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

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On a separate note, from those who went to UTSW interviews, is the Friday luncheon thing a biggie? I mean did it really help you the next day, knowing some of the interviewes and all? Also, were there people that showed up late, and if so, was that a big deal or it was really informal.

Any fellow SDN'ers that I can hope to meet this Friday and/or Saturday?
 
cyclingmo said:
On a separate note, from those who went to UTSW interviews, is the Friday luncheon thing a biggie? I mean did it really help you the next day, knowing some of the interviewes and all? Also, were there people that showed up late, and if so, was that a big deal or it was really informal.
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I wasn't able to attend the Friday thing. A lot of the people on Saturday were complaining that they just repeated the same information during the "official" Saturday presentation. The girl I was sitting with said that it wasn't worth the trouble of leaving school/work early & getting to Dallas.

I can't say since I didn't go, but I certainly didn't feel that I was missing anything by not attending. They do a great job presenting the info and the tours and lunch.
 
I thought that the Friday program was most helpful because of the dinner with the students. I had a very strong feeling that I could get along and work well with them if I were admitted. I think that there are a lot of concrete aspects in which to weigh schools, like the clinical and research opportunities, but I feel that the student atmosphere is something you need to experience first hand.
 
I agree with DrunkMD. Plus they give you a nice meal, and who would say no to that? 😀
 
If anyone is interviewing at UTSW in the near future, be sure to hit me up. I'll be a labbie until I leave for the motherland in March, and my lab's right near where all the interviews and such happen.
 
alfred4442 said:
has anyone gotten a baylor interview invite recently??

I've accepted my offer to UTHSCSA, but am still holding onto some hope that I'll get a Baylor interview.
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Hey! I was just wondering why you decided on san antonio over southwestern?


Also with having to enter our rankings soon i am having a really hard time deciding. While I am into UTMB I think I really like Houston and Southwestern more but can't really decide between those two and in the end it may not even matter but I was wondering--I know earlier in the thread people were willing to pro con the schools, if y'all would share your thought process that would be amazing!! (oh on a side note I am from Houston so location is definitely playing a large role)
 
texas2012 said:
Also with having to enter our rankings soon i am having a really hard time deciding. While I am into UTMB I think I really like Houston and Southwestern more but can't really decide between those two and in the end it may not even matter but I was wondering--I know earlier in the thread people were willing to pro con the schools, if y'all would share your thought process that would be amazing!! (oh on a side note I am from Houston so location is definitely playing a large role)
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What factors that you feel are important to you have you hung up between those schools?

Of course, you could always change your mind and join us at UTMB🙂.
 
I would say that the UTSW Friday program is worth it, unless you have to jump through flaming hoops to get there. They talk more in-depth about the school and really sell it well, also you have a really nice dinner with students as opposed to the bbq sandwich lunch on Saturday.

Also, people showed up late and it was fine. No one said anything and it was really informal.
 
texas2012 said:
Hey! I was just wondering why you decided on san antonio over southwestern?


Also with having to enter our rankings soon i am having a really hard time deciding. While I am into UTMB I think I really like Houston and Southwestern more but can't really decide between those two and in the end it may not even matter but I was wondering--I know earlier in the thread people were willing to pro con the schools, if y'all would share your thought process that would be amazing!! (oh on a side note I am from Houston so location is definitely playing a large role)
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I revisted both schools and I really just felt that San Antonio was a better fit for me. I'm from South Texas and plan on returning to pracitce there, so going through the clinical years in a South Texas setting might help me out in the future. Also, I was offered a scholarship to San Antonio, which also persuaded me to pick San Antonio.

UTSW is an amazing school though, and it was seriously such a hard decision to let go my Southwestern offer.

My $.02 on your situation:

-- Pro's about Houston: Class seems more united compared to Southwestern's, TMC, close to your family.

I really can't think of a con for Houston, although some people have mentioned board scores (but I also agree that it's a measure of individual capabality, rather than a school's ability to prepare you.)

-- Pro's about UTSW: Reputation, Parkland, facilities, reputation.

Cons: Alot of people say it's a very competitive school and that the curriculum is very demanding, but then again it's medical school, so it'll be demanding anywhere you go.

