Wayne State University part 01

[AStudent]

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Contrary to what they told me I never got an email that said my award offer was ready, and since I have never used pipeline before it took me until about June 1st to find out where in pipeline it was hidden.

Oh, and I got an email back from WSU about the academic workshop. I asked them why only some people got the email. Apparantly they only emailed specific people about it because of "limited numbers." I had a 30+ MCAT and like 3.6 GPA so it's not like I'm an academic liability or anything.... 😕

do you eventually get anything in the mail (snail or email) telling you about any of this? i just happened to check pipeline and saw that i had an award offer...

 

[Dr.Jekyll]

Is anyone here part of the Medstart program at Wayne State?

 

[fun8stuff]

Is anyone here part of the Medstart program at Wayne State?

what's the medstart program, just out of curiosity?

 

[Dr.Jekyll]

what's the medstart program, just out of curiosity?

It's this program that's affiliated with the honors program, for pre-med students.
There are only 15 members for each graduating class, and these 15 members are garunteed a spot in Wayne State School of Medicine (assuming they have scored decently on the MCAT, and have maintained a 3.5 GPA). It starts at your freshmen year in undergrad, and goes through med school.

At least, that's what the website says. I just wanted a more indepth look at it, regarding the admissions process.

http://www.honors.wayne.edu/medstart.html

 

[shaydz]

To the incoming second years:
Have you guys registered already? If so, what cheques did you have to write out?
Aside from the TB test results, was there any other documentation you had to give them?
(I'll be doing the late registration; I called records and registration - they told me that it will be on Friday, July 29th; between 9am and 12pm)

Thanks

 

[katrinadams9]

To the incoming second years:
Have you guys registered already? If so, what cheques did you have to write out?
Aside from the TB test results, was there any other documentation you had to give them?
(I'll be doing the late registration; I called records and registration - they told me that it will be on Friday, July 29th; between 9am and 12pm)

Thanks

I'm with you... I haven't registered yet either. I do believe we need to bring proof of health insurance as well. Does anyone know yet what the cost of the WSU health plan will be this year? Last year was outrageous and I don't want to get sucked into that again just 'cuz I'm too old to be covered by my parents!

 

[oldjeeps]

To the incoming second years:
Have you guys registered already? If so, what cheques did you have to write out?
Aside from the TB test results, was there any other documentation you had to give them?
(I'll be doing the late registration; I called records and registration - they told me that it will be on Friday, July 29th; between 9am and 12pm)

Thanks

Ended up writing a check for the TB test (if you had it done at the DMC on our scheduled day) and one for disability insurance (the same ~$48 that we wrote for last year) - both of these are mentioned in the registration packet.
Otherwise, just fill out all of the paperwork that was in the registration packet that they mailed to us.
I think that I spent all of a minute actually registering (wish that I hadn't spent so much time in line first) and it would have been less if they where quicker about finding my name on they lists. About all they did was take my paperwork, glance at it so see if I had filled in everything, made sure that my tuition was covered (looked for my name on the list from fin aid) and sent me on my way.
I used the registration packet as a checklist to make sure that I had everything done. If you do likewise I would expect registration to hardly be worth the time of driving down to Scott Hall.

Re: health insurance, I just filled it out with what I had at the time (the school's crappy plan) and am in the process of finding something better right now. Does anyone have any suggestions? How about the AMSA health insurance, has anyone looked into that?

 

[shaydz]

Ended up writing a check for the TB test (if you had it done at the DMC on our scheduled day) and one for disability insurance (the same ~$48 that we wrote for last year) - both of these are mentioned in the registration packet.
Otherwise, just fill out all of the paperwork that was in the registration packet that they mailed to us.
I think that I spent all of a minute actually registering (wish that I hadn't spent so much time in line first) and it would have been less if they where quicker about finding my name on they lists. About all they did was take my paperwork, glance at it so see if I had filled in everything, made sure that my tuition was covered (looked for my name on the list from fin aid) and sent me on my way.
I used the registration packet as a checklist to make sure that I had everything done. If you do likewise I would expect registration to hardly be worth the time of driving down to Scott Hall.

Re: health insurance, I just filled it out with what I had at the time (the school's crappy plan) and am in the process of finding something better right now. Does anyone have any suggestions? How about the AMSA health insurance, has anyone looked into that?

Thanks oldjeeps. I think I'll end up getting the school's plan for health insurance.
I got a mail with my OSCE info. The letter claimed that there was a report with my final Clin Med Score. But, I didn't see an OSCE score (out of 100), my class participation score nor my final Clin Med Score. Did they forget to put this in, or did everyone get the same thing. (I did get the evaluation sheets for OSCE and class participation...but the actual scores were not there).

