2014-2015 California Northstate University College of Medicine

[Throwaway41785]

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For those of you accepted, what are your LizzyMs? I'm just curious. Mine is 73

I am also curious, as people's backgrounds will definitely affect the classroom dynamics. It would be interesting if there was a wide range.

My LizzyM is a 63. Non-trad, low GPA with positive trend and good MCAT. Was admitted around the first acceptance batch after the first interviews.

 

[Dohnut]

All,

Just received a phone call! Accepted.

Since everyone asks, my timeline:
- Wed, 8 Jul 2015: submitted primary application via CNUCOM portal
- Wed, 8 Jul 2015: submitted MCAT score reports to [email protected]
- Fri, 10 Jul 2015: received secondary application (one week deadline)
- Mon, 13 Jul 2015: submitted secondary application via CNUCOM portal
- Mon, 13 Jul 2015: had recommenders submit their letters (originally prepared in 2014 Summer) to [email protected]
- Mon, 13 Jul 2015: requested transcripts (both electronically and via snail-mail)
- Wed, 15 Jul 2015: received interview invitation via email
- Mon, 27 Jul 2015: interviewed at CNUCOM's campus
- Thu, 30 Jul 2015: received admissions decision via phone call

My background:
- Out-of-state (though I grew up in the Bay Area and emphasized during the interview that my wife's family is also from the Bay Area)
- Non-traditional applicant (34 years-old): was pre-med at an Ivy League college and did horribly. Graduated and stuck with the pre-med path out of stubbornness, but subsequently dropped out of a SMP and thought I was done with medicine forever. Joined the Marine Corps, graduated from a non-Ivy League law school, and deployed to Afghanistan; experiences made me re-think medicine. Recently finished MS program at an Ivy League graduate school. Now working in emergency management.
- MCAT: 32 (2013), 35 (2006), 34-36 (2001, back when VR was scaled 13-15)
- Undergraduate (including postbacc) science GPA: 3.38; undergraduate (including postbacc) overall GPA: 3.38
- Graduate science GPA: 2.71 (thanks to dropping out of Georgetown SMP); graduate overall GPA: 2.78 (thanks to law school grades)
- Cumulative science GPA: 3.11; cumulative overall GPA: 3.11

Assessment:
- Clearly my GPA is low, but I think the high MCAT scores, unusual work history (Marine Corps, licensed attorney), and prestige factor (I mention Ivy League not to toot my horn, but to explain a mitigating factor) of my undergraduate/graduate education helped.

Very Respectfully,
4401

P.S. Happy to answer any and all questions about the military -- though I have only tangential experience with military medicine, specifically.

I presume you're the MC O-3 I interviewed with on 7/27? Grats man, it's only been 3 days, lol. Good to know you're the same age and non-traditional as me. I'd hate to matriculate with a buncha cocky undergrads. I'm still waiting btw.

 

[Hyde]

Sorry, maybe I'm reading this the wrong way, but I don't see why you would want to know other than to boost your ego.

You're right. You're reading it the wrong way.

 

[Dohnut]

well... i already submitted my secondaries to 17 schools i think and i just need to do couple more. then i will be completely done with my secondaries.
got rejected by west virginia, which didn't surprise me since i'm a wa resident

Getting admitted in this 14-15 cycle ethically invalidates all your applications for the next cycle

 

[medicalman35]

Does anyone know of or have any future scheduled interview dates? I can't see them doing more than 1 more because class starts in a month. Any idea of how many people admitted so far?

 

[terlo]

You're right. You're reading it the wrong way.

I actually agree with SPDF. Not as a means for ego, but I just don't see why LizzyM scores are relevant at this point. They're definitely useful to gauge your chances of acceptance, but not when we're all already accepted. Knowing average stats is good for applying to schools, but I don't see the benefit of knowing the stats of my peers. No real benefits, and the harm is that it may unintentionally create an internal ranking system in one's mind. I disagree with the "classroom dynamic" argument as everyone now has a blank slate the first day and it isn't a predictor or estimate of anything.

