UT Houston Class of 2009! part 01

[getunconcsious]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Yes I agree, we are an attractive group 😛 I wondered who everyone was from SDN, only met a couple. I totally know who I'm going to be tight with next year tho.

 

[Brain]

Welcome weekend was fun. Did everyone get a wicked sun burn? I look like a lobster now. For some reason I thought we were going to be indoors.

 

[getunconcsious]

Yeah, the sunburn sucks really really bad. Who thought it was a good idea to chillax outside for four hours?

 

[Stitch626]

Yeah, the sunburn sucks really really bad. Who thought it was a good idea to chillax outside for four hours?

I know...I am wearing my worst sunburn ever and my brother has been calling me "Tomato face". Rather endearing, huh?

Does anyone know:
1) About how much we will receive in financial aid per year?
2) When financial aid packages will be announced/awarded?

I'm trying to figure out a preliminary budget for next year so I can decide on an apt.

 

[Brain]

Cancelled my flight and didn't call like other airlines do. And every flight from Hobby to ATL is booked solid so I get to spend another night in Houston. Oh well, all I'll miss tomorrow is setting up some PCR. Sob sob 🙄

 

[baylorfan05]

Hey there! I emailed the office last week and they said that last year's amt. awarded was $30,218. she also said that our year, the budget will increase. Hope that helps! Michael

 

[SEUPATTY]

Aside form the terrible sun burn I had a good time at welcome weekend as well 🙂 . I didn't really get to meet a ton of people but everyone I met was cool. It will be nice to really get to know everyone at the retreat.

 

[Stitch626]

Hey there! I emailed the office last week and they said that last year's amt. awarded was $30,218. she also said that our year, the budget will increase. Hope that helps! Michael

Thanks Michael! 🙂

 

[SteveUTexas]

I would guess the one by SpiderHouse. I have golf lessons till 8 but I'll high tail it over as fast as i can. Any one else in Austin down?

Can't wait to meet you guys at welcome weekend. Unless some disaster happens I should be there. 😀

Yeah, I was talking about the one by SpiderHouse. Hope to see some of the Austinites there (Trudy's) tomorrow.

Come as late as you want. We are usually there pretty late.

--Stephen

 

[PeterGriffin]

I know...I am wearing my worst sunburn ever and my brother has been calling me "Tomato face". Rather endearing, huh?

Does anyone know:
1) About how much we will receive in financial aid per year?
2) When financial aid packages will be announced/awarded?

I'm trying to figure out a preliminary budget for next year so I can decide on an apt.

I got about $29,000 in loans and about $3000 in grants for this school year. I don't remember when they were announced, but you don't get the money until sometime around the weekend before school starts. Some people didn't get there money until a week or so into classes.

 

[relema]

I have to agree with everyone that welcome weekend was fun and everyone was really nice.The 4 hrs in the sun got me sort of. I am proof sunscreen works if worn properly . I have red stripes and spots where I missed sunscreen. 🙂

 

[PeterGriffin]

I have to agree with everyone that welcome weekend was fun and everyone was really nice.The 4 hrs in the sun got me sort of. I am proof sunscreen works if worn properly . I have red stripes and spots where I missed sunscreen. 🙂

I have raccoon eyes from my sunglasses...but i put on zero sunscreen so i'm cooked all over

 

[getunconcsious]

I got about $29,000 in loans and about $3000 in grants for this school year. I don't remember when they were announced, but you don't get the money until sometime around the weekend before school starts. Some people didn't get there money until a week or so into classes.

Are you serious? And you're a texas resident? 😱

I hate to say this but folks I may not be seeing yall again in August after all...

 

[PeterGriffin]

Are you serious? And you're a texas resident? 😱

I hate to say this but folks I may not be seeing yall again in August after all...

I don't think I'll end up spending all of that though

 

[jdovez]

I don't think I'll end up spending all of that though

Seriously, I am sure it all depends on the lifestyle you want to keep. Just do the math. If school and school related costs are say 13,000 (I am including books and whatnot, and still this seems like it might be high). Then you say you will spend 500 a month on rent and living expenses (assuming having a roommate). Now say you spend 300 on food and 300 in discretionary spending (ie going out, medical expenses, etc). That would bring you up to just about 26,200 for the year and that doesn't include if you did something over the summer that would net you income. Obviously, if you have any grants or scholarhips that would defray some of that expense or if you have any money coming in. Considering that is far less than most people spend on private undergraduate tuition, without including living expenses, this school is a proverbial "steal." I do not think it is possible (except perhaps in a couple of other Texas medical schools) to have a less expensive total medical school cost.

