2016-2017 The Commonwealth Medical College Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Additional letters of recommendation -- too late to send through AMCAS?
 
For those who have interviewed here, what do you guys think about the school, interview day, and the area? Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
EDIT! Saw commonwealth and thought this thread was For another school. My B.
 
Last edited:
Ayy_MadScientist said:
LOVED the school, LOVED interview day, LOVED the staff and students. I'm not too familiar with the area - but it's 2 hrs from DC, 2 hrs from the beach, good for foodies, artsy, & there's a lot of little spots to go to hang out!

What specifically did you want to know? Maybe someone else can comment on the area?
Click to expand...
I live about a half hour away from Scranton. The area is pretty rural-- it's best described as a very small urban area in a large rural town. Northeast PA (all the counties you will be rotating in aka Clinton, Monroe...) are mostly rural areas, and some underserved. I interviewed there on 9/12 so if you have any Qs, ask away
 
Dream_big said:
I live about a half hour away from Scranton. The area is pretty rural-- it's best described as a very small urban area in a large rural town. Northeast PA (all the counties you will be rotating in aka Clinton, Monroe...) are mostly rural areas, and some underserved. I interviewed there on 9/12 so if you have any Qs, ask away
Click to expand...
Hi Dream_big, I like your nickname. Congrats on your interview and thanks for your help.
I have the interview coming up on Nov 19.
-- How was the faculty interview?
-- Any subject related Qs ?
--Anything notable with the student interview ?

regards.
 
slpdoc1124 said:
Do you think they would accept a letter via email - directly from the recommender?
Click to expand...

"They" being AMCAS? Have you used Interfolio? With it, your letter writer can upload the letter to Interfolio, and within within minutes you can assign it to AMCAS through Interfolio. They will be in your AMCAS profile at 7 AM the next business day.
 
T1mberwolf said:
Hi Dream_big, I like your nickname. Congrats on your interview and thanks for your help.
I have the interview coming up on Nov 19.
-- How was the faculty interview?
-- Any subject related Qs ?
--Anything notable with the student interview ?

regards.
Click to expand...
Thank you haha not a problem at all, glad to help. I'll just tell you about my entire interview day, for all that scope out this thread.

So, I pulled into the parking lot and followed the directions given to me by the security guard at the desk inside the Medical Science Building. I came in around 9:20 (early, yes, but i passed time talking to other interviewees with a cup of coffee & scone that was offered to us). The dean introduced us and we broke the minimal tension there was in the room with ice breakers. Then, everyone was individually escorted to their first interview, which I really appreciated because it gave everyone a break between the two interviews to speak with the escort and relax a bit in the midst of all the anxiety and stress.

My first interview was with a faculty member. This faculty member asked about my drive up in the morning (s/he knew I lived very close) and proceeded to ask about my application. I was asked about my current job working with patients and how this experience will make me become a better physician etc etc. I was asked about a teamwork experience and a challenge I had in life, both with the, "and how did you handle it" follow-up question. We spoke about why I wanted to go into medicine and some of my other ECs. It was my first interview of the cycle so I genuinely cannot tell you if it was low-stress or not because I was sweating BULLETS under my suit, and this faculty member (like many) did not give any indication to whether or not s/he liked my answers. I did get to ask a question about their FCE program (look into it...I personally absolutely love it).

My second interview was with a MS2, which I can say was very very low stress. I felt like I was speaking to a good friend, and we spoke about things like my research, my movement from being a dishwasher to a manager at my restaraunt, current book I was reading...i really felt comfortable speaking with this student, and had the opportunity to ask about the area and many other questions I had up my sleeve. Both interviews were 30 minutes long, but not a minute longer (they're very good with sticking to their itinerary).

After the interviews, everyone was led to the initial welcome room to listen to a curriculum presentation, eat lunch with MS1s/MS2s, and then go on our tour. We were brought back to the same room and were given a financial aid info session, answered a survey about the interview day, and was on my way home. Hope this helps everyone!

Edit: Fixed some grammar issues because I'm 1/4 of a grammar nut🙄
 
Last edited:
Ayy_MadScientist said:
LOVED the school, LOVED interview day, LOVED the staff and students. I'm not too familiar with the area - but it's 2 hrs from DC, 2 hrs from the beach, good for foodies, artsy, & there's a lot of little spots to go to hang out!

What specifically did you want to know? Maybe someone else can comment on the area?
Click to expand...

Definitely not 2 hours from DC...
 
Dream_big said:
Thank you haha not a problem at all, glad to help. I'll just tell you about my entire interview day, for all that scope out this thread.

So, I pulled into the parking lot and followed the directions given to me by the security guard at the desk inside the Medical Science Building. I came in around 9:20 (early, yes, but i passed time talking to other interviewees with a cup of coffee & scone that was offered to us). The dean introduced us and we broke the minimal tension there was in the room with ice breakers. Then, everyone was individually escorted to their first interview, which I really appreciated because it gave everyone a break between the two interviews to speak with the escort and relax a bit in the midst of all the anxiety and stress.