But just for the sake of it to stay roughly on-topic: My friend and I were both accepted. 69 for me, 75 for her.
When just shooting the breeze with admissions, one hinted that to be "competitive" the first batch, it should be ~68-70; with higher standards the later the interview dates because less spots are available so they're more stringent. Of course, there are the outliers because of extenuating circumstances or amazing ECs (Congrats again 4401 and thanks for your service!).

Does anyone know of or have any future scheduled interview dates? I can't see them doing more than 1 more because class starts in a month. Any idea of how many people admitted so far?

A poster earlier said he/she just got an II for next Friday. Admissions told me they scheduled 5 more after 7/10 (would mean 2 more after next Friday), but that could have changed.
Completely guessing, but I'm guessing there are maybe around 5-10 seats left?

 

[SoonToBeDrG]

Welp here's to hoping they make acceptance calls two days in a row because they forgot me yesterday!!

 

[Spector1]

Welp here's to hoping they make acceptance calls two days in a row because they forgot me yesterday!!

same here!

 

[Throwaway692015]

I'm curious what their admissions cycle will be like for the next cycle, class matriculating in 2016. Just wondering if it will be less competitive or more competitive. For sure they will have to offer more acceptances because more people will choose to go elsewhere as they will have other acceptances, this app cycle is sort of an anomaly really as they can probably accept 65 and get 60 people to matriculate. Plus their class will expand to 80 as well.

As a side note is cool to see that they are accepting so many nontrads! I'm glad their using a holistic approach here. I think nor cal will absolutely benefit from this school brining in more doctors too.

 

[Spector1]

I'm curious what their admissions cycle will be like for the next cycle, class matriculating in 2016. Just wondering if it will be less competitive or more competitive. For sure they will have to offer more acceptances because more people will choose to go elsewhere as they will have other acceptances, this app cycle is sort of an anomaly really as they can probably accept 65 and get 60 people to matriculate. Plus their class will expand to 80 as well.

As a side note is cool to see that they are accepting so many nontrads! I'm glad their using a holistic approach here. I think nor cal will absolutely benefit from this school brining in more doctors too.

it will definitely be more competitive for the 2016 cycle since they are now on amcas

 

[Hyde]

I actually agree with SPDF. Not as a means for ego, but I just don't see why LizzyM scores are relevant at this point.

I can't speak for leela as to her specific reasons.
But if I were an accepted applicant to a new allopathic med school that only has prelim accreditation, I'd be curious about the stats of other accepted students particularly because there's no source for that information before you apply. People frequently ask about Lizzy scores of other accepted applicants on various specific school threads and that's regarding schools that are established. I don't think it's a peculiar question at all. Not sure why there's such sensitivity on this med school's thread.

 

[Neurozot]

Sorry, maybe I'm reading this the wrong way, but I don't see why you would want to know other than to boost your ego. Maybe if you haven't been accepted yet, but not after you were already accepted. I do see you number-dropping that 73 a lot though; LizzyM is meaningless now that we're all accepted and there's no reason why we should know others'. We should all just forget that number.

FTR, it's not like I'm bitter or envious as I mentioned my LizzyM in the past. A guy I was talking to a lot during the interview also had something crazy like 78 but he lives in Elk Grove.

It's common to build up info on the incoming class. Mostly out of curiosity, but it's also really helpful to next years applicants as wel. However, If you don't like it you don't have to participate. It's strange you oppose it and then go on to quote someone else's Lizzy-M score

 

[leela13]

Like I said before, I didn't mean to offend anyone. Just curious!

 

[Spector1]

Does anyone know of or have any future scheduled interview dates? I can't see them doing more than 1 more because class starts in a month. Any idea of how many people admitted so far?

they said that there would be at least two more after the 27th interview pool. They usually tend to happen on mondays and fridays I think.

 

[medicalman35]

they said that there would be at least two more after the 27th interview pool. They usually tend to happen on mondays and fridays I think.

I can't see them doing 2 more with less than a month before orientation. Also alot of people have a stick up their ass here. Relax fellas.

 

[Throwaway1234321]

Congrats to those that have gotten in so far. From the sound of it the first class is going to be pretty diverse. Still hoping to get off the wait list here but its nice to see some people with stats around mine getting accepted.

 

[genelite]

Those that received acceptances, did you all interview after 7/10?

