Applying but SCARED now of COMP

[OnMyWayThere]

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Okay... I really, really hate when people dig up dead threads, especially DO vs. MD ones but this is a different situation.

COMP has been my first choice for many reasons, including location and having friends who are graduates (much older physicians).

After reading this thread, I am seriously reconsidering my choice. It seems like COMP is some dark, corrupt, difficult, shady school and it's really bothering me.

This thread is from a couple of years ago and I wanted to know if you current students see a difference now. PLEASE post your experiences, because I am definately questioning my goal now... 😕 Here is the link to that thread

 

[Sense]

Okay... I really, really hate when people dig up dead threads, especially DO vs. MD ones but this is a different situation.

COMP has been my first choice for many reasons, including location and having friends who are graduates (much older physicians).

After reading this thread, I am seriously reconsidering my choice. It seems like COMP is some dark, corrupt, difficult, shady school and it's really bothering me.

This thread is from a couple of years ago and I wanted to know if you current students see a difference now. PLEASE post your experiences, because I am definately questioning my goal now... 😕 Here is the link to that thread

Yes I remember reading that thread among others that talked about negative things about COMP. From what I gather, it is the first two years where some of these problems occurred. Especially on this forum, there have been some disgruntled COMP students that have said bad things about the school much like there has been AZCOM students who have done the same.

All I know is that COMP is well respected at least in southern California and the rotations are good. COMP graduates are all over the place in the state and that has helped its reputation.

Although the first couple of years are probably tough I think that if you can survive it, everything will be fine. Also, my FP who graduated from COMP said that COMP alumni help each other out when they can and they still keep in communication allowing for a network of alumni.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. So what if some teachers are harder than others or the administration may not be as accomodating as you would like them to be. It will only be mainly 2 years where you will have to work through it.

Perhaps current students can give you more insight since they've been through it. I am pretty sure that 4 years from now, I will still be happy with my decision.🙂

 

[Ryan]

Hey...there was a lot of emotions running high in that class (death of a classmate, COMP officials did not communicate their respect and grief to the class very well and they had a rather tough professor that really kicked their butts) some people did not handle the stress very well and it kind of blew up... it was an anomaly. However, that being said, academics at COMP are difficult. Most medical schools are difficult and more students fail classes at medical school than we all would like to believe. I did my undergrad at UC Davis and I had several Medical students taking remedial classes to re-prepare them to take the class that they failed in med school... this happens... it can happen to you or to me or to anyone. I know many graduates from COMP, not one of them has said, "Oh I LOVED going to COMP" but all of them have said...the first two years are HELL, but you WILL come out knowing your crap, just keep up a good attitude, stay focused and will be a great doc...etc. So what does that tell you? Well I have still decided to attend COMP, I have already met my classmates and know that if we stick it out together we will make COMP proud, and become great docs.... that still is the end goal isn't it?

Just my 2 greenbacks

-Ryan

 

[JMC_MarineCorps]

Amen brother.

 

[Toejam]

Tough to admit, but I'm one of 3 former 2007 MS1's who were asked to repeat the MS1 year at COMP. There were many more who never made it through the first semester and even more who finished the entire first year, but failed to demonstrate enough academic competence to merit returning to the university.

There is NO DOUBT that the academics at COMP are rigorous. Not all courses, but enough to make your head spin. Specifically, Anatomy and Biochemistry. It doesn't get any more difficult. In fact, I'm friends with a student who is attempting to remediate biochemistry this summer (he failed the first semester with a 68/70%) and there is an excellent chance that he's not going to pass. What does this mean? He'll have to repeat the entire first year with me!

If you're going to COMP here's my advice: Take your academics seriously. Memorize as much as you can and then memorize some more after that. The first anatomy test will be the hardest test of the first year. You can never be too prepared for biochem. Listen VERY carefully to the biochem lectures. Make sure you know what the instructor wants you to know. You can never spend enough time in the cadaver lab. Never.

Anyone is welcome to PM me if they want.

 

[Freakingzooming]

when I read the old thread, I thought what hte adminstration did was heavy handed.... but at the same time, I could see any school doing that. I really want to know what happened afterwards to the class of 2006, are they still bitter?

 

[Eyecon82]

when I read the old thread, I thought what hte adminstration did was heavy handed.... but at the same time, I could see any school doing that. I really want to know what happened afterwards to the class of 2006, are they still bitter?

