AZCOM Discussion thread 2008-2009

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Thanks for pointing that out. It's always nice to hear from alumni who take the time and try to clear things up for us.

Unfortunately, during the presentation on interview day, I think one of the intro ppt slides explicitly stated that we will NOT have the option to set up our own rotations and instead the rotations/electives will mostly all be in AZ except for the 40? spots in Ohio. In addition, our top choices may (but probably will not, as stated during the presentation) be honored, and I think this lack of flexibility is due to the 250 class size increase. Someone please correct me if I am mistaken. I'm still not sure what to think of this since I've pretty much grown up in AZ all of my life, but I know this really bothers some people.
 
You won't be able to setup your own CORE rotations during 3rd or 4th year but you WILL be able to setup your own AUDITION rotations during your 4th year.
 
i remember being told by my interviewer that if you wanted to do a residency outside of AZ,(i.e. mayo clinic) be sure to set up your rotations there as well.
 
That is good news. Either way doesn't really matter to me since I grew up in AZ and would be happy here nonetheless but it's great to have more opportunities too.

I was wondering if any current students or alumni could be generous enough to post on this thread again and answer this question for me really quickly; are lectures videotaped/recorded and available online? I know they aren't for many of the other programs on campus and I was just wondering if it's the same way for the DO students. Thanks.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
1. Yes, a bunch of people took off their coats. It's fine, regardless of which school's interview you're talking about. Just leave the jacket on during the actual interview. The rest of the day, it's completely acceptable to take it off. Though you'll find that no one is comfortable enough to do so upon arrival--everyone loosens up as the day goes on.
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Actually, CB, I don't know if it matters that much. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that it matters, but if you don't have one on (even for the interview) it might be okay:

At my last interview, I left my jacket in the hotel and donned my think coat before heating out into -20F weather (I kid you not!!!). It wasn't until I got to the coat room did I realize it =(. But it didn't matter...I got in! 👍👍
 
rennykim said:
That is good news. Either way doesn't really matter to me since I grew up in AZ and would be happy here nonetheless but it's great to have more opportunities too.

I was wondering if any current students or alumni could be generous enough to post on this thread again and answer this question for me really quickly; are lectures videotaped/recorded and available online? I know they aren't for many of the other programs on campus and I was just wondering if it's the same way for the DO students. Thanks.
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No the lectures are not videotaped or recorded and made available online. That said, there is always someone who records the lecture and our class website administrator (who took it upon himself to create and maintain the website for us and is now the class president) usually makes those recorded lectures available to us. He is a busy guy.

It should be noted that the school's policy is that recordings are only allowed with permission from the individual instructors. As far as I know though there has only been one person (a guest lecturer) who did not approve of his lecture being recorded.
 
Actually, while I was on campus, I tried to login to check my grades and there was an alternate login to itunes through online.midwestern.edu. I forgot the url, but when iTunes loaded, it had several lectures for download, but most of them were short (22-30 minutes) and all of them appeared to be Clinical Education lectures or something like it.

It might not have been for the DOs, but it's interesting that it was there.
 
Anyone interviewing on 2/2? And I'm pretty sure people answered this previously, but since we are a little later in the cycle now, can anyone say how long the typical turnaround is between interview and notification of acceptance, rejection, or waitlist? Thanks!
 
k4med said:
Anyone interviewing on 2/2? And I'm pretty sure people answered this previously, but since we are a little later in the cycle now, can anyone say how long the typical turnaround is between interview and notification of acceptance, rejection, or waitlist? Thanks!
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I was there last week and they said that the committee was meeting the following Friday (6th, I think). So that we should know by then. I don't know if you guys will be included in the group they discuss. But typically I think everyone has been hearing back in 2/3 weeks. The director of admissions will talk to the group at the end of the day, make sure to ask him. He will probably have a better idea.

By the way, great school.
 
A bunch of interview slots left leading into April...I'm not too stressed about my 2/26 interview 🙂
 
I interviewed there last week, and the director said there were currently 125 seats filled...out of 250, so there's lots left which is good!! Good luck to everyone interviewing soon- the school was awesome, I loved it! 🙂
 
That sounds pretty good and makes sense...there's roughly 35% of the year to go and people are probably making up their minds about now. I think that number will shift some more in the coming months.
 
hey flushot, ive been in the tcom thread bc i was hoping to match there, but i did not. I have an interview at AZCOM and was wondering what you thought about AZCOM? Are you going to attend AZCOM for the class of 2013, how do you like midwestern and glendale?
 
