Texas A&M Accepted for Class of 2013

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Anyone have anything to say about Chappel Oaks in Belton? Do you guys think that is to far away from school, etc? Nice? To Loud? Any information would be appreciated.

One of my classmates lives there, and she has not complained about it at all (and she is one who would definitely complain!). While it's far enough from the school that she doesn't run home for lunch or anything, it's not too bad. With construction issues on the highway, though, I know it can take 20-30 minutes at times.

I've been in the complex and the setting is beautiful. I was only in the entry of her apartment, though, so I can't comment on that. PM me if you want, and I'll put you in touch with her.
 
Just to reiterate...

i wonder if i may be one of the few who's sticking with my old laptop until absolutely necessary.

if i need to buy a PC (i have a mac), i may just end up getting a netbook.
 
Anyone have anything to say about Chappel Oaks in Belton? Do you guys think that is to far away from school, etc? Nice? To Loud? Any information would be appreciated.


Like CPA said, it is an awesome looking place...it's probably the nicest apartment complex around here.

The drive from Belton, in that area in particular, is a little longer. The reason being there are no straight shots to the hospital...you have to take a somewhat round about route to get to S&W. However, I live in Belton as well, and its really not bad at all. Remember, almost anywhere you live in the Temple/Belton area will be less than a 15 minute drive. That place in particular is probably right around the 15 minute mark.

I would say since it is one of the nicer apartments, most of the hooligans are going to be priced out of living there. I think it is pretty quite around there.
 
i wonder if i may be one of the few who's sticking with my old laptop until absolutely necessary.

if i need to buy a PC (i have a mac), i may just end up getting a netbook.


Nope...I am going to be sportin' the Dell laptop.
 
i wonder if i may be one of the few who's sticking with my old laptop until absolutely necessary.

if i need to buy a PC (i have a mac), i may just end up getting a netbook.

One thing you WILL need to do is be able to run windows - everything including testing software is run thru win, and IT shows no sign of changing it. Virtualization does NOT work, so parallels and VMWare are out (I've tried). It has to be off a legit bootable partition.

There's nothing wrong with using your own computer or buying another one if you know what you're doing. Just keep in mind that a lot of things are still changing in terms of policy in the IT department, and they are looking heavily into trying to standardize all the equipment that comes onto the school network.

I have a mac that dual boots using boot camp, and I only use my windows partition for testing. I print out all my notes so I can mark them up, and I've made it through both years just fine. So having a mac (or a tablet) is not a big deal - if you know what you're doing then you'll be fine. I know they try to scare students away from buying macs, but it really is true that the compatibility issue is huge if you don't have more than a passing knowledge of computers.
 
Just keep in mind that a lot of things are still changing in terms of policy in the IT department, and they are looking heavily into trying to standardize all the equipment that comes onto the school network.

I have a mac that dual boots using boot camp, and I only use my windows partition for testing.

👍 thanks for the headsup neb85. really helpful information.
 
One thing you WILL need to do is be able to run windows - everything including testing software is run thru win, and IT shows no sign of changing it. Virtualization does NOT work, so parallels and VMWare are out (I've tried). It has to be off a legit bootable partition.

There's nothing wrong with using your own computer or buying another one if you know what you're doing. Just keep in mind that a lot of things are still changing in terms of policy in the IT department, and they are looking heavily into trying to standardize all the equipment that comes onto the school network.

I have a mac that dual boots using boot camp, and I only use my windows partition for testing. I print out all my notes so I can mark them up, and I've made it through both years just fine. So having a mac (or a tablet) is not a big deal - if you know what you're doing then you'll be fine. I know they try to scare students away from buying macs, but it really is true that the compatibility issue is huge if you don't have more than a passing knowledge of computers.

Why won't the testing software run in a VM? That is a first for me.
 
Any news on the curriculum reform / new curriculum for next year?
 
Any news on the curriculum reform / new curriculum for next year?

DISCLAIMER: This is not official by any means. I cannot disclose my source and I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the info posted below. Please be aware that all digital photography, video recording, smoke signals, semaphore, and Morse code is strictly prohibited and subject to no less than 3 years in jail, $25,000 fine, and regular meetings with the Spanish Inquisition (Nobody expects them!)

