Tulane SOM Class of 2010

[KAI1927]

anyone else sick of conversations like this:

random person: "so where are you gonna go to med school"
me: "probably tulane, down in n'orleans"
random person: "oh..(pause)...there's still a school down there"
me: "ya, its right across the street from the superdome, pretty cool eh?"
random person: [look of horror and confusion]
me: "you can go f*ck yourself, you know? here's a key to the bathroom"

-mota

It is so damn annoying when people ask that question, I want to say "why would i be going to a school that didn't exist anymore jackass", the only one more infuriating is "so what kind of doctor do you want to be?"

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[KAI1927]

Hi yall-

I've been following this thread for awhile now. I just interviewed at Tulane last wednesday and I'm hoping for a spot on the waitlist and, ultimately, a spot in next year's class. If not I'll be at UT- Houston, but I really loved Tulane...


Where in New York are you KAI1927? I'm in NYC in grad school at Columbia.

I live and work in Albany, I actually got into SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, but Tulane is just to unique an opportunity to pass up. And I am ready for a change in weather, this Northeastern chill is getting a little old.

Also ,thanks to Tulane06 for the Harrah's update, i went to that casino when i was there three years ago. I can't wait for Bourbon street, happy hour 3 for 1 drink specials are getting closer every day.

 

[KAI1927]

Is anyone planning to start this summer for the MD/MPH stuff? I was hoping to move in mid- to late May but I have no idea where I'm going to live or anything. Does anyone have any plans? Or need a roommate?

I have been thinking about the mph option alot, i can't decide if it is for me, and also which specialty to pick (health admin, pubic health, enviroment etc.) Maybe you could give me a few pointers and some reasons why it is useful.

 

[synoohe]

Is anyone planning to start this summer for the MD/MPH stuff? I was hoping to move in mid- to late May but I have no idea where I'm going to live or anything. Does anyone have any plans? Or need a roommate?

Rebectar, i am going to be there but not for the MPH, the Deming is 700$ /month but you could get much cheaper place in uptown next to the undregrad campus. check this forum, under housing.(www.somforum.com)

 

[rebectar]

I have been thinking about the mph option alot, i can't decide if it is for me, and also which specialty to pick (health admin, pubic health, enviroment etc.) Maybe you could give me a few pointers and some reasons why it is useful.

I probably won't be much help with this...it was kind of an "ah, why not" thing for me. I had already decided I didn't want to go the MD/PhD route, but I thought a public health background would probably be helpful in the future, whatever I end up doing. I chose the community health specialty on my application. The school of public health site lists most of the available courses and that was mostly how I decided on that. Plus, I'm tired of living in Athens and it was an excuse to move early

If any of you guys do apply to the MD/MPH program, I have an email from the program manager with some helpful info, course scheduling, etc. - let me know and I'll send it on. BTW, if you haven't sent in the app yet, you don't have to pay the fee if you have already been accepted into the medical school. And if you are accepted in the medical school, you're essentially guaranteed acceptance to the school of public health (they send you an acceptance letter in April but the woman I talked to told me to go ahead and pack my bags and look for a place to live).

 

[Kitra101]

go dawgs

 

[KAI1927]

And if you are accepted in the medical school, you're essentially guaranteed acceptance to the school of public health (they send you an acceptance letter in April but the woman I talked to told me to go ahead and pack my bags and look for a place to live).

Hey, thanks for the info.

 

[tmb80]

hi everyone,

pretty sure I'll be coming to tulane this fall and wondering if anyone can clarify the changes the school has had to make since katrina-- specifically, since they've cut faculty, what has happened to the student:faculty ratio? and is it true they have eliminated both the engineering school and clinical research programs? will any of the government funding bring back these programs or faculty?

thanks in advance!

 

[Samoa]

well yes there is no gym in downtown campus

Not true. there is actually a gym in the old med school building. It's hard to find, and most people think it's an urban legend, but I've seen it with my own eyes.

