The Republic of Texas XIV: Find me a find, Catch me a catch!

[Jolie South]

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Didn't you get into San Antonio? If so, shouldn't you already be happy? I'm tired of people complaining when they have multiple acceptances. Just be happy that you're going to be a doctor.

I did, however my husband is trying to get into a graduate program as well.

We have to get into schools in the same city. For us right now, it's Houston or Philadelphia. Houston would be much less expensive. I've already gotten into Temple, but he hasn't heard anything positive yet from UPenn. He's heard good things from Rice, but I haven't heard anything from UTH or Baylor.

You see my dilemma?

 

[jace's mom]

If it makes you feel any better, I took second semester this summer 4 years after taking first semester, and I managed ok.

Does make me feel much better, thanks. This is the last class I have to take prior to med school (translation: no more A's as long as I live), so I'd like to finish well.

Sigh...well, I'm bored out of my mind sitting at home and thought I would study OCHEM as entertainment, but that's one idea shot down! What to do, what to do...

 

[CalicoCat]

I did, however my husband is trying to get into a graduate program as well.

We have to get into schools in the same city. For us right now, it's Houston or Philadelphia. Houston would be much less expensive. I've already gotten into Temple, but he hasn't heard anything positive yet from UPenn. He's heard good things from Rice, but I haven't heard anything from UTH or Baylor.

You see my dilemma?

Living between San Antonio and Houston so you can both commute and get what you want is just crappy, so I hope you get love from Houston (either school) soon! I know it's hard but just hang in there.

So did you pay $20/page to have papers sent to Rice already?!? That still kills me. I came to the US as a foreigner for college, but it was never that difficult or expensive. I guess I got in to a school that was ok with copies of my highschool stuff.

 

[CalicoCat]

Haha, lol, no explanations necessary, rant on all you want!

Yeah, you make a good point of asking the deans about weaknesses in my application. Even though I work in the medical field, I want to start doing some volunteer work at the medical center. Anyone know any good people to get in touch with for volunteering 1-2 days a week?

Mo, you should check out MD Anderson. This place is extremely dependent on volunteers and they always have spots open. You can usually find something that interests you.

http://www.mdanderson.org/Departments/volunteer/

 

[CalicoCat]

Does make me feel much better, thanks. This is the last class I have to take prior to med school (translation: no more A's as long as I live), so I'd like to finish well.

Sigh...well, I'm bored out of my mind sitting at home and thought I would study OCHEM as entertainment, but that's one idea shot down! What to do, what to do...

I think you should find a spa: get a massage, treat yourself to a facial, manicure, pedicure etc. Some days should be about you!! (If you can afford that... sigh!)

 

[Jolie South]

Living between San Antonio and Houston so you can both commute and get what you want is just crappy, so I hope you get love from Houston (either school) soon! I know it's hard but just hang in there.

So did you pay $20/page to have papers sent to Rice already?!? That still kills me. I came to the US as a foreigner for college, but it was never that difficult or expensive. I guess I got in to a school that was ok with copies of my highschool stuff.

Yea, we did that earlier this week/last week. Hopefully, they will arrive at Rice Monday or Tuesday.

 

[adamMD]

I did, however my husband is trying to get into a graduate program as well.

We have to get into schools in the same city. For us right now, it's Houston or Philadelphia. Houston would be much less expensive. I've already gotten into Temple, but he hasn't heard anything positive yet from UPenn. He's heard good things from Rice, but I haven't heard anything from UTH or Baylor.

You see my dilemma?

There are tons of people who would love to be in your shoes. Never forget how you felt before your acceptances. I'm not just saying it could be worse, I'm saying what you have is great.

 

[Jolie South]

There are tons of people who would love to be in your shoes. Never forget how you felt before your acceptances. I'm not just saying it could be worse, I'm saying what you have is great.

I totally appreciate where I am right now. It's just not as simple for me as it is for others, where if they get an acceptance they can just go without a second thought.

If my husband is not happy/can't do what he wants, then I'm unhappy too. Living apart is not an option, so it makes things doubly nerve wracking.