First and second "year" as we know it will disappear. Instead there will be "phase one" and "phase two." Phase one will run (for you incoming M1s) from August 2009 to February/March (maybe earlier) 2010. Phase one will include gross anatomy, embryology, histology, biochemistry & genetics, and your regular Becoming a Clinician (BAC) courses. Phase one will be divided into blocks (not sure how) and each block will end with an examination covering the subjects just mentioned (except BAC probably).
Phase two will begin in the spring of 2010 and will be akin to the 2nd year curriculum that is currently in place. It will include pathology, physiology, microbiology/immunology, pharmacology, internal medicine intro, peds intro, and BAC. It will be organized very similarly to the current 2nd year curriculum, beginning with a "basic" block that will likely occupy the rest of your "1st year" until May 2010. Then it will be taught in organ systems blocks just like it is now.

How is this different?
-For the first year: It has typically gone as follows: anatomy, embryology, biochem & genetics from August to November. Physiology and histology from November to March (spring break). Neuroscience from after spring break to the end of 1st year (1st week of May). The new curriculum punts physiology to the "second phase" to be taught with pathology, it stretches the remainder of the first year courses out
-For the second year: Basic and organ systems blocks are currently taught with pathology, pharm, micro/immuno, internal medicine, and peds only. The new curriculum will be adding physiology to this mix and moving basic block to the "first year". Unless I'm missing something (which is entirely possible given that my source of info is secondhand), those are the only real differences.

What I don't know
-How neuroscience is affected by all of this
-How first year is going to be organized by blocks
-Why we're doing this
-Is it going to be better or worse (I don't have an opinion because obviously I don't and can't know what it will be like as a student)
-Mullie's Step 1 score
 
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Why won't the testing software run in a VM? That is a first for me.

The software is designed so that you can't minimize it or get out of it in any way while you're taking the test - it's supposedly the only thing that appears on the screen at the time. It doesn't like virtualized OSs because it's possible for someone to switch out of the testing program and pull up notes/pictures/email/recording software. Cheating and all that crap.

It's kind of lame but the administration tends to take extreme measures to try to keep us from "cheating".
 
For all the financial aid worriers out there...I got a rather tersely worded email from them today saying I had not completed all the requirements, and unless I do, they cannot guarantee my funds will be deposited in a timely manner.

Turns out there's a form I have to sign and fax back to them. No biggie, except that my printer is out of black ink, so I'll have to print it somewhere else. 😳

Needless to say, they are working on us.
 
DISCLAIMER: This is not official by any means. I cannot disclose my source and I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the info posted below. Please be aware that all digital photography, video recording, smoke signals, semaphore, and Morse code is strictly prohibited and subject to no less than 3 years in jail, $25,000 fine, and regular meetings with the Spanish Inquisition (Nobody expects them!)

First and second "year" as we know it will disappear. Instead there will be "phase one" and "phase two." Phase one will run (for you incoming M1s) from August 2009 to February/March (maybe earlier) 2010. Phase one will include gross anatomy, embryology, histology, biochemistry & genetics, and your regular Becoming a Clinician (BAC) courses. Phase one will be divided into blocks (not sure how) and each block will end with an examination covering the subjects just mentioned (except BAC probably).
Phase two will begin in the spring of 2010 and will be akin to the 2nd year curriculum that is currently in place. It will include pathology, physiology, microbiology/immunology, pharmacology, internal medicine intro, peds intro, and BAC. It will be organized very similarly to the current 2nd year curriculum, beginning with a "basic" block that will likely occupy the rest of your "1st year" until May 2010. Then it will be taught in organ systems blocks just like it is now.

