PCOM-GA Discussion Thread 2011-2012

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Originally Posted by kalman921

just sent in my secondary - a little late i know but everything on my app took a while to get verified ANYWAYS - i've been trying to look up the general statistics of this campus and haven't been able to find much. Would you say the MCAT/GPA requirements are pretty similar to the Philadelpha campus? Also - how big is the class? I saw earlier in the thread something about 84 students - anyone have any idea if that's going to increase as the years go on? Any info would be appreciated thanks!

I know there is a general cut-off at a 24 with 8's in all sections. There are several statistical papers that back up the 24 with board scores. I have also heard of a student getting in with a 21, after he received a ~3.7 through the SMP program;so, it is not set in stone. According to my interview they would prefer a 27. (After all, If you don't pass the step 1, we don't call you doctor we just call you 100k in debt.) I've never heard the cut-offs for the GPA and from my interview they like experience. As seats fill the pool gets more competitive. In general, Philadelphia is more competitive. D.O. is just much more common in the area. GA-PCOM also started in 2005 and PCOM was founded in 1899. GA offers a PharmD program which is not in Philly, but outside of that Philly tends to have more programs and a larger more traditional campus. Given that the program is newer in GA there doesn't seem to be as many large hospital rotation positions when I asked at the interview. Acquiring level I trauma hospital rotations, like Grady or Atlanta Medical Center would require more effort. They're also allopathic based hospitals, but all that is a ways off.

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Originally Posted by AlfredJPrufrock

I know there is a general cut-off at a 24 with 8's in all sections. There are several statistical papers that back up the 24 with board scores. I have also heard of a student getting in with a 21, after he received a ~3.7 through the SMP program;so, it is not set in stone. According to my interview they would prefer a 27. (After all, If you don't pass the step 1, we don't call you doctor we just call you 100k in debt.) I've never heard the cut-offs for the GPA and from my interview they like experience. As seats fill the pool gets more competitive. In general, Philadelphia is more competitive. D.O. is just much more common in the area. GA-PCOM also started in 2005 and PCOM was founded in 1899. GA offers a PharmD program which is not in Philly, but outside of that Philly tends to have more programs and a larger more traditional campus. Given that the program is newer in GA there doesn't seem to be as many large hospital rotation positions when I asked at the interview. Acquiring level I trauma hospital rotations, like Grady or Atlanta Medical Center would require more effort. They're also allopathic based hospitals, but all that is a ways off.

This information is true to the best of my knowledge, but I just want to clarify/emphasis something really quickly. If you go to page 2 (if I remember correctly) on this forum, you will see like 6-7 people who were offered interviews with decent MCAT scores but who did not have an 8 in every section. While this is preferred, it is not mandatory early in the application process. Last year, there were people with scores of 21-24 accepted very early in the application process. Going strictly based on this forum, however, they were highly selective towards the end of the application season (28+ being offered interviews). I just don't want anyone to lose hope and not apply based on posts here on SDN. If you like the school, apply. Worst case scenario, at least you tried. It is still early in the season...no one lose hope yet! (To somewhat contradict myself, everyone should know that there was a person who posted earlier in this forum who was accepted with a 23 MCAT, but that acceptance was pending a raise in MCAT. I do not know the full story of that situation, however.)


Okay, beware....neurotic moment: I was hoping to get some clarification from my fellow SDN'ers. When they have the next admissions committee meeting, will they be reviewing everyone who interviewed after Oct. 3rd?? If this is the case, were those who interviewed in Oct 10th/11th told the same thing that we were on the 18th (that we will hear back within 3 weeks)? If so, that would mean decisions should be out by the beginning of next week (technically, the 31st is 3 weeks from the 10th) for those of us who were in the second "round" of interviews. Does this sound right? Thanks

Originally Posted by AlfredJPrufrock

Acquiring level I trauma hospital rotations, like Grady or Atlanta Medical Center would require more effort. They're also allopathic based hospitals, but all that is a ways off.

Actually they do rotate at Grady from what I learned at my interview.

Hey guys,
I just got an interview invite for Nov. 21st. Will anyone else be there? I'll be coming from Idaho, so I'll be staying in a hotel.

My question is whether or not it's a good idea to make a flight out of Atlanta for the same day as the interview. I have a morning interview, and it looks like they only last for about 2 hours. Should I play it safe and make an evening flight or is it okay to do an afternoon flight?

Originally Posted by bryana2

Hey guys,
I just got an interview invite for Nov. 21st. Will anyone else be there? I'll be coming from Idaho, so I'll be staying in a hotel.

My question is whether or not it's a good idea to make a flight out of Atlanta for the same day as the interview. I have a morning interview, and it looks like they only last for about 2 hours. Should I play it safe and make an evening flight or is it okay to do an afternoon flight?

