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SK14CAT

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Hey everyone! Congrats to those of you who have been getting off the USF waitlist. I thought I would start this thread to see who is going to be going to USF in the fall. I thought maybe we could help each other out as far as housing and stuff goes. If anyone has any thoughts, questions, concerns, please feel free to discuss. I thought we should all get to know one another 🙂
 
SK14CAT is one very hot future doc!!! She gets a triple crown easily (beauty, brains, & personality) Whomever gets to room with her or sit beside her in class is so lucky. :luck:
 
I'm still waiting for mid June for acceptance :scared: USF is my first choice (it was my only interview in a very sucky application cycle 🙁)

There are "Usf" and "U of S Florida" threads that people update with news, those are the ones that are bumped frequently. You can do a search for them to see who got in so far.
 
By the way, did you just get in off the waitlist S14CAT? (If so, where were you on the waitlist and what was the original estimate that Dr. Larkin gave you?)
 
DrPharoah,
Yes I got in off the waitlist before the May 15th movement actually like a couple other people who are on other USF threads. Mr. Larkin told me that I was in "a good position on the waitlist to get offered a spot". Good luck and hang in there!
 
Pharaoh, MrLarkin told you to expect midJune? Did he say he thinks you'll get in or not?
 
Does anyone know anything, good or bad, about apartment setups where 3 or 4 people live together and share a kitchen and living room, but have separate rooms and leases? I found Breckenridge Apartments near USF that does this and includes all utilities and cable and you get a security alarm for your apartment for $440. So far this is the best place by far, but I dunno if anyone has heard anything about it. Also, there's a place called Malibu Apartments that is opening in August right next to USF, across from MOSI, on Fowler that I think runs along the same lines. This apartment hunting is getting to be so annoying....

feel free to PM me also regarding this housing stuff

Mike
 
Like I told you Mike and to whoever else is reading this thread, I wouldn't go to places which rent by the room b/c they tend to be very undergrad and if you don't have anyone in mind to room with you could end up with roommates that you might not be compatible with. There are a bunch of places which are really nice (gaurded, alarm system, etc..) that if you room with one other person it comes to like about 440 a month and the rent includes cable tv, water and trash pick up. My parents really liked this concept and I'm trying to find a roommate so I could do the same thing. So any of you females out there who are looking to room with someone, PM me! 🙂
 
Mike,

Hello there and welcome to Tampa and USF if you are not originally from around the area. I go to USF, and no much about apartments like Breckenridge and Malibu.

So I may be able to answer a few of your questions. In regards to apartments such as Breckenridge and Malibu, the problem with these types of apartments are that they are typically where all the undergrads live. So often times there will be parties or a lot of noise or just an overall college style atmosphere, which I know in my case, I do not wish to deal with when I get to medical school eventually.


However, if you are going to stay in one of those types of apartments, it is my recommendation to live in Malibu, Montecello, or on 56th street at College Court because these are the newest places like that around USF and so will be a lot nicer.

Breckenridge is kinda dirty and not that great of a place, and Avalon Heights which is the big yellow buildings next to Fontana, is just a creepy creepy place.

Personally the nicest area is in New Tampa about 5 miles north of the University. However, those are not individual leasing type of apartments. they are regular unfurnished apartments.

If you want a decent apartment that is a regular unfurnished apartment for rent that is not too expensive, then I would go with Park avenue, on 50th street. It is close to the school, only $500 per month for a 1 bedroom, and as close as you can get to the grocery store, a gas station, some decent restaurants like Carabas etc.

My brother used to live there and it was a pretty good area.
 
Mike,

Another thing, if you are looking for individual leasing apartments, those are generally the apartments that are all typical college style apartments so they tend to include all of the following:

In all of them:

Furniture for the bedroom
1. bed (full size)
2. Night stand
3 dresser and mirror or chest of drawers
Your own bathroom

All utilities:
electricity, water, air conditioning, etc.