 

[adamMD]

For the record, I do hope every gets what they truly want most. Looks like we'll all find out in a month. I doubt anyone will get any more pre-matches.

 

[Jolie South]

For the record, I do hope every gets what they truly want most. Looks like we'll all find out in a month. I doubt anyone will get any more pre-matches.

For the record, I hope that my San Antonio seat can go to Army or someone else that's equally deserving.

 

[TheRealMD]

Didn't you get into San Antonio? If so, shouldn't you already be happy? I'm tired of people complaining when they have multiple acceptances. Just be happy that you're going to be a doctor.

Uhh, it's because she wants to be with her spouse as well. 😛

 

[CalicoCat]

For the record, I hope that my San Antonio seat can go to Army or someone else that's equally deserving.

You rock! I know Army would appreciate it!! Now if we all just had control over all this stuff, life would be a little easier!

Speaking of dilemmas... my partner is basically the breadwinner, and having to sell our house and move our family is quite a daunting task. I can't imagine it, so we haven't even started trying to figure out what might happen. We're hoping for some good news on Feb 1st, although things are looking rather bleak. I wish med schools wouldn't keep you in limbo. That they would tell you outright that you're rejected so you can plan your life. If I need to start studying for the MCAT again, I want to start now, but if I don't, then I don't ever want to open those books again... Ack!

 

[Jolie South]

You rock! I know Army would appreciate it!! Now if we all just had control over all this stuff, life would be a little easier!

Speaking of dilemmas... my partner is basically the breadwinner, and having to sell our house and move our family is quite a daunting task. I can't imagine it, so we haven't even started trying to figure out what might happen. We're hoping for some good news on Feb 1st, although things are looking rather bleak. I wish med schools wouldn't keep you in limbo. That they would tell you outright that you're rejected so you can plan your life. If I need to start studying for the MCAT again, I want to start now, but if I don't, then I don't ever want to open those books again... Ack!

I know and with two people in limbo with applications it's even worse.

 

[mtd0130]

I know and with two people in limbo with applications it's even worse.

I completely agree. My partner is also applying to grad school and is looking at UT Austin to match with my San Antonio acceptance. The 45 minute drive would be better than a 3 hour flight. Plus, we've realized that while you're writing a dissertation you can really be anywhere so the program only requires that you be in Austin full time for the first two years.

I'm sure that you and your husband have thought about it, but I just thought I'd throw it out there.

Good luck

 

[BUdoc08]

Just a random thought that is on my head...


Does anyone else think that it seems like "non-traditional" students are now "traditional" and vice-versa? Maybe SDN (and this thread in particular) is just skewed, but for some reason it seems to me that there are a handful of you who are engaged/married/coming into med school with all sorts of degrees...

Where are all the fresh-outta-college 21-22 year olds (like myself)??? I'm thinking we are in the minority...🙁

 

[Jolie South]

I completely agree. My partner is also applying to grad school and is looking at UT Austin to match with my San Antonio acceptance. The 45 minute drive would be better than a 3 hour flight. Plus, we've realized that while you're writing a dissertation you can really be anywhere so the program only requires that you be in Austin full time for the first two years.

I'm sure that you and your husband have thought about it, but I just thought I'd throw it out there.

Good luck

Yea, I thought about it. We had to pick and choose as it costs $200 each time he wants to send LORs and transcripts.

We chose two places where he and I could both be.

EDIT: it looks like UT Austin takes people in the spring, so I guess if everything falls through and San Antonio is where I end up that would be an option.

 

[Jolie South]

Just a random thought that is on my head...


Does anyone else think that it seems like "non-traditional" students are now "traditional" and vice-versa? Maybe SDN (and this thread in particular) is just skewed, but for some reason it seems to me that there are a handful of you who are engaged/married/coming into med school with all sorts of degrees...

Where are all the fresh-outta-college 21-22 year olds (like myself)??? I'm thinking we are in the minority...🙁

no, we're not. trust me i was unusual on the 3 Texas interviews that I went to.