How is this different?
-For the first year: It has typically gone as follows: anatomy, embryology, biochem & genetics from August to November. Physiology and histology from November to March (spring break). Neuroscience from after spring break to the end of 1st year (1st week of May). The new curriculum punts physiology to the "second phase" to be taught with pathology, it stretches the remainder of the first year courses out
-For the second year: Basic and organ systems blocks are currently taught with pathology, pharm, micro/immuno, internal medicine, and peds only. The new curriculum will be adding physiology to this mix and moving basic block to the "first year". Unless I'm missing something (which is entirely possible given that my source of info is secondhand), those are the only real differences.

What I don't know
-How neuroscience is affected by all of this
-How first year is going to be organized by blocks
-Why we're doing this
-Is it going to be better or worse (I don't have an opinion because obviously I don't and can't know what it will be like as a student)
-Mullie's Step 1 score

So the first two years worth of material goes from Aug 2009 to May 2010? That is less than one year? Are you sure you don't mean May 2011?
 
So the first two years worth of material goes from Aug 2009 to May 2010? That is less than one year? Are you sure you don't mean May 2011?

It goes like this:

August 2009
***BEGIN PHASE ONE***
Anatomy, Embryology, Biochem, Genetics, Histology (The majority of first year material, sans physiology)
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***END PHASE ONE***

March 2010
***BEGIN PHASE TWO***
BASIC BLOCK: Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Microbiology, IM, Peds (The majority of SUBJECTS in year two, PLUS physiology)
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May 2010

SUMMER BREAK

August 2010
***CONTINUING PHASE TWO***
HEM/ONC BLOCK: Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Microbiology, IM, Peds
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CARDIOVASCULAR BLOCK: Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Microbiology, IM, Peds
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RESPIRATORY BLOCK: you get it now, and on and on until...
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***END PHASE TWO***
May 2011

End of the first two years of medical school.
 
It goes like this:

August 2009
***BEGIN PHASE ONE***
Anatomy, Embryology, Biochem, Genetics, Histology (The majority of first year material, sans physiology)
|
|
|
|
|
|
***END PHASE ONE***

March 2010
***BEGIN PHASE TWO***
BASIC BLOCK: Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Microbiology, IM, Peds (The majority of SUBJECTS in year two, PLUS physiology)
|
|
|
|
May 2010

SUMMER BREAK

August 2010
***CONTINUING PHASE TWO***
HEM/ONC BLOCK: Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Microbiology, IM, Peds
|
|
CARDIOVASCULAR BLOCK: Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Microbiology, IM, Peds
|
|
RESPIRATORY BLOCK: you get it now, and on and on until...
|
|
|
|
|
***END PHASE TWO***
May 2011

End of the first two years of medical school.

How will this affect you guys going into your second year? Will you be grandfathered in and keep the old schedule? I guess it will be interesting to see how it works out. Since you will be done with normal first year material a couple months early, it makes you think they are jamming more material into the same amount of time. Oh well....I'm just ready to get started (but not before a vacation to the beach of course)
 
How will this affect you guys going into your second year? Will you be grandfathered in and keep the old schedule? I guess it will be interesting to see how it works out. Since you will be done with normal first year material a couple months early, it makes you think they are jamming more material into the same amount of time. Oh well....I'm just ready to get started (but not before a vacation to the beach of course)

We will keep the schedule that is currently in place.

You aren't completely done with the normal first year material a few months early (physiology has been moved and this is a significant component of first year).

As far as cramming material goes, it's really a wash. Here's why:

1. Normally, anatomy & embryology and biochem & genetics run from August to November (4 months). With the new curriculum they will run from August to February (or March) so that's 7 to 8 months. That's the same amount of material in twice the time.

2. Currently, histology usually runs from November to Spring Break (5 months) with physiology. With the new curriculum, it will run from August to February (or March) so that's 7 to 8 months.

3. So, for "phase one" you have one more subject added on, but you're doing everything in twice the amount of time. If anything that's slightly better than it is now.

4. Regarding phase two: Normally, 2nd year covers path, pharm, micro, immuno, IM and peds all in the 2nd year (9 months). With the new curriculum, this material will begin March of 2010, adding 2 months. So, you'll cover all the material of 2nd year PLUS physiology with 2 extra months (11 months). Physiology is a big subject, but it will go hand-in-hand with learning pathology. In fact, I've heard it recommended that before each block in 2nd year that I should review the physiology of that organ system. Now you're forced to do it.