 

[Eat.Treat.Repeat.]

.

 

[Throwaway1234321]

Those that received acceptances, did you all interview after 7/10?

It sounds like this last batch of acceptances were all people who interviewed after 7/10. I dont think those of us who interviewed on 7/7 or 7/10 and havn't heard from them yet will hear anytime soon. Likely if we get called at all it will be after the last interview are done.

 

[medicalman35]

It sounds like this last batch of acceptances were all people who interviewed after 7/10. I dont think those of us who interviewed on 7/7 or 7/10 and havn't heard from them yet will hear anytime soon. Likely if we get called at all it will be after the last interview are done.

yeah chances are looking slim. There are probably about 5 seats left with 2 interview batches and probably a huge waitlist.

 

[Throwaway1234321]

yeah chances are looking slim. There are probably about 5 seats left with 2 interview batches and probably a huge waitlist.

Yep.

 

[Spector1]

yeah chances are looking slim. There are probably about 5 seats left with 2 interview batches and probably a huge waitlist.

well I think they are planning on interviewing a pool of ~300 people for 60 seats. That's a roughly 1/5 chance from interview which is pretty rough.

Considering they only got 600 applications total (they said at interview), and 300 got interviews, that means that you got an interview as long as you looked better than the average bear. I think they really should have interviewed fewer people since they look to be admitting on stats.

 

[SoonToBeDrG]

Well this thread just got awfully depressing.

 

[Throwaway1234321]

As much as it sucks this is the nature of medical school applications. I think they interviewed right around the correct number of people for the slots they have and the time frame they are working in. I really hope to get in but I dont begrudge anyone who has gotten their acceptance so far and I wont be upset with CNU if I dont get in.

 

[blissfulbelle]

Will they email us to let us know we are waitlisted, or we just assume if we don't hear back? Also, how will rolling admissions work with wait list? (though there's a huge wait list pool and I bet very few people will be dropping)

 

[Throwaway1234321]

I never got an email about being on the waitlist, at this point I am just going under the assumption that I am on it and the posts I see here. I dont think hounding them in emails/phone is going to help me so I am going to wait until the end of next week before making a phone call asking for a status update.

 

[blissfulbelle]

I never got an email about being on the waitlist, at this point I am just going under the assumption that I am on it and the posts I see here. I dont think hounding them in emails/phone is going to help me so I am going to wait until the end of next week before making a phone call asking for a status update.

I think they said that you can email them if you haven't heard back 7-10 days after your interview date. Make sure that you include in the subject line that you have already interviewed and are checking on your status.

 

[Spector1]

I think they said that you can email them if you haven't heard back 7-10 days after your interview date. Make sure that you include in the subject line that you have already interviewed and are checking on your status.

are they more responsive to answering emails? the admissions office is horrible at picking up their phones.

 

[blissfulbelle]

are they more responsive to answering emails? the admissions office is horrible at picking up their phones.

Did you interview on the 24th or 27th? I was the latter, so I will probably wait until next week before emailing/calling. I would assume that calling is more direct (and maybe more successful?) because they did mention they get lots of emails. You can also PM me for further discussion!

 

[Spector1]

I think the bragging about LizzyM scores and flexing about achievements is totally unnecessary bc this place isn't anyone's real top choice when they apply (in spite of how our impressions may change when we interview).


Nope, they're very unresponsive. I've had to email them multiple times to get a response. It's frustrating. If you're close just go down there, assert yourself, and try and talk to them.

Have you found a direct phone number that anyone picks up besides the front desk girl who is kind of useless? not helpful

 

[Throwaway1234321]

I think the bragging about LizzyM scores and flexing about achievements is totally unnecessary bc this place isn't anyone's real top choice when they apply (in spite of how our impressions may change when we interview).


Nope, they're very unresponsive. I've had to email them multiple times to get a response. It's frustrating. If you're close just go down there, assert yourself, and try and talk to them.

