AZCOM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

[nfsonpowday]

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hey nfsonpowday, delayed congrats! so you're definitely going to attend azcom?

99.999% sure -I cancelled other interviews I had been invited to because I knew I would attend AZCOM over them. My only holdout would be Michigan but as an OOS with a 28P and 3.6 gpa -I highly doubt I'll get invited to the interview. You got in here too, right?

 

[denco88]

99.999% sure -I cancelled other interviews I had been invited to because I knew I would attend AZCOM over them. My only holdout would be Michigan but as an OOS with a 28P and 3.6 gpa -I highly doubt I'll get invited to the interview. You got in here too, right?

where are you from?!

 

[randomusername]

I will say that I am sick of having to try and find quarters for the communal washer and dryer as well -first of all gas stations hate giving out their 'precious' quarters and the machines are broken half the time -I hope to find a place with a washer and dryer. Thanks and I look forward to Arizona!

Well, on the plus-side the machines here don't require quarters instead they require a card you charge in the clubhouse.

And not a problem with the write-up, if you (or anybody else) have any other questions about on-campus stuff, feel free to ask or pm.

 

[ND10]

99.999% sure -I cancelled other interviews I had been invited to because I knew I would attend AZCOM over them. My only holdout would be Michigan but as an OOS with a 28P and 3.6 gpa -I highly doubt I'll get invited to the interview. You got in here too, right?

Yup, I got in. I don't know about you, but it takes all the stress off! Besides PCOM, I'm also canceling my interviews. I'd be more than happy at AZCOM, though PCOM would be tough to turn down.

You're stats are solid, but as you know, they don't take many oos. Good luck though!!

 

[FearAndInsomnia]

completed 10/18. . . checked status today and had an interview invite. Never got an email though. Scheduled for the morning on 1/19.

 

[nfsonpowday]

Yup, I got in. I don't know about you, but it takes all the stress off! Besides PCOM, I'm also canceling my interviews. I'd be more than happy at AZCOM, though PCOM would be tough to turn down.

You're stats are solid, but as you know, they don't take many oos. Good luck though!!

Yeah -seriously it feels like an elephant has stepped off of my back 😀 PCOM is another I might consider interviewing however I still haven't heard from them either. I know I am going to be happy at AZCOM -I had a feeling this is where I was going to go so it all kind of fits! Thanks and I hope we get to meet each other at AZCOM!

 

[nfsonpowday]

where are you from?!

I go to University of Nevada, Reno -I am not from there but I have applied as a Nevada resident.

 

[denco88]

I go to University of Nevada, Reno -I am not from there but I have applied as a Nevada resident.

ah very nice... I go to the University of Denver, but I'm a NJ resident

 

[ND10]

completed 10/18. . . checked status today and had an interview invite. Never got an email though. Scheduled for the morning on 1/19.

The email will be sent to you at like 3AM or something early like that haha.

 

[ND10]

Yeah -seriously it feels like an elephant has stepped off of my back 😀 PCOM is another I might consider interviewing however I still haven't heard from them either. I know I am going to be happy at AZCOM -I had a feeling this is where I was going to go so it all kind of fits! Thanks and I hope we get to meet each other at AZCOM!

Agreed, and if not at azcom, then hopefully at pcom!

 

[nfsonpowday]

ah very nice... I go to the University of Denver, but I'm a NJ resident

Nice! I wanted to go to Denver soooo bad (MD) because I have sisters in Ft. Collins and Colorado Springs AND because the mountains and hence snowsports are close (closer than in AZ) by but alas as an OOS and with my stats, I didn't even bother filling out the secondary. Did you apply there also?

 

[denco88]

Nice! I wanted to go to Denver soooo bad (MD) because I have sisters in Ft. Collins and Colorado Springs AND because the mountains and hence snowsports are close (closer than in AZ) by but alas as an OOS and with my stats, I didn't even bother filling out the secondary. Did you apply there also?

Yes I did... but I'm not expecting much!

 

[traitorman]

hey guys, I just canceled my interview for next week nov 4th. if anyone wants to jump on that date, its now open!!

 

[aren21]

Hey guys, my portal status changed from applicant to accepted, on Oct 22nd, but I didnt get anything in the mail yet to chose a rotation spot. Is this a typical wait time?

 

[randomusername]

Hey guys, my portal status changed from applicant to accepted, on Oct 22nd, but I didnt get anything in the mail yet to chose a rotation spot. Is this a typical wait time?

Wait-time ~1 month it seems, give or take.

 

[FearAndInsomnia]

hey guys, I just canceled my interview for next week nov 4th. if anyone wants to jump on that date, its now open!!

