a little something about these schools

[n0chi]

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hey all,
planning on applying to:

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM

I was wondering if thats a balanced strategy, or should i remove some and include some others? and also any info that you guys know besides the numbers and pictures online would help 🙂
thanks!

 

[Nate]

Solid list of schools, you should apply to all of the schools you think you would be happy at.

I really liked UNE when I interviewed there. It is a beautiful place to live and the students seemed really cohesive, like a family. One of the qualities I really like about UMDNJ as well. Good luck!

 

[dr.z]

I think you have a pretty good list. You could apply to few more schools to explore more options.

 

[n0chi]

I think you have a pretty good list. You could apply to few more schools to explore more options.

*updated list*

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM
6. DMU
7. NSUCOM
8. KCOM
9. AZCOM

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Don't apply to CCOM unless you like taking exams every other day.


No, Im serious.

 

[mshheaddoc]

Don't apply to CCOM unless you like taking exams every other day.


No, Im serious.

I echo this sentiment. I know a few people in CCOM and this was their biggest gripe. They were tested to death. It really turned me off.

Honestly if you are from the NE and want to stay around there, don't discount UMDNJ. They are also increasing their class size next year as well.

 

[KyleSBU]

Solid list of schools, you should apply to all of the schools you think you would be happy at.

I really liked UNE when I interviewed there. It is a beautiful place to live and the students seemed really cohesive, like a family. One of the qualities I really like about UMDNJ as well. Good luck!

So wht made you pick UMDNJ over UNE??

 

[Nate]

I picked UMDNJ because of 1)I get to save 15k a year in tuition 2)I worked at UMDNJ before I started and knew the resources available 3)NJ is home 4)I will probably want to do my residency in the UMDNJ system and being here gives me a leg up and 5)gut feeling
Even with all of those reasons it was hard to let go of my UNE acceptance.

I like the new list nOchi, DMU is another school I really like. I did not apply there but I was there for a conference recently and was surprised and impressed!

 

[Packamylase]

I will probably apply to these 12 schools:

(Not in preferential order)

1. WVSOM ($$$)
2. VCOM
3. UDMNJSOM
4. PCOM
5. PCOM-GA
5. NSU
6. CCOM (close to my extended family)
7. MSU ($$$)
8. OSUCOM
9. DMU
10. KCOM
11. KCUMB
12. OUCOM

I am a NC Resident with above avg. MCAT (28N) and GPA (3.73 overall), and IMO, good volunteer and ECs.

I am really attracted to OSU. I plan on applying very early, and I'll probably trim this list down to 10 before I hit the 'Submit' Button.

Nate (and everyone else), What do you think?

 

[mdille2]

Don't apply to CCOM unless you like taking exams every other day.


No, Im serious.

That is a real bummer to know. This is the only school I can apply to.

Marcia

 

[ssdoc]

That is a real bummer to know. This is the only school I can apply to.

Marcia

I suggest doing a search on CCOM on this site to get more opinions on the school. There are many positive aspects of CCOM, such as great residency opportunities, it would be better to get all the information you can. Especially in your case, where it looks like you want to stay in Illinois. I cannot comment on the number of tests because I am only starting there in the fall, but I absolutely loved the school when I interviewed/visited.

 

[kellkitten]

I suggest doing a search on CCOM on this site to get more opinions on the school. There are many positive aspects of CCOM, such as great residency opportunities, it would be better to get all the information you can. Especially in your case, where it looks like you want to stay in Illinois. I cannot comment on the number of tests because I am only starting there in the fall, but I absolutely loved the school when I interviewed/visited.

Inspite of the exams they are really well trained! It's hard work anywhere you go! Good Luck!