 

[musicman1991]

don't forget. we are only going to be young for so long. be sure to spend some money to have a nice lifestyle too! we always end up living for the future in medicine.

 

[jdovez]

Oh yeah, and weekend was fun, though my shoulders seem to be pretty unhappy with the lack of a timely application of sunscreen.

On another note, did anyone else receive the letter from Dean Gunn informing us that they know we are holding another acceptance and they want us to decide by April 25? This is a full 3 weeks earlier than I was anticipating making a decision and adeptly applies more pressure than I was hoping for in april. I guess one must do what they must, but I would really like some financial aid information before I make a decision.

 

[Ylime]

I agree, Welcome Weekend was a lot of fun! I met some awesome current first years, including PeterGriffin... He's a really cool guy! I also got completely cooked by the sun. My 8-yr. old cousin said my face is magenta colored. I was the only MS0 there named Emily, in case any of you met me.

See you guys at Retreat!

Emily

 

[Stitch626]

I called the financial aid office this morning and they said they will begin processing award packages next week. If you want to know if they have everything they need for you on file, you can call their office at (713) 500-3860.

 

[cluelesspremed]

I agree, Welcome Weekend was a lot of fun! I met some awesome current first years, including PeterGriffin... He's a really cool guy! I also got completely cooked by the sun. My 8-yr. old cousin said my face is magenta colored. I was the only MS0 there named Emily, in case any of you met me.

See you guys at Retreat!

Emily

Definitely...I'm not sure who's who on here because I haven't really posted much (but feel free to msg me anytime!)so I dont know if I met any of you guys but all of the MS 0s I met seemed awesome - I, too, sure can't wait for retreat!

 

[jdovez]

I called the financial aid office this morning and they said they will begin processing award packages next week. If you want to know if they have everything they need for you on file, you can call their office at (713) 500-3860.

Thats so weird. I called this morning too and I was told that they would send out awards in "July.......or maybe June". I asked if it was really that late and the woman was like "yeah". So I have no clue. I am trying to decide between schools and that sure didn't help me one bit.

 

[getunconcsious]

Oh yeah, and weekend was fun, though my shoulders seem to be pretty unhappy with the lack of a timely application of sunscreen.

On another note, did anyone else receive the letter from Dean Gunn informing us that they know we are holding another acceptance and they want us to decide by April 25? This is a full 3 weeks earlier than I was anticipating making a decision and adeptly applies more pressure than I was hoping for in april. I guess one must do what they must, but I would really like some financial aid information before I make a decision.

I am holding one other acceptance but did not get this letter. Did he say that they'd drop us if we don't tell them by april 25? Gosh I wish I wasn't so indecisive...I really want to go to UT-Houston, but I do not want to get stuck in the south, and it's soooooo expensive. But I like the school so much better than Nevada. I don't know what to do!

 

[Brain]

Seriously, I am sure it all depends on the lifestyle you want to keep. Just do the math. If school and school related costs are say 13,000 (I am including books and whatnot, and still this seems like it might be high). Then you say you will spend 500 a month on rent and living expenses (assuming having a roommate). Now say you spend 300 on food and 300 in discretionary spending (ie going out, medical expenses, etc). That would bring you up to just about 26,200 for the year and that doesn't include if you did something over the summer that would net you income. Obviously, if you have any grants or scholarhips that would defray some of that expense or if you have any money coming in. Considering that is far less than most people spend on private undergraduate tuition, without including living expenses, this school is a proverbial "steal." I do not think it is possible (except perhaps in a couple of other Texas medical schools) to have a less expensive total medical school cost.

According to the back of the t-shirts from welcome weekend, the average debt is about $83,000 so people are probably spending less than 26,200. Also, I seem to recall that scholarship notifications come out on the 15th of this month so that should help some of you that are deciding.

Now back to avoiding writing a paper that's due tomorrow.... 😱

 

[jdovez]

I am holding one other acceptance but did not get this letter. Did he say that they'd drop us if we don't tell them by april 25? Gosh I wish I wasn't so indecisive...I really want to go to UT-Houston, but I do not want to get stuck in the south, and it's soooooo expensive. But I like the school so much better than Nevada. I don't know what to do!

So I was a little concerned by this and called the office this morning. Jessamyn told me that they would just LIKE us to decide by then. I indicated that financial aid will play a role in my decision and will not receive this info til probably after that time and she was very nice. She said they will "not withdraw the acceptance or anything" they just would like to solidify the class. She said Texas doesnt require a decision until June 1. I told her most other schools require may 15, and therefore would know by then and she seemed satisfied. Therefore, I think this is their DESIRE but not a necessity.

