I decided to start a CCOM Class of 2009 at the suggestion of a couple other CCOM acceptees. Post whatever you want regarding the program, housing, hanging out etc.

I decided to start a CCOM Class of 2009 at the suggestion of a couple other CCOM acceptees. Post whatever you want regarding the program, housing, hanging out etc.


Congratulations to those of you attending CCOM next year. As always, if you have any questions that I might be able to help with, let me know. For now, enjoy your last year before med school!

I was waiting for someone to start a thread. :)
I am excited about the school, but being an out-of-stater from CA, ~$35,000 tuition and weather worry me. (I am still choosing CCOM over other schools though.) Who else is in my situation? Just out of curiosity...

And Claymore, thanks for your kind offer. Does CCOM offer PBL type of classes? Thanks!

I'm an out-of-stater too but I'm originally from the north so the cold won't bother me (I hope). 35Gs is a lot of money so I'm waiting for the state schools to conduct their Match (state schools are - on average - $20,000 cheaper per year!!) before I really commit to CCOM. But for now, I'm happy to be part of the family :D

I'm an out-of-stater too but I'm originally from the north so the cold won't bother me (I hope). 35Gs is a lot of money so I'm waiting for the state schools to conduct their Match (state schools are - on average - $20,000 cheaper per year!!) before I really commit to CCOM. But for now, I'm happy to be part of the family :D


Similarly, I am part of the family for now. The other DO school I applied to was OU and I was accepted, although I am not sure if I can handle the Athens atmosphere.

Still waiting to hear from my state allo schools as well. I am having a tough time justifying the additional costs to attend CCOM.

Is it all guys in here so far?

I am also waiting to hear from state allo schools, mainly because of costs. Thankfully I will have a working spouse so it wont be as bad as if it was just me.

Hello All,

I just got the call this morning and am extremely happy to know that i will be a part of the class of 2009!! Nice to meet you all and i look forward to meeting you all in person some time soon.

Buckeye,

did you interview on 11/12?

Buckeye,

did you interview on 11/12?


No, 11/8.

No, 11/8.

was that the day with the girl who was in the commercial?

I am an out of stater, but I feel like the oppurtunities are much greater in chicgao then in my home state of ohio. The tuition is steep, but well worth it if it leads to landing a sweet residency. future doc b, I interviewed on 11/12, but I dont remember any broads there being in commercials. which person were you?

Sorry, I interviewed on 11/8 (I'm not bragging but I had 5 interviews in 3 weeks over that span so I can't keep'em straight).

was that the day with the girl who was in the commercial?

It was. I was the Indian kid with the shaved head. Although I don't really remember anyone else but commercial girl and the other girl from England.

It was. I was the Indian kid with the shaved head. Although I don't really remember anyone else but commercial girl and the other girl from England.

I think you were the guy that I talked to after everyone left.

Did you ever talk to that girl again?

Hello Everyone! I received my acceptance call on Friday afternoon. I am so excited to join the CCOM c/o 2009 family! Even though this is my first acceptance, CCOM was my first choice going in, so chances are very high that I will matriculate there. I am married with two kids, two dogs and a house to sell, so we will have quite an enormous family relocation adventure. I love change and new starts. Chicago, here I (we) come!
:love:

I think you were the guy that I talked to after everyone left.

Did you ever talk to that girl again?


I did talk to her again a couple times, not sure if she got in though. Either way, she felt really strongly about OU. To bad, because she was hot :)


Yeah, if you are the guy that I talked to in the foyer by the library after the thing then we know each other.

So, are you coming to CCOM?

I did talk to her again a couple times, not sure if she got in though. Either way, she felt really strongly about OU. To bad, because she was hot :)


Yeah, if you are the guy that I talked to in the foyer by the library after the thing then we know each other.

So, are you coming to CCOM?

I'm waiting for the Texas schools to make their acceptances (by Feb. 1) so I'll know for sure after that. I'm sort of partial to the state schools b/c they're almost $30,000 cheaper than anywhere else (Texas has insanely low instate tuition :) ). But if I don't get in there, CCOM is my home for the next 4 years!

What about you?

p.s. she was hot! :thumbup: :laugh:

I'm waiting for the Texas schools to make their acceptances (by Feb. 1) so I'll know for sure after that. I'm sort of partial to the state schools b/c they're almost $30,000 cheaper than anywhere else (Texas has insanely low instate tuition :) ). But if I don't get in there, CCOM is my home for the next 4 years!

What about you?

p.s. she was hot! :thumbup: :laugh:

Similar dilemma. The two DO schools I applied to were OUCOM, my state school and CCOM. I liked CCOM a **** ton better. The facilities were nicer, Downers Grove is a nice town very close to a big city whereas Athens, Ohio is a college town in the middle of nowhere.

The two things I like about OUCOM are 1) instate tuition and 2) it is connected to a fairly large university, which coming from Ohio State is something I would prefer to have.

If I am accepted nowhere else (read: UK, UofL, UC, MCO, OSU, NEOUCOM, PSU, or Loyola) then Chicago will also be my home for the next 4 years. I am excited at that prospect.

I like change :)

And welcome to the person above who posted about their family!

Well it seems i might be the only one from the chicago area on this thread as of right now, so if you guys have any questions about the area or chicago..ask away. Ive been around this area pretty much my entire life, its a good place to be. Great places to eat, study, party and all the other good stuff. Speaking of hot chicks, i saw a good number of them while on the campus at my interview, you do know last years class was 65% women! WOWY!

SO I am joining you guys...It hasn't sunken in for the parents but they will accept it sooner or LATER.
I am excited! Scared of the costs and...COLD!!! Can I say that New Orleans is sunny and 55 degrees? And that is considered cold. But I am young, right? I can adapt or layer...lots of layers. Good thing that I won't have any money left to buy clothes once I pay this tution.
Take care! Guess I will see you next year!

Hi! I'm new to this list, but I think I'm definitely going to CCOM, so I figured it was time to say hello! I have been going to undergrad in New Hampshire, so I personally dont think the cold will be that bad! for all of you from sunny places, trust me, you'll learn to love it! (or to deal with it)

Hey there guys...well dont worry to much about the weather...you wont experience much of it!!! haha...we sit in the same lecture hall for 8-9 hours of lecture a day with the profs coming to us...so really you only have to walk to lunch ( the building next door), anatomy lab, and well dinner then the library...haha!! Nah its not that bad...the weather is certainly cold but not enough to run away from and turn down learning med. in one of the best cities!!! You can compare a lot of things between schools, but in my opinion ccom has by far the best 3rd and 4th year options!!! So congratulations to those of you that have chosen CCOM...i dont think that you will be let down...i am currently a ms1 and overall i am satisfied with my choice...so anyone that has any questions or concerns...drop me a not on this forum or just drop me a PM...i live off campus in the naperville area and i have lived there for 2 years now ( i took classes at midwestern the year before i started) I am very familiar with the area, and everything that there is to do there so dont hesitate to ask away!!! Congratulations to everyone and I hope to see you in the Fall!!! Stay warm and happy holidays!

I am headed to Cali later today, so, if I am not on here again before Christmas, Happy Holidays everyone!



Adrian

Welcome, Jakki! And thank you to Buckeye(OH) for welcoming me! I hope we soon have more CCOM class members joining this forum. It will be fun to get to know each other and share tips before classes start. I'm certain we will be able to benefit from the knowledge of our Chicago native, Bernz, with regard to housing and transportation issues.

That's all for now. I'm just so darned excited by this acceptance that I could not help but post again. Happy Chrismahannukwanzakah to all!!! :D

Hi all, My name is Gina (Ciaccia2682@prodigy.net) and I am from Chicago. I was just accepted into CCOM and I am happy with my decision to go to school there! I am very excited and can't wait to meet you! See you all in September!

Is anyone else out there planning on paying for everything entirely on loans? I dont have a spouse or rich parents to help me finance my education. when I went to the financial aid meeting and took a look at the amount of money they reccomend you take out for the first year, I almost s**t my pants!! It seems like there is hardly any money left over to live on. Anyone else in the same boat?

Is anyone else out there planning on paying for everything entirely on loans? I dont have a spouse or rich parents to help me finance my education. when I went to the financial aid meeting and took a look at the amount of money they reccomend you take out for the first year, I almost s**t my pants!! It seems like there is hardly any money left over to live on. Anyone else in the same boat?

Yep, sucks doesn't it? :(

I know it is daunting, but you have to look at it as an investment that will yield high returns in the years to come.

I know it is daunting, but you have to look at it as an investment that will yield high returns in the years to come.



True! Does Midwestern send us the form for FAFSA 2005-2006? Or do we just fill it out online?

I think they send us something in the first of the year.

Has anyone received that "Student Services" packet that was mentioned in the matriculation agreement? I called when I got my acceptance letter and they said they were mailing them out separately so I was wondering if anyone had gotten one yet.

Have a happy and safe New Year's!! :D

Has anyone received that "Student Services" packet that was mentioned in the matriculation agreement? I called when I got my acceptance letter and they said they were mailing them out separately so I was wondering if anyone had gotten one yet.

Have a happy and safe New Year's!! :D



Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, they told me that it would also be sent separately from the financial department, but I never got it yet either. Also info on living at the on-campus apartments. I might be interested in that, but haven't decided.

To all my buddies in the class of 2009, Have a fun, safe, happy New YEAR!!!
It's already looking up for us! :-)


Gina

Anyone interested in Studio/Apt in OakBrook Towers 5 minutes from CCOM let me know. $800negotiable/month with EVERYTHING INCLUDED electricity, gas, water etc... Also willing to sell the place. Building has a gym, pool, THE works! PM me if anyone is interested in seeing the place.

Hey guys, I hope that once we have more acceptees join this thread we should meet up for dinner or something, those who are able to near the area.

Hey guys, I hope that once we have more acceptees join this thread we should meet up for dinner or something, those who are able to near the area.


Good idea!

Speaking of hot chicks, i saw a good number of them while on the campus at my interview, you do know last years class was 65% women! WOWY!
;) that was definitely me. hahahaaa :laugh:

;) that was definitely me. hahahaaa :laugh:


Be that as it may, married hot chicks don't do any of us any good ;)

;) that was definitely me. hahahaaa :laugh:

Well than, you being an MSII and I an MSI, maybe we should hook up this fall so you can show me some of your OMM techniques! (lame I know and im sure you heard that one before, eh? But its worth a shot) :cool:

Why do we only have two pages :(

Why do we only have two pages :(

My guess is that we're all busy doing other things and not always hanging out on SDN. (Either that or we're smarter than the other schools :meanie: )

When's everyone filling out their FAFSA?

My guess is that we're all busy doing other things and not always hanging out on SDN. (Either that or we're smarter than the other schools :meanie: )

When's everyone filling out their FAFSA?

I just picked one up at the library yesterday, So I'll be filling it out and send it in by next week.

I just picked one up at the library yesterday, So I'll be filling it out and send it in by next week.


Are you going to wait until you file your taxes before you submit it?

Has everybody sent in the second deposit of 750? I still haven't done this.

For me, the 2nd deposit ($750) is supposed to be Postmarked by the 18th, so I'll probably send it in next week sometime.

Mine has to be marked by the 14th. I've got the money, its just so hard to part with and I always end up waiting till the last couple of days to send it.

For me, the 2nd deposit ($750) is supposed to be Postmarked by the 18th, so I'll probably send it in next week sometime.


Same, sucks because I wont be hearing back about my Penn State interview until a month after the second deposit is due :meanie:

Are you going to wait until you file your taxes before you submit it?


There's a question on there about whether we will file taxes. I put, I will but haven't done so yet. I remember for undergrad, when I filled out the FAFSA, I didn't file my taxes yet and still completed the FAFSA and just used approximate numbers. Later, they sent me a summary form to update my information, while still processing it. So I'll probably do the same thing this year. The actual date to complete the FAFSA is June 30, but they said the earlier its sent in the better.

Has everybody sent in the second deposit of 750? I still haven't done this.


I sent the $750, and called to see if they needed anything else. Besides sending transcripts (which I still have to do) they said Student services will send us more info, including forms they need for immunization records. Still waiting on that.

Sent in my 1st deposit yesterday--it's starting to feel official! My second is not due until Feb 18th. I plan to complete my taxes prior to fafsa, as long as the W-2s don't take too long to arrive, in which case I will complete fafsa using estimates. My goal is to have both complete b4 Feb. 1st.

We are so excited to come to Chicago for a neighborhood exploring and house-hunting trip. Can anyone recommend a nice, affordable place to stay (with kids) for a weekend near the campus?

There is a really nice Marriott Residence Inn...lofts that are very spacious and I thikn they even have a kitchen...nightly rate!! There is also a Double Tree on Butterfield...just west of campus...I stayed there 2 room suiete and I got it for 65 bucks a night on priceline...i would try one of those two places.!! good luck!!!


Sent in my 1st deposit yesterday--it's starting to feel official! My second is not due until Feb 18th. I plan to complete my taxes prior to fafsa, as long as the W-2s don't take too long to arrive, in which case I will complete fafsa using estimates. My goal is to have both complete b4 Feb. 1st.

We are so excited to come to Chicago for a neighborhood exploring and house-hunting trip. Can anyone recommend a nice, affordable place to stay (with kids) for a weekend near the campus?

HoosierDO: Thanks so much for the tips on hotels. I really appreciate the info. I stayed at Comfort Inn for my interview. It was inexpensive and nice enough, but the room was a bit small and there was no indoor pool, game room or other amenities to entertain the kids. I will check out the Marriot Suites and Doubletree.

So you reside in Chicago? Are you attending school there now? Did you grow up in the area? Are you 100% decided on CCOM? You must be happy with the school and the area if you are deciding to stay. I hope that is the case. :D As a local/current resident, do you have any other pointers for us?

Sorry for all the questions, but we are so excited to be moving to Chicagoland and are trying to make the transition smooth and pleasant. I have mentioned before that I have two kids, two dogs, a house and a husband. Our situation is a bit complicated :scared: We know that if you do not plan carefully, a family could spend an inordinate amount of time commuting in Chicago traffic. We are really hoping to make Downers Grove or a very nearby community our home base, with me at CCOM and the kids in a nearby high school (Downers North is only 2 miles from CCOM--super convenient). Might be tough to find a moderately priced home within a certain school's boundaries? That will be the trick.

We have been studying the commuter rail system and see that there is a train (with express service to Union Station!) right in the middle of Downers Grove. Thus, my husband will likely be the one to commute. If he ends up not working downtown, how is it to commute north-south, say from DG to Schaumburg or one of the other northern burbs? Appears he would have to travel by car in such a situation (no train service?).

Well, I have bombarded you enough for now. If anyone other than HoosierDO has info to share, please do. Thanks so much! :love:

Great Questions...I am actually an MS1 at CCOM right now...hence the delay in my responses. I have been a student at midwestern for two years now...i took a few courses the previous year, during the application cycle...i am not originally from the area, i moved here two years ago knowing that this is where I wanted to go to medical school. I currently live in Naperville and I love it...i live on the north side in a great apt. community and well the commute isnt terrible, the less the commute the better for sure. Exams are early so I would say minimize your commute to school as much as possible. AS for working downtown...the commute is easy on the train, the difficult part is the parking at the train stations...some are better than others...naperville is terrible, i think there is a 10 year waiting list for a parking spot...not sure how DG is, but wheaton is ok, winfiled is great, etc. AS for the commute north...or south...commuting in the Chicago area is terrible no matter which way you are going...against or with traffic hardly exists here...but...depending on his field of work there are lots of opportunities in the Oak Brook area, lots of corporations and that is so close to school!!!! As far as living goes...houses are expensive, its a wealthy area to live in, but im sure you will find something to suffice. I love CCOM the curriculum is a killer...we are in the middle of black january when we have 11 exams this month...basically you can expect to have 2-3 exams per week!! But...the community at school is amazing...your class will become like family to you, and there is a great sense of family on the entire campus. The food stinks, but there are lots of nearby places to eat for lunch!!! Most will stay on campus to eat because of the convenience. You will be spending most of your time on campus in lecture...generally from 730-5 on exam days!!! if you can study at home that would be great, i myself study on campus so im generally gone from 730am and get home around 12-1 am. I am very satisfied with my choice of CCOM, and I expect that my satisfaction will only get better and better as I get into my clinical years and start to rotate through the amazing hospitals that are affiliated with!!!

keep the questions coming...ill give ya the honest answers about anything!!!

