Welcome! Enjoy some of the finer pages of online ramblings out there! If you have found this page through BlogSpot, please visit my homepage using the links on the sidebar. Inspired by the certainty of my headaches, "The Headache Diaries" may include my headache log. I also like to log other things such as people, places, and things that I don't like, as well as people, places, and things that I do like.
OH MY GOD MIRACLES EXIST!!! I FINALLY GOT MY DEPOSIT BACK FROM GEBE!!!
YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
:: Jane Dee 5:42:00 PM [+] ::
...
:: 5.31.2012 ::
Sweet Freedom
My first day free from test stuff! Yeah! I feel like it's 2008!
Anyway, now that I have some free time, I am going to do all the stuff I have been putting off: painting the house, fixing the roof, cleaning my desk (ha ha), preparing for med or b school (hopefully both!), etc. Today I think I will go shopping. I probably won't buy much, or anything, but it will be nice to do something other than exponents, correcting sentences, and explaining why the CEO of Super Corp. doesn't make very good arguments.
Speaking of arguments, I have saved almost all of my GMAT essays. I am going to put them in a word file and post them under my "Things to download" link on the sidebar. There are a few that I wasn't able to post on my blog, so you should be able to read them there. I will do that later though!
You know what else? I was supposed to get money back from Sallie Mae, and I never got it! WTF. I have to call them. I want my damn money!!
IEE!! My test is in less than two hours!! I am nervous and excited at the same time! I really hope I get 550+. That would be awesome. I will post my unofficial scores when I'm back!!
Wow! If I don't get a 550 tomorrow, I will be shocked. Anyway, I finished all the problems in the new GMAT Prep software and score the same as in the old Prep software.
So because I have been so consistent in scoring, here is my new list of the five schools you get to send your scores to for free: ASU-Evening (#1 choice for both directions), ASU-Online, Rutgers Part-Time, UA, Quinnipiac-Online. I would send it to ASU-Traditional, but with 550-ish scores, I don't think I'd get in. If they solicit me, maybe.
Well, that's it! This time tomorrow, I will be entrance test free for life!!!! HURRAAHHH!!!
Tomorrow I take my GMAT! Yeah! I am SOOOOO glad this grad school test taking nonsense will be over soon! I can't wait! I have been getting at least 550 on all of the tests except the Princeton ones, so I think I will get at least 550.
Of course, I haven't gotten my money back from GEBE> Now they are trying to blame me. What assholes. Now I KNOW this is a scam. GEBE and the bank are in cahoots. GEBE requests a transfer from Windward with incorrect numbers, Windward puts in the transfer with the incorrect numbers, and they get their money back eventually. If someone complains, GEBE requests another transfer with the correct numbers, but Windward doesn't do the transfer. Very simple. And there ain't shit I can do about it. Well, we'll see. Did I mention how much I hate St. Maarten? Yes? Well, I guess I will let you know again.
Well, I didn't do as bad as I thought I would on the difficult questions! I got more than half right, which should get me past 550. That is really all I am looking for. Of all the quant questions, I got a 73%. Is that good? I don't know. I hope it gets me closer to 600 though. If I can break 600, I am set in both directions: med school and no med school. However, I'm not banking on a super score, just a good enough one.
The interesting thing I noticed was that I must do the questions as fast as I can. If I get the answer on my own, I have to mark it and move on. If I don't get it, I give it one more try, then guess. That is how I did all of the questions. On the difficult section, I missed the last two questions. I did fall asleep a bit during the quiz though. I have to stop doing that!!! I also spent about four minutes on a single question and I had to force myself to move on! I think they do this on purpose. They know a lot of people taking this test like to finish math problems so they add in some weird problems that will make you want to finish. Well, I have more practice problems to do, then some tests left. I have been saving real GMAT test #2. I will take that on Sunday or Monday. I also have other practice tests, but I am not sure if I will do all of them. I will probably take the Kaplan one online and a Barron's one. Not sure about the Princeton ones. We'll see. I don't want to burn myself out right before the test!
Anyway, I becoming more and more excited to take the test! I know that when I see a decent score, I will be done! I am so glad the GMAT gives you a preliminary score, not like the stupid MCAT where you have to wait a month to see what you got. This way, if I do bad, I can reschedule appropriately and not dwell on it forever. I think the MCAT makers like to torture people. They can easily give you a preliminary score, but would rather you burn for a month.
Alright, enough of this! It's time for quant... oh wait I have to water the plants first...
I am pretty excited that I am going to be done with all of my entrance exams in one week. No more after this! Well, unless I totally screw up the GMAT, but I'd have to get a pretty low score. I am also excited that I can finally move on with my life.
Despite my mishap at AUC, I am still on track for my goals. If this new school works out, I wouldn't have missed a beat. Just a lot of money ha ha! Anyway, I try not to think about that too much, since I STILL haven't gotten back my GEBE refund! I also didn't get my anatomy book back. If these two things don't work out, that's another $300 I'm out. Live and learn. Or is it live and keep getting burned?
In better news, my cat is doing much better. She didn't kill anyone at her last vet visit and all of her tests were normal. I still have to watch her for a week, but she has been getting back to her old routines. That makes me feel better. She has been eating, drinking and playing just like she used to.
So today is going to be another fun-filled day of Quant review. I did well on the medium difficulty questions yesterday. I finished all of the problems with time to spare. I only didn't know two questions, the rest of the ones I got wrong because of a mechanical error. I was trying to move as fast as I could, so I guess I messed up some numbers. Today I am going to finish off the medium to difficult questions and see how that goes. So far, I got 97% of the easy questions and 87% of the medium questions. What that translates into, I have no idea, but I am definitely doing better. Oh and I also know that I need A LOT of coffee to power through these sessions. I will make some strong coffee on test day.
I am excited that my testing schedule is going to be over soon. I am so anxious to fix the garden and paint the house and do some other projects that I have been putting off. When this test is over, I should celebrate!
Hopefully, this happy spirit will get me through today's quant practice!
Ha! I almost wrote "MCAT" in the title! Ohhh no, I am so done with that test!
So I decided that I am not going to bother with the Princeton review tests. The three brands that are close together are GMAT official prep, Kaplan, and Barron's. I will only use the Princeton Review to practice pacing if I have the time. Since I only have a week left, I am going to finish my OG Quant book, and then do some more practice tests. I did one section of the quant book yesterday and I seem to get almost all of the easy questions right, and I didn't go over the two minute timer. Well, I'm going to see how many medium questions I get right today. I'm going to go over my notes first though. I will see if that helps.
I tried the new GMAT practice test questions and I seem to do pretty good on the medium difficulty integrated reasoning questions. I didn't get to the hard questions, but I am thinking if I don't do as well as I need to, I might try my hand at the new test. Hopefully, I won't have to, but I need to make alternative plans in case this next school doesn't look good.
I am pretty excited that I am going to visit Trinity next month. I am seriously hoping that this school fits me better. I guess I will see. They offered me an interview, so I opted to do it on the St. Vincent campus. I hope it works out for this school. But I guess my back-up plan isn't too bad either.
Well this weekend sucked! First, my bird, who was 14 years old, died. He had liver problems and he was starting to go downhill fast. Well, I went out to buy charcoal for his cremation and when I came back, I was fixing the plants in one of my rooms. I had a lily whose flowers had dried, so I took off those petals and was trimming a hibiscus. I put the lily petals in the trash and put them up high hoping my cat wouldn't get to it in the one minute I'd need to put the plants back into the room. Well, one minute is too long because she pulled the petals out of the trash and was pawing and mouthing the petals and the pollen. I remember reading lilies are bad for cats (even though they are edible for humans) so I went online just to make sure. I did this because my cat ate poinsettias once, and I got all scared, looked it up and found that they aren't that bad. So this time, I figured it would be like poinsettia. Nope.
LILIES ARE SO DEADLY TO CATS THEY ARE AS DEADLY AS ANTIFREEZE
That's right. Every website I read said the same things: DEADLY, TOXIC, POISON, and worst of all, FATAL. 100% FATAL. I ran out to get some charcoal and ipecac to make her throw up. Well, they don't sell ipecac anywhere! Okay, so I gave her loads of grass (which usually makes her vomit) and nothing. So TJ gave her a bunch of catnip and food (which also has a vomit history) and nothing. So I read some tips online about salt in the throat. Nothing. Then I read about peroxide. Nothing except growling. So now, we are getting close to the two hour mark and no throwing up so I give her charcoal and call the vet. I took her in and had to keep her there for 48 hours. She got forced diuresis and was observed. Cost me a pretty penny too. She just came home last night and I have to take her in today for another kidney test. I also have to monitor her for a week.
