Before You Apply to NYCPM

[asgx32]

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You should know that this school is like a boot camp. Expect 2-3 exams a week. These are real exams. About 40 - 100 questions.

You will have 2-3 days between exams to study for the next exam. Do not fall behind, otherwise you will suffer.

If you fail a subject, you cannot continue with your class. In some cases, you have to wait up to a year until the course is offered again. This will mean that you graduate a year later than scheduled.

If you fail two subjects, you are kicked out and cannot re-apply. NYCPM is not shy about kicking people out because they can make up the numbers with the incoming January class.

The January class is the slow track. They give you 4 semesters to complete the workload for your first year. However, most of these students do not do well in their second year because they do not develop the proper study habits needed to survive.

The faculty do a good job of reaching out to struggling students, but if the student continues to suffer then they are pretty much left to their own fate.

Attendance is mandatory for every class. They have random attendance quizzes everyday. If you miss more than 25% of the classes for each subject, your grade can drop by 5 points.

The school is extremely anal about cheating. There are cameras everywhere. If you want to review an exam, you have to make an appointment to see it. You can review it with a teacher or by yourself. If you go by yourself, you have to empty your pockets and have 15 min to look it over. Afterwards, the exams are shredded.

Housing is not in the best of areas. It is Harlem after all. They are planning to move everyone into the Heritage eventually. Rent is anywhere from $800 to $1300 a month. I don't recommend going through the school because they charge you about $200 more than if you got a place in the same building through the super. Downside is that you will be living with all sorts of shady characters. If you plan to go through the super then do it in your second year with a couple of your classmates. This way you know exactly who you will be sharing an apartment with. You could do it in your second semester, but you would have to pay an early termination fee because NYCPM makes you sign a one year lease.

Every weekend, there were gunshots outside of the dorms and there was also a dead body found near the school. My message is to never walk anywhere alone at night. There have been instances where students were assaulted because they failed to follow this rule.

 

[Marry2Pod]

With regards to how the school runs like a boot camp - That sounds about right! From what I have read on this forum, it seems like some other schools are the same way. They have to make sure they weed out poor students and those that stay pass their boards. Sounds like any medical (or podiatry) school!

 

[air bud]

I went to NYCPM

You should know that this school is like a boot camp. Expect 2-3 exams a week. These are real exams. About 40 - 100 questions.

You will have 2-3 days between exams to study for the next exam. Do not fall behind, otherwise you will suffer.

If you fail a subject, you cannot continue with your class. In some cases, you have to wait up to a year until the course is offered again. This will mean that you graduate a year later than scheduled.

If you fail two subjects, you are kicked out and cannot re-apply. NYCPM is not shy about kicking people out because they can make up the numbers with the incoming January class.

The January class is the slow track. They give you 4 semesters to complete the workload for your first year. However, most of these students do not do well in their second year because they do not develop the proper study habits needed to survive.

The faculty do a good job of reaching out to struggling students, but if the student continues to suffer then they are pretty much left to their own fate.

Attendance is mandatory for every class. They have random attendance quizzes everyday. If you miss more than 25% of the classes for each subject, your grade can drop by 5 points.

The school is extremely anal about cheating. There are cameras everywhere. If you want to review an exam, you have to make an appointment to see it. You can review it with a teacher or by yourself. If you go by yourself, you have to empty your pockets and have 15 min to look it over. Afterwards, the exams are shredded.

Housing is not in the best of areas. It is Harlem after all. They are planning to move everyone into the Heritage eventually. Rent is anywhere from $800 to $1300 a month. I don't recommend going through the school because they charge you about $200 more than if you got a place in the same building through the super. Downside is that you will be living with all sorts of shady characters. If you plan to go through the super then do it in your second year with a couple of your classmates. This way you know exactly who you will be sharing an apartment with. You could do it in your second semester, but you would have to pay an early termination fee because NYCPM makes you sign a one year lease.

Every weekend, there were gunshots outside of the dorms and there was also a dead body found near the school. My message is to never walk anywhere alone at night. There have been instances where students were assaulted because they failed to follow this rule.

Before you apply to this school you need to do a self-evaluation. Are you the type of student who procrastinates, struggles with a lot of workload, cannot take a lot of stress, or cannot adapt to a strange environment? If you are, then you should save yourself a lot of misery and apply somewhere that is more merciful than this place.

Or maybe do the profession and your wallet a favor and don't apply.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

With regards to how the school runs like a boot camp - That sounds about right! From what I have read on this forum, it seems like some other schools are the same way. They have to make sure they weed out poor students and those that stay pass their boards. Sounds like any medical (or podiatry) school!

well most med schools (not 100% sure about other pod schools) use block exam scheduling and rarely have quizzes/exams anyother time besides once every 4-6 weeks. there's pros and cons to both systems... having EVERYTHING for EVERY subject tested within 5 days as opposed to every week or so on a constant basis..some are better with this some are better with that...it's all a matter of taste.

 

[Sig Savant]

I went to NYCPM and no longer attend, clearly

You should know that this school is like a boot camp. Expect 2-3 exams a week. These are real exams. About 40 - 100 questions. welcome to the real world where life isn't all unicorns and rainbows

You will have 2-3 days between exams to study for the next exam. Do not fall behind, otherwise you will suffer.

If you fail a subject, you cannot continue with your class. In some cases, you have to wait up to a year until the course is offered again. This will mean that you graduate a year later than scheduled.or don't come back. some students only fail one course and are gone for good. don't fail any classes

If you fail two subjects, you are kicked out and cannot re-apply. NYCPM is not shy about kicking people out because they can make up the numbers with the incoming January class.the january students join the next class, so anyone failing in september is gone forever, and those january students coming in compose the next class

The January class is the slow track. They give you 4 yeah like 3 and a half to do the first year, with some spillage into the next year alsosemesters to complete the workload for your first year. However, most of these students do not do well in their second year because they do not develop the proper study habits needed to survive.

The faculty do a good job of reaching out to struggling students, but if the student continues to suffer then they are pretty much left to their own fate.

Attendance is mandatory for every class. They have random attendance quizzes everyday. If you miss more than 25% 30%of the classes for each subject, your grade can drop by 5 points.

The school is extremely anal about cheating. There are cameras everywhere. If you want to review an exam, you have to make an appointment to see it. You can review it with a teacher or by yourself. If you go by yourself, you have to empty your pockets and have 15 min to look it over. Afterwards, the exams are shredded. don't cheat? this is only a problem for cheaters.

