AZCOM Discussion thread 2008-2009

[Flushot]

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hey guys! I'm just trying to come up with a budget for the next couple of years, so I'm wondering how much the electricity bill usually costs? I know there will be variability depending on how energy-conscious people are, but let's say i'm relatively cost-effective- what would be the range I should expect?

Thanks a bunch!

Personally, with my roommate, we went ranged from 30 to 70, thus averaging mostly around 40-50 per month. There were only two expensive months and that was during winter. During the summer and fall transition, we didn't turn on the AC once and saved a lot, so I'll tell you that we're not normal.

 

[bivvie]

hey guys! I'm just trying to come up with a budget for the next couple of years, so I'm wondering how much the electricity bill usually costs? I know there will be variability depending on how energy-conscious people are, but let's say i'm relatively cost-effective- what would be the range I should expect?

Thanks a bunch!

me and my roommate have been around $80 for the majority of the year. In Sept we reached $150, with two other months over 100...but those months we were running the AC every night in the mid-low 70s and the high 70s-80 during the day. We never really used the heat much during the winter...a few days here and there for only a few hours at a time so our bills were much cheaper then....but we also keep computers and things on a lot and we've both accidentally left our closet lights on on MULTIPLE occassions lol. There were many months where my friends had their A/C or heat on that we didn't....so obviously their bills would be even higher than ours.

 

[CKG85]

Hey everyone...congrats to the c/o2013, and to AZCOM's incoming class.


So AZCOM used to be my first choice, and I was put on the waiting list for an interview...which I was then offered today (4/22). I'm in a rut, though. I have already put down a $2000 deposit for Touro-CA, which was my next choice. I have another deposit due by 5/15 for another $1000...I'm not sure if I should take the interview at AZCOM because I'm not sure what the turn around time is for interviews as far as status goes?
Also, I heard the new tutition went from $43k to $45k...which is $10k/yr more than Touro, which equals $40k over four years! Yikes, that's more than one year tuition at Touro. However, AZCOM has a beautiful campus and wonderful board pass rates!!!
Another thing is, since Touro is a CA school, they have wonderful CA affiliates for rotations...and I'm not sure what AZCOM's rotational affiliates are? Anyways, I was hoping someone can give me some advice. I think I'm set on Touro (except I never thought to check their board scores, which I am now searching for with no luck 🙁 ), but I still have a strong interest in AZCOM...

 

[time2go]

azcom's turnaround is very quick...i found out within the week i interviewed. Also the tuition is 43k. I would just go to the interview and check it out, i never thought i would go to Azcom but it looks like im heading over there

 

[213965]

Yeah AZCOM was also pretty much my last choice start of interview season, but then I spent more time here in their master's program and was also really impressed by the interview day itself, and now it looks like I will most likely be attending in the fall as well so I would definitely go check it out if you can.

 

[CKG85]

azcom's turnaround is very quick...i found out within the week i interviewed. Also the tuition is 43k. I would just go to the interview and check it out, i never thought i would go to Azcom but it looks like im heading over there

http://www.midwestern.edu/Documents/...ents/AZCOM.pdf

That's the link someone else posted about tuition...looks like $45k? 🙁

 

[slim78]

Hey everyone...congrats to the c/o2013, and to AZCOM's incoming class.


So AZCOM used to be my first choice, and I was put on the waiting list for an interview...which I was then offered today (4/22). I'm in a rut, though. I have already put down a $2000 deposit for Touro-CA, which was my next choice. I have another deposit due by 5/15 for another $1000...I'm not sure if I should take the interview at AZCOM because I'm not sure what the turn around time is for interviews as far as status goes?
Also, I heard the new tutition went from $43k to $45k...which is $10k/yr more than Touro, which equals $40k over four years! Yikes, that's more than one year tuition at Touro. However, AZCOM has a beautiful campus and wonderful board pass rates!!!
Another thing is, since Touro is a CA school, they have wonderful CA affiliates for rotations...and I'm not sure what AZCOM's rotational affiliates are? Anyways, I was hoping someone can give me some advice. I think I'm set on Touro (except I never thought to check their board scores, which I am now searching for with no luck 🙁 ), but I still have a strong interest in AZCOM...

I think it would be beneficial to factor in the cost of living in Vallejo CA compared to Glendale AZ.