Ok, you have been hanging around here for a while throwing in snarky comments every dozen posts or so and I feel like I actually have to say something now. We understand you dont think this is a good school, we understand your and others concerns, many of which are justified, in fact many of us share these concerns. But you need to realize what you are doing right now is extremely unprofessional. And before you start yes I know we are on an anonymous internet forum but the fact remains that the people who go to this school will be your future colleges and your continual unsolicited negative comments both about the school and obliquely about the students choosing to attend this school is uncalled for and is only reflecting poorly on you. Please stop. If you feel the need to continue to speak poorly about CNU please do so in the CNU thread in the pre-MD forum, this thread is for students who are actually excited about the possibility of attending this school. All of us have read the comments good and bad about this school so you continued repetitive input is not helpful.

Normally I wouldn't say anything about your comments given the fact we are on the internet and even the gentlest of souls can become a raging troll once behind their anonymous computer screen. But I am beginning to believe that your comments here are actually a reflection of how you act in public as well, either that or you are one really dedicated troll. This kind of behavior is off putting to everyone. So again please stop, this is not the place for you to make these kinds of comments.

 

[Spector1]

Ok, you have been hanging around here for a while throwing in snarky comments every dozen posts or so and I feel like I actually have to say something now. We understand you dont think this is a good school, we understand your and others concerns, many of which are justified, in fact many of us share these concerns. But you need to realize what you are doing right now is extremely unprofessional. And before you start yes I know we are on an anonymous internet forum but the fact remains that the people who go to this school will be your future colleges and your continual unsolicited negative comments both about the school and obliquely about the students choosing to attend this school is uncalled for and is only reflecting poorly on you. Please stop. If you feel the need to continue to speak poorly about CNU please do so in the CNU thread in the pre-MD forum, this thread is for students who are actually excited about the possibility of attending this school. All of us have read the comments good and bad about this school so you continued repetitive input is not helpful.

Normally I wouldn't say anything about your comments given the fact we are on the internet and even the gentlest of souls can become a raging troll once behind their anonymous computer screen. But I am beginning to believe that your comments here are actually a reflection of how you act in public as well, either that or you are one really dedicated troll. This kind of behavior is off putting to everyone. So again please stop, this is not the place for you to make these kinds of comments.

And you're being overly salty. Let's be honest. This school was none of our first choices but we're all kind of desperate at the moment. The forum is made for people to talk, not sit in an echochamber. Also lets drop the super professonalism facade. no one gives two hoots about that.

 

[Throwaway1234321]

And you're being overly salty. Let's be honest. This school was none of our first choices but we're all kind of desperate at the moment. The forum is made for people to talk, not sit in an echochamber. Also lets drop the super professonalism facade. no one gives two hoots about that.

Yes I'm being overly salty about a school that in all likelihood I wont even be accepted into. If he wants to continue to post about CNU over in pre-md go ahead, I actually agree with a lot of his opinions. But go look into any other thread in the school specific forum and you wont see people complaining about how crappy one school is over another. This isn't the appropriate place for his comments, all he has to do is move them over to pre-md in the CNU thread already going on over there.

 

[Verbatim Disk]

Yes I'm being overly salty about a school that in all likelihood I wont even be accepted into. If he wants to continue to post about CNU over in pre-md go ahead, I actually agree with a lot of his opinions. But go look into any other thread in the school specific forum and you wont see people complaining about how crappy one school is over another. This isn't the appropriate place for his comments, all he has to do is move them over to pre-md in the CNU thread already going on over there.

Well said. Like I've been saying, there are certainly red flags when applying to new schools, but his posts aren't helpful at all. At this point, he's practically just trolling and he just sounds bitter as his tone was drastically different from when he applied, to when he didn't hear back (from what looks like pre-interview).

FTR, I've never had any issue calling admissions. Email yes. Phone no. I seriously have no idea what you guys are doing differently.

 

[Throwaway1234321]

Quoted for truth. My post is more about realism , not trolling. @Throwaway1234321
I said regardless of our experiences at interviews, it isn't one of our top choices when we applied, that's real. I don't thinking bragging about LizzyM or achievements has a place in any school thread, especially this place. Nonetheless, Once we get in, lizzyM schools are irrelevant and no matter where we get in it is a major accomplishment that eclipses a significant number of our other achievements. That's what matters.

