2007 LECOM Biomedical Postbac Acceptances

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Thanks for the information. 😀 I'm taking in Sept so I don't have to worry about it and won't freak out about it.
2. It is not a "guarantee" in for the fall '08. You must work very hard. Ask the profs questions. They have an extremely supportive faculty and staff that will go out their way to help you. But do not, and I can not stress this enough, do not take advantage of them and abuse the privaleges you do have. It will have a devastating backlash on future projects, reviews, etc.
Ok you peaked my interest, what do you mean "take advantage"?

Do you know how many from your class got in?
 
I'm glad that you asked this question.
Last year we had a number of students who took the MCAT during the
spring semester - they were accepted contingent upon their successful
MCAT score of 20 or better. Some of those students did have difficulty
achieving that score, and one factor that they cited to me was the need
for additional study on top of our rather challenging course load.
Therefore, if you think that you can improve your score on the exam in
September, it might be a better option. It's just important to remember
that we can only accept your most recent exam score, so taking the exam
again unprepared is not a good idea. Bottom line: an MCAT score of 22 or
better (and a 3.0 in the program) is essential to being seriously
considered for admission to the medical school.


Brian
 
We had a couple people get caught cheating during a review session of old exams. This ruined it for everyone, and no more review sessions were held for the spring semester. Not even the reviews with the MS2 that was tutoring was allowed anymore. I actually found the review sessions to be very helpful in preparing for the next exam and cummulative final.
 
Do you know how many from your class got in?


No, not exact numbers, but two of my friends/ study buddies got in for the fall. I heard of a good handful that got in. There were quite a few that decided not to go LECOM but to somewhere else.
 
Based on my own research, I agree (and already knew) that taking the exam before post bac starts (whether in September or earlier) would be best for those of you who are prepared. I've been researching the deadlines for getting in transcripts and primaries to all DO schools, and majority of them want your transcripts and primary application by early February-- or even late January--with the exception of LECOM that has a 3/1 deadline. My source is the Princeton Review 168 medical schools book, which gives stats on all medical schools, MD, DO, caribbean, and canadian.

Yes, the schools would receive our post bac transcripts on time, but as someone mentioned, January 2008 MCAT test dates are late January...so the January MCAT scores would not arrive on time to complete the primary application. Therefore, if you're only applying to LECOM and you feel you can get the appropriate score while doing the program, you can take the January MCAT. However, I have a feeling that for those students who were accepted at other DO and MD schools, they'd taken the MCAT long before January (or maybe didn't even need to retake it) and submitted their applications far earlier. Many MD and DO schools may not even accept the January 2008 MCAT for entering class of 2008 since it's so late in the cycle.
 
We had a couple people get caught cheating during a review session of old exams. This ruined it for everyone, and no more review sessions were held for the spring semester. Not even the reviews with the MS2 that was tutoring was allowed anymore. I actually found the review sessions to be very helpful in preparing for the next exam and cummulative final.
That's ashame but I suppose that people should have known better. You have MS2 tutors?

Does the post-bacc keep stats on who was admitted to schools this year and who weren't? I never asked that before ...
 
They will not accept as your primary MCAT but if you "update your file" most schools that I've seen will accept. I don't see why they wouldn't.


I would email every school I was applying to be sure of this. I found the stats for MD schools' view of January 2007 MCAT for c/o 2007, and many schools did not have that policy:

http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/january2007mcat.htm

As for DO schools, I found this post in an earlier forum. My conclusion is that even if these DO schools accept January MCAT, it's still a bit late in the cycle and may hinder chances of acceptance in comparison to someone who takes the test in Sepetember and has their application complete earlier:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=334020
 
I would email every school I was applying to be sure of this. I found the stats for MD schools' view of January 2007 MCAT for c/o 2007, and many schools did not have that policy:

http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/january2007mcat.htm

As for DO schools, I found this post in an earlier forum. My conclusion is that even if these DO schools accept January MCAT, it's still a bit late in the cycle and may hinder chances of acceptance in comparison to someone who takes the test in Sepetember and has their application complete earlier:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=334020
👍 Thanks for the information!