 

[oldjeeps]

Thanks oldjeeps. I think I'll end up getting the school's plan for health insurance.

Glad to be able to help ya out. I have a hard time thinking that there isn’t something better out there than the health insurance that school found for us – go with their plan if you like but I think that I am going to keep looking at/for alternatives.

I got a mail with my OSCE info. The letter claimed that there was a report with my final Clin Med Score. But, I didn't see an OSCE score (out of 100), my class participation score nor my final Clin Med Score. Did they forget to put this in, or did everyone get the same thing. (I did get the evaluation sheets for OSCE and class participation...but the actual scores were not there).

It has been a bit since I looked at the clin med mailing, but that sounds like what I got. If you pay the wailing wall in Scott Hall a visit they had the final score with all components (exam 1, exam 2, OSCE, and class participation) posted. As someone else said it looked like most of the participation grades where either 80% or 100%, I do not recall what the OSCE scores looked like (just wanted to see my scores and then get away from Scott Hall as quickly as I could, until I am forced to start spending too much time there, again, in less than a month 🙁 ).
For some reason the mailing with the year one Z-score stuck in my memory a bit stronger – most importantly the part that said that I was “officially” being welcomed into second year 😀 .

 

[fun8stuff]

did any of you guys choose to pay your interest on your loans as it accures? about how much is the interest per year? are we talking 100s or $1000s?

 

[AStudent]

I didn't, why pay my loan interest off with loan money? Doesn't seem financially sound.

Edit: Ok, I did a google search for a Stafford Loan Calculator, but this is what I got (silly, but it still works).

To figure out interest: http://www.moneychimp.com/calculator/compound_interest_calculator.htm
To figure out repayment: http://www.staffordtractor.com/loancalculator.htm


Initial Loan - I said $40000 just for a round number
Interest Rate- I believe it just went up to 4.88% on June 30


Which makes for a total loan of $48,398 after medical school if you don't pay the interest, stretched over 10 years of repayment you pay $510.50 per month. (assuming interest rates won't change)

If you pay the interest during medical school of $1,952 per year ($163 per month during school), you end up with the $40,000 loan stretched over ten years giving $421.92 per month (once again assuming constant I.R's)

In the end I think paying the $163 per month to save ~$100 per month in payments isn't worth it. In my opinion student loans should be used for student expenses, not for paying itself off.

(Disclaimer: I'm not a FA person, or graduated with a finance degree, just some pen and napkin math)

did any of you guys choose to pay your interest on your loans as it accures? about how much is the interest per year? are we talking 100s or $1000s?

 

[oldjeeps]

did any of you guys choose to pay your interest on your loans as it accures? about how much is the interest per year? are we talking 100s or $1000s?

I decided that that was one bill that I didn't have to deal with during school, so I wasn't going to force myself to deal with it.

 

[ambrosia]

Hey guys
I am a pre-M1 and I just got some mail from Wayne State, including an invitation for my family to "family day" which is apparently the saturday after orientation. It didn't really say a whole lot about what family day is though, so if you guys could tell me what happens that day, that'd be cool.

Thanks!

 

[ddmo]

Hey guys
I am a pre-M1 and I just got some mail from Wayne State, including an invitation for my family to "family day" which is apparently the saturday after orientation. It didn't really say a whole lot about what family day is though, so if you guys could tell me what happens that day, that'd be cool.

Thanks!

That's the white coat ceremony. They put everyone in the three auditoriums, Dean Frank will give a speech, and you will walk up and somebody important will place the coat on you. It's all pomp and circumstance, but your will family will love it. It is a really nice day, plus your family can see where you will spend the next couple years. I definitely recommend it.

 

[Evil X]

Its definitely a nice ceremony for you and your family to enjoy. The school makes its really nice as well and its a good photo op with your new white coat.

 

[tupac_don]

I didn't, why pay my loan interest off with loan money? Doesn't seem financially sound.

Edit: Ok, I did a google search for a Stafford Loan Calculator, but this is what I got (silly, but it still works).

To figure out interest: http://www.moneychimp.com/calculator/compound_interest_calculator.htm
To figure out repayment: http://www.staffordtractor.com/loancalculator.htm


Initial Loan - I said $40000 just for a round number
Interest Rate- I believe it just went up to 4.88% on June 30


Which makes for a total loan of $48,398 after medical school if you don't pay the interest, stretched over 10 years of repayment you pay $510.50 per month. (assuming interest rates won't change)

If you pay the interest during medical school of $1,952 per year ($163 per month during school), you end up with the $40,000 loan stretched over ten years giving $421.92 per month (once again assuming constant I.R's)

In the end I think paying the $163 per month to save ~$100 per month in payments isn't worth it. In my opinion student loans should be used for student expenses, not for paying itself off.

