Official: UTSW Class of 2008 Thread

[soonerpillow]

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Yeah, I need to find all that info, and then see if I need to get any more shots. I have had the TB test done the past two summers since I did summer programs, do you have to have it done once a year?

No clue. I'm just going to hand my shot records to my new doc in Dallas and say, "Do what you must" and offer the appropriate body part at the appropriate time.

 

[soonerpillow]

Questions for people who live in Dallas and/or Texas:

I just moved from Oklahoma,
What do I need to do about:
a) my driver's license
b) my license plates
c) vehicle inspection

and just add anything else you think I might need to know or do, being new to Dallas and Texas.

The thing that complicates my vehicle situation is that my vehicle isn't mine, it is my parents (long story short: they had to move overseas and I'm "babysitting" their vehicle, since they couldn't take it with them). So I don't have the title or anything like that. My wife says that I shouldn't have to get a Texas license plate(s) because (a) I'm a student from out of state and (b) it's not my vehicle. That makes sense, but do I have to have it inspected, too? Do I need a Texas drivers license (I think I'll get one anyways since the Oklahoma ones are still the gimpy laminated card variety and my picture was from ages ago when I had really long hair. EVERY time I bring it out people say, "Hey, you got a haircut" or some variation of that. 👎 )?

 

[Bad Mojo]

Soonerpillow,
don't worry about registering the car or getting a safety inspection if it isn't yours. I had Iowa plates on my car for 3 years without any trouble. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when the title to my car got signed over to me that I actually registered it in my name. I don't recognize my car without the blue Iowa plates. I don't know about an emissions test though. I read somewhere that Dallas county requires it, but I've been in central Texas for awhile.

 

[Giving My .02]

Guys, do you know when our orientation and stuff is going on, I miss placed my packet, but will find it before then, because I have to pack and all, but would just like to know.

 

[ndi_amaka]

Guys, do you know when our orientation and stuff is going on, I miss placed my packet, but will find it before then, because I have to pack and all, but would just like to know.

I think it is the weekend before school starts.

 

[Giving My .02]

I think it is the weekend before school starts.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Cybersushi]

Hi all. Yet another UTSW 2008'er signing in! I am a complete noob to the south-west, and thus have some questions of wealth and taste to ask!

1) I'm a Californian. I've never experienced this "humidity" people speak of. What's the climate in Dallas like year-long?
2) How screwed am I if I don't own a car? Is the DART convenient enough to get around? Will the almighty bike suffice?
3) Am considering driving from San Francisco to Dallas to move all my junk (vs. flying and buying furniture from nearby), given the Medical Park Apts are unfurnished. What are you other out-of-staters doing/suggest doing?
4) Any good record stores/clubs for jungle/drum&bass around? What's the music scene like in Dallas?

Well met! 👍

 

[soonerpillow]

Hi Cybersushi! I'm also not from Dallas, but I'll help as best I can. I've been living in this part of the country (Oklahoma) for a long time and used to live just a few hours away in Southeastern Oklahoma. I've also been living in Dallas for the past 2 weeks.

1) Basically, the summers are brutal. Probably a month or two (July and August) of 95-100+ temperatures. Combine that with the humidity and just going outside and standing (or even sitting, for that matter)will make you sweat. Just stay inside with air conditioning and it's fine, though. Fall and Spring should be nice, and winters should be pretty mild. Negligible snow and ice.

2) I think you'd be pretty screwed. Public transportation doesn't seem to be good at all.

3) My wife's company hired movers to move all our junk, but that probably doesn't help you any. Sorry.

4) Judging from the entertainment section of the newspaper, the music scene seems great. I can't give you anything from personal experience, though.

I hope that helps some, but I hope some veteran Dallasites (I looked it up. That's what we're called. 🙂 ) can offer some more.

So when are you going to be joining us in Big D?

Hi all. Yet another UTSW 2008'er signing in! I am a complete noob to the south-west, and thus have some questions of wealth and taste to ask!

1) I'm a Californian. I've never experienced this "humidity" people speak of. What's the climate in Dallas like year-long?
2) How screwed am I if I don't own a car? Is the DART convenient enough to get around? Will the almighty bike suffice?
3) Am considering driving from San Francisco to Dallas to move all my junk (vs. flying and buying furniture from nearby), given the Medical Park Apts are unfurnished. What are you other out-of-staters doing/suggest doing?
4) Any good record stores/clubs for jungle/drum&bass around? What's the music scene like in Dallas?