So has everyone decided? I have a Sept 7th test date which means I might not make it to class. The Sept 8th date was already full but I'm still working on switching them.
 
Probably both. :laugh: I also have the Sept. 7 date....hopefully we won't be too late to class.
 
Probably both. :laugh: I also have the Sept. 7 date....hopefully we won't be too late to class.
Well I know I will. Right now I'm taking the test an hour an half away. I'm thinking I'm going to go to the test early and see if I can at least get there by 6. It be nice if we got our schedules and they gave us off. I just don't want to miss class! Great impression I'll be giving. 👍
 
Any way you could take it on the 7th in Erie? That would suck though because it costs $50 to change locations.

I don't think LECOM would give you any trouble...taking the MCAT is a really good reason to miss a day of classes.
 
Any way you could take it on the 7th in Erie? That would suck though because it costs $50 to change locations.

I don't think LECOM would give you any trouble...taking the MCAT is a really good reason to miss a day of classes.
all seats in the area are full. I was lucky enough to get one where I got one. Its about an 1.5 from my house, then that site is over 1.5 hrs from the school. :laugh: I'm going to be sooooo tired that night and will just want to pass out. I'm checking twice daily though 😀

any word on books, what to use, what not to use? I'm curious ass I always buy them online or second hand and would like to start looking for them in August. I'm also waiting for the schedule. Its still trying to be approved by the Dean last I heard. Also heard they are dropping public health.

I am getting a little nervous now. 15 credits in graduate work is alot and I will be commuting almost 2 hrs one way (that's also NOT in the snow 🙁 ) . I won't be commuting all the time but probably 2-3 days a week. I can't afford an apartment since I already own a house with my husband and paying for two households isn't feasible this year. Next year will be ALOT easier hopefully.

Does anyone know if you are NOT permitted to tape record lectures?
 
all seats in the area are full. I was lucky enough to get one where I got one. I'm going to be sooooo tired that night and will just want to pass out. I'm checking twice daily though 😀

any word on books, what to use, what not to use? I'm curious ass I always buy them online or second hand and would like to start looking for them in August. I'm also waiting for the schedule. Its still trying to be approved by the Dean last I heard. Also heard they are dropping public health.

I am getting a little nervous now. 15 credits in graduate work is alot and I will be commuting almost 2 hrs one way (that's also NOT in the snow 🙁 ) . I won't be commuting all the time but probably 2-3 days a week. I can't afford an apartment since I already own a house with my husband and paying for two households isn't feasible this year. Next year will be ALOT easier hopefully.

Does anyone know if you are NOT permitted to tape record lectures?

Ok, what time does your MCAT start?
If it's in the morning, the entire computer based exam should only take you about 4.5-5 hrs. It would give you plenty of time to get to class. Also if you let Brian know that you are taking it that day, they will be just fine with it. But make sure you let them know just in case you're late.

Books.... hmmmm.... you don't need all of them that they list. I would definitely get anatomy, biochemistry, immunology and microbiology. The only books I got were the anatomy, biochemistry and medical terminology. The latter you really don't need. I also had all the other books at home from undergrad, so I didn't want to spend the money. The profs give you a print out of their lectures each night, which they all make their questions from. By the way, you will still have to take some notes because sometimes they throw in extra tidbits. Also, the books I recommended will definitely have readings and some test questions from them.

As for commuting that far, I really don't recommend it, especially once winter hits. We get some really nasty storms up here at times. One of my friends commuted but had an apt. up here for during the week. It was hard on her but she did it, she's also one of the ones that got in for med school this fall. You may want to team up with another classmate or two and maybe get an apt together. Grenada Apt. are pretty cheap around here and they're not that far from campus (2-3 miles).

Lastly, tape recording lectures... you have to ask each prof, some are ok with it and others are not. So, you'll have to check when you get there. Oh, and one more thing, they really frown upon missing classes (MCAT would be an exception), you'll have to be close to death to miss class. I reallly don't recommend it. And don't miss Anatomy, you will regret it.

Anyways, that's my .02, if you have any more questions let me know.
 