I think that you should make the decision on where you'll be able to be happy and give yourself the best shot at making medical school an enjoyable experience. If Houston means a larger support system then, maybe you should rank it higher than UTSW. If you feel that you'll be fine without a support system like your family and can go through medical school AND enjoy it, then rank UTSW higher than Houston.

good luck on your decision!!
 
Ynowtex said:
I wasn't able to attend the Friday thing. A lot of the people on Saturday were complaining that they just repeated the same information during the "official" Saturday presentation. The girl I was sitting with said that it wasn't worth the trouble of leaving school/work early & getting to Dallas.

I can't say since I didn't go, but I certainly didn't feel that I was missing anything by not attending. They do a great job presenting the info and the tours and lunch.
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DrunkMD said:
I thought that the Friday program was most helpful because of the dinner with the students. I had a very strong feeling that I could get along and work well with them if I were admitted. I think that there are a lot of concrete aspects in which to weigh schools, like the clinical and research opportunities, but I feel that the student atmosphere is something you need to experience first hand.
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TheLesPaul said:
If anyone is interviewing at UTSW in the near future, be sure to hit me up. I'll be a labbie until I leave for the motherland in March, and my lab's right near where all the interviews and such happen.
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theunremarkable said:
I would say that the UTSW Friday program is worth it, unless you have to jump through flaming hoops to get there. They talk more in-depth about the school and really sell it well, also you have a really nice dinner with students as opposed to the bbq sandwich lunch on Saturday.

Also, people showed up late and it was fine. No one said anything and it was really informal.
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Thanks for all the help, i'll try to make it, even if i'm a bit late.

And LesPaul, what's your Lab number, i'll be sure to swing by and give you a hollar!
 
Just for anyone still obsessing about LMU, I wanted to give a quick update on what is going on here. Mine had remained unchanged since the last change which was on the day after my Tech interview. Then early this morning I emailed TMDSAS with a change about a course I had previously entered as planning to take but no longer am going to and by 10 o'clock this morning my LMU had changed to today. Still no validation date or any other changes.
 
finally got my real grades updated today and a LMU to go with it.

so yeah, they still mean nothing important.. for me, anyway. we'll see when the match gets closer.
 
alfred4442 said:
I revisted both schools and I really just felt that San Antonio was a better fit for me. I'm from South Texas and plan on returning to pracitce there, so going through the clinical years in a South Texas setting might help me out in the future. Also, I was offered a scholarship to San Antonio, which also persuaded me to pick San Antonio.

UTSW is an amazing school though, and it was seriously such a hard decision to let go my Southwestern offer.

My $.02 on your situation:

-- Pro's about Houston: Class seems more united compared to Southwestern's, TMC, close to your family.

I really can't think of a con for Houston, although some people have mentioned board scores (but I also agree that it's a measure of individual capabality, rather than a school's ability to prepare you.)

-- Pro's about UTSW: Reputation, Parkland, facilities, reputation.

Cons: Alot of people say it's a very competitive school and that the curriculum is very demanding, but then again it's medical school, so it'll be demanding anywhere you go.

I think that you should make the decision on where you'll be able to be happy and give yourself the best shot at making medical school an enjoyable experience. If Houston means a larger support system then, maybe you should rank it higher than UTSW. If you feel that you'll be fine without a support system like your family and can go through medical school AND enjoy it, then rank UTSW higher than Houston.

good luck on your decision!!
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Thanks so much for your response. I really feel like I am having to choose between being happier or going to a school with a "better" reputation. Honestly though I picked my undergrad based on reputation/rank (top ten school) and it turned out wonderful but also I realized that it could have just as easily gone horribly. Also especially after seeing how the admissions process is going for not only myself but also my friends going throught he process having an awesome name and reputation may help you get your foot in the door but in the end its how well you performed regardless, and I would think its probably pretty similar for residency. I dunno thats just my two cents on using reputation as a deciding factor, so I think for now I'm leaning toward houston but hey we have another six days to think about it!
 
I'm writing my thank you letters, and one of the people who interviewed me didnt have any more cards for me to take. I tried to look him up on the San Antonio website but got nothing. I tried regular google search and it came up with little help. Anyone have any ideas or should I just let it go. Thanks.
 
The major pro for UTSW is that you will probably be grilled harder than at other schools but come out better prepared. "Tough love" some call it. As for cons.. well, people on SDN seem to come up with those pretty easily on their own.
 