Housing is not in the best of areas. It is Harlem after all. They are planning to move everyone into the Heritage eventually. Rent is anywhere from $800 to $1300 a month. I don't recommend going through the school because they charge you about $200 more than if you got a place in the same building through the super. Downside is that you will be living with all sorts of shady characters. If you plan to go through the super then do it in your second year with a couple of your classmates. This way you know exactly who you will be sharing an apartment with. You could do it in your second semester, but you would have to pay an early termination fee because NYCPM makes you sign a one year lease.

Every weekend, there were gunshots outside of the dorms and there was also a dead body found near the school. My message is to never walk anywhere alone at night. There have been instances where students were assaulted because they failed to follow this rule.crime doesn't occur on weekdays? haha. crime in harlem depends mainly on turf wars between the low class housing

Before you apply to this school you need to do a self-evaluation. Very true. Are you the type of student who procrastinates, struggles with a lot of workload, cannot take a lot of stress, or cannot adapt to a strange environment? If you are, then you should save yourself a lot of misery and apply somewhere that is more merciful than this place.

the real world is a beech.

 

[VVMed1]

I've read a number of threads here about NYCPM and I can honestly say that I appreciate the feedback that both current and former students provide. This is what prospective students like myself need in order to make an informed decision as to where we will spend the next 4+ years (and who's pockets we'll fatten!). Personally, I expect medical (podiatry) school to be extremely challenging. The frequent examinations keep students "on their toes." The anti-cheating policy does not bother me either, cameras and all. Failing is not an option. Period. That being said, what I AM mostly concerned about is my safety while attending the school, commuting to and from classes and the conditions under which I would be subjected to living in - i.e. the neighborhood...

 

[dyk343]

Other than the things pertaining to NYC how is this different than any other school?

 

[dyk343]

Edit: Mandatory attendance would suck. Why do they do that? What if someones learning style was not lecture based learning? Dont students pay to be there?

 

[ysasa]

Do you all know that Columbia University, Teacher’s College Barndard College and City College are ALL in Harlem? The problem with NYCPM is they haven’t or don’t want to reach out to shop owners and CBO’s (community based organizations) to form a collaborative relationship and “clean up” the place. Seriously, if they really cared about attracting high caliber student, they would make the surrounding areas more aesthetically pleasing, but they don’t care. They just started to remodel the place last year.

As the first college of podiatric medicine, don’t you think the school would have its act together by now and be #1 in its ranking? I believe if you are the “first” in anything then you should always remain the “first” regardless of the competition, if you keep your game up.

Education is competitive and I don’t think they, the administration, truly see the students as an investment.

 

[doc1107]

NYCPM safety issue has been discussed here.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=768489

I would hate to be caught up studying or in lab and then leaving at night where there is nobody around. Plus, NYC has the toughest conceal carry laws, you can't even carry pepper spray!

 

[Sig Savant]

So you want the school to pay for the remodelling of an entire neighborhood, ranging from 96th street to 180th street spanning 11 avenues? Right.......

It is better to have your clinic in a poor area, there are more patients in the clinic and more crazy cases.

Where do you suppose we put the 100,000 people living in harlem? Lets just move them all to Nevada? Low socioeconomic people have to live somewhere, and I'd rather they live around my clinic so that there is a constant flow of patients.

Clinic in a rich area? No one will come, they will all go to private doctors.

Again, for the millionth time here, how do you rank the schools? Board scores? Then NY is one of the best. Clinic? Then NY is one of the best. How much administration cares about the students? Then NY is one of the best.

Do you think the administration isn't business oriented? Of course they are, at least those on the business side. They realize that making the school the best will make them the most money, hence them putting a bunch of time and money into improving the school, including tons of improvements in the school and curriculum.

Who ranks which school is the best again? That stat seems to be slipping my mind.

I'm sorry ysasa if you grew up wiping your ass with 100 dollar bills, but not everyone in the world is as PRIVILEGED as you. Surprisingly, there are poor people in the world, and those are the people I WANT TO HELP. They need the help the most.

Guess what? The students all hate the attendance policy, but you can't go against the results. Board scores are great due to this policy because it forces students to show up and study hard. And again, its 70% of attendances actually taken. You can miss like half of the classes and still be fine. People get around this policy all the time if they want to.

In conclusion, please continue to make yourselves look stupid with comments that show you are clearly close minded and do not put youself in other's shoes.

 

[emericana]

informative post.

i did not apply to this school for a few reasons...

1) i cant stand NYC for more than a day or two
2) of all parts of NYC it is in freaking harlem
3) NYC is freaking expensive as hell

Doesnt seem like this school has anything spectacular to compensate for these three facts whereas other schools do (for example Temple is in a bad area but it has great research and I am extremely interested in doing research).

but to each their own.


also, i could personally not STAND required attendance for class. what do they think we are in K-12?

 

[air bud]

So you want the school to pay for the remodelling of an entire neighborhood, ranging from 96th street to 180th street spanning 11 avenues? Right.......

It is better to have your clinic in a poor area, there are more patients in the clinic and more crazy cases.

Where do you suppose we put the 100,000 people living in harlem? Lets just move them all to Nevada? Low socioeconomic people have to live somewhere, and I'd rather they live around my clinic so that there is a constant flow of patients.

Clinic in a rich area? No one will come, they will all go to private doctors.

Again, for the millionth time here, how do you rank the schools? Board scores? Then NY is one of the best. Clinic? Then NY is one of the best. How much administration cares about the students? Then NY is one of the best.

Do you think the administration isn't business oriented? Of course they are, at least those on the business side. They realize that making the school the best will make them the most money, hence them putting a bunch of time and money into improving the school, including tons of improvements in the school and curriculum.

Who ranks which school is the best again? That stat seems to be slipping my mind.

I'm sorry ysasa if you grew up wiping your ass with 100 dollar bills, but not everyone in the world is as PRIVILEGED as you. Surprisingly, there are poor people in the world, and those are the people I WANT TO HELP. They need the help the most.

Guess what? The students all hate the attendance policy, but you can't go against the results. Board scores are great due to this policy because it forces students to show up and study hard. And again, its 70% of attendances actually taken. You can miss like half of the classes and still be fine. People get around this policy all the time if they want to.

