AZCOM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[KG216]

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Invite today!! They had Nov 10th, 11, 12th and 16th- I picked 11/12. Anyone else interviewing that day? This was my second invite today, third overall...definitely helped perk up a long day of classes/research/TA stuff 🙂

 

[Flushot]

My interview is in October and I've arranged to rent a car with enterprise under Midwestern's discount rate and then its an additional $10 since I'm under 25. So I think the total for a day was $60. And for the hotel, I just went to priceline and searched for hotels by distance from AZCOM by typing in their address.

Thanks for the info. I was actually curious about AZ's policy but $10 is pretty cheap. Seems worth it to me.

I just got the interview confirmation that they sent with the list of local hotels. A few of them offer shuttles so that's good. Thanks for the advice tho!

Yeah, no problem, although with your other response, it looks like renting a car is the way to go. Good luck on your interview.

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

Invite today!! They had Nov 10th, 11, 12th and 16th- I picked 11/12. Anyone else interviewing that day? This was my second invite today, third overall...definitely helped perk up a long day of classes/research/TA stuff 🙂

Ah, I barely missed ya.

 

[KG216]

Ah, I barely missed ya.

Aww that's too bad!🙁 I seem to always be on different dates than all the other people on here haha, good luck on your interview though!😀

 

[Runner69]

My interview is in October and I've arranged to rent a car with enterprise under Midwestern's discount rate and then its an additional $10 since I'm under 25. So I think the total for a day was $60. And for the hotel, I just went to priceline and searched for hotels by distance from AZCOM by typing in their address.

I'm staying at comfort inn for only $46, and i'm just gonna take a super shuttle to and from the airport, they said it would only cost $20 each way. pretty cheap alotogether.
I'm interviewing on the 23rd.

ughh but i just recieved SOMA interview today but its too late to try and fit the two interviews into a single trip. blast.

 

[jesscsanchez]

I'm staying at comfort inn for only $46, and i'm just gonna take a super shuttle to and from the airport, they said it would only cost $20 each way. pretty cheap alotogether.
I'm interviewing on the 23rd.

ughh but i just recieved SOMA interview today but its too late to try and fit the two interviews into a single trip. blast.

Hey, I'm interviewing the 23rd too! I'll see you there. Good luck! 👍

And I got SOMA's today also, thankfully I was able to squeeze in the Monday (10/26) slot (but I'm coming from SoFla, this can only be one trip!)

 

[droogdoc]

Is anyone else here interviewing at AZCOM this Tuesday, Sept. 22??

Also, for those who interviewed on 9/18 how did it go??

 

[salazaar]

Is anyone else here interviewing at AZCOM this Tuesday, Sept. 22??

Also, for those who interviewed on 9/18 how did it go??

I am interviewing on monday. Do they interview every day this week?

 

[DO3]

I've got a 23 MCAT, ~3.5GPA overall and ~3.4 Science GPA...Should I even bother applying?

 

[Dciple]

I've got a 23 MCAT, ~3.5GPA overall and ~3.4 Science GPA...Should I even bother applying?

I would say your GPA is strong, but if you could raise up your MCAT by about 3 or 4 points you would be a much stronger candidate...I am a current AZCOM student, I had a 30 mcat with 3.22 GPA overall and a 3.15 science, if that helps you gauge anything.

Having said that, there are many more factors than just MCAT/GPA...do you feel comfortable applying with those stats and with your extracurriculars? Do you have strong Ref letters? Have you shadowed a DO (if applying to DO schools)? Have you worked or volunteered in a clinical setting (with patient contact)?

If you answered yes and you feel comfortable then apply. Honestly, getting into med school is random, they may overlook your MCAT because of how strong everything else is. Just be prepared to explain your score at some schools (AZCOM interview is closed profile, so interviewer won't have your stats). Also, as a side note, MD school is probably out, mainly because they are very stat heavy; whereas, DO school is more about the applicant as a whole (kinda sounds like the philosophy of a DO vs an MD doesn't it? hehe)

Good luck, I wish you the best!

