Texas Interviews 2007

[Beadle]

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Apparently, because of the new TX admissions rules, adcoms can do anything "within reason" to recruit students. The most competitive applicants will receive multiple offers in Nov, so the schools need to convince them to come to their particular institution........or so this is how I understand it.

And I saw those sheets at UTMB too. One of my interviewers filled it out as we went, but did not put scores next to each section while I was there. I didn't catch the "recruit" thing at the bottom though 😳

I interviewed at UTMB today, and one of my interviewers went over the entire interview sheet they fill out and give to the admissions comittee. Anyways at the bottom of the sheet it asked to rate the applicant overall, with the highest rating being RECRUIT.

Has anyone ever heard of a med school going out of there way to recruit an applicant after there interview? (like phone call or letter)

For anyone who has interviewed at UT-Houston have they received a phone call or letter after the interview?

Thanks!!!
by the way this is my first post; I've been reading these posts for a couple hours straight. pretty sad.

 

[kemper]

I interviewed at UTMB today, and one of my interviewers went over the entire interview sheet they fill out and give to the admissions comittee. Anyways at the bottom of the sheet it asked to rate the applicant overall, with the highest rating being RECRUIT.

Has anyone ever heard of a med school going out of there way to recruit an applicant after there interview? (like phone call or letter)

For anyone who has interviewed at UT-Houston have they received a phone call or letter after the interview?

Thanks!!!
by the way this is my first post; I've been reading these posts for a couple hours straight. pretty sad.

My understanding is they cannot contact TX residents until after Nov. 15, after then they can start recruiting.

From TMDSAS:

Prior to the match, medical schools may extend offers of acceptance to Texas residents for a period between November 15 and December 31.
A medical school may extend an offer of acceptance to any Texas resident applicant during this period.
An applicant may receive offers of acceptance from more than one medical school during this period.
During this period, medical schools may take reasonable actions to recruit applicants to whom offers have been extended.

 

[Anastasis]

I interviewed at UTMB today, and one of my interviewers went over the entire interview sheet they fill out and give to the admissions comittee. Anyways at the bottom of the sheet it asked to rate the applicant overall, with the highest rating being RECRUIT.

Has anyone ever heard of a med school going out of there way to recruit an applicant after there interview? (like phone call or letter)

For anyone who has interviewed at UT-Houston have they received a phone call or letter after the interview?

Thanks!!!
by the way this is my first post; I've been reading these posts for a couple hours straight. pretty sad.

I got a call after the UT-H interview too. I think it's a pretty standard thing. I had thought of some more questions so it was nice to have them answered so quickly.

 

[63768]

13. Texas Institute for Rehabilitation & Research

thanks. i keep forgetting TIRR is located in the TMC because i've never ventured that direction.

 

[63768]

My understanding is they cannot contact TX residents until after Nov. 15, after then they can start recruiting.

you are correct. nov 15 on, med schools can begin accepting TX residents, and those residents can choose to either accept those offers immediately or hold on to them for the match (in the case that you're not accepted at your #1 but at a lower one on your list).

feb 15, all TX residents will go into the match (excluding those who have accepted their offers of admission). if you have an acceptance, you can still hang on to it and hope you get in to your #1. after that, it's the same as previous matches.

 

[dancer75088]

you are correct. nov 15 on, med schools can begin accepting TX residents, and those residents can choose to either accept those offers immediately or hold on to them for the match (in the case that you're not accepted at your #1 but at a lower one on your list).

feb 15, all TX residents will go into the match (excluding those who have accepted their offers of admission). if you have an acceptance, you can still hang on to it and hope you get in to your #1. after that, it's the same as previous matches.

Actually, according to Tech, everyone has to go through the match. If you have an acceptance to your number one school pre-match, you just rank that first and no one else. Just FYI!

 

[63768]

Actually, according to Tech, everyone has to go through the match. If you have an acceptance to your number one school pre-match, you just rank that first and no one else. Just FYI!

oh ok, i must have misinterpreted what i'd heard. thanks for the correction!

 

[BlackBantie]

Whew! Just returned from Dallas. I don't know...but I wasn't all that impressed. It wasn't bad and the faculty seemed nice, but eh.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

Hey BB,

Would you mind elaborating a little more on what you didn't like? All of the other TMDSAS schools trash Southwestern, but I was curious to hear a more objective account of what is good/bad about the school from an applicant's perspective.

Thanks,

J

 

[WannaDoc]

Does anyone know... or has anyone scheduled an interview with TCOM for Tuesday October 3rd?

