***Penn Class of 2012***

[linuxizer]

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I have to disagree with this. Philly's the kind of city where opportunities don't present themselves are readily as other cities -- but they're there. Center City has a great restaurant scene, nice bars, clubs in old city etc. When you get outside of that, up in northern liberties or exploring south st. and south of south, there's just so much more -- so many more great cafes, music venues and jazz clubs, galleries etc. I wish I had pure free time to get to know Philly even better.

Sabrina's FTW.

And of course, the eternal question: Pat's or Gino's? (The answer's easy: Gino's).

Ari

 

[Neuronix]

Neither, cheesesteaks are nasty cheap beef put on a hard roll with cheese whiz. They are food for drunks, tourists, and suburbanites. For less than a dollar more you can go up the street to Taquiera La Veracruzana and get a massive burrito with salsas and a thing of fresh made tortilla chips. The choice is yours.

Philly is a good food town. Unfortunately, the newbies are still stuck on cheesesteaks and pretzels for some reason I can't figure out.

 

[j-weezy]

Neither, cheesesteaks are nasty cheap beef put on a hard roll with cheese whiz. They are food for drunks, tourists, and suburbanites. For less than a dollar more you can go up the street to Taquiera La Veracruzana and get a massive burrito with salsas and a thing of fresh made tortilla chips. The choice is yours.

Philly is a good food town. Unfortunately, the newbies are still stuck on cheesesteaks and pretzels for some reason I can't figure out.

happy belated birthday!

oh, and is the mexican food decent up north?? i'm not sure how i'll my breakfast taco fix in the mornings!

(p.s. cheesesteaks - ftl)

 

[Neuronix]

happy belated birthday!

oh, and is the mexican food decent up north??

Thanks 🙂

It's like I was explaining in one of the other threads. I feel like your average Penn student knows a couple places in Rittenhouse Square and maybe a few places in West Philly and that's it. They tend to be scared of things like subways. And by those couple places I mean, they know a few bars, a few restaurants, and that's about it. Anything weird or far away gets a uhhh maybe I'll consider it.

I'm a foodie, and part of that is fueled by my online forum addiction that points me to all kinds of places that even the other foodies haven't been to. So the long winded answer is, yes, there is great Mexican food here. The good places are out of the way and the other students probably don't know they exist. Same with the good beer bars, well except for Monk's because that happens to be in Rittenhouse Square and is FREAKING PACKED ALL THE TIME as a result. So if you want good food (and this goes for anyone) just ask me and I'll point you in the right direction. There's a lot of good, fairly cheap food here, but it's usually not in the upscale parts of town.

Oh, and I hope you like food trucks. Some are restaurant quality food. Unfortunately, the ones on Spruce in front of the med school almost universally suck.

 

[linuxizer]

It's like I was explaining in one of the other threads. I feel like your average Penn student knows a couple places in Rittenhouse Square and maybe a few places in West Philly and that's it. They tend to be scared of things like subways. And by those couple places I mean, they know a few bars, a few restaurants, and that's about it. Anything weird or far away gets a uhhh maybe I'll consider it.

Harsh, but somewhat true. I'd like to think I don't fall in that category, however 😛. My gf and I used to take the subway every week to go shopping at Reading (for groceries, although the pretzels there are to die for) and just about wore through our Zagat's. Doesn't mean I can't enjoy the occasional cheesesteak and mustard-slathered pretzel though.

That said, we never did find particularly good Mexican. Will have to pick your brain this summer while we're re-discovering Philly.

Ari

 

[Neuronix]

That said, we never did find particularly good Mexican.

Did you ever go around 9th and Washington? At this point it seems there are no less than 5 places within 2 blocks of there that are all vying to be the best Mexican in the city. They are all real Mexican--not Tex Mex (not that I have anything against Tex Mex!). Those places, depending on what you order/like, are average to good compared to Texas/SoCal IMO.

 

[linuxizer]

Did you ever go around 9th and Washington? At this point it seems there are no less than 5 places within 2 blocks of there that are all vying to be the best Mexican in the city. They are all real Mexican--not Tex Mex (not that I have anything against Tex Mex!). Those places, depending on what you order/like, are average to good compared to Texas/SoCal IMO.

