Drexel University College of Medicine Class of 2012

[Doctor19144]

Med school here we come! Who's with me?

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[Doctor19144]

Did anybody else get TWO PIL applications in their acceptance packet?

 

[DrAife]

I got two PIL applications too! I don't know why, doesn't matter though I'm doing IFM. So I'm guessing if you already know you're in you did early decision too? That was my track and I found out last week.

 

[DrAife]

so we have the sdn thread, facebook group next? i'm debating starting one.

 

[Doctor19144]

so we have the sdn thread, facebook group next? i'm debating starting one.

TOTALLY. Since I started the SDN thread, the facebook group is all yours! Just make sure to post on here that you created it.

 

[DrAife]

so here is our facebook group-
http://drexel.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6490206910
ready for joining and all that fun discussion

 

[NightnDay79]

I do believe early congratulations is in accord for the both of you. It's still really early in the season for acceptances but hopefully there will be a greater number of posts here. Look forward to meeting you all.
BTW... dr19144... I take it you are already in near queen lane?

 

[DrAife]

not many new members yet....i wonder if they are accepting less this year?
ohhhh and question when you sent in your deposit did you ever get a letter or any kind of confirmation back? I called to check if they got and they did but I got a weird answer in terms of that letter. Thanks

 

[Doctor19144]

not many new members yet....i wonder if they are accepting less this year?
ohhhh and question when you sent in your deposit did you ever get a letter or any kind of confirmation back? I called to check if they got and they did but I got a weird answer in terms of that letter. Thanks

I did not get a confirmation letter about my deposit either. However, if you log into the application website, it'll say whether or not they recieved your deposit.

I'm sure people will start showing up on here soon

 

[DrAife]

found it. thanks, i completely forgot about the status page!

 

[FastFourier]

Hi Everyone--

I'm also DUCoM '12 by way of Early Decision.

See you in August!!

 

[NightnDay79]

I did not get a confirmation letter about my deposit either. However, if you log into the application website, it'll say whether or not they recieved your deposit.

I'm sure people will start showing up on here soon

Nope, no confirmation either. But, I did hand it in personally since I'm around Congrats FastFourier. Plus, I do hope they take less people this year- last year they over-accepted!

 

[DrAife]

Nope, no confirmation either. But, I did hand it in personally since I'm around Congrats FastFourier. Plus, I do hope they take less people this year- last year they over-accepted!

I was thinking about the hand in too (im at ql every day) but i thought what if they loose it? so i did signature required us mail, i know its paranoid!
Im not sure but I think overall they have less seats to offer this year because of the deferrals last year, either way I hope our class is back down to 250 because the 1st years right now are like a mob there's way too many people in that class.

 

[Doctor19144]

Don't worry about it too much. I am sure that the admissions staff will do everything they can to avoid what happened last year.
FastFourier, congrats on your acceptance!! Also, your screen name is giving me nightmares. I never thought the FFT would come back to haunt me.

 

[chylo]

I'll probably be there too!

Does anyone know what the cost of attendance there is? I tried to find it on their website but couldn't.

Once you accept/send in a deposit, do they send you more stuff about orientation etc?

 

[Doctor19144]

I'll probably be there too!

Does anyone know what the cost of attendance there is? I tried to find it on their website but couldn't.

Once you accept/send in a deposit, do they send you more stuff about orientation etc?

Here is what Drexel estimates regarding finances: http://www.drexelmed.edu/Admissions/MDProgram/FinancialAid/tabid/2321/Default.aspx

Once you send in the deposit, they will post a notification on the admissions website that they have received it. You'll also get a snail mail notification that they've received the deposit shortly thereafter. They will send more information regarding financial aid in the Spring and orientation information will be sent in the summer.

 

[kronickm]

For the record they are absolutely keeping the class to 250-255.

 

[dogsnme2]

hey everyone!

welcome to ducom!!! i'm an MS-1 IFMer at ducom. it's definitely WAAAYYY too early to start thinking about starting. congrats on getting in! and early decision, too!! that's impressive!! now, you should sit back, and relax!! plan that vacation you've been meaning to go on.

just a few things... obviously, it's waaaayyy too early for us to be thinking about orientation for you guys, but it will be a smash! i love it here, and i'm sure you will love it too! i know i sound way too enthusiastic, but it's either pump up drexel to you guys, or study. and i'm not a huge fan of studying. a friend of mine just threw a wad of paper at me, so i guess that sums up how we feel about studying on a friday afternoon. we have a huge round of exams coming up, starting next week, and then we are OUTTA here! winter break, here we come! if you have any questions about drexel, please, feel free to ask me, i'm definitely around. also, you can PM me any questions you have.

and one last thing--yeah, my class is big, but the first year class is no more of a "mob" than the 2nd year class. yeah, we're a little bigger, but really, the 30 extra people don't make things that much more exciting. admissions is definitely working hard to make sure that the class of 2012 is around 250, and i would not be surprised if they tried to shrink it a bit, to keep the overall number of med students in the school low. however, i think that's a small, outside possibility.

on that note, back to studying...

