What does UMDNJ-SOM have to offer?

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Packamylase

Packamylase

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So, I'm excited about my interview at UMDNJ-SOM, but people are really worked up about this school. What makes New Jersey such a great school?
 
I like the fact that there are only 100 students in the class. The school has a hospital and a doctor's pavilion on campus. That means that all your rotations and first year preceptor will be located on campus. No need to travel.
They had 34 cadavers per class (LECOM had 4 for a class of 150). The professor to student ration is like 2:1.
The board scores are excellent and so is the matchlist.
It is the DO school with the highest government research grants in US.
Tuition is cheap which makes it an attractive choice and finally is a heck of a lot cheaper to live there than in South Florida.
 
onmywayRN said:
I like the fact that there are only 100 students in the class. The school has a hospital and a doctor's pavilion on campus. That means that all your rotations and first year preceptor will be located on campus. No need to travel.
They had 34 cadavers per class (LECOM had 4 for a class of 150). The professor to student ration is like 2:1.
The board scores are excellent and so is the matchlist.
It is the DO school with the highest government research grants in US.
Tuition is cheap which makes it an attractive choice and finally is a heck of a lot cheaper to live there than in South Florida.
Click to expand...

really?😕
 
DRKUBA said:
really?😕
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I think it was something like $650 for a one bedroom appartment when I was asking. In Ft. Lauderdale they were more like $1100.

PS: Congrats on your NSU-COM acceptance.
 
I find it SO hard to believe that it is "way cheaper" to live in South Jersey than anywhere in Florida. 😕

Still - it was great to read your post. I loved DMU so much, and UNE, that I was trying to find out what besides tuition I would like about NJ when I go. Thanks onmyway! Any more??
 
Yes rent is cheaper, in So, Jersey than So. Fla - and no UMDNJ is not a cheaper version of PCOM's program.
 
Orthodoc40 said:
I find it SO hard to believe that it is "way cheaper" to live in South Jersey than anywhere in Florida. 😕

Still - it was great to read your post. I loved DMU so much, and UNE, that I was trying to find out what besides tuition I would like about NJ when I go. Thanks onmyway! Any more??
Click to expand...

I guess I am also looking at property taxes and home insurance. If I sell my home those will all go away, but they will go away if I rent in Florida too.
I still think is somewhat cheaper especially if you take into account tuition.
 
Hmm, interesting info about the living costs. My question is why say "PCOM's program at a lwoer price." What is the big deal with PCOM - I went to the open house and was not nearly as impressed as I was by Nova.
 
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onmywayRN said:
I like the fact that there are only 100 students in the class. The school has a hospital and a doctor's pavilion on campus. That means that all your rotations and first year preceptor will be located on campus. No need to travel.
They had 34 cadavers per class (LECOM had 4 for a class of 150). The professor to student ration is like 2:1.
The board scores are excellent and so is the matchlist.
It is the DO school with the highest government research grants in US.
Tuition is cheap which makes it an attractive choice and finally is a heck of a lot cheaper to live there than in South Florida.
Click to expand...

How do you know the board scores? How do you know the match list? Is it on the website? I don't find much there!
 
listen - PCOM is a great school. It's one of my favorites, because I would liike to go to a Philly school. I was born in Philly and am a Pennsylvania boy all the way. Sorry if that obvious trait comes out in my postings. PCOM looks nice and its staff seemed nice as well.

Notice that I didn't say that UMDNJ-SOM wasn't a cheaper version. Rather, I said that it was similar (read: comparable) in quality not necessarily in the specifics of hte program. Please do not take what I say to mean more than what it reads.
 
drmax said:
listen - PCOM is a great school. It's one of my favorites, because I would liike to go to a Philly school. I was born in Philly and am a Pennsylvania boy all the way. Sorry if that obvious trait comes out in my postings. PCOM looks nice and its staff seemed nice as well.

Notice that I didn't say that UMDNJ-SOM wasn't a cheaper version. Rather, I said that it was similar (read: comparable) in quality not necessarily in the specifics of hte program. Please do not take what I say to mean more than what it reads.
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It wasnt an aggressive question, but reading it back I can understand that it may have seemed that way. I was just curious.
 