Well, I was waitlisted at TCOM and I got accepted to AZCOM back in October. I've made preparations to go, but there's a lot to think about. TCOM is still my first choice, but I think I would be happy gonig here.

I'm currently here for their SMP and I love the city and the weather, not to mention the campus which keeps expanding. The program is still working out kinks and it seems that several things they told us are no longer in their talking points for current interviewees, such as a formal COMLEX prep. I would ask them about it when you go. At any rate, it is solid and they have a full year to adjust to the growth of the class.

My only beef with AZCOM is the murderous tuition, but living expenses are reasonable. I suggest signing up for on campus housing for anyone who might decide to go.

I don't know if I could directly compare the quality of the two programs, because they're both good schools. Staying in TX near family and paying a fraction of the cost is my dilemma at the moment.
 
what do you mean by the program is working out kinks?
 
time2go said:
what do you mean by the program is working out kinks?
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Well, as discussed earlier and in the Osteo subforum, securing more rotation sites, COMLEX review, whether or not 2 shelf exams a month is good or not, etc. I mean, I like that they are open to trying new things and getting student feedback, but don't be surprised if something isn't completely figured out yet. I would think every program is like this since perfection is impossible and too subjective.
 
Flushot said:
I'm currently here for their SMP and I love the city and the weather, not to mention the campus which keeps expanding. The program is still working out kinks and it seems that several things they told us are no longer in their talking points for current interviewees, such as a formal COMLEX prep. I would ask them about it when you go. At any rate, it is solid and they have a full year to adjust to the growth of the class.
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SMP? What is that exactly? Like a post-bacc program?
 
time2go said:
what do you mean by the program is working out kinks?
Click to expand...


From the impression I got, they are still adjusting to the larger class size. Plus they are still working out their rotation spots. Also, since they are still a relatively new school (~10 years old) they have a lot of kinks to work out with just running things.

Overall though, it seems like a solid school. Good board scores (last year was 95% pass rate on COMLEX I), new buildings and always adding more, friendly students and faculty, awsome weather (I'm from MI, so 75 in January kicks ass), nice area. Seems like they are begging you to do research (so, it's a plus if you're into that kind of thing). Implementaing Shelf exams for rotations, should help the students to stand out more during their clinical years to be more competitive for residencies (assuming you do well). You can do an OMM fellowship and stay for an extra year, which sounded pretty cool. They also seem to be very adaptive, the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs talked about how they are always adapting their cirriculum to the current year and student feedback they recieve.

The only bad things I've heard about the school are the tuition, and the rotation spots. I don't see the tuition going down anytime soon (lol, my attempt at a joke), but they seem to be working a lot on rotations. They just added a lot more spots in AZ. You also have the option to go to CORE in Ohio if you want for rotations, a lot of people don't like that. I, however, see that as a plus because that's where most of the more established osteopathic residencies are (OH, MI, PA)- and was my main reason for wanting to go to OUCOM. They have a lot of elective time during 4th year to audtion for residencies. Also, the average COMLEX was a 517 last year, which sucks if you want to do a competitive residency (no offense). But I believe that board scores have much more to do with personal preparation than what school you go to.

Like I said- Overall, the school left me with a great impression.
 
So did anyone else see the Welcome Letter stating we have orientation starting August 4th?
 
time2go said:
does anyone know how many seats are filled?
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Last week, 125 seats were filled. They said they expected a waitlist around 80 students, but if they're interviewing 500 for a 250 seat class, chances sound pretty good.
 
nevinleiby said:
SMP? What is that exactly? Like a post-bacc program?
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SMP = special masters program. It's not exactly like a post bac where you attempt to directly repair your GPA but rather you do graduate level courses in hard science as a way to buff your application. Many SMPs have offers linking into their med school that hosts the program, so if you're interested in them, check out the SDN subforums on it here:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=591705

That list is not comprehensive and new SMPs are being added each year. For example, VCOM is starting theirs this year.

Note that AZCOM has two SMPs, a two year MBS and one year MA.
 
