Tulane Secondary Available

[fiji128]

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has anyone on the westcoast gotten the financial aid packet? somehow everything that has been sent to me (acceptance letter, MD/MPH packet and now this) from Tulane has been lost.
-mota

Nothing for us Virginia folks yet.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

I'm on the west coast and I got my packet on Saturday.

Anyone get awarded a merit scholarship from Tulane? I just wanna see if they're fictitious or not.

 

[Kazazzle12]

Anyone get awarded a merit scholarship from Tulane? I just wanna see if they're fictitious or not.

A guy I know here at Tulane got a scholarship. I'm not sure how much or anything, but he did Creative Scholars (Tulane's early assurance program) and didn't apply to any other schools... Sorry I don't have much more information.

 

[drmota]

bureaucracy kills.

http://www.nola.com/newsflash/louis...s-24/1143589175246410.xml&storylist=louisiana

-mota

 

[dbth77]

A guy I know here at Tulane got a scholarship. I'm not sure how much or anything, but he did Creative Scholars (Tulane's early assurance program) and didn't apply to any other schools... Sorry I don't have much more information.

if its possible could you get any more info on this, im in the same boat and not applying to other schools so just wondering if there is anything I can do to help my chances of getting a scholarship

 

[dbth77]

Tulanes ranked 50 in 2007 research rankings according to a source

 

[KAI1927]

Tulanes ranked 50 in 2007 research rankings according to a source

I don't think acid trips count as a "source". just kidding, thats great news, I imagine the attention from FEMA and the NIH might have increased research money which would have helped.

 

[dbth77]

I don't think acid trips count as a "source". just kidding, thats great news, I imagine the attention from FEMA and the NIH might have increased research money which would have helped.

I posted some other rankings if you want to check it out, I also believe Katrina has zero impact on this ranking because the data is from before the hurricane. Anything Katrina will be reflected in next years numbers

 

[-Goose-]

I don't think acid trips count as a "source". just kidding, thats great news, I imagine the attention from FEMA and the NIH might have increased research money which would have helped.

I heard that USnews put a moratoriam on Tulane's stats for ranking purposes for this year?

Anyone know about this?

 

[KAI1927]

I posted some other rankings if you want to check it out, I also believe Katrina has zero impact on this ranking because the data is from before the hurricane. Anything Katrina will be reflected in next years numbers

Is every school ranked using the previous years' numbers?

 

[dbth77]

Is every school ranked using the previous years' numbers?

well schools dont know right now their admission data because the cycle isnt over yet so all data is for the class that entered this year, not for people applying now

 

[-Goose-]

http://www2.tulane.edu/article_news_details.cfm?ArticleID=6386

 

[theunderdog]

well schools dont know right now their admission data because the cycle isnt over yet so all data is for the class that entered this year, not for people applying now

check this article out:

data for class of 2006 as of 12/05:
>7000 applicants
1800 interviewed, 288 acceptances
class size about 150 (~155)

http://www2.tulane.edu/article_news_details.cfm?ArticleID=6247

 

[tulanensis]

check this article out:

data for class of 2006 as of 12/05:
>7000 applicants
1800 interviewed, 288 acceptances
class size about 150 (~155)

http://www2.tulane.edu/article_news_details.cfm?ArticleID=6247

More like 400 interviewed...

 

[clusterfunk]

More like 400 interviewed...

That is correct... actually I am a little concerned about the quality of the incoming students, despite all the rhetoric Admissions has been preaching. I really think they did themselves a disservice by interviewing so few people this year.

I am aware of at least one incoming student who submitted the application past the January 15th deadline, has a fairly low MCAT (<28) and pretty much lied during one of the interviews... but said applicant fits the Tulane Med stereotype and was accepted nonetheless. Admissions is full of great folks with the very best of intentions and all, but some of the key committee members really lack insight... don't be surprised if there are an excess number of incoming students in August with a disproportionate number of local good-ole boys and the usual overabundance of military students. It is very troubling when ~20 students from last year were automatically accepted by default and therefore have a definite seat in the class, in addition to the 1/3 of those interviewed+accepted having already sent in their deposits WAY before May 15. It is almost certainly a recipe for an admissions disaster.