 

[KAI1927]

On This website there is petition for having the Levees strengthened to withstand a category 5 hurricane, this really is of interest to anyone living or planning to live in New Orleans. It takes two second to sign and it might help the cause.

http://www.savebigeasy.org/

 

[Kirata]

Hey, just joined SDN, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be at Tulane in August as well. Just wanted to touch base with a couple of fellow incomers, get to know some people in the class and whatnot. Also hoping to take some MPH classes this summer (though they might be online from somewhere else), so anyone who's pulling the duo and will possibly be in NO this summer for first or second session should drop me a line.

 

[idealist]

what up kids..weird it took me so long to find these c/o 2010 threads..but yeah..im psyched for tulane. still not sure if im going, but im visiting NO april 2nd-10th..anyone gonna be there or wanna help me find non-moldy volunteer opps or places to stay? im in a few other places, and instate tuition is tempting, but nothin got my heart like tulane..i cant wait to meet you other like-minded and -hearted individuals..

im from ny, livin in the city right now..heard theres gonna be mad boys in our class next year, which youd think would be soo good for me haha (im a chick), but i actually went to wellesley, an all girls school, so i like chicks a lot..

anywayy..keep posting blogues..

 

[drmota]

im from ny, livin in the city right now..heard theres gonna be mad boys in our class next year, which youd think would be soo good for me haha (im a chick), but i actually went to wellesley, an all girls school, so i like chicks a lot..

anywayy..keep posting blogues..

dammit! we already have a shortage of women, and now this??

just playin
-mota

 

[KAI1927]

im from ny, livin in the city right now..heard theres gonna be mad boys in our class next year, which youd think would be soo good for me haha (im a chick), but i actually went to wellesley, an all girls school, so i like chicks a lot..

anywayy..keep posting blogues..

So you like chicks, or do you like like chicks? just kidding

 

[Triggity02]

you can tell she's from NYC b/c she says there gonna be "mad" boys in the class. boston people would say "wicked" boys in the class, Cali people would say that there'll be "hella crazy" boys in the class. what an interesting linguistic phenomenon...

 

[idealist]

i like chicks and i like like chicks. and boys. arent we supposed to not hook up with people in our class anyway unless we're like, blacked out or somethin? wicked drunk..i lived in boston for 6 yrs so i pull out the wicked every once in a while too..gotta mix up the vernac..

 

[drmota]

i like chicks and i like like chicks. and boys. arent we supposed to not hook up with people in our class anyway unless we're like, blacked out or somethin? wicked drunk..i lived in boston for 6 yrs so i pull out the wicked every once in a while too..gotta mix up the vernac..

we'll all be getting mad crunk anyway. i'm from cali. but since we're moving to the south lets get used to the southern lingo, ya dig?
-mota

 

[Triggity02]

in that case, mota, i'm from the dirty, and ya'll be fixin' to get fig dip. (say it...it makes sense.)

 

[drmota]

in that case, mota, i'm from the dirty, and ya'll be fixin' to get fig dip. (say it...it makes sense.)

fig-dip fo sho. i'll be bringing cali with me though so be ready to ghostride some whips.
-mota

 

[tulane06]

i like chicks and i like like chicks. and boys. arent we supposed to not hook up with people in our class anyway unless we're like, blacked out or somethin? wicked drunk..i lived in boston for 6 yrs so i pull out the wicked every once in a while too..gotta mix up the vernac..

I don't know about Tulane but I have heard that students hook up with each other like crazy in other schools.

 

[velouria]

hey y'all

i'm a current tulane student with a house uptown. we're going to be out of town for most of june & the 1st week of july. finding housing may be a pain for those of you coming in. if any of you need a place to stay during that time frame (while you're waiting for your lease to start, for example) send me a pm. you wouldn't have to pay anything, just maybe water the plants we just don't want to leave our house empty that long.

 

[KAI1927]

hey y'all

i'm a current tulane student with a house uptown. we're going to be out of town for most of june & the 1st week of july. finding housing may be a pain for those of you coming in. if any of you need a place to stay during that time frame (while you're waiting for your lease to start, for example) send me a pm. you wouldn't have to pay anything, just maybe water the plants we just don't want to leave our house empty that long.

How are things going for current students? Are people excited about going back to NOlA?

