CCOM Discussion thread 2008-2009

[TeamZissou]

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I do know people have gotten taken off the waitlist as late as July/August in recent years. I do know that with the class increase this year there may be more waitlist movement but I suppose that depends on how many acceptances they give out and who decides to attend... Sorry but I don't have any actual numbers to contribute.... Best of luck!

 

[Xamwell]

Hey everyone,

I'm a current CCOM'er (class of 2012) and I've skimmed the posts here. I remember the pre-medical days quite well and the anxieties and such that go along with the whole process.

As JHild above offered, please let me know if you have any questions about the school. I can throw down some truths here based off of what I read.

1) Definitely have some warm clothes for your interview as it's getting quite chilly here.
2) CCOM does have access to great rotation sites as some of the premier hospitals around the Chicago area. If you're looking for opportunites as a specialist I'd consider this in your desicion.
3) Classes are brutal here. That's not to say they're impossible but they do demand quite a bit of time investment. That sounds like an obvious statement but you'd be surprised at some people's reaction to the work. There is an emphasis at CCOM to push the class hard with frequent testing. It's a double edged sword as it is at once nervewracking and rewarding. I feel I'm learning a vast amount in a short amount of time and credit my frequent tests for that.
4) The anatomy department faculty are, in my humble opinion, second to none. It's difficult to find a collection of extraordinarily qualified professors who are willing to go to extreme lengths to have their students become masters in their field. The faculty here are not easy--there's no handouts--and their tests are exceedingly difficult, but they do not kid around about the open door policy and are quite available for questions and instruction should students need it. Needless to say I'm very impressed with my profs 😀.
5) The grounds of the school are nice. Yep, there's a baseball field and, well, lots of fields in general. It's a pretty campus in a nice part of town so there's that.
6) For brownie points, refer to it as "Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine" as it's the founding college of Midwestern University. For extra style points don't say "C-kom" but rather "c-c-oh-em". They don't like the previous for some reason.
7) Yes, both Midway and O'Hare are haggard airports. O'Hare might edge out Midway for a bigger headache in my opinion but they're almost equidistant from the campus. Note from personal experience: if you do choose to fly out of Midway, and have a GPS device, take care not to set it to 'avoid tollways' as it will invariably take you through some scary neighborhoods.
8) Use the Midwestern.edu online Interact Now site. Strangely enough we don't use it as students but I remember well using it quite often as an applicant. You can also network with current students and submit a letter of sincere interest in the school via the program (every bit helps).
9) Don't worry about timing the mail from MWU. I'm not sure how the mail leaves this place but it's never on time. There are numerous stories of letters being mailed two weeks later than they were postmarked (in my case my acceptance letter) and I'm not sure if it's the school's fault. The whole postal system around here seems a bit off.
10) If you have the opportunity to squeak in a Biochemistry course (as it's not required) I'd highly suggest doing so this upcoming spring semester. That and molecular genetics have been the two most helpful courses that I'd taken in my undergrad transitioning to medical school.


There you have it. I need to return to the Biochemistry--speaking of which we have a final tomorrow--that I'd put on hold for too long 😎.

Let us know if you have any other questions or if I missed something. Good luck everyone.

*thumbs up*

 

[TeamZissou]

Thanks Xamwell that was a good post and answered some pretty good questions!

 

[DarkHorizon]

So, apparently the committee will meet sometime towards the end of this week to decide our fates, good luck to everyone who interviewed in past 4 weeks.

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

So, apparently the committee will meet sometime towards the end of this week to decide our fates, good luck to everyone who interviewed in past 4 weeks.

yep...they said we should get a decision right around thanksgiving. Is it email or snail mail?

 

[rajaholick]

when did you interview brodie?
i interviewed on friday and they told us we should hear around middle of december...
as far as interview experience, mine was pretty bad
the interviewers weren't inviting and didn't ask any follow up questions to my responses
but its also impossible to judge what they thought so I guess i'll just wait it out

 

[TeamZissou]

You can find the outcome sooner if you go on the website and try to access matriculation agreement/payment. I was able to access mine about a week and a half before I received my letter.

Good luck everyone!👍

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

when did you interview brodie?
i interviewed on friday and they told us we should hear around middle of december...
as far as interview experience, mine was pretty bad
the interviewers weren't inviting and didn't ask any follow up questions to my responses
but its also impossible to judge what they thought so I guess i'll just wait it out

nov 6th. Sorry to hear about your interview experience. I thought the day went quite well (except getting soaked on the campus tour!) Really liked that the interviews were conducted first thing in the morning as I am more of a morning person. I will concur though that the interviewers "kept their cards close" and did not give many hints as to what their impression of the interview was. i wouldn't necessarily interpret that as "non-inviting", just more formal.