And honestly, Katrina really didn't do much to wash away the already-inherent problems within Tulane itself, especially in regards to administrative accountability/responsibility and Uptown-Downtown relations. A lot of flakey BS happens down here (it is New Orleans, after all), whether or not you realize it. The medical school has very little autonomy from the big-wigs Uptown, who don't have any background in the medical field whatsoever yet dictate everything that goes on Downtown... we have been getting the shaft for a long time now, even though Tulane was initially FOUNDED as a medical school way back in the 1800s. Financial Aid is run very haphazardly and always has been... customer-service and competency is all but non-existent. The Dean of Students is very underwhelming/pragmatic and a total space-cadet, not favored amongst many of us upperclass students, yet this is the same person who ultimately decides your fate when residency applications roll around. Also, a lot of the positions/awards/honors are highly political and sometimes boil down to popularity contests/clout, rather than actual merit.

Houston has finally become tolerable, now that the administration finally got their **** together, but the transition back to New Orleans will likely be a very difficult process. Some of your preclinical classes are terribly organized, namely the pivotal Foundations in Medicine course, and will probably be even worse next year. A number of basic science faculty were fired, and a lot of those were the fresh faces who brought in material that made lectures interesting. Maybe one good thing is that 1st year is now P/F--but even then, Tulane doesn't really have the reputation to merit such a change. Rumor has it that the new Dean's daughter will be an incoming student, so there is somebody influential you can b!tch to.

$200,000+ is a lot to pay for all the uncertainties concerning the school, not to mention the city itself... don't worry, we have some serious fun down here but unfortunately most people just don't realize how screwed up things really are. Good luck.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

That is correct... actually I am a little concerned about the quality of the incoming students, despite all the rhetoric Admissions has been preaching. I really think they did themselves a disservice by interviewing so few people this year.

I am aware of at least one incoming student who submitted the application past the January 15th deadline, has a fairly low MCAT (<28) and pretty much lied during one of the interviews... but said applicant fits the Tulane Med stereotype and was accepted nonetheless. Admissions is full of great folks with the very best of intentions and all, but some of the key committee members really lack insight... don't be surprised if there are an excess number of incoming students in August with a disproportionate number of local good-ole boys and the usual overabundance of military students. It is very troubling when ~20 students from last year were automatically accepted by default and therefore have a definite seat in the class, in addition to the 1/3 of those interviewed+accepted having already sent in their deposits WAY before May 15. It is almost certainly a recipe for an admissions disaster.

And honestly, Katrina really didn't do much to wash away the already-inherent problems within Tulane itself, especially in regards to administrative accountability/responsibility and Uptown-Downtown relations. A lot of flakey BS happens down here (it is New Orleans, after all), whether or not you realize it. The medical school has very little autonomy from the big-wigs Uptown, who don't have any background in the medical field whatsoever yet dictate everything that goes on Downtown... we have been getting the shaft for a long time now, even though Tulane was initially FOUNDED as a medical school way back in the 1800s. Financial Aid is run very haphazardly and always has been... customer-service and competency is all but non-existent. The Dean of Students is very underwhelming/pragmatic and a total space-cadet, not favored amongst many of us upperclass students, yet this is the same person who ultimately decides your fate when residency applications roll around. Also, a lot of the positions/awards/honors are highly political and sometimes boil down to popularity contests/clout, rather than actual merit.

Houston has finally become tolerable, now that the administration finally got their **** together, but the transition back to New Orleans will likely be a very difficult process. Some of your preclinical classes are terribly organized, namely the pivotal Foundations in Medicine course, and will probably be even worse next year. A number of basic science faculty were fired, and a lot of those were the fresh faces who brought in material that made lectures interesting. Maybe one good thing is that 1st year is now P/F--but even then, Tulane doesn't really have the reputation to merit such a change. Rumor has it that the new Dean's daughter will be an incoming student, so there is somebody influential you can b!tch to.

$200,000+ is a lot to pay for all the uncertainties concerning the school, not to mention the city itself... don't worry, we have some serious fun down here but unfortunately most people just don't realize how screwed up things really are. Good luck.

What's a student that would fit the "Tulane stereotype"?