I was so scared and was crying because I had no freakin' idea about the lilies being so poisonous. I had brought in cut lilies from my garden and left them in a vase for days on end in a place she can get to. I had this same lily she was pawing at out on the counter for days. She could have easily ate it then, and died three days later and I wouldn't have known what happened. TJ was annoyed that there are no poison stickers on plants sold to take home with pets that are as deadly as this one. I think he has a point. I wish there was a warning on the lilies if they are to be sold for personal use. I'm not saying all plants that are toxic, but at least the extremely deadly ones like lilies.
But she is looking good now, and she seems annoyed at me. I don't think she is going to like going back to the vet today! Oh well. I just want her better!
And of course, I now have to look up each and every plant that I bring home from now on.
It's been ten days and no refund from GEBE. Actually, it's Windward bank. I called all the banks involved and no transfer was even sent. Nice. Did I mention how much I dislike ST. Maarten? Yes, I probably have done that already.
AAAARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! This Caribbean nightmare doesn't end!!!!!!
Okay I am not sure if this is on purpose or what. I have been getting at least 550s on the real GMAT prep tests, and at least 550s on Kaplan GMAT test preps. So today I take a crack at Princeton's prep tests and well, I can't even tell you the score!
I seriously hope that the real GMAT prep tests are telling me the right thing. If not, I am totally screwed.
At least I have been getting really good at the essays. But I knew that wasn't going to be a problem. Here is one from OG:
The following appeared in an Avia Airlines departmental memorandum:
"On average, 9 out of every 1000 passengers who traveled on Avai Airlines last year filed a complaint about our baggage-handling procedures. This means that although some 1 percent of our passengers were unhappy with those procedures, the overwhelming majority were quite satisfied with them; thus it would appear that a review of the procedures is not important to our goal of maintaining or increasing the number of Avia's passengers."
According to Avia Airlines, only 9 out of 1000 passengers filed a complaint about their baggage-handling procedures. Avia Airlines then concludes that because only about one percent of its customers are unhappy, Avia Airlines has no reason to review and change policies regarding baggage-handling. This conclusion is not sound for a few reasons.
The first reason Avia Airlines should not conclude that its policies are good enough is that they are only looking at reported complaints. Perhaps if they conducted a survey of more passengers and what the passengers felt about Avia's baggage handling procedures, Avia would have more than one percent of dissatisfied customers.
The second reason this conclusion is not sound is because Avia is basing how they run and review policy in a reactionary manner instead of a proactive manner. Reported complaints are most likely from customers that have either totally damaged or lost bags. Who knows how many bags are damaged by Avia on a regular basis. The customer may not report it, but they may tell their friends and family, and that may cause a drop in Avia's customer base. Since Avia stated that one of their goals is to maintain their customer base, baggage handling should be a top priority.
The third reason is that since Avia will only change policy only after more customers are dissatisfied, they will not reach their goal of increasing thier customer base. Concluding that policy doesn't have to change until some number of customers are dissatisfied will result in the same number of mishandled bags, but with fewer customers. This will cause a change in policy, but only after AVia's customer base has diminished. How will they get their customers back? Avia will either have to spend a lot of money on advertsing their new improved baggage handling or offer lower fares. Both of these costly fixes could be avoided if Avia took the time to review their baggage procedures before it was too late.
Although it is a good idea for Avia Airlines to review thier complaints and try to figure out how satisfied their customers are, it is not a good idea to make conclusions based on a few statistics. If Avia Airlines wished to keep and increase their customer base, they will have to conduct widespread surveys to see how many customers are dissatisfied with their baggage handling. Avia will also have to implement policies in a proactive manner, before any dissatisfied customers tell their friends and family how bad Avia'a baggage handling really is.
Another average score! I can't take it anymore! I officially hate the GMAT!
All I can say is that I seriously hope I fall in love with Trinity, do well, get the MD, and only have to do online MBA in health management. If not, I have to hope ASU takes me into supply chain management!!!!! I am more than sure I will not be getting into any full time MBA program. UGH!! Crackers!!!
In other news, I haven't got the GEBE refund yet. I will tell them if I don't! I seriously hope they like my annoying emails! I also haven't gotten my Netter's book back yet. I really hope that shows up. I will sell it again! HA!
Now I nothing else to say. I am annoyed. As usual when it pertains to school stuff.
Could it be true? After three plus months of phone calls and emails, will I finally be getting my GEBE refund? Today I tried to call Windward Bank myself, and the number they post on their website doesn't work! I thought for sure this whole outfit was a scam and I will never see that money again. Well, later today I got an email from GEBE that said they DID get the money back from the bank and are in the process of making a new wire transfer. HOORAY! Well, let's not get too excited over nothing. I will believe it when I see it! I am counting the days.
In other news, my book has been confirmed lost. That Netter's book is cursed! I got a letter from the Mail Recovery Center in North Carolina saying that they found the wrapper, but if I want to find the book, I have to fill out a form and send it to the Dead Parcel Branch in Atlanta. Well, after speaking to the consumer affairs woman, she said it can take a month to get my book if they find it. Oh boy! I can't wait to get that stupid book back!
In some good/exciting news, I FINALLY booked my flights to St. Vincent! So I am excited to see the school and see what it is all about. I hope it turns out well. I will definitely post pictures!
Well, even though today was a wash for GMAT studies, I am happy that the main stressors have been resolved, or at least are now moving in the right direction. I am really glad to hear about my GEBE deposit! I think I will jump for joy when I finally get that deposit back. Tomorrow, I know I will be able to study in peace and I should be ready to start studying harder for the GMAT.
And it has nothing to do with the GMAT! In fact I have been figuring out how to get to Trinity for hours. I am very close to booking everything thankfully. It seems that it will cost me about $1290 for air and hotel. That doesn't include food! Yikes! I can see why the school will reimburse you. I told TJ that maybe we should take it easy this year on our vacation and try not to spend as much since I am spending a lot. Then you have to factor in supplies I will need to buy for school and deposits if I wind up going there. Plus another airfare. Which will cost more than what I am paying! About $200 more.
Of course I am also contemplating not visiting and just going there. Which is a terrible idea, I know. Sometimes when I look at the cost of things I go berserk! Anyway, going there sight unseen is not an option. So the next idea is when to start. At first I was gung-ho about starting in August. After looking at prices and how much money I will be spending (again), I am giving that a second thought. I was thinking about working a little to save some money but then I think, why? How much could I possibly make in a few months that would override the supposed savings of starting later? The only real savings come if I start in May. The other good thing about May is the extra tiny class. Is that a good thing? I don't know. It's not like the September class is super huge either. It's a lot to think about!
And of course this is cutting into my GMAT studies! I haven't studied well for a couple of days because all I can think about is "to book, or not to book?" At least I narrowed it down to three possibilities. I will wait for TJ to help me make the final decision. Of course, he always works late when I need his help, ha ha! Such is life.
So I think I am going to take a break. Maybe trim the flowers. I have been at this computer for hours! I did eat so at least that. I hope that I can make a good decision soon.
I can't wait to be free from this med-school purgatory! Now that I have one school left (not holding my breath), I can finally start to really focus on the next steps. What those are, I am not too sure.
It is May now and I guess that means I can start my DO applications. The problem is that I don't really want to. I am not sure if it would be worth it. I am not sure if I'd even have a chance since I went to Caribbean school. Something is telling me that I would be wasting my time. I kinda want to apply to the DO in Texas, but that is about it. The problem with Texas is that they take so few out of state students (unlike the stupid school in my state), that it makes it seem like a waste of money as well. I will see though. I am not rip roaring at this application like I was with the AMCAS.
Hmm. There is much to think about. I guess once I visit that school in St. Vincent, I will really know. I might just forget this whole med school thing and just do the MBA only. We'll see. I say that a lot don't I?
Well, back to the GMAT stuff. I have to finish the Official Guide diagnostic test. TJ came home before I could finish it. Then I will make my flash cards. Hopefully that will help. I will have to go over those formulas everyday until the test. Maybe throw in an example on it. I have these giant flashcards that Lou gave to me when she came to visit me on St. Maarten. I guess I can use those.
Well, I finally got my rejection from U of Illinois. Personally, I think that the adcoms should stop writing how much they "carefully considered" my application. If by carefully considered they mean how they carefully put me in the "junk pile" in June and considered me only when the rejection deadline approached, I don't agree with it. Anyway, here is my letter:
So still on the list of annoying things is the "lost" Netter's book (to which I spoke with the postal courier and she was a total spaz-slash-jerk) and my GEBE refund. Caribbean school just keeps on giving!
Speaking of Caribbean school, I am planning on taking a trip to St. Vincent to see Trinity. I spoke with some people there and will probably go see it next month. Apparently if you visit and matriculate, they will refund the cost of your trip from the tuition. Not a bad deal. They don't advertise that on their website, so it was nice to find that out.