I am having problems with scheduling work and interviews.... anyone know if they are interviewing that Tuesday??

 

[meads]

Hey BB,

Would you mind elaborating a little more on what you didn't like? All of the other TMDSAS schools trash Southwestern, but I was curious to hear a more objective account of what is good/bad about the school from an applicant's perspective.

Thanks,

J

just curious, what exactly do these other TMDSAS schools say about UT-Southwestern?

 

[BlackBantie]

Hey BB,

Would you mind elaborating a little more on what you didn't like? All of the other TMDSAS schools trash Southwestern, but I was curious to hear a more objective account of what is good/bad about the school from an applicant's perspective.

Thanks,

J

I wish I could pinpoint it. I know Parkland is one of the nation's top hospitals but it honestly seemed mediocre to me. The medical students I talked to didn't seem very enthusiastic and probably could have done more to promote the school. Don't get me wrong, the ones I spoke to provided a lot of information and honesty, but they could have had more school spirit. It just gave me a weird vibe. One of my interviewers asked me what I had heard about the school and without waiting for my answer, she rambled on and on about how the school is not cut-throat. I definitely don't want to be rude but it really turned me off.

Now that I look back at it all, I don't think I was provided with enough information specific to UTSW. They provided a PowerPoint about medical school curriculum and how to fund med school, but you can argue that it applies to all med schools (some exceptions to the curriculum).

Perhaps it was just me and I'm simply not a good fit for the school. But I feel really let down and disappointed because I was expecting something grand. It all just seemed mediocre. It could be because I just returned from my UTH interview, which was amazing and it's hard to compare to that experience.

I'm sure there were plenty of others there that enjoyed it. Take my opinion with a grain of salt.

 

[BlackBantie]

just curious, what exactly do these other TMDSAS schools say about UT-Southwestern?

I've only interviewed at one other TMDSAS school so far and they mentioned the small amount of comraderie at UTSW and the poor location of the school.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

just curious, what exactly do these other TMDSAS schools say about UT-Southwestern?

Cuttthroat competition (one example that was given was that students would hide reserve copies of books/materials in the library, another was that they have instituted a bell-curve system that ensures that no more than 10% of class gets honors, etc) is the picture that the other schools try to paint of UTSW. Some of my Professors (that have worked there) have said that it seems like their primary mission is training future Nobel laureates (i.e. heavily research-focused.)

I've just been wondering how much of that is true and how much is rhetoric/propaganda spewed by other schools that students probably usually rank below UTSW.

 

[Zuerst]

Honestly, it is going to be really tough to top TMC once you interviewed and toured at one or both of the schools at Houston. My experience differed from BlackBantie in that the students that took us on the tour were very enthusiastic about UTSW and it seemed they genuinely enjoyed their time at UTSW.

Also UTSW interviews take place on Saturdays and I think because of that, interviewees missed UTSW campus at full swing.

 

[BlackBantie]

Bell-curve system that ensures that no more than 10% of class gets honors, etc.

Yeah, I forgot the percentages that are allotted for As, B+s, Bs, etc. I discussed this with one of my interviewers and he considers it an excellent system for ranking, preventing inflation, and landing residency positions. I agree with him on those aspects, but I just really dislike the idea of it being a bell-curve.

 

[texasmed]

edit

 

[meads]

These are just my personal opinions, based on actual experiences and not unsubstantiated rumors.

I'm pasting this from a previous old post: The rumored competition does not live up to its reputation...people here work hard - there's nothing wrong w/that. If anything, the work ethic helps motivate even the laziest of us. My classmates are amazingly smart but never hesitant to help out. If anything, we often get overloaded with emails full of resources. And when we're not studying, we have a ton of fun. Don't get me wrong though - we study A LOT - but I can only assume that any medical student studies a lot.

More specifically:
-cutthroat competition...where do people come up with this stuff, seriously? I've never had problems with getting hold of any sort of educational materials. Plenty to go around.

-bell curve: yes, it does suck. but there are also standards for grades so if you get above a certain number, then you're guaranteed that letter grade. (not easy, but still possible) supposedly it will help us with residency apps but well, yeah, I dont know. it does suck.

-research: research is widely available for anyone looking to do research. research is available for anyone just wanting to sample research. but no one cares if you don't do research. I do wish we had more clinical contact in the first 2 years but oh well. We'll get way more than plenty of it during 3rd and 4th year. I had never done research before in my life before I got to utsw, but this summer, I got a publication out of my research and networked with some important figures. how much it matters? I dont know, but I'm glad that I had the opportunity and that it was so easy to set up. Plus it was paid.

