Touro University - California (TUCOM-CA) Discussion Thread 2014 - 2015

[DrYaya]

Yes I am interested in research, but not sure how much. I have worked in research for four years now, and might be ready to leave it behind. But thanks for the feedback!

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[ERK123]

I don't know if you have ever been to RVU, but the for-profit status has zero effect on the curriculum or the students. I have interviewed and been accepted to other schools, and no other school seemed as happy or loving their education. I have not heard from any student there that the for-profit status has had a negative effect on their education or experience. This isn't the right thread for this, but I can't look at that as a reason alone to not attend RVU. Just wondering what touro has to offer!

I would just worry that a for-profit school might meet legal and certification challenges sometime in the future. Nobody wants for-profit medical schools to exist. I highly doubt that students attending RVU notice anything different in their training, but that does not change the outside perception nor the what might be going on behind the scene.

 

[Leighis Capall]

I can't give you too much information, but for me personally I could not be paid enough to go to RVU over Touro CA. I know a lot of medical schools have questionable finances, but I think the for-profit status of RVU is disgusting and I worry that a school of this classification may not be around in the near future (Just speculation).

 

[koan]

RVU has had an impressive match list and I've never heard anything bad about the didactics or clinical rotations. But I would not have rather gone to any other DO program than Touro-CA. Living in the Bay Area is so rad, the weather is amazing and the recreational opportunities are unbeatable. SF is an hour away and many students live in Berkeley / Oakland which makes it even closer. Skiing in Tahoe in the winter, wine tasting in Napa when the family comes to visit. Having lived in many different parts of the country I can easily say this is one of the best. Vallejo itself isn't great but you don't have to live there. The school itself is fairly well rounded in its curriculum with perhaps a bit stronger emphasis on OMM than other schools. They will assume you are going into primary care and will teach to that, but do not discourage anyone from any specialty. There are fantastic opportunities to get involved with specialty clubs that will get you exposed if you're into surgery, EM, gas, etc. And the point made above about research is very true; I worked on a project at UCSF which was very easy to arrange.

The negatives are probably the inconsistency of clinical rotations. Some core sites provide more rigorous training than others (e.g. more inpatient exposure, resident / fellow interactions, call shifts, structured didactics) but different people are looking for different things, and most tend to get placed where they want to be. The cost of living in the Bay Area is high, and some people think the campus is ghetto. I think the campus is totally awesome -- it's on a historic naval base / island with a golf course, great views, nice weather, and a flock of wild turkeys The administration and faculty are really supportive and casual, and with the small class size it feels like a more tight knit "family" than a big anonymous university.

My perspective is that most schools will give you the tools to succeed as a DO. You need to put in a ton of hard work to do well, pass the boards, and ultimately match a residency in your field of choice. The major differences between programs tend to be with clinical rotations, whether or not attendance is required for lectures the first two years, and school culture. It's worth a visit to feel out the last one, given that it's the least tangible. Good luck making your decision.

 

[PlasticBag]

RVU has had an impressive match list and I've never heard anything bad about the didactics or clinical rotations. But I would not have rather gone to any other DO program than Touro-CA. Living in the Bay Area is so rad, the weather is amazing and the recreational opportunities are unbeatable. SF is an hour away and many students live in Berkeley / Oakland which makes it even closer. Skiing in Tahoe in the winter, wine tasting in Napa when the family comes to visit. Having lived in many different parts of the country I can easily say this is one of the best. Vallejo itself isn't great but you don't have to live there. The school itself is fairly well rounded in its curriculum with perhaps a bit stronger emphasis on OMM than other schools. They will assume you are going into primary care and will teach to that, but do not discourage anyone from any specialty. There are fantastic opportunities to get involved with specialty clubs that will get you exposed if you're into surgery, EM, gas, etc. And the point made above about research is very true; I worked on a project at UCSF which was very easy to arrange.

The negatives are probably the inconsistency of clinical rotations. Some core sites provide more rigorous training than others (e.g. more inpatient exposure, resident / fellow interactions, call shifts, structured didactics) but different people are looking for different things, and most tend to get placed where they want to be. The cost of living in the Bay Area is high, and some people think the campus is ghetto. I think the campus is totally awesome -- it's on a historic naval base / island with a golf course, great views, nice weather, and a flock of wild turkeys The administration and faculty are really supportive and casual, and with the small class size it feels like a more tight knit "family" than a big anonymous university.

