University of Maryland Class of 2010 part 01

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supa said:
Since you're from B-more can you tell me something about Middle River. I'll be moving from DC, and I found brand new townhomes for a reasonable price out there. A comparable home in my area would be about $400,000. What's that city like?
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Not my choice of neighborhood, but it isn't too bad. Definitely affordable out there, and pretty easy access to all the big Baltimore County areas. Probably one of the better commute/price balances you can find.
 
Oh, crap I forgot to mention what I actually came to post. Preliminary financial aid stuff is up on SURFS.

What's there: estimated cost of attendance, and a checklist for things to do (entrance interview quiz, and an "outside resource" form if you have some outside form of aid) It also tells you if they've received your SAR.

COA for a resident off campus: $44,839.00, which is about 19k for tuition, and 17k for room/board. Sharing a 2BR in the city should be about half of that figure for room, which gives plenty of leeway.
 
Cozmosis said:
They aren't a top ranked school, but there are plenty of opportunities, and its not like they're unranked - they're at around 40. That's the top third of all US med schools, not bad. It isn't a top 10, but still, I think rankings are overrated once you pass maybe the top 5 anyway.
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Just to be clear, Maryland's RESEARCH rank is 43, but their PRIMARY CARE rank is 27 (but new rankings coming out next month of course). UMich is 9th for research and tied w/Maryland and one other school for 27th for primary care.

Also, for hard numbers as far as NIH grants-

Maryland:
2004 NIH research grants: $128.5 million
2004 NIH research grants per faculty member: $117.7 thousand

UMich:
2004 NIH research grants: $294.0 million
2004 NIH research grants per faculty member: $162.8 thousand

So yes, there are more research dollars at UMich and if you think you will be happier there then you should definitely choose it. But the research opportunities at Maryland aren't completely bottom of the barrell and I think you could find good opportunities there too if that's what you're interested in.

Whatever you choose, best of luck. I honestly believe Maryland is a great school, but as Lady Wolverine said rank is something to consider; its just not the whole story.
 
Cozmosis said:
Not my choice of neighborhood, but it isn't too bad. Definitely affordable out there, and pretty easy access to all the big Baltimore County areas. Probably one of the better commute/price balances you can find.
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Slooooow down cowpoke. Whaddya mean not your choice of neighborhood? Anything I should know b4 I spend my hard earned money?!?
 
Labslave said:
Once again, I'm not trying to hijack the thread but: 1) I'm interested in academic medicine to some degree (at the very least, I will be doing research in med school and don't want to burn any bridges) and the depth of research opportunities at UMich far surpasses Maryland's (plus the name of your school actually matters if you intend on having a career in academic med), 2) UMich has great study abroad programs that employ a superior network of connections (you can do rotations/research pretty much anywhere in the world; and guess what, they pay for it, too), 3) I think the systems-based approach and weekly quizzes play to my strengths and allow me to avoid my weaknesses, hence allowing me to digest a large amount of information in a doable amount of time --> more time for me to pursue my interests.

I really wouldn't say that in general (i.e. for everyone) the educational opportunities will be better at UMich, but for me they are to some degree.

I know that I would still have a plethora of opportunities at Maryland, don't get me wrong. I was really impressed by Maryland's programs during my interview day; the labs were incredible (I had my student interview in one of their labs), the students were really chill/laid back, the facilities were amazing (seriously, I don't think there's one school out there that has better facilites, and I saw a bunch)...the list goes on and on. I would be happy at Maryland. Seriously. But the whole grades thing? Out-of-date curriculum?

At this point I just wanted some feedback from you guys and that's what I got. So thanks! Oh, and by the way, I'm also a resident of Maryland. I am a UMDCP graduate 🙂

Best of luck to you guys this fall (and maybe I'll see you in Baltimore)!
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UMich is a powerhouse for academic medicine. Well for me, $$ and great education/facilities at UMD are a draw, but Baltimore city and rent seriously blows.
 
