Keck-USC Class of 2008!!!

[emily69]

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on another note, what are you guys doing about roommates? are most people going to live with another student, with a nonstudent, by themselves, at home, or what? just wanted to gauge what people are doing ...

I'm hoping to rent out the other room to the house to another student but if not, I'll have to look for someone else... 🙁

I got my financial aid award letter in the mail today and I also bought my parking permit. Which all makes me feel like this is totally gonna happen! It feels more *REAL*!!! 😀

 

[patzan]

Well, I was 99% sure I was going to USC, but that 1% chance came up and I won't be joining you all. It was a tough decision, but I think it was the right one for me. Good luck to you all.
-patzan

 

[snowbear]

Well, I was 99% sure I was going to USC, but that 1% chance came up and I won't be joining you all. It was a tough decision, but I think it was the right one for me. Good luck to you all.
-patzan

Congrats Patzan on Vandy! It was nice meeting you at the reception and I'm sad that you won't be in our class, but I wish you the best of luck at Vandy. Take care.

snowbear

 

[patzan]

Congrats Patzan on Vandy! It was nice meeting you at the reception and I'm sad that you won't be in our class, but I wish you the best of luck at Vandy. Take care.

snowbear

Thanks! It was nice meeting you all, too.

 

[BoomerDoctor]

congrats patzan! I'm sure you'll love vandy!

 

[jay16942]

Well everyone, I've finally made my decision (only because both schools were going to drop my acceptance for holding 2 spots after the 15th!). It was really difficult, and I decided that I'm going to Wash U. I loved USC, and I'm sure you are all going to have a great time and become great docs. I really hope I'm making the right decision for me- God knows I've questioned it enough. At any rate, if I hate it there, I'll see you all when I transfer to USC after 2nd year. 😀 Best of luck all!

 

[SoCalOrBust]

I just called the fiancial aid office. They are picking up their phones today because they are done with the first batch of financial aid letters. The lady said these letters (which were sent sometime yesterday) will only reflect federal loans but not all types of aid (university loans, grants, private loans). Other types of aid notification will be sent out "some time later" according to her. Anyway, gsx, it's worth a call. Their number is (323)442-1016.

I can't believe this thread has been so quiet! Anyways, I finally got my Fin aid letter and it only shows stafford loans. My stuff went out a bit late but I still think there should be some other stuff on there. I guess this is what you were talking about, emily, I still have like a $20k chunk of money to cover, and there aren't any other sources of money listed.

 

[emily69]

I can't believe this thread has been so quiet! Anyways, I finally got my Fin aid letter and it only shows stafford loans. My stuff went out a bit late but I still think there should be some other stuff on there. I guess this is what you were talking about, emily, I still have like a $20k chunk of money to cover, and there aren't any other sources of money listed.

Yeah, we have been super quiet these days. Where is everyone??? I guess there aren't any pending issues since we got our financial aid letters, parking permits, and it's a bit early to decide on housing.

SoCal - as for your remaining $20K chunk - they'll fill that with "other types of financial aid" in the upcoming month. I have a similar problem and the financial aid lady told me that other loans aren't processed yet, so you will be receiving another, more complete financial aid package later in the summer. Thank goodness. I thought I had to sell myself to make that much money in two months! jk. 😀

I know I have asked this question like a gadzillion times but when is the first day of school - AND - when is the white coat ceremony?

 

[jeremyh42]

This thread HAS grown quiet as of late...
I was wondering if anybody else is getting a new computer for med school. I've maxed out my old undergrad Mac G3, and it's time to get a notebook. Jalby, are there any deals we can get through Keck on new computers, or are we on our own on this one? I'm looking forward to getting the big envelope full of info for our class.
I have 12 more days of work!

 

[BoomerDoctor]

This thread HAS grown quiet as of late...
I was wondering if anybody else is getting a new computer for med school. I've maxed out my old undergrad Mac G3, and it's time to get a notebook. Jalby, are there any deals we can get through Keck on new computers, or are we on our own on this one? I'm looking forward to getting the big envelope full of info for our class.
I have 12 more days of work!

