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OK, who's with me?
maybe me! I've gotten into A&M, Tech, UTSW, and UTMB-Galveston. I'm leaning towards UTSW. What made you guys like UTSW?
The curved grading system is a huge concern for me
I feel the same way too, but I think there is another perspective on this: aren't you kind of ranked at all schools (except those few that do not rank until rotations) anyways? The curve just makes your rank a bit more explicit.
From what I hear, residency director look at how you rank against other students in your class, and do not look at your GPA absolutely. Thus, there is no implicit advantage to a curving or a noncurving school. Either way, you will somehow do either better or worse than your classmates and this is what will affect you.
But, it does make things a bit more stressful if you are always aware of how you are ranked.
But, at many schools, your class rank is determined not based upon your grade, but based upon your ranking in that class. So, if everybody gets 90+, but you have the lowest grade in the class at 90, you are still ranked last in the class, even though you have honored the class. Again, I want to stress, this system is not unique to UTSW (or even medical schools in general -- when I attended Grad. school, that's the way that we were ranked.) In a curved system, your grade is more indicative of your actual rank.In a curved system, I feel the difference is that whenever someone does well, YOU will automatically be affected negatively. Whereas in a system where let's say honors = 90+, theoretically, it is possible for everyone to get honors.
Also, is there a second look program? I seem to recall something about observing grand rounds. Does anybody have the details for that?
hi future classmates . Quick question - how close do most ppl live?
Ah, thanks. Does sw have some sort of roommate form?A lot of students live at university-owned apartment complex very close to the North Campus (usually called Med Park), http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw...on/auxiliaryservices/campushousing/index.html
Another popular apartment complex is Inwood on the Park. Many students live here because Med Parks doesn't allow pets, and I believe it's somewhat cheaper. There are also tons of condos and apartments on Cedar Springs Rd. They're a bit farther, but still pretty close to campus. Cedar Springs is the gay community area in Dallas, so I guess the places are better taken care of.
Hope that helps.
Ah, thanks. Does sw have some sort of roommate form?
We'll be up in Dallas in a few weeks for the Whiterock Marathon, so I'll get a chance to do some apartment shopping then.
I've briefly looked at some of the apartments around UTSW and they all seem to start at $750 for rent. This is a bit high for me. Does anyone know of anything that's cheaper and relatively closer?
Also, I Potato mentioned that UTSW doesn't hold your hand . . .what do you mean by that? Do they have any type of tutoring for people who struggle in some of the classes? are there any assistance programs? I know most med schools have stuff like this. . I would be surprised if SW doesn't. I'm sure the med school benefits if their students are successful and don't drop out.
Also, I Potato mentioned that UTSW doesn't hold your hand . . .what do you mean by that? Do they have any type of tutoring for people who struggle in some of the classes? are there any assistance programs? I know most med schools have stuff like this. . I would be surprised if SW doesn't. I'm sure the med school benefits if their students are successful and don't drop out.
Out of all the schools I interviewed at, I really liked UTSW the best (even more than Baylor). I just felt more welcome at UTSW. Mr. Norred was very friendly and professional, and the students there overall were pretty normal. [...]
I already PMed another UTSWer about this, but I wanted to hear other opinions: what do yall think about the college system, and how does it work? UTSW's website doesn't have much info other than the schedule for the colleges.
The curved grading system is a huge concern for me, so I'm still waiting for offers from Baylor and a couple of out of state schools.
hi future classmates . Quick question - how close do most ppl live?
what do you like and dislike about UTSW?
How close to UTSW do most ppl live? I remember they showed us that chart deal, but I wasn't really paying attention/don't remember.
I'm interested in knowing the answer to this as well. It seemed like the majority of people live in about a 5 mile radius of UTSW. My parents have a house 25 miles away from UTSW and am wondering if I should stay at home (and save A LOT of money) or stay near campus.
I know the schedule is from 9-5 but are there a lot of days where UTSW students study at night on campus or have meetings at night? I dont really want to commute if this is the case.
In references to your first point, does SW teach to prep for the board or what you need to be a doctor?
Are the classes 8am-5pm? Also, are the lectures recorded?
If it is 8am to 5pm that makes me muy triste . Unless you can actually learn from class. Otherwise it seems like it would detract from some serious study time.
For rent the cheapest your going to find nearby for a 1 bdrm is about 650. For a 2 bdrm 900-1000 if you can get intown housing (check out the Jefferson at the northend for 1 bdrm for 700 intown but they have a big waitlist). Some ppl spend substantially more.
hey everyone, just wondering if anyone knew what % of the class gets scholarships at the prematch stage (with the acceptance letter)? thanks!
Last year I remember hearing 10% get a scholarship... half $7000 & half $3500. If they don't tell you in your acceptance letter, you didn't get one.
No. I think what the other poster was referring to was Stafford Loans, the maximum amount of which is about $30k/yr.I'm really confused about this whole loan situation.
So we can pull out a 30K loan from UTSW and then we have to pull out another loan for tuition from elsewhere?
I would look at it this way, why would you possibly pick UTH over UTSW?I'm leaning heavily towards UTSW (with a SW pre-match, who wouldn't) but have my UTH interview this Friday. Due to some conflicting assignments/coming down with a cold this week, I'm considering canceling the interview to make things easier on myself. I've searched through all the forums and read up on UTSW v. UTH positions and while pretty content with this decision, I was just wondering why others picked southwestern over Houston specifically. I don't want to start a X v. X debate here, but if you could PM me or possibly reply with your thoughts I would greatly appreciate it!
I've asked this question before, but I still understand what the frenzy over UTH is over this year. People keep saying "THE TMC" and that's it. I've followed the boards for the past 2 years and when my older sibling went through this process and there wasn't this type of hype about UTH at all.
I guess they just really pulled out all the stops during interview day and advertised themselves really well which is commendable.
But yeah, IMO UTSW > UTH in reputation, experience, & step scores.
The Texas Medical Center is really huge and impressive and makes you feel like you're immersed in the world of world class medicine. It's the environment effect that helps make a school that much more appealing. That being said, UTSW is in another class of its own compared to UTH when it comes to reputation and research.
heh, funny story - I was emailing a bunch of UTSW faculty about research positions last summer, and a few responded. Surprisingly, I got a really nice letter back from a faculty who said unfortunately, he didn't have room in his lab but would I kindly check Dr. ___'s lab next door, they need people like me.
Later, I found out he was the guy who discovered telomeres (and incidentally, was the 4th most cited BME prof in the world).
Speaking of research, I was thinking about getting some research at UTSW for this summer before starting med school. I really want to do some neuroscience research after reading my physiology book. Are there any paid research positions for the summer?