I have been studying for the GMAT and I am not doing super awesome. I am hoping to get over a 600! I think I can do that, but not by much. Well, I have about a month. I am currently working on the Official Guide diagnostic test for practice. I finished my warm up in the Princeton book. After I complete this test in the Official Guide, I will complete the next practice test in the Princeton book. Then on and on. I have a lot of tests to practice with. I will be cramming in a lot this month! Yippee!
This past week I have been preparing to visit the school on St. Vincent. It's quite expensive, somewhere around $800 to go there. I am hoping I can stay with someone in the :dorm" but I guess I can't expect that. I will contact the school and see what they can do in terms of where I can stay. I am going to visit the school sometime after my GMAT.
Still no word from GEBE. What else is new? Oh right, the status of that Netter's book. I really REALLY hope it gets there. I really don't want to have to take a loss on such a stupid book. I haven't got a call back from the post office about the whereabouts of the book. I kind of don't expect to though. I can see something not going my way about this.
Anyway, the day is young and it is time to study some GMAT. I have to go through that Princeton book, then try some quizzes online at Kaplan. I am not sure if I will get around to the anything else today as I would like to finish the Princeton book. Oh yeah, I plan on going over all of my notes and making flash cards of the stuff I need to know cold. Like the combination/permutation formulas, areas, square roots of certain numbers, et cetera. I know I want to get a certain amount of things done in a day, but it doesn't happen. I just want to get through the book and maybe do a quiz and if I have time, go over the notes and do some flash cards. So we shall see what I actually get through.
Other than that, I have a month before my GMAT. Whoo hoo?
Just when I thought I had seen the last of that awful Netter's book... I find out that it wasn't delivered! What?! I would hate to have to refund a book that the post office lost! Well, I called the USPS and opened an investigation about the piece. I am hoping that it's just taking a long time and that it will arrive in a few days.
In other bad news, I am STILL fighting with GEBE about my deposit! I called every bank involved and I hopefully got the ball rolling. GEBE FINALLY contacted Windward bank as to the status of the transfer which every bank involved said it was returned to Windward and hopefully GEBE. UGHHH!!!! More rotten memories from St. Maarten! How I wish I never went!
Now that I have given myself a headache, I can't study much for GMAT. Maybe I will do sentence correction. Less stress.
So I completed some verbal and quantitative exercise on my Barron's GMAT CD. I think their questions are pretty similar to the GMAT stuff. Maybe I am saying that only because I did better on the Barron's stuff than I do the Kaplan stuff!
I haven't practiced the essay parts thoroughly. I kinda just write an outline and figure I will write a decent essay. When I start practicing that, I will post what write.
Well, it's time to start dinner. GMAT studies continue tomorrow!
Notice that I didn't put an exclamation point after month. Well, it's hard to get excited about another long test! I am kind of excited to take it because I have been wanting to take it for years, and now my time has come on the eve of the new GMAT. I scheduled my test at the end of May, right before the new GMAT debuts. I figure that I will have all the time in the world to study the new GMAT if I don't go to med school and I don't get into ASU. Of course, UA is pushing hard for students by offering all kinds of scholarships and money. So maybe I will send my scores there after all?
In any case, I am still trying to figure out how to raise my scores. I think I am scoring high enough to get into ASU, but I would prefer to be above that. Hopefully, having the test scheduled (and paid for, $250!!!) will help me study harder. Not too sure what studying harder will do, but at least I will be motivated.
Currently, I am reading the Princeton Review for GMAT. I am not sure I am understanding the point of the book. It seems more like tricks and tips. I think I will have to read it very carefully if I want to apply any of these methods. I am also practicing with Kaplan's book. I am working on the CATs they offer and I am not sure if the CATs really are computer adaptive. I mean, wouldn't each test just have a preset bank of questions? Hm. Well, I've got two more essays, four more quizzes, two CATs on the CD and one CAT online. I am saving the online test last. Then I will see about scheduling one of those free online tests they give. It may be the same, but at least it will be some practice. On the Princeton CD, I have two two CATs, two practice tests, and verbal and quantitative practice. I also have the two Quantitative review books from GMAT and some extra problems from the new review guide. I am hoping I will have enough practice! I only have a month, so I have to use these things wisely.
Now my head hurts from all the excitement. I think I will get something to eat then use some practice stuff I just mentioned. It's going to be a long day!
Today is the first 100 degree day in Phoenix. Yippee? Meh. Today I am going to do some quizzes for the GMAT on my Kaplan syllabus and see how I do. No one got back to me about the teaching job so I guess I will schedule my GMAT today or tomorrow.
You know what else sucks? I STILL haven't resolved my account with GEBE! These jerks claim that they never were told that the transfer wasn't any good. So they want ME to show THEM that I didn't get the money. Well basically, if you didn't initiate the transfer, you have no access to the notes that the banks write each other that it was rejected. I was on the phone for hours with each bank involved in the transfer (except Windward Bank) and they all told me that it was rejected and that I can't have access to the transcript and that the INITIATOR (GEBE and Windwards) has to do the trace. I tell them that that is my problem, they are lazy and don't care and don't want to do the trace. I told them to ask Windward for a trace TWICE. SO finally I wrote to them and said that I can't get the "proof" they are looking for and it's a matter of them simply calling Windward and doing a trace. DUH. Supposedly, they emailed someone at the bank so we will see. I was thinking that I would make a layover in SXM just to go to GEBE and chew them out. But meh. I think I will just do a layover in Barbados instead.
Yes, so I decided to take a look at Trinity SOM and see what it is all about. I am going to go after I take my GMAT. I guess that will be sometime in June. If that place doesn't look right, I won't go. I guess I will just continue with the DO thing, even though I don't have any DO letters. I am still deciding if I should start my applications in May. I think I will apply to Texas, but I am not sure about any other school. Maybe the one in Ohio? Maybe. I just don't want to spend tons of money on places I don't have a chance at. Or that are undesirable. I think I would just rather go forth with the MBA and think of something to do later.
Okay, well I guess it's time to get some quizzes going. Maybe an essay. Seems I am slipping with that.
Today I am going to do all the sentence correction questions. Well, most of them anyway. I went over the grammar rules and stuff yesterday. If found this website to help you practice some English. I would have never have known that this is an acceptable sentence: "The mural will have been being painted by the artist for over six months by the time it is finished." Ha What?
I haven't scheduled my GMAT yet because I am waiting for an answer back about a teaching job I applied to. Not sure if I will get it, but I guess I can give them to the end of the week. Then I guess I will schedule it. I want a job really bad, but I have to finish all my tests first unless I can squeeze in something like a substitute teacher. I am going to schedule the test for May 30, 31, or June 1. I will see what appointments are left in a week. It seems like they added some though. I could have sworn there were less appointments a week ago. Hmm.
I am also pondering what to do about medical school. No DOs got back to me! What BS. Still not sure if want to put all that effort into DO applications though. I think that having a Carib school transcript hurts my chances. They say it doesn't but I have a feeling it does because to them it looks like you put Carib school over DO school. I mean, I guess that is kind of true. So I am not sure if I want to spend another $1000 on applications to nowhere. Then go on interviews that go nowhere and spend another $1000 at least. And that is only if I am conservative in my applications. If I do the shotgun approach, I can easily spend $3000 on applications. I was thinking of applying to a few schools only. But we'll see. The applications open in May.
I was looking at another Caribbean school, Trinity on St. Vincent. Not sure if I would apply there yet, but it's an option. I am definitely going to visit first. No more surprise med school crap.
Well, the sun is up, so that means it's time to study!
I am looking for schools that I can send my scores to. This is what I've found so far:
W.P. Carey Online. ASU offers supply chain management online! How nice! A few years ago, it was only offered in the full-time MBA program. That was one reason I never did the MBA when I moved to Arizona. I wanted to do this program, but I couldn't leave my job. So NOW they have it online, geez. Anyway, ASU offers a few more things online now. Here is the list of core courses. What's great about an online program is that I can do the classes from home AND still work! Huzzah! The part-time evening and full time program offers Supply Chain Management, Health Sector Management, and Entrepreneurship, while the weekend program offers SCM. I guess depending how I score and what I do next will determine what program I will apply to.
NYU Stern Part-Time. This is obviously a reach school at this point. However, I think if I finished medical school, I'd be a better candidate. Not sure how I would tie in medicine and SCM, but I will send my scores here anyway, just in case. NYU Stern part-time also offers entrepreneurship, another field I am considering depending on how things go.
Zicklin, Baruch. I had wanted to swear off CUNY forever, but Baruch does offer very flexible classes. They offer Entrepreneurship, Idustrial/Organizational Psychology, and Operations Management, but no SCM. There is also a very interesting part-time Healthcare Administration MBA that is probably more what I am looking for if I go to medical school. I am not sure how I would work that in though. The scores expire in five years and so I would have to start this program during residency if I went to medical school. Of course, if I go to another Caribbean school, I may start in September so that I can do an MBA before my scores expire.
