TEXAS Med Schools Entering Class 2004 Applicant Thread

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Hi y'all,
Just got back from the UTMB interview, and I was actually really impressed. The school is very pretty and they had the day planned really well. I was really pleasantly surprised.
 
How far in advance do UTMB and UTSW send out interview invitations? Both schools told me their Nov schedule is already full.
 
My UTSW invite came about 4 weeks in advance, but my UTMB was crazy far ahead -- I think about 6 weeks.
 
Originally posted by doctor Moo
I just came back from UTSA and UTMB this week and was very pleased. Galveston was very quiet and peaceful for a med school.

One thing that cam up at both places was talk about UTSW students being unhappy. Does anyone know if this true and why?
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Im sure like at any med school that some UTSW students are unhappy, but when I interviewed there everyone I met seemed very happy. Classes are really hard they say, but its also worth it in the long run. Dallas is a nice city with low cost of living, and the UTSW campus is gorgeous and one of the top med schools and research institutions in the country. Seems like there are a ton of good things going on there, at least thats the impression I got.

I think a lot of schools tend to badmouth their chief competitor, and this is something Ive noticed at just about every med school interview. I wouldnt read too much into it, just go with your own gut feeling. Remember, these schools are competing for you as much as you are for them.
 
It's definitly true that every school says something negative about their chief competitors. 🙄 Beyond the rankings and the cities themselves, I find it hard to differentiate much beteween the TMDSAS schools. We are very fortunate in TX to have so many great schools.

Just got back from UTSW! I was truly impressed, more than I expected to be. I especially liked my interviewers who were very straightforward and had some excellent insight into the school and the med school process. The students are an intellectual bunch and the whole GPA thing probably encourages a little competition. If you're looking for a subspecialty, though, this is probably one of the best places to go!

Com'on February!!! :laugh:

Theresa

PS- Spumoni, I know I don't use the 😡 too often, but one of my LOR writers was a real jerk!!! Promised a letter in Jan and NEVER wrote it!!! I made do without his lazy butt. 😉
 
Yes, Gleevec, they (the student panels) were probably looking for a way to compare to UTSW. I'm glad people are happy at UTSW.

Theresa, did you go on the Hospital Rounds/Tour they have at Dallas? I wonder how much you get to see.

Speaking of Dallas, Parkland will be in the news soon the 40th anniversary of Kennedy's assasination is coming up. Indeed, Nov 22 is an interview date right?
 
Originally posted by doctor Moo
Yes, Gleevec, they (the student panels) were probably looking for a way to compare to UTSW. I'm glad people are happy at UTSW.

Theresa, did you go on the Hospital Rounds/Tour they have at Dallas? I wonder how much you get to see.

Speaking of Dallas, Parkland will be in the news soon the 40th anniversary of Kennedy's assasination is coming up. Indeed, Nov 22 is an interview date right?
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At UTSW they show you Parkland and Dallas Children's. Both are very nice hospitals (especially the Childrens) and it seems as if you get a great deal of clinical exposure at Parkland. The facilities are really nice and funding does not seem to be an issue. There's a good deal of construction going on as well, always a healthy prognosticator for a med school.

They also show you where JFK died, which is now some radiology office or something I believe (there is a sign there).
 
Hey Spumoni, would you PM me your email address?

I have a ranking question for everyone. I'm trying to decide how to rank UTH and UTSW. I loved UTSW and did not much like UTH. I think that might have been a function of the day I was there for the interview, which sounds like it was atypical of most people's experience there. I have been thinking that I would rank UTH first and UTSW second, since I have a house in Houston, my husband has a job, and we have family here. Houston would just be much easier on us. On the other hand, I was really impressed by UTSW, and I wonder about how far a top-20 school would get you.

Any thoughts?
 
Originally posted by HollyJ
Hey Spumoni, would you PM me your email address?

I have a ranking question for everyone. I'm trying to decide how to rank UTH and UTSW. I loved UTSW and did not much like UTH. I think that might have been a function of the day I was there for the interview, which sounds like it was atypical of most people's experience there. I have been thinking that I would rank UTH first and UTSW second, since I have a house in Houston, my husband has a job, and we have family here. Houston would just be much easier on us. On the other hand, I was really impressed by UTSW, and I wonder about how far a top-20 school would get you.

