TEXAS Med Schools Entering Class *2005* Applicant Thread part 01

[MadameLULU]

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I was seriously considering going to UT Houston until recently. I asked them a seemingly innocent question and they refused to answer...appearing defensive. I asked them what UT-Houston' s USMLE results were for the past year or two, as compared to the National Averages. (i.e. - % Pass and Avg Score)

Several schools have willingly volunteered this info, but UT-Houston was the only one that refused. Has anyone else encountered this with UT-Houston? It makes me wonder what they are trying to hide.

Or, has anyone been able to successfully find this information out from UT-Houston (someone in authority)? If so, please email me that info: [email protected]

Thanks!

I have a friend who is currently an MS IV and she told me that UT-Houston's averages flucutate. For example, she said that her class didnt do well, while the year before did very well, and the class two years above her did poorly...this is just anecdotal and I dont know any of the real statistics.

 

[AsianDoc816]

I asked this question in one of my interviews at UT-Houston as well; my interviewer told me that their scores stood around the national average. However, he added that a medical student's score would be the same, regardless of the school he or she attended (at least for the medical schools in Texas). I think that this is pretty safe to assume. Consider the MCAT: do you think that you could have scored significantly higher if you went to Harvard or Yale? Test-taking skills depend heavily on the person, not the institution's instruction. Good instruction definitely helps, but in the long run, you'll probably receive the same basic medical education if you attend any school in Texas. I'm glad that my interviewer brought this to my attention.

 

[G0S2]

The classes at almost every medical school vary from year to year in terms of academic performance. My roommate, a 4th year, said that 10 people out of 100 failed Step 1. The year before, 2. I believe it is entirely possible to score extremely well on the boards despite the curriculum. I plan on using some Step 1 review books as an additional review during first and second year. I wouldn't place too much emphasis on board passing rates.My 2 cents.

 

[runner1979]

I don't know how UTH tests their students, but at my interview at Drexel yesterday they were talking about how students in their PIL program (problem based learning) didn't do well a few years back. Turns out this is the year most of the exams were essay. So, they have made sure to test all students multiple choice since all board, licensing, and re-licensing exams are multiple choice. Now the pass rates are just above the national average. I thought this was interesting. Its probably a factor of how well the students prepared themselves, but I can see how your performance could be affected if you weren't used to recalling the material in a multiple choice format.

 

[G0S2]

I don't know how UTH tests their students, but at my interview at Drexel yesterday they were talking about how students in their PIL program (problem based learning) didn't do well a few years back. Turns out this is the year most of the exams were essay. So, they have made sure to test all students multiple choice since all board, licensing, and re-licensing exams are multiple choice. Now the pass rates are just above the national average. I thought this was interesting. Its probably a factor of how well the students prepared themselves, but I can see how your performance could be affected if you weren't used to recalling the material in a multiple choice format.

Good point on the PBL curriculum. I didn't think of that. I agree that not having the exposure to multiple choice questions could affect your performance on the boards. Under those circumstances, I suppose it would be beneficial (for any medical student really) to begin to utilize something like Kaplan's Q-bank a few months before the exam to get used to those types of questions.

 

[AsianDoc816]

I don't know how UTH tests their students, but at my interview at Drexel yesterday they were talking about how students in their PIL program (problem based learning) didn't do well a few years back. Turns out this is the year most of the exams were essay. So, they have made sure to test all students multiple choice since all board, licensing, and re-licensing exams are multiple choice. Now the pass rates are just above the national average. I thought this was interesting. Its probably a factor of how well the students prepared themselves, but I can see how your performance could be affected if you weren't used to recalling the material in a multiple choice format.

That's interesting. Essay exams require a different type of studying than multiple choice exams. I wonder why they chose essay exams as opposed to multiple choice--especially since all standardized tests--USMLE's included, use the multiple-choice format. At least there's a reason why the students did poorly--looks like we don't have to worry about it so much anymore.

