2023-2024 A.T. Still University (Mesa, Arizona) ATSU-SOMA

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Got the II today, but with the extra email saying it was for a position on the waitlist. I was hoping they still did video interviews. 😅
 
Hi guys! I made a GroupMe for accepted students 🙂 Would love to get to know some of y’all before school starts!

Click here to join: GroupMe
 
Does anyone know if ATSU SOMA has mandatory lecture attendance??
Yes, they have mandatory problem-based learning (PBL) sessions 5 days a week at 8 am. I think its a couple hours long. There are no traditional lectures though. From my understanding, their attendance policy is pretty strict. I think you are allowed up to 3 unexcused absences for the year, and after that, each absence removes 2% from your overall grade.
 
Yes, they have mandatory problem-based learning (PBL) sessions 5 days a week at 8 am. I think its a couple hours long. There are no traditional lectures though. From my understanding, their attendance policy is pretty strict. I think you are allowed up to 3 unexcused absences for the year, and after that, each absence removes 2% from your overall grade.
Thank you!! Oh man that’s too much hahhh
 
Can anyone speak about simulation lab? Also, a bit more on PBL and how that translates into learning for boards and in-house exams?
 
Hi, I still haven't! How about you? Been so anxious waiting haha
I emailed them again on Tuesday, 05/07 (hope they aren't annoyed with me hahah), but they said that they still haven't finalized decisions for my interview day (04/08). They informed me that getting everyone together including the Dean available for X amount of time has been challenging. They met yesterday afternoon again and hoped to get through the remainder of the 04/08 date. Hopefully, we get a response this week. Fingers crossed everyone!!
 
I emailed them again on Tuesday, 05/07 (hope they aren't annoyed with me hahah), but they said that they still haven't finalized decisions for my interview day (04/08). They informed me that getting everyone together including the Dean available for X amount of time has been challenging. They met yesterday afternoon again and hoped to get through the remainder of the 04/08 date. Hopefully, we get a response this week. Fingers crossed everyone!!
This is crazy people still haven’t heard back!
 
Does anyone know how much waitlist movement they usually have? Also got APS call today interviewed 4/8
 
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Hi, did anyone else who got the APS call yesterday get an email today that says they're on the waitlist? The wording of the email makes me think the waitlist is the same thing as APS, but I'm a bit worried since as far I was aware, I thought APS was different from the waitlist, while the waitlist was known as the Alternate list (?)
 
Hi, did anyone else who got the APS call yesterday get an email today that says they're on the waitlist? The wording of the email makes me think the waitlist is the same thing as APS, but I'm a bit worried since as far I was aware, I thought APS was different from the waitlist, while the waitlist was known as the Alternate list (?)
They only have one "waitlist" APS is the same as waitlist.
 
I interviewed 4/8, got the APS call on Monday 5/13, and the waitlist email yesterday. I'm assuming APS means "accepted pending seat?" Trying to keep up with all the abbreviations here. Ngl, I feel like wording "acceptance" pending an open seat lowkey gives some false hope, it's basically a waitlist. Like, how can I say I'm accepted if I don't have a seat? lol. idk it's a weird feeling like I'm excited and grateful, but I can't be 100% excited. I'll go back to my waiting game lmao anyway, wishing y'all the best, and hang in there!
 
can anyone speak on PBL style curriculum and how it compares to systems-based? do people like PBL more?
 
can anyone speak on PBL style curriculum and how it compares to systems-based? do people like PBL more?
Hi! So I found this online but I'm not sure what year it's from atsu.edu (check out pages 5-6). Based on that and what I've heard, it seems like SOMA might be both PBL and systems-based as far as I know. PBL as in you study on your own, then work with others in a group toward solving a problem and learning the material through that, learning how to apply the knowledge you studied to problems. And systems based in that learning is divided into blocks/sections each covering different systems of the body - cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, etc.

But PBL is different from some medical schools which have what I've heard people call "traditional," which may also have group work and activities, but are more so traditional lectures or powerpoints. A lot of traditional style schools are also systems-based. I'm not sure if people like PBL or traditional more, but I think it depends on each individual's personal learning style. Will you learn better from listening to lectures, having something explained to you, and then studying it more? Or will you learn better by studying it on your own first, then working with others in a group to solve problems based on the material? Hope that helps, and someone please correct me if any of what I said is wrong!
 
Btw, it may be too soon to ask, but has anyone who got on the waitlist / APS list recently received an acceptance? I'm wondering when/if any waitlist movement is likely to happen at this school
 
Anyone happen to know when their white coat ceremony is? Last year's was on a Friday, so just wondering if this year is also on a Friday.
 
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