(Disclaimer: I'm not a FA person, or graduated with a finance degree, just some pen and napkin math)

I am confused, are you actually an A student or just a student!? 😀

 

[katrinadams9]

Hey everyone! Any of you almost MS II's getting nervous yet? I'm nervous but kinda excited... I've heard from a lot of interns/residents that went to Wayne that 2nd year is better than 1st year because we learn about things we'll actually use someday, so it's supposed to be a lot more interesting and thus easier to study (I can't tell you how hard it was to force myself to study for biochem because I'd fall asleep reading my notes).

With just 2 weeks left til school starts, I assume most of ya'll are returning from the far ends of the earth to the metro D-town area. How was everyone's summer? Anyone have any last minute vacations planned? Also, how many of you still need to register on the 29th (along with myself)?

 

[shaydz]

Hey everyone! Any of you almost MS II's getting nervous yet? I'm nervous but kinda excited... I've heard from a lot of interns/residents that went to Wayne that 2nd year is better than 1st year because we learn about things we'll actually use someday, so it's supposed to be a lot more interesting and thus easier to study (I can't tell you how hard it was to force myself to study for biochem because I'd fall asleep reading my notes).

With just 2 weeks left til school starts, I assume most of ya'll are returning from the far ends of the earth to the metro D-town area. How was everyone's summer? Anyone have any last minute vacations planned? Also, how many of you still need to register on the 29th (along with myself)?

I worked during the summer...but I watched a lot of movies, chilled with friends etc. So it was a decent summer (except for the NASTY humidity/heat).

I have to register on the 29th as well. 9-12pm rite? Do you know what room?
I also have to buy a car parking pass. Where do I go to get that?

Year II in less than two weeks....noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo....hehe...

 

[katrinadams9]

I worked during the summer...but I watched a lot of movies, chilled with friends etc. So it was a decent summer (except for the NASTY humidity/heat).

I have to register on the 29th as well. 9-12pm rite? Do you know what room?
I also have to buy a car parking pass. Where do I go to get that?

Year II in less than two weeks....noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo....hehe...

Last year I bought my parking pass from the main office on Warren (the building that houses the Barnes and Nobles on main campus). I'm not sure if we'll have to go there or if there'll be a parking person at Scott Hall...

 

[oldjeeps]

Its definitely a nice ceremony for you and your family to enjoy. The school makes its really nice as well and its a good photo op with your new white coat.

While your white coat is still nice and pristine.
In case y’all haven’t noticed, yet, the easiest way to find some filth is to take one clean lab coat, add the desire to keep it clean, neat, and looking good and within a short period of time (as little as minutes) it will start to accumulate filth (usually exponentially) – typically from apparently clean areas.

On a related thought, any of you MS3s and up out there have any suggestions on how many lab coats it might be useful to have for the clinical rotations? I was thinking about buy a spare or two now and sending them out with the MS1 coats to be embroidered; any thoughts/suggestions on that line of thought?

 

[oldjeeps]

... if there'll be a parking person at Scott Hall...

Most likely will be a rep from parking services there during MS1 orientation week to help all of us part with our $.

 

[mrclutch]

Just stumbled upon this site as I was browsing around the internet during a slow night while on call for my neurosurg AI. I started at WSU in 2000 but took some time off for research in a different city and ended up transferring to school in that city. It's good to see Wayne represented on this forum.

I browsed through some of the posts and I just wanted to add my 2 cents to some of the topics that have been raised. One is my own regret, of falling into the trap of thinking about first year classes 'this sucks and I'm never going to need biochemistry/physiology ever again.' If I could go back to school I would take anatomy and physio over because they are both so important. Most of the stuff you guys will get pimped on in third year stem from those two subjects, the basics of everything. It seems that most of you guys are going into second year so its too late, but even for your second year courses, take the time to learn the stuff well and not blow anything off. THis includes EBM and the minutia you learn in PD. OF course you will not be able to remember it all, but at least try and you'll be surprised what you can recall once you hit the wards. The stuff is taught for a reason. Second year medical students, and medical students in general, myself being once one, like to complain and bitch about stuff that we think don't apply. BUt the stuff they teach is important and you will need it. Don't regret blowing it off later on.