 

[jdovez]

According to the back of the t-shirts from welcome weekend, the average debt is about $83,000 so people are probably spending less than 26,200. Also, I seem to recall that scholarship notifications come out on the 15th of this month so that should help some of you that are deciding.

Now back to avoiding writing a paper that's due tomorrow.... 😱

I read the shirt also and think thats a good place to start. However, I think its also probable that many students either receive financial support from family, or have some sort of other assistance. Therefore, I do not think its far fetched to think that the cost for 4 years of moderate spending would be about 104K. With that said though, I also think that the 83K figure is based on the last or previous class figures. I know that the Texas legislature recently (last couple years I believe) allowed the UT schools to raise tuition given the state financial crunch. Therefore, tuition has increased slightly and will probably continue this trend for the next 4 years (I am assuming at a max of 1K per year if that). Therefore, the current class will owe slightly more than the 83 given the recent and continuing increases in tuition. Anyway, its still (in my opinion) the least expensive medical education one can receive in the states (with the POSSIBLE exception of Baylor).

 

[Stitch626]

Thats so weird. I called this morning too and I was told that they would send out awards in "July.......or maybe June". I asked if it was really that late and the woman was like "yeah". So I have no clue. I am trying to decide between schools and that sure didn't help me one bit.

I'm not really sure what their definition of "processing" financial aid packages is, but perhaps they just meant data entry. Whatever the woman told you is probably more likely.

p.s. What other schools are you considering, if you don't mind my asking?

 

[txguy]

Oh yeah, and weekend was fun, though my shoulders seem to be pretty unhappy with the lack of a timely application of sunscreen.

On another note, did anyone else receive the letter from Dean Gunn informing us that they know we are holding another acceptance and they want us to decide by April 25? This is a full 3 weeks earlier than I was anticipating making a decision and adeptly applies more pressure than I was hoping for in april. I guess one must do what they must, but I would really like some financial aid information before I make a decision.

 

[jdovez]

I'm not really sure what their definition of "processing" financial aid packages is, but perhaps they just meant data entry. Whatever the woman told you is probably more likely.

p.s. What other schools are you considering, if you don't mind my asking?

I have not heard too much good or bad about the financial aid office, so I really do not know what information is correct. I will say that the woman seemed vague and like she really didn't know what was going on. However, I did call about a month back to see if they had received my FAFSA and I was told they would not even check the system until late april, so perhaps that is what she meant.

I don't mind your asking at all. I am still considering the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I have a friend who is an MS II there who really loves the place. Additionally, I am originally from NYC and have a great many friends and some family still up there. The cost is a tremendous negative, but the other conditions make this a very difficult decision. I am hoping that I will be struck with epiphany before May 15.

As others have mentioned, I enjoyed welcome weekend and getting out to meet people. Everyone I spoke with seemed pretty nice, although I will admit, I was not as outgoing as normal. There were a bit more people there than I expected and the sun was pretty draining. Also, the bar scene isn't my particular strong suit (I bet I was one of the FEW people there that doesn't particularly revel in alcoholic consumption).

 

[EEEEE]

i have this random question...

do you plan on paying off your monthly credit card bills once you're in medical school?

just wondering since this will be the first time that i'll be on my own. if i can't pay off my monthly bills, i must find a credit card with low APR (mine are currently ~20%). advice please 🙂

 

[Brain]

I have not heard too much good or bad about the financial aid office, so I really do not know what information is correct. I will say that the woman seemed vague and like she really didn't know what was going on. However, I did call about a month back to see if they had received my FAFSA and I was told they would not even check the system until late april, so perhaps that is what she meant.

I don't mind your asking at all. I am still considering the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I have a friend who is an MS II there who really loves the place. Additionally, I am originally from NYC and have a great many friends and some family still up there. The cost is a tremendous negative, but the other conditions make this a very difficult decision. I am hoping that I will be struck with epiphany before May 15.

As others have mentioned, I enjoyed welcome weekend and getting out to meet people. Everyone I spoke with seemed pretty nice, although I will admit, I was not as outgoing as normal. There were a bit more people there than I expected and the sun was pretty draining. Also, the bar scene isn't my particular strong suit (I bet I was one of the FEW people there that doesn't particularly revel in alcoholic consumption).

You weren't the only one there that doesn't get much out of drinking. I didn't have a thing to drink. I had to drive back to Sugar Land and I'm pretty small so it doesn't take much to put me in a condition that I shouldn't be driving in. Plus it's just not something I'm all that in to. The Lounge wasn't the best environment for mingling, too loud and crowded but the people I did get to talk to though were cool and I had fun.