Labslave said:
I heavily favor Michigan's curriculum. P/F (strictly pass/fail, none of that H, HP, P, F stuff) for the first two years, students do well on the boards, etc.

Location-wise, Michigan has the edge as well, although the weather would most certainly be much worse in Ann Arbor.

Facilities are a draw (both are really nice).

I'm interested in academic medicine to some degree (at the very least, I will be doing research in med school and don't want to burn any bridges) and the depth of research opportunities at UMich far surpasses Maryland's (plus the name of your school actually matters if you intend on having a career in academic med)

UMich has great study abroad programs that employ a superior network of connections (you can do rotations/research pretty much anywhere in the world; and guess what, they pay for it, too)

I think the systems-based approach and weekly quizzes play to my strengths and allow me to avoid my weaknesses, hence allowing me to digest a large amount of information in a doable amount of time --> more time for me to pursue my interests.

I really wouldn't say that in general (i.e. for everyone) the educational opportunities will be better at UMich, but for me they are to some degree.
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Labslave, I mean no disrespect, but why is it even a question which school you should choose? You have made a great case here for Michigan, and it seems (from what I've garnered from the above statements) that Michigan is where you want to go. Sure, a substantial scholarship is nice, but, in the end, you should go where you will be able to be the best student you can be. After all, that's what you're paying for, regardless of whether it's $20K a year or $60K a year. You're obviously not as enthusiastic about Maryland as you are about Michigan - this should be a sign to you.

Both are great schools. But you can only go to one. Choose the one that you really believe fits you best. Otherwise, you'll always wonder, "what if..."

I'll stop being preachy now.
 
supa said:
Slooooow down cowpoke. Whaddya mean not your choice of neighborhood? Anything I should know b4 I spend my hard earned money?!?
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You should check it out first, in person. It isn't dangerous or anything, but I wouldn't exactly call it classy either. Not exactly the most educated area.

There are crappy areas (Dundalk, Essex) around it. Sometimes Middle River smells 😉
 
I'm trying to fill out my fin aid forms.

Who are you choosing as your lender?

I used Sallie Mae while in grad school...but my loans are all paid off. Should I put them down again for the sake of consistency? Or is it better to use UMB?
 
LadyWolverine said:
I'm going to check it out on Friday. I think I'd really like to live there...yes, it's pricy, but it's so close to campus, the building is nice and SAFE, they've got a lounge and a gym, and parking. But I'm going to set up appointments at some other area apartment buildings as well. I'll let you know what I find out!!

The way I look at it, if I'm going to MD, I'm saving a lot of money on tuition, so I can spend a little extra on a nice place to live. Check out their floor plans...there's a link on their website. I like the really big 1-bedroom!!
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Yes the buiding is nice, but check out the City Paper for B-more living ops . I have lived in the city for quite a while and you can find some great deals through private landlords. See you in class Aug 10! 😀
 
I'm not sure either, I'm going to do some research on all the lenders they recommend and see if there is a difference. I used HSBC for undergrad, but I later consolidated my loans and they don't have them anymore. Now Nelnet does.
 
Hey everyone FYI:

After an extremely frustrating 30 minutes on the phone with Nelnet (my previous lender) speaking with one of the most incompetent customer service reps ever, I finally called the financial aid office at Maryland. The guy from Nelnet couldn't find the right lender code for Maryland so I gave up and am going to choose one of the ones they have listed. I asked the financial aid office if they recommended anyone and actually they're not allowed to do that. But they did tell me one difference I think everyone should know:

Of all the "preferred" lenders listed, only UMB and Student Loan Xpress DO NOT charge origination fees. So all the others charge a fee between 1-3% to open the loan. All the lenders listed are simply the ones used most frequently by UMB students.

There are other "perks" each lender offers in repayment but I just thought that the origination fee was one tidbit a lot of people might want to know as they are making these decisions.
 
