DMU Class of 2012

[IDBasco]

http://www.apartmentratings.com/ is a pretty good website for looking up opinions on apartments. IMO I would discourage anyone from moving into Four Seasons Apartments. You can read some of the reviews on that website or just take my word for it; you will regret your decision. I never lived in any of the other locations around campus but, I haven't really heard terrible things about them.

I looked at that website and they only had limited info. For most it seems that there is someone (manager?) that thinks a place is ok and someone that totally bashes it. It just seems hard to know what to believe. Maybe I'm just going to have to spend the $500+ to come out and look around. Damn I'm poor....and seemingly poorer every day.

Thanks for the tip on 4 seasons, though.

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[Jamers]

I looked at that website and they only had limited info. For most it seems that there is someone (manager?) that thinks a place is ok and someone that totally bashes it. It just seems hard to know what to believe. Maybe I'm just going to have to spend the $500+ to come out and look around. Damn I'm poor....and seemingly poorer every day.

Thanks for the tip on 4 seasons, though.

Yeah, you really do have to talk to someone that lives there. What I did was use it as a jumping off point before looking at apartments this time around. I have to say that it hasn't been wrong yet. I checked out Turtle Creek apartments, for example, which got a really low rating that I agreed with after visiting there.

 

[katrina12]

I was wondering if anyone knew exactly what computer we will be getting. The only information I have seen is that it's a tablet PC but nothing more specific. Thanks​

 

[GQMO16]

im pretty sure they have info as to specifically wat type of computer it is on the dmu website (or at least i saw it somewhere) but it is a gateway computer....also i kno for sure that they gave us the info in one of the handouts from teh binder they gave us on interview day so if u check that binder, the info shoudl be in there

 

[Boner]

im pretty sure they have info as to specifically wat type of computer it is on the dmu website (or at least i saw it somewhere) but it is a gateway computer....also i kno for sure that they gave us the info in one of the handouts from teh binder they gave us on interview day so if u check that binder, the info shoudl be in there

Don't be too sure about getting a Gateway. The technology committee met last week to test out a bunch of new laptops. I'll have to check with someone on the committee, but you guys might not get Gateways.

 

[GQMO16]

Okay so i kno everyone asks this but ive been looking for apartments online for the past couple of days and have been calling aroudn for availability and prices...basically, i decided on 3000 grand but i guess they have no openings anymore....im looking for something thats btw $600-700 and 1br/1ba that is within a 10 minute drive to school...any recommendations form current students??? ive found some places that i think r nice but then i go on apartmentratings.com and end up getting scared away from those apts so id really appreciate some input from u guys

also, it seems liek a lot of apts have issues with cars being broken into...is this an issue in des miones or am i just looking at apts that are in bad areas i wonder

 

[TrustDrDice]

I looked at that website and they only had limited info. For most it seems that there is someone (manager?) that thinks a place is ok and someone that totally bashes it. It just seems hard to know what to believe. Maybe I'm just going to have to spend the $500+ to come out and look around. Damn I'm poor....and seemingly poorer every day.

Thanks for the tip on 4 seasons, though.

open your ****ing eyes - the website is all you need

 

[IDBasco]

open your ****ing eyes - the website is all you need

You don't read well, apparently. I DID check out the website, only to find conflicting info and not a lot of it in general. So Dr. Douche, unless you have something of value to add, take a hike.

 

[jbone]

You don't read well, apparently. I DID check out the website, only to find conflicting info and not a lot of it in general. So Dr. Douche, unless you have something of value to add, take a hike.

He did...hence the "account on hold" status. I don't have much to add on the apartment search...just telling you to ignore the troll.