My friend lived almost an hour and a half from here. Study groups were mostly during the week before class and sometimes after. We did have some group meetings on the weekend especially right before a test. Highly recommended to set aside about 5 hours a day to study. There was no specific day each week we had exams. They will give you a class schedule when you get there and it will state what days the exams will be on.

Oh, in case you didn't know the classes are one subject per day. Ex. Monday- biochem., Tuesday- medical terminology, Wednesday- Microbiology, etc. I think they have the same system in place, but don't quote me on it in case it's changed. Classes will run the whole 3 hours( esp. physiology, biochem, and anatomy), unless the prof is feeling particularly kind that day.
 
My schedule....hmmmm....

MOnday-Friday
Get up at 6:00am( breakfast, shower, etc.)
Get the kids off to school by 7:15 and 8:45am
Study or read (every other day exercise)9:00am-11:00am
Lunch 11:30-12:30pm
12:30-3:30pm study or read
3:15-3:45pm kids get home from school
3:45-4:30 help kids w/ hmwk (roughly)
4:30-8:30pm tag team husband, 15 min. drive to/from school and in class
8:30-9:00pm dinner awaits
9:00-11:00pm extra study time if needed
11:00pm-12:00am me time!
12:00am bed (sometimes earlier/later)

Sat/Sun
Get up btwn 8-9am morning ritual
If study group or just study from 11:00am-2:00pm (otherwise family time)
3:00pm-11:00pm (sometimes later) work

Schedule did alter from time to time
 
Thanks for all the information Sage. Very much appreciated. 👍
 
hey,
i was wondering for all those who are going to erie for the postbac, from where did you guys get your info for the housing? did anyone contact joe palermo? i recently talked to him and he seemed like a nice guy and coincidently had an apt for me with furniture and everything. but then i (unfortunately) stumbled upon apartmentratings.com and saw that a lot of complaints about him and his realty, like how he fixes things slow and doesn't give the deposit back...i just don't want to deal with such a hassle regarding an unreputable realtor...if anyone has any experience with them please share your thoughts...also if anyone knows where to find any apts at this time, please let me know...i've been looking since july and haven't found anything yet. thanks in advance.
 
hey,
i was wondering for all those who are going to erie for the postbac, from where did you guys get your info for the housing? did anyone contact joe palermo? i recently talked to him and he seemed like a nice guy and coincidently had an apt for me with furniture and everything. but then i (unfortunately) stumbled upon apartmentratings.com and saw that a lot of complaints about him and his realty, like how he fixes things slow and doesn't give the deposit back...i just don't want to deal with such a hassle regarding an unreputable realtor...if anyone has any experience with them please share your thoughts...also if anyone knows where to find any apts at this time, please let me know...i've been looking since july and haven't found anything yet. thanks in advance.

Go to www.goerie.com there are a ton of listings for apartments in the area. Granada Garden apt. always has openings especially this time of year. There not the ritziest apt. but they're clean and very affordable and only a few miles from the school (<5 min.). They're also pretty fair about things. There are a lot of students from LECOM that live there. Good luck!
 
I hate to hear that about Palermo because I'll be living at one of his properties in the Fall. :scared:
 
🙂 Hey everyone..I'll be doing this post-bac in the fall too..I am an Erie kid born and raised..I was just seeing if you had any questions about the city in general..I'm re-taking MCAT in August and Applying to Med School for Fall '09
 
booter: i didn't mean to scare you...i went back to apartmentratings.com and have yet to find a decent review...so, i'm sure that your unit won't cause that much of a hassle...also i was wondering if there is a favorite/popular area of students that like to live in erie...like a certain apartment complex that many favor or think are quite decent and quiet...also, i recently talked to the postbac people at lecom and apparently there is a dress code for us...i think its slacks, shirts and ties for the guys, and skirts and blouses for the ladies...i don't know how much they enforce this rule cuz i belong to the group of people who can literally live in jeans...so this is quite nerve-racking...dressing up everyday is something i am not looking forward to do...besides we have evening classes...who cares how we dress...its going to be night by the time we get done with classes...also, for those who have done the postbac, how time-consuming was it on a day to day basis? did you have time to have a life and whatnot? also, for those that live in erie, is there a particular place where we should avoid to rent...like if there is problems with rodents or roaches in certain places that we should stay away from...any help to guide us in this manner would be appreciated...thanks
 
Yes there is a dress code, even in the evening. Ok, here's how it works, during regular business hours, slacks, dress shirt, tie for the men; women- skirt/slacks, blouse, dress shoes. NO sneakers or flip-flops, jeans or sweats!(no PJ's either, lol) Post bacs have to be in dress code for class, which means pretty much any time you step foot into the building you must be in dress code. The only exceptions is if you B-line to the gym facility or if its the weekend. They are quite strict about it. You don't have to be in strict business attire but dress nice.