BUt yes, second year kicks first years ass. It's also a hell of a lot harder. BUt pathophys was just so much more interesting than phys. But if you don't know how something works, you won't know how its not working, and that means it going to be tough when it comes boards studying time.

I havent been back there in a while. DId they or are they starting construction of the new buildings yet? HAve they torn down that piece of **** library yet?

As for white coats, all you need is two. I like my pretty clean and well pressed so I wear one for a month at a time and have it cleaned and ironed at the cleaners while I wear the other one for a month.

Anyway, have fun, second year is a great time. IT's tough, but you really start to get the feeling of medicine. IF anyone is interested in neurosurgery and needs advice, dont hesitate to ask.

 

[Evil X]

I've gotten away with just one coat but its a good idea to have 2 white coats.

 

[Empyrean]

Speaking of white coats, does anyone know what the dress code is for the white coat ceremony? Suit? Shirt and tie? Khaki's and a collared shirt? (Couldn't imagine it being much less casual than that...) Just casual for the rest of the orientation stuff? Trying to decide what I need to keep out and what I can pack away as time is quickly running out! 😱 Thanks!

 

[ambrosia]

Speaking of white coats, does anyone know what the dress code is for the white coat ceremony? Suit? Shirt and tie? Khaki's and a collared shirt? (Couldn't imagine it being much less casual than that...) Just casual for the rest of the orientation stuff? Trying to decide what I need to keep out and what I can pack away as time is quickly running out! 😱 Thanks!

I was wondering that myself! So any advice would be much appreciated🙂

 

[ddmo]

Speaking of white coats, does anyone know what the dress code is for the white coat ceremony? Suit? Shirt and tie? Khaki's and a collared shirt? (Couldn't imagine it being much less casual than that...) Just casual for the rest of the orientation stuff? Trying to decide what I need to keep out and what I can pack away as time is quickly running out! 😱 Thanks!

A collared shirt and khakis are fine. Tie not necessary, but some did wear them. As for the rest of the week, just dress normal.

 

[shaydz]

So the health insurance plan is now officially mandatory. It is VERY expensive and I don't think I'll have enough from my loans to cover that. I'll have to do some begging on the streets...

 

[fun8stuff]

So the health insurance plan is now officially mandatory. It is VERY expensive and I don't think I'll have enough from my loans to cover that. I'll have to do some begging on the streets...

i will be an entering M1 and will need health insurance at the end of Aug. Is this plan available for M1s? how did u find out about it? i have been having the worst luck calling people at wayne. Who is a good person to contact?

 

[oldjeeps]

i will be an entering M1 and will need health insurance at the end of Aug. Is this plan available for M1s? how did u find out about it? i have been having the worst luck calling people at wayne. Who is a good person to contact?

we were informed of the health insurance issue via an e-mail from Dean Black.
You might check with the folks in student affairs.

 

[ddmo]

i will be an entering M1 and will need health insurance at the end of Aug. Is this plan available for M1s? how did u find out about it? i have been having the worst luck calling people at wayne. Who is a good person to contact?

PM me your email, and I'll forward it.

 

[Evil X]

For men: shirt and tie would probably look nicer. but i'm kinda old school and like to look professional

For women: a nice blouse and skirt would probably suffice

 

[oldjeeps]

So the health insurance plan is now officially mandatory. It is VERY expensive and I don't think I'll have enough from my loans to cover that. I'll have to do some begging on the streets...

Isn't what is happening with the health insurance the exact thing that we were hearing rumors about a few months back? I seem to recall Dean Black sent an e-mail that was intended to squash those rumors - why did she bother since it appears that there was a good deal of truth to them.

 

[shaydz]

Isn't what is happening with the health insurance the exact thing that we were hearing rumors about a few months back? I seem to recall Dean Black sent an e-mail that was intended to squash those rumors - why did she bother since it appears that there was a good deal of truth to them.

-because the administration likes to toy with broke people's emotions and sanity.

 

[LGW]

I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times!....but as a MI, can someone give me a break down of what I can expect to pay BEFORE receiving my FA funds?

 

[LGW]

Yes, those fees hit you at registration and as has already been stated you have to be registered before WSU gets your FA$. Then there is the time it takes WSU to get your FA check to you.
The other thing is that Fin Aid managed to arrange things so that the student support fee (now $1050) is now incorportated into the rest of the tuition bill (read don't need that check at registration).