 

[idealist]

so it seems like deming is a good option to keep open. i want to buy, but was told not to by some current tulane ms1's. i was also told not to live in deming by these ms1's. but things might be different now, for our class. i would like to at least keep the option open, and from the looks of the application, you wont lose your deposit should you change your mind, as long as you do it within 30 days of your move-in date. is this right? also, how long are you signing up for? a part of me wants to sign up for a short time, in case i dont like it, or find a better option. but the other part of me wants the better deal with the longer lease. what other living options have you all looked into?

thanks,

kankshi

 

[KAI1927]

so it seems like deming is a good option to keep open. i want to buy, but was told not to by some current tulane ms1's. i was also told not to live in deming by these ms1's. but things might be different now, for our class. i would like to at least keep the option open, and from the looks of the application, you wont lose your deposit should you change your mind, as long as you do it within 30 days of your move-in date. is this right? also, how long are you signing up for? a part of me wants to sign up for a short time, in case i dont like it, or find a better option. but the other part of me wants the better deal with the longer lease. what other living options have you all looked into?

thanks,

kankshi

I did it for the academic year, I figure the first time down there I don't want to search for a place especially now. Then next year an appartment could be an option. Besides I have heard deming is great for hanging out and getting to know the other students

 

[IronMed10]

Hey, I'll be checking out NOLA next week over spring break and will talk to some of my friends currently @ Tulane (both undergrad and SOM) about housing options. how many people are thinking about the MPH option and starting this summer? PM me if you're in the area and want to hang out or whatever (i'm from LA but go to school in colorado). have a good weekend.

 

[IBleedGreen]

Hey Guys and Girls, haven't been on here in forever but decided I'd check it out. I'm a 2nd year at Tulane, so I'll give you whatever advice I can. First thing, Tulane students go by 'T' instead of 'MS', so first years are called T1's. As far as housing, it's definitely available in the city, although I don't know how many places will be open in july/august, obviously. Rent might be a little higher than in years past, but your financial aid package will take cost of living into account. I lived in Deming as a first year and liked it, but it does have a dorm feel to it because mainly students live there. If you want to be close to the school and have a secure place, Deming is a good option.

Congrats on getting in, and we look forward to seeing you in the fall!

 

[KAI1927]

Hey Guys and Girls, haven't been on here in forever but decided I'd check it out. I'm a 2nd year at Tulane, so I'll give you whatever advice I can. First thing, Tulane students go by 'T' instead of 'MS', so first years are called T1's. As far as housing, it's definitely available in the city, although I don't know how many places will be open in july/august, obviously. Rent might be a little higher than in years past, but your financial aid package will take cost of living into account. I lived in Deming as a first year and liked it, but it does have a dorm feel to it because mainly students live there. If you want to be close to the school and have a secure place, Deming is a good option.

Congrats on getting in, and we look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Hey iBleedGreen, i am planning not to take any prep courses before starting school, i have heard this is the way to go, but i wanted a t2's opinion. thanks

 

[IBleedGreen]

Hey iBleedGreen, i am planning not to take any prep courses before starting school, i have heard this is the way to go, but i wanted a t2's opinion. thanks

Definitely don't. Enjoy your summer. You will learn everything you need to know in med school.

 

[KAI1927]

Definitely don't. Enjoy your summer. You will learn everything you need to know in med school.

Hey are you guys ready to go back to NOLA? Its gonna be an interesting experience. I am happy I get to be a part of it. I think its going to the start of something great at tulane.

 

[IBleedGreen]

Hey are you guys ready to go back to NOLA? Its gonna be an interesting experience. I am happy I get to be a part of it. I think its going to the start of something great at tulane.

Yes we are looking forward to getting back. Houston is ok, but it's not where we chose to live.

 

[drmota]

Yes we are looking forward to getting back. Houston is ok, but it's not where we chose to live.

is it true that tulane is like the best school ever?
-mota

 

[IBleedGreen]

is it true that tulane is like the best school ever?
-mota

Without a doubt

 

[TheMightyAngus]

Yes we are looking forward to getting back. Houston is ok, but it's not where we chose to live.

How does Tulane compare in terms of cost of attendance? I just got the financial aid packet and the expected $57k/year seems like a ton. Are most Tulane med students paying the sticker price? Is there any institutional aid?