 

[Jamers]

Okay so i kno everyone asks this but ive been looking for apartments online for the past couple of days and have been calling aroudn for availability and prices...basically, i decided on 3000 grand but i guess they have no openings anymore....im looking for something thats btw $600-700 and 1br/1ba that is within a 10 minute drive to school...any recommendations form current students??? ive found some places that i think r nice but then i go on apartmentratings.com and end up getting scared away from those apts so id really appreciate some input from u guys

also, it seems liek a lot of apts have issues with cars being broken into...is this an issue in des miones or am i just looking at apts that are in bad areas i wonder

Use apartmentratings.com as a jumping off point; don't take everything you read on there as 100% truth. I read through it and used the complaints I found on there as questions for the manager. I also tried asking people who lived in the buildings if any of this was true. Remember, some people may just like to bitch about anything. However, if you see greater than 5 complaints about the same issues it is a good chance it is true; IMO. I liked Hampton House (thats right down Grand) and my friend likes Grand Colony (other way down Grand). I didn't like Grand Prix and DO NOT live in Fourseasons but these are just my own opinions.

 

[whatdapho]

Use apartmentratings.com as a jumping off point; don't take everything you read on there as 100% truth. I read through it and used the complaints I found on there as questions for the manager. I also tried asking people who lived in the buildings if any of this was true. Remember, some people may just like to bitch about anything. However, if you see greater than 5 complaints about the same issues it is a good chance it is true; IMO. I liked Hampton House (thats right down Grand) and my friend likes Grand Colony (other way down Grand). I didn't like Grand Prix and DO NOT live in Fourseasons but these are just my own opinions.

i'm currently at Old English Village which is in West Des Moines. It's a very nice area right next to the freeway. It's about 4.5 miles away and you can take either the freeway or inside road, which is actually a shorter distance. it takes on avg 7 mins to get to school with the "des moines traffic". I pay 750 for a 2bd/2ba but its definitely cheaper for a 1bd/1ba. The apts grounds are well kept, except for some dog owners not picking up their poop. I find it generally quiet here but i'm on the top floor (3rd fl). There are several other apt complexes in the area like Country village, Park West I/II, and some others I can't recall. But in general, I would recommend staying away from the Drake University area b/c it's a bit run down. I like west des moines since it's close to school and it's generally close to most things that you need like grocery, shopping, restaurants, etc. If you have any Q's PM.

 

[IDBasco]

Good info on the housing. Much appreciated.

Changing gears here-

Would any of you that are 1st or 2nd year students like to comment on electives? Maybe what you have taken and how they are scheduled? Any other info is also welcome.

 

[Jamers]

i'm currently at Old English Village which is in West Des Moines. It's a very nice area right next to the freeway. It's about 4.5 miles away and you can take either the freeway or inside road, which is actually a shorter distance. it takes on avg 7 mins to get to school with the "des moines traffic". I pay 750 for a 2bd/2ba but its definitely cheaper for a 1bd/1ba. The apts grounds are well kept, except for some dog owners not picking up their poop. I find it generally quiet here but i'm on the top floor (3rd fl). There are several other apt complexes in the area like Country village, Park West I/II, and some others I can't recall. But in general, I would recommend staying away from the Drake University area b/c it's a bit run down. I like west des moines since it's close to school and it's generally close to most things that you need like grocery, shopping, restaurants, etc. If you have any Q's PM.

I lived in country club village right across from that, if you can handle the possible traffic delays (Iowa drivers SUCK) then it is WELL worth it.

 

[Jamers]

Good info on the housing. Much appreciated.

Changing gears here-

Would any of you that are 1st or 2nd year students like to comment on electives? Maybe what you have taken and how they are scheduled? Any other info is also welcome.

Now you added in 1st years so I am wondering if you are talking about class electives like the Chronic Care program or rotational electives???

 

[IDBasco]

Now you added in 1st years so I am wondering if you are talking about class electives like the Chronic Care program or rotational electives???

Oh, yeah definitely talking about classes.

 

[Boner]

Oh, yeah definitely talking about classes.

Electives are scheduled in the evening, weekends, late afternoons, early mornings or over lunch. The meeting times are generally flexible, depending on the instructor. PBL Biochem is going to the be the first elective available for first years, and I recommend it to reinforce your learning. Generally that class meets once a week for 1.5 hours, with an assignment to be done outside of class that will take no more than 30 mins to complete. Intro to Clinical Research Ethics is nice if you're interested in clinical research b/c it gets you certified in human subjects protection and education by the National Cancer Institute. I'm not taking it, but I hear PBL Anatomy is pretty good too. You'll have time to take a couple of electives, and the offerings change yearly.

