2024-2025 Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU-COM)

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Vegan23411 said:
oh wow!! I just submitted my secondary. Hope they still have interview slots left😅
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I’m sure they will! I think they’ll be interviewing for a few more months!
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johncolter said:
Would any current students be willing to talk about what it's like using Anki for the in-house exams? Do you make your own cards for the lectures? Premade decks? Do the upperclassmen share anki decks? Thanks
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I'm a 2nd year. We have a PNWU anki deck that's great. I found using Anking ($5 every month) was much better for learning and for boards. Just like many medical schools, school lectures suck. Most everyone watch third party resources (bootcamp, boards and beyond, sketchy).
 
issslinggling said:
I'm a 2nd year. We have a PNWU anki deck that's great. I found using Anking ($5 every month) was much better for learning and for boards. Just like many medical schools, school lectures suck. Most everyone watch third party resources (bootcamp, boards and beyond, sketchy).
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Incoming 1st year here. I noticed the COMLEX 1 rates are consistently 2-5% below the national average. Any idea why that might be?
 
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kargibichi said:
Incoming 1st year here. I noticed the COMLEX 1 rates are consistently 2-5% below the national average. Any idea why that might be?
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From what I can interpolate here are my theories as to why that is:
1. The school has a rural mission focus for those from the 5 state regions (oregon, idaho, washington, montana, idk last one). Those who have higher scores are less prioritized for admission if they are outside of that region.
2. Our systems classes sometimes emphasize too much on low yield or no yield information. IMO some systems teach very high yield info, like GI, renal, neuro. Some teach too many low yield info that cause people to have to relearn those concepts again in the future.

This isn't to say our school is bad. Our Family medicine and osteopathic courses you learn a lot that are very high yield not so for boards but medicine training. Anatomy is super organized. The school takes HEAVILY into account our opinions, they try best to fix things in their curriculum. They can't however fire or remove professors for teaching low yield info tho. And faculty are always open to talk. School is also very laid back, they aren't up your butt about nit picky things. My advice on studying would be:

Watch bootcamp on that specific lectures (sketchy for pharm)-> unsuspend those cards in Anking-> practice questions (given by our school). Supplement with some cards from PNWU deck. Don't suspend any cards keep them going into 2nd year so that your studying load is low (even through summer) before boards. If you have questions on Anki or Anking, shoot me a message and I'll give you my contact info.
 
issslinggling said:
From what I can interpolate here are my theories as to why that is:
1. The school has a rural mission focus for those from the 5 state regions (oregon, idaho, washington, montana, idk last one). Those who have higher scores are less prioritized for admission if they are outside of that region.
2. Our systems classes sometimes emphasize too much on low yield or no yield information. IMO some systems teach very high yield info, like GI, renal, neuro. Some teach too many low yield info that cause people to have to relearn those concepts again in the future.

This isn't to say our school is bad. Our Family medicine and osteopathic courses you learn a lot that are very high yield not so for boards but medicine training. Anatomy is super organized. The school takes HEAVILY into account our opinions, they try best to fix things in their curriculum. They can't however fire or remove professors for teaching low yield info tho. And faculty are always open to talk. School is also very laid back, they aren't up your butt about nit picky things. My advice on studying would be:

Watch bootcamp on that specific lectures (sketchy for pharm)-> unsuspend those cards in Anking-> practice questions (given by our school). Supplement with some cards from PNWU deck. Don't suspend any cards keep them going into 2nd year so that your studying load is low (even through summer) before boards. If you have questions on Anki or Anking, shoot me a message and I'll give you my contact info.
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That's good to know. Like everywhere else, studying for boards falls on the individual. Thank you for your input.

Side note: I know we have the option to get an iPad from the school. Is the iPad essential? I'm mainly concerned about running the Examplify software which, annoyingly enough, isn't supported on Android. If I'm going to use a tablet, I'd prefer Android.

Another question: when it comes to renting an apartment, is there an unofficial system in place that allows outgoing OMS-II's to transfer their leases on to the new 1st and 2nd years? We've heard housing can be tight in Yakima and would like to secure a place as soon as we can.
 
No you can opt out of it if you wish, you don't really need it. The school just wishes you have an iPad because its more compatible with apple due to examplify. Most people like to have it because its easy to clean when we bring it into anatomy labs. Plus it's easy to hold during anatomy exams with the cadaver. During written exams there's a mix of laptops and ipads. Staff are more familiar with ipads so if you're having trouble getting into an exam through examplify, that cuts into the time you have to take it.