Any thoughts?
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I think you should go with UTSW first then. Real estate should be a non factor in your decision, esp. considering whether you will be happy in a place or not. There is cheap housing all over TX, so I dont think thats an issue (moving is a pain, but a once in a lifetime deal).

Also, people tend to do residency and fellowship where they went to med school, so consider long-term happiness as well.

Finally, in regards to your husband, most major corporations in TX have branches in both Houston and Dallas. I dont know your specific situation, but your husband might be able to inquire about that.

Definitely go with what you want to do. You will be spending almost all your time in med school over the next 4 years, and you will possibly be doing residency there as well.
 
yeah i agree w/gleevec. utsw is a great school and i actually know a doctor who graduated from there who works at medical city dallas - really nice guy. i know a few med students there and it is a tough curriculum - lot of in class time - but it appears to be like that at uth as well. personally, i do find dallas a little more navigable/prettier than houston (we have some really nice parts of town w/trees, beautiful houses - looks like the northeast). but as was mentioned above, these factors shouldn't be the most important for you anyway - you seemed to really like UTSW, and it's good to go w/your gut instinct when you are ranking the schools.

pm/email me if you have any more q's about dallas or utsw, i'll do my best to help 🙂
 
Hi fellow texas people. Ive been reading this thread for some time but have not posted anything.

I had a question for those of you that have been accepted to out of state institutions. I realize that texas schools are really cheap, but how much does cost play into your decision to stay in texas or leave?

I have recently been accepted (by phone) to the cleveland clinic program of case western reserve. Its an expensive school (~35,000)/yr compared to the ~8,000 that I would be paying in texas. I like research alot but dont want to get MD Phd because i would still like to practice medicine in the future rather than enter only research or academic medicine. The 5 year program is really attractive, but it is a brand new program. (many issues i will consider)

I have only interviewed at Houston, Galveston, and A&M (in september) Nothing from UTSW yet...

So just wanted to see the process other people are going through to weigh the "cost factor"

thanks!!!!
 
Originally posted by autobot
Hi fellow texas people. Ive been reading this thread for some time but have not posted anything.

I had a question for those of you that have been accepted to out of state institutions. I realize that texas schools are really cheap, but how much does cost play into your decision to stay in texas or leave?

I have recently been accepted (by phone) to the cleveland clinic program of case western reserve. Its an expensive school (~35,000)/yr compared to the ~8,000 that I would be paying in texas. I like research alot but dont want to get MD Phd because i would still like to practice medicine in the future rather than enter only research or academic medicine. The 5 year program is really attractive, but it is a brand new program. (many issues i will consider)

I have only interviewed at Houston, Galveston, and A&M (in september) Nothing from UTSW yet...

So just wanted to see the process other people are going through to weigh the "cost factor"

thanks!!!!
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I have been accepted to Baylor, Vanderbilt, and Emory so far. I have actually declined interviews at some top 10 schools (3 of them) because I know there is no way I would give up the ridiculous deals we have as TX residents.

Quite honestly, only Cali residents have it better off with UCSF, UCLA, and UCSD. But with the availability of Baylor and UTSW in TX, well, its not bad to be a Texan at all.

Ill try to explain my rationale here:

Basically, most people go to residency where they are at med school. This is in part due to familiarity, and also because residency programs take more of their own. TX is one of the better places to do residency, as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio are some of the larger metro areas in the US and have substantial resources. The TMC in Houston and Dallas' med center are particularly impressive, and in my eyes hold their own with just about any university in the nation. You also get to see a wide variety of patients at these med centers.

Also, you really cant beat $6550 in tuition, and with fees, around $8000 depending on which TX school you are talking about. In addition, the cost of living is really low in TX, so you can get a ridiculously sized apartment for cheap.

I think if you are interested in research, a school like Baylor or UTSW will serve you well. I too am interested in academia, and realize that my salary as a professor will be significantly less than that of a comprable private practice physician. So for me, its even more important not to go into debt.

I think we have some really good deals in TX, and I cant in good conscience pass up the opportunity we have with two top 20 schools that are so affordable and provide such a high level of education. Barring some jarring financial aid changes, I can say with 99% certainty that I will be going to Baylor, regardless of who else accepts me.

