Hey everyone! I thought it was high time those who may be attending CCOM in the fall had a thread to post in! Hope to see you all in August!:thumbup:

I created a facebook group for us. Search for "CCOM Class of 2013"

Whew awesome! I'm not the only one here anymore! Haha thanks edrunner and congrats to everyone!

Yay I'm excited about CCOM. There's a really high probability that I will be attending CCOM!!!

i'll very likely be a ccommer? next year

Whyyyyyyyy does it have to be so expensive??? That is a MAJOR player in holding me back from choosing CCOM over a few other programs...

Whyyyyyyyy does it have to be so expensive??? That is a MAJOR player in holding me back from choosing CCOM over a few other programs...

I would say if you want to go into primary care, it's not worth it. But if you want to specialize, CCOM has a proven track record, and the difference in tuition won't matter much in the long run.

I would say if you want to go into primary care, it's not worth it. But if you want to specialize, CCOM has a proven track record, and the difference in tuition won't matter much in the long run.

yes, thats where im stuck. im thinking surgery so its a very tempting option.

yes, thats where im stuck. im thinking surgery so its a very tempting option.

From what I hear, Chicago's sweet. Hope that helps. :laugh:

I would say if you want to go into primary care, it's not worth it. But if you want to specialize, CCOM has a proven track record, and the difference in tuition won't matter much in the long run.

Can you explain why CCOM is better if you want to specialize (and also why it's not as good for primary care)? I've never heard that before.
Thanks!

First let me say that this is from my perspective so it may be helpful if current students could weigh in on this.

CCOM is a good DO school to go to if you want to specialize because they don't emphasize primary care as much as other schools do. Also being in Chicago offers you the opportunity to rotate through a lot of different hospitals and helps open up doors in that respect. That being said its mostly up to the individual if you want to make it happen.

As far as CCOM being good for primary care I would say that it's probably just as good if not better for primary care as other schools. In the respect of rural medicine it might not be as strong because it doesn't have that type of track offered (that I'm aware of). However you do get to rotate through the Chicago hospitals again and you would definitely see some stuff there that you might not otherwise. Also if you look at some of their previous match lists they send people to places like Johns Hopkins for Family Medicine residencies. It doesn't get much better than that in respect to primary care. Or Cook County for EM.:thumbup:

So that's my opinion based on what I know. Take it for what it's worth:)

Hey guys,
Congratulations to all who have been accepted to CCOM. Figured its about time to start a thread..I dont know about others but I would LOVE to find my roommate as soon as possible..so we can get to know each other. Afterall, we will be with each other thru the hard and stressful times of med school. So whats better than gettin to know each other ahead of time...

Hey guys,
Congratulations to all who have been accepted to CCOM. Figured its about time to start a thread..I dont know about others but I would LOVE to find my roommate as soon as possible..so we can get to know each other. Afterall, we will be with each other thru the hard and stressful times of med school. So whats better than gettin to know each other ahead of time...

There's a sub-forum for long term and temp housing. Good call, though. I just started a PCOM one. Cheers.

I just sent my deposit in a few days ago! Its funny, even though I had made the decission to go to CCOM over a month ago its finally starting to feel official. I'm so excited! I am originally from Utah and while I have lived out of state I've never spent much time in the midwest and am stoked about moving to Chicago. :soexcited:

I have a question for you natives or to current CCOM students. I am married with a little girl (about a year old). I have been wondering what my best options are for housing. With my wife and daughter I will need at least a 2 bedroom. I have poked around on craigslist and the like and it seems that there isn't a huge difference between appartments and renting a little house. I would like something as close to campus as possible. Any advise would be much appriciated.

I plan on going out around early may with my wife to scope the place out and hopefully find something, but any info I have now would be really helpful in preparing. I know I'm jumping the gun a little with this (like half a year early...) but, hey, I got into medical school and I'm moving to Chicago and I'm excited!!!

Hey guys,
Congratulations to all who have been accepted to CCOM. Figured its about time to start a thread..I dont know about others but I would LOVE to find my roommate as soon as possible..so we can get to know each other. Afterall, we will be with each other thru the hard and stressful times of med school. So whats better than gettin to know each other ahead of time...

I'll also be looking for a roomate
so umm...how does this work?
is there another thread for roomate seekers?

I'll also be looking for a roomate
so umm...how does this work?
is there another thread for roomate seekers?

I m not too sure either! Let me know if u find out anything :)

Hey everyone I just put down my deposit and I'm looking forward to meeting all of you! I'm curious, where is everyone coming from? I'm from AZ.

Detroit, Michigan

I'm sorry CCOM but i cant turn down in-state tuition
good luck all!

Hello all! I'm excited and already very impatient--I can't wait to start school.


Hey everyone I just put down my deposit and I'm looking forward to meeting all of you! I'm curious, where is everyone coming from? I'm from AZ.


...Ohio here

Connecticut

Hello! I'm from Chicagoland:)

Hey!! I'm from Virginia but have been in Chicago for 4 years now. I can't wait for CCOM!!!

Transfer to an allopathic program at the end of your second year.

Nothing to see here folks, just move along. This troll posted the same thing in the AZCOM 2013 forum.

Congratulations to everyone who got into CCOM '13. It's a great program.

http://mwunet.midwestern.edu/academic/CCOMClinEd/studentArea.htm

The match lists for CCOM for the last 5-6 years. You can see all the "terrible community programs" people have ended up at. Those people's lives are ruined!

Tuition is getting a little high. Otherwise I disagree with most of what he said, especially because it pertains to AZCOM and not CCOM.

hey everyone :) paid my deposit last month, so i'm thinking this is pretty official! :) i'm from northwest indiana! how's the housing search going? i'm thinking about living in the on-campus suites or apartments!

Hey everyone, Im from Chicago area but went to school at UW-Madison. Look forward to meeting you guys next year!

Hi everyone! I'm from Wisconsin and also went to school at UW-Madison.

Is anyone seriously considering living in Oak Park or one of the North Side neighborhoods? I'm leaning towards Oak Park at this point.

Also, is the Facebook page active at all? I don't have a Facebook account and am hoping that I'm not missing out on any fun!

Why is this class thread so dead?!?!? Let's start a fire!!! Anyone from out of state here in Chicago looking for a place already?!

No idea why this hasn't seen much attention recently. The facebook group seems to be going well though. Have you checked that out? I'm holding off looking for housing until I hear from my state school in March...

I myself, hail from Nebraska, "The Good Life", but I can't wait to get the heck outta here, its all I have known my whole life. Time to move somewhere just as cold in the winter, and humid in the summer....wait a second

Has anyone else checked their CCOM email account yet? They sent me an orientation schedule for August, but it is for "08 and not '09. I will call the office and pass on any info. Have a wonderful day!
:)

hey everyone!....first, i read through the thread, did anyone figure anything out about housing search for next year, like a sub-thread or something? second, anyone else out there doing HPSP...be nice to talk it through with some of you!

hey everyone!....first, i read through the thread, did anyone figure anything out about housing search for next year, like a sub-thread or something? second, anyone else out there doing HPSP...be nice to talk it through with some of you!