 

[DO3]

I would say your GPA is strong, but if you could raise up your MCAT by about 3 or 4 points you would be a much stronger candidate...I am a current AZCOM student, I had a 30 mcat with 3.22 GPA overall and a 3.15 science, if that helps you gauge anything.

Having said that, there are many more factors than just MCAT/GPA...do you feel comfortable applying with those stats and with your extracurriculars? Do you have strong Ref letters? Have you shadowed a DO (if applying to DO schools)? Have you worked or volunteered in a clinical setting (with patient contact)?

If you answered yes and you feel comfortable then apply. Honestly, getting into med school is random, they may overlook your MCAT because of how strong everything else is. Just be prepared to explain your score at some schools (AZCOM interview is closed profile, so interviewer won't have your stats). Also, as a side note, MD school is probably out, mainly because they are very stat heavy; whereas, DO school is more about the applicant as a whole (kinda sounds like the philosophy of a DO vs an MD doesn't it? hehe)

Good luck, I wish you the best!

Extracurriculars, reference letters, and shadowing are all good. I have done no volunteer work in a clinical setting because I was a college athlete and never really had time. I have other volunteer experiences though. I'm still toying with applying or not. I'm also planning to retake the MCAT in January, but I'm still applying to schools to see if I can get in this fall without the retake.

 

[Grey Wind]

I would say your GPA is strong, but if you could raise up your MCAT by about 3 or 4 points you would be a much stronger candidate...I am a current AZCOM student, I had a 30 mcat with 3.22 GPA overall and a 3.15 science, if that helps you gauge anything.

Having said that, there are many more factors than just MCAT/GPA...do you feel comfortable applying with those stats and with your extracurriculars? Do you have strong Ref letters? Have you shadowed a DO (if applying to DO schools)? Have you worked or volunteered in a clinical setting (with patient contact)?

If you answered yes and you feel comfortable then apply. Honestly, getting into med school is random, they may overlook your MCAT because of how strong everything else is. Just be prepared to explain your score at some schools (AZCOM interview is closed profile, so interviewer won't have your stats). Also, as a side note, MD school is probably out, mainly because they are very stat heavy; whereas, DO school is more about the applicant as a whole (kinda sounds like the philosophy of a DO vs an MD doesn't it? hehe)

Good luck, I wish you the best!

Explain a closed-file interview to me a bit more. Does it mean that they've looked through your file before the interview and know about your EC's, exp, etc?

 

[calimed214]

Explain a closed-file interview to me a bit more. Does it mean that they've looked through your file before the interview and know about your EC's, exp, etc?

Open file = interviewers have access to your whole file & usually review it prior to the interview

Partial open file = interviewers have access to parts of your file. Usually the EC's and personal statement. May not have access to GPA/MCAT scores.

Closed file = interviewers do not have access to any part of your file. When you walk in the door, they will know nothing about you. However, they will likely assume that your stats are competitive enough to get an interview.

 

[Grey Wind]

Open file = interviewers have access to your whole file & usually review it prior to the interview

Partial open file = interviewers have access to parts of your file. Usually the EC's and personal statement. May not have access to GPA/MCAT scores.

Closed file = interviewers do not have access to any part of your file. When you walk in the door, they will know nothing about you. However, they will likely assume that your stats are competitive enough to get an interview.

ah, i see. thanks!

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

Aww that's too bad!🙁 I seem to always be on different dates than all the other people on here haha, good luck on your interview though!😀

And to you as well!

 

[Dciple]

Open file = interviewers have access to your whole file & usually review it prior to the interview

Partial open file = interviewers have access to parts of your file. Usually the EC's and personal statement. May not have access to GPA/MCAT scores.

Closed file = interviewers do not have access to any part of your file. When you walk in the door, they will know nothing about you. However, they will likely assume that your stats are competitive enough to get an interview.