In terms of apartment. There's a facebook that should have been made to help transfer leases. Maybe under PNWU Class 2029? I don't know if its been made yet. It just so happens I am transferring mines too! 1st come, 1st serve. Message me if you're interested. Here are my details:

The apartments right next to school (message me for address). 2 min drive lol, 10 min walk.
1 bed, 1 bath
3rd floor
$1100 rent
Must take over in July 1, 2025
 
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Could someone who has interviewed here already or a current student comment on the interview format? Also, is it one applicant per however many interviewers or do they do group interviews?
 
swiftynation said:
Could someone who has interviewed here already or a current student comment on the interview format? Also, is it one applicant per however many interviewers or do they do group interviews?
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It was one-on-one with an MMI session and then an open-file standard interview
 
swiftynation said:
Could someone who has interviewed here already or a current student comment on the interview format? Also, is it one applicant per however many interviewers or do they do group interviews?
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It seems it's different depending on the day. Mine was in December. We were divided into two big groups: group A went directly to their interviews while group B toured the school. We reconvened for lunch with a faculty member (about 6 students per table). Then group B had their interview. We were divided into groups of 3-4 students and we had 50 minutes with two faculty members. We were asked standardized questions, but at least in my group, we were able to have a conversation about each question. One interviewer had an open-file perspective while the other hadn't received any information except for our names.
 
kargibichi said:
It seems it's different depending on the day. Mine was in December. We were divided into two big groups: group A went directly to their interviews while group B toured the school. We reconvened for lunch with a faculty member (about 6 students per table). Then group B had their interview. We were divided into groups of 3-4 students and we had 50 minutes with two faculty members. We were asked standardized questions, but at least in my group, we were able to have a conversation about each question. One interviewer had an open-file perspective while the other hadn't received any information except for our names.
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I have my interview in-person this Friday and this is the format they sent me in the schedule. How was the group interview?
 
apex31913 said:
I have my interview in-person this Friday and this is the format they sent me in the schedule. How was the group interview?
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How soon prior to your interview did they send you the schedule? I'm guessing virtual interviewees are not given a schedule or is an email sent out in regards to the structure of the interview?
 
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swiftynation said:
How soon prior to your interview did they send you the schedule? I'm guessing virtual interviewees are not given a schedule or is an email sent out in regards to the structure of the interview?
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I got mine 9 days before my interview! It just has time slots for the day with the different activities like the interview, tour, etc.
 
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apex31913 said:
I have my interview in-person this Friday and this is the format they sent me in the schedule. How was the group interview?
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A lot of the questions they asked are detailed on PNWU's interview page, so I wasn't too surprised by them. Overall, it was actually very relaxed but cordial. I felt it helped to have other students there as we could bounce ideas off each other. I got the sense they wanted to see how you would act with your peers. We had to answer each question, but we alternated the initial answer.
 
kargibichi said:
A lot of the questions they asked are detailed on PNWU's interview page, so I wasn't too surprised by them. Overall, it was actually very relaxed but cordial. I felt it helped to have other students there as we could bounce ideas off each other. I got the sense they wanted to see how you would act with your peers. We had to answer each question, but we alternated the initial answer.
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By "PNWU's Interview page" are you referring to the interview feedback page on SDN?
 
Guys I just interviewed today and I truly now love this school. My two interviewers were so kind but the second person legit ended the interview by saying I "brightened" their day. LIKE IS THIS A SIGN OR WHAT! LIKE PLEASE

Also how soon did everyone hear from their interview? I know they said about 2-3 weeks but just wanted to make sure that's true...
 
Would someone who has accepted their offer be willing to run through the process? I was lucky enough to receive an acceptance and am trying to figure out the next steps with waitlist positions at other schools. I know there is a deposit required if you accept but I can't find any info on it. My understanding is that it is also non-refundable if you decide to attend another school, is that correct?

Thanks in advance.
 
RandomPreMed27 said:
Would someone who has accepted their offer be willing to run through the process? I was lucky enough to receive an acceptance and am trying to figure out the next steps with waitlist positions at other schools. I know there is a deposit required if you accept but I can't find any info on it. My understanding is that it is also non-refundable if you decide to attend another school, is that correct?

Thanks in advance.
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Yes! You have to pay a $2000 non-refundable deposit. For me the deposit was split in 2 pay $1000 by one due date and then another by the second. I’m not sure if that’s still the case or not
 
Anyone know if this scholarship application that's due tonight is actually for incoming class OMS1 or is it meant for the current established class and they just mass sent it out to all pnwu.edu addresses?
 
medPadawan said:
Anyone know if this scholarship application that's due tonight is actually for incoming class OMS1 or is it meant for the current established class and they just mass sent it out to all pnwu.edu addresses?
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It is meant for the current OMS1 class (class of 2028)
 
medgirlies said:
Yes! You have to pay a $2000 non-refundable deposit. For me the deposit was split in 2 pay $1000 by one due date and then another by the second. I’m not sure if that’s still the case or not
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Now you have to pay the full $2000 at once
 
