Official Tufts class of 2010

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usrael said:
Sure I'll make the wedding. I'm looking forward to the challenge. My biggest problem is that I NEVER sleep when I fly, and in this case I really need those zzzzz's.
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I've got one word for you-- Benadryl. Stuff works like a charm. I've seen what I presume to be your blog on sdn; you seem like a really fantastic person, I can't wait to meet you in August!
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Do they still give exams on Tuesdays? According to students from a couple years ago they did, so weekends were pretty much just for studying for a lot of people.

Supposedly we're allowed (or required) to give feedback on everything there. Anybody up for suggesting they hold exams on Fridays so we can have more enjoyable weekends? If enough of us ask for it maybe they'll consider it.

Well, I guess we're only about 2 months away from starting. It's going to be one hell of a ride!
 
Just a quick note for those unfamiliar with Boston....

Currently it is 90+ degrees and humid, so wherever you are thinking of living should come equipped with air conditioning or be prepared to get one off of Craigslist. That should get you through September and any Indian Summer we may have.

In Boston, we get all four seasons, and, while it doesn't often get extremely hot, when it does, it can be a bit oppressive. Although, we've had more than our fair share of rain in the past month or two, and consequently Boston was packed with people outdoors this weekend enjoying the sunshine.
 
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usrael said:
Ya, I'm nervous. Especially since my sis recently got engaged and the wedding date is....sept. 13th (overseas--plural). Thats smack in the middle of the FIRST batch of exams. I love her anyway :)
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kinda off topic, but how do you know when exams are? i've been trying to dig up a schedule and all i've been able to find is the '09 first-year day by day schedule. are you looking at something different? am i just blind? :)
 
oneaat said:
kinda off topic, but how do you know when exams are? i've been trying to dig up a schedule and all i've been able to find is the '09 first-year day by day schedule. are you looking at something different? am i just blind? :)
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:) No you're not blind. The academic calender for 06-07 is not posted yet. I emailed the offices and asked for the daily schedule for the days I need to be away for the wedding. Hopefully they will update TUSK for the coming year because its hard to plan (visits home...etc) without it.
 
usrael said:
:) No you're not blind. The academic calender for 06-07 is not posted yet. I emailed the offices and asked for the daily schedule for the days I need to be away for the wedding. Hopefully they will update TUSK for the coming year because its hard to plan (visits home...etc) without it.
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Hey guys, I'm going to be a second year and I just wanted to let you know that your schedule wont be much different than ours was so you can get a good idea based on that. also, we never really had exams on friday first year...they were usually earlier in the week - tuesdays, wed...sometimes mondays. you are required to give feedback about every class but they have their reasons for when they schedule exams. they did change a few exams of us if it was possible but usually, if the exams interfered with a major holiday, they just accommodated those students who couldn't take it that day (esp for the jewish holidays).
 
Man, this summer is going by fast! I can't believe that it's almost the 4th of July already. To be honest, I'm getting kind of nervous!!!
 
Anyone have experience with Tufts Health Plan? I'm not so happy with the fact that it's restricted to MA. Also, from what I understand you can't visit a specialist without going through your primary physician first. While I hope not to need medical attention, I prefer the flexibility of national coverage, and the convenience of going straight to a specialist, no referral needed.
My PPO (Israeli international insurance) has both of these benefits.
I'm torn. After all, Tufts health plan docs are next door....
 
I'm curious to know how other people handle this question that friends, relatives, people I meet, etc. ask me whenever I tell them I am going to medical school. Usually I explain that the 3rd and 4th years of medical school are when you do rotations through different types of medicine and hopefully figure out what interests you the most/where your calling is. Beyond that, I usually say that the first division is probably do you want to do primary care type medicine or become a specialist, all the meantime caveating that I'm sure plans change once one goes through medical school. After all, I don't think people enter medical school dreaming of becoming a pathologist or a nephrologist or a dermatologist (maybe they do, and I'm out of touch), but those disciplines exist, and, somewhere along the line, people make the decision to enter them.

But, what about others? Do you have a plan in place for where you want to be? Just wondering...

