UT Southwestern Class of 2013!

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Financial aid: I'm not sure what you would define as "good", but I was able to cover most all of my expenses with federal loans. UTSW doesn't really give additional money unless you qualify for some scholarship (which I'm sure is very rare).

Parking: There is adequate parking in garages that should comfortably fit trucks. Parking is cheap too (I think $80 for the year?) and close by the academic building. The only annoying thing about the parking garage is that the ramps to go to higher floors have really sharp and narrow turns so larger vehicles stand a good chance of hitting the concrete curbs around the ramps. You can always park out in the parking lot right by the garage which is actually faster.

Anatomy: It is a lot of material, but ours wasn't cumulative (i.e. the final didn't have anything from the midterm) although they did start off at the beginning of the semester telling us that it maybe cumulative. I hated anatomy and did find it somewhat overwhelming, but I think that was just me.
 
midn said:
Anatomy: It is a lot of material, but ours wasn't cumulative (i.e. the final didn't have anything from the midterm) although they did start off at the beginning of the semester telling us that it maybe cumulative. I hated anatomy and did find it somewhat overwhelming, but I think that was just me.
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Nope, not just you. I hated anatomy, but I don't think more tests would've made a difference (assuming the same number of questions per test.) Anatomy test questions can get as nitpicky as the instructors want, so having more tests would just further reduce the relevance of the material that you are studying. You MS0s will be fine. If I can pass anatomy (and I ended up doing better than just passing,) you will do great.
 
I was wondering what people thought about the UTSW curriculum, specifically the fact that sometimes you are taking up to 3 classes at a time as opposed to something along the lines of UTMB's, where you only have one class at a time. Is it difficult to keep up with all the different classes at the same time?

I think it would be beneficial to hear from current UTSW students as well as pre-med students. Thanks
 
CD2 said:
I was wondering what people thought about the UTSW curriculum, specifically the fact that sometimes you are taking up to 3 classes at a time as opposed to something along the lines of UTMB's, where you only have one class at a time. Is it difficult to keep up with all the different classes at the same time?

I think it would be beneficial to hear from current UTSW students as well as pre-med students. Thanks
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I only remember taking only two classes at a time first year, but I could have forgotten (embryology is a year long course but it definitely doesn't count as a time consumer, colleges is P/F). Second year we take four at a time, but really it's all like one class since it's organized by organ system. In terms of load I've heard UTMB's is less, something like 3-4 hours of class a day. Here first year was usually 3 hours plus what evens out over the year to 1.5 labs/6 hrs per week (anatomy, histology), so I'm not sure it's *really* that much different. Second year we have 3-4 hours of class a day including infrequent labs (microbiology). I don't remember how often the tests were first year... maybe every 4 wks? Second year it's every 3 wks. I think a lot of people worry about spending a lot of time at school. That's usually what you'll hear from the first semster MS1's but I swear after anatomy everything changes.
 
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Biochem tests were 2, 2, and 3 weeks (last one was on a Monday)
Then the anatomy mid-term was that Friday and the following Monday
(Last Biochem test, and Anatomy mid-term(s) = Blacktober for you MS0s)
The first Genetics test was 2 weeks after that
The Genetics final was 2 weeks after that
The Anatomy Final was 3 weeks after that
Then almost 2 weeks for the Block 1 Physiology Exam (which is tomorrow, and I am so tired of studying for!)

So, it's more like every 2-3 weeks for tests. However, in comparison to other schools, I think we have it good. A friend told me that UT-H has like 10+ tests in Dec? WTF?

...and no more than 2 classes at a time in MS1. Yeah, like sprinkibrio said, technically there is Embryology and colleges, but they don't really count as classes.
 
I'm just wondering how many people at southwestern participate in research while in school (or future students here that are planning to)? Is it generally just during 1st year summer or 4th year, or do people work in labs during the other years as well? Also, how receptive are PIs to med students wanting to join their labs?
 
I looked back at last year's UTSW class thread and there doesn't seem to be any posts from people who matched into SW.
Does UTSW use prematch offers to fill their class? I interviewed there on 11/15 and still haven't heard anything.
 
