AZCOM Discussion thread 2007-2008

[DocBR]

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Kindof. 3rd year rotations, non-elective are done mostly in state and surrounding area. 4th year they allow some leeway, and of course electives are open.

As of the last I heard, during 4th year you can do whatever you want. 3rd year is limited to 3 out of state rotations.

 

[slim78]

Does anyone know what is the acceptance rate for after an interview? Especially for those who are interviewed at the end of Feburary. Are those for spots on waitlist?

thanks

This link was posted by DrMidlife a while back. It shows data from 2005:

http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=usnewsdofall05wz3.jpg


If I am reading it correctly, then in 2005 they accepted 321 of 372. That is about 86%. That seems exceptionally high to me and I don't know how accurate this chart is or what relevance it has to this year's application cycle. But since I interviewed there last week I'm hoping the acceptance rate really is that high.

Since the class size increase approval came in December, it would seem to me that now would be an excellent time to be interviewing there.

 

[spazzz]

i interviewed the other day and they said it was a little over 50%. So that number is old. But they are interviewing through May as well. The 250 class turns me off.

 

[slim78]

I interviewed here last Tuesday.

Do you think it is much too early to call to find out if I'm in?

 

[EEL08]

I interviewed here last Tuesday.

Do you think it is much too early to call to find out if I'm in?

Did they say how long until you should expect to find out? I believe my husband got the call on a Friday 9 or 10 days after he interviewed.

 

[spazzz]

I interviewed here last Tuesday.

Do you think it is much too early to call to find out if I'm in?

i interviewed last week too. I thought they said the committee meets this friday.

 

[slim78]

Did they say how long until you should expect to find out? I believe my husband got the call on a Friday 9 or 10 days after he interviewed.

All they said was "Within three weeks" we would receive a letter via snail mail. I interviewed on Tuesday 1/29. I'm not sure I can wait much longer. I'm going to explode.

 

[slim78]

All they said was "Within three weeks" we would receive a letter via snail mail. I interviewed on Tuesday 1/29. I'm not sure I can wait much longer. I'm going to explode.

I broke down and called. They said adcom is meeting today and I should call back tomorrow.

 

[EEL08]

I broke down and called. They said adcom is meeting today and I should call back tomorrow.

Hey that's better than three weeks right? I hope you get in!!

 

[nadh]

Does anyone know where we can find out more about the financial situation going on right now at AZCOM? I've read every page of the Midwestern website, watched all the DVD's, looked at all the brochures, but finances are never discussed.

The $62,000/yr projected cost of attendance (quarter million over the 4 years needed to get our degrees) really worries me. This number is expected to rise each year, as well. I know this sky-high price tag helps to offset the massive amount of construction going on, but I'm wondering how I'm going to be able to pull that much out of my wallet, even with the bank and Aunt Sallie Mae's help.

For those of you who are certain you are going to attend, how are you planning on paying? Are you sent an info. packet upon acceptance? How much money can you loan from various federal and university sources each year?

This is the only thing that bothers me about AZCOM. For what you're getting at the school, its worth the money...I'm just not sure how I can come up with it!

 

[OLYWA]

Quick question about the LOR requirement.

AZCOM states that all LOR's must have your full name and SSN on the face of the letter, CCOM has this requirement too. Like many students, I am using interfolio which lists on the cover letter (provided by interfolio) your SSN and AACOMAS number.

Anyone know if the school will accept this type of SSN identification/disclosure...or do I need to go back and have my LOR's re-written?

Thanks in advance.

 

[EEL08]

Quick question about the LOR requirement.

AZCOM states that all LOR's must have your full name and SSN on the face of the letter, CCOM has this requirement too. Like many students, I am using interfolio which lists on the cover letter (provided by interfolio) your SSN and AACOMAS number.

Anyone know if the school will accept this type of SSN identification/disclosure...or do I need to go back and have my LOR's re-written?

Thanks in advance.