Check out my totally sweet "2 Year Member" badge.

I bet you all are jealous.

:meanie:
 
TheRealMD said:
The major pro for UTSW is that you will probably be grilled harder than at other schools but come out better prepared. "Tough love" some call it. As for cons.. well, people on SDN seem to come up with those pretty easily on their own.
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That my friend, is the major CON for UTSW. But to each his own. Pros could be Dallas, strong faculty, the reputation, etc.
 
Well, I think I’m having a similar dilemma, I really liked UTMB’s curriculum and the school as a whole. I also have a pre-match offer to UTHSCSA but I am not so convinced about their curriculum. The thing is my wife also wants to finish her master’s degree and find a good paying job that can provide for our living expenses for the next four years. Even though I liked UTMB a lot, I believe there will not be so many opportunities for her on the island, and who knows what the chances are of finding a good job. I know San Antonio is not the land of opportunities but indeed a bigger city. She is being very supportive about it and just wants me to make the decision, but I just can’t decide! Also, the thought of living in Galveston just makes me nauseous.
 
drgop1 said:
Well, I think I'm having a similar dilemma, I really liked UTMB's curriculum and the school as a whole. I also have a pre-match offer to UTHSCSA but I am not so convinced about their curriculum. The thing is my wife also wants to finish her master's degree and find a good paying job that can provide for our living expenses for the next four years. Even though I liked UTMB a lot, I believe there will not be so many opportunities for her on the island, and who knows what the chances are of finding a good job. I know San Antonio is not the land of opportunities but indeed a bigger city. She is being very supportive about it and just wants me to make the decision, but I just can't decide! Also, the thought of living in Galveston just makes me nauseous.
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The married people at UTMB often live off island for this reason, especially the League City/Dickinson/Clear Lake area, and their spouses work in the Houston area.
 
midn said:
Check out my totally sweet "2 Year Member" badge.

I bet you all are jealous.

:meanie:
Click to expand...

So KSW also has one... but he's been lurking here for way longer. Does that mean SDN cannot count?

Oh, yeah, very jealous here!!
 
So just got back from houston yesterday, and I guess there's good news for people waiting on them. Dr. Kelleway talked about how much they like the match, and though she didn't give any numbers made it sound like a very small part of the offers were sent out prematch. So a fairly significant amount of spots should be left for you guys on the match day. I don't think this is breaking news, but figured it's always good to hear there's hope! 🙂
 
dd128 said:
So just got back from houston yesterday, and I guess there's good news for people waiting on them. Dr. Kelleway talked about how much they like the match, and though she didn't give any numbers made it sound like a very small part of the offers were sent out prematch. So a fairly significant amount of spots should be left for you guys on the match day. I don't think this is breaking news, but figured it's always good to hear there's hope! 🙂
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I walked through the med school on my way in to work and remembered you were interviewing when I saw some people in suits sitting in the Leather Lounge. Did you have a good day?
 
midn said:
Check out my totally sweet "2 Year Member" badge.

I bet you all are jealous.

:meanie:
Click to expand...

Ah man, how can I get a "5 Month Member" badge. Me want one too ....

dd128 said:
So just got back from houston yesterday, and I guess there's good news for people waiting on them. Dr. Kelleway talked about how much they like the match, and though she didn't give any numbers made it sound like a very small part of the offers were sent out prematch. So a fairly significant amount of spots should be left for you guys on the match day. I don't think this is breaking news, but figured it's always good to hear there's hope! 🙂
Click to expand...

Hope you had a good time and it went well.
 
TheRealMD said:
The major pro for UTSW is that you will probably be grilled harder than at other schools but come out better prepared. "Tough love" some call it. As for cons.. well, people on SDN seem to come up with those pretty easily on their own.
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I agree, I'd rather have this "tough love" than what other med schools provide. In the end, the hardships of med school and the grueling 3rd year at Parkland is only going to make me a more competent physician.

In the end, you should decide to go to the school that complements your life. Whether its close to family, a better environment for your spouse, and etc. These are the things that will decide whether you're happy and if you'll enjoy med school. And if your happy, then your board scores and grades can only go up.
 
myKuduSlewaZulu said:
The married people at UTMB often live off island for this reason, especially the League City/Dickinson/Clear Lake area, and their spouses work in the Houston area.
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Yeah. When I went to PT school at UTMB, my wife and I lived in League City. It was a breeze of a commute.
 