Good luck!!!

tovah


HoosierDO: Thanks so much for the tips on hotels. I really appreciate the info. I stayed at Comfort Inn for my interview. It was inexpensive and nice enough, but the room was a bit small and there was no indoor pool, game room or other amenities to entertain the kids. I will check out the Marriot Suites and Doubletree.

So you reside in Chicago? Are you attending school there now? Did you grow up in the area? Are you 100% decided on CCOM? You must be happy with the school and the area if you are deciding to stay. I hope that is the case. :D As a local/current resident, do you have any other pointers for us?

Sorry for all the questions, but we are so excited to be moving to Chicagoland and are trying to make the transition smooth and pleasant. I have mentioned before that I have two kids, two dogs, a house and a husband. Our situation is a bit complicated :scared: We know that if you do not plan carefully, a family could spend an inordinate amount of time commuting in Chicago traffic. We are really hoping to make Downers Grove or a very nearby community our home base, with me at CCOM and the kids in a nearby high school (Downers North is only 2 miles from CCOM--super convenient). Might be tough to find a moderately priced home within a certain school's boundaries? That will be the trick.

We have been studying the commuter rail system and see that there is a train (with express service to Union Station!) right in the middle of Downers Grove. Thus, my husband will likely be the one to commute. If he ends up not working downtown, how is it to commute north-south, say from DG to Schaumburg or one of the other northern burbs? Appears he would have to travel by car in such a situation (no train service?).

Well, I have bombarded you enough for now. If anyone other than HoosierDO has info to share, please do. Thanks so much! :love:

HoosierDO, you are such a huge sweetie to answer my many questions during your horrible month of exams!!! :love: :love: :love:
Will you be my big bro/sis next fall?

I certainly do not intend to be a source of distraction for you, but your help is very much appreciated. I will not pose any further questions right now, but I'm sure to have many more in the coming weeks.

I will share a thought with you and other prospective CCOM students: I think I love everything about the school except for the weekly rapid fire of exams. It concerned me before, but now that I have sent in my first deposit, I am feeling a bit rattled. Does anyone share my anxiety??? I did not expect that med school would be easy and a comprehensive/challenging curriculum is essential. It just seems as though CCOM students have NO chance to come up for air until the semester break. I recognize the advantages of frequent testing (less material being tested, shorter period of time to retain the info, each exam worth less toward course grade, etc), but the exam schedule at CCOM really does seem "killer".

So, I guess I do have just one or two questions. Sorry, Hoosier! Is the workload and pace of exams at CCOM really as bad as it seems from the outside, or do you and your fellow 1st years find manageable systems to deal with it? If you had it to do over again, would you choose a school with block exams or other such system? Please do not feel compelled to answer immediately; I can wait, but it will be great to have advice from you and others about how you cope and the study system which works best for you. First of all, do great on your exams this month!!! :thumbup:

She can answer for herself of course but I don't really mind it. It forces you to keep up on the material and looking at the schedule of exams and imagining what it will be like is much worse than going through it. If you work with the system it is totally possible.

As long as you put in a reasonable amount of daily time into your classes, even if you don't completely master what you set out to master for the night (you never will) you will be fine. I look over material from almost every class every night and while it seems overwhelming in the middle of the week, by test time I consistently find myself ready for the test 1-2 nights early which means no late night cramming and lots of sleep the night before.

I suppose it boils down to how you work. I seem to have found a way to work well in this system. Another school I was considering has a completely different class/test schedule. For example, they covered the same material we cover in 20 weeks of Biochemistry in 10 weeks and the same goes for anatomy (we do 20 weeks, they do 8 weeks anatomy and 2 weeks embryo). A rather bright student at that school is getting hammered and I bet he would do better at CCOM even though we are tested more often.

The BIGGEST downer about CCOM is the amount of class time. Be prepared to be sitting on your behind for most all of every day. And class time increases from fall to winter to spring quarter.

Did any of you current kids have to decide between your state school and CCOM? I am trying to decide between OUCOM and CCOM and though I loved CCOM a ton better then OUCOM, the extra ~15k a year is making me want to vomit.

I thought I had made my mind up after speaking to one of your classmates (Brian P)....but now that it's time to pony up with the cash, I am having second thoughts.

Anyone else????

She can answer for herself of course but I don't really mind it. It forces you to keep up on the material and looking at the schedule of exams and imagining what it will be like is much worse than going through it. If you work with the system it is totally possible.

As long as you put in a reasonable amount of daily time into your classes, even if you don't completely master what you set out to master for the night (you never will) you will be fine. I look over material from almost every class every night and while it seems overwhelming in the middle of the week, by test time I consistently find myself ready for the test 1-2 nights early which means no late night cramming and lots of sleep the night before.

I suppose it boils down to how you work. I seem to have found a way to work well in this system. Another school I was considering has a completely different class/test schedule. For example, they covered the same material we cover in 20 weeks of Biochemistry in 10 weeks and the same goes for anatomy (we do 20 weeks, they do 8 weeks anatomy and 2 weeks embryo). A rather bright student at that school is getting hammered and I bet he would do better at CCOM even though we are tested more often.

The BIGGEST downer about CCOM is the amount of class time. Be prepared to be sitting on your behind for most all of every day. And class time increases from fall to winter to spring quarter.

I couldn't have said it better myself. It is like being thrown into a pool and you are either going to tread water and survive or sink. You develop a system that works for you, mine is just like Delicates.

I would go with where you will be happiest. In the end, the money will not be so much of a concern. The most you will think about the loans is right now; once school starts you will forget all about them.

Here are my thoughts about the previous comments
let me first say that i am a fourth year from ccom, with 16 weeks of rotation left. you will work your ***** off in school. don't kid yourself. the first two years are very hard, and time mangement is very important for success, but it can be done. winter and spring term are the most difficult 22 weeks of your life. spring term first year you have something around 26 exams in 11 weeks, and i think 7 are during finals week. you just need to be very focused and remember how much you want to be a physician. you will think "why am i doing this to myself", but just remember that there is a light at the end.
third and fourth years are great. you are in clinics and hospitals. you still need to read and study. you still have exams based on what rotation you are on, but i got married during third year, and have gone on two very nice trips during fourth year, so it does get better.
hope that this helps some. back to studying for step 2 tomorrow and wed.

I would go with where you will be happiest. In the end, the money will not be so much of a concern. The most you will think about the loans is right now; once school starts you will forget all about them.

For those who are living completely on loans, is it enough to live on? do you have to watch every penny, or can you go out to eat once in awhile and not lay awake at night wondering how the hell you are going to pay the bills? (thats how undergrad was for me). I am more nervous about my financial situation, as I am basically going to show up in chi town with not a dime to my name.

Hey guys!

Check out at your local public library the book of scholarships. There are a few out there for entering first year med students. Might as well try it, what can we lose.

Ciao for now!

To the current CCOM students who answered my questions about the exam schedule, thank you. I appreciate your input. I also remain open to any further opinions. I know that med school will involve working HARD, but I am concerned that I might be more positive and productive in my studying if I do not constantly have an exam hanging over my head.

Buckeye: I understand your dilemma about CCOM vs. state school and the tuition differential. I interviewed today at my state MD school. I went in feeling obliged and pretty certain I would dislike the place, but I must say I was extremely impressed and had an excellent experience. Too early to know whether I will be accepted, so I may not have to make the decision with which you are faced. Even so, your concern is palpable and I wish you well as you make your decision. It does sound like you strongly prefer CCOM. Good luck!

If I am accepted to state school, my situation is going to be a bit different. I live in MO and MU initiated its PBL curriculum about 10 yrs ago. All of the kinks are long gone. The students are very very happy and have many free, daytime hours for independent study, research and clinic work. The board scores are 20 pts above average. AND, the curriculum is set up on blocks: 8wks of instruction and PBL, 1 wk of testing, 1 week of vacation; there are four blocks during each M1 and M2. My choice may be btwn CCOM with great rep, great rotations, DO philosophy and vast opportunities for residency and practice in Chicago vs. a state program I really like and lower tuition, but more restrictive employment possibilities for my husband and uncertain probability of staying put for residence/practice.

I was so happy with my CCOM acceptance and I still am, but now the plot thickens... Won't it be great when we actually start school and all of this is behind us?

Oh, the plot is plenty thick already. In four weeks I hear back from Penn State regarding my interview. If I have any interviews (and with 4 apps out to state schools, I expect to get at least one), Im going to have my hands full.

On the other hand, I sent in my second deposit to CCOM today :eek:

I must admit that I am completely divided on the curricula here at ccom. I had to choose between CCOM and a school that was organ based learning...the first quarter I was really down about how our classes were being run here at CCOM becuase we knew so little that hardly anything was correlating...slowly but surely the bigger picture is coming together and despite the exam schedule i feel as though I will be more than prepared for my clinical years. NOw...the big deal here is the testing schedule, it is a little different than most schools. The great news is that you ahve 3-4 exams per class, per quarter...in other words...room to make up for lost ground if you do poorly on an exam. The bad news...they range from 35-50 questions so there is very little room for mistakes...and they tend to be very nit picky...not that we would expect anything else!!! First quarter was quite the adjustment and well, now we just sort of go through the motions...you find your method and run with it. YOu also must evaluate where you stand in your life...is it ok for you to pass your classes with less than a's and what not. I know that seems crazy at this point...but your point of view will change. For me...I am not married, I dont have kids and dont really have any other commitments in my life...therefore I spend a lot of time studying, but definitely find time for fun. Life does change in medical school...for example...for a "study break" you take a shower, or do some laundry...real life things become study breaks. I was worried sick that I would not be able to build the stamina and hold on...but you are surrounded by 160 other students all going through the transition together and in the end it is great!!! Examine your personal learning style, examine how you test best, and then in the end factor in the clinical experience you will get here. Honestly I would not have chosen CCOM based on their curricula, i specifically chose this school for clinical rotations!!! Now that I am here, I am satisfied and I know that I am building a solid foundation for the years to come!!! HOpe that helps...that is the honest answer!!!


Oh, the plot is plenty thick already. In four weeks I hear back from Penn State regarding my interview. If I have any interviews (and with 4 apps out to state schools, I expect to get at least one), Im going to have my hands full.

On the other hand, I sent in my second deposit to CCOM today :eek:

Hoosier: Thank you so much for your very honest response. I appreciate your thoughtful reply and will be considering your opinions carefully. :)

Hoosier: Thank you so much for your very honest response. I appreciate your thoughtful reply and will be considering your opinions carefully. :)


ditto. thanks, hoosier.

For you Chicago residents; is it tough to get cubs single game tickets. Not that I will have time for this (or money) when school starts, but when me and my wife come up to look at apts I definately want to try and catch a game at wrigley.

For you Chicago residents; is it tough to get cubs single game tickets. Not that I will have time for this (or money) when school starts, but when me and my wife come up to look at apts I definately want to try and catch a game at wrigley.


I'm not too sure about cubs tickets, but hey...while you are in chicago, check out a Sox game :) Those are easy tickets to get. I was born and raised here in Chicago and I am a south side fan. Nothing against the Cubs, honest, but when you grow up with older brothers and live walking distance from Comisky Park, it's kind of hard not to be a sox fan :)

To those of you at CCOM, do you get much interaction with students from other medical schools in Chicago area?

Hey guys,
Today I got alot of info from CCOM. We officially start Sept 6th :D and orientation begins August 31st-Sept 2nd. They gave me all kind of information on financial aid, (which they said 90% of the students received), on campus housing, meal plans, health insurance, and all required immunizations we have to get (or have already) for their records. They said once they received our FAFSA, we can continue on with applying for financial aid given to MWU. Our deadline to hand in the FAFSA is May 27th. They even sent our email addy for the school.

Everyone have a great weekend!

To those of you at CCOM, do you get much interaction with students from other medical schools in Chicago area?

During your 3rd and 4th years, the answer is yes. On almost all of my rotations I have had students from other schools rotating with me. I have worked with students from Northwestern, UIC, Loyola, U of C, and Finch at some point. During the first two years, there are a few opportunities such as the annual med school mixer (usually downtown somewhere), a softball competition, and then there is always the opportunity if you aer involved in advocacy groups like the AMA or whatever.

You can pretty much always get single game cubs tickets unless it is a particularly big game (against the Sox, Yankees, etc). There are always scalpers outside Wrigley that you can get tix from if the price is right. However if you know in advance when you'll be there I'd try to get them ahead of time.

Hey All:

I sent in my 1st deposit last week and am pretty sure that I'll be going to CCOM next year. It's still all scary to me making such a big decision since I was debating b/w CCOM and DMU! I'm from WI so it's not too far... Does anyone know if they are going to live on campus next year or anything about it?

Hey All:

I sent in my 1st deposit last week and am pretty sure that I'll be going to CCOM next year. It's still all scary to me making such a big decision since I was debating b/w CCOM and DMU! I'm from WI so it's not too far... Does anyone know if they are going to live on campus next year or anything about it?


I'm going to live on campus...pretty sure about that.

Who wants to party the night of the the 31st, 1st, and 2nd :)

I'm going to live on campus...pretty sure about that.

Who wants to party the night of the the 31st, 1st, and 2nd :)

I hope that everyone is ready to party the 31st, 1st, and 2nd...every year the MS2 class puts together some activities at local bars near campus for the incoming ms1s...its a great way to let loose and get to know everyone before your social life takes a big turn in the opposite direction!!! I can assure you that we will have some fun things planned for you guys this coming august!!!

I hope that everyone is ready to party the 31st, 1st, and 2nd...every year the MS2 class puts together some activities at local bars near campus for the incoming ms1s...its a great way to let loose and get to know everyone before your social life takes a big turn in the opposite direction!!! I can assure you that we will have some fun things planned for you guys this coming august!!!


I'm gonna hold you to that (assuming I come there)

I'm going to live on campus...pretty sure about that.

Who wants to party the night of the the 31st, 1st, and 2nd :)

Sign me up, I'm ready to party! :)
I'm still debating if I am going to live on campus. I live in chgo, so I'm going to test the commute. If I don't like it, I'll probably sign up for oncampus apartments.

Hey All:

I sent in my 1st deposit last week and am pretty sure that I'll be going to CCOM next year. It's still all scary to me making such a big decision since I was debating b/w CCOM and DMU! I'm from WI so it's not too far... Does anyone know if they are going to live on campus next year or anything about it?


Congrats on your acceptance and welcome to the class of 09!

I highly recommend the on campus apartments if you can get in. Rent is about $650/month and includes free local phone (unfortunately only for incoming calls, on campus calls, and to toll free numbers but still it's a free landline.), free cable TV, free high speed internet (you plug into the school network). There are washer/dryer facilities in every apartment building (shared between 8 apartments).

I can't even tell you how nice it is to be able to walk to class, not drive through traffic, come home on mid day breaks and study or nap, or how awesome it is to be home and showered within 20 minutes after anatomy lab when others are still stinking up their car on the drive home through rush hour traffic. :)

I must admit that I am completely divided on the curricula here at ccom. I had to choose between CCOM and a school that was organ based learning...the first quarter I was really down about how our classes were being run here at CCOM becuase we knew so little that hardly anything was correlating...slowly but surely the bigger picture is coming together and despite the exam schedule i feel as though I will be more than prepared for my clinical years. NOw...the big deal here is the testing schedule, it is a little different than most schools. The great news is that you ahve 3-4 exams per class, per quarter...in other words...room to make up for lost ground if you do poorly on an exam. The bad news...they range from 35-50 questions so there is very little room for mistakes...and they tend to be very nit picky...not that we would expect anything else!!! First quarter was quite the adjustment and well, now we just sort of go through the motions...you find your method and run with it. YOu also must evaluate where you stand in your life...is it ok for you to pass your classes with less than a's and what not. I know that seems crazy at this point...but your point of view will change. For me...I am not married, I dont have kids and dont really have any other commitments in my life...therefore I spend a lot of time studying, but definitely find time for fun. Life does change in medical school...for example...for a "study break" you take a shower, or do some laundry...real life things become study breaks. I was worried sick that I would not be able to build the stamina and hold on...but you are surrounded by 160 other students all going through the transition together and in the end it is great!!! Examine your personal learning style, examine how you test best, and then in the end factor in the clinical experience you will get here. Honestly I would not have chosen CCOM based on their curricula, i specifically chose this school for clinical rotations!!! Now that I am here, I am satisfied and I know that I am building a solid foundation for the years to come!!! HOpe that helps...that is the honest answer!!!