Been close to there for food, but it was Pif not mexican. Will have to wander a little further. Exciting 🙂

Ari

 

[peechykeen513]

Thanks 🙂

It's like I was explaining in one of the other threads. I feel like your average Penn student knows a couple places in Rittenhouse Square and maybe a few places in West Philly and that's it. They tend to be scared of things like subways. And by those couple places I mean, they know a few bars, a few restaurants, and that's about it. Anything weird or far away gets a uhhh maybe I'll consider it.

I'm a foodie, and part of that is fueled by my online forum addiction that points me to all kinds of places that even the other foodies haven't been to. So the long winded answer is, yes, there is great Mexican food here. The good places are out of the way and the other students probably don't know they exist. Same with the good beer bars, well except for Monk's because that happens to be in Rittenhouse Square and is FREAKING PACKED ALL THE TIME as a result. So if you want good food (and this goes for anyone) just ask me and I'll point you in the right direction. There's a lot of good, fairly cheap food here, but it's usually not in the upscale parts of town.

Oh, and I hope you like food trucks. Some are restaurant quality food. Unfortunately, the ones on Spruce in front of the med school almost universally suck.

Dear Neuronix,

You'll definitely have to give me some advice on places to eat/drink in Philly. I am also a foodie and try to avoid heavily frequented and especially chain establishments. I much prefer randome, whole-in-the-wall type places. I don't know Philly at all, and only have one friend there now. I would be very interested to hear your recommendations! 🙂

 

[Neuronix]

Ask me when you come 🙂 Please give me a short list of type of food you're looking for when you do!

 

[j-weezy]

Does anyone know when we'll find out what sort of immunizations/proof of titers we need to get done?

Or if someone knows already, what immunizations are required? Is history of vaccination and/or history of disease okay or do we need to get titers checked?

 

[ajt2003]

Hey all,

Just wanted to wish you a hearty congratulations! Penn is great, you'll love it. Come to Preview if you can to get a better feel of the place.

I'm a current third year who is currently deciding between Pediatrics and Plastic Surgery (or Pediatric Plastic Surgery 🙂), knows a lot about Penn and Philly, and am happy to answer questions Penn- or med school-life related. So, send me a PM.

Yay!

 

[ziggy793]

Does anyone know when we'll find out what sort of immunizations/proof of titers we need to get done?

Or if someone knows already, what immunizations are required? Is history of vaccination and/or history of disease okay or do we need to get titers checked?

It's usually Hep B that is the most important I think since the rest are things we get as children like rubella, mumps, etc. Dont know the details yet though.

 

[linuxizer]

It's usually Hep B that is the most important I think since the rest are things we get as children like rubella, mumps, etc. Dont know the details yet though.

Hm. Vaccine information would be good to know while generous insurance from work still covers it. Hoping all the travel vaccines will have me covered though.

Ari

 

[linuxizer]

Hm, so there's a visiting student form at http://www.med.upenn.edu/visitingstudents/images/immunizationform.pdf . Requires:
MMR 2 dose
Hep B 3 dose
Varicella
Tetanus-diphtheria (past 10 years)
Polio
Meningicoccal (if in campus housing)
TB - PPD test within 12 months

Not sure which apply for permanent students though....

Ari

 

[j-weezy]

Hm, so there's a visiting student form at http://www.med.upenn.edu/visitingstudents/images/immunizationform.pdf . Requires:
MMR 2 dose
Hep B 3 dose
Varicella
Tetanus-diphtheria (past 10 years)
Polio
Meningicoccal (if in campus housing)
TB - PPD test within 12 months

Not sure which apply for permanent students though....

Ari

Right, I found that form as well but it appears as if history of immunization is adequate - you don't necessarily need to get titers done. 60% of people who get HepB vaccinations lose immunity (or at least antibody levels fall below a detectable level) after about 10 years.

I was vaccinated 15 years ago - I should probably get my titers checked for that at least...also for varicella - history of disease is adequate but i wonder if they'd want proof via titers as well...