Is living in an apartment close to campus essential? I currently live about 25-30 minutes north of the campus along I-75. I was also thinking of maybe staying at home for the first two years and then getting an apartment for rotations since you have to stay on call. Is this a good plan?
 
TheElement said:
Is living in an apartment close to campus essential? I currently live about 25-30 minutes north of the campus along I-75. I was also thinking of maybe staying at home for the first two years and then getting an apartment for rotations since you have to stay on call. Is this a good plan?
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Not at all. A bit more convenient, probably, but not essential. I live 20-25 minutes away from campus, and it's not a big deal.
 
tc13 said:
I looked back at last year's UTSW class thread and there doesn't seem to be any posts from people who matched into SW.
Does UTSW use prematch offers to fill their class? I interviewed there on 11/15 and still haven't heard anything.
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Fear not! I remember Dr. Wagner telling those who interviewed with my group not to panic if they didn't receive a pre-match acceptance, as only a "small fraction" of the incoming class would be admitted before the match.

While I'm posting here, just thought I'd mention I'm also likely to be UTSW 2013 unless a coastal school can tempt me away from the motherland (Texas). Southwestern really impressed me at my interview, and the students and admissions people were ridiculously nice.
 
kevdubs said:
I'm just wondering how many people at southwestern participate in research while in school (or future students here that are planning to)? Is it generally just during 1st year summer or 4th year, or do people work in labs during the other years as well? Also, how receptive are PIs to med students wanting to join their labs?
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I can think of maybe a handful that actually do research during the academic year. Most people do their projects in the summers pre-MS1, pre-MS2 and/or in research elective periods in the clinical years. In my case, I'll be continuing a research project on the side while on my MS3 rotations in the next few months. Will be tough to accomplish but the time is there.

TheElement said:
Is living in an apartment close to campus essential? I currently live about 25-30 minutes north of the campus along I-75. I was also thinking of maybe staying at home for the first two years and then getting an apartment for rotations since you have to stay on call. Is this a good plan?
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Living close to campus isn't essential at all. In fact I sorta wish I had lived further away from school when I moved to Dallas. If I were you I'd stick with your plan and save the money, and if it doesn't work out you can always move closer to the school.
 
Thanks to all of you that have been answering our questions for UTSW. I had an important question for you people in UTSW already. Do you think that the faculty there do a good job in teaching the students, or do you feel it's more of like a "well you're here at UTSW so you should figure it out."

Obviously a lot of time needs to be spent on the part of the student in order to succeed, and nothing takes away from that. But do you feel as if the student's time is put into well use with proper guidance and instruction from the professors outside of the mini-college classes that run year round? Thx
 
bigdfan said:
Thanks to all of you that have been answering our questions for UTSW. I had an important question for you people in UTSW already. Do you think that the faculty there do a good job in teaching the students, or do you feel it's more of like a "well you're here at UTSW so you should figure it out."

Obviously a lot of time needs to be spent on the part of the student in order to succeed, and nothing takes away from that. But do you feel as if the student's time is put into well use with proper guidance and instruction from the professors outside of the mini-college classes that run year round? Thx
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It varies greatly from faculty member to faculty member. Personally, I generally find the MD lecturers to be better lecturers, but they are seldom available outside of class time because of other commitments. Some faculty members, however, make themselves available lots of time outside of class (even running organized review sessions) so the answer really depends upon the particular faculty member.
 
I was reading through a few pages of the class of 2012 thread and it was kind of stressing me out. FAFSA, Housing, Commuting, Residencies, Study Schedules.... It's making my joy of being accepted fade quickly.
 
emucansado said:
I was reading through a few pages of the class of 2012 thread and it was kind of stressing me out. FAFSA, Housing, Commuting, Residencies, Study Schedules.... It's making my joy of being accepted fade quickly.
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Residency, study schedules...?

You haven't even started yet, why are you stressing about these things?

The other paperwork really isn't that bad.
 
Ohh! I forgot about this but I think it's pretty important. How does the call schedule work for your clinical years?
 
midn said:
You haven't even started yet, why are you stressing about these things?
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well, the latter two are a lesser concern than the previous ones, but they were talking about them on last year's thread so I'm obviously not alone... geez.