 

[brucecanbeatyou]

3) Classes are brutal here. That's not to say they're impossible but they do demand quite a bit of time investment. That sounds like an obvious statement but you'd be surprised at some people's reaction to the work. There is an emphasis at CCOM to push the class hard with frequent testing. It's a double edged sword as it is at once nervewracking and rewarding. I feel I'm learning a vast amount in a short amount of time and credit my frequent tests for that.

I would much rather do tests less often than not... At both AZCOM and CCOM the test schedule really is brutal, there is at least one or two tests every week! On the one hand, it might keep me on track, so I don't procrastinate.... I am terrible at that...

Is that what it is like at other schools too? At least one test every Monday morning at 7:00?

 

[rajaholick]

I will concur though that the interviewers "kept their cards close" and did not give many hints as to what their impression of the interview was. i wouldn't necessarily interpret that as "non-inviting", just more formal.

It really didn't have to do with them being too formal or anything, let me explain.
They took me into the interview room, said Hi, I sat down and the first question was "tell us who you are". Well...ok...so I spoke for a couple minutes them paused expecting them to ask a follow up or another question, but I got nothing. Then I went on for a few more mins and every couple mins I'd pause to see if they were going to say anything. Then after a solid 10 mins of this, I just stopped talking. The next question they had didn't have anything to do with my reply, hey maybe my reply was just that great, but they didn't make any comments on it. They asked me a total of 4 questions, then asked me if I had any questions for them. It was the strangest interview I have ever been on.

 

[Xamwell]

Don't count yourself out if your interview wasn't stellar in terms of your walk-away feeling. I remember thinking the same thing and when I brought up the fact that I wished I'd taken microbiology as an undergrad, I found out soon thereafter that one of my interviewers was a microbiology professor 🙁.

A quick tip for those waiting for their acceptance letters, if you check in with that "InteractNow" thing it might give you a hint. In my case, I was eagerly awaiting the letter and did not see anything for several weeks. At some point I happened to check my InteractNow site and the background had changed to "Welcome to CCOM" or something like that. I too could access the matriculation paperwork but did not recieve my official letter in the mail for something like two weeks after that change.

And, as I said, the testing schedule is brutal indeed, but it's designed to rule out procrastination. If you procrastinate in the bigger classes--especially anatomy--you're set to bomb the first big test no matter how much you try to catch up with cramming. There's too much material and their questions are too detailed. You can look at it as the AA of procrastination coming through this program; hopefully they effect a cure .

 

[TeamZissou]

Xamwell can you comment on the frequency of tests as well as the days and times which they are usually scheduled? Thanks!

 

[brucecanbeatyou]

Xamwell can you comment on the frequency of tests as well as the days and times which they are usually scheduled? Thanks!

They gave us this year's schedule, and there really was at least one test every Monday morning at 7:00. About half the time there was one test, about half the time there were two tests. Like clockwork.

It seems like it's much the same at AZCOM, and my friend there said that weekends were pretty hellish.

Xamwell, can you confirm this? And as to how most people feel about this schedule? Thanks for all of the input by the way.

 

[Xamwell]

I'd say we had a test on 85% of the Mondays. That's concerning bigger tests. There were also weekly quizzes in Biochemistry and an assorted quiz here and there for other classes. That being said, you have the schedule for the tests far in advance so you can plan your time. I wouldn't call the weekends hellish. If you keep up with your reading and studying you'll have free time on the weekends. I'd say we jump into the city for a Friday or Saturday night every other weekend or so. Sure, if you don't keep up this won't be possible, but if you apply yourself daily to studies you'll free up a night on the weekend.

Doing so is a good thing concerning all the fun Chicago has to offer 🙂

 

[Xamwell]

Hey Bruce,

Regarding feelings towards the schedule it's a mixed bag. Everyone agrees that it's a difficult itenerary but most see it as acceptable. Some would prefer much more at-home study time/less time spent in lectures. Very few have voiced the opinion that it's unfair or impossible and if they have I'd call it a far from accurate opinon. Many aren't used to devoting this much time to class but it's not so bad once your routine sets in.

Does that get your questions?

