Des Moines University (DMU-COM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

[virtuoso735]

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I'm pretty sure MedPR has described how he looks several times on this forum already...

But yeah, I'm looking forward to hearing how DMU compares to Nova.

 

[MedPR]

I'm pretty sure MedPR has described how he looks several times on this forum already...

But yeah, I'm looking forward to hearing how DMU compares to Nova.

Yea I gave a brief description of myself a few pages back. I like the atmosphere of DMU more than NSU. It feels more like what I'm used to (and what I want) out of a medical school. Smaller environment without thousands of other professional school students wandering around. I'm exhausted from the drive and can't really think right now, but I enjoyed the interview day at DMU and I enjoyed the interview more than the NSU interview even though it was significantly more difficult at DMU. There were several follow up questions, and some pretty detailed questions about my research. They asked what I would do if not medicine, then they asked what I will do if I don't get in this cycle, and then they asked if I had interviewed elsewhere.. Two opportunities to make it known that I have already been accepted somewhere and was attending that interview out of a sincere personal interest, but I thought it might seem arrogant so I didn't mention it.

 

[DrWily]

Yea I gave a brief description of myself a few pages back. I like the atmosphere of DMU more than NSU. It feels more like what I'm used to (and what I want) out of a medical school. Smaller environment without thousands of other professional school students wandering around. I'm exhausted from the drive and can't really think right now, but I enjoyed the interview day at DMU and I enjoyed the interview more than the NSU interview even though it was significantly more difficult at DMU. There were several follow up questions, and some pretty detailed questions about my research. They asked what I would do if not medicine, then they asked what I will do if I don't get in this cycle, and then they asked if I had interviewed elsewhere.. Two opportunities to make it known that I have already been accepted somewhere and was attending that interview out of a sincere personal interest, but I thought it might seem arrogant so I didn't mention it.

It might have helped you if you managed to pull it off without sounding arrogant.

 

[azide10]

Yea I gave a brief description of myself a few pages back. I like the atmosphere of DMU more than NSU. It feels more like what I'm used to (and what I want) out of a medical school. Smaller environment without thousands of other professional school students wandering around. I'm exhausted from the drive and can't really think right now, but I enjoyed the interview day at DMU and I enjoyed the interview more than the NSU interview even though it was significantly more difficult at DMU. There were several follow up questions, and some pretty detailed questions about my research. They asked what I would do if not medicine, then they asked what I will do if I don't get in this cycle, and then they asked if I had interviewed elsewhere.. Two opportunities to make it known that I have already been accepted somewhere and was attending that interview out of a sincere personal interest, but I thought it might seem arrogant so I didn't mention it.

Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully we're classmates next year . Didn't mean to call you out or anything earlier on the rotations commute, didn't realize you meant all rotations within 30 minutes. I'd say that's a reasonable expectation. From NY where hospitals are struggling and medical schools are having significant trouble providing their students quality rotations, especially with all the caribean schools, 2 new NY schools, and what's going on with the NJ schools, staying at one or two hospitals isn't very realistic but I'd say the majority are within 45 minutes. I'm good with an hour commute... except in blizzards 😱.

Heading to NOVA next week so hopefully I have a similiar experience to yours.

 

[MedPR]

It might have helped you if you managed to pull it off without sounding arrogant.

I hadn't re-prepared post acceptance to answer those questions and I didn't know what would come out of my mouth if I tried to come up with something on the spot. I just went with what I had prepared previously and they seemed to like it.

As arrogant as I may sound on SDN, I'm not arrogant at all in real life so I'm sure it wouldn't have been a problem. Still though, I hope I can get in without using "I already got accepted, so the fact that I'm even here today should say something about how interested I am in your school".

Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully we're classmates next year . Didn't mean to call you out or anything earlier on the rotations commute, didn't realize you meant all rotations within 30 minutes. I'd say that's a reasonable expectation. From NY where hospitals are struggling and medical schools are having significant trouble providing their students quality rotations, especially with all the caribean schools, 2 new NY schools, and what's going on with the NJ schools, staying at one or two hospitals isn't very realistic but I'd say the majority are within 45 minutes. I'm good with an hour commute... except in blizzards 😱.

Heading to NOVA next week so hopefully I have a similiar experience to yours.