-location: what's wrong with the location? The location gives me plenty of affordable or free parking close by. Do people think it's a bad neighborhood? It's not that bad. Just be smart wherever you go. Don't have to deal with horrible traffic (huge plus to me). Plenty of diverse patients come here.

-camaraderie: that's going to depend upon each individual class and upon the admissions people who determine the make up of the class. I think the camaraderie level here is fine. I dont really know what's it like at other med schools so I can't judge very effectively. People are plenty social here. Sure there are the outliers who do nothing but study, but they're going to be at every medical school. I've had a lot of fun in my class. Last year for spring break, a group of over 40 went on an unofficial class cruise and we had a blast. They've an awesome IM program here and a lot of people readily partake (it's free). These are just specific examples. People get along fine and seriously don't hesitate to help.

interview day: yes it's boring and there's plenty room for improvement. give them feedback. ask for the specifics. it probably would be more interactive and "fun" on a weekday as there aren't as many students around on the weekend and those that are at school are mostly studying. studying --> tired

There's good and bad at every school. Again, you can only go to one med school. I dont know what it's like at other schools and can't say much about them. My only exposure to these other schools was through interviews.

I chose utsw over all the other schools I interviewed at for several reasons: location, quality of education, learning opportunities (esp clinical), scholarship, personal reasons, and yes ranking. I'm sure you'll get a fine education wherever you go and it is important to find your fit. I just wanted to address some of these silly rumors and to add my 2 cents. g'luck with the process.

 

[mychelle774]

Honestly, that's my only concern about TMC. Since I want to do underserved healtcare I wonder how well UT-H's clinical rotations will prepare me for that. Luckily I think you can do a rotation at the county hospital plus Baylor has the whole care for the underserved track.

I still 😍 UT-H so it's not much of a concern.

There are two county hospitals in Houston. Baylor gets Ben Taub in the TMC and UTH gets LBJ on the northside. Not sure about UTH, but I think they circulate MS3's & MS4's through those pretty well. Definitely interns and residents.

 

[Pkboi24]

hey guys, i recently found this board and have really enjoyed reading about your experiences. i am applying to the texas schools as well. anyway, for those who have interviewed at UTH, have you received a letter about what a great school it is and how they would be happy to accommodate us for a second look? i am excited about the letter (i really want to go to UTH) but am not sure if it is something they send to all interviewees. good luck to all.

I never got the letter. I hope this doesn't mean I'm rejected. Crap...

 

[texasmed]

I never got the letter. I hope this doesn't mean I'm rejected. Crap...

i seriously doubt it man...your stats look very similar to mine

 

[ckf0006]

There are two county hospitals in Houston. Baylor gets Ben Taub in the TMC and UTH gets LBJ on the northside. Not sure about UTH, but I think they circulate MS3's & MS4's through those pretty well. Definitely interns and residents.

UTH does most rotations at Hermann but some are done at LBJ and you have the option at Ben Taub 4th year if you want to do a rotation they have, but alot of people do away rotations 4th year. UTH also does rotations thru MD Anderson, but most are at Hermann. The good thing about Hermann is that they have a broad patient base so you see a bunch of different people.

 

[kemper]

I never got the letter. I hope this doesn't mean I'm rejected. Crap...

SDN is an excellent site for information, however, I think it causes a lot of anxiety for average applicants. I noticed one UTH interviewee received a phone call and another a letter. What's better? Does it mean anything?

SDN is kind of like the gym, except instead of it appearing that everyone in the world has a great body, everyone instead has 35+ MCATS. But that is not the real world. I have noticed most people that post their stats have great stats, but there are a lot of posters that don't post their stats. Kind of like only the muscleheads wear those tank tops that come down to their bellies (I'm not knocking the high scorers just pointing out that they are, rightfully so, more likely to share their stats).There is a reason that the average scores at UTH and UTSA are 29 and 28 respectively. That means a lot of people are getting in with scores below those numbers. That must mean there is more to the process than scores; LOR's and interviews must factor in the process.

So don't fret too much about feedback, maybe the ones that are receiving feedback after interviews are merely the top 25% of applicants.


http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=6374

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

SDN is an excellent site for information, however, I think it causes a lot of anxiety for average applicants. I noticed one UTH interviewee received a phone call and another a letter. What's better? Does it mean anything?