By the way, hello rugger14, nice to see another Erie-ite on board.

If you have questions about Erie, surrounding areas and the school feel free to ask away!
 
i'm still trying to find a place there..i might end up getting a house-turned-into-an-apartment complex type thingy...i'm still trying to figure that out...i should be moving in the 1 or 2 sept...i guess we also have to set up an appt to see the security office before school starts to get out id pic taken so thats something to do before classes...
 
I'll be moving up to Erie August 3rd. Right now I'm getting my place here ready to move out. The dress code will definitely suck at the beginning, but hopefully we'll get used to.
 
hey...i was just wondering a couple of things, maybe those who have gone through the program can answer: 1) how are the lectures conducted, like are they ppt slides or on the blackboard & if they are ppt slides, can we download them on to our computer or get a printout so we can write as we go along...2) are exams curved or are we competing against ourselves?...3) how cold does it get in erie? since it is next to the lake and all, is it unbearable during the winter time? how often does it snow? when does it start snowing?...thanks...i'll come up with some more once i start packing...🙂
 
winters can get pretty cold..but not as windy as the midwest..I'd say low teens usually.. with wind chill can be below 0 at times...i hope you like snow..it is not unusual to have 2+ ft on the ground at once, but last year we didn't get as much as we usually do...

also a question for someone who did this program: are most of the test subject matter from lecture or a lot from book? I'm assuming that depends on the professor..
 
lectures are with ppt slides. Handouts are also given if you want them and you can download them but sometimes the profs don't get them up on the web in a timely manner. There is no curve, you get what you earn.
 
i was wondering for those of you who have gone through the postbac program, how time-consuming was it? how much time outside of classes did u spend on the material on a daily basis (eg. 3 hrs in class + how many hrs outside of class?)? how often are the exams and are they back-breakingly difficult? and on a sidenote...do they give us individual accounts where they post their lectures online?
 
Not to change the subject, but I had a question for any former LECOM post-bacc'ers. I am attending the program in the fall, but I am interested in applying to an allopathic school in addition to LECOM and NYCOM. Does anyone know of any former post-bacc students who applied (or did anyone apply) to MD school and if so, how did they accomplish that given LECOM's January release of post-bacc scores ?? 😕
Thanks !!
 
rugger14: thanks for answering my questions about erie...i just had one favor to ask of u or anyone else who lives in the area...i was talking to a guy about renting an apt from them...from what he says about the apartment, it seems decent...i was wondering if you or anyone can go and check it out on my behalf...i mean, if you have time...its just that i don't feel comfortable renting from anyone without seeing the apartment (and i won't be able to come down there until sept) and i don't really know anyone in the area that can do it on my behalf...the property is supposed to be about 5 min from lecom...if anyone can go there with a digital camera and check it out for me, that would be highly appreciated...thanks...
 
^^^^That's a great idea. I hope you find someone to help out.

Does anyone know about Erie's bus system as far as its realiability and students using it to get to LECOM?
 
hey boboandtoto, I could look at the place for u...just email [email protected] for what I need to know...

and bus wise I'd say getting to LECOM is possible, but there could be a little walking involved as far as I know...this site has the schedule for the Erie line http://www.emtaerie.com route 26-M4 looked the closest but I think the W. grandview/pittsburgh ave stop is maybe a ten min walk? Also depends on where u live for route transfers and all...

lecom just bought some property on 6th st. and mentioned some postgad programs would be there in the fall..i hope this doesn't mean us? obviously they would tell us if this is the case...which i don't think it is..:laugh:
 