 

[213965]

http://www.midwestern.edu/Documents/...ents/AZCOM.pdf

That's the link someone else posted about tuition...looks like $45k? 🙁

There is no way I will be needing to take out >$70k/year, not living with parents. That is ridiculous. I've lived in AZ almost all my life but was born in Cali and can say with confidence that living in Cali is much more expensive than anywhere near the school.

 

[CKG85]

There is no way I will be needing to take out >$70k/year, not living with parents. That is ridiculous. I've lived in AZ almost all my life but was born in Cali and can say with confidence that living in Cali is much more expensive than anywhere near the school.

Agreed. The Cost of Attendance given by the schools is a high estimate to ensure we get what we need...it's always more than what is needed. TUCOM-CA's is $65k vs. $71-75 for AZCOM. The indebtness for 2007 graduates was $142k (TUCOM) v. $169k (AZCOM)...I expect the difference to be higher due to the raise in tuition this year at AZCOM. I think the major deciding factor for me right now is the board scores for TUCOM, which I cannot find right now. Anyways, I'm jumping the gun, because I have to get in, haha. I'm thankful I got the interview...I just need to decide if I'll take it or not...anyone know their average turn around time? Someone said a week (thanks for that), which would work if I interviewed on Monday or Tuesday...thanks in advance.

 

[213965]

Agreed. The Cost of Attendance given by the schools is a high estimate to ensure we get what we need...it's always more than what is needed. TUCOM-CA's is $65k vs. $71-75 for AZCOM. The indebtness for 2007 graduates was $142k (TUCOM) v. $169k (AZCOM)...I expect the difference to be higher due to the raise in tuition this year at AZCOM. I think the major deciding factor for me right now is the board scores for TUCOM, which I cannot find right now. Anyways, I'm jumping the gun, because I have to get in, haha. I'm thankful I got the interview...I just need to decide if I'll take it or not...anyone know their average turn around time? Someone said a week (thanks for that), which would work if I interviewed on Monday or Tuesday...thanks in advance.

I heard back in 13 days but I had to call; my online status wasn't updated for another 3 weeks or so.

Can you request any deposit extensions for your acceptances? I had to do that for another school a few months back and I know AZCOM lets you as well. Good luck; hope you can make it down here.

 

[CKG85]

I heard back in 13 days but I had to call; my online status wasn't updated for another 3 weeks or so.

Can you request any deposit extensions for your acceptances? I had to do that for another school a few months back and I know AZCOM lets you as well. Good luck; hope you can make it down here.

Yeah, I think I can request a week extension. However, I just read that the $1000 deposit can be refunded if I withdraw before orientation. So I could always make the deposit while waiting to hear from AZCOM...but I'm still on the edge, especially since I technically have two roommates already for Touro...and I do want the CA affiliates that Touro offers. Ugh, but AZCOM has such fantastic board scores. I'm not too worried about a school's rep...I want to go into pediatric emergency medicine, and I have a contact who is the Medical Director at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles...who is an alumni from my university! It's just hard, because now I have a chance to show AZCOM, one of my top choices, that I can be worth it. Well, we'll see. Thanks all.

 

[time2go]

so did they just recently raise it up to 45k? b/c during my interview that paper said 43k? Also if they raise it 4k every year, the tuition will be 57k.

 

[DrMaxwell]

so did they just recently raise it up to 45k? b/c during my interview that paper said 43k? Also if they raise it 4k every year, the tuition will be 57k.

Yeah they said there is an annual tuition increase (I think they said around 5-7%). The 45K figure comes from the 2009/2010 example budget/cost of attendance that they posted a few days ago.

 

[hab818]

hey everyone! first, thanks for all the responses about the electricity bill. i thought the most expensive months would be during the summer but i guess not...

i have a quick question about acceptances- how long did it take y'all to receive your acceptance packages in the mail? i was part of the late march/early april interview group and i found out i got in around the 10th, but I haven't gotten anything in the mail yet...

 

[married n broke]

(this post is mainly an emotional outlet, so please make your decision based on your own desires, not ours)

That said… Ok, so I've never posted before, but I have to say, on behalf of all of us on the alternate list... PLEASE, if you are on the fence about AZCOM bc of some other school, think of all the Pre-DO's you'd be a dream-maker to by choosing the other school if you can.

BTW… Does anybody know:

1. How many are currently on the Alternate list at AZCOM? I asked and some girl said “oh I think there’s about 50 or so” (not too reliable sounding)
2. How many positions are filled/open to date

Should we track this here, or maybe start a new thread: “AZCOM Alternate list”?