 

[Jamers]

Oh, yeah definitely talking about classes.

To date I have taken 6 elective classes and as Boner said below me the times/dates vary from class to class.

 

[IDBasco]

To date I have taken 6 elective classes and as Boner said below me the times/dates vary from class to class.

Care to comment on any specific classes you took? For now, the biochem sounds like something I may do.

 

[Jamers]

Care to comment on any specific classes you took? For now, the biochem sounds like something I may do.

I never too PBL Biochem but I did take these:

1. Introduction to Spanish --> A good class but, I am sure how much I actually learned in the short period of time.
2. Research Elective --> This class made me realize I didn't want to do research. You meet with the head of DMU research every morning and if this is something that interests you take it.
3. Mental Health and the Cinema --> I thought this class was great. You get to watch videos while exploring them psychologically.
4. Complementary and Alternative Medicine --> Another great class where experts in various CAM fields came in to talk to us about the benefits of their style of medicine.
5. PBL Anatomy --> I believe this is how anatomy should be taught. I had a hard time in anatomy cramming facts into my brain knowing that only 3% were useful. PBL takes away the useless information and only presents clinical cases.
6. Chronic Care Program --> I am still completing this program as it takes up to two years to complete. You get to meet with a patient suffering from a chronic disease. Being there and observing how their family reacts/attends to them is very rewarding.


I would have loved to have taken more classes but I am also a dual degree student so I had worry about those too.

 

[IDBasco]

Thanks Jamers. I guess in the end it will just depend on what they have available. 5 & 6 sound pretty good.

 

[Jamers]

I was wondering if anyone knew exactly what computer we will be getting. The only information I have seen is that it's a tablet PC but nothing more specific. Thanks​

I am on the committee that approves the decision of the committee in charge of picking lap tops (god that was a mouth full) and, no, there hasn't be a decision made yet. We are pretty sure the PAs will be getting Dells but that could change. I will keep you updated.

 

[zmeister22]

Apparently, they have redesigned the DMU website. New one looks pretty good.

Check it out.

 

[jbone]

Apparently, they have redesigned the DMU website. New one looks pretty good.

Check it out.

Nice!

 

[CTrainSJU]

Thanks Jamers. I guess in the end it will just depend on what they have available. 5 & 6 sound pretty good.

Consider this my plug for Problem Based Anatomy. It has been far and away my favorite class. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that you're not technically "learning" anything new, you're just having info you already reinforced in a very effective way. Dr. Canby is an awesome prof and makes going to class well worth it (he also somehow found a way to make cell biology not only tolerable but pretty interesting and fun as well).

 

[Jamers]

Nice!

I do have a question: why the heck is the woman with the bag-valve-mask smiling? She seems to be happy the guy is getting shocked.

 

[Boner]

I do have a question: why the heck is the woman with the bag-valve-mask smiling? She seems to be happy the guy is getting shocked.

Maybe she has a crush on the dude who's defibrillating or something. Also, does anybody else find it funny that the students in this picture for the DO program are PA students?

 

[Jamers]

Maybe she has a crush on the dude who's defibrillating or something. Also, does anybody else find it funny that the students in this picture for the DO program are PA students?

The PAs and PTs are generally the hottest people on campus so, no I don't find it funny at all haah.

 

[IDBasco]

Maybe she has a crush on the dude who's defibrillating or something.

Thats what I'm thinkin.

 

[Toohotinvegas33]

The PAs and PTs are generally the hottest people on campus so, no I don't find it funny at all haah.

There are also some hot DPM

 

[zmeister22]

I am on the committee that approves the decision of the committee in charge of picking lap tops (god that was a mouth full) and, no, there hasn't be a decision made yet. We are pretty sure the PAs will be getting Dells but that could change. I will keep you updated.

Hey Jamers

If you hear which computer we are getting, let us know! I'm eagerly awaiting the news.

 

[Jamers]

Hey Jamers

If you hear which computer we are getting, let us know! I'm eagerly awaiting the news.

I honestly don't think I will know before you. When asked about the computers they selected for the PAs, the committee remarked that they could change their minds up to a month before giving them out. What they do know is that the computers will be tablets and that they will have Vista. But, if I do hear something before you, I will put it on here.