 

[DrAife]

hey dogsnme2, I had a quick question...I've heard some odd stories about the BS/MDs and I was wondering what you thought of them? I'm guessing they're probably no different than the rest of your class but I was just curious. Thanks

 

[dogsnme2]

hey dogsnme2, I had a quick question...I've heard some odd stories about the BS/MDs and I was wondering what you thought of them? I'm guessing they're probably no different than the rest of your class but I was just curious. Thanks

What kind of odd stories? Not sure what you mean.

 

[caliboy007]

I am also an MS-1 PIL student. Feel free to shoot any questions you may have. Congrats on getting in! I am also a BS/MDer... there are pluses and minuses to the students that get in under this program. Anyhow, good luck... enjoy life pre-med school b/c you will study a lot once you get here (currently i am procrastinating)

 

[DrAife]

I remembered on interview day one of the girls was a drexel undergrad and she said she found the bio bs/mds really hard to deal with because they more or less had a guaranteed seat in med school, and barelly did any work. she also mentioned she heard about them cheating on a lot of exams....
of course I doubt people like that since its a pretty serious accusation and pre-med rivalries are famous, but it left an impression. That was my reason for asking, I figured as a fellow classmate you would have a better insight. I'm guessing although they may be a little younger the maturity and of course honesty is the same as anyone else in the class.

 

[caliboy007]

I think I know who you are talking about and what I would say is everyone has their gripes. You are never going to like everyone. However, what I would say is that undergrad is undergrad. what happened in the past is irrelevant at this point. Yes, that group of people primarily just hang out with each other, but this is medical school and you learn to work with everyone. their inclusion into the class doesn't detract from anyone's education and they had to take the MCAT and still had to do well in classes to matriculate, so they qualify just like everyone else.

 

[DrAife]

I think I know who you are talking about and what I would say is everyone has their gripes. You are never going to like everyone. However, what I would say is that undergrad is undergrad. what happened in the past is irrelevant at this point. Yes, that group of people primarily just hang out with each other, but this is medical school and you learn to work with everyone. their inclusion into the class doesn't detract from anyone's education and they had to take the MCAT and still had to do well in classes to matriculate, so they qualify just like everyone else.

I figured as much I was just surprised because all of the BS/MDs I had classes with were as hard-working as the rest of us "normal applicants" if that makes sense, thanks for the thoughts!

 

[dogsnme2]

I remembered on interview day one of the girls was a drexel undergrad and she said she found the bio bs/mds really hard to deal with because they more or less had a guaranteed seat in med school, and barelly did any work. she also mentioned she heard about them cheating on a lot of exams....
of course I doubt people like that since its a pretty serious accusation and pre-med rivalries are famous, but it left an impression. That was my reason for asking, I figured as a fellow classmate you would have a better insight. I'm guessing although they may be a little younger the maturity and of course honesty is the same as anyone else in the class.

Hi,

It's not really my place to judge, but I will say that after you get settled in here next year, you will notice some pretty big differences between people who have taken 1-2 years off; people who are non-traditional students (married, have children, older, etc, etc); people who are not yet 21 (from 7-year programs); people who are in 8-yr BS/MD programs, etc, etc. Some of the differences are good, some are bad. As far as cheating goes, academic integrity is something that is heavily stressed during the application process, during interviews, etc, etc, and DUCOM makes it a point not to admit people who are cut-throat. They do that as best they can, but it's not perfect. As a whole, I'd say my class is pretty cohesive, and we've got the attitude that we're in it together. People generally help each other out, but there are some students who are more competitive than others.

In short, you will see it all when you get here. Bottom line though--I'm very happy here, and I'm sure you will be too.

One last thing---if you had a guaranteed slot waiting for you while you were in college, wouldn't you think that other pre-meds would find that hard to deal with?

See ya in August!

