AZCOM Discussion Thread 2011-2012

[WaffleDoc]

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During my interview day we were told that waitlist movement will only occur after May,once the last batch of interviews and therefore responses have been handed out.

Which is just straight crap, because that essentially means that your final deposit at pretty much any other school will already have been due, so if you paid it to keep a seat somewhere, that's just money down the drain (if you so choose to attend AZCOM after being pulled off their waitlist). Crap.

 

[DrWily]

Which is just straight crap, because that essentially means that your final deposit at pretty much any other school will already have been due, so if you paid it to keep a seat somewhere, that's just money down the drain (if you so choose to attend AZCOM after being pulled off their waitlist). Crap.

Unfortunately Waffle, its part of the admissions game/circus.

 

[Flushot]

Which is just straight crap, because that essentially means that your final deposit at pretty much any other school will already have been due, so if you paid it to keep a seat somewhere, that's just money down the drain (if you so choose to attend AZCOM after being pulled off their waitlist). Crap.

That's how it is unfortunately. The thing is now is not the time to be risking acceptances and spots, no matter the cost. Unless you have some additional reason as to why you can't attend a school, just lay it down and chalk it up to the cost of this entire process. It's not cheap and was never meant to be.

 

[samiam87]

Does anyone here have any experience having a family while going through med school? I'm particularly interested in the financial aspect of it. My wife wants to live on-campus, in the luxury 2-bedroom apartments, but when I do the math on that using the budget that AZCOM gives that only leaves about 250 per month for food and electricity. I've only got one kid, but is that really enough for three people to live on? Not to mention that doesn't leave anything to cover summer expenses after first year...

 

[Flushot]

Does anyone here have any experience having a family while going through med school? I'm particularly interested in the financial aspect of it. My wife wants to live on-campus, in the luxury 2-bedroom apartments, but when I do the math on that using the budget that AZCOM gives that only leaves about 250 per month for food and electricity. I've only got one kid, but is that really enough for three people to live on? Not to mention that doesn't leave anything to cover summer expenses after first year...

The AZCOM budget certainly does not take into account a family. You will have to take in additional funds if your spouse does not supplement in any way. The budget is only an estimate for your use; I would not abide by it, whether single or family oriented.

For example, being single myself, I borrow wayyy below the suggested budget and still manage okay. Then again, I don't have a couch, TV or dining table, so there's a lot of things I can do without that most people wouldn't deem normal.

 

[randomusername]

Does anyone here have any experience having a family while going through med school? I'm particularly interested in the financial aspect of it. My wife wants to live on-campus, in the luxury 2-bedroom apartments, but when I do the math on that using the budget that AZCOM gives that only leaves about 250 per month for food and electricity. I've only got one kid, but is that really enough for three people to live on? Not to mention that doesn't leave anything to cover summer expenses after first year...

AZCOM's budget is definitely on the "excessively-high" side if you're single. The difference between the tuition/fees and the borrowing limit is over $20k, though, which is significantly above the federal poverty guidelines for a family of three. I think that even without your spouse contributing any income, with strict budgeting and cuts to unnecessary expenses, you'd be fine. Plus, during the summer there are opportunities to earn cash around campus via tutoring, paid research, and whatnot. Also, a number of expenses listed in the budget you don't even need the money for (ie. books/equipment...I've purchased two useful books so far between MS1 and MS2 and a few not so useful ones and for what you need out of it, you can get decent equipment pretty cheap online), so that easily gets you another $2k-3k in money for living expenses.

Oh, and if you do live on-campus, they actually give you reduced rates over the summer.

 

[Thespunger]

So I've been accepted but have yet to receive the rotation preference form. From what I understand I can email someone and get my choices in before I pay the deposit? Does anyone know who to email? Also, do I just email them my top three choices and ask for a response?
Thanks

 

[samiam87]

Thank you for your responses randomusername and Flushot, your input has helped put my mind more at ease. I've just been thinking about it for a long time and wasn't coming up with any good solutions on my own.

 

[Trailhead]

So I've been accepted but have yet to receive the rotation preference form. From what I understand I can email someone and get my choices in before I pay the deposit? Does anyone know who to email? Also, do I just email them my top three choices and ask for a response?
Thanks

Join the facebook group! The person responsible (Terry) posted with instructions on how to request rotation sites. You will be emailing him ([email protected]) with your top three choices.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/194970700567896/

 

[voisinator]

For you guys that are currently attending Midwestern are there any reasons to select one over the other re: East vs. West Valley? Which would you pick now?