I thought the move to P/F was only temporary. So no grades for incoming first years? WTF

Thanks for the heads up. The only material administration has sent to acceptees is the financial aid addendum. I find it odd that the school hasn't sent any letter/pamphlet/email/brochure addressing anything regarding medical education, yet the date to withdraw all acceptances except one is only a month and a half away. I keep hoping the administration will pull through, but it looks more and more like I'll be headed elsewhere.

 

[anon-y-mouse]

The Dean of Students is very underwhelming/pragmatic and a total space-cadet, not favored amongst many of us upperclass students,

I thought you were a first year?

Yeah, I heard that sucking up to MK makes or breaks.

Anyway, excellent points you made - a refreshing burst of equanimity. You said it correctly when you said that admissions did a disservice by interviewing so few candidates. The class is going to be filled by a mix of stellar candidates/all-around good people, and mediocre candidates (Mr/Ms. <28 probably exemplifies the latter group... one of the folks who probably has submitted the deposit). Contrast this with the homogeneously qualified classes in previous years or at any other school. As long as this doesn't affect the quality of education, I think it will effectively be a buyer's market for medical education... those who are good students will cut it no matter what -- in fact, any "dilution" of the class can only help them. Others should not expect the fact that they were admitted to help them through 4 years to a radiology residency. This might make it harder to find people to study with, but beyond that, it will just be interesting to see what happens.

There is bound to be sketchiness and politics at any school. I mean, even at Tulane, the pharmacology department (and its dept chairman) is currently engaging in shady practices (PM me for more details). Nevertheless, I still found a strong desire and passion for teaching among the basic science professors I spoke to. Contrast this with indifference at many other schools. I have a few close connections at the school, and that's why I'm inclined to attend, but I am still evaluating my other choices. There were a few people in my interview group that seemed like great people who were on the ball. In any case, interesting points you brought up. The incoming class is certainly going to be different, but who knows for what reasons.

 

[anon-y-mouse]

Thanks for the heads up. The only material administration has sent to acceptees is the financial aid addendum. I find it odd that the school hasn't sent any letter/pamphlet/email/brochure addressing anything regarding medical education, yet the date to withdraw all acceptances except one is only a month and a half away. I keep hoping the administration will pull through, but it looks more and more like I'll be headed elsewhere.

I'm interested in this too. Can you email the folks in charge (perhaps anonymously?) and tell us what they say?

 

[idealist]

also, any chance we can get some more student opinions on studentdoctor? maybe clusterfcuk, you can ask some of your classmates to post for us confused kids with very little time to make a decis. or maybe we should post in the medical students forums?

 

[drmota]

those who are good students will cut it no matter what -- in fact, any "dilution" of the class can only help them.

my thoughts exactly.
-mota

 

[drmota]

also, any chance we can get some more student opinions on studentdoctor? maybe clusterfcuk, you can ask some of your classmates to post for us confused kids with very little time to make a decis. or maybe we should post in the medical students forums?

i have received several PMs from other Tulane students warning me that clusterfcuk is somewhat of a troll (based on previous posts, not just this one) in that he/she actually attends Tulane but has nothing but horrible things to say about it. not that his/her opinions aren't valid but it sounds like he's making the place out to be a lot worse than it actually is. every school has it's shortcomings. you can either whine and complalin about them or just push through. it's clear which road clusterfcuk has chosen to take.
-mota

 

[KAI1927]

My question to clusterfcuk is this: Taking into account all the logical and accurate points you brought up, would you go to Tulane if you were an incoming student? Personally, these developments do not detere me, but I am curious to see if you would choose Tulane knowing what you know now.

 

[KAI1927]

In response to the grading policy I spoke with karen Jojia and she said that some courses would be pass/fail, and others would be the normal grading(pass, high pass, honors, etc). I am not sure which courses are going to graded in what way, but it is not p/f as a whole.

 

[theunderdog]

More like 400 interviewed...

"Last year, Beckman and Marc Kahn, associate dean of admissions and student affairs, interviewed 1,400 applicants. This year, they will interview about 400 applicants through the end of the month, concentrating on those who show a strong interest in New Orleans and its renewal. "

The article was written on 2/9/06. So, doesn't that mean "last year" would be referring to the 2005 year... as in 1400 applicants were already interviewed. and then another 400 would be intervied in feb 2006 ?

that's how i interpreted it. i could be wrong... and i dont mean to be misleading or anything...