SDN is kind of like the gym, except instead of it appearing that everyone in the world has a great body, everyone instead has 35+ MCATS. But that is not the real world. I have noticed most people that post their stats have great stats, but there are a lot of posters that don't post their stats. Kind of like only the muscleheads wear those tank tops that come down to their bellies (I'm not knocking the high scorers just pointing out that they are, rightfully so, more likely to share their stats).There is a reason that the average scores at UTH and UTSA are 29 and 28 respectively. That means a lot of people are getting in with scores below those numbers. That must mean there is more to the process than scores; LOR's and interviews must factor in the process.

So don't fret too much about feedback, maybe the ones that are receiving feedback after interviews are merely the top 25% of applicants.


http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=6374

I agree with this to an extent, especially the part about SDN making people feel more anxiety than normal. I think that a lot of well-intentioned, but nonetheless misinformation is posted here that ends up causing people to stress more than normal. The flip side is that I have also learned lots of useful information from SDN, so you have to take the good with the bad.

I generally don't post my stats, not because I think that they are bad, but because I think it is tacky to do so. It's kind of like running around telling people how much money you make (although, for me, if you search hard enough, you'll find that out too.....) That being said, I think that if you search this thread I probably posted my stats once. I used to have an MDapps profile, but my paranoia caused me to take it down.

 

[texasmed]

sorry about any undue stress i may have generated with my question...not my intention at all. i really dont think the letter is that big of a deal but i was just wondering. again, good luck to everyone

 

[Anastasis]

Yay! Congratulations! With any luck, I'll be joining you <crossing fingers> but I'm still in Lubbock, with no way to check my snail mail (obviously.)

You home yet, jota? Any news on whether you'll be joining me at UTSA or not?

 

[Anastasis]

sorry about any undue stress i may have generated with my question...not my intention at all. i really dont think the letter is that big of a deal but i was just wondering. again, good luck to everyone

I'm going to call UT-H about a second look weekend on Monday. Just to see if it's open to everyone or just a recruitment thing.

Yeah, I liked the school THAT much. 😍

 

[blackrsx]

sorry about any undue stress i may have generated with my question...not my intention at all. i really dont think the letter is that big of a deal but i was just wondering. again, good luck to everyone

I got a phone call from UTH this morning, I interviewed there on the 16th

has anyone else been called?

 

[AggieJohn]

Everyone gets the call from UT-Houston.

I interviewed at UTSW yesterday. I went there to hopefully dispel the rumours of how competitive the students are with eachother and... they weren't dispelled. I asked my tour guides straight up, "Is UTSW as cut throat as everybody says?" The answer was "Well, not really... everybody is really smart... Over here we have the ER department..." Basically no answer at all. So I asked again at lunch. The med student said its competitive but wouldn't elaborate. I ended up finding out that the med student at my table (a fourth year) had a 4.0 in med school so he probably wasn't the best to ask.

I met a few people at my interviews who I enjoyed being around, but for the most part, my fellow interviewees seemed to lack social skills, skin pigment, and personality. Over half of the people on my tour of Parkland were biochem majors and were discussing biochem during the tour (yes, really). I know its not right to judge a school by its applicants but...

So anyways... I am still having trouble with my ranking of the schools. UTSW is really well known, will help me to get into a good residency, etc etc... but I don't want to always be in direct competition with my peers. I mean really... UT Houston could probably send me to the same residency that UTSW could.


What does everybody else think? I've got an interview with Baylor on the 8th of September, so I'm curious how it compares to UTSW.

 

[mychelle774]

I mean really... UT Houston could probably send me to the same residency that UTSW could.

true.

 

[littlelaura]

If it comes down to it, it will be a tough decision for me as well. I have yet to interview at SW (not til 9/16), but my friend was there with you (she is a biochem major too but she does have skin pigment, so hopefully you weren't referring to her 😛 ) and she liked Houston more. Houston's been my only interview and I loved it and I'm biased after spending half my summer there. I think we should go where we think we'll be happy... and I think a lot of people agree with me, and this is why most people will rank Houston as their #1.

PS. I'll be at Baylor on the 8th too. I'll be the only girl in a grey suit... seriously.

Everyone gets the call from UT-Houston.

I interviewed at UTSW yesterday. I went there to hopefully dispel the rumours of how competitive the students are with eachother and... they weren't dispelled. I asked my tour guides straight up, "Is UTSW as cut throat as everybody says?" The answer was "Well, not really... everybody is really smart... Over here we have the ER department..." Basically no answer at all. So I asked again at lunch. The med student said its competitive but wouldn't elaborate. I ended up finding out that the med student at my table (a fourth year) had a 4.0 in med school so he probably wasn't the best to ask.