Ethernet connection

And in some:

Local phone

individual kitchenettes in your room

Personally, if you choose to live in that sort of facility, I would go with Malibu, College Court (56th street) or Montecello (42nd street)
 
mikedc813 said:
Pharaoh, MrLarkin told you to expect midJune? Did he say he thinks you'll get in or not?
Click to expand...

When we first spoke in March after my interview he said that they expect to give me an acceptance by that date, so I suppose he thinks I'll get in. He said I'm above the cut off and when we spoke two weeks ago he said mid June is still a good estimate, so I'm waiting.
 
Mike,

Anytime, you can PM me if you want any more information.

Personally, I think you are better off getting a real apartment, because many of the individual leasing places are too many undergrads, and a lot of times those undergrads that live there are the party goers type of people.

Most med students that I know of at USF currently live on Dale Mabry somewhere, but that's kind of far.

Or otherwise, they live on Bruce B Downs, which is five miles north of the school. Only problem with Bruce B downs area is its expensive.

Fletcher and Dale Mabry have an area called Carolwood which also has nice apartments. Carolwood is cheaper than Tampa Palms/Bruce B Downs area, but supposedly equally as nice.
 
I agree very much with gujuDoc about the apartment info. Be careful about the apartment places you choose right around campus because a lot of them are noisy. I lived at Avalon Heights this past year and would definitely NOT recommend it. I was so happy when my lease was up. I've had so many problems with the office staff, and it's noisy with car alarms and the fire alarms going off in the middle of the night. I definitely recommend New Tampa area...up Bruce B. Downs, but that's just my opinion.
 
So what do people think about this idea.... buy a condo or townhome and sell it after you leave USF with the idea that it will probably appreciate in value. I know of someone who did this who goes to USF now and my parents were thinking about it. Anyone know of any places to look at? I'm definitely going to take everyone's advice and look in new tampa when I start my search so thanks guys 🙂
 
Buying a condo might be a good idea...interest rates are still quite low. A problem may be if you are spending a great deal of time at Tampa General (Davis Island and not close to campus) or Bayfront Med Center (located in downtown St. Petersburg) Just a few things you may want to consider. Buying a nice condo in the New Tampa area will run between $100,000 and 140,000 for a nice place. There are less expensice condos...but you will get what you pay for. Keep hunting.
 
The apartments out in New Tampa seem like they would be MUCH better than the undergrad-style places mentioned before. Like was said, you can get a really nice place for well under $500 per month (including utilities, cable, internet, and such). And I have a dog, so I'm somewhat restricted. Without a pet the choices double or triple. Tampa Palms apartments are very nice, and you'll probably find a good mix of grad students, young adults, and young married couples.

I said this once already, but if anyone is looking for a roommate (preferably male), please PM me.
 
I was thinking of buying an apartment in Tampa as well. However, USF is far from Tampa General, about 30 mins and that is where we will be spending our 3rd and 4th years. A lot of people tend to move to south tampa to be closer to TGH (tampa general hosp) So if you buy an apartment, you will be restricted to one area for all four years. Thats just my take on it.
 
Some nice places in New Tampa are Hunter's Green as well as Candleview Live Oaks.

To the person that mentioned Avalon, that place gives me the ebie jeebies. My friend lives there and I will never understand how.

I think opting to buy a decent condo may be a good idea.

Actually, next year I'm moving into a house which my friend bought and is renting out to others. So I agree with that sort of idea.

Carollwood is also a nice area. However, I love New Tampa and think it is the nicest area for medical students or people with pets and/or family or people who are not undergrads and want to be in a quiet place

South Tampa is also nice, but it is way too far from the school.

For your first two years, it shouldn't really matter whether you are next door to TGH, but in the 3rd and 4th, you could always move closer to the hospital in say Westshore area, where my friend lives.

Westshore is much closer to downtown tampa and TGH. Like a 5 minute distance.
 