Orthodoc40 said:
How do you know the board scores? How do you know the match list? Is it on the website? I don't find much there!
Click to expand...

It has among the highest MCAT and gpa numbers, so I would assume board scores are high since they correlate.
 
Dunkin'DO said:
Sounds like New Jersey isn't a safe place to live. No wonder the rent is cheap. :laugh:
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South Jersey is much less populated and much cheaper to live. Come up to north jersey and you will see some outrageous prices for renting/owning 😱
 
DRKUBA said:
It wasnt an aggressive question, but reading it back I can understand that it may have seemed that way. I was just curious.
Click to expand...

I was only responding to you in part Dr. Kuba... most of that was aimed at the other poster. Thanks for caring though haha
 
drmax said:
Great in-state tuition (easiest state to qualify in..), excellent matchlists among other factors... My understanding is that the program is similar to PCOM for a much lower price.
Click to expand...

Have you seen a more recent UMDNJ-SOM matchlist than 2002? I have been searching, but have not been able to find anything besides the unofficial 2002 list. Thanks!
 
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Yeah, I'm interested in the more current matchlist. I heard it's in paper form, but not electronic. Could someone who has it, scan it, please! 🙂

hopefulKelliDO said:
Have you seen a more recent UMDNJ-SOM matchlist than 2002? I have been searching, but have not been able to find anything besides the unofficial 2002 list. Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
I have a partial match list from last year but I was told not to post it here so I won't. We put people in allopathic rads, path, surgery, gas, neurosurgery... I don't get excited over match lists because it depends on the people in the class where they want to go and how hard are they willing to work for it. We also have a small school so not as many people will go to any one specialty, having said that, I have seen people get into the toughest spots from here so I know that I can do anything I put my heart into. I am sure if you call the admissions office they can supply you with it.

For me, UMDNJ offers all of the things posted here, the hospitals, facilities, research, and on and on; but, it is also a very tight community where the professors know all of our names, the deans are always in the halls talking to us, and classmates are always looking out for each other. When I was in military school there were days that I felt I just couldn't do it anymore but when we marched or ran together in formation I felt that I was able to draw energy from the group, that none of us were facing it alone. That is the feeling I get here and I would choose here again if I had to. If you have the opportunity to come here, I don't hesitate to recommend it.
 
Packamylase said:
So, I'm excited about my interview at UMDNJ-SOM, but people are really worked up about this school. What makes New Jersey such a great school?
Click to expand...

I am not sure Jersey is much of a positive in any light unless it is a firestorm...:laugh:
 
This is great - I'm glad to get the input - thanks Nate, and anyone else that has or can add more from their experiences!!

Yah - NJ itself doesn't SEEM like a positive, but well - I've heard there are nicer parts to it....:laugh:
 
Uh.... No knockin' Jersey unless you are from Jersey eh. There are many things about jersey that are good, and there are some that are not so good. But that is everywhere.

So, uh, keep it shut or Tony and Pauli are gonna come ova and have a little chat wit chew guys.

Hey, jeet? If you are from Jersey, you should know the answer.
 
EMT2ER-DOC said:
Uh.... No knockin' Jersey unless you are from Jersey eh. There are many things about jersey that are good, and there are some that are not so good. But that is everywhere.

So, uh, keep it shut or Tony and Pauli are gonna come ova and have a little chat wit chew guys.

Hey, jeet? If you are from Jersey, you should know the answer.
Click to expand...

I think it's "yous guys". :laugh:
 
Orthodoc40 said:
This is great - I'm glad to get the input - thanks Nate, and anyone else that has or can add more from their experiences!!

Yah - NJ itself doesn't SEEM like a positive, but well - I've heard there are nicer parts to it....:laugh:
Click to expand...

being from jersey i tend to get a little defensive (yeah, i'm working on it 😳 ) but seriously... some areas of nj are cr@p, this is true. however, the state has a lot of pluses, in terms of education, nature, no sales tax at the mall!, and my personal favorite right now - living 10 minutes from work in manhattan, but paying half of the rent that my coworkers do.
 
bigfatk said:
being from jersey i tend to get a little defensive (yeah, i'm working on it 😳 ) but seriously... some areas of nj are cr@p, this is true. however, the state has a lot of pluses, in terms of education, nature, no sales tax at the mall!, and my personal favorite right now - living 10 minutes from work in manhattan, but paying half of the rent that my coworkers do.
Click to expand...