What was the administrations response to the death of a classmate? Just curious

 

[lapiz007]

i just finished my 1st year at COMP... its balls hard, but i'm not sure there are any *easy* med schools...and if there were would you really want to go there?

in regards to the class that lost a student, i'm not really sure how the admin acted or what the full story was, but i do know this:

the first year of med school is a major kick in the junk. during that time my capacity to handle life's little f- you's was greatly diminished. little things really can seem like the end of the world when you are going through the 1st year...

now i can't even imagine losing a friend or classmate during that time. what those folks went through must have been crazy...but it is certainly not the norm at COMP.

the key to the first year in my opinion is the people you meet and bond with(besides studying yur a** off). only they know exactly what you are going through. work hard and form good relationship with the people in yur class and it wont really matter when the admins seem like they are being a collective renob.

if you have and questions/concerns please feel free to PM me.

jeff
DO 2007, COMP

 

[Sense]

i just finished my 1st year at COMP... its balls hard, but i'm not sure there are any *easy* med schools...and if there were would you really want to go there?

in regards to the class that lost a student, i'm not really sure how the admin acted or what the full story was, but i do know this:

the first year of med school is a major kick in the junk. during that time my capacity to handle life's little f- you's was greatly diminished. little things really can seem like the end of the world when you are going through the 1st year...

now i can't even imagine losing a friend or classmate during that time. what those folks went through must have been crazy...but it is certainly not the norm at COMP.

the key to the first year in my opinion is the people you meet and bond with(besides studying yur a** off). only they know exactly what you are going through. work hard and form good relationship with the people in yur class and it wont really matter when the admins seem like they are being a collective renob.

if you have and questions/concerns please feel free to PM me.

jeff
DO 2007, COMP

Thanks for your input jeff.

Toejam, that sucks about repeating. I guess the good news if anything that could come out of your predicament is that you'll be a part of our class and our class seems awesome. 👍

 

[JMC_MarineCorps]

Thanks for your input jeff.

Toejam, that sucks about repeating. I guess the good news if anything that could come out of your predicament is that you'll be a part of our class and our class seems awesome. 👍

Jam-

I'm sorry to hear about your experience too. But I couldn't have said it any better than Sense. You are most welcome to come and embrace the c/o 2008 with us...no man (or woman for that matter) will get left behind. Med school is tough, no doubt, and it just isn't civilized to leave a fallen brother behind. Too bad we missed you at the ESPN Zone (last week) where a few of us eager beavers met up to introduce ourselves and bond.

JMC

 

[kpax18]

I can tell you that the atmosphere that prepares you is worth the hardwork (after 1st yr for me that is). Doing internship this summer at a hospital I am even on par with the third years that are rotating there. As long as you work hard and put in the time there should be no problem.

 

[sia_simba]

Hello,

I am an outsider reading this thread and find it interesting. COMP is hard, but how hard is it ? I mean, refering to biochemistry and anatomy... I am sure in most medical schools those courses are pretty hard as well no ? Not to offend anyone personally, but passing with a 70% should be for everyone. It is kind of sad if you're a medical student and only know 65% of the material or less.

I understand that some said the adminstration was not helpful, what did they do ? Did they not listen to your class officers on changes in cirriculum ? How are the classes graded ? If you fail the class you get to take a make up exam ? and if you fail make up exam if you have to repeat the class or something ? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand a different system.

 

[Ryan]

Hello,

I am an outsider reading this thread and find it interesting. COMP is hard, but how hard is it ? I mean, refering to biochemistry and anatomy... I am sure in most medical schools those courses are pretty hard as well no ? Not to offend anyone personally, but passing with a 70% should be for everyone. It is kind of sad if you're a medical student and only know 65% of the material or less.

I understand that some said the adminstration was not helpful, what did they do ? Did they not listen to your class officers on changes in cirriculum ? How are the classes graded ? If you fail the class you get to take a make up exam ? and if you fail make up exam if you have to repeat the class or something ? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand a different system.

Hi Sia... welcome to our COMP info-thread. To answer your first question I differ to several of my acquaintances who have just finished your first year at COMP. The Anat and Biochem are exactly the same information that you should receive at any other US medical school... so if you have a talent for biochem or anatomy, that subject will obviously be a little easier for you (this is obviously true at any school) however, it will have much more detail than you can possibly imagine so be prepared to try to drink an Ocean worth of water with a teacup. As for your comment on "70% being passing ...and if you fail..." ...I'm not sure I understand this comment because the above poster is saying that the student who received a 68% IS repeating the class. The system at this school is the same as any other traditional medical school...lecture...cadaver dissection...labs.... with the additional OMM training. If you have any other questions you can feel free to PM me.

-Ryan

 

[uclabruin2003]

well i was thinking that COMP was my first choice of all DO schools just because of location but now...I am not so sure...though I do know people who have gone there and done well...so I am sure it is a good school. I guess I am just more open minded now. Anyone else think that COMP is the #1 choice? Speakup!

 

[Sense]

Anyone else think that COMP is the #1 choice? Speakup!

It certainly was my number one choice due to location.

 

[gioia]

If you are in the application process here is my $.02 and I hope it helps:

Apply. You really don't know what a school is like until you interview. If you have the chance to interview at several schools, then your decision will be solid. If you fail to apply to a school because of a concern, you may regret that choice.

I enjoyed my interview at western COMP. The students were AWESOME and I love southern cal. (used to live in Burbank). Western Comp has the only drama club that actually performs, the students are creative and diverse, and the overall attitude is positive. I really don't believe that the curriculum is harder there than other places and yes, they have had their share of bad press, but again, you need to interview to see what ANY school is like.

Trust me, for those in the application process, a school's personality does not come through on paper, you will feel the vibe in an interview, just make the best choice for your future career.

