Books, Financial Aid, and Gadgets!
I have had a lot of experiences since my last post. Getting ready for PA school to start has been a lot of busy work. I got most of the 'required' books for this first semester and it turns out there are about 17... Now I've heard that one shouldn't buy every book, because not all of them will end up being used, it just depends on the student and their learning style.
I honestly can't say that I have a definite 'learning style' yet, because I've never had such a demanding course load as I will have in PA school. I've been told to find ways that work for me, and then stick with them. I do know however that working with a group will be a must, I have received this instruction more than once. I'm sure a few individuals can circumnavigate around this, however I know that I thrive in a group setting.
I also got an iPad! (for school of course...) I had to justify this to my wife in some way. I have read around and learned of a lot of little tools that PA student have used. None have compared to what can be done with this one device. Plus I already love everything Apple, so it wasn't hard to sell me on it! I bought an app called 'Notability' which has been really amazing. I have included a few screen shots from their website. I can upload power points or PDF's and write, mark, highlight directly on them. I also allows me to write free hand on lined paper and take written notes. This app also allows me to record lectures while taking notes, which I can review while going over my notes. I can also take a picture and place it right on my notes, and mark/write directly on it. These can easily be saved right to my computer and easily shared with other classmates if needed.
This is the stylus that I bought, it really feels great in your hand and feels closer to a pen than any other stylus I've used.
I recently received a financial aid award letter in the mail, and it really is exciting to know that its all falling into place. When getting my Titers (showing I am immune to chicken pox and Hep B) I found out that I am no longer immune to Hepatitis B... I got these shots in grade school, but now I have to get the 3 shot series again. I have one more shot to get in April, then I have to get the last of the series in September (while I'm in school) and another Titer showing I am immune. So for those who are planning on getting into PA school, make sure your immunizations are up to date, you will need them!
We found a place to live in Oregon and have put down the required amount for our deposit. I have not seen the place in person (which would have been nice) its just too expensive and not completely necessary to fly up just to see the place. I have seen pictures, and also had a fellow student (who is also from Arizona) check out the apartments when she was up there looking for a place. I can't wait for the move, and can't wait to get started!
I'll be starting in July and trying to decide how to pay for my new laptop. Are you planning on using both a macbook as well as the ipad? Did you receive any financial aid prior to the start of school to purchase these items?
ReplyDeleteHey Brian, Congratulations on starting in July! Since I got the financial aid acceptance letter last week, about 8 weeks before school actually starts. I am assuming that I will get the financial aid in my bank account by the end of April or beginning of May (again this is just an assumption). I used some of my savings to buy my books, and my iPad (I already had a new computer). I plan on reimbursing myself the money I used from my savings with the money I get from financial aid. I will let you know when I actual receive my financial aid in my bank account. Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteDJ, congrats on getting things finalized for PA school. I remember how crazy good it felt to have that check show up in my bank. I knew for sure then that there was no turning back. A word of advice for you and others entering into the PA program (really any graduate level education). Be careful with the funds that you are receiving. Don’t go nuts and spend it like free money. It’s not, and eventually you will have to repay the loans. I found myself borrowing more than I really wanted to during my PA school years do to over-spending and under-budgeting. I would not “re-pay” yourself the money for the I-pad if you can help it. That money will end up costing you interest. In the long run you would be better to just take the loss from the savings and use the loan moneys to get you through the program. You don’t want to come up short like I did and end up borrowing more to get by. Try and keep those loans down as much as you can, repayment sucks.
ReplyDeleteqfwm2001,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your input, you are absolutely right, the less money to pay back... the better! I am actually applying for the National health service corps scholarship program. If I am lucky enough to get selected, I won't have to deal with student loans after I graduate. This would be my first choice, however if I don't get selected, I would like to use the loan reimbursement program to get a lot paid off towards my student loans. Thinking it over, I'm most likely not going to "re-pay" myself for the iPad and use only the least amount of financial aid possible. By the way Brian I spoke with the financial aid office at Pacific and they said the disbursement checks come the first week of school starting, so you may have to use other means for a new computer until you start the program.
That's kind of what I thought. Thanks again for the info DJ
ReplyDeleteSo DJ...how is the iPad working with Notability? Is it easier than just using the laptop during lectures?
ReplyDeleteBrian, I can let you know by the end of the month, thats when classes start.
ReplyDeleteSounds great! I appreciate it. You could email me as well if it's easier. southpawmedic@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to hear how you like Notability too! I start PA school in a little less than a month and was planning on purchasing an IPAD as well since I have heard it can save students so much time consolidating notes.
ReplyDeleteAnd enjoy Oregon! I am from Corvallis, about an hour and a half south of Portland. You came at the perfect time, enjoy the summer before the rain is back :) Good luck!