Hey this is a good point...I was wondering about this myself because a lot of schools require that you buy a certain kind of computer...does Keck have any requirements?

 

[dara678]

Yeah, we have been super quiet these days. Where is everyone??? I guess there aren't any pending issues since we got our financial aid letters, parking permits, and it's a bit early to decide on housing.

SoCal - as for your remaining $20K chunk - they'll fill that with "other types of financial aid" in the upcoming month. I have a similar problem and the financial aid lady told me that other loans aren't processed yet, so you will be receiving another, more complete financial aid package later in the summer. Thank goodness. I thought I had to sell myself to make that much money in two months! jk. 😀

I know I have asked this question like a gadzillion times but when is the first day of school - AND - when is the white coat ceremony?

Hey Emily,

School starts on August 9th. The admissions lady told me that orientation and classes are all rolled up into one. 🙂 I'm *assuming* (but don't quote me on this) that the white coat ceremony will be on that Friday?

Can you guys believe school is only two months away? I haven't even graduated yet, so it's going to be a short summer for me ... *excited*

 

[dara678]

Hey this is a good point...I was wondering about this myself because a lot of schools require that you buy a certain kind of computer...does Keck have any requirements?

I read in the financial aid handbook that we can request a budget increase for computers but only if we buy them after July 1st ... anyone know how much we are allowed to buy?

I want to get a powerbook ... what's everyone else thinking of?

 

[Jalby]

Most computers on campus are PC's, and I think Mac's are scum personally, so I would recommend getting a PC. As for the white coat ceremony, it has normally been about the third week of school or so.

 

[BoomerDoctor]

I read in the financial aid handbook that we can request a budget increase for computers but only if we buy them after July 1st ... anyone know how much we are allowed to buy?

I want to get a powerbook ... what's everyone else thinking of?

Really??? I haven't gotten my financial aid info yet because I changed addresses and everything is delayed...but do you know if the budget increase takes money and gives us more loan?

 

[dara678]

Really??? I haven't gotten my financial aid info yet because I changed addresses and everything is delayed...but do you know if the budget increase takes money and gives us more loan?

Yeah, I think it gives us more loan money ... at least, that's what happens at other schools. Here's what it says: "If you purchase or plan to purchase a computer, you may request a budget increase to be funded with private financing. The purchase must occur after July 1, 2004, to be considered for the 2004-2005 academic year. You need to submit an itemized statement indicating what you plan to purchase, including the cost or receipts of what you have already purchased."

 

[snowbear]

Hey Emily,

School starts on August 9th. The admissions lady told me that orientation and classes are all rolled up into one. 🙂 I'm *assuming* (but don't quote me on this) that the white coat ceremony will be on that Friday?

Can you guys believe school is only two months away? I haven't even graduated yet, so it's going to be a short summer for me ... *excited*

For some reason I was under the impression that orientation was a week before classes and began on August 2nd 😕 So, we don't need to be there until the 9th, which btw is my birthday 😀

Yeah, it's weird how fast all of this is approaching. I feel like I have been preparing for this for so long and it's kinda surreal that it's all starting. When do you graduate dara?

 

[emily69]

Yeah, it's weird how fast all of this is approaching. I feel like I have been preparing for this for so long and it's kinda surreal that it's all starting.

Yeah, it's trippy. So much thinking and preparing...I feel like I should be sitting in lecture or facing an opened chest cavity of a cadaver by now!

Any suggestions on a "good" computer to buy? I was thinking of getting a Dell...I haven't decided on which one yet.

For those of you moving to SoCal from afar, when are you thinking of moving into your new apartments?

 

[dara678]

When do you graduate dara?

I'm graduating on June 19th! Yup so going through finals right now ... boo ...

Hey everyone, for your preferred lenders for the Stafford loan, who are you putting down? I called financial aid and they said we were supposed to put down someone on our first statement ...

 

[Dr-To-Be]

Hel-looooooooo USC Class of 2008!

I will be joining ya'll this fall!!! yay!!!