 

[Kitra101]

I have to admit that I am very confused about this whole cluster guy who signed onto SDN this past December. From what I can gather from his posts, he may be applying to medical school now, or may be a medical student now. I am wondering why a current medical student would suddenly sign on to SDN and start posting during this very difficult transition period for the current Tulane students. That said, looking at what he/she has said, simply compared to an often over-exaggerated sampling, this years MDapp stats for accepted students is higher than that of previous years....3.59 and a 31.6. That said, numbers are not everything and all of those accepted may not matriculate. Personally, I am thinking about going to my state institution just because of finances and for the sake of staying near my girlfriend, but I think Tulane SOM will be fine..regardless of what one angry pre-med or med student has to say.

EDIT: Oh and one more thing...cluster, the "Jewlane" comment really speaks to us all about your character. Perhaps you should grow up a little?

 

[myrtle]

Hey, I just looked at Tulane's SOM forum and found that they created a class of 2010 space for us. It seems like it's not cool to post anonymously there so maybe we can head that way and clusterfcuk will do us the honor of sharing his opinions amongst his classmates?

http://www.somforum.com/

 

[KAI1927]

Hey, I just looked at Tulane's SOM forum and found that they created a class of 2010 space for us. It seems like it's not cool to post anonymously there so maybe we can head that way and clusterfcuk will do us the honor of sharing his opinions amongst his classmates?

http://www.somforum.com/

i started a forum in the 2010 space, hope to see some of you guys there.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

I'm interested in this too. Can you email the folks in charge (perhaps anonymously?) and tell us what they say?

Better idea. Here's the link to the Office of Admissions message form:

http://www.som.tulane.edu/admissions/message.html

All of you acceptees, please write an anonymous message asking Tulane Med to release information about the state of affairs and future plans for medical education.

If enough people send messages, they may be more likely to post something really informative.

I wrote something awhile back to the deans, but they just gave me the "trying to return to normalcy, future unclear" line. Maybe this will jar them.

 

[KAI1927]

Better idea. Here's the link to the Office of Admissions message form:

http://www.som.tulane.edu/admissions/message.html

All of you acceptees, please write an anonymous message asking Tulane Med to release information about the state of affairs and future plans for medical education.

If enough people send messages, they may be more likely to post something really informative.

I wrote something awhile back to the deans, but they just gave me the "trying to return to normalcy, future unclear" line. Maybe this will jar them.

Great Idea, i just wrote a polite message asking for a little info.

 

[anon-y-mouse]

Better idea. Here's the link to the Office of Admissions message form:

http://www.som.tulane.edu/admissions/message.html

All of you acceptees, please write an anonymous message asking Tulane Med to release information about the state of affairs and future plans for medical education.

If enough people send messages, they may be more likely to post something really informative.

I wrote something awhile back to the deans, but they just gave me the "trying to return to normalcy, future unclear" line. Maybe this will jar them.

Good idea. Done. Have you written something recently?

 

[anon-y-mouse]

"Last year, Beckman and Marc Kahn, associate dean of admissions and student affairs, interviewed 1,400 applicants. This year, they will interview about 400 applicants through the end of the month, concentrating on those who show a strong interest in New Orleans and its renewal. "

The article was written on 2/9/06. So, doesn't that mean "last year" would be referring to the 2005 year... as in 1400 applicants were already interviewed. and then another 400 would be intervied in feb 2006 ?

that's how i interpreted it. i could be wrong... and i dont mean to be misleading or anything...

Last year means "last cycle", since "every year" students are admitted.

 

[anon-y-mouse]

i have received several PMs from other Tulane students warning me that clusterfcuk is somewhat of a troll (based on previous posts, not just this one) in that he/she actually attends Tulane but has nothing but horrible things to say about it. not that his/her opinions aren't valid but it sounds like he's making the place out to be a lot worse than it actually is. every school has it's shortcomings. you can either whine and complalin about them or just push through. it's clear which road clusterfcuk has chosen to take.
-mota

While I agree with you to an extent, it's not fair to call someone with a differing viewpoint a troll if s/he has valid points to make. The points are valid and we have to acknowledge them, while at the same time balancing them with the full story. As doctors, we are all going to be bearers of unpopular news or views at some point in our careers. With that said, cluster makes good points, but I don't think they're balanced in and of themselves. I mean, I guess s/he could just be acting as a foil (of reality) against the general wave of optimism present here. Even still, I feel it's important to not be charged in either direction and to keep melodrama at a minimum.

