Northwestern Class of 2010

[kyatter]

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I'm trying to decide between Northwestern and Mt. Sinai (both for MSTP..and still possibly considering Einstein). I think there's going to be more opportunity for clinical experience with underserved populations at Sinai, and more possiblity of me actually seeing interesting ID cases (like parasitic infections) in New York, given the difference in immigrant populations between NYC and Chicago... but I wonder if I should worry about this now or when looking at residencies. Plus, I know I 😍 New York. Chicago seems really cool, but it's more of an unknown. And I'll have to live there for 8 years. 😱

And then I have all these stupid research concerns, which I won't bore you with. I'm so confused...

I think the curriculum at Northwestern is probably better though... very little time spent in class. 👍 What are your thoughts?

If you're interested in doing research in Infectious Disease, then I would agree with your assessment that Mt. Sinai would be a better fit for you because of the immigrant population in New York. However, I'm sure Northwestern is just as good of a school in any other department as Mt. Sinai or better.

 

[earmuffs]

Thundrstorm,

You probably already know this if you've interviewed at NU already, but Dr. Engman is an excellent MSTP director, and a phenomenal human being. He puts an incredible amount of effort into making sure your life as an MSTP goes smoothly, and to help you out along the way however he can. He also loves to give waterskiing lesson on the MSTP retreats. 🙂

Here are 3 of my favorite Micro faculty who take MSTP students for research. These are 3 guys who I could envision myself working for in their lab all day, and then going out for a beer with them at happy hour. All great guys.

Alan Hauser, MD/PhD

David Engman, MD/PhD - If you are interested in tropical diseases, I would HIGHLY recommend choosing NU and his lab. Very supportive, very well funded.

Rich Longnecker, PhD

I've heard good things about some others (Geoffrey Kansas, Patricia Spear, Stephen Miller, & Hank Seifert), w/o much experience with them.

Can't say anything about Mt. Sinai because I don't know much about it. Either way, you've got a full ride at a great program. Honestly, if you're already accepted and they can't take it back 😉 , you should consider contacting Dr. Engman directly. Talk to him about your research interests (assuming you haven't already), and what he thinks about the clinical exposure at NU. He's a pretty straight-shooter and will give you pros and cons. He is trying to sell the NU program, but he is also a scientist who absolutely loves parasitic disease research and wouldn't steer you somewhere where you would be getting shortchanged in your clinical training.

Good luck making your decision!

FWIW - Chicago does have a very large immigrant population from Mexico...wouldn't be surprised if there were more than New York. Difference is that there are far fewer Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Haitians (and most everything else except Polish) in Chicago. NMH sees a few malaria cases, and plenty of TB every year. And there are several free clinics that NU students volunteer in, including an area of predominantly Mexican immigrants, and an area of predominantly Indian immigrants.

I'm trying to decide between Northwestern and Mt. Sinai (both for MSTP..and still possibly considering Einstein). I think there's going to be more opportunity for clinical experience with underserved populations at Sinai, and more possiblity of me actually seeing interesting ID cases (like parasitic infections) in New York, given the difference in immigrant populations between NYC and Chicago... but I wonder if I should worry about this now or when looking at residencies. Plus, I know I 😍 New York. Chicago seems really cool, but it's more of an unknown. And I'll have to live there for 8 years. 😱

And then I have all these stupid research concerns, which I won't bore you with. I'm so confused...

I think the curriculum at Northwestern is probably better though... very little time spent in class. 👍 What are your thoughts?

 

[ultimateend]

any other people going to do the MD/MBA program?

One more year in school can't hurt. Am I right, or am I right?

 

[Thundrstorm]

Thundrstorm,

You probably already know this if you've interviewed at NU already, but Dr. Engman is an excellent MSTP director, and a phenomenal human being. He puts an incredible amount of effort into making sure your life as an MSTP goes smoothly, and to help you out along the way however he can. He also loves to give waterskiing lesson on the MSTP retreats. 🙂

Here are 3 of my favorite Micro faculty who take MSTP students for research. These are 3 guys who I could envision myself working for in their lab all day, and then going out for a beer with them at happy hour. All great guys.