So, I will be spending my summer preparing for the "big move". I'm from Ohio...so this is going to be something of an undertaking. I am planning on flying out to L.A. in mid to late June to find an apartment and roommate. I'm probably going to live in S. Pasadena, Pasadena, or Monterey Hills. And, I know I HAVE to live with someone because I am too social to live by myself; plus, all of my family is in the eastern time zone, so it would be nice to have someone notice if I disappear or something. Heh heh, I won't mention this reason to my parents...they're (supportive but) wary enough already. I grew up in Ohio and went to school in Nashville (Vanderbilt), and I've only been to California twice in my life (once to San Francisco, twice to L.A....of course one of those times to L.A. was to visit USC and interview).

I am also going to be driving my car across the country in late July and probably will need another loan for the gas for the drive. yikes. So, I will be moving in close to August 1.

Anyone know anything about Sprint cell phone service reception in the L.A. area? They have an option of extending nights and weekends three hours for $5 a month, which would be perfect for me since most of my current friends and family are in eastern or central time, so I could call them at 6pm for free, my time, and it would be 8pm or 9pm in their time zones.

Hmmm, well, there's where I stand...I'm sure that I'll have more questions and ideas to bounce off of ya'll soon.

Enjoy your summers! 🙂

 

[stork12]

Anyone know anything about Sprint cell phone service reception in the L.A. area?

Congrats and welcome to the class! I live in L.A. right now and I love my Sprint service. I get reception almost everywhere I go (there's only one place/street I can think of that is a complete dead zone). My plan includes the extra night minutes and I would recommend that you add this to your plan. It has been great since most of my college friends live on the East coast. Good luck with the cross country move!

 

[Jalby]

I'm at USC, have cincular and easily have the best phone service at school. Other services don't get reception in the MDL's.

 

[mfleur]

I would wait until you move into a place. Cell service is a little finicky(sp?) around monterey hills and s. pasadena. I have sprint and it also works in the MDLs.

 

[Jalby]

Anybody check their mailboxes today??? You should be getting something very cool. Also, got some stats for your incoming class. As it stands right now you guys have a 3.65 GPA (compared to 3.62 from last year) and a 33.1 MCAT (compared to 32.4) I wouldn't expect these numbers to change to much but both are school records.

 

[snowbear]

Anybody check their mailboxes today??? You should be getting something very cool. Also, got some stats for your incoming class. As it stands right now you guys have a 3.65 GPA (compared to 3.62 from last year) and a 33.1 MCAT (compared to 32.4) I wouldn't expect these numbers to change to much but both are school records.

Nothing as of yet, although I would love something very cool from 'SC. Possibly, some scholarship money?? Somehow, I doubt that is what it is. Anybody else get anything?

 

[bell]

the survival guide!

 

[jeremyh42]

the survival guide!

I've been told that Probe and Compass is a great thing to do before the year starts- I'm down for some campin'!

 

[dara678]

*performing frantic cpr on this thread*

come on guys, where did everyone go? no one's posting here anymore ... 🙁

then again i guess maybe everyone is vacationing now ... while i sit here trying to finish my two papers for tomorrow hehe

 

[BoomerDoctor]

*performing frantic cpr on this thread*

come on guys, where did everyone go? no one's posting here anymore ... 🙁

then again i guess maybe everyone is vacationing now ... while i sit here trying to finish my two papers for tomorrow hehe

hahaha well i guess there hasn't been much news as of late?

by the way, im pretty sure someone answered this but just to clarify, does USC have wireless?

is anyone else as excited/nervous about this as i am?? I'm really looking forward to coming to USC...but im also nervous about my ability to retain SO MUCH INFORMATION that will be thrown at us. I feel like undergrad will seem like a cakewalk compared to this.

by the way, I PM'd you a couple of questions, Jalby...i hope that's ok.

 

[Jalby]

Yup, you have wireless. And I just answered them on the thread.

 

[splat2000]

Anyone know of good rental lists or real estate companies to subscribe to for an apartment in the Monterey Hills area or possibly Alhambra? I did a search online, and it seems like there are a million companies.