 

[randomusername]

For you guys that are currently attending Midwestern are there any reasons to select one over the other re: East vs. West Valley? Which would you pick now?

Some people have family or own homes on one side vs the other. Some want to do more of their rotations nearer the night-scene (aka Tempe/Scottsdale in the EV). A number of the "coveted" rotations are only available through an application process independent of your region and there's significant overlap in the central area of the valley. Plus, where you rotate is ultimately determined by where your preceptor has privileges at, so one might only work out of a single hospital in E or W, while another might work out of every other hospital in Phoenix. It ultimately really shouldn't make a difference which you pick unless you have some circumstances tying you more strongly to one side over the other.

 

[WaterDragon]

Does anyone have any idea why the Director of Admission, Jim Walter(?) called me this afternoon after I am rejected (no change on the portal)?? Unfortunately, I don't know why because I missed his call and I was in the middle of taking the final exam. Does anyone have this weird incidence before? Did I do something wrong?

 

[Juice9]

Does anyone have any idea why the Director of Admission, Jim Walter(?) called me this afternoon after I am rejected (no change on the portal)?? Unfortunately, I don't know why because I missed his call and I was in the middle of taking the final exam. Does anyone have this weird incidence before? Did I do something wrong?

When did you interview? If it was recently it could be a very good phone call

 

[WaterDragon]

When did you interview? If it was recently it could be a very good phone call

Well, I interviewed on Dec 2nd the Friday and I even confirmed with one of the admission staffs that I am clearly denied...that is why I am more perplexed. My portal stays the same with no accepted applicant's checklist. Did you hear that anybody had this situation before?

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Hey, does anyone know if this school does 'soft' rejections? I haven't heard a squeak, and I'm guessing I'm out, but I'm wondering if they'll just not ever send me anything and that's how I'll know they 'rejected' me...

 

[randomusername]

Does anyone have any idea why the Director of Admission, Jim Walter(?) called me this afternoon after I am rejected (no change on the portal)?? Unfortunately, I don't know why because I missed his call and I was in the middle of taking the final exam. Does anyone have this weird incidence before? Did I do something wrong?

I've definitely never heard of that occurring before, just return the call tomorrow and see why he was calling (maybe to try and sell you on the SMP program or something?).

 

[WaterDragon]

I've definitely never heard of that occurring before, just return the call tomorrow and see why he was calling (maybe to try and sell you on the SMP program or something?).

I will figure it out tomorrow. What is SMP program? However, I think your guess could be right...there would no reason for me to get a call after a denial. Because I haven't taken any action or sent a letter of intent after a denial.

Also, do you get a call from the admission once you are accepted here at AZCOM? I thought you can only check it through the portal.

 

[randomusername]

I will figure it out tomorrow. What is SMP program? However, I think your guess could be right...there would no reason for me to get a call after a denial. Because I haven't taken any action or sent a letter of intent after a denial.

Also, do you get a call from the admission once you are accepted here at AZCOM? I thought you can only check it through the portal.

Basically an SMP is a way for you to give your GPA a bump. So usually you mostly see people with relatively-low GPAs (random, non-factual number pulled from thin air: <3.2) doing them unless the program has some sort of guaranteed admission policy for their medical school upon completion of the first year of the SMP, but most don't do that (and certainly MWU's doesn't).

Most people don't receive calls about acceptances (I think a lot of what determines who's called and who isn't depends on how busy the dean is), so the portal or the snail mail letter are the only definitive ways anybody finds out about an acceptance.

 

[WaterDragon]

Basically an SMP is a way for you to give your GPA a bump. So usually you mostly see people with relatively-low GPAs (random, non-factual number pulled from thin air: <3.2) doing them unless the program has some sort of guaranteed admission policy for their medical school upon completion of the first year of the SMP, but most don't do that (and certainly MWU's doesn't).

Most people don't receive calls about acceptances (I think a lot of what determines who's called and who isn't depends on how busy the dean is), so the portal or the snail mail letter are the only definitive ways anybody finds out about an acceptance.

Hmm, I guess he didn't call me for the SMP program because my GPA is okay - cGPA: 3.93 and sGPA: 3.95. I will post what really happened tomorrow.

Thanks for the responses!

 

[limoncello]

I got a call a day after I was accepted. My phone was off so I missed the call, but they left a message reminding me when the deadline for the deposit was.

 

[Flushot]

Hey, does anyone know if this school does 'soft' rejections? I haven't heard a squeak, and I'm guessing I'm out, but I'm wondering if they'll just not ever send me anything and that's how I'll know they 'rejected' me...