If you have the morning session for interview, then you could book your flight around 3-4 PM and you should be fine since their afternoon session starts around 11:45 AM. I am sure you will be out before 12 PM, but just to be safe, you shouldn't book too early.

Originally Posted by komikos

If you have the morning session for interview, then you could book your flight around 3-4 PM and you should be fine since their afternoon session starts around 11:45 AM. I am sure you will be out before 12 PM, but just to be safe, you shouldn't book too early.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

Actually they do rotate at Grady from what I learned at my interview.

That's good to hear, I was told only Dekalb Medical, and they said no to Grady or AMC, but I asked students and not the interviewers. (I worked at Grady for several years, and I like the atmosphere.)

The three weeks is definitely approaching. I wish they would call for acceptances rather than snail mail. It's not as much the delay in knowing my status, but the empty mailbox syndrome that I feel these days.

Originally Posted by AlfredJPrufrock

That's good to hear, I was told only Dekalb Medical, and they said no to Grady or AMC, but I asked students and not the interviewers. (I worked at Grady for several years, and I like the atmosphere.)

The three weeks is definitely approaching. I wish they would call for acceptances rather than snail mail. It's not as much the delay in knowing my status, but the empty mailbox syndrome that I feel these days.

I worked at Dekalb for 2 years and shadowed at Grady in Green Pod. The student who had lunch with us said any hospital in a 45 min radius can do the rotations which the interviewer confirmed. I don't trust Dekalb Medical but I do trust Grady. I love Grady with all my heart and soul.

Originally Posted by vandyam

When they have the next admissions committee meeting, will they be reviewing everyone who interviewed after Oct. 3rd?? If this is the case, were those who interviewed in Oct 10th/11th told the same thing that we were on the 18th (that we will hear back within 3 weeks)? If so, that would mean decisions should be out by the beginning of next week (technically, the 31st is 3 weeks from the 10th) for those of us who were in the second "round" of interviews. Does this sound right? Thanks

I was on the 11th. They claimed the next meeting was going to be on that Thursday (13?) and that decisions would be made then but we would not learn of them for up to 3 weeks.

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

I worked at Dekalb for 2 years and shadowed at Grady in Green Pod. The student who had lunch with us said any hospital in a 45 min radius can do the rotations which the interviewer confirmed. I don't trust Dekalb Medical but I do trust Grady. I love Grady with all my heart and soul.

I feel the same way about Grady. The student was talking about the J-Term option and from what he said it meant you had to personally and individually set-up your rotations at those hospitals. In general, I hope GA-PCOM builds more tracks with larger hospitals. (ex. AMC is also a good hospital which had a big need for research, and this was keeping them from being level 1 at some time.) DeKalb Medical & DeKalb "KILLendale" has a well-earned poor reputation, along with South Fulton and Southern Regional.

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

My undergrad was from Emory in 2003 so who knows. I think they care more about other factors.

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

I love Grady with all my heart and soul.

I went to Emory as well. I also worked at Grady for several years, and am in love! Just thought I'd join the party.

I, too, doubt it's a huge deciding factor in admission, but we can always hope.

does anyone know how many students GAPCOM is admitting this cycle? I've heard they are increasing the number, but can't really find evidence of this.

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Originally Posted by kalman921

i asked the same question earlier in this thread and someone told me it will be increased to 135 students this year

+1 They told us that at the interview

Excellent. Thanks so much. I just couldn't bring myself to sift through the entire thread in hopes of finding it.

Well, we are officially at the 3 week mark for Oct 10th interviews. Still no word for anyone? I checked my mail today and nothing here in TN (although, I interviewed on Oct 18th. Though I'm assuming we were probably all reviewed at the same time).

Any one have any word on when we are supposed to hear back?

Originally Posted by vandyam

Well, we are officially at the 3 week mark for Oct 10th interviews. Still no word for anyone? I checked my mail today and nothing here in TN (although, I interviewed on Oct 18th. Though I'm assuming we were probably all reviewed at the same time).

Any one have any word on when we are supposed to hear back?

I interviewed on the 11th. The interviewers said the adcomm was meeting on the Thursday (which would have been 13th) and they said that if we didn't hear back in 3 weeks to contact them.

Originally Posted by vandyam

Well, we are officially at the 3 week mark for Oct 10th interviews. Still no word for anyone? I checked my mail today and nothing here in TN (although, I interviewed on Oct 18th. Though I'm assuming we were probably all reviewed at the same time).

Any one have any word on when we are supposed to hear back?