I am sure that there is cheaper health insurance out there. I would suggest that you start doing your research/shopping on that topic. There were some rumors about a "required health insurance plan" that the dean of SA killed with an e-mail - but it remains to be seen if such a thing might happen in the future. Either way, if you are fortunate enough to still be on a family member's (spouse, parents, etc) health insurance it is a non-issue.

So expected fees will pretty much be parking and disability (and health insurance if you do not have it)?

 

[oldjeeps]

So expected fees will pretty much be parking and disability (and health insurance if you do not have it)?

I do not have my checkbook nearby to reference, but I thought that there was something else. It might be that I am remembering the student support fee (now taken out of your fin aid, a big thank you to the folks in fin aid for that).

If you need any immunizations/tests (Hep B, TB, etc.), then you'll find yourself writing a check to Receiving.

Also, not sure how they are doing the health insurance premium, this year, with the new mandatory health ins plan. I think that I am going to have to touch bases with fin aid about that.

 

[Evil X]

It will probably be around 500-600 for the fees before you get your FA.

So expected fees will pretty much be parking and disability (and health insurance if you do not have it)?

 

[oldjeeps]

It will probably be around 500-600 for the fees before you get your FA.

For those of you that haven’t dealt with parking services, yet, the parking permit for this year is $450.

 

[AStudent]

Bump - anyone go to the M1 academic session?

 

[ddmo]

<----------- Disappointed with the turn out at 5th Ave. But, officially boycotting all Royal Oak parties this year.

 

[oldjeeps]

But, officially boycotting all Royal Oak parties this year.

Why?

I know that I usually don't go to the RO parties, but that is because the drive to RO really sucks (no direct route) for me.

 

[ddmo]

I'm just anti-Royal Oak. Perhaps it's the whole psuedo-Urban experience and the drive. And it's the principal that we are a Detroit medical school, so there should be more empahsis on the Detroit.

 

[AStudent]

<------ happy about meeting two hot third-years 👍

<------ otherwise disappointed with the turnout at 5th ave.


<rant> BTW, the financial aid office needs to get its **** together. I went in there this week to ask about when we'd get our financial aid check and they told me that I wouldn't be getting one. Me = 😱 Well, some other office billed some of the incoming M1s their FULL tuiton ahead of time instead of half now and half later. I made them change it to half/half but when I asked them about what about the other students who won't be getting a check during the first week of classes because of this goof-up they said:

"well, I guess they're going to have to wait another week to get it"

Jebus Christ, this is the first week of classes coming up and I already have to wait until at least Wednesday to get my check because they're going to ship our aid out on MONDAY (even though the checks will be ready on Friday). BS, so I guess I don't need books, supplies, gas money, and rent money (due THIS week) right now.... 😡 😡 😡 I feel bad for those students that haven't been a squeaky wheel.

<------- not a happy camper. I think I would have to rate my satisfaction with the financial aid office/situation right up there with the cluster**** that is Howard Medical School admissions. Until they straighten this out they don't get vowels. 😡 WS* f*n*nc**l **d 😡

</rant>

 

[Flobber]

any other second years really excited about phlebotomizing (and more exciting still, BEING phlebotomized)? i really don't want someone who knows as little as i do stabbing me.

 

[deowolf04]

any other second years really excited about phlebotomizing (and more exciting still, BEING phlebotomized)? i really don't want someone who knows as little as i do stabbing me.

I'm excited about getting back into it because I have not had a chance to draw someone in a while. The odd part is that while you are learning, it is more nerve-racking for the person doing the draw than for the person getting drawn. The person getting drawn knows what is coming. When you have the needle, you have to overcome a subconscious battle of not wanting to hurt the other person but you know you have to do it. Then you just hope you don't miss and have to do it again.

 

[Evil X]

My advise: Identify the vien and go for it quickly. Trust me. You DO NOT want someone who is going to be timid cause it only prolongs the agony. Be confident and just do it.

 

[Shangal]

second year sucks as much as first year did. just going to scott hall sickens me.

 

[katrinadams9]

Actually so far I don't think 2nd year is all that bad. Most of the immuno so far is fairly interesting and I've been able to keep up with the reading fairly easily. Hopefully my change in study habits will show in my grades.... I'm still worried that the **** will hit the fan next week though.

 

[Shangal]

are you reading just the notes or the book and notes? It's just that I heard there are a lot of questions that are not even in the notes.

 

[katrinadams9]

I've been reading the chapters in the book before coming to class, then reviewing them after the lectures based on the notes. So far, so good. It is very time consuming though. Don't quite have all of it done yet for tomorrow, but I'm burnt out for the night. Hopefully I can get the rest read in the morning before class. 🙄