Thanks man. Snagged that spot!but damn that is next Thursday! and it is my first interview!

 

[DbDan]

Thanks man. Snagged that spot!but damn that is next Thursday! and it is my first interview!

The interview is laid back, it'd be a good one to have on late notice/first interview. Only downside for me as a first interview is if you don't interview well you don't get a practice one first. AZCOM is definitely not the most intense of interviews though. I've been in job interviews where they've been much harder on me

 

[Kalu123]

The interview is laid back, it'd be a good one to have on late notice/first interview. Only downside for me as a first interview is if you don't interview well you don't get a practice one first. AZCOM is definitely not the most intense of interviews though. I've been in job interviews where they've been much harder on me

Some people had more difficult interviews here, while some were very laid back. Use the interview feedback on SDN to prepare!!! I was asked tons of those questions. The night before the interview, I sat at the bar at the Olive Garden and mentally prepared answers to the questions on the interview feedback page. It helped immensely.

It was strange, because I spoke with other applicants that day who had the same interviewers as me and we had totally different experiences. Some people were asked five general questions. I got like twenty! But it won't be stressful as long as you go in with a positive attitude and with confidence.

 

[nfsonpowday]

Thanks man. Snagged that spot!but damn that is next Thursday! and it is my first interview!

That's what happened to me -I was scheduled for 1/11 but grabbed an Oct. 19th spot when it came available and it was my first interview as well. I got in so I guess the fact that my heart was in my throat didn't matter 😱. They are very nice people who will make you feel at home. Just know your app and know how to answer why DO -Why AZCOM and you should be fine!

Oh and what Kalu said is correct: Look at the interview feedback page on SDN to prepare. That was what I did in my hotel room the night before the interview.

 

[traitorman]

Thanks man. Snagged that spot!but damn that is next Thursday! and it is my first interview!

np, i kno it was kind of last minute but I was having the hardest time trying to decide if I should go or not. thats a great jump to go from a jan date to nov. that will definitely increase your chances. gl!

 

[aren21]

Wait-time ~1 month it seems, give or take.

Thanks!

 

[Compwarrior]

I wonder if I can convince anyone else to cancel their interview next week...

I called admissions today and was told that after next week they are taking a break from interviewing until January. It made me feel better about my odds (i.e. not as many people ahead of me in line as I thought), but I'm still concerned about deposits for other schools. It's going to be lost money because if I get accepted to AZCOM, that's where I'm going to go.

 

[dreams09]

I thought I would finally post.

Interviewed 10/19, Acceptance 10/21. Did not know that they would make a decision so fast!!! but i am not complaining!!!

woohoo!

stats wise: 3.64 science and overall GPA, 30N
Complete Aug 16, II: Aug 21

btw, loved the campus!

 

[denco88]

received my acceptance packet today 🙂

 

[Kalu123]

received my acceptance packet today 🙂

Me too! I just e-mailed in the form with my preferred rotation sites.

 

[ND10]

received my acceptance packet today 🙂

AH I'm still waiting for mine. I guess it'll take a bit longer to reach the east coast!

 

[futuredrrapp]

Has anyone gone to the Midwestern Open House and been accepted because of it? Just wondering if I should go or not. Seems redundant.

 

[hatkins]

Dear XXX...

The admissions committed for the AZCOM has put your application for the class of 2015 on hold pending possible future interview invitation.

Your application will continue to be presented to the AZCOM admissions committee and may at some point receive an interview invitation. Your application was deemed to possess enough meerit to be held for future review and this should be viewed as a positive result.

yada yada you can track the application on the web portal......

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

 

[denco88]

Dear XXX...

The admissions committed for the AZCOM has put your application for the class of 2015 on hold pending possible future interview invitation.

Your application will continue to be presented to the AZCOM admissions committee and may at some point receive an interview invitation. Your application was deemed to possess enough meerit to be held for future review and this should be viewed as a positive result.

yada yada you can track the application on the web portal......

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

it means exactly what it says... That you are kind of in that inbetween group that they don't want to reject, but also aren't ready to extend an interview invitation to yet. I know a lot of people wrote letter of interests to try to get off this list. Also, the December 15th deadline for deposits will probably be big for you because it will tell the school just how many of the acceptances they offered actually plan on matriculating!

I hope this helps 🙂

 

[randomusername]

it means exactly what it says... That you are kind of in that inbetween group that they don't want to reject, but also aren't ready to extend an interview invitation to yet. I know a lot of people wrote letter of interests to try to get off this list. Also, the December 15th deadline for deposits will probably be big for you because it will tell the school just how many of the acceptances they offered actually plan on matriculating!