Quinnipiac University. Although it's a third tier school, it does offer SCM and Healthcare Management. It also offers an online Healthcare MBA. The benefits of this program is that there is no time limit for completion (for now) and no campus requirement.
Pepperdine (Graziadio). I can't say I am a fan of living in California, but I did pass the Malibu campus many years ago and it looked great. This school offers a full-time MBA and a part-time MBA. The full-time MBA offers a study abroad program and Entrepreneurship. The part-time MBA also offers Entrepreneurship and a study abroad program. The part-time study abroad program can be a week, a few weeks, or a whole trimester. That sounds neat!
Smeal at Penn State. Apparently, they have one of the best SCM MBA programs. They also offer Entrepreneurship. However, this is a full-time MBA. They do offer an online MBA, called the iMBA, but that looks like it is only a general MBA. Not sure I want to spend money on that.
Fordham University. This school offers a full-time MBA with Entrepreneurship. I don't think this will be a school I send my scores to, but I will still keep it in mind.
I think a problem can arise from there being more than one program at each school. You only get to report your GMAT to five schools, and I think that in the case of ASU for example, that would count as three if I sent my score to the full-time, evening, and professional programs. I guess I will have to ask, but I will assume this is the case. I will order it like this: ASU Evening, ASU Online, ASU Full Time, NYU Part-Time, Baruch Part-time. If I can't raise my GMAT scores much more, I will consider switching ASU Full Time or NYU Part Time with Quinnipiac Online.
So that was about five hours of work. Now I have to eat some food and study some GMAT stuff. Maybe I will figure out how to raise my score!
I took my first official GMAT test. Verdict: Average. Again.
Ugh! Average score = below average school! Okay, so now I know, I MUST go to medical school. These scores will not get me top honors anywhere. Well, I am still going to study for the GMAT, but I am definitely going to focus on applying to medical schools. I will try to find some schools that are within my range (pffffftttt!!!) and try not to freak out!
The Admissions Committee has reviewed your application for admission to Morehouse School of Medicine. We regret to inform you that we are unable to consider you further for admission to the 2012 Entering Class at the School of Medicine. In our screening process, each application is carefully reviewed and a decision is made as to whether the applicant should be invited for a personal interview. The School of Medicine receives nearly 4,500 applications annually and is limited to 64 students for the entering class. Morehouse School of Medicine is limited in its ability to interview the large number of qualified applicants who have applied. We appreciate your interest in our school, and wish you success in your professional goals. If you are in search of further advisement, you are encouraged to call the Office of Admission to schedule an appointment.
Well, just two more rejections to go!
Anyway, I have been studying for the GMAT. I think I will schedule my test soon. I have to take it! It's $250 though. I think that is more than the MCAT! I can't remember. Prices change so much from year to year, maybe the MCAT is $250 now? In any case, I think it's funny that I was planning on taking the GMAT about six years ago (my study books are from 2006 that I bought from Barnes and Noble) and going to a business school around NY. Once I got my CDL, my manager said that he wasn't going to reimburse me for it (over $2,000) unless I actually scored a position (he was lying, he had to reimburse me). So, well, Phoenix came up and I applied and I got it and the rest is history. I DID want to go to ASU for the MBA, but I didn't make that much money and I was too scared to quit my job. I guess it's good that I didn't because I like being married. My life is much better this way. I know I'm six years late, but when I die, no one will notice, ha ha! But it's not like I did nothing! I took the MCAT, applied to medical schools, took ochem, and actually went to medical school for a bit. Neat!
I am nervous about my GMAT. I don't think I will get above a 640. I should at least a 540, but I want higher. Well, if I wind up going to a different Caribbean school, then I guess it won't matter as much. However, if I only go to b-school, then it will matter! I will have to go to a no-name school.
So now that my study session is FINALLY over, I will look up some schools that I am interested in because when you take the exam, you get to send your scores to some schools. I will find schools and just send it and see what happens.
I've only raised my score about 30 points. NOT ENOUGH!!!! ARGH!!! Well, I didn't do the practice exam, just practice questions. I am still working on the last few data sufficiency questions. I don't think finishing is going to help! Well, before I start freaking out, I should probably take the full practice test first. That would probably give me a better idea.
So because I have been lazy, here is what I have to do: Finish the larger GMAT book. I have about one practice quiz left in it for the data sufficiency. When I complete that (hopefully in a couple of days), I want to quickly go over the verbal part and the essay part. From what I have done, I should do well on those sections. So my goal is to definitely take the real GMAT test #1 this weekend. Then I will worry from there. I have four CAT tests from Kaplan and two from Barron's. I also have the two quantitative books from GMAT and some other stuff I can work on. I am going to wait to schedule my test. Just in case I don't think my score will be worth anything (but I am certain I can get an average score), I won't take it. The problem is that I want to, just because I don't want to restudy the new test coming out in June. I WILL TAKE IT ARGHH!!
Anyway, I am going to have to step up my studying. I don't know how though because I always fall asleep during my study session! I even fell asleep during my practice CAT! What? I think I have a lot of work cut out for me and I only have a couple of months. Less actually! Oh boy.
Right now, I am going to make a plan. I just hope that I can not fall asleep during my schedule!!
Ugh! I get worse and worse as the questions get harder! I do worse on the hard data sufficiency questions than on the hard word problems. That isn't good!!!
I did take a peek at the new test. I definitely won't be taking that. The new section needs some time to get used to. If you check out the sample questions, you will see what I mean. The questions can be two part questions, and no, not the normal two part where it's one passage and two questions, I mean the answer is two parts. I liken it to the "match one side to the other" type "fun" games.
So I have to take the old GMAT. If I bomb, I will consider taking it again, but I will have to buy new books. Of course I can always go to a TTT school, ha ha! Not.
Today I don't feel so good. I feel like I am stuck or lost or both. I can't focus today either. I haven't studied yet for GMAT today. I should have done at least 40 questions by now. I did zero. I guess I will start in a bit. I am almost done with the data sufficiency section review. I may finish it today. If I do, I will attempt to take the real practice GMAT tomorrow or Sunday. Probably Sunday because I want to buy beads tomorrow. I guess I can do it after I buy the beads. Too much to think about!!
I STILL haven't got back my deposit from GEBE! I am so annoyed with them, what is their problem? How hard is it to punch in some numbers into a computer to do a transfer? ANYWAY, if anyone out there is going to live on St. Maarten for school, my landlord told me not to pay your bills for the last three months since they shut you off at three months. That way, you will pretty much use up your deposit instead of having to do what I am trying to do and be at their mercy and their mistakes (or is this on purpose?) Or you can move into the dorms your last semester and have them send you a check. GEBE claims they can't give you a check if you are going out of the country (kinda like they can't fund checks that will be cashed outside the country) so beware! And they won't give you cash or a check right there when you end your service. I don't get it, but that is what they told me.
I guess I will eat something and then go study. I have all day pretty much. All day to work out DS kinks. Wow, I can't wait.
I totally do not like that book. I don't think I like the drawing. I think I prefer real pictures. Well, good riddance!!
I finished up the word problems in GMAT book #1. I have about 200 questions to do in the... hmm I keep forgetting what it's called.... data sufficiency! Duh. Anyway, I have that section to do. Then maybe brush up on the vocab section and then take the real practice test #1. Then probably get upset because I didn't go over 650. Well, I don't think I will.
In any case, I found this website that shows you salary information on a lot of MBA schools. You can scroll to the bottom to find out about other states and the schools there. I was not surprised to see ASU do better than UA's MBA. The one at ASU seems like a much better program. Not sure I would go to either, but it's something to consider. Of course, if I try the med school thing again, my option will either be limited to online school or I'd have to wait until I graduate from somewhere.
Well, not much else to say! Got to get my study on.
Had a long-ish weekend and lots to think about! The first thing on my mind, as is everyday, is what to do next. Do I go DO? Do I try another Caribbean school? Too many things to decide.
Since last week, I have been calling DOs left and right trying to find one to shadow. No surprise here. They don't even answer the phone. All I get is an answering service or their nurse or medical assistant's voicemail. Huh? Then I actually got a call back from one (the assistant) who said that it's "not busy enough" for shadowing, and that it's just "a one doctor office." OOOOOKAY. Isn't that just right for shadowing? How ridiculous. I guess they forgot that they needed a letter to get into school when they were applying.
So for part of the day yesterday, I looked up and called more DOs unsuccessfully. So I opened up the new DO CIB and wrote down all the schools that don't require a DO letter: UMDNJ, OU-HCOM, NYCOM, UNECOM, UNTHSC, and Michigan. For me, Michigan is out because it is too expensive. UNECOM and NYCOM don't require DO letters, but they "strongly recommend" them. So I am not sure to apply to those. They may not even look at the application. I do like Maine though. I would like to apply to Texas, but they only take about 20 out of state people, so that doesn't look promising. Well, getting an MD didn't look promising either, and I applied anyway.