I do believe you first posts were about realism you brought up very salient points about CNU and legitimate concerns about choosing to attend CNU. But I have to ask why are you still here? The pros and cons of CNU has been talked about extensively over in pre-md. Threads in the school specific forum are created for students who are actively interested in a program and for those who plan on attending said program. Your comments have made it pretty clear that you have no interest in attending this program, in fact that you are actively avoiding it. So why are you here in a thread specifically set up for people interested in attending this program? If you truly aren't trolling then you have to realize that you have said your piece. Your points have been made. It is now up to individual applicants to make their own decision about CNU.

As an aside I dont think people are bragging about their LizzyM #s I think people are just very excited about attending medical school and are trying to find out more about their future classmates and trying to find common topics to talk about. And lets be honest I can't think of a topic premeds like talking about more then their #s 😉

 

[terlo]

I don't thinking bragging about LizzyM or achievements has a place in any school thread, especially this place. Nonetheless, Once we get in, lizzyM schools are irrelevant and no matter where we get in it is a major accomplishment that eclipses a significant number of our other achievements. That's what matters.

I disagree with a lot of what you say, but this I agree with. I'm mainly playing devil's advocate as I'm sure no one is "bragging" or has ill-intentions, but I still don't see the benefit of knowing LizzyMs once you're accepted.
Other school-specific threads don't ask for it. The only people who ask are people who are wait-listed, or people who are applying. Not those who are already accepted. If you're curious about next cycle, information about this cycle doesn't really help. If it's helpful for next year's applicants, they'll ask when the time is right. There's no benefit for accepted students to know each other's scores other than plain curiosity, but there could be unintentional harm (internal ranking system, false confidence, etc).

I am totally cringing at the thought of people asking about LizzyM's during orientation!

 

[Spector1]

I've gotten direct numbers to Dr. Throw, and silvia rodriguez who are both higher-ranking staff in admissions, but neither are responsive or easy to reach. Ask to be transferred to them, but good luck getting responses. I've talked the front desk lady in person and she tried to shut me down, after I drove a few hrs to this place, but eventually she helped and let me speak to someone in admissions.


Quoted for truth. My post is more about realism , not trolling. @Throwaway1234321
I said regardless of our experiences at interviews, it isn't one of our top choices when we applied, that's real. I don't thinking bragging about LizzyM or achievements has a place in any school thread, especially this place. Nonetheless, Once we get in, lizzyM schools are irrelevant and no matter where we get in it is a major accomplishment that eclipses a significant number of our other achievements. That's what matters.

I've tried calling silvia rodriguez quite a few times too but it always goes to voicemail. One wonders if these phones are even connected to anything. Can you PM me Dr. Throw's direct number? Thanks

 

[leela13]

Ok, you have been hanging around here for a while throwing in snarky comments every dozen posts or so and I feel like I actually have to say something now. We understand you dont think this is a good school, we understand your and others concerns, many of which are justified, in fact many of us share these concerns. But you need to realize what you are doing right now is extremely unprofessional. And before you start yes I know we are on an anonymous internet forum but the fact remains that the people who go to this school will be your future colleges and your continual unsolicited negative comments both about the school and obliquely about the students choosing to attend this school is uncalled for and is only reflecting poorly on you. Please stop. If you feel the need to continue to speak poorly about CNU please do so in the CNU thread in the pre-MD forum, this thread is for students who are actually excited about the possibility of attending this school. All of us have read the comments good and bad about this school so you continued repetitive input is not helpful.

Normally I wouldn't say anything about your comments given the fact we are on the internet and even the gentlest of souls can become a raging troll once behind their anonymous computer screen. But I am beginning to believe that your comments here are actually a reflection of how you act in public as well, either that or you are one really dedicated troll. This kind of behavior is off putting to everyone. So again please stop, this is not the place for you to make these kinds of comments.

+1

 

[genelite]

I think it's very helpful to put things in perspective if people share their honest stats. If people are going to make these inner rankings and whatnot then that's their problem.

LizzyM 65 and if more people shared from the accepted pool I could see if I have a shot and what I need to do for next cycle if I'm going to hit this school up again.

Sounds a lot like insecurity rather than the psychoanalysis aspect if people have issues sharing their stats, anonymously at that.