 

[n0chi]

I think i got my final 10:

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM
6. DMU
7. NSUCOM
8. KCOM
9. AZCOM
10. UMDNJ-SOM

please let me know of any tweaks... im considering dropping ccom now that ive learned they do tests every other day

which of there would u consider "reach" and which would be a less of a "reach" for a 3.0 gpa, 30 mcat and good ec's like volunteering in africa and working at a pharmacutical company. i guess what im asking in, which schools are known to see the whole package, and no just gpa.

 

[BengaliDocIsl]

I think i got my final 10:

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM
6. DMU
7. NSUCOM
8. KCOM
9. AZCOM
10. UMDNJ-SOM

please let me know of any tweaks... im considering dropping ccom now that ive learned they do tests every other day

which of there would u consider "reach" and which would be a less of a "reach" for a 3.0 gpa, 30 mcat and good ec's like volunteering in africa and working at a pharmacutical company. i guess what im asking in, which schools are known to see the whole package, and no just gpa.

i don't think any of them is a reach with your stats because the 30 MCAT is definitely going to help you since it is 2 or more over each school's average although the g.p.a is a little low. out of the schools listed AZCOM and UMDNJ-SOM have the highest average MCAT's with 27 for both, so in my opinion i think u'll be fine, also ur extracurriculars are great.

 

[Raven Feather]

I think i got my final 10:

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM
6. DMU
7. NSUCOM
8. KCOM
9. AZCOM
10. UMDNJ-SOM

please let me know of any tweaks... im considering dropping ccom now that ive learned they do tests every other day

which of there would u consider "reach" and which would be a less of a "reach" for a 3.0 gpa, 30 mcat and good ec's like volunteering in africa and working at a pharmacutical company. i guess what im asking in, which schools are known to see the whole package, and no just gpa.

I'm starting KCUMB this August. The thing I liked most about the schools is the totally seamless systems based curriculum--ie, if you are in the Respiratory System, you will only recieve the path, pharm, etc on that particular system your in--and, apparantly there is not a test every week. The have high first time pass rates on boards and the trend has been that primary care vs. specialty residencies have been about 50/50. They accept a lot of out-of-staters, I don't particularly like the tuition, however--still less than CCOM though.

 

[Packamylase]

I'm starting KCUMB this August. The thing I liked most about the schools is the totally seamless systems based curriculum--ie, if you are in the Respiratory System, you will only recieve the path, pharm, etc on that particular system your in--and, apparantly there is not a test every week. The have high first time pass rates on boards and the trend has been that primary care vs. specialty residencies have been about 50/50. They accept a lot of out-of-staters, I don't particularly like the tuition, however--still less than CCOM though.

I'm very interested in KCUMB, too.

What do you all think of my list?

 

[n0chi]

I'm very interested in KCUMB, too.

What do you all think of my list?

im interested there too! the do thats going to give me a rec went there! 🙂

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

I think i got my final 10:

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM
6. DMU
7. NSUCOM
8. KCOM
9. AZCOM
10. UMDNJ-SOM

please let me know of any tweaks... im considering dropping ccom now that ive learned they do tests every other day

which of there would u consider "reach" and which would be a less of a "reach" for a 3.0 gpa, 30 mcat and good ec's like volunteering in africa and working at a pharmacutical company. i guess what im asking in, which schools are known to see the whole package, and no just gpa.

Why aren't you going to apply to TUCOM or Western U?

 

[Whatsamatta U]

Here's my list:
1) TUCOM-MI
2) TUCOM-NV
3) COMP
4) AZCOM
5) NYCOM
6) PCOM
7) Maybe UMDNJ

I wish there was one in Oregon or Washington because I really want to stay on the west coast. Oh well...

 

[Packamylase]

Why aren't you going to apply to TUCOM or Western U?

Deleted.

 

[docbill]

I think i got my final 10:

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM
6. DMU
7. NSUCOM
8. KCOM
9. AZCOM
10. UMDNJ-SOM

If UNECOM is your best one, and you wish to stay in the NE, then I would definitely concentrate on those.

You did not mention stats so I don't know... do you have a 3.0 and 30 MCAT???