As for the new building, that's going to house the medical masters and a few other future graduate programs, research, education based, as well as the physician plan, not the science based programs I believe. How far away is that building from the school? Its on the front page, but here's the article:

LECOM Announces Erie Bayfront Expansion Plans

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine purchases RentWay Erie Headquarters

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has purchased the Erie bayfront headquarters of RentWay Corporation. LECOM Bayfront Campus LECOM will pay $4.26 million for the three story, 73,000 square foot office building and nearly 16 acres of waterfront property. The property also includes a 2000 square foot caretaker's house, 234 paved parking spaces and access to Presque Isle Bay. The location has easy access to the Erie Bayfront Parkway and Interstate 79.

The College will use the building to house offices and classrooms for expanding post-graduate programs, education research and clinical services.

Dr. John Ferretti
Dr. John Ferretti announces purchase of
property for LECOM Bayfront Campus
"This building is move-in ready," said LECOM President John M. Ferretti, D.O. "The building is furnished and equipped with technology that's appropriate for this day and age in medical education."

LECOM Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Michael Visnosky, Esq., said, "this is a continuation of LECOM's commitment and investment in the city of Erie that began in 1992 with the opening of the college of osteopathic medicine, later the school of pharmacy and more recently the Plaza 18 medical teaching center in Little Italy."

The LECOM Graduate Studies Program will move to the bay front campus where the college will conduct classes for the Master of Science in Medical Education. The facility also will provide class space for future graduate degrees.
LECOM closed on the property this morning and will occupy the building this fall.

The Lake Erie Consortium for Osteopathic Medical Training (LECOMT), which oversees LECOM intern and residency programs, will relocate from the West Grandview Boulevard campus to the bayfront. LECOMT started with one teaching hospital in 1998 and now works with 30 hospitals in seven states training more than 600 new physicians each year.

The corporate offices of Medical Associates of Erie (MAE), LECOM's physician practice plan, will occupy part of the building. MAE manages physician offices throughout Erie County providing medical specialties that include: Family Practice, Orthopedics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Geriatrics and General Surgery.

In addition to LECOM and its affiliates, Vantage Health Care will be the first tenant in the building. According to Vantage CEO Jerry Alonge, "Vantage is pleased to be working with LECOM in the role of managing the building and as the first tenant in what will be an ideal location for office space. Our intent is to locate our telecom technology center here and to have access to space to support our growth. This expands our presence in Erie and we look forward to growing with Erie in the future".

The property has a long Erie history from when it was part of the Strong family estate to the early 1970s when Zurn Corporation moved the company's corporate headquarters to the site. RentWay expanded the building and occupied the site until Rent-A-Center purchased the company and closed the building last fall; and now, LECOM will be the new owner.
 
Thanks for the bus info, Rugger.
I sent you a PM...



hey boboandtoto, I could look at the place for u...just email [email protected] for what I need to know...

and bus wise I'd say getting to LECOM is possible, but there could be a little walking involved as far as I know...this site has the schedule for the Erie line http://www.emtaerie.com route 26-M4 looked the closest but I think the W. grandview/pittsburgh ave stop is maybe a ten min walk? Also depends on where u live for route transfers and all...

lecom just bought some property on 6th st. and mentioned some postgad programs would be there in the fall..i hope this doesn't mean us? obviously they would tell us if this is the case...which i don't think it is..:laugh:
 
Hey all, I just got accepted yesterday and will probably be attending this fall. Congrats to everyone else, see you in a few weeks
 
I don't mind answering questions but please look at my previous posts I have answered a lot of these questions already.

mshheaddoc, the new offices on the Bayfront for grad studies will be about a 10 minute drive, depending on traffic, from the W. Grandview location.
 
I heard that they will be posting the post bac schedule in the next few days.
For those of you who are not from Erie, the bus really isn't a good alternative for transportation to campus. There's only one stop that's closer than a 5-10 minute walk, and the bus comes to that one stop about three times a day.

The program is actually pretty strict in a lot of ways. You have to maintain a minimum GPA, you can't miss class for unexcused reasons (it can impact your exam scores), and you really have to exceed the minimum required scores to be seriously considered for admission to their DO school.

