Texas Interviews 2007

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hope this helps. lemme know if you have anymore questions.

Good summary. I appreciate you taking the time to write it out.

I wish more current med students would give their impressions of their schools. I would love to read more peoples' opinions on schools and how they compare.
 
Seems like most of us have heard from all but 2 TMDSAS schools. I wonder if that's some kind of rule 🙂 My 2 are UT-H and UT-SW.

Same here. Mine are UTSW and UTSA. UTSW b/c my subpar performance my first two years of college and UTSA b/c of my limited ECs.

But it's okay, they are only telling me that I am not a good enough of person to attend their school.

A--HOLES!!!!:meanie: :meanie:
 
Anyone going to College Station tomorrow? I'm thinking about driving up. I'll probably have to leave around 4:30 in the morning to get there safely by 7:00 AM.
 
Seems like most of us have heard from all but 2 TMDSAS schools. I wonder if that's some kind of rule 🙂 My 2 are UT-H and UT-SW.
hee - well I've finally heard from all the Texas schools (except TCOM which I never finished). I've just got to finish figuring out when I have time to go.
 
So is 'hope to see you here next year, you would make a good contribution to the medical school' mean I will get in if I rank the school as my first choice? Anyone else told something like this?
 
Good summary. I appreciate you taking the time to write it out.

I wish more current med students would give their impressions of their schools. I would love to read more peoples' opinions on schools and how they compare.

Last year's thread may have some good pro/con lists of each school, but from the schools I visited last year (all but TCOM, TT, and UTMB).

UTSW (where I'm attending) - Parkland hospital... wow. and you get the best of both worlds in basic science and clinical training... awesome faculty, reputation with residency directors, a big class of pretty cool students. Cons: lots of class time though not everyone attends every lecture; one course that is curved... an issue current students care little about.

UTSA - friendliest group of students I ever met. Only thing i didn't care for was that it felt like high school when I visited, maybe it felt too laid-back as if people were trying to prove something. Clinicals are strong - seems like you get to learn pretty independently there.

A&M - the good: small class if that's your thing, friendly students/administration, nice facilities... Scott & White is nice for its location. Clinical training isn't so stressful (I hear) because you don't have to compete with other students/residents as much. the bad: not sure if academics are very strong there, plus the student body didn't seem very diverse. You could also say that for the patient population too. Also you have to move to Temple. That could be a minus (for most people) or a plus in that some students would welcome having a physical break between sciences and clinical years.

UTH - i can't remember much except it has a very good faculty, the students are nice, and you're in the TMC. I hated parking when I worked there though.
 
Last year's thread may have some good pro/con lists of each school, but from the schools I visited last year (all but TCOM, TT, and UTMB).

UTSW (where I'm attending) - Parkland hospital... wow. and you get the best of both worlds in basic science and clinical training... awesome faculty, reputation with residency directors, a big class of pretty cool students. Cons: lots of class time though not everyone attends every lecture; one course that is curved... an issue current students care little about.

UTSA - friendliest group of students I ever met. Only thing i didn't care for was that it felt like high school when I visited, maybe it felt too laid-back as if people were trying to prove something. Clinicals are strong - seems like you get to learn pretty independently there.

A&M - the good: small class if that's your thing, friendly students/administration, nice facilities... Scott & White is nice for its location. Clinical training isn't so stressful (I hear) because you don't have to compete with other students/residents as much. the bad: not sure if academics are very strong there, plus the student body didn't seem very diverse. You could also say that for the patient population too. Also you have to move to Temple. That could be a minus (for most people) or a plus in that some students would welcome having a physical break between sciences and clinical years.

UTH - i can't remember much except it has a very good faculty, the students are nice, and you're in the TMC. I hated parking when I worked there though.

Thanks, good post.
 
Okay, guys.. I've been processed for a little over 2 months now and still no word. As each week passes without word, my hope dies just a little. I don't quite understand, I have a solid gpa of 3.8, but an average MCAT, good EC's...

Is anyone in the same boat or can offer any advice? Much appreciated.
 
I'm a bit confused about Southwestern's grading system. After my interview I was under the impression that the grades in all pre-clinical courses were fit to a ~normal distribution.

Is that correct, or is the only the case for some classes?
 