CalicoCat said:
I walked through the med school on my way in to work and remembered you were interviewing when I saw some people in suits sitting in the Leather Lounge. Did you have a good day?
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haha, yeah it always feels kind of weird walking around all day in a big group of people in suits having people giving you weird looks. It was a pretty good day though, their tour is pretty long, but everyone is really nice, and the hospitals are pretty impressive (which I guess is one of their main selling points). They even let us observe a heart surgery for a bit, which was kind of cool. Lunch was ok, too 😉
 
Hey! I just wanted to let you guys know for those who haven't entered your preferences I would go ahead and do it based on my experience earlier today. Although I hadn't decided 100% (don't think i will ever be) I figured I should go ahead put in the preferences knowing I could change up till jan 15th. However, when I put them in it refused to accept two of my interview dates, so I had to call tmdsas and get them to enter it themselves. It just would have been horrible to wait to the 15th and have the same issue when the office was closed. so just thought i'd give y'all a heads up!
 
Well, that's really weird. I thought the interview date information was just a formality. Guess not.

And yeah, better safe than sorry -- enter those match preferences early.
 
PT2MD said:
Yeah. When I went to PT school at UTMB, my wife and I lived in League City. It was a breeze of a commute.
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Yeah, even though the distance mighe be a few miles too long, but there's no traffic going that way.

theunremarkable said:
Well, that's really weird. I thought the interview date information was just a formality. Guess not.

And yeah, better safe than sorry -- enter those match preferences early.
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Yeah, already did mine without any prob over a month ago ........ Can you tell I really want to get in? 😛
 
texas2012 said:
Hey! I just wanted to let you guys know for those who haven't entered your preferences I would go ahead and do it based on my experience earlier today. Although I hadn't decided 100% (don't think i will ever be) I figured I should go ahead put in the preferences knowing I could change up till jan 15th. However, when I put them in it refused to accept two of my interview dates, so I had to call tmdsas and get them to enter it themselves. It just would have been horrible to wait to the 15th and have the same issue when the office was closed. so just thought i'd give y'all a heads up!
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Thanx a lot! i better start working on those asap!
 
Houston was fun. Nice to put a face to a few SDN usernames.

Now all I gotta do is decide between a couple of great medical schools. 😀
 
skyes said:
Houston was fun. Nice to put a face to a few SDN usernames.

Now all I gotta do is decide between a couple of great medical schools. 😀
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it was really nice to meet you at the pre-interview social!
 
Jolie South said:
neuroscience. . . i remember because I started to ask him about it and he said,"we're not here to talk about me."
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mine asked me about all my ec's starting from freshman year and too list those accordingly... that took 45 minz...

then we talked about his TB research 45 more minz.. needless to say, i was 30 minz late to my second interview.. and too top that all off.. the second interviewer was our very own Dr. Kellaway ... i explained to her y i was late.. but iuno..

did anyone else have Dr. Kellaway as an interviewer... ??

well good luck to everyone.. but honestly UTH is awesome..
 
hey everyoene! do yall think that sending letter of interest would help you get in at all? at the houston interview, I overheard a girl asking Dr. Kellaway if there's a way she can let them know houston's her first choice and Dr. K said that she gets a lot of emails from people saying they really want to go there. so I was debating if I should try emailing her, but was wondering if that could make any difference at all...what do yall think?
 
Jolie South said:
neuroscience. . . i remember because I started to ask him about it and he said,"we're not here to talk about me."
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Hmmm....was this guy's office like right inside admissions? He sounds a little familiar.
 
Jolie South said:
i don't think so, but it could still be the same guy. i interviewed with someone else in a "borrowed" office within admissions.
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Ah, yeah maybe. It was the office straight across as you walk into admissions...so yeah probably borrowed. He was neurosci though, and walked me to lunch/sat at my table haha.
 
I was thinking about possible cons to Houston and the only glaring one I can find is that it is a very large class. Its in a huge medical center complete with another medical school and several other allied health programs. If you are from a small school and really like that environment (ie Austin College, Mary Hardin Baylor, Baylor, etc...) UTH could possibly be too large.