Chris
 
As much as I don't want it to be an issue, money is definitely important. Let's face it, Tufts is pretty much the most expensive school around, and it'll be hard enough just paying back all the loans we have to take out, let alone raising a family, etc.. $$$ notwithstanding, I personally want to become a specialist of some sort because I want to be able to tackle the more challenging cases. It's kinda guilt-inducing because we're so short on primary care docs already, but it's simply not what interests me.

Most of the pre-meds I went to college with didn't seem to have much of an idea of what they wanted to be. And there are so many instances in which third/fourth-year students do a rotations in what they thought they loved and then realize they'd rather do almost anything else.

And finally, getting a residency in your desired field doesn't always happen if it's a competitive specialty, so that can throw a wrench in your plans. As of now I'm kind of into neurology/neurosurgery but I wouldn't be surprised at all if I want to do something completely different three years from now.
 
usrael said:
Anyone have experience with Tufts Health Plan? I'm not so happy with the fact that it's restricted to MA. Also, from what I understand you can't visit a specialist without going through your primary physician first. While I hope not to need medical attention, I prefer the flexibility of national coverage, and the convenience of going straight to a specialist, no referral needed.
My PPO (Israeli international insurance) has both of these benefits.
I'm torn. After all, Tufts health plan docs are next door....
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with most plans, you have get a referral from your PCP first. the plans where you don't are usually much more expensive. anyway, i've needed referrals for the plan i've been on for 3 years and it's really not a problem at all. the PCP will write a referral for anything. it's barely even a hurdle.

also, why does it matter that you are restricted to MA physicians? are you planning on living outside of the state? it's not like you'll have trouble finding a good doctor here....

if you can afford to keep your other insurance and you're happier with it, then go ahead, but the tufts plan is pretty much standard.
 
isobel said:
with most plans, you have get a referral from your PCP first. the plans where you don't are usually much more expensive. anyway, i've needed referrals for the plan i've been on for 3 years and it's really not a problem at all. the PCP will write a referral for anything. it's barely even a hurdle.

also, why does it matter that you are restricted to MA physicians? are you planning on living outside of the state? it's not like you'll have trouble finding a good doctor here....

if you can afford to keep your other insurance and you're happier with it, then go ahead, but the tufts plan is pretty much standard.
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Hi Isobel,

Thanks for your reply.

*My PPO is actually cheaper...perhaps because it's based out of Israel. But it does have a 1K deductable.
*I have friends and relatives up and down the East coast, and I'm likely to visit during vacation. So the MA restriction may come into play.

Last but not least...
*PCP detour isn't a BIG hurdle, but it does take longer to see a specialist, and you pay 2X co-payment (small.. but it adds up depending on how many visits per year)
 
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usrael said:
Hi Isobel,

Thanks for your reply.

*My PPO is actually cheaper...perhaps because it's based out of Israel. But it does have a 1K deductable.
*I have friends and relatives up and down the East coast, and I'm likely to visit during vacation. So the MA restriction may come into play.

Last but not least...
*PCP detour isn't a BIG hurdle, but it does take longer to see a specialist, and you pay 2X co-payment (small.. but it adds up depending on how many visits per year)
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Just so you know - the copays for tufts health plan are really cheap, as compared to many other health plans (not sure about your israel one) but PCP copay for tufts health plan is $10 and most specialists are $15 - so its really not that bad. and there is something to be said for your doctor being across the street from school. finally, with tufts health plan, you get gym discounts, in case that's something you're considering as well.
 
Does anyone know how much the Downtown Crossing Boston Sports Club charges per month if you have the Tufts Health Plan?
 
Is anyone else thinking about buying a stethoscope before the start of orientation? I was wondering what the cheapest option was and when we would actually need them by. I'm guessing there are vendors on the campus and there's always the bookstore, but I've seen what look to be like pretty decent discounts at sites like allheart.com.
 
