The Republic of Texas XXXI: Everything's not just bigger, it's more awesome too

[PennDippody]

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Less than 3 days, folks!

 

[def1]

Ok now that the rankings are going to be finalized on Monday, I am starting to reconsider my list.

My list now looks like this

1. UTH
2. UTSW
3. Tied - TTEP/UTMB

I originally had UTSW as number 1 because I wasn't sure if I ended up getting off the waitlist if I'd choose it over UTH but I decided to play it safe and put UTH as number 1 since lately I've been really feeling like that is where I'll be happiest.

However, I need help deciding between TTEP and UTMB.

UTMB Pros:

High board scores
Close to Houston
A beach, even if not the greatest
Opportunity to rotate in Austin and Houston
The students seemed very laid back and happy

UTMB Cons:

Not sure if the island life is right for me (I want to move into a big city)
Farthest city in Texas away from my family and friends
I'd imagine rotating at Houston would be hard cuz you are fighting over spots with both Baylor and UTH students


TTEP Pros:

I already live in El Paso, and have all my close friends and family here (especially important because I have a little brother who I'd like to watch grow up)
Im familiar with the city so I know all the fun things to do here
I like their curriculum a lot
UMC is a level 1 trauma center

TTEP Cons:

I feel like I'd be happier in a larger city (at least UTMB would be closer to Houston)
I really don't like the fact that there are no neurosurgery rotations in TTEP, I don't want to have to go and look for away rotations to do it in.
El Paso is kind of lacking in the medical aspect, for example there are no epileptic care centers and there is no where in El Paso that they even do video EEGs. I feel like this is my major drawback.



So on one hand I feel like I'd be happier in El Paso because I'd be closer to family and friends, but on the other hand I feel like I'd have more opportunity in UTMB and be happier in the long run.

Any advice?

 

[TheTruckGuy]

Go where you'll be happy, in my opinion. I've spoken with several doctors in trying to come up with my rank order, and the common advice was go where you want to live for 4 years. All the Texas schools are going to give a sufficient education to do whatever you want, if you study enough and make the board scores, but if you live somewhere that you hate, you might do worse academically.

And so while I was really considering ranking PLF above A&M, I decided to rank A&M first. If PLF was within 300 miles of my family, I'd probably go there in a heartbeat. But over 800 miles and an 11+ hour drive from all my family was too much for me.

 

[PennDippody]

Ok now that the rankings are going to be finalized on Monday, I am starting to reconsider my list.

My list now looks like this

1. UTH
2. UTSW
3. Tied - TTEP/UTMB

I originally had UTSW as number 1 because I wasn't sure if I ended up getting off the waitlist if I'd choose it over UTH but I decided to play it safe and put UTH as number 1 since lately I've been really feeling like that is where I'll be happiest.

However, I need help deciding between TTEP and UTMB.

UTMB Pros:

High board scores
Close to Houston
A beach, even if not the greatest
Opportunity to rotate in Austin and Houston
The students seemed very laid back and happy

UTMB Cons:

Not sure if the island life is right for me (I want to move into a big city)
Farthest city in Texas away from my family and friends
I'd imagine rotating at Houston would be hard cuz you are fighting over spots with both Baylor and UTH students


TTEP Pros:

I already live in El Paso, and have all my close friends and family here (especially important because I have a little brother who I'd like to watch grow up)
Im familiar with the city so I know all the fun things to do here
I like their curriculum a lot
UMC is a level 1 trauma center

TTEP Cons:

I feel like I'd be happier in a larger city (at least UTMB would be closer to Houston)
I really don't like the fact that there are no neurosurgery rotations in TTEP, I don't want to have to go and look for away rotations to do it in.
El Paso is kind of lacking in the medical aspect, for example there are no epileptic care centers and there is no where in El Paso that they even do video EEGs. I feel like this is my major drawback.



So on one hand I feel like I'd be happier in El Paso because I'd be closer to family and friends, but on the other hand I feel like I'd have more opportunity in UTMB and be happier in the long run.

Any advice?