 

[fratelli]

BTW… Does anybody know:

1. How many are currently on the Alternate list at AZCOM? I asked and some girl said “oh I think there’s about 50 or so” (not too reliable sounding)
2. How many positions are filled/open to date

Should we track this here, or maybe start a new thread: “AZCOM Alternate list”?

At my interview, they said they put 80 people on the waitlist. By this point, they are done with interviews, and they said they offer 300 acceptances. So at the very most, 300 people right now are have a green light for AZCOM. But just reading the thread, we all know that many people got accepted but are choosing to go elsewhere, so when more than 50 people decline their acceptances, AZCOM will start making waitlist calls. All that can be done is waiting... good luck

 

[married n broke]

Thanks Fratelli. It seems safest to just start the AACOMAS process for next year and submit as early as possible even while I'm still on the alternate list for this year. One can never count on the alternate "wish list" coming true.

 

[DocWahwee]

Hey for all those alternates out there.....
I hope you all make it off the list, but if you don't, may I reccommend the MA program at MWU-Glendale (especially if AZCOM is your #1 choice). I'm a first year at AZCOM now, but I was waitlisted (and didn't get off) my first time around, so I participated in the Masters program at MWU-glendale. Let me tell you, I am sooooo grateful I had the opportunity. The program really prepares you for medical school and your classes are taught by a lot of AZCOM faculty (who can write you letters of rec for reapplying). I just thought I would throw that out there for those who may not know what to do with their time while reapplying. Honestly, anything that makes medical school easier, is a good idea.


Good luck to you all =)

 

[Supple1]

If anyone else is interviewing Thursday and would like to get together tomorrow (Wed) afternoon/evening to check out the school and town drop me a pm

 

[supras2kracer]

I'm applying next cycle and having a terrible time with second semester ochem.

Anybody get accepted here with a D in ochem2?

Like most of you, I HATE this class lol
All my other sciences are As and Bs if that helps people that just want to give advice

Thanks!

 

[married n broke]

Thanks Doc, I thought about it (The MA program) but isn't it a little late to be applying? I called the school and they already have over 50% of the class filled. When did you apply? How many were in the class?

 

[married n broke]

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[married n broke]

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[Flushot]

I'm applying next cycle and having a terrible time with second semester ochem.

Anybody get accepted here with a D in ochem2?

Like most of you, I HATE this class lol
All my other sciences are As and Bs if that helps people that just want to give advice

Thanks!

I would check with the school requirements, because I think you need at least a C for the pre-reqs. Plus, that D probably won't help your gpa. Consider retaking it and replacing the grade (for AACOMAS only).

 

[bivvie]

Thanks Doc, I thought about it (The MA program) but isn't it a little late to be applying? I called the school and they already have over 50% of the class filled. When did you apply? How many were in the class?

last year i applied in mid-late May and got accepted to the MA program. it's definitely not too late yet

 

[married n broke]

Thanks!

 

[Flushot]

I started a thread about the MA program/SMP at AZCOM in the Post Bac forums. If you have more questions, please direct them there, or feel free to PM one of us.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=601336

 

[L743]

Hey everyone. I am 100% sure I will be going to AZCOM this fall. WooHoo!!! I cannot wait to get out to where the sun shines most days.

 

[DocWahwee]

I think I applied over the summer- like after I was wait listed. Applying was really easy b/c they just transfer your DO app over to the Biomed program. There were only 38 in my class, but they have revamped the program. Now they have a MS and MA program (I would rec the MA). I don't know how many are in each program, but I think its ~60 overall. I doubt it's too late, because they know that the majority of the people entering the program are people who were rejected from professional school and are trying to reapply.


here's links to both programs:
http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_and_Admission/AZ_Master_of_Biomedical_Sciences.html

http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_and_Admission/AZ_Master_of_Arts_in_Biomedical_Science.html

 

[deleted172531]

I think I applied over the summer- like after I was wait listed. Applying was really easy b/c they just transfer your DO app over to the Biomed program. There were only 38 in my class, but they have revamped the program. Now they have a MS and MA program (I would rec the MA). I don't know how many are in each program, but I think its ~60 overall. I doubt it's too late, because they know that the majority of the people entering the program are people who were rejected from professional school and are trying to reapply.


here's links to both programs:
http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_and_Admission/AZ_Master_of_Biomedical_Sciences.html

http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_and_Admission/AZ_Master_of_Arts_in_Biomedical_Science.html

Hey I have a friend who didn't get into med school this cycle and was wondering around how much does the MA program cost? Wasn't able to find it on the site via the posted the links.