Thanks Hoosier for all of your imput! We appreciate it. (Gotta love our future MS2)
Delicatefade, I will consider the apartments more, sounds like an easier life style compared to the commute.

Im down like charlie brown for some good ol "wholesome" med school partying!!!!! WWHHOOHOOOOOO!! First round is on me!!!! Anyhow, I was thinking about living in the dorms first year, but those on campus apartments sound good too.

Thanks! I'm ready to party! On campus is sounding better. It's just hard to move back to that after an apartment for so long. So delicatefade, you recommend campus apts vs. dorms? I'm getting more excited! :D

Absolutely. I don't know why anyone would WANT to live off campus :)
Living in the apartments doesn't really feel like being on campus anyway. They are tucked back behind the campus behind a bunch of trees, and you walk on this little pathway to get to classes.

I am thinking of going to the Shedd Aquarium on that Saturday before school starts (I love aquariums).

I think it would be sweet if we got a bunch of us together to explore Chicago before we get slammed :(

I am thinking of going to the Shedd Aquarium on that Saturday before school starts (I love aquariums).

I think it would be sweet if we got a bunch of us together to explore Chicago before we get slammed :(



Sounds good

I am thinking of going to the Shedd Aquarium on that Saturday before school starts (I love aquariums).

I think it would be sweet if we got a bunch of us together to explore Chicago before we get slammed :(

Count me in.

Just wanted to know if anyone else had to decide between CCOM and DMU, and why you picked CCOM. I have to send in my last deposit to CCOM tomarrow in order to keep my spot. Thanks.

bgm

bgm-
I had to decide between DMU and CCOM. I just thought that CCOM would give me better opportunities in the future with what I decided to do if I decided not to go to primary care. Plus I love living by a big city. The people seem really nice at CCOM and the students there seem to like it. CCOM is also closer to home for me, not sure about your situation. Hope this helps a little bit.

I have a question for anyone who lives on-campus... Are significant others (who don't attend the school) of students allowed to reside in the on-campus apartments?

Yes. My wife lives here and we have a few classmates that live with their boyfriends/fiancees, etc.

Hey, I was just wondering what everyone plans to do this summer since ours is a little longer than other med schools since we start around labor day. All I know for sure is that I'm going to CA for a few weeks to visit family and to travel up and down the coast. Does anyone know if there are any programs at CCOM that get you into clinical stuff during the summer, like medical spanish program or anything like that?

Hey, I was just wondering what everyone plans to do this summer since ours is a little longer than other med schools since we start around labor day. All I know for sure is that I'm going to CA for a few weeks to visit family and to travel up and down the coast.

I'm taking a road trip to Canada to visit family and friends.

When are you allowed to move into the on-campus apts?

Hey Stripes, I would be really interested in pre-MS1 programs offered by CCOM. If you learn anything about this, please post the info! I am a former Spanish student, but I am really rusty and would like to refresh my skills with a focus on clinical conversation. Now that I think about it though, it might be better to take a course like that after MS1 when I have SOME idea what I'm talking about in English! :laugh:

As far as other summer plans, I am hoping that selling our house, packing, moving and settling myself and family in to our new home will not occupy the entire summer, but I fear that it will. I want to have everything as organized and streamlined as possible before classes start, 'cause once they do, I know I'll have to put on my blinders and ignore most domestic chaos.

I think it was somewhere around the last week of August. You'll have to call student housing to find out.

Hey, I was just wondering what everyone plans to do this summer since ours is a little longer than other med schools since we start around labor day. All I know for sure is that I'm going to CA for a few weeks to visit family and to travel up and down the coast. Does anyone know if there are any programs at CCOM that get you into clinical stuff during the summer, like medical spanish program or anything like that?

I will just continue to work through the summer. I would also be interested in any pre-Ms1 activites/clinical, whatever. I went to CA for the first time last year...very awesome!

Hey everyone! Have any of you received the financial aid packet which was to be sent to us following receipt of our first deposit? I sent mine in prior to the deadline, so thought I would have the FA forms by now. Oh well, patience is a virture. I should complete our taxes first anyway. I need to get into my primary care doc to start the hep B series asap, but I'm really procrastinating on that one. The last time I had a shot (tetanus booster) my arm was swollen and sore for weeks.

Secondly, I am simply curious, but are any of you other c/o 2009 acceptees married with kids? If so, I'd love to hear from you. Maybe we can PM each other? It is great sharing info with everyone on this thread and I am enjoying the communication with future classmates. It's just that I am so preoccupied by the whole domestic relocation thing. It would be nice to hear from someone in a similar situation who can relate to these concerns.

Why don't we have stars by our thread? I have never done this before, but I am going to try to add them. If it does not work and someone knows how to do it, let's post those stars and get some excitement going here!!!

Hi Manifesting,

I just received my FA forms yesterday. It sort of seemed helpful, but my e.mail address login for the school isn't working yet, and I called the tech guy at Midwestern and he said that it's because the sent the forms out too early and the tech people haven't been able to update the system fast enough. I still have to file FAFSA and do my taxes yet. Still waiting on the W-2 forms, I swear they take forever to come back.

So I have a question, in one of the packets, it said that we could look at housing stuff online in our accepted student list, but when I logged on to Interact Now, I couldn't find that list, and it still says that I have stuff missing, even though I don't. Anyone else with this problem? Thanks!

Stripes

Hi Manifesting,

I just received my FA forms yesterday. It sort of seemed helpful, but my e.mail address login for the school isn't working yet, and I called the tech guy at Midwestern and he said that it's because the sent the forms out too early and the tech people haven't been able to update the system fast enough. I still have to file FAFSA and do my taxes yet. Still waiting on the W-2 forms, I swear they take forever to come back.

So I have a question, in one of the packets, it said that we could look at housing stuff online in our accepted student list, but when I logged on to Interact Now, I couldn't find that list, and it still says that I have stuff missing, even though I don't. Anyone else with this problem? Thanks!

Stripes

Link not up yet. I already contacted them. They said they would notify us when we could start that process.

Hey everyone! Have any of you received the financial aid packet which was to be sent to us following receipt of our first deposit? I sent mine in prior to the deadline, so thought I would have the FA forms by now. Oh well, patience is a virture. I should complete our taxes first anyway. I need to get into my primary care doc to start the hep B series asap, but I'm really procrastinating on that one. The last time I had a shot (tetanus booster) my arm was swollen and sore for weeks.

Secondly, I am simply curious, but are any of you other c/o 2009 acceptees married with kids? If so, I'd love to hear from you. Maybe we can PM each other? It is great sharing info with everyone on this thread and I am enjoying the communication with future classmates. It's just that I am so preoccupied by the whole domestic relocation thing. It would be nice to hear from someone in a similar situation who can relate to these concerns.

Hey Manifesting,
I received the FA pack along with other info. I sent in my FAFSA and received conformation that I will hear "something" in 4 weeks. Midwestern needs it in by May 27th so we have time. The application for housing is online, they have floor plans posted for the apartments and resident halls. I actually got my hep B (first shot) on Monday at my hospital, it went okay, not much pain at all. At least to get that one started, then for the rest of the shots I'll probably do in the next few months. I'm not married and have no children (but I love to babysit :-) and am very supportive :-)
Ciao for now

Hi Manifesting,

I just received my FA forms yesterday. It sort of seemed helpful, but my e.mail address login for the school isn't working yet, and I called the tech guy at Midwestern and he said that it's because the sent the forms out too early and the tech people haven't been able to update the system fast enough. I still have to file FAFSA and do my taxes yet. Still waiting on the W-2 forms, I swear they take forever to come back.

So I have a question, in one of the packets, it said that we could look at housing stuff online in our accepted student list, but when I logged on to Interact Now, I couldn't find that list, and it still says that I have stuff missing, even though I don't. Anyone else with this problem? Thanks!

Stripes


Hey Stripes,
At first I had trouble also activating the email, but after I called them up, everything worked. I'm kind of excited with the @midwestern.edu email addy :-)
Seems more official.

Hi Chachie, thanks for your posting with answers to my questions! I appreciate even more your sweet offer to babysit and lend a supportive ear to my family relocation concerns.

It's funny; no sooner did I post the question about not receiving the financial aid forms when the mail arrived with the expected info. I am eager to try the email system and admitted student link to check out the housing info. I agree with you--having our very own student email address helps to make the acceptance feel real.

Have a great day, Chachie and fellow '09ers. :love:

The acceptance felt real to me when my bank account had 1000 less dollars in it. :laugh:

Hi Chachie, thanks for your posting with answers to my questions! I appreciate even more your sweet offer to babysit and lend a supportive ear to my family relocation concerns.

It's funny; no sooner did I post the question about not receiving the financial aid forms when the mail arrived with the expected info. I am eager to try the email system and admitted student link to check out the housing info. I agree with you--having our very own student email address helps to make the acceptance feel real.

Have a great day, Chachie and fellow '09ers. :love:

If y'all, (or anyone really) needs help moving stuff come school time, that's me.

I'm a bouncer/person-that-always-gets-asked-to-help-people-move :thumbup:

is there a CCOM thread for 07 students yet?

The acceptance felt real to me when my bank account had 1000 less dollars in it. :laugh:



Very True!

Just to let everyone know, the interact now part of the midwestern website has been updated and now includes the accepted student checklist, and housing/meal applications.

Just to let everyone know, the interact now part of the midwestern website has been updated and now includes the accepted student checklist, and housing/meal applications.

Thanks for the info.

hey all!

I am so happy I am finally a part of this thread! :D :D I just got accepted this past tues and recieved the official letter on friday 1/28. I am withdrawing my acceptances to UNE and LECOM and KCOM for this one! So happy I'm here!

I probably will be looking at on campus housing as well. How do the apartments look inside? It seems like the most economical and convenient choice as a first year.

Also, is it really difficult to get into the campus? I noticed when I interviewed that the everyone has to check in with security. Do your guests need a pass?

Anyway, glad to be here and if anyone needs any info on fun things to do in chicago before school starts, let me know. I presently live in Hyde Park, just south of chicago, and can clue you in to fun things to do here! congratulations everyone and i look forward to meeting you all! :D

The apartments are pretty plain - although they do have a lot of storage space which was something I was worried about. It's basically a two room apartment - your kitchen/living area combined with a door going back to the bedroom/bathroom. Guests do need a pass to get on campus. Security is pretty tight but they are all really nice.

Sanny - Congrats on your acceptance! I currently live in Madison, WI and am always in the Schaumburg area because I have family there. If anyone else is the in the area, maybe we can all meet up sometime?

For on campus housing, are you all thinking about the apartements or dorms? Anyone know of any pros/cons to either?

Thanks so much and have a great day!

Sanny - Congrats on your acceptance! I currently live in Madison, WI and am always in the Schaumburg area because I have family there. If anyone else is the in the area, maybe we can all meet up sometime?

For on campus housing, are you all thinking about the apartements or dorms? Anyone know of any pros/cons to either?

Thanks so much and have a great day!

Hey..Im down to meet up, I live in Hoffman Estates, a suburb right next to Schaumburg. My damn password or login is still not working for that MWU website! Ive been wanting to put an application in for on campus apartments. Anyone else still having this problemo?

FYI, there is a thread in the Drs. Lounge about a midwest meet to be held in Chicago the weekend of March 19-20. A ton of us are coming from all over the Midwest (from Omaha to NYC)

Should be fun.

BERNZ,

I still can't access my e.mail, still don't know why. I've called them and they say they're working on it. But, through the interact now section, and the accepted student list, you can send in your housing application through that. I'm still trying to figure out how to rank everything. Hope this helps. I'll send out another message the next time I'm in Schaumburg too!

Buckeye - Thanks, I'll check out the thread.

Have a great day!

Thanks stripes and buckeye, that midwest meeting sounds cool. I will definately try to make it!

Congrats on your acceptance, Sanny, and welcome to the CCOM c/o 2009!!!

Since you offered, I'll ask a question. If you can't answer, no problem, but perhaps you know someone who can or know of a good, objective resource. We are doing our homework, but I would love an insider's opinion:

I am married with two teens, 9th and 11th grades next fall. Thus, I will not be living on campus, but want to live very close, definitely within ten miles. In your opinion, being a current Chicago resident (and native?), which suburb within that ten mile radius of CCOM has the most to offer a family, in terms of safe, clean, affordable homes, excellent public high school, good community services (police, fire, parks/rec) and easy access to commuter rail system?

Thanks a bunch and again, congrats! :)

Congrats on your acceptance, Sanny, and welcome to the CCOM c/o 2009!!!

Since you offered, I'll ask a question. If you can't answer, no problem, but perhaps you know someone who can or know of a good, objective resource. We are doing our homework, but I would love an insider's opinion:

I am married with two teens, 9th and 11th grades next fall. Thus, I will not be living on campus, but want to live very close, definitely within ten miles. In your opinion, being a current Chicago resident (and native?), which suburb within that ten mile radius of CCOM has the most to offer a family, in terms of safe, clean, affordable homes, excellent public high school, good community services (police, fire, parks/rec) and easy access to commuter rail system?

Thanks a bunch and again, congrats! :)
hi!! i'm a current ms-I and have lived in the chicago-area my whole life. i'm currently living in the lagrange area (with my husband), which is beautiful, has an awesome little downtown area, and has a metra station. it might be a little pricey, but everything around here is. just my 2 cents :)

Hi Junk! Thanks so much for responding to my question with info about Lagrange. I will definitely check it out. If you don't mind me pressing for more info, does Lagrange have its own school system? Does the high school (or schools) have a good reputation? I have heard & read good things about schools in Downers Grove & Naperville, I am very eager to learn more about lesser known communities, such as the very wonderful sounding Lagrange. I remain open to further input from you and others familiar with the south suburbs near school. Thanks again! :D

Hi Junk! Thanks so much for responding to my question with info about Lagrange. I will definitely check it out. If you don't mind me pressing for more info, does Lagrange have its own school system? Does the high school (or schools) have a good reputation? I have heard & read good things about schools in Downers Grove & Naperville, I am very eager to learn more about lesser known communities, such as the very wonderful sounding Lagrange. I remain open to further input from you and others familiar with the south suburbs near school. Thanks again! :D

Hey Manifesting,

I would suggest Schaumurg/Hoffman Estates. They have great schools such as Conant high, Schuamburg High, Hoffman Estates high. Great towns with great community stuff and woodfield mall, were I have spent countless hours of my life working and having a good time. Buffalo Grove is a bit more of a drive to midwestern, but they probably have the best public school system in the state. hope this helps some.

Hi Bernz! I appreciate the info you posted and I will look in to those areas as well. Would you be able to estimate how long, on an ordinary weekday, it would take to commute from Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates or Buffalo Grove to MWU? Are you planning to make that commute yourself? I am glad to know about the BG schools. How do the schools in Schaum/HE compare to those in Downers Grove or Naperville, based on their reputations and your perceptions? Sorry for all my questions, but there are so many choices and possibilities to explore. Thanks for sharing some Chicagoland scoop with me.

Hi Bernz! I appreciate the info you posted and I will look in to those areas as well. Would you be able to estimate how long, on an ordinary weekday, it would take to commute from Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates or Buffalo Grove to MWU? Are you planning to make that commute yourself? I am glad to know about the BG schools. How do the schools in Schaum/HE compare to those in Downers Grove or Naperville, based on their reputations and your perceptions? Sorry for all my questions, but there are so many choices and possibilities to explore. Thanks for sharing some Chicagoland scoop with me.


Hi Manifesting,

On the day of the interview, I stayed at a relatives house in Hoffman Estates. I left their house around 6:30 AM and got to CCOM by 7AM with a heavy downpour and taking a wrong turn. At least from the area my relatives live, I'm going opposite traffic, except where the freeway splits to head downtown. I'm not sure if this helps. Oh, and my uncle was saying that there was a good high school in the area that my cousins will go to if they stay there... I can't really remember the name... maybe Fremt? I'll ask and let you know!

Stripes

Hi Bernz! I appreciate the info you posted and I will look in to those areas as well. Would you be able to estimate how long, on an ordinary weekday, it would take to commute from Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates or Buffalo Grove to MWU? Are you planning to make that commute yourself? I am glad to know about the BG schools. How do the schools in Schaum/HE compare to those in Downers Grove or Naperville, based on their reputations and your perceptions? Sorry for all my questions, but there are so many choices and possibilities to explore. Thanks for sharing some Chicagoland scoop with me.