If you work in Manhattan, all that sales tax you saved at the mall is being taken from your paycheck in city tax.
 
bigfatk said:
living 10 minutes from work in manhattan, but paying half of the rent that my coworkers do.
Click to expand...

I can't agree more. Although I'm a native New Yorker, I must say I'm happy with the inexpensive rent I pay to live in Jersey, and so close to the city! (Manhattan)
 
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bigfatk said:
being from jersey i tend to get a little defensive (yeah, i'm working on it 😳 ) but seriously... some areas of nj are cr@p, this is true. however, the state has a lot of pluses, in terms of education, nature, no sales tax at the mall!, and my personal favorite right now - living 10 minutes from work in manhattan, but paying half of the rent that my coworkers do.
Click to expand...

I am also 10 minutes from NYC, where be you?
 
Nate said:
I have a partial match list from last year but I was told not to post it here so I won't. We put people in allopathic rads, path, surgery, gas, neurosurgery... I don't get excited over match lists because it depends on the people in the class where they want to go and how hard are they willing to work for it. We also have a small school so not as many people will go to any one specialty, having said that, I have seen people get into the toughest spots from here so I know that I can do anything I put my heart into. I am sure if you call the admissions office they can supply you with it.

For me, UMDNJ offers all of the things posted here, the hospitals, facilities, research, and on and on; but, it is also a very tight community where the professors know all of our names, the deans are always in the halls talking to us, and classmates are always looking out for each other. When I was in military school there were days that I felt I just couldn't do it anymore but when we marched or ran together in formation I felt that I was able to draw energy from the group, that none of us were facing it alone. That is the feeling I get here and I would choose here again if I had to. If you have the opportunity to come here, I don't hesitate to recommend it.
Click to expand...

This is why UMDNJ is my #1 choice, I have been there for almost a year in the masters program, and the first thing I noticed about the school was how helpful everybody was, even the first years helping the grad students. The class sizes are small so everyone knows each other, and the professors are all really helpful (so far).
 
Nate said:
I have a partial match list from last year but I was told not to post it here so I won't. We put people in allopathic rads, path, surgery, gas, neurosurgery... I don't get excited over match lists because it depends on the people in the class where they want to go and how hard are they willing to work for it. We also have a small school so not as many people will go to any one specialty, having said that, I have seen people get into the toughest spots from here so I know that I can do anything I put my heart into. I am sure if you call the admissions office they can supply you with it.

For me, UMDNJ offers all of the things posted here, the hospitals, facilities, research, and on and on; but, it is also a very tight community where the professors know all of our names, the deans are always in the halls talking to us, and classmates are always looking out for each other. When I was in military school there were days that I felt I just couldn't do it anymore but when we marched or ran together in formation I felt that I was able to draw energy from the group, that none of us were facing it alone. That is the feeling I get here and I would choose here again if I had to. If you have the opportunity to come here, I don't hesitate to recommend it.
Click to expand...


Thanks, Nate! I'm interviewing there tomorrow (Friday, 10/27)! Any advice for me?
 
Nate said:
I have a partial match list from last year but I was told not to post it here so I won't.
Click to expand...
I really don't get why schools don't release their match list, its an important component to evaluating the school in some instances. Is there a reason why they won't release it like other schools?
 
matchlist - I don't know why they don't "release it" although I am rather sure you can get it by asking admissions. I just don't see how it is worth much until you are a student and want to find someone in a specialty you are interested as a mentor. I am interested in neurosurgery and the office was happy to supply me with all the names and numbers of SOM graduates who are in neurosurgery. I can tell you that we have our own residency programs which are really good for the most part and we have a huge advantage here for getting into them.

Interview - I know it is impossible but try and relax; the school prides itself in being a family so the interview is laid back and students will probably be stopping to talk to you all day and welcome you. If you have any questions at all ask them, show that you are interested.