 

[brucecanbeatyou]

I'd say we had a test on 85% of the Mondays. That's concerning bigger tests. There were also weekly quizzes in Biochemistry and an assorted quiz here and there for other classes. That being said, you have the schedule for the tests far in advance so you can plan your time. I wouldn't call the weekends hellish. If you keep up with your reading and studying you'll have free time on the weekends. I'd say we jump into the city for a Friday or Saturday night every other weekend or so. Sure, if you don't keep up this won't be possible, but if you apply yourself daily to studies you'll free up a night on the weekend.

Doing so is a good thing concerning all the fun Chicago has to offer 🙂

Thanks! Another question... Are lectures required? If not, are there note takers and are the lectures avail. online? Are there a lot of people that don't attend the lectures?

 

[avervisal]

Lectures are definitely not required...and I know that there are notes available. Very helpful if you're not the lecture type and would rather learn on your own. I fit into that category myself.

 

[TeamZissou]

Xamwell, not to bombard you with questions but at AZCOM I know the professors print off the notes and each student is provided with a copy of them in their mailbox prior to class. I think that would be pretty convenient and save some $ in printing costs. Is this the case there?

Also a note taking service was mentioned. How does this work? And are any copies of the audio or video of lectures available to students?

Thanks!

 

[brucecanbeatyou]

Xamwell, not to bombard you with questions...

And who is the Prime Minister of Japan and what is the square root of 475? Haha, really though, thanks for all of your help on this, Xamwell!!

 

[g5chand]

I completed my application in September.... How long will this take!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????

 

[medready]

I know how you feel g5chand. I also been complete since september and I still have not heard back from midwestern.

 

[g5chand]

I know how you feel g5chand. I also been complete since september and I still have not heard back from midwestern.

I think my MCAT is borderline too... 3.71 overall, 3.61 science... 24O MCAT. I do have good ECs and good LORs though. How are you sittin' if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Xamwell]

I couldn't tell you what day of the week it is at this point, let alone what a square root is in general 🙂. Seriously, I have to remember how to tie my shoes in the morning.

Lectures are "half-required". By that I mean that there are some classes that require you to be at lecture (Biochem/OMM/ICM) but others that do not (Anatomy/Histology/etc...) So there you have it. In some cases it's up to you, in others it isn't.

In some classes we're given notes and in others we buy them for the printing fee--which isn't too bad. The notes are quite comprehensive and although you'll need an anatomy atlas and perhaps a biochemistry study book, I've been getting by without buying other books and whatsuch. I check them out from the library and study on campus and haven't had much of a problem with that.

Am I forgetting something?

 

[Xamwell]

There's no note taking service that I know of but that's because they give you the notes ahead of lecture. Many lectures are available online and, as an aside, I don't know what sort of workshop the profs took but they're all ridiculously proficient with powerpoint. I didn't even know half the features used existed (and I don't mean that car-screechy noise when a bullet point flies across the screen).

There are multimedia what-have-yous for classes. I used the histology lectures on video extensively for practicals' studying. Um... There's also dissection videos but I haven't felt the need to check them out.

And many people attend lectures ~ 70%

 

[brucecanbeatyou]

I couldn't tell you what day of the week it is at this point, let alone what a square root is in general 🙂. Seriously, I have to remember how to tie my shoes in the morning.

Lectures are "half-required". By that I mean that there are some classes that require you to be at lecture (Biochem/OMM/ICM) but others that do not (Anatomy/Histology/etc...) So there you have it. In some cases it's up to you, in others it isn't.

In some classes we're given notes and in others we buy them for the printing fee--which isn't too bad. The notes are quite comprehensive and although you'll need an anatomy atlas and perhaps a biochemistry study book, I've been getting by without buying other books and whatsuch. I check them out from the library and study on campus and haven't had much of a problem with that.

Am I forgetting something?

Thanks a ton! You have been more than helpful.

 

[TeamZissou]

Yes thank you Xamwell! We are just craving any information!

 

[Dissected]

Yes thank you Xamwell! We are just craving any information!

I just watched life aquatic last night teamzissou...one of my all time favs!!

 

[TeamZissou]

Hahahaha yes!!!! I love Bill's dry humor in it. It's definitely not your usual comedy but I dig it. I switched my avatar so people would get where Zissou was from.

Side note... I know you interviewed at CCOM, RVU, and Western. How did you think the three compared?

 

[Dissected]

Hahahaha yes!!!! I love Bill's dry humor in it. It's definitely not your usual comedy but I dig it. I switched my avatar so people would get where Zissou was from.

Side note... I know you interviewed at CCOM, RVU, and Western. How did you think the three compared?

Well, my interview at RVU is not till mid-december and i look forward to it, but I have already been to CCOM and Western.

