UT Houston Class of 2009! part 01

[Brain]

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OK, I don't know the least bit about real estate, but it seems to me that in order to get a condo you have to have a decent down payment. Is this not correct? Also, does it not cost money to maintain and in taxes and the like on top of the mortgage? Does anyone know the average (or range) of lower to mid ranged condos in the med center area? I haven't really considered this because although I don't like pissing away my money on rent, I figured it would be too $$ of a proposition to purchase something. Any thoughts?

There are ways of getting around having a down payment. I know someone who bought a condo in Las Vegas without one. I can ask him about it next time I talk to him if anyone is interested. And yes, you do have to pay taxes (which I heard are steep in Harris County) on top of a mortgage and association fees. However, I've heard of several med students doing this so it can't be that bad. You could probably take a roomate to help with the expenses. One benefit to buying is that you'll build up equity and not be throwing away money as you mentioned.

 

[Brain]

Hey everyone! My name is Michael and I'm going to be one of your classmates! I really look forward to meeting all of you and getting to know you better. By the way, is anyone else having trouble getting motivated to finish out the last semester? I know I am! Well, yall have a great day! Go UT HOuston!!!!!!

Hi Michael,
Yes I'm tempted to just say C=degree for this last semester. I won't because I know it may come back to haunt me. And I have to write a thesis for which the lit review and methods are due on Monday!! Why didn't I decide to apply in undergrad like everyone else? Okay, I'm done ranting for the day 🙂

 

[KristenLS]

OK, I don't know the least bit about real estate, but it seems to me that in order to get a condo you have to have a decent down payment. Is this not correct? Also, does it not cost money to maintain and in taxes and the like on top of the mortgage? Does anyone know the average (or range) of lower to mid ranged condos in the med center area? I haven't really considered this because although I don't like pissing away my money on rent, I figured it would be too $$ of a proposition to purchase something. Any thoughts?

You usually do need a down payment to purchase a home, but the amount of the down payment really depends on how much the house costs. I've been looking at them on the internet; I did a google search. On the remax website, they gave you an estimate of the monthly payments. Some of the condos I found were really reasonable...though I'm not quite sure how close some of them are to the TMC. A lot of them that I saw the monthly fee includes your utilities, so it might not be as bad as you think.

 

[ajnak182]

You usually do need a down payment to purchase a home, but the amount of the down payment really depends on how much the house costs. I've been looking at them on the internet; I did a google search. On the remax website, they gave you an estimate of the monthly payments. Some of the condos I found were really reasonable...though I'm not quite sure how close some of them are to the TMC. A lot of them that I saw the monthly fee includes your utilities, so it might not be as bad as you think.

Basically, for a $100,000 piece of property, you need a downpayment around $5,000 (about 5% of property value). However, a larger downpayment is a much better idea, as it will save you a substantial amount of money over time in the way of finance charges (smaller principal=less interest accrued) and will reduce your monthly payments. Additionally, since borrowing rates are rising and are likely to continue rising courtesy of Alan Greenspan, those finance charges become even more substantial and thus a larger downpayment is more beneficial now than it would have been 5 years ago. Late

AJ

 

[MadameLULU]

OK, I don't know the least bit about real estate, but it seems to me that in order to get a condo you have to have a decent down payment. Is this not correct? Also, does it not cost money to maintain and in taxes and the like on top of the mortgage? Does anyone know the average (or range) of lower to mid ranged condos in the med center area? I haven't really considered this because although I don't like pissing away my money on rent, I figured it would be too $$ of a proposition to purchase something. Any thoughts?

This is the best investment you could make here! I've seen property values double in the six years that i've been in the area. If you are looking for a 1/1 in condoland, I'm sure you can find one anywhere from 80K to 140K. I've seen small 2/1.5 or 2/2 range from 100K on up.

 

[Keberson]

Thanks, although it does give away my plot to take over the world 🙂

brain...awesome mcat score. Can we be friends, hahaha....

No, seriously..good job.

 

[Keberson]

hey guys...I missed that party thing get together. Oh well. I guess I'll meet you all eventually. If anybody wants to talk about UTH, I'm kind of isolated since I'm out of college. PM me or something and maybe we could chat over the phone or meet up or something.

 

[Keberson]

Also..is anybody messing with financial aid yet. I'm kind of lost on it. How about that scholarship. Anybody know anything about it?
🙁
I hate thinking about money, arg!

 

[Valtry]

Well, isn't this my luck. I got back from lunch and a note on my door said, "We tried to deliver a package, but you were not here. Please pick your envelope tomorrow morning." Grr....I'm just so anxious to actually see my acceptance in writing....🙂

 

[getunconcsious]

Hey guys! I'm still giddy over being accepted! UT-H apparentely sent the letter to my permanent address...in NEVADA! So they're sending me another one. My advice is if you haven't yet gotten your letter and think you should have it by now, just call admissions and find out where they sent it. You may be surprised, lol.

