Official CMS/Finch Class of 2007 and AP 2003 Thread!

[carrigallen]

i think we should have a sticky with a directory of all the major 2007/countdown threads (ie Finch, UMich, Jeff, etc).

(i also think that the titles of the current stickies should be shortened to save space.)

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[whyme]

ok so i started a new thread for no reason. so, dr. will, whats the AP program like during the first quarter? how is Cell Bio and Genetics? any survival tips for the first quarter?

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by whyme
ok so i started a new thread for no reason. so, dr. will, whats the AP program like during the first quarter? how is Cell Bio and Genetics? any survival tips for the first quarter?

Genetics is only 3 weeks...the first three weeks. The final is worth 95% of your grade so it is important to stay on top of things from the beginning. You want to do well the first quarter since it only gets more difficult. It seems like a lot in the beginning, but it really isn't. The class load increases by quarter so do what you gotta do early and build a solid cushion. For every C you get, you need an A to keep that B average.

Cell Bio isn't that bad...but it takes a lot of work. That's all I can really say about that class.

 

[anxiousmed]

Hey Will, The Ap's should be getting their acceptance letter either today or tomorrow. I got mine today, look forward to it, congrats. Its tempting to stay at finch and take only 2 classes next year but probably will end up at UIC.

 

[swan02]

Wow...I'm a little bit curious....do the AP admits to Finch med schl only have to take 2 classes their entire first year of med school? Or 2 classes per quarter?

Also, is Finch Med graded or pass/no-pass....are all the classes in the quarter system?

 

[anxiousmed]

well the students who successfully complete the program already have taken Neuroscience (and anatomy), Biochemisitry, Molecular Cell Biology, Embryology, Physiology and Genetics. So when you're accepted, you get advanced standing and all you take is Anatomy, Histology and Intro to Clinical Medicine. Its a graded system....A, B, C, F. hope this helps.

 

[swan02]

Wow....in that case, can you essentially finish med schl in 3 years instead of 4? Does anybody do that?

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by swan02
Wow....in that case, can you essentially finish med schl in 3 years instead of 4? Does anybody do that?

No...essentially it takes 5 including the AP year. You are givin M1A status after the AP year and aren't allowed to take any of the required M2 courses. The only way you can get ahead is by getting your second year electives outta the way.

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by anxiousmed
Hey Will, The Ap's should be getting their acceptance letter either today or tomorrow. I got mine today, look forward to it, congrats. Its tempting to stay at finch and take only 2 classes next year but probably will end up at UIC.

Congrats to you and good luck wherever you decide to go. I just called myself and Tammy read me my acceptance letter. Oh man it's a great feeling

 

[opus03]

Dr. Will-
Ok so how difficult do you think your physiology courses were? I am asking b/c I am considering taking a proficiency exam....maybe just for one quarter but I am not sure how it was broken up and everything. Also, can you roughly say how "in depth" the material is? I know it is deep.....I just got my BS in bio but my concentration was physio.....it's probably a lot worse than undergrad though so maybe I should just forget it?? As you can see, I haven't really thought too much about this....I think maybe I could use the class experience anyway! Alright, any info would be great.....oh and also did you take embryo or genetics in undergrad? and if so do they even compare to the med school courses? THANKS!
JD

 

[Dr. Will]

I'm not sure if you can actually take proficieny exams for these classes. Physio is your biggest class...worth 14 untis. Doing well is vital to doing well in the program. It's intense and pretty in depth. But taking it before definately does help.

Embryo isn't bad at all, and I didn't take it during undergrad. Genetics was pretty intense but not bad either. The bad thing about that class is the final is worth 95% of your grade. You best have a good day.

 

[swan02]

Earlier somebody had mentioned that some people do not get into the med school even if they maintain the 3.0 GPA in the AP program. what are some of the reasons for this? Also, a lot of people do not make it into the med schl....what generally lacks?

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by swan02
Earlier somebody had mentioned that some people do not get into the med school even if they maintain the 3.0 GPA in the AP program. what are some of the reasons for this? Also, a lot of people do not make it into the med schl....what generally lacks?

There is no guarantees that you will be accepted even if you get the required GPA. Some of the reasons for rejection could be extreme rudeness to staff, fighting, or just plain being an arse and having the admissions committee find out. Basically as long as you do what you need in terms of how you present yourself and how you do in class...there should be NO reason why you AREN'T accepted. Don't give them a reason to reject you. Almost all of the people who don't make it into the medschool from this program, are the ones who didn't achieve the necessary GPA.