My perspective is that most schools will give you the tools to succeed as a DO. You need to put in a ton of hard work to do well, pass the boards, and ultimately match a residency in your field of choice. The major differences between programs tend to be with clinical rotations, whether or not attendance is required for lectures the first two years, and school culture. It's worth a visit to feel out the last one, given that it's the least tangible. Good luck making your decision.

I'm not the OP but could you say a little more about the school assuming everyone is going into primary care? Does it show in the way they teach preclinical material? Or it is hard to get rotations in some specialties, etc?

Thanks for such a thorough description!

 

[kittywitty]

Just wondering if any of you out there with an MCAT score of 28 got in? I know the average is a little above 30, but I would love to come here and wanted to know if I have a shot!

 

[koan]

I'm not the OP but could you say a little more about the school assuming everyone is going into primary care? Does it show in the way they teach preclinical material? Or it is hard to get rotations in some specialties, etc?

Thanks for such a thorough description!

Most DO schools and probably a fair number of MD schools assume the majority of their grads are going into primary care. Remember that NHSC defines primary care specialties as including FM, IM, Peds, Psych and OBGyn. Most of your classmates will be entering one of those fields so if you're the guy who's stoked on Ophthalmology, for example, you can't expect vast exposure to that field during M1/M2. You'll still learn eye anatomy, dissect an eye in cadaver lab, have labs on fundus exams and eye pathology, etc. But to get research experience or connect with mentors in the field you'll have to look elsewhere. I think this is the case at any DO program, not just Touro; non-primary care specialization is possible, but requires more effort than it might at MD programs which would have their own department in the field or at least specialists in that field to teach the material. Touro does not actively discourage specialization, which I've heard anecdotes of other schools doing (presumably bc they get state funding to ensure output of primary care grads -- not sure if this is true).

 

[PlasticBag]

Most DO schools and probably a fair number of MD schools assume the majority of their grads are going into primary care. Remember that NHSC defines primary care specialties as including FM, IM, Peds, Psych and OBGyn. Most of your classmates will be entering one of those fields so if you're the guy who's stoked on Ophthalmology, for example, you can't expect vast exposure to that field during M1/M2. You'll still learn eye anatomy, dissect an eye in cadaver lab, have labs on fundus exams and eye pathology, etc. But to get research experience or connect with mentors in the field you'll have to look elsewhere. I think this is the case at any DO program, not just Touro; non-primary care specialization is possible, but requires more effort than it might at MD programs which would have their own department in the field or at least specialists in that field to teach the material. Touro does not actively discourage specialization, which I've heard anecdotes of other schools doing (presumably bc they get state funding to ensure output of primary care grads -- not sure if this is true).

Ok, that makes sense, thank you. I wasn't aware that psych is considered primary care, good to know.

 

[osteocali]

200 secondary and still no interview in state complete early January. Love from out of state schools but nothing from Touro or Western. Admissions keeps telling me it's not too late for II but this waiting game is killing me

 

[Leighis Capall]

200 secondaries?!

 

[nigelmya]

Does anyone know if this school has sent out any pre-interview rejections yet?
Also, what is the percentage of people that get interviewed after receiving a secondary? (hopefully the odds are good)

Thanks!

 

[sun1991]

Does anyone know of any future interview dates? How full the class is?

 

[DrYaya]

Unfortunately I had to reschedule my March 24th interview for April 13th, due to my work schedule. So they are going on for awhile longer........

 

[DrYaya]

Does anyone know of any future interview dates? How full the class is?

Unfortunately I had to reschedule my March 24th interview for April 13th, due to my work schedule. So they are going on for awhile longer........

 

[lhf556]

For those accepted to TUCOM, here is the link Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/612329462223106/

We have a roommate survey available to members of the facebook group for accepted students.

So if you wanna get a head start on finding people to live with, I'd suggest you join the TUCOM Facebook group and complete the survey.

 

[yas_ah]

Hi!
I am a first year DO/MPH student at Touro University. I am also the current class of 2018 social chair.
The link to official TUCOM FB page is https://www.facebook.com/groups/612329462223106/?fref=nf.
If you are waitlisted or accepted, please ask to join this group. First and second year students will answer your questions about the school. I also posted useful links to make the decision making easier for you. Please feel free to message me here. I am not a big fan of SDN. But, I try my best to answer your questions. Please don't ask specific questions about admission process. I don't know the answer to those questions. I can comment on my interview experience and the school.
Good Luck!