I just sent you a PM about HPSP.

hey!...i posted a google map link on the facebook page under living arrangements that has some common apartment buildings around CCOM.....it is open for anyone to edit so if you could add other apartment complexes that would be great!

here is the link to the map page....

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ssp=addf&hl=en&gl=us&num=10&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111060321440315803508.000461a11f4086f17f2b2&ll=41.839897,-88.007355&spn=0.47268,1.040955&z=10

hey!...i posted a google map link on the facebook page under living arrangements that has some common apartment buildings around CCOM.....it is open for anyone to edit so if you could add other apartment complexes that would be great!

here is the link to the map page....

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ssp=addf&hl=en&gl=us&num=10&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111060321440315803508.000461a11f4086f17f2b2&ll=41.839897,-88.007355&spn=0.47268,1.040955&z=10


Wow, that is one of the coolest things I have seen in a while (internet-wise)! That seems really useful! Oh....and thanks!!!

What day of the week does CCOM conduct interviews?

What day of the week does CCOM conduct interviews?

Mine was on a Monday, but I believe they also offered me a Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. I think, can't remember for sure this was back in October.

I'm flying out to Chicago in May with my wife to check out housing and stuff, but we also wanted to spend time doing some fun stuff in the city and outside of a couple layovers at the airport the only time I've been to Chicago was my interview... so I could use some suggestions.

Any thoughts??

another good website to check out is http://www.mapskrieg.com/view/
It combines craigslist postings with google maps and let's you look at the ads by location!

I am interviewing at CCOM this month and I am looking for some advice on the interview and school.
What kinds of questions were asked?
What seemed to impress you about the school?
Why have you chosen CCOM over other schools?
Anything else that might help would be appreciated. I figure you guys have already "made it" so who better to get advice from. Thanks!

Also, I have visited Downers Grove quite a lot since I have family there...if I can help with anything about housing, transportation etc. let me know

What kinds of questions were asked?
What seemed to impress you about the school?
Why have you chosen CCOM over other schools?

They asked me all the standard questions of tell us about yourself, why DO, why CCOM, more specifically if I was from AZ why would I want to come to Chicago. Ummmm I believe they also asked me what specialty I was thinking of. I answered that I was somewhat interested in surgical or ER but that I was really looking forward to clinicals to help me decide.

The 3rd year student did throw me a curveball by asking me a question she was asked when she interviewed.... "If you were stranded on an island with no hope of rescue, what book, album, movie, and food would you want to have?"

I laughed a bit at how off the wall it was and responded: Harry Potter, Eagle's Greatest Hits, Dumb and Dumber, and pizza. Because if there is no hope of rescue I would just want to enjoy myself and keep things light.

So that being said my advice is BE YOURSELF! Obviously if I were able to give this answer then there are no right answers and its really just about guiding them through your reasoning.

The other thing is they had definitely read my CV and secondary pretty closely and asked personal questions regarding it. So just be ready to expand on your responses and show what you have learned from your experiences and how it has shaped your idea of what type of physician you would like to be.

Good luck!:thumbup:

Thanks TeamZissou,
I think that is great advice. After having interviewed a few places I realized they are not looking for memorized answers or even a correct answer as much as they are looking for you to be confident and make decisions. It was a good reminder to review my CV and secondary stuff...When I interviewed at AZCOM, they grilled me on that too.

How many weeks does ccom give for prepping for the boards?

well ,well, it seems like yesterday i was sitting in your position, now i am 3 months from graduating from ccom. u guys have all made a good choice going to ccom. I honestly believe i have recieved an unparalleled education at ccom. i got interviews at every place i applied to (mainly allopathic). our school has a great reputation nationally, which i did not realize until i interviewed. that being said, hang on cause u are all in for a ride. these next 4 years are gonna be intense, so enjoy ur next few months. a few words of advice i wish i knew before i started:

1. buy a board review book early, and add to it as u go along during the first 2 years, u will save alot of time doing this.
2. no matter what administration says, absolutely TAKE usmle step 1. i got so many interviews cause of this score.
3. do not cram, study every day and then reinforce it. REPITITION
4.bring a tape recorder to dr. parise lectures 1st year, and dr. boyles lectures during second year, many of the questions will come verbatim from their mouth (not notes)
5. do what works for u; if u do better not going to class, then dont go, no matter what admin tells u.
6.class rank and board exams are not linearly related. just cause u can memorize anatomy notes, does not mean u will get a 600 on comlex. my class rank is 45/162, but i got 85% on step1 and 93% on step 2.
7. compare urself to urself. due to ccom giving # grades there tends to be alot of comparison, dont get hooked on this, it will make u crazy.
8.study hard no matter what u think u want to do. its easier to have the grades for derm, and want family, than the other way around.

thats all i got right right now, feel free to ask me any questions. good luck to you all, u will be fine

well ,well, it seems like yesterday i was sitting in your position, now i am 3 months from graduating from ccom. u guys have all made a good choice going to ccom. I honestly believe i have recieved an unparalleled education at ccom. i got interviews at every place i applied to (mainly allopathic). our school has a great reputation nationally, which i did not realize until i interviewed. that being said, hang on cause u are all in for a ride. these next 4 years are gonna be intense, so enjoy ur next few months. a few words of advice i wish i knew before i started:

1. buy a board review book early, and add to it as u go along during the first 2 years, u will save alot of time doing this.
2. no matter what administration says, absolutely TAKE usmle step 1. i got so many interviews cause of this score.
3. do not cram, study every day and then reinforce it. REPITITION
4.bring a tape recorder to dr. parise lectures 1st year, and dr. boyles lectures during second year, many of the questions will come verbatim from their mouth (not notes)
5. do what works for u; if u do better not going to class, then dont go, no matter what admin tells u.
6.class rank and board exams are not linearly related. just cause u can memorize anatomy notes, does not mean u will get a 600 on comlex. my class rank is 45/162, but i got 85% on step1 and 93% on step 2.
7. compare urself to urself. due to ccom giving # grades there tends to be alot of comparison, dont get hooked on this, it will make u crazy.
8.study hard no matter what u think u want to do. its easier to have the grades for derm, and want family, than the other way around.

thats all i got right right now, feel free to ask me any questions. good luck to you all, u will be fine

Thanks for the advice Dr. BA!

What are your thoughts on living farther away from campus during 1st and 2nd years, specifically Oak park and the 20-30 minute drive each way? Would this be a bad idea / do-able?

Also, do you feel the notes you buy in the bookstore for the classes are sufficient, or would you reccommend getting some text books also? Are these notes straight up outline/bullet point format, or are they actual text-based?

Thanks for the advice Dr. BA!

What are your thoughts on living farther away from campus during 1st and 2nd years, specifically Oak park and the 20-30 minute drive each way? Would this be a bad idea / do-able?