Ok, I'm not quite sure my previous post is right. For example, I called Wells Fargo and while there is a 3% fee they must send to the government, they do it for you and don't charge you for it. I'm making a spreadsheet comparing some stuff. I'll let you guys know when I finish it. 😳

Maybe I should actually do some "work" at work at some point. Ah well. 😛
 
Ok I finished my spreadsheet. I think its useless. 🙂 Also I couldn't get any information from Independence Federal Savings Bank and dealing with them just made me decide not to try any harder. If anyone wants to see my spreadsheet, PM me your e-mail and I'll send it. I don't know how helpful it will be though.
 
Hello guys! I have a random question...I'm trying to get ahold of a U of Md student. Do you guys know what the tail of your e-mail addresses for the students will be? (i.e. first.last@???.edu) Is it first initial/last name? I tried what I found on the school's website, but it keeps sending me a delivery failure.

Thanks a bunch. (Congrats new med students!)
 
first letter of first name, first 4 letters of last name and 3 numbers,
eg for- tom smith- [email protected] (this isn't a real email) although it might be
 
Labslave said:
I heavily favor Michigan's curriculum. P/F (strictly pass/fail, none of that H, HP, P, F stuff) for the first two years, students do well on the boards, etc.

Location-wise, Michigan has the edge as well, although the weather would most certainly be much worse in Ann Arbor.

Facilities are a draw (both are really nice).

I guess what I'm trying to ask here is: what makes you guys so enthusiastic about MD? The money is definitely a plus, but it'd be nice to hear what everyone thinks about the school itself as well. This is a hard decision because it's not just about prestige vs. money.
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as a first year at UMD, I can tell you the reason why I like the school so much is because- (in no specific order)
1) extremely easy schedule
2) very friendly atmosphere, both students and faculty,
3) tremendous research oppurtunities in whatever field of interest one might have,
4) you seem like a smart kid, honors A B C may be a better system to show that you shine
5) grades don't really matter all that much during the first two years anyways.
6) I like it.
7) you don't even begin to realize what it will mean not to have much debt when you graduate

ttfn
 
rapshi said:
first letter of first name, first 4 letters of last name and 3 numbers,
eg for- tom smith- [email protected] (this isn't a real email) although it might be
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Rats. So I'd have to know their number? Well, there goes that idea. Heh. I guess I'll just try and contact them through their Student Affairs office.
 
LS and Coz: What did you guys come up with on the "Lender" section? Do you think UMB is the best bet? I was leaning hardest in that direction.
 
LadyWolverine said:
LS and Coz: What did you guys come up with on the "Lender" section? Do you think UMB is the best bet? I was leaning hardest in that direction.
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I actually ended up choosing Bank of America. UMB is good, as they have the whole 1% interest rate reduction after 24 months of ontime payments and another 1% after 48 months, but I liked the 1% return of your principle every 12 months for 36 months that BofA has. I tend to pay more than minimum payments anyway. But that's just a personal choice.
 
LucidSplash said:
UMB is good, as they have the whole 1% interest rate reduction after 24 months of ontime payments and another 1% after 48 months, but I liked the 1% return of your principle every 12 months for 36 months that BofA has. I tend to pay more than minimum payments anyway.
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That's awesome! I also tend to pay significantly more than the minimum...I like to get it over with ASAP. Sounds like BoA is the better of the two for people like us who hate being in debt.

It's hard enough trying to pick a medical school! Now we have to make more decisions?
 
So after talking to my boss and her accountant brother we seem to believe that UMB is the best deal. 2% interest reduction over 10 years is going to be much more accomodating than the 3% principal. Will make it easier to even double up on payments.

Nothing like free financial advice!
 
Cozmosis said:
So after talking to my boss and her accountant brother we seem to believe that UMB is the best deal. 2% interest reduction over 10 years is going to be much more accomodating than the 3% principal. Will make it easier to even double up on payments.

Nothing like free financial advice!
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True true. Did you figure into your calculations that you don't receive the 1% reduction for 24 months and the second 1% for 48 months? I'm just curious if that makes a big difference.
 
