LMU-DCOM Discussion Thread 2011-2012

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Has anyone been offered an interview lately? I've had everything submitted since Nov 4 and still no word? Anyone else having the same impatient problem...

Originally Posted by Drvolfan

Has anyone been offered an interview lately? I've had everything submitted since Nov 4 and still no word? Anyone else having the same impatient problem...

It never hurts to check with admissions after three or four weeks and see where you stand. I know they had a few conferences and the Thanksgiving holiday in November so they might just be playing catch up still.

anyone know if this school sends pre-interview rejections right away or waits until the end of the application season?

Originally Posted by Drvolfan

Has anyone been offered an interview lately? I've had everything submitted since Nov 4 and still no word? Anyone else having the same impatient problem...

I know that they just interviewed a group of people on Tuesday.

I called the admissions today.The committee met yesterday and letters will be sent out Monday for those interviewed last Tuesday.They are not sure if the Dean will have time to call.

Originally Posted by ry215

I called the admissions today.The committee met yesterday and letters will be sent out Monday for those interviewed last Tuesday.They are not sure if the Dean will have time to call.

Last Tuesday as in Tuesday the 29th or Tuesday the 22nd?

I was interviewed 11/29.

Called again.They made a decision for both 11/22 ad 11/29.

Excellent, hopefully we will be hearing some good news from our fellow SDNers soon.

The wait for an interview is killing me...haha

Originally Posted by Drvolfan

Has anyone been offered an interview lately? I've had everything submitted since Nov 4 and still no word? Anyone else having the same impatient problem...

Same here. I have been complete since October 27th, so I called Wednesday and admissions said that they are running a bit behind and that I should hear next week or so. Hope that helps!

Originally Posted by Drvolfan

The wait for an interview is killing me...haha

Trust me... nothing compares to the wait post-interview!

i went back to read some of the thread and quite a few ppl heard the friday after their tueday interviews. im super nervous. some ppl even heard the next day.
i interviewed tuesday nov 29....
did any one hear anything yet??

Originally Posted by Laiba

i went back to read some of the thread and quite a few ppl heard the friday after their tueday interviews. im super nervous. some ppl even heard the next day.
i interviewed tuesday nov 29....
did any one hear anything yet??

Don't stress - he typically does call on Friday nights but there have been times this year and last where that didn't happen due to other commitments, etc. I promise you're not the only one who hasn't heard! Hang in there!

Originally Posted by Laiba

i went back to read some of the thread and quite a few ppl heard the friday after their tueday interviews. im super nervous. some ppl even heard the next day.
i interviewed tuesday nov 29....
did any one hear anything yet??

I think they met yesterday which means that you will probably hear sometime next week. They are slightly behind because of a bunch of other obligations/Thanksgiving. I think they mail letters on Monday, so you will probably get a letter one way or the other by Wednesday or Thursday.

Originally Posted by Laiba

i went back to read some of the thread and quite a few ppl heard the friday after their tueday interviews. im super nervous. some ppl even heard the next day.
i interviewed tuesday nov 29....
did any one hear anything yet??

When I interviewed back in October they told us we would not hear anything for 1.5-2 weeks post interview because they felt they were making decisions too quickly. So I actually got a call from the Dean on a Sunday almost 2 weeks after my interview. I guess the timing varies but I would not get worried unless others have heard back and you have not or if it has been greater than 2 weeks.

10 days is the standard average I've gathered for people hearing back about interviews, so calm down if it's only been a week!! Even if you don't get that magical call, don't sweat it. Some people don't get the call but still get an acceptance letter, so as Janette says on interview day, don't just rip up the envelope lol.

More and more, Doc Stowers is likely to be so busy (AOA- president elect!!!) so the phone call thing will hopefully be maintained, but if not, it will be understandable.