Alan Hauser, MD/PhD

David Engman, MD/PhD - If you are interested in tropical diseases, I would HIGHLY recommend choosing NU and his lab. Very supportive, very well funded.

Rich Longnecker, PhD

I've heard good things about some others (Geoffrey Kansas, Patricia Spear, Stephen Miller, & Hank Seifert), w/o much experience with them.

Can't say anything about Mt. Sinai because I don't know much about it. Either way, you've got a full ride at a great program. Honestly, if you're already accepted and they can't take it back 😉 , you should consider contacting Dr. Engman directly. Talk to him about your research interests (assuming you haven't already), and what he thinks about the clinical exposure at NU. He's a pretty straight-shooter and will give you pros and cons. He is trying to sell the NU program, but he is also a scientist who absolutely loves parasitic disease research and wouldn't steer you somewhere where you would be getting shortchanged in your clinical training.

Good luck making your decision!

FWIW - Chicago does have a very large immigrant population from Mexico...wouldn't be surprised if there were more than New York. Difference is that there are far fewer Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Haitians (and most everything else except Polish) in Chicago. NMH sees a few malaria cases, and plenty of TB every year. And there are several free clinics that NU students volunteer in, including an area of predominantly Mexican immigrants, and an area of predominantly Indian immigrants.

Wow, thanks so much for this post; it's really helpful. I'm revisiting NU in a couple of weeks, and I intend to speak with Dr. Engman about my concerns and get his opinion. He is definitely one of the reasons why I love the program at Northwestern; I have no doubt that he is a supportive director. He and Dr. Lee impressed me more than any other administrators I met on the interview trail. His research on Chagas disease interests me also, and I requested to meet with him about that during the revisit as well. Thanks for the details on the immigrant population too; I've tried to do some research on that online without getting a clear answer.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to rule out Mt. Sinai because their research is much more limited (their micro dept. is strictly virology... they have no parasitology, which is more my thing). Einstein is technically my best research match, but I don't think I'd be happy living in the Bronx, so as long as I can identify a few promising labs at NU, my decision will be made. I'm about 90% sure I'm going to go for Northwestern, and I told Dr. Engman I just want to revisit and confirm some things before giving him my final decision. Thanks again for your insight.

 

[Thundrstorm]

Well, it's official. I may not be in the class of 2010, but I am in the entering class of 2006.

 

[MNsocsci]

Well, I got shut out of Second Look Weekend. I tried to register the day it opened but had difficulties. I called Pamela Meadows and left a message and never heard back. I called back several days later and found out that the registration was already full. 🙁 I even offered to pay my own way and stay in a hotel, but she still said no. So... I guess I'm relying on you guys to come back and post here how it went and what your thought are on NU. Have fun everyone and enjoy 2nd look! 🙂

 

[sweetmelody]

So is it me, or does it look like we get reimbursed for ground transportation and entertainment expenses for 2nd look wknd? And if so, Who knows what counts as "entertainment"?

 

[princessd3]

For those of you who used their travel agency to book a flight, did you get the ticket yet? When are we going to get the hard copy version?

 

[thegenius]

So is it me, or does it look like we get reimbursed for ground transportation and entertainment expenses for 2nd look wknd? And if so, Who knows what counts as "entertainment"?

Northwestern will only pay for your travel to Chicago. For those who are flying, their booking agency will book the tickets for you. But if you are local, they will pay for your train or mileage to get to Chicago. This keeps it fair to all those who are travelling to Chicago.