I believe the school stripes is talking about is Fremd. This is an excellent high school located in the city of palatine. This city is also right next to schaumburg. Time wise, the schuamburg area to midwestern will take about 20 minutes (without rain and making wrong turns..ofcourse ;) ) you would basically take 355 south all the way down exiting on butterfield. From the BG area i would probably say 30-40 minutes, also taking 355 south down to butterfield. Naperville I think is probably also about 20 minute drive coming in formt he other direction. They also have great school such as Waubonsie Valley. I am unfamiliar with schools in downers grove, so cant suggest anything there.

I've also lived in th Chicago area all my life and while the schools and areas mentioned in Schaumburg/etc are fine, I don't think there's any need to live that far away. Downers Grove has 2 high schools (north and south), and other schools in the DuPage Valley conference are also pretty decent including Wheaton-Warrenville South and the Glenbards. Overall the western suburbs are for the most part pretty nice and I think would be perfectly fine for raising a family. Look at the towns of Downers, Lombard, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn for your needs if you want to be a little closer to school.

Thanks to all of you who are sharing info on suburbs and high schools. I appreciate your input so much; it is really helping to narrow the search. Any additional information from those in the know is welcome! :) :) :)

C'mon guys were letting this thread seep to the bottom of the barrel...Lets pick it up a lil bit? Ill start...So im finally parting ways with my precious 750.00 deposit ive had sitting around for about a month, in the morning. Im going to miss the lil buggers, all 750 of em. But its going to a great cause! Aside from that, I started my first real job, since graduating in december. I work for Countrywide Financial as an Account Executive. (Sweeeet corporate title, eh? :cool: ) *Watch out, sales pitch* So...if anyyy of you need a home loan, refinance, etc...hit me up! hint hint..Manifesting....J/K...no but seriously..Do it!! So basically, as of right now my life revolves around work, playing Halo 2 online (im the Greatest) and poker. Im trying to get my fill now, cuz come September, there will be none...next...

C'mon guys were letting this thread seep to the bottom of the barrel...Lets pick it up a lil bit? Ill start...So im finally parting ways with my precious 750.00 deposit ive had sitting around for about a month, in the morning. Im going to miss the lil buggers, all 750 of em. But its going to a great cause! Aside from that, I started my first real job, since graduating in december. I work for Countrywide Financial as an Account Executive. (Sweeeet corporate title, eh? :cool: ) *Watch out, sales pitch* So...if anyyy of you need a home loan, refinance, etc...hit me up! hint hint..Manifesting....J/K...no but seriously..Do it!! So basically, as of right now my life revolves around work, playing Halo 2 online (im the Greatest) and poker. Im trying to get my fill now, cuz come September, there will be none...next...



Same here, just working and enjoying life. My little niece also loves to occupy my time. Congrats on your job and your title, very nice. I love poker too, texas for me. On most Friday nights, my oldest brother has texas holdem games for us 5 and if I'm not working, I try to win their money :-) As CCOM students, we'll have to continue this tradition into med school. I also won 60 bucks on the super bowl, which should of happen because it was also my birthday :-)

I don't play poker, but I play Euchre.

Poker is fun, but Euchre is badass!

Hey Bernz! Thanks for bumping our class thread with your update and getting the discussions started again. You sound very excited about your job--congrats! Our current mortgage is with Countrywide, so I would have no problem sending business your way when we move if at all possible.

I suppose your employer does not know of your educational plans? I am working as a self-employed private tutor, but I've done such a good job and my students are making A's, so I'm losing business! Now, with interviews over, I would like to work more and bank some money before school starts. Hmmm, perhaps a med school acceptance does not make one unemployable in a "real" job? If you don't mind sharing, how did you approach the situation?

OK everyone, you'll have to teach me (and my husband!) how to play Euchre. I've never played, but if all of you poker fans like it, it must be fun.

I'll end with a question about Chicago. Hope you guys are not getting sick of me. The opinions you have shared have helped so much. I suppose I'll keep asking until you tell me to zip it. :o :D

About secondary schools again:
My impression is that there are oodles of private girls/boys schools in or near the inner city, but few in the suburbs. This indicates to me that the public schools in/near the city are not so great and the private schools provide an alternative, but that the high schools in the burbs are very good to excellent. Would you guys agree with this perception? I've read the websites for many of the public high schools and I am very impressed, but I have two concerns: 1) the suburban public high schools are HUGE (Downer's North has about 2200 students and that is one of the smaller schools I have found); 2) competitiveness of the socio-economic climate (think 'Mean Girls'). Can any of you locals/natives shed light on my concerns?

Thanks everyone!

Hey thanks Chachie and Manifesting, yea the job and people are cool! Happy belated Birthday to you Chachie! Well, when i applied for the job and interviewed, i basically told them i applied to med schools but was not accepted and waitlisted at a few and hinted i probably would not get in. As it worked out, they liked me and offered me the position. So come august, ill just tell them i was recently accepted and give my two weeks notice. My friends and I only play Texs Hold em, no limit. I love it. we will definately have to play once school starts. I have no i dea what Euchre is, but im willing to learn and play. As far as private vs. public schools, im not sure maybe someone else can fill in their, but definately let me know if I can be of any assistance on your home loan situ, Manifesting. :D

OO you know what's gonna be so cool? Manifesting is going to have us over for dinner and study sessions every night. Yay!

Thanks Manifesting, you are a sweetheart:)

OO you know what's gonna be so cool? Manifesting is going to have us over for dinner and study sessions every night. Yay!

Thanks Manifesting, you are a sweetheart:)

Yeaaa...I cant wait...I loveee me sum lasagna...baked chicken....veggiess...yummmy! :love:

Well sure, guys, you can come over all the time, it will be fun. After all, we'll have the house and should have plenty of room to study and play euchre. But you know that along with the house comes noisey, nasty kids and nosey, smelly dogs. You knew that, right? Oh, and before I forget, I should tell you something: I HATE TO COOK!!! I taught myself how and I do it because I have to, but I really don't enjoy it. Sorry to mess up the visions of home cooking dancing through your heads. Really I am! Boys are so cute when they start talking about food. I have a solution, however! You guys bring the food to my house and do the cooking and THEN we'll have a party. Or, I could get my sister to come visit. She'll cook up a storm for all of us. I'm so much more fun when I'm not stressed out by cooking. :D

Actually, I do cook.

And I cook Indian food very well:)

Actually, I do cook.

And I cook Indian food very well:)

Than its settled...buckeye, put me down for some chicken tikka, chiicken makni and 2 tandoori nan!! On those all night cram sessions, ill cook the breakfast...scrambled eggs.

damn, you know your ****.

How about adding some Japanese flavors? I got it covered!

I was an exchange student in japan!

Thanks for the birthday wishes Bernz.
And count me in with the dinners by manifesting! I'm 100% Italian-american, so I can have grandma and mom make us some home-made food!
I don't know how to play Euchre, but I'm up for it :-)

Wow, this is sounding like more fun with every post and each description of ethnic culinary delights! I do love to eat food caringly prepared by family and friends. Despite my dislike for the daily grind of cooking family meals, I am ABLE to cook a few yummy things, so don't write me off entirely. Unless I have scared you off with my kids and dogs? Oh, geez! How are we going to find time to study?

Say, that reminds me... When you toured with the student hosts, did they devote any time to discussing the pros and cons of attending lecture? Two second year students I met stated that they only attended class when required, that they slept and studied during class hours and that they were able to maintain good (even high) grades. I'm the good dooby type who has always attended lectures, even though I am not an auditory learner and often find lectures overwhelming and/or frustrating. It would be difficult for me to change styles and skip lectures, but perhaps this is a valid method for carving out extra time in the day. I never study well at night anyway. What are your opinions? :idea:

If there is one thing I can't stand, its a professor that gives out notes and then just reads from them.

If such is the case, you won't find me in class.

Seems like you guys have planned a lot since I've been off in la-la land. I love texas hold em poker... I'm just a bad lier so most of the time people can totally read me, especially when I start to giggle... I've played euchre a while ago... someone would just have to remind me. Oh, and I cook chinese/Vietnamese/mexican food that can be thrown in the mix too. Plus I only know how to make HUGE amounts of it because everyone knows that asian families are humungo! Ha ha.

Oh, plus I finally decided CCOM was it, and put in my last 750... my bank account will never be the same after this...

Wow, this is sounding like more fun with every post and each description of ethnic culinary delights! I do love to eat food caringly prepared by family and friends. Despite my dislike for the daily grind of cooking family meals, I am ABLE to cook a few yummy things, so don't write me off entirely. Unless I have scared you off with my kids and dogs? Oh, geez! How are we going to find time to study?

Say, that reminds me... When you toured with the student hosts, did they devote any time to discussing the pros and cons of attending lecture? Two second year students I met stated that they only attended class when required, that they slept and studied during class hours and that they were able to maintain good (even high) grades. I'm the good dooby type who has always attended lectures, even though I am not an auditory learner and often find lectures overwhelming and/or frustrating. It would be difficult for me to change styles and skip lectures, but perhaps this is a valid method for carving out extra time in the day. I never study well at night anyway. What are your opinions? :idea:

I think everyone pretty much starts out with this same attitude, which is probably a good thing. Everyone is afraid they'll "miss" things if they skip lecture, but in reality that's rarely the case. You will notice how with each passing quarter, attendance gets smaller and smaller as people realize their time is better spent actively studying than dozing off in a lecture hall. The schedule is just too draining to spend all day in class and then study for several hours every night. I got a lot more done by going to a couple classes a day and studying on my own more often.

You will figure that time is a precious commodity during the first two years, and you really learn to prioritize your time. It will become apparent which classes are worth attending and which ones are not. And you will have students in your class who range from the go-to-every-class-every-day types to the kinds of people you only see on days of exams. Ultimately everyone finds something that works for them. And yes, it is ok to skip class for things like doing laundry and running errands. It is these kinds of things that keep our lives sane and under some sort of control. Good luck, and enjoy the time before med school starts!

Ditto that. It's all about your learning style. I would not recommend starting off your medical school career by skipping every class but you will quickly learn what works for you. If you do better by studying on your own then you should NOT feel guilty for skipping class although it is likely that you will initially feel guilty. You will not miss much "extra" information although I have noticed a question or two on tests that would be difficult to know if you had not been in class.

I attend most lectures but I find that sometimes just hearing something explained differently than the notes helps it stick better. This typically works best for me in conceptual classes like physiology that have less memorizing. On the other hand, I have not gone to many anatomy lectures this quarter. I learn better by actively participating in lab and by repetition, repetition, repetition.

If you do attend class, the key is to maximize your time by actively learning while you are there. If you are not paying attention or falling asleep you might as well be doing something else. Seriously. You will learn that being productive at SOMETHING almost all day is the key to survival (whether that be studying, laundry, eating, RELAXING, sleeping, etc). Don't waste time.
The best way I have found to actively learn in class is to pre-read my notes the night before (just skimming). Then I at least know the flow of the lecture and what I really didn't understand and need to pay attention to. Then I have more time in lecture to clarify things in my margin, listen to the professor, and look at powerpoint diagrams instead of wondering where they are in the lecture notes.

By far though, I would have to say the key to doing well is staying on top of the material. Do not let several days go by without looking at biochem or anatomy or any other subject for that matter (OK, maybe psych :) ). You will have to learn to become satisfied with never getting enough studying done for the night. It is better to go through 50% of the material you need to know for EACH of your subjects EVERY night than it is to just study one subject for a night or two and let the others slide. If you do the latter, it can easily escalate to studying test to test which is probably the worst thing you can do. If you do the former, you will always feel like you have never quite mastered the material (because it will be too much material to really go over in one night) but you will find that come 2-3 nights before the test as you begin to focus on that class, things will come together much easier for you. All those other nights of repetition will be tremendous and allow to you synthesize the material and mop up the details.

Anyhow, enough ranting. Enjoy your time right now. None of you better be studying anything. Any of you. I mean it. Congrats on all your acceptances to a great school.

Claymore and delicatefade: Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question with your sincere and informative posts. I am certain that all of us on this c/o 2009 thread will benefit from your comments. Whenever you have time to share additional bits of wisdom, I'm all ears (rather, eyes)!

C/O 2009: What should we talk about now, gang? Are there any more new acceptees out there?

Happy Friday to all. :D

we should talk about how im almost done with this crappy masters and how I can't wait to party/work all summer before going into the dungeon known as medical school

Hey everyone,

It's offical now, I'm going to CCOM! I can't wait to meet everyone! Is there anything planned for before classes start? From the posts, it sounds like everyone would like to do something. It'd be really nice to get to know some of you before we start. Maybe we should have a feast!! Sounds like we have some seriously good cooks among us and I can at least bake some killer brownies and cookies if nothing else! Enjoy the weekend!

Perhaps and Age/Sex/Location is in order. If you are "old" feel free to leave out your age ;)

Ill start

23
Male
Columbus, Ohio.

PS. The current MSI's claim they will have fun stuff planned. I am also planning on heading down to Shedd Aquarium that Saturday before classes start for some downtown Chicago action.

Congrats Sunsun, Welcome to the club!

Male
24
Hoffman Esates, Suburb of Chicago

Sunsun: Congratulations! Your enthusiasm makes me smile. When did you interview and learn of your acceptance? Or did you just now make your final decision? I'm curious, as I would like to make my final decision and be gleeful like you. This pre-MS1 purgatory is making me nuts! I really love CCOM and I am honored to have the acceptance, but the idea of moving my whole family to Chicago is becoming more and more overwhelming. So, I am still waiting to hear from Mizzou (post-i/v) and SLU (pre-interview limbo). Anyway, welcome aboard. Happy to have another '09er join our discussions.

To Buckeye: Sorry you're not a happy camper, buddy. When do you wrap up the masters? Keep after it, summer will be here before you know it.

About your poll, here are my answers:

Yes, I'm "old" but age is a state of mind...41
Female
St. Louis, MO

Next....???

Next....???

I'm young:
22 (my birthday's in a week, right now I'm 21)
female
right now Hanover, New Hampshire. Originally from Pleasantville, NY (just outside NYC)

I'm old:
27 (currently finishing Ph.D and hoping I'll be done)
male
Los Angeles, CA. (Originally from Japan)

What part of Japan, I was in Agui-Cho outside of Nagoya for about 3 months?

Turned 23 on super bowl sunday. Female. Lived in Chicago my whole life. Definitely a city girl. My brother is getting married in September, so if any one is up for a wedding to dance our "beginning of the sememster" stresses away, you're more than welcome! I'm game for going to the shedd, the museum campus is beautiful there with the lake on an warm summer day. WE should hit a baseball game during the summer (perferrable a sox game :-)

Oh yeah....


Happy Valentine's Day to all !

Thanks for the warm welcome all. I'm definitely for checking out the Shedd Aquarium - sounds like a good time!

Chachi, I think I interviewed with you!

Enjoy what's left of the weekend.

22/F/London Ontario ---> Flint, MI (and now to Chicago!!!)

Hi Guys!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm 22 (23 in April), Female, grew up in Oak Creek, WI and currently in Madison, WI.

Shedd Aquarium sounds fun... I love the little fishies!

What part of Japan, I was in Agui-Cho outside of Nagoya for about 3 months?

I lived in Tokushima Pref (my home is still there), and I also spend few years in Kobe (moved to U.S. year before earthquake hit).

Turned 23 on super bowl sunday. Female. Lived in Chicago my whole life. Definitely a city girl. My brother is getting married in September, so if any one is up for a wedding to dance our "beginning of the sememster" stresses away, you're more than welcome! I'm game for going to the shedd, the museum campus is beautiful there with the lake on an warm summer day. WE should hit a baseball game during the summer (perferrable a sox game :-)


Weddings are always a good time, provided there is plenty of EtOH ;) Count me in if such is the case.

Seems like most of us are around the same age, I was expecting a larger spread like some of the other DO schools.

[QUOTE=Manifesting]Sunsun: Congratulations! Your enthusiasm makes me smile. When did you interview and learn of your acceptance? Or did you just now make your final decision? I'm curious, as I would like to make my final decision and be gleeful like you. This pre-MS1 purgatory is making me nuts! I really love CCOM and I am honored to have the acceptance, but the idea of moving my whole family to Chicago is becoming more and more overwhelming. So, I am still waiting to hear from Mizzou (post-i/v) and SLU (pre-interview limbo). Anyway, welcome aboard. Happy to have another '09er join our discussions.