It means all of this, plus, you don't want to sit by idly twiddling your thumbs if you can help it. Update them with grades, meaningful achievements and activities, etc. when you can. Admissions people like moderately proactive candidates.

 

[nelson32]

That's what happened to me -I was scheduled for 1/11 but grabbed an Oct. 19th spot when it came available and it was my first interview as well. I got in so I guess the fact that my heart was in my throat didn't matter 😱. They are very nice people who will make you feel at home. Just know your app and know how to answer why DO -Why AZCOM and you should be fine!

Oh and what Kalu said is correct: Look at the interview feedback page on SDN to prepare. That was what I did in my hotel room the night before the interview.

Hey, are you the girl that had snowboard sponsors that I met at the 10/19 interview? If so, I was the bodybuilder kid from Utah. Congrats on the acceptance. I received my acceptance letter today and am sincerely amped about it.

 

[Compwarrior]

I wonder if I can convince anyone else to cancel their interview next week...

Update: Apparently the universe is pleased with me. I checked this morning and was able to pick up an open interview slot in two days. 😀 Much better than in two months.

Also, has anyone that was wait-listed last year interviewed this year and NOT been accepted? Or wait-listed again? I would like to think that because I was wait-listed last year I have a better chance at getting in this year.

 

[AGLAIA]

Update: Apparently the universe is pleased with me. I checked this morning and was able to pick up an open interview slot in two days. 😀 Much better than in two months.

See you there!

 

[FearAndInsomnia]

See you there!

Are you two going to be there the third or fourth. . . if the fourth I'll see ya there

 

[Compwarrior]

Are you two going to be there the third or fourth. . . if the fourth I'll see ya there

On the third for me. I'm stayin at the Quality Inn at Telavi. Stayed there last year and thought it was great, esp. for the price ($56/night) and it's pretty close to the school.

 

[AGLAIA]

Are you two going to be there the third or fourth. . . if the fourth I'll see ya there

I'm on the third as well. 🙂

 

[reezer4]

I just scanned through the thread and didn't find an answer to this question, but I apologize if it's a repeat.

Does anyone know if it is okay to submit additional letters above the 2 required? Thanks!

 

[milkycow]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=403336

This thread is kind of scaring me.

The difference I think is that this year during my interview, they actually presented the usmle averages and complex averages which I think was 220 and 530ish I believe.

 

[lftbndlbrnchblk]

I just scanned through the thread and didn't find an answer to this question, but I apologize if it's a repeat.

Does anyone know if it is okay to submit additional letters above the 2 required? Thanks!

I sent 5. They indicated that only 2 were read on the portal but I know they read them all because they referenced them in the interview. Few schools welcome them and actually state they do on the website/secondary. Most schools will tell you that they'll tear them up as soon as they get them. AZCOM didn't say either way, so I guess it couldn't hurt?

 

[DbDan]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=403336

This thread is kind of scaring me.

The difference I think is that this year during my interview, they actually presented the usmle averages and complex averages which I think was 220 and 530ish I believe.

During my interview they showed that they were top 3 in scores or something as well as pass rate. That thread is 3 years old and obviously posted by an upset student. There is at least one thread like this about every school. Yes the price tag is very very very heavy and thats right now the only glaring downside I see to AZCOM. 300k Debt scares the **** out of me.

 

[lftbndlbrnchblk]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=403336

This thread is kind of scaring me.

The difference I think is that this year during my interview, they actually presented the usmle averages and complex averages which I think was 220 and 530ish I believe.

It's kind of scary and kind of uplifting at the same time. Lots of positive stuff in there with the negative. Plus, it's three years old - perhaps the handful of negative things mentioned in that thread have changed? Maybe everything's exactly the same, I have no way of knowing. But I was pretty happy with the presentation on shelf exams, board scores and residency placements. It's above many of the other DO schools in almost all instances. I actually paid special attention to this aspect being delivered by the dean. Only one time did he have to admit AZCOM was at the average on something. I forgot what that was but since I'm very interested in things beyond FM, IM, PCP, I know I would have remembered if it was something markedly competitive. I'm not all that scared 😀

 

[uniquerabbit]

How are you guys going about selecting your rotation sites!?? I know nothing about the areas or the hospitals.

Is there anything in particular I should know about? Or am I basically choosing the "region"?

Any help would be great!

 

[randomusername]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=403336

This thread is kind of scaring me.

The difference I think is that this year during my interview, they actually presented the usmle averages and complex averages which I think was 220 and 530ish I believe.

