Des Moines University (DMU-COM) Discussion 2015 - 2016

[buttfrogs]

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I genuinely didn't feel like any of my questions were "Tough". My interviewers were just trying to get to know me. There weren't any ethical questions or current event questions that usually trip up interviewees. I would just go in confident, know your application inside and out and be ready to discuss it, and know why you want to go to DMU and why you would be a good fit. It really was one of, if not the, most relaxed interviews I have done. Good luck!

As a student interviewer, I would agree with this. I've never interviewed with a member of the faculty or staff who I thought asked a very difficult question to try and trip up a potential student. I think most interviewers like to keep it comfortable and just get to know you.

But then again, I have heard some scary stories.. Like if you say you spent a summer working for your father's home insulation company, apparently a certain professor might ask you to give an R-value suggestion for the Des Moines area. So yeah, you never know.

 

[mubro786]

Is there a facebook page for class of 2020?

 

[llamallamafiesta]

Is there a facebook page for class of 2020?

Here you go buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/504824269691570/

 

[drdopamine]

I genuinely didn't feel like any of my questions were "Tough". My interviewers were just trying to get to know me. There weren't any ethical questions or current event questions that usually trip up interviewees. I would just go in confident, know your application inside and out and be ready to discuss it, and know why you want to go to DMU and why you would be a good fit. It really was one of, if not the, most relaxed interviews I have done. Good luck!

Thank you! 🙂

 

[dabake]

Just got accepted today! Anyone know of the scholarship process? I'm torn between here and Midwestern. They seem comparable but obviously cheaper here and the prospect of scholarships.

Congrats!! I interviewed/was accepted the same days as you... With your Midwestern connection, I'm pretty sure we talked throughout the day too.

Now I've got the big decision between TCOM and DMU. Both seemed very similar during the interviews and offered many of the same sim labs, match scores and positive learning environment. I felt like DMU students overall were more welcoming and they truly loved the school and I'm sure the current students will echo the same sentiment. I'm just hard pressed to deny the 13K/year that TCOM offers for in-state tuition for environment.... Also snow and winters. I'm enjoying the January with highs consistently in the 70's. Sorry everyone on the East Coast

 

[almostnever]

Congrats!! I interviewed/was accepted the same days as you... With your Midwestern connection, I'm pretty sure we talked throughout the day too.

Now I've got the big decision between TCOM and DMU. Both seemed very similar during the interviews and offered many of the same sim labs, match scores and positive learning environment. I felt like DMU students overall were more welcoming and they truly loved the school and I'm sure the current students will echo the same sentiment. I'm just hard pressed to deny the 13K/year that TCOM offers for in-state tuition for environment.... Also snow and winters. I'm enjoying the January with highs consistently in the 70's. Sorry everyone on the East Coast

IMO, if one didn't clearly win, I'd totally take the crazy low TCOM tution. If you could see yourself being happy at either school, I'd go with TCOM. (And I say this absolutely loving what I experienced on interview day at DMU!)

 

[oznefu]

If on pre-interview hold, are we allowed to send updates? Thanks!

 

[osteohack10]

Congrats!! I interviewed/was accepted the same days as you... With your Midwestern connection, I'm pretty sure we talked throughout the day too.

Now I've got the big decision between TCOM and DMU. Both seemed very similar during the interviews and offered many of the same sim labs, match scores and positive learning environment. I felt like DMU students overall were more welcoming and they truly loved the school and I'm sure the current students will echo the same sentiment. I'm just hard pressed to deny the 13K/year that TCOM offers for in-state tuition for environment.... Also snow and winters. I'm enjoying the January with highs consistently in the 70's. Sorry everyone on the East Coast

Dude, I'm a DMU student that is very happy with my decision to come here and I have to recommend, unless there was some insane pull you felt for DMU, you better take $13K a year tuition and run with it. You'll thank yourself at the end of these 4 years when the rest of us are weeping over our financial aid statements. TCOM and DMU are both great schools, but the cost is a HUGE consideration.