 

[EvoDevo]

Honestly, as cool as I think PBL is, I want that traditional education. Like the "Looking back as a Fourth Year" thread pointed about, how much will MS-1 and 2's really know about the basics of a dz process? Not so much. I think that it makes a nice adjunct, but I want to be "taught to the test." Especially when that score (USMLE Step I) has such a large impact on our post-school residency options.

Just my two cents.

 

[slummyfrog]

I thought Texas forgot all about me and didn't want to show da love, but surprise surprise! My first TX interview at TCOM!! Anybody else going to be there on 10/22???

How long did you wait? I haven't heard anything

 

[DualSuperLead]

Hey I have a few questions for everyone, I am interviewing at UTMB on 10/1, it is my first interview and I am sooooo nervous. It is my first time travelling alone too! I was curious if anyone has stayed in one of the frat houses there, how did it go? What was the night before like, did people not eat like the UTH one mentioned on this thread. How did you get around in Galveston? I am taking the Galveston Limo into town, but what about going to dinner and things, just walk? Thanks for any help!

First of all, don't be nervous about UTMB. It was my first interview as well and is currently my first choice. The students and faculty were SO friendly and helpful and really made me want to go there.
I didn't stay in a frat house and I didn't talk with anyone at my interview who did, so I can't help you there.
I recommend the night before event. Our's was at Yaga's. About half the interviewees and about 10 students showed up. The food was good and the school picked up the whole tab!
I believe the frat houses are close to the school so you should be able to walk everywhere you need to. If not, call Jeff's cabs in the phone book. I stayed in a hotel on the other side of the island, so I called lots of cabs, but you shouldnt have to.
Again, UTMB is one school to not be stressed about. Good luck!

 

[DocCarpenter]

I asked this question in one of my interviews at UT-Houston as well; my interviewer told me that their scores stood around the national average. However, he added that a medical student's score would be the same, regardless of the school he or she attended (at least for the medical schools in Texas). I think that this is pretty safe to assume. Consider the MCAT: do you think that you could have scored significantly higher if you went to Harvard or Yale? Test-taking skills depend heavily on the person, not the institution's instruction. Good instruction definitely helps, but in the long run, you'll probably receive the same basic medical education if you attend any school in Texas. I'm glad that my interviewer brought this to my attention.

With the MCAT example, actually I would have to partly agree and partly disagree. Yes, the individuals test taking ability is crucial. However, if the student went to a university that had much higher standards and therefore learned the material much more thoroughly, it would help him/her when he took the MCAT. Therefore, the better job a medical school does in teaching the material and ensuring the students have a firm grasp of it, the better the USMLE results. This may also mean that those schools provide the students with QBank or other tools to help the USMLE results. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the school to ensure the students are adequately prepared for those exams. So looking at the historical exam results will show you how well they do in preparing those students.

 

[IndyZX]

my thoughts on PBL... i get the idea that it doesnt really focus on teaching to the USMLE and therefore most schools are squeamish about the idea of implementing it fully. those schools that are hardcore PBL are the ones that tend to have highly motivated students who would do well on the USMLE anyway (harvard, cornell, etc).

am i on the right track?

 

[Bright Star]

My interview experience here has to be one of the best of the interviews I had so far. I felt like they took the stress out of the day by providing interview guides to take you to your interviews so you knew you would get there on time and would not get lost. They had a financial aid seminar which wasn't just specific to A&M but she made sure to day all the info applies to whatever school you go to. I really did not think that I was going to like a&m but i love it more than any other school right now. If anyone has any questions please feel free to pm me. 😍 😍 😍

 

[AsianDoc816]

My interview experience here has to be one of the best of the interviews I had so far. I felt like they took the stress out of the day by providing interview guides to take you to your interviews so you knew you would get there on time and would not get lost. They had a financial aid seminar which wasn't just specific to A&M but she made sure to day all the info applies to whatever school you go to. I really did not think that I was going to like a&m but i love it more than any other school right now. If anyone has any questions please feel free to pm me. 😍 😍 😍

Yeah!!!! Someone loves A&M just as much as I do! Currently having a tough time deciding b/w UTMB and A&M as my number one choice. I'm going purely on gut instinct, and not on prestige....hope this isn't the wrong way to look at it.