Now, they are not paying for your entertainment expenses. 🙂 Travel and Entertainment sheets are common business reimbursement forms that businessmen fill out when they travel for business. They get reimbursed for any travel expenses and usually entertainment expenses as well (depending on what the entertainment is). So the form is called travel and entertainment expense form, but you are only going to be filling out the travel part. 🙂

My wife and I will be there for the second look weekend. And we are looking forward to it. Anybody going to talk to the Deans on Sat morning as Dr. Brown suggested? I think I'm going to talk to at least a few of them. They said we can ask them anything!

 

[veenut]

did you guys already find out who your student hosts are? i'm wondering if i was supposed to contact them or something.

 

[staticfritz]

hey, just dropping a line from spring break. If any of you have pre-second look questions let me know. I think I'll be on one or two of the friday afternoon panels as well.

 

[dom1n1c]

http://www.infoplex.northwestern.edu/class/2008/2004-feinberg-footnotes-cv.pdf

Have a Christ-filled day. See you guys at 2nd look

 

[prettymd05]

COME ON ALL...LETS GET EXCITED ABOUT SECOND LOOK!!! I am planning on doing some well-deserved shopping this weekend. I hope the weather will be decent. anyone else planning on doing some as well? I just got an email about my host. Thank goodness she is close to campus (mcclurg).

 

[Thundrstorm]

I'm really excited! And I've spent way too much work time looking at online apartment listings. Now that I know where I'm going, I can't wait to move and get started.

 

[prettymd05]

I'm really excited! And I've spent way too much work time looking at online apartment listings. Now that I know where I'm going, I can't wait to move and get started.

Tell me about it...i have made a list of all of the apts within 1 mile distance, called them and asked when I should call them back for aug openings and made a little list of those that i will want to see during second look down time next week. all of this and i am still waiting to hear if my b/f got into nw. lord i hope so!

 

[Punisher]

Tell me about it...i have made a list of all of the apts within 1 mile distance, called them and asked when I should call them back for aug openings and made a little list of those that i will want to see during second look down time next week. all of this and i am still waiting to hear if my b/f got into nw. lord i hope so!

Can you post the list of apts in a 1 mile radius? It would be very helpful for all of us 🙂

 

[prettymd05]

Can you post the list of apts in a 1 mile radius? It would be very helpful for all of us 🙂

Sure, give me a day or so and I'll do it. if anyone wants a head start, go to apartments.com

-pretty

 

[staticfritz]

what you should all really do for the best match is get ahold of an agent at
The Apartment People or Chicago Apartment Finders
they are FREE services that will find you a great place. mine is 2 blocks from ward building, and is significantly larger and cheaper than any of my friends in the area

 

[Thundrstorm]

what you should all really do for the best match is get ahold of an agent at
The Apartment People or Chicago Apartment Finders
they are FREE services that will find you a great place. mine is 2 blocks from ward building, and is significantly larger and cheaper than any of my friends in the area

yeha, I signed up for Chicago Apartment Finders this week... still waiting for a response though. Larger and cheaper = 👍

 

[DC girl]

Well, I got shut out of Second Look Weekend. I tried to register the day it opened but had difficulties. I called Pamela Meadows and left a message and never heard back. I called back several days later and found out that the registration was already full. 🙁 I even offered to pay my own way and stay in a hotel, but she still said no. So... I guess I'm relying on you guys to come back and post here how it went and what your thought are on NU. Have fun everyone and enjoy 2nd look! 🙂

I also got shut out of 2nd look, but am going to be in Chicago that weekend anyway. Pamela Meadows suggested asking some M1 or M2s about the "after hours" activities planned, like bar nights. Any M1 or M2s out there who can tell us what is planned? I don't really care about going to the official stuff, I just want to meet my future classmates!

 

[ultimateend]

I also got shut out of 2nd look, but am going to be in Chicago that weekend anyway. Pamela Meadows suggested asking some M1 or M2s about the "after hours" activities planned, like bar nights. Any M1 or M2s out there who can tell us what is planned? I don't really care about going to the official stuff, I just want to meet my future classmates!