Just my $0.02

I think between the two, UTMB is most like UTH where you said you'd be happiest at. The distance from UTMB to family is relatively the same as UTH (800+ miles) so there is that. And as far as rotations go, UTMB is itself a very large health system with plenty of fantastic rotation opportunities of its own (just look at the in-house residency programs. They have just about every specialty). Additionally, there is no shortage of rotation opportunities at the TMC despite there being two other medical schools there.

I guess I'm bias but I would certainly have ranked UTMB above TTEP. It, in my opinion, is a superior institution in many regards - never mind rankings as none of that really matters here. To be fair, though, I only interviewed at TTEP and was limited to an independent tour of UTMB a year ago. So take that for what it's worth.

 

[REPTAR013]

Just submitted my rankings

1. UTSW
2. UTHSCSA (pre-matched)

It was really hard giving up my UTH prematch but in the end it felt right for me in San Antonio. With that being said I would love to remain here in Dallas... PLS UTSW

 

[ddegast]

I am going to ask everyone here at SDN a couple questions.

I applied to med school, got 4 interviews, did not prematch to any school though. :*(

Right now I am working, I like my job. But I am wondering if I should quit and try making apps before Medical School starts. I would wait until I get an acceptance. But What do you think the chances are that I would do well enough of the apps to make up for not working the next 4 months?

P.S. If I don't get an acceptance I will not quit my job.

 

[tn4596]

I am going to ask everyone here at SDN a couple questions.

I applied to med school, got 4 interviews, did not prematch to any school though. :*(

Right now I am working, I like my job. But I am wondering if I should quit and try making apps before Medical School starts. I would wait until I get an acceptance. But What do you think the chances are that I would do well enough of the apps to make up for not working the next 4 months?

P.S. If I don't get an acceptance I will not quit my job.

With 4 schools on your match list I would think you will get in somewhere man...

 

[PennDippody]

I am going to ask everyone here at SDN a couple questions.

I applied to med school, got 4 interviews, did not prematch to any school though. :*(

Right now I am working, I like my job. But I am wondering if I should quit and try making apps before Medical School starts. I would wait until I get an acceptance. But What do you think the chances are that I would do well enough of the apps to make up for not working the next 4 months?

P.S. If I don't get an acceptance I will not quit my job.

Give it a few months...

 

[MD2017done]

Finally submitted my rankings. Praying for the best, preparing for the worst.....

 

[ts173]

Question, do we need to release all but 1 prematch today prior to submitting our ranking or are we allowed to just rank and let the match throw out all of our other prematched?

I found 1 source that says we must only carry 1 prematch into the ranking (a document provided with the A&M acceptance) but nothing on the TMDSAS website that supports this.

Anyone know for sure?

 

[TheTruckGuy]

Question, do we need to release all but 1 prematch today prior to submitting our ranking or are we allowed to just rank and let the match throw out all of our other prematched?

I found 1 source that says we must only carry 1 prematch into the ranking (a document provided with the A&M acceptance) but nothing on the TMDSAS website that supports this.

Anyone know for sure?

I also remember reading somewhere that you're supposed to release all prematches except 1 prior to the match. But I think by default, just by submitting your ranking you are releasing the prematches. At this point I don't think it matters anyways because the schools can't send out any more pre-matches.

 

[Whatyousay]

Question, do we need to release all but 1 prematch today prior to submitting our ranking or are we allowed to just rank and let the match throw out all of our other prematched?

I found 1 source that says we must only carry 1 prematch into the ranking (a document provided with the A&M acceptance) but nothing on the TMDSAS website that supports this.

Anyone know for sure?

Schools/your fellow applicants would prefer that you released prematches for schools that you don't plan on attending, but it doesn't affect anything if you don't. It should be the end of the prematch period anyways, so it really doesn't matter at this point.

 

[ts173]

Schools/your fellow applicants would prefer that you released prematches for schools that you don't plan on attending, but it doesn't affect anything if you don't. It should be the end of the prematch period anyways, so it really doesn't matter at this point.

Oh yeah I understood that and released unwanted schools accordingly. But for instance I am holding UTSW and UTH right now. Tomorrow I will rank them 1 and 2, obviously #2 will be dropped. But according to some form that A&M sent with their acceptance email you could ONLY have 1 prematch going into the ranking. I had always thought at this point dropping a prematch helps no one and that the match system would automatically drop it anyways.