Well met! 👍

 

[sunkists]

it's hot in dallas. but its not as humid as it gets in austin/houston. and dallas routinely snows very lightly every few years. the other major texas cities don't get snow. 🙂

not having a car would pose a significant problem. it would be inconvenient, to say the least. public transportation in texas is generally no good. except in houston with the light rail.

if driving would save you that much money... do it. but the hassle is not worth it, i think. fly and buy.

haha dunno much about jungle music. but i do know that dallas is a posh and very professional city. the symphony there is amazing. as is the rest of the "fine upscale" culture. fine dining, arts, theatre, etc.

 

[Bad Mojo]

I grew up in Dallas until I went to college, so we're talking 18+ years, and I never heard the word Dallasite before. Not that there is anything wrong with it. It seems that people place a much greater emphasis (to the point of obsession) on living in Texas as opposed to any specific city.

I agree with everyone about the car. It is pretty much an essential to have a car. I know that the school isn't on any of the the main light rails lines. It is on the line of a commuter train that goes back and forth between Dallas and Fort Worth. That means living in the mid-cities, which isn't bad, but doesn't have the same feel as Dallas. The DART web-site is somewhat cryptic, so figuring what bus routes go to UTSW is tricky. Unless you're already living really close to the school, your probably looking at a LONG bus ride and/or multiple transfers. Combine these facts with how cheap parking is at UTSW and driving is the way to go. I guess there is always the possibility of carpooling. With a 200+ class size, I'm sure there will be students near wherever you end up. You could probably find somewhat willing to be your driver for some help with the gas money.

I'm already starting to fear morning traffic. I'm going to end up far enough away and will probably be taking the Tollway each day. Maybe not each day, but on the days I go to class...I've become such a slacker in the last few months without school. I sleep in until lunch time, watch TV while playing one of a number of musical instruments, and work nights. I've lost all drive for about anything else. This whole studying thing is going to be rough...

 

[Harrie]

If you are living at the Med Park, there is a shuttle that will take you to school and back. The problem is that you will have to adhere to the hours that it runs, which is not always possible. Also, you won't be able to go anywhere else, like the grocery store so you might get hungry. Honestly, I can't imagine getting around without a car in Dallas. I will have to agree that it is pretty much impossible as a first, impossible as a second year, and DEFINITELY impossible as a third year (I doubt that the shuttle runs at 4 am or 12 am, and I know it doesn't go to the VA).

 

[ndi_amaka]

...I've become such a slacker in the last few months without school. I sleep in until lunch time, watch TV while playing one of a number of musical instruments, and work nights. I've lost all drive for about anything else. This whole studying thing is going to be rough...

Good. At least I wont be the only one. 🙂

 

[Bad Mojo]

Good. At least I wont be the only one. 🙂

It seems that Ndi Amaka and I will be the ones getting royally trashed by the first few exams. Look for the lifeless mass of nothingness in the carrels, that'll be me. Who knows, if it gets too rough, I can always fall back on the banjo...

 

[OrthoFixation]

I don't know about an emissions test though. I read somewhere that Dallas county requires it, but I've been in central Texas for awhile.

Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), Collin (Plano), and a fourth county (Denton?) all require emissions testing since the metroplex is in an EPA non-attainment area. That is why the speed limit is 60 MPH in many places when it seems like it should be 65-70 MPH (like on 45 heading to Houston from downtown).

You have 30 days after moving to Texas to get your license and a car registered. If you don't own it, I wouldn't worry about plates and certainly not emission testing. Just make sure you can continue to get it tagged in the other state.

Welcome to TEXAS.

Enjoy the outdoors, just be careful in July & August. We actually got 5 inches of snow this last winter in one day. That was a 20+ year record. The prior year, 2" of ice virtually shut down the metroplex for 2 days.

 

[soonerpillow]

It seems that Ndi Amaka and I will be the ones getting royally trashed by the first few exams. Look for the lifeless mass of nothingness in the carrels, that'll be me. Who knows, if it gets too rough, I can always fall back on the banjo...