I didn't have my LOR writers put my SSN on the letter or even my AACOMAS number. My husband didn't either and I have an interview and he has already been accepted. I don't see why it would be a problem to submit what you have.

 

[EEL08]

Does anyone know where we can find out more about the financial situation going on right now at AZCOM? I've read every page of the Midwestern website, watched all the DVD's, looked at all the brochures, but finances are never discussed.

The $62,000/yr projected cost of attendance (quarter million over the 4 years needed to get our degrees) really worries me. This number is expected to rise each year, as well. I know this sky-high price tag helps to offset the massive amount of construction going on, but I'm wondering how I'm going to be able to pull that much out of my wallet, even with the bank and Aunt Sallie Mae's help.

For those of you who are certain you are going to attend, how are you planning on paying? Are you sent an info. packet upon acceptance? How much money can you loan from various federal and university sources each year?

This is the only thing that bothers me about AZCOM. For what you're getting at the school, its worth the money...I'm just not sure how I can come up with it!

I am set on attending AZCOM but I don't know if they're going to be set on admitting me or not. 😛 That being said, I have always planned on getting student loans and also applying for the grad plus loan to cover all expenses. I think you will be able to get more answers about financial aid when you interview. Are you still interviewing on 2/29?

 

[slim78]

Quick question about the LOR requirement.

AZCOM states that all LOR's must have your full name and SSN on the face of the letter, CCOM has this requirement too. Like many students, I am using interfolio which lists on the cover letter (provided by interfolio) your SSN and AACOMAS number.

Anyone know if the school will accept this type of SSN identification/disclosure...or do I need to go back and have my LOR's re-written?

Thanks in advance.

I used interfolio and interviewed at AZCOM last week. Using the SSN and AACOMAS number you give to interfolio will work. You don't need to have your LOR re-written.

 

[nadh]

I am set on attending AZCOM but I don't know if they're going to be set on admitting me or not. 😛 That being said, I have always planned on getting student loans and also applying for the grad plus loan to cover all expenses. I think you will be able to get more answers about financial aid when you interview. Are you still interviewing on 2/29?

Yes, I am still on board to interview with you. 🙂 However, since receiving my invitation, it's a bit scary to hear about past AZCOMer's financial issues. Some of them had to work small part time jobs to make ends meet b/c the university wouldn't approve of loans beyond a certain capped amount. In addition, some students also had funds on the side (scholarships, a portion of savings, military payments) deducted from the estimated costs. Resultantly, they couldn't borrow as much as they wanted/needed. This was especially problematic for those with sig. others and families.

A couple students were really disgruntled to find out that after spending around $400-500 for interview expenses and laying down a subsequent deposit, it might not be feasible for them to attend due to financial issues.

 

[medicalkiss]

Yes, I am still on board to interview with you. 🙂 However, since receiving my invitation, it's a bit scary to hear about past AZCOMer's financial issues. Some of them had to work small part time jobs to make ends meet b/c the university wouldn't approve of loans beyond a certain capped amount. In addition, some students also had funds on the side (scholarships, a portion of savings, military payments) deducted from the estimated costs. Resultantly, they couldn't borrow as much as they wanted/needed. This was especially problematic for those with sig. others and families.

A couple students were really disgruntled to find out that after spending around $400-500 for interview expenses and laying down a subsequent deposit, it might not be feasible for them to attend due to financial issues.

I have not heard of anyone having issues. the financial aid office is outstanding. I am on federal student aid and private aid distributed by the school. i have talked to alumn as well as 3rd and 4th year students. all are on financial aid. they will give you a higher amount if you have dependents too. i know a few people who have also gotten outside loans. the bottom line is that as a doctor you will be able to pay it off... for example, my cousin is an MD and had racked up more than 300K in student loans... he is 5 years out and it is about half way payed down and he says it doesnt impact his lifestyle either.

 

[Stormcrow501]

Whew... got my April interview bumped up to Feb 28th! I called and they had one spot open! Anyone else interviewing with me?