Only concerned because I can't find this rule anywhere else including on the TMDSAS website, but I wouldn't think A&M would just make up their own rules. 😕

 

[ts173]

I also remember reading somewhere that you're supposed to release all prematches except 1 prior to the match. But I think by default, just by submitting your ranking you are releasing the prematches. At this point I don't think it matters anyways because the schools can't send out any more pre-matches.

This is my sentiment, just wondering why the document from A&M said that we had to, I wouldn't think they would just make up their own rules.

Document is called TMDSAS Traffic Rules for anyone interested. But I also can't find this online outside of the email attachment. 👎

 

[arot]

I'd like to preface this post by stating that choosing a school based on average STEP 1 or letting the average score influence your decision would be unwise. Looking at the data it is apparent that ultimately individual effort--not MCAT or institution--determines STEP 1 score. There are students with 41+ MCAT scores (99.9th percentile) who scored below the national average on STEP 1, and there are students who scored 29 on the MCAT (~72th percentile) who scored well above the national average at 255+.

The following averages were calculated from student score data obtained from the schools. I hope to have data from the Texas Tech schools next week.

(Reported as average ± s.d.)

Average USMLE STEP 1:

UTSW 2013:     232.8 ± 17.7
UTSW 2014:     234.6 ± 18.2
UT-H 2013:     231.7 ± 21.6
UT-H 2014:     233.0 ± 21.3
UTMB 2013*:    230.9 ± 22.5
UTMB 2014*:    229.1 ± 19.6
UTHSCSA 2013:  224.6 ± 21.6
UTHSCSA 2014:  225.7 ± 22.0
TAMUHSC 2013:  223.8 ± 16.5
TAMUHSC 2014:  222.9 ± 18.9

Average MCAT:

UTSW 2013:     33.5 ± 3.1
UTSW 2014:     33.3 ± 3.4
UT-H 2013:     31.3 ± 3.3
UT-H 2014:     31.6 ± 2.7
UTMB 2013:     28.7 ± 3.2
UTMB 2014:     28.8 ± 3.6
UTHSCSA 2013:  30.0 ± 3.1
UTHSCSA 2014:  29.8 ± 2.8
TAMUHSC 2013:  29.3 ± 3.5
TAMUHSC 2014:  28.9 ± 2.9

*: UTMB provided data that had some issues due to students who had taken STEP 1 multiple times. The values reported above used the highest STEP 1 attempt for the students who had multiple scores listed. Using the lowest scores of the students who attempted STEP 1 multiple times gave these values:

UTMB 2013: 230.1 ± 21.0
UTMB 2014: 228.3 ± 24.1

 

[Translation]

Any one else get sold by calls from the dean and other VIPs?

I did.

Ranking list
1. ttuhsc- PLFSOM
2-4: don't matter im pre-matched.

the calls reaffirmed my fit for the program. so PLFSOM peers see you in july.
(though i keeping the door open for BCM if they call me up)

 

[William Hart]

Any one else get sold by calls from the dean and other VIPs?

I did.

Ranking list
1. ttuhsc- PLFSOM
2-4: don't matter im pre-matched.

the calls reaffirmed my fit for the program. so PLFSOM peers see you in july.
(though i keeping the door open for BCM if they call me up)

I liked that I got a happy new year email from one of my interviewers.

If I got a call from the dean and he said I got the scholarship I'd be in the same spot as you. Was really hoping that would happen sometime between pre-match and tomorrow but guess it won't. Would've made the decision so easy.

 

[civic4982]

I've been here for undergrad, medschool, first residency, changed to another residency, and now staying around for fellowship.

It's a great place to be studying medicine ! 😉

Good luck Texans!

EDIT: Here being Texas 😉 didn't realize that I hadn't specified.

 

[TX500]

Hey guys, I decided on medicine pretty late. I graduated two years ago and was wondering how competitive Texas truly is. I bought the MSAR but the numbers are off from the website.

Anyone have any tips? I'm sitting at a 3.69 cGPA and sGPA according to TMDSAS.

 

[tn4596]

Texas schools are easier to get into.
Tip: kill the mcat.