 

[CalicoCat]

no, we're not. trust me i was unusual on the 3 Texas interviews that I went to.

Agreed. At the first place I was one of two interviewees who was married and there were 40 of us total. All the others were still at/just out of college. At the second place, it was harder to tell, but the majority seemed to be much younger, still in or just out of college, and 21-22 years old. Us non-trads are still in the minority - don't worry, we won't take over any time soon either!! I don't think there are very many people who go through life thinking they want to go to school for another 4 years, and put up with residency etc. in their 30's-40's. There are very few of us deranged ones out there... (I speak for myself, of course!)

 

[BUdoc08]

Agreed. At the first place I was one of two interviewees who was married and there were 40 of us total. All the others were still at/just out of college. At the second place, it was harder to tell, but the majority seemed to be much younger, still in or just out of college, and 21-22 years old. Us non-trads are still in the minority - don't worry, we won't take over any time soon either!! I don't think there are very many people who go through life thinking they want to go to school for another 4 years, and put up with residency etc. in their 30's-40's. There are very few of us deranged ones out there... (I speak for myself, of course!)

Haha no I'm not worried that you all are taking over! Just making an observation, and it seems like its just a lot of "non-trads" posting on this thread! I, for one, am excited at the prospect of having classmates that are not my age, and are not coming right out of college.

You both are right though. At my interviews, I actually didn't notice anyone who I thought was engaged/married. Almost every single interviewee at my interviews seemed like students who were in their 4th year of undergrad.

 

[Jolie South]

You both are right though, at my interviews, I actually didn't notice anyone who I thought was engaged/married. Almost every single interviewee at my interviews seemed like students who were in their 4th year of undergrad.

Most everyone talked about missing classes/exams and how they were going to deal.

Needless to say, I didn't have much to contribute.🙂

 

[BUdoc08]

Most everyone talked about missing classes/exams and how they were going to deal.

Needless to say, I didn't have much to contribute.🙂

No worries! In about 7-8 months, all the "trads" and "non-trads" will be on the same page, and talking about all the same things. You'll have MUCH to contribute!

 

[Jolie South]

No worries! In about 7-8 months, all the "trads" and "non-trads" will be on the same page, and talking about all the same things. You'll have MUCH to contribute!

It's coming up fast. yay!

this cycle went by quickly. i can't believe it's almost january already.

 

[CalicoCat]

It's almost January and there's still so much to do to finish out this year... sheesh...

Must ban myself from SDN if I am to get any work done!

Sometimes I think time has flown by and I can't believe it, and other times I wish time would go by faster so that February 2nd would be here and I would sort-of know my fate. Sort-of because I've heard a few people get accepted in March and April. Sigh... double sigh... OK, I'm done now!

It's really sad that the glimmer of the optimist in me won't give up on this. I keep thinking that this has to happen, I have to get in somewhere, that someone loves me... perhaps it would be easier if the glass were half empty!

 

[cyclingmo]

Mo, you should check out MD Anderson. This place is extremely dependent on volunteers and they always have spots open. You can usually find something that interests you.

http://www.mdanderson.org/Departments/volunteer/

Awesome, i'll look into that.

I did, however my husband is trying to get into a graduate program as well.

We have to get into schools in the same city. For us right now, it's Houston or Philadelphia. Houston would be much less expensive. I've already gotten into Temple, but he hasn't heard anything positive yet from UPenn. He's heard good things from Rice, but I haven't heard anything from UTH or Baylor.

You see my dilemma?

Man, I didn't know that. That does suck, I mean med school is going to be stressful enough, you don't need to add anything else to it. Hope it works out for you guys one way or another.

Does make me feel much better, thanks. This is the last class I have to take prior to med school (translation: no more A's as long as I live), so I'd like to finish well.

Sigh...well, I'm bored out of my mind sitting at home and thought I would study OCHEM as entertainment, but that's one idea shot down! What to do, what to do...