Hey everyone,
I hope you are all having a good summer! I will be a first year med student at Tufts this fall and I’m looking for a female roommate. I have a one bedroom apartment at 534 Commonwealth Avenue, which is IN Kenmore Square. The T (Kenmore Square Subway Station) is right outside the apartment, and Kenmore is the station right where the green line branches into the different lines; therefore not only are you just 3 stops away from the school (max. 20min to the school), but you also have immediate connections to the B, C, and D lines. The apartment has been recently renovated with gorgeous hard wood floors, a fully-equipped kitchen, beautiful bathroom, and sunlight throughout the day!!!! It has central air (heating/air conditioning), cable connections already installed, and the laundry facilities are literally across the hall. And because I’m from just outside of Boston, I will be able to furnish a good portion of the apartment on my own (if that’s a concern). You will be able to move in Aug. 15th. The price is $850/month which includes heat and hot water.

If you’re interested you can contact me at [email protected], and I can arrange a time for you to see the place.

~Ashley
 
silas2642 said:
Is anyone else thinking about buying a stethoscope before the start of orientation? I was wondering what the cheapest option was and when we would actually need them by. I'm guessing there are vendors on the campus and there's always the bookstore, but I've seen what look to be like pretty decent discounts at sites like allheart.com.
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There is the bookstore and campus vendors, but they tend to be expensive. Allheart.com is probably the cheapest i've seen and I'd definately try to buy one online. But I wouldn't be in such a rush to get one. Keep your eyes out for a good deal (ebay, cousin that changed his/her mind about med school). A Littman Cardiology scope will serve you well. A used one is fine too.

As for other equipment, have a reflex hammer ($5). the oto/ophthal's are an option, but not something i'd spend so much money on. you'll use it 2-3 times over 4 years. probably the best idea would be to find a used one for cheap and then sell it once you graduate. lowball here. this isn't something you'll want to keep. Also, a penlight is nice ($1-2). don't get a BP cuff.
 
This exhibit is coming to the Museum of Science at the end of July and it looks pretty good:

http://mos.org/bodyworlds/

If this rainy weather keeps up we'll all be looking for indoor activities!
 
Hey guys, looks like I'll be joining the class of 2010! I'm coming from California and have seen some nice apartments in Quincy which I hear is only 8 miles or so from downtown.
 
mrpankration said:
Hey guys, looks like I'll be joining the class of 2010! I'm coming from California and have seen some nice apartments in Quincy which I hear is only 8 miles or so from downtown.
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Quincy is a nice place to live, but bear in mind that it is not the city, it is outside of the city. It's not quite the suburbs, but you won't feel like you are near "the action" or in a place where there are a whole bunch of things to do, such as living in a neighborhood of Boston. It's more of a working class area.

Chris
 
mrpankration said:
Hey guys, looks like I'll be joining the class of 2010! I'm coming from California and have seen some nice apartments in Quincy which I hear is only 8 miles or so from downtown.
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it really depends on what you want. it is definitely separate from boston and it's own little city. quincy center is a cute little downtown with restaurants and ethnic food shops. wollaston and north quincy have a lot of asians that moved out of chinatown when it was a really nasty place and therefore a lot of interesting stores and restaurants. the beach is very close but not somewhere i'd swim. it is good for long runs though. the blue hills state park is close by as well as the south shore mall. you'd probably want a car though if you lived in quincy. quincy center to downtown crossing on the red line is about a 20 minute ride.

my boyfriend and i chose to live in quincy because we've been out of college for a few years and were ready for a nice apartment in a nice quiet neighborhood. we live on hospital hill/president's hill a five minute walk from the quincy center T stop. it's very quiet and residential with nice houses. we have a 3 BR apartment with living room, dining room, and a garage in the back for $1200 dollars. it's pretty awesome.

you can find cheaper, nicer apartments in quincy but just be aware that few fellow students will choose to live there. then again, people will be spread out all over - it's not like everyone will live in one place.
 
Thanks for the info guys. I'm moving out with my fiancee and we both were looking for a quieter area. Also, it seems like most of the more affordable places in the city were really small and old, something neither of us were too excited about. We will be bringing one car but I'm actually pretty excited about using public transportation because I've been dependant on my truck for way too long!
 