In conclusion, please continue to make yourselves look stupid with comments that show you are clearly close minded and do not put youself in other's shoes.

Way to contribute to the negativity of this site.

 

[ysasa]

So you want the school to pay for the remodelling of an entire neighborhood, ranging from 96th street to 180th street spanning 11 avenues? Right.......

It is better to have your clinic in a poor area, there are more patients in the clinic and more crazy cases.

Where do you suppose we put the 100,000 people living in harlem? Lets just move them all to Nevada? Low socioeconomic people have to live somewhere, and I'd rather they live around my clinic so that there is a constant flow of patients.

Clinic in a rich area? No one will come, they will all go to private doctors.

Again, for the millionth time here, how do you rank the schools? Board scores? Then NY is one of the best. Clinic? Then NY is one of the best. How much administration cares about the students? Then NY is one of the best.

Do you think the administration isn't business oriented? Of course they are, at least those on the business side. They realize that making the school the best will make them the most money, hence them putting a bunch of time and money into improving the school, including tons of improvements in the school and curriculum.

Who ranks which school is the best again? That stat seems to be slipping my mind.

I'm sorry ysasa if you grew up wiping your ass with 100 dollar bills, but not everyone in the world is as PRIVILEGED as you. Surprisingly, there are poor people in the world, and those are the people I WANT TO HELP. They need the help the most.

Guess what? The students all hate the attendance policy, but you can't go against the results. Board scores are great due to this policy because it forces students to show up and study hard. And again, its 70% of attendances actually taken. You can miss like half of the classes and still be fine. People get around this policy all the time if they want to.

In conclusion, please continue to make yourselves look stupid with comments that show you are clearly close minded and do not put youself in other's shoes.

Wrong!

First let's talk about the surrounding area-walking to the 125th street subway is HELL. Pathmark, McDonalds,Duane Reade, Metro-North and NYCPM can all join with CBO's and clean -up that area, NYU did. Many years ago Washington Square Park was the SAME way, and the President of the school reached out to CBO and formed an alliance, now look at NYU-HELLO! Why has it taken NYCPM's administration many years to get renovations done and they're still not on the ball?

Again, if your are #1 then you should ALWAYS remain #1 regardless of the competition. Around NYCPM, in the Summer time, it's a mess-prostitutes and drug addicts all come out when the weather is warm (there's alot of drug rehab centers in the area not to mention homeless shelters). Look at the parking lot where the faculty members park-come on!

Be realistic and take off your glasses.

 

[VVMed1]

So you want the school to pay for the remodelling of an entire neighborhood, ranging from 96th street to 180th street spanning 11 avenues? Right.......

It is better to have your clinic in a poor area, there are more patients in the clinic and more crazy cases.

Where do you suppose we put the 100,000 people living in harlem? Lets just move them all to Nevada? Low socioeconomic people have to live somewhere, and I'd rather they live around my clinic so that there is a constant flow of patients.

Clinic in a rich area? No one will come, they will all go to private doctors.

Again, for the millionth time here, how do you rank the schools? Board scores? Then NY is one of the best. Clinic? Then NY is one of the best. How much administration cares about the students? Then NY is one of the best.

Do you think the administration isn't business oriented? Of course they are, at least those on the business side. They realize that making the school the best will make them the most money, hence them putting a bunch of time and money into improving the school, including tons of improvements in the school and curriculum.

Who ranks which school is the best again? That stat seems to be slipping my mind.

I'm sorry ysasa if you grew up wiping your ass with 100 dollar bills, but not everyone in the world is as PRIVILEGED as you. Surprisingly, there are poor people in the world, and those are the people I WANT TO HELP. They need the help the most.

Guess what? The students all hate the attendance policy, but you can't go against the results. Board scores are great due to this policy because it forces students to show up and study hard. And again, its 70% of attendances actually taken. You can miss like half of the classes and still be fine. People get around this policy all the time if they want to.

In conclusion, please continue to make yourselves look stupid with comments that show you are clearly close minded and do not put youself in other's shoes.

Clearly you are a student at/graduate of NYCPM, am I correct? If so, great. Again, this is the kind of feedback needed for students to make an informed decision as to whether or not they will attend (or even apply for that matter).
I understand the rationale behind having a clinic in an "inner city" area or underserved community. I, too, share the desire to serve the underprivileged (as I was born in a country as such). Would I risk my life to do so? I'm not exactly sure. I believe as the first pod school in America, NYCPM has a legacy of producing some of the best podiatrists in the nation. Likewise, I believe there are other schools that can do the same.
My theory for the recruitment team is this: Convince ME, a non-New Yorker, someone who has never lived in a city like Harlem but is also very open to change, that this is the BEST place for me. Yes I am concerned about the quality of education I will receive, the level of experience I will gain in clinic, passing my boards successfully, etc. But I would be remiss if I were to say that my personal safety is not a top-notch priority.
What I believe some of the other posters are trying to say here is that the school should perhaps exercise a greater effort to establish a level of "community-mindedness" with small business owners and persons in the surrounding neighborhoods and work collectively to ensure a more secure and stable environment. In lamens terms: Create a network where you 'look out' for one another, especially the students. If everyone is watching, crime should not occur. Telling me the obvious - to not walk alone at night or to stay in groups - is simply not enough.

 

[ysasa]

"I believe some of the other posters are trying to say here is that the school should perhaps exercise a greater effort to establish a level of "community-mindedness" with small business owners and persons in the surrounding neighborhoods and work collectively to ensure a more secure and stable environment. In lamens terms: Create a network where you 'look out' for one another, especially the students. If everyone is watching, crime should not occur. Telling me the obvious - to not walk alone at night or to stay in groups - is simply not enough."

Thank you!

This and other questions students should ask: why is it that Columbia, Teacher's College, Barnard, Bank Street College and City College are ALL in "Harlem" and their campuses look "different" from yours? What are you ( NYCPM) doing to address the concerns of students/parents and the surrounding beauty within the area of the school? Why has it taken you so long( as the #1 school of podiatry) to semi-try to get on the ball? When one ask these questions, they should remember that the President of the college isn't a DPM-and that speaks volumes in regards to why the school hasn't progressed or become # 1.

Sig Savant:

If you consider yourself a representative of NYCPM, I would suggest that you be more diplomatic( less profanity and name calling)-it show's the caliber of students the school is attracting.