Oh no, you won't be the only ones. I am and probably will be just as much a slacker as you. Except my time waster is not nearly as productive as yours (playing musical instruments). I play video games. Specifically, Final Fantasy XI Online. Unfortunately, it keeps track of the amount of time you have been playing. I started playing at the end of December. Since then I have logged 34 DAYS (!!!) of playing time. that's more than a month of my life that I have spent playing. That's an average of 4 hours a day (I've gone up to 19 hours in a row before). I'm going to have to somehow convert my obsession with this game into an obsession with studying anatomy by this Fall. Hopefully I can burn myself out on it this summer since I'll be doing little else. 🙂

 

[jaboy]

2) How screwed am I if I don't own a car? Is the DART convenient enough to get around? Will the almighty bike suffice?

4) Any good record stores/clubs for jungle/drum&bass around? What's the music scene like in Dallas?

Well met! 👍

I will add a little to this....I currently take the DART,TRE and dallas bus system a lot. I think it works pretty good. I hear it is not too safe though. I have never had any problems with it.
The DART does not go to Southwestern, but the TRE(trinity railway express) runs right to the door. It is basically part of the DART system. You can catch it from Fort Worth, Irving, or Downtown Dallas.
I think the public trans system is pretty decent and it is actually faster to take the DART though in the morning if you live near a station than to drive. Traffic is really bad in Dallas. I like to bike, and I think it is possible to bike in the area. Yuo can take your bike on the DART and the TRE. I am not sure if you can on the busses, but if you are interested, I can inquire.

Regarding jungle stuff, I don't know of a specific place, but go to Good Records on Good Lattimer (in Deep Ellum area) and ask them. They really know what is up with any kind of music. They could point you in the right direction. If you like country-folk-rock-electronica, they have free shows a few times a month with free beer and grilled burgers. Sometimes they have BBQ.
Good luck. Glad to have you in Dallas.

 

[Giving My .02]

What are you guys doing about the computer stuff?

 

[ndi_amaka]

I yielded to boredom 2 weeks ago and decided to do the summer research thing. There is only so much sleep I can get in the day...

I don't actually start working until tomorrow morning but I think that is just an orientation. Wish me luck, I'll be in Parkland Psych ER.

Oh yea, BTW.......GO PISTONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

54-50 Pistons up in the 3rd quarter.....

 

[sunkists]

What are you guys doing about the computer stuff?

just ordered myself a pretty little apple powerbook through southwestern apple deal.

 

[Cybersushi]

Yuo can take your bike on the DART and the TRE. I am not sure if you can on the busses, but if you are interested, I can inquire.

Actually, I'd really appreciate it if you did, because that's starting to look like my only mode of transportation =/

Also, in case any of you are still shopping for computers and are considering Dells, check out this thread: http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=272578#post272578 for some coupons regularly. The good ones usually last only several days, and sometimes you can save a lot more than you can using the EPP customer category that Southwestern recommended (e.g. there was a 20% off any $1000+ inspiron coupon floating around 2 weeks ago.) Hopes this helps some of you out.

BTW, any of you living in the Med Park Apts? Moving in Aug 1, but was curious to hear some comments about them (e.g. soundproofing, community, etc.)

 

[sunkists]

what have you guys heard about med park stuff? cybersushi? what have you heard about soundproofing, etc? i was a little weirded out with the airport being minutes away - but they say planes stop at 10pm.

 

[Cybersushi]

what have you guys heard about med park stuff? cybersushi? what have you heard about soundproofing, etc? i was a little weirded out with the airport being minutes away - but they say planes stop at 10pm.

Well, nothing really, which is why I was asking 😀 Moving into a Phase II apt and was hoping I could play out on my decks without upsetting my neighbors. Have you heard bad things about the planes being noisy?

Also, anyone know if the Med Park apts are located near any grocery/convenience store/eateries? For those of you who are buying/bought furniture in Dallas, what stores do you recommend?

 

[Harrie]

Yeah, planes are really loud. I lived in medpark for one year and decided to leave. You get used to the airplanes and after awhile you will hardly notice them. But I do remember if you are talking on the phone and a plane flies overhead you have to stop the conversation for a few seconds because you won't be able to hear.

 

[ndi_amaka]

but they say planes stop at 10pm.

I highly doubt that.