First off, you'll get plenty of HP's (hopefully), so thats that. 😉
Second, you can either get to attempt something that you've wanted for a while but never got around to doing so. I'm planning to save and buy an electric guitar, always wanted to learn to play one. And heck, if I don't get in this year, i'll drown my sorrows in some very loud music. For you, you can learn about an interesting subject (Physics, hehe) or attempts something cool. For the next 8 years you won't have time to do ANYTHING, so do it all now.

I think you should find a spa: get a massage, treat yourself to a facial, manicure, pedicure etc. Some days should be about you!! (If you can afford that... sigh!)

Haha, or forget what I said and do what Cat is saying, sounds more fun. 😀

It's coming up fast. yay!

this cycle went by quickly. i can't believe it's almost january already.

Lol, for me it's been LOOOOOOOONG, but maybe thats because I haven't had an acceptance yet. Called Tech today, said the last batch of letters went out on friday, like mj1985 said, and she didn't see my name on the list this time either. 🙁 I was still impressed that someone was at their office working. 👍

 

[DianaUT06]

so you need to be constantly asking yourself "Where are the electrons?"

Did you have Dr. Iverson? 😉

 

[DianaUT06]

Just a random thought that is on my head...


Does anyone else think that it seems like "non-traditional" students are now "traditional" and vice-versa? Maybe SDN (and this thread in particular) is just skewed, but for some reason it seems to me that there are a handful of you who are engaged/married/coming into med school with all sorts of degrees...

Where are all the fresh-outta-college 21-22 year olds (like myself)??? I'm thinking we are in the minority...🙁

Haha, it's ok...I feel sort of the same way. Not quite fresh out anymore at 23 (24 when I matriculate), but I'm single which is getting harder as everyone else around me is getting engaged/married. I had someone for 1.5 years and thought it was long-term, little did I know...now I'm just trying to focus on getting thru medical school, as much as I hate doing that alone. But great relationships seem to come when you least expect it... 😉

 

[ulalalalaboy]

I just called San Antonio. The lady on the phone was being rude so I couldn't get any info. She said there will be another batch of pre-match. She might be saying this just to get rid of me. Someone else call and ask for more specifics.

 

[dd128]

I'm so jealous of you all lucky instaters! You have all have specific dates to look forward to. I'm fairly certain oos applications are somewhere sitting in a very dark dusty corner of an adcoms office with cobwebs and spiders the only thing to look them over. 😛

 

[cyclingmo]

I'm so jealous of you all lucky instaters! You have all have specific dates to look forward to. I'm fairly certain oos applications are somewhere sitting in a very dark dusty corner of an adcoms office with cobwebs and spiders the only thing to look them over. 😛

Wachu talkin'bout? OOSers got their acceptaces from TX schools a MONTH before we ISers got any news.

 

[dd128]

Wachu talkin'bout? OOSers got their acceptaces from TX schools a MONTH before we ISers got any news.

🙁 Don't remind me...

haha, no but I have sneaking suspicion after that day they couldn't give a crap less about us.

 

[adamMD]

I just called San Antonio. The lady on the phone was being rude so I couldn't get any info. She said there will be another batch of pre-match. She might be saying this just to get rid of me. Someone else call and ask for more specifics.

I called. They told me to call tomorrow.

 

[dd128]

I just called San Antonio. The lady on the phone was being rude so I couldn't get any info. She said there will be another batch of pre-match. She might be saying this just to get rid of me. Someone else call and ask for more specifics.

Just call from a different number and lower your voice a few octaves...or even better use one of those voice scrambler things!

 

[cyclingmo]

🙁 Don't remind me...

haha, no but I have sneaking suspicion after that day they couldn't give a crap less about us.

Don't feel bad, i'm IS and i'm still getting no love from anyone. ;_;

 

[ulalalalaboy]

man, I was top third OOS 2 months ago, now i'm middle third. this sucks.

 

[dd128]

man, I was top third OOS 2 months ago, now i'm middle third. this sucks.

what do you mean top third?