ETA:
Harlem overall is safe; there are many GOOD people living there unfortunately around NYCPM it's not idea. I think if its suppose to be an institution of higher education it should "look" the part. Again,education is competative.

 

[Sig Savant]

Wrong!

First let's talk about the surrounding area-walking to the 125th street subway is HELL. Pathmark, McDonalds,Duane Reade, Metro-North and NYCPM can all join with CBO's and clean -up that area, NYU did. Many years ago Washington Square Park was the SAME way, and the President of the school reached out to CBO and formed an alliance, now look at NYU-HELLO! Why has it taken NYCPM's administration many years to get renovations done and they're still not on the ball? NYU has 43,000 students and a 2.43 billion dollar endowment. Are you arguing that the school should fix the area or the school, because you changed your argument there at the end. The administration is fixing the school. Now you say why has it taken so long? You'll argue this until you die, you clearly have something to prove here. The school is making tons of renovations.

Again, if your are #1 then you should ALWAYS remain #1 regardless of the competition. Around NYCPM, in the Summer time, it's a mess-prostitutes and drug addicts all come out when the weather is warm (there's alot of drug rehab centers in the area not to mention homeless shelters). Look at the parking lot where the faculty members park-come on!
No school is number one for the millionth time. There is no ranking system. Every person sees the schools as different. You may excel at one school and do poorly at another. There is no ranking system overall.
Be realistic and take off your glasses.

But I would be remiss if I were to say that my personal safety is not a top-notch priority.
What I believe some of the other posters are trying to say here is that the school should perhaps exercise a greater effort to establish a level of "community-mindedness" with small business owners and persons in the surrounding neighborhoods and work collectively to ensure a more secure and stable environment. In lamens terms: Create a network where you 'look out' for one another, especially the students. If everyone is watching, crime should not occur. Telling me the obvious - to not walk alone at night or to stay in groups - is simply not enough.

Again, let me just reiterate, again and again, as I seem to do here once a week for the last year, that the area is, in fact, safe. I go out at night all the time alone. I shop at the pathmark across the street, eat at the McDonalds, go to the bodega on the corner. No one bothers me. It's safe. Look up the crime stats for the school, for harlem. You will never be happy with whatever information or sources are supplied here, and this is why arguing about the safety is the only argument brought up on SDN anymore. I have basically debunked every single rumor except for the safety. Surprise, its safe.

This and other questions students should ask: why is it that Columbia, Teacher's College, Barnard, Bank Street College and City College are ALL in "Harlem" and their campuses look "different" from yours? What are you ( NYCPM) doing to address the concerns of students/parents and the surrounding beauty within the area of the school? Why has it taken you so long( as the #1 school of podiatrythere is no ranking of schools. i will post this again in ten minutes when you bring it up again, repeatedly. ) to semi-try to get on the ball? When one ask these questions, they should remember that the President of the college isn't a DPM-and that speaks volumes in regards to why the school hasn't progressed or become # 1. How so? Please enlighten me.

Sig Savant:

If you consider yourself a representative of NYCPM, I would suggest that you be more diplomatic( less profanity and name calling)-it show's the caliber of students the school is attracting.Welcome to the interwebs. I was new to the internet once as well. Rule #1 of the internet is when you are losing an argument, you simply attack the poster or give her a lecture on why the poster is not credible, as you have just done. Guess what? No one is sitting behind their computer saying "wow i'm glad the internet police is here to make sure sig savant isn't out of line". Contribute to the actual discussion, and make a valid point please.


ETA:
Harlem overall is safe; there are many GOOD people living there unfortunately around NYCPM it's not idea. I think if its suppose to be an institution of higher education it should "look" the part. Again,education is competative.

You are right. I will demolish this 6 story building and build a brand new one in its place. Or perhaps I'll just buy a few blocks of NYC property and build a new school with brand new everything. Can I borrow 200 million dollars from you to do that?

Guess what. Learning takes place no matter what the building looks like. You aren't learning anything different in the fanciest lecture hall versus a dirty hut in africa. Curriculum is what matters. Student body is what matters. Professors. Research (which NYCPM does and heavily encourages). Not the color of the brick on the outside of the building. And just because you lectured me on it, **** **** **** **** **** ****.

 

[ysasa]

"If you consider yourself a representative of NYCPM, I would suggest that you be more diplomatic( less profanity and name calling)-it show's the caliber of students the school is attracting.Welcome to the interwebs. I was new to the internet once as well. Rule #1 of the internet is when you are losing an argument, you simply attack the poster or give her a lecture on why the poster is not credible, as you have just done. Guess what? No one is sitting behind their computer saying "wow i'm glad the internet police is here to make sure sig savant isn't out of line". Contribute to the actual discussion, and make a valid point please."


Sig:


I think you were doing just what you have accused me and others of doing-attacking posters. Again, if you are a representative of NYCPM, you are showing the caliber of students attending there. Haven't you heard the statement: "we can agreee to disagree". Why be "rude" and resort to name calling? Especially if you are trying to "sell" the school? Really great way to show potential students what kind of classmates they will have!

"NYU has 43,000 students and a 2.43 billion dollar endowment. Are you arguing that the school should fix the area or the school, because you changed your argument there at the end. The administration is fixing the school. Now you say why has it taken so long? You'll argue this until you die, you clearly have something to prove here. The school is making tons of renovations."

As I said before NYU had the SAME problem with the surrounding area (Washington Square Park and Union Square) drug addicts, homeless people and prostitutes were EVERYWHERE. The residents (it's a multicultural area) CBO's, Shop owners and President of the school ALL came together to "clean-up" the place. NYCPM could have done the same A LONG time ago-the administration didn't want to. The McDonalds' you speak-there's a security guard in there (I never have heard of that?) Metro-North station, the underpath you have to use to get to the school has homeless people (harmless) sleeping there in the Summer and it is always dirty.

Pathmark loses millions of dollars/customers because some are afraid to go in the store ( the store inside is nice/clean, and the workers friendly, but some of the people 'hanging-out' in front is another story). My point is, like I said before, Pathmark, Metro-North, Duane Reade, McDonald's and NYCPM could have all come together to clean-up that mess! It's cost everyone money, but the owners don't care. I know if I were the Pres. of NYCPM I would do outreach to other venders and try to form a relationship to clean-up the area to make it more "pleasing" to potential students, wouldn't you?