 

[caliboy007]

Hi,

It's not really my place to judge, but I will say that after you get settled in here next year, you will notice some pretty big differences between people who have taken 1-2 years off; people who are non-traditional students (married, have children, older, etc, etc); people who are not yet 21 (from 7-year programs); people who are in 8-yr BS/MD programs, etc, etc. Some of the differences are good, some are bad. As far as cheating goes, academic integrity is something that is heavily stressed during the application process, during interviews, etc, etc, and DUCOM makes it a point not to admit people who are cut-throat. They do that as best they can, but it's not perfect. As a whole, I'd say my class is pretty cohesive, and we've got the attitude that we're in it together. People generally help each other out, but there are some students who are more competitive than others.

In short, you will see it all when you get here. Bottom line though--I'm very happy here, and I'm sure you will be too.

One last thing---if you had a guaranteed slot waiting for you while you were in college, wouldn't you think that other pre-meds would find that hard to deal with?

See ya in August!

Completely agree. Academic integrity is heavily stressed at DUCOM. For example, professors do not proctor our exams... someone is there in case problems occur, but you as a student are responsible for your own behavior and to report anything you see abnormal. There is a lot of trust from the administration and in return, the students have a lot of trust in the administration and faculty. It makes for a great learning and non-competitive atmosphere.

 

[xanthomondo]

heyy does anyone keep up with this thread nowadays?

when exactly do classes start? beginning, middle, or end of august?

 

[redheadmed]

Just discovered this thread (I hope it doesn't die again). Any and all info. about Drexel is good info. As per the last post, orientation last year was the 1st week of August and classes began soon after, but this years calender is not up yet.

Can't wait to meet you all!

 

[caliboy007]

Last year PIL pre-orientation starting August 1, general orientation was August 3-7. If you are thinking of traveling, I'd play it safe and be back end of July...

 

[xanthomondo]

thanks...i'm not really planning any vacations, just trying to get a countdown going until when im done with this horrible job lol

are they any paying part time research positions for you first year medical students?

 

[dogsnme2]

heyy does anyone keep up with this thread nowadays?

when exactly do classes start? beginning, middle, or end of august?

Hey!

Congrats on your acceptance! For us (class of 2011), classes started Aug. 8, but Orientation began the Thursday before, so Aug. 2. Definitely plan on being here for the entire month of August. I think Drexel starts a bit earlier than other schools, but look on the bright side--we get a day off for Labor Day! :-D Your calendar will be made sometime in June, after the academic year finishes for us.

Anyway, enjoy your acceptance, congratulations, and RELAAXXXXXX!!! You'll be overwhelmed soon enough

P.S. If you are bored, and wanna know more, check out webcampus.drexelmed.edu-- tons of info there.

P.S.S. If you have other questions, feel free to PM me or post here.

 

[dogsnme2]

thanks...i'm not really planning any vacations, just trying to get a countdown going until when im done with this horrible job lol

are they any paying part time research positions for you first year medical students?

Yeah, there are. All that info will be revealed once you get here.

 

[xanthomondo]

Yeah, there are. All that info will be revealed once you get here.

So where do you guys live at? Hear anything good/bad about Aldean Park?

 

[dogsnme2]

So where do you guys live at? Hear anything good/bad about Aldean Park?

Haha, Alden Park. I live there, and I love it. It's a great place to live. PM me, and I'll tell you more about it.

 

[caliboy007]

You're going to hear something different about where to live from pretty much all Drexel Med students. Most probably live in the East Falls area but more than a lot do live in Manayunk/Roxborough and a few live in Center City. So probably the top 3 places:

East Falls
- where the medical school is located,
Advantage: there are a ton of places located within walking distance of school or close enough to where you can get an escort home from security. Rent is not very expensive
Disadvantage: There is almost no life in East Falls. Very few bars, restaurants, food establishments, and none that are close to campus. After 2:30, you're stuck because the cafeteria closes and the closest place is a mile away.

Manayunk/Lower Roxborough
- 5-10 minutes driving from school
Advantage: You look out the window and don't see Drexel Med. All of the nightlife in the area is centered in Main Street Manayunk. Most of the post-exam parties and social activities will be happening here. Reasonable rent. Area is known for its singles scene and age of most residents is 22-30
Disadvantage: Parking is the worst part of Manayunk. You have to be smart where you choose to live... closer to Main Street means a more difficult parking situation unless you have a garage/driveway.

Center City
- 15-20 minutes from campus +/- 5-10 minutes traffic
Advantage: Center City is the place to be in Philly. It is where everything is happening and you're right in the middle of everything. you will also be close to the hospital for 3/4 years.
Disadvantage: Driving to school can take a little while. There is train service to the Queen Lane train station, but they stop around 11:30PM so you're stuck if you miss the last train. The school also has a shuttle to the Hahnemann Campus weekdays until 9:30PM. You will also be living far from most of your fellow first year classmates.

