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

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GutsyGal said:
Yes...you are a dork. 😛 Drbevo is right...those are interesting deductions. But I know of people who have already gotten invites to UTSW with below 31 on their MCAT. What's making the difference in their applications?
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I got a UTSW invite and I don't have a 31 (not even that close). I am not sure what makes a difference in my app though...wish I could be more helpful.
 
SFAJess said:
Ok...I know some of the SDNers don't respond well to the "Should I....? Q's, but I need some advice.

I applied to all of the TMDSAS schools except TCOM. I kind of want to apply to a few more through AMCAS so maybe I could increase my chances of getting in. The thing is I don't want to waste my money since it is so expensive to apply and I don't even know if it would increase the likelihood of getting in just b/c I applied to more schools. I have an avg MCAT, but I have a great GPA and EC's. Also, since I am now just considering applying through AMCAS b/c I finally have some money (love those difference checks from school! 😀 ), would it be too late since those schools are on rolling admissions?

I don't even know what schools I would apply to...

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...

Hey Jess,
I really don't know what to tell ya. I had considered the same thing, but I kinda have location issues. It would be hard for me to move somewhere else in TX, much less out of state. I've determined that if I don't get in this cycle, then I'll seriously consider applying to out of state next year.

Then there's the fact that it would probably have to be private schools since other state schools would have residency requirements and then you get into the monster tuition and all that.

If you have the money, and it's not earmarked for other important stuff (like food or rent!) go ahead and apply, it may be too late, maybe you could ask SDN at large. The outsiders (of TX that is 🙂 ) would probably know more about what constitutes late for AMCAS apps.

Ali
 
I don't think that it's too late for some schools at all, Jess. Some, like UPitt, are non-rolling so it doesn't really matter. Just pick a handful that you wouldn't mind living in/attending should you somehow: 1) Fail to get accepted to any TX school 🙂scared: ) and 2) would actually enjoy attending should you be accepted there.

Whoa. Does this make sense?










And your avatar freaks me out. :scared:
 
EvoDevo said:
I don't think that it's too late for some schools at all, Jess. Some, like UPitt, are non-rolling so it doesn't really matter. Just pick a handful that you wouldn't mind living in/attending should you somehow: 1) Fail to get accepted to any TX school 🙂scared: ) and 2) would actually enjoy attending should you be accepted there.

Whoa. Does this make sense?

And your avatar freaks me out. :scared:
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Thanks! I was actually thinking about UPitt since my gram lives right outside of Pittsburgh in Indiana, PA.

What's so scarey about Puss in boots? 🙂 Did you see Shrek 2? I'll probably change in about a week or so when I get tired of it. LOL!
 
SFAJess said:
Thanks! I was actually thinking about UPitt since my gram lives right outside of Pittsburgh in Indiana, PA.

What's so scarey about Puss in boots? 🙂 Did you see Shrek 2? I'll probably change in about a week or so when I get tired of it. LOL!
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The eyes...........








They follow me wherever I go. :scared:













😛 Yeah cool. I'm glad that you're considering applying (esp. to Pitt). Better to have applied once than......you know. Besides, you might get an interview and it would be a purr-fect chance to see your grams. 😀
 
SFAJess said:
Ok...I know some of the SDNers don't respond well to the "Should I....? Q's, but I need some advice.

I applied to all of the TMDSAS schools except TCOM. I kind of want to apply to a few more through AMCAS so maybe I could increase my chances of getting in. The thing is I don't want to waste my money since it is so expensive to apply and I don't even know if it would increase the likelihood of getting in just b/c I applied to more schools. I have an avg MCAT, but I have a great GPA and EC's. Also, since I am now just considering applying through AMCAS b/c I finally have some money (love those difference checks from school! 😀 ), would it be too late since those schools are on rolling admissions?

I don't even know what schools I would apply to...

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...

At least add Baylor to your list-- it's in TX. I would suggest getting started asap. At least send your transcripts in now, that way when you do submit the AMCAS everything is already there. Currently, AMCAS is processing apps (once they have everything) in a week...
 