Congrats SK14CAT! I too got off the wait list, sometime in April, and Mr. Larkin has been incredibly awesome and helpful all along the way...surely one of the nicest admissions officers I've met. For the longest time I was certain USF was it for me, but at the moment I've got to weigh it against UF...I'm a tad confused and slightly saddened that if I choose UF, I've got to tell Mr. Larkin I'm declining a position at Tampa, after him constantly keeping me informed of my spot of the list and getting back to me before any other school. Alas. 🙁
 
Columbus, you just have to decide which school is best for you. They're both great so don't worry too much. Tons of people turn down USF (as with any school) so don't worry about MrLarkin!
 
mikedc813 said:
Columbus, you just have to decide which school is best for you. They're both great so don't worry too much. Tons of people turn down USF (as with any school) so don't worry about MrLarkin!
Click to expand...

You're absolutely right, Mike...it's just that, to me, in retrospect, Mr. Larkin represents something about USF that I didn't find at UF in terms of availability of the administration to students. However over at UF, Robyn & Denise, while not as aggressive as Mr. Larkin in terms of contacting students, seem to be as helpful when called upon.

It's going to be a tough call, as I try to decide if the reason I regard UF above others is more based upon an extremely effective sales pitch at the interview or for other, more legitimate reasons. 😳
 
Yeah I definitely like the aura of the faculty's friendliness and that of the students. It was a main draw for me. Hopefully I'll see you in Tampa on August 9th.... :laugh:
 
mikedc813 said:
Yeah I definitely like the aura of the faculty's friendliness and that of the students. It was a main draw for me. Hopefully I'll see you in Tampa on August 9th.... :laugh:
Click to expand...

😀

Yes, USF was quite the friendly campus. Though I remember with UF, I got an excellent vibe of friendliness and overwhelming student satisfaction with the school, perhaps even more so than USF, but as far as faculty and administrators go, I'm still torn. 😉
 
Columbus said:
😀

Yes, USF was quite the friendly campus. Though I remember with UF, I got an excellent vibe of friendliness and overwhelming student satisfaction with the school, perhaps even more so than USF, but as far as faculty and administrators go, I'm still torn. 😉
Click to expand...

Is the difference between Tampa and Gainesville a factor for you?
 
mikedc813 said:
Is the difference between Tampa and Gainesville a factor for you?
Click to expand...

That's another thing. To decide between the small town in Gainesville or a city of Tampa's size...I wasn't particularly overjoyed about either area (the traffic in Gainesville is ridiculous and Tampa just felt 'wrong'), and I'm not sure which fits me better (someone accustomed to the easy-going Boca Raton sort of life 😉 ). But then again, to be closer to a coast as in Tampa would be nice while being stuck in central FL is not exactly my cup of tea. Yet I'm not entirely sure whether all this matters so much as I'm there to study and not enjoy myself? 😉 Tough, tough calls. 😀
 
This is a tough choice, but the reality is that neither school is so overwhelmingly better than the other, otherwise it would be an EASY choice, not a tough one. Here's what I did: make a list of the good and bad about each school, and try to weigh the relative importance of each. Then withdraw from the one you don't choose so other people can get in as soon as possible. Good luck with your tough choice.

Columbus said:
That's another thing. To decide between the small town in Gainesville or a city of Tampa's size...I wasn't particularly overjoyed about either area (the traffic in Gainesville is ridiculous and Tampa just felt 'wrong'), and I'm not sure which fits me better (someone accustomed to the easy-going Boca Raton sort of life 😉 ). But then again, to be closer to a coast as in Tampa would be nice while being stuck in central FL is not exactly my cup of tea. Yet I'm not entirely sure whether all this matters so much as I'm there to study and not enjoy myself? 😉 Tough, tough calls. 😀
Click to expand...
 
Congrats Columbus! Did you get into UF off the waitlist? If so when? I am kinda in the same predicament as you. I am waitlisted at UF and am afraid that if I get pulled off the waitlist I will need to make a decision on the spot. I mulled over it for a while and also asked a few fellow SDNers their thoughts and have still not made a decision. I'm kind of glad that I haven't had to make one yet. My thoughts are no matter where u go to med school yo are gonna be a doctor either way. That and I hate that gville is so far from miami which is where i am from. Good luck in your decision and let us know where you decide to go! PS Did you get your acceptance in the mail or by fone?
 