It likely does, like most schools. You need to call because there could be factors keeping them from considering you, such as region. This is also why VCOM didn't respond until I called them. They didn't think I would choose the SW over the East coast which ended up being the case.

Basically an SMP is a way for you to give your GPA a bump. So usually you mostly see people with relatively-low GPAs (random, non-factual number pulled from thin air: <3.2) doing them unless the program has some sort of guaranteed admission policy for their medical school upon completion of the first year of the SMP, but most don't do that (and certainly MWU's doesn't).

Most people don't receive calls about acceptances (I think a lot of what determines who's called and who isn't depends on how busy the dean is), so the portal or the snail mail letter are the only definitive ways anybody finds out about an acceptance.

SMP, by definition, does not affect your gpa nor does it improve any initial numbers. Post bac work can, however. The general consensus is that if your gpa is low, try an SMP or post bac program, but this is a very serious decision to make. Being a former SMPer, I cannot emphasize more about how Hail Mary-like an SMP is. Do it only if it is your absolute last resort, because there's really no turning back after grades start entering on your transcript.

 

[WaterDragon]

The reason why Director of Admission called me was that my status moved from denial to alternative list which was unusual.

 

[nvboy]

Hey all AZCOM hopefuls. I just withdrew my acceptance so another spot will open up. Also had West Valley for my rotation site so there will be another spot there for someone. The school seemed great and I know some alumni who loved their time there. Good luck to you all.

 

[DrWily]

The reason why Director of Admission called me was that my status moved from denial to alternative list which was unusual.

I thought it was unusual that you got denied straight out in the first place. Many places will just place you on the alternate list until the end of the interview season and then reject you (post interview).

Maybe someone made a mistake when entering in your acceptance/alternate/denied status. 😕

 

[hataap]

withdrew acceptance. assigned rotation site was LA. !

 

[randomusername]

Match data from 2000 - 2011.
Enjoy.

 

[medcandidate]

guys, is it possible to get an extension on the acceptance deadline? i've got the deadline and final exam on the same date, and i really cud do with one extra day here.. :$

 

[Dr.Ray]

Match data from 2000 - 2011.
Enjoy.

Awesome. Thank you.

 

[medcandidate]

so the matriculation agreement, is that online? or do we need to print it and send..? (can't see the matriculation agreement because it keeps asking me for my SSN number...but i don't have one since i'm canadian)

 

[Flushot]

so the matriculation agreement, is that online? or do we need to print it and send..? (can't see the matriculation agreement because it keeps asking me for my SSN number...but i don't have one since i'm canadian)

You're going to have to call, but from what I remember, it was online.


On another note, I want to post this here, hopefully for any lurkers. I've been getting this question in the past few PMs regarding the school, so just to clarify:

AZCOM is lecture based with very little PBL involved. Lectures aside from certain OMM, ICM and Psych classes are not mandatory. Many of my classmates I only see on test days. Curriculum is subject based (phys, pharm, path, etc.) and overall, very standard.

I don't know what people were expecting or getting confused by, but AZCOM is very "by the book". Furthermore, 3rd year is rife with NBME and NBOME shelf exams to prepare you for Step 2 (9 tests, to be exact). I recently learned two DO schools old friends of mine are going to do not have any NBME or NBOME shelves but rather school written ones and they don't even take as many as we do. Even though it sucks to take these ridiculous tests 3rd year, be glad you're being challenged with the real thing that all MD schools put their students through (except Neuro for some reason).

Anyway, PM me if you have any more questions.

 

[Dr.Ray]

so the matriculation agreement, is that online? or do we need to print it and send..? (can't see the matriculation agreement because it keeps asking me for my SSN number...but i don't have one since i'm canadian)

I believe it is online.

 

[Juice9]

I believe it is online.

Yes it is online. It asks for the ssn because it includes your agreement to consent to a background check. It is also where you pay you seat deposite.

 

[medcandidate]

-

 

[klm527]

I'm wondering if anybody has been in this situation before - at the end of Nov my online portal said that i had an interview to schedule and so i did (for Feb 10th) and today i got a letter in the mail saying that i would be put on hold for a possible interview in the future. I'm thinking i'll call and make sure that i actually have an interview.. but would they really authenticate my portal to give me an interview if that's not what they intended?

ps - I checked the portal today and my interview is still scheduled

 

[samiam87]

On the website it says "New and continuing students applying for financial aid for the academic year beginning in Summer or Fall 2012 should complete the 2012-13 Financial Aid Application. The 2012-13 Financial Aid Application will be available after January 1, 2012."

