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- Aug 15, 2006
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Oh, and also, am I the only one who hasn't joined the facebook group yet?...looks like i'm gonna have to reactivate my stalkernet account...
Oh the second look day was very informative. They had several sessions run by Dean of Admissions or other physicians or the students themselves regarding Penn State and life in Hershey. There was also one PBL session in which I actually learned a lot. There was also a lot of food.
But I have a question for those who went. I think I learned much about the on-campus housing. However, my parents were told yesterday that it is much better to put the start date for on-campus housing earlier than Aug. 1st to make sure we actually get it. They had heard that because the on campus housing is so popular, there is a chance that it might not be available if we put in a later move in date. Now, I did not talk to any students to verify this so I am not 100% sure. Did you guys hear anything on similar trends regarding the on-campus housing?
Also, how many of you guys are planning to buy the PSU laptops? It seems much more expensive than outside sources, but at the same time it is compatible to their system. Currently I have a PC (not a laptop I mean) which I am pretty happy to use now. You know when I was getting a tour of campus yesterday, I noticed computers everywhere. Also if I decide to live on campus (which I most definitely will), I have easy access to on campus resources. So do you guys think it is possible for me to not buy a laptop at all? This is just a thought, so dont get mad at me if it sounds silly!
Thanks and I hope that you guys enjoyed the second look day!
One of the best moments of the day was when Dr. Bollard said something along the lines of:
"I mean, I look at some of those medical students from the top schools in the country, and sure they're intelligent, but seriously there's no way I'd ever let them treat my dog, let alone my kids and family."
Overall a good day. Many of the accepted students I met were very excited about Penn State and definitely planned on attending this fall. Current students said it was by far their highest turnout for a 2nd look weekend.
Hey Everyone,
I had a great time at the 2nd look weekend! Here is some potentially helpful information that I learned at the session:
1) The laptop program seemed in my opinion a bit overpriced and not worth it. There appear to be a decent number of computers on campus and if you want to get a laptop you can get a better deal than the Dell laptop they were offering for $1600.
2) Something new that had changed since I interviewed is that the school is planning on videotaping lectures starting this Fall. Therefore, there would be streaming video online and audio podcast files available for each lecture. I think this will be a really nice option in addition to a student notetaking service.
3) The "mysterious" lecture halls and labs that were not seen on interview day are really quite nice.
Again, it was nice to meet those who went to 2nd look. After the visit, I have decided to officially withdraw all applications from other schools and become a member of PSCOM Class of 2011.
How many people were there?
Does a current PSU student know how much time is given to study for step 1? The website makes it look like it's only a couple of weeks.
Also does anyone know how many to a pit in anatomy lab?
Finally, what books are recommended to buy for first year (I'm sure some are not necessary).
Hey all-
Any other non-traditional students out there who are starting to feel anxious about leaving everything (great job, boyfriend/girlfriend, family, etc.) behind? If so, please let me know so I don't feel alone!
Thanks!
Hey all-
Any other non-traditional students out there who are starting to feel anxious about leaving everything (great job, boyfriend/girlfriend, family, etc.) behind? If so, please let me know so I don't feel alone!
Thanks!
PS Patricia, do you work in the labs at Los Alamos?
Thanks for all the great responses to my non-trad post! It sounds like there are a lot of us "older" students out there in similar situations. As Patricia said, we are all in this together. I am looking forward to being part of such a supportive group
I agree with all of you who are concerned about roommates. I am definitely not interested in getting paired with someone I can't get along with - stressing about your living situation is the last thing anyone needs! I also have heard that getting a 1 bedroom as a first year is impossible. I will most likely live off-campus somewhere where I can get a 1 bedroom that allows pets. I have heard mixed things about the Briarcrest here and elsewhere, but my current apartment is far from glamorous so I am sure I will be fine with it. I understand it is directly next to campus housing, so if you would walk from there, it shouldn't be a problem to walk from the Briarcrest. I guess it helps that I will most likely be dealing with LESS cold and snow once I move to Hershey...
PS Patricia, do you work in the labs at Los Alamos?
I also really want to buy a house. I am just a little afraid to during this housing market slump. Who's knows if it will improve in the next four years or not!!! Risky business!!