All is quiet in 'Bama. I interviewed on 10/17. My bet is on a similar timeline as last year, with a second batch of decisions being announced mid-November. That's pure speculation, so hopefully I'm wrong.

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

I interviewed on the 11th. The interviewers said the adcomm was meeting on the Thursday (which would have been 13th) and they said that if we didn't hear back in 3 weeks to contact them.

I interviewed on the 10th, but they didn't tell us to contact them after 3 weeks. I'm thinking about calling them tomorrow. Have you already contacted them?

Originally Posted by Dotpats

I interviewed on the 10th, but they didn't tell us to contact them after 3 weeks. I'm thinking about calling them tomorrow. Have you already contacted them?

The interviewer specifically said contact after three weeks. He was very clear on that.

Nope, I haven't contacted them. I was given several bouts of interesting news literally within hours of the interview which is making it look like even if I get in, I will have to defer or possibly withdraw anyway from all schools. So if they want to keep their decision from me for the next few months, that's ok. I'm in no rush to get their decision. I am waiting for my mentor to get back to me on his advice on what specifically to do, given the new information is HUGE, but I think he is trying to torture me.

Has anyone who is past the 3 week mark called and heard any relevant news about hearing back? I can't imagine days going by any slower than they have the last two weeks.

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

The interviewer specifically said contact after three weeks. He was very clear on that.

Nope, I haven't contacted them. I was given several bouts of interesting news literally within hours of the interview which is making it look like even if I get in, I will have to defer or possibly withdraw anyway from all schools. So if they want to keep their decision from me for the next few months, that's ok. I'm in no rush to get their decision. I am waiting for my mentor to get back to me on his advice on what specifically to do, given the new information is HUGE, but I think he is trying to torture me.

So you won't be going to medical school at all now, or you will but just at a later time? (none of my business, of course....just curious)

Originally Posted by vandyam

Has anyone who is past the 3 week mark called and heard any relevant news about hearing back? I can't imagine days going by any slower than they have the last two weeks.

Interviewed 8/25/11 and got my letter yesterday. Accepted! Here's hoping that y'all get some similar news soon. See y'all soon.

Originally Posted by MBSMed123

Interviewed 8/25/11 and got my letter yesterday. Accepted! Here's hoping that y'all get some similar news soon. See y'all soon.

Was your interview date a typo? I'm pretty sure they didn't start interviewing at GA-PCOM until October.

Originally Posted by MBSMed123

Interviewed 8/25/11 and got my letter yesterday. Accepted! Here's hoping that y'all get some similar news soon. See y'all soon.

Trena said the letters were sent out on Thursday.

Originally Posted by vandyam

So you won't be going to medical school at all now, or you will but just at a later time? (none of my business, of course....just curious)

Probably just in another year or two but it's hard to know. It depends on what these experiences have on me and how long one of the experiences last. I know this if I go, do the experiences and then come back and apply, it will make me a much better doctor. At least 4 of the 5 will. The last one may or may not have an effect.

I do know I have a letter from GA PCOM in my hands. I haven't opened it. I need to talk out the experiences with my mentor before I know what the letter says.

Originally Posted by whatageek

Was your interview date a typo? I'm pretty sure they didn't start interviewing at GA-PCOM until October.

When I interviewed, the student said there were a handful of August/September interviews. Not many at all.

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

When I interviewed, the student said there were a handful of August/September interviews. Not many at all.

As per the PCOM catalog: "Interviews begin in September for the Philadelphia Campus and in October for the Georgia Campus and continue through March."

http://www.pcom.edu/Academic_Program...nt_CATALOG.PDF

Just got the letter here in TN! I interviewed 10/18! I'm sure everyone is happy that I can now stop neurotically updating this board, ha! I'm so excited :-) This school was the one. I'm thrilled!

I hope good news comes to everyone else soon! It looks like decisions are going out for interview dates 10/10 - 10/25. (I'm pretty sure above was just a typo...I do that all the time).

As I metioned previously, I have a 25R MCAT (10vb/8ps/7bs) and I was not asked to retake the test like some others have been because of the 7. I should disclose that I had an 8 in bs on a previous MCAT attempt, so that might make a difference. Good luck to all those in the future...apply early.

Congrats everyone!

Accepted at well!

Accepted!

Congrats everyone!!

Congrats to those with recent acceptances!!! So excited for you guys! Still waiting to hear about an interview, been complete since 10/18 hope to hear something really soon, this is my #1 school!!

Originally Posted by Ebola4Breakfast

As per the PCOM catalog: "Interviews begin in September for the Philadelphia Campus and in October for the Georgia Campus and continue through March."

http://www.pcom.edu/Academic_Program...nt_CATALOG.PDF

Those were for normal interviews. There were a few cases where a student had to defer and they had to reinterview and they interviewed and were accepted before the main interview season. That is what they stated there at the campus, at lunch.