 

[Toejam]

Don't let any of these threads stop you from going to COMP. The only class that seems to give students trouble is biochem. Like I said previously, the prof's test score averages tend to be in the high 50's or so. So, the poster who mentioned that you should know more than 65% of the material is kind of missing the point. Some professors can and will make it as difficult as humanly possible (this particular prof, while a very decent man and very enthusiastic about his field, writes questions for the boards and has some very strong opinions on how important biochem is for a future physician).

 

[OnMyWayThere]

while a very decent man and very enthusiastic about his field, writes questions for the boards and has some very strong opinions on how important biochem is for a future physician).

I don't get it, COMP's biochem teacher is this very decent man?

 

[Toejam]

I guess I mean he isn't an #@$hole. But, then again, this description can have a variety of interpretations.

I think the problem is that if you aren't very comfortable with chemistry, he can be a real pill. You have to know the material in every possible way. He likes to test you on your UNDERSTANDING rather than just rote memory. Naturally, you have to memorize everything (lots and lots and lots of pathways/enzymes), but also how everything relates and, specifically, how it might relate to medicine. I've discovered that there's no good way to memorize biochemistry since it's so frigging abstract.

You'll see.

 

[OnMyWayThere]

I guess I mean he isn't an #@$hole. But, then again, this description can have a variety of interpretations.

I think the problem is that if you aren't very comfortable with chemistry, he can be a real pill. You have to know the material in every possible way. He likes to test you on your UNDERSTANDING rather than just rote memory. Naturally, you have to memorize everything (lots and lots and lots of pathways/enzymes), but also how everything relates and, specifically, how it might relate to medicine. I've discovered that there's no good way to memorize biochemistry since it's so frigging abstract.

You'll see.

You recommed taking it Spring prior to matriculation in college? I hear it doesn't help much. Thanks for your insight.

 

[FowlersGap]

It certainly was my number one choice due to location.

same here...i'm a bruin too

 

[Eyecon82]

don't be scared of COMP...of course I have never visited there or know anyone from there...but all medical schools are hard....and my whole philosophy is that if one is harder than another...it's a good thing...it'll make you a better physician.

on top of that...there will be a 100+ classmates that are going through the same thing you are going through so you will definetly have that "support"

 

[Toejam]

I think one of the main factors in choosing a medical school is where you want to live. You're going to get the same education, by and large, and there will always be tough instructors and dickhead instructors. I just missed passing biochem by the equivalent of 1 1/2 questions spread over the entire semester so it's kind of hard to say that I FAILED it (at least that's the way I soften it for myself). During the days of the 1st exam I was working about 3/4 time. It wasn't supposed to be like that, but I didn't have a choice.

The good thing about this is that if you're in the class of 2008 you'll have an advantage. There's going to be 3 guys in your class who can give you plenty of heads up on how to get through the 1st year. All of us are very approachable and will be glad to help out the best we can.

 

[me454555]

As a member of the 2k7 class, I'll give my 2 cents about COMP

Biochem: Hard but passable. There was 10 point curve this year b/c the averages were so low (that should give you an idea of how hard it was). The curve definatly helped and I thought it was tough but passable.

Anatomy: Much the same way. Big curve but then not much harder than any other school. Anatomy is hard wherever you go. Period. Ask any first year medical student what their toughest class was and its usually anatomy. COMP is no better or wose than any other school.

Administration: There's a lot of shady doings there. I wouldn't want to get involved with it and I won't pretend to know anything thats going on there. Overall, it doesn't really affect my day to day life at COMP.

1st semester at COMP is as rough as it gets. Just like pledging a fraternity or going through hazing on a sports team it sucks. Once you get through it you feel like you've accomplished somthing b/c the rest of med school is easier (not less work, but much less stressful).

My best advice to an incoming MS-1 is don't slack the first month when the tests are review from college b/c it gets real hard very fast. COMP seems very similar to every other lecture based learning curriculum as far as toughness of classes and amount of work. Every school has people left behind and unfortunately COMP is no different.

 

[Sense]

The good thing about this is that if you're in the class of 2008 you'll have an advantage. There's going to be 3 guys in your class who can give you plenty of heads up on how to get through the 1st year. All of us are very approachable and will be glad to help out the best we can.

I like the sound of that. We appreciate your help. 😀

 

[Toejam]

Oh yeah. I'm a Bruin, too (though comparatively ancient)

 

[Jinyaoysiu]

To Original Poster,

You are referring to a post that was dated in 2001 and I think we are on our way appraoching 2005 right now. Perhaps there is a good reason why you can't quote anything more current, just like there is a good reason why nobody is talking about the Y2K computer "bug" that everyone was talking about 5 years ago.

The financial situation has been discussed over and over and like many others, I believe there is no 100% "clean" administration out there. Just because you don't know what's going on doesn't mean that there's nothing going on.

Well, apparently COMP is still doing well as a school since 2001, and from what I've heard, if not better.

So if the "financial situation" and the supposed difficulty of COMP is truly scaring you, then I'd advised you not to apply. You don't need to put yourself through fear in life. Just take it easy.