 

[birdie]

Dr. Will, this is way off topic, but are you familiar with the program at Creighton?

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by birdie
Dr. Will, this is way off topic, but are you familiar with the program at Creighton?

Sorry Birdie...I'm not familiar with it at all. Try running a search on it to see what comes up.

 

[scoobie]

I'm occassionally around the CMS area so I'll try to help out some;

Regarding apartments, check out AMLI at Osprey Lake in Gurnee, Il. It's about 8 miles away from CMS, but it takes less than 10 minutes by car even during rush hour. The prices are the cheapest and they're the nicest around the area. One of my friends lives there and likes it a lot. There's a $500 referal bonus for current residents, so let me know if anyone is interested in leasing here, I'll get you in contact with my buddy. (I'm sure she would love to split the referal bonus).

There are a lot of nice apartment complexes near abbott lab as well, mostly along 43. As mentioned in a previous post, Waukegan isn't the best/safest area to live.

Check out Grand Ave. for the closest "attractions" to CMS. There are a ton of strip malls and restaurants, gurnee mills (outlet shopping mall), six flags, etc... I've seen a lot of people study at the Borders on Grand.

There are a lot of cheap family restaurants in this area, a few that come to mind; Cafe Oceana on 41/delany, Avalon (open 24), In-Laws off Grand, and Potesta's on Green Bay. There's also full moon and flanigans at 137/buckley and 41/skokie, but I didn't like their food much.

Unless you're looking for hole-in-the-wall dives, you'll have to go towards Chicago to find good clubs and bars.

Hope this helps.

 

[swan02]

Hey Guys...

I was wondering if all you past, present, and fulture APers would feel comfortalbe listing your AIM screenames? I checked some of your profiles but didn't find any This would help a lot.

Thanks!

AIM: Saanjana

 

[TheKoman]

Dr Will,

How is the weather out there? Do you need a 4x4? Is public transportation good? Im trying to decide if I should bring my car out there or buy a used SUV or something. They shovel the snow right? Are things like the supermarket, stores, movies etc far away? Let me know what you think.

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by TheKoman
Dr Will,

How is the weather out there? Do you need a 4x4? Is public transportation good? Im trying to decide if I should bring my car out there or buy a used SUV or something. They shovel the snow right? Are things like the supermarket, stores, movies etc far away? Let me know what you think.

I'll be straight up...the weather blows. You don't need a 4x4 however. I own a crappy Ford Escort that has rollerskates for tires. They keep the roads very well plowed since Finch is around Abbot Labs and the Naval Academy...no problems there. Everywhere requires a car to get there...nothing is in walking distance (depending on where you live) Public transportation is virtuatlly non-existant, unfortunately. So def. bring your car.

Swan...pm me and i'll get you my aim screen name.

 

[opus03]

ok, I don't know if anyone can help me here...but is it true that we won't receive our fin aid awards until orientation?? I think that is nuts! That's what a girl in the office just told me and I was too stunned to say anything but thanks. I assume she knows what she is talking about....but waiting until orientation doesn't give us much of a chance to compare packages!! Am I just crazy here? Oh well, sorry for the rant, anyone have any info at all?

 

[Dr. Will]

BUMP!

 

[needshelpnow]

Hi!

Thanks to everyone for the great tips!

I was recently accepted to Finch's AP program and am debating between there and Gtown. Any advice on how to choose?

Also what is the procedure for applying the Chicago Med School as an AP student? Does it mostly depend on your GPA in the AP Program or do undergrad GPA and MCAT's come back to haunt you...

Thanks!!

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by needshelpnow
Hi!

Thanks to everyone for the great tips!

I was recently accepted to Finch's AP program and am debating between there and Gtown. Any advice on how to choose?

Also what is the procedure for applying the Chicago Med School as an AP student? Does it mostly depend on your GPA in the AP Program or do undergrad GPA and MCAT's come back to haunt you...

Thanks!!

You apply to CMS the way you would to any other school. As an AP student you are given a gauranteed interview, which is held sometime in Oct or Nov. Your acceptance will depend on your GPA in the program (or at least a big part of it). Your undergrad GPA and MCAT's will also...but not to the extent as how you do in the actual M1 classes. Those of us accepted found out around 2 weeks after our Spring finals.