That is basically why I am going too.

 

[45408]

yeha, I signed up for Chicago Apartment Finders this week... still waiting for a response though. Larger and cheaper = 👍

Hmmmm, as I sit here on the waitlist, I wonder if I should do that as well.

I drove by Feinberg yesterday, longingly. 😛 I actually stayed over at the house of one of Feinberg's professors. Of course, I only found that out on Saturday, despite the fact that he's been my "half-uncle" for a long time....

 

[FrankGK]

I also got shut out of 2nd look, but am going to be in Chicago that weekend anyway. Pamela Meadows suggested asking some M1 or M2s about the "after hours" activities planned, like bar nights. Any M1 or M2s out there who can tell us what is planned? I don't really care about going to the official stuff, I just want to meet my future classmates!

Hey there,

This sounds like a great idea. While I (luckily) was able to register for Second Look, it will be awesome meeting as many future classmates as possible, so I'm glad you are coming. If you want, PM me and we can exchange info or whatever, and then when everyone goes out at night there will be a way to let you know what's going on.

See you this weekend!

-Rachel

 

[ultimateend]

They should serve drinks from the start to loosen people up. No small talk, let's just dive right into the good stuff!

 

[MNsocsci]

I also got shut out of 2nd look, but am going to be in Chicago that weekend anyway. Pamela Meadows suggested asking some M1 or M2s about the "after hours" activities planned, like bar nights. Any M1 or M2s out there who can tell us what is planned? I don't really care about going to the official stuff, I just want to meet my future classmates!

I thought about doing that too, and I would have, but there's a training this weekend at the clinic where I volunteer, so I'm doing that instead. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun! All of you SDNers should have some code word to reveal yourselves to each other! (JK)

About the apartment search... are you guys going to be looking for roommates or will you be getting your own apartment? Is there a Northwestern website to find a fellow student as a roommate? I guess there's always Craigslist...

Have fun this weekend everyone and please come post here if you learn anything new and interesting about NU!

 

[ultimateend]

About the apartment search... are you guys going to be looking for roommates or will you be getting your own apartment? Is there a Northwestern website to find a fellow student as a roommate? I guess there's always Craigslist...

They sent out an email today asking for some of your info if you want a roommate and they are going to hand out the list of people during the second look weekend. Since you aren't going, you should email Pamela or Linda for the list after this weekend. If you don't, I do know of one student that needs a roommate ::cough cough::

 

[Punisher]

Well, if anyone else had trouble finding a place to stay on Saturday night, I recommend using a hostel. It is less than $30 and is located in downtown. It's much better than paying $300-$400 per night in Streeterville. Here is a link:

http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/HIChicago-Chicago-1853

 

[Punisher]

Even though there is a roommate questionnaire that will be complied by NU, I wanted to find a rommate with more in common than "smoking or non-smoking". So, I was wondering if there are any people who want to meet up during 2nd look who have a similar personality:

I am a male from San Diego, non-smoker, no pets, with a decent range for rent (sharing a 2 bedroom apt), social, likes to party/have fun on weekends (but I also study during the week). Must be willing to drink/have fun too (I probably won't be compatible w/ someone who doesn't like alcohol). Must be able to do a beer bong in < 3 sec OR can keg stand for > 30 sec (haha, jk). I like to snowboard, play soccer, rock climb, workout, etc. I want a roommate who is cool, friendly, and isn't too damn uptight about studying all day/night long. If you think that you could stand me for a year, either reply or PM me. See you guys this Thursday.

 

[princessd3]

Did anyone get a financial aid package yet? I called and was told to expect it sometime next week. I thought we were going to get it before Second Look????????

 

[staticfritz]

everyone should attend the friday afternoon "living in the city" session, as I will be there with some friends to answer your questions!

 

[prettymd05]

How many sessions can we pick from? I would love to attend all of them (or most of them).