I really think we have it good as Texans, at least in regards to med school, and I really can't think of a state other than Cali that I would prefer to be a part of (in terms of the med school admissions process)
 
i am accepted to umich and baylor, and cost so far is playing a huge role in my decision to stay instate...if you checked out the "least expensive medical schools" thread, it's evident that tx schools are the cheapest deals (even considering other public schools' instate tuition/fees rates). but it's not even solely the price - it's the quality of education for that price. okay, so i'm a shameless baylor advocate, but the fact that baylor offers instate tuition prices to tx residents is almost like winning the lottery imo, b/c the quality of education and resources there (and student body) rivals some of the top 5 schools i've visited so far. i find that every school i visit now, i compare to baylor (and i've also canceled several interviews at other schools that i know i won't attend over baylor). my friend at ucsf tells me that in his lectures the mention of the tmc, md anderson, etc. comes up all the time.

as for the public schools, i can vouch for utsw's reputation and quality of education just from ppl i know who went there (i have yet to visit, but will be doing so in december 🙂 ) one of my mentors is a prominent, highly accomplished, compassionate + brilliant neurosurgeon who told me, verbatim: "given a choice between utsw, harvard, or washington university - i'd pick utsw every time." (and he was referring to the cost aspect as well as the quality of resources). they have a lot of research activities--cutting edge as well--one of my friends is working on an exciting technology that might restore sight to legally blind individuals.

in fact, texans may almost have it better than californians. they do have the ucs, but on the interview trail i was talking to cali residents and they were all super-stressed...they said there are too many premeds in cali and it's a real crapshoot. to contrast, if you're a decent, hardworking candidate in tx, it's rare that you wouldn't at least get an interview (to my knowledge, at least....correct me if i'm wrong)

and finally....texas is a state that actually desperately needs medical care to alleviate shortages in rural areas (one of the most underserved states in the nation). it may lack the glamor (and yes, i was once attracted to all that myself) of cali/ny, but a part of me thinks i might stay for residency and understand the problems of rural health care further. the options are open here....
 
Hi all:

Another interview. This one for UT-Houston's Mudd Fudd program.

Yay!! :clap:

Evo

**********************

You know, I've never heard one med school trash another. The invariant phrase goes something like, "You'll get a great education no matter where in the state you go." We are soooooo lucky to live in Texas.....
 
Originally posted by EvoDevo
Hi all:

Another interview. This one for UT-Houston's Mudd Fudd program.

Yay!! :clap:

Evo

**********************

You know, I've never heard one med school trash another. The invariant phrase goes something like, "You'll get a great education no matter where in the state you go." We are soooooo lucky to live in Texas.....
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What is the "Mudd Fudd" program?
 
Originally posted by EvoDevo
Why thank you!

😀
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what day ******? want me to make you feel special and come find you to say hello 😉
 
Who wouldn't? 😉

December 4th-5th. Anyone know which of those days is the MD interview???

Evo
 
Originally posted by EvoDevo
Who wouldn't? 😉

December 4th-5th. Anyone know which of those days is the MD interview???

Evo
Click to expand...
the Friday or wednesday.
 
Then I'll be seeing you on Friday the 5th!

How are block exams coming? That dratted TCA cycle dragon safely slain?
 
I got a Mudd Fudd interview at UT Houston on Dec. 4th and 5th too! See ya there EvoDevo!

:clap:
 
Originally posted by EvoDevo
How are block exams coming? That dratted TCA cycle dragon safely slain?
Click to expand...
done and conquered, though I did have the shakes this past weekend, and not from drinking too much alcohol. 😀
 
Originally posted by jberg4
I got a Mudd Fudd interview at UT Houston on Dec. 4th and 5th too! See ya there EvoDevo!
Click to expand...

Awesome, Jberg!!!!!! That totally rocks! 😀 How do you feel?
 
Originally posted by seaworthc
done and conquered, though I did have the shakes this past weekend, and not from drinking too much alcohol. 😀
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Well, congratulations! 😀 Nice to hear that you bested the dragon...as any good princess ought. I hated hated hated hated that block in biochem.

From a friend who's a MS-II @ UTSW:

Q: What does a med student want most for Christmas???
A: Sleeeeeeeep!

********
As for Halloween, there's something about warm weather and costumes that makes for fun evenings!!
 
TTU made a good impression with me at the alumni / applicant gathering in Dallas last night. The practicing Doc's were great and provided some valuable insight.

I got the impression that this really didn't factor into any formal feedback to TTU (rats!). The Dean of Admissions (Dr. Dalley) was present and answered any questions presented very candidly. It started at 7 and still had a few stragglers (other than me) when I left at 10:30.