I'm a bit confused about Southwestern's grading system. After my interview I was under the impression that the grades in all pre-clinical courses were fit to a ~normal distribution.

Is that correct, or is the only the case for some classes?

heh, to be honest, I'm not sure now. So far we're 3 courses into the curriculum and each is graded differently: one course is pass/fail, another you're graded on an absolute scale (anatomy), and the other (biochem) the class is curved (20/30/30/20% A/B+/B/C).

I'm not sure which courses later, if any, might be curved, but more senior students at the school insist the curve changes nothing and that they're sorry they ever went hysterical about it last year. The administration will probably tell prospective students that there is no curve, but what's happening is that students are now being tested in a way that will naturally bring about a bell curve distribution in grades. But I don't know if anything's really changed. Sure wish Texas schools were pass/fail though!
 
I just got a status change for Baylor (I've "been reviewed") Any idea how long it will take for me to actually hear from them? I know for some people it took like a month to hear back after the change? 😱 My poor stomach can't take that much stress. 🙁
 
I just got a status change for Baylor (I've "been reviewed") Any idea how long it will take for me to actually hear from them? I know for some people it took like a month to hear back after the change? 😱 My poor stomach can't take that much stress. 🙁

Sorry, I didn't really clue in to their status page... now that they've actually LOOKED at your application, though, they'd be idiots not to take you. 🙂
:luck:
 
Anyone know if status changes are shown on Tech's status page? Mine has been "applied/complete" since Aug. 2. I'm not sure if I should assume the worst or if there's a possibility they haven't reviewed my app yet.
 
Anyone know if status changes are shown on Tech's status page? Mine has been "applied/complete" since Aug. 2. I'm not sure if I should assume the worst or if there's a possibility they haven't reviewed my app yet.

I think that means they have everything they need from you...I dont think it means they have necessarilly reviewed you yet...I think your still in okay shape
 
I just got a status change for Baylor (I've "been reviewed") Any idea how long it will take for me to actually hear from them? I know for some people it took like a month to hear back after the change? 😱 My poor stomach can't take that much stress. 🙁
Could still be a while. (Sorry.) Mine was that way for at least a couple of weeks. I say "at least" because I didn't realize right away that Baylor had an online status check, and by the time I checked it it said that my application had been reviewed. Then it was a few weeks (2-3 maybe, but I honestly don't remember exactly) before I was invited for an interview.

Hang in there.
 
i can't believe its almost october. 🙁 i feel like once the august mcaters get their scores, my file (if it hasn't already been) will be trashed. ..sigh.

time to start thinking about the GRE.
 
Sorry, I didn't really clue in to their status page... now that they've actually LOOKED at your application, though, they'd be idiots not to take you. 🙂
:luck:

Thanks, Pemb! 😍


But guess what I just found out?
:clap: I GOT A BAYLOR INVITE!! :clap:

So insanely happy - now I'm off to $1 Margarita night :laugh:
 
So for those that went to A&M today, what did you guys think? I thought the day was extremely well coordinated. The tours could have been better, but I really liked Filo. He seemed like a really nice guy. I don't know if that makes up for the location of the school though. This just makes my choice harder.
 
So for those that went to A&M today, what did you guys think? I thought the day was extremely well coordinated. The tours could have been better, but I really liked Filo. He seemed like a really nice guy. I don't know if that makes up for the location of the school though. This just makes my choice harder.

Completely agree on the Filo observations. Not that this was the most critical component of the day, but I really wish they had someone better do the financial aid segment. The woman who presented seemed like she'd rather be doing anything else. I was impressed by Temple -- I had expected far worse, and after driving down I-35, it honestly doesn't seem THAT isolated. Austin is obviously close by. I bet the usual explosion of strip malls near the access road made the area appear more populated and busy than it actually is.

But yeah, overall a very strongly coordinated day. Filo is an extremely friendly and genuine person. I'm really impressed by the school's commitment to community service, medical humanism, and leadership. 👍 to Texas A&M.
 
Thanks, Pemb! 😍


But guess what I just found out?
:clap: I GOT A BAYLOR INVITE!! :clap:

So insanely happy - now I'm off to $1 Margarita night :laugh:

Only if I could get one of these Baylor invites I too would be insanely happy....anyways congrats!
 
