AZCOM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[randomusername]

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I'm preparing for my interview this Friday the 16th and I had a thought...a lot of my values largely correspond with the democratic party, am I gonna step on any toes in Arizona? With the state being mostly Republican, and McCain bring from AZ, and the recent healthcare controversy, will I turn them off if I seem to liberal?

Specifically, I was thinking about a political figure I might invite to dinner, and I was thinking about how inspired I was by Obama, etc....is this a bad idea?

You could very well interview without the issue ever even coming up. If it must, and you've at least put thought into your answer and can defend/explain it, you shouldn't have to worry if you're a donkey, elephant, commie, capitalist, etc. It really does boil down to why you answer the way you do, not if you give a "correct" answer.

Best of luck to you on your interview.

 

[Flushot]

I'm preparing for my interview this Friday the 16th and I had a thought...a lot of my values largely correspond with the democratic party, am I gonna step on any toes in Arizona? With the state being mostly Republican, and McCain bring from AZ, and the recent healthcare controversy, will I turn them off if I seem to liberal?

Specifically, I was thinking about a political figure I might invite to dinner, and I was thinking about how inspired I was by Obama, etc....is this a bad idea?

I agree with the other posters on a general scale, but when it comes to this, I have to disagree.

I recommend, severely, that you do not bring in politics, religion or any polarizing issue/topic/individual as a part of your interview. You do not want to be in a situation to be misunderstood or worse, have your interviewers have an impression or an assumption of you that they won't let go. The risk is too high for what seems like little gain.

The idea that your response is what they will judge you on works best for the random questions, like which 3 famous people would you invite to dinner. If answering that question, again, avoid any political, religious, or controversial person.

This is only my recommendation, but the general consensus is to be as reserved as possible. Show your individuality through your volunteer work and your interests and you can't go wrong. Those who HAVE to say that faith affects their life or something of the sort are taking an unnecessary gamble and I do not recommend it for any interview situation, with a few exceptions.

 

[fratelli]

I agree with the other posters on a general scale, but when it comes to this, I have to disagree.

I recommend, severely, that you do not bring in politics, religion or any polarizing issue/topic/individual as a part of your interview. You do not want to be in a situation to be misunderstood or worse, have your interviewers have an impression or an assumption of you that they won't let go. The risk is too high for what seems like little gain.

The idea that your response is what they will judge you on works best for the random questions, like which 3 famous people would you invite to dinner. If answering that question, again, avoid any political, religious, or controversial person.

This is only my recommendation, but the general consensus is to be as reserved as possible. Show your individuality through your volunteer work and your interests and you can't go wrong. Those who HAVE to say that faith affects their life or something of the sort are taking an unnecessary gamble and I do not recommend it for any interview situation, with a few exceptions.

Really? This campus is so inundated with Mormons and Catholics that I find it hard to believe none of them ever mentioned anything religious in their interview...

Additionally, I was asked the random people to dinner question. I said John Williams, Kurt Vonnegut, and Pope John Paul II. You can talk about religion in a secular way; it's all good.

 

[Flushot]

Really? This campus is so inundated with Mormons and Catholics that I find it hard to believe none of them ever mentioned anything religious in their interview...

Additionally, I was asked the random people to dinner question. I said John Williams, Kurt Vonnegut, and Pope John Paul II. You can talk about religion in a secular way; it's all good.

That's not the point and even to assume that since people are so religious that they have to insert it in their interview somewhere is pushing it. If asked, I don't think people would lie and in that situation, it wouldn't be too risky, but it is still a risk.

You see, the 3 people at dinner question can be safe for some choices. Pope John Paul II is a powerful historical figure; how you go about it can be secular. I understand this. But to flat out say that you want to eat dinner with him because he is instrumental to your faith and spirituality, you are taking a gamble.

The point is to stay reserved and keep this habit into 4th year. Why would you even possibly risk a residency position because you had to, no matter what, proclaim you are a staunch Republican/Democrat, even if the question steered you to it? Answer honestly, but stay neutral and there should be no misunderstandings.