Manifesting:
I interviewed a while back but I recently made up my mind. I decided to go where I felt most comfortable. I've always enjoyed visiting Chicago - so many great cultures and places to go! Plus CCOM has a great program so I figured I couldn't go wrong! I see how it could be hectic to move with your whole family but hopefully they'll understand how important this is to you and be supportive. At any rate, best of luck! I'm sure things will work out :luck:

23
female
Southern California


Hi everyone! Can't wait to meet you all next year

At my interview, they said last years entering class was 65% women. From the looks of things so far, the ratio might be about the same. I am definately not complaining! Hooowww youu doooiinnn? :cool:

22
Male
Bloomington, IN

24
Male
Jacksonville, Florida

WE should hit a baseball game during the summer (perferrable a sox game :-)


Im itching to go to Wrigley.

Hey SunSun, I interviewed October 6th, Wednesday. I was in the first interview group.

Buckeye, there will be drinks, the bride is definitely making sure that there is top notch liquor at this thing :-)

I never been to wrigley, Dr. MTB, so there's a first for everything. What's really fun is the Cubs/Sox games, they're always crazy, sold out parks all the time.

ok liquour covered, how about hot girls :)

Ooo, I want to go to Wrigley too! Funny, I live so close and have never been. I loved County Stadium when it was, and love Miller Park, even with all of its faults. We should definitely go to a game. White Sox game too!

I have recently accepted my position in the Class of 2009 at CCOM. I actually live about a mile from the school and went to college downtown, so I'm more than willing to answer questions about the city or the suburbs. Congrats to everyone else that I will see in the fall.

Frazier

ok liquour covered, how about hot girls :)
:thumbup:

:thumbup:

But of course! :)

I have recently accepted my position in the Class of 2009 at CCOM. I actually live about a mile from the school and went to college downtown, so I'm more than willing to answer questions about the city or the suburbs. Congrats to everyone else that I will see in the fall.

Frazier


Congratulations, Frazier, and welcome to the CCOM c/o2009. :thumbup:

Thank you for offering to help us with our questions about Chicago. I have posted many on this thread already, so if you have good insider information/opinions on any of them, feel free to respond!

Hey Bernz! Thanks for bumping our class thread with your update and getting the discussions started again. You sound very excited about your job--congrats! Our current mortgage is with Countrywide, so I would have no problem sending business your way when we move if at all possible.

I suppose your employer does not know of your educational plans? I am working as a self-employed private tutor, but I've done such a good job and my students are making A's, so I'm losing business! Now, with interviews over, I would like to work more and bank some money before school starts. Hmmm, perhaps a med school acceptance does not make one unemployable in a "real" job? If you don't mind sharing, how did you approach the situation?

OK everyone, you'll have to teach me (and my husband!) how to play Euchre. I've never played, but if all of you poker fans like it, it must be fun.

I'll end with a question about Chicago. Hope you guys are not getting sick of me. The opinions you have shared have helped so much. I suppose I'll keep asking until you tell me to zip it. :o :D

About secondary schools again:
My impression is that there are oodles of private girls/boys schools in or near the inner city, but few in the suburbs. This indicates to me that the public schools in/near the city are not so great and the private schools provide an alternative, but that the high schools in the burbs are very good to excellent. Would you guys agree with this perception? I've read the websites for many of the public high schools and I am very impressed, but I have two concerns: 1) the suburban public high schools are HUGE (Downer's North has about 2200 students and that is one of the smaller schools I have found); 2) competitiveness of the socio-economic climate (think 'Mean Girls'). Can any of you locals/natives shed light on my concerns?

Thanks everyone!

Manifesting,

You are correct in your impression that there are more inner city private schools. It is because the Chicago public schools are not good or they are hard to get into, such as the magnet schools. The suburbs have their fair share of private schools though. Benet Academy, Montini, Timothy Christian, and Illinois Math and Science Academy are just a few in the area. From my experience as a alumnus of Downers Grove North H.S. is that most of the good public high schools in the suburbs are just as good as the private schools, and sometimes better. I read Claymore's response and he is correct. The West Suburban Conference and DuPage Valley Conference have some very good schools. The schools I would recommend from these conferences are Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Glenbard West, Naperville North, Naperville Central, Wheaton-Warrenville South, Wheaton North, Lyons Township, Oak Park-River Forest, York, and Glenbard North.

With regards to your second concern about the high schools in the area, when I was a student at DGN, I never felt a socio-economic pressure. I don't know if was just my class or the school, but very few individuals were mean to others simply because of who they were. Every school will have cliques, and each of these cliques will have their niche in the school environment. It's not the schools that bring out the "Mean Girls" mentality as much as it is the parents and sometimes the town. During my time in high school and college, I have noticed that many individuals (not all though) from Naperville, Oak Brook, Wheaton, and Hinsdale have cocky, elitist, "my town is better than yours, so I'm better than you" mentalities.

If you have any more questions about the Downers area schools, I would be happy to share my experiences. Also, let me know when euchre is going down. I'm always in for a good game of euchre.

Frazier

Frazier: Thank you so much for your informative response to my questions about Chicago schools!!!!! I have been doing research on communities and schools w/in 10 miles of CCOM; so far, the two schools I like best for my teens are DGN and Oak Park-River Forest. It was nice to see they are both on your short list! Thanks again for your help. :)

You're welcome, Manifesting. If you have any questions about the high schools or the communities, I am willing to help. I grew up in Downers and I know people that live in the Oak Park-River Forest area.

Chachi2682: Hey girl! I think I interviewed with you and IF I remember right, I was sitting to the left of you in the conference room :laugh: And that wedding sounds like fun - just be careful before you end up with over a hundred CCOM students attending!

Frazier: Welcome aboard! I hope you'll join a number of us who are planning to visit the Shedd Aquarium. You could probably be our tour guide!

I'm in for the Shedd. I don't remember the last time I have been there. Let me know when you are planning on going, or just let me know when any of you are in the Chicago-land area. I'll make sure to show you around.

Shedd = the saturday before school starts, whatever that is. I want to make a day/evening out of it.

Congratulations Frazier!

Count me in for the Shedd. Also, so I just heard about this traveling exhibit that will be at the Science and Industry Museum until Sept 5th. It basically is an exhibit that a doctor created to showcase muscles and the human body via plastics. It looks pretty cool, okay, maybe because i'm a dork. :laugh: I'm planning on going within the next month with some family/friends and I'll let you know how it is and maybe if we're down there at the Shedd, we can maybe do this too! Here's the link:
http://www.msichicago.org/bodyworlds/index.html

Take care, Stripes

Stripes, you're not a dork. I'm probably going to go over the summer with my family. We have to wait for one of my brothers to return from U of I and another to return from Spain. I'm excited to see it. Anything to get a leg up in Anatomy.

Congratulations Frazier!

Count me in for the Shedd. Also, so I just heard about this traveling exhibit that will be at the Science and Industry Museum until Sept 5th. It basically is an exhibit that a doctor created to showcase muscles and the human body via plastics. It looks pretty cool, okay, maybe because i'm a dork. :laugh: I'm planning on going within the next month with some family/friends and I'll let you know how it is and maybe if we're down there at the Shedd, we can maybe do this too! Here's the link:
http://www.msichicago.org/bodyworlds/index.html

Take care, Stripes

I went to the display at California Science center. They were great! I'll highly recommend people to go look at those exhibit.

Chachi2682: Hey girl! I think I interviewed with you and IF I remember right, I was sitting to the left of you in the conference room :laugh: And that wedding sounds like fun - just be careful before you end up with over a hundred CCOM students attending!

Frazier: Welcome aboard! I hope you'll join a number of us who are planning to visit the Shedd Aquarium. You could probably be our tour guide!

Hey Sunsun,
Yeah, I remember you! Congrats on getting in and accepting it!
The Shedd sounds cool, and I have been hearing alot about the exhibt at Museum of Science and Industry, sounds interesting, I'm game.

Have a great weekend everyone!

hey dudes, at the beginning of this year during orientation, the ms-II's had a bunch of "events" planned at local bars/clubs to mingle with the new ms-I's. i'm sure we'll be doing the same thing for you all :D it's a great "get to know you" time, and your last fling before school starts full force. :meanie: :sleep:

Sounds like a good time! I am so ready to be there and get started! Why I decided to take classes this semester, I'm not sure. Definitely regretting it as I am smack in the middle of midterms and sloshing around in the snow! Yuck! By the way, is CCOM's spring break next week?

Finals are this week - and then spring break. We're all finished with gross anatomy!!!!

Finals are this week - and then spring break. We're all finished with gross anatomy!!!!
don't forget biochem!!! :meanie: :hardy: :clap:

Oh yes. I can hardly believe that joy is coming to an end....

Oh yes. I can hardly believe that joy is coming to an end....

It is finished.... :horns:

I thought I'd better put up a new post cause it's starting to look like the 2008'ers are talking more than us! :laugh:

So what's everyone doing from now until classes start?!

I'm working two jobs. One I love the other..haha. I work for this urologist and I must say, I don't think I've ever met anyone who thought so much of himself! He does have the brains but his bed-side manners don't exist. Well, at least this experience is helping me to realize the type of doc I wouldn't like to become :thumbup: Take care all!

Finishing my masters, working in a path department, and probably doing some personal training.

Im also doing a lot of travelling, domestic and international.

Also, waiting to see how the allopathic waitlist situation pans out before I make any final decisions.

Working at Hinsdale Hospital doing grunt work, but it has given me a lot of good medical experience. Especially talking to all the CCOM residents. I also work for the Downers Grove Park District supervising the basketball and soccer staffs. Waiting for spring soccer to begin so I can start reffing again. Other than that, I'm just chilling with my fraternity.

working a ton at univ of chicago.

also planning on 2 vacations- california and vegas. im gonna enjoy my last few months before the crazy school schedule begins!
:D

I'm taking classes this semester just because (definitely regretting doing this over working full time for insurance) and working two jobs. One at an assisted living facility where I love the 5 ladies I work for and I teach at a small daycare center with 8 crazy kids. Big range huh? From age 3-90 ha ha. I'm also planning on traveling to CA for at least 2 weeks and probably Texas for a bit.

Buckeye - where are you waitlisted in allopathic? I gave up on Creighton, didn't want to do 2 years waiting, that's too much for me. Good luck with that!

Take care,
Stripes

Hey All,
I'm just taking a couple of classes at UIC, will be finished in April; and still working in the ER. Also going to vegas in May, which will be my first time there. And just enjoying life, and getting excited to meet everyone in our class!

working a ton at univ of chicago.

also planning on 2 vacations- california and vegas. im gonna enjoy my last few months before the crazy school schedule begins!
:D


For those of you planning trips here to Southern Cali, I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't rain on you!!! We've been experiencing some extremely wet and gloomy weather lately, and I miss the sun very much hehe...

For those of you planning trips here to Southern Cali, I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't rain on you!!! We've been experiencing some extremely wet and gloomy weather lately, and I miss the sun very much hehe...

Hey Sunny,
I've seen some of the nasty weather you've been having. I hope you're in a better location than those stuck in the middle of recently made rivers :luck:

I wish I had a big vacation planned. Australia sounds good, skydiving too, and checking out the coral reefs! A few problems with that trip: buying the ticket and learning to swim well enough to prevent drowning!!

I am looking for recommendations from those of you heading to and already at CCOM for good places to live. I will be coming up with my girlfriend so we are looking for 2 bedrooms, car garage (if possbile) for around 1000-1200/month. Can anyone direct me to a few good places or recommend some that are close to campus (ie no more than 20 min away).

Thanks so much

bump...because this thread is too far down the page! :)

anybody fill out there financial aid stuff yet? Im lagging big time on that, need to get it in soon! Arrggg... :scared:

Yeah, I actually filled my financial aid stuff last week. It really wasn't that bad. Now I just have to get started on the vaccination stuff. Fun! :thumbup:

Yeah, I actually filled my financial aid stuff last week. It really wasn't that bad. Now I just have to get started on the vaccination stuff. Fun! :thumbup:


I just got the post card from FAFSA saying that I will hear from them in about 4 weeks or so. Today I actually have to get my second Hb shot. They rest of the vaccinations I will do in the summer, doesn't required that long of a time (like the 6 month series fo the Hb) Also, don't forget to send in your official transcripts to the school. I have issues with my undergrad sending them. I went there twice requesting them, but CCOM still didn't received them.

Hey guys,
I just happened to check out my midwestern account email and found this email in there from Feb 11th:

"The following are needed in order for us to complete your FAFSA information, otherwise your financial application will be put on hold:
* Entrance Interview

* MWU Inst. Application

If you are submitting the MWU Institutional Application online,
you will be submitting the form electronically and will not need
to provide any written document to our office. You may complete
the MWU Institutional Application online at
www.midwestern.edu/finaid/apply.asp.

You may complete your Entrance Interview process online at
http://www.midwestern.edu/CONTENT/lc434.asp."

Not sure if you guys knew about this application we had to fill out online, I didn't. So just in case you didn't, it's a quick questionare online and apps for loans, I guess it is required in order for them to process our financial aid.

Thanks for the tip on this, Chachie. I have to figure out how to access the student email account and see what surprises are in there for me. I sent my FAFSA in on 2/2, so I don't want to delay with the MWU forms. I did access the accepted student checklist this week and saw that nothing has been updated since 1/20/05. That page states that info is updated nightly and I have submitted transcripts and my second deposit subsequent to that date. Has anyone else noticed an update delay on their checklist? I suppose I will have to call admissions to verify they received my payment. Sigh!

How in God's name do you check email?

Are there any Catholic Churchs around campus?

I had the same problem with my deposit and transcript. I sent my transcript to the school in the beginning of February and I didn’t find out that they had received it until this Monday. Btw, I had to call, and it still hasn’t shown up on the interact now website. I think the lady had to go and actually check my file.

This delay is probably because the admissions office has a lot of mail to go through this time of the year and that’s why they are taking so long. In addition it may also be that since we are already accepted, responding to us is probably not their top priority. I mean other than the deposits there really isn’t anything else that is due anytime soon.

As for e-mail, go to this website: http://mwumail.midwestern.edu/
They sent the username and password with some of the financial information a while back. I remember it was with the material that included instruction on how to setup your direct deposit account with the university. But your user name is probably just your first name period and your last name, example: joe.smith
Your Password is probably a whole bunch of numbers but you can change that once you are inside the e-mail system. You can do this by going to setting than accounts than modify and then change your password.

Later guys.

no problem, manifesting :-)
Yeah, on my website check list, deposits were also not updated. But I did verify with the admissions office that they did receive it. So just double check with them and as long as they received it, they'll just updated it later on the site.

How in God's name do you check email?

Are there any Catholic Churchs around campus?

Buckeye,

The two closest are St. Mary's and St. Joseph's. They are about the same distance from campus. Let me know if you have any questions about either of them. I go to St. Mary's and some of my extended family goes to St. Joseph's.

I just checked my e.mail and I didn't have an e.mail about financial aid stuff yet. Is it maybe because I haven't filed FAFSA yet? The accountant for my taxes is taking his sweet time, makes me sick! Is there a separate form for CCOM too that I have to fill out in addition to FAFSA? I feel so lost after reading all of those posts! EEK!

I just checked my e.mail and I didn't have an e.mail about financial aid stuff yet. Is it maybe because I haven't filed FAFSA yet? The accountant for my taxes is taking his sweet time, makes me sick! Is there a separate form for CCOM too that I have to fill out in addition to FAFSA? I feel so lost after reading all of those posts! EEK!


I agree!!...about the lost part, not the sick part.

Buckeye,

The two closest are St. Mary's and St. Joseph's. They are about the same distance from campus. Let me know if you have any questions about either of them. I go to St. Mary's and some of my extended family goes to St. Joseph's.


How far are they from campus?

Thanks for the reply.

For anyone that is confused about financial aid, here is the website on how to apply for financial aid at CCOM https://www.midwestern.edu/content/lc431.asp
It’s pretty good because it takes you step by step through the entire process. Also, here is the general financial aid website: https://www.midwestern.edu/finaid/

samiuam - thanks so much! You're awesome! I'll look into after this weekend as I will be in Palatine this weekend celebrating my cousin's 4th birthday! :) Take care and have a great weekend everyone!