 

[spazzz]

I have not heard of anyone having issues. the financial aid office is outstanding. I am on federal student aid and private aid distributed by the school. i have talked to alumn as well as 3rd and 4th year students. all are on financial aid. they will give you a higher amount if you have dependents too. i know a few people who have also gotten outside loans. the bottom line is that as a doctor you will be able to pay it off... for example, my cousin is an MD and had racked up more than 300K in student loans... he is 5 years out and it is about half way payed down and he says it doesnt impact his lifestyle either.

doesn't impact his life other than if he didn't pay out $150k in 5 years, he would have been fvcking BALLIN'

 

[seabreeze811]

does anyone know where rotations will take place in 3rd or 4th year? does it include mayo clinic in phoenix? does the school have an option for students to do rotations out of state? if so, where at, which hospitals?

 

[EEL08]

does anyone know where rotations will take place in 3rd or 4th year? does it include mayo clinic in phoenix? does the school have an option for students to do rotations out of state? if so, where at, which hospitals?

http://www.midwestern.edu/250/

I haven't heard from anyone either about having to work while in school and all that other stuff. I will not be working and plan on using Stafford loans and grad plus loans.

 

[Dakayus]

I loved AZCOM and it was the best school I interviewed at, but I didn't have the best interview. Interview I felt interrogated and just barraged with questions left and right. I love the campus and definitely want to go there if accepted.

 

[EEL08]

I loved AZCOM and it was the best school I interviewed at, but I didn't have the best interview. Interview I felt interrogated and just barraged with questions left and right. I love the campus and definitely want to go there if accepted.

Okay now you're making me nervous. That's great you liked the school so much. I'm hoping I will feel the same way. Do you have an idea when you should hear back?

 

[slim78]

I loved AZCOM and it was the best school I interviewed at, but I didn't have the best interview. Interview I felt interrogated and just barraged with questions left and right. I love the campus and definitely want to go there if accepted.

Sounds like you had some bad luck. My interviewers there were great and didn't interrogate me at all. The amount of luck involved is one of the suckiest aspects of the application process.....

Good news is I think the class size increase will help your chances of getting accepted there

 

[theraball]

Does anyone know where we can find out more about the financial situation going on right now at AZCOM? I've read every page of the Midwestern website, watched all the DVD's, looked at all the brochures, but finances are never discussed.

The $62,000/yr projected cost of attendance (quarter million over the 4 years needed to get our degrees) really worries me. This number is expected to rise each year, as well. I know this sky-high price tag helps to offset the massive amount of construction going on, but I'm wondering how I'm going to be able to pull that much out of my wallet, even with the bank and Aunt Sallie Mae's help.

For those of you who are certain you are going to attend, how are you planning on paying? Are you sent an info. packet upon acceptance? How much money can you loan from various federal and university sources each year?

This is the only thing that bothers me about AZCOM. For what you're getting at the school, its worth the money...I'm just not sure how I can come up with it!

The school sets up your loans for you. All you have to do is fill out lots and lots of dreary web forms. Typically they estimate about $20K for living expenses above and beyond tuition.

For 2007-2008, it was like this: $40K tuition, estimated $20K living expenses = $60K budget. Subsidized Stafford loans (including $8500 interest-deferred and $32000 non-deferred) amount to $40K, and the other $20K is PLUS loan.

If you need more than what the school estimates your living expenses to be, you can get it through private loans but it's muy expensivo.

You'll learn all of this at the interview; in fact every medical school interview I went to had a similar presentation on finances. They'll give you a packet of information. Don't worry; you'll be able to pay for your education one way or the other. Just try to live frugally and not borrow any more money than you need. The magic of compound interest will ensure that you will pay it back in spades.

 

[Willh]

They've bumped their class size from 140 to 250...

MWU Announces Class Size Increase for AZCOM

Midwestern University is excited to announce that we are expanding the class size for the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine from 145 to 250 students starting this Fall of 2008. This increase has been approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association.