Also...does anyone know if it will be extrememly difficult to rent a place in Early August? I will be out of the country all of July, so I can't move down early and find a place.

Thanks!

 

[Jalby]

Hey, do any of you guys want to play/participate in a tennis tournament with current med students and donors to the school scholarship fund??? If so just PM me your e-mail addy if you are interested?? It's this Monday the 14th at the wilshire tennis club, with cocktails and dinner included.

 

[snowbear]

Jalby,

In your opinion what areas around Keck should we avoid in terms of housing; are there any areas that are on the unsafer side of the coin? What about Monterey Park? I was just wondering because this apartment building I found in Monterey Park was considerably cheaper than comparable apartment buildings in other areas.

Also, has everyone received the survival guide? Not me 🙁

Splat, if you want to pay for a housing list service, check out Westside Rentals. I haven't used it but I have friends that did. It's $60 for 60 days. It seems like they have a lot of listings. As for moving in August, I'm sure that you'll be fine. One week of intensive apartment searching should find you something. It may be a little more difficult if you have a cat, or especially a dog.

 

[Jalby]

Don't get westside rentals. It is for places far away from USC. You really want to be in Monterrey HILLS (not park), South Pasadena, or Pasadena. Monterrey Park isn't that bad, it's just nobody lives there.

As for how to get an apartment in those areas, monterrey hills there are signs all over the place with realtors/rentors. Just go there and call all those numbers.

And if you are looking for furnature, I'm selling a lot of mine. I'm moving to a smaller place July 15th or so, so I'll have a ton of great stuff which is perfect for people moving to Monterrey hills.

 

[snowbear]

Don't get westside rentals. It is for places far away from USC. You really want to be in Monterrey HILLS (not park), South Pasadena, or Pasadena. Monterrey Park isn't that bad, it's just nobody lives there.

As for how to get an apartment in those areas, monterrey hills there are signs all over the place with realtors/rentors. Just go there and call all those numbers.

And if you are looking for furnature, I'm selling a lot of mine. I'm moving to a smaller place July 15th or so, so I'll have a ton of great stuff which is perfect for people moving to Monterrey hills.

Westside rentals isn't just for the westside, they have an office in Pasadena. I did the free guest search on the website yesterday, and they had a bunch of stuff in Pasadena and surrounding areas including S. Pasadena and Monterey Hills. I don't think I will buy it though, because I think the free lists and such should be fine.

 

[snowbear]

Also, I really want to find housing in an area where there are cool restaurants, bars, stores, gyms, etc. I would love to live somewhere where I would be within walking distance of these kinds of things. Pasadena seems great for this, it just seems a little more on the expensive side. For you people that know that area of LA well, what other areas are good in those respects (Monterey Park, Glendale, Alhambra, West Covina, S. Pasadena, other relatively close areas)?

 

[Jalby]

Los Feliz sounds like the place you are looking for. Not sure how easy the walking distance thing is. I am actually moving to Santa Monica just for the reasons you said. I wouldn't recommend it for the first two years, but I have to be up and driving at 5-6 AM for Surgery, Medicine, and Ob/Gyn, so I figured why not live near the beach.

 

[gsx56]

Hey! Two Questions!

1. For those current USC-Keck students, do you know when we will get our [email protected] email addresses?! Thanks!

2. Also for current students, what is the earliest date that a class of 2008 function will happen. Is it tentatively August 4th for the BBQ? Thanks.. I am trying to figure out when the latest I can move is!

Ta-ta... 🙂

 

[Jalby]

YOu will get your e-mail addy on the second day. in the meantime, if you want to give it to everybody, unless you have a common name, e-mail sent to [email protected] will be sent to your e-mail addy.

And the first planned event is that BBQ on August 4th (The wednesday). I shall be ditching surgery to get free food.