Also, do you feel the notes you buy in the bookstore for the classes are sufficient, or would you reccommend getting some text books also? Are these notes straight up outline/bullet point format, or are they actual text-based?

Living in oak park or even down town is doable, but i wouldnt recommend it. although u arent required to go to class, u are required to go to labs and workshops, so especially during first year u will need to be on campus most days at least for a few hours. we went to anatomy lab most saturdays to review. i lived in yorktown 2. pretty expensive, but a pretty nice place. 5 min from campus.

as for notes, this is all u will need. all exams are exclusively from pre-prepared professors notes. believe me, u will not have time to read anything but these. they are extensive, and extremely thorough. u will not have to take a single note during class (with exception of icm and pom). let me put it this way, for anatomy lecture in order to get a 96-100% u will almost need to be able to recite every word of the professors notes for that testing block. dont be scared by this it is doable, just be prepared.

Does anyone have the email addy for the admissions director or coordinator at CCOM? Thanks!

Living in oak park or even down town is doable, but i wouldnt recommend it. although u arent required to go to class, u are required to go to labs and workshops, so especially during first year u will need to be on campus most days at least for a few hours. we went to anatomy lab most saturdays to review. i lived in yorktown 2. pretty expensive, but a pretty nice place. 5 min from campus.

as for notes, this is all u will need. all exams are exclusively from pre-prepared professors notes. believe me, u will not have time to read anything but these. they are extensive, and extremely thorough. u will not have to take a single note during class (with exception of icm and pom). let me put it this way, for anatomy lecture in order to get a 96-100% u will almost need to be able to recite every word of the professors notes for that testing block. dont be scared by this it is doable, just be prepared.




You are saying, "Dont buy textbooks..." , but what about anatomy atlas? Anyone using any? Thanks

While we are at it, can you comment on how long CCOM gives students to prepare for boards the 2nd year?

They asked me all the standard questions of tell us about yourself, why DO, why CCOM, more specifically if I was from AZ why would I want to come to Chicago. Ummmm I believe they also asked me what specialty I was thinking of. I answered that I was somewhat interested in surgical or ER but that I was really looking forward to clinicals to help me decide.

The 3rd year student did throw me a curveball by asking me a question she was asked when she interviewed.... "If you were stranded on an island with no hope of rescue, what book, album, movie, and food would you want to have?"

I laughed a bit at how off the wall it was and responded: Harry Potter, Eagle's Greatest Hits, Dumb and Dumber, and pizza. Because if there is no hope of rescue I would just want to enjoy myself and keep things light.

So that being said my advice is BE YOURSELF! Obviously if I were able to give this answer then there are no right answers and its really just about guiding them through your reasoning.

The other thing is they had definitely read my CV and secondary pretty closely and asked personal questions regarding it. So just be ready to expand on your responses and show what you have learned from your experiences and how it has shaped your idea of what type of physician you would like to be.

Good luck!:thumbup:


If someone asks you a dumbass question like that, the answer doesn't matter. Like he/she was really looking for a particular answer? They just wanted to see you squirm a little bit.

I interviewed people as a third year too. I hate that ****ing power trip bull ****.

You are saying, "Dont buy textbooks..." , but what about anatomy atlas? Anyone using any? Thanks

Listen, I didn't buy a single textbook. Everything you need is in the lib.

While we are at it, can you comment on how long CCOM gives students to prepare for boards the 2nd year?


It was about 2.5 weeks when I was a second year. You have less than a month between finals and day 1 of clinicals.

If someone asks you a dumbass question like that, the answer doesn't matter. Like he/she was really looking for a particular answer? They just wanted to see you squirm a little bit.

I interviewed people as a third year too. I hate that ****ing power trip bull ****.

Hahaha god I'm glad you didn't interview me;)

Where you the type to ask "pressure" questions?

Hahaha god I'm glad you didn't interview me;)

Where you the type to ask "pressure" questions?

Didn't I just say I hated those kinds of people?

Trust me, I bust balls hardcore in real life, but not at an interview.

Didn't I just say I hated those kinds of people?

Trust me, I bust balls hardcore in real life, but not at an interview.

Haha ya I get that impression thats why I was wondering if you did it to the students you interviewed or not.

Question... When you interviewed for residencies do they still ask you questions to test your nerve or is it more straight forward?

Haha ya I get that impression thats why I was wondering if you did it to the students you interviewed or not.

Question... When you interviewed for residencies do they still ask you questions to test your nerve or is it more straight forward?

Uh they ask you why whatever field etc etc. I was asked to read Xrays, tell how I would treat certain fractures, and then general medical questions such as the factors that coumadin involves etc.

Dont worry about books or anything, they are going to tell u when u start what notes and books u will need.

As to what questions they ask at residency interviews this is specialty dependant. From talking to my classmates it seems the surgical and surgical subspecialties seem to be rougher interviews, while primary care is pretty laid back.

well ,well, it seems like yesterday i was sitting in your position, now i am 3 months from graduating from ccom. u guys have all made a good choice going to ccom. I honestly believe i have recieved an unparalleled education at ccom. i got interviews at every place i applied to (mainly allopathic). our school has a great reputation nationally, which i did not realize until i interviewed. that being said, hang on cause u are all in for a ride. these next 4 years are gonna be intense, so enjoy ur next few months. a few words of advice i wish i knew before i started:

1. buy a board review book early, and add to it as u go along during the first 2 years, u will save alot of time doing this.
2. no matter what administration says, absolutely TAKE usmle step 1. i got so many interviews cause of this score.
3. do not cram, study every day and then reinforce it. REPITITION
4.bring a tape recorder to dr. parise lectures 1st year, and dr. boyles lectures during second year, many of the questions will come verbatim from their mouth (not notes)
5. do what works for u; if u do better not going to class, then dont go, no matter what admin tells u.
6.class rank and board exams are not linearly related. just cause u can memorize anatomy notes, does not mean u will get a 600 on comlex. my class rank is 45/162, but i got 85% on step1 and 93% on step 2.
7. compare urself to urself. due to ccom giving # grades there tends to be alot of comparison, dont get hooked on this, it will make u crazy.
8.study hard no matter what u think u want to do. its easier to have the grades for derm, and want family, than the other way around.

thats all i got right right now, feel free to ask me any questions. good luck to you all, u will be fine

One more piece of advice which might be more important than all others. ABSOLUTELY do not buy any piece of equipment except for a steth, reflex hammer, tuning fork. during your first quarter some reps from welch allen will come to campus during an icm lab. they will tell u u must have the 700 dollar set otoscope/opthalmoscope and the cardiology grade steth. buy the basic steth, if u cant hear clinically relevant murmors/crackles/bruits with this then u are deaf anyway. the school should be ashamed of themselves for letting these reps take our money. TRUST ME u do not need these. i bought them, and do u know how many times I have actually taken them to clinic and used them.......0. all clinics, er...etc will have these unless u are on a international rotation. spread the word to your classmates.