Completely agree on the Filo observations. Not that this was the most critical component of the day, but I really wish they had someone better do the financial aid segment. The woman who presented seemed like she'd rather be doing anything else. I was impressed by Temple -- I had expected far worse, and after driving down I-35, it honestly doesn't seem THAT isolated. Austin is obviously close by. I bet the usual explosion of strip malls near the access road made the area appear more populated and busy than it actually is.

But yeah, overall a very strongly coordinated day. Filo is an extremely friendly and genuine person. I'm really impressed by the school's commitment to community service, medical humanism, and leadership. 👍 to Texas A&M.

Did you also notice that A&M offers acceptances to 50% of its interviewees?
 
i can't believe its almost october. 🙁 i feel like once the august mcaters get their scores, my file (if it hasn't already been) will be trashed. ..sigh.

time to start thinking about the GRE.

Do you any idea what might be hurting your application? and if you do, i'm sure it can be fixed. This whole process is very humbeling, and it's no wonder most people don't attempt it. But, I'm sure it will be worth it------ just some people have to take a more crooked road than others.
 
So for those that went to A&M today, what did you guys think? I thought the day was extremely well coordinated. The tours could have been better, but I really liked Filo. He seemed like a really nice guy. I don't know if that makes up for the location of the school though. This just makes my choice harder.

I just wanted to agree on the Filo observations as well. He is a really nice guy.
 
Do you any idea what might be hurting your application? and if you do, i'm sure it can be fixed. This whole process is very humbeling, and it's no wonder most people don't attempt it. But, I'm sure it will be worth it------ just some people have to take a more crooked road than others.

Here's to crooked roads with a few bridges out. Sort of fitting that I moved from the Hill Country to the Llano Estacado to start this journey....

For me 168 hours of poor performance in mostly easy classes + 49 hours of straight A's in the sciences = very little change in overall GPA (.15 or so, which would be ok, if say, one had above a 3.0 to start). :laugh:

Reminds me of the frog choking the Heron/Crane comic....."Don't ever give up!!!"👍


'Rambler
 
Okay, guys.. I've been processed for a little over 2 months now and still no word. As each week passes without word, my hope dies just a little. I don't quite understand, I have a solid gpa of 3.8, but an average MCAT, good EC's...

Is anyone in the same boat or can offer any advice? Much appreciated.


I am. processed in july. but I stopped holding my breath, i don't have the grades and I am not a resident, was worth the shot though.
 
Just got snail mail invite from San Antonio!!

It's been more than two months since I've been processed. So for all you guys out there still without word, never lose hope!!
 
I'm an august mcater who wants to go to a&m. I've heard that filo is really nice and the facilities are nice. I won't hear anything until after 10-14, so i'm hoping to be processed quickly after.

Question: Does anyone know if we can check the status of an app on a&m's website??
 
I'm an august mcater who wants to go to a&m. I've heard that filo is really nice and the facilities are nice. I won't hear anything until after 10-14, so i'm hoping to be processed quickly after.

Question: Does anyone know if we can check the status of an app on a&m's website??
No, you can't. They will send you emails when they receive your secondary fee and your LORs, however.
 
Do you any idea what might be hurting your application? and if you do, i'm sure it can be fixed. This whole process is very humbeling, and it's no wonder most people don't attempt it. But, I'm sure it will be worth it------ just some people have to take a more crooked road than others.

probably my gpa + mcat. i figure its going to be a major crapshoot b/c my numbers are in the average range for texas matriculants with the usual extracurriculars and good recs. i knew this process wasn't going to be easy seeing my friends go through it, but its pretty scary when its your turn! :scared:

but thanks for the confidence boosting, i (and probably a lot of others) needed to hear it again. 👍
 
Hey!

anyone out there with a UTMB interview on Oct 13? I am an out-of-stater attending the interview, i was wondering what everyone is doing the morning of/night before? I am thinking of getting there by thursday evening, but i am not sure if I should stay with the med students or in a motel? Do u guys have any idea about getting from the Houston airport to Galveston? Which are the closest motels? I am totally lost and dont know how to plan this trip! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
 
Hey!