 

[drmota]

How does Tulane compare in terms of cost of attendance? I just got the financial aid packet and the expected $57k/year seems like a ton. Are most Tulane med students paying the sticker price? Is there any institutional aid?

whoa whoa whoa. i haven't gotten my packet yet but 57K??? good god. wtf happened? i was expecting high thirties at most.
-mota

 

[IBleedGreen]

whoa whoa whoa. i haven't gotten my packet yet but 57K??? good god. wtf happened? i was expecting high thirties at most.
-mota

I don't know for sure, but I think 57K is probably similar to the aid package at most private schools. Remember, that takes into account tuition (which I think is around 38K) and all of your living expenses for the year. The majority of people take out loans. That's just part of med school. Other options are Military scholarships and the HPSP program. Tulane does have some institutional scholarships, but you would have been told if you received one of those when you got your acceptance letter. It feels a little overwhelming the first time you sign for 55K+ in loans, but eventually you forget about it and trust that you'll be able to pay it back once you start working. Student loans are actually good debt because they are an investment on your future earnings.

 

[Kazazzle12]

whoa whoa whoa. i haven't gotten my packet yet but 57K??? good god. wtf happened? i was expecting high thirties at most.
-mota

IBleedGreen is right... most private school budgets are from 55-60K per year, taking into account tuition, fees, housing, books, supplies, etc. The director of Tulane Financial Aid came to speak at our pre-med meeting last week and said that the budget has been increased to account for the higher rent in New Orleans right now. I've also heard of at least one person who's gotten a merit scholarship, so it looks like they've started awarding those already. But those are through Admissions, not Financial Aid, and all accepted students are considered. Apparently there are a handful of full-tuition and half-tuition scholarships available.

PS - Mota, in response to your post on my other thread... I won't be attending Tulane next year, just because I want to live somewhere else for a while. Tulane is seriously awesome though, so I know you'll have a great time here. I know I'm definitely going to miss New Orleans next year...

 

[drmota]

PS - Mota, in response to your post on my other thread... I won't be attending Tulane next year, just because I want to live somewhere else for a while. Tulane is seriously awesome though, so I know you'll have a great time here. I know I'm definitely going to miss New Orleans next year...

that's sad. where are you going?
-mota

 

[Kazazzle12]

that's sad. where are you going?
-mota

Most likely Emory... but I might wait to see what happens with the WashU waitlist.

 

[clusterfunk]

Apparently there are a handful of full-tuition and half-tuition scholarships available.

Unless money magically appeared in Tulane endowment (FEMA perhaps?), Admissions no longer awards full-tuition scholarships.... if memory serves me correctly, the rationale behind that decision was to "share the wealth" so that more students could receive smaller scholarships. The only full-tuition scholarships are for the MD/PhD students accepted every year, but then there are only ~2 of those each year.

They do still award 2 half-tuition scholarships, but you have to be nominated by a committee member and then they vote on recipients in May. But just like New Orleans proper, it is a highly political process and unfortunately MCAT scores are a huge factor (same goes for the MD/MPH scholarships). Also, one award is usually reserved for a Tulane undergrad. Don't despair though, for there are plenty of $10,000/yr and $5,000/yr scholarships to go around... just ask for one, you might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[-Goose-]

I don't think I can hack 57k... sheesh!

 

[TheMightyAngus]

whoa whoa whoa. i haven't gotten my packet yet but 57K??? good god. wtf happened? i was expecting high thirties at most.
-mota

I'm pretty sure they omitted any talks of financial aid during interview day b/c nobody told me that the projected cost of 3rd year is gonna exceed $60k. Tuition alone is $40k and they factor in $17-20k for living expenses and transportation each year. If you do the MD/MPH you're pushing a quarter million $$$. Who can pay this off working in public health??

http://www.finaidhsc.tulane.edu/som_faq_cost.htm

 

[clusterfunk]

I'm pretty sure they omitted any talks of financial aid during interview day b/c nobody told me that the projected cost of 3rd year is gonna exceed $60k. Tuition alone is $40k and they factor in $17-20k for living expenses and transportation each year. If you do the MD/MPH you're pushing a quarter million $$$. Who can pay this off working in public health??