 

[WolverineNation]

79 days and still waiting... 🙁

 

[Thoracic Bean]

II today!

 

[ShowtimeKaner88]

Congrats!! I interviewed/was accepted the same days as you... With your Midwestern connection, I'm pretty sure we talked throughout the day too.

Now I've got the big decision between TCOM and DMU. Both seemed very similar during the interviews and offered many of the same sim labs, match scores and positive learning environment. I felt like DMU students overall were more welcoming and they truly loved the school and I'm sure the current students will echo the same sentiment. I'm just hard pressed to deny the 13K/year that TCOM offers for in-state tuition for environment.... Also snow and winters. I'm enjoying the January with highs consistently in the 70's. Sorry everyone on the East Coast

There is no big decision here. Take the TCOM acceptance and enjoy your debt less freedom much much quicker than 80% of us. DMU is a great school but not an extra 160,000 dollars in tuition, etc. over 4 years great.

 

[spenguin]

I cannot wait for the Pulse to be released to class of 2020. It has been so long since I have had something medical school related to do.

@buttfrogs Is there anyway you can post a couple weeks of class schedule (for 1st or 2nd year)? Also, do they give you the calender as a physical calender or is it part of an app?
Thanks

I have gotten in and paid the deposit and I really want to do SOMETHING.

 

[futuredoc71]

I cannot wait for the Pulse to be released to class of 2020. It has been so long since I have had something medical school related to do.

@buttfrogs Is there anyway you can post a couple weeks of class schedule (for 1st or 2nd year)? Also, do they give you the calender as a physical calender or is it part of an app?
Thanks

I have gotten in and paid the deposit and I really want to do SOMETHING.

I feel the exact same way!!!! I want to start studying or have something to do like finding housing or doing my physical.

 

[buttfrogs]

@buttfrogs Is there anyway you can post a couple weeks of class schedule (for 1st or 2nd year)? Also, do they give you the calender as a physical calender or is it part of an app?

Here is a taste of this week and next week for the 2nd years. The schedule is added to every student's Outlook calendar. You'll know your entire semester schedule a few weeks in advance of each semester starting.

On our schedule right now you'll see a LOT of OB/GYN. Like, pretty much every lecture we have for the next couple weeks. The 2nd years go system-by-system and spend a lot of time on each in a relatively small period of time. Your 1st year schedule will have more classes going on simultaneously and fewer lectures/week in each of them.

Any questions?

I cannot wait for the Pulse to be released to class of 2020. It has been so long since I have had something medical school related to do.

Be careful what you wish for. Enjoy your free time while you still have it!

 

[drdopamine]

anyone else interviewing this week and worried about the impending blizzard

 

[Toyz]

I have a question. I will be flying into DMU, anyone know any good hotels nearby to book that is cost effective? Pref with free shutter to airport/dmu if possible!

 

[yeasureyoubetcha]

I was complete 11/23 and just got a pre-interview hold today. Isn't it getting a little late? Are there still spots in the class or has it been filled up and is everyone being waitlisted? Does their interview/app cycle run a little later?

 

[bshap000]

Waitlisted, interviewed 1/21
3.3/33/OOS

 

[whitelotus23700]

Accepted! OOS/3.5/514, Interviewed 1/22

 

[spenguin]

Here is a taste of this week and next week for the 2nd years. The schedule is added to every student's Outlook calendar. You'll know your entire semester schedule a few weeks in advance of each semester starting.

On our schedule right now you'll see a LOT of OB/GYN. Like, pretty much every lecture we have for the next couple weeks. The 2nd years go system-by-system and spend a lot of time on each in a relatively small period of time. Your 1st year schedule will have more classes going on simultaneously and fewer lectures/week in each of them.

Any questions?



Be careful what you wish for. Enjoy your free time while you still have it!

Thank you!!
As for enjoying my free time, its just not in my nature to have this much free time (Im only working part time). Even during busy school days I found ways to complicate my schedule by taking on personal projects.