As an addendum to that, at AZCOM at least, closed file means exactly what this person wrote but if you included a resume or CV they interviewers will have a copy of that. If you did not include the resume/CV, then the interviewers will have nothing and will just ask you your interests and such.

Good luck to everyone 🙂

 

[bcgans]

I interviewed on 9/18, just wanted to give those interviewing my thoughts.

The day started with breakfast and a couple students just hanging out and answering questions, they were very open and honest. Everyone was too nervous to eat. 🙂

We then had a presentation about the schools, board scores, match lists, 3rd and 4th year rotation sites, as well as an explanation of the "decompressed" 1st year schedule to help you acclimate to med school. After that we had a 15 minute presentation over financial aid and cost of attendance.

There were 18 of us, broken up into groups of three and interviewed one at a time by one of three panels consisting of three people each. I interviewed with one science faculty and two students.

Before the interviews, the admissions director came in and told us it would be a closed file interview, because they felt we all had strong numbers and just wanted to get a feel for us as individuals. This really put me at ease. He told us to relax and just enjoy meeting people. During the interview, they had my personal statement and CV. It went about 30 minutes and was a lot of fun.

After half the group was done interviewing, we went on a small tour of some of the major buildings, came back and waited for the other half to interview, then went to lunch. During lunch, several current 3rd years came and sat with us. They were very open and knowledgeable, and I have nothing but exceptional things to say about them and my experience.

After lunch, we went on a bus tour of the campus, viewing the clinic, student housing, anatomy lab, OMM lab, etc. We even got a 15 minute OMM demonstration by our two tour guides which was outstanding!

Overall, AZCOM is amazing. It was beautiful, lots of nice people, great weather, close to a major city (Phoenix), awesome match lists and comlex scores, and an overall great vibe from the school. I may be biased as this was my first interview, but it really set the stage for my next couple.

I'm in love. 😍

P.S. They said it would take roughly 3 weeks to receive their decision in writing (they dont do email acceptances) However, the best way to check your status would be to look at the matriculation page on the MWU portal. When you are accepted, the page changes with all your matriculation acceptance stuff on it as opposed to what it says now, "your information could not be found." - good info to know, seeing as how my letter has to get almost 2,000 miles across the country. I would be happy to answer any questions you guys have about the school!

 

[jesscsanchez]

Thanks for the insight above! I've been hearing nothing but good things about this school and the interviewing process. I'm scheduled at the end of October, so I may be picking your brain more as the day approaches. Good luck to you!

 

[raebear]

Thanks for the info bcgans! That makes me really excited for my interview there next week!😀

 

[buhito]

has anyone taken their luggage to the interview?? think there would be a place to stash it without being too awkward? ...i have a flight kiiinda close to the end of the interview

 

[EckXXX]

I just interviewed a few hours ago--what a great school. The feel of the school is very positive in terms of not being overwhelming, however, not too small either. The tour guide did a great job of showing us the campus and campus housing.

Initially, I went in with no expectations, but walked away very very impressed by AZCOM's full package. If I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to matriculate, then I could easily see myself doing so. Anyone who has an interview here should feel very fortunate.

I will be honest and say that Nova had a very similar feel and--if I make it off their waitlist--I would have a tough time choosing between the programs, but AZCOM is definitely up there.

The interview format has been the best so-far. I really liked the ethically dilemmas that I was questioned about and, overall, felt as though this school has the best picture of who I am as a candidate.

Best of luck to everyone. Hopefully you are one of the fortunate ~700 to interview here out of thousands.

 

[EckXXX]

has anyone taken their luggage to the interview?? think there would be a place to stash it without being too awkward? ...i have a flight kiiinda close to the end of the interview

I am sure you could leave your bags in their admission's office. The whole campus feels very secure.

 

[EckXXX]

I interviewed on 9/18, just wanted to give those interviewing my thoughts.