 

[TX500]

I'd like to preface this post by stating that choosing a school based on average STEP 1 or letting the average score influence your decision would be unwise. Looking at the data it is apparent that ultimately individual effort--not MCAT or institution--determines STEP 1 score. There are students with 41+ MCAT scores (99.9th percentile) who scored below the national average on STEP 1, and there are students who scored 29 on the MCAT (~72th percentile) who scored well above the national average at 255+.

The following averages were calculated from student score data obtained from the schools. I hope to have data from the Texas Tech schools next week.

(Reported as average ± s.d.)

Average USMLE STEP 1:

UTSW 2013:     232.8 ± 17.7
UTSW 2014:     234.6 ± 18.2
UT-H 2013:     231.7 ± 21.6
UT-H 2014:     233.0 ± 21.3
UTMB 2013*:    230.9 ± 22.5
UTMB 2014*:    229.1 ± 19.6
UTHSCSA 2013:  224.6 ± 21.6
UTHSCSA 2014:  225.7 ± 22.0
TAMUHSC 2013:  223.8 ± 16.5
TAMUHSC 2014:  222.9 ± 18.9

Average MCAT:

UTSW 2013:     33.5 ± 3.1
UTSW 2014:     33.3 ± 3.4
UT-H 2013:     31.3 ± 3.3
UT-H 2014:     31.6 ± 2.7
UTMB 2013:     28.7 ± 3.2
UTMB 2014:     28.8 ± 3.6
UTHSCSA 2013:  30.0 ± 3.1
UTHSCSA 2014:  29.8 ± 2.8
TAMUHSC 2013:  29.3 ± 3.5
TAMUHSC 2014:  28.9 ± 2.9

*: UTMB provided data that had some issues due to students who had taken STEP 1 multiple times. The values reported above used the highest STEP 1 attempt for the students who had multiple scores listed. Using the lowest scores of the students who attempted STEP 1 multiple times gave these values:

UTMB 2013: 230.1 ± 21.0
UTMB 2014: 228.3 ± 24.1

Where'd you get these numbers from? High 28s for UTMB and A&M seem off...

 

[stolen_biscuit]

Hey guys, I decided on medicine pretty late. I graduated two years ago and was wondering how competitive Texas truly is. I bought the MSAR but the numbers are off from the website.

Anyone have any tips? I'm sitting at a 3.69 cGPA and sGPA according to TMDSAS.

True - if you kill the MCAT, you'll be set. But you'll be fine anywhere in the 30's. Less people vying for tons of spots, so you've got a great chance with numbers that way.

Please be aware that it is very true that numbers don't make the game. I'm thinking kill your PS and ECs. 🙂 From what I've noticed, each school seems to have a type of student they're looking for, and they want to see that you'll fit in. (Of course, I'm not an adcom. I just get that impression.)

 

[TX500]

True - if you kill the MCAT, you'll be set. But you'll be fine anywhere in the 30's. Less people vying for tons of spots, so you've got a great chance with numbers that way.

Please be aware that it is very true that numbers don't make the game. I'm thinking kill your PS and ECs. 🙂 From what I've noticed, each school seems to have a type of student they're looking for, and they want to see that you'll fit in. (Of course, I'm not an adcom. I just get that impression.)

Thanks. My ECs are above average and according to

https://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/Final Statistics Report-EY11-Medical.pdf

my GPA is very very slightly above average. I'm just trying to make sure my application is perfect because a low verbal score on the MCAT has been killing me.

 

[PennDippody]

Any one else get sold by calls from the dean and other VIPs?

I did.

Ranking list
1. ttuhsc- PLFSOM
2-4: don't matter im pre-matched.

the calls reaffirmed my fit for the program. so PLFSOM peers see you in july.
(though i keeping the door open for BCM if they call me up)

Got called by one of the A&M deans right when I pre-matched. Definitely boosted my confidence and their ranking for me.

 

[PennDippody]

Where'd you get these numbers from? High 28s for UTMB and A&M seem off...

I disagree. Those numbers seem spot on. Just take a look at the MSAR (keep in mind SD). Also, UTMB is a notorious high-GPA consumer. They put slightly less emphasis on the MCAT.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

Is anyone else second-guessing their rankings? I get a bit freaked out by life-altering decisions like this....