So I haven't posted on here in forever (my fiance and I broke up and I had a lot of stuff to deal with on that). I saw AsianDoc in Lubbock at the Tech interview which was cool. SFAJess- Happy Late Birthday, mine was Wednesday and I got to celebrate last night 🙂 Other than that, I hope everyone's interviews are going well, I am done until 10/9 when I have UTSW. Then it's that super long wait til Feb. I guess for now I'll keep myself busy with anatomy and micro and graduating in Dec! 🙂

BTW: For those of you studying biochem (I think I saw an earlier post about this) I found that a long mirror and Crayola markers works pretty well and you don't feel like you are killing your brain cells as you work. Hope everyone has a great day!
 
EvoDevo said:
And your avatar freaks me out. :scared:
Click to expand...

I love your avatar! I thought that Puss was so cute in Shrek2 (especially since he was voiced by Antonio Banderas). I have a cat at home (not school) named Garfield that looks just like him....anyway, sorry to get off topic. Everybuddy have a super-duper FRIDAY! TGIF!
 
SFAJess said:
Ok...I know some of the SDNers don't respond well to the "Should I....? Q's, but I need some advice.

I applied to all of the TMDSAS schools except TCOM. I kind of want to apply to a few more through AMCAS so maybe I could increase my chances of getting in. The thing is I don't want to waste my money since it is so expensive to apply and I don't even know if it would increase the likelihood of getting in just b/c I applied to more schools. I have an avg MCAT, but I have a great GPA and EC's. Also, since I am now just considering applying through AMCAS b/c I finally have some money (love those difference checks from school! 😀 ), would it be too late since those schools are on rolling admissions?

I don't even know what schools I would apply to...

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...


Definately not too late! The AMCAS allows more characters than TMDSAS, so you really just have to spend the 2-3 hours to fill it out and cut and paste. Definately apply to Baylor (what does it hurt and the secondary is only 50 bucks!)....my only other advice would be to apply to schools with easier secondaries--Drexel, GWU, Tufts, Mt. Sinai, and NYU are a few I remember offhand. Moneywise, just remember that AMCAS is going to cost upward of 300 USD with the initial fee and per school fee, then you will have secondaries at 80-100 USD and travel costs (but thank god southwest flies to Philly cause my ticket for this Thursday on a weeks notice was only 193 roundtrip!!!!!)

Basically, if you are going to do it-get on it NOW to aviod the post August MCAT score release rush.

btw....Puss in Boots is the coolest.

Aggiegal--Happy belated Bday.....WHOOP!!!!
 
Hey guys, I completely botched my interview at UTH 🙁. My interviewer started off questioning parts of my application. I felt like he was examining me with a magnifying glass and it seemed like he didn't believe me when I tried to explain certain things. The hardest part was when he asked two really tough ethical questions which I actually think I did okay in answering except I paused and thought quite a bit. Whenever I answered a question, he would reword it to make it more difficult. To top it off, I think I displayed my ignorance about his specialty and I don't think it came off well....I told him that UTH was going to be my number one choice and it didn't seem like he cared.... There goes my acceptance 🙁 How depressing.


Oh hey SFAJess, it turned out the tall girl from the social was your friend Autumn. When I was trying to find the entrance she was the first person I ran into and talked to, what a coincidence :laugh:. She was really nice and I hope she gets through the Houston traffic ok.
 
DualSuperLead said:
I got a San Antonio invite today by mail for 27 September. I was beginning to think they weren't interested. 10 days isn't much warning, but I'm not complaining!
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Congrats on the interview SuperDualLead! Haha, I think I HAVE given up on San Antonio!
 
BUMP BUMP BUMP

Good morning my fellow TX'ns! I'm in SA now getting ready for the big day tomorrow and the Bicycle Club tonight.
 
SFAJess said:
BUMP BUMP BUMP

Good morning my fellow TX'ns! I'm in SA now getting ready for the big day tomorrow and the Bicycle Club tonight.
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Cool. I'll be in SA later today and BC tonight. 😀 😀
 
SFAJess said:
BUMP BUMP BUMP

Good morning my fellow TX'ns! I'm in SA now getting ready for the big day tomorrow and the Bicycle Club tonight.
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Top o' the mornin to you too! See you at the social tonight. I'm so looking forward to tomorrow.
 