SK14CAT said:
Congrats Columbus! Did you get into UF off the waitlist? If so when? I am kinda in the same predicament as you. I am waitlisted at UF and am afraid that if I get pulled off the waitlist I will need to make a decision on the spot. I mulled over it for a while and also asked a few fellow SDNers their thoughts and have still not made a decision. I'm kind of glad that I haven't had to make one yet. My thoughts are no matter where u go to med school yo are gonna be a doctor either way. That and I hate that gville is so far from miami which is where i am from. Good luck in your decision and let us know where you decide to go! PS Did you get your acceptance in the mail or by fone?
Click to expand...

I got off the UF waitlist May 28, or at least, that's when I got the letter in the mail. Earlier in the day it was actually Mr. Larkin of USF that informed me that UF was going to extend an offer! :laugh: Gotta love Mr. Larkin. UF didn't call...they just sent a couple letters in the mail. I technically have until June 18 to make a decision, but I am going to try to make it sooner.

And thanks Mike, for your advice on choosing between the two schools. As far as distance is concerned SK14, Tampa and Gainesville might as well be the same distance away from where I live (a bit north of you) with maybe an hour extra for Gainesville.

Thanks for the help guys, and I hope you hear from UF soon, SK14! 😀
 
Thanks Columbus,
Part of me wants to hear from them and part of me doesn't. Yeah Gville is like 2 hours more than Tampa and there are no flights to Miami from Gville. Plus Tampa is so much nicer and I my student host is great. She's already given me a bunch of books and offered to be my big sis. Plus I already went apt hunting in the Tampa area and have a potential roommate. So I feel pretty settled in the Tampa area although I loved UF as a school. Good luck with your decision I know its a hard one. Maybe I'll be consulting you soon on mine 😀
 
Ok so does anyone have an idea about how important it is to have a laptop? I've been told that you can download the powerpoint presentations before class and make notes during lecture in the notes section of the powerpoint. Anyone know anything else along these lines? Also, I was wondering if there is wireless in the lecture halls....

The info I was sent mentioned we'll need to buy pdas for 3rd year and 4th year. If anyone knows if there's a specific one to get please post. Thanks all
 
Well I have heard that any PC will do you don't necessarily need a laptop. You just need to be able to do all those things on the computer that they told us to in the packet. I went to visit USF last week and Mr. Larking said that we will now be using the school of nursing classrooms because ours are too small because we have a bigger class size this year. They are re-doing the classrooms supposedely and adding wireless there. About the PDAs, I wouldn't rush it so much because we only need them in our 3rd and 4th year. So you might want to find out when we get there what are the best type to have.
 
SK14CAT said:
Well I have heard that any PC will do you don't necessarily need a laptop. You just need to be able to do all those things on the computer that they told us to in the packet. I went to visit USF last week and Mr. Larking said that we will now be using the school of nursing classrooms because ours are too small because we have a bigger class size this year. They are re-doing the classrooms supposedely and adding wireless there. About the PDAs, I wouldn't rush it so much because we only need them in our 3rd and 4th year. So you might want to find out when we get there what are the best type to have.
Click to expand...

Ok thanks, that's good to know. I hope the rooms are done quick! I wanted to get a new laptop before school started (mine now is somewhat on the slow side), but I guess I'll wait to see how well I can get by with this one.
 
Like another poster said, buying a condo might not be a bad idea if you can swing it with another person....

I just closed on my condo about 3 weeks ago. It's my first home, so I was nervous about the whole endeavor. To top it all off, 3 days after I closed on it, I left for Europe for some vacation time!!!

The house-hunting proved to be a little more difficuclt than I anticipated, though. Im from the Tampa area, originally, so I had an idea of where to look. There isn't much in the under-100k range in Tampa so I was forced to look across the Bay. I purchased a condo really close to the interstate and right after you getg off the bridge. I'm in the process of gutting it right now (the previous owners though that Black and Gold were tres chic ---- everywhere).