 

[pushoneofepi]

I have a question. I will be flying into DMU, anyone know any good hotels nearby to book that is cost effective? Pref with free shutter to airport/dmu if possible!

I stayed at the Hyatt Place downtown. It's a little pricy but they have free convenient shuttling to/from the airport and DMU. Honestly I think I saved money by not having to rent a car at all or taking a taxi. It was nice staying in a high quality hotel. Helped get me in the mindset for the interview, and I could walk to stuff downtown that weekend. During another trip I stayed at a cheap hotel by the airport and it was absolutely awful. Bad bad bad. I can't recommend Hyatt Place enough; my experience there was amazing all around.

 

[Flux10567]

I think this may have been answered previously, but does anybody know the date for the white coat ceremony for the incoming fall 2016 class?

 

[drdopamine]

interviewed today.

everything about this school is AMAZING

hope I get it in!!!!!!

 

[spenguin]

I think this may have been answered previously, but does anybody know the date for the white coat ceremony for the incoming fall 2016 class?

Im pretty the date hasnt been set yet. They said they would set the date for tht and parents weekend soon

 

[The Best Psychiatrist]

Was offered an interview two days ago (completed my secondary application around September of 2015)! WOOT.
However, I declined because I've already committed myself to another school.

Best of luck to all those who will be interviewing and attending this school!

 

[Sisu00]

.

 

[buddybudboy]

AACOMAS submitted 1/1/16, app complete 1/19, interview 1/28, accepted today! So excited! When I interviewed they said that their class was approximately 2/3 full, and since this is such a large school there is still hope for you guys that are waiting to hear back—I'd guess that about 75 slots were open at that time! Everyone I intervied with that day had some serious medical experience (either as a scribe, med tech), so be prepared to show it yourself! Good luck guys!

32 MCAT, 3.95 GPA, 3.9 sGPA

 

[va6n]

Just got an II! I was wondering if anyone could tell me if DMU is on a block/systems based schedule for classes? Thanks!

 

[mengo]

Hey all,

I got placed on an alternate list today. Just wondering, is this the same as a waitlist? I know of other schools having multiple waitlists with differing priorities, and was wondering if DMU was doing the same thing or not. Thanks for any help you can offer

 

[drdopamine]

Hey all,

I got placed on an alternate list today. Just wondering, is this the same as a waitlist? I know of other schools having multiple waitlists with differing priorities, and was wondering if DMU was doing the same thing or not. Thanks for any help you can offer

when did you interview?

 

[Toyz]

Hello, quick question:
Is anyone a student at DMU and have access to the 2016 Matchlist for DMU that just came out? Interested in seeing the most recent graduates fared in the matching. I think the website to access it is https://natmatch.com/aoairp/schlresult.html but need a DMU student password. Thanks in advance!

 

[FrkyBgStok]

i have no idea what the nmp password is as it has never been supplied that i know of (to qualify, i delete all my emails), but you can see that about half the class did the DO match, so the results aren't that comprehensive.

 

[WiscoDoc3]

Any current students have any housing suggestions for the West Des Moines area?

 

[ShowtimeKaner88]

Just got an II! I was wondering if anyone could tell me if DMU is on a block/systems based schedule for classes? Thanks!

We're not on a block system. First year is traditional basic sciences with some sprinkling of systems. Second year is all systems based

 

[va6n]

We're not on a block system. First year is traditional basic sciences with some sprinkling of systems. Second year is all systems based

Thanks for your reply! ...so does that mean you guys are constantly being tested or do you have exams every few weeks that are more cumulative?

 

[pushoneofepi]

Thanks for your reply! ...so does that mean you guys are constantly being tested or do you have exams every few weeks that are more cumulative?

They do a really great job of scheduling the exams as evenly as possible. Usually one exam per week, but 2 every once in awhile and a week of 3 once or twice a semester.

 

[mengo]

when did you interview?