The average from what I've seen aside from the few non traditional students I've talked to seem to be 70. These guys really want top marks.

 

[Spector1]

the facebook group for accepted members went up from 25 members four days ago to 38 today. I really hope that adcom didnt give away all the seats allotted for the 24th and 27th interview pools (considering that if there are 60accepted/300 interviewed, that means that only about 7.2/36 interviewees on any given interview day will be accepted)

 

[Eat.Treat.Repeat.]

.

 

[genelite]

Sounds about right but they obviously have taken many students from pool 1. I'd say 50 seats accepted/taken. 2 interview dates left. 10 seats. Over 30 people on a waitlist.

 

[Spector1]

Sounds about right but they obviously have taken many students from pool 1. I'd say 50 seats accepted/taken. 2 interview dates left. 10 seats. Over 30 people on a waitlist.

yeah and probably most seats offered will be matriculated on since we are coming up close to the start of the school year and most people are pretty desperate.

 

[Eat.Treat.Repeat.]

.

 

[Hyde]

I think it's very helpful to put things in perspective if people share their honest stats. If people are going to make these inner rankings and whatnot then that's their problem.

LizzyM 65 and if more people shared from the accepted pool I could see if I have a shot and what I need to do for next cycle if I'm going to hit this school up again.

Sounds a lot like insecurity rather than the psychoanalysis aspect if people have issues sharing their stats, anonymously at that.

The average from what I've seen aside from the few non traditional students I've talked to seem to be 70. These guys really want top marks.

+1! You have the right attitude - a positive one - you're open to learning from others' experience instead of resenting their success! Best of luck this cycle!

 

[terlo]

I think it's very helpful to put things in perspective if people share their honest stats. If people are going to make these inner rankings and whatnot then that's their problem.

LizzyM 65 and if more people shared from the accepted pool I could see if I have a shot and what I need to do for next cycle if I'm going to hit this school up again.

Sounds a lot like insecurity rather than the psychoanalysis aspect if people have issues sharing their stats, anonymously at that.

The average from what I've seen aside from the few non traditional students I've talked to seem to be 70. These guys really want top marks.

I was mainly playing devil's advocate, but regardless, I don't think you got my point.
Of course as a current applicant or future applicant, there's a chance that it could help (I personally think LizzyM is irrelevant across cycles, especially since this school wasn't on AMCAS this cycle). People on wait-lists or people who haven't heard back yet ask all the time. But as already accepted students, asking about LizzyMs doesn't benefit/help us at all.
I understand curiosity (which is what this was originally all about anyway), I'm just not buying the "it'll help us!" arguments is all I'm saying.

 

[terlo]

How about this: if you think it'd be helpful to share your stats, share them. If you don't think so, don't share them. I don't understand why this issue is so polarizing. I regret bringing it up in the first place.

To those if you still waiting to hear back: best of luck.

Again, I don't think this is that polarizing. You said you were curious, I was fine with that and shared mine. I'm debating with others who are arguing that it's more than curiousity, because honestly, I'm still not seeing how it helps us now that we're accepted.

 

[Dohnut]

are they more responsive to answering emails? the admissions office is horrible at picking up their phones.

Dude, put yourself in their shoes. It's a month before orientation, the second round of two interviews were just over and they have to prepare for the last 2 upcoming interviews, who's not busy? Or rather, what makes your phone call so special they have to pick it up in a timely manner with their tight schedule?

 

[Dohnut]

I do believe you first posts were about realism you brought up very salient points about CNU and legitimate concerns about choosing to attend CNU. But I have to ask why are you still here? The pros and cons of CNU has been talked about extensively over in pre-md. Threads in the school specific forum are created for students who are actively interested in a program and for those who plan on attending said program. Your comments have made it pretty clear that you have no interest in attending this program, in fact that you are actively avoiding it. So why are you here in a thread specifically set up for people interested in attending....

Well this particular thread was created by animoose. Why? You can only find out by asking him/her, or actually read what the creator said in the very first post. Anything else is speculation.

 

[Dohnut]

Hyde & similar people here:

You know by saying "such & such person is ___insert adjective___", you're judging people right? What made you think you're qualified to have that power? Go eat an extra large humble pie.

Doh