Good luck tomorrow in SA guys! :luck: 👍

Ask about the new clinical building!

-tx
 
Can someone help me with an MCAT score reporting question.

I applied using the TMDSAS of course and I have taken the April & August MCAT this year. How do I know if UT-Houston and UT-Galveston (the 2 schools from TX that I applied to) will be receiving my MCAT scores? Do I have to do something special or are they automatically reported to them?
 
Bedpan Commando said:
Can someone help me with an MCAT score reporting question.

I applied using the TMDSAS of course and I have taken the April & August MCAT this year. How do I know if UT-Houston and UT-Galveston (the 2 schools from TX that I applied to) will be receiving my MCAT scores? Do I have to do something special or are they automatically reported to them?
Click to expand...

You need to release your scores to TMDSAS. It talks about doing this on the website. Go to the Mcat Testing HX and log in. Then release your April scores to TMDSAS. I think we have to this again once our august scores come out too.

EDIT: Here is the link http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/test_info/testinfo.htm
 
From what I remember people posting, its still taking 4 weeks to get processed by TMDSAS....you may want to make sure by checking through this thread yourself 🙂

Good luck and get those secondaries in if you haven't already! 👍

-tx
 
MadameLULU said:
You need to release your scores to TMDSAS. It talks about doing this on the website. Go to the Mcat Testing HX and log in. Then release your April scores to TMDSAS. I think we have to this again once our august scores come out too.

EDIT: Here is the link http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/test_info/testinfo.htm
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thanks, i did not know that. if it cost money i would have been pissed.
 
DualSuperLead said:
I got a San Antonio invite today by mail for 27 September. I was beginning to think they weren't interested. 10 days isn't much warning, but I'm not complaining!
Click to expand...

congrats man! i still think SA isnt interested in me.
 
I don't know what the other people who attended the social at the B.C. thought, but there is a really creepty skeleton woman that turns around every now and then in a display case in the corner. Freaks me out!!!!

Good luck everyone and if accepted (high chance you will) please go to UTHSCSA!!! Great group.
 
god i hate the setup of TMDSAS website. It's like a maze, and I think it's hilarious how they yell at us in big red capital letters, however I can see people calling incessantly regarding their application status and trying to change things post-submission ect.

So is it ok to submit your secondaries before TMDSAS sends out the primary app? Or is it best to just wait for confirmation that the primary has been sent then immediately send the secondary?

Sorry probably been asked before but I'm in a lazy mood.
 
SitraAchra said:
god i hate the setup of TMDSAS website. It's like a maze, and I think it's hilarious how they yell at us in big red capital letters, however I can see people calling incessantly regarding their application status and trying to change things post-submission ect.

So is it ok to submit your secondaries before TMDSAS sends out the primary app? Or is it best to just wait for confirmation that the primary has been sent then immediately send the secondary?

Sorry probably been asked before but I'm in a lazy mood.
Click to expand...

Don't wait for TMDSAS to process-send the secondaries now.
 
SitraAchra said:
god i hate the setup of TMDSAS website. It's like a maze, and I think it's hilarious how they yell at us in big red capital letters, however I can see people calling incessantly regarding their application status and trying to change things post-submission ect.

So is it ok to submit your secondaries before TMDSAS sends out the primary app? Or is it best to just wait for confirmation that the primary has been sent then immediately send the secondary?

Sorry probably been asked before but I'm in a lazy mood.
Click to expand...

Send secondaries ASAP!

Its best to have the secondaries in before your TMDSAS is processed, so the only thing holding up your application is something you can't control--hope that made sense 😀

It takes some time for snail mail secondaries to actually arrive at the schools and it also takes time for them to "process" secondaries......

And when your TMDSAS gets processed, your file will be "complete" at the schools asap. 👍

-tx
 
Does anyone know when the adcom convenes for UTH?

I know this much: One of your interviewers presents you in front of the adcom where each member will give you a numerical rating. This is why it is key that you make a good impression on your interviewer as they will be the ones who will recommend you to the rest of the adcom. During match, they only accept 300-450 applicants, not too sure on the number but it is very low compared to the other schools because they get lots of #1 and #2 matches. Anyone else know more about this?
 
ifailedmcat said:
Does anyone know when the adcom convenes for UTH?