So, things are changing around a bit, but it's no more crammed than we have it, I think.
 
Makes sense...thanks for clearing that up.
 
anybody else put all zeroes on their financial aid application like me? i put down i make no money and use only loan money to survive, did not include parents (because one is disabled [makes no money] and the other is non-existent) usually i get asked to verify or fill out a form (because how can someone live off of no money, right?) but i havent heard anything back. should i be worried?
 
anybody else put all zeroes on their financial aid application like me? i put down i make no money and use only loan money to survive, did not include parents (because one is disabled [makes no money] and the other is non-existent) usually i get asked to verify or fill out a form (because how can someone live off of no money, right?) but i havent heard anything back. should i be worried?

you will probably be asked by the fin. aid advisers to complete a verification form. But don't fill it unless asked to.
 
anybody else put all zeroes on their financial aid application like me? i put down i make no money and use only loan money to survive, did not include parents (because one is disabled [makes no money] and the other is non-existent) usually i get asked to verify or fill out a form (because how can someone live off of no money, right?) but i havent heard anything back. should i be worried?

Yeah I was one of those people too. I haven't heard anything either. 😕
 
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One thing you WILL need to do is be able to run windows - everything including testing software is run thru win, and IT shows no sign of changing it. Virtualization does NOT work, so parallels and VMWare are out (I've tried). It has to be off a legit bootable partition.

There's nothing wrong with using your own computer or buying another one if you know what you're doing. Just keep in mind that a lot of things are still changing in terms of policy in the IT department, and they are looking heavily into trying to standardize all the equipment that comes onto the school network.

I have a mac that dual boots using boot camp, and I only use my windows partition for testing. I print out all my notes so I can mark them up, and I've made it through both years just fine. So having a mac (or a tablet) is not a big deal - if you know what you're doing then you'll be fine. I know they try to scare students away from buying macs, but it really is true that the compatibility issue is huge if you don't have more than a passing knowledge of computers.
So I have a question for current students. If they give you notes for class, what do you do during class? Make notes on the notes? I'm trying to get a feel for what I will be doing in class because I'm not used to having notes given to me. Are the notes they give you fairly comprehensive or are they more skeleton outlines of what material will be covered for the day? I'm still debating whether I need to get a tablet or can get a new mac and use bootcamp (which I think I would definitely prefer if possible). The problem is right now it's difficult to figure out what I'll actually be doing in class and that will help me determine if I would actually use the tablet or would be better off sticking to what I know and has worked in the past, with printing out notes or typing them up during class. Thanks.
 
So I have a question for current students. If they give you notes for class, what do you do during class? Make notes on the notes? I'm trying to get a feel for what I will be doing in class because I'm not used to having notes given to me. Are the notes they give you fairly comprehensive or are they more skeleton outlines of what material will be covered for the day? I'm still debating whether I need to get a tablet or can get a new mac and use bootcamp (which I think I would definitely prefer if possible). The problem is right now it's difficult to figure out what I'll actually be doing in class and that will help me determine if I would actually use the tablet or would be better off sticking to what I know and has worked in the past, with printing out notes or typing them up during class. Thanks.

It depends on the instructor as to how detailed the notes are. Yes, generally you are taking notes on the notes...highlighting the important things, making clarifications, etc.

My new recommendation is to wait until a week or two after class starts to actually get a computer. AggieSean just made it through his whole first year without a laptop at all. Ok, so I just ratted him out. 😛

I, on the other hand, never printed a single page of notes, and love the fact that when someone asked something from past lectures, I could tap three times and have the page in front of me, and see the notes (complete with my annotations). I will eventually have ALL my med school notes in one place, with information literally at my fingertips, and nary a notebook to be seen. 😉

Don't make any snap decisions...it won't kill you to not have it until August or later.
 