I have a mortgage, but it's less than any rent would be. So, for some people who may have a little cash to put down on a house, it may be soemthing to look into!!!

Other than that, I hope everyone's summer is great. Enjoy the peace and calm now.... August 8th is looming ever-closer.
 
Tampa Palms is nice for sure, but too pricey for a med student. Temple Terrace on the other hand has some more reasonable housing....
 
Hey all. I just e-mailed Dr. Larkin today about my status. He told me, and I quote, "the list has moved slightly faster after a lull in the action" and to "anticipate impending good news very soon."

For those who want to know, I was above the cut off on the waitlist and I was given an estimate of mid June according to conversations with Dr. Larkin. For those who are waiting, good luck, I hope we all hear soon!
 
(oh, I don't know which USF thread to post my news in, so I posted in this one)
 
Congrats to all those going to USF next year.

My suggestion would be to look for a place in Tampa Palms first. The vast majority of med students live there during the first two years and it can fit into a medical school budget very nicely, especially if you have at least one roommate.

You guys should be getting a packet from the 12-PAC soon that should have a list of apartments that students lived in and opinions/ratings of them (at least we got that last year).

If you can afford to buy a condo or townhouse, I say go for it because it will make you a decent profit after four years of med school.
 
The remodelling of the classrooms should be done before August 1st, at least that's what one of the deans told us, well in advance for the start of classes for you guys. They are also remodelling the histology and pathology labs, so you guys are going to get all new desks and chairs to use next year, and we were assured that they would be to our liking to make us as comfortable as possible, but we'll see......

August 1 is earlier than what we were told a few months ago, so we shouldn't have to be using the nursing classrooms.
 
I would agree with solidgold here. i did an estimated budget for next year, and it's very doable to live in tampa palms. after all expenses there should be at least 550 to spend on rent + utilites (and i have a car payment to make), so as long as you get 1 or 2 roommates, tampa palms is within our budget.

SolidGold said:
Congrats to all those going to USF next year.

My suggestion would be to look for a place in Tampa Palms first. The vast majority of med students live there during the first two years and it can fit into a medical school budget very nicely, especially if you have at least one roommate.

You guys should be getting a packet from the 12-PAC soon that should have a list of apartments that students lived in and opinions/ratings of them (at least we got that last year).

If you can afford to buy a condo or townhouse, I say go for it because it will make you a decent profit after four years of med school.
Click to expand...
 
Where did you hear that USF will be admitting out of state residents?????? 😕 😕

The state of Florida asked UF and USF to increase their class sizes in order help with the shortage of physicians in the state, especially after Miami, a private school, decreased the number of people they accept from Florida. So, I don't see any of the FL state schools (UF, USF, FSU) admitting non-Florida residents any time soon. Since USF opened, I don't think there has ever been a non-Florida resident that was admitted to the class.
 
I'm from out of state on the waitlist at USF. I think theres a pretty good chance that I may get in if I hold onto it.

SolidGold said:
Where did you hear that USF will be admitting out of state residents?????? 😕 😕

The state of Florida asked UF and USF to increase their class sizes in order help with the shortage of physicians in the state, especially after Miami, a private school, decreased the number of people they accept from Florida. So, I don't see any of the FL state schools (UF, USF, FSU) admitting non-Florida residents any time soon. Since USF opened, I don't think there has ever been a non-Florida resident that was admitted to the class.
Click to expand...
 
ventulus18 said:
I'm from out of state on the waitlist at USF. I think theres a pretty good chance that I may get in if I hold onto it.
Click to expand...

Interesting.....did you ever live in Florida?
 
nope never lived there. last time i went to florida before my interview i was about 5 years old and i barely remember it. i have a lot of aunts, uncles, grandparents that live down there though, but this didnt come up until my interview.
 
SolidGold said:
The remodelling of the classrooms should be done before August 1st, at least that's what one of the deans told us, well in advance for the start of classes for you guys. They are also remodelling the histology and pathology labs, so you guys are going to get all new desks and chairs to use next year, and we were assured that they would be to our liking to make us as comfortable as possible, but we'll see......