I would definitely apply to 10 on the first round of applications (APPLY EARLY), then I would only send out the secondary to the top 5 and wait (again this depends on your stats).

Good luck
b

 

[Marjoe]

I think i got my final 10:

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM
6. DMU
7. NSUCOM
8. KCOM
9. AZCOM
10. UMDNJ-SOM

please let me know of any tweaks... im considering dropping ccom now that ive learned they do tests every other day

which of there would u consider "reach" and which would be a less of a "reach" for a 3.0 gpa, 30 mcat and good ec's like volunteering in africa and working at a pharmacutical company. i guess what im asking in, which schools are known to see the whole package, and no just gpa.

If you drop CCOM, you might as well drop AZCOM, too. Personally, I look forward to having exams often. I hope it will help me to keep up with my studying. Everyone is different though...

AZCOM 2010

 

[n0chi]

If you drop CCOM, you might as well drop AZCOM, too. Personally, I look forward to having exams often. I hope it will help me to keep up with my studying. Everyone is different though...

AZCOM 2010

yea im either gonna keep em both or dump em both... will have to make a decision in the near future....

 

[Packamylase]

I'm a resident of North Carolina.

Should I even bother applying to Ohio University? Michigan State? UMDNJ-SOM? OSU?

GPA = 3.73 MCAT = 28N

What schools should I consider?

Right now, I'm considering:

1. WVSOM
2. VCOM
3. UMDNJ-SOM
4. PCOM
5. PCOM-GA
6. OUCOM
7. MSUCOM
8. OSUCOM
9. KCOM
10. KCUMB
11. CCOM
12. NOVA
13. DMU
14. AZCOM

I will end up applying to only 10-12 of these schools. Are there any, in your opinion, that I should just drop and not consider?

Of the public schools, I'm most interested in OSU, MSU, and UMDNJ-SOM.

Thoughts?

 

[Megalofyia]

I'd just say that I'd drop any school that if it was the only school you got in to you'd still not attend. Seems kinda obvious but there are threads around about people who get into only one school .. but they really didnt' honestly want to attend that school so they are considering applying agian.

 

[jbone]

hey all,
planning on applying to:

1. UNECOM (first choice as im from NE)
2. CCOM
3. KCUMB-COM
4. NYCOM / NYIT
5. PCOM

I was wondering if thats a balanced strategy, or should i remove some and include some others? and also any info that you guys know besides the numbers and pictures online would help 🙂
thanks!

I interviewed at most of these schools and more and I would put DMU in my top five for sure. Good luck. I'll be there this fall. It was really that impressive. 👍

 

[scubadiva]

please let me know of any tweaks... im considering dropping ccom now that ive learned they do tests every other day

I don't recommend my school. Life sucks when you can't have a life. 🙄 We definitely had AT LEAST two exams a week if not three a week. Being in class from 8-5 everyday sucks too. Yes, I know med school is about hard work, balance, blah blah blah, but there has to be a little give. In addition, you only get two weeks for boards if you take it when the school recommends for you to take it. Alot of the other schools get at least 4 weeks if not more. One last gripe, they've insanely increased the tuition. 👎 I started out at 33k and now it's 40k. WTF! 👎 And that's in a matter of three years.

Go anywhere else but here. It's located in downer's grove cuz it's a real downer.

On the plus side, I'm moving into the city for rotations, living on the Lakefront right by Lincoln Park, so things are looking better. 👍 But, the first two years sucked worse than anything ever. The schedule really doesn't help at all. I actually retained more when they slightly eased up on the testing at the end of my second year, but that's the only time. Otherwise, most of my classmates attest to the potty style learning that's encouraged by testing every other f-ing day of my life.

Good luck! PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[OMMFan]

Honestly if you are from the NE and want to stay around there, don't discount UMDNJ. They are also increasing their class size next year as well.

I'm curious about where you heard this. One of my many favorite things about UMDNJ is the small class size.