Good luck at Nova, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I really don't have that big of a problem with commuting for rotations. I think i wasn't clear earlier that I meant I'm not okay with schools who schedule M3 core rotations in different states and make the M3s travel like the M4s do for aways. I mean, I don't want to be relocated to another state at all, but if relocating meant spending all of M3 in that area then I wouldn't mind it so much. It would just suck to do peds in Iowa, then medicine in Ohio, then surgery in Michigan, then back down to Iowa for Family and Psych..

 

[deleted236787]

Anyone else interviewing 9/20? PM me!

 

[BabyDoc86]

All of this waiting is driving me nuts and I still have a week to go.

 

[ModernAlchemist]

All of this waiting is driving me nuts and I still have a week to go.

Hang in there! I'm in the same spot with Western and I have my DMU interview on Monday!

 

[dudeliness]

It might have helped you if you managed to pull it off without sounding arrogant.

Gosh, I was asked in my AZCOM interview what I would do I if didn't get in, and without web thinking I said, "well, thankfully I've been accepted at LECOM so that won't be an issue. Takes a lot of pressure off." then they seemed like they didn't know what to say for a split second. Then they were all congratulatory and happy for me. Then they said, well imagine you didn't have that acceptance, what would you do. Then answered with that I would look into shadowing some more docs because I really enjoyed that, and that I'd look into some more science classes that I was sad I didn't get to do like anatomy, pharm, or pathophisiology. Then I would apply again next year. I would do whatever it takes I get into med school. They seemed to like that I think. I never even considered how it might sound arrogant to say I had already gotten in somewhere.
Maybe this was all at ATSU SOMA and not AZCOM. I can't remember. Lol

 

[Birchum]

All of this waiting is driving me nuts and I still have a week to go.

Ha! I'm di-ene and I just interviewed on 9/14! Between LECOM - SH, AZCOM and here, this school is definitely my #1!

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Gosh, I was asked in my AZCOM interview what I would do I if didn't get in, and without web thinking I said, "well, thankfully I've been accepted at LECOM so that won't be an issue. Takes a lot of pressure off." then they seemed like they didn't know what to say for a split second. Then they were all congratulatory and happy for me. Then they said, well imagine you didn't have that acceptance, what would you do. Then answered with that I would look into shadowing some more docs because I really enjoyed that, and that I'd look into some more science classes that I was sad I didn't get to do like anatomy, pharm, or pathophisiology. Then I would apply again next year. I would do whatever it takes I get into med school. They seemed to like that I think. I never even considered how it might sound arrogant to say I had already gotten in somewhere.
Maybe this was all at ATSU SOMA and not AZCOM. I can't remember. Lol

They asked me a variation of that question at my DMU interview and afterwords he flat out told me that they are looking for an answer that involves people to show you are interested in patients and not just the money.

 

[dudeliness]

They asked me a variation of that question at my DMU interview and afterwords he flat out told me that they are looking for an answer that involves people to show you are interested in patients and not just the money.

Ah I see. That makes perfect sense, although some interview questions are just too cryptic for me. I just wanna be a doctor. Lol

 

[zloy88]

Ah I see. That makes perfect sense, although some interview questions are just too cryptic for me. I just wanna be a doctor. Lol

Amen! 👍

 

[felix2929]

When asked this in an interview I said I would go to a foreign school. In hindsight I probably should have elaborated on this answer more and explained that I feel that since I am a re-applicant already if I don't get in this time there won't be much I can do to significantly improve the weak spot of my application (my GPA). Do you think it would be bad to say something like this if asked again in a future interview?

 

[deleted236787]

When asked this in an interview I said I would go to a foreign school. In hindsight I probably should have elaborated on this answer more and explained that I feel that since I am a re-applicant already if I don't get in this time there won't be much I can do to significantly improve the weak spot of my application (my GPA). Do you think it would be bad to say something like this if asked again in a future interview?

Another alternative answer to this question would be to discuss going into PA, PT, DPM, nursing, or another health field where you would still have the opportunity to interact with and treat patients - since you're already a reapplicant. That shows your commitment to healthcare in general and that you will find a way to help patients, even if it isn't as a DO/MD.

 

[felix2929]

Yea I guess so. Alternatively I could mention my other fall back plan of marrying into extraordinary wealth. Haven't made much progress on that one yet though....