 

[pPKB]

Hey I have a friend who didn't get into med school this cycle and was wondering around how much does the MA program cost? Wasn't able to find it on the site via the posted the links.

28k for this year

 

[dialdfordesi]

I'm applying next cycle and having a terrible time with second semester ochem.

Anybody get accepted here with a D in ochem2?

Like most of you, I HATE this class lol
All my other sciences are As and Bs if that helps people that just want to give advice

Thanks!

Hey dude, I had an F in genetics, a C in Physics II and a C in Ochem II. I did retake genetics and got an A, but regardless of the matter, I got in. You'll probably have to retake it and get at least the C, but don't get discouraged by it.

 

[ID2FL]

Hey guys,
I interviewed Monday (4/27/09). Do you know if they are accepting people at this point or just pushing everyone into the waitlist?

Thanks!

 

[pPKB]

Hey guys,
I interviewed Monday (4/27/09). Do you know if they are accepting people at this point or just pushing everyone into the waitlist?

Thanks!

There are two more interview days. As of right now, the class is 95% full, so only about 12 spots left.

 

[married n broke]

There are two more interview days. As of right now, the class is 95% full, so only about 12 spots left.

Thats true, I called this week and heard the same info... BUT, I was also told that if you are on the wait list, you have a HUGE chance of being accepted bc historically, AZCOM runs through almost all their waitlist every year. Last year they ran through all of it and had to call more. There are about 100 on the wait list right now, and people drop off every day.

 

[slim78]

The other day I saw a bunch of interviewees and made a comment to a group of my classmates that was something like "Aren't they pretty much interviewing for a wait list spot at this point?"

Turns out someone in that group actually interviewed at this time last year and was accepted.

So... It is never too late.

 

[pPKB]

Thats true, I called this week and heard the same info... BUT, I was also told that if you are on the wait list, you have a HUGE chance of being accepted bc historically, AZCOM runs through almost all their waitlist every year. Last year they ran through all of it and had to call more. There are about 100 on the wait list right now, and people drop off every day.

Thanks for the info!

Yeah, if I do get off the waitlist I really hope its early so I can relax this summer and not waste money on EMT class and MCAT (again), which I've already signed up for this summer.

 

[BetheChange4]

The other day I saw a bunch of interviewees and made a comment to a group of my classmates that was something like "Aren't they pretty much interviewing for a wait list spot at this point?"

Turns out someone in that group actually interviewed at this time last year and was accepted.

So... It is never too late.

Yeah I just interviewed on the 29th and they said it was the last week of interviews but there are still 40 spots left

 

[Md333]

They have two more days of interviewing - tomorrow and Tuesday. Apparently they have thirty spots left and there will be about 100 interviewees in this last group to choose from. Anyone heard something different?

 

[ID2FL]

There are two more interview days. As of right now, the class is 95% full, so only about 12 spots left.

Ok... TODAY was the last interview day!!! This means I will hopefully hear something soon... Right??? I'm just kicking myself for not applying earlier and having to go through this so late in the year. I mean, I want to start the AACOMAS ASAP if I don't get in but I don't know if I'll get in here... Have any of you heard anything since this last round of interviews??

 

[Flushot]

Ok... TODAY was the last interview day!!! This means I will hopefully hear something soon... Right??? I'm just kicking myself for not applying earlier and having to go through this so late in the year. I mean, I want to start the AACOMAS ASAP if I don't get in but I don't know if I'll get in here... Have any of you heard anything since this last round of interviews??

They're probably going to review everyone this Thursday at the earliest, since Thursdays seem to be the day, usually. If you're anxious, give them a call on Friday; I doubt you'll be the only one.

To be honest, I wouldn't assume anything, so I would start to punch in a new AACOMAS. You can't submit it for awhile anyway, but after going through this process twice, I can tell you to assume that things won't work out, especially if it's this late in the game. I don't want to be a downer, but I think it's always better to be prepared.

 

[213965]

Ok... TODAY was the last interview day!!! This means I will hopefully hear something soon... Right??? I'm just kicking myself for not applying earlier and having to go through this so late in the year. I mean, I want to start the AACOMAS ASAP if I don't get in but I don't know if I'll get in here... Have any of you heard anything since this last round of interviews??