One more piece of advice which might be more important than all others. ABSOLUTELY do not buy any piece of equipment except for a steth, reflex hammer, tuning fork. during your first quarter some reps from welch allen will come to campus during an icm lab. they will tell u u must have the 700 dollar set otoscope/opthalmoscope and the cardiology grade steth. buy the basic steth, if u cant hear clinically relevant murmors/crackles/bruits with this then u are deaf anyway. the school should be ashamed of themselves for letting these reps take our money. TRUST ME u do not need these. i bought them, and do u know how many times I have actually taken them to clinic and used them.......0. all clinics, er...etc will have these unless u are on a international rotation. spread the word to your classmates.

The buying of the sets was total bull****. I gave mine to my MD MS2 brother, and he too has never used it. What a ****ing waste.

One more piece of advice which might be more important than all others. ABSOLUTELY do not buy any piece of equipment except for a steth, reflex hammer, tuning fork. during your first quarter some reps from welch allen will come to campus during an icm lab. they will tell u u must have the 700 dollar set otoscope/opthalmoscope and the cardiology grade steth. buy the basic steth, if u cant hear clinically relevant murmors/crackles/bruits with this then u are deaf anyway. the school should be ashamed of themselves for letting these reps take our money. TRUST ME u do not need these. i bought them, and do u know how many times I have actually taken them to clinic and used them.......0. all clinics, er...etc will have these unless u are on a international rotation. spread the word to your classmates.

Would you recommend any prep work prior to beginning school? Would it be a good idea to get a bit of a head start?

Thanks!

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!! Please dont do this, enjoy your last few months of normalcy.

Would you recommend any prep work prior to beginning school? Would it be a good idea to get a bit of a head start?

Thanks!

Some douche who had studied anatomy showed me up for about the first week of school. Thats about all your head start will get you. I promise.

One more piece of advice which might be more important than all others. ABSOLUTELY do not buy any piece of equipment except for a steth, reflex hammer, tuning fork. during your first quarter some reps from welch allen will come to campus during an icm lab. they will tell u u must have the 700 dollar set otoscope/opthalmoscope and the cardiology grade steth. buy the basic steth, if u cant hear clinically relevant murmors/crackles/bruits with this then u are deaf anyway. the school should be ashamed of themselves for letting these reps take our money. TRUST ME u do not need these. i bought them, and do u know how many times I have actually taken them to clinic and used them.......0. all clinics, er...etc will have these unless u are on a international rotation. spread the word to your classmates.

Hey, if you don't mind me asking, what residency are shooting for? Also, have any recommendations regarding which board review book(s) to get?

anyone know how far the metro extends outside the city and around ccom?..

anyone know how far the metro extends outside the city and around ccom?..

I know there is a Downers Grove station and from there it takes about 35-40 minutes to ride it downtown. That's the extent of my hearsay knowledge.

anyone know how far the metro extends outside the city and around ccom?..

goto www.metrarail.com (http://www.metrarail.com) .. has the schedules for all the trains..

Hey anyone know how to sync your MWU email with your iPhone?

I'm having a spot of trouble figuring it out...

Not sure if I can post this here but, I am a 4th year at CCOM and I have an apartment for rent in Lombard, about 2.5 miles away from CCOM. Lived here since 1st year, and need to get out of the lease early. The leasing agency will let me go as long as I find someone to sign a 1 yr. contract. I am offering the first month rent free, and the leasing agency is also offering a month free with signing a 1yr contract = 2 free months of rent. The only catch is that the contract would begin May 1st. Here is the link to the add with pics on Craig's list. If you have any questions please ask.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/apa/1097939525.html

Would you recommend any prep work prior to beginning school? Would it be a good idea to get a bit of a head start?

Thanks!


Don't waste your time dude... you're time will be much better spent if you do absolutely nothing this summer and just hit the ground running once August starts.

Hi everyone,

I would like to know what current/future students think about the curriculum at CCOM. It seems like CCOM has a lot more in-class time and a more "old-school" schedule than other programs that I have investigated or that people I know attend. How does everyone feel about this and the time alloted for independent study? Does anyone know if they plan to change the curriculum at all in the future?

I did research with a CCOM graduate and she said it was harder during the first year than the second year (opposite of most programs). She did well and really had no complaints.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I would like to know what current/future students think about the curriculum at CCOM. It seems like CCOM has a lot more in-class time and a more "old-school" schedule than other programs that I have investigated or that people I know attend. How does everyone feel about this and the time alloted for independent study? Does anyone know if they plan to change the curriculum at all in the future?

I did research with a CCOM graduate and she said it was harder during the first year than the second year (opposite of most programs). She did well and really had no complaints.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated.

Thanks!


To be honest I did hear about this when I interviewed and spoke with some current students....what really draws me to this school are the frequencies of testing...which are one to two times a week. This reduces cramming and allows students like me to learn the material gradually rather than cram for everything at once.

I'm not too sure about the in-class time. To me it seems like is just about the same as most schools. Could you possible give examples compared to other schools?

Thanks!

To be honest I did hear about this when I interviewed and spoke with some current students....what really draws me to this school are the frequencies of testing...which are one to two times a week. This reduces cramming and allows students like me to learn the material gradually rather than cram for everything at once.

I'm not too sure about the in-class time. To me it seems like is just about the same as most schools. Could you possible give examples compared to other schools?

Thanks!

Thanks for your reply. Hmmm, I was comparing to mostly MD programs like GW, Loyola (which is totally different), Utah (if you couldn't tell by the name)..... many have a couple hours off in the afternoon on maybe 1 or 2 days a week, time that can be used to study or shadow in a clinic. Not a big difference.

Most of the DO schools I interviewed at had 9-4pm or 5pm days. I think at UNE you get an afternoon to do a preceptorship - would be very cool if we had that.

I also just did a little more research and found that the schedule at CCOM changes a bit each quarter, allowing for a little more time outside of the classroom.

The whole reason I started thinking about this is b/c someone asked me if CCOM had an "inferiority complex" when I told them about the curriculum.....

I agree that their exam setup is good for keeping us disciplined, and I'm sure that the same idea goes for the scheduling.

Cheers!

Thanks for your reply. Hmmm, I was comparing to mostly MD programs like GW, Loyola (which is totally different), Utah (if you couldn't tell by the name)..... many have a couple hours off in the afternoon on maybe 1 or 2 days a week, time that can be used to study or shadow in a clinic. Not a big difference.

The whole reason I started thinking about this is b/c someone asked me if CCOM had an "inferiority complex" when I told them about the curriculum.....



Hmmm this is interesting since Utah scored significantly lower than the national average on the boards last year....

Personally I'm all for the frequent testing since I'm a terrible procrastinator and not having tests often in med school would probably be the end of me:rolleyes:

Hmmm this is interesting since Utah scored significantly lower than the national average on the boards last year....

Personally I'm all for the frequent testing since I'm a terrible procrastinator and not having tests often in med school would probably be the end of me:rolleyes:

Yeah, the board score thing comes up a lot w/ Utah. Having lived in UT I think that their student body is made largely of individuals with different priorities than a typical med school class - I don't necessarily believe it is 100% due to poor training. Anyway, that's a different conversation.