IMO, unless you pay it off under 3-4 years, you pretty much make out with the interest rate any time. The 3% is off of principal only, so -$4500 total doesn't even come close to adding up if you come over 4 years or so repayment.
 
Hello Marylanders..

Just got accepted into Maryland (received letter on 3/26 dated 3/21); interviewed on 1/25. I'm in state. Regarding the choice of a Lender: I actually called a UMB representative and she was telling me that they don't have any incentives. I'm surprise about you guys mentioning 2% off interest. Well, I guess she didn't really know what she was saying but she seemed quite certain. My undergrad loan is with THE (northstar). I made some research with the preferred lenders listed but I'm leaning towards THE. It credits u with 1.3% annual calc. of the principal each month for the duration of loan. Not sure if that's the best but will see....

Glad to see y'all keeping the spirit alive in here...Coz...LadyW...& others...keep the spirit. Leaving y'all the terp way.

-Gentle- 🙂
 
LucidSplash said:
That's weird because I got that information from someone at the financial aid office when I called yesterday. Hmm.
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FYI, I just called the financial aid office to clarify on the issue of the interest rate reduction after 24 and 48 consecutive on-time payments. I spoke with Lisa, and she confirmed that the previously stated interest rate reduction incentive does in fact exist. She postulated that perhaps the person Gentle spoke with misunderstood and indicated there was no incentive over any other lender, given that all lenders give some sort of incentive (though as we've already established they are not all the same).
 
So I still haven't decided, but I think I'm going to go with UMB. No origination fee, plus the interest rate reduction incentive...sounds like the way to go. On my grad school (Sallie Mae) loans, the origination fee was ridiculous. Plus that's money you have to make up right away by either 1) taking out more loans, or 2) covering out-of-pocket, right?

I really hate this!

PS what are your REAL names? PM me and tell me! It's disconcerting to think that I'll be sitting in class with folks named "Lucid Splash" and "Gentle".
 
LadyWolverine said:
So I still haven't decided, but I think I'm going to go with UMB. No origination fee, plus the interest rate reduction incentive...sounds like the way to go. On my grad school (Sallie Mae) loans, the origination fee was ridiculous. Plus that's money you have to make up right away by either 1) taking out more loans, or 2) covering out-of-pocket, right?

I really hate this!

PS what are your REAL names? PM me and tell me! It's disconcerting to think that I'll be sitting in class with folks named "Lucid Splash" and "Gentle".
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Lol - you mean you don't look like the scary clown in your avatar? I assumed I would just look for the scary clown.

I also decided to go with UMB. I faxed in a new form and asked them to throw out the old one. I felt bad for being a pain, but hopefully it wasn't too inconvenient.

Hey, I also wanted to put it out there that I have a spare room with a very very comfortable futon that anyone coming out to look for a place before July can stay in if they'd like. Right now we live about 30 minutes from B-more, so its not like we're right in the city, but our lease isn't up until the end of June so we won't be moving until then. Anyone that needs a place to crash while looking for an apartment or such is welcome to stay with us. Again, you'd have to drive a little or take the MARC train to get there, but I figured I'd offer in case anyone was really looking to to pinch a few pennies.
 
I'm going with UMB, though I don't know how to tell anyone that. What gives?

LW: When you get everyone's real name you should tell them mine, compile a list, and send them to me! I'm curious too.
 
Cozmosis said:
I'm going with UMB, though I don't know how to tell anyone that. What gives?

LW: When you get everyone's real name you should tell them mine, compile a list, and send them to me! I'm curious too.
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Coz - you have mark your lender on one of the forms on SURFS that we have to fill out.

LW: Ditto on sending me that list. Although I would like to shame all of you into putting up pictures on the premed picture thread. I think SuzieQ and I are the only ones brave enough so far. 😀
 
LucidSplash said:
Coz - you have mark your lender on one of the forms on SURFS that we have to fill out.
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Weird. I don't have a form that asks that.