After skimming the thread tonight, the biggest thing I can say, especially after 2 cycles of applying is don't bother analyzing the nitpicky details of this process. It will kill you not to. But just because one person got an interview the day after applying and another person didn't hear for 3 months really honestly probably means zilch. In retrospect, my classmates and I swap stories and quickly realize that at times, they might just throw darts at files. I don't mean that to sound flippant, as I know they intentionally pursue some applicants immediately and delay on others, but honestly....you can't look at numbers and minute details and try to predict their moves. I assure you. They're like ninjas in the admissions department and act when you least expect it. Just do your best, try to relax and don't lose contact with them if you're truly committed to being here. Trust me, I'm almost 37.5% doctor.

I am scheduled for Jan. 9th for the interview here. Do you guys think it is a little late or am I likely to get waitlisted if I interview in January? I just want to hear what you guys think of January interview especially during this year's app cycle. I heard that a fair amount of people matriculated to this school, already.

Originally Posted by WaterDragon

I am scheduled for Jan. 9th for the interview here. Do you guys think it is a little late or am I likely to get waitlisted if I interview in January? I just want to hear what you guys think of January interview especially during this year's app cycle. I heard that a fair amount of people matriculated to this school, already.

I think that the deadline for deposits are December 15th. They will likely find themselves with a handful of newly opened positions in next years class and that you will be just fine early in January.

If you do get waitlisted, try not to sweat it, you're still in the running.

I'll be interviewing on the 9th as well!! If anyone has an earlier date and needs to reschedule let me know. I'd be happy to interview a little earlier.

Originally Posted by ParacrineAgent

I think that the deadline for deposits are December 15th. They will likely find themselves with a handful of newly opened positions in next years class and that you will be just fine early in January.

If you do get waitlisted, try not to sweat it, you're still in the running.

Honestly, at this stage in the game, that's probably one of the better dates to interview post-December 15th. If seats are given up they will need to fill them with applicants before pursuing the wait list. You want in on that as early as possible.

Originally Posted by WaterDragon

I am scheduled for Jan. 9th for the interview here. Do you guys think it is a little late or am I likely to get waitlisted if I interview in January? I just want to hear what you guys think of January interview especially during this year's app cycle. I heard that a fair amount of people matriculated to this school, already.

I interviewed end of January last year and got in. Some people interviewed March and got in. It really doesnt matter when you interview as long as you interview. So just relax (I know that is hard to do at this stage) and ace that interview. Good success!!

I just want to correct myself and say that the deposits are due December 14th. Don't want anyone to accidentally get it in their head that they have an exta day because they read something on here.

Originally Posted by Miasolo84

I interviewed end of January last year and got in. Some people interviewed March and got in. It really doesnt matter when you interview as long as you interview. So just relax (I know that is hard to do at this stage) and ace that interview. Good success!!

Thanks for the response!

Does anyone have any idea how much this year's class is filled by now? Normally, DO schools accept approx. twice as much as the class size to fill up the class, right?

For DCOM interview, is it 1:3 (group) or 1:1 interview? Also, it is 30 minute open-file interview, correct?

Originally Posted by WaterDragon

Thanks for the response!

Does anyone have any idea how much this year's class is filled by now? Normally, DO schools accept approx. twice as much as the class size to fill up the class, right?

For DCOM interview, is it 1:3 (group) or 1:1 interview? Also, it is 30 minute open-file interview, correct?

I interviewed last week. There are 2 ppl interviewing you at once, 30 minutes, and CLOSED file. I did not like that at all. They have nothing to ask you but why DO, why DCOM, and general questions so you have to lead the conversation and I forgot tons I should have told them. Most other people in my group had a pleasant interview, though.

Originally Posted by WaterDragon

Thanks for the response!

Does anyone have any idea how much this year's class is filled by now? Normally, DO schools accept approx. twice as much as the class size to fill up the class, right?

For DCOM interview, is it 1:3 (group) or 1:1 interview? Also, it is 30 minute open-file interview, correct?