But it wasn't someone from Utah who said that to me. I actually didn't mention the testing schedule at CCOM. I was only talking about what classes we take and how often we are in class, which was apparently enough for me to receive the inferiority comment.

Yeah, the board score thing comes up a lot w/ Utah. Having lived in UT I think that their student body is made largely of individuals with different priorities than a typical med school class - I don't necessarily believe it is 100% due to poor training. Anyway, that's a different conversation.

But it wasn't someone from Utah who said that to me. I actually didn't mention the testing schedule at CCOM. I was only talking about what classes we take and how often we are in class, which was apparently enough for me to receive the inferiority comment.

True, many of their students have a large number of outside obligations which may impose on their academics. Although it is a lot of class time I believe the schedule reflects more than their really is. In my MWU AZ interview the students were saying that even though it lists Anatomy Lab quite a few afternoons a week, your group doesn't actually go into the lab during ALL those scheduled times since they rotate groups.

Either way, most of the DO schools I've seen have a similar class schedule unless they are a PBL based track. I guess it's just a difference in style between MD and DO.

Zissou, if you don't mind me asking, what made you choose CCOM over AZCOM? I was accepted to CCOM before my AZCOM interview so I withdrew -- I already had it in my mind that CCOM was my first choice. But I really miss living out west so I'm kind of beating myself up about it now.

And I'm freezing.

True, many of their students have a large number of outside obligations which may impose on their academics. Although it is a lot of class time I believe the schedule reflects more than their really is. In my MWU AZ interview the students were saying that even though it lists Anatomy Lab quite a few afternoons a week, your group doesn't actually go into the lab during ALL those scheduled times since they rotate groups.

Either way, most of the DO schools I've seen have a similar class schedule unless they are a PBL based track. I guess it's just a difference in style between MD and DO.

Wow, I was just about to post a question asking about anatomy labs. I remember hearing from someone that within your cadaver group you are assigned to dissect 2/3 days per week and that coming during the 3rd lab session is optional. I hope it is like that, because I too am fearing this 8-5 schedule. There are quite a few more open afternoons and even mornings in the later 1st and 2nd year quarters, but there is also at least one quarter where a lab goes until 6.

Zissou, if you don't mind me asking, what made you choose CCOM over AZCOM? I was accepted to CCOM before my AZCOM interview so I withdrew -- I already had it in my mind that CCOM was my first choice. But I really miss living out west so I'm kind of beating myself up about it now.

And I'm freezing.

You know, I think they are both good programs and each has their merits. However the increase in class size from ~150 to 250 is HUGE. Combine that with AT Still in Mesa (100 students) and U of AZ's starting of their branch campus adding +40 students in Phoenix and that is just WAY too many med students in Phoenix. Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, or NYC may be able to adequately support large numbers of med students but I don't feel that PHX has the resources to do so. As evidenced by AZCOM sending 70 students to Ohio for rotations. All this plus the addition of Tauro- NV and Rocky Vista and Pacific Northwest and that is an enourmous number of DO students in the West with almost no expansion of DO residencies. Thus your likely to get channeled into Primary Care, nothing wrong with PC but I want to keep my options open.

So from my point of view going to a DO school in the Midwest will open more doors for me since there are so many more DO residencies there. I really liked how structured everything seemed at CCOM, some say this is bad b/c it doesn't allow individuality and it's too rigid. But personally I'd rather have everything in place for me so I can just focus on learning what I need to, not to mention getting to stay in one city to do all of 3rd year rotations is a BIG plus not all DO schools have.

That being said I grew up in Utah and I've lived in AZ for the last 10 years and I'm definitely gonna miss the outdoor activities and especially the mountains. But Chicago is an amazing city and I'm really looking forward to gaining that experience of living in a big city.

To sum it up, I'm going to med school to bust my ass and do the best that I can, not to snowboard or mountain bike. Therefore, I'm going to the best school I can and for me that is CCOM!

To sum it up, I'm going to med school to bust my ass and do the best that I can, not to snowboard or mountain bike. Therefore, I'm going to the best school I can and for me that is CCOM!

So funny, that was exactly what I thought. I have always decided things based on environment. This time I had to make the best decision for my career and it was really hard because I'm "homesick". I'll get back to Utah someday, even if it is 4 or 8 years from now.....

Well, I'll probably see ya in a few months. Take care!

Haha ya I think I'm gonna cry a bit when I have to sell my bike and board....

Personally I hope to end up in CO, OR, WA or possibly norcal....

I'll definitely be there August 3rd:thumbup:

You know, I think they are both good programs and each has their merits. However the increase in class size from ~150 to 250 is HUGE. Combine that with AT Still in Mesa (100 students) and U of AZ's starting of their branch campus adding +40 students in Phoenix and that is just WAY too many med students in Phoenix. Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, or NYC may be able to adequately support large numbers of med students but I don't feel that PHX has the resources to do so. As evidenced by AZCOM sending 70 students to Ohio for rotations. All this plus the addition of Tauro- NV and Rocky Vista and Pacific Northwest and that is an enourmous number of DO students in the West with almost no expansion of DO residencies. Thus your likely to get channeled into Primary Care, nothing wrong with PC but I want to keep my options open.

So from my point of view going to a DO school in the Midwest will open more doors for me since there are so many more DO residencies there. I really liked how structured everything seemed at CCOM, some say this is bad b/c it doesn't allow individuality and it's too rigid. But personally I'd rather have everything in place for me so I can just focus on learning what I need to, not to mention getting to stay in one city to do all of 3rd year rotations is a BIG plus not all DO schools have.

That being said I grew up in Utah and I've lived in AZ for the last 10 years and I'm definitely gonna miss the outdoor activities and especially the mountains. But Chicago is an amazing city and I'm really looking forward to gaining that experience of living in a big city.

To sum it up, I'm going to med school to bust my ass and do the best that I can, not to snowboard or mountain bike. Therefore, I'm going to the best school I can and for me that is CCOM!

I think you summed up my feelings perfectly. I am from Utah as well and its going to be really hard leaving behind all the outdoor things I have loved to do all my life (I have gone hiking every weekend that had semi-descent weather for the past month... need to fill the canteen!) But I feel like CCOM will be perfect for me and will open doors for my future career for all those reasons you listed.

Wohoo CCOM! Ok so I have some questions....

Does CCOM require a laptop or have any type of computer requirements? I'm assuming we have to purchase our own, and it it is not part of the tuition

So when do most people take their boards? Because I was looking at the second year schedule and I'm wondering where do people fit in time to study for the boards. I saw someone mentioned on here that there are 3 weeks between classes and the first block of rotations, but is that enough?


Thanks!

Does CCOM require a laptop or have any type of computer requirements? I'm assuming we have to purchase our own, and it it is not part of the tuition

So when do most people take their boards? Because I was looking at the second year schedule and I'm wondering where do people fit in time to study for the boards. I saw someone mentioned on here that there are 3 weeks between classes and the first block of rotations, but is that enough?

