To those who have had problems or are frustrated with the people in the admissions (administrative) office, all I can say is that these are actually very helpful and nice people who probably aren't at liberty to say a whole lot about the status of your application. I'm guessing these are the same people (Yolanda and Loretta) in the "administrative office" that you ask what exactly "no action" and wait-lists means and all of that.
I'd rather them be vague with me than to say "yep, don't worry, you're in, tons of people in your situation get in every year," and then find out the opposite. They're probably instructed by the Admissions people (McClugage and Eubanks) to not go too in depth or tell you everything you want to know...first, it's not their job to do that, and second, they would be on the phone for hours at a time answering people's questions. Plus, they may say something that could be mis-interpreted by people, and that would be not-so-good.
As for financial aid, we've had issues with them for quite a while now. They've finally decided to bump up our monthly budget by $400, which helps out immensely. I wasn't struggling too much before, but it's tough with rent, a car, insurance, food and a girlfriend to think about.
For those that got into, LSU-NO, congratulations, it's a great school and probably the best-kept secret in medical schools in the US. I'm not sure if anyone is doing the type of things LSU is doing today (computer-based DxR cases, Students-and-Mothers, SPM, etc.). I'm an L2 and feel very fortunate to be here in LSU-NO. They've cut back on A LOT of class-time and added in alot of patient-doctor-student contact hours.
One piece of advice I would give to the incoming folks is to take advantage of all of those skills labs, preceptorships, DxR and ICM classes that help you practice physical exams and interviewing skills. I know you've got tons to study for, but those things really make you more comfortable out on the wards. Don't blow them off.