BTW, why does there seem to be at least one arrogant jacka$$ gunner type in every crowd? It is amazing to me that they are so unaware of how an abrasive attitude and know-it-all demeanor is perceived by others. Excuse my brief rant. Success is found by helping others, not by standing on their shoulders as you push them down to advance yourself. I can learn something positive from everyone, sometimes you just have to look a little harder.
 
Hi All,

Are there any statistics on the percentage of acceptance (for EACH individual applicant) vs. the number of interview invitations at TMDSAS schools? In other words, (for example) what are my chances of getting into medical school if got 4 interviews vs. someone who has 6?

Thanks.
 
i don't have any source to back up this...but i remember reading on another thread (the old Texas premeds thread, i think...) that if you interviewed at at least 2 or more tx schools you had a 33% chance of getting in (i think??), with the % rising in gradually smaller increments as you get more interviews. but this may just be pure speculation, so take it with a large grain of salt....
 
Any Texas news ?

It's awful quiet in here . . .
 
Have and interview this thursday at TAMU, just looked at the directions from College Station to Temple, 90 miles! Oh well. I'm still waiting to get my letter in the mail from UTSA for interview.
 
For some reason, the only school i've heard from so far is Baylor College of Medicine. My interview is December 5th.

I figured since it has higher stats than other schools that I would hear from some other ones first.
 
I just finished my UTSA interview!

It was fun and the school is wonderful.

will post more as soon as I get home.

Evo
 
TTU interview wedneday and UTH on friday.
 
EvoDevo-

Must have been standing next to you at one point or another today. Great school and easy going interviews!!

Excellent intro by the dean of admissions and students. Third and fourth years really get their hands dirty in rotations. Brand new clinical skills building going up for 2004.

Very impressed.
 
Yep, sir. Probably the most laid-back interviews I've had. And you're completely right: the Dean's talks seemed to be free of BS and inspriational. 🙂

I was really impressed by the amount of clinical exposure the students get! 😱 It seems especially true of those students going to Harlingen.

As for the student body, well, I have to say that they were the friendliest, nicest bunch that I've met so far.

You?
 
When did most of you hear from San Antonio in relation to the other UT schools? I am confused as to why I have not heard from that but have had Houston and upcoming Galveston interviews (I took Aug MCAT)??
 
ive heard from tech and san antonio, but not houston and galveston. interesting...
 
hmm....i think utsa took a while getting back to me too. i heard from houston and galveston first, then a&m, then utsa. good luck!
 
hi,
would you guys mind sharing how long it took from when you files were complete to when you got your interviews? thanks
 
My file was complete when August MCAT scores arrived, about 10/15. I received notice for Houston interview late that day (but int. not til 10/31) and received galveston via snail mail last week.
 
dookbloo-

It took about 2 months. At the interview, I was told that it was still early and that there would be more sessions.
 
EvoDevo-

I was accepted to a school going into the interview at UTSA. I was seriously impressed and now UTSA jumps to the top. Just the emphasis on the students and their clinical exposure alone blew me away. My father is an anesthesiologist there and he routinely allows rotating students to perform epidurals and intubations. Now its just a wait until Feb 1
 
Transmitted to schools: 10/1
Rec'd UTSA invite ~10/15
Rec'd UTH invite ~ 11/1

File under review still at A&M, Tech, etc....
 
Submitted on 7-2
Processed 7-23
Pre Med Committee letters arrived 9-2
August MCAT scores recieved 10-15

Texas Tech invite came via email on 10-17
UT Southwestern invite came snail mail on 10-30

Havent heard from any of the others.
 
Originally posted by G0S2
EvoDevo-

I was accepted to a school going into the interview at UTSA. I was seriously impressed and now UTSA jumps to the top. Just the emphasis on the students and their clinical exposure alone blew me away. My father is an anesthesiologist there and he routinely allows rotating students to perform epidurals and intubations. Now its just a wait until Feb 1
Click to expand...

I was really impressed too! It seems like a wonderful school, which is surprising because it seems like the "Stealth" school to me. 😀

If you don't mind me asking, what school do you have your acceptance to?

Cheers!
 
Thanks!

yeah, it is a big committment. When do you have to let them know for sure?

OTOH, you get paid really well as a resident.......
 
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