 

[RangerD]

I mailed mine into today! I guess it's official..

 

[b-real]

Hey guys! I'm still giddy over being accepted! UT-H apparentely sent the letter to my permanent address...in NEVADA! So they're sending me another one. My advice is if you haven't yet gotten your letter and think you should have it by now, just call admissions and find out where they sent it. You may be surprised, lol.

So did everyone's letters arrive at their permanent address?

 

[LanceP97]

I was just in the Texas forum and everyone was talking about a Hepatitis B vaccination that's required. Should we get this done now or wait and see if the school offers it cheaper?

 

[::Seabass::]

I was just in the Texas forum and everyone was talking about a Hepatitis B vaccination that's required. Should we get this done now or wait and see if the school offers it cheaper?

I think you have to have all your immunization stuff in before school starts.

 

[Brain]

Hey guys! I'm still giddy over being accepted! UT-H apparentely sent the letter to my permanent address...in NEVADA! So they're sending me another one. My advice is if you haven't yet gotten your letter and think you should have it by now, just call admissions and find out where they sent it. You may be surprised, lol.

Very odd, I called them this morning and they said letters were mailed to the mailing address. Now I don't know where and when to expect mine.

 

[Brain]

Well, isn't this my luck. I got back from lunch and a note on my door said, "We tried to deliver a package, but you were not here. Please pick your envelope tomorrow morning." Grr....I'm just so anxious to actually see my acceptance in writing....🙂

So we have to sign for it? My mail carrier never knocks, just leaves the note. That'll be an extra day of unneccessary waiting 👎

 

[Valtry]

Mine was sent to my mailing address - though I was not present to receive it....🙁 So, I'll be at the post office window at 8:30 in the morning to pick it up!

 

[USCTex]

I was just in the Texas forum and everyone was talking about a Hepatitis B vaccination that's required. Should we get this done now or wait and see if the school offers it cheaper?

I imagine Houston is the same...SA has to get it done now (at least the first 2 shots...from what I understand...)

 

[jdovez]

I imagine Houston is the same...SA has to get it done now (at least the first 2 shots...from what I understand...)

What if you got the hep B vaccine many years ago? Do you need to get it again? I imagine not but I want to see if anyone knows. Thanks.

Oh, and damn RangerD you are quick.....I thought I was good getting this out tomorrow, but you got me beat.

 

[Stitch626]

I believe the Hep B vaccine is a 3 part series spanning over 6 months. You should probably get your first shot now.

 

[RangerD]

Oh, and damn RangerD you are quick.....I thought I was good getting this out tomorrow, but you got me beat.

Geez, I was mad at myself for not getting it back in the mail on Feb 2nd! If I could have made it to the post office before they closed, I would have.

Alright...alright...I know I'm a freak. I'm just excited I guess. I don't want to give them a chance to change their mind.

 

[EEEEE]

I am from Houston, and I received the official letter on Feb 2. Are you guys looking for housing at this time? Where to start. I am excited about going to med school, but also, I am happy to have my own place. for the very first time!

 

[Valtry]

Hey guys,

I think that this question was asked earlier, but a defnitive answer was not posted (or at least I couldn't find it). BUT if we got the Hep B shots before entering college (so Spring 2001) would they still be good or do we have to do them again?

Input would be appreciated!

 

[Brain]

Hey guys,

I think that this question was asked earlier, but a defnitive answer was not posted (or at least I couldn't find it). BUT if we got the Hep B shots before entering college (so Spring 2001) would they still be good or do we have to do them again?

Input would be appreciated!

They should still be good but you'll probably have to provide proof of it.

 

[jdovez]

They should still be good but you'll probably have to provide proof of it.

Proof....hmm....damnit

 

[musicman1991]

Which apartment complexs are along the rail line?.

I know Lanes Borough and Archstone Medical Center are, any other suggestions?

 

[uberstu]

hey guys, i'm in GA right now waiting to receive my acceptance letter from houston. I was wondering if anyone as far away as I has received their letter yet and if the letters are being sent to the "mailing address" not "permenant address".

 

[PeterGriffin]

Hey guys,

I think that this question was asked earlier, but a defnitive answer was not posted (or at least I couldn't find it). BUT if we got the Hep B shots before entering college (so Spring 2001) would they still be good or do we have to do them again?

Input would be appreciated!

I would assume that you would not have to get the Hep B shots again, but you might want to check on that. By the way, I'm an MS1 here, and I still haven't gotten all of my immunizations finished, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[Valtry]

Thanks for the input about the Hep B immunizations. I'll just have to sift through piles of papers to find proof, but that is better than getting them again....🙂

uberstu....I got mine at my mailing address not my permanent.