 

[cpa2md]

I just called San Antonio. Didn't actually speak to the admissions office - they're in hiding. Spoke to 4 other people, though, and the final answer to the question "are any more pre-match admission offers going out this week?" was...."that has not been determined yet."😡

It's Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday...and they don't know yet??? I need more chocolate!!

Then again, I've gained 10 pounds through this whole process...😳

 

[ulalalalaboy]

what do you mean top third?

sorry, wrong thread, I got waitlisted at evms.

 

[cyclingmo]

I just called San Antonio. Didn't actually speak to the admissions office - they're in hiding. Spoke to 4 other people, though, and the final answer to the question "are any more pre-match admission offers going out this week?" was...."that has not been determined yet."😡

It's Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday...and they don't know yet??? I need more chocolate!!

Then again, I've gained 10 pounds through this whole process...😳

Haha, even if I didn't know you were a female, your chocolate comment gave it away.

 

[tex05]

hmm...these are interesting statistics.

i have a question similar to mo's.

i have ~ a 3.8 and a 28P from UT austin (human bio). this cycle, i've been interviewed by a&m, tech, and houston (no offers yet). in the event that i don't get in, i really do not want to take the MCAT again (partly because of the workload involved and partly because i was averaging around a 30 on practices, and am scared of getting a 28-29 again). there's really a lot of substantial things one can do in the off-year, but the question is should i retake the MCAT if i don't get in this cycle.

your thoughts would really be appreciated.

I would say without a doubt yes you should retake. Your story is a lot like mine (and if I get in, I'll share it with SDN, it's a good one 😉). My MCAT was a point lower than yours and I thought that everything else about my app was strong enough to get me an accceptance. BIG MISTAKE on my part. I was too stubborn to see how important the MCAT is to Texas schools. I still believe that the MCAT is a worthless exam and doesn't measure anything of value, but that's another story. Anyway, I sucked it up and spent the summer studying properly for the damn thing. The first time around, as part of not giving it the proper respect, I didn't study as intensely. I ended up improving 5 points and getting double digits in all sections. Don't be afraid of doing poorly, just go in with the attitude that the MCAT is just a minor inconvenience in your quest for the M.D. But hey, this point may be moot come February, so here's hoping you (and I) get an acceptance!

 

[TheRealMD]

Just a random thought that is on my head...


Does anyone else think that it seems like "non-traditional" students are now "traditional" and vice-versa? Maybe SDN (and this thread in particular) is just skewed, but for some reason it seems to me that there are a handful of you who are engaged/married/coming into med school with all sorts of degrees...

Where are all the fresh-outta-college 21-22 year olds (like myself)??? I'm thinking we are in the minority...🙁

I'm here. I'm as fresh as the come. We're all at our parent's houses enjoying the food they cook for us compared to the crap we normally eat. You see, food > SDN, every time! 😀

Did you have Dr. Iverson? 😉

Indeed, and I got a letter of rec from him too. Best professor EVER!

 

[dd128]

this point may be moot come February, so here's hoping you (and I) get an acceptance!

Totally off topic but did you ever see that friends where joey was like, "it's a mooo point...It's like a cow's opinion...it just doesn't matter." 😀

 

[cyclingmo]

Totally off topic but did you ever see that friends where joey was like, "it's a mooo point...It's like a cow's opinion...it just doesn't matter." 😀

😆 I remember that. Man, good ole' days .....

 

[mj1985]

I would say without a doubt yes you should retake. Your story is a lot like mine (and if I get in, I'll share it with SDN, it's a good one 😉). My MCAT was a point lower than yours and I thought that everything else about my app was strong enough to get me an accceptance. BIG MISTAKE on my part. I was too stubborn to see how important the MCAT is to Texas schools. I still believe that the MCAT is a worthless exam and doesn't measure anything of value, but that's another story. Anyway, I sucked it up and spent the summer studying properly for the damn thing. The first time around, as part of not giving it the proper respect, I didn't study as intensely. I ended up improving 5 points and getting double digits in all sections. Don't be afraid of doing poorly, just go in with the attitude that the MCAT is just a minor inconvenience in your quest for the M.D. But hey, this point may be moot come February, so here's hoping you (and I) get an acceptance!

thanks for the advice tex05. i really do hope you get in, because you've obviously busted your butt for it. well, the difference here is that i DID take the exam seriously for 3 months and gave it pretty much everything i had (as i said, i wasn't averaging above 29-30 on AAMC tests). this leads me to question the practicality behind retaking it. as you said, i hope it's a moot point by february, but still...what do you/you'll think?