I went to a huge high school, I go to a huge undergrad now, so I think I fit well in a big system and most people probably feel the same way, but I guess its something to consider.
 
qwerty777 said:
hey everyoene! do yall think that sending letter of interest would help you get in at all? at the houston interview, I overheard a girl asking Dr. Kellaway if there's a way she can let them know houston's her first choice and Dr. K said that she gets a lot of emails from people saying they really want to go there. so I was debating if I should try emailing her, but was wondering if that could make any difference at all...what do yall think?
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it won't hurt to try.
 
TheRealMD said:
The major pro for UTSW is that you will probably be grilled harder than at other schools but come out better prepared. "Tough love" some call it. As for cons.. well, people on SDN seem to come up with those pretty easily on their own.
Click to expand...

Sounds like hidden resentment?

The internet is pretty good at snowballing impressions of a school - both positive and negative. If people could just avoid getting sucked into these snowballs then everyone will be better off.
 
Monarch Kong said:
Sounds like hidden resentment?

The internet is pretty good at snowballing impressions of a school - both positive and negative. If people could just avoid getting sucked into these snowballs then everyone will be better off.
Click to expand...

Hidden resentment? Nah. It's just that I don't need to be the one picking apart UTSW when other people do a much better job. Besides, my bro and sister-in-law went there and survived. I've seen the results of the "UTSW" way and up until my Baylor acceptance, that's where I saw myself going. I'm not going to about face and smack that place to the ground because things have slightly changed! 😛
 
armybound said:
it won't hurt to try.
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Yeah, it wont, but when I called to ask if they received my letter or not the lady told me what "we just usually read them and file them away." So I don't really know if Dr. K even gets to see them or if the secretaries and receptionists only read them.
 
cyclingmo said:
Yeah, it wont, but when I called to ask if they received my letter or not the lady told me what "we just usually read them and file them away." So I don't really know if Dr. K even gets to see them or if the secretaries and receptionists only read them.
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Don't you think that the schools know that the people who have applied and interviewed most likely have interest in attending? I wouldn't write them a letter to say so.
 
brimley said:
Don't you think that the schools know that the people who have applied and interviewed most likely have interest in attending? I wouldn't write them a letter to say so.
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:laugh: I can see the secretary running into the office with the printout of the email in her hand screaming, "holy crap! did you know so and so wanted to come here?! We should send out their acceptance now!"
 
brimley said:
Don't you think that the schools know that the people who have applied and interviewed most likely have interest in attending? I wouldn't write them a letter to say so.
Click to expand...

True, but your level of interest does affect their decision.

dd128 said:
:laugh: I can see the secretary running into the office with the printout of the email in her hand screaming, "holy crap! did you know so and so wanted to come here?! We should send out their acceptance now!"
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😆 That would be hilarious, and shoot, if you're one of those few with a 44+ MCAT, they probably would do that.
 
dd128 said:
:laugh: I can see the secretary running into the office with the printout of the email in her hand screaming, "holy crap! did you know so and so wanted to come here?! We should send out their acceptance now!"
Click to expand...

speaking of admissions office shenanigans, someone posted this awesome vignette in another thread a while back and I just about died.

Dean: Hey Judy, want some coffee, i'm going to Starbucks?

Judy (phone person): yes, thanks good buddy.

Dean: btw, any interesting callers lately

Judy: Nah, not really, except this idiot who forgot to pay and wants to email you. i told him the email address like 4 times and guess what he did?

Dean: What, I'm very interested in what he said and did next. Very. the coffee can wait, Judy.

Judy: I know. SOOO weird. Well, anyhoo, he called back the next day and asked AGAIN for your email address. AND he pretended to be someone else!!

Dean: LOL. good thing we installed that AMCAS caller ID system last year. What's his number?

Judy: Don't worry, Dean he's already in the "reject for calling us with stupid questions" pile. It'll go out today.

Dean: Good job Judy. I know I can count on you to protect us from the losers.

Dean: and the usual? triple shot grande latte, extra foam, with sugar free hazelnut?

Judy: yes, thanks Dean. so glad we are so tight. you know my drink. i save you from the loser callers.
Click to expand...
 
Jolie South said:
speaking of admissions office shenanigans, someone posted this awesome vignette in another thread a while back and I just about died.
Click to expand...

All my calls are now made from pay phones.
 
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