 

[sunkists]

its only a small local airport. i have no reason to not believe that.

 

[Harrie]

Maybe all commercial planes stop at 10pm, but I distinctly remember hearing planes at 1 or 2 am. I think those are freight planes. I only started noticing it after 9/11. All was quiet for once, but we had those late night planes start up before commercial flight resumed.

 

[jaboy]

I don't actually start working until tomorrow morning but I think that is just an orientation. Wish me luck, I'll be in Parkland Psych ER.

good luck! I am working in the regular ER....

 

[jaboy]

Actually, I'd really appreciate it if you did, because that's starting to look like my only mode of transportation =/

DART allows bicycles (clean and free of excess grease, dirt, or mud) to be brought aboard buses under the following conditions:

Local Service Buses - Bicycles are allowed inside most double-door local service buses during off-peak hours (between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. or after 6:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m.), providing there is enough space. Bicycles must be tied securely with cotton rope to the vertical hold-on bar on the side-facing seat.

Express Buses - Bicycles are allowed at all times in the cargo compartment beneath the bus on all single-door express buses, with loading and unloading permitted only at DART transit centers and downtown Dallas. When boarding, be sure to tell the operator where you will be getting off so that he/she can open the cargo doors for you.

Folding Bicycles on Buses - Another carry-on intermodal option is a folding bike which can be brought aboard all DART buses, even during rush hours.

On Trains - Bicycles are permitted aboard Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains on weekdays during off-peak periods (between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. or after 6:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m.) and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Bikes must be taken aboard the last car in the wheelchair area, provided it is unoccupied.


Bicycle Short Term Parking - Type II racks are available at most DART transit centers and selected LRT stations. Parking is free.

Long Term Storage Lockers - Lockers are available at selected DART facilities and may be rented for 3, 6 or 12 months. A $15 non-refundable key fee and rental contract is required. Rental rates are $15 for 3 months; $25 for 6 months or $45 for 12 months.

 

[ndi_amaka]

its only a small local airport. i have no reason to not believe that.

Wait...i was thinking DFW not Love field...my bad.

 

[sunkists]

awww yeah. i got my computer through sw already. gonna go pick it up tomorrow. 🙂

 

[GutsyGal]

Congrats to all of you who made it! I'm applying for 2005 and just got my MCAT scores back. Do any of you know what's considered "competitive" for UTSW? I'm thinking about retaking it in Aug. Does anyone have experience with that? How does it affect the application process and my chances? Thanks!

 

[Giving My .02]

Congrats to all of you who made it! I'm applying for 2005 and just got my MCAT scores back. Do any of you know what's considered "competitive" for UTSW? I'm thinking about retaking it in Aug. Does anyone have experience with that? How does it affect the application process and my chances? Thanks!

I don't have my info from when I interviewed, but the MCAT's for the entering class last year were like a bell curve. I would say there was about 2% in the 22-25 region, 5% in the 26-28 region, 25% 29-31 region, 40% 32-34 region, 15% 35-37 region, 13% 38+; It was like a big bell curve, your GPA also needed to either be counterbalanced by a good score, or a low score be counterbalanced by a good GPA. Hope that helps.

 

[ndi_amaka]

Hey guys, I finished week 1 of my clinical research gig with UTSW. This place is HUGE!!! I kinda sorta got Parkland figured out and how to get to and from the med school to Parkland but it took me a long time and involved getting lost. I didnt realize that there are offices and clinics past Inwood at the Park Apts.

Also, the ground floor where the psych ER is smells sorta like bad cottage cheese. Each floor has it's own unique bad smell. But one thing I have to say is that everyone associated with the med school is really nice and approachable. i hope things stay that way. 😀

I hope everyone has gotten their immunizations out of the way. 🙂

 

[jaboy]

I know I sound like a greedy @$$, but when do we get paid for the summer research? I got into some trouble and only a check will get me out. (Well cash would too)

 

[ndi_amaka]

I know I sound like a greedy @$$, but when do we get paid for the summer research? I got into some trouble and only a check will get me out. (Well cash would too)

Another girl is doing research with me and she said July 1 in Dr. McPhaul's office.

 

[jaboy]

Another girl is doing research with me and she said July 1 in Dr. McPhaul's office.

sweet. My loan shark has me covered until then.