I don't think waiting the extra 2-3 weeks (since that's how long it will take to get a response from here) will really hurt you in the application process if you have to reapply, which hopefully you won't. I didn't get anything in until October this cycle and did okay, and I know of several others who applied even later and got in, so as long as everything is ready to go I think you should be fine. And that way you won't have to waste the hundreds of dollars just to submit the primaries if you do get in. Good luck!

 

[bivvie]

Thats true, I called this week and heard the same info... BUT, I was also told that if you are on the wait list, you have a HUGE chance of being accepted bc historically, AZCOM runs through almost all their waitlist every year. Last year they ran through all of it and had to call more. There are about 100 on the wait list right now, and people drop off every day.

I was on the wait list last year and definitely didn't get in...and I know from this forum that other people on the wait list also didn't get in. I do however know a lot of people who DID get pulled off the waitlist...but it definitely wasn't everyone.

 

[Ki45toryu]

Also, something to keep hope alive....in the 2011 class, there were 12 people that interviewed on the last day of the cycle...and 4 of them got accepted, 2 outright and 2 off of the waitlist.

2 of those students are in the top third of the class, the other 2 are in the middle third of the class.

And honestly, there are some people in the top 15 of the class that were waitlisted/and or didnt get into any schools the previous year.

It really just goes to show how much of a crapshoot it can be sometimes.
Good luck to everyone, regardless of which programs you are accepted into.

 

[married n broke]

I was on the wait list last year and definitely didn't get in...and I know from this forum that other people on the wait list also didn't get in. I do however know a lot of people who DID get pulled off the waitlist...but it definitely wasn't everyone.

I'm beginning to see how inconsistent and/or subjective this whole alternate list really is. It seems like whoever I talk to at the admissions office gives me a different story each time. I hear one thing on the phone, then read something different here, call back again and hear another completely different story. I haven't looked to see if you"ve made it this year or not but good luck!

I'm having to start my applications again, while also applying for the SMP, all the while there's still hope that I get accepted this year. (I wish there was a good emoticon for frustration ) <----- looks like rage

 

[213965]

Also, something to keep hope alive....in the 2011 class, there were 12 people that interviewed on the last day of the cycle...and 4 of them got accepted, 2 outright and 2 off of the waitlist.

2 of those students are in the top third of the class, the other 2 are in the middle third of the class.

And honestly, there are some people in the top 15 of the class that were waitlisted/and or didnt get into any schools the previous year.

It really just goes to show how much of a crapshoot it can be sometimes.
Good luck to everyone, regardless of which programs you are accepted into.

I really hate that they rank us here. I will most definitely be withdrawing if I get off my other waitlists, although I've already made living arrangements for August. Scary that's it's only 3 months away. I am pretty excited about meeting new people this fall.

 

[SchrodingersCat]

You're judged in life compared to your peers, I don't see why medical school should be any different.

 

[213965]

You're judged in life compared to your peers, I don't see why medical school should be any different.

I know that I personally learn better in a cooperative (rather than a competitive) environment, hence why a pass/fail/honors system works best for me and why I would be choosing the other schools if given the chance, but everyone's different and I imagine with a class size of 250 we'll see lots of variety in our classmates which I am really looking forward to.

 

[SchrodingersCat]

Cooperative and competitive are not mutually exclusive (perhaps for some people, but certainly not for many).

I don't see how an education experience the shelters you from the competitiveness of the real world could possibly be better than one that doesn't.

If you're that worried about the rankings, simply avoid looking at them.

 

[213965]

Cooperative and competitive are not mutually exclusive (perhaps for some people, but certainly not for many).

I don't see how an education experience the shelters you from the competitiveness of the real world could possibly be better than one that doesn't.

If you're that worried about the rankings, simply avoid looking at them.

From my limited understanding, residencies do look at the rankings (in addition to many, many other factors) so the grading system does directly affect my future outcome(s) whether I decide to "look" at the rankings or not. In addition, a majority of (reputable) medical schools in existence long before AZCOM use the pass/fail/honors grading system, and I seriously doubt their intention is to "shelter" their students from "the competitiveness of the real world;" but rather, to foster a student environment that emphasizes more cooperation over competition. As you stated, the two are certainly not mutually exclusive, but for many, they can be. That said, based on my experience from completing the MA (SMP) program here, I know I will certainly receive a solid education should I choose to continue my medical education at this school, and will probably benefit more than others by the 'ranking' system since I will have seen at least 50% of the science coursework already. It is more the principle behind the theory I am against, and not necessarily the logistics of it.