 

[clusterfunk]

My question to clusterfcuk is this: Taking into account all the logical and accurate points you brought up, would you go to Tulane if you were an incoming student? Personally, these developments do not detere me, but I am curious to see if you would choose Tulane knowing what you know now.

Before Katrina, Tulane was my first choice by-far, probably the best place to get a medical education alongside (mostly) good people and have a blast at the same time, even with the annoying bureaucracy/BS. But now, the magnified bureaucracy/BS coupled with all the cuts/regressive changes/uncertainties is just asking too much for an educational investment as expensive as this.

i have received several PMs from other Tulane students warning me that clusterfcuk is somewhat of a troll (based on previous posts, not just this one) in that he/she actually attends Tulane but has nothing but horrible things to say about it. not that his/her opinions aren't valid but it sounds like he's making the place out to be a lot worse than it actually is. every school has it's shortcomings. you can either whine and complalin about them or just push through. it's clear which road clusterfcuk has chosen to take.

Anyone who pays the exhorbitant price to attend Tulane reserves every right to b!tch about the experience here--it's called quality control. If people didn't step up and raise these issues, then nothing would ever change. Don't get me wrong, the medical school seems pretty receptive to acute student concerns, but alas, it is incredibly difficult to alter an internal system that is inherently flawed to begin with.

*fin*

 

[thebeatgoeson]

Here's my take from my involvement with medicine in New Orleans and Tulane.

I volunteer on the uptown campus as an EMT-B and today we had a transport to the Tulane ED. And yes, the Tulane ED is VERY busy. New Orleanians seem to be plaqued by "them two guys" and the rooms are always full with serious work accidents, shootings, stabbings, psych patients, car accident victims and usually in combination with EtOH/illicits.

A former roommate who worked for New Orleans EMS before, during, and still after the storm says that "the calls" are still there and increasing towards to their pre-storm level.

A Tulane senior who interviewed just a couple of weeks ago told me he was blown away by the presentation of Tulane Med by the faculty there. He's seriously reconsidering to attend Tulane now.

Plus, in two years (barring another storm) y'all be starting your clinicals and Tulane Med should be well on its way to better organization and staff, plus the city will be repopulated.

Hazah! Positives all around. But do remember that yes things are crazy down here, the administration will be exacting pressure on you, it is expensive and for sure many brillant faculty members left and that hurts education. But just let the good times roll. PM if you're curious.

 

[TUgrl04]

Better idea. Here's the link to the Office of Admissions message form:

http://www.som.tulane.edu/admissions/message.html

All of you acceptees, please write an anonymous message asking Tulane Med to release information about the state of affairs and future plans for medical education.

If enough people send messages, they may be more likely to post something really informative.

I wrote something awhile back to the deans, but they just gave me the "trying to return to normalcy, future unclear" line. Maybe this will jar them.

I have posted the current affair of the medical school on March 28th. I added an attachment that was sent to me by the dean himself since I am a current staff member and he sent it to all existing faculty and staff members. The link in located in the thread: "Tulane SOM Class of 2010", under the allopathic section. Hope it helps!

 

[fiji128]

For those still waiting, I just recieved my Fin Aid packet the other day in Virginia.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

Anyone else get accepted into the MD/MPH program last week? What's the word about scholarships? In the past half of MD/MPH students got scholarships covering 2/3 of the MPH tuition. Anyone know whats up for this year?

 

[clusterfunk]

Anyone else get accepted into the MD/MPH program last week? What's the word about scholarships? In the past half of MD/MPH students got scholarships covering 2/3 of the MPH tuition. Anyone know whats up for this year?

Probably won't happen this year, with all the budget cuts and a lowered endowment. They have dramatically reduced the number of MD/MPH scholarships awarded, having gone from 16+ to <4 in the last few years. Now it's not even guaranteed that the scholarship is renewable.

Ironically and unfortunately, MCAT scores are arguably the biggest factor in the selection process.

Hopefully they've also told incoming students that the dual-degree now requires an additional 12-15 credit hours from what used to be 30 and tuition is charged by the hour, rather than in a lump sum. But that's all just lagniappe; if you are serious about getting the dual-degree, you shouldn't let the changes deter you. Buena suerte!