Again, you're walking into a subjective selection ground and it only gets pickier as you move up the ladder. It's possible that saying such 'polarizing' things may have helped someone get in, but it can just as easily backfire. I really believe that in order to stay professional, you have to do your best to stay reserved.

 

[BNHopeful]

I'm debating on whether I should invest in a bicycle or not. I'll be living on campus. Are there stores close to campus? Do students usually ride their bikes or is it just way too hot?

Any input would help!

Thanks

 

[randomusername]

The first year cost-of-attendance for 2010/11 is posted in case anybody is curious.

http://www.midwestern.edu/Documents/Financial Aid documents/OM_AZ1011.pdf

 

[supras2kracer]

It looks like there's a fry's a mile north of campus. That's not too far (if you're not riding a 50 pound beach cruiser haha) Get a decent bike, you could always use it for exercise too. Weather before 10am is beautiful! Then it gets too hot to ride.

I'm debating on whether I should invest in a bicycle or not. I'll be living on campus. Are there stores close to campus? Do students usually ride their bikes or is it just way too hot?

Any input would help!

Thanks

 

[focogal]

had a great interview and loved the school! i met some great people and think it would be a good fit for me. hope to see y'all in the fall!

 

[Flushot]

I heard from a recent interviewee who was in the MA program that they meet this coming Thursday/Friday. I hope the best for those who interviewed.

 

[savealifeDO]

Hey guys this is both a confirmation post and a search for affirmation post.
Interviewed on April 13th and checked my applicant portal today to find an accepted checklist with a variety of forms to fill out. This wasn't here at 2pm (AZ time) when I first check but was there at 5pm!! I'm sure this has been discussed 10094950384 times now but does the fact that I have an accepted checklist mean anything? Am I in? It says my deposit is 0$ due and its says to check my matriculation agreement form tomorrow? I'm dying here!! Some feedback? Anyone else from my interview day get this or get accepted? Thanks and good luck to you all!🙂

 

[Skyyblue]

does the fact that I have an accepted checklist mean anything? Am I in? It says my deposit is 0$ due and its says to check my matriculation agreement form tomorrow? I'm dying here!! Some feedback? Anyone else from my interview day get this or get accepted? Thanks and good luck to you all!🙂

Haha! Same thing just happened to me an hour ago and I assumed that it meant we got in??? (I don't believe it would randomly change...) Anyone else have any good input on this observation?

 

[savealifeDO]

Did you interview on the same day I did Sky?

Also...did you get so excited that you completed (or rather try to) complete all the accepted applicant stuff right as you looked at it?

 

[Skyyblue]

Close but not the same day. Mine was April 12th 🙂 you just barely missed me. And yes I did try but not after making a bunch of phone calls/texts... then i clicked on everything I could click on.

 

[savealifeDO]

That sounds EXACTLY the same way I handled it today. I called my friend who is MsI and he said "Don't panic...you're in man. Go celebrate." Still...I want it to be concrete!! No wonder med students go insane...they have to put up with insecurity before they even get in!!😛

 

[Flushot]

Yep, the online checklist is the confirmation. I've said this before, but the online notice was the only thing I ever got, except for the package 1 month before orientation.

Congrats savealife and look forward to seeing you in Fall if you choose AZCOM.

 

[randomusername]

Yep, the online checklist is the confirmation. I've said this before, but the online notice was the only thing I ever got, except for the package 1 month before orientation.

Congrats savealife and look forward to seeing you in Fall if you choose AZCOM.

What was the packet they sent out before orientation?

Congrats to everybody that got in, I look forward to meeting ya'll at orientation (and if you're on Facebook, come join us if you haven't already http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=167834788946).

 

[BHGiant]

Hey guys this is both a confirmation post and a search for affirmation post.
Interviewed on April 13th and checked my applicant portal today to find an accepted checklist with a variety of forms to fill out. This wasn't here at 2pm (AZ time) when I first check but was there at 5pm!! I'm sure this has been discussed 10094950384 times now but does the fact that I have an accepted checklist mean anything? Am I in? It says my deposit is 0$ due and its says to check my matriculation agreement form tomorrow? I'm dying here!! Some feedback? Anyone else from my interview day get this or get accepted? Thanks and good luck to you all!🙂

hey savealifeDO, I was there on the 13th too! I was the tall blonde guy with the red shirt. I just checked the website and got the same thing, no whistles or bells or congratulation letter just a checklist of deposit amounts etc. I called my wife and she screamed . So freaking awesome.