 

[Bright Star]

Yeah!!!! Someone loves A&M just as much as I do! Currently having a tough time deciding b/w UTMB and A&M as my number one choice. I'm going purely on gut instinct, and not on prestige....hope this isn't the wrong way to look at it.

I think that is absolutely the right way to go about it. I have a few more interviews to do for the TX schools but I'm definitely going to go with the one that gives me the best feeling regardless of location (i'm trying to convince myself that it is only 4 years of my life and i can move anywhere after that ).

 

[DocCarpenter]

my thoughts on PBL... i get the idea that it doesnt really focus on teaching to the USMLE and therefore most schools are squeamish about the idea of implementing it fully. those schools that are hardcore PBL are the ones that tend to have highly motivated students who would do well on the USMLE anyway (harvard, cornell, etc).

am i on the right track?

My impression of PBL was different. I thought that the USMLE presents problems in situation / case format. Therefore, PBL gets students accustomed to looking at a case and analyzing it correctly...so PBL should improve USMLE results. Is that not correct?

However, I would definitely agree that the hardcore PBL requires more motivated and disciplined students. They take on much more of the work of learning, as opposed to sitting in lecture and studying lecture notes.

 

[::Seabass::]

With the MCAT example, actually I would have to partly agree and partly disagree. Yes, the individuals test taking ability is crucial. However, if the student went to a university that had much higher standards and therefore learned the material much more thoroughly, it would help him/her when he took the MCAT. Therefore, the better job a medical school does in teaching the material and ensuring the students have a firm grasp of it, the better the USMLE results. This may also mean that those schools provide the students with QBank or other tools to help the USMLE results. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the school to ensure the students are adequately prepared for those exams. So looking at the historical exam results will show you how well they do in preparing those students.

As a second year I have yet to take Step 1 but I do have several friends who are into residency from UTH and 4th year friends. I've also taken several shelf tests (final exam tests in courses administered by the NBME.)

The school is going to prepare you well, and what you choose to do with the info is your deal. My class has scored many points about the national average on all of our shelf tests (biochem, phys, anat) and yes we did cover almost exactly what was tested. Some of the shelf questions include path stuff which we had yet to get but we're getting this year.

Our Path course director spent many years writing questions for NBME. She knows the kind of stuff they want. Many of our other lecturers in other classes point out stuff during class that has come up multiple times that may have not been so obvious to us as students to know. There are others on the faculty who write or wrote for the NBME.

Doing well on Step 1 is all about studying your butt off and doing lots of practice questions. All the TX schools prepare you for this as should any accredited school.

Look at our match list from last year, we didn't match like we did because of crappy board scores from people who wanted to do well. Half the students at my school are very content to do FP, IM, Peds, etc (but still do great in class) and others are hardcore ortho, derm, etc. Regardless the vast majority are very intelligent and hard working.

And no, I have no idea what our average scores are so I can't share.

 

[heeter]

I'm concerned... I have not gotten an interview from Baylor and I was complete w/ them ~7/30... What's the deal? I'm competitive there, I believe at least, and would love to visit. I have an interview w/ Swestern so I'm not chopped liver. Anyone else still waiting on them?

Also, I havn't gotten an interview w/ SA though I already interviewed at UTH, Galveston, A&M, and Swestern as above. Anyone having anxiety about this, in a similar situation?

 

[Swack]

With the MCAT example, actually I would have to partly agree and partly disagree. Yes, the individuals test taking ability is crucial. However, if the student went to a university that had much higher standards and therefore learned the material much more thoroughly, it would help him/her when he took the MCAT. Therefore, the better job a medical school does in teaching the material and ensuring the students have a firm grasp of it, the better the USMLE results. This may also mean that those schools provide the students with QBank or other tools to help the USMLE results. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the school to ensure the students are adequately prepared for those exams. So looking at the historical exam results will show you how well they do in preparing those students.