So yeah, I'm basically wondering which (if any) we need to get titers for

 

[j-weezy]

Hm. Vaccine information would be good to know while generous insurance from work still covers it.

My reasons for wanting to know now instead of a month from now... 😉

 

[linuxizer]

My reasons for wanting to know now instead of a month from now... 😉

Haha good to know I'm not alone in my "moral hazard." Due to travel this past year I've put around a grand of vaccinations on my insurance tab, while paying precisely $25 in co-pays. Hoping I won't need any more, but want to make sure while 'the man' still has me covered.

Ari

 

[wutwinb]

has anyone had any updates on their Financial Documents section of the status page? I've sent fafsa, need access and such a while back, but it still says "Not received"

 

[nati]

my need access was updated as received once I gave them a call to check if they had it. Also, they said that they wouldn't track FAFSA until after May 15th. Maybe you can try giving them a call tomorrow?

 

[Ben62734]

has anyone had any updates on their Financial Documents section of the status page? I've sent fafsa, need access and such a while back, but it still says "Not received"

Mine has everything updated with received dates, except for the FAFSA, but I also called to check in with them, so it seems like that might have something to do with it. My transcript section on the main page still says not received, though, even though I'm pretty sure they've all been sent by now.

 

[wutwinb]

thanks everyone! yeah i called and they said they are updating the status pages again at noon today.

 

[ziggy793]

Has anyone found an apartment yet? I'm really close to signing a lease for a place on 21st and Chestnut, but it's kind of scary to commit myself for some reason. 😱

 

[Neuronix]

This is really early to be signing an apartment, unless you're coming to the city early. IMO, the best time to look is roughly 1-2 months before you plan to move in.

PS: wutwinb, you see my old avatar? 😀

 

[ziggy793]

This is really early to be signing an apartment, unless you're coming to the city early. IMO, the best time to look is roughly 1-2 months before you plan to move in.

PS: wutwinb, you see my old avatar? 😀

What if I found a good place I like? They are flexible on the start date so it's helpful.

Where do places start to open up in a month or two? In rittenhouse area? Ucity?

 

[Neuronix]

Where do places start to open up in a month or two? In rittenhouse area? Ucity?

Everywhere. Most landlords have 30-60 day notice clauses in their leases. Even if they say 60 days a lot of people give 30 day notices anyways. It's a renter's market in this city: most of the apartments are full at any given time. Landlords don't know this early who is moving out.

The only exceptions to this are certain large buildings that enforce ridiculous things like 90 day notices and such or that are so expensive they take the loss of apartments being empty so they have more of this flexibility.

Though I'm just speaking in general to advise anyone who might be reading this thread. If you've found something great and don't think you can find much better, go for it.

 

[wutwinb]

PS: wutwinb, you see my old avatar? 😀

niiiiiice 😀

 

[malicious1116]

I'm really excited about Penn Preview. I just want to let you all know that I'm from Philly (close to Penn) so if you have any questions feel free to ask!

 

[linuxizer]

We've dropped off the front page.

Ari

 

[malicious1116]

I know! We have to keep this thread alive. Come on class!😀

 

[Wombat Jones]

Ok, I'll keep it going.

Penn Preview Question: What are you guys wearing to the dinner on Saturday evening?? I'm thinking jeans/tee might be inappropriate...

Also, has anybody heard any news from financial aid?

 

[wutwinb]

Ok, I'll keep it going.

Penn Preview Question: What are you guys wearing to the dinner on Saturday evening?? I'm thinking jeans/tee might be inappropriate...

Also, has anybody heard any news from financial aid?

You mean the Helen O. Dickens Memorial Dinner? I'm think it's a semi-formal event event, so I'm wearing a semi-nice dress for it.

 

[carwreck]

Ok, I'll keep it going.

Penn Preview Question: What are you guys wearing to the dinner on Saturday evening?? I'm thinking jeans/tee might be inappropriate...

Also, has anybody heard any news from financial aid?

Good question on the dinner thing. I think I'll go the same route as wutwinb (minus dress, plus shirt and slacks).

As for finaid, no word, but does anyone else's finaid page have different formatting than there was originally? Mine looks formatted a bit differently than before.

 

[wutwinb]

.