The administration doesn't care because if they did, these problems would have been addressed a long time ago.

 

[Sig Savant]

Your claim that the administration has any control over the area is naive. How much money would it cost to do that? The school operates just fine without doing whatever you think they should do. Do you want them to kick out the guy under the bridge? Make sure no one can walk down the street? I really don't know what concrete plan you would implement. You can't control people's free will to walk down this street or that street. You cannot move every person in this area to another area. Perhaps the school should employ 5 janitors to walk around and clean up the streets of the area. At $40,000 a year, that is only $200,000. Can I borrow $200,000 to give to the school? That same $200,000 could go to any of a number of other things that would actually impact the students. Do you see my point? You cannot control outside factors.

I'm not trying to sell the school, not my job. I post here because there are so many fallacies posted on this forum that I would not want a potential student to not look at New York due to the false information thrown around here. I enjoy my time here, and many others do as well. People should not be driven away from New York from this forum, but they are. The constant negativity here can push people away from what could truly make them happy. Everyone should look at any school they are interested in, and should not have the constant bias of this website play into their decisions.

Please provide evidence for:

the administration didn't want to.

Where are these meeting minutes?

Pathmark loses millions/dollars of customers because some are afraid to go in the store.

Finally, show me evidence that what people post in anonymous forums reflects their personality in any way. The whole point is that it is anonymous. It is no secret that this generation no longer communicates effectively due to the internet. People can email and be aggressive, but never say it to your face. Everyone is a tough guy on the internet. I know that I can post whatever I want, but in real life, I may or may not be entirely different.

 

[ysasa]

"Your claim that the administration has any control over the area is naive. How much money would it cost to do that? The school operates just fine without doing whatever you think they should do."

That's the same mind-set the adminstration has and that's why the school/area looks the way it does.

My point is the school CAN control outside factors if they wanted to. NYU/ City College/ Columbia and others are great examples. What is so hard about acknowledging that the surrounding area (not Harlem) is the problem that needs to be addressed?

If people are saying/noticing the same thing IT IS a problem and, as a student attending the school, you (students) should voice your concerns to the administration. If I knew the main problem was the esthetic of the school and its surrounding area (which cost the school money in potential students) you bet I would do something about it.

 

[VVMed1]

Again, let me just reiterate, again and again, as I seem to do here once a week for the last year, that the area is, in fact, safe. I go out at night all the time alone. I shop at the pathmark across the street, eat at the McDonalds, go to the bodega on the corner. No one bothers me. It's safe. Look up the crime stats for the school, for harlem. You will never be happy with whatever information or sources are supplied here, and this is why arguing about the safety is the only argument brought up on SDN anymore. I have basically debunked every single rumor except for the safety. Surprise, its safe.

Allow me to acknowledge the fact that no institution is, in and of itself, truly and completely safe. This point has been made on numerous occasions throughout this forum. Keeping this in mind, it seems as though safety has much to do with an individual's perception of his or her external environment; i.e. if one feels safe in a particular area. To some students, Harlem may (or may not) feel safe. This does not necessarily mean that Harlem (or NYCPM) is unsafe. Whether the school is safe or whether it feels safe to students are two completely different arguments. Statistics are just that: numerical values that summarize data. There is always a +1/-1 factor.

What it boils down to, then, is the level of comfort provided or experienced by students. Self-evaluation is a must. I, for one, will not make any final decisions about any school before paying a visit.

 

[Sig Savant]

And to many of the students, the neighborhood doesn't matter. Thats the whole point. This is only an issue on SDN, where people don't experience the area daily. As a student, I would rather have new computers, or a new lab, or a new classroom. The outside environment does not impact what I learn here. I would be upset if the school put my tuition money toward making the area look nice. I pay to get a degree, not for whatever you want that money to go toward.

If the school had a 2.43 billion dollar endowment, then I would say they should fix up the area, because then money would never be an issue. As you know, tuition is expensive; why not cut tuition instead of beautifying the area. From a business perspective, NYCPM fills its classes every year. There is no reason to pump money into the area, when they can attract students by putting that money toward school renovations. The school's cap is 110 students. Class of 2014 is 110 students. They are not hurting for applications.

Go to the school where you fit in. If it isn't NYCPM, that does not affect me one bit and I won't lose sleep over it. If you visit and you like it, then welcome to a great student body.

 

[ysasa]

The school has the money; they always have. Everyone is different: what is important one isn't important to others.

I wish you the best, although I know the school needs a lot of improvement if they really want to attract the caliber of students it desires. If NYPCM wanted to be "the Columbia" of podiatry schools it could have had that title a long time ago.

 

[air bud]

Allow me to acknowledge the fact that no institution is, in and of itself, truly and completely safe. This point has been made on numerous occasions throughout this forum. Keeping this in mind, it seems as though safety has much to do with an individual's perception of his or her external environment; i.e. if one feels safe in a particular area. To some students, Harlem may (or may not) feel safe. This does not necessarily mean that Harlem (or NYCPM) is unsafe. Whether the school is safe or whether it feels safe to students are two completely different arguments. Statistics are just that: numerical values that summarize data. There is always a +1/-1 factor.

What it boils down to, then, is the level of comfort provided or experienced by students. Self-evaluation is a must. I, for one, will not make any final decisions about any school before paying a visit.

This is true even in Iowa. DMU is surrounded by corn on all 5 sides. It literally is in the middle of a giant cornfield. Who knows what kind of creatures (children) lurk out there.

 

[VVMed1]

This is true even in Iowa. DMU is surrounded by corn on all 5 sides. It literally is in the middle of a giant cornfield. Who knows what kind of creatures (children) lurk out there.

 

[ysasa]

One more thing I forgot to add. If you are planning to visit NYCPM go in the Summer time, That way you can "see" what I am talking about.

 

[doc1107]

Since you say there is no ranking, which I sort of agree. But we all know what is the upper and lower POD schools and NY isn't in the upper.

But there is one thing that can be compared, COST. NYC will cost you way more than almost any other school.

 

[Marry2Pod]

Since you say there is no ranking, which I sort of agree. But we all know what is the upper and lower POD schools and NY isn't in the upper.

But there is one thing that can be compared, COST. NYC will cost you way more than almost any other school.

Just curious - What is the basis for this comment?