I met a few people at my interviews who I enjoyed being around, but for the most part, my fellow interviewees seemed to lack social skills, skin pigment, and personality. Over half of the people on my tour of Parkland were biochem majors and were discussing biochem during the tour (yes, really). I know its not right to judge a school by its applicants but...

So anyways... I am still having trouble with my ranking of the schools. UTSW is really well known, will help me to get into a good residency, etc etc... but I don't want to always be in direct competition with my peers. I mean really... UT Houston could probably send me to the same residency that UTSW could.


What does everybody else think? I've got an interview with Baylor on the 8th of September, so I'm curious how it compares to UTSW.

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

You home yet, jota? Any news on whether you'll be joining me at UTSA or not?

Yeah, I got home yesterday, checked my mail, and guess what.....

NOTHING (from UTSA, at least.)

Oh well....It's still possible, as the 11th is a little over 3 weeks away. Plenty of time for an invite.

 

[Beadle]

/

 

[AggieJohn]

John,

I totally feel the same way you do. And, I believe I finally met you....we had the same interviewers 😳

Anyhow, like you said, I was disappointed with the day. Certainly a let-down considering that going to UTSW has been my dream for about 5 years. I don't know....maybe it was because it was a weekend, but the place did not give me that same fuzzy feeling that UTH did. As a whole, the day just seemed....stiff. And, I felt like our interview group as a whole was a little stiff too. Everywhere else I have gone, I was socializing and smiling the entire time.

On the other hand, I loved my interviewers....SO nice. And, I feel like UTSW would prepare me for longer-termed goals.

I don't know....this is a bit of a problem since unlike most people on here, I don't feel as geographically flexible due to my family in Dallas and certain personal reasons involving them.

What I plan on doing, if I manage to get an early acceptance from UTSW and somewhere else, would be to see if UTSW would allow me to come in on a school day and sit in on a class and then just go to lunch and see if I can get a better feel for the place.

I feel so lost 🙁

Ah yes... your name. It makes sense now 🙂

Thats a good idea, assuming multiple early acceptances, to go and have a second look.

 

[Pkboi24]

Everyone gets the call from UT-Houston.

Well, THAT makes me feel a whole lot better...thanks bro.

Just kidding, sort of.

I didn't get a call from UTH but I got a snail-mail and an e-mail from one of their students. Oh well, I'm not going to try and not obsess over details.

I was was hoping to get more out of UTSW too. I guess not being there on a weekday made a big difference in how the school presented itself. I was talking to some of the 1st and 2nd years during lunch, and they seemed...well...let's just say that we weren't socially compatible, could have been me, I suppose. Nonetheless, one benefit of UTSW is that you will be surrounded by people who are very driven to succeed and change the world. I feel like I could use that type of company sometimes when I need to set my priorities straight, but I'm not sure if I could stand 4 years of it.

I'm going to UTSA on the 28th and Baylor on the 8th. We'll see how that turns out.

 

[cookiesncream07]

Everyone gets the call from UT-Houston.

I interviewed at UTSW yesterday. I went there to hopefully dispel the rumours of how competitive the students are with eachother and... they weren't dispelled. I asked my tour guides straight up, "Is UTSW as cut throat as everybody says?" The answer was "Well, not really... everybody is really smart... Over here we have the ER department..." Basically no answer at all. So I asked again at lunch. The med student said its competitive but wouldn't elaborate. I ended up finding out that the med student at my table (a fourth year) had a 4.0 in med school so he probably wasn't the best to ask.

I met a few people at my interviews who I enjoyed being around, but for the most part, my fellow interviewees seemed to lack social skills, skin pigment, and personality. Over half of the people on my tour of Parkland were biochem majors and were discussing biochem during the tour (yes, really). I know its not right to judge a school by its applicants but...

So anyways... I am still having trouble with my ranking of the schools. UTSW is really well known, will help me to get into a good residency, etc etc... but I don't want to always be in direct competition with my peers. I mean really... UT Houston could probably send me to the same residency that UTSW could.


What does everybody else think? I've got an interview with Baylor on the 8th of September, so I'm curious how it compares to UTSW.

* GRRR, I had a response to this and then my stupid computer deleted it!!! So I'm retyping --

I spent a summer at UTSW and back then... I really liked it. The facutly were very approachable, the facilities nice, the research opportunities readily available, the students hardworking and dedicated. I was very impressed, and UTSW was starting to rub off on me. I had previously spent a summer at Baylor, which I had indeed enjoyed, but coming from Rice and always being in the TMC area myself, I loved the change of setting I found at UTSW. With time, I could not imagine how this place could possibly be as bad as people made it out to be (I had heard the rumors myself).