The day started with breakfast and a couple students just hanging out and answering questions, they were very open and honest. Everyone was too nervous to eat. 🙂

We then had a presentation about the schools, board scores, match lists, 3rd and 4th year rotation sites, as well as an explanation of the "decompressed" 1st year schedule to help you acclimate to med school. After that we had a 15 minute presentation over financial aid and cost of attendance.

There were 18 of us, broken up into groups of three and interviewed one at a time by one of three panels consisting of three people each. I interviewed with one science faculty and two students.

Before the interviews, the admissions director came in and told us it would be a closed file interview, because they felt we all had strong numbers and just wanted to get a feel for us as individuals. This really put me at ease. He told us to relax and just enjoy meeting people. During the interview, they had my personal statement and CV. It went about 30 minutes and was a lot of fun.

After half the group was done interviewing, we went on a small tour of some of the major buildings, came back and waited for the other half to interview, then went to lunch. During lunch, several current 3rd years came and sat with us. They were very open and knowledgeable, and I have nothing but exceptional things to say about them and my experience.

After lunch, we went on a bus tour of the campus, viewing the clinic, student housing, anatomy lab, OMM lab, etc. We even got a 15 minute OMM demonstration by our two tour guides which was outstanding!

Overall, AZCOM is amazing. It was beautiful, lots of nice people, great weather, close to a major city (Phoenix), awesome match lists and comlex scores, and an overall great vibe from the school. I may be biased as this was my first interview, but it really set the stage for my next couple.

I'm in love. 😍

P.S. They said it would take roughly 3 weeks to receive their decision in writing (they dont do email acceptances) However, the best way to check your status would be to look at the matriculation page on the MWU portal. When you are accepted, the page changes with all your matriculation acceptance stuff on it as opposed to what it says now, "your information could not be found." - good info to know, seeing as how my letter has to get almost 2,000 miles across the country. I would be happy to answer any questions you guys have about the school!

I second everything bcgans has said.

 

[CardioPlus]

I interviewed on 9/18, just wanted to give those interviewing my thoughts.

The day started with breakfast and a couple students just hanging out and answering questions, they were very open and honest. Everyone was too nervous to eat. 🙂

We then had a presentation about the schools, board scores, match lists, 3rd and 4th year rotation sites, as well as an explanation of the "decompressed" 1st year schedule to help you acclimate to med school. After that we had a 15 minute presentation over financial aid and cost of attendance.

There were 18 of us, broken up into groups of three and interviewed one at a time by one of three panels consisting of three people each. I interviewed with one science faculty and two students.

Before the interviews, the admissions director came in and told us it would be a closed file interview, because they felt we all had strong numbers and just wanted to get a feel for us as individuals. This really put me at ease. He told us to relax and just enjoy meeting people. During the interview, they had my personal statement and CV. It went about 30 minutes and was a lot of fun.

After half the group was done interviewing, we went on a small tour of some of the major buildings, came back and waited for the other half to interview, then went to lunch. During lunch, several current 3rd years came and sat with us. They were very open and knowledgeable, and I have nothing but exceptional things to say about them and my experience.

After lunch, we went on a bus tour of the campus, viewing the clinic, student housing, anatomy lab, OMM lab, etc. We even got a 15 minute OMM demonstration by our two tour guides which was outstanding!

Overall, AZCOM is amazing. It was beautiful, lots of nice people, great weather, close to a major city (Phoenix), awesome match lists and comlex scores, and an overall great vibe from the school. I may be biased as this was my first interview, but it really set the stage for my next couple.

I'm in love. 😍

P.S. They said it would take roughly 3 weeks to receive their decision in writing (they dont do email acceptances) However, the best way to check your status would be to look at the matriculation page on the MWU portal. When you are accepted, the page changes with all your matriculation acceptance stuff on it as opposed to what it says now, "your information could not be found." - good info to know, seeing as how my letter has to get almost 2,000 miles across the country. I would be happy to answer any questions you guys have about the school!