 

[ysasa]

Marry2pod:

I think its because NYCPM was the first school of pod. medicine and, like I said before, it should BE #1 in its ranking as the first school of medicine. When you are "the first", no matter who the competition is , you should ALWAYS be #1. NYCPM hasn't done that ( become the #1 ranking school).

It's sad but true, and its not because the school is in Harlem. Like I said before: Columbia University, Teacher's College, Barndard College, City College and Bank Street College are ALL in Harlem( the HEART of HARLEM), and they are VERY PRESTIGIOUS/WELL KNOWN institutions of higher education; the only difference is those college's believed in their students and made the "investment" to clean up the college and its surrounding areas; which does play a role in the caliber of student, staff and instructors it attracts.

Again, if NYPCM wanted to be "the Columbia" of podiatry schools it could have had that title a long time ago.

 

[asgx32]

Wow I didn't mean to start a war, lol. Obviously there are people who really love this school and that is fine. As a graduate, I just wanted to give my honest review so that applicants can look over the good and the bad and make an informed decision.

I wanted to give people a heads up to how hard the school is because as a freshman I had to learn that the hard way. Not every school is this difficult. There are some podiatry schools out there that curve grades and give students second attempts to retake classes that they did not do well in. There are also schools that don't enforce mandatory attendance. Some students would rather use the time to study on their own. The lectures are posted online anyway. NYCPM enforces mandatory attendance, but a lot of students just study for their upcoming exam, instead of listening to the teacher. So whats the point?

My comment in regards to the security cameras was to show how obsessed the school is about cheating. A few years back, a student hacked into the schools computers and got the answers to exams. They have been absolutely crazy about watching students ever since. Its actually kind of creepy.

Crime in Harlem doesn't only happen on weekends, its more like everyday. However, outside the Heritage, every Saturday night, there are high school kids that gather and shots go off and someone is always on the floor bleeding. The dorms are across the street from housing projects and to a bystander it looks as if two rival gangs from these projects are having a turf war, with NYCPM dorms right in the middle. Its quite a scene if you look outside your window on Madison Ave.

What I like about the school is that if you manage to survive, you will most probably do well on your boards. The school is very tight-knit, like a family. Upperclassmen are always willing to help. Also, its located in NYC so there is a lot to do, when you have the time😀

As another poster mentioned, to get a good idea of the area I would try and visit the school in the summer cuz thats when the crack heads come out to play

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Wow I didn't mean to start a war, lol. Obviously there are people who really love this school and that is fine. As a graduate, I just wanted to give my honest review so that applicants can look over the good and the bad and make an informed decision.

I wanted to give people a heads up to how hard the school is because as a freshman I had to learn that the hard way. Not every school is this difficult. There are some podiatry schools out there that curve grades and give students second attempts to retake classes that they did not do well in. There are also schools that don't enforce mandatory attendance. Some students would rather use the time to study on their own. The lectures are posted online anyway. NYCPM enforces mandatory attendance, but a lot of students just study for their upcoming exam, instead of listening to the teacher. So whats the point?

My comment in regards to the security cameras was to show how obsessed the school is about cheating. A few years back, a student hacked into the schools computers and got the answers to exams. They have been absolutely crazy about watching students ever since. Its actually kind of creepy.

Crime in Harlem doesn't only happen on weekends, its more like everyday. However, outside the Heritage, every Saturday night, there are high school kids that gather and shots go off and someone is always on the floor bleeding. The dorms are across the street from housing projects and to a bystander it looks as if two rival gangs from these projects are having a turf war, with NYCPM dorms right in the middle. Its quite a scene if you look outside your window on Madison Ave.

What I like about the school is that if you manage to survive, you will most probably do well on your boards. The school is very tight-knit, like a family. Upperclassmen are always willing to help. Also, its located in NYC so there is a lot to do, when you have the time😀

As another poster mentioned, to get a good idea of the area I would try and visit the school in the summer cuz thats when the crack heads come out to play

What schools are these??

 

[air bud]

I have NOTHING against kicking somebody out for failing a class or two. Demand excellence.

 

[air bud]

Just because schools allow their students to remediate courses they failed doesn't mean it isnt hard. All medical schools allow their student to remediate courses. That is the norm. The way NYCPM operates is not the norm. Mandatory attendace? Kicking people out for failing a class or two? Sounds like a boot camp and technically its not really fair that they would accept a student that prob should NOT be there, take their money, then toss them out when they fail. I'm not trying to slam the school because frankly I don't care about NYCPM. But they def don't operate like most podiatry schools and they def don't operate like all medical schools.

Medical schools very rarely toss a student out for academic reasons. They will even go far enough to let the student repeat and entire year if they want to. Because when they lose that person they lose that person' tuition money for the next 2-3 years.

I give it up to NYCPM though. The way they operate now is prob the difference that has allowed them to earn very good board scores since they don't allow their weaker students to even make it to the board exam test day.

DO schools throw people out. MD schools do not because it will kill their rankings. These rankings determine research money. Always follow the money.

 

[dtrack22]

I was an NYCPM supporter due to some misinformation. Can't remember who but there was a post on here that led me to believe NYCPM's adcom had gotten their act together. Not really. NYCPM is still admitting 110 students and the class of 2012 had lost around 35 students before taking the boards. Not as impressed as I was before. Also wondering how Sig can defend their facilities...

I would, however, encourage everyone to visit as many programs as you can afford. And if you can't afford to interview you could probably talk Ohio into doing it over the phone...they give out same day acceptances so I don't see how they can justify denying your request. Maybe a skype session? Or you could both get on chatroulette and hope you get matched up before you have to suffer trough too many guys playing with themselves.

 

[VVMed1]

FYI: NYCPM is hosting an official "Open House" on Saturday March 12th, 2011 at 9 a.m. All prospective Pod students (such as myself) should make the effort to attend, especially if the school is at the top of your list of applications.

 

[ysasa]

Crime in Harlem doesn't only happen on weekends, its more like everyday. However, outside the Heritage, every Saturday night, there are high school kids that gather and shots go off and someone is always on the floor bleeding. The dorms are across the street from housing projects and to a bystander it looks as if two rival gangs from these projects are having a turf war, with NYCPM dorms right in the middle. Its quite a scene if you look outside your window on Madison Ave.