 

[TheMightyAngus]

Probably won't happen this year, with all the budget cuts and a lowered endowment. They have dramatically reduced the number of MD/MPH scholarships awarded, having gone from 16+ to <4 in the last few years. Now it's not even guaranteed that the scholarship is renewable.

Ironically and unfortunately, MCAT scores are arguably the biggest factor in the selection process.

Hopefully they've also told incoming students that the dual-degree now requires an additional 12-15 credit hours from what used to be 30 and tuition is charged by the hour, rather than in a lump sum. But that's all just lagniappe; if you are serious about getting the dual-degree, you shouldn't let the changes deter you. Buena suerte!

So are you saying that current MD/MPH students on scholarship are going to have to start paying for their MPH courses?

 

[TheMightyAngus]

.

 

[tulane06]

How were you notified of your acceptance to the MD/MPH program?

 

[KAI1927]

How were you notified of your acceptance to the MD/MPH program?

I think they tie a letter to a pelican's talon.

 

[drmota]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/04/13/katrina.flood.advisory.ap/index.html

i found the link to the bottom called "workers rushing to rebuild new orleans levies" pretty informative. check it out.
-mota

 

[KAI1927]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/04/13/katrina.flood.advisory.ap/index.html

i found the link to the bottom called "workers rushing to rebuild new orleans levies" pretty informative. check it out.
-mota

As an addendum to that, on nola.com, there are detailed maps that outline which areas need to be raised and by how much. The good news is Tulane's downtown campus area (Canal, Tulane, Poydras Streets, etc.) is around sea level and doesn't require alot of elevation.

 

[idealist]

Hi guys,

I recently got back from my trip to NO, and I am ready to report back to you all. I took lots of pics of the facilities, even tho my mom and those showing me around prolly thought I was a lil crazy, I thought of you all who might not have gotten to see some of the facilities whenever you visited NO. So check our my flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/kankshi for those. There are other pics from NO too..touristy ones, volunteering ones from the 9th ward, and all the med school ones..

So..I wasn't absolutely impressed with the city itself. I'm from NY, and I was disappointed by how small and homogenous new orleans felt. I also missed good Asian and other ethnic food and a diversity of nightlife..That being said, many people said this is due to the hurricane, and that hopefully it will change. The medical school was impressive. Even my mother was at ease after talking to Father Don, the 3rd yr who was showing us around, and both the current and former deans! (It was comforting and inspiring to see them both working together, run into them while with Father Don and student, and have him stop them to introduce us and chat with us, addressing our concerns for a While..we're thorough, prob somewhat annoying people, but they spent that time with us, which really made me happy of course) Anyway, they seem to be getting everything back on track.

A couple things that confused me, but that I know now: There is only sort of a new medical school bldg. This has nothing to do with Katrina. They were set to move into this bldg even before the hurricane hit. Their hope was that they would eventually get the entire bldg, and this may happen within the next 10-15 yrs. For now, though, they only have a couple of floors of the bldg (towards the top), and corporations rent out the other floors. So it is essentially an office bldg. Right now, the admin offices (admissions, dean's, etc.) are in there, the student lounge, some study rooms, and maybe some lecture rooms (not for the first years tho). The first years will be taking their classes in the old med school bldg. I have posted pictures of the new med school bldg and the student lounge on my flickr. It's right across from the superdome, and there's a sweet view of it from the student lounge. The lounge is really cool actually.

The old med school bldg is a few blocks from the new one. The basement and first floor were flooded, so that was mostly the cafeteria (basement) and auditorium (1st floor). The 1st floor was being treated for asbestos when we were there, but the 3rd yr showing us around snuck us in so we could see the rest of the bldg (labs and lecture halls). The anatomy labs and lecture halls were in tact, as was the library. The facilities were old and kinda dingy, but that was true before Katrina. And the auditorium (which is practically done) and the cafeteria (which is still in disarray) are supposed to be newly done by the time we get there, so hopefully we'll have some newer facilities. (again, pics on flick). The bldg smelled kinda dingy and damp, but they were still working on it (after all, we werent even supposed to be there), so hopefully by the time we get there, it will be all treated and cleaned up good so none of us allergic/asthmatic types will have any problems being in there all the time.