 

[Tenacious DO]

Good luck to all future DMU'ers.
The first 2yrs goes by pretty fast.

I just had to give you one more perk that is not always talked about.
We get a lot of (kind of) free meals...you can probably get 3-4/week if you search the portal and don't care about the topic of the meeting...We have also been getting pretty regular visits from the Red Bull girls.

Best Wishes,
Tenacious DO

 

[jbone]

Good luck to all future DMU'ers.
The first 2yrs goes by pretty fast.

I just had to give you one more perk that is not always talked about.
We get a lot of (kind of) free meals...you can probably get 3-4/week if you search the portal and don't care about the topic of the meeting...We have also been getting pretty regular visits from the Red Bull girls.

Best Wishes,
Tenacious DO

Yes we do. Don't like the stuff but don't mind the visits.

 

[IDBasco]

We have also been getting pretty regular visits from the Red Bull girls.

No kidding? I fail to see how this can be a bad thing...

 

[TrustDrDice]

I honestly don't think I will know before you. When asked about the computers they selected for the PAs, the committee remarked that they could change their minds up to a month before giving them out. What they do know is that the computers will be tablets and that they will have Vista. But, if I do hear something before you, I will put it on here.

As long as the computers can handle the amount of porn I flood in on a daily basis, I don't give a ****ing **** what type of equipment bull **** they give us. Nothing like jerking off all over yourself.

 

[chinamazing]

As long as the computers can handle the amount of porn I flood in on a daily basis, I don't give a ****ing **** what type of equipment bull **** they give us. Nothing like jerking off all over yourself.

Dude, disgusting

 

[chinamazing]

Hey all DMUers

Looks like I will be joining the class of 2012! I'm pumped to attend and will probably hit up you guys for a bunch of questions. Thanks Jamers, Toohotinvegas, Jbone, and the other regular posters for hooking some newbies up with good info. Can't wait to get to know you guys!

 

[zmeister22]

For those of you who have applied for loans already, how long is it taking before the totals show up on the financial aid page? I applied about a week and a half ago and Wells Fargo said that they still had not heard back from DMU. Just wondering.

 

[IDBasco]

For those of you who have applied for loans already, how long is it taking before the totals show up on the financial aid page? I applied about a week and a half ago and Wells Fargo said that they still had not heard back from DMU. Just wondering.

Did you also fill out the DMU Stafford loan request form?

I am sort of confused by the order of things with this, and I have never even used financial aid before so that may be making things worse. If I understand right, we do the MPN through Wells and fill out DMU's form next, right? Then sit back and wait for the cash?

Maybe someone from '11 or '10 can pipe in.

Also, I noticed its cheaper (less fees) if we get the disbursement before a particular date. It would be nice if they got those posted.

 

[Boner]

Just go down the big list of buttons on the financial aid section of the portal and you should be fine. If you have questions or want to check the status of your fin aid, just call up the fin aid office and they'll tell you what's up. Chances are, and you'll learn this quickly when you get to school, that fin aid has all of the paperwork done, but the IT dept just hasn't updated the portal (for anything).

 

[IDBasco]

Right, the main thing I didn't understand is whether the DMU form had to be done first or the MPN- that and what info goes to who. I've got it figured out now, I think. Also, I guess the amount for the loan must be given to the lender by DMU and isn't included on my MPN form- or at least thats what it seems. I also saw nothing on the MPN to dictate subsidized vs. unsubsidized which made me wonder what I would end up with.

Basically, when I filled out Wells' online form, I got to the end and hadn't listed any amount or much of anything other than who I am and who I know. The DMU instructions don't really explain how it all works, just what forms to fill out. For someone that has only done car and home loans, its a bit of a departure.

 

[zmeister22]

I spoke with the lady at DMU and she said that they will not begin to process the loan applications for at least 2 to 4 weeks. We'll hear more towards the end of June or the beginning of July.