Then of course I get solicited by a new Caribbean school "just in the nickle time." I got an email from Trinity School Of Medicine. Now I know some of you out there are like, "WTF, didn't you just say you didn't want to go to Carib school?" Yes, I did say that. I also said that you should go and visit the school. So after looking at the curriculum, I think I would like to visit it and see what it is all about. It caught my attention because 1)Small classes 2)Has a hospital affiliation that you start working out of from the first semester 3)Cheaper than other Carib schools 4)Does anatomy over two semesters instead of cramming it all into one semester 5)Has a MUCH better list of anatomy books that I can actually work from (I checked them on Amazon). I think the way they lay it out is MUCH MUCH better than the "other" Carib schools. Take a look.
So now I am in a really interesting dilemma. Do I apply to these few DO schools? Do I just get the MBA and try for med school later? Do I do Carib school again? Do I just stop this nonsense and just go back to driving? Of course, TJ is not as thrilled for me to go back to Carib school. I told him "If you don't want me to go to Carib school, then say so." But he didn't say no. He just wants to go with me. Well, I guess he can, but then I will be about 40 years old when we would be ready to go.
Waiting for him to retire is not such a bad idea though. I thought about that when I was at AUC. I thought that I could get the MBA and/or work and pay off the house, etc., while he finishes at Fedex. It's only 7 or 8 more years. By that time, we would not have a mortgage and such, and he would be done, and we could go together. The problem is that is 7-8 years from now. I don't think I will be able to get a LOR, hahahaha! I mean come on. It was hard enough to get these LORs. I'm grateful that my math prof agreed. Without his letter, I wouldn't have been able to apply anywhere except like, one school I think. Wel, I don't know yet. Like I said, there is a lot to think about. The only thing I am sure of is sending in my official withdrawal for AUC. I have to remember to do that today.
Other than all of this "thinking" I am doing about what to do next, I am still chugging along on my GMAT stuff. As the math questions get harder, I get more wrong. I get about 62% right on the hard questions. If I only get 62% of the math questions right and get in the 80's on verbal (as Kaplan says), I'd only wind up with around a 560 or so. That's not very good! The problem is (according to Kaplan) that you want to get as many hard questions right because it's an adaptive test. If you get a lot of easy questions, then you are doing bad supposedly. Well, I have one more practice set to take in the straight up math stuff, then I start on the data sufficiency. I was going to do one of the real GMAT practice tests after data sufficiency but it's already April. I don't know how much longer I want to wait to see what I really don't do well in. But then again, I don't want to waste a test because there are only two free ones. I guess I could buy more like I did for the MCAT. I don't know. I think I am more comfortable working through the data sufficiency first, then taking the practice test.
Maybe today I will buy some eyeliner. I hate it when I have too many things to decide on. Bleh.
I am noticing that I am taking more time to complete the harder GMAT quantitative questions. That is not good! Two minutes a question is really all you get. I am not even sure how I am going to improve that. Much to think about because now I am unsure if I will be ready for the test in May. I don't want to delay it, but on the other hand, I don't want to rush it either.
I was also looking at different types of management jobs that could be available to me if I don't apply to DO school or if I do well on my GMAT (meaning above 650). Not too many I can apply to at this point. I also thought about teaching, but I am not sure if I would be able to do that or if that would help. Of course, I can't do anything with that now because I am focusing on applying to DO school. Speaking of which, I have to call some up and see if I can shadow any of them. I definitely will do that today. I know this cuts into my GMAT study time, but oh well.
Ugh!It's so late already! The world spins too fast!!!
P.S.: I erase comments that insult me. I suggest you also not post names of professors.
P.P.S.: This guy said it best: "Friends don't let friends go to the Caribbean." He is right. Yes, Caribbean school is legitimate, but not viable. There are many factors that can go wrong and you will pay a lot of money for nothing like I did. It is better to try for US schools at least twice and if nothing, maybe try another career. Don't overlook DO Schools. Give them a shot, even if your mind is stuck on "having that MD by your name." If you want to go to Caribbean school, take my advice and VISIT THE SCHOOL AND SIT IN ON CLASSES, just as you would for a US school. Then tour the island. Take public transportation over and over. Find out how you can do things like shop for food and clothes, send letters, get internet. It is difficult to get stuff done on St. Maarten, so if you think you can handle it, then go for it. You may find, like I did, that the little annoying things add up. There are just not enough hours in the day to give your attention to things that should be laid out for you like what books to reference. That is my opinion, which I am entitled to. In fact I paid $13,000 for this opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
I went for my tour of AT Still in Mesa, and it was a nice looking school. I would say that the facilities blow AUC away. SOMA (AT Still Mesa) actually looks like a medical school.
The interesting thing about SOMA is that you only stay there for a year and then you move around for next three years. They have some nice spots like in Alaska and Brooklyn. Supposedly, they like those who want to go into family medicine, so maybe that is a plus. They also do that muscular manipulation stuff, which looks silly. However, TJ said it best: if it makes the patient feel good, and they want it, then do it. I agree. A lot of people in his family, and people at his work say that they would rather go to a NATUROPATH than and MD. They also said they loved the physical they got from a DO because it was so through. They enjoyed spending the whole hour with the doctor instead of two seconds. That sounds appealing. I want to offer what the customer wants; if the customer wants his back cracked, then so be it.
So this week I am going to find a DO to shadow. I hope it won't be a difficult task. It was a pain in the butt just to find a place to volunteer! There is a guy near me that does OMM, so I am hoping I get a chance with him. I also wish to find a family practice DO as well.
I am also having issues with AUC. I logged onto Sallie Mae to find that one of my loans is still active. After calling AUC and Sallie Mae back and forth, I realize that AUC did not refund "all of the loan money" like they said they would. They refunded all but $3000, so I actually had a bill with AUC AND a bill with Sallie Mae. What idiots. I don't like that school at all. Everyone who works there must have an IQ of 43. I had sent emails to everyone, and I will complain. Not like that will do anything, but I will yell at them even more. I was supposed to get a copy of my statement, and still haven't gotten it yet. I will call that moron on Monday as well and tell her how lazy she is. I'm so tired of places not doing what the say. Now my grand total for ONE MONTH of bullshit is $13,000! I can't believe it. I wish I had used that money to buy a diesel car instead. I hope that school closes down. What a joke. P.S. DON'T GO TO CARIBBEAN SCHOOL!! Fair warning.
Well, at least I have made good progress in my GMAT studies. I get almost all of the math problems right, but I go over the time limit. I have to get faster. I'm hoping that after going through the main GMAT book, I will get faster with the remaining GMAT books. I don't a ton of time left, so I trying to do as many problems as I can.
Today I won't study too much because I have to rummage through my clothes and get rid of old stuff. That should take me at least two hours. I assume four, but I am hoping I go faster.
So today I am officially calling my application cycle over. I am starting over. Again. I highly doubt any school left is going to interview me or accept me. Therefore, I am going to focus on what is next. What that is, I don't know.
I have been feeling pretty crappy lately. I suppose it's understandable. I'm sure thousands of people who applied this year feel the same way. I am just glad that I didn't retake my MCAT. It would be a waste. Besides my age, me wanting to be a family doctor probably scared every single school away. That's why I am going to take a closer look at DO school. Today is my tour at AT Still in Mesa and I am going to ask them if they really want primary care. If I get a crappy answer then I won't apply. I will just have to do something else.
I started on some GMAT problems yesterday and I am SLOOOOOOOOOOOOWWW. I will get a lower score just because I can't work fast enough. Well, I will try to work faster today. Sometimes while I am working I stop and think that I am doing all this for nothing. I probably am, but I can't stop. What else am I going to do? Sigh.
I was also going to look for a job. I saw on yesterday, but I am not sure if TJ wants me to work that many hours. It would be almost 12 hour days. But it seemed to be "like" a leadership position. I don't know. TJ also has to bid on his vacation. If I work too much, I won't be able to spend it with him. Not that we are going anywhere since I spent a lot of money on stupid school. I guess we'll see. Everything is so confusing right now.
I guess I should get to work on my GMAT problems. I have a few hours before my tour.
I have to start studying a bit earlier today so I can get to a certain store by 0700. Sunflower is having an incredible sale on builders bars!! I have to get there before they are all gone!!! After that it's shopping as usual.
I am excited (at least) about getting a job this year. I wish I could do truck driving, but I am not sure that would be a good idea. I have to focus on leadership so if I don't get into med school, I am ready for b-school. Anyway, I am excited that I am going to have a job soon.
I haven't figured out a study schedule yet, but I can do that anytime. All I know is that I have to do as many problems as possible from the books. I think that would be the best thing for me to do right now. I have to focus on math and I should be good for the exam.