This is for all of you new M1s (and anyone else that has time) that are going to be in CS this summer... Health For All (the free clinic) could really really use our help in the pharmacy and in the office over the summer. They are scarce on volunteers. I know it is not glamorous work, but it will let you get to know the clinic so that when you get to come and see patients in the fall you'll already know your way around. Another big plus is that you'll get to meet the Dr. Loyds (they are twins) who are pretty much awesome. If you can volunteer for an hour that would be great. We don't need a weekly commitment from you. Really, any time you can help would be appreciated.

E-mail me if you are interested. [email protected]
 
It depends on the instructor as to how detailed the notes are. Yes, generally you are taking notes on the notes...highlighting the important things, making clarifications, etc.

My new recommendation is to wait until a week or two after class starts to actually get a computer. AggieSean just made it through his whole first year without a laptop at all. Ok, so I just ratted him out. 😛

I, on the other hand, never printed a single page of notes, and love the fact that when someone asked something from past lectures, I could tap three times and have the page in front of me, and see the notes (complete with my annotations). I will eventually have ALL my med school notes in one place, with information literally at my fingertips, and nary a notebook to be seen. 😉

Don't make any snap decisions...it won't kill you to not have it until August or later.

While I haven't started yet, I would like to endorse Microsoft OneNote. It works with a tablet, (handwritting etc.) you can print pdfs and slides into it and annotate them via typing or handwritting. Much neater and more versital than an actual notebook. Plus all your notes are in your computer, don't have to carry around binders and notebooks everywhere.
 
While I haven't started yet, I would like to endorse Microsoft OneNote. It works with a tablet, (handwritting etc.) you can print pdfs and slides into it and annotate them via typing or handwritting. Much neater and more versital than an actual notebook. Plus all your notes are in your computer, don't have to carry around binders and notebooks everywhere.

I've just started trying out OneNote for a Maymester course I'm taking; I went through undergrad using a pen (I'm kind of a pen nerd) and a spiral, so I figured I'd give laptops a try.

I can see why it's so liked.
 
To intrude and ask a tablet related question as well:
is it worth it buying a ($10, maybe $30) screen protector for those? I got a used tablet/laptop already to familiarize myself with it before school starts but haven't really messed with the pen features yet. I've used a Pocket PC with a screen protector throughout undergrad though, and those protectors did get scratched up lots...
 
To intrude and ask a tablet related question as well:
is it worth it buying a ($10, maybe $30) screen protector for those? I got a used tablet/laptop already to familiarize myself with it before school starts but haven't really messed with the pen features yet. I've used a Pocket PC with a screen protector throughout undergrad though, and those protectors did get scratched up lots...

I would think that it would depend on the quality of the screen. I used to have a Toshiba Satellite Tablet and I didn't notice the pen scratching that much (though the screen did get scratched by other means. I would look up product reviews and find out what other people with the same model think.
 
To intrude and ask a tablet related question as well:
is it worth it buying a ($10, maybe $30) screen protector for those? I got a used tablet/laptop already to familiarize myself with it before school starts but haven't really messed with the pen features yet. I've used a Pocket PC with a screen protector throughout undergrad though, and those protectors did get scratched up lots...

Probably. I don't have one, and the only problem I've had with my tablet is a small dent right at the top edge of the screen. On two occasions, my cursor has gotten "stuck" up there, and I've had to coax it back down by scratching that area of my screen flat again. I don't have any scratches on my screen, though. I don't know that the protector would really protct against dents.
 
all i have to say to the financial aid office is:

SHOW ME THE MONEY!
 
Question for 1st and 2nd years. I have been reading Panda Bear's blog and he recommends studying notes and review books rather than texts. 1) What is your opinion on this with respect to the A&M curriculum. 2) which review books are the best (the ones I have heard about are the BRS, and First Aid).
 
Question for 1st and 2nd years. I have been reading Panda Bear's blog and he recommends studying notes and review books rather than texts. 1) What is your opinion on this with respect to the A&M curriculum. 2) which review books are the best (the ones I have heard about are the BRS, and First Aid).

1) Yep. There's too much to read and digest in the books. The notes have all we need to know. 2) Those are good (BRS especially), and are even recommended as class texts. 3) Don't worry about that kind of thing yet. Have fun while you still can!!😉
 
1) Yep. There's too much to read and digest in the books. The notes have all we need to know. 2) Those are good (BRS especially), and are even recommended as class texts. 3) Don't worry about that kind of thing yet. Have fun while you still can!!😉

This.
 