It's funny you mention this. Do you all know there are some beautiful apartment complexes and townhouses surrounding NYCPM that are only one/two blocks away ( on Madison Ave)? The "powers that be" could have bought/used them as dorms but there were too cheap to do so. Investing in this real estate would have increased NYPCM's desirability to the max. Thus, making the area more desirable to live in and also motivating others to do the same. Harlem is becoming increasing white/middleclass and black/ middle class on the Westside ( some parts of the Eastside). But for some reason, NYCPM didn't "feel" it was "worth" the investment. Now, they have dorms that are located across from Central Park( Heritage) BUT aren't safe. Can someone tell me what's wrong with this picture?

Sig Savant, can you answer why? As I agree with the other posters, see for youself.

Good luck to all!

 

[Sig Savant]

I'm glad I haven't logged into this site in a few days, so I didn't have to see the misinformation you guys constantly spread around. This is a waste of time for me to reply because some of you are too closed minded to ever consider my point of view or realize, but here it goes anyway!

yosalsa, you still think the school can just buy large buildings in Manhattan. I can't believe you are even serious. You say NYC is so expensive and then turn around and say the school should just buy a skyscraper. Let me try to point this out again. The school does not have multiple million dollars to spend on housing of all things. If you don't like the housing, live somewhere else. Many students live in the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, some of the nicest neighborhoods in the city. If you don't want to live in Harlem, then don't. I urge you to surf the internet and attempt to find a viable housing option that won't cost over 10 million dollars to get. The cheapest one bedroom apartment in NYC goes for about $400,000. Say like 50 people need to live in school housing. So thats only like 50 * 400,000. Thats 20,000,000. Twenty million dollars. Name one school in the entire world that would spend 20 million dollars on housing. Its not going to happen.

What other weak arguments have been presented. Hmm. Oh the adcom sucks. Right. Scores have consistently increased for the past four years. Class of 2014 has 110 admitted. Guess what NYCPM is capped at? 110. Wow, so they took as many students as they are allowed. Whats your point here? They should admit less students due to the residency shortage? I know you all think this looks good right now, to limit the number of incoming students. Let me tell you why you are wrong. Right now there are about 500 residencies. IF the profession adds more programs to fix the shortage, that would be about 100 spots. So NOW the schools could all take less students this year. That would be the class of 2016 about, because most classes for 2015 are almost full. So class of 2016 doesn't need residencies until 2016. I hope you are still following this logic. If we make more residencies by 2013/2014, but we cut spots for 2016, there will be an excess of spots like has happened in the past. An excess is good, except that any spot that goes unfilled for a few years closes. Right, so we limit the amount of incoming students, and make more residencies, and end up with a surplus of residencies, and those extra programs close. WE ARE RIGHT BACK WHERE WE STARTED. If we are going to increase the number of spots, we should just maintain the class limits that are already instituted. Does this make sense?

I can't believe anyone is attacking the school for throwing students out. In my year, 2013, about 8 have left of 94. We've also gained multiple students from the 2012 class that have failed a class. So the truth is that students that fail a class can repeat, just as you are saying.

I love when people complain about attendance. Really??? You are paying tuition to learn. The best way to learn is in class. Hear it once here, then go home and read your notes or listen to the lecture on the capture. Waiting until the day before and then watching 20 captures does not enforce longterm learning. This is a nonissue for 99% of students, because almost everyone goes to class. For those that stay at home in the PJs all day and simply watch lectures and use notetaker notes, your experience is not equal to the rest of us. Actually, its downright lazy. I wish I could remember where I heard this joke: "I love when people say they are bad test takers. What they really mean is that they just aren't smart"

Since anyone still reading must actually care, allow me to continue. NYCPM is a stand alone institution. They are not funded by a larger institution, meaning that all decisions related to the school are made by people that work for the school. There are many deans here that all have offices within these 6 floors. Any can be approached, as can the president of the college. All professors have offices here, meaning any can be approached. When a change is wanted by the student body, you can simply walk into the office of the person in charge and talk with them. Try doing that when you operate under a school that houses 15 specialties, or an entire undergrad university. The people making decisions regarding the students here actually interact with the students.

We can talk school rankings all day. What was board I pass rate this year? 98.6%. What were the other schools? Only one was higher, and that school has many less students.

Who has the best clinic? Great question. Let me tell you that the foot clinic here is the largest in the world. That means the most patients come this clinic out of any in the world. The most diverse pathologies are here. The most amount of patients and cases are here. How many pts do you see in a day? Its probably a lot less than here. Anyone arguing with this, unless from Temple/Barry, doesn't really have a leg to stand on. When your clinic sees one patient a day, and you spend 7 hours with that patient because its the only one you will see, that doesn't help much.

I'm not one for bashing other schools, because I actually respect those students. I'm not out to get them, and I'm not really competing with them. I make these statements only in defense. I could cut down other schools all day, but there are more important things to do with your life. Podiatry is small, and we've got to work together. Stop with your lies and slander, and go study. Go take a class on zen or something and learn how to live your life a happy person, not an angry internet bully.

 

[dtrack22]

Sig,

Your class size (counting 2012 remediates) is 84. Meaning your math doesnt add up. Would you like me to pm you the presidents report that was signed off on by your school???

I don't agree with some of the other posts on here but attrition rate at NYCPM is high, residency shortage or not. You realize that if caps were set at 15% above average # of a school's graduates over the last 4-5 years then there wouldn't be a need for residency genesis? That if certain programs let in less students, lowering attrition, that the CPME and COTH wouldn't have to play this guessing game and the whole shortage/surplus cycle wouldn't be as big of an issue? I thought NYCPM was trying to be part of the solution...turns out I was misinformed...mainly by posters like you.

 

[Sig Savant]

Tell me how any school is part of the solution. And yes, send me this report.

 

[dtrack22]

Check your pm. More than happy to continue the discussion there

 

[dyk343]

I love when people complain about attendance. Really??? You are paying tuition to learn. The best way to learn is in class. Hear it once here, then go home and read your notes or listen to the lecture on the capture. Waiting until the day before and then watching 20 captures does not enforce longterm learning. This is a nonissue for 99% of students, because almost everyone goes to class. For those that stay at home in the PJs all day and simply watch lectures and use notetaker notes, your experience is not equal to the rest of us. Actually, its downright lazy. I wish I could remember where I heard this joke: "I love when people say they are bad test takers. What they really mean is that they just aren't smart"

I agreed with everything you said in the previous post except this paragraph. Just because a student can not learn anatomy by having some guy stand in front of the class explaining lecture slides doesnt mean a student is lazy.