I have to agree with this. I actually read in another thread that Yale has been notorious for having bad Step 1 scores over the past couple of years. I think we can all agree that Yale was very capable standardized test takers, however their course curriculum has "optional" tests. They've recently tried to fix it, but the school is definitely to blame.

 

[SitraAchra]

Speaking of SA, for their secondary, did you just fill out the second page without creating so much space that it made a 3rd page? I'm not sure if they want all the information on just that page they give you for the 5 lists. I probably won't even need a 3rd page, but was just wondering.

 

[Swack]

Speaking of SA, for their secondary, did you just fill out the second page without creating so much space that it made a 3rd page? I'm not sure if they want all the information on just that page they give you for the 5 lists. I probably won't even need a 3rd page, but was just wondering.

That's what I did. I even shrank the font a little so it would stay on 2 pages for the sake of neatness. But I don't know if you should listen to me because I haven't received an invite from UTSA yet 🙁

 

[heeter]

Mine was 2 and 3/4 pages and I didn't pad... I would say get it into the 3rd page just for yucks.

Speaking of SA, for their secondary, did you just fill out the second page without creating so much space that it made a 3rd page? I'm not sure if they want all the information on just that page they give you for the 5 lists. I probably won't even need a 3rd page, but was just wondering.

 

[SitraAchra]

hmmm...i think i'm gonna keep it at 2 pages, i'll just use their term "brief description" - there's only so much stuff i can write about. besides all that info is in the primary app anyways, i love how succinct they are though!

 

[DualSuperLead]

I'm concerned... I have not gotten an interview from Baylor and I was complete w/ them ~7/30... What's the deal? I'm competitive there, I believe at least, and would love to visit. I have an interview w/ Swestern so I'm not chopped liver. Anyone else still waiting on them?

Also, I havn't gotten an interview w/ SA though I already interviewed at UTH, Galveston, A&M, and Swestern as above. Anyone having anxiety about this, in a similar situation?

I wouldn't worry about San Antonio yet, they seem to be unpredictable. I had 3 interviews over the course of two weeks in August (UTMB, UTH, TT) then didn't hear anything for a whole month. I just got a UTSA interview last week for this monday (10 day warning). While Tech and A&M interview a smaller group than the others, UTSA interviews the typical 1000-1250. If you got interviews at those other schools, I would be willing to bet you will get UTSA pretty soon.

 

[SitraAchra]

If I don't have anything real to put under 'Leadership Roles' for the UTSA secondary, would you suggest trying to scrounge something up, or just leaving it blank. I mean, I could put SOMETHING but they want a position with a title involved. Any thoughts? I don't want to come off as disingenuine here, I've filled out the other 4 sections though.

 

[DualSuperLead]

If I don't have anything real to put under 'Leadership Roles' for the UTSA secondary, would you suggest trying to scrounge something up, or just leaving it blank. I mean, I could put SOMETHING but they want a position with a title involved. Any thoughts? I don't want to come off as disingenuine here, I've filled out the other 4 sections though.

Just make sure that if you put something and they ask you about it an interview that you can talk about it. If not, you're screwed.

 

[SitraAchra]

ah, then i best leave it blank. good advice

 

[Swack]

Just curious, how is everyone holding up with this crazy hurricane weather?

 

[latinfridley]

just got back from baylor interview. great people, great facilities, great oportunities. its now #1 on my personal list of schools. as for those worried bout not gettin a baylor interview yet, no worries. They arent a numbers school. they look at the entire application. im significantly below their average gpa and mcat.
so no worries. 🙂

 

[EvoDevo]

just got back from baylor interview. great people, great facilities, great oportunities. its now #1 on my personal list of schools. as for those worried bout not gettin a baylor interview yet, no worries. They arent a numbers school. they look at the entire application. im significantly below their average gpa and mcat.
so no worries. 🙂

Sweet. Here's hoping.

Didja go to the after-interview thingy at Two Rows???