Thanks for the great feedback! Before reading this I was a lil iffy about the $500 i'll be dropping to get to this interview, but now I'm pretty excited about my interview in Nov. Hope everything turns out well for you with AZCOM!🙂

 

[raebear]

has anyone taken their luggage to the interview?? think there would be a place to stash it without being too awkward? ...i have a flight kiiinda close to the end of the interview

I did that at my Touro NV and it was not a problem. There was even another guy with his luggage as well. They just had us stash our bags under the big desk in the front entrance with the receptionist. I'm sure they get it all the time and will be able to accommadate you without a problem. Good luck!

 

[buhito]

I am sure you could leave your bags in their admission's office. The whole campus feels very secure.

thanks eckxxx and raebear for your input on the suitcase-lugging dilemma. good to know.

 

[JanikeyDoc]

Does anyone know how many people AZCOM interviews and what percent get an offer of admission out of those who interview? I keep hearing some schools interview large numbers of applicants, I was wondering if this school is one of them.

 

[droogdoc]

AZCOM exceeded my expectations and was probably my best interview next to Nova. Great school, and it seems getting rotations may not be a problem, as most students stay in the Phoenix area.

Only complaint is the tuititon, but oh well. I already knew that. I was very impressd with prtty much everything with the school, especially the fact that they have a physiology professor that can be a twin sister to Eva Longoria! She was very nice, as was everyone at the school.

 

[CardioPlus]

AZCOM exceeded my expectations and was probably my best interview next to Nova. Great school, and it seems getting rotations may not be a problem, as most students stay in the Phoenix area.

Only complaint is the tuititon, but oh well. I already knew that. I was very impressd with prtty much everything with the school, especially the fact that they have a physiology professor that can be a twin sister to Eva Longoria! She was very nice, as was everyone at the school.

I'm solddddd, when can I start?! haha

 

[NewJersey]

I have an interview on Oct 19 any advice

 

[COdoubleMO2theN]

what time does the interview day end?

 

[droogdoc]

what time does the interview day end?

They say 230pm but my group was done at 2pm. Also, they are very nice. If changing clothes and getting to the airport is a problem they will accomodate. They even offered any of us with luggage in our car to use the lockeroom down the hall to change if we wanted after the day was over.

 

[COdoubleMO2theN]

great info, thank you.

 

[quynhhuong]

My app is just complete today. Does anybody know when the committee meets? and how long do i have to wait to get an invite?

 

[MSUSpartan642]

My app should have been complete two weeks ago but they got my LOR all mixed up and never entered them 😡. I got complete today and I was also wondering possibly how long it would take them to make decisions? Im thinking around 2 weeks would be reasonable right now.

 

[jesscsanchez]

My app is just complete today. Does anybody know when the committee meets? and how long do i have to wait to get an invite?

My app should have been complete two weeks ago but they got my LOR all mixed up and never entered them 😡. I got complete today and I was also wondering possibly how long it would take them to make decisions? Im thinking around 2 weeks would be reasonable right now.

I was complete the last week of August, they got back to me within 5-6 days. From what I've seen on this thread, they have a quick turn-around rate. Good luck to you both!

 

[CardioPlus]

I was complete the last week of August, they got back to me within 5-6 days. From what I've seen on this thread, they have a quick turn-around rate. Good luck to you both!

yeah they do have a quick turn around, I submitted my secondary on a Sunday night at around midnight and I was invited to interview by Tuesday afternoon.

 

[Roberie]

Well guys, interviewed Wednesday the 23rd. Accepted Friday the 25th!😀

 

[droogdoc]

Well guys, interviewed Wednesday the 23rd. Accepted Friday the 25th!😀

I interviewed Tuesday, Sept. 22. and my account shows no update for AZCOM or anything on the accepted student section.

How did you find out???