There are lots of housing options, but most students like just a few of the apartment complexes: Granada (inexpensive), West Wind (a little pricier), Laurel Ridge (also pricey). While Erie isn't huge, if you don't have a car you'll want something very close to campus - it's very difficult to walk anywhere in the winter, and there are no sidewalks on the south side of campus.

According to what I've heard, they will NOT move the postbac program this year. It will move to the bayfront next year, but it will also be changed to a two-year master's program.

Good luck to everyone entering the program this year.
 
So what all do we need to have done before we start? Police background check, health care stuff....am I missing anything?
 
have any of you guys received anything from lecom lately? i haven't heard or seen anything from them about health insurance, tuition etc., also any of you guys heading to erie around the same date as i am? (aug 24)
 
hey all, i just got back from a quick day trip to campus (4 hours each way). i picked up the health and financial aid stuff but they told me they mailed most of it out this week if you did not get it previously. i'll be moving in the weekend after we start, staying in a hotel until then (it's a very long story which i'm sure no one cares about) but i'm all about going out and getting drinks or something to get to know people. also, housing is kind of hard to find if you're looking for a 1 person place, as a lot of places are full already. let me know if anyone has questions, although i think there are others that may be able to answer them better. either way, good luck w/ the rest of freedom for a few weeks and i'll see you all in sept.
 
SAVoodoo, that stinks, but at least it will just we a few days in a hotel, like 3 nights.

So is anyone applying this year? If so, how many of you already applied?
 
it would be nice to get a head start on meeting the people i'll be most likely spending the next few months with since the closest people i would know would probably still be hundreds of miles away.

by the way, i don't know if anyone else is on the same boat but i've never been a "study group" kind of person (i find it more of a distraction), but seeing that study groups are an inevitability for med school it would be nice to set up a time for us to meet/start thinking about groups.
 
i will be filling out my aacomas when i get up there as i am still preparing for my 2nd mcat this tuesday. what is the general concesus on when to get this stuff filed for entrance for the 2008 school year anyway? hope i haven't already gotten behind hte 8 ball

- hoping to break 30, wish me luck -
 
heye veryone..im probably going to visit the place around next week..i stil lneed to find a place and dman it sucks becuase i really wanted a one person place...how about all the townhouses by Montagna brothers..are they filled? anyway..i sent out my amcas and aacomas already and im filling out secondaries for all the schools..im still receiving a lot of MD secondaries but yeah im also preparing for the sept MCAT..so ill see how it goes

by the way...did we get our schedule or ne thing yet in the mail? so far i only got the fee's and financial aid stuff i didnt get anything on books or the schedule..yeah yeah im not much of a study group person either lol but i really want to become one so hopefully this helps!
 
You should have received a list for books and a schedule by now if not try the website although I know a few links won't take you were you need to go. Also they will give you a welcome packet on your first day of orientation. Here's the link to Orientation schedule if anyone needs it: http://www.my.lecom.edu/orientationsched.pdf
 
hello all,

i haven't turned in either med school app, i'm planning on doing that either tomorrow or thursday. the problem i'm running into is moving out by sunday and still getting everything sent in. i also haven't received my book list and what not but i'll let you know when i get it. thanks for the orientation page sage, i remembered seeing it but couldn't find it again. if you've got a link to the book list and such that'd be awesome.

oh and mshheaddoc i found out i can't move in until the 14th now (an even longer story) so now i'm camping by the lake until then...which should be, well, fun as well as interesting.


also, i'll be in town saturday once more to get my security stuff taken care of so if i haven't gotten anything about books i'll ask them about it. talk to everyone later

-dave
 
is anybody else applying to med school next summer? i'm thinking about doing some clinical research next yr
 
is anybody else applying to med school next summer? i'm thinking about doing some clinical research next yr

i think i may wait a yr. i haven't decided yet and am putting off getting my app in... although i have lots of research so i may try to do an smp or something
 
oh and mshheaddoc i found out i can't move in until the 14th now (an even longer story) so now i'm camping by the lake until then...which should be, well, fun as well as interesting.


That is going to suck
 
Top