NJ - it is fun to make fun of NJ but in all it is a good place to live. The area where the school is has everything suburbia should and is pretty safe. We have our own police department for some reason... there was a grand total of one petty crime on campus last year. Philly is 20 min away, DC is 2.5 hours, and NYC (the best city) is only 2 hours. Any given day you can go see a football game, see an opera at the world class met, hit up some museums, hit the beach, the boardwalks, Atlantic City, the pinelands and the trails. Yes, it is crowded and traffic can be a nightmare but all in all it is a pretty great place to live. I can't think of many other places where you can live so quietly but have all that so close. Why else would they make HOUSE and The Sopranos in joisey, eh?

SOM – a few more things about the school: we have standardized patient labs, the m & m conferences and grand rounds for most of our residency programs are right on campus and open to students (networking and experience), over 30 student run clubs that are very active (most days of the week there is something going on), student government has a very big voice in administration (we can influence everything from curriculum to activities), we play sports weekly (basketball, soccer, flag football, street hockey), everything you need to live is on campus (microwave, lounges with couches, lockers, showers, gym, TV, wireless access to the internet, computer labs, study space, a hospital). Anyway, it goes on and on and I am probably just avoiding studying for our pulm exam so good night and good luck
 
Nate just told you guys everything I would have. Watch out for BOOP on that exam Nate!

the only thing I'll add is that we do pretty well at placing people into Ortho and have our own Ortho residency here which is really good (that's for you orthodoc40). the program is very happy to have students at the morning conferences as well and the residents all love to teach once you get to your rotations in 3rd year.

best of luck to all the interviewees
 
DOctorJay said:
Nate just told you guys everything I would have. Watch out for BOOP on that exam Nate!

the only thing I'll add is that we do pretty well at placing people into Ortho and have our own Ortho residency here which is really good (that's for you orthodoc40). the program is very happy to have students at the morning conferences as well and the residents all love to teach once you get to your rotations in 3rd year.

best of luck to all the interviewees
Click to expand...

OOO! Oooo! Good to know!! 😀 Thanks!

(By the time we get there, I will probably be interested in something completely different...but for now, it definitely gets me excited!! :laugh: )
 
uh NJ is the best state to live in besides California because it has everything you need.......moutains to ski, beaches to surf, and of course casinos to gamble!
 
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Trabada said:
yeah, I am trying to make a decision regarding UNJ also. I just came back from PCOM and LECOM and did not think much of those two school. I have interview scheduled at UNJ on Nov10, and trying to decide if I should go there or cancel. Is there any good websited where I can find infor about schools residency matchlist. For those of you who visited DMU and UNJ which school did you like more and why? I have been accepted to DMU and loved the school. But I do not want to make a mistake
Click to expand...

DMU and UMDNJ are SO different in about every way possible, so you should come up for an interview if given the opportunity.
 
Nate said:
matchlist - I don't know why they don't "release it" although I am rather sure you can get it by asking admissions. I just don't see how it is worth much until you are a student and want to find someone in a specialty you are interested as a mentor. I am interested in neurosurgery and the office was happy to supply me with all the names and numbers of SOM graduates who are in neurosurgery. I can tell you that we have our own residency programs which are really good for the most part and we have a huge advantage here for getting into them.

Interview - I know it is impossible but try and relax; the school prides itself in being a family so the interview is laid back and students will probably be stopping to talk to you all day and welcome you. If you have any questions at all ask them, show that you are interested.

NJ - it is fun to make fun of NJ but in all it is a good place to live. The area where the school is has everything suburbia should and is pretty safe. We have our own police department for some reason... there was a grand total of one petty crime on campus last year. Philly is 20 min away, DC is 2.5 hours, and NYC (the best city) is only 2 hours. Any given day you can go see a football game, see an opera at the world class met, hit up some museums, hit the beach, the boardwalks, Atlantic City, the pinelands and the trails. Yes, it is crowded and traffic can be a nightmare but all in all it is a pretty great place to live. I can't think of many other places where you can live so quietly but have all that so close. Why else would they make HOUSE and The Sopranos in joisey, eh?