 

[MedPR]

They asked me a variation of that question at my DMU interview and afterwords he flat out told me that they are looking for an answer that involves people to show you are interested in patients and not just the money.

Glad I didn't talk about money at all during my interview!

 

[deleted236787]

Glad I didn't talk about money at all during my interview!

I've heard sometimes schools will ask students if they're comfortable taking out $40K+ loans per year to pay for a medical education.

 

[dudeliness]

I've heard sometimes schools will ask students if they're comfortable taking out $40K+ loans per year to pay for a medical education.

That's kind of a strange question. I mean if you say yes then I guess that means you are loaded or, in a positive sense, that you just don't care about money. In all honesty I would probably say no, I'm not real comfortable with all the loans, I don't think anyone should enjoy the thought of having so much debt. Lol

 

[felix2929]

i think they tend to ask how you intend to pay for school just to see if you have actually thought about it

 

[MedPR]

I've heard sometimes schools will ask students if they're comfortable taking out $40K+ loans per year to pay for a medical education.

I've mentally prepared myself for $75k so 40 doesn't sound bad at all.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[michow87]

Wish I read this before leaving. I'm 30 miles outside st louis stuck in traffic.

Anyway, DMU was cool.. better than nova. Some guy called me out for being sarcastic on sdn but then wouldn't tell me who he is on sdn. Some asian guy from california. It was pretty obvious he was looking forward to telling me that. I don't think I saw him talk to any other people in the interview group.

Interview was a little tough. Will post more when I get home.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

ROFL, that "some asian guy" was myself. I just knew who you were because of where you said you were from and you kept mentioning that you were interviewing that day. Also, of the many people who frequent these forums, you definitely stand out. It was nice to meet you and I'm happy to say that you aren't nearly as arrogant as you seem on SDN 😉

Also, I met a couple other interviewers that were touring the school. Yesterday's interview group seemed pretty well rounded. I've taken the time to talk to each interview group I've come across as long as time permitted it.

 

[michow87]

That's kind of a strange question. I mean if you say yes then I guess that means you are loaded or, in a positive sense, that you just don't care about money. In all honesty I would probably say no, I'm not real comfortable with all the loans, I don't think anyone should enjoy the thought of having so much debt. Lol

I was never asked any sort of question like this, but if I was, I would say that I am comfortable taking that amount out. The reason simply being that I understand that sacrifices are necessary to pursue this career and a financial set-back is just one of the unfortunate yet inevitable bumps along the way.

 

[MedPR]

ROFL, that "some asian guy" was myself. I just knew who you were because of where you said you were from and you kept mentioning that you were interviewing that day. Also, of the many people who frequent these forums, you definitely stand out. It was nice to meet you and I'm happy to say that you aren't nearly as arrogant as you seem on SDN 😉

Also, I met a couple other interviewers that were touring the school. Yesterday's interview group seemed pretty well rounded. I've taken the time to talk to each interview group I've come across as long as time permitted it.

I kind of thought it was you, but only because your SDN name is the only one I know of besides a couple of others and I know who both of those guys are.

We didn't have anyone from Iowa in our whole group!

 

[Heavens Cloud]

.

 

[Badgers326]

I kind of thought it was you, but only because your SDN name is the only one I know of besides a couple of others and I know who both of those guys are.

We didn't have anyone from Iowa in our whole group!

You'll never figure me out!! Mwhahahaha

 

[michow87]

You'll never figure me out!! Mwhahahaha

ROFL

 

[MedPR]

You'll never figure me out!! Mwhahahaha

Were you around the interviewees yesterday? There was a really helpful M2 at lunch with us.

 

[MedPR]

Does DMU accept Math as a "hard science" letter? I'm already invited for an interview but was going to send letters and noticed this. I have great letters from a calculus professor, organic chemistry professor, and an MD who I work for as a scribe. Tried calling the admissions office but they're closed atm..

Thanks in advance.

I doubt it. AACOMAS doesn't count math as a science.

 

[Badgers326]

Were you around the interviewees yesterday? There was a really helpful M2 at lunch with us.

Nope but I do know your first and last name since enrollment puts a list out with where you guys are from.

 

[Heavens Cloud]

I doubt it. AACOMAS doesn't count math as a science.