Tulane's hospital is up and running, as most of you know. Charity is operating out of the old Lord and Taylor bldg (visible from the new Tulane med bldg), and has just signed with the VA to open a two-towered bldg in the complex (all this info I was told by Father Don, btw). They prob wont finish this bldg for another few yrs tho (still has to be built and all). LSU is supposedly coming back to NO for next yr, but they have no presence there yet. I heard it straight from the supervisor of nursing at LSU nursing school (they were doing a clinical experience at the Common Ground Health Clinic in the 9th ward, where I was volunteering) - she said, Tulane has done a much better job of coming back to NO. They've maintained a presence there from the start, from as soon after the hurricane as possible. LSU is not even there yet, even tho they claim to be coming back this summer..

Next stop: Deming. I saw all the room types and realized I REALLY don't want to live there next yr. New Orleans housing just has too much character for me to settle for dorm-style living at a premium price (prices went up, btw..) and the med school area is pretty crappy. I wouldn't feel too comfortable walking anywhere late at night (like even to the Quarter) and i've gotten affirmation from current students and New Orleanians that this isnt a good idea (and that cheaper, better places to live can be found). My plan is to rent for 6 months, then look into buying. Some dude I met that works in a real estate office said it's tough to get a 1 bedroom for cheaper than 700/month (whereas before the hurricane it was a few hundred cheaper than that). Still, these 1-bedroom types aint NYC studios, so it would prob be worth it to me. Once you start sharing with people tho, it can get seriously cheap, and I'm so down to do that, but only if I've met the person. So if any of you live in the NYC area (or a close enough drive), maybe we can meet up and chill and maybe even live together eventch.

lessee, what else..9th ward volunteering was awesome. def do common ground if youre thinking about volunteering. That's virtually all there is. You totally don't have to do demolition work either. I worked in the lower 9th ward my first day, fixing up this shelter (powerwashing bookshelves), distributing supplies to residents. My second day, I volunteered in the health clinic, just sat at the front desk and helped patients sign in, or gave them referrals if I knew they needed help we couldnt offer (which was almost everything since there was no MD or RN volunteering that day). I also spent a day working at a women's shelter, pretty much doing housework for them. I did like, 3 loads of laundry, vacuumed their place, watched the kids, and just hung out and listened to the volunteers who lived there bitch about the politics and desparation and frustration they've been experiencing. I also set up a music therapy workshop for the kids at the shelter with my boyfriend..so it was a really amazing experience, and I encourage everyone to help if you're going down there. I had to do a lot of research to figure out these opportunities, and even how to get into the 9th ward without a car and without spending a fortune on cabs (the bus started running into the 9th ward a couple days before I started volunteering). So if you need any help finding volunteer work, I can give you a lot of direct #'s of people to contact..

The volunteering really inspired me and excited me about New Orleans being a very exciting and historical place to be. The devastation is so widespread; it really is hard to fathom until you get there. The quarter to Uptown are pretty much ok, but thats like 5 miles of NO..There's so much more destruction. And the govt isnt fixing ANYTHING in the 9th ward. It looks pretty much like the hurricane hit yesterday; it's wild.

I also stayed in a pretty cheap, semi-decent hotel in the quarter. It's rates are typically more expensive, but if you go to the tourist center in the quarter, there are 49$ coupons (I think I got the last 39$ one), and they allowed me to keep the same rate even thru the weekend. So I cancelled my reservation at Deming, so I could be in the heart of things (for cheaper). The quarter kind of sucks tho..kind of cheesy. All the med students I talked to said they don't really hang out there. Most of em say they live uptown. I was thinking about living in the Marigny (gay-friendly, artsy, neighborhood just east of the quarter), cause it's the closest neighborhood to the med school which I think I could like living in. I also heard the lower garden district is decent and equally close to the med school (a decent biking distance, kind of long walk - prolly like a mile or 2), but i didnt get a chance to check it out, so I'm not sure. Or I could live uptown which at first I thought was full of undergrads and other types I don't really want to be around, but now I think there are cool patches off St. Charles Ave. and Magazine St. Again, didn't spend that much time there to know for sure. When I went out around there, I just took cabs to places people told me to go. Current med students will probably be a good resource for this.