 

[Bad Mojo]

sweet. My loan shark has me covered until then.

Do loan sharks really break your legs if you don't pay? Since its medical related, I wonder if you could sell that as a valid pre-med activity? At some interview: "I first realized I wanted to become a doctor due to my experience working for Vinny the loan shark. I broke alot of people's legs, but I didn't have any continuity in 'patients'. I'd break their legs and that would be it -- I wouldn't ever see them again. I really wanted to follow through with them with surgery and rehab, and break their legs again if necessary. I've been actively involved in sending people to doctors, but I want to be there getting people sent to me. So after I broke someone's legs, I'd diagnose the problem by saying 'I'm a doctor and you have broken legs'. Then I'd refer them to myself."

 

[soonerpillow]

Do loan sharks really break your legs if you don't pay? Since its medical related, I wonder if you could sell that as a valid pre-med activity? At some interview: "I first realized I wanted to become a doctor due to my experience working for Vinny the loan shark. I broke alot of people's legs, but I didn't have any continuity in 'patients'. I'd break their legs and that would be it -- I wouldn't ever see them again. I really wanted to follow through with them with surgery and rehab, and break their legs again if necessary. I've been actively involved in sending people to doctors, but I want to be there getting people sent to me. So after I broke someone's legs, I'd diagnose the problem by saying 'I'm a doctor and you have broken legs'. Then I'd refer them to myself."

 

[GutsyGal]

I don't have my info from when I interviewed, but the MCAT's for the entering class last year were like a bell curve. I would say there was about 2% in the 22-25 region, 5% in the 26-28 region, 25% 29-31 region, 40% 32-34 region, 15% 35-37 region, 13% 38+; It was like a big bell curve, your GPA also needed to either be counterbalanced by a good score, or a low score be counterbalanced by a good GPA. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the info! Really helps!!

 

[jaboy]

Do loan sharks really break your legs if you don't pay? "

I'm not sure, but I don't plan on finding out. They are not the nicest guys in the world and they do carry crowbars with them....your ideas are good for the doctoring business. You get two clients at once, and the business is endless! After you break and fix the legs, you break um again if they don't pay your bill in cash. Then the cycle starts again.

 

[jaboy]

Does anyone know anything about the health insurance cost offered by the school? I heard you could get cheaper deals from other providers at other schools. Is SW the same?>

 

[Giving My .02]

At MS0 weekend students said student insurance at UTSW was very high.

 

[romed81]

seriously - i tried to look up medical insurance info on their website, and that did not help much. If you guys know anything let me know, so that I'll know whether or not to buy insuance before it's too late. I am not even sure what department is in charge with this.

 

[Bostonguy125]

bump

 

[romed81]

www.studentresources.net or 800-767-0700. Thats through who UTSW gets their insurance. It is like $ 760 per year, covering 80% of the expenses when in network (it is a PPO). I think max. amount is $150,000, but not quite sure, need to do some more reading.
Does anybody know exactly how much tuition is, and then how much fees are - I got mixed information so far. And how much do they say we should budget for books? Also how many of y'all are gonna have a laptop, or a PDA, vs. the good old cheap and upgradable desktop?

 

[ndi_amaka]

www.studentresources.net or 800-767-0700. Thats through who UTSW gets their insurance. It is like $ 760 per year, covering 80% of the expenses when in network (it is a PPO). I think max. amount is $150,000, but not quite sure, need to do some more reading.
Does anybody know exactly how much tuition is, and then how much fees are - I got mixed information so far. And how much do they say we should budget for books? Also how many of y'all are gonna have a laptop, or a PDA, vs. the good old cheap and upgradable desktop?

I don't know the answer to any of your other questions but I do know that books aren't a cmplete necessity. but I do wonder how much $ the class syllabi is?

 

[sunkists]

mm bump. just wanted to revive it.

 

[romed81]

so did you guys find places to live? I settled on Jefferson at the North End (thank God for the intown affordable housing).

 

[sunkists]

medpark. should be tight. B2 plan is spacious -- a tad over 1000 sq ft for 2 people.

 

[G_Eagle]

I just got back today from working at camp. Boy am I tan (and tired)! Now I am ready to get settled in and get to know you guys who are already in town. PM me. Maybe we can get together...