 

[jesscsanchez]

Well guys, interviewed Wednesday the 23rd. Accepted Friday the 25th!😀

Congrats!! All of my interviews are in October, can't wait to find out where I get in!

 

[Roberie]

I interviewed Tuesday, Sept. 22. and my account shows no update for AZCOM or anything on the accepted student section.

How did you find out???

I checked the online system and there was new info within the "Accepted Student Checklist."

I also called admissions to confirm.

 

[McFlojoDPT]

I have an interview on Oct 19 any advice

I'll be there the 19th as well. From what I hear, many are willing to help you. Just be relaxed (as if that could ever happen), be cordial, and take the questions as they come. Basic interview prep.

 

[droogdoc]

I checked the online system and there was new info within the "Accepted Student Checklist."

I also called admissions to confirm.

Hmmm. I wonder if anything shows up on there if you are waitlisted or rejected........

 

[jfellings]

Hmmm. I wonder if anything shows up on there if you are waitlisted or rejected........

I interviewed on Sept 18th and there is no change on my page either....

 

[EckXXX]

Hmmm. I wonder if anything shows up on there if you are waitlisted or rejected........

They said it will only change if you get accepted. Any other decision will come by mail.

 

[EckXXX]

I interviewed on Sept 18th and there is no change on my page either....

I interviewed on the 21st and there is no change to my page as well.

 

[bcgans]

I interviewed on the 21st and there is no change to my page as well.

I interviewed 9/18 and there is no status update.... Hope we arent all waitlisted/rejected...

When I interviewed they said two-three weeks to hear back. Anyone else who interviewed care to chime in?

 

[EckXXX]

I interviewed 9/18 and there is no status update.... Hope we arent all waitlisted/rejected...

When I interviewed they said two-three weeks to hear back. Anyone else who interviewed care to chime in?

Yea, the associate dean said to expect a status change by next Friday--if you are accepted, then matriculation payment information will show-up. All decisions will come by mail.

 

[Flushot]

I got a PM about AZCOM and I thought I'll share the sender's question anonymously here so others may potentially benefit from it. I hope the sender doesn't mind.

||||
Greetings Flu Shot,

I wanted your advice on how to handle a pre-interview hold at AZCOM?

Did your friends from the post bacc program get interviews after being on pre-interview hold?

I really want to go to school here and I think I would be a good fit.

Thanks for your help and guidance.
||||

Here was my response:

About the post bac: They only did a preinterview hold on people in my program because they were complete late or had some other administrative hold ups. Otherwise, everyone who was complete around now got an interview whether now or after Fall quarter. Eventually, everyone in my post bac who continued to contact them in person got an interview.

In your situation, I would keep calling them and send anything you could add, be it another LOR or additional transcripts if you're still in school. My personal experience with pre-interview hold at VCOM was because they wanted to know if I was interested. I got several interviews by then so their prediction about me was correct.

Again the best thing you can do is stay in touch if you can't send in any more materials. Unless they told you something specific about your situation that you need to address, this is about all you can do. Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

[END]



As for the current topic of when they meet, I think they still do their weekly meetings on Thursdays and make online 'adjustments' on Friday i.e., the change in your online.midwestern.edu account to include matriculation links.

I personally never received any acceptance mail, package, or email until 1 month prior to moving to AZ. I only called and checked online. I was accepted in October 2008 too. I did all preparations online.

 

[bcgans]

Yea, the associate dean said to expect a status change by next Friday--if you are accepted, then matriculation payment information will show-up. All decisions will come by mail.

EckXXX:

When you say "next Friday" do you mean Friday, October 2nd? I was under the impression Thursday, October 1st was the first day the admissions committee would meet, and Friday was the first we'd hear. Sorry, I kinda had a mild MI last night when I heard someone got accepted so early and my status hadn't changed. I feel better that other applicants with good numbers have no change either. Guess I'll call Monday? We'll see