I interviewed on January 29

 

[ShowtimeKaner88]

Thanks for your reply! ...so does that mean you guys are constantly being tested or do you have exams every few weeks that are more cumulative?

First year you never have more than two exams in a week and it's more often just one exam per week. Second year more than 2 exams a week happens quite a few times, but it's not the norm. Most of second year there are two exams per week consistently.

 

[PKA<0]

I'm a first year. We have 2 exams per week for the next 4 weeks straight and we have already had a week where we had 3. When that happens one of them is usually an OMM practical or SPAL, so it's more like 2.5. We have 11 exams in May though.

I would say what pushoneofepi said is most accurate.

 

[ShowtimeKaner88]

Thanks for your reply! ...so does that mean you guys are constantly being tested or do you have exams every few weeks that are more cumulative?

Hmm, I'll clarify then. The schedule changed drastically from my first year and made first year quite a bit easier than it was. For basically all of first semester, you never have more than one legitimate exam that requires serious effort in a week, if you feel like every exam requires all the effort in the world, you're doing things wrong. Second semester is when real medical school starts and they grind you down. The month of February is traditionally brutal, and the month of May seems worse than it is because you've basically run out of gas at that point. However, they changed the organization of the classes around and now the max number of lectures on an exam peaks at 14 or 15, but I'd say the average is around 12 lectures per exam for first year. Second year is a different animal entirely.

This is all to give you a more well-rounded assessment of the curriculum here at DMU. If you have more questions feel free to ask

 

[va6n]

Hmm, I'll clarify then. The schedule changed drastically from my first year and made first year quite a bit easier than it was. For basically all of first semester, you never have more than one legitimate exam that requires serious effort in a week, if you feel like every exam requires all the effort in the world, you're doing things wrong. Second semester is when real medical school starts and they grind you down. The month of February is traditionally brutal, and the month of May seems worse than it is because you've basically run out of gas at that point. However, they changed the organization of the classes around and now the max number of lectures on an exam peaks at 14 or 15, but I'd say the average is around 12 lectures per exam for first year. Second year is a different animal entirely.

This is all to give you a more well-rounded assessment of the curriculum here at DMU. If you have more questions feel free to ask

Oh ok...well thank all of you guys for contributing info--much appreciated. Did you guys ever feel extremely burnt out, etc?

 

[almostnever]

I got the nicest call from the chair of one of the science departments the other day, welcoming me to the "family," and it really said a lot about this school. I'm so happy I chose DMU!

 

[MedSchoolAdvice20]

I got the nicest call from the chair of one of the science departments the other day, welcoming me to the "family," and it really said a lot about this school. I'm so happy I chose DMU!

Same, but from the interim dean, who was kind enough to send a follow up email answering some of my questions. I've been very impressed with DMU throughout the entire process.

 

[PKA<0]

Oh ok...well thank all of you guys for contributing info--much appreciated. Did you guys ever feel extremely burnt out, etc?

It's easier than you think. At first it's overwhelming then you get used to it. DMU does a great job of easing you into things. Before you know it you're a machine.

 

[almostnever]

I've been very impressed with DMU throughout the entire process.

I agree. Both students and staff have gone out of their way to be super friendly and responsive. And to think, I almost didn't even apply here...

 

[va6n]

It's easier than you think. At first it's overwhelming then you get used to it. DMU does a great job of easing you into things. Before you know it you're a machine.

That's comforting to know--thanks!

Also, I'm looking at flights and the prices are STEEP...does anyone know when DMU adds additional dates? Right now, they still only have Feb dates.

 

[nellbrah188]

ACCEPTED!!!!!! Interviewed Feb 4. Omg I'm so relieved

 

[drdopamine]

+1 Me too!!!!!!!!!

 

[Rogan]

II. Completed somewhere around mid-September.

 

[CC1123]

II yesterday. I was complete like 2-3 weeks ago. Kinda surprised since I added this school kinda last minute.