But --- this was the summer. And I could not see the school as it normally is for students. Plus, I only had contact with a few students (they were quite surprisingly GREAT - very friendly, outgoing, spirited, sociable, well-rounded, etc., but they may have been the exceptions to the rest of their class...?). The only thing I absolutely hated was how they constantly compared themselves to baylor and tried to convince me how they were better than Baylor. Blah, i just let it in one ear and out the other, cuz I love Baylor/UTH/TMC/etc. They also made me slightly worried - they were very smart and made As on tests (94s or so) -- but still were below the 10% thing sometimes -- so yeaaaa... everybody makes good grades there... and I can see how it can get very cutthroat, youve gotta make perfect scores or 98s to be in that 10%....? I dont remember details of their system, but it was disturbing to me back then.

Anywho, I just thoguth id share my experience about my summer at southwestern.

I will be interviewing there this weekend -- and Im not sure how I feel. I remember liking it back then, but the past year Ive talked more to friends who attend UTSW (they are CONSTANTLY worried about grades, studying, and outdoing their peers... i mean CONSTANTLY obsessed with this). Talking to ppl who can be honest like that has shed some light about this school during the year.

I hate the whole cut-throat competitiveness. I can understand some competition as it keeps you on your toes, but cut-throat, mean competition? in the end, we're all gonna be doctors. why cant we help each other out and try to produce an entire class of amazing future MDs?

Blah. I agree with the person that said to go where you feel youll be happy. go where you feel most comfortable. each school has their own personality, find the one that fits you best. and hopefully youll be successful and happy there.

And aggiejohn, youre probably right, UTH could very well get you into the same residency as UTSW, esp if it's where you feel most comfortable and happy cuz then youre more likely to excel there, right?

Anywho, time for me to cram-prep for interviews. I have : TCOM 8/25, UTSW 8/26, UTSA 9/11, and as of now - IM NOT AT ALL READY!

 

[AggieJohn]

* GRRR, I had a response to this and then my stupid computer deleted it!!! So I'm retyping --

I spent a summer at UTSW and back then... I really liked it. The facutly were very approachable, the facilities nice, the research opportunities readily available, the students hardworking and dedicated. I was very impressed, and UTSW was starting to rub off on me. I had previously spent a summer at Baylor, which I had indeed enjoyed, but coming from Rice and always being in the TMC area myself, I loved the change of setting I found at UTSW. With time, I could not imagine how this place could possibly be as bad as people made it out to be (I had heard the rumors myself).

But --- this was the summer. And I could not see the school as it normally is for students. Plus, I only had contact with a few students (they were quite surprisingly GREAT - very friendly, outgoing, spirited, sociable, well-rounded, etc., but they may have been the exceptions to the rest of their class...?). The only thing I absolutely hated was how they constantly compared themselves to baylor and tried to convince me how they were better than Baylor. Blah, i just let it in one ear and out the other, cuz I love Baylor/UTH/TMC/etc. They also made me slightly worried - they were very smart and made As on tests (94s or so) -- but still were below the 10% thing sometimes -- so yeaaaa... everybody makes good grades there... and I can see how it can get very cutthroat, youve gotta make perfect scores or 98s to be in that 10%....? I dont remember details of their system, but it was disturbing to me back then.

Anywho, I just thoguth id share my experience about my summer at southwestern.

I will be interviewing there this weekend -- and Im not sure how I feel. I remember liking it back then, but the past year Ive talked more to friends who attend UTSW (they are CONSTANTLY worried about grades, studying, and outdoing their peers... i mean CONSTANTLY obsessed with this). Talking to ppl who can be honest like that has shed some light about this school during the year.

I hate the whole cut-throat competitiveness. I can understand some competition as it keeps you on your toes, but cut-throat, mean competition? in the end, we're all gonna be doctors. why cant we help each other out and try to produce an entire class of amazing future MDs?

Blah. I agree with the person that said to go where you feel youll be happy. go where you feel most comfortable. each school has their own personality, find the one that fits you best. and hopefully youll be successful and happy there.

And aggiejohn, youre probably right, UTH could very well get you into the same residency as UTSW, esp if it's where you feel most comfortable and happy cuz then youre more likely to excel there, right?

Anywho, time for me to cram-prep for interviews. I have : TCOM 8/25, UTSW 8/26, UTSA 9/11, and as of now - IM NOT AT ALL READY!

Good post, Cookie. Tell me, coming from Rice (and thus the TMC area), what say you about UT Houston / Baylor ?

