes. No school can make medical education "easy". Regardless of where you attend, we all know that the LCME requires certain standards that all schools must meet. What varies are things like:

1. Cohesiveness of the class (do they support each other or do you have to "Watch your back" your entire four years?)

2. Support from the faculty

3. Since 3rd and 4th year are pretty much invariable at all schools, how are the basic science years presented in the curriculum (i.e. PBL, lecture, systems-based, etc).

4. Research opportunities

5. Match data/residency placement

All these are the things that separate schools. As far as Mercer goes, you'd be hard pressed to find any school anywhere that had better cohesiveness of the class or support from the faculty. I mean, the faculty invite us to their houses, lead extracurricular groups such as the cycling, swim, and book club, and of course have open door policies. They will even give small group "resources" when requested.

As far as PBL...nobody coming from undergrad really knows whether they'll like it or not, because nobody has really experienced it. I think it is a little extra work, because other than 9 hours per week of formal classroom instruction, you learn everything by yourself. Your only guidance are the "issues" set in group, and the study guide which generally tells you the topics to be covered and books where they can be found. Still, it is a great way to learn because it forces you to be an active learner instead of a passive learner.

Finally, there are few research opportunities at Mercer during the year. However, if you want to research you will not have trouble finding supportive profs, especially during the summer.

 

[dd128]

Man I couldn't even find the GA thread 😛

So are very many people waiting on the mercer adcom meeting this week???