-I've had several histology lectures from Dr. Walters already this week, and yes, she is awesome
-I've skipped numerous lectures from Dr. Mann (though he isn't the head of biochem anymore), the new head is great.
-One year's match-list means about as much as two high school freshmen telling each other they love one another and are getting married after high school (aka nothing). Many years' match-lists still don't mean much. However, to ease your minds, if needed, just search a thread for 2010's match-list, it's fairly-nice.
-The school changes stuff up with clinicals just about every year it seems.
-Back when this thread was posted, I'm pretty sure AZCOM didn't officially offer any board-prep, now I believe there's an entire class in spring of 2nd year that's dedicated to board-prep, in addition to a lightened-load.

 

[DbDan]

-I've had several histology lectures from Dr. Walters already this week, and yes, she is awesome
-I've skipped numerous lectures from Dr. Mann (though he isn't the head of biochem anymore), the new head is great.
-One year's match-list means about as much as two high school freshmen telling each other they love one another and are getting married after high school (aka nothing). Many years' match-lists still don't mean much. However, to ease your minds, if needed, just search a thread for 2010's match-list, it's fairly-nice.
-The school changes stuff up with clinicals just about every year it seems.
-Back when this thread was posted, I'm pretty sure AZCOM didn't officially offer any board-prep, now I believe there's an entire class in spring of 2nd year that's dedicated to board-prep, in addition to a lightened-load.

👍 Thanks for all of your updates.

I'm honestly thinking that AZCOM is a better place for me than Western, despite the fact that I'd love to be in California. If I get into Western its going to be a battle for me to decide

 

[christine121]

So does AZCOM let the 4th years choose rotation sites nationaly now? I've totally decided on AZCOM because I loved the school but it definitly makes a difference to me if I can't do as many rotations as I want nationaly. All of my family lives in the NW and as a Canadian there are no schools up there for me to apply to but that's where I want to end up.

Please tell me !! 😱

 

[reezer4]

I sent 5. They indicated that only 2 were read on the portal but I know they read them all because they referenced them in the interview. Few schools welcome them and actually state they do on the website/secondary. Most schools will tell you that they'll tear them up as soon as they get them. AZCOM didn't say either way, so I guess it couldn't hurt?

Wow, tear them up? That's extreme! I agree that it couldn't hurt, perhaps I will email and ask. I went to the trouble to get some good ones, I hate to not use them ;o) Thanks for your comment!

 

[randomusername]

So does AZCOM let the 4th years choose rotation sites nationaly now? I've totally decided on AZCOM because I loved the school but it definitly makes a difference to me if I can't do as many rotations as I want nationaly. All of my family lives in the NW and as a Canadian there are no schools up there for me to apply to but that's where I want to end up.

Please tell me !! 😱

Basically what we've been told is most of fourth year you can rotate wherever the heck you want so long as you, the school, and where you're trying to rotate can get agreements set up in time (essentially a non-issue if the school already has a previous agreement with the site/preceptor but is a few month process if it's a new site/preceptor) to ensure that they'll be giving you what the school wants you to get, insurance is dealt with, etc.

 

[snitchseeker88]

Edit: Nevermind. Answered my own question. 🙂

 

[christine121]

Thanks for answering Random!

 

[Flushot]

So does AZCOM let the 4th years choose rotation sites nationaly now? I've totally decided on AZCOM because I loved the school but it definitly makes a difference to me if I can't do as many rotations as I want nationaly. All of my family lives in the NW and as a Canadian there are no schools up there for me to apply to but that's where I want to end up.

Please tell me !! 😱

Basically what we've been told is most of fourth year you can rotate wherever the heck you want so long as you, the school, and where you're trying to rotate can get agreements set up in time (essentially a non-issue if the school already has a previous agreement with the site/preceptor but is a few month process if it's a new site/preceptor) to ensure that they'll be giving you what the school wants you to get, insurance is dealt with, etc.

Random is correct in that you have that freedom. Just make sure you get the paperwork done (mostly liability insurance) and you will be set for the most part.


About the negative AZCOM threads, especially that one posted in 2007: much of it has turned out to not happen. For example, that post said that Dr. Walters may be leaving, which did not end up happening. That said, there is a reasonable criticism, which I laid out a few pages back.

There is one particular AZCOM grad that posts more often lately that is quite helpful, but is very upset by the rising tuition and the poor planning of the AOA in terms of residency expansion vs. school expansions. This poster has a lot of criticism for AZCOM as well, but I'll be honest in saying that those who probably do have good things to say about AZCOM will never post or very rarely.

That's just how it goes: those who are upset will post their opinions at a much greater rate than those satisfied. Although I do respect this poster, I feel he/she is a little too vehement and could provide more solutions as opposed to "avoid like plague".

As of late, I've been a sort of spokesman for AZCOM on these boards (if the swarms of PMs are indicative of anything), but I'll give you the truth as objectively as I can, since we all don't really have another school to compare to.