Just thought it was strange how fast this medical school thing changes from an far away idea to thinking about all the nuts and bolts of actually doing it.

Happy New Year! :hardy:
 
Can any of the current students comment on about how much studying they do every week (incl. the weekends)? And also, how do you guys like (or dislike) how exams are spaced out throughout the year?
 
HiDoc88 said:
Can any of the current students comment on about how much studying they do every week (incl. the weekends)? And also, how do you guys like (or dislike) how exams are spaced out throughout the year?
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1. I really don't want to scare you off and tell you. It's a lot. It's not quite a full time job MS1 but you have a lot of major projects due that you work really hard on for a few days before the deadline. MS2 it's a full time job that includes significant weekend hours and significant after hours, especially the week before your project is due. Ugh, that still sounds bad, but better than the actual numbers, right? Keep in mind hours vary a lot between people and the more hours you put in the better your grade. This schedule is more than enough to pass.
2. I like how they are spaced, especially MS2 because we have a weekend totally free after each test.
 
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"1. I really don't want to scare you off and tell you. It's a lot. It's not quite a full time job MS1 but you have a lot of major projects due that you work really hard on for a few days before the deadline."


Thanks for the information, but what do you mean by major projects that are due? Due you mean exams, or are there research projects, or other homework you have to complete??
 
bigdfan said:
"1. I really don't want to scare you off and tell you. It's a lot. It's not quite a full time job MS1 but you have a lot of major projects due that you work really hard on for a few days before the deadline."


Thanks for the information, but what do you mean by major projects that are due? Due you mean exams, or are there research projects, or other homework you have to complete??
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She is making a job analogy. Think: Working significant overtime at your full-time job (as if to complete a project by a deadline.) Everyday.

I typically spend around 12 hours per day EITHER in class or studying. Including weekends. BUT I generally take one day (sometimes 2 half days) off per week where I do NOTHING related to school. I am VERY happy with my performance this year so far 🙂

No problems with how exams are spaced. They are more-or-less (with the exception of Blacktober) distributed evenly throughout the year approx. every 3 weeks (see one of my earlier posts about this.) I'd rather have them distributed evenly as opposed to being bunched up together.
 
bigdfan said:
Thanks for the information, but what do you mean by major projects that are due? Due you mean exams, or are there research projects, or other homework you have to complete??
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Yeah, before tests. There are a lot of other little things you do (for example patient write ups, abstract and poster preparation, extracurriculars) and they add up, but compared to tests they don't count for much time individually.
 
So where do most students live? And do they usually have roommates?
 
sprinkibrio said:
Yeah, before tests. There are a lot of other little things you do (for example patient write ups, abstract and poster preparation, extracurriculars) and they add up, but compared to tests they don't count for much time individually.
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Sorry, I don't know if I missed something, but are you talking about research? Otherwise, what are all these "projects" you speak of?
 
midn said:
Sorry, I don't know if I missed something, but are you talking about research? Otherwise, what are all these "projects" you speak of?
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Tests. Sorry to be so confusing!!!
 
So I think I've finally made the decision to rank UTSW #1 on my match list. Hopefully I'll be seeing some of you there this fall.

Thanks to the current students for providing such great info. It has helped out tremendously!
 
Awesome, a fellow Longhorn! Guess I'll see you this fall.
 
Do most students get to school by car? Also, how far away from the campus do the majority of students live?
 
Hey guys!
First, congratulations!! You should be thrilled to be accepted!!! UTSW is such a great school 🙂!!
MS2 here...so I gazed over all the talk on curriculum and grading...and rumors are right - there is serious talk of changing the current grading system as well as the curriculum and they are taking student input on all these issues which is so great - we don't know what the results will be, but just wanted to let it out there that they really keep student interests, views, and opinions in mind and it's nice to have a voice...

apart from that...I have a housing suggestion...I did this last year and it worked out well - I currently live at Cityville apartments at Southwestern Medical district and they offer $500 to every resident that refers new people to lease at cityville - I split this money evenly with whoever was willing to put my name down as the referral last year and it worked out well (monetarily) for both of us!