I believe they told us they would likely be half-filled by Christmas. I assume many of those seats won't officially fill until the deposit deadline in a couple of weeks. Of course, I'm sure that's a rough estimate. My paperwork says next year's class size is 150 but I believe that might be a typo since it has been 160 in past years.

The number I have in my head was that they accepted 250 last year for a class size of 160. I can't remember where I got that figure from.

The time of the interview is variable. Mine was about 10-15 minutes and there was another gentleman in my group who was in there for at least 45. As rjelalam said, the only thing the interviewers know about you is your name and they will only know the accomplishments/values that you tell them.

You have to look for the positives in a closed file interview. First, you're being invited for an interview on the basis of your primary and secondary. So, they must think you have what it takes on paper to succeed in medical school. I think many pre-meds forget this. Grades, MCAT, GPA, etc. must be in check. The goal of the interview team, then, is to determine if you're a good fit for the school and if they feel you should be a doctor.

Janette told us the reason for the closed file interview was that DCOM didn't like how interviewers had certain biases against interviewees based on numbers alone. I.E., Oh, they're a really great fit for the school... BUT, they got a 22 on the MCAT. Alternatively, they're not a good fit for the school and don't have good social skills BUT they got a 38 on the MCAT.

Keep those things in mind and it makes closed file interview much more appealing in my opinion.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by rjelalam

I forgot tons I should have told them.

I saw a quote on here once that was something like this...

Before Med School Interview: The realization that you have a lot of things to talk about.

After Med School Interview: The realization that you said none of them.

I also felt this way after mine!

Thanks for the valuable tips and information, CopToEM! This will be my first closed-file interview, then...I think it has pros and cons, but I hope to make it into positive one in January.

Originally Posted by WaterDragon

Thanks for the valuable tips and information, CopToEM! This will be my first closed-file interview, then...I think it has pros and cons, but I hope to make it into positive one in January.

Not a problem - feel free to private message me if you have more specific questions. It's very laid back and very low stress. I know that won't help you feel any better about it now but you'll agree afterwards. Something worth mentioning is that the interviews are just held in the faculty offices - not in some large conference room where the pressure is on.

Are MS1 required to buy a certain laptop? Or are there recommendations?

Is there an average time from complete email until interview invite?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Poliscidoc

Are MS1 required to buy a certain laptop? Or are there recommendations?

They give you a lenovo tablet that has everything already on it and is compatible with all the technology at the school. The price of the computer is included in tuition.

Just got the call from Dr. Stowers, accepted!!!

Sigh. I didnt.

I got the call also! Accepted! so excited

Just got the call as well.Tuesday,11/29 group

1st post ever! I got a call earlier too! Excited! Btw, thanks to the two gentlemen that told me about this forum and gave me a ride to the pizza hut! And taught me how not to use the elevator when going down 2 flights of stairs...lol...I hope we end up in the same place, we'd make a great class (including everyone from the 11/29 interview group)!

Congrats to all of those who got the call tonight - were you all from the Tuesday group?

Originally Posted by CopToEM

Congrats to all of those who got the call tonight - were you all from the Tuesday group?

I was Tuesday 11/29

Yo Giggity you're welcome bro. It was good to meet you.

I was in the Tuesday group as well

Originally Posted by CopToEM

Janette told us the reason for the closed file interview was that DCOM didn't like how interviewers had certain biases against interviewees based on numbers alone. I.E., Oh, they're a really great fit for the school... BUT, they got a 22 on the MCAT. Alternatively, they're not a good fit for the school and don't have good social skills BUT they got a 38 on the MCAT.

Keep those things in mind and it makes closed file interview much more appealing in my opinion.

Good luck!

That's what they told us as well about their reasoning for closed file interviews. It really bothered me though because by being closed file, the interviewers do not have the full picture of you, your accomplishments, and your abilities. In my interview at DCOM, my interviewer told me that the majority of their decision was based off of the interview. Well, if you are an interviewer and you have no other information to go off of, you could come up with all sorts of unfounded conclusions in the minimal 20-30 minutes you have to ask questions. I think this happened to me, as I was waitlisted here.