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

Those were for normal interviews. There were a few cases where a student had to defer and they had to reinterview and they interviewed and were accepted before the main interview season. That is what they stated there at the campus, at lunch.

HI.... yes that was me. I interviewed September 27th. I had been accepted last year and had to defer the acceptance due to family related complications.... BUT... I got re accepted and I am just so thankful and happy to attend PCOM.... it was kinda love at first sight
Congratulations to everybody else See you next summer.
Also, did anyone start a Facebook page yet?

Originally Posted by vandyam

Just got the letter here in TN! I interviewed 10/18! I'm sure everyone is happy that I can now stop neurotically updating this board, ha! I'm so excited :-) This school was the one. I'm thrilled!

I hope good news comes to everyone else soon! It looks like decisions are going out for interview dates 10/10 - 10/25. (I'm pretty sure above was just a typo...I do that all the time).

As I metioned previously, I have a 25R MCAT (10vb/8ps/7bs) and I was not asked to retake the test like some others have been because of the 7. I should disclose that I had an 8 in bs on a previous MCAT attempt, so that might make a difference. Good luck to all those in the future...apply early.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I'm very happy and excited for you. Good job

Finally got my letter yesterday...and I'm accepted!! Congrats to everyone else who have been accepted...PS way to represent TN women vandyam, I know you're thrilled!!

Got my acceptance letter today- woooo! I'm actually a little surprised, I'm from NY and they seemed to kinda lean towards people in the south and was afraid that I didn't make my case for going to their school well... but I guess I did! I interviewed 10/24 and got in today - 11/5.

Originally Posted by UTKpremed

Finally got my letter yesterday...and I'm accepted!! Congrats to everyone else who have been accepted...PS way to represent TN women vandyam, I know you're thrilled!!

Thanks a lot girl :-) Congrats to you as well! You're really cleaning up this year!

Originally Posted by GlimmerGlass

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I'm very happy and excited for you. Good job

Thank you so much! I appreciate all your insight earlier this week :-) Congrats again on all the great acceptances.

Originally Posted by Tatyana

Got my acceptance letter today- woooo! I'm actually a little surprised, I'm from NY and they seemed to kinda lean towards people in the south and was afraid that I didn't make my case for going to their school well... but I guess I did! I interviewed 10/24 and got in today - 11/5.

Hi I am from NY too well originally from Germany but moved to NY 4 years ago... I can not wait to move South... I LOOOVE Georgia

I went ahead and made a facebook group for those of you who are sure you are going to attend PCOM-GA next semester. Please join

http://www.facebook.com/groups/135910533181629/

PS. The new group layout is not as nice as it used to be...this is due to facebook's "updated" format, not because of any changes I made.

Originally Posted by vandyam

I went ahead and made a facebook group for those of you who are sure you are going to attend PCOM-GA next semester. Please join

http://www.facebook.com/groups/135910533181629/

PS. The new group layout is not as nice as it used to be...this is due to facebook's "updated" format, not because of any changes I made.

awesome

Originally Posted by familyaerospace

Those were for normal interviews. There were a few cases where a student had to defer and they had to reinterview and they interviewed and were accepted before the main interview season. That is what they stated there at the campus, at lunch.

...never mind.

Originally Posted by vandyam

I went ahead and made a facebook group for those of you who are sure you are going to attend PCOM-GA next semester. Please join

http://www.facebook.com/groups/135910533181629/

PS. The new group layout is not as nice as it used to be...this is due to facebook's "updated" format, not because of any changes I made.

Just sent you a FB request to join. I'm 99% sure at this point so I figured I would.

Got letter friday - interview 10//11; If the other two ladies who interviewed in the morning session received an acceptance, give me a shout.

Just got the interview invite today on the way home from seeing the Foo Fighters in ATL (epic), best 2 days of my life haha!!!!!! Coming Nov. 22nd!

Originally Posted by rjelalam

Just got the interview invite today on the way home from seeing the Foo Fighters in ATL (epic), best 2 days of my life haha!!!!!! Coming Nov. 22nd!

Wow, awesome! Congrats!

Hey guys, I'm interviewing on 11/21 and will be flying into Atlanta the day before. Is anyone else flying in on the 20th, and if so, could I possibly get a ride to the Hampton Inn in Lawrenceville? It doesn't look like the school or the hotel have shuttles to/from the airport, and I really don't want to rent a car.

Interviewed today. Very nice place I enjoyed every minute of it. The actual interview went very smoothly as well. They were very nice and seemed very interested in what I had to say. This was my first interview and it was a pleasant experience. I can't wait to hear back from them!