 

[AsianDoc816]

I'm concerned... I have not gotten an interview from Baylor and I was complete w/ them ~7/30... What's the deal? I'm competitive there, I believe at least, and would love to visit. I have an interview w/ Swestern so I'm not chopped liver. Anyone else still waiting on them?

Also, I havn't gotten an interview w/ SA though I already interviewed at UTH, Galveston, A&M, and Swestern as above. Anyone having anxiety about this, in a similar situation?

Uhhhhh yah, there's quite a few peeps still waiting on UTSA, me included. I've interviewed at 5 of the other Texas schools, all in early-mid August. I don't know what the dealio is, but I heard that some people who got in last year had late interview invites (December-January). I dunno....I'm kinda tired of listening to hearsay right now. I keep calling UTSA (thank goodness a different lady answers every time), but they have yet to give me any good news--"You're complete, no decision from the committee has been made." I'm keeping my chin up though.....it's only (already!) September....

 

[txguy]

Morning everyone! 😴

-tx

 

[SFAJess]

Hey I have a few questions for everyone, I am interviewing at UTMB on 10/1, it is my first interview and I am sooooo nervous. It is my first time travelling alone too! I was curious if anyone has stayed in one of the frat houses there, how did it go? What was the night before like, did people not eat like the UTH one mentioned on this thread. How did you get around in Galveston? I am taking the Galveston Limo into town, but what about going to dinner and things, just walk? Thanks for any help!

I just got back from UTMB. The night before thing was very cool, but more med students showed up then interviewees and it was biker week! YIKES!! As my friend and I walked to the restaurant (we had to park far away b/c they shut down the streets for the biker week), we got hit on numerous times by drunken fat men in cut-off black shirts with flaming skulls pictured on them. Very interesting....(I know this happens every year in Galveston but I'm not basing my decision about the school b/c of this.)

The people at the fraternity were sooooo cool and nice. However, it was like staying in the ghetto. If you want to know which one not to stay in, PM me.

Also, don't be nervous about the interview...if something goes wrong with one interview, then just re-schedule another one b/c they want everybody to have a fair chance.

Any other q's just pm me.

 

[latinfridley]

Sweet. Here's hoping.

Didja go to the after-interview thingy at Two Rows???

nope . i was way too tired.

 

[SFAJess]

I'm concerned... I have not gotten an interview from Baylor and I was complete w/ them ~7/30... What's the deal? I'm competitive there, I believe at least, and would love to visit. I have an interview w/ Swestern so I'm not chopped liver. Anyone else still waiting on them?

Also, I havn't gotten an interview w/ SA though I already interviewed at UTH, Galveston, A&M, and Swestern as above. Anyone having anxiety about this, in a similar situation?

Straight from the horses mouth on SA interviews:

They told us at our SA interview that many people who were considered competitive at other schools would not be interviewed at SA. They looked more at responsibilities, ec's, work, clinical and volunteer experience and course load then just plain-old GPA and MCAT scores. I don't know if that's you, but that is just what the dean told us in the morning. Hope that helps!

For the person asking about leadership responsibilities: the Dean mentioned that it doesn't have to be run of the mill "President of the Biological Honors Society" and that one person put "mother" on there and the adcom really respected that.

*EDIT*--Update on Tech...I'm finally complete according to their online status check. I called them on Thurs and still no LOR's so the lady told me she would request an electronic transmission of them that day!! Whoo-hoo...maybe I'll here from them in the next month or so. I imagine I'm at the bottom of the stack now.

 

[txguy]

For the person asking about leadership responsibilities: the Dean mentioned that it doesn't have to be run of the mill "President of the Biological Honors Society" and that one person put "mother" on there and the adcom really respected that.

Nice!

I didn't have "run of the mill" leadership on my San Antonio secondary either. Just find something where you excelled and were in charge of something (i.e. had significant responsibilities).

-tx

 

[MadameLULU]

Bump.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday evening. Unfortunately, I'm studying for 2 back to back exams and tons of writing to do! FUN STUFF!