 

[princessd3]

There are so many things going on. I am getting confused.

 

[princessd3]

everyone should attend the friday afternoon "living in the city" session, as I will be there with some friends to answer your questions!

What is this about?

 

[kyatter]

Hey everyone,

Financial aid awards don't go out until May 1 just so everyone knows. I emailed the financial office yesterday. Therefore, you don't have to bring your award with you to your financial aid consultation if you signed up for that this weekend.

 

[staticfritz]

the session is just about living in the city and social life and stuff....totally non-med-related. a bunch of you should be here by now...hope to see you all

 

[pnasty]

Take notes this weekend in case I somehow slip through the waitlist cracks come May 15th! So jealous

 

[DrRads101]

So how did 2nd look weekend go? Any comments?

 

[keedz]

Take notes this weekend in case I somehow slip through the waitlist cracks come May 15th! So jealous

So am I

 

[ultimateend]

So how did 2nd look weekend go? Any comments?

They definitely employed the use of the "social lubricant" both nights.

 

[kyatter]

They definitely employed the use of the "social lubricant" both nights.

Is there something wrong with that? I certainly didn't have a problem with it.

 

[pallcare]

Is there something wrong with that? I certainly didn't have a problem with it.

well i commented on this during my weekend to some of the organizers and fellow prospectives, so I might as well put it on here and see what you all think. (be prepared, long post..)

I was disappointed with the laid back, priveleged, party lifestyle that I found during me weekend. Nearly all the students live in ridiculously lavish sky rise apartments (out of necessity for the most part), and they seem to spend a good deal of the time going to bars and drinking. One of my hosts told me that, since testing is every 6 weeks, he usually spends the first 3-4 weeks doing very little work and just hanging out, and then the last 2 cramming for the test. And he hits the average, which he is happy about since it's pass/fail and grades don't matter anyway. I was dissapointed because i thought the limited class hours would allow people to spend time in the extra curriculars, either spending time volunteering or doing interesting research or...well anything really. But it seems that free time is used bumming around the first few weeks and cramming the last few. That just doesn't seem right to me-- not anymore, not in med school.

At the end of the day, the board scores and match lists show that NU students do extremely well. And while they will get good residencies and probably be great doctors, I'm looking for a community of future physicians who are looking to make a social change. Who use their free time to give back to communities, to learn about things outside of medicine so that they can bring it in to their practice. Those who know how to have fun, but are looking to push themselves and not just do the minimal amt. After this 2nd look weekend, i dont know if i will find that community at NU=(

But who knows, I realy liked the school before 2nd look so I might still end up here. I mean there's 170 ppl in the class, so i figure there has to be 20-30 students who share my motivations..

thanks for reading, would love comments=)

 

[ultimateend]

I certainly do not have a problem with the drinking as I definitely had a lot of fun doing it with future classmates. It gets rid of the awkwardness of putting together 180 students who have never seen each other and told to make friends.
I really do not think that even 40% of the class go out all that much and I know I met current students who do use the off time to do ECs and volunteer. How many first year students did we actually meet? It was usually the same ones that went out both nights.
The apartments are a necessity, though. I don't see how you could live in anything else in that area of town. That kind of stinks but it's better than living in a house in hyde park where it isn't as safe and is away from the action of downtown.

 

[DrRads101]

I was disappointed with the laid back, priveleged, party lifestyle that I found during me weekend. Nearly all the students live in ridiculously lavish sky rise apartments (out of necessity for the most part), and they seem to spend a good deal of the time going to bars and drinking. One of my hosts told me that, since testing is every 6 weeks, he usually spends the first 3-4 weeks doing very little work and just hanging out, and then the last 2 cramming for the test. And he hits the average, which he is happy about since it's pass/fail and grades don't matter anyway. I was dissapointed because i thought the limited class hours would allow people to spend time in the extra curriculars, either spending time volunteering or doing interesting research or...well anything really. But it seems that free time is used bumming around the first few weeks and cramming the last few. That just doesn't seem right to me-- not anymore, not in med school.