Is UMDNJ increasing the class size for the class of 2010 or 2011?

Do you know how large the new class size will be and how the classrooms will hold the increased number of students?

Thanks!

 

[Nate]

I heard that this idea was thrown out and the class size will remain the same for now. It would be impossible to fit more kids in our classroom anyway.

 

[ShyRem]

I think it's important to look at why you would want to go to each school. Other folks' opinions may not be your own (for example, I HATED DMU - I got a really strange feeling there and was frankly very happy and relieved I got accepted somewhere else). Do you like the area? The curriculum? The ECs? The rotation sites? If you have a family, a whole slew of other questions come up for discussion. And really, in the grand scheme of things, it's what - $30 for each additional school for aacomas and $40-100 for each secondary? So perhaps it would be worth applying to them ALL and seeing what you really think of each school.

 

[DORoe]

I'm a resident of North Carolina.

Should I even bother applying to Ohio University? Michigan State? UMDNJ-SOM? OSU?

GPA = 3.73 MCAT = 28N

What schools should I consider?

Right now, I'm considering:

1. WVSOM
2. VCOM
3. UMDNJ-SOM
4. PCOM
5. PCOM-GA
6. OUCOM
7. MSUCOM
8. OSUCOM
9. KCOM
10. KCUMB
11. CCOM
12. NOVA
13. DMU
14. AZCOM

I will end up applying to only 10-12 of these schools. Are there any, in your opinion, that I should just drop and not consider?

Of the public schools, I'm most interested in OSU, MSU, and UMDNJ-SOM.

Thoughts?

As for Ohio University COM I would say that we have a lot of out-of-state students here. I don't think that there is a real in-state preference, however, if you are an out of state student you have to sign a contract that you will practice in Ohio for 5 years. If you do an AOA approved residency (not hard as there are a lot of them in Ohio) you get credit toward your 5 years. This is a kind of our way of giving preference to in-state students. As far as stats you would be a very competitive candidate here. Oh, and in Ohio you will be able to become a resident after the first year and qualify for in-state tuition which is about $12,000 less.

The rest of your list looks pretty good.

 

[Packamylase]

Thank you, DORoe. Nate, Others? Should I consider applying to these other public schools?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Raven Feather]

Thank you, DORoe. Nate, Others? Should I consider applying to these other public schools?

Thanks everyone!

I hear that MSU is a bit harder to get into if you are outta state plus, tuition would be like 45+/yr.

PCOM--I applied to both campuses, declined my interview in GA and withdrew in Dec. from the PA campus (I did this b/c I had mult. acceptances and ran out of cash). I still hadn't heard from the PA campus at the time I withdrew. I think they give people from the area first dibbs.

I interviewed at KCUMB, LECOM-PA, VCOM, and PCSOM. Withdrew apps from CCOM, DMU, and the above PCOM.

 

[n0chi]

I'd just say that I'd drop any school that if it was the only school you got in to you'd still not attend. Seems kinda obvious but there are threads around about people who get into only one school .. but they really didnt' honestly want to attend that school so they are considering applying agian.

yes its to avoid something like this, i started this thread. so that i could know something about these schools, these towns and what the life there is like 😎

are there any do schools that are known to appreciate the extracarriculars more, and let a poor gpa slide?

 

[Raven Feather]

yes its to avoid something like this, i started this thread. so that i could know something about these schools, these towns and what the life there is like 😎

are there any do schools that are known to appreciate the extracarriculars more, and let a poor gpa slide?

It is hard to say without a MCAT score and even then we'd all be guessing. It is a mixture of things it seems--seems random at times. I had a kick arse GPA but my MCAT sucked.

 

[star22]

Which schools have the most clinical exposure during years 1 and 2 (or are they all pretty similar)?

 

[Nate]

Thank you, DORoe. Nate, Others? Should I consider applying to these other public schools?

Thanks everyone!