Great..financial aid stuff is done, wasnt too bad. And Chachie, you better be honing those your poker skills cuz i just won 300 hundo last night and once school starts the "Fisherman" is brining down the house cuz im going fishing on the River!! I think im going to enter in the World Series of Poker and fund my medical school education on the winnings. Thats sounds pretty sweet eh?

How far are they from campus?

Thanks for the reply.

They are both about 2 miles from campus. I think St. Mary's is actually a little closer to campus, but St. Joe's is closer to downtown Downers Grove.

Great..financial aid stuff is done, wasnt too bad. And Chachie, you better be honing those your poker skills cuz i just won 300 hundo last night and once school starts the "Fisherman" is brining down the house cuz im going fishing on the River!! I think im going to enter in the World Series of Poker and fund my medical school education on the winnings. Thats sounds pretty sweet eh?


Hey Stripes,
I did hand in the FAFSA early Feb, and got the email around Feb 11, so it might be once you have completed the FAFSA and the school received it is when you get that email. But I'm not sure. I guess this is the separate form besides the FAFSA that we have to fill out of the school. It's just a couple of questions about loans you have to answer and another about some info you have to fill out about your parents. Takes about 15 minutes, but like I said, if it wasn't for the email, I had no clue about it.

BERNZ!!! Way to go buddy! Can't wait to turn on the television and see you on the World Series of Poker! See all you have to do is play with some high rollers, have the ante up, bet well--'know when to hold them, know when to fold them', get awesome hands, win it all...and you don't have to worry about filling out any financial aid stuff. :thumbup:


Have a great weekend everyone!

hey,

i was just wondering if anyone knows how the meals plans work in terms of not getting a set number of meals - do you weigh food for the price or does each item have a price? I am trying to figure out which would be better for me because i'm not a big eater so the all you can eat meals ends up with me losing money...thoughts? :eek:

hey,

i was just wondering if anyone knows how the meals plans work in terms of not getting a set number of meals - do you weigh food for the price or does each item have a price? I am trying to figure out which would be better for me because i'm not a big eater so the all you can eat meals ends up with me losing money...thoughts? :eek:
i don't have a meal plan, and if you're not in it purely for the convenience, i think it's a ripoff. i live off campus, and i'm completely happy eating my little bag lunch when i can throughout the day. the cafeteria lunches are like $7 for all you can eat...and it's pretty gross food. :scared: i'd rather take that $7 and get a yummy meal at Portillos. :p

i don't have a meal plan, and if you're not in it purely for the convenience, i think it's a ripoff. i live off campus, and i'm completely happy eating my little bag lunch when i can throughout the day. the cafeteria lunches are like $7 for all you can eat...and it's pretty gross food. :scared: i'd rather take that $7 and get a yummy meal at Portillos. :p

oooh good! thanks, that's what i was thinking

Hey guys, I finally got my phone call today!

Frazier: Thank you so much for your informative response to my questions about Chicago schools!!!!! I have been doing research on communities and schools w/in 10 miles of CCOM; so far, the two schools I like best for my teens are DGN and Oak Park-River Forest. It was nice to see they are both on your short list! Thanks again for your help. :)

Hi - I just wanted to say that as a grad of Waubonsie Valley in Naperville/Aurora I wouldn't count them out as a good school for your teens. It's a little farther from CCOM but the commute wouldn't be bad at all (~20 min). It's bigger than when I went there (grad. 1992), and they have a lot more variety in classes then when I went, but even though it was large we really knew our classmates. You don't have to worry about the socio-economic stuff either there. I was definitely the low end of the totem pole when I went (we lived in the cheap apts on the north end of the district compared to the humongo golf club homes on the south end of the district) and I never felt looked down on or self-conscious about my situation. Sure there are cliques, but for the most part there weren't any truly hard lines for friendships/acquaintances. As far as the whole "We're a better town that you are" attitude one of the other posters mentioned, I think that's more because of state competitions in athletics and the arts than socio-economic things - at least that's what it was when I lived there.

Really it's hard to go wrong with schools in that area of 'burbs though. My family has lived in the Aurora-Wheaton-Lisle-Downers Grove-Naperville area for ages. My parents, aunts, uncles, and most of my cousins went to Willowbrook (Villa Park), my brother and sister will be going to Wheaton North, and I went to Waubonsie Valley. Willowbrook is a bit variable, but the other 2 are both excellent schools (as are Downers North, and Wheaton-Warrenville).

Good luck!

Congratulations, MasterShakeDO!!! Glad to hear of your acceptance and welcome to our class. :thumbup:

Skaterbabe74: Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my questions about HS for my kids with insight from your own experience. This insider information from you and others has been much more valuable to me than statistics and glossy websites and realtor suggestions.


OK, here is a question for everyone attending or planning to attend CCOM:

How best to meet personal computing needs in the MS1 and MS2 years. I know that CCOM is Windows based, moving toward wireless system and has enough computers available that students are not required to own a computer. I have also read some recent threads about computers in med school, but everyone has personal biases and opinions based on how their school's program is structured. I know that I will do better with a laptop so I can work at home whenever possible.

I am trying to decide between two options: 1) upgrading my G3 iBook with the newest OSX operating system and Windows for Mac; or 2) purchasing a new convertible tablet PC laptop, probably the 3500 model by Averatec (now just $999 after rebates).

What do you all think? Would the tablet PC be useful, or just an unnecessary novelty? Do professors circulate powerpoints, histo slides and other information online, or is most information distributed in paper format? I think I have heard that it is possible to include the cost of a computer for med school into one's financial aid. If I purchase the computer or upgrades soon (right now I have the time to mess with setting it up), do I submit the receipts to FA office pre-award, post-award or much later, once I arrive on campus?

Thanks for your input!

Manifesting, yeah I'm looking forward to being able to swim again! Although my final decision won't be made until I'm back from my CA interviews this week. Perhaps you guys can convince me?

G3's range from 300 mhz to 700 or so. 700 is passable, but anything less you may need to get a new computer. You don't really have to worry about compatibility issues since you can access wireless and download slides with a Mac. I have heard that PP slides are available for students. But you can very readily get by without any computer in med school...that is if you can go without SDN for substantial lengths of time!

Hey Sunny,
I've seen some of the nasty weather you've been having. I hope you're in a better location than those stuck in the middle of recently made rivers :luck:

I wish I had a big vacation planned. Australia sounds good, skydiving too, and checking out the coral reefs! A few problems with that trip: buying the ticket and learning to swim well enough to prevent drowning!!


Hey SunSun,

Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for the concern about the rain :) The sun is shining, so all is right in California again (except for those poor people whose million dollar houses slid down those hills!!)

You should totally go on a nice vacation. I just came back from Europe. Even if you don't go somewhere far or exotic, just get a change of atmosphere and relax... You've earned it

Hey guys, I finally got my phone call today!

Congrats MasterShake!!! You know this means we have to start playing Halo 2 online more!!!

Welcome everyone to CCOM!!!
I am in the class of 2006. Read my blog to find out what rotations are like!

It just seems as though CCOM students have NO chance to come up for air until the semester break. I recognize the advantages of frequent testing (less material being tested, shorter period of time to retain the info, each exam worth less toward course grade, etc), but the exam schedule at CCOM really does seem "killer".

So, I guess I do have just one or two questions. Sorry, Hoosier! Is the workload and pace of exams at CCOM really as bad as it seems from the outside, or do you and your fellow 1st years find manageable systems to deal with it? :thumbup:

Hi Manifesting, I think I interviewed you. I am a third year now and having compared CCOm to other schools and students from all around... you will be very happy.

With regards to teh exam schedule... trust me, you will be thankful in the end. While other schools may allow some slack time, it doesn't work out cuz they get tested every 4 weeks on huge chunks of information, which, if you've slacked off, you can't cram.

The 2 week exam schedule is nice because it breaks everything down into smaller bites. Plus you end up really learning it well, so you don't have to re-learn it for boards. plus, it makes you a better physician to know those topics so well. (which is what you want to be)

Also, teh schedule is eaxaggerated. I was a huge slacker. I spent my first two months on teh intramural fields throwing and kicking balls around. I rarely attended any classses and just had a blast. It was more fun than you can imagine. But the third semester gets daunting and I had less play time. You get used to it and can have a decent life.

I put together a guide on Surving CCOM Year 1. Here is the link I sent to all my lil bros and lil sis.

http://www.thealo.com/ccom/SurvivingCCOMYear1.doc

Read my blog below for clinical year rotation stories.

Hey guys, I finally got my phone call today!

MASTERSHAKE! CONGRATS!!!! You made it! Welcome to the Class of 2009!

Hi Manifesting, I think I interviewed you. I am a third year now and having compared CCOm to other schools and students from all around... you will be very happy.

With regards to teh exam schedule... trust me, you will be thankful in the end. While other schools may allow some slack time, it doesn't work out cuz they get tested every 4 weeks on huge chunks of information, which, if you've slacked off, you can't cram.

The 2 week exam schedule is nice because it breaks everything down into smaller bites. Plus you end up really learning it well, so you don't have to re-learn it for boards. plus, it makes you a better physician to know those topics so well. (which is what you want to be)

Also, teh schedule is eaxaggerated. I was a huge slacker. I spent my first two months on teh intramural fields throwing and kicking balls around. I rarely attended any classses and just had a blast. It was more fun than you can imagine. But the third semester gets daunting and I had less play time. You get used to it and can have a decent life.

I put together a guide on Surving CCOM Year 1. Here is the link I sent to all my lil bros and lil sis.

http://www.thealo.com/ccom/SurvivingCCOMYear1.doc

Read my blog below for clinical year rotation stories.


Thanks MaloCCOM for all of your help and input! There can be some discouraging people out there, so to find someone so motivating and helpful...we really appreciate it!

Hi Malo! I second Chachie's comments. The support and encouragement you have extended to us lowly incoming students is appreciated. I visited your website and see that you are the student who was on my interviewer panel. Thank you for helping to my interview an enjoyable experience. I am so pleased to be accepted! Since you are being so helpful, do you have any comments on my computer questions? I have not yet read your survival guide; perhaps you address technology issues in there? If so, no need to reply here. Thanks again for your help.

MasterShakeDo: Welcome aboard!!! I hope you'll be joining us for our weekend before medschool festivities!

Suny1210: Glad to hear you're okay and enjoing that Cali sunshine! The snow will melt in Michigan...eventually :) How was Europe?

MaloCCOM: Thanks for the info! It was nice of you to take the time to write that stuff up.


To all the other 2009'er..holla! :laugh:

Congratulations, MasterShakeDO!!! Glad to hear of your acceptance and welcome to our class. :thumbup:

OK, here is a question for everyone attending or planning to attend CCOM:

How best to meet personal computing needs in the MS1 and MS2 years. I know that CCOM is Windows based, moving toward wireless system and has enough computers available that students are not required to own a computer. I have also read some recent threads about computers in med school, but everyone has personal biases and opinions based on how their school's program is structured. I know that I will do better with a laptop so I can work at home whenever possible.

I am trying to decide between two options: 1) upgrading my G3 iBook with the newest OSX operating system and Windows for Mac; or 2) purchasing a new convertible tablet PC laptop, probably the 3500 model by Averatec (now just $999 after rebates).

What do you all think? Would the tablet PC be useful, or just an unnecessary novelty? Do professors circulate powerpoints, histo slides and other information online, or is most information distributed in paper format? I think I have heard that it is possible to include the cost of a computer for med school into one's financial aid. If I purchase the computer or upgrades soon (right now I have the time to mess with setting it up), do I submit the receipts to FA office pre-award, post-award or much later, once I arrive on campus?

Thanks for your input!

Manifesting,
Honestly, you don't really need a computer. All the material is distributed to you by paper. You don't need textbooks either.

Also, if you do want to use your Mac to view the powerpoints that they put online, you can view them with any browser, you don't need to be running a Windows system, they just pop up online through any browser.

If you want to get a compueter, when you get your award, $38,500 Stafford loan per year, they send you a third of it every semester and you can use it for whatever you need. You can also apply for a private loan on top of the 38.5k if you need more and use that money. You don't have to submit reiepts or tell them anything about what you do with the money. just use it and have fun.

Feel free to ask anymore questions.

MaloCCOM: Wow, I can't imagine not using a computer in school, but I really do appreciate your opinion that one is not necessary and the other information you shared. BTW, I did read your 1st year survival guide. You sound like an extremely bright person who is able to learn efficiently with minimal effort (relatively speaking) and study aids. I am amazed that you have time to be responding to all of these questions on SDN, work on the admissions committee, maintain a website/blog, play intramurals and whatever else you are doing while you are on rotations. How in the world do you find the time??? What are your secrets??? You must be single and childless? If so, it is nice to see that you are enjoying your freedom. Like I stated in my interview, my diversions from work/school are exercising, reading, playing with my dogs and hanging out with my family. I fully intend to maintain each of these activities during med school, but time will be precious and I will just have to plan better. The reading for pleasure might have to take a lower priority for a few years; I'm not certain my eyes will be able to handle the strain of both school reading and recreational reading!

Anyway, back to the subject of computer usage. What about exchange of notes, charts and other study materials between students? On my tour, it sounded like classmates share information often. I don't want to have compatibility issues with those using Windows. This doesn't happen often, but when it does, it is a big pain and I don't need that hassle. In certain subjects, typing my notes helps me to retain information and alleviates the stress on my writing hand. What about checking one's student email account? That could be handled at school, I suppose, but like I said, I want the flexibility of working at home whenever possible. I think it is great that students can manage the program at CCOM without a computer, but for me, it is going to be a necessity.

So back to my original question: upgrade my iBook (PowerPC G3, OS10.2.8, 800MHz & 128 MB, expandable) or purchase a convertible laptop/tablet PC?
Any other opinions from you tech savy folks?

My friend forward this to me and I thought I share it with my fellow CCOMers!
It got a smirk out of me...


Five doctors went duck hunting one day. Included in the group were a general practice (GP) physician, a pediatrician, a psychiatrist, a surgeon and a pathologist. After a time, a bird came winging overhead. The first to react was the GP who raised his shotgun, but then hesitated.

"I'm not quite sure it's a duck," he said, "I think that I will have to get a second opinion." And of course by that time, the bird was long gone.

Another bird appeared in the sky thereafter. This time, the pediatrician drew a bead on it. He too, however, was unsure if it was really a duck in his sights and besides, it might have babies. "I'll have to do some more investigations," he muttered, as the creature made good its escape.

Next to spy a bird flying was the sharp-eyed psychiatrist. Shotgun shouldered, he was more certain of his intended prey's identity. "Now, I know it's a duck, but does it know it's a duck?" The fortunate bird disappeared while the fellow wrestled with this dilemma.

Finally, a fourth fowl sped past and this time the surgeon's weapon pointed skywards. BOOM!! The surgeon lowered his smoking gun and turned nonchalantly to the pathologist beside him.

"Go see if that was a duck, will you?"

:)

MaloCCOM: BTW, I did read your 1st year survival guide. You sound like an extremely bright person who is able to learn efficiently with minimal effort (relatively speaking) and study aids. I am amazed that you have time to be responding to all of these questions on SDN, work on the admissions committee, maintain a website/blog, play intramurals and whatever else you are doing while you are on rotations. How in the world do you find the time??? What are your secrets??? You must be single and childless?

Actually, I am married and have a cat. There are no secrets and I was not very bright. It's all about time management. All you have to do is figure out what are your priorities in life and how much time to devote to each. To me, life was way more important than getting As and Bs. I wanted to pass and do well, but I wasn't going to agonize if I did not do well. The first 2 years of med school are worthless in terms of residency, boards, and the future. All you have to do is jump thru the hoop and pass. As they say, "seven o, DO" As in get your 70% (pass) and you become a DO.

You can still enjoy life and spend time with kids. Yes, you won't have time to read extracurricular. I love reading, and did not read anything but school stuff during my first 2 years.

Also, going to class takes up a lot of time. I am not very smart. I could not afford to go to class and study a few hours at night. I needed more time. So I would sleep in till about 10 or 11. Wake up, study till about 3 or 4. Hit the intrmural fields till about 6. Then come home study till 9 or 10. Then sleep or surf the net, check email, etc. You'll find that most med students are like this.

At CCOM, you get the notes handed to you. All you can be tested on is what is in the notes. So read them over, and over, and over. That's how they stuck in my mind. Yes, I failed plenty of exams at first. That's normal. I'm guessing many people do. But you have to rebound and get studying. Don't be discouraged or cry or get sad, just get motivated. That's what I did. Failing hurts, but get over it quickly and move forward.