 

[dogsnme2]

You're going to hear something different about where to live from pretty much all Drexel Med students. Most probably live in the East Falls area but more than a lot do live in Manayunk/Roxborough and a few live in Center City. So probably the top 3 places:

East Falls
- where the medical school is located,
Advantage: there are a ton of places located within walking distance of school or close enough to where you can get an escort home from security. Rent is not very expensive
Disadvantage: There is almost no life in East Falls. Very few bars, restaurants, food establishments, and none that are close to campus. After 2:30, you're stuck because the cafeteria closes and the closest place is a mile away.

true, the cafeteria closes at 2:30, but plenty of places deliver, AND a nice little tip to remember---the security guards keep a folder of all the delivery menus for restaurants in the area. AND, if you're lucky, they'll have a secret stash of forks, in case the delivery people forget to bring. ;-)

Manayunk/Lower Roxborough
- 5-10 minutes driving from school
Advantage: You look out the window and don't see Drexel Med. All of the nightlife in the area is centered in Main Street Manayunk. Most of the post-exam parties and social activities will be happening here. Reasonable rent. Area is known for its singles scene and age of most residents is 22-30
Disadvantage: Parking is the worst part of Manayunk. You have to be smart where you choose to live... closer to Main Street means a more difficult parking situation unless you have a garage/driveway.

very fun area!

Center City
- 15-20 minutes from campus +/- 5-10 minutes traffic
Advantage: Center City is the place to be in Philly. It is where everything is happening and you're right in the middle of everything. you will also be close to the hospital for 3/4 years.
Disadvantage: Driving to school can take a little while. There is train service to the Queen Lane train station, but they stop around 11:30PM so you're stuck if you miss the last train. The school also has a shuttle to the Hahnemann Campus weekdays until 9:30PM. You will also be living far from most of your fellow first year classmates.

this is where i hope to be after 2nd year

 

[spezimdoc]

true, the cafeteria closes at 2:30, but plenty of places deliver, AND a nice little tip to remember---the security guards keep a folder of all the delivery menus for restaurants in the area. AND, if you're lucky, they'll have a secret stash of forks, in case the delivery people forget to bring. ;-)



very fun area!



this is where i hope to be after 2nd year

I'm a first year at Drexel also and this is a very good summary of the main areas that students live. I currently live in the East Falls neighborhood in a rowhouse and it has been decent, but I am looking to move closer into the Manayunk/Roxborough area. From other friends and classmates I have talked to, a number of them are looking to do the same next year. The apartments around campus are alright for the price but if you go over a couple more blocks you get into Germantown which is a very shady area. Alden Park is just before that neighborhood, but you still do not want to walk back there late at night (which is still in the case in most areas of Philadelphia).

 

[dogsnme2]

I'm a first year at Drexel also and this is a very good summary of the main areas that students live. I currently live in the East Falls neighborhood in a rowhouse and it has been decent, but I am looking to move closer into the Manayunk/Roxborough area. From other friends and classmates I have talked to, a number of them are looking to do the same next year. The apartments around campus are alright for the price but if you go over a couple more blocks you get into Germantown which is a very shady area. Alden Park is just before that neighborhood, but you still do not want to walk back there late at night (which is still in the case in most areas of Philadelphia).

Yeah, I've been told both by school security, and by security at Alden Park that I should not walk home at night. It's not a problem though, if you don't have a car, because security will drive you home for free, no questions asked, 24/7. the only caveat is that you have to live within a certain geographic range. Most of the apartment complexes in the area are within this range. In short, I like the apartment I live in, and will be here definitely through the end of 2nd year. Afterwards, I'm planning to move downtown, to Center City.

 

[kronickm]

Do students have to pay to park on campus?

 

[caliboy007]

Yes, you can pay per semester or if you pay for the full year at the start, you also get the summer free.

 

[xanthomondo]

Yes, you can pay per semester or if you pay for the full year at the start, you also get the summer free.

How much is it? Also the bookstore is a Barnes and Noble bookstore, right? If so, do they carry the books at other stores/online? I know someone who works for B&N and was wondering if I could get the employee discounts.

Do you mind listing a few first year books so I can scope out the prices? Thanks!

 

[caliboy007]

How much is it? Also the bookstore is a Barnes and Noble bookstore, right? If so, do they carry the books at other stores/online? I know someone who works for B&N and was wondering if I could get the employee discounts.

Do you mind listing a few first year books so I can scope out the prices? Thanks!

This year it was $200/semester or $400/year. It's not terribly bad to what you pay in other parts of the city and you can pretty much be assured your car will be safe.

Yes, it's a B&N bookstore. I'm not sure about the employee discounts... it's a small store and you'd have to ask the manager.