I had much better experiences at schools that were open file. We were able to talk about my essays, my grades, my EC's, etc. Whereas at DCOM, I struggled to fit all of what I saw as relevant in such a narrow timeframe and I left thinking they knew nothing about me. Or worse, they had a distorted idea of me as a person.

Originally Posted by Total180

They give you a lenovo tablet that has everything already on it and is compatible with all the technology at the school. The price of the computer is included in tuition.

No way! thats pretty kool.

are the class lectures powerpoint...??

would you guys recommend getting a printer?...i cannoy study off a computer...im a paper kinda guy

On a side now..im 95% sure im going to LMU...

i have declined my AZCOM and NY-Touro acceptances

MSU waitlisted

Nova...havent heard since august

Originally Posted by SavoirFaire

That's what they told us as well about their reasoning for closed file interviews. It really bothered me though because by being closed file, the interviewers do not have the full picture of you, your accomplishments, and your abilities. In my interview at DCOM, my interviewer told me that the majority of their decision was based off of the interview. Well, if you are an interviewer and you have no other information to go off of, you could come up with all sorts of unfounded conclusions in the minimal 20-30 minutes you have to ask questions. I think this happened to me, as I was waitlisted here.

I had much better experiences at schools that were open file. We were able to talk about my essays, my grades, my EC's, etc. Whereas at DCOM, I struggled to fit all of what I saw as relevant in such a narrow timeframe and I left thinking they knew nothing about me. Or worse, they had a distorted idea of me as a person.

I think exactly the opposite thing. My stats are average for acceptance to DO schools. I spent my 4 years in undergrad getting pretty good grades, but in that time I achieved so many non-academic, personal life goals. It was incredibly refreshing being able to wow them with who I am and what I am about without even once having to talk numbers or play the stats game. I literally felt like I was having a conversation with some random person I just met and was getting to know.

In your specific case, it sounds just a hair like you were more concerned with your accomplishments and I found them to be more about wanting to see your personality. Sounds like a miss-match of personalities, is all.

Originally Posted by SavoirFaire

That's what they told us as well about their reasoning for closed file interviews. It really bothered me though because by being closed file, the interviewers do not have the full picture of you, your accomplishments, and your abilities. In my interview at DCOM, my interviewer told me that the majority of their decision was based off of the interview. Well, if you are an interviewer and you have no other information to go off of, you could come up with all sorts of unfounded conclusions in the minimal 20-30 minutes you have to ask questions. I think this happened to me, as I was waitlisted here.

I had much better experiences at schools that were open file. We were able to talk about my essays, my grades, my EC's, etc. Whereas at DCOM, I struggled to fit all of what I saw as relevant in such a narrow timeframe and I left thinking they knew nothing about me. Or worse, they had a distorted idea of me as a person.

I think you have to remember that everyone else on the AdCom has seen your file though and only these two people are blind to it. So, their job becomes to get a feel for who you are socially and whether or not your aspirations as a future physician is a good fit for the school's mission. I don't know how many members are on DCOM's committee but I'm assuming the number who are knowledgable about your file do outweigh those who are not.

It's certainly a preference thing. If you have a strong file it can be bothersome but if you have a weak file it can be a saving grace. I had a strong file and still felt closed file was a good choice.

Originally Posted by se20001984

No way! thats pretty kool.

are the class lectures powerpoint...??

would you guys recommend getting a printer?...i cannoy study off a computer...im a paper kinda guy

I've heard it becomes easy to get used to over time - the tablet makes it a little more intuitive. Either way if you do get a printer you will definitely want to invest in a good laser jet - black and white ones are actually pretty affordable.

alternate list. and my only one.
guess im not going to med school next year.

Originally Posted by Laiba

alternate list. and my only one.
guess im not going to med school next year.

That's not necessarily true. You may just have to wait longer.