Flushot said:
SMP = special masters program. It's not exactly like a post bac where you attempt to directly repair your GPA but rather you do graduate level courses in hard science as a way to buff your application. Many SMPs have offers linking into their med school that hosts the program, so if you're interested in them, check out the SDN subforums on it here:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=591705

That list is not comprehensive and new SMPs are being added each year. For example, VCOM is starting theirs this year.

Note that AZCOM has two SMPs, a two year MBS and one year MA.
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Ahh. When I think of post-bacc, I think of myself - a non-traditional major coming back to pursue medicine. My undergrad was Info tech with a 3.8 gpa...I just needed to take all the pre-reqs and any other interesting/applicable course along the way 🙂

I thought that those programs hosted by a particular med school school can be a bad thing. They are often just as challenging as med school, so you don't get to do all of the other EC's, LOR, shadowing, etc that most other schools are so interested in. Granted, they will usually get you in at the hosting school, but you have to work your arse off just to maintain a half-decent (3.5) gpa....that can really limit other programs that may potentially better...especially if you dislike your host program after the experience. I was especially surprised at my LECOM-Erie interview to be interviewing in January with 2 LECOM SMP/post-bacc students...I didn't submit my primary until September...they submitted theirs either than mine...
 
does anyone know a good website to search for nearby apartments or do any current students know of any good apartments nearby? i think i'll want to stay off campus, and maybe some current students can point me to a few reputable places in the area, and i'll just look into those.
 
Flushot said:
The program is still working out kinks and it seems that several things they told us are no longer in their talking points for current interviewees, such as a formal COMLEX prep.
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I'd like to find out more about their board prep as well. A current student in the osteo forum wrote that students get USMLE and COMLEX Q-bank questions. I don't know how helpful or not those questions are, especially as compared to the school actually providing formal board preparation themselves for students. I wonder if the school itself provides any formal review...
 
nevinleiby said:
Ahh. When I think of post-bacc, I think of myself - a non-traditional major coming back to pursue medicine. My undergrad was Info tech with a 3.8 gpa...I just needed to take all the pre-reqs and any other interesting/applicable course along the way 🙂

I thought that those programs hosted by a particular med school school can be a bad thing. They are often just as challenging as med school, so you don't get to do all of the other EC's, LOR, shadowing, etc that most other schools are so interested in. Granted, they will usually get you in at the hosting school, but you have to work your arse off just to maintain a half-decent (3.5) gpa....that can really limit other programs that may potentially better...especially if you dislike your host program after the experience. I was especially surprised at my LECOM-Erie interview to be interviewing in January with 2 LECOM SMP/post-bacc students...I didn't submit my primary until September...they submitted theirs either than mine...
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Hahaha story of my life. Came into the SMP closer to a 3.8, probably going to finish around a 3.5 (while working much harder than I did during undergrad). I think the GPA drop is what ultimately hurt me at my top choice programs, although I think I would be OK attending the hosting school; assuming I get in, of course.
 
The SMP thing is a big decision. It's not easy for anyone to spend technically an extra year of tuition and difficult classes for what appears to other schools as just a good EC. I would do things a little differently if I had the chance too, but I got into the host program so I don't know.
 
rennykim said:
Hahaha story of my life. Came into the SMP closer to a 3.8, probably going to finish around a 3.5 (while working much harder than I did during undergrad). I think the GPA drop is what ultimately hurt me at my top choice programs, although I think I would be OK attending the hosting school; assuming I get in, of course.
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Damn...I typed out a long reply, well thoughtout reply to what you said and then this public terminal didn't let me log in :annoyed:

Summary:

- You have a 3.5 gpa...that's good from what I've seen 👍

- I heard from my allergist, who spoke informally to an Penna adom, that a school will have a guaranted # of seats for post-baccs from one specific program. He was speaking of a non-COM post-bacc program, so he was mentioning that pursuing a program will give you a guaranted seat somewhere. I don't know what the requirements are to meet that guarantee - I've heard good and bad.

- I would think that it speaks volumes of your ability to handle med school-level courseloads, but that's just me 🙂

- Even though I heard of those post-bacc programs, I didn't simply because of location and commitment. I got accepted at a few places so far...I can't speak for AZCOM yet! :xf:

- Don't be cockly like the LECOM-E guy I saw during my interview...don't expect that the host will just accept you because your AZCOM brand. Use it as a notch over the competion.