Okay I better get some studying in. I don't know how well my brain works at this hour, so I hope I get something done!
HURRAAYYY! I am done with math review! Now I can start on the actual problems. I will start that tomorrow. I am actually excited that I am showing progress. At least I have something to look forward to now.
I only have the "word problems" section to go over, and I done with my math review! Tomorrow, or maybe even today, I will get started on going through all of my GMAT books. I don't have much time, so I am hoping that now that I am pressed for time, I can study longer and harder. I think I will do the big GMAT book first then I will take a real practice test. Hopefully, that will help me narrow it down even more.
What is funny is that I forgot how much I like math. I was thinking since I may not get into med school, that I would go and do the fast track teacher degree and get the MBA in a few years. Hopefully, I will like the DO stuff and I will be able to get in without too much issue about AUC. I called both AT Still and Midwestern, and they said it shouldn't be too much of an issue since I wasn't dismissed for academic reasons. I did get a letter from AUC saying that I was still on Official Leave and that I would be able to take another official leave. The problem is what would my transcript say? I would have to send it to AACOMAS. Hm. I will have to ask.
I STILL haven't got my deposit from GEBE (the electric company in SXM)!! I even contacted the bank and they haven't gotten back to me yet. I hate that place. I will never go there again. UGH!
Anyway, I have a tour scheduled at AT Still this Friday. I am hoping that I like it. If I like the school, I will find a DO to shadow for a bit. If I think it's something I can do, I will apply. I am planning to schedule something with a DO that specializes in OMM and one that just does family practice.
Well, I am still on the waitlist at Meharry. I will call them next week to see what's up. I sent them my letter of intent yesterday. When I call, I will ask if these letters even help. We'll see.
I got the bad news on Saturday: Rejected from Kansas!
I must say I am not super surprised. I was hurt, especially since in their reject letter they give you an extra sheet about what criteria they use to select students makes me think that they go back and reevaluate your MCAT scores and such. I thought that going into an interview, everyone was equal. I don't think that is true. I think schools go back and see what they can eliminate you on. Oh well. Maybe it's better that I don't go to a state that supports Rick Santorum.
Anyway, this week, and probably this year, is going to be better. First, I am going to find a DO to shadow. Then I am going to take my GMAT. After that, I have no tests to study for until I get into school somewhere. I still have a snowball's chance at Meharry. If this application cycle shows me nothing, I will apply to DO school in May/June. I am also going to get a job! I am so tired of sitting around not generating income. I would like to drive, but I want to find something with leadership skills. I was thinking about volunteering at the library to teach GED classes or volunteering at Goodwill to learn some store management skills if they would show me. I will hope that I get some interviews at DO schools that look promising.
Other than that, it looks like my cycle is over. I will write a letter of intent to Meharry, but I am not sure what good that will do. I guess it can show that I am still interested. I am annoyed that Illinois didn't even send me anything. What a bunch od assholes. I got an email from Morehouse saying they are still reviewing candidates, but I am not sure how much longer they are going to interview people. I am not holding my breath for that either.
Because of my disappointment on Saturday, I didn't study this weekend. I will catch up today after I write this entry. I am almost done, like I stated last week. After I finish going over everything in math, I will start the actual GMAT books. I will just try and do every single problem in all the books I have. And I will throw in some verbal review and essay practice.
Well, I guess it's almost back to the drawing board!
I'm really excited that the days are getting longer! That means I can start studying earlier. What I am not excited about is what Kansas will have to say about me in a few days. Every time I think about it, my stomach hurts.
But there is no sense dwelling on it. I have to stay positive and if I don't get in anywhere, I will have to consider DO schools. If I don't get into Kansas, I will set up a shadowing time with a DO because I will have to get a letter from them to apply. I would like to volunteer again, but I don't want to go all the way to Scottsdale again. Or maybe I won't volunteer. I do have to study for the GMAT. I don't know. All I know is that this application cycle is coming to a close and I would like to have an answer.
This weekend is going to be busy for me. I hope I don't get too distracted and not study. I need to pick up the pace. Well, I am almost done with going over the math. I am halfway through geometry. After this, I can go over the word problems section and start on the GMAT books (the real ones). Then I should be able to focus for at least six hours a day. I will just do all the problems. I can do something like four or five hours of math and then two to three hours of vocab and essay stuff. That should work. I can probably start that on Monday. I should be done with all the review by the end of the weekend.
Well, since the sun is up, I am going to start studying now. I am currently on "polygons."
I finally finished off the algebra section of the GMAT. Today I am starting on geometry. Since I probably don't remember anything from this section, I will most likely have to make flash cards. I think there are formulas I will have to remember. Not too much of a big deal. I have about two months left so I am hoping this section goes fast and then I can start working on all the GMAT books. I'm kind of excited to be almost through with the math review. It kind of bring back lots of high school memories. I can't say the same for the MCAT prep! That wasn't as fun.
So this is the week KU is going to send out the results! I am very nervous. Mostly because I expect a rejection. Not that I want a rejection, but that is just how I feel. I totally want to get into KU, so I am remaining hopeful. I am still on the waitlist at Meharry. I hope they extend an offer too! I wonder what is more likely: getting struck by lightning or getting into med school. Hmmm... I think in my case, the lightning is more likely. There are still two schools I haven't heard back from. I don't expect anything from them, but if they don't send me a formal rejection, I will send a not so nice letter.
Then there is the dreaded "What are you going to do if you don't get in" scenario. Well, I don't know yet. I guess I will have to see how I do on the GMAT. The thing is that the GMAT will expire after the MCAT. I am thinking that I should apply to DO school regardless of how I do because the scores will still be valid after DO school. I dunno. If I apply to DO school, I think I will apply to one or two here in Arizona. I don't think I want to go out of state for DO school. But we will see. I have a while until DO school applications open and I can get an acceptance by then. And we all know that Caribbean school is out of the equation. Forever.
Today I am going to try to work on my vacation photo album from LAST YEAR. I know I am so behind. I have so many pictures I need to upload and caption. Ugh. Well, it shouldn't take that long, but for some reason, I am just not focused on anything but this med school stuff. I am glad it will be over soon and I will know some answers.
I spent all weekend trimming, cutting, fertilizing and yeah, DETHATCHING that lawn of mine. I can't say it was easy and my hands hurt, but I am so happy I finished! Now my grass can grow in and I don't have to cut it so short. It is starting to warm up here so the grass will be growing like crazy soon. I am hoping that it will be able to grow in everywhere.
So I have a week left before I can see the results at Kansas. I am hoping for a good answer, meaning "accepted!" It will truly be a miracle if I get in. If I don't get accepted at KU, I may consider DO school. I will see if I can shadow a DO and see what this is all about. If I don't get in, I guess I have plenty of time to fix up my house too. I've been putting off painting the bathrooms, so that will be first. Of course, I will also be taking the GMAT. If I do well, maybe I will start that first. When I was at KU, they said that they allow time off, and some people choose to get other degrees like an MBA. Something to consider if I get in. Of course, I have to get in first.
I will post pictures of my lawn later. Today I am going to try and catch up with algebra and then continue making my photo album for my webpage. This is from my trip last year! Sheesh!
Oh yeah one more thing: LOU IS GETTING MARRIED! Wow! She is Irish so she took advantage of that Irish Leap Year tradition of the woman asking the man to marry her. He said yes, so congratulations! I am the "Matron of Honor." I just call it the "Old Baggie of Honor" since I am old already. I am going to see if I can fly to NY soon.
Well, I will try to study today and hopefully my shoulders won't die on me. I am surprised they don't hurt as much. My hands hurt though. We'll see, sometimes, it takes a while for the muscles to tell me they hurt. On to algebra!
I didn't know today was some kind of women's holiday. It's International Women's Day. So where are the sales? (har har)
Anyway, I did some shopping yesterday and bought some pants and shirts, some beads, and nail polish. Yay!
What I didn't do was any studying! Whoops. Well, I will get back to that today. Here is a picture of my cat trying to interrupt me:
My dove is also sick again. Well, he gets what I call "fat butt syndrome" when he eats too many sunflower seeds. I had changed his diet and was giving him supplements and he got better. Then I thought oh okay, I can give him some sunflower seeds now! And like magic, he has it again. Now I have to go back to the diet. He doesn't like the diet too much, but that is too bad. All he does is gorge on sunflower seeds and gets FBS. I feel bad for him because he looks uncomfortable. I guess I will have to stick to this diet until he flys to heaven.
Okay so seriously, I need to study. I am starting again with "algebra" because apparently, the GMAT tests you on standard deviation. It's easy enough to memorize though.
Do you know how hard it is to find olive stickers? Very! I could have SWORN I had an olive sticker left in my collection of stickers, but when I checked twice, there was none. So I went out to buy one... and there was none! Maybe I need to check another store? There are no sticker stores here like there were in NY. Notice I said were. Most of those places don't exist anymore either, just like material stores.