 

[IndyZX]

Straight from the horses mouth on SA interviews:

They told us at our SA interview that many people who were considered competitive at other schools would not be interviewed at SA. They looked more at responsibilities, ec's, work, clinical and volunteer experience and course load then just plain-old GPA and MCAT scores. I don't know if that's you, but that is just what the dean told us in the morning. Hope that helps!

See, I just simply think that is untrue. I think UTHSCSA (!) simply chooses not to interview some people just because they feel like they wouldn't attend if accepted. It seems like a much more plausible explanation of the makeup of the their interviewees than the one the Dean gave you.

 

[G0S2]

See, I just simply think that is untrue. I think UTHSCSA (!) simply chooses not to interview some people just because they feel like they wouldn't attend if accepted. It seems like a much more plausible explanation of the makeup of the their interviewees than the one the Dean gave you.

)


One fact that supports the Dean's comment is the average age of a matriculant at UTHSCSA (27 I think, MSAR). I believe it makes sense that nontraditional applicants in that age range will bring more to the table in terms of life experiences, which admissions considers important. Certainly there are many applicants immediately out of undergrad or older that do the same, many at UTHSCSA. Also, there are students at UTHSCSA that have very high GPA's and MCAT scores (40) and I bet they also had some great experiences.

 

[SFAJess]

IndyZX: He didn't say they didn't invite just b/c of high stats. They just said that high stats wouldn't be the only thing that would get people an interview and that they would prefer avg stats if that applicant had valuable life experiences and demonstrated that they have taken on responsibilities over the 4.0/35.

It sounded like they would only exclude high stats if that was the only thing the applicant had....like they didn't do anything but study which anyone can do. Also, they said they didn't reject low stats without looking further into the application. They've taken someone with a 2.8 that had no other interviews at all. The reason why is b/c none of the other schools looked past that. SA did and saw that he already had a finance degree in which he had earned a 2.5. The guy decided he wanted a career change and completed all of the pre-med requirments (~40 hours) and earned A's in every single course, but it only brought him up to a 2.8 b/c he had already had about 140 hours of finance and such.

About the comment about thinking that they will go to out-of-state or private schools: In reality, you would think people would rather attend a state school b/c it is more affordable and that the out-of-state and private institutions would take that into consideration.

 

[thehopeful]

Hey y'all

I am begaining to become very unhappy with the way things are turning out for me. my app. was processed mid august, and I have only interviewed at one school. My MCAT and GPA are at average or above at all the tx schools. And my application with the essay were all good, but why am I not hearing from anyone else. I know the schools want more than GPA and MCAt and I think I showed that I am more than that in my app., but I have heard from no one else. I know that just cause I have grades doesn't mean that they should give me interview, but I am becoming very unhappy. can anyone please give me some encouraging words or some anything. Or do y'all think i am being very impatient. Just tell me anyhting to make me calm. Cause I know someone who submitted there app. after mine and they are getting interviews fast, as oppose to me, and I am more than happy for that person but I want to have a decent chance at getting into any medical school. I understand there are some people who haven't gotten any response and all I can say is that I feel for you and keep at it. Any encouraging words.

 

[TX_Longhorn]

Hey y'all

I am begaining to become very unhappy with the way things are turning out for me. my app. was processed mid august, and I have only interviewed at one school. My MCAT and GPA are at average or above at all the tx schools. And my application with the essay were all good, but why am I not hearing from anyone else. I know the schools want more than GPA and MCAt and I think I showed that I am more than that in my app., but I have heard from no one else. I know that just cause I have grades doesn't mean that they should give me interview, but I am becoming very unhappy. can anyone please give me some encouraging words or some anything. Or do y'all think i am being very impatient. Just tell me anyhting to make me calm. Cause I know someone who submitted there app. after mine and they are getting interviews fast, as oppose to me, and I am more than happy for that person but I want to have a decent chance at getting into any medical school. I understand there are some people who haven't gotten any response and all I can say is that I feel for you and keep at it. Any encouraging words.