- Good Luck, you'll do fine! =)
 
thanks for the link; i'll be sure to look into that a little more.
so I was looking over the housing options and had a question:

Studio Apartments

* 613 sq. ft. (Buildings E & F)
Rate $615.00
* 613 sq. ft. (Buildings G & H)
with dishwasher & added upgrades
Rate $630.00
* 613 sq. ft. (Buildings I, J & K)
(Brand New Units--Available 7/30/09) with dishwasher and washer & dryer
Rate $650.00


what exactly are the "added upgrades" in the $630 price? are they talking about a washer/dryer in the unit along with the dishwasher? if so, is the only difference between the $630 and $650 units just that the $650 are brand new?

and my guess would be that the $615 unit has no dishwasher or washer/dryer in unit. is this correct?
 
You would be correct. Also I believe those added upgrades are like hard wood floors for the dining area or something. If there was a washer and dryer, they would definitely list it.
 
I interviewed Jan 29th, does anyone know how long it takes to hear back?
 
Hey Party Doc, I interviewed on the 29th too and i believe they said that the admissions committee meets today. Also, that there is a chance our apps may not be reviewed until next Wednesday if they are backlogged!

Hope that helps!
 
partydoc said:
I interviewed Jan 29th, does anyone know how long it takes to hear back?
Click to expand...

I believe that they meet tomorrow and letters go out Friday. Renny can vouch for this, so just sit tight for two more days and you can call them to find out 🙂
 
nerds:

No way, who were you? I was/am the guy from MI. Short Indian guy, blue/pink tie.
 
haha yeah i was! I was the girl with short-ish red hair from Pittsburgh, PA - wore a pinstripe suit to the interview - see if that jogs your memory!
 
Flushot said:
I believe that they meet tomorrow and letters go out Friday. Renny can vouch for this, so just sit tight for two more days and you can call them to find out 🙂
Click to expand...

This is correct. I was eager to see if any acceptances were made (as I interviewed on the 23rd), so I called the admissions office and was told that the committee will be meeting tomorrow. So those accepted will be able to find out on Friday (although the rejected/waitlisted notification may take longer to be disclosed). I was told that students can check their online page to see if they have been accepted, as that should be updated sometime on Friday. So I'm sure some of us will be neurotically checking our online page.... 😳

Renny, the days are ticking down for us... less than 2 more days... thank goodness. :xf:
 
I called admissions and they claim to not have student hosts...anyone else have a similar experience?

I'm not looking for a place to crash, but just to chat it up with a student or two before the day before my interview or maybe sit in a class or two.
 
Did you guys send out thank you letters after the interview?
And if you did, where did the get the addresses from? I couldn't find them online.
 
Hey everyone. My online.midwestern.edu page changed tonight. I interviewed on Jan. 23. Did anyone else's page change? There is now a matriculation agreement, however, I didn't think the committee was meeting until tomorrow?
 
DHsurf said:
Hey everyone. My online.midwestern.edu page changed tonight. I interviewed on Jan. 23. Did anyone else's page change? There is now a matriculation agreement, however, I didn't think the committee was meeting until tomorrow?
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Haha don't question it. Just start celebrating! Congrats 👍
 
DHsurf said:
Hey everyone. My online.midwestern.edu page changed tonight. I interviewed on Jan. 23. Did anyone else's page change? There is now a matriculation agreement, however, I didn't think the committee was meeting until tomorrow?
Click to expand...

just checked mine it changed also. interviewed on jan 23. first acceptance wooop!
 
Last edited:
DHsurf said:
Hey everyone. My online.midwestern.edu page changed tonight. I interviewed on Jan. 23. Did anyone else's page change? There is now a matriculation agreement, however, I didn't think the committee was meeting until tomorrow?
Click to expand...


Just checked mine...no cigar. Congrats tho!

...Anyone hear back that interviewed on the 29th?
 
partydoc said:
Did you guys send out thank you letters after the interview?
And if you did, where did the get the addresses from? I couldn't find them online.
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You can send your thank you letters through the Office of Admissions. 19555 N. 59th Avenue. Glendale, AZ 85308. They will distribute them accordingly.
 
I got my interview last night I was pretty excited im scheduled for april 2. I was put on pre-interview hold and I did a couple of things which some people advised and after 3 days I get that WONDERFUL email.
 
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