I know this much: One of your interviewers presents you in front of the adcom where each member will give you a numerical rating. This is why it is key that you make a good impression on your interviewer as they will be the ones who will recommend you to the rest of the adcom. During match, they only accept 300-450 applicants, not too sure on the number but it is very low compared to the other schools because they get lots of #1 and #2 matches. Anyone else know more about this?
Click to expand...

I was told they write a letter.... not present in front of the committee.
 
Back from the UTSA interview: this place ROCKS. My new favorite place. 😀
 
ifailedmcat said:
I guess your source is more credible 😉. This is good news for me because I think it downplays the interview.
Click to expand...


I wouldn't downplay the interview at all. If a person writes a so-so letter, then you wont have a good chance of getting in. I have talked to two interviewers-- One is a former interviewer and he thinks they dont let him interview anymore b/c he didn't reccommend many of the applicants. He went to an east coast school and they had him interviewing most of the East Coast applicants and applicants from top 25 schools. He did mention that he didn't recommended them b/c they probably wouldn't want to come to UT-Houston so why "waste" the spot when you can give it to someone else. (I don't agree with this, but who am I to say anything?)
 
I agree EvoDevo!! I thought I liked Houston a lot, but I loved SA!!! I'm definitely ranking it number one so far. I really want to go to Harlingen too!

BTW, I didn't see who you were. I was trying to figure it out but I didn't want to go up to random people and say "So are you EvoDevo?". Anyway, did you make it to the BC? I was wearing a green shirt.
 
SFAJess said:
I agree EvoDevo!! I thought I liked Houston a lot, but I loved SA!!! I'm definitely ranking it number one so far. I really want to go to Harlingen too!

BTW, I didn't see who you were. I was trying to figure it out but I didn't want to go up to random people and say "So are you EvoDevo?". Anyway, did you make it to the BC? I was wearing a green shirt.
Click to expand...
I arrived late to the BC. I was wearing a red shirt (I know, don't beam down to that planet). Yeah, if I had thought about it, I would have printed out my avatar and stuck it on my name badge. 😀
 
SFAJess said:
I agree EvoDevo!! I thought I liked Houston a lot, but I loved SA!!! I'm definitely ranking it number one so far. I really want to go to Harlingen too!

BTW, I didn't see who you were. I was trying to figure it out but I didn't want to go up to random people and say "So are you EvoDevo?". Anyway, did you make it to the BC? I was wearing a green shirt.
Click to expand...
Jess, What are the big differences between SA and UTH? Both are in my top school choices.
 
MadameLULU said:
I wouldn't downplay the interview at all. If a person writes a so-so letter, then you wont have a good chance of getting in. I have talked to two interviewers-- One is a former interviewer and he thinks they dont let him interview anymore b/c he didn't reccommend many of the applicants. He went to an east coast school and they had him interviewing most of the East Coast applicants and applicants from top 25 schools. He did mention that he didn't recommended them b/c they probably wouldn't want to come to UT-Houston so why "waste" the spot when you can give it to someone else. (I don't agree with this, but who am I to say anything?)
Click to expand...

I was grilled and probed extensively during my interview, so I'm hoping a written letter will eliminate some of the nonverbal messages(frowning, rolling eyes, narrowing eyes, etc) that the adcom could pick up on. A letter should be a little more objective than a presentation. At least this is what I'm hoping 🙁
 
Good to hear you had a good experience in SA, Evo and SFAJess!

Ranking is going to be very difficult! 👍

-tx
 
eralza said:
Jess, What are the big differences between SA and UTH? Both are in my top school choices.
Click to expand...
I felt very comfortable at both and enjoyed the students at both schools. However, something at SA just clicked a little bit more. I am interested in doing rotations in Harlingen, their new clinical skills building, and the location is better for me. The med center is also not located downtown in SA like every other school which means a lot to me b/c I get scared driving around looking for places. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

I just seemed to fit in better with the SA students. The night before I hung out with my med student host and her tank mates. I talked to them for an hour and a half and I really felt like I got to know the school from their perspective.
 