On another note, I received my award letter. I know some other people had already posted their awards here, but mine seems a little different. Here is how it looks:
Federal Perkins loan: 6,000
Waltenbaugh scholarship: 7,000
U. Loan- E.D. Byrne Memorial: 4,000
Federal Sub Stafford Loan: 8,500
Federal unsub stafford loan: 34208
Total: 59,708
Now, I have to mention that on that green financial aid form that I submitted to PSU, I had said that I was interested in primary care. So I don't know if the Waltenbaugh scholarship is for that. Have you guys had similar awards?
I should SERIOUSLY stop asking so many questions.
Thanks!
Blackstar, where are you moving from?
Patricia-
My uncle works in Los Alamos, so I've been there about five times or so to visit his family. He is definitely a mad scientist, but in a good way...I think. I love it when I am there for just a week or so, but I can understand how living there might get old. The main thing I like is all the great trails that are nearby. Are you a hiker?
Blackstar,
I love the trails here and I love to hike. I got a dog last year and he definitely appreciates the exercise. Hopefully there will be some trails where we are going(Appalachian trail??). Los Alamos is a great place to raise a family, but not good place to be in your twenties.
hi guys,
Did you complete your promissory note with your lender? It said from the web that 90% of PSU COM students used T.H.E as the lender. Can anyone share any experience on this matter? I just received my official Fin Aid today.
Thanks
hi guys,
Did you complete your promissory note with your lender? It said from the web that 90% of PSU COM students used T.H.E as the lender. Can anyone share any experience on this matter? I just received my official Fin Aid today.
Thanks
Hey guys, for those that want to live by themselves first year (until they make friends and get to know people) what are you doing in terms of housing??? I'm going away for nearly all the summer and have to figure out my housing situation in a few days and yet i'm not sure what to do since loans only cover 422 per month, which is obviously not enough if you dont want to have a roommmate!! any suggestions? there are no 1 bdrs on campus and the 2 bedrooms unshared is like 880 per month..briarcrest is cheaper but not by much and given the fact that i will be forgoing comfort and being on campus i dont know what to do...
Yeah, I was thinking about the same issue ($422/month) for housing. If you look at the estimated housing cost, it is like $439. There are 1 bedroom apartments on campus but from what I know, it is almost impossible to get them as a first year. I am also against the idea of living off-campus even if it is only 5 minutes away.
On another note, catau, about the permissory note, I received a letter from the AAMC about the medloans program. Did you get a letter like that? But based on PSU students' experience it seems that T.H.E. is probably the best option. I haven't really had the time to look into that though.
By the way catau, if you don't mind, did you receive all loans for your Fin Aid package?
Hey guys, for those that want to live by themselves first year (until they make friends and get to know people) what are you doing in terms of housing??? I'm going away for nearly all the summer and have to figure out my housing situation in a few days and yet i'm not sure what to do since loans only cover 422 per month, which is obviously not enough if you dont want to have a roommmate!! any suggestions? there are no 1 bdrs on campus and the 2 bedrooms unshared is like 880 per month..briarcrest is cheaper but not by much and given the fact that i will be forgoing comfort and being on campus i dont know what to do...
Hey Yalla,
Yeah...it's definitely a tough situation. My plan as of now is to get the cheapest 1 bedroom at the briarcrest (I think it is around $600). It is definitely more expensive than sharing an on-campus apartment, but I like that it is the closest apartment complex to the medical campus and that it allows pets. I am hoping to get a short-term lease there (haven't asked management about the logistics yet, just know they offer them), so if I meet someone during the fall I want to room with we can move on-campus before second semester starts. When I talked to housing, I was given the impression that moving in at any point is a possibility. Hope this helps! Good luck
I remember from second look that they said we sign the master promisary note during orientation. Am I right?
Why don't we start a roomate matching post here or on facebook?
@futuredoc,
I received my official package in a small letter ( I hope you received the same too). Yes, I had bad news. I didn't see my scholarship (3k) on my Fin Aid. I called Fin Aid yesterday and they told me that's a mistake. So I still have my 3k scholarship. I also received all loans for my Fin Aid. I'm doing some research about repayment after residency. I think I'll pick THE and sign the forms electronically by the end of this month. We'll sign for our university loan and perkins on orientation.
I'm wondering how we can find a 420 rent per month too?