With physician shortages looming nationwide, Arizona ranks 33rd in the number of physicians per capita. AZCOM is prepared to help meet these shortages by educating more doctors to meet the health care needs of the growing state and the entire Southwest region of the country. MWU has received letters of support from Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as well as several state legislators and health care leaders.

MWU is already undergoing significant expansion at our campus in Glendale , with many new buildings under construction and the preparation for the opening of the new College of Dental Medicine this fall. The facilities are already underway to accommodate the AZCOM expansion as well as the hiring of additional faculty and staff. The AZCOM dean and her academic team have already secured enough clinical rotations in the state of Arizona to meet the needs of these additional 100 medical students.

To learn more about the AZCOM class size expansion, we have created a special web site at www.midwestern.edu/250. You can also go to the AZCOM main page (www.midwestern.edu/azcom) and click on "Class Size Increase." This site provides more details about rotations and campus improvements.

We strongly believe that this expansion will have many benefits for our students, our alumni, the osteopathic profession, and the state of Arizona . Students will have more rotation opportunities, improved on-campus facilities, and more faculty to teach and mentor them. Alumni will have more colleagues to join them in Arizona to meet the shortage of physicians and will enjoy greater name recognition of their alma mater. The osteopathic profession will continue to grow its footprint in the medical arena in Arizona . The community will benefit from more physicians and more academic opportunities for prospective medical students.

MWU is well prepared to meet the growth opportunities in the state of Arizona by educating more students at AZCOM. Since its founding in 1996, AZCOM has earned its reputation for academic quality through the strength of the high board scores. Our graduates are accepted into outstanding and impressive postgraduate training programs and are able to compete on an equal basis with their fellow residents. While the expansion does pose challenges, our academic team has been preparing for this for many years and we are ready, willing, and able to meet those challenges. It is an exciting time at AZCOM and at MWU.



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I love the school, but given my wife's hate of too much sun and too much heat....there's no way it could have worked.

 

[Nitty452]

Waitlisted!!!!!

I didn't even know they did that here?!

 

[Knockout Mice]

Waitlisted!!!!!

I didn't even know they did that here?!

You'd think with only about 103 having deposited and another 147 seats left open, they wouldn't waitlist ppl. From what I've heard they accept alot of ppl off of the waitlist come May. Goodluck!

 

[Ki45toryu]

For those interviewing during that last week in February...I will probably see you around. I'll be sitting with you guys and maybe give a few tours and answer questions. There are some good MSI's and II's to talk to that should be around.

 

[DancerDoc777]

I'm so excited that I just got invited for an interview! This was the last school for me to hear from and I was getting worried after waiting so long. The sad part is that the only available interview dates online are in May!!! I practically choked when I saw that. At first I was sure it said March but I did a double take and saw that it's May. Does anyone know if AZCOM admissions people are ever willing to give earlier spots when they open up? The other schools that I've interviewed with were super nice about giving me much earlier interview dates when spots opened up. I have SOMA scheduled for Feb 22nd and was hoping to do AZCOM while I'm already in the area instead of traveling a second time to Arizona.

Should I just call AZCOM and check for any openings?

 

[Cheez5000]

I'm so excited that I just got invited for an interview! This was the last school for me to hear from and I was getting worried after waiting so long. The sad part is that the only available interview dates online are in May!!! I practically choked when I saw that. At first I was sure it said March but I did a double take and saw that it's May. Does anyone know if AZCOM admissions people are ever willing to give earlier spots when they open up? The other schools that I've interviewed with were super nice about giving me much earlier interview dates when spots opened up. I have SOMA scheduled for Feb 22nd and was hoping to do AZCOM while I'm already in the area instead of traveling a second time to Arizona.

Should I just call AZCOM and check for any openings?