 

[candyholic]

I didn't like UT-H. I think that their school is discriminatory, especially with regards to asians. With all these "rumors" being discussed inappropriately on this board, I'll add what I've heard about this school. One of the administrators of the school directly asked a south indian student, "do you know how many dr. patels I know?" Plus there is that inferiority complex given their superior neighbor, Baylor. also traffic, weather... But whatever - there's good and bad at all the schools. I think you should go to the best school you can get into. It'll help you in the long run. Yeah sure you can probably get into whatever residency going to whatever school (if you work hard) but it is going to be at least that tiny bit harder for you.

 

[Anastasis]

I didn't like UT-H. I think that their school is discriminatory, especially with regards to asians. With all these "rumors" being discussed inappropriately on this board, I'll add what I've heard about this school.

What's inappropriate about discussing our impressions of a school? Just because you don't agree with us doesn't mean we're doing anything wrong.

 

[playmaker_90]

I dont think you should take the Patel comment like that because if you do then every school is like that. I have heard reps from UTSW talk about mexicans and people from other reps talk about black and indians so i think all schools are a bit racist if you sit and listen to every comment. On the other hand people who havent had an interview dont worry i think its still early in the game. I dont have the 3.8 35 numbers but i have had interviews had three schools so i think it takes time for everything to go through. Keep praying i think it will happen for all Good Luck 😀

 

[63768]

Good post, Cookie. Tell me, coming from Rice (and thus the TMC area), what say you about UT Houston / Baylor ?

well you're not asking me, but i thought i'd put in my two cents since i am also from rice. UTH is a good institution despite being a lesser-known institution. all of the students i know there (med school students, mstp, public health, etc) are happy. literally. they study a whole lot but seem to work together and enjoy their time there. their residency match isn't too shabby last i saw.

concerning baylor, a large portion of each incoming class is rice, which seems to put off students that come from other schools as they are seemingly left out among all the established rice friends. from what i know, baylor provides a good education while not necessarily being as cutthroat as utsw seems to be. i could be wrong here, so a bcm student would be better to ask, but i've personally heard from a few current students that once you're in, it's very hard to fail or drop out. they're very accommodating for their struggling students. i'm not sure if this is the case at other institutions though.

 

[candyholic]

What's inappropriate about discussing our impressions of a school? Just because you don't agree with us doesn't mean we're doing anything wrong.

Say what you will. It's just annoying that people come to read these "impressions" and assume them as facts. People are being misguided and misinformed. But whatever I'm not going to argue. I'm just saying it's annoying. Just because I think something is inappropriate doesn't mean that you have to stop. It is an open forum. Your impressions are your opinions and these are mine.

 

[Anastasis]

Say what you will. It's just annoying that people come to read these "impressions" and assume them as facts. People are being misguided and misinformed. But whatever I'm not going to argue. I'm just saying it's annoying. Just because I think something is inappropriate doesn't mean that you have to stop. It is an open forum. Your impressions are your opinions and these are mine.

Well then I agree, if someone is reading our "impressions" as fact then they are misguided. No offense, but sounds like you had a really bad experience with UT-H and I'm sorry to hear that because I think it's a really great school.

 

[potato51]

yikes, I love UTSW so far. The only reason we have a competitive reputation is because we have to be on the defensive about it so much. The more people talk about how cutthroat UTSW is, the more they expect it and look for "competitive" behavior to exaggerate about to other people. Yes the class has its studious types, but what school doesn't? No one here is sabotaging anyone. On the other hand, I can't count how many parties and get-togethers we've had since months before classes even began. We have fun like everyone else, if not moreso.

With 235+ students in the class, you're bound to find all types of people. I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of non-trads and people who waited several years before entering MS.

As I understand it, the only class that's actually curved (and has always been that way) is biochem, which has been revamped from the disaster it was last year. The other courses you are given standard grades. A couple courses are pass/fail though. Other things I like: the administration is friendly, helpful (like any school I guess), mp3s of lectures are put online for us, we get our own deskspace (carrels), there's an awesome balance of clinicals/research here, parking is easy (after several years of working in the TMC, this is a blessing), and the Student Center gym is terrific.

And if some of you were disappointed in the caliber of your fellow interviewees this weekend, keep in mind what kind of applicants (on average) get their applications in the earliest and therefore snag the earliest possible interview dates. And some of you were kind of bashful... a couple of us were waiting for you folks to join our table ;-)

 

[AggieJohn]

yikes, I love UTSW so far. The only reason we have a competitive reputation is because we have to be on the defensive about it so much. The more people talk about how cutthroat UTSW is, the more they expect it and look for "competitive" behavior to exaggerate about to other people. Yes the class has its studious types, but what school doesn't? No one here is sabotaging anyone. On the other hand, I can't count how many parties and get-togethers we've had since months before classes even began. We have fun like everyone else, if not moreso.