 

[ackim82]

Hey folks. I'm gonna be a first year at Keck also and I was wondering if anybody got the information packet that they're supposed to send us. If so, do they mention in there any good web sites or anything like that where you can start looking for housing? I'm from out of state, so I have no idea where to live next year... any help (where to start looking, where most people live, etc.) would be great. Thanks!

 

[usdtdc]

Hey folks. I'm gonna be a first year at Keck also and I was wondering if anybody got the information packet that they're supposed to send us. If so, do they mention in there any good web sites or anything like that where you can start looking for housing? I'm from out of state, so I have no idea where to live next year... any help (where to start looking, where most people live, etc.) would be great. Thanks!

Hey,

I'm an out of state student going to keck next year also (male). I just got my packet and it looks like a lot of people live in the monterey hills and south pasedena areas. I'm also wondering what I should do about housing. I think I may go out to LA in early july to find a place.

I think most of the places in monterey hills are nice from what I've read. However, most are 2-4 bedrooms places that you have to share with people. Maybe if we got some people that were all interested in the same area off SDN we could go in together?!!?!?

 

[mickerbocker]

i need a little help...
we just found out that my boyfriend got the job he applied for up in LA... he works for caltrans right now in the san diego district and with the budget woes we weren't sure if they would be accepting transfers... the only problem is that he's unsure what project he will be working on... they told him most likely in the southern LA area (possibly long beach??)... but he's also interested in projects going on in santa monica and marina del ray....

so the issue at hand is where on earth to start looking for an apartment... commuting and traffic are major issues for him... (he's not all that enthusiastic about the move to begin with... but he's giving it a lot of effort and being unbelievably supportive which is amazing...) i want to try and make it as convenient as possible for him while not making my trek to school and back a living hell... any suggestions on how to split the difference??

 

[Jalby]

How ambitous are you?? I absolutely love Long Beach, and if you know he is working down there, you could get an apartment down there and then take the metro to school. It's 19$ a month for the pass, and it would be a 1.5 hours commute for you each day, but you can do all of your studying on the metro without a problem, so you wouldn't have to do to much studying at home. That's what I would do, because there isn't any really good places to live immidiately between USC and Long Beach.

 

[usdtdc]

I'll be withdrawing from USC this week so disregard my last post. Good luck everyone!!

 

[mickerbocker]

good luck at ucla usdtdc!

thanks jalby... thats a good suggestion... we're taking a drive up there this weekend to start looking around...

 

[snowbear]

good luck at ucla usdtdc!

thanks jalby... thats a good suggestion... we're taking a drive up there this weekend to start looking around...

That's awesome that your boyfriend was able to transfer to LA and that he's coming with you. I feel you though on having a boyfriend that's not dying to move to LA. Yeah, Long Beach is awesome! And after taking public transportation every day in SF, I am going to miss it once I move to LA. And 19/month is really good; SF is 45/month. Let us know if you find anything cool. When are you guys planning to move?

So, Jalby, does the Metro take you straight to campus, or is there some kind of shuttle?

 

[Jalby]

Naw. There's a shuttle and plenty of buses. I wish it went strait to campus.

 

[mickerbocker]

i'm probably going to move around august first... but he is going on a surf trip to indonesia for a month and is leaving the 12th... so he will wrap up his last two weeks in san diego before he leaves... i think it will be good because it will let me settle into a good routine before he gets back... then he starts his new job in mid-september...
i should introduce him to your boyfriend... then they will have someone to commiserate with while we are busy cracking the books!!

 

[snowbear]

i should introduce him to your boyfriend... then they will have someone to commiserate with while we are busy cracking the books!!

Sounds good to me 🙂

 

[gsx56]

hey there keck! what r yall doing about computers? laptops? if so, what do current students say about the best/worst computers to get? Thanks!

 

[jeremyh42]

hey there keck! what r yall doing about computers? laptops? if so, what do current students say about the best/worst computers to get? Thanks!

Just got mine a few days ago- new 15" powerbook G4 from apple- SWEET system, especially compared to the old G3 desktop I had from undergrad... apple gives you student discounts too, if you call them up.
BTW, you can get good deals on iPods too... mmmmm... 20 gig....