 

[savealifeDO]

Right on man! I just called the admissions office to confirm that I was accepted...I'M IN! Hope to see you in the very near future! Good luck!

 

[christine121]

Alternate listed 🙁

Ughhhhhh....now I get to wait 🙁

I spoke to the admissions lady and she said that there are about 140 people on the list and that last year ~100 got off. So I'm not sure how the list works, from reading about last year it says it isn't ranked but I don't know how that would work. Especially because she said sending updates could help....anyone know anything about that?

It looks like people were getting in until mid July last year which would be awesome but brutal at the same time!

When's the last day for people to make decisions? I think it was May 22nd last year.

 

[Cabri]

Interviewed on Tuesday, April 13th and my online portal has not changed. Should I assume I am waitlisted/rejected and/or wait for the letter? Or should I call admissions?

I have a deposit due at another school in a few days...

 

[savealifeDO]

Definitely give admissions a call. I spoke with a couple of the receptionists over the last few months and they are VERY nice. Give them a call and see what your status is. From what I hear it takes a while sometimes for the MWU portal to update, so there may be a delay in some peoples status...

 

[katiesb]

Ugh I was waitlisted too! And I thought I did so well in my interview...🙁 I hope they let me know sooner than later!

 

[randomusername]

Interviewed on Tuesday, April 13th and my online portal has not changed. Should I assume I am waitlisted/rejected and/or wait for the letter? Or should I call admissions?

I have a deposit due at another school in a few days...

Flushot said word is that the committee meets at the end of this week, so you could very well find something out at the end of the week (granted, with AZCOM acceptances, people get accepted when they've been told the Adcom isn't meeting yet or after they've already met a time or two).

 

[watergirl1202]

i interviewed on april 13th and got waitlisted too =( i want to cry. although i got in touro nevada but i really wanna go here =( Do you know if sending them letter of intent and updates will help?

 

[christine121]

I though tthey were meeting at the end of the week but I called them today and it sounds like they've made their decisions. Watergirl I want to cry too!! This sux

 

[Flushot]

What was the packet they sent out before orientation?

Congrats to everybody that got in, I look forward to meeting ya'll at orientation (and if you're on Facebook, come join us if you haven't already http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=167834788946).

The packet included a lot of things, mainly an information packet for orientation. In addition to that, they give you a class roster with emails (so yours will be everyone in 2014) and a postcard or something from your big sibling.

If you live on campus, you receive some more forms, but I've heard some people didn't get their stuff until the day they actually came to campus.

The packet may have forms for immunization records, titers, etc. if you have not done them already. I recommend getting your physical, shots, etc. and physically bringing them to AZCOM if you have not yet sent them your forms. The reason I say this is because right now it's really hectic and you don't want them to lose your stuff. Besides, it won't really matter for a for a few weeks.

Oh and one more thing: they will have a form for health insurance since it is required to have insurance at MWU. If you are still under your parent's plan, make sure to follow the procedure on your online.midwestern.edu tab involving it to get it waived from your tuition bill. This includes getting an official form from your insurer and a photocopy of your insurance card.

I forget if there's anything else, but if you're missing anything, you'll get it at orientation. It's 3 days long for some reason, but they'll have great socials hosting probably by 2013. Look forward to seeing everyone 🙂

Interviewed on Tuesday, April 13th and my online portal has not changed. Should I assume I am waitlisted/rejected and/or wait for the letter? Or should I call admissions?

I have a deposit due at another school in a few days...

It seems from what the others have been saying (accepted and waitlisted), they have met already and the rumor mill was wrong. They change their minds all the time and meet sporadically sometimes, so I'm not surprised that it's very early. I'd give them a call and find out so you can decide on that deposit.