anyone out there with a UTMB interview on Oct 13? I am an out-of-stater attending the interview, i was wondering what everyone is doing the morning of/night before? I am thinking of getting there by thursday evening, but i am not sure if I should stay with the med students or in a motel? Do u guys have any idea about getting from the Houston airport to Galveston? Which are the closest motels? I am totally lost and dont know how to plan this trip! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Hobby is closer to Galveston than IAH, but IAH has more flight options. If your plane lands slightly before or during rush hour, Hobby might be a better option for you. I've heard that staying with a student host can be helpful--you can pump them for info. But personally, I prefer to stay alone in a hotel so I can just have some alone time to collect my thoughts before the interview. Plus, I would feel awkward crashing at a stranger's place. If student input is what you're looking for, you can always talk to them the day of the interview. There are always plenty around. But if you're pressed for cash, staying with a student would definitely help lower your expenses.
 
Just got snail mail invite from San Antonio!!

It's been more than two months since I've been processed. So for all you guys out there still without word, never lose hope!!

CONGRATS!!! I've only interviewed at A&M & TCOM so I know how you must have been feeling!!!
 
Did you also notice that A&M offers acceptances to 50% of its interviewees?
lol i believe i heard that statistic last year, and i ended up in the other 50%. quite the big letdown. not that you'll have a problem getting in anywhere.
 
People who already interviewed at TCOM. I was bored and checking status pages today and noticed that my TCOM status said, you are currently on the wait list. Is this the case for anyone else who interviewed there early?
 
People who already interviewed at TCOM. I was bored and checking status pages today and noticed that my TCOM status said, you are currently on the wait list. Is this the case for anyone else who interviewed there early?

"Your application is currently under review. Please refer to the TMDSAS web site for information on when and how you will be notified of the admissions decision."

I was interviewed on 8/10. Can't really assume anything until oct or feb. 🙂
 
People who already interviewed at TCOM. I was bored and checking status pages today and noticed that my TCOM status said, you are currently on the wait list. Is this the case for anyone else who interviewed there early?

Yeah...i'm on the 'wait list' as well and interviewed 8/29. I'm going to call the admissions office Monday and see what it means.
 
Yeah...i'm on the 'wait list' as well and interviewed 8/29. I'm going to call the admissions office Monday and see what it means.
I doubt they'll tell you anything, but may as well give it a shot. I'm guessing we have been deemed "acceptable." Since they are doing rolling admissions this year we will all be ranked in a list or multiple categorical lists and then they will make offers in whatever order they prefer.

If you find anything, let us know. 🙂
 
Hang in there folks. Even though I was processed by TMDSAS (and had all LORs sent in, etc) over 3 months ago (6/21) I just got an interview invite from UTSW for 10/7. My wife and I were just talking tonight about how my UT-SA interview on Mon. would probably be my last, but I guess not!

C'mon UT-H (now my only holdout.) I know I'm an engineer, but I really don't want to be! I (obviously) want to be a doctor, and everyone has had such good things to say about your school!
 
Hang in there folks. Even though I was processed by TMDSAS (and had all LORs sent in, etc) over 3 months ago (6/21) I just got an interview invite from UTSW for 10/7. My wife and I were just talking tonight about how my UT-SA interview on Mon. would probably be my last, but I guess not!

:clap: :clap: :clap:
 
So is all this waiting just killing you too? Uff, I hate this. I think this process in Texas just plain sucks. I just checked my TCOM status and it still says "Application under review". Good, bad? Who knows. I interviewed 7/27.

Does anyone think there will be offers November 15th?

P.S. Anyone with mulitple offers---Decide RAPIDLY. For the sake of everyone else's mental health. Thanks!
 
Seems like most of us have heard from all but 2 TMDSAS schools. I wonder if that's some kind of rule My 2 are UT-H and UT-SW.

(later post, I haven't figured out how to multiquote yet...)

C'mon UT-H (now my only holdout.) I know I'm an engineer, but I really don't want to be! I (obviously) want to be a doctor, and everyone has had such good things to say about your school!

This makes me laugh..... UT-H and UT-SW are my holdouts - though I know why for UTSW (something about my crappy GPA and no research 😳 ) but when UT-H SENT BACK my "extra" LORS to interfolio - I decided that was the last straw. Clearly I am not destined to be in Houston..... I have accepted my fate. :laugh:
 
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