Has anyone had any luck finding that application yet?

 

[dbizzy]

FYI for those of you who are making reservations for interview day, I found that the "special discounted rate" that you get when you mention MidwesternU is actually more expensive for hotel and car rentals...like $10 more for my hotel 😕

So I just used kayak/hotels.com/priceline for my car/hotel/plane. Shuttles are free.

 

[jacksmama07]

Hey! Are you going to AZCOM? My husband and I are AZCOM grads and are moving to Chicago for our categorical residencies. We are renting out our 3bd 2ba home with a pool and is close to school and to the 101 & I-17 highways. The rent is $1500 which includes pool and lawn maintenance. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[mathewm]

When I called Comfort Inn, I was told that there is no shuttle service if you don't take the special discount offered by Midwestern. They said I would have to pay an additional $20.

FYI for those of you who are making reservations for interview day, I found that the "special discounted rate" that you get when you mention MidwesternU is actually more expensive for hotel and car rentals...like $10 more for my hotel 😕

So I just used kayak/hotels.com/priceline for my car/hotel/plane. Shuttles are free.

 

[yellowperil]

On the website it says "New and continuing students applying for financial aid for the academic year beginning in Summer or Fall 2012 should complete the 2012-13 Financial Aid Application. The 2012-13 Financial Aid Application will be available after January 1, 2012."

Has anyone had any luck finding that application yet?

Pretty sure you have to apply through fafsa website thus the meaning "The 2012-13 Financial Aid Application will be available after January 1, 2012".

 

[randomusername]

On the website it says "New and continuing students applying for financial aid for the academic year beginning in Summer or Fall 2012 should complete the 2012-13 Financial Aid Application. The 2012-13 Financial Aid Application will be available after January 1, 2012."

Has anyone had any luck finding that application yet?

The main concern is getting your FAFSA done when you can.
There is also an institutional application which you'll also have to fill out and that will eventually show up underneath the "Financial Services" tab of the portal. You might have to click "Apply for Aid" on the side-menu of that tab, but I don't recall precisely since it's been a year. It suffices to say that when it's available you'll know via the portal or email because they don't make it hard to do. They've just likely not posted it yet if it's unavailable to you.

 

[dbizzy]

When I called Comfort Inn, I was told that there is no shuttle service if you don't take the special discount offered by Midwestern. They said I would have to pay an additional $20.

Wow that's lame. I'm glad I got the $9 rental.

 

[Juice9]

Just logged into the portal and saw that the financial aid page has been updated, it now says that the financial aid application will be released February 17th.

 

[randomusername]

Just an update for people who care about such things: the school did finally increase the available bandwidth for the internet on-campus over Christmas break, so the internet has been working a bit better this first week back.

 

[DrWily]

Just an update for people who care about such things: the school did finally increase the available bandwidth for the internet on-campus over Christmas break, so the internet has been working a bit better this first week back.

Woop 🙂 👍

 

[MedStudent1989]

I'm withdrawing my app, anyone want my jan 18th interview?

 

[UtahMD]

My app was placed on hold a few months ago - is there any chance of getting off the "hold" status and getting an interview or is that their nice way of saying you're rejected?

 

[randomusername]

My app was placed on hold a few months ago - is there any chance of getting off the "hold" status and getting an interview or is that their nice way of saying you're rejected?

Plenty of people get interviews after being placed on-hold pre-interview (and a number get accepted). Most of it depends on how pro-active you are. You'll want to keep them updated with grades/MCAT in particular, but also update them on research and other activities too.

 

[Lombax]

Plenty of people get interviews after being placed on-hold pre-interview (and a number get accepted). Most of it depends on how pro-active you are. You'll want to keep them updated with grades/MCAT in particular, but also update them on research and other activities too.

How would one go about contacting and updating them? Is it as simple as emailing: [email protected] ? and within the email body say one's updates/recent accomplishments/changes etc?

Thanks

 

[DrWily]

How would one go about contacting and updating them? Is it as simple as emailing: [email protected] ? and within the email body say one's updates/recent accomplishments/changes etc?

Thanks

Generally you write a well-written update letter or a "Letter of Interest" highlighting your advances and your continued improvement as a qualified applicant. I would not write emails until after you have submitted such a letter.

 

[bhavik]

So I've got an interview at AZCOM coming up. They say they provide breakfast and lunch, how is the quality of the food?