Already thinking about books?? Let me just say you're crazy. Don't go buying books now, you need to see what books you need first. Personally, as a PIL, I have only bought one book all year and we've been through anatomy, microanatomy, physiology, and neuroscience. The notes that you get are pretty darn comprehensive, but if you need books (and some do) WAIT. Often times you can get them from second years for a lot cheaper. Review books (e.g. USMLE reviews, Board Review Series) AND your course texts will have reserve copies in the library.

 

[dogsnme2]

This year it was $200/semester or $400/year. It's not terribly bad to what you pay in other parts of the city and you can pretty much be assured your car will be safe.

Or, you might want to get a pass for evenings (after 4 PM) and all-day on weekends for $40/semester. That's what I do. Heckuva lot cheaper, especially since I enjoy walking to school in the morning, and also, since security is always available to drive me home.

Yes, it's a B&N bookstore. I'm not sure about the employee discounts... it's a small store and you'd have to ask the manager.

Already thinking about books?? Let me just say you're crazy. Don't go buying books now, you need to see what books you need first. Personally, as a PIL, I have only bought one book all year and we've been through anatomy, microanatomy, physiology, and neuroscience. The notes that you get are pretty darn comprehensive, but if you need books (and some do) WAIT. Often times you can get them from second years for a lot cheaper. Review books (e.g. USMLE reviews, Board Review Series) AND your course texts will have reserve copies in the library.

Haha, TOTALLY agree with caliboy007--you should be enjoying yourself right now--you got into med school, and from what it sounds like, you are done with the process. So, just relax!! Believe me, when the summer rolls around, you will be getting tons of information about what books you'll need, and all the things that you will need to take care of before you start classes here. All in due time, my friend. Just take it easy.

 

[spezimdoc]

Or, you might want to get a pass for evenings (after 4 PM) and all-day on weekends for $40/semester. That's what I do. Heckuva lot cheaper, especially since I enjoy walking to school in the morning, and also, since security is always available to drive me home.



Haha, TOTALLY agree with caliboy007--you should be enjoying yourself right now--you got into med school, and from what it sounds like, you are done with the process. So, just relax!! Believe me, when the summer rolls around, you will be getting tons of information about what books you'll need, and all the things that you will need to take care of before you start classes here. All in due time, my friend. Just take it easy.

For IFM you don't really need a lot of the textbooks because the module guides contain just about everything you need to know for exams. Plus, all the textbooks are on reserve at the library to check out.

Yeah and you should definitely be relaxing. Trust me. Time flies by and before you know it you will looking forward all week to having Wednesday afternoon off...

 

[boodthedog]

Does anybody know when you need to get the PIL application back in?

 

[caliboy007]

Does anybody know when you need to get the PIL application back in?

Its probably not till the end of June. I didn't turn mine in until like June 1 or so.

 

[DrAife]

hey guys a question to the 1st years:
Are there any events relating to drexel med that happen in july specifically? you mentioned orientation and all of that is in august....im trying to narrow down travel dates and was wondering if I would be missing anything important?
Thank you in advance and thanks especially for all of the housing info-very helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[caliboy007]

hey guys a question to the 1st years:
Are there any events relating to drexel med that happen in july specifically? you mentioned orientation and all of that is in august....im trying to narrow down travel dates and was wondering if I would be missing anything important?
Thank you in advance and thanks especially for all of the housing info-very helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nope, nothing happens in July. The only thing you need to worry about is RSVPing for the orientation social events.

 

[neurotik]

for the first year ifm curriculum, how often would i actually need to be on campus? im thinking of living in center city (or olde city), and driving to east falls for all the required classes and activities. is it a hassle or is it doable living in downtown?

 

[dogsnme2]

for the first year ifm curriculum, how often would i actually need to be on campus? im thinking of living in center city (or olde city), and driving to east falls for all the required classes and activities. is it a hassle or is it doable living in downtown?

Hey--

I know a bunch of people in my class live downtown. If you are in IFM, it's very easy to do, because you only need to come to class for mandatory activities (e.g. exams) and for labs (and depending on what you work out with your lab partners, you may not even need to go to that). As you remember from your interview day, all of the IFM lectures are videotaped, and are available for streaming by mid-afternoon. However, if you choose to do PIL, a huge component of PIL is the small group. So, attendance is mandatory for the small group activities, and so, while living downtown is still do-able, you would need to be on-campus more often.

Also--commuting from downtown is made easier by the fact that the shuttle to campus leaves from Hahnemann Hospital pretty often (every 15-30min depending on time of day).

See you at Orientation!