SOM – a few more things about the school: we have standardized patient labs, the m & m conferences and grand rounds for most of our residency programs are right on campus and open to students (networking and experience), over 30 student run clubs that are very active (most days of the week there is something going on), student government has a very big voice in administration (we can influence everything from curriculum to activities), we play sports weekly (basketball, soccer, flag football, street hockey), everything you need to live is on campus (microwave, lounges with couches, lockers, showers, gym, TV, wireless access to the internet, computer labs, study space, a hospital). Anyway, it goes on and on and I am probably just avoiding studying for our pulm exam so good night and good luck
Click to expand...


Nate, it was nice to meet you yesterday. You and DrKuba. Thanks for the tour of the campus. I was really impressed. Next time, remember your ID card, though! 😉 😀
 
Packamylase said:
DMU and UMDNJ are SO different in about every way possible, so you should come up for an interview if given the opportunity.
Click to expand...

How different? Like, in WHAT ways?? I loved DMU, and have my NJ interview next week. I'm looking forward to it, but it would be nice to know more! So far in my 3 (total) interviews, I've found it would be hard to decide b/w schools. They all seem to have such great features!
 
EMT2ER-DOC said:
Uh.... No knockin' Jersey unless you are from Jersey eh. There are many things about jersey that are good, and there are some that are not so good. But that is everywhere.

So, uh, keep it shut or Tony and Pauli are gonna come ova and have a little chat wit chew guys.

Hey, jeet? If you are from Jersey, you should know the answer.
Click to expand...


Your avatar is frightening!!
 
Trabada said:
When is you UNJ interview? I have it scheduled for 11/10 and do not if I will be going or not. I have been accepted at DMU and by far it the school I liked the most. Will you share your experience about the school, please?
Click to expand...

Mine is on 11/3. I'll let you know - but would love to here from those who've already been to both.

How'd you like DMU the most? I've heard KCU is pretty much the same!?
 
Orthodoc40 said:
This is great - I'm glad to get the input - thanks Nate, and anyone else that has or can add more from their experiences!!

Yah - NJ itself doesn't SEEM like a positive, but well - I've heard there are nicer parts to it....:laugh:
Click to expand...
Jersey is awesome. Everybody knocks it, but it can be a great place to live. If you live in north jersey, you're normally 15 min from manhattan, 10 min from giants stadium, 1 hour to skiing in vernon in the winter and 1 hour to head down the shore during the summer. We get all the seasons, have great beaches, ski mountains and have The Boss(Springsteen for those of you who don't know 😛) and Bon Jovi. Plus many of us are part sicilian, so there is a heavy Italian influence and the restaurants are GREAT. What more could you ask for ?!?!? 😎

Of course there are drawbacks: Many of us who grew up there, grew up in rough and/or polluted neighborhoods. Me - I grew up in an urban area across the street from an auto body shop and a couple blocks away from an ink factory. (Lung cancer here I come!) But everything has its pluses and minuses, right? Living in Jersey is a love/hate relationship. Alot of people feel trapped and wanna break out from it, but they never really want to leave.

I'm living in LI now to attend NYCOM, but moving back to jersey is always on my mind...
 
PlasticMan said:
Jersey is awesome. Everybody knocks it, but it can be a great place to live. If you live in north jersey, you're normally 15 min from manhattan, 10 min from giants stadium, 1 hour to skiing in vernon in the winter and 1 hour to head down the shore during the summer. We get all the seasons, have great beaches, ski mountains and have The Boss(Springsteen for those of you who don't know 😛) and Bon Jovi. Plus many of us are part sicilian, so there is a heavy Italian influence and the restaurants are GREAT. What more could you ask for ?!?!? 😎

Of course there are drawbacks: Many of us who grew up there, grew up in rough and/or polluted neighborhoods. Me - I grew up in an urban area across the street from an auto body shop and a couple blocks away from an ink factory. (Lung cancer here I come!) But everything has its pluses and minuses, right? Living in Jersey is a love/hate relationship. Alot of people feel trapped and wanna break out from it, but they never really want to leave.

I'm living in LI now to attend NYCOM, but moving back to jersey is always on my mind...
Click to expand...


Just curious, if you had to chose between NYCOM and UMDNJ, which would you choose?
 
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