 

[BUdoc08]

hmm...these are interesting statistics.

i have a question similar to mo's.

i have ~ a 3.8 and a 28P from UT austin (human bio). this cycle, i've been interviewed by a&m, tech, and houston (no offers yet). in the event that i don't get in, i really do not want to take the MCAT again (partly because of the workload involved and partly because i was averaging around a 30 on practices, and am scared of getting a 28-29 again). there's really a lot of substantial things one can do in the off-year, but the question is should i retake the MCAT if i don't get in this cycle.

your thoughts would really be appreciated.

MJ: I'm not so sure I would retake the MCAT if I were you. Here's why... First, it seems as if your score and your GPA were competitive enough to get you interviews in the first place. I'm sure people have varied opinions on this, but it is my understanding that an interview means you have passed their initial screening criteria. So your 28 MCAT did what it needed to do. So, if for some reason you don't get in this cycle (don't lose hope!), I think you should contact the a&M, tech, and houston Adcoms and see if they'll recommend any areas of improvement. It might be clinical volunteer hours, ECs, interview changes, etc...
Secondly, I don't think you should retake it because it IS such a hassle (and an investment) to study for the darn thing all over again. There have been people (including myself) that have already gotten pre-matches this cycle with lower GPA's and even lower MCAT scores than you. Unless you are shooting for the stars (UTSW, Baylor, etc), I'd say you should keep your 28.

There's my $.02, for what it's worth!

 

[172858]

Did you have Dr. Iverson? 😉

Ah, Dr. Iverson. What a pimp. Best teacher in the entire College of Natural Sciences, hands down.

AND, still one of the top researchers on campus. He apparently isn't to far from rendering Anthrax as harmless as the common cold.

Well, maybe not. But he's been making some awesome progress.

 

[cyclingmo]

MJ: I'm not so sure I would retake the MCAT if I were you. Here's why... First, it seems as if your score and your GPA were competitive enough to get you interviews in the first place. I'm sure people have varied opinions on this, but it is my understanding that an interview means you have passed their initial screening criteria. So your 28 MCAT did what it needed to do. So, if for some reason you don't get in this cycle (don't lose hope!), I think you should contact the a&M, tech, and houston Adcoms and see if they'll recommend any areas of improvement. It might be clinical volunteer hours, ECs, interview changes, etc...
Secondly, I don't think you should retake it because it IS such a hassle (and an investment) to study for the darn thing all over again. There have been people (including myself) that have already gotten pre-matches this cycle with lower GPA's and even lower MCAT scores than you. Unless you are shooting for the stars (UTSW, Baylor, etc), I'd say you should keep your 28.

There's my $.02, for what it's worth!

Agreed! If you really tried on the MCAT, then studying more probably won't improve your score by much. Was this your first attempt or 2nd?

 

[armybound]

Recognize your weakest points and try to improve them.

That's about all there is to it.

 

[cyclingmo]

Recognize your weakest points and try to improve them.

That's about all there is to it.

Easier said than done. If we all knew our own weaknesses (in the eyes of ADCOM's) wouldn't we have already addressed it?

 

[TheRealMD]

Easier said than done. If we all knew our own weaknesses (in the eyes of ADCOM's) wouldn't we have already addressed it?

In theory, yes, but in reality, we often try to get away with what we can.

 

[DianaUT06]

Indeed, and I got a letter of rec from him too. Best professor EVER!

I almost did that too, but I opted for a letter from a smaller class. 😉 He made ochem so doable...we were lucky to have him!