My first interview was with a faculty member. This faculty member asked about my drive up in the morning (she knew I lived very close) and proceeded to ask about my application. I was asked about my current job working with patients and how this experience will make me become a better physician etc etc. I was asked about a teamwork experience and a challenge I had in life, both with the, "and how did you handle it" follow-up question. We spoke about why I wanted to go into medicine and some of my other ECs. It was my first interview of the cycle so I genuinely cannot tell you if it was low-stress or not because I was sweating BULLETS under my suit, and this faculty member (like many) did not give any indication to whether or not s/he liked my answers. I did get to ask a question about their FCE program (look into it...I personally absolutely love it).

My second interview was with a MS2, which I can say was very very low stress. I felt like I was speaking to a good friend, and we spoke about things like my research, my movement from being a dishwasher to a manager at my restaraunt, current book I was reading...i really felt comfortable speaking with this student, and had the opportunity to ask about the area and many other questions I had up my sleeve. Both interviews were 30 minutes long, but not a minute longer (they're very good with sticking with their itinerary).

After the interviews, everyone was led to the initial welcome room to listen to a curriculum presentation, eat lunch with MS1s/MS2s, and then go on their tour. We were brought back to the same rooom and were given a financial aid info session, answered a survey about the interview day, and was on my way home. Hope this helps everyone!
Click to expand...
I also remember getting a TCMC T-Shirt right before we were dismissed. Otherwise, very much like my interview day here. However my first interviewer (faculty) grilled me about current issues in the surrounding community and how I can address them.
 
SirCardiac said:
I also remember getting a TCMC T-Shirt right before we were dismissed. Otherwise, very much like my interview day here. However my first interviewer (faculty) grilled me about current issues in the surrounding community and how I can address them.
Click to expand...
Thanks Guys for your input. On the "current issues in the surrounding community": Was the faculty member asking for healthcare related issues OR economic ??
 
T1mberwolf said:
Thanks Guys for your input. On the "current issues in the surrounding community": Was the faculty member asking for healthcare related issues OR economic ??
Click to expand...
Healthcare problems that are specific to the population in Scranton
 
sofpink said:
Which are related to the economic issues , such as lack of health insurance, obesity or something else?
Click to expand...
You're on the right track. Just do your research on the demographics, common healthcare problems and their causes (or speculate), and how you can address them as a medical student.
 
Anyone know if TCMC flat out reject post-interview or is everyone just put on the waitlist if not accepted?
 
@SirCardiac I am not sure. What is the waitlist movement like for TCMC? I was deferred (waitlisted?) 2 few weeks ago
 
SirCardiac said:
Anyone know if TCMC flat out reject post-interview or is everyone just put on the waitlist if not accepted?
Click to expand...

I do think that people receive rejection letters via mail, but I'm not sure that they start sending them out this early. Also the deferment status is different than wait-list, they will not start a wait-list until April/May. If deferred, the application is reviewed every time the admissions committee meets until a decision is made. I've heard that movement from being deferred varies based on the applicant pool and that sometimes you may be deferred for several more admissions committee meetings before hearing.
 
I just got a II invite! I scheduled a few weeks out to give myself time to figure out travel and lodging. So...Commonwealth is one of those schools where your chances aren't all that great even after getting an interview, right? I live many, many hours away, and I have this sinking feeling that I'll be spending a bunch of money to get to PA for only a slim chance of acceptance. Argh, someone make me feel better haha. Moving up north is sort of a dream.
 
Last edited:
beebreezy said:
I just got a II invite! I scheduled a few weeks out to give myself time to figure out travel and lodging. So...Commonwealth is one of those schools where your chances aren't all that great even after getting in interview, right? I live many, many hours away, and I have this sinking feeling that I'll be spending a bunch of money to get to PA for only a slim chance of acceptance. Argh, someone make me feel better haha. Moving up north is sort of a dream.
Click to expand...

IS or OOS? IS, Roughly 20% of interviewees actually matriculate, and less than 10% OOS actually matriculate, so acceptance rate must be at least a bit higher than that.
 
JoeCaputo said:
IS or OOS? IS, Roughly 20% of interviewees actually matriculate, and less than 10% OOS actually matriculate, so acceptance rate must be at least a bit higher than that.
Click to expand...
OOS :/ URM, though, so maybe my chances are slightly higher than average. Trying to justify the travel costs lol.
 
beebreezy said:
OOS :/ URM, though, so maybe my chances are slightly higher than average. Trying to justify the travel costs lol.
Click to expand...