Does anyone remember what Tufts recommends for specs on a computer? I tried looking on their website, but it seems to have been taken down. Thanks.
 
I've been getting in on a great deal at Borders, 30% off any one book (they have a small medical school section, differs from store to store) and also one free 12 oz hot drink. Best of all, you can print out as many coupons as you want, using one per day per location. There's a Borders in Cambridge at a mall, not too far from school, another in downtown Boston within walking distance from TUSM.

http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/hB...ARDS_MEMID=YourID&COUPON_VALID_DATE=7/16/2006

When you copy the above into your browser, change "[email protected]" to whatever your e-mail address is, and "YourName" to your name.

If, when you go, they say you need to be a Borders Reward Member, no problem, just sign up on the spot (it is free).

The same thing applies for the free drink coupon:

http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/hB...12345678&FNAME=C &COUPON_VALID_DATE=7/16/2006

Hope this helps some people!
 
Hey, has anyone received their orientation packet yet? I'm kind of curious as to what is going on the first week-- whether or not there are any kind of classes, are we going on any class trips, is there going to be free food, etc.?
 
no but i did get info about the T.

not related at all - i was accepted today to my state school. is anyone looking for an apartment in boston? i have a lease signed on a studio, $850/month, parking available (for extra 100), new appliances and paint. it's in allston and about two blocks from the green (B) line. obviously, i won't be living in boston this year and thought i'd put the word out before i officially break the lease. please respond/pm me if you're interested.
 
silas2642 said:
Hey, has anyone received their orientation packet yet? I'm kind of curious as to what is going on the first week-- whether or not there are any kind of classes, are we going on any class trips, is there going to be free food, etc.?
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When I called, I was told that orientation packets will be sent out in the middle of July.
 
markss22411 said:
When I called, I was told that orientation packets will be sent out in the middle of July.
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So, who in Boston is down for a little pre-orientation get together? Maybe a Thursday night in the next week or two. We could meet up at a place downtown, Cleary's or some place like that where we can grab a drink and chat. Who's interested? If we can get a few people together, we can make a plan.
 
wilson bitt said:
So, who in Boston is down for a little pre-orientation get together? Maybe a Thursday night in the next week or two. We could meet up at a place downtown, Cleary's or some place like that where we can grab a drink and chat. Who's interested? If we can get a few people together, we can make a plan.
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i'd be interested. other than working full-time, i'm pretty free for the next month.
 
I'd be up for something like that. Is that the place on the corner of Dartmouth and Columbus?
 
tenaciousB said:
I'd be up for something like that. Is that the place on the corner of Dartmouth and Columbus?
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Count me in. Also chilling in Boston for the summer.
 
Depends on the exact night, but I'd be up for getting together. I'll be starting the summer program on Monday which should end around 4 every day, and working full-time nights (I shifted my day consulting job to nights).

If a Thursday is what you are thinking of, maybe consider this (it's free) as a place to meet up and hang out if the weather is nice:

http://bhh.com/blues_thursdays.cfm

Or, next door to Clery's is Prairie Star Southwestern Grill & Bar (never have been) but they have 1/2 price appetizers 5 to 7 pm at the bar, and all entrees are $10 or less Monday through Wednesdays. Maybe a meet-up place before Clery's?
 
Sounds like thursday night would work for several people, why not set something up?
 
bostonguy said:
Sounds like thursday night would work for several people, why not set something up?
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i'd be in
 
gdizzle said:
i'd be in
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So it sounds like Thursday works, I work until 7pm that day. How about we meet
for that harbor music thing at like 830 or 9pm (we could meet right in front of the entrance to the IMAX theatre since it could be crowded). After we could then just walk over to the Quincy Market bars since they are only 2 blocks away and I'm sure at least would have no cover that night and some cheap drink specials (like Sissy K's). Also to keep in mind, Sissy K's has no cover on Wed. and 1.50 beer (insane deal for Boston) and fun atmosphere.