I posted this the other day, but it never showed up...but just wondering if anyone else has procrastinated on getting all the shots.

Mullie...how is the step 1 studying going? Good luck with that by the way!
 
I posted this the other day, but it never showed up...but just wondering if anyone else has procrastinated on getting all the shots.

Mullie...how is the step 1 studying going? Good luck with that by the way!

Those shots are expensive! Decided to go ahead and get them out of the way early though. Fortunately, the hospital I work at gave me the Hep B series for free.🙂
 
Those shots are expensive! Decided to go ahead and get them out of the way early though. Fortunately, the hospital I work at gave me the Hep B series for free.🙂

How much did they run you? I treat patients two times a month at the free clinic here in town, and the last time I was there the director mentioned something about them doing free immunizations. Then...a buddy of mine who is a resident up at S&W mentioned that he thought the immunizations were free for anybody, not just those who qualified for the care at the clinic. So...I guess I need to call them to figure that out. If not, I guess I'll just have to shell out the cash for them through my primary care. I'm assuming insurance doesn't cover any of this?
 
I went the other day to get the physical and the sheet signed off. My last Hep B series was in 98. No one mentioned anything about getting any other shots....Hope I'm ok!
 
I went the other day to get the physical and the sheet signed off. My last Hep B series was in 98. No one mentioned anything about getting any other shots....Hope I'm ok!

I'm confused by the back of the sheet myself. There are a total of 19 immunizations listed on the back of the physical sheet. I didn't know if we had to have each of those, or just record of having recieved them at some point. Did you get a TB test as well? Can someone else chime in to give some info if you have any?
 
I'm confused by the back of the sheet myself. There are a total of 19 immunizations listed on the back of the physical sheet. I didn't know if we had to have each of those, or just record of having recieved them at some point. Did you get a TB test as well? Can someone else chime in to give some info if you have any?

I think for most of the shots on there you just have to have record of having received them at some point. I got a TB test last summer for work and nothing was mentioned to me at my physical about that either!
 

These are the requirements. The sheet we were sent has plenty more on it, for example polio, which we are not required to have proof of. This is what Donna Shipp told me at least. Just get the shots on website list.

I had no documentation of MMR vaccination so I had to get this. I could maybe have gone to a clinic and received the Tetanus shot for free but I never expected my insurance wouldn't cover it until I got a bill in the mail. I think I paid about $50-60 a shot.
 
I'm confused by the back of the sheet myself. There are a total of 19 immunizations listed on the back of the physical sheet. I didn't know if we had to have each of those, or just record of having recieved them at some point. Did you get a TB test as well? Can someone else chime in to give some info if you have any?

I think the skin test has to be somewhat recent. I had a chest x-ray myself because I always give a positive result with the skin test.
 
They will send you threatening emails about the shots, but it is ok. Just remember that the Hep B series is 3 shots, then you have to get a titer. I didn't get my third shot until December, and I got the titer drawn in March when I was sick. I was told the titer was negative for antibodies (which would mean I'd have to start over with the shots), but I never got anything in the mail. Needless to say, I made it through my whole M-1 year without it just fine.

Beyond that, I had to get the Tdap and mumps (my titer for mumps was negative, too!). I don't know of any place to get them for free, in Temple or otherwise.
 
OK I'm a little confused on what the minimum requirements for health insurance coverage are. Can someone help me out? I don't get sick a lot so I'm looking for something with a fairly high deductible and not a lot of bells and whistles so that my monthly premiums are low. What exactly do they require us to have in terms of coverage?
 
OK I'm a little confused on what the minimum requirements for health insurance coverage are. Can someone help me out? I don't get sick a lot so I'm looking for something with a fairly high deductible and not a lot of bells and whistles so that my monthly premiums are low. What exactly do they require us to have in terms of coverage?

I'm pretty sure the requirements are included in the packet they sent us.
 
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