 

[ziggy793]

If you go to this website there are pictures of students at last year's Memorial Dinner if you want to get a better idea of what people wear to it. http://www.med.upenn.edu/diversityume/events.shtml

...I have way too much time on my hands right now. Can't wait for Preview! 😀

lol, that was really helpful! I wish I were a light packer and not so indecisive... i ended up lugging a rolling suitcase for a 1 day interview stay most places... what the heck do I really need in 1 day/night? 😛

 

[wutwinb]

.

 

[carwreck]

After staring at the status pages for a good 2 minutes, it seems like they just deleted the empty space between the sections (I think).

Mine actually has more empty spaces now than it did before. I also noticed that the "student budget" number was upped to 65k from the previous 63k (which I think was the 07-08 number).

I dunno...

 

[ziggy793]

Mine actually has more empty spaces now than it did before. I also noticed that the "student budget" number was upped to 65k from the previous 63k (which I think was the 07-08 number).

I dunno...

Did anyone's transcript or W2 forms update at all?

 

[IcePanda]

Did anyone's transcript or W2 forms update at all?

My transcripts have not shown up yet, but my waiver/W2s and my parents' tax returns/w2s have. I just called the fin. aid office and was told that the packages are going to be available online by Monday, and that we will get a hard copy at revisit (if all our documents are in).

 

[nati]

My transcripts have not shown up yet, but my waiver/W2s and my parents' tax returns/w2s have. I just called the fin. aid office and was told that the packages are going to be available online by Monday, and that we will get a hard copy at revisit (if all our documents are in).

That's great news. Thanks for letting us know!

 

[peechykeen513]

Where do you get the waiver? Is it online? I guess that's the only thing I have left to turn in....

And yeah, the FA page is different. They increased the budget and my scholarship isn't there anymore (!). Hopefully that's in preparation of uploading the FA packages....

 

[malicious1116]

.

 

[malicious1116]

Is any one going to look at apartments while you are here?

 

[wutwinb]

.

 

[IcePanda]

Where do you get the waiver? Is it online? I guess that's the only thing I have left to turn in....

http://www.med.upenn.edu/financialaid/Forms.shtml

But like someone ^ said, it wont' show as being received on the website. You have to call to confirm.

 

[ziggy793]

I just got an email saying they oversubscribed... not sure if that applies for everyone though.

 

[Ben62734]

I just got an email saying they oversubscribed... not sure if that applies for everyone though.

I got the same thing. Actually, if you look at the emails, you can see who else got bumped -- looks like about 30 of us. We should all go out for our own celebratory dinner. No suits/dresses required! 😀

 

[ziggy793]

I got the same thing. Actually, if you look at the emails, you can see who else got bumped -- looks like about 30 of us. We should all go out for our own celebratory dinner. No suits/dresses required! 😀

Sounds good. Damn, there goes my excuse to go shopping for a new dress! 😛

 

[Wombat Jones]

I just got an email saying they oversubscribed... not sure if that applies for everyone though.

That's too bad Ziggy. Well, I'm sure I'll run into you elsewhere! Have you 100% decided on Penn?

 

[ziggy793]

That's too bad Ziggy. Well, I'm sure I'll run into you elsewhere! Have you 100% decided on Penn?

Like 99.99% sure unless someone decides to toss me a boat load of money!! 😀
Still debating if I should get a dog yet... i saw this cute spongebob pineapple dog house for a small dog in rittenhouse when i was walking around (at a store called doggiestye 2) and I was dying. It was SO cute. 😍

 

[Wombat Jones]

Like 99.99% sure unless someone decides to toss me a boat load of money!! 😀
Still debating if I should get a dog yet... i saw this cute spongebob pineapple dog house for a small dog in rittenhouse when i was walking around (at a store called doggiestye 2) and I was dying. It was SO cute. 😍

Ridiculous...my dog needs one, even if she does sleep indoors!

So the other day, my little beastie decided to play predator-- she snagged a baby squirrel from the yard, shook it like a stuffed animal, and then proudly threw it on the porch in front of us. I swear she was smiling the whole time. And I'm a sucker for squirrels🙁.