 

[def1]

Is anyone else second-guessing their rankings? I get a bit freaked out by life-altering decisions like this....

lol I changed my rankings like 4 times leading up to the deadline. Im actually more freaked out about the fact that I can no longer see the rankings for fear that somehow my rankings were unintentionally changed lol. I've become way too paranoid this cycle.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

lol I changed my rankings like 4 times leading up to the deadline. Im actually more freaked out about the fact that I can no longer see the rankings for fear that somehow my rankings were unintentionally changed lol. I've become way too paranoid this cycle.

I've thought the same!

 

[TheTruckGuy]

Im actually more freaked out about the fact that I can no longer see the rankings for fear that somehow my rankings were unintentionally changed lol.

Yup. I actually worked the night shift last night and was thinking I'd wake up and ponder over my rankings a bit, but I over slept, and by the time I realized I need to check my rankings, it had already passed the deadline. So I'm really glad I decided to submit my rankings last week, but still nervous that something went wrong.

 

[PennDippody]

Yup. I actually worked the night shift last night and was thinking I'd wake up and ponder over my rankings a bit, but I over slept, and by the time I realized I need to check my rankings, it had already passed the deadline. So I'm really glad I decided to submit my rankings last week, but still nervous that something went wrong.

same. I keep wondering if, during my last login, i might have messed it up somehow. It would be nice to at least see our greyed out rankings or something. or maybe an email confirmation,

 

[Translation]

Me waiting for the match results...

Good luck everyone, may the Match wizard make all your dreams come true.

 

[dwills]

Crap I haven't checked my rankings list in a while cause I just assumed my prematch was number one. I'm like 99% sure I left it like that but I can't see to make sure.

Will they tell you your ranking list if you call?!?

 

[BoricuaMD]

I am sure everyone entered their rankings just fine...relax guys/gals.

I wish everyone the best of luck this match cycle! 👍

 

[PennDippody]

Will they tell you your ranking list if you call?!?

Yes, just did a few minutes ago (whew)

I am sure everyone entered their rankings just fine...relax guys/gals.

I wish everyone the best of luck this match cycle! 👍

Yeah, I feel kinda dumb for actually calling about it now but I'd be lying if I said I didn't lay awake a little last night thinking about it. Thanks for the encouragement btw and GL to everyone from me also!

 

[dwills]

Yes, just did a few minutes ago (whew)



Yeah, I feel kinda dumb for actually calling about it now but I'd be lying if I said I didn't lay awake a little last night thinking about it. Thanks for the encouragement btw and GL to everyone from me also!

Don't feel too bad I also confirmed for my own piece of mind The lady seemed a bit annoyed I'm sure they've gotten a few similar calls haha.

 

[tn4596]

Dang you guys are paranoid lol

 

[dwills]

Dang you guys are paranoid lol

Haha to be fair i hadn't logged into the TMDSAS website since probably mid November since i prematched at my top choice. I had completely forgotten about The Match because of that.

I know, but still, a bit paranoid i admit

 

[member192837]

Just curious if anybody knows how many spots schools leave open for the match, and if some schools are more match heavy than others? I am just trying to figure out the odds that I will get a match offer. I interviewed at TTL, UTSAHSC, UTMB, and TTEP and ranked them in that order. Unfortunately, I did not get a pre-match, so now I am paranoid that I will not match.

 

[Darcy Austen]

Yeah, I'm curious too. Freaking out might describe it better though. Interviewed at TTEP and TTL too, plus TAMU. I'm hoping they haven't given away all of their spots already...

 

[member192837]

Waiting for match day.....

 

[ts173]

Just curious if anybody knows how many spots schools leave open for the match, and if some schools are more match heavy than others? I am just trying to figure out the odds that I will get a match offer. I interviewed at TTL, UTSAHSC, UTMB, and TTEP and ranked them in that order. Unfortunately, I did not get a pre-match, so now I am paranoid that I will not match.

It differs between schools. For example UTSW usually matches very few if any but I was told that UTH only prematches 10% of their class and prefers to fill from the match. I believe utmb also prefers the match as well as tamu but for the rest I am unsure. But every school varies

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

 

[496552]

A quick question about the Match--

Will we know if we got into a school that we ranked lower than another school we get into/already got into? (Hopefully that question made sense.) It'd still be nice to know that they accepted you!

