waitlist spots

[JBL]

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Hi,
I've never posted before (I just discovered this forum a couple weeks ago, a bit late). I'm one of those people holding multiple spots and tying up the waitlists, which just turned around and bit me when I got waitlisted by my true love, UCSF. In the interests of getting the lists moving, then, I'm asking for advice. What are people's opinions between Cornell/Tri-Institutional, Yale, and UCLA? Three very different places, I know. And straight-MD at Harvard or Duke, but I originally approached this thing from the PhD angle and don't think I want to give that up.

I really don't want to be obnoxious -- I realize I have really, really amazing choices and I'm not complaining at all, I just want more opinions. Thanks in advance!

 

[giverny]

quick q.... how did you hear from UCSF? snail mail, e-mail... or telephone call?? as many of us are very anxious about this decision, please inform.

i will write more later about your choices...

 

[JBL]

I heard about the alternate list by snail mail. Apparently they told accepts by phone on Monday. Good luck!

 

[beanery]

If you're serious about the PhD, then I think it's between Yale and Cornell. I think if you're interested in research and academic medicine, they are likely to serve you better than a straight MD from Harvard or Duke. I've heard wonderful things about the MD experience at Yale. Their students are extremely happy with the no grades thing, and in general it's a very collegial atmosphere. Cornell is a bit more competitive atmosphere. Yale's reputation is also better than Cornell's (and I would put UCLA slightly below Cornell's). Then again, Cornell's MD-PhD match as well as Yale's students for residencies. The research side, I personally, find more interesting labs at TriI than at Yale. But I'm sure you would find a good lab in Yale. It really depends what your research interests are. For example, if they were in cancer biology, then it might make sense to go to TriI because of MSKCC. Try and look at labs you're interested at each place and their publication records. I don't know much about UCLA since didn't apply there. But I don't think they have as many good labs as either of the other two. Then there's the location thing, where 7+ years in New Haven could be pretty harsh while NYC should be lots of fun. Lot of rambling, sorry. In the end, I would lean towards Yale but only slightly. I don't think much separates them, if you have real differences in opinions on locations, medical school experience, or research, then just go with it.

giverny, what was your take on TriI, I saw you just withdrew.

 

[Habari]

hey - i'm considering yale/cornell/columbia (people at columbia were rockin) as my final schools (alternate listed by sf - [a little wierd, they had been telling me positive things unofficially - but i'm kina glad to avoid the east coast vs west coast thing], and am finding myself slightly leaning to to yale/columbia right now. the cornell revisit is this weekend, so we'll see how much of an effect that has - because right now i'm essentially deadlocked.

while nyc is undeniably rockin - i actually like new haven - certainly doesn't have the quantity/super variety of the city, but a lot of what i like is there. personal choice.

i will be withdrawing from ucla/caltech and washU on monday, (withdrew from penn recently as well) - for those who are waiting.

 

[JBL]

thanks guys -- at this point it helps to get as many perspectives as I can. I actually visited UCSD and UCLA this week and was very impressed with UCSD; I'm visiting Cornell this weekend, so I guess I'll see. To be honest, Yale is my favorite of the programs. The only significant problem with Yale for me is that I'm there for undergrad, and while I like New Haven I'm not sure about 12 years of it. Anyway, thanks for the input!

 

[badger03]

Any news for those SDNers still holding out for a spot from the waitlist? I just got a call from Ruth Gotian at Cornell today offering me a spot from the MSTP waitlist! 😱 🙂 I loved that place so much! I can't wait to spend the next 7/8 yrs of my life in NYC.

Good luck to all those who are still waiting. Have faith; if it happened for me it can happen for you too!

 

[nooreen]

yay for josh!!!!

 

[khan]

for those on the waiting list for ucsf, have you been able to get a sense of where you are on the waiting list?

 

[bailey39]

Yes, ucsf will give you a good idea once it moves close to you...just to feel you out and make sure you are still interested(you don't need to commit) if they decide to offer you a spot. And definitely call/email--they're very responsive.

 

[tekram]

anyone who has gotten into ucsf decided to go elsewhere? i am just trying to figure out my chances of getting off the waitlist.

 

[bailey39]

Yup, some people did decline UCSF offers. I withdrew (tonight) and was originally on the alternate list--good luck!

 

[Habari]

like bailey, i was pulled off the alternate list at ucsf today

 

[tekram]

thanks for the info. bailey39 where have you decided to go?

habari - are you withdrawing your app?

 

[Habari]

tekram,
i have until tommorrow to decide .... i'll let you know

 

[Habari]

i'm staying at cornell/rockefeller/ski - goodluck to those on the sf alternate list -