Let me know what you think.
 
i dont know if i'm posting in the right thread but since this is the tuft's thread ill just go ahead and ask... does tuft's favor in-state applicants or do they not consider your residency at all??? im applying in the 2007 cycle and am an illinois resident. thanks for any help i can get.
 
FullTiltMD said:
i dont know if i'm posting in the right thread but since this is the tuft's thread ill just go ahead and ask... does tuft's favor in-state applicants or do they not consider your residency at all??? im applying in the 2007 cycle and am an illinois resident. thanks for any help i can get.
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E-mail the admissions office with the question to get the definitive answer. And don't forget it is TUFTS not TUFT'S when you write your secondary. :)

My understanding is that residency for schools which are national in scope (like Tufts) is not an issue at all. The only thing is that if you are on the wait list (and this what I have heard, not necessarily fact), being close helps because you are more likely to come (and be able to drop everything to come).
 
FullTiltMD said:
i dont know if i'm posting in the right thread but since this is the tuft's thread ill just go ahead and ask... does tuft's favor in-state applicants or do they not consider your residency at all??? im applying in the 2007 cycle and am an illinois resident. thanks for any help i can get.
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Tufts is a private school, and as such, I don't think they have a preference for in-state residents (that's what UMass is for). If you check out MSAR, they will provide you with the breakdown on in-state vs. out-of-state applicants for every school. Hope this helps.
 
Tufts is a private school, and as such, I don't think they have a preference for in-state residents (that's what UMass is for). If you check out MSAR, they will provide you with the breakdown on in-state vs. out-of-state applicants for every school. Hope this helps.
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In theory that should be true, but it seemed like when I was applying I had much better success with schools closer to home. I think I saw in MSAR last year that something like 30% of Mass residents applying to Tufts got interviews, while maybe 10% of out-of-staters got them. Also if you look at the Tufts admission site it says that a lot more '09 students came from MA than anywhere else. It's the same deal for a lot of schools elsewhere in the country.
 
tenaciousB said:
In theory that should be true, but it seemed like when I was applying I had much better success with schools closer to home. I think I saw in MSAR last year that something like 30% of Mass residents applying to Tufts got interviews, while maybe 10% of out-of-staters got them. Also if you look at the Tufts admission site it says that a lot more '09 students came from MA than anywhere else. It's the same deal for a lot of schools elsewhere in the country.
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For the Class of 2005
Geographic Representation
Massachusetts 61
Other New England States 13
New York 22
New Jersey 7
Sum of Northeastern States
(New England, NY and NJ) 103
California 23
Other 42

Stats can be misleading however....All things being equal, people will choose to be closer to home, you'll find that of most schools, it's a regional draw.
 
Knowing that students often choose to stay near home, it's possible that adcoms add to that effect by admitting more people from the area than are proportionally represented in the total applicant pool.

And of course many people who have the option go to their state schools. There are states in the heartland who have enough seats in their state school(s) for over half of a state's applicants to attend. States like MA, NY, and CA are especially well-represented at schools like Tufts because MA has only one tiny public school and because NY and CA have thousands of applicants for only a handful of schools. They're also wealthier states who have people who can (better) afford private school tuition.

Maybe someday med school will be free or cheap like in Europe...at this rate my kids will probably pay $1 million a year if they want to be doctors.
 
Hello All.

I just got emailed an acceptance off of the waitlist. Pretty exciting. However, I haven't decided if I will switch schools or not (currently going to SUNY-Downstate). Anyone have any advice?
 
sentrosi said:
Hello All.

I just got emailed an acceptance off of the waitlist. Pretty exciting. However, I haven't decided if I will switch schools or not (currently going to SUNY-Downstate). Anyone have any advice?
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Are you instate there? If you are, and you don't have an incredibly compelling reason to come to TUSM, I'd go to Downstate.
 
Hey, does anyone know when we'll be able to access Tufts email and TUSK???
 
gdizzle said:
Hey, does anyone know when we'll be able to access Tufts email and TUSK???
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You'll set it up during orientation in the last week of August.
 
Those of us in the summer program have all that set up already. If there's something you need, I could e-mail it to you.
 
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