They are both TOP schools, probably the most impressive academic-wise that I have been to. They are both roughly the same price too, although LA might be a tad more expensive living-wise. Western flaunted their high test scores and impressive matching spots, however I didn't like the campus one bit. It used to be a strip mall that they have since converted to a medical school. It is extremely disjointed and I got the feeling that the atmosphere is a little more uptight as far as academia is concerned. Everyone seemed 'all business' that I ran into. CCOM, on the other hand was much more relaxed, their campus was beautiful, and their academics were just as respectable. At both places, much the same at most schools, you will get out of it what you put in. Both schools are located relatively the same distance from the big cities nearby..and Ive gotta tell ya, after living in LA for 3 years I would MUCH rather tough out the cold in Chicago because it seems so much better!! After just 3 days there I knew that it looked better, you could breathe cleaner air, and it is much less crowded. I would pick CCOM hands down over Western. Some people like the things I just described about western though, so it is really what is best for the applicant.

hope this gives a little insight!

ps-western also indirectly badmouthed a few of the schools that I had enjoyed very much..major turn-off

 

[notquiteme]

I know how you feel g5chand. I also been complete since september and I still have not heard back from midwestern.

Me too! I don't know why its taking this long!! I feel my stats are pretty strong and I have a degree from a very competitive school. I also have interviews set up at places I applied to much later. I tried to call, but alas, no status checks over the phone. I am thinking of sending an email, just to make sure they have everything....I dont know!

 

[rajaholick]

ccom sends you an email when your file is complete
so if you havn't received that yet, something is missing

 

[JagerDO]

I submitte my secondary early in september and still haven't heard anything either. Feeling ignored, boo.

 

[notquiteme]

ccom sends you an email when your file is complete
so if you havn't received that yet, something is missing

I received that email on September 26th. But it sounds like a lot of people are still waiting, so that makes me feel a little better. I think its so interesting (and nerve wracking) how different schools can be, or how different each person's experience at one school can be in terms of how long they wait to hear back.

 

[davis749]

Well, just called admissions. I interviewed on 10.23.08, and still no word. An admissions employee said that the committee meets this week, but that the dean has to sign off on their decisions; she suggested that information will be sent out in the first week of December.

 

[jhunt11]

Real quickly, can any current student explain what exactly the super high tuition is spent on?

Do you feel that the high tuition is warranted since the school is not even located in the downtown area? Seems like a downtown tuition price for a suburb school.

I've heard a lot of great things about CCOM and I have an interview there very soon. Although I'd love to come live in Chicago, I've got acceptances from other schools and CCOM's price-tag is huge. (From out of state)

Any input or influence would be appreciated. I just don't want to be scared off from a great school because of money.

 

[PreMed1225]

So I guess they meet tomorrow to decide our fates? Will they update the status page online before sending out letters? I'm getting anxious...

 

[TeamZissou]

Yup I was able to access the matriculation agreement page about 2 weeks before I received my letter.... But it didn't update until about a week after the adcom met because the dean has to sign off on the acceptances first.

hang in there!👍

 

[Chicago Person]

Real quickly, can any current student explain what exactly the super high tuition is spent on?

Do you feel that the high tuition is warranted since the school is not even located in the downtown area? Seems like a downtown tuition price for a suburb school.

I've heard a lot of great things about CCOM and I have an interview there very soon. Although I'd love to come live in Chicago, I've got acceptances from other schools and CCOM's price-tag is huge. (From out of state)

Any input or influence would be appreciated. I just don't want to be scared off from a great school because of money.

jhunt11, I'm not a current student, so please ignore me if you wish.

What numbers are you looking at exactly? From what I know, CCOM's out-of-state tuition is about the same as every other school's tuition in the Chicago area (except for UIC, but that's a state funded institution). Loyola, Rosalind Franklin, UChicago, Northwestern, Rush -- all of these are in the mid $30K range or higher. CCOM is listed as being about $44K a year for an out of state student. I think its tuition falls somewhere in between all of those Chicago schools (UC & NW ~ 35K | RF~50K | RUSH~60K).

As for location, its not where the school is located that matters, you're going to be cooped up at a desk the first two years anyway. Its where the clinical rotations are done that is important. CCCOM has all of its clinical rotation sites in Chicago, meaning you will be exposed to a diverse population. In my opinion, that's going to give you some great experience.