As for deciding between Gtown and Finch...definately get first hand accounts. I can tell you I really enjoyed Finch's AP program and was accepted into their M1 class for the following year. It's not a competitive environment so we're able to get along with classmates well. Although it's not gauranteed...your chances of acceptance are extremely good if you do well in the program.

 

[kau7]

hey dr. will.. and others,
i applied for the ap program in march, and still have not heard a response back. just sent in my new mcat scores from april (near 30). i just received an email from them saying i have been assigned housing in the on campus apts, but have not gotten in officially. whats going on? have they just overbooked the number of spaces and waiting for people to decline.....how good are my chances of getting in?
also...how bad is it to live in one bedroom apt? thanks..

kavita

 

[Dr. Will]

Worry not...I didn't find out until about a week before orientation. And I saw people getting acccepted during orientation also. So there's still time. I don't know what the deal is with the on campus housing though. I lived off campus last year and will continue so this year. Right now I'm living at Forrest Pointe...which happens to be one of the more pricey complexes. My 1st floor one bedroom is about $905 a month. I'm not quite sure about other places however.

 

[kau7]

dr.will...
what do u think are the avg stats of people who come into the ap program. i just graduated from berkeley and wondering how the classes would be in comparison to cal classes. is it more conceptual based or memorization..
if im applying to med schools during the program, can we send out progress reports to show med schools how we're doing at the time in the program?
also....what is a typical schedule of classes for the week? thanks again.
kavita

 

[Dr. Will]

If i remember correctly...the ave stats were around a 3.2-3.4 gpa maybe....and possibly an mcat of around 28-30. The classes are intense. It's a great deal of material to learn and understand in a short amount of time. It's important to be on top of things at all times and to do as well as you can the first quarter. Most of the classes from second quarter carry on until the end of the program...thus giving you one grad over that two quarter period.

As for your schedule...it starts out rather light I'll admit. You're looking at 2-4 hrs of class per day. Same goes for second quarter. During Spring however...we're talking pretty much all day (this is the quarter where you take the exact load of as the M1's and is thus very important) It's not easy and it's extremely tiring...but definately doable with discipline and determination.

 

[anxiousmed]

trust what Dr. Will is saying as we went through it together.....i went through exactly what he's describing and in the end it all matters and how bad you really want it and how much are you willing to give up for it. 1 year of pure intensity from july to may is what you have to sacrifice. and only the peeps that gave it all (esp from the beginning) survived. just to clear up once again.....the B avg is very misleading.....let me quickly break it down. at least half the medical school course must get a B which is 80% in a course. Thus there is a curve to set it in that ratio. So in simple math rhetoric, half of the medical school is above 80% AND HALF IS BELOW. What does that mean once again....half the m1's get C's and below in each class and half gets above. the AP's have to somehow have to be ABOVE AVERAGE=B for 9 months (as is defined by the registrar). As I will be attending a H/P/F in the FAll, I'm relieved there is no grade system as a GPA is more stressful that one assumes. after going through and undergrad and graduate program (which can by no means be compared to the B avg gpa requirement for the AP program) before the AP year, I never realized how arduous of a task it is to keep the B GPA. good luck. the first step is get accepted to the AP program, the second and last step is work hard. that's my 2 cents.

 

[anxiousmed]

oh yes, and for those waiting to find out if they've been accepted to Ap, don't stress. as will said, peeps literally got accepted the day before (a lot of them). I myself got in the day after I mailed in the application. btw, i also got into georgetown's but chose ap since it had a higher matriculation avg....even though georgetown might have the "name"

 

[kau7]

hey..
so i just called the housing services and they said the waitlist for two bedroom is not moving for the on campus apts. i was placed in a one bedroom apt. i think it is better since its on campus and includes internet, etc..but do u think i shoudl consider the woodlands as off campus option and take a two bedroom instead?
also...so i was assigned housing, but have not gotten in officially. whats up with that? im starting to get nervous as a few of my friends got in a few weeks ago yet my application is "still under consideration"

Kavita

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by kau7
hey..
so i just called the housing services and they said the waitlist for two bedroom is not moving for the on campus apts. i was placed in a one bedroom apt. i think it is better since its on campus and includes internet, etc..but do u think i shoudl consider the woodlands as off campus option and take a two bedroom instead?
also...so i was assigned housing, but have not gotten in officially. whats up with that? im starting to get nervous as a few of my friends got in a few weeks ago yet my application is "still under consideration"

Kavita

Do you plan on getting a roomate? If so then the Woodlands isn't that bad of an option as it's close to campus. I honestly have no idea what the deal is with the on campus housing. It never appealed to me in the first place. I personally like the idea of going "home" as opposed to just walking across a parking lot.