No one will stop you from using the free time the curriculum gives you to do things like extra curriculars, and other non "nightlife associated" activities. I mean how you want to spend your free time is really up to you, don't you think?

To be honest if the first thing you want to do the week after a big exam is extra research and volunteer work and more medical related things in addition to all the classes that you will have to start right back up again on Monday, you are a better man than me. I need breaks from the constant grind of medical school as I feel that "balance" in my life to me doesn't mean trying to find a balance between studying, rounds in the hospital, volunteer work, and research. Balance to me means finding a balance between medical school, my girlfriend, my family, my friends, and time for myself.

Besides the entire point of 2nd look weekend is to have fun and get to know people. There is nothing "med school" about it, and I bet 99% of the people you met were first years who are what... 20% done with medical school now? The point was to have fun.

 

[sanford_w/o_son]

The apartments are a necessity, though. I don't see how you could live in anything else in that area of town. That kind of stinks but it's better than living in a house in hyde park where it isn't as safe and is away from the action of downtown.

yeah, it's just about $500/month "better"

 

[pallcare]

Thanks for your feedback. Yes I see what you're saying, but to me the point of 2nd look is to see what the culture of the medical school is like, and if I fit into that culture. Of course no one is going to stop me from doing whatever I want to do, but I want to go to a school where the culture of the student body matches my goals and inspires me. And I'm not a robot--I certainly plan on living it up the first few days after a huge exam as well, and of course having "balance" means partying and having fun. I wasn't against the drinking and clubbing, but I wanted to hear more from m1's about what else they did...

I did feel better afer the seminars they had though, esp. the one about community service and activities. I think it's entirely possible that NU has what I'm looking for, and I just didnt see it this past weekend. The opportunities are certainly there, and i think the curriculm is amazing in what it allows you to do

No one will stop you from using the free time the curriculum gives you to do things like extra curriculars, and other non "nightlife associated" activities. I mean how you want to spend your free time is really up to you, don't you think?

To be honest if the first thing you want to do the week after a big exam is extra research and volunteer work and more medical related things in addition to all the classes that you will have to start right back up again on Monday, you are a better man than me. I need breaks from the constant grind of medical school as I feel that "balance" in my life to me doesn't mean trying to find a balance between studying, rounds in the hospital, volunteer work, and research. Balance to me means finding a balance between medical school, my girlfriend, my family, my friends, and time for myself.

Besides the entire point of 2nd look weekend is to have fun and get to know people. There is nothing "med school" about it, and I bet 99% of the people you met were first years who are what... 20% done with medical school now? The point was to have fun.

 

[Thundrstorm]

well i commented on this during my weekend to some of the organizers and fellow prospectives, so I might as well put it on here and see what you all think. (be prepared, long post..)

I was disappointed with the laid back, priveleged, party lifestyle that I found during me weekend. Nearly all the students live in ridiculously lavish sky rise apartments (out of necessity for the most part), and they seem to spend a good deal of the time going to bars and drinking. One of my hosts told me that, since testing is every 6 weeks, he usually spends the first 3-4 weeks doing very little work and just hanging out, and then the last 2 cramming for the test. And he hits the average, which he is happy about since it's pass/fail and grades don't matter anyway. I was dissapointed because i thought the limited class hours would allow people to spend time in the extra curriculars, either spending time volunteering or doing interesting research or...well anything really. But it seems that free time is used bumming around the first few weeks and cramming the last few. That just doesn't seem right to me-- not anymore, not in med school.