Hi everyone! I'm applying this upcoming cycle. I'm an IS resident with a 521 MCAT & 3.91 GPA. I know mission fit is huge with this school, so stats won't carry me all the way. I have experience in a psychiatric inpatient facility (about 400 hours over 3 years) & the psychiatrist wrote one of my letters. I volunteered in a pediatric ER for one year (~100 hours). I'm currently studying for my EMT-B (about one month left) & hope to gain some meaningful experience here too. I'm deadset on staying in Washington after graduation, and feel I'll be able to talk about it quite a bit in my application. Is there a good shot I could get in? Thank you 🙂
 
brydene1 said:
Hi everyone! I'm applying this upcoming cycle. I'm an IS resident with a 521 MCAT & 3.91 GPA. I know mission fit is huge with this school, so stats won't carry me all the way. I have experience in a psychiatric inpatient facility (about 400 hours over 3 years) & the psychiatrist wrote one of my letters. I volunteered in a pediatric ER for one year (~100 hours). I'm currently studying for my EMT-B (about one month left) & hope to gain some meaningful experience here too. I'm deadset on staying in Washington after graduation, and feel I'll be able to talk about it quite a bit in my application. Is there a good shot I could get in? Thank you 🙂
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I think you'll have a decent chance! I also came in with a large focus on psychiatry (currently a therapist at an in-patient facility, a letter from a psychiatrist I work with, and the majority of my past clinical/research experiences revolve around mental health) and I was accepted this cycle. The only thing that I could see is that your clinical hours are a bit low. But I do have MUCH lower stats than you lol. As long as you articulate what you learned from your experiences well and show your commitment to underserved communities, then I think you'll be just fine!
 
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black psychiatrist said:
I think you'll have a decent chance! I also came in with a large focus on psychiatry (currently a therapist at an in-patient facility, a letter from a psychiatrist I work with, and the majority of my past clinical/research experiences revolve around mental health) and I was accepted this cycle. The only thing that I could see is that your clinical hours are a bit low. But I do have MUCH lower stats than you lol. As long as you articulate what you learned from your experiences well and show your commitment to underserved communities, then I think you'll be just fine!
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Thank you so much for the comment 🙂 It means a lot to hear from someone who also has a background in psychology. I actually earned my degree in psychology, and conducted research with my department chair and was lucky enough to do grant work with them for a year 🙂 It was really what brought me to medicine, so I hope I'm able to convey that to ADCOMs.
 
issslinggling said:
From what I can interpolate here are my theories as to why that is:
1. The school has a rural mission focus for those from the 5 state regions (oregon, idaho, washington, montana, idk last one). Those who have higher scores are less prioritized for admission if they are outside of that region.
2. Our systems classes sometimes emphasize too much on low yield or no yield information. IMO some systems teach very high yield info, like GI, renal, neuro. Some teach too many low yield info that cause people to have to relearn those concepts again in the future.

This isn't to say our school is bad. Our Family medicine and osteopathic courses you learn a lot that are very high yield not so for boards but medicine training. Anatomy is super organized. The school takes HEAVILY into account our opinions, they try best to fix things in their curriculum. They can't however fire or remove professors for teaching low yield info tho. And faculty are always open to talk. School is also very laid back, they aren't up your butt about nit picky things. My advice on studying would be:

Watch bootcamp on that specific lectures (sketchy for pharm)-> unsuspend those cards in Anking-> practice questions (given by our school). Supplement with some cards from PNWU deck. Don't suspend any cards keep them going into 2nd year so that your studying load is low (even through summer) before boards. If you have questions on Anki or Anking, shoot me a message and I'll give you my contact info.
Click to expand...
I have a 501 MCAT (124/124/127/126). cGPA 3.8, and sGPA 3.4. Do they considers MCAT subsection scores during the initial screening process?
 
babySimba said:
I have a 501 MCAT (124/124/127/126). cGPA 3.8, and sGPA 3.4. Do they considers MCAT subsection scores during the initial screening process?
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I had the same MCAT score and received an acceptance early on in the cycle! I think it’s more about mission fit than anything
 
Any current students on here looking to give up their lease for a 2 bedroom, 1000+ sq ft place? It yes, can you please DM me
 
swiftynation said:
Any current students on here looking to give up their lease for a 2 bedroom, 1000+ sq ft place? It yes, can you please DM me
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Hi! Current OMS-I here. In the past we had a Facebook group for accepted students where people who post about housing and such. This year we’re switching to Microsoft’s viva engage platform which will have an all-student community and specific communities for each class. Once accepted you should be added to the corresponding communities so be on the lookout for posts there.

Also best of luck to everyone on your app cycle!
 
jh8 said:
Hi! Current OMS-I here. In the past we had a Facebook group for accepted students where people who post about housing and such. This year we’re switching to Microsoft’s viva engage platform which will have an all-student community and specific communities for each class. Once accepted you should be added to the corresponding communities so be on the lookout for posts there.

Also best of luck to everyone on your app cycle!
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Hi Thanks for replying. I was accepted early February and haven’t been invited to the platform. Is it not up and running yet?
 
swiftynation said:
Hi Thanks for replying. I was accepted early February and haven’t been invited to the platform. Is it not up and running yet?
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They just switched over to Engage this past week, I’ll talk to student affairs to expedite it. I know housing is a stressor but new students should’ve been added to the “New to PNWU” community. If you want to PM me I can manually add you
 
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