 

[ajnak182]

Welcome weekend was pretty money, I must say. The only downers were that I'm still very much blatantly caucasian (I wore sunscreen) and that my hopes of becoming the first male on the women's olympic beach volleyball team (playing a sport surrounded by hot women in bathing suits? SOLD 👍 ) were all but dashed, as I realized I suck at the sport. Hand-eye coordination is obviously a necessity, and the sport shamelessly rubbed my lack of such dexterity in my face just as my 4th grade art teacher did when she told me, "well, at least you're good at math." Whata bitch... That said, I had a great time. How can you not have a great time when there's free beer involved? g'night

AJ

 

[ajnak182]

I *heart* being on top

AJ

 

[relema]

Welcome weekend was pretty money, I must say. The only downers were that I'm still very much blatantly caucasian (I wore sunscreen) and that my hopes of becoming the first male on the women's olympic beach volleyball team (playing a sport surrounded by hot women in bathing suits? SOLD 👍 ) were all but dashed, as I realized I suck at the sport. Hand-eye coordination is obviously a necessity, and the sport shamelessly rubbed my lack of such dexterity in my face just as my 4th grade art teacher did when she told me, "well, at least you're good at math." Whata bitch... That said, I had a great time. How can you not have a great time when there's free beer involved? g'night

AJ

i had quite a few moments of sucking too but I think most of us were not champions in the sport that day 😛

 

[PeterGriffin]

i had quite a few moments of sucking too but I think most of us were not champions in the sport that day 😛

the Destroyers were all champions that day!

 

[PeterGriffin]

I agree, Welcome Weekend was a lot of fun! I met some awesome current first years, including PeterGriffin... He's a really cool guy! I also got completely cooked by the sun. My 8-yr. old cousin said my face is magenta colored. I was the only MS0 there named Emily, in case any of you met me.

See you guys at Retreat!

Emily

I have to say that Welcome Weekend was even more fun this year than last. Someone at school today said that we had over 160 incomings show up. I think we had about 100 last year, so that is awsome. Can't wait for Retreat!

I got to meet some Ylime and Ajnak182 who were both really cool. Of course I got a little too much sun at the Rec and got a little too drunk at the Lounge, but oh well. Can't wait to meet the rest of you at Retreat!!!

 

[PeterGriffin]

I agree, Welcome Weekend was a lot of fun! I met some awesome current first years, including PeterGriffin... He's a really cool guy! I also got completely cooked by the sun. My 8-yr. old cousin said my face is magenta colored. I was the only MS0 there named Emily, in case any of you met me.

See you guys at Retreat!

Emily

I have to say that Welcome Weekend was even more fun this year than last. Someone at school today said that we had over 160 incomings show up. I think we had about 100 last year, so that is awsome. Can't wait for Retreat!

I got to meet some Ylime and Ajnak182 who were both really cool. Of course I got a little too much sun at the Rec and got a little too drunk at the Lounge, but oh well. Can't wait to meet the rest of you at Retreat!!!

 

[PeterGriffin]

I agree, Welcome Weekend was a lot of fun! I met some awesome current first years, including PeterGriffin... He's a really cool guy! I also got completely cooked by the sun. My 8-yr. old cousin said my face is magenta colored. I was the only MS0 there named Emily, in case any of you met me.

See you guys at Retreat!

Emily

I have to say that Welcome Weekend was even more fun this year than last. Someone at school today said that we had over 160 incomings show up. I think we had about 100 last year, so that is awsome. Can't wait for Retreat!

I got to meet some Ylime and Ajnak182 who were both really cool. Of course I got a little too much sun at the Rec and got a little too drunk at the Lounge, but oh well. Can't wait to meet the rest of you at Retreat!!!

 

[jdovez]

I have to say that Welcome Weekend was even more fun this year than last. Someone at school today said that we had over 160 incomings show up. I think we had about 100 last year, so that is awsome. Can't wait for Retreat!

I got to meet some Ylime and Ajnak182 who were both really cool. Of course I got a little too much sun at the Rec and got a little too drunk at the Lounge, but oh well. Can't wait to meet the rest of you at Retreat!!!

Still a little drunk there pete?

 

[Ylime]

Still a little drunk there pete?

Either that or he just wanted to be REALLY sure he got his point across!

 

[PeterGriffin]

Still a little drunk there pete?