As for everyone else who was waitlisted, like the others who were waitlisted months ago, don't give up. Letters of intent do help, as will updated transcripts.

However, right now is a really bad time to pester them with any materials or calls and even then, keep it moderate. It's a post-interview and waitlist situation so each update has to be significant. It's frustrating right now but hold out for now and then around end of May, start creeping back.

 

[BHGiant]

i interviewed on april 13th and got waitlisted too =( i want to cry. although i got in touro nevada but i really wanna go here =( Do you know if sending them letter of intent and updates will help?

I spoke to Katy about an hour ago in admissions and she says that if you have an acceptance from somewhere else but really want to go to RVU to update them and that will help to push your application through.

 

[katiesb]

What kind of updates could you send in? Would it help if I was able to get two more letters of recommendation from doctors? What exactly is a letter of intent? I imagine it being something like, thank you for taking the time to interview me, I loved the school, blah blah blah, here are some things I have been up to this year that might not be on my application...is that about right?

 

[maxxman77]

I interview last wednesday April 14, found out this morning I've been waitlisted. I don't know whether to be happy or sad :|

 

[christine121]

I know hey? It sounds like they waitlisted a ton of us....the first person I spoke to was really hopeful about people getting pulled off the alternate list. But then another person called me to tell me I'd been waitlisted and he wasn't nearly as positive. He said sometimes they barely take anyone off and that if I sent updates they'd be put in my folder and MAYBE reviewed. So who knows, I'm going to start moving on with my life and applying for next year because I can't handle stressing about whether or not I'm going to get in.

 

[Cabri]

Alternate List 🙁

Thanks for all the input !

 

[NeuroAP86]

interviewed april 9th alternate status. looks like I'm giving up on this doctor thing

 

[Flushot]

I spoke to Katy about an hour ago in admissions and she says that if you have an acceptance from somewhere else but really want to go to RVU to update them and that will help to push your application through.

I would personally not recommend doing this. It could go back the other way just as easily; they will know that you have a seat at RVU and tell you enjoy your time there. Just show your continued interest in AZCOM and don't even talk about other schools.

What kind of updates could you send in? Would it help if I was able to get two more letters of recommendation from doctors? What exactly is a letter of intent? I imagine it being something like, thank you for taking the time to interview me, I loved the school, blah blah blah, here are some things I have been up to this year that might not be on my application...is that about right?

When I say updates, I speak kind of ambiguously because anything can be technically an update but the more official, the better. Letter of intents are not official by any means and they must be written very carefully to have, if any, an effect.

LoRs are 'official' and do help, but remember the limit to the number of total letters you can have in your file. Odds are the adcom will not review your file indepth again and the LoR is more or less a nice gesture since it holds some actual weight.

It's tough to wait but sometimes, that's all you can do. Call them now and then (at least 2 weeks between each call) and share some news, ask them about your status and maybe try to talk to a counselor or something. Anything can happen, whether you do all of this or not, but I know the drive to be proactive when so much is on the line. Good luck to you.

 

[thewiseguy]

interviewed april 9th alternate status. looks like I'm giving up on this doctor thing

You are giving up after one round? 😱

 

[watergirl1202]

Alternate listed 🙁

Ughhhhhh....now I get to wait 🙁

I spoke to the admissions lady and she said that there are about 140 people on the list and that last year ~100 got off. So I'm not sure how the list works, from reading about last year it says it isn't ranked but I don't know how that would work. Especially because she said sending updates could help....anyone know anything about that?

It looks like people were getting in until mid July last year which would be awesome but brutal at the same time!

When's the last day for people to make decisions? I think it was May 22nd last year.

Do you know if that information is correct? it seems like 100 out 140 is a lot of people being pulled off the waitlist... But if that is true, it is almost comforting!!! Do you know how often the committee meet up? Is it after every interview they get?