 

[ERK123]

Does anyone have experience with visiting Touro after an acceptance in order to make a final decision? I am going to be in Northern California next week and I would really like to take one more look at Touro and ask people questions so I can make the most informed decision possible. Thanks!

 

[pglo]

I interviewed in a past cycle in mid-May. Is this school still interviewing that late in the cycle?

 

[Leighis Capall]

TUCOM-CA seemed like a great school in a great location, but I have decided to accept another offer and will be withdrawing my acceptance from here. Good luck to everyone still hoping for a seat!

 

[anniegold]

Let go of my interview for my acceptance in Nevada. Good luck!

 

[ERK123]

I am not saying that this should be a viable every day option, but considering how close six flags is to Touro this looks like a ridiculously good deal (Might also take 5 years off your life). Thoughts? https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/store/season-dining-pass-sale

Eat as much as you want for $85 a year!

 

[ghir4rd311i]

Hi everyone! a few questions...What are the chances of acceptance after the interview this late in the cycle? Is it solely based on how much they liked you at this point?

I'm scheduled to interview on April 20.. my stats are 3.4/29 + M.S. in immunology and two first author publications

 

[chloerose]

Hi everyone! a few questions...What are the chances of acceptance after the interview this late in the cycle? Is it solely based on how much they liked you at this point?

I'm scheduled to interview on April 20.. my stats are 3.4/29 + M.S. in immunology and two first author publications

When did you send your secondary, if you dont mind me asking?

 

[chloerose]

Just received an ii here yesterday, I had already ruled out any possibility of going here and was planning on RVU. Very confused now on what to do. Definitely still going to this interview, but I would love to hear anyone's opinion on the school's positive and negatives for someone out of state. Also what do students at this school do for fun?

Hello, when did you send your secondary? Also, for what date were you able to schedule your interview? I appreciate the feedback, thanks!

 

[DrYaya]

Hello, when did you send your secondary? Also, for what date were you able to schedule your interview? I appreciate the feedback, thanks!

Hey I sent my secondary in I think early December.

 

[Amygdalarian]

Hi everyone! a few questions...What are the chances of acceptance after the interview this late in the cycle? Is it solely based on how much they liked you at this point?

I'm scheduled to interview on April 20.. my stats are 3.4/29 + M.S. in immunology and two first author publications

+1

Would like to know this as well. I just scheduled an interview for 4/27. I have been accepted at LMU-DCOM and waitlisted at two MD schools. I like some of the things I'm hearing about this school, but is it worth the extra cost compared to DCOM? And as jujubees9 said above, is it worth even interviewing this late in the cycle? Are we interviewing for waitlist spots?

 

[pglo]

+1

Would like to know this as well. I just scheduled an interview for 4/27. I have been accepted at LMU-DCOM and waitlisted at two MD schools. I like some of the things I'm hearing about this school, but is it worth the extra cost compared to DCOM? And as jujubees9 said above, is it worth even interviewing this late in the cycle? Are we interviewing for waitlist spots?

I and many others waiting for an ii would appreciate that interview spot

 

[Amygdalarian]

I and many others waiting for an ii would appreciate that interview spot

I'm giving myself until end of next week to decide. I'll def let you guys know if I give it up.

 

[yanks26dmb]

+1

Would like to know this as well. I just scheduled an interview for 4/27. I have been accepted at LMU-DCOM and waitlisted at two MD schools. I like some of the things I'm hearing about this school, but is it worth the extra cost compared to DCOM? And as jujubees9 said above, is it worth even interviewing this late in the cycle? Are we interviewing for waitlist spots?

If I may ask..what have you been hearing that you've liked? I'm deciding between here and Western and am having a tough time picking....

 

[Amygdalarian]

If I may ask..what have you been hearing that you've liked? I'm deciding between here and Western and am having a tough time picking....

Honestly, just stuff I've read here on this thread today. Seems like there are good points and bad, like with any school. For me, cost is a huge factor, and this school is more expensive than the others. The location is good too. The students seem to really like it there, more than they initially thought they would. But then, the rotations don't seem to be that great. So some good stuff, some not as favorable. The most important factors for me are cost, curriculum style, anatomy lab, student resources, board scores, and rotation opportunities.