Is it: Borrower Disclosure form? Because it says it there under satisfied and says it was cancelled. WTF? Maybe I'll call them tomorrow.
 
Cozmosis said:
Weird. I don't have a form that asks that.

Is it: Borrower Disclosure form? Because it says it there under satisfied and says it was cancelled. WTF? Maybe I'll call them tomorrow.
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Yes that's the form. Its a pdf, so I bet I can send it to you. Actually, I just did. Check your e-mail.
 
Did you guys get a "2006-2007 UMB New Student Message" email after being accepted? The reason I ask is, I just received that email today, but I have yet to hear from them regarding an acceptance 😕 🙄 I went ahead and added them to my FAFSA prior to interviewing b/c I thought it would speed the finaid process and didn't think it could hurt. SOOO, I'm wondering whether this was just a mistake and got sent to me cuz i put them on FAFSA or that i actually got in... 😳 wishful thinking, i know 😳 Any thoughts???
 
tweetledee said:
Did you guys get a "2006-2007 UMB New Student Message" email after being accepted? The reason I ask is, I just received that email today, but I have yet to hear from them regarding an acceptance 😕 🙄 I went ahead and added them to my FAFSA prior to interviewing b/c I thought it would speed the finaid process and didn't think it could hurt. SOOO, I'm wondering whether this was just a mistake and got sent to me cuz i put them on FAFSA or that i actually got in... 😳 wishful thinking, i know 😳 Any thoughts???
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Yes, I think I got it the Monday after I received my acceptance letter in the mail. But since I was just accepted recently, it could have been a coincidence. I know I could log into SURFS last year even though I was waitlisted.

Also, I obviously need more things to do at work right now, given my increased frequency of posting on SDN.
 
LucidSplash said:
Yes, I think I got it the Monday after I received my acceptance letter in the mail. But since I was just accepted recently, it could have been a coincidence. I know I could log into SURFS last year even though I was waitlisted.

Also, I obviously need more things to do at work right now, given my increased frequency of posting on SDN.
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Thanks for the reply, Lucid. I guess I'll just call them tomorrow and keep waiting...I can log into SURFS as well, so yeah, maybe it doesn't mean anything..
 
Hey Guys,

I have been looking for a UMD thread!!! I finally found it today. How have you guys been doing all alone (I read the previous lonely posts). I was actually accepted a while back but I have not had the chance to look over the forums. I am from the DC/MD area also. So a big HELLO for you DC/Marylanders out there 🙂 . YAAAA!!! Well I just wanted to say hello. Well and actually is UMD having a second look weekend?
 
tweetledee said:
Did you guys get a "2006-2007 UMB New Student Message" email after being accepted? The reason I ask is, I just received that email today, but I have yet to hear from them regarding an acceptance 😕 🙄 I went ahead and added them to my FAFSA prior to interviewing b/c I thought it would speed the finaid process and didn't think it could hurt. SOOO, I'm wondering whether this was just a mistake and got sent to me cuz i put them on FAFSA or that i actually got in... 😳 wishful thinking, i know 😳 Any thoughts???
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THANK YOU for asking that. jeez, i posted the same thread in the pre-allo section and nobody answered me 🙁

i got the same email. they are evil for putting "UMB new student" in the title of an email if we haven't heard yet. i got all excited. 🙁
 
Wow, they're coming out of the woodwork now, huh? Where were all you guys like 1 month ago? Looks like there's gonna be more than 8 people in that lecture hall after all. 🙂

A very big congrats to Gentle and Agape. SpeedRacer and tweedledee, I've got my fingers crossed for you guys...I think there's still probably a ton of acceptances waiting to go out. It's not even April yet, so relax! (As if that were possible).

LS, don't you worry. I'll show up to the first day of class in full scary-ass clown regalia, just so you can recognize me. Everybody will have to check their seats very carefully before sitting down, so that we don't squash our dear LS. After all, as her avatar suggests, she is only about 0.3 inches long. If SpeedRacer rolls up in the Mach 5, I'm leaving. That would just be too weird.