You should definitely call in and check, I was originally scheduled for a day in April, but I called in today and got it bumped up to Feb 25th, which is in a week or two! Call as soon as you can, when I was on the phone with them earlier today, they had spots open on February 27 and 28 for me to choose from as well.

 

[slim78]

I'm so excited that I just got invited for an interview! This was the last school for me to hear from and I was getting worried after waiting so long. The sad part is that the only available interview dates online are in May!!! I practically choked when I saw that. At first I was sure it said March but I did a double take and saw that it's May. Does anyone know if AZCOM admissions people are ever willing to give earlier spots when they open up? The other schools that I've interviewed with were super nice about giving me much earlier interview dates when spots opened up. I have SOMA scheduled for Feb 22nd and was hoping to do AZCOM while I'm already in the area instead of traveling a second time to Arizona.

Should I just call AZCOM and check for any openings?

Definitely call. I had my date bumped up twice. And now I'm in!

 

[krob]

I just called and they said their earliest is May. Is it ok to keep calling and checking? Anyone specific I should speak to?

 

[EEL08]

I would keep calling every once in a while to see if you guys can get an earlier date. Has anyone received the interview reminder e-mail? I'm interviewing on 2/29 and I've already received it twice. Both my confirmation e-mail and the web scheduler have 2/29 listed but my husband only got one reminder a week before his interview so I was just hoping they have the right date for me. I might have to call but just wondering if anyone else has gotten these.

 

[Parfee]

I also called today and tried to move my April interview earlier. The lady said that several people have called and there's no spots open for Feb anymore, and they only have 1 day in March that they conduct interviews.

She said at this point I can only schedule for May and asked me if I want that...haha, I'll stick with my April one then...🙂

 

[DancerDoc777]

Blah I just called and they don't have any openings until May 2nd. I'm seriously gonna start bidding for a February interview date. Anyone...Anyone?

 

[DOC KHALSA]

Hey there, My name is DP, it is interesting reading some of the threads and I thought it was about time I entered the conversation. Here is my situation...I am hoping to get in somewhere for this fall. Like I said, I am a bit of a late bloomer; I only took the MCAT at the end of January, and by virtue of circumstance, I have yet to receive interviews. I did have one in Yakima, WA (podunk) prior to taking the MCAT, but my wife and I are both glad the rejection letter wasn't too far behind. Anyway, my MCAT scores should be available within the next couple of weeks, and I am hopeful someone still has a slot waiting for me.

Is there anyone in my similar situation?

 

[EEL08]

For those interviewing during that last week in February...I will probably see you around. I'll be sitting with you guys and maybe give a few tours and answer questions. There are some good MSI's and II's to talk to that should be around.

Great! Do you know if you will be there on the 29th? For some reason I thought that was around your break time so I wasn't sure if many people would be there.

 

[Sarikate]

Our spring break is Feb 23-March 2, so the campus will be pretty sparsely populated, but you'll get the idea...

 

[EEL08]

Our spring break is Feb 23-March 2, so the campus will be pretty sparsely populated, but you'll get the idea...

Yeah I don't think it will be a big deal. I mean my husband is definitely starting in the fall so if I'm not accepted this year I'm sure I'll get plenty of time to talk to students next year. 😉 I have a question for you or any other current students. When you are on break between quarters, like in November, are you completely off or do you need to study during that time for tests after the break?

 

[spazzz]

for those with late interviews i'll share my story. I received my invitation in december for an interview. being really lazy, i didn't really look at it till end of dec, and the earliest was for march. being even lazier, i didn't even book it, but finally in mid jan, when i was ready to buy a plane ticket, i checked again, and a feb 1 slot opened up. I took it and just got my acceptance today in the mail (or that's what my mom said, idk i'm not home!) I'll probably be declining my offer, so there will be one more slot available. The interview was a lot less stressful than i thought it would be as well. Nothing outrageous, just be aware of the presence of DO's in AZ.

