Originally Posted by tiredmom
"Originally Posted by Twitch View Post
Hey guys a couple of questions for the new folks looking to come onboard:
1) How did everything go with parking? Are you in Lot 17? Were you able to get on the wait list prior to June/July when y'all got your id's?
I was a little late as far as applying for parking. I didn't even get my ID until the end of the first day of orientation. I'm a 4th yr now... started in Lot 17, applied for Zone 4 in Dec or so of 1st year, then got into Zone 4 in late spring. Got into Zone 3 around the mid part of MS2 year. I've stayed in Zone 3 - it's about a 10 minute hike into the classrooms, but it ends up being about even to Univ Hospital or VA.
2) Anyone other than Evo try to test out of Biochem/Physio? If you did, what books/materials did you use? Is it possible to get past (sample?) exams to get an idea of what the questions are like. Multiple choice?
I didn't try to test out... hadn't taken them before. The class ahead of us sold a "Study CD" that had old tests, study guides, etc. I think we got something either by mail or email with an order form for it, and we picked it up during the first week of class.
3) Anyone got a link to the official book list? I know we shouldn't buy anything till we get there. I'm just curious if they suggest Netter's or Grants among other things.
Don't have an official book list link. They use Netters in Anatomy. All the tanks have new "nasty netters" (one for each tank to keep in their lab drawer and use while dissecting), and you'll get one for your home, non-nasty use. If you fill out a credit app through AMSA, you can get a free one, I think.
4) Anyone know what the avg grant/scholarship is like? MSAR says it's over $5k.
Not sure. I never applied for any, but have been pleasantly surprised, starting in my 2nd year, with $1-3K scholarships. They do it in a goofy way of never actually telling you you got the scholarship - but you get a loan restatement letter from Financial Aid stating they are returning the amount of the scholarship to the lender... so you don't get any extra cash, but you're debt load is lowered. I guess I've gotten close to $10K total.
5) What do you like/dislike about the place?
Like: Most of the people. San Antonio is great about being pretty laid back. You've got access to great people in all departments. There's lots of opportunities to get involved if you want to. I've made some amazing friends here. I've felt really prepared for everything and well supported. It's very family friendly - my daughter has come to class on several occasions when her school/daycare was closed without any problems.
Dislikes: Lots of construction over the time I've been here, and the parking.
Unsure: The curriculum has changed since I went through the preclinical years to a more systems based approach - they still seem to be working all the little kinks out.
6) Are you happy there?"
Yes. I'm glad this is where I ended up.