Damn straight! I've still got 3 weeks of relative calm before finals start so i'm gonna enjoy it as much as i can 😀

 

[::Seabass::]

Damn straight! I've still got 3 weeks of relative calm before finals start so i'm gonna enjoy it as much as i can 😀

but I've only got 3 days left of basic sciences EVER!!!!

god its great to be a MS2!


and PS - I was really bummed to hear a welcome weekend/retreat tradition didn't happen this year. 🙁

 

[Ylime]

Is anyone looking for a roommate still? There aren't too many people listed on the housing site...

Emily

 

[::Seabass::]

FYI peeps:

Medical School breaks ground for a new era in research

Medical School Dean Stanley G. Schultz, M.D. and the Medical School family welcomed guests to the school’s Fifth Floor Gallery this morning (4/12/05) to witness the ceremonial groundbreaking for its new research facility. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, Development Board members and Texas Medical Center friends gathered for the occasion.

The new research facility – the first building the Medical School has constructed in 30 years – will be built on the site of the now demolished John H. Freeman Building, which is adjacent to the Medical School Building on the corner of Fannin and John Freeman Blvd.

Construction on the six-story, 208,500 gross-square-feet building is due to be completed by fall 2007 at an estimated cost of $78 million. The structure will house four floors of research programs in new and promising areas – the neurobiology of human development; the molecular biology of human pathogens; physiological genomics or systems biology; and structural biology. The building will also be home to the Medical School’s new, state-of-the-art animal care center, which was destroyed by Tropical Storm Allison in 2001.

“Each person present today is part of our history and part of our future,” Schultz said in his opening remarks to the audience. “Today’s ceremony marks a new day and a new future for this Medical School. I thank each of you for sharing this moment with us.”

 

[jdovez]

FYI peeps:

Medical School breaks ground for a new era in research

Medical School Dean Stanley G. Schultz, M.D. and the Medical School family welcomed guests to the school’s Fifth Floor Gallery this morning (4/12/05) to witness the ceremonial groundbreaking for its new research facility. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, Development Board members and Texas Medical Center friends gathered for the occasion.

The new research facility – the first building the Medical School has constructed in 30 years – will be built on the site of the now demolished John H. Freeman Building, which is adjacent to the Medical School Building on the corner of Fannin and John Freeman Blvd.

Construction on the six-story, 208,500 gross-square-feet building is due to be completed by fall 2007 at an estimated cost of $78 million. The structure will house four floors of research programs in new and promising areas – the neurobiology of human development; the molecular biology of human pathogens; physiological genomics or systems biology; and structural biology. The building will also be home to the Medical School’s new, state-of-the-art animal care center, which was destroyed by Tropical Storm Allison in 2001.

“Each person present today is part of our history and part of our future,” Schultz said in his opening remarks to the audience. “Today’s ceremony marks a new day and a new future for this Medical School. I thank each of you for sharing this moment with us.”

More med center construction......woo hooo

 

[PeterGriffin]

but I've only got 3 days left of basic sciences EVER!!!!

god its great to be a MS2!


and PS - I was really bummed to hear a welcome weekend/retreat tradition didn't happen this year. 🙁

Lucky!

...what tradition did we screw up?? 😕

 

[jdovez]

Lucky!

...what tradition did we screw up?? 😕

No streaking this year eh?

 

[getunconcsious]

Hey Jdovez, I finally got their stupid intimidating letter. I've figured a way to make my decision. I'll call on April 26. If they've given up my spot then I'm going to Nevada, if not I'll drop Nevada. But it pisses me off that they want us to make a decision almost a month before the AAMC says we have to.

 

[jdovez]

Hey Jdovez, I finally got their stupid intimidating letter. I've figured a way to make my decision. I'll call on April 26. If they've given up my spot then I'm going to Nevada, if not I'll drop Nevada. But it pisses me off that they want us to make a decision almost a month before the AAMC says we have to.

Yeah I concur. I mean within the letter it would be much better if they explained their position and explained that they are REQUESTING that we decide. After all, disclosure of why they want this could only help them actually get people to make the decision when they desire. I have read that some schools (ones that start earlier than others) can require people to decide up to a full month in advance, so I was'nt sure what was up with the letter, but I trust the info from jessamyn, so I think your spot is safe.

 

[::Seabass::]

More med center construction......woo hooo

but its really good for the school! and so far demolishing the other building they haven't blocked anything off yet. your class will have the least construction to deal with ever since the flood so it won't be bad.

 

[::Seabass::]

Lucky!

...what tradition did we screw up?? 😕

mmm, don't want to rat it out on SDN since I know people who are applying this cycle are either reading this thread or will go back and read it later....lets just refer to it as the 'infiltration'

I heard your class didn't think it was as cool due to a littler website slip up or something like that from my class, but I know we have always had a lot of fun doing it in the past. hopefully it will be back in place next year. 🙂