 

[moiz]

Hello guys

I dont post often but do read the posts regarding dmu. Dont post a lot coz my kiddo just keeps jumpin all over my laptop whenever i try to write something. so.......making the long story short, i was wondering if anyone could suggest a nice preschool or daycare for my 3 yr old kid. i would like it to be close to campus or downtown (thts where hubby'll work). i'm looking for a place with a strong curriculum and a safe environment. any leads will be highly appreciated.

also, if anyone could post a list of books that are absolutely essential for 1st yr would be great.

thnx guys. gotta go coz little monster is stomping towards me! yikes

 

[Boner]

also, if anyone could post a list of books that are absolutely essential for 1st yr would be great.

Only book you absolutely need is a Netter's atlas. I would also recommend Moore's Essential Clinical Anatomy (aka baby Moore). Anything else you could possibly need for reference is in the library. New editions of required texts are on reserve, but older editions are on the shelf to check out. You'll be using texts as references, so older editions or even completely non-recommended new edition books serve this purpose just fine. Just find what looks good and check it out and save some $$$.

 

[chinamazing]

those two plus I could not imagine year without Mosby.

What kind of textbook is Mosby?

 

[Boner]

What kind of textbook is Mosby?

Mosby's Guide to Physical Diagnosis. I've heard there are many better texts for learning PD skills, but this is the required one that the professors assigns "readings," which are the basis for many test questions. You could get away with just checking it out of the reserve collection at the library and looking over the assigned tables and sections a few days before the exams. However, if you feel you really need this book, you could split the cost with a friend since it's not a book you absolutely need to get by; you just need to look over the assigned tables and sections a couple of nights before the exams. Netter's/Moore, on the other hand, will be your best friend first semester. Whatever you do, do not buy "required" books, except Netter/Moore (maybe Mosby). Cell Bio is another class where the book is useful for pictures, but they tell you the ones you need to know, so you can check the book out and quickly scan them for the visual exam.

 

[chinamazing]

Mosby's Guide to Physical Diagnosis. I've heard there are many better texts for learning PD skills, but this is the required one that the professors assigns "readings," which are the basis for many test questions. You could get away with just checking it out of the reserve collection at the library and looking over the assigned tables and sections a few days before the exams. However, if you feel you really need this book, you could split the cost with a friend since it's not a book you absolutely need to get by; you just need to look over the assigned tables and sections a couple of nights before the exams. Netter's/Moore, on the other hand, will be your best friend first semester. Whatever you do, do not buy "required" books, except Netter/Moore (maybe Mosby). Cell Bio is another class where the book is useful for pictures, but they tell you the ones you need to know, so you can check the book out and quickly scan them for the visual exam.

Thanks Boner. (Hey that's not the first time I'v said that in my life)

 

[zmeister22]

Only book you absolutely need is a Netter's atlas.

Which Netter's Atlas are you talking about? I looked on half.com and there are about 6 different types of medical atlases from Netter's. Thanks.

 

[Boner]

Which Netter's Atlas are you talking about? I looked on half.com and there are about 6 different types of medical atlases from Netter's. Thanks.

Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy. You will get a free copy for joining SOMA (something like $60 membership dues), and that's pretty much the only reason people join that club.

 

[whatdapho]

don't buy netter atlas yet. If you join SOMA at the beginning of school year they will give it to you for free anyway. The membership to SOMA is about $60 and atlas at the book store cost about $60 + scrubs. And seriously guys don't buy any books yet, you will learn so much from your II year students so much during orientation.
Regarding cell bio, I did not have book to look at pictures, because DR. Canby has all of those pictures in his PPs.
I bought Pathology book, but really did not use it much.
Netter is the one you absolutly will need!!!
But hold your horses till the orientation

I think another book that is good to get for anatomy is the Rohan (sp?) aka Dead book. I forgot the exact name but it's the book with actual cadaveric pictures instead of the drawings in Netter's. When you can't get into the lab, it's a good substitute since it's the actual color of the cadaver and looks somewhat more realistic, definitely at a much better dissection quality. But I think those are the only 2 books you will ever need during your first year. Also, do not buy old test. they are for the most part useless. Stick to the lecture handouts, ppts and mp3 and you have more than enough to study from. Notepool, i'm not too sure is useful since they are just verbatim from the lectures, which you can listen yourself on mp3. so i don't know if they are useful, but i never used them. see you guys in 2 months