http://www.finaidhsc.tulane.edu/som_faq_cost.htm

It is true that Tulane tends to brush off the overwhelming tuition costs during interviews. Dean after Dean after Chaplain will simply tell you not to worry about the money because you will eventually earn it all back. In the ~3 years I've been dealing with them, the powers-that-be have always expressed a very cavalier, laissez-faire attitude when it comes to the cost of attendance, and that's not really surprising, considering the school has to stay afloat somehow. Don't be complacent about your concerns, express them and don't settle for their rehearsed responses. Persistence pays off at Tulane Med, these people are pushovers... and right now is a prime time to capitalize on the situation. You've already been accepted, what do you have to lose for speaking your mind? We need more people like that here, honestly.

 

[drmota]

It is true that Tulane tends to brush off the overwhelming tuition costs during interviews. Dean after Dean after Chaplain will simply tell you not to worry about the money because you will eventually earn it all back. In the ~3 years I've been dealing with them, the powers-that-be have always expressed a very cavalier, laissez-faire attitude when it comes to the cost of attendance, and that's not really surprising, considering the school has to stay afloat somehow. Don't be complacent about your concerns, express them and don't settle for their rehearsed responses. Persistence pays off at Tulane Med, these people are pushovers... and right now is a prime time to capitalize on the situation. You've already been accepted, what do you have to lose for speaking your mind? We need more people like that here, honestly.

do we have to fill out FAFSA to be eligible for a scholarship? when is the latest we can fill out fafsa?
-mota

 

[clusterfunk]

do we have to fill out FAFSA to be eligible for a scholarship? when is the latest we can fill out fafsa?
-mota

For need-based scholarships (or any kind of loans for that matter), yes definitely fill out the FAFSA. I don't think the FAFSA is a factor in merit-based awards, seems like a potential conflict of interest, but the Tulane addendum is pretty important (in your packet). Parental income information is strongly requested too... such strange caveats for health-sciences graduate students, compared to any other grad students.

The FAFSA for returning students is due this Friday... keep in mind "the man" takes 1-3 business days to actually process it. Tulane has been telling incoming students to wait until you receive your packet, but it couldn't hurt to at least start your FAFSA now.

 

[mstald1]

I was told by Dr. Beckman that there are no scholarships currently available. I assume this to mean that they have all been awarded, but that some may become available if some of those people choose not to attend. Of course this comment may have just specifically applied to me.

 

[drmota]

I was told by Dr. Beckman that there are no scholarships currently available. I assume this to mean that they have all been awarded, but that some may become available if some of those people choose not to attend. Of course this comment may have just specifically applied to me.

whack. i need some money.
-mota

 

[IBleedGreen]

I was told by Dr. Beckman that there are no scholarships currently available. I assume this to mean that they have all been awarded, but that some may become available if some of those people choose not to attend. Of course this comment may have just specifically applied to me.

I think your first guess about them all being awarded is true. There were around 16 people in my class who got scholarships, just to give you some idea of the number available. I don't really understand what ClusterFcuk means by the people in Admissions being pushovers. I would be surprised to hear that anyone gets a scholarship at this point just by complaining about the cost of attendance. It can't hurt to ask if any are available, but since you heard there aren't, I don't know what more speaking your mind would do. If the money is that big of a deal, hunt for an outside scholarship (military, etc.) or just go to a cheaper school. Yeah it's a lot of money, but you're going into a field that allows you to pay that money back.

 

[KAI1927]

The Beignets are worth the money alone.

 

[TUgrl04]

Hey Guys,
I just wanted to post this update that was sent to me about the med school since I'm currently staff and the emails went out to all the current faculty and staff members. Looks like they're making alot of progress and trying to finish things up by the time we start in August.
Take care.

 

[drmota]

Hey Guys,
I just wanted to post this update that was sent to me about the med school since I'm currently staff and the emails went out to all the current faculty and staff members. Looks like they're making alot of progress and trying to finish things up by the time we start in August.
Take care.

awesome. that was great. thank you
-mota

edit: especially the "clinical mission", that should answer a lot of questions for people