I hung out with some med students. I met some chick from NOLA at a party here in NY, and she hooked me up with her friend at Tulane Med, who took me to a decent music club (tipitinas uptown) where I smelled marijuana, and saw regular people. The med students I met, too, were pretty chill, non-premed-identifiable types, and they all (as usual) spoke very highly of Tulane Med. When I voiced my concerns about the smallness, Southernness, and homoegeneity of the city, they assured me I would come to love it, and that there are cool places that are sprinkled throughout the city. They also told me things like, there is a significant Vietnamese population in this part of NO - **** maybe you just dont find out on your first visit. So I was a little bit eased by their assurances.

Aright..I think I've exhausted my NOLA knowledge for the moment. I wrote this really quick, and didnt proof for any bull**** PC-ness or what not, so sorry if I said anything rude or anything. But feel free to ask me any questions you may have about my experience. Or to contact me just to chat since we'll prolly be classmates!

Kankshi

 

[KAI1927]

Wow, thanks for all the info and pics, I will try to post some pics from my visit late next week.

 

[excalibur]

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself so much.

Regarding housing, uptown is the place to be. That's where all the bars are where the med students frequent, and you'll be set when mardi gras rolls around. There's nothing like having a place right on the parade route.

 

[KAI1927]

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself so much.

Regarding housing, uptown is the place to be. That's where all the bars are where the med students frequent, and you'll be set when mardi gras rolls around. There's nothing like having a place right on the parade route.

Excalibur, I already am set for deming, is there some link or site that you use from NOLA appts. uptown? There is so much out there it is hard to find the right broker. Also, even if i do end up at deming, isn't there a shuttle between uptown and downtown that runs frequently?

 

[excalibur]

Excalibur, I already am set for deming, is there some link or site that you use from NOLA appts. uptown? There is so much out there it is hard to find the right broker. Also, even if i do end up at deming, isn't there a shuttle between uptown and downtown that runs frequently?

Some dude here on my rotation in Houston said that a lot of the info on craigslist.com is wrong. He was looking for an apt in NO for the move, and told me craigslist was a waste. So avoid that one. I know there used to be a Tulane specific website that listed all available housing that current students were trying to sublet. In the past, students who were accepted were given the website with the entry password, and you could see what apt's were available that the students were trying to rent. Not available this year?? Other than that, there is stuff like the gambit weekly that advertises.

Yes there is a shuttle that transports, though I don't know where or how many stops it does uptown. I know it stops right in front of the undergrad campus. You can also take cabs, and the trolley. Also, you can just get rides with all the friends you'll make at Deming. Several people I know were in Deming without a car and managed just fine.

You're life will not be miserable living in Deming. Far from it. It takes you 5 minutes to be in the classroom or lab from your bedroom, several classmates live right next to you, it's walking distance from bourbon and other bars downtown for those big group outings. So it's a lot of fun, but most students move out of there after first year and try to look for something uptown. That's just how it goes.

 

[KAI1927]

Some dude here on my rotation in Houston said that a lot of the info on craigslist.com is wrong. He was looking for an apt in NO for the move, and told me craigslist was a waste. So avoid that one. I know there used to be a Tulane specific website that listed all available housing that current students were trying to sublet. In the past, students who were accepted were given the website with the entry password, and you could see what apt's were available that the students were trying to rent. Not available this year?? Other than that, there is stuff like the gambit weekly that advertises.

Yes there is a shuttle that transports, though I don't know where or how many stops it does uptown. I know it stops right in front of the undergrad campus. You can also take cabs, and the trolley. Also, you can just get rides with all the friends you'll make at Deming. Several people I know were in Deming without a car and managed just fine.

You're life will not be miserable living in Deming. Far from it. It takes you 5 minutes to be in the classroom or lab from your bedroom, several classmates live right next to you, it's walking distance from bourbon and other bars downtown for those big group outings. So it's a lot of fun, but most students move out of there after first year and try to look for something uptown. That's just how it goes.

Cool, thats what I figure. My thinking is that since I am knew to NOLA, deming will be good for the 1st year, then next year I can find a roomate and get an off campus place once the housing situation calms down. I figure for uptown bars nights, public trans or car pooling would work. I am just so pysched to get down there, i can't wait to see it next week.