Few things about cityville -
- close location (<3 min drive) - I know people that bike there
- nice apartments
- pretty reasonable (esp if you have a roommate)
- gated garage parking

If you have any questions (about this or anything in general) or are interested then PM me ...
till then BASK in the glory of being accepted 🙂!!
 
Does UTSW have class ranks and AoA membership ?
 
Timus said:
Does UTSW have class ranks and AoA membership ?
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Yes to AoA, and "sort of" to class rank. Students are ranked by quartile, but I don't believe that your overall rank shows up in your Dean's letter/residency application. However, for each class you take, a histogram of the class grades is shown (i.e. the % getting As, the % getting B+s, etc) along with your grade.

Actually, maybe someone else will chime in, because I remember something about a "descriptive adjective" (that basically tells what quartile you are in) being mentioned, but I don't remember the details. However, I'm quite sure that they don't write "This student was 236/237" in your Dean's Letter.
 
HiDoc88 said:
So MS0 day is going to be Friday, March 27th!
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What's MS0 day? Second look? Any current students know more about the details?
 
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HiDoc88 said:
So MS0 day is going to be Friday, March 27th!
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So it's really Friday, March 27th? Hasn't it been about a month or two earlier in years past? Anyone know why it's going to be held later in March?
 
bigdfan said:
So it's really Friday, March 27th? Hasn't it been about a month or two earlier in years past? Anyone know why it's going to be held later in March?
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It is because it is during my spring break, and they want to make sure that I can attend😛
 
Any new classmates from the match?
 
hi all! i'm an mstp'er and can't wait to see everyone come august! yay for getting accepted
 
Yes, of course. Congratulations to those of you now joining us. Your hard work has paid off quite well, and I look forward to meeting all of you these next coming months. Enjoy yourselves for now. You've earned it.
 
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This may make us wanna come even more to UTSW!


MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADING SYSTEM CHANGE ANNOUNCED

On February 2, 2009, the Faculty Council of UT Southwestern Medical Center unanimously adopted a new grading system for the medical school after several months of study and input from both faculty and students. Both students and faculty alike agreed that the medical school grading system must find a balance between providing meaningful information for residency program applications and the inevitable stress inherent in any grading system.

The new grading system will be effective beginning in July 2009 as is as follows:

The first half of the first year will be Pass/Fail. Students will be provided feedback about performance on examinations so that each student can be aware of how well he/she is mastering the material, but the final grade will be either Pass or Fail. This change will allow students to make the transition into the new environment of medical school more gracefully.

Beginning with the second half of the first year and continuing through the clinical rotations of the third year, students will be graded using a letter grade system (A, B+, B, C, & F). The numeric cutoffs for grades will be publicized at the beginning of each course. Having grades awarded in this manner rather than a “normative” basis (grading curve) should eliminate any perception among students that they are competing with each other for grades. This change should encourage students to focus on the mastery of material and the collegiality essential in the care of patients.

The fourth year will continue to be graded on a Pass/Fail system.
 
Sol Rosenberg said:
You lucky bastards! Pass-Fail Anatomy and Biochemistry would've been sooooooooo nice 🙂
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Yay !! It made my week.... 😛:soexcited::soexcited::soexcited::clap::clap:

Sol Rosenberg -> :highfive: <- Bob Marley

I am soo looking forward to be part of this school now. A lot of med schools say that they listen to their students but i have never seen such a drastic action based on student opinion.

Big Props to UTSW management and students!!
 
I AM SO EXCITED!! This is the best thing EVER. I was having a hard time choosing between UTSW and another school that is on a pass/fail system, and this may have sealed the deal... (maybe if the first half-year works out well, they'll implement it for second year, too?)

😍 Hey, future classmates, what's up? 😍
 
Man, I didn't know whether this was a badly timed April fools joke or the real deal! Wow, this is sooooo cool. It takes a lot of worrying out of the day and will allow many students to focus on the material and NOT the competition.

This sort of made the deal in going into UTSW. But I had already decided XD so this is just a favorite. See you all in Dallas this Fall! 😀
 
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