CCOM definitely isn't providing us with laptops so ya we have to purchase or bring our own.

I was talking to a current 2nd year about boards and the short amount of study time. Her response was they lighten the course load significantly for spring quarter 2nd year and expect students to be studying all spring quarter in addition to the 3 weeks between classes and rotations. Most MS II's are probably going to take it in the two weeks prior to rotations, probably just depending on when they feel ready.

Even though it's not the 1-2 months provided at other schools it's gotta be enough because people are managing to do it and still getting good residencies.

Hope that helps, I doubt we will get much response from 2nd years because they are so busy with classes and reviewing for boards right now.

Anyone else having issues with the blood titers? I got all of mine done at UofM, but once the results came in there were no quantitative results and they said they didn't provide lab results anymore because insurance companies don't require them. They told me if i really needed the lab values I would have to get the results from a lab in cali, but it would be expensive... I'm starting to think it'd be easier to just drive down to CCOM and get everything done again there. Any wisdom?

Anyone else having issues with the blood titers? I got all of mine done at UofM, but once the results came in there were no quantitative results and they said they didn't provide lab results anymore because insurance companies don't require them. They told me if i really needed the lab values I would have to get the results from a lab in cali, but it would be expensive... I'm starting to think it'd be easier to just drive down to CCOM and get everything done again there. Any wisdom?

I got all of my titers done at a local clinic. I did have some problems because I think they're not used to ordering quantitative titers, but it was all straightened out. They did have to send the results to Quest to get them analyzed. Maybe try contacting a clinic nearby?

anyone know how much utilities would cost on average (per person) in downers grove and surrounding areas....i know it depends on type of housing and that but figured i would try and get a ball park idea. Living on campus for 4 years really deprived me of real-world living knowledge haha.

Anyone out there still looking for roommates?....i think i might just get a 1br., but still open to try and get a 2 br. Anyone have thoughts on living by yourself in med school? Is it important to have daily social interaction outside of school?

anyone know how much utilities would cost on average (per person) in downers grove and surrounding areas....i know it depends on type of housing and that but figured i would try and get a ball park idea. Living on campus for 4 years really deprived me of real-world living knowledge haha.

Anyone out there still looking for roommates?....i think i might just get a 1br., but still open to try and get a 2 br. Anyone have thoughts on living by yourself in med school? Is it important to have daily social interaction outside of school?


I live on-campus at the apartments (we do have to pay for utilities) and they are not bad. We don't have to pay for water, but electric is right between 42-45 dollars a month and gas ranges between 30-55 a month depending on the season. I am living off-campus next year and the place I am living at said that electric runs about 40-50 and gas about 40-50 and water about 15 a month. My apartment now is pretty small, 500 sf, one bedroom, and next year it will be a little bigger, 760 sf, so I am expecting a slight increase. Overall though not too bad, maybe 100-130 dollars a month. I enjoy living by myself. I can do what I want, eat when I want, watch what I want when I want to. There are plenty of people here on campus that I am close to, but the students that do live off campus love it. They are social activities occurring all the time between people going out after exams, to groups going to see movies, to clubs organizing events open to everyone. If you do go off campus I can say that a 2 br would be cheaper b/c you would be splitting the rent. 1 brs are running between 800-1200, and 2 brs are about 1000-1600. I would look around and decide how much money you want to spend. Hope that helps

I live on-campus at the apartments (we do have to pay for utilities) and they are not bad. We don't have to pay for water, but electric is right between 42-45 dollars a month and gas ranges between 30-55 a month depending on the season. I am living off-campus next year and the place I am living at said that electric runs about 40-50 and gas about 40-50 and water about 15 a month. My apartment now is pretty small, 500 sf, one bedroom, and next year it will be a little bigger, 760 sf, so I am expecting a slight increase. Overall though not too bad, maybe 100-130 dollars a month. I enjoy living by myself. I can do what I want, eat when I want, watch what I want when I want to. There are plenty of people here on campus that I am close to, but the students that do live off campus love it. They are social activities occurring all the time between people going out after exams, to groups going to see movies, to clubs organizing events open to everyone. If you do go off campus I can say that a 2 br would be cheaper b/c you would be splitting the rent. 1 brs are running between 800-1200, and 2 brs are about 1000-1600. I would look around and decide how much money you want to spend. Hope that helps

Hey dave don't you get some kind of stipend through this program where it pays for utilities (I forgot what it's called)? You apply through Res life I believe...

Hey dave don't you get some kind of stipend through this program where it pays for utilities (I forgot what it's called)? You apply through Res life I believe...

I remember hearing about that in the beginning of the year, but for some reason I thought you had to be an Illinois resident to receive the aid. I think its like low income residents can get utilities paid for or something like that. I obviously forgot about it, but I did not fret too much about paying for utilities. Now, if you do qualify and remember to do it, then it would definitely make sense to try to get free utilities.

This thread needs to be more lively! We have about two months til it all begins...

So what is everyone doing this summer??

This thread needs to be more lively! We have about two months til it all begins...

So what is everyone doing this summer??

Pitchfork Music Festival!

Pitchfork! I'm jealous. I'm actually trying to convince myself that going to Lollapalooza on the weekend right before classes start is an OK idea.

Otherwise I'm being lazy, letting my brain rest, and playing guitar for the next two months. I should probably get a job, though, now that I am doing some extremely detailed number crunching and realizing exactly how poor I will be as a resident and even as a doctor.

Pitchfork! I'm jealous. I'm actually trying to convince myself that going to Lollapalooza on the weekend right before classes start is an OK idea.

Otherwise I'm being lazy, letting my brain rest, and playing guitar for the next two months. I should probably get a job, though, now that I am doing some extremely detailed number crunching and realizing exactly how poor I will be as a resident and even as a doctor.


Yea I know what you mean. I was thinking of taking a vacation but then I was like I'm going to keep working as long as I have this job, make some money...bc its not going to be coming in for awhile now.

Yea I know what you mean. I was thinking of taking a vacation but then I was like I'm going to keep working as long as I have this job, make some money...bc its not going to be coming in for awhile now.

Exactly what I'm doing right now...god $300,000 in debt :scared:

Pitchfork! I'm jealous. I'm actually trying to convince myself that going to Lollapalooza on the weekend right before classes start is an OK idea.

Otherwise I'm being lazy, letting my brain rest, and playing guitar for the next two months. I should probably get a job, though, now that I am doing some extremely detailed number crunching and realizing exactly how poor I will be as a resident and even as a doctor.

Jealous? You should come! Are you in Chicago/land? I've been to Lolla and Pfork the past few years and while Lolla rocked my face last year, pfork is always way more bang for the buck. This year is going to be great (at pitchfork). Plus Lolla's lineup this year makes me wonder if i'm back in '98

Anyone going to Do-Division Street Fest this weekend?