Anyway, back to the subject of computer usage. What about exchange of notes, charts and other study materials between students? On my tour, it sounded like classmates share information often. I don't want to have compatibility issues with those using Windows. This doesn't happen often, but when it does, it is a big pain and I don't need that hassle. In certain subjects, typing my notes helps me to retain information and alleviates the stress on my writing hand. What about checking one's student email account? That could be handled at school, I suppose, but like I said, I want the flexibility of working at home whenever possible. I think it is great that students can manage the program at CCOM without a computer, but for me, it is going to be a necessity.

So back to my original question: upgrade my iBook (PowerPC G3, OS10.2.8, 800MHz & 128 MB, expandable) or purchase a convertible laptop/tablet PC?
Any other opinions from you tech savy folks?

Honestly, taking time writing notes, outlines, or retyping notes is waaaaay too time consuiming. You won't be able to study. I tried that. I used tomake outlines of everything. Then teh exam came, and I hadn't had time to actually study anything, i was so busy making my outline. I suggest just reading the notes over and over and over. That's the only thing really. There is no substitute for repetition.

As for sharing info with clasmates, usually it's old exams. And they are always printed. You just go to the copier or kinkos and make copies.

As for email, you can check your email from any browswer on any platform. If you want to use a program to download your email in po3 format, mac does that too. It's not exclusive to windows. (I used to repair/sell computers for a living)

A computer is really not a necessity. You said you want to be able to "work at home". I am not sure you understand. Medicine is just reading over and over and over. Ther is nothing real to work. There are no formulas, no equations, nothing that requires a processor. You just need to retain tons of info in your brain. The only way you can do that is by reading it multiple times. Like 4 or 5 times or more.

Working at home may be distracting. Especially if you have kids. You may opt to study in the library at school for a few hours everyday, rather than try to do it at home. Unless the kids are at school.

I hope that helps. I suggest just waiting till you get there and then seeing if you need a computer. You can always buy one. Circuit City is down the street and has great deals. They are already set up and ready to go. Spend your money (loans) on other useful stuff. (not books)

Good luck and feel free to ask more questions.

Chachie - That's way funny! Ha ha! I love it!

Congrats Mastershake on your acceptance! Yay!

So, does anyone know if CCOM wants our parents tax return info? My parents haven't filed yet, and probably won't until oh, around April 14th because they are such procrastinators. Just wondering if I can do everything without there info. Thanks!

So, does anyone know if CCOM wants our parents tax return info? My parents haven't filed yet, and probably won't until oh, around April 14th because they are such procrastinators. Just wondering if I can do everything without there info. Thanks!

Stripes,

I'm not sure if the school will want your parents' tax info, but FAFSA will. My parents' are procrastinators too, but the nice thing about is that they do not have to send in their taxes for you to do your FAFSA. They just got to sit down and figure the major things, such as total income and the such. Print out the worksheet for financial aid filing from the FAFSA website, then have you and your parents fill it out. All you have to do after that is fill out the online FAFSA form; filling out the actual form takes no more than an hour. I hope this helps you.

Malo, THANK YOU! You are very kind to answer my questions so thoroughly and courteously. You've been there and clearly, you understand the concerns of incoming students. You have really helped to put things in perspective for me. I hope you can continue to share the wisdom of your experience in response to future questions from me and other 09ers.

Regarding the computer, I do feel comfortable now starting at CCOM with the equipment we own. If I was going to transfer my address book, personal files, etc, I wanted to do it now, before school starts. I didn't intend to fixate on the subject, but the program at many schools is really much more computer dependent. You know that time is limited on interview day and there is only so much you can learn about a school during that time and through published info. About "working at home", I thought that the lecture notes, histo or path slides and other required materials would be computer based; obviously not. I know what you mean about spending too much time making notes or outlines and then not having time to study those notes, but with certain information, the process of writing or typing the words IS my way to study. Something about the information going from my eyes through my hand to my eyes again in the note helps it to stick in my brain. It does not matter that I never look at the notes again. It is just a process which has worked for me when I feel as though I am reading something repeatedly and not retaining the information. Fyi, I have ADHD and dyslexia. I will be in contact with student services to inform them of my condition and to make certain that any necessary adjustments are made in my curriculum so that I will be successful. I know that I will be responsible for more information in medical school than I have ever seen before and I am willing to modify my methods accordingly. It will just take some time and experience. I am extremely determined and perseverant.

Again, I am so appreciative of your kind efforts to enlighten me. I hope to hear more tips from you and other current CCOM students. I do know my priorities and there is much to be said for the philosophy that passing grades are good enough. I do not intend to forgo my "life" during medical school, just make adjustments in my time management plan. If that means passing grades as opposed to honors grades, I can live with that. When I was working full time and had my second child, I was already busy and happy. I did not "have" the time for the extra demands, I "made" the time in my life and my heart for our new baby girl. I know I can manage this new transition. I'll just have lots of questions along the way. ;)

I know what you mean about spending too much time making notes or outlines and then not having time to study those notes, but with certain information, the process of writing or typing the words IS my way to study. Something about the information going from my eyes through my hand to my eyes again in the note helps it to stick in my brain. It does not matter that I never look at the notes again. It is just a process which has worked for me when I feel as though I am reading something repeatedly and not retaining the information. Fyi, I have ADHD and dyslexia. I will be in contact with student services to inform them of my condition and to make certain that any necessary adjustments are made in my curriculum so that I will be successful. ;)

I used to spend time making outlines and notes. It didn't work for me. Waaay too much info. Not enough time. Do what works for you. Find a method that works and use it. I thought that my method was to re-write everything, eventually I settled on re-reading everything 4 or 5 times.

As for ADHD and dyslexia, they will accomodate you. A friend of mine has ADHD and takes ritalin or concerta before board exams only. But does ok throughout the year. I am not sure about the extent of your condition, but I am sure you have found ways to cope and get by.

As to teh histology slides and pictures, they provide a reference and pag number for about 4 different texts and you can easily find it in the book that you use. As far as I know they aren't computer based. But things may have changed. Now they use the online stuff more. I guess you'll see when you get there. But either way, you don't need to change to windows if you don't want to. It's up to you. I know its exciting, but just be patients, enjoy your last summer off and spend some time with your kids. You'll have a blast in school!

I wish you the best of luck and the greatest of success. I hope that everything works out.

I used to spend time making outlines and notes. It didn't work for me. Waaay too much info. Not enough time. Do what works for you. Find a method that works and use it. I thought that my method was to re-write everything, eventually I settled on re-reading everything 4 or 5 times.

As for ADHD and dyslexia, they will accomodate you. A friend of mine has ADHD and takes ritalin or concerta before board exams only. But does ok throughout the year. I am not sure about the extent of your condition, but I am sure you have found ways to cope and get by.

As to teh histology slides and pictures, they provide a reference and pag number for about 4 different texts and you can easily find it in the book that you use. As far as I know they aren't computer based. But things may have changed. Now they use the online stuff more. I guess you'll see when you get there. But either way, you don't need to change to windows if you don't want to. It's up to you. I know its exciting, but just be patients, enjoy your last summer off and spend some time with your kids. You'll have a blast in school!

I wish you the best of luck and the greatest of success. I hope that everything works out.



You Rock Malo!

How are your clinicals going? I work in the ER at Mercy Hospital, and because it's a teaching hospital it gets alot of students rotating for their clinicals. Mostly UIC students. For ER our chief attending loves to have them come in around 11:30 at night to take their exam at the end of the rotation. We have about 5 ER residents who graduated from CCOM, and when some midwestern students comes in we (I included myself in that, being a future CCOMer, they represent us very well!) are so proud of them. They always come in so confident and ready to work!

You Rock Malo!

How are your clinicals going? I work in the ER at Mercy Hospital, and because it's a teaching hospital it gets alot of students rotating for their clinicals. Mostly UIC students. For ER our chief attending loves to have them come in around 11:30 at night to take their exam at the end of the rotation. We have about 5 ER residents who graduated from CCOM, and when some midwestern students comes in we (I included myself in that, being a future CCOMer, they represent us very well!) are so proud of them. They always come in so confident and ready to work!

Our Dean always send us letters and emails from attendings all around town that extol our students and talk about how they are the best trained and hardest working students of all the Chicago med schools. Those letters are always nice to read.

Hey guys, I hate to do this, but I just learned I got acceptance to Touro-MI, which is where my girlfriend goes so I'll be joining her there. I loved CCOM and this has nothing to do with the quality of your fine school. I figure they're all great schools, and I'll be a doctor no matter what, so I mine as well be with my gf. Good luck to all!

Frazier - Thanks for the help. Now if I could only get a hold of my parents. Hee hee.

Mastershake - good luck at Touro! I'm sure you'll be a great doctor wherever you go to school. And if my boyfriend was in med school and I got in there, i'd do exactly what you did in a heartbeat!

Take care and have a great weekend!

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to be accepted to CCOM! This forum is great! I'll be graduating from Loyola U. Chicago in May, travelling over the summer, and then getting ready for med school! :o Can't wait to meet everyone!
Cheers!

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to be accepted to CCOM! This forum is great! I'll be graduating from Loyola U. Chicago in May, travelling over the summer, and then getting ready for med school! :o Can't wait to meet everyone!
Cheers!

Hey Pegasus,
Congrats again on your acceptance! Welcome to Class of 2009!!!

Go Ramblers! :-)

Hey guys, I hate to do this, but I just learned I got acceptance to Touro-MI, which is where my girlfriend goes so I'll be joining her there. I loved CCOM and this has nothing to do with the quality of your fine school. I figure they're all great schools, and I'll be a doctor no matter what, so I mine as well be with my gf. Good luck to all!


Follow your heart MasterShake and good luck!!

OK. Maybe I an nieve, but CCOM has some awesome rotations. We get to rotate with all the other med students in chicago like rush and UC to prove ourselves and I think that kind of exposure is priceless. I welcome a more experienced student that do the rotations to tell me they arent really good as they seem BUT the oppurtunity to rotate through cook county hospital is Awesome!! That is where ER the TV show takes place for gods sakes!! ( I know it is fiction but it is still so awesome to be part of such a famous hospital). P.S. I cant wait to get to chicago and see some real world ****!!!

OK. Maybe I an nieve, but CCOM has some awesome rotations. We get to rotate with all the other med students in chicago like rush and UC to prove ourselves and I think that kind of exposure is priceless. I welcome a more experienced student that do the rotations to tell me they arent really good as they seem BUT the oppurtunity to rotate through cook county hospital is Awesome!! That is where ER the TV show takes place for gods sakes!! ( I know it is fiction but it is still so awesome to be part of such a famous hospital). P.S. I cant wait to get to chicago and see some real world ****!!!

Hey mocheese.
Congrats on your engagement!!! And that's great that your future wife is in the medical field too. I'm from chicago, so I'm not too familiar with the Downer's Grove area; but, if you read some of our previous posts, some of our classmates are from the western suburbs.
Congrats again!

It's starting to look like we're a quiet bunch. I hope not!


Congrats Pegasus435 and Mocheese. Mocheese, you said you were looking for advice. I think there's a whole forum in the General Discussion Forums under Spouses and Partners. Hope it helps.

To local Chicagians: When partying in Chicago, my friends and I always ended up on Weed St. There must be better clubs and hang out places that we just didn't know about, right? Thanks :)

It's starting to look like we're a quiet bunch. I hope not!


Congrats Pegasus435 and Mocheese. Mocheese, you said you were looking for advice. I think there's a whole forum in the General Discussion Forums under Spouses and Partners. Hope it helps.

To local Chicagians: When partying in Chicago, my friends and I always ended up on Weed St. There must be better clubs and hang out places that we just didn't know about, right? Thanks :)

Hey Sunsun,
There are alot of clubs downtown, I once went to Excalibur on Dearborn for my sister-in-law's bachelorette party. It was okay. Personally, I like 115 Bourbon Street, it's on the south side. Aside from clubs, if you remember at our interview day:) , I absolutely love just riding my bike along the lake-side path. It goes through all the major "tourist sites:" Mccormick place, the museum campus (Shedd, field museum) Soldiers Field, Navy Pier. It's a great stress reliever. There are alot of museums here: Alder Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry (which I would like to go to check out the human body exhibit-we should all go, I think it runs all summer), Art Institutue, and many others. Millenium Park just opened a few years ago, also something to check out.
Let's see, favorite restaurants downtown, I like Cheesecake factory on Michigan Avenue, Connie's on archer, and Ricobene's on 26th street, Pizzeria Uno on Ohio street is good. Gotta check out Rainforest Cafe, good food and scenery. And along with the Theme Restaurants, there is Hard Rock Cafe on Ontario, Planet Hollywood, Mike Ditka's , Harry Caray's, they even have bubba Gump Shrimp Company on grand street. There are alot of great places to eat in downtown. Chinatown is a great place to stop by as well.
You can also check out some baseball games, I heard this week that they finalized expanding Wrigley, so who knows?

Have no fear, I am NOT a quiet person.

Congratulations Mocheese and Pegasus435! Yay!

And have no fear, I am usually not quiet person either, I just came down with the flu and pretty much have done nothing but sleep. Yuck.

So where is everyone going for Spring Break? For the first time in 4 years, I am going...no where! So sad.

Chachie - I didn't know that there was a Bubba Gump's downtown! I went to one in San Fran and I thought it was great!

For NYE I was at a club in chicago called Transit. It was pretty fun, maybe just because I dont' really remember too much! Hee hee!

Take care. y'all!

Hey guys...Weed street used to be great when Circus was there, but Zentra is still there and thats always a good place to go. More recently, some of the better places are Soundbar on ontario and Level. The Goldcoast area, specifically Rush and Division is a favorite of mine. Great bars/clubs and great food...Mmmmm...Gibsons steaks...yuummyyyy. Ive been to transit a few times, a while back though, it used to be cool, dunno if it still is. Im a huge fan of steak, so if we all hang out down town during orientation week and chekc out the museums, we gotta get some good steaks!!

Congratulations Mocheese and Pegasus435! Yay!

And have no fear, I am usually not quiet person either, I just came down with the flu and pretty much have done nothing but sleep. Yuck.

So where is everyone going for Spring Break? For the first time in 4 years, I am going...no where! So sad.

Chachie - I didn't know that there was a Bubba Gump's downtown! I went to one in San Fran and I thought it was great!

For NYE I was at a club in chicago called Transit. It was pretty fun, maybe just because I dont' really remember too much! Hee hee!

Take care. y'all!

Hey Stripes,
Hope you are feeling better! I went to San Fran last year. I think I remember seeing bubba gump's there. I also saw a place called the Stinky Rose. I heard they put garlic on EVERYTHING, hence the name :-) Even Garlic Ice cream...ewww.

Spring break...going no where either. In middle of May, however, I will be heading down to Vegas for a couple of days and then Arizona. I can use some warm weather! It's snowing out side right now, but ironically, the past sunday was beautiful, like 60 degrees and sunny.

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Chachi: Thanks for the info on those restaurants. I know there's TON of great places to eat, it's just a matter of finding them! I've been to the Grand Lux Cafe (?) and it was suuuper good! I think it's owned by the same Cheesecake Factory company. As far as biking goes, I havn't done that in ages but I'd love to start!

Buckeye(OH): I'm glad you're not a quiet person - especially for when football season starts cause you'll have a die-hard wolverine buggin' you!!!

Stripes: Take care, drink lots of chicken noodle soup and that's all the advice we have, at least till med school starts! Hope you feel well soon.

And BERNZ: I don't think we ever checked out the Circus but we did go to the Crowbar, which sounds a lot more ghetto than I remember it being!! Good times!

Back to work.... :rolleyes:

Thats too bad you are a wolverpussys fan sunsun :)

Buckeyes >>>>>> Wolverines

Buckeyes are gonna have a stroonnng year.

Thanks for the wellwishes guys! I am now sleeping only 12 hours a day, but now have lost my voice. Oh well, nothing like walking to class in the snow to make me feel better! Ha.

I was at Crobar in Miami Beach last summer and it was outta control! Maybe the one in Chicago is the same???

Buckeyes and Wolverines are not as great as the BADGERS! Go Red! Let's just hope that next year the Badgers will finish strong too! Bring on the rivalry!