At the end of the day, the board scores and match lists show that NU students do extremely well. And while they will get good residencies and probably be great doctors, I'm looking for a community of future physicians who are looking to make a social change. Who use their free time to give back to communities, to learn about things outside of medicine so that they can bring it in to their practice. Those who know how to have fun, but are looking to push themselves and not just do the minimal amt. After this 2nd look weekend, i dont know if i will find that community at NU=(

But who knows, I realy liked the school before 2nd look so I might still end up here. I mean there's 170 ppl in the class, so i figure there has to be 20-30 students who share my motivations..

thanks for reading, would love comments=)

I understand where you're coming from, but I wouldn't let this impression keep you from attending Northwestern if it's really a school that you like. I can tell you that there will be atleast one other person in your class who will spend more time volunteering than drinking (me!). As an MSTP candidate, I didn't interact quite as much with the MD people this weekend, so I doubt we met, but I experienced a similar feeling with the MSTP folks. Nice people... I really like a lot of them, but the wys in which we choose to spend our free time seem to be different (and that's fine). I happen to not drink at all, so while I will occasionally join friends at a bar and drink a soda or something, I will not be spending the majority of my social time in bars and clubs. I skipped out on some of the late-night activities at 2nd look that just aren't my thing. No big deal. I also noticed that most students live in the same wealthy area where they study. I personally plan to live a little outside of that Streeterville/Gold Coast area and am looking into Lincoln Park and Lakeview. I just can't see spending $1000+/month on a studio for the privilege of being within walking distance of the school. We all have to make these kinds of choices, and I certainly hope that my future classmates don't interpret my choices as a sign that I don't want to socialize with them b/c that's not my intent.

I've already found community organizations where I'll be signing up for painting and Spanish lessons, and I'm trying to figure out where I want to volunteer while I do a research rotation this summer. I chose Northwestern over other med schools that did seem to have more a commitment to community service and social change... that was a tough choice for me, but the thing is... if you are a person who really wants to make a difference, you can do that anywhere, and in fact, the best place for you to do that is where a need exists. Perhaps at Northwestern you'll be able to meet a need that would otherwise go unmet. In any event, if you decide to attend NU, let me know. We should hang out. 🙂

 

[DrRads101]

Yes I see what you're saying, but to me the point of 2nd look is to see what the culture of the medical school is like, and if I fit into that culture. Of course no one is going to stop me from doing whatever I want to do, but I want to go to a school where the culture of the student body matches my goals and inspires me. And I'm not a robot--I certainly plan on living it up the first few days after a huge exam as well, and of course having "balance" means partying and having fun. I wasn't against the drinking and clubbing, but I wanted to hear more from m1's about what else they did...

Allow me to play devil's advocate so don't take this personally.

I really think you may be too idealistic here, which is fine since you are pre-med and I may have been too. With 170 students from all over the country and all ages and walks of life, I really don't think you'll be able to pinpoint a "culture" that exists at a certain school. I'm not really sure what the culture at Northwestern really is, but it certainly isn't a culture of partying and drinking. I mean this is professional school and there is no undergraduate campus here.

One thing you have to realize is that a lot of people choose Northwestern over other schools because of the curriculum and the location, all else being equal. The area is perhaps the most urban lifestyle you can have while still being clean, safe, and affordable (relative to living on the coasts). The area that surrounds the campus has basically unlimited shopping, parks, and yes, nightlife. With a curriculum of only 2 hours of lecture per day and one test a month, you have a lot of free time your first year. This free time comes in incredibly handy your 2nd year when you are studying for the boards.

When people like me were shopping for medical schools, 2 hours of lecture per day combined with unlimited entertainment around me is an attractive offer, especially considering how I know how bad my life could have sucked while in medical school. This combination is sure to attract people who "like to party" because it basically allows them to. I just can't see a socialite choosing to go to a school with a 9 to 5 traditional curriculum in an area where there is not much to do--i.e., the opposite of what you can experience here. This would probably depress a socialite because he/she would realize that their life, as they knew it, would be essentially over.