 

[dardardar]

does anyone know when the last interview is? i'm assuming late May but wanted to know if we have specifics

 

[AspiringDO27]

does anyone know when the last interview is? i'm assuming late May but wanted to know if we have specifics

I called last week and they said that they interview through the month of May so I am guessing until the very last day of May....or at least I hope because I am still waiting.

 

[yanks26dmb]

Anyone seen the recent match list here?

 

[ephemchao]

I applied back in October, no word... boosted my MCAT 5 points in January... any chances there are still interview invites going out? Suggestions on sending a letter of continued interest?

 

[pglo]

*

 

[jafeel]

How long after the interview do they notify you of your final decision?

 

[ERK123]

How long after the interview do they notify you of your final decision?

They should tell you this after the interview. It depends on when the committee is meeting in relation to your interview day.

 

[uvrsol]

Hi everyone! a few questions...What are the chances of acceptance after the interview this late in the cycle? Is it solely based on how much they liked you at this point?

I'm scheduled to interview on April 20.. my stats are 3.4/29 + M.S. in immunology and two first author publications

how is the prep going for you? I've my interview coming up on april 21st! good luck!

 

[leela13]

I am not saying that this should be a viable every day option, but considering how close six flags is to Touro this looks like a ridiculously good deal (Might also take 5 years off your life). Thoughts? https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/store/season-dining-pass-sale

Eat as much as you want for $85 a year!

I'm all about food, but I could never support Six Flags. The animal cruelty there is even worse than it is at SeaWorld. I made the mistake of going there thinking it was just rides...it's full of animals in tiny cages right next to really loud roller coasters.

 

[ghir4rd311i]

If I may ask..what have you been hearing that you've liked? I'm deciding between here and Western and am having a tough time picking....

How did you like LMU-DCOM? I'm interviewing there this coming Monday. I was a little wary about the location, but heard great things about the program.

 

[ghir4rd311i]

When did you send your secondary, if you dont mind me asking?

I sent in my secondary in late November, but didn't get an interview invite till march.

 

[ghir4rd311i]

how is the prep going for you? I've my interview coming up on april 21st! good luck!

Im currently prepping for my LMU-DCOM interview. TUCOM is my first choice at this point, it would be nice to know the acceptance rates after the interview...

Good luck on your interview!

 

[yanks26dmb]

How did you like LMU-DCOM? I'm interviewing there this coming Monday. I was a little wary about the location, but heard great things about the program.

Never applied to LMU - might have me mixed up!

 

[uvrsol]

Im currently prepping for my LMU-DCOM interview. TUCOM is my first choice at this point, it would be nice to know the acceptance rates after the interview...

Good luck on your interview!

Hope it went well! it would be a good practice for the next week! ya i'm concerned about the late interview and I'm not sure if we are interviewing for the wait list spot. I submitted my secondary early august though. Touro is my first choice too!

 

[DrYaya]

Hi all! Do you guys know if new students get student mentors assigned to them when they start their first year?

 

[pglo]

How often do people email Lynn for application status updates (pre-interview)? The last time I emailed her I received a response that gave me the impression I shouldn't ask again.

I'm hoping to get in the upcoming interview date being an in-state applicant and I was thinking maybe asking for my status now will prompt the ii.

 

[NoLuckHere6]

How often do people email Lynn for application status updates (pre-interview)? The last time I emailed her I received a response that gave me the impression I shouldn't ask again.

I'm hoping to get in the upcoming interview date being an in-state applicant and I was thinking maybe asking for my status now will prompt the ii.

May I ask when you submitted your secondary? And I'd be careful about asking them too frequently about your status for I have heard through the grapevine that it displays distrust on your end...

 

[pglo]

May I ask when you submitted your secondary? And I'd be careful about asking them too frequently about your status for I have heard through the grapevine that it displays distrust on your end...

Well I am getting impatient. Complete in November.

 

[NoLuckHere6]

Well I am getting impatient. Complete in November.

Oh no wonder you're getting impatient. You submitted your secondary way before I ever did lol...you can always tell them that this pending decision is disrupting the admissions process at other schools and perhaps they will inform you more efficiently, but who knows..patience is a damn virtue

 

[uvrsol]

Well I am getting impatient. Complete in November.

you know i submitted my secondary early august and I got II on march 24th. I'm also in-state. So i think you still have a chance to get II. I totally understand how you feel.