Hey Soon-to-be-1st years,

I have a collection of books that you might be interested in purchasing for next year. I bought these off of a second year last year and will be returning the favor if anyone is interested. Please PM me or let me know

Books Included:

Physiology Text Book (Berne and Levy)
Rohen Anatomy Atlas (real pics, good for practicals)
Wheaters Histology Text book (helpful for practicals)
Neuroanatomy Atlas (the only book you'll need for the class)

I would still recommend purchasing a Netters Atlas (anatomy illustrations, not real pics), Mosbys Guide for Physical (ICM book), and Biochem book (good board review).

So its not everything you need, but it would be a good start. I got these books for 240, but I'll sell em for less b/c they are a yr older. Let me know ASAP, first come first serve

Hey guys, Whats up?

Thanks TeamZissou for making this thread. I stopped getting on SDN ever since I got accepted to CCOM. Sorry, SDN reminded me of the MCAT and pre-acceptance days. Glad thats over with!!!

But just a quick question for whoever has the time to answer. I'd appreciate it.

I just got offered one of the pines apartments and my move in date is August 1st. But don't we start our orientation that week? Doesn't the school give you a couple of days extra to move in?

I thought orientation was going to start for you first-years on Aug. 3rd and continue till the 6th. Classes don't start till August 10th, so that gives you some time to move in... double check on that though, i could be wrong.

I just got my acceptance yesterday....pulled off the waitlist finally....looking forward to the fall...Downers Grove is an awesome place to live. Best of luck. CCOM 2013!!!!

Hey everyone congrats on the acceptances! If you havn't yet, join the facebook group, (search CCOM 2013) there are about 120 of us on there and we are trying to plan some get togethers before school starts.

Does anyone know where to find a list of books needed for MSI? My boss wants to buy me one of my books as a going a way present. Also, can those who've completed MSI help us MS0's sift through which books you need and don't need?

Hey guys, Whats up?

Thanks TeamZissou for making this thread. I stopped getting on SDN ever since I got accepted to CCOM. Sorry, SDN reminded me of the MCAT and pre-acceptance days. Glad thats over with!!!

But just a quick question for whoever has the time to answer. I'd appreciate it.

I just got offered one of the pines apartments and my move in date is August 1st. But don't we start our orientation that week? Doesn't the school give you a couple of days extra to move in?

Hey Sagar,
Orientation is Aug. 3rd through 6th and i would assume classes beging soon after. So you should have some time to move in. Also, how in the hell did you get pines? :eek: I applied for them too and didn't get it.

Yea I emailed the housing people, and asked when would we be able to move in, but no response yet. If I find out, I will let you guys know. Also, I have not received any housing contract/information in the mail yet. I received the email and accepted, but I hope I'm not missing anything.

Also, this is off-topic, but what are you guys doing about health insurance? I heard that the school insurance is expensive and wanted to know if any of you guys have any suggestions about other insurance out there. Thanks!

Yea I emailed the housing people, and asked when would we be able to move in, but no response yet. If I find out, I will let you guys know. Also, I have not received any housing contract/information in the mail yet. I received the email and accepted, but I hope I'm not missing anything.

Also, this is off-topic, but what are you guys doing about health insurance? I heard that the school insurance is expensive and wanted to know if any of you guys have any suggestions about other insurance out there. Thanks!

I also accepted my housing through email but did not receive any paper form through the mail so your not alone. Regarding insurance I am getting "Select Blue" from Blue Cross Blue Shield since it is $24 cheaper /month compared to our school insurance Aetna..and get this I get MORE benefits too so it's a win-win situation. I'm waiting for my policy to come in since I recently go approved.

Your definitely going to need Netter's Atlas of Anatomy and Rohen's Atlas. Thats pretty much all you need for Human Anatomy. For histology, there is a textbook that they require you to have for class. i am forgetting the name though. But again, just wait until the first day of orientation since you get the Netter's atlas for free if you join SOMA or some club like that. Some of the other books you can get from last years' students. Don't buy them new as they cost a lot. All of the textbooks are also in the library for you to use. If any of you have specific questions about the books, just send me a private message and I will try to help you as much as possible.

I also accepted my housing through email but did not receive any paper form through the mail so your not alone.

Samesiez....

I'm assuming they wouldn't have sent us that email unless they were able to offer us contracts right?

Glam88 did they respond to your email about it?

Samesiez....

I'm assuming they wouldn't have sent us that email unless they were able to offer us contracts right?

Glam88 did they respond to your email about it?

Nope not yet.

Hey Sagar,
Orientation is Aug. 3rd through 6th and i would assume classes beging soon after. So you should have some time to move in. Also, how in the hell did you get pines? :eek: I applied for them too and didn't get it.

Really? I got an apartment there fairly easy. I think I applied kinda late too. But I still got it. The only reason I liked the pines was because they have kitchens in them. (I am a terrible cook, but still I need to have a kitchen just in case!!!)

But actually I just took a tour recently and the other places didn't seem all that bad either. In fact, the pines kinda seem to be isolated.

I thought orientation was going to start for you first-years on Aug. 3rd and continue till the 6th. Classes don't start till August 10th, so that gives you some time to move in... double check on that though, i could be wrong.

No, you are right. But the actual move-in days are only two (Aug. 1st and 2nd). I got a lot of stuff to bring from home, so not sure I'd be able to bring everything in two days. Might have to rent one of those big trucks, which I didn't want to do. But oh well...

hey guys,
for the question about textbooks...you will need a Netter's atlas, at the very least. I bought all of 3 textbooks for first year - Netter, Mosby's guide to phys. exam. and the histo textbook. The histo textbook is a waste of money, you mostly end up checking out the atlases from the library anyways. I would suggest a lippincott's biochem book, it's not super-useful for class but its a nice reference and I've heard it comes in handy for board studying.

also...woodhorse has their information incorrect, the incoming class will not be getting netter's with any sort of organizational membership. I am selling a spare Netter that I have for $55 - it's never been used, so PM me if you'd like to take it off my hands.

No, you are right. But the actual move-in days are only two (Aug. 1st and 2nd). I got a lot of stuff to bring from home, so not sure I'd be able to bring everything in two days. Might have to rent one of those big trucks, which I didn't want to do. But oh well...

Yup we can move in Aug. 1st. So I'm moving into the dorm, haha I forgot what do I need for that again? I live too far for driving, so I'll have to bring everything in suitcases :eek:

Ok so I was reading through the welcome letter, and saw that the titers have to be done by July 1st!!!! Ahhh I thought it was before matriculation.

Can someone confirm...am I reading this right? How long does it take to get that all done?

Ok so I was reading through the welcome letter, and saw that the titers have to be done by July 1st!!!! Ahhh I thought it was before matriculation.

Can someone confirm...am I reading this right? How long does it take to get that all done?

hey Glam, you are correct. All Immunization requirements are due by July 1. The reason being is that they want to review your record and make sure everything checks out and if it doesn't then have enough time to rectify it. They say your matriculation could be in jeapordy if all the immunization requirements are not fulfilled before classses start unless you have some extenuating circumstances. E.g. matricualting mid summer or little before that doesn't allow enough time to get vaccinated for lets says..3 shots of the hep B...