I attend very select courses because some of them are a waste of time. I feel like all my professors are pretty good but i could be using that time studying/reading and still have a strong grasp of the material.

There are several at my school who judge those who do not go to class much as the way you did in this paragraph. I never understand why they care or realize that others do not learn the same way they do. I can assure you that if I am skipping a course I am in the library studying it. I'm also doing just fine in school.

So long story short I do not agree with mandatory attendance. Other than this rule, I think NYCPM is a great school with really strong clinics.

IMO strong clinics = strong school.

 

[Sig Savant]

I agree with you dyk. The negative feelings come from the students that don't show up to class and aren't in the library studying. You are an exception to this, and no one can look down on you for your style. I wanted to put more thought into that paragraph, and really didn't like the word lazy as it is a blanket statement including students, like you, that do work hard.

 

[air bud]

So are you guys at least smart enough to play the game? These professors that get mad when people don't come still have an impact on your future. So you suck it up and go to lecture, right?

 

[doc1107]

did you guys see this?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110213/ap_on_re_us/us_stabbing_spree

CRAZY! and no it has nothing to do with NYCPM.

Basically, since we are talking about schools, lets be honest. The only thing potential employers care about is what residency you got into. There is only 9 schools and some older Pods only know 6-8 schools because the newer schools didn't exist when they were around.

With so few schools, there bound to be good graduates from each and every school! It's not like undergrad where there is a large distinction between a small state school and an IVY league or MIT degree.

SO you will have to ask yourself, what school will I go to that will get me the best shot at residency? We all know, some schools are easier than others. Some schools do curves and do not have + or -'s so a 3.6 GPA at school 1 isn't the same as from school 2

 

[ysasa]

Did you read my post? If not here it is again:

It's funny you mention this. Do you all know there are some beautiful apartment complexes and townhouses surrounding NYCPM that are only one/two blocks away ( on Madison Ave)? The "powers that be" could have bought/used them as dorms but there were too cheap to do so. Investing in this real estate would have increased NYPCM's desirability to the max. Thus, making the area more desirable to live in and also motivating others to do the same. Harlem is becoming increasing white/middleclass and black/ middle class on the Westside ( some parts of the Eastside). But for some reason, NYCPM didn't "feel" it was "worth" the investment. Now, they have dorms that are located across from Central Park( Heritage) BUT aren't safe. Can someone tell me what's wrong with this picture?Sig Savant, can you answer why? As I agree with the other posters, see for youself.

Since anyone still reading must actually care, allow me to continue. NYCPM is a stand alone institution. They are not funded by a larger institution, meaning that all decisions related to the school are made by people that work for the school. There are many deans here that all have offices within these 6 floors. Any can be approached, as can the president of the college. All professors have offices here, meaning any can be approached. When a change is wanted by the student body, you can simply walk into the office of the person in charge and talk with them. Try doing that when you operate under a school that houses 15 specialties, or an entire undergrad university. The people making decisions regarding the students here actually interact with the students.

Yes , NYCPM is an independent college but did you know they once had the opportunity to merge with a MAJOR, WORLD KNOWN research insistution ( it begins with a "C")? And the "powers that be" said no! How stupid is that???? Who would say no to a major university known for it's research ( which brings in money).

Anyway, I wish you all the best, but go in the Summer time to see what the school is like.

 

[doc1107]

So are you guys at least smart enough to play the game? These professors that get mad when people don't come still have an impact on your future. So you suck it up and go to lecture, right?

I think with some schools, the classes are so small, that you have to go! even if it isn't mandatory, you got to think ahead about when you need an recommendation for residency.

 

[doc1107]

Did you read my post? If not here it is again:






Yes , NYCPM is an independent college but did you know they once had the opportunity to merge with a MAJOR, WORLD KNOWN research insistution ( it begins with a "C")? And the "powers that be" said no! How stupid is that???? Who would say no to a major university known for it's research ( which brings in money).

Anyway, I wish you all the best, but go in the Summer time to see what the school is like.

did you know why they didn't? I would think that would be a huge PLUS! even if it's just a better public image " Oh I went to NY school of Podiatry. It's part of Columbia" and everyone will be like ooooo columbia lol

 

[ysasa]

did you know why they didn't? I would think that would be a huge PLUS! even if it's just a better public image " Oh I went to NY school of Podiatry. It's part of Columbia" and everyone will be like ooooo columbia lol

I don't know, I supect because they wanted to keep their jobs.

"The powers that be" were aware of the amount of money Columbia receives because of it research, and WHO in their "right" mind would NOT want to merge with them? Teacher's college and Barnard did. Do you know the prominence and respect the name Columbia COULD have bought to the field of Podiatry????

Very poor business move on behalf of the administration

NY school of Podiatry. It's part of Columbia"

Actualy it would have been: Columbia University School of Podiatry or the NY School of Podiatry at Columbia University. Instead, they say they are affiliated with Columbia but in reality they just have access to use their library.

 

[dyk343]

So are you guys at least smart enough to play the game? These professors that get mad when people don't come still have an impact on your future. So you suck it up and go to lecture, right?

Im not too worried about my profs thoughts on whether I go to class or not. It says in their syllabus that its not required to attend. If im doing well they shouldnt judge me on it. Im doing research and other activities at school so Im not leaving myself dry when it comes time to ask for letters.

Unless you were hinting at something else other than letters?

 

[DrGonz]

This thread is sad. Dont you guys have anything better to do than bash schools. Everyone had their choice of what school to go to, and everyone has their reasons to attend whichever school they are at. Not one school is perfect, nor locations of schools are perfect, nor the teachers/classmates/rules/guidelines/test dates/testing methodology..etc. etc. etc.. We can all find stuff to complain about. NYCPM always seems to be a hot topic of debate for some reason. I, myself, tend to actually enjoy the school. Harlem has alot of culture and we get to see a whole range of patients in the clininc since we are in a disadvantaged neighborhood. If you dont like nycpm.. congratulations.. thats why your at another school. I think this post has gone WAY off from what the original poster intended. He basically said.. hey med school is difficult and he pointed out some rules that might not be shown to you when you interview or visit the school. I think this is fair to say that every person should find the school that they find suitable through interviews and open houses.

Everyone will have their own opinion. Don't mouth unless you have actually experienced the school. Ask questions to learn and talk like a future doctor.