Today I am feeling a little better. Yesterday I felt like I wasn't able to accomplish anything. I still feel kind of useless today, but not as much. I am hoping that translates into a better study session for the GMAT. At least I was able to polish my nails yesterday. I even bought crickets.
I should stop watching youtube and get back to work!!
I didn't study this weekend, but I did get around to fixing most of my yard. I only got to dethatch about 1/3 of the yard, but that is because I don't have a power rake, I have to do it by hand. I trimmed all the plants, and the grass around the plants. My muscles were really sore on Sunday, but I will try to get another 1/3 dethatched next week as well as fertilizing the plants and breaking up the soil in the back to plant stuff. I am looking on Amazon for a dethatcher and tiller. Not that I'm actually going to get one. Maybe.
I am still waiting on KU. They emailed me saying that they project answers being sent by March 16th. So I basically have two whole weeks at least before I see the answer. They supposedly send everything by real mail, so I will be scared every time I go to the mailbox. I want them to take me!!! Argh! Not banking on it, but it would be nice.
Yesterday I just shopped for stuff. I bought almonds and nail polish. My nails finally grew back so I can polish them. I also bought a deep fryer from Walgreens. I wanted a separate one so I could cook fish in it. I will decide if I want to keep it. I am also thinking about getting the omelette maker from Walgreens as well. Right now it's on sale and the website claims you can get a $5 rebate. Well, we will see. I don't see any other information about that, so I will have to see if it comes with the shipment. I'm also going to order some shea butter for my dry skin. I am going to use it on my face so I don't look like such an old baggie. When it is colder, my skin looks worse because it is so dry. I have been using certain stuff but sometimes that doesn't work and I still have dry skin.
Today I hope to get back on track with my GMAT studies. I have finished the "arithmetic" review. I had started the "Algebra" section already. That section should go by fast. I am wondering if I should start working with the GMAT review books already. I haven't because I want to go over everything first but I am not sure if that is the best method. I don't know I guess I will figure it out later.
I've actually been keeping up with my GMAT studies and I actually have been enjoying it. Definitely more than MCAT studies!! I actually like math, so this is not torture. I am taking my time on probabilities because that is one of my weaker areas. Next stop is statistics!
Today I went to CVS at like, 0500 to get the best deals! The toilet paper is on sale, so you better snag it while you can! TJ has been improving and today we are going to do some shopping so he can walk around and move the back. I figure we can go to Ulta and look at some makeup and OfficeMax, where I can easily spend two hours. We can also go to the mall and walk around. There is a Barnes and Noble there, and that can be fun too. There is a Sephora, but I probably wouldn't buy anything unless they have the same color pencil that I've had for eight years. I tried that on and it was making my eyes itchy. Probably a sign that I need a new eye pencil. Or just get rid of it. I am not sure when I would wear that silver color anyway.
I am feeling better now that TJ is feeling better. I am not as optimistic about KU since it is an MD program. I usually write to my professor at KCC every month, but I wanted to wait until I heard back from KU so I have something better to say. I am not sure if Morehouse is going to interview me so we'll see. There is also Illinois, but I am not holding my breath for that one! I am sure I will get a rejection sooner or later from them.
Later today I am going to finish the yard work. My bougainvilleas are blooming! All of them! Yay!!! I also have to trim the oleanders. One of my lilies is actually coming back! I am thinking about planting some more. I got a plant catalogue in the mail, and they sell some nice lilies for a good price. I am thinking about buying from them. I also wish to buy a new orange tree. Mine died a while back so I would like to get another one. We'll see.
TJ injured his back this week at work. He is in a lot of pain and can barely walk. He had to use three of his sick days because the dumb doctor said he could go back to work. NOT! This whole week I have been doing everything I can to help his back: hot baths, massage, icy-hot creme, etc. It still hasn't shown any improvement. The doc gave him a muscle relaxer and motrin (pfft) and that doesn't help, it just makes him irritable and fidgety. He even took two muscle relaxers at once and nothing happened. Today he has an appointment with the doc along with physical therapy. I told him to tell the doc that he can't go back to work and he needs short-term disability. I also told him to tell the doc that he needs a more powerful pain reliever. Advil isn't cutting it! TJ should get the FMLA packet on Monday or Tuesday and hopefully the doc will agree with the disability and we can file the FMLA packet. I don't want TJ to go back to work like this. His health is more important that Fedex, and I told him that if I don't get into med school, then maybe it's time to consider retiring from Fedex now. I can find a driving job while he recovers and then when he finds a suitable job, I can go back to what I was doing. A lot of people at Fedex go to work through their pain and injure themselves even more. They wind up having to get surgeries and long-term muscle problems. I don't want him to do that. I would rather he leave Fedex and find a OTR (over the road) job that requires no lifting and back-breaking labor. I even told him that if I don't get into med school, we should consider team driving for England or some other company. We haven't even had kids yet and I don't want him to be crippled and can't even play with his kids. No way. This has to stop.
But anyway, I've been pretty sad all week given what happened. I have only been able to study a little bit, but I am studying. I'm almost done with going over the arithmetic stuff. My sequential I book shows some neat tricks that were in the GMAT book. The only problem is that there isn't enough problems to do. The ones in the book are too easy. I am just going to go through everything and then try my hand at the GMAT stuff. Maybe that will work? I don't know. At least I am making progress.
I was also working on the yard this week. I mowed it on Monday and I have some more hedging to do. I also have to dethatch. That is probably the hardest part. I only have a rake style dethatcher so I have to do it by hand. I won't be able to do it today since I have to catch up on GMAT then drive TJ to the doc. I will have to do that tomorrow. Maybe.
I looks like TJ is getting up, so I have to make his breakfast then study. I really hope the doc isn't a butt-hole and gives TJ the okay for disability. Otherwise, we will have to fight.
Yesterday I spent most of the day figuring out what chapter and pages I need to study for the GMAT. It seems like I have to read most of my sequential II book (geometry), and parts of my sequential I and III (algebra and trigonometry, respectively). I think I need to spend the most time on geometry and probability. I also have to learn to do problems with rate, interest, discounts, profits and mixtures. I figure I can do one or two chapters a day. There are about 41 topics, but some fall within the same chapter of the books, and not all I need to work hard on.
Today I can start easy, maybe work on integers, real numbers, fractions and whatnot. Yesterday I did fix up most of the backyard. I cut FOURTEEN (14!!) bags of grass! I didn't do the hedging though, so that may add another bag. It still has to be dethatched too! I will do that when it gets a little warmer. Or when my hands don't hurt anymore, ha! I also have to trim the plants in the front. When it gets a little warmer, I will finally plant the oleanders on the side of the house. The problem is that when those become big, I will need one of those stupid dust blowers to "sweep" away the trimmings. Oh well, I guess. If I get into KU, maybe I won't plant them.
Today I have to get the oil changed on the Acura! It's like, 1500 miles overdue. I have to get there by 0700, that's when they open. Well, maybe 0730. I'm sure there won't be a huge crowd! Another reason I want to start lite on the GMAT stuff.
So I have a few mins before I am supposed to leave, lets start doing integers!
I think I am back to normal. I made up some sleep and my brain has been working properly so far. I am glad because I am trying to get my GMAT studies in order. I think I am ready to begin (again).
I also bough a new office chair FINALLY!!! I have been holding out for a really long time. I should have bought a new once when I started my MCAT studies, but I thought I would be alright. Well, my but has been hurting, my arms have been hurting and I have a weird cramp in my ribs and abdomen. I attribute all of that to the lousy chair. So, I saw a great deal on the chair I have been eyeballing for over a year and used my rewards money to buy the chair. I love it! It is an executive chair so it has a really high back and lots of padding. And its fabric! I hate leather chairs and the mesh chair I have left marks on my legs when I would wear shorts. So I decided to get a fabric chair. I am going to donate my old chair to Goodwill. It still works, so maybe someone will want it?
So here is my GMAT plan: I will study "hard" (like 6-8 hours a day) and assume I am not getting into med school. I will take the GMAT at the last minute (before it changes over) and hold on to those scores. If I DO get into med school, then I can look at programs that fit that, If I don't get into med school, then I can continue on with the MBA and maybe apply for first rounds that summer. I am not sure if I am going to try the DO route. I am still thinking about it. Now the thing I have to do is kinda "start again." The only benefit now is that I know I am god in the vocabulary stuff and I have to focus on my speed, etc., for the quantitative stuff. I think I want to solely focus on quantitative stuff for about a month and only learn some vocabulary words. Then I can gradually practice the other stuff. On the Kaplan tests, I get almost all of the vocab questions right so I don't have to worry about that section too much.
I also wish I could have a job, but I can't because I am waiting for schools to get back to me. I know I should probably not be worrying so much about working, but you know me. I love to make money!