My titer report took about 2.5 wks to get back though I don't know what the avg. turnaround time is for these testing labs..you shoudl prob. email Dr. Dombrowski (Dean of student services) if you have any specific qs...

hey Glam, you are correct. All Immunization requirements are due by July 1. The reason being is that they want to review your record and make sure everything checks out and if it doesn't then have enough time to rectify it. They say your matriculation could be in jeapordy if all the immunization requirements are not fulfilled before classses start unless you have some extenuating circumstances. E.g. matricualting mid summer or little before that doesn't allow enough time to get vaccinated for lets says..3 shots of the hep B...

My titer report took about 2.5 wks to get back though I don't know what the avg. turnaround time is for these testing labs..you shoudl prob. email Dr. Dombrowski (Dean of student services) if you have any specific qs...

I am going this friday to my doc to get it all done, and probably will get the results the following week according to him. I'm just worried if I'm not somehow immune that I'll have to get vaccinated again, and it takes 6 weeks to get a titer again.

I am going this friday to my doc to get it all done, and probably will get the results the following week according to him. I'm just worried if I'm not somehow immune that I'll have to get vaccinated again, and it takes 6 weeks to get a titer again.

Another reason why titers need to be taken ASAP...

Immunization records have to be taken care before the orientation date...but what if I have had all the vaccines done, and got the titers done...would that be considered taken care of, even if I find out I am not immune?

Immunization records have to be taken care before the orientation date...but what if I have had all the vaccines done, and got the titers done...would that be considered taken care of, even if I find out I am not immune?

for that I would email Dr. Dombrowski since she's the Dean of Student Services and would be able to provide a better answer.

Really? I got an apartment there fairly easy. I think I applied kinda late too. But I still got it. The only reason I liked the pines was because they have kitchens in them. (I am a terrible cook, but still I need to have a kitchen just in case!!!)

But actually I just took a tour recently and the other places didn't seem all that bad either. In fact, the pines kinda seem to be isolated.

hey I got the apt-yes!. Same reason I wanted the apartment was b/c of the kitchen and more space compared to the dorm. Plus the dorms are not all that quiet which I need in order to study..hah..

Ok so I was reading through the welcome letter, and saw that the titers have to be done by July 1st!!!! Ahhh I thought it was before matriculation.

Can someone confirm...am I reading this right? How long does it take to get that all done?

My lab report came back after just two days, but I only needed the titers for Hep B antibody and antigen, as I had the titers drawn for others before.

But I think if you ask your doctor to put a rush on it, they probably could do it.

And if you are found to not have immunity to something, then I think you might need a booster shot, which would be probable with TDep, but I think with everything else you should be good, if you have had the shots.

My lab report came back after just two days, but I only needed the titers for Hep B antibody and antigen, as I had the titers drawn for others before.

But I think if you ask your doctor to put a rush on it, they probably could do it.

And if you are found to not have immunity to something, then I think you might need a booster shot, which would be probable with TDep, but I think with everything else you should be good, if you have had the shots.

Thanks for the advice! Yea I got the report back, and looks like I am immune to all...so its all good...at least I think so. :thumbup:

its not a big deal if you dont finish your immunizations. I had to retake hep and that took 6+ months.. As long as you prove your in the process thats all you can do.

Alright, here is a crazy question. Can anyone who has finished first year comment on how the final exam week of the spring quarter works. Is their an exam everyday, even Friday? The reason I ask is that my fiance wants to get married the weekend following finals week, I'm trying to figure out if this is a feasible request.

Alright, here is a crazy question. Can anyone who has finished first year comment on how the final exam week of the spring quarter works. Is their an exam everyday, even Friday? The reason I ask is that my fiance wants to get married the weekend following finals week, I'm trying to figure out if this is a feasible request.


The spring final exam week is pretty tough, but I did not think as bad as the winter final exam period. The spring final exam period includes a big ICM (intro to clinical med) practical final which is like 45 pts, normally they are worth 20 pts, a big cumulative OMM practical final, which is about 20 min longer than a normal OMM practical exam, and a big 100 question cumulative OMM MC test. So there a normal amount of final exams, but some of them are a little bigger than usual. None of them are really much more difficult, but they just might take a bit longer to study for b/c they are over more material than usual. I think we had a two week final exam period. It started on a Tuesday and continued straight through until that Friday, we had the weekend off, and then went Monday through Thursday of the next week. The first week does not officially count as the final exam week so you still have classes that you might choose to go to, but the second week is just finals, so you have all day after each final to study for the next day's final. I would say if you got married the week after the final week of exams it could be possible, but I would not count on spending any time getting ready for the wedding before finals are over. Finals here, as with any other med school, are pretty intense and you do not want to screw up a quarter's worth of work by not studying hard throughout the final exam period. My advice would be to move the wedding back a couple of weeks if at possible b/c it would make both you and your fiance's life better. Just my opinion though, best of luck with the decision and congrats on getting engaged

Hey guys,

So has anyone done any of the fingerprinting yet? I was trying to do the registration online but it will not let me find a site near me. I dont live close to the Chicago area, so I was trying to see if I could get one near me and for some reason the site wasnt letting me access locations outside of Illinois.

I too live quite a ways away right now and I was just trying to schedule mine in Downers Grove for sometime in August but the system won't let me view August. I called the place and they say the August dates won't be available to view for them or us until the week of July 27th.

On the facebook group one girl said they sent her the materials and she went and had it done locally. But we also have until September first to get it done so maybe waiting until you're in Chicago will work.

I too live quite a ways away right now and I was just trying to schedule mine in Downers Grove for sometime in August but the system won't let me view August. I called the place and they say the August dates won't be available to view for them or us until the week of July 27th.

On the facebook group one girl said they sent her the materials and she went and had it done locally. But we also have until September first to get it done so maybe waiting until you're in Chicago will work.

Is it possible to get it done locally or do we have to get it done in Illinois? Because I was under the impression we can get it done from a local site as in the directions it says "
There are fingerprinting sites in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin, as well as Canada.
Select a site from the list that is convenient for you."

Is it possible to get it done locally or do we have to get it done in Illinois? Because I was under the impression we can get it done from a local site as in the directions it says "
There are fingerprinting sites in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin, as well as Canada.
Select a site from the list that is convenient for you."



She just said something about how she contacted them and they sent her the materials and then she went and had it done at a completely unaffiliated site in her home town...

She just said something about how she contacted them and they sent her the materials and then she went and had it done at a completely unaffiliated site in her home town...


Thanks! Yea maybe I will look into that, because I just want to get it out of the way.

What is everyone doing about computers? I'm trying to find a laptop before school starts but I'm not sure what I would need. I like using a laptop for typing notes, but I'm not sure if I will need it for class. Anyone have any recommendations for laptops regarding any requirements..maybe long battery life, 3 to 4GB memory, pentium or core 2 processors?

Any tips for a first year student? Anyone have any textbooks or other materials to sell?