SunSun - the Grand Lux Cafe is soooo good! I was there last year and loved it!

Hey, does anybody rollerblade? I love to and would love a rollerblading buddy! Biking is fun too! Can we bike through that forest reserve by CCOM?

Chachie - I remember seeing a town in CA that had a garlic fest and happened to be going through it with some family, boy was it stinky! Hee hee.

Take care!

I drove through that same town in December (the one in cali) on the way from LA to San Jose.

Buckeyes are gonna have a strooonng year when wolverines grow wings and fly. And Badgers? What are those anyways?! I feel a few bets coming on! :laugh: Only I must warn you, I usually bet strange things like a bag of 100 green jellybeans. Gotta keep things interesting!

Yeah the crobar was actually great! They had these cool dryice blower things to cool ya off! Now about rollerblading, I'm up for it. Only problem is I'm better on ice with skates. Speaking of which, do we have any floorhockey fans here?

Hey, does anybody rollerblade? I love to and would love a rollerblading buddy! Biking is fun too! Can we bike through that forest reserve by CCOM?

Stripes,

The forest preserve by the school is owned by the Park District and they do not allow biking through it. But there are some other nice trails in the area, within 15 to 30 minutes from campus.

Hi gang! Wow, all it took was a small suggestion that our class was too quiet to start a chatter riot.

Stripes, I've been down with the flu this week also, BOO! It's been bad, too sick to move, much less read SDN until today.

I'm not much for clubbing any more, but I can't wait to revisit favorite restaurants and museums, as well as try new ones. I've been to Bubba Gump in San Fran also! It was great. I didn't know there was one in Chicago now! I really want to try more of the unique Chicago places, like Charlie Gitto's, yum!

Oh, and my husband and I also love riding bike trails. The kids, not so much, but they are getting tougher. Perhaps the change of scenery will motivate them. We all love to hike, so we will definitely visit the nature preserve next to CCOM. Not sure it is open to cyclists.

Now, all of you Wolverines, Badgers and Buckeyes watch out, 'cause I'm an Iowa Hawkeye from the glory days of Hayden Fry and hubby is a Longhorn, with his eyes of Texas upon you. Football season might get mean & messy.

Gotta rest my eyes, talk with you all later.

Buckeye(OH): I'm glad you're not a quiet person - especially for when football season starts cause you'll have a die-hard wolverine buggin' you!!!

:
Watch it sunsun....you're going to have more than one buckeye to deal with!!
"we don't give a damn about the whole state of michigan......." :D

Ann Arbor = whore!

WOOHOO two buckeyes! It'll be good times when football season starts...or any sport for that matter cause I'll be backin my guys 100% :) :) Don't worry, I'll bring some kleenex for when you start losing...hehe!

Sorry you're not feeling well either Manifesting.

So no floorhockey fans?? :(

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

Ill tell you what, Ill play floor hockey with you. If I win, ill continue to play. If I lose, then I didn't like it to start with.

ccom has a *sorta* ice hockey team (it's not an official school sponsored team, just for fun with a bunch of the students). my husband plays with them, and our physio prof is even on the team!

I :love: hockey (players ;) )

We have lots of Buckeyes. Wearing my Ohio State pin on my white coat was especially fun in Chicago for the past week or so. Especially after beating Illinois in basketball.

is there any other buckeye/wolverines, big ten schools representing for some friendly rivalry? northwestern need not respond since you are the laughing stock of big ten sports :laugh:. Just kidding (not really).

I love my UW Badgers! Although they did get killed in the Big Ten Championship vs Illinios. Football's a better sport anyways! Hee hee! Are there any other UW fans out there? And yay for the Big Ten conference for getting 5 teams in!

Thanks for the info JunkintheTrunk. Although, when playing on ice I was always stuck in net seeing as my skating skills are not so hot!
By the way, you're on Buckeye!! We just need some more players now..

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Hey all,
Did anyone get a crazy postal mail from midwestern about identify theft. I got a letter yesterday saying that Midwestern applicant students have been experiencing identify theft, in that when they received the FAFSA from the government with our social security, and third party may have access the personal information. They said they are doing everything in their power to rectify the situation, but I needed to call a certain number to see if it pertained to me. It was like a four page letter, so I'm going to call them and see what's up. Maybe this is the reason why I still haven't heard anything from FAFSA. I don't know. I'll let you guys know when I find out more information.

Chachie: Wow, I'm sorry to hear this. I have not received such a letter (yet), but I did submit my FAFSA info early, so I may be in the same situation. If you learn anything new, please post. I hope that your information has not been intercepted. Thanks for the information.

We have lots of Buckeyes. Wearing my Ohio State pin on my white coat was especially fun in Chicago for the past week or so. Especially after beating Illinois in basketball.


Ah yes, but who actually went to THE Ohio State University?


I sure did (undergrad and grad) :D

Chachie: Wow, I'm sorry to hear this. I have not received such a letter (yet), but I did submit my FAFSA info early, so I may be in the same situation. If you learn anything new, please post. I hope that your information has not been intercepted. Thanks for the information.


Hey Manifesting,
Thanks for the concern. I called midwestern and they told me to go online to check my credit report for any alerts. They also changed my student ID as a precaution. To check my credit report it cost $22.00 and they will send me a check this week to cover it. They said that this is happening to new students and not necessarily me. So I did the report online and I didn't have any alerts to my account :thumbup: . I called back midwestern to confirm that I have no alerts. They said that they still will send the check, but just wanted to make sure there was no fraud going on in my account. I guess they suspect something "fishy" going on and wanted to take precaution I guess. I'm glad I didn't have any fraud alters to deal with. I hope all our reports are fine and we don't have more to deal with. I asked if this had anything to do with not receiving a student report from FAFSA yet, they said no, and they are still processing my FAFSA. Sometime in April I should get something.

hi Chachie, sorry to hear about all this too. Do you know if it's because of only the FAFSA stuff or if the security breach was from other info? I just filed FAFSA on Sunday so I don't know if that was during the time frame that something strange was going on. So, the student report from FAFSA that you are talking about, is this something we get from CCOM after they receive the FAFSA from the gov. or is it after we fill out all of CCOM's financial stuff too? I am glad that everything on your credit is still okay though! It is nice to know that CCOM is on top of this and is alerting everyone before it gets way out of control.

hi Chachie, sorry to hear about all this too. Do you know if it's because of only the FAFSA stuff or if the security breach was from other info? I just filed FAFSA on Sunday so I don't know if that was during the time frame that something strange was going on. So, the student report from FAFSA that you are talking about, is this something we get from CCOM after they receive the FAFSA from the gov. or is it after we fill out all of CCOM's financial stuff too? I am glad that everything on your credit is still okay though! It is nice to know that CCOM is on top of this and is alerting everyone before it gets way out of control.


Hey Stripes,
Thanks for your concern too. It sounded like the online financial aid stuff we filled through midwestern is where the alert is coming from but I'm not too sure. I did change my student ID number just as a precaution. They actually recommended to do so. But other than that, everything seems to be okay.

The student report is from CCOM. After FAFSA is sent in and the school receives it, CCOM will evaluated our finances and give us a student report. it will have the total tuition on it with other expensives that they try to estimate, with qualified grants (like map grants or whatever) any type of qualified scholarships, and loans. It tallies up how we will pay for the tuition, and includes follow up letters for loans that we would have to sign if we want them.

Midwestern is very on top of it. They are really concerned and ready to rectify the situation. Especially that they are willing to pay us back for doing that online credit report. I hope my fellow ccom'ers don't have to be involved with any type of alerts.

Hey Chachie, I got the same letter yesterday!! It suxx, everything is ok on my end as well, but who knows, they suggest we still monitor our credit for 6 or more months. DAMN THESE THIEVES AND THEIR IDENTITY STEALING WAYS!!!!

Hey Chachie, I got the same letter yesterday!! It suxx, everything is ok on my end as well, but who knows, they suggest we still monitor our credit for 6 or more months. DAMN THESE THIEVES AND THEIR IDENTITY STEALING WAYS!!!!


Yeah, wasn't that a crazy letter. So it's like a precaution or whatever? Did you change your student ID? They change mine, I had to go online and activate a new one. I'm glad to hear that your credit was okay too and you don't have to deal with trying to amend a difficult situation. I guess we just have to keep an eye out and see what happens.

Yeah, wasn't that a crazy letter. So it's like a precaution or whatever? Did you change your student ID? They change mine, I had to go online and activate a new one. I'm glad to hear that your credit was okay too and you don't have to deal with trying to amend a difficult situation. I guess we just have to keep an eye out and see what happens.

Hi guys,

Don't worry, I got the same thing. When I read the letter, I was kind of freaking out because it seemed like some outside person tried to access the info in my application. I called Midwestern to ask if they detected someone suspicious hacking into the system or if it was just that our info was made available online by mistake.

They said they wanted to assure me that they didn't find any hackers, but that other students might have seen our info online by accident when they were trying to look up their own info because of the glitch. The person I talked to said it was just a good idea to keep track of our credit because you never know!

Well, at least we have our credit info SUPER-protected now, right?? I know that's not something I would have done on my own if this didn't come up :)

The letter said that the "exposure" occured for anyone who filed a financial aid application online between February 22 and March 4, for anyone else who is worried about their accounts. I only filled out the MWU Institutional Application (Step 2 i think) at during that time period, so it doesn't only pertain to FAFSA.

Anyway- rest easy! I'm sure it's gonna be ok.

Hi guys,

Don't worry, I got the same thing. When I read the letter, I was kind of freaking out because it seemed like some outside person tried to access the info in my application. I called Midwestern to ask if they detected someone suspicious hacking into the system or if it was just that our info was made available online by mistake.

They said they wanted to assure me that they didn't find any hackers, but that other students might have seen our info online by accident when they were trying to look up their own info because of the glitch. The person I talked to said it was just a good idea to keep track of our credit because you never know!

Well, at least we have our credit info SUPER-protected now, right?? I know that's not something I would have done on my own if this didn't come up :)

The letter said that the "exposure" occured for anyone who filed a financial aid application online between February 22 and March 4, for anyone else who is worried about their accounts. I only filled out the MWU Institutional Application (Step 2 i think) at during that time period, so it doesn't only pertain to FAFSA.

Anyway- rest easy! I'm sure it's gonna be ok.


Sweet, thanks for the input, that's the vibe that I kind of got from it too. I think I filled out that online stuff during that time period as well.

Crazy stuff! Glad to hear no one's been affected so far. So I guess this would be the only benefit of not being able to apply for federal aid! (Canadian)

I havent gotten a letter, I feel left out :(

I havent gotten a letter, I feel left out :(

You're silly :p

I havent gotten a letter, I feel left out :(

Well, just send me your social sec. #, address and drivers license and ill see if can have a letter sent to you and help you feel a lil more loved.... :D

Ha, nice.

A little late...but...Happy St. Patrick's Day :luck:

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I almost forgot about it! Anyone going out tonight, drink a pint for me because we're getting slammed with some snow right now so I'm homebound tonight! :(

Hi all,
Midwestern is really on top of things. I got the check for $22.00 today to cover the cost for the on line credit check. Also, Karen Nichols, the dean that signed our acceptance letters, left a voicemail on my cell, apologizing for the situation, saying that they are trying to amend any problems, and offering to call her back for her to answer any questions we may have. It's nice to know that we are will be going to a school that really doesn't neglect their students but watches out for them.

Everyone have a nice weekend!

Hi all,
Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Did anyone get the letter about the "Meet and Greet" at Midwestern for prospective students (but for those of us that gave CCOM $1000 for deposit, we are no longer prospective :-) Here it is just in case you didn't get it:

Meet & Greet Reception
For Prospective Midwestern University Students

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Chicago College of Pharmacy
College of Health Sciences

Join our college and program leaders, alumni, and current students
at this informal gathering for a unique perspective
on life and learning at Midwestern University.

Saturday, April 9
4:00 – 6:00 pm

Room Fullersburg A
The Hyatt Lodge
At McDonald’s Office Campus, Ronald Lane
Oak Brook, Illinois
Please RSVP by calling the Office of Development & Alumni Relations
at 800-962-3053 or by emailing alumni@midwestern.edu.

This complimentary reception will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Business casual attire is suggested.


Over the summer, it would be nice if that just had one for the CCOM students who will be starting in the fall.

Hey Chachie,

I got the email - I'd like to go but it'll depend on whether I can get time off! Anyone else planning on going? You're right though, they should have a mixer for ccom students only. Guess we'll have to take care of that ourselves! :thumbup:

Hello future classmates!

I ahve started the pain in the ass process of finding places to live for next year. I will be moving from Florida (goodbye sun and beach) and really have no idea of the surrounding places near CCOM. Anyone know of good places to live? I will be moving up with my girlfriend and we are looking for 2 bedrooms in the $900-1300 range.
Appreciate any help u guys can give!

Thanks!

Hey Corona247,
I think if you look back to some earlier pages on the same ccom post, you'll find some helpful information. Good luck with the move :thumbup:

Hey Chachie,

I got the email - I'd like to go but it'll depend on whether I can get time off! Anyone else planning on going? You're right though, they should have a mixer for ccom students only. Guess we'll have to take care of that ourselves! :thumbup:


Hey Sunsun,
If I am off from work, I might go too. I agree, we'll have to do our own "meet and greet" over the summer :)

Hi Gang! My family and I are going to be in Chicago this long weekend for some R&R and househunting. Of course, my crew wants to see CCOM. I suppose the guard will let us in at the gate if I show them my acceptance letter or something, perhaps the cancelled check for my $1000 deposit (HA!)? Have any of you other accepted students gone back to campus to walk around or hang out since your interview? Should be OK to do this, wouldn't you think? I have not called admissions as I don't know when, exactly, we will be stopping by.

Anyway, just wanted to post to say "hi" and wish everyone well for the Easter weekend.

For those of you who are planning to live on campus, has anyone heard from CCOM housing about placements yet??

I was told they would be out in March, but I haven't heard anything yet.

Hi Gang! My family and I are going to be in Chicago this long weekend for some R&R and househunting. Of course, my crew wants to see CCOM. I suppose the guard will let us in at the gate if I show them my acceptance letter or something, perhaps the cancelled check for my $1000 deposit (HA!)? Have any of you other accepted students gone back to campus to walk around or hang out since your interview? Should be OK to do this, wouldn't you think? I have not called admissions as I don't know when, exactly, we will be stopping by.

Anyway, just wanted to post to say "hi" and wish everyone well for the Easter weekend.

Hey Manifesting,
Hope you have a good visit to Chicago. Once the weather gets warmer I was thinking about going to campus to check it out. If you don't mind, let me know what happens when you visit and if you have to bring a student ID number or like you said acceptance letter (or check :-) I don't think there should be a problem with that.
Have a safe trip!

For those of you who are planning to live on campus, has anyone heard from CCOM housing about placements yet??

I was told they would be out in March, but I haven't heard anything yet.

I still haven't even filled out the application yet. I'm still debating to live on campus or not. I called housing and they said I have until June to decide. I heard March they were suppose to send out housing placements.

I still haven't even filled out the application yet. I'm still debating to live on campus or not. I called housing and they said I have until June to decide. I heard March they were suppose to send out housing placements.

Gracias, I think I'm just impatient...

Hi Guys,

I put in my housing application about a month ago and still haven't heard anything. So, maybe they're just a bit behind in a few things. Does anyone know when we have to have the meal plan filled out? Anyone know what they are going to do about meals?

I've stopped in at CCOM since I've been accepted, and the guard didn't sayanything to me about it. Maybe it's because I looked like I was a student there? Or maybe I was just lucky. I'm planning on taking my parents around CCOM sometime soon so they can finally see it too. Manifesting, let me know if you run in to any problems trying to get onto campus. The only thing is that campus may be closed on Good Friday.

Have a great long weekend everyone!

Hey... i'm new to this sdn stuff. I'll be at CCOM living with the true "bussiness" bbake-ster himself. I hear there is a way to get a free copy of Netters if you sign up for some AOA student organization? anyone know what I am talking about?

Also, does anyone know where to get the book list for the year? Is it online?

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. Swing by Yorktown II before the madness starts!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to wish all of you a happy Easter.

Hey there,

Is anyone thinking about living in Oak Park? I'm not from the area, but when I interviewed, one of the admissions staff (Lisa, i think) told me that it was a great place for people in their 20s to live. Does anyone from the area have any thoughts or suggestions?