Hey guys, sorry I haven't posted in a while. Thanks a lot for your help with my Baylor and UTH problem. I will end up going to two separate interviews, in fact, UTH is this week. Thanks a lot for everyone's advice and information. Good luck with everything.
 
Hey SFAJess ... if you dont mind me asking. Why are you so interested in Harlingen? I am from Harlingen and it is a very slow boring nothing happening town. Harlingen, and the entire Rio Grande Valley, is very different from the rest of Texas, especially culturally (95% hispanic population). I would suggest visiting the area before you make a decision on picking SA because of Harlingen rotations.
 
StartingLine3 said:
Hey SFAJess ... if you dont mind me asking. Why are you so interested in Harlingen? I am from Harlingen and it is a very slow boring nothing happening town. Harlingen, and the entire Rio Grande Valley, is very different from the rest of Texas, especially culturally (95% hispanic population). I would suggest visiting the area before you make a decision on picking SA because of Harlingen rotations.
Click to expand...

I think the potential to be in a border-health environment intrigues many students because of the diverse and obscure ailments you get to witness in such an area.....I would venture that rotations like OB/Gyn would be esepecially beneficial in a border city. The clinical experience you can potentially gain in Harlingen may far outweigh its "slow, boring, nothing happening" nature for some students. It also helps if you are not married with a family, so you can just move on a whim 🙂

This is just a rationale, you don't have to agree with it!

-tx
 
SFAJess said:
I agree EvoDevo!! I thought I liked Houston a lot, but I loved SA!!! I'm definitely ranking it number one so far. I really want to go to Harlingen too!

BTW, I didn't see who you were. I was trying to figure it out but I didn't want to go up to random people and say "So are you EvoDevo?". Anyway, did you make it to the BC? I was wearing a green shirt.
Click to expand...

houston? maaaan... i heard the students there aren't too bright. plus when u walk around the medical center, i like the baylor students more... they seem to have it together.
 
superdood said:
houston? maaaan... i heard the students there aren't too bright. plus when u walk around the medical center, i like the baylor students more... they seem to have it together.
Click to expand...
🙄
 
superdood said:
houston? maaaan... i heard the students there aren't too bright. plus when u walk around the medical center, i like the baylor students more... they seem to have it together.
Click to expand...
superdood: I don't agree with that snobby point of view.

Also, StartingLine: I agree with what Txguy said in response to your post about Harlingen. I would want to go there despite how boring it may be to the people that live there because 1) you are working one-on-one with the doc so you people tend to learn more because it is more personalized. Usually in rotations, you have the residents and interns as well and the med students are at the bottom of the totem pole, 2) More experience in health care (deliver more babies, etc.) and more experience with cross cultural differences and language, 3) I'm pretty sure they mentioned that you don't have to go on call while in Harlingen, although I might has misheard, and 4) the people that have done their 3rd year in Harlingen have been scoring better on the Step 2.

I know a lot of people wouldn't want to go b/c it would be an inconvenience, but personally it sounds like a great oppurtunity for me.
 
SFAJess said:
superdood: I don't agree with that snobby point of view.

Also, StartingLine: I agree with what Txguy said in response to your post about Harlingen. I would want to go there despite how boring it may be to the people that live there because 1) you are working one-on-one with the doc so you people tend to learn more because it is more personalized. Usually in rotations, you have the residents and interns as well and the med students are at the bottom of the totem pole, 2) More experience in health care (deliver more babies, etc.) and more experience with cross cultural differences and language, 3) I'm pretty sure they mentioned that you don't have to go on call while in Harlingen, although I might has misheard, and 4) the people that have done their 3rd year in Harlingen have been scoring better on the Step 2.

I know a lot of people wouldn't want to go b/c it would be an inconvenience, but personally it sounds like a great oppurtunity for me.
Click to expand...

SFAJess, just wanted to point out how inspiring you are....good to know that there are some people out there who want to be doctors for the right reasons, and not simply for the prestige or intellectual challenge. I guess I've been reading too many threads with medical peeps obsessing over stats and medical school rankings....your post was a nice change in theme....
 
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