 

[Brain]

hey guys, i'm in GA right now waiting to receive my acceptance letter from houston. I was wondering if anyone as far away as I has received their letter yet and if the letters are being sent to the "mailing address" not "permenant address".

Where in GA are you? I'm in the Toco Hills/Emory area of Atlanta. I got mine today. It was mailed to my mailing address in Atlanta.

 

[Brain]

Question for you guys concerning the scholarship info:

Are these need or merit based?

 

[jdovez]

Question for you guys concerning the scholarship info:

Are these need or merit based?

Did you guys get any info about scholarships other than the one that you need to write the essay and get the rec for?

 

[Valtry]

That was the only one that I got info for.

 

[SocialistMD]

First off, let me congratulate all of you on your acceptance into UT. Our school is an awesome place, and you will all be given the opportunity to become great physicians.

While I will not be here by the time you all arrive, I offer my advice to any and all of you with questions about anything to do with the coming years (in four years, you'll find that you have a lot of free time during your senior year, especially when residency interviews are finished). I'll try and address the questions I've seen so far:

Re: Hep B- if you've finished the entire series of vaccinations (3), just provide records of it and you'll be fine. If you don't know where those records are, ask someone at the administrative office at your undergrad institution, as they should have them. Either that, or go where you had the vaccination placed. PeterGriffin is correct in that if you don't have the series finished by time you get here, it's ok, but try to get it started.

Re: housing on rail- There are quite a few apartment complexes on the rail line. The Greenbriar, Lanesborough and Archstone Medical are along the line in condoland. There are other apartment complexes in mid-town along the rail as well. There is also a free school shuttle that picks up on El Paseo. It is close to UT housing and many other apartment complexes in condoland. Also, many people (such as myself) park their cars on El Paseo and take the shuttle into the Medical Center (cheaper than paying for parking).

Re: scholarships- They are a bit of both. Most are need based, but there are some that are merit based, and some you get and you don't know why. Financial aid is good at taking care of you when it comes to things like this.

 

[Brain]

I just spent some time on the financial aid website. It's not very helpful. If they're going to use family income for these scholarships, it won't be worth me filling it out even though I'll be paying for this degree myself. I guess I'll just do it anyway because the worst they can do it tell me no. I think the major disadvantage of the Texas system is that we can't compare financial aid and scholarships from one school to another, even though I really think this it is very important criteria. There's a rumor going around that they're switching to a more rolling style of admissions. Anyone know anything about it?

 

[SocialistMD]

I just spent some time on the financial aid website. It's not very helpful. If they're going to use family income for these scholarships, it won't be worth me filling it out even though I'll be paying for this degree myself. I guess I'll just do it anyway because the worst they can do it tell me no. I think the major disadvantage of the Texas system is that we can't compare financial aid and scholarships from one school to another, even though I really think this it is very important criteria. There's a rumor going around that they're switching to a more rolling style of admissions. Anyone know anything about it?

You do not have to use family income if you don't want. Certain scholarships/grants require this information, but as far as the amount of money you can receive, it doesn't have to include family income (unless you are married...then I'm really not sure about income information).
As far as rolling admissions, I haven't heard anything about it, but it doesn't mean it isn't true.

 

[Brain]

Thanks for the info SocialistMD 👍

 

[jdovez]

You do not have to use family income if you don't want. Certain scholarships/grants require this information, but as far as the amount of money you can receive, it doesn't have to include family income (unless you are married...then I'm really not sure about income information).
As far as rolling admissions, I haven't heard anything about it, but it doesn't mean it isn't true.

Thanks for the info

 

[Keberson]

bump.

so is anybody trying for that scholarship where you have to write an essay and get a letter of rec. Honestly, I'm sick and tired of writing essay's and getting letters, haha. But I guess its worth a shot, huh?

 

[UTH2008ADAM]

I just spent some time on the financial aid website. It's not very helpful. If they're going to use family income for these scholarships, it won't be worth me filling it out even though I'll be paying for this degree myself. I guess I'll just do it anyway because the worst they can do it tell me no. I think the major disadvantage of the Texas system is that we can't compare financial aid and scholarships from one school to another, even though I really think this it is very important criteria. There's a rumor going around that they're switching to a more rolling style of admissions. Anyone know anything about it?

Hey Brain,
I ran into alot of the same questions last year. Everyone that applies for financial aid will get packaged for the same amount $30,218. Don't get too excited as this includes your tuition. If you get a scholarship ( I did and I still dont have a clue why I did 🙄 ) they will not increase your aid or budget as they call it but will only reduce your loan amount. I have been really amazed how much they take care of you once your in. Just make sure and get your FASFA in and stuff like that.