With 235+ students in the class, you're bound to find all types of people. I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of non-trads and people who waited several years before entering MS.

As I understand it, the only class that's actually curved (and has always been that way) is biochem, which has been revamped from the disaster it was last year. The other courses you are given standard grades. A couple courses are pass/fail though. Other things I like: the administration is friendly, helpful (like any school I guess), mp3s of lectures are put online for us, we get our own deskspace (carrels), there's an awesome balance of clinicals/research here, parking is easy (after several years of working in the TMC, this is a blessing), and the Student Center gym is terrific.

And if some of you were disappointed in the caliber of your fellow interviewees this weekend, keep in mind what kind of applicants (on average) get their applications in the earliest and therefore snag the earliest possible interview dates. And some of you were kind of bashful... a couple of us were waiting for you folks to join our table ;-)

Thanks for your post. I see I was a bit uninformed in terms of what classes are curved. How was Biochem a disaster last year? (Just curious).

And you're right about the reputation leading me to looking for it. I went into my interview day with my main goal to be to determine whether it was as cutthroat as I've heard. Probably wouldn't have even thought about it otherwise.

You're just a week into classes though. If you don't mind, later on in the semester, would you come and re-post your thoughts on the school? I would be interested in hearing a first year's thoughts midway through the first year.

For everyone else, please don't take my comments to mean that UTSW is devoid of people who can socialize. I guess I was a little harsh in my initial post on this topic, and really everyone who interviews will have to decide for themselves what their impression of the school is.

 

[playmaker_90]

i am in total agreement with the prior post. Just since some people lack skin pigment does not mean they are weird people who lack social skills. I feel every interview is kinda what you make it take the time and visit with the people and really get a good feel of what type of students you will be learning with for the next four years. Also this is a free speech forum last time I checked so I am sure everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. Well good luck to all UT-H lovers hopefully I will see what you guys saw.

 

[potato51]

Thanks for your post. I see I was a bit uninformed in terms of what classes are curved. How was Biochem a disaster last year? (Just curious).

I "hear" the instructors were jerks, and there were major discrepancies between lectures and the syllabus/text (the profs kept contradicting themselves even) and there was so much medically irrelevant minutiae that was being taught. It hasn't been so bad for us since the course has been shortened and since the instructors this year are very receptive to our comments.

And you're right about the reputation leading me to looking for it. I went into my interview day with my main goal to be to determine whether it was as cutthroat as I've heard. Probably wouldn't have even thought about it otherwise.

Basically, the students are very smart but cooperative. The first week is a lot of confusion (what books/kits to buy, where to turn in forms, etc), and I've gotten a lot of help from fellow students in sorting things out. Of course, I've met only half the class so far so I don't know how everyone acts.

You're just a week into classes though. If you don't mind, later on in the semester, would you come and re-post your thoughts on the school? I would be interested in hearing a first year's thoughts midway through the first year.

Sure. The first week hasn't been bad at all, but then again anatomy has yet to begin...

For everyone else, please don't take my comments to mean that UTSW is devoid of people who can socialize. I guess I was a little harsh in my initial post on this topic, and really everyone who interviews will have to decide for themselves what their impression of the school is.

heh, good point. Last year I came in with the same apprehensions about UTSW which disappointed me since on paper, it was the school I most wanted to attend. But all those notions were quickly dispelled when I interviewed there.

 

[Beadle]

.

 

[Anastasis]

I just thought I would post saying that I finally got the letter someone mentioned earlier from UT-H. I think it just may take awhile. I interviewed on Aug 2nd and just now got it. So don't worry if you haven't gotten it yet; probably doesn't mean anything negative.

 

[Pkboi24]

I just thought I would post saying that I finally got the letter someone mentioned earlier from UT-H. I think it just may take awhile. I interviewed on Aug 2nd and just now got it. So don't worry if you haven't gotten it yet; probably doesn't mean anything negative.

My friend who applied for NYU undergrad told me that they sent out the same type of letter as UT-H to students they were planning on accepting after interviews. Since they couldn't legally accept you before the earliest notification date, they would send you this type of letter to hint that you should pick them as your first choice.

In all likelihood, the letter from UT-H is probably something everyone got, but I suppose it's always nice to dream. 😛