Since the acceptances seem to be pouring in, we should make a list of future Marylanders. I can compile the list (since I apparently have nothing better to do at work all day) and forward it to other UMD folks.

If you're interested, PM me with whatever of the following you are comfortable disclosing (the most important are bolded):

Real Name
Location (City, if you're in Maryland. City/State if you're not.)
Email Address
Instant Messenger(s), if applicable
Undergraduate/Graduate institution/grad year/major
Age (only if you feel like it)
Any other pertinent information (e.g. LS is offering to put people up who are searching for a place to live, some people are interested in finding roommates)
Favorite drink 🙂

That way, we can email each other with important stuff, like where our first
school-subsidized drinking trip will be held. Coz has suggested this place in Baltimore that serves margaritas in hubcaps. Or did I imagine that?
 
LucidSplash said:
I would like to shame all of you into putting up pictures on the premed picture thread. I think SuzieQ and I are the only ones brave enough so far. 😀
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OK, so I have this thing with flipping off the cameraman, so most of the pictures on my harddrive are inappropriate for SDN. I don't really wanna post pix in the pre-allo forum, anyway. So I'll put 'em here.


Me and one of my Seattle friends (I'm the one in front in white shirt):
viewphotos.php


*edit* for some reason, the site where my more "appropriate" photo album is hosted won't let me link my photos here. So instead, I used the picture from my Friendster account. I hardly ever use Friendster anymore 🙁
 
LadyWolverine said:
OK, so I have this thing with flipping off the cameraman, so most of the pictures on my harddrive are inappropriate for SDN. I don't really wanna post pix in the pre-allo forum, anyway. So I'll put 'em here.


Me and one of my Seattle friends (I'm the one in front in white shirt):
viewphotos.php


*edit* for some reason, the site where my more "appropriate" photo album is hosted won't let me link my photos here. So instead, I used the picture from my Friendster account. I hardly ever use Friendster anymore 🙁
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No, my fav is definitely the guy biting your ass. :laugh: Also, curses on you for making me create a friendster account. I will have to delete it now. 🙄
 
Hey LadyW,

How do you PM someone? And does anyone know about a 2nd look weekend? Oh and I like you picture LW, you look like you are in a very CHILL mode. lol. Well congrads to everyone who has been accepted and Good Luck for those of you still waiting. I am sure everything will work out fine so just chill and try not to worry to much.
 
Hey LW,
Forget about telling me how to use PM, I just found out where it is located.

Thanx
 
SpeedRacer said:
THANK YOU for asking that. jeez, i posted the same thread in the pre-allo section and nobody answered me 🙁

i got the same email. they are evil for putting "UMB new student" in the title of an email if we haven't heard yet. i got all excited. 🙁
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I called the finaid office this morning and the lady I spoke to said it was sent out to all students. Now whether that means just all current/accepted students or everyone including applicants, I don't know. She did say that you can still submit finaid info even before you are accepted, so I guess "all students" meant current/accepted/applicants still waiting to hear? 🙄

And yes, I agree, the "new student" part of that subject line is very misleading 😳

I guess the wait continues. It's funny how waiting around has become a way of life--I don't even question it anymore 😛 Good luck, SpeedRacer I hope you hear good news soon! :luck:
 
AGAPE487 said:
Hey LadyW,

How do you PM someone? And does anyone know about a 2nd look weekend? Oh and I like you picture LW, you look like you are in a very CHILL mode. lol. Well congrads to everyone who has been accepted and Good Luck for those of you still waiting. I am sure everything will work out fine so just chill and try not to worry to much.
Click to expand...

Hey Agape. UMD does not have a formal second look weekend, but I have heard that in the past others have done one on their own. If you call the admissions office, they might be able to help out (give you a schedule of classes, etc.)
 
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