As for the accepatance...you may want to call and ask your status. Let them know you've recieved this housing info. It's possible you've already been accepted...i really don't know.

 

[swan02]

Hey Guys,

I was wondering if you could give me some feedback about the Woodlands. I am seriously considering it, and wanted to get some student input. I am looking at the dual entry, Phase I apartments on the first floor. Are some apartments better than others? Which are the most popular, what have your experiences been? Do you advise certain buildings over others? The Phase II buildings seem newer and nicer, but I was really attracted to the dual entry apartments, and the fact that both rooms are equal in size, etc.

I'd appreciate any input.

 

[Dr. Will]

bump

 

[kau7]

i talked to some guy on teh admissions and we had a nice conversation but he still said he cant reassure me of any acceptance at this point......im getting really frustrated..cuz i want to find out NOW! has anyone else recently found out?

also...do u recommend bringing a car up there if your living on campus? wheres the nearest grocery store, etc?

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by kau7
also...do u recommend bringing a car up there if your living on campus? wheres the nearest grocery store, etc?

Be patient...people are accepted through the first day of classes...so you have till the 28th.

If you live on campus, you need to have a car or know someone with a car since there isn't much within walking distance. The nearest grocery store is about a 4-5 min DRIVE. Basically, a car is a necessity pretty much where ever you live in N. Chicago.

Anyways...I was thinking that it would be nice for all of us to meet at some point and possibly do something. As we get closer to orientation, I'll let you guys know what ideas I have in mind.

 

[kau7]

hey dr. will...
this is so random but i went out last nite and met some guy named josh who said he knew you. it was so funny cuz we started talking about med school stuff and i mentioned sdn and the people ive encountered and he was like oh i know dr. will....hahaha i just thought it was funny.
anyways, thanks for your replies.
~kavita

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by kau7
hey dr. will...
this is so random but i went out last nite and met some guy named josh who said he knew you. it was so funny cuz we started talking about med school stuff and i mentioned sdn and the people ive encountered and he was like oh i know dr. will....hahaha i just thought it was funny.
anyways, thanks for your replies.
~kavita

I'm guessing that the Josh in question is a soon to be M2? Haha anyways, I'm glad to help.

 

[Lil IceBoy]

Hi, I'm sorry if this question has been previously answered along the post. I just called the office and for the AP program the administrator told me that they would probably have a decision for me after 4th of July weekend.

In any case, Dr. Will, you said that a lot of people were accepted on the DAY of orientation. My question is that how would you know to go to orientation if they didn't let you know if you were accepted or not. Or is do they do a lil *wink wink* type thing?

Thanks!

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by Lil IceBoy
Hi, I'm sorry if this question has been previously answered along the post. I just called the office and for the AP program the administrator told me that they would probably have a decision for me after 4th of July weekend.

In any case, Dr. Will, you said that a lot of people were accepted on the DAY of orientation. My question is that how would you know to go to orientation if they didn't let you know if you were accepted or not. Or is do they do a lil *wink wink* type thing?

Thanks!

These people weren't at orientation. They are students we met during the first few weeks of class who happened to tell us they didn't find out about their acceptance until orientation. And just from talking to people all year long, a lot weren't accepted until very close until orientation began.

 

[Lil IceBoy]

Ah I see.

Is orientation usually only a couple a days? And school begins about a month or so afterwards?

Thanks

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by Lil IceBoy
Ah I see.

Is orientation usually only a couple a days? And school begins about a month or so afterwards?

Thanks

Orientation lasts a week. Classes begin the following Monday.

 

[LetMeInPlease]

Well, I've been reading this thread for a while now and I have finally decided to say hello. I'm going to be starting medical school there this month! Woo! It seems to me that most of the posters here are in the AP program, is that right?

