Attend WVSOM interview?

[pe2016]

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I have already been accepted to VCOM-VC and loved the school. I have been offered an interview for WVSOM but am debating whether to attend. I'm tempted to go to see all my options but I'm not sure I want to spend the money on the application fee, transportation and hotel. I'm OOS and the tuition for WVSOM is really expensive and they seem to have a little lower board passing rates than VCOM. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[cjcarter]

If I remember correctly attendance is not mandatory at WVSOM and there is no professional dress code. Can't say the same for VCOM. I would attend the interview for these two reasons alone!

 

[pe2016]

If I remember correctly attendance is not mandatory at WVSOM and there is no professional dress code. Can't say the same for VCOM. I would attend the interview for these two reasons alone!

Thanks for the input! I should've mentioned that those aren't really important factors for me since I personally don't mind the dress code or attendance policy at all

 

[IslandStyle808]

Thanks for the input! I should've mentioned that those aren't really important factors for me since I personally don't mind the dress code or attendance policy at all

That might change when you start, especially if it means higher grades...

 

[pe2016]

That might change when you start, especially if it means higher grades...

Possibly, but I've learned that I usually do better by attending structured lectures and being able to see and hear the info before reviewing it on my own. I actually had a difficult time studying for the MCAT since there was no class and it was all me studying off books

 

[pr3m3d3r]

I have already been accepted to VCOM-VC and loved the school. I have been offered an interview for WVSOM but am debating whether to attend. I'm tempted to go to see all my options but I'm not sure I want to spend the money on the application fee, transportation and hotel. I'm OOS and the tuition for WVSOM is really expensive and they seem to have a little lower board passing rates than VCOM. Any input would be appreciated!

Something to always keep in mind is the actually statistical probability of obtaining an interview. It's not easy. On top of that, getting accepted is often under a 10% chance. You should take every interview that you can (and can afford reasonably). There can be a lot of change in your life in one year, and have options for other schools is a blessing to changing circumstances. On top of that, I interviewed and got into WVSOM, and it was the most awesome school. Outside of the tuition, it's a top choice for me. I've never seen faculty that literally work day-in and day-out to make sure you're a great physician........ Also..... ask the president to do a magic trick... He's incredible...

 

[SurgDoc95]

Just wanted to chime in here and say WVSOM is a hidden gem and you should 100% go to that interview. I'm not from anywhere near there but when I went for my interview last Monday I was extremely impressed with the faculty, facilities, students, etc.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Something to always keep in mind is the actually statistical probability of obtaining an interview. It's not easy. On top of that, getting accepted is often under a 10% chance. You should take every interview that you can (and can afford reasonably). There can be a lot of change in your life in one year, and have options for other schools is a blessing to changing circumstances. On top of that, I interviewed and got into WVSOM, and it was the most awesome school. Outside of the tuition, it's a top choice for me. I've never seen faculty that literally work day-in and day-out to make sure you're a great physician........ Also..... ask the president to do a magic trick... He's incredible...

To add to this, if I recall correctly, your chances of acceptance to WVSOM (before Feburary) are around 50-60% at the interview stage. So receiving an interview is a pretty large deal.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I would go. Mandatory attendance is a big deal, even if you don't think so. If you end up still liking going to lecture then you can do that at any school, but if you decide you don't want to go to lecture and you are at a mandatory school then you are just screwed. The way you studied in undergrad may not be close to the way you study for medicine, because the material and delivery is completely different. I wouldn't use the MCAT as a good point of reference.

I am from the other part of the country and if I didn't get accepted to my 1st choice I would have been going to WVSOM. It really is a hidden gem of a school and worth at least going to the interview. Part of me is still a little sad I won't be going there.

 

[pe2016]

I would go. Mandatory attendance is a big deal, even if you don't think so. If you end up still liking going to lecture then you can do that at any school, but if you decide you don't want to go to lecture and you are at a mandatory school then you are just screwed. The way you studied in undergrad may not be close to the way you study for medicine, because the material and delivery is completely different. I wouldn't use the MCAT as a good point of reference.

I am from the other part of the country and if I didn't get accepted to my 1st choice I would have been going to WVSOM. It really is a hidden gem of a school and worth at least going to the interview. Part of me is still a little sad I won't be going there.

If you don't mind me asking, what did WVSOM lack compared to your first choice? I think I've decided to attend the interview but if I do end up liking the school and environment and get accepted, I'll only have 1 day to decide before my other deposit is due. Basically, what are some of the cons for WVSOM and how does it compare academically to VCOM in my case? (Aside from anntendance and dress code)

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

If you don't mind me asking, what did WVSOM lack compared to your first choice?

A teaching hospital and home residency programs. That's it really and VCOM doesn't have those either, none of the private DO schools do except maybe PCOM. My first choice is a state school.

 

[medstar11]

Possibly, but I've learned that I usually do better by attending structured lectures and being able to see and hear the info before reviewing it on my own. I actually had a difficult time studying for the MCAT since there was no class and it was all me studying off books

You definitely might change your mind. I had all intentions of going to class when I started and now I havent been to any non-required classes in 3 months and my grades just keep improving. It is a much better use of time to watch the lectures at twice the speed and save the time. There isnt much time in medical school so you have to use it wisely. Also WVSOM truly is a hidden gem. This was my second choice school and the only reason it was second is because I am from the western half of the US and that was much too far for me to move. If that would've been closer I would've without a doubt attended. Also dress code... I couldn't even imagine getting dressed up all the time but that is just me and my love for sweatpants when I am studying

 

[ctran019]

Thanks for the input! I should've mentioned that those aren't really important factors for me since I personally don't mind the dress code or attendance policy at all

That's what most of my friends thought when they started medical school. Suffice it to say that all of them study from home now. Its just simply more efficient, you go at your pace, and they saw no point driving 10 miles to hear a professor read word for word off lecture slides.

 

[pe2016]

That's what most of my friends thought when they started medical school. Suffice it to say that all of them study from home now. Its just simply more efficient, you go at your pace, and they saw no point driving 10 miles to hear a professor read word for word off lecture slides.

Hmm if I go end up going that route I hope I don't run into problems. I'm used to dressing up since I've worn uniforms at school at my life and never minded it. As for attending lecture, is it bad to say that I almost feel like I need that extra motivation of required attendance to actually get up and start studying? Without it, I'm afraid I'll just sleep in everyday and won't spend as much time studying without external motivation.