Thanks and good luck

 

[christine121]

I wouldn't count on anything. I was reading last year's thread and it seems like people were hearing all kinds of rumours and conflicting info. Also, those numbers are from the first woman I spoke to and the second guy was not nearly as positive about it. Plus they're still interviewing and still getting more and more people on the alternate list so by the time they start reviewing it could have grown a lot....I dunno, anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[randomusername]

I wouldn't count on anything. I was reading last year's thread and it seems like people were hearing all kinds of rumours and conflicting info. Also, those numbers are from the first woman I spoke to and the second guy was not nearly as positive about it. Plus they're still interviewing and still getting more and more people on the alternate list so by the time they start reviewing it could have grown a lot....I dunno, anyone else have any thoughts?

Unfortunately, you've hit the nail right on the head, and it's hard to tell what to believe and not believe in the rumor mill. It does seem like how many come off the alternate list depends on the cycle, as it seems like some cycles they do take in a lot of people off the list, and then other years not so much. I'm guessing a lot of schools are already done interviewing though and there are a lot of people with multiple acceptances finally having to make their final decisions, so that should hopefully make the number of seats available increase. Just don't give up hope yet, as there's still a chance you'll get in this cycle. Best of luck to all of you.

 

[OMM1980]

I have been placed on the alternate list as well, so I'm in the same boat as many of you. I got a phone call and I thought it might have been the dean, but it was the admissions counselor saying I was on the alternate list.

Does being a part of Midwestern give you an advantage on the alternate list in comparison with other applicants who are not? For example, if someone was already a part of the MA in biomedical sciences program. I'm going to look into that program if I don't get pulled off the alternate list.

Also, I might send in additional LORS. Is there a certain limit that Midwestern takes?

Thank you!

 

[christine121]

It was my birthday yesterday so I was being kind of grumpy and bitter. BUT Maybe...they just wanted to wait until they finished interviewing in a few weeks since its so close to the end. And then they're going to realize how great we all are and accept all of us! 😉

Haha jk, probably not but it makes me feel a bit better

 

[randomusername]

It was my birthday yesterday so I was being kind of grumpy and bitter. BUT Maybe...they just wanted to wait until they finished interviewing in a few weeks since its so close to the end. And then they're going to realize how great we all are and accept all of us! 😉

Haha jk, probably not but it makes me feel a bit better

That's actually probably what is exactly going on since it's nearly the end of the cycle (and exactly why people say to apply early every year), just keep keeping positive.👍

 

[Flushot]

I have been placed on the alternate list as well, so I'm in the same boat as many of you. I got a phone call and I thought it might have been the dean, but it was the admissions counselor saying I was on the alternate list.

Does being a part of Midwestern give you an advantage on the alternate list in comparison with other applicants who are not? For example, if someone was already a part of the MA in biomedical sciences program. I'm going to look into that program if I don't get pulled off the alternate list.

Also, I might send in additional LORS. Is there a certain limit that Midwestern takes?

Thank you!

Being a part of MWU does help, at least for the respective campuses. The MA program helps not just for med but for dental as well but only if you do well (>3.7). Like any other SMP, it is a last resort, so think carefully about your application.

Also, the fact that you're on campus means you can deliver your updates and ask about your status in person. It's much harder to brush someone off who is standing right there. I feel this is how many of my MA classmates got their interview and eventually ended up here; they made it clear, over and over, that we were in-house. I don't know for sure, but I think it helped.

Again, if anyone has questions about the MA program, I'm a graduate of it, so let me know.

 

[Xiphoid2014]

I am currently in the MA program. They told us at the beginning and throughout the program that "officially" there is no real advantage, but "unofficially" there is a huge advantage of being a part of the midwestern family. First, you get to know many professors that teach in AZCOM and could possible write you a LOR if you get to know them well. Plus, like Flushot said, you can show your face and get face time with admissions and they can't brush you off as easily. And frankly, the program is a great way to boost your resume and improve your science GPA. In addition, you learn a lot of what you will see as a first year. I have definitely greatly benefited from this program and feel like a have a leg up on the mountain of info we will see. However, like Flushot said, it is a last resort thing. You need to do well, stand out and really show you can master, not just handle the information. You still need to be competitive, they won't just hand you the acceptance because you attended school here. They're looking for high quality students, as in they still want higher mcat scores (at least a 25 or higher, although i have seen a couple lower get in, due to other strengths) and good grades, a ton of clinical experience and well rounded extracurricular activities. That being said, the program is great and worth it.