BTW there is a question on your FASFA that classifies you as a independant stuident (because your seeking a graduate / doctorate degree) so there is no need to put info about your parents any longer.

Congrats to everyone,

Adam MS1
UTH C/o 2008

 

[jdovez]

bump.

so is anybody trying for that scholarship where you have to write an essay and get a letter of rec. Honestly, I'm sick and tired of writing essay's and getting letters, haha. But I guess its worth a shot, huh?

Still deliberating on that one. I got recs from those that would provide good info for this award and would not want to get ANOTHER letter from the same person, so I'm not sure. Also, I am pretty tired of writing as well. Oh, well, that said I guess its worth a shot.

 

[jdovez]

Hey Brain,
I ran into alot of the same questions last year. Everyone that applies for financial aid will get packaged for the same amount $30,218. Don't get too excited as this includes your tuition. If you get a scholarship ( I did and I still dont have a clue why I did 🙄 ) they will not increase your aid or budget as they call it but will only reduce your loan amount. I have been really amazed how much they take care of you once your in. Just make sure and get your FASFA in and stuff like that.

BTW there is a question on your FASFA that classifies you as a independant stuident (because your seeking a graduate / doctorate degree) so there is no need to put info about your parents any longer.

Congrats to everyone,

Adam MS1
UTH C/o 2008

Thanks for the info Adam. Unfortunately, some schools still require parental information (though for what reason I am not sure considering we are independent) so I guess all the schools will get it if you fill it into the FAFSA. I wonder if it would count against you if it was included. Oh well, I hope UT-H is as good at taking care of us as you say.

Does anyone have any idea when they send out aid packages??

 

[Brain]

Thanks for the info Adam.

I'm definately not putting my parents' info on the FAFSA. I was wondering about that extra paper work we got in our acceptance packet from the financial aid office. This does ask for parental info and like jdovez I was wondering if this can count against us.

I'm also debating whether to write the essay. I've been so lazy since Feb 1st. I'm also wondering who should write the letter because I've had to cut out a lot of my activities so I could get my thesis data collected and cleaned. I did a ton of stuff for the state health department and a county health department this past summer. Maybe I could ask someone from there to do it, but I haven't seen them since August.

 

[Stitch626]

In 10 days I'm going to look at apartments in the Texas Medical Center. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

 

[neoncandle]

Bump!

Also I ordered my first medical school book. It is the biochem book they used last year.. it is less than half price new at this link:

http://www.superbookdeals.com/cgi-bin/moreinfo.cgi?item=85020&bisac=

Also, what does everyone have planned for this summer??

I am a scribe in the ER in Fort Worth, but once my husband finds a job in Houston we will be moving there (after May 15th) and I don't want to be bored all summer.

 

[DeepCowboy]

I got an invitation to interview at USUHS (military med school in Bethesda, MD), which I declined, BECAUSE I'M GOING TO HOUSTON!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Brain]

Bump!

Also I ordered my first medical school book. It is the biochem book they used last year.. it is less than half price new at this link:

http://www.superbookdeals.com/cgi-bin/moreinfo.cgi?item=85020&bisac=

Also, what does everyone have planned for this summer??

I am a scribe in the ER in Fort Worth, but once my husband finds a job in Houston we will be moving there (after May 15th) and I don't want to be bored all summer.

Wow! You're getting started early. It's hard to believe we still have about 6 months until August.

I'm stuck in an apartment lease in GA that I'm not sure I can get out of. I may end of just staying here for at least part of the summer because I have a decent paying part time job that doesn't require too hours. I'm thinking about moving to Houston in the middle of July and just relaxing until school starts.

 

[Valtry]

Wow! You're getting started early. It's hard to believe we still have about 6 months until August.

I'm stuck in an apartment lease in GA that I'm not sure I can get out of. I may end of just staying here for at least part of the summer because I have a decent paying part time job that doesn't require too hours. I'm thinking about moving to Houston in the middle of July and just relaxing until school starts.

My lease runs up on June 30th, so I'll be moving the last part of June and doing the same - just relaxing before the madness begins. 😉

 

[uberstu]

My wife and I are in GA right now but planning on visiting Houston to look at apartments etc over spring break. I was wondering if any of yall knew how likely it would be to find a decent place near medical center that we'd be able to start rent on in may. This may seem like a stupid question, but I just wanted to get a feel for how available/unavailable things are in that area.

 

[LanceP97]

I will start looking for apartments in the area in March, with the hope of moving in during June. Looking up places online pretty much confirmed the high cost of living all the other Texas medical schools said was a drawback to Houston, but I can definately live with such a minor inconvenience.