Hey man, dont worry...i kinda was in the same boat as you (until a couple of days ago)...I got 3 invites on the same friggin day.
🙂

so hold your horses...and dont give up any hope.
good luck with the process.

👍

 

[AsianDoc816]

Hey y'all

I am begaining to become very unhappy with the way things are turning out for me. my app. was processed mid august, and I have only interviewed at one school. My MCAT and GPA are at average or above at all the tx schools. And my application with the essay were all good, but why am I not hearing from anyone else. I know the schools want more than GPA and MCAt and I think I showed that I am more than that in my app., but I have heard from no one else. I know that just cause I have grades doesn't mean that they should give me interview, but I am becoming very unhappy. can anyone please give me some encouraging words or some anything. Or do y'all think i am being very impatient. Just tell me anyhting to make me calm. Cause I know someone who submitted there app. after mine and they are getting interviews fast, as oppose to me, and I am more than happy for that person but I want to have a decent chance at getting into any medical school. I understand there are some people who haven't gotten any response and all I can say is that I feel for you and keep at it. Any encouraging words.

It seems like the med schools are receiving a TON of apps right now.....they might just be overflooded. I wouldn't give up hope, but I know how frustrated you can get just sitting around thinking about it (believe me, I've been there, done that, like every other day). Interviews will come....and remember, it's only September.....most of the Texas schools interview until January. You still have plenty of time; meanwhile, try doing something to get your mind off of this incredibly stressful process....running, biking, going out to eat, seeing a movie, hanging with friends, etc.

 

[DocCarpenter]

Let's hear what each person liked the most or liked the least about each school in Texas. I'll get it started...

UTMB - Liked shorter days due to PBL, this means I am free to manage my own time more. Liked their USMLE stats too. Disliked Galveston area...so humid & hot.

UTH - Liked resources of TMC and all the things you can get exposed to by the nature of being there. Disliked traffic of Houston.

 

[txguy]

Hey y'all

I am begaining to become very unhappy with the way things are turning out for me. my app. was processed mid august, and I have only interviewed at one school. My MCAT and GPA are at average or above at all the tx schools. And my application with the essay were all good, but why am I not hearing from anyone else. I know the schools want more than GPA and MCAt and I think I showed that I am more than that in my app., but I have heard from no one else. I know that just cause I have grades doesn't mean that they should give me interview, but I am becoming very unhappy. can anyone please give me some encouraging words or some anything. Or do y'all think i am being very impatient. Just tell me anyhting to make me calm. Cause I know someone who submitted there app. after mine and they are getting interviews fast, as oppose to me, and I am more than happy for that person but I want to have a decent chance at getting into any medical school. I understand there are some people who haven't gotten any response and all I can say is that I feel for you and keep at it. Any encouraging words.

Hang in there! Like some of the above posters said, they are receiving alot of apps right now and it is still early in the process (don't forget you have beaten the August MCAT rush!), so just try to be patient and do other things to take your mind off of it. I for one am so glad that football season has started 🙂

I remember people who were processed after me getting invites before me as well--so don't fret, you are not alone 😀

Keep truckin'

-tx

 

[SFAJess]

UTMB - I agree with you on UTMB. I didn't like the Galveston area b/c beggars approached us and because it just seemed pretty trashy. However, I would be able to look past that b/c I really enjoyed UTMB. I liked the students especially and the stats on the USMLE. Free Kaplan Qbank questions to prepare for Step 1 during year 2 sounds good too! I also liked the Frontera de Salud group (I think SA has one too). State of the art rec center....they said it's as good as A&M's but that meant nothing to me, but you Aggies know what they meant.

UTH - I thought I like Houston, but I'm not so sure now after seeing the other schools. It just wasn't for me. The students were pretty cool though.