 

[supras2kracer]

Where in the portal does it say if you're Accepted, on the WL, or rejected?

 

[Skyyblue]

What I saw change was the accepted student checklist. It appeared on the homepage and listed all the things that I needed to do... The other two I'm not really sure...

 

[Flushot]

Where in the portal does it say if you're Accepted, on the WL, or rejected?

What I saw change was the accepted student checklist. It appeared on the homepage and listed all the things that I needed to do... The other two I'm not really sure...

There is no online notice or tab for waitlist and rejected. When you are accepted, the accepted tabs and links will appear and that's it. For everything else, it'll be the same as right after you interviewed.

 

[BHGiant]

want to put some feelers out there to see if there would be a demand for something like this. We are a family of 5 (3 kids under 3yr) and it would be a single room in a 4 bed house. The rent would be much cheaper ( ~$300m, cheaper than an on campus apartment WITH a roomate, yeah, you know you want it).

What we ask
- the renter would have to be female
- be respectful of quiet times (8pm-8am)
- christian/LDS standards (no alcohol, tobacco/smoking, coffee, etc.)
- no nighttime visitors (you know what we mean... 😉

What we would give
- access to dishes, pots, pans
- use of in house stove, oven, microwave
- free use of washer/dryer
- dishwasher access (no hand washing!)
- Wifi access and TV
- clean environment
- micro fridge in room (if desired)
- own garage space

Would you be interested in something like this? If you are, we are interested in making it happen. Please provide feedback on this discussion. We want to know if it works and why and if it doesn't and why also! Thanks!

 

[supras2kracer]

There is no online notice or tab for waitlist and rejected. When you are accepted, the accepted tabs and links will appear and that's it. For everything else, it'll be the same as right after you interviewed.

I ended up getting a letter in the mail. Is alternate list different from wait list?

 

[christine121]

In last year's thread, it says waitlisted = haven't been asked for an interview and alternate list = accepted to the school pending room.
But as far as we're concerned they're the same thing.

 

[supras2kracer]

In last year's thread, it says waitlisted = haven't been asked for an interview and alternate list = accepted to the school pending room.
But as far as we're concerned they're the same thing.

Thanks, good luck to everyone!

 

[Flushot]

want to put some feelers out there to see if there would be a demand for something like this. We are a family of 5 (3 kids under 3yr) and it would be a single room in a 4 bed house. The rent would be much cheaper ( ~$300m, cheaper than an on campus apartment WITH a roomate, yeah, you know you want it).

What we ask
- the renter would have to be female
- be respectful of quiet times (8pm-8am)
- christian/LDS standards (no alcohol, tobacco/smoking, coffee, etc.)
- no nighttime visitors (you know what we mean... 😉

What we would give
- access to dishes, pots, pans
- use of in house stove, oven, microwave
- free use of washer/dryer
- dishwasher access (no hand washing!)
- Wifi access and TV
- clean environment
- micro fridge in room (if desired)
- own garage space

Would you be interested in something like this? If you are, we are interested in making it happen. Please provide feedback on this discussion. We want to know if it works and why and if it doesn't and why also! Thanks!

It would probably help to have the address/location. You could also try the 2014 thread on SDN and Facebook if you haven't already.

In last year's thread, it says waitlisted = haven't been asked for an interview and alternate list = accepted to the school pending room.
But as far as we're concerned they're the same thing.

Waitlisted = interviewed and waiting. It doesn't mean anything beyond that. There's no such thing as 'accepted pending room'. Remember that if everyone who is currently accepted does choose to go, then no one gets off the waitlist, just like every other waitlist at other schools. This never happens though, so people will come off.

Several months ago people got a letter for waitlist to be interviewed. This is not the same as the current waitlist. If you got a letter about being on the waitlist, then that's that. Just wait it out or do the things I suggested. I hope that cleared things up.