 

[EEL08]

for those with late interviews i'll share my story. I received my invitation in december for an interview. being really lazy, i didn't really look at it till end of dec, and the earliest was for march. being even lazier, i didn't even book it, but finally in mid jan, when i was ready to buy a plane ticket, i checked again, and a feb 1 slot opened up. I took it and just got my acceptance today in the mail (or that's what my mom said, idk i'm not home!) I'll probably be declining my offer, so there will be one more slot available. The interview was a lot less stressful than i thought it would be as well. Nothing outrageous, just be aware of the presence of DO's in AZ.

If I wanted an earlier interview date I would still keep calling but not too often. Would you mind sharing which school you do plan on attending?

 

[Sarikate]

Fall break was at the end of the first quarter; that was a blissful 2-week break. Winter break was halfway through this second quarter and we had an exam the Monday after we got back. It was really hard for me to get back into the groove for the second half of the quarter. We have finals this coming week and then get a 10-day spring break, followed by the last 10 weeks of the school year. Then 3 months off.

Sometimes I wish we just went year-round and did things slower, but I'm sure many of my classmates appreciate this system...just depends on who you are.

 

[spazzz]

good luck everyone, i'm throwing back one more slot today. ...even though i have some friends there in the area, i just didn't feel AZCOM at all. wasn't for me, board scores or not.

 

[LSMSU]

Hey Everyone!
For those of you that have been accepted CONGRATULATIONS! And you should join our Class of 2012 Facebook group http://msu.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9464526334

BYE! 😍 Liz

 

[DOC KHALSA]

well, aren't ya all a talkative bunch.

 

[theraball]

well, aren't ya all a talkative bunch.

It's early days, Doc K., give it a few months as the class fills up and you'll see a lot more participants. Then, after a couple of weeks of classes and everyone swamped with work, participation will pretty much dry up. About five months after THAT, the class of 2013 will get going.

 

[EEL08]

10 days left and I'm starting to get really nervous. That's all I wanted to say.

 

[DOC KHALSA]

thanks theraball. i wasn't getting that warm fuzzy feeling that anyone had anything to say. Are you at azcom? there were a couple of really negative threads about azcom. What is your take on the school? That is where my wife really wants to be (close proximity to northern New Mexico, where we are now). I am still waiting for my MCAT results. It is amazing that even with the CBT, results still take a month. Alas.
Thanks for responding...

 

[DOC KHALSA]

good luck eel08!!!

 

[theraball]

thanks theraball. i wasn't getting that warm fuzzy feeling that anyone had anything to say. Are you at azcom? there were a couple of really negative threads about azcom. What is your take on the school? That is where my wife really wants to be (close proximity to northern New Mexico, where we are now). I am still waiting for my MCAT results. It is amazing that even with the CBT, results still take a month. Alas.
Thanks for responding...

I interviewed at six schools and my two favorites were AZCOM and WVSOM both for the physical plant and the curriculum. In fact my top choice would have been WVSOM but the wife is a city girl and doesn't want to live in a small town, and also WVSOM is muy expensivo. I don't regret choosing AZCOM, though. It's a gorgeous campus, with the mountains on the horizon and a vast city to the south, and they're improving the campus by leaps and bounds. When the fall classes begin, there will be lots of nice new facilities on a campus that was already new and modern.

I've read the negative threads on AZCOM and I would say that the best thing is to do your research thoroughly and understand what you're getting for your money. AZCOM has its own way of doing things that may or may not be best for each student, and it's up to you to do your due diligence. The weekly exams are a grueling routine that makes you feel as though you're scrambling all the time, but it spreads the pain out instead of concentrating it at the end of 4 week blocks. The 3rd year rotations are variable but they're working on improving them. The faculty is top notch, they're enthusiastic about their work and they really care about the students. They have open office hours--you can drop by any time. It's a cheap place to live and there are lots of job opportunities for spouses, lots of eateries, and great weather 8 months out of the year.

Anyway, best of luck on your MCATs and maybe we'll see you around campus in the fall 🙂