For In State applicants, on the average:
1) medical schools interview about 4 times their number (4x) of available seats (x).
2) They offer admissions to half of the interviewees (2x).
3) Half of them (x) join and get labelled as "matriculated".
For OOS the stats are higher.
But in general If you got an interview: You are halfway there.
Good luck!
 
T1mberwolf said:
For In State applicants, on the average:
1) medical schools interview about 4 times their number (4x) of available seats (x).
2) They offer admissions to half of the interviewees (2x).
3) Half of them (x) join and get labelled as "matriculated".
For OOS the stats are higher.
But in general If you got an interview: You are halfway there.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Where did you get this information from, if you don't mind me asking?

Edit: misspelled word
 
Last edited:
beebreezy said:
I just got a II invite! I scheduled a few weeks out to give myself time to figure out travel and lodging. So...Commonwealth is one of those schools where your chances aren't all that great even after getting an interview, right? I live many, many hours away, and I have this sinking feeling that I'll be spending a bunch of money to get to PA for only a slim chance of acceptance. Argh, someone make me feel better haha. Moving up north is sort of a dream.
Click to expand...


I'm coming from the west coast and I just got the II today ( complete Aug 21st). From MSAR it looks like:

For OOS apps
Verified: 6243
Interviewed: 355
Matriculated: 24

Flights around this time for me is $700 .... Eek!!!
 
NucleusO said:
I'm coming from the west coast and I just got the II today ( complete Aug 21st). From MSAR it looks like:

For OOS apps
Verified: 6243
Interviewed: 355
Matriculated: 24

Flights around this time for me is $700 .... Eek!!!
Click to expand...
Yikes! It's around $400 for a flight for me, and I haven't heard from several of my other schools that would also require flights if I got interviews at them. Ugh, I don't know what to do. My student host emailed me asking about my travel plans, and I don't know what to tell her because I don't even know if I'm going yet. Congrats on you II, though!! Good luck making a travel plan if you decide to attend.
 
beebreezy said:
Yikes! It's around $400 for a flight for me, and I haven't heard from several of my other schools that would also require flights if I got interviews at them. Ugh, I don't know what to do. My student host emailed me asking about my travel plans, and I don't know what to tell her because I don't even know if I'm going yet. Congrats on you II, though!! Good luck making a travel plan if you decide to attend.
Click to expand...

Yeah the prices are so expensive, especially since we're interviewing near the biggest holidays of the year. I think I'll attend though, I'm really grateful for the II even though the travel expenses are seriously dipping into my savings. Maybe we'll run into each other if you come. 🙂
 
beebreezy said:
Yikes! It's around $400 for a flight for me, and I haven't heard from several of my other schools that would also require flights if I got interviews at them. Ugh, I don't know what to do. My student host emailed me asking about my travel plans, and I don't know what to tell her because I don't even know if I'm going yet. Congrats on you II, though!! Good luck making a travel plan if you decide to attend.
Click to expand...

There is a student host program? How do you sign up?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Until2021 said:
There is a student host program? How do you sign up?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
Just email the admissions office! I believe it says to do so on the interview tab of the portal, but I'm too lazy to check where I saw it. 😛 They're only able to offer you one night with a host (with no guarantees someone will be available), but it's better than no nights!
 
beebreezy said:
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Just email the admissions office! I believe it says to do so on the interview tab of the portal, but I'm too lazy to check where I saw it. 😛 They're only able to offer you one night with a host (with no guarantees someone will be available), but it's better than no nights!
Click to expand...

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
For those who have been interviewed and got a result, how long did it take to hear back from admissions?

I read earlier in the thread that those who interviewed on 9/9 heard back on 10/17. Anyone who interviewed after 9/9 heard anything?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Last edited:
Interviewed in late September and haven't heard a peep
 
Dream_big said:
Where did you get this information from, if you don't mind me asking?

Edit: misspelled word
Click to expand...
1) One of my friend's father works with computers software and is an expert on "decision making using big data" and works with Airline & Hotel reservation systems. He told this few years back. He said even Under Graduate admissions use similar strategy.
2) Anecdotally, I have been observing that for the last 4 years or so.
 
Has anyone who interviewed 9/26 heard anything? They told us that we would hear something in 4-6 weeks which technically was over yesterday. I'm thinking of contacting the admissions office. Bad idea?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

wysdoc
2024-2025 Commonwealth (Geisinger)
7 8 9 10 11
Replies
529
Views
131K
medstudent2516
M
wysdoc
2024-2025 Virginia Commonwealth
21 22 23 24 25
Replies
1K
Views
279K
bannervein
B
wysdoc
2024-2025 Medical College of Georgia
11 12 13 14 15
Replies
736
Views
159K
dubuGolem
D
wysdoc
2024-2025 New York Medical College
9 10 11 12 13
Replies
603
Views
200K
HelpMeAhhHelp
H
wysdoc
2024-2025 Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW)
11 12 13 14 15
Replies
722
Views
190K
FightingHawk123
F
Top