 

[William Hart]

A quick question about the Match--

Will we know if we got into a school that we ranked lower than another school we get into/already got into? (Hopefully that question made sense.) It'd still be nice to know that they accepted you!

You might get to find out if they rejected you. On match day a friend of mine got a rejection letter from a school they ranked lower than their prematch.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

A quick question about the Match--

Will we know if we got into a school that we ranked lower than another school we get into/already got into? (Hopefully that question made sense.) It'd still be nice to know that they accepted you!

You can't be accepted to a lower ranked school. Except for pre-match and waitlist, TX schools don't "accept." They rank us just as we rank them, and we get matched via computer. It's more of a preference list.

So if you match at your #3, you will only be accepted there on Feb 1. You may get off the wait list at your #1 or #2, but you will not hear of an acceptance to #4 or below.

 

[lovemango]

What time are the match results released on Feb 1? Looked around the TMDSAS site and didn't see a specific time mentioned. I'm working an overnight shift on Jan 31 and I have a feeling I'm going to be anxious the entire time.

 

[Translation]

The regular match will be conducted on February 1 to confirm the pre-match offers applicants are holding and to fill the remaining slots for the medical schools. Individual match results will be posted on the TMDSAS application at 8:00 AM (CST) February 1.

https://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/medical/acceptance_Match_info.html#MatchProcess

 

[BoricuaMD]

You can't be accepted to a lower ranked school. Except for pre-match and waitlist, TX schools don't "accept." They rank us just as we rank them, and we get matched via computer. It's more of a preference list.

So if you match at your #3, you will only be accepted there on Feb 1. You may get off the wait list at your #1 or #2, but you will not hear of an acceptance to #4 or below.

A quick question about the Match--

Will we know if we got into a school that we ranked lower than another school we get into/already got into? (Hopefully that question made sense.) It'd still be nice to know that they accepted you!

This is one of the few things that I dislike about the Texas match system. Unless you get pre-matched or outright rejected from a school, you will never truly know how you fared at schools you rank lower than the school you match to. It is not a huge deal but it'd be nice to get some closure on these schools and know how you did during the interview. Unfortunately, we can only speculate on our interview performances and relative strength of our applications.
Sigh...whether it is medical school admissions or romantic affairs...I hate those darn "what if?" scenarios haha

The regular match will be conducted on February 1 to confirm the pre-match offers applicants are holding and to fill the remaining slots for the medical schools. Individual match results will be posted on the TMDSAS application at 8:00 AM (CST) February 1.

https://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/medical/acceptance_Match_info.html#MatchProcess

I believe last year some schools, such as UTMB, notified students by email at midnight the night before match day. A current student at UTMB also mentioned this on the UTMB specific thread. I am not sure if they will do that again this year but it is a possibility. Just a heads up. 👍

EDIT: If the question was simply asking when "official" match results would be posted on TMDSAS then yes the correct answer is 8 am. However, if students are waiting to hear of any news of an acceptance on match day then it is possible to hear back at midnight the night before. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

This is one of the few things that I dislike about the Texas match system. Unless you get pre-matched or outright rejected from a school, you will never truly know how you fared at schools you rank lower than the school you match to. It is not a huge deal but it'd be nice to get some closure on these schools and know how you did during the interview. Unfortunately, we can only speculate on our interview performances and relative strength of our applications.

Right?! I feel like I might have wasted a lot of time trying to decide how to rank all the schools when it may have been a moot point. At least the decision-making is over now and I can just wait for my fate.

 

[DrBarbie08]

Right?! I feel like I might have wasted a lot of time trying to decide how to rank all the schools when it may have been a moot point. At least the decision-making is over now and I can just wait for my fate.

I completely agree. I feel like since we spent the time, stress and of course money (sooo much money...) on testing, applying, traveling, and attire to interview, we at least deserve to know where we ranked with them. Even if they just posted a list with our TMDSAS ID #'s and our rankings and said where they cut off.

It gets really annoying explaining to people who ask if I was accepted to any more schools that I may have been but I'll never know because I pref-ed my pre-match first.

 

[acslater99]

Is this application process just for Texas residents?