Yeah, if you like UMDNJ then apply, don't ever think you can't do it because then you will succeed in not doing it. It is competitive as hell but that makes victory all the sweeter.

 

[Kuba]

Honestly if you are from the NE and want to stay around there, don't discount UMDNJ. They are also increasing their class size next year as well.

Really nice to hear about the class size. UMDNJSOM is my first choice right now.
I am from NE also.

 

[Raven Feather]

Which schools have the most clinical exposure during years 1 and 2 (or are they all pretty similar)?

They differ. I can't speak for other schools, but KCUMB has early clinical exposure. There are elective early clinical exposure courses offered for 1st year such as EM, FP, etc. and also for 2cnd year.

 

[MikeyLu2010]

AZCOM and NSU have clinical exposure first year...its called IGC preceptorship..where you have clinical experience at least once a week..and you do simple procedures..and follow a doc...at NSU..you can either choose to stick with one doc..or you can rotate through a lot of docs..pretty nice IMO

 

[n0chi]

you guys wanna share some things about the cities your schools are located in and what kinda life you guys have outside of school?

yes im sure thats rare... hehe

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

I suggest doing a search on CCOM on this site to get more opinions on the school. There are many positive aspects of CCOM, such as great residency opportunities, it would be better to get all the information you can. Especially in your case, where it looks like you want to stay in Illinois. I cannot comment on the number of tests because I am only starting there in the fall, but I absolutely loved the school when I interviewed/visited.

Get all the opinions you want. The fact remains, we took 65 exams in 33 weeks.


You do the math. And don't forget about the 2 quizzes per week on top of that.

 

[wook]

I think it's important to look at why you would want to go to each school. Other folks' opinions may not be your own. Do you like the area? The curriculum? The ECs? The rotation sites? If you have a family, a whole slew of other questions come up for discussion. And really, in the grand scheme of things, it's what - $30 for each additional school for aacomas and $40-100 for each secondary? So perhaps it would be worth applying to them ALL and seeing what you really think of each school.

👍

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

Get all the opinions you want. The fact remains, we took 65 exams in 33 weeks.


You do the math. And don't forget about the 2 quizzes per week on top of that.

Do you know about AZCOM? I heard that it was similar since they're both midwestern schools.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

nope, no idea.

 

[newyorkcougar]

When I was applying to med school I asked as many physicians as I could (both DO and MD) which osteopathic school to go to, and literally all of them said PCOM or DMU. I got into both and chose PCOM. I could not be happier with my decision. However, DMU is great and would have been a very close second.

 

[Packamylase]

Here's an old thread, huh?

It's kind of funny to look back at myself at the beginning of this application cycle. I'm a little curious about why I never heard from Ohio U though. I was looking forward to checking out the place.

But, I think things have worked out well for me. I'm considering KCOM and KCUMB, leaning towards KCUMB.

 

[GatorGirl79]

I just graduated from UNECOM in June and I am very happy with my UNECOM experience. I LOVED my class and made some great life-long friends. My classmates were very cooperative with each other and are a tight-knit group. I also believe I have gotten a great education. I think UNECOM did such a great job with picking my classmates because they looked beyond the test scores to find individuals that were motivated and passionate about medicine but that were well-rounded. I had a 29 MCAT and a 3.2 GPA and was accepted right away and your numbers are pretty similar to mine. However, like I said, for UNECOM, numbers do not seem as important as other criteria. Good luck!

 

[UIC Killa]

When I was applying to med school I asked as many physicians as I could (both DO and MD) which osteopathic school to go to, and literally all of them said PCOM or DMU. I got into both and chose PCOM. I could not be happier with my decision. However, DMU is great and would have been a very close second.

👍 ....and I didnt know that ccom students had 65 exams in 33 weeks and 2 quizzes a week...I would need a breather in there somewhere...I know that those exams keep you inline and studying all the time but I think I would still be the same without such a schedule...anyway I will be at DMU🙂