Aside from all of that, there is one reason that comes to mind for why the tuition is high. When I interviewed there, the school's dean told us that all rotation preceptors were paid. So, unlike the physicians at academic institutions that essentially are teaching you for free, the physicians you interact with during your rotations will all have a monetary incentive to see that you receive a solid learning experience. I'm sure some of the extra tuition money goes into paying for this. I hope this gave you a bit of a different perspective.

 

[DrQuinnMW]

So are we sure they are meeting today? I interviewed Nov. 6th. I hope the status page is updated before Thanksgiving break. I don't know how much longer I can wait....

 

[PreMed1225]

So are we sure they are meeting today? I interviewed Nov. 6th. I hope the status page is updated before Thanksgiving break. I don't know how much longer I can wait....

I know what you mean. I hope they meet, but even if they do I'm afraid that we won't know anything until the beginning of December due to the week-long Thanksgiving break.

 

[edrunner27]

Took me about a full month before I got my acceptance because the admissions committee met the Thursday before my interview.

With regards to housing do most first years live on campus or off campus? I'll want a place by myself that's convienent for getting to class and working out but at the same time I'm hesitant about moving back into a dorm after all these years. Would any current CCOMers have any suggestions about good/decent priced housing?

 

[Bond8204]

With regards to housing do most first years live on campus or off campus? I'll want a place by myself that's convienent for getting to class and working out but at the same time I'm hesitant about moving back into a dorm after all these years. Would any current CCOMers have any suggestions about good/decent priced housing?

The vast majority of students are off campus. I'm on campus, and I don't regret living in the dorm my first year (it's very, very convenient and always keeps you in the mind set of school), but I'll be moving off next year.

I think the people who are happiest with their living situations right now are the ones who elected to find a nice place close to campus with roommates. It's way too early to worry about that stuff now, but come April if you're CCOM bound, you might want to poke around via here or facebook to find a roommate or two. It's the Chicago suburbs...so pricing isn't cheap, but it's not out of control.

 

[213965]

Is it too late to apply now?

CCOM wasn't on my original list of schools because I had a guaranteed interview at AZCOM and would have preferred attending there a couple months ago, but my sig. other just found a new job in the Chicago area, which makes AZCOM very unappealing now.

And does anyone know if being enrolled in Midwestern's SMP (Glendale campus) have any bearing on interview/admissions at CCOM like it does at AZCOM?

Thank you.

 

[TeamZissou]

I don't think its too late. Also the secondary is nearly identical to that of AZCOM's so it shouldn't take you too long.

Go for it!

 

[Kal222]

Anyone interviewing on December 2nd?

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

Can anyone give me an idea of comparing UIC to CCOM? I've just gotten in to UIC, but I scheduled a 1/09 interview at CCOM. I didn't interview @ Chicago's campus for UIC, so I figured visiting could really help, and I'd get to see a school I've heard good things about....

 

[Bond8204]

Putting the DO vs. MD issue completely aside, if you're in-state for tuition and you get the Chicago campus for UIC, CCOM is a tough sell. In my humble opinion, UIC offers the best value of the Chicago med schools. One of the things that CCOM enjoys is many clinical clerkships well-established in the Chicago area and a strong reputation throughout the region. UIC has both those things at a cheaper cost, and some might argue a better location for the first two years.

If you're out of state for UIC's tuition, or end up assigned to the Rockford/Peoria campus, however, it becomes a different story...

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

Putting the DO vs. MD issue completely aside, if you're in-state for tuition and you get the Chicago campus for UIC, CCOM is a tough sell. In my humble opinion, UIC offers the best value of the Chicago med schools. One of the things that CCOM enjoys is many clinical clerkships well-established in the Chicago area and a strong reputation throughout the region. UIC has both those things at a cheaper cost, and some might argue a better location for the first two years.

If you're out of state for UIC's tuition, or end up assigned to the Rockford/Peoria campus, however, it becomes a different story...

Yeah, not trying to start an MD vs. DO debate. I'm going on Fit, and don't care that much about the difference... And I'm smart enough to figure it out on my own. Yeah I am OOS. I would think the 3rd and 4th years would most likely be equal given CCOM's reputation. And I'm probably able to get the Chicago campus... So it's an interesting choice. However, I am also assuming an acceptance to CCOM which is not guaranteed.

Also Kudos for taking my question seriously and in the manner in which I intended it! WooT!

 

[DarkHorizon]

I spoke to someone in admissions office today and they said that we should wait until after thanksgiving for the decisions. They committee however met on Thursday. Man, I can't wait any longer

 

[Dissected]

I spoke to someone in admissions office today and they said that we should wait until after thanksgiving for the decisions. They committee however met on Thursday. Man, I can't wait any longer

boo!