Anyway, just thought I'd say hi. I'm moving to North Chicago in ONE WEEK! Wow. We start so early! I'm living in the new student housing, so I'm excited to see what it looks like!

Have you guys seen the class schedule yet? It looks like the first couple of weeks are not too packed, but then we start having class from 8 AM to 5 PM almost everyday. Have any of you thought of getting a job? Do you think it's even possible? HA..probably not.

That's all. I guess this is a kind of pointless post, but oh well...made you look! HAHAHAH.

 

[Dr. Will]

I'm surprised that more soon to be M1's have popped out to introduce themselves. I know there are more of you out there.

 

[Jumpu]

No we are around. Just trying not to think about how soon school will be starting for us. It's in about 2 weeks right! Good lord, why do they have to start so soon?

 

[medulla]

OK OK, thought I'd also say hi--I'll be an M1, too and have been busy reading posts on the sly... hee hee.
And I definitely don't want to miss Dr. Will's much talked about shin dig.

Anyway, I am so incredibly excited to be starting in two weeks and I am also just a little bit scared, nervous, deliriously happy, sad about leaving peeps here and saying too many goodbyes, sick of packing, nerdedly excited to start studying again (3 years out of college!) and a gazillion other things all at once!

If anyone doesn't mind...a few quick advice questions...
1. I am planning on buying a laptop--anyone know if the school's computers are more compatible with PCs or Macs?
2. Is there a Target/BedBathBeyond/Ikea anywhere near the school (1/2-1hour away)?
3. Should I wait to get my books at school in the hopes of buying some used from M2s?

Oh, and Dr. Will...need help planning the SDN get together? Let me know!

 

[Dr. Will]

Hey Medulla...glad to have you with us. I'll try and help you out as much as I can. I'm heading back tomorrow everyone to trick out my new apt...definately excited to be getting back.

1. The school has a bunch of PC's...so I'd suggest getting one. They have various of hubs as you've seen to plug in.

2. There are plenty of targets, kmarts, etc within 10 min. Two locations...Vernon Hills and Gurnee come to mind. You'll get the chance to explore. There is also a Bed, Bath and Beyond at Gurnee mills. An Ikea is about 30 min away, I forgot what the town's name is but I'm heading out there on Tues to do some shopping myself. I'll give you the info as soon as I can.

3. I'd hold off on buying books. I bought one all year long, for Neuro...the notes they give are pretty complete. But I do suggest First Aid and possibly some review books...it's best to wait though.

4. And yes...helping in planning would be much appreciated . Any suggestions would be great. Just pm me or something

will

 

[anxiousmed]

hey will, just curious, since we already took genetics, why the hell are they making you come out so early....i know if i would have stayed at cms, i wouldn't show up to dreaded N. Chicago until I really had to.......i hope its not b/c of ICM........lol........anyways.......just thought i would give a shout......you know what will.....since i'm at uic, we should coordinate m1 get togethers........anyways take care

 

[Dr. Will]

Originally posted by anxiousmed
hey will, just curious, since we already took genetics, why the hell are they making you come out so early....i know if i would have stayed at cms, i wouldn't show up to dreaded N. Chicago until I really had to.......i hope its not b/c of ICM........lol........anyways.......just thought i would give a shout......you know what will.....since i'm at uic, we should coordinate m1 get togethers........anyways take care

Three letters...ICM (on the first day) Plus I figured I'd meet some classmates.

 

[DesiMDHopeful]

Hey...wow this thread is kind of crusing along. Still not as crazy as last summer though...haha. Anyways...just wanted to drop in and say hi. Im a soon to be M2, who went thru the MIS program a couple years ago so Ive been around here. Congrats to all those soon to be APs and M1's...Im anxious to hopefully meet a lot of you. I was going to be an OA this year too but due to a change of plans that won't be happening. Regardless hopefully I'll still get to meet a bunch of you.

BTW...Will you guys do have a White Coat ceremony too and ICM and Ethics (which I think you guys probably have early on) require attendance. Stupid ethics is being graded too this year....it'll still probably be a cake class though, and still just as poorly setup...haha.

 

[DesiMDHopeful]

Medulla...

Just thought Id mention that if you get a laptop you might want to look into getting a wireless card with it becuase I believe the school intends to go wireless at some point soon.

As for Ikea...it's in Schaumburg which is about a 45 min drive from North Chicago/Waukegan.