August 1 is earlier than what we were told a few months ago, so we shouldn't have to be using the nursing classrooms.
Click to expand...

Woah that's awesome. Great news solidgold! Thanks for the update
 
Does anyone know what the best way to find out what textbooks will need to be bought for this upcoming year? If possible I'd like to try to find out so I can buy them cheaper.
 
SolidGold,
From what I can gather, this is the first year they're letting out-of-staters into USF. As for how many, who knows. I got the feeling from talking to Mr Larkin that it wasn't much more than a handful.
 
mikedc813 said:
Does anyone know what the best way to find out what textbooks will need to be bought for this upcoming year? If possible I'd like to try to find out so I can buy them cheaper.
Click to expand...

You guys will get something from the 12-PAC that will tell you our suggestions about the classes (books, how to study, etc.) Buying books for most of the classes is a waste of $$$, your best bet is to join the noteservice just in case you miss something in class. Everything tested are things talked about in class or things you need to apply from class.

For Biochem, Physiology, Neuroscience, Behavioral Medicine, you do not need to buy the books, save your money. The notes and power points are all you need to ace these classes if you know them well.

Anatomy, Physical Diagnosis, and Ethics are the only classes where you need the books.

Here's the books that we were recommended by subject.

Biochem - Textbook of Biochemistry by Devlin (waste of $$$) if you want a book, buy Lippincott's Biochemistry (new version coming out in August) but like I said, all you need are the notes and power points.

Gross Anatomy - You need all of these to do well:
1. Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy (some used big moore and most people used little moore - I liked big moore better myself but its more time consuming)
2. Grant's Dissector (this is something you can split with your lab group)
3. Netter's Atlas of Anatomy
4. Rohen Color Atlas of Anatomy

Physiology - Berne and Levy Physiology or Guyton's Physiology - both a waste of money to do well in the course but good to have if your so inclined. A must buy is BRS Physiology - very good little book, but like I said, all you need are the notes.

Neuroscience -
1. Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases by Blumenfeld
2. Neuroanatomy An Atlas of Structures and Sections by Haines
3. Introduction to the Neurologic Examination by Nolan (the course director)
Of these, the only book that's useful is the Atlas and Nolan's book. Do not buy Blumenfled because you don't need it, Nolan even says so. You get a huge, and I mean huge, binder of notes for the course and that's all you need to ace this class.

Physical Diagnosis
Mosby's Guide to Physical Examination - a must buy!!!!

Those are the major ones. I was skeptical when I was told the same thing by current 3rd years, and I ended up buying most of the books, and I totally regret wasting the money because I still did well and barely opened the books I listed above for you to not get.

If you want to save money and buy your books now, get the anatomy books because those are essential and the most expensive when bought new. Keep in mind though that Anatomy does not start until November. Also, some members of the Anatomy faculty are leaving or retiring (including the course director) so things might change, but I doubt it since these are the books used in just about every med school. One more thing, you can get Netter's Atlas for free if you join AMSA, only thing is that joining cost around $100 I think, but if you know you will join, don't buy Netter's. One more thing to add again, if your big sib bought the books and still has them they might be willing to just let you borrow them, but anatomy books are good to have forever.

Everyone is different, but I'm willing to bet that most people you ask will tell you the same thing about the books. Let me know if you have any other questions.
 
drlexygoat said:
SolidGold,
From what I can gather, this is the first year they're letting out-of-staters into USF. As for how many, who knows. I got the feeling from talking to Mr Larkin that it wasn't much more than a handful.
Click to expand...

I wonder why? Maybe they are trying to do the Miami thing and become more nationally recognized, especially with all the new medical research buildings that just started construction. It just kind of goes against what the state of Florida wanted to accomplish.
 
By the way....stop worrying so much about school!!!! The only thing you should think about is finding a place to live, but I hope the info I gave you is helpful. Other than that you must enjoy yourself this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't stress yourself with school now, you have all of next year for that, and trust me it gets pretty stressful at times.
 
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