But you absolutely have to realize that you are mature now and so are, hopefully, most of your classmates, and this maturity may not happen overnight while some people still are thinking about their college days. Who you met on 2nd look are probably first years. Again they are 20% done with medical school now. Repeat that to yourself a couple times and realize what a sampling of the school you got. These M1s that you met have 80% of their medical education left to get more involved in the school and worry about things like research. That is a lot of time, and I just don't see the motivation of doing research and things like that during your first year unless you are MSTP, since I gaurantee there are only 10 M1's in the entire class that actually know what kind of doctor they will be (many think they know, but they really don't yet). And I absolutely imagine that the M1s who you meet at 2nd look weekend are the ones who probably are social and go out a lot, while the homebodies stayed in.

I realize you are not a robot but the issue of the culture of the school should not even come up since I don't believe it can even be quantified. Northwestern happens to be in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the country, and with this comes the opportunity to spend your free time shopping, going out and meeting women, and eating at a new restaurant every night for your entire school career.... or you can spend it in the myriads of neighborhoods and free clinics volunteering, or in the hundreds of millions of dollars of research opportunities that are happening on campus, or talk to the administration about opportunities overseas, though you do indeed have a mini World here in Chicago since it is a world city. Or you can achieve balance between all this. The point is that the school and location offers this... it offers basically unlimited choice.

The fact that you are not a robot means that you have all this time, and you have all these choices, so you can spend your free time how YOU want. This sounds cliche but the statement is intrinsic and the only thing that matters is what the school can allow you to do. The bottom line is that there are basically unlimited volunteer, research, and extra-curricular opportunities at this school and witin this city, and you have four years to work with them. Of course it's all up to you though and I have a feeling the people that may like to party are not really the people who you will try to seek cultural support and advice from. My point is, free time is an intrinsically good thing and it shouldn't matter how people other than yourself choose to use it.

 

[kyatter]

I just wanted to clarify something because I feel I may have offended ultimateend with my comment. I came into second look weekend just looking to have a good time in downtown Chicago and see if I would like my classmates or not. I too plan on working hard with my studies, not because I'm trying to compete with others, but because I strive to always better myself. I also want to spend some time in the volunteer clinics as well as do research. I'm a huge fan of the small amount of time we spend in lecture because I just don't get anything out of most lectures anyways because I either zone out or sleep through them. I'm also a fan of living in downtown Chicago because while I will enjoy a smaller class size, I will look to have my own time where I can just get lost (not literally). I agree with ctwickman that your overall impression of what second look weekend should be like is a little idealistic. I talked to a few individuals over the weekend that had attended other second look weekends with the same experience that we had at Northwestern. I really did enjoy my time at the school though, and I hope you choose to attend (ultimateend) if you really do feel you will make a difference because the class of 2010 would benefit greatly from your contribution.

 

[ultimateend]

I just wanted to clarify something because I feel I may have offended ultimateend with my comment. I came into second look weekend just looking to have a good time in downtown Chicago and see if I would like my classmates or not. I too plan on working hard with my studies, not because I'm trying to compete with others, but because I strive to always better myself. I also want to spend some time in the volunteer clinics as well as do research. I'm a huge fan of the small amount of time we spend in lecture because I just don't get anything out of most lectures anyways because I either zone out or sleep through them. I'm also a fan of living in downtown Chicago because while I will enjoy a smaller class size, I will look to have my own time where I can just get lost (not literally). I agree with ctwickman that your overall impression of what second look weekend should be like is a little idealistic. I talked to a few individuals over the weekend that had attended other second look weekends with the same experience that we had at Northwestern. I really did enjoy my time at the school though, and I hope you choose to attend (ultimateend) if you really do feel you will make a difference because the class of 2010 would benefit greatly from your contribution.

Oh don't worry, I wasn't offended 🙂. I will see you there next year.

 

[SmoothNC]

Hey guys.....what was the general feeling about those who attended 2nd look in terms of being set on Northwestern? Were there many who are def. attending or many that were still debating? A curious waitlister here who would prefer the latter!!