Anyway, today I was going to mow the lawn, but I am not sure. I guess I will have to see how long it takes me to get my studies in order. Then maybe I will do it after that. The weeds back there are ridiculous! I must get rid of them to prepare for spring! I will try my hardest to get it done today.
Of course now that my interview is over, I am starting to wonder what I did wrong. Did I say something lame? Did I get my points across? Ugh! I hate it when I do this!
Today I am going to take it easy. I still haven't fully recovered from everything and I need to go to Walmart. I don't like the Walmart near my house. The door greeter never greets me! He gives me dirty looks. And He never gives me a cart! He gives other people carts, just not me. I think he discriminates me because I am young. Maybe I remind him of someone who said something mean to him. Either way he is not a good door greeter. When I was at Fedex, I disliked and even despised many customers, but I always gave them my full attention and was cordial and professional. I just wish some people would take their jobs seriously, especially when they are in customer service.
Speaking of customer service, I am WAY behind on my GMAT studies. Right now I don't know where to start, or actually I don't know how to pick up where I left off. It will feel like I am starting all over again! Well, I will think about what to do about that today. I may have to take the test at the last minute so I can maximize my study time. Probably at the end of May then. At least I know that I can not worry so much about the verbal section and focus mostly on the quantitative sections. I think Kaplan is doing a free test soon, so I may try that to see where I am. I'm sure I lost all that I gained!
I think I had a dream about Kansas last night, but I don't remember what it was about. I want to go there so bad! I am so amazed that they even called me for an interview. They had over 2500 out of state applicants and they interview like, maybe 200 out of state people? That's amazing! I must have said something good, but I wish I knew what it was. Well, I can't keep dwelling on it! I just hope they take me!!
I do have some schools left on the list. Morehouse emailed me and told me to be patient, as they are still going over applications. Well, if they call me for an interview, I think I am going to fly there because Georgia is a long drive to take by myself! If I drive, I will have to bring Meux Meux. It will just be too lonely. Plus, if there is a sale, I can probably get a good rate on plane tickets. Well, they haven't called me yet, but it helps to stay positive!
Today's activities, besides Walmart, are 1)hoping to see if Sally's still sells the corner eyelash curler (I had the opportunity to buy it before, and I said ehhhh and now I'm like Crap! I should have bought it!) 2)buying sardines (mmmm!) 3)making up those plantains before they go bad and 4)deciding how to cook that cauliflower. Sounds like a fun day!
I'm finally home from my interview at KU. I think it went well, but I can't tell. I am hoping for a miracle!
I overestimated the distance to Kansas by about eight hours. Either that, or I drove too long without breaks. Anyway, The drive was harder than I expected. I guess my mind still hasn't come back to Earth yet. I didn't take the Flagstaff/I-40 way because I was afraid that I would too much bad weather. I decided to take the I-10 to the 25 to Albuquerque. I call that the "warm route." I passed through ABQ and was practically out of the stateOn the way up, I was pulled over in New Mexico for no reason! The cop pulled over about five cars and told me that I was "going 96, no wait 86 miles an hour." I told him that I have cruise control and that I had it on 75 the whole time. So he lets me go. Huh? Whatever, you know I drove away before he could change his mind. I continued on and took a nap somewhere north of Oklahoma City. I couldn't sleep much because I must have drank too much coffee! Oh well. I kept driving on and drove up the 35 into Kansas. I was in Wichita in the morning and before I knew it, I was in Kansas City. I drove to the hotel (or is Comfort Inn a motel?) and my room was ready! Okay! So, I set up my room and relaxed for a bit. Then I talked to TJ and went to see if I could have the Acura looked at because the engine light came on. I managed to get seen and they said it was cheap fuel. Okay, I hope so! I couldn't get an oil change anywhere because everyone was booked. Well, I assume they wouldn't be as booked if they stayed open passed 5pm, but that is just my opinion. Then, I went to see where the school was so that I wouldn't get lost the next day. Here are some pictures I took. Apparently, there is no "school of medicine" because the classrooms are strewn all over the hospital complex. However, there still is a building outside that says there is a school in a specific spot.
After that, I found a Long John Silver's and ate the yummy cod platter they have on special now. I love cod!! After I ate, I went over my application and some answers to popular interview questions. Then I prepared my face for the next day and went to bed. I set three alarms (alarm clock in the room, my phone, and my travel alarm clock) and called for a wake up call. That way, I would be able to sleep and know that I wouldn't overlseep.
I woke up at 5:30am and got ready. I was too nervous to eat anything downstairs so I just ate two bananas. I did my hair and makeup and put my suit on etc., etc. I left around 9am. I was to be there by 9:45. I started down the road when I realized I was going the wrong way! I was even ignoring the GPS. I don't know why. Anyway, I finally went the right way and parked in the garage. It was pretty cold, maybe 28 degrees. I walked a very long way from the garage to the school of nursing building (which, by the way, is very nice). I finally made it to the interview room and I could have sworn that the woman signing me in was the same woman I saw the day before at the Acura shop. I didn't ask, so I will never know. Anyway, I sat in the room with some other people who for the most part, already had their interview. We then got some information about the interviews and the selection process and then I went in for my interview.
I had two, thirty minute interviews. The first interview was with someone from the admissions committee and the second interview is with faculty or some other types of people. My first interviewer asked me questions about my application and a few interview questions like "tell me about yourself" and what do I think will be the most likely things to cause problems in the future of medicine. The second interviewers asked me more broad questions like "tell me about an aha moment you had" and "what kind of charity would you want to be in charge of" along with more specific questions about my AMCAS application. The interviewers weren't super nice nor were they mean. They just kind of stared at me the whole time. No nodding, no nothing. I don't know what that means, but I hope it means that I mesmerized them! Ha ha!
After my interview we had lunch with students and then a tour with students. The tour was nice. The school was nifty. I liked it! The student who took us around said she liked my suit. Ha! Me too! Too bad the students don't have any input on me being accepted. After the tour, I went back to my room. I wasn't done yet! I spent hours crafting my letter of intent and thank you letters. Luckily, I spoke to the admissions secretary and he emailed me the name of my interviewers. So after about five hours of work, I had the letters stamped and ready to go the next morning. I didn't get anything to eat, so I just ate whatever snacks I had brought with me and went to bed.
The next morning was great. I woke up late (which for me is like 7am) and went downstairs to get my free hot breakfast. They had eggs and some kind of sausage thing. I ate that and had some milk and a bagel. I also took two bananas for the road. Then I started to load the car. I wanted everything loaded and then I hoped that it would start. It was pretty cold! There was a family that came out while I was loading my car and the daughter said "it's cold" and the dad said "this is nothing. This is Califonia weather!" Of course, it was not. What was funny is that when I was at KU, people were saying how "warm" it was since it was like 28 degree. I thought these people need to visit Arizona more often! Anyway, I started the car and it sounded terrible! I had to let it warm up for about 20 minutes and then I drove around the parking lot a few times, then around the neighborhood to make sure it was okay. Once I established that, I checked out. It was 12 degrees! That is NOT warm. Anyway, I took a picture a little later and it "warmed up" to a toasty 15:
So I drove away, but before I left Kansas, I drove through Winfield and stopped at Graves Drug and bought a few souvenirs. On the corner of the drug store was this sign:
I like how "The Jinx" is a black cat! Take that Wichita!
Anyway, I continued to drive through Kansas when I got pulled over AGAIN! For no reason of course. Well, I did find out something. If you are driving a car worth more than $35,0000 and you have an Arizona plate, prepare to be stopped. The cop even SEARCHED MY TRUNK (I asked why and he said because a lot of contraband comes out of Arizona, hahahaha)!! I told him he can search it only if he puts everything back the way it was. He said he would so I said ok (even though I wanted to say no to make a scene, but since it was 20 dgerees, I figured now isn't the time for political nonsense). Once he finished rummaging through my things, he let me go. Now I know that I am a target because I am a Zonie, so I better be careful next time I go on a road trip! State racism!!!!!
As I was driving through OKC, my least favorite city to drive in, I noticed they have a new slogan: The Corner of America. Now I don't know how they got Oklahoma City to represent the corner of the US, given that there is Texas below them and New Mexico, Arizona, and California to the west. Isn't 'Zona more of the corner of the US? You know what is really a corner? Washington. The last time I drove through OKC I saw a sign that said something like "Experience the innovation" and I was also confused. But then again, I am usually confused when I drive through OKC. The drivers are terrible! Worse than Zonie drivers! And that is saying a lot. Luckily, I got through safe and sound. I took a nap in New Mexico and made it home safe!
Overall, I really liked the school. Kansas in general looks like Pennsylvania, just 30 degrees colder. Wichita reminded me of a Tucson type city, just a little more beat up, probably from the bad winters. I really hope they pick me. I would absolutely LOVE to go there. I will hear back from them in about a month. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!!!