UTSA - I absolutely loved SA!!! They are switching their curriculum so they will have shorter days starting next year. I love the idea of going to Harlingen for more experience and a more personal one-on-one learning experience. I don't know how their stats are, but they talked about how the profs set up a free week long review at the end of year 2 to help you out. The library was pretty neat, too. I seemed to fit in with the people there and it's originally my home so I already know how to have fun in SA!! The only downside is I think they don't have a rec center. That doesn't matter too much b/c I'd probably only use it for a week. LOL!

 

[cluelesspremed]

Hey guys...

I've got my first interview this week at UT Houston...I'm so nervous (10/1)

[prepare yourself for a ******ed question]

I've searched these forums and haven't really been able to find one that really tells you...How do you prepare for an interview...(i know nothing about health policy/hmos/etc. or about the school itself)

Any good sources on either? I'm assuming to get to know the school you just browse their site...
I'm sure after my first interview I'll have learned this system a bit better but for the time being im pretty confused/anxious.

Anyone else have this interview date?

thanks a lot!

 

[txguy]

Hey guys...

I've got my first interview this week at UT Houston...I'm so nervous (10/1)

[prepare yourself for a ******ed question]

I've searched these forums and haven't really been able to find one that really tells you...How do you prepare for an interview...(i know nothing about health policy/hmos/etc. or about the school itself)

Any good sources on either? I'm assuming to get to know the school you just browse their site...
I'm sure after my first interview I'll have learned this system a bit better but for the time being im pretty confused/anxious.

Anyone else have this interview date?

thanks a lot!

Goto the main site, www.studentdoctor.net and click on "interview feedback"--here, you can find past interviewees' experiences (what they liked, disliked, questions asked, etc)

Also browse the school's website to get a feel for what makes it unique, what matches your interests, etc.

There is a thread with websites to help keep you abreast of healthcare issues:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=151027

Perhaps most importantly, I would also know your application, personal statement, essays, etc. very well. Try to fomulate 3-4 points that you definitely want to get across in the interview--open ended questions are the best opportunity. Finally, when reviewing your stuff, try to think of what questions about your application you hope they don't ask, and prepare for it! (i.e. a bad semseter, W's, etc) Even if they don't ask the hardest questions, preparing for them will give you confidence going into the interview 👍

Hope that helps!!

-tx

 

[AsianDoc816]

Hey guys...

I've got my first interview this week at UT Houston...I'm so nervous (10/1)

[prepare yourself for a ******ed question]

I've searched these forums and haven't really been able to find one that really tells you...How do you prepare for an interview...(i know nothing about health policy/hmos/etc. or about the school itself)

Any good sources on either? I'm assuming to get to know the school you just browse their site...
I'm sure after my first interview I'll have learned this system a bit better but for the time being im pretty confused/anxious.

Anyone else have this interview date?

thanks a lot!

Try typing in "medical school interview questions" on Google....it'll give you examples of LOTS of questions to adequately prepare you for interviews. You can also go to Barnes and Noble and look at some medical school books--most of these have sample questions as well. I wouldn't be too stressed; hardly any of the 100 questions that I looked over actually came up in any of my interviews. Let's hope that will still be true for my interview in St. Louis on Tuesday. BTW, congrats on your first interview!

 

[MadameLULU]

Hey guys...

I've got my first interview this week at UT Houston...I'm so nervous (10/1)

[prepare yourself for a ******ed question]

I've searched these forums and haven't really been able to find one that really tells you...How do you prepare for an interview...(i know nothing about health policy/hmos/etc. or about the school itself)

Any good sources on either? I'm assuming to get to know the school you just browse their site...
I'm sure after my first interview I'll have learned this system a bit better but for the time being im pretty confused/anxious.

Anyone else have this interview date?

thanks a lot!

Hey, Relax. Go to this site and click on Medical Interview Pimp
http://www.utmed.com/medpimp/

 

[Longhornanth]

Hey, do any of you Longhorns have any old Genetics 325 Tests from Saxena?? I have a buddy who needs some copies.. If you are in austin and have any of these tests, I can meet you either on campus or at a kinkos and make some copies?? Thanks so much..HOOKEM

PM me, or e-mail me at [email protected]

thanks
Anthony