Thanks 👍

 

[BabyDoc86]

Ha! I'm di-ene and I just interviewed on 9/14! Between LECOM - SH, AZCOM and here, this school is definitely my #1!

Oh I know! I'm hoping for good news since they're my #1 too! It would be wonderful to hear good news before I go to LECOM.

 

[MedPR]

Wish I read this before leaving. I'm 30 miles outside st louis stuck in traffic.

Anyway, DMU was cool.. better than nova. Some guy called me out for being sarcastic on sdn but then wouldn't tell me who he is on sdn. Some asian guy from california. It was pretty obvious he was looking forward to telling me that. I don't think I saw him talk to any other people in the interview group.

Interview was a little tough. Will post more when I get home.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Ok so here's my more thorough review.

Questions asked:
1. First exposure to the medical career?
2. How did you go from a 3.11 to a 3.90 in one semester?
3. How did you study for your second MCAT? Was it hard while working FT and being in school?
4. Shadowed 5 doctors, what did you gain from each experience?
5. Noticeable difference between MD and DOs you shadowed?
6. Did you apply to MD and DO?
7. Why did you apply to both?
8. Why DO?
9. What single part of being a physician is most appealing to you?
10. How will you choose if you get into one MD and one DO?
11. Have you interviewed anywhere else?
12. How do we compare to them?
13. How do you feel about moving to Iowa?
14. Why DMU?
15. How important is research in your decision making process?
16. Question specific to my research.
17. How do you know that the academic side of medicine won't be fulfilling enough to you?
18. Pick a single trait that you feel will make you a good physician.
19. If you don't get in this cycle what will you do?
20. If you can't become a physician what would you be instead?
21. Do you feel you have prepared yourself for medical school? How?

I think I'm missing a few.. but as you can see my interview was not as relaxed as most others. Still though in an odd way it was very enjoyable.

Thanks 👍

👍

 

[dudeliness]

Ok so here's my more thorough review.

Questions asked:
1. First exposure to the medical career?
2. How did you go from a 3.11 to a 3.90 in one semester?
3. How did you study for your second MCAT? Was it hard while working FT and being in school?
4. Shadowed 5 doctors, what did you gain from each experience?
5. Noticeable difference between MD and DOs you shadowed?
6. Did you apply to MD and DO?
7. Why did you apply to both?
8. Why DO?
9. What single part of being a physician is most appealing to you?
10. How will you choose if you get into one MD and one DO?
11. Have you interviewed anywhere else?
12. How do we compare to them?
13. How do you feel about moving to Iowa?
14. Why DMU?
15. How important is research in your decision making process?
16. Question specific to my research.
17. How do you know that the academic side of medicine won't be fulfilling enough to you?
18. Pick a single trait that you feel will make you a good physician.
19. If you don't get in this cycle what will you do?
20. If you can't become a physician what would you be instead?
21. Do you feel you have prepared yourself for medical school? How?

I think I'm missing a few.. but as you can see my interview was not as relaxed as most others. Still though in an odd way it was very enjoyable.


👍

I was actually asked a fair number of these in my last 2 interviews (AZCOM and ATSU SOMA), but they can be high pressure questions or not so much, depending on who's asking and how they ask. Still, it was a little stressful for me answering some of these since I hadn't really been asked them or considered them before.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[MedPR]

I was actually asked a fair number of these in my last 2 interviews (AZCOM and ATSU SOMA), but they can be high pressure questions or not so much, depending on who's asking and how they ask. Still, it was a little stressful for me answering some of these since I hadn't really been asked them or considered them before.
Thanks for sharing!

Yea it didn't feel high stress, but I definitely wasn't completely prepared. I especially didn't like the "How will you pick if you get into 1 MD and 1 DO?". It's a totally unfair question because it will depend on which two schools those are. I basically said "DMU is my top choice and here's why." Then I talked about things that are important to me (making sure that DMU was solid in those areas).

 

[Badgers326]

Yea it didn't feel high stress, but I definitely wasn't completely prepared. I especially didn't like the "How will you pick if you get into 1 MD and 1 DO?". It's a totally unfair question because it will depend on which two schools those are. I basically said "DMU is my top choice and here's why." Then I talked about things that are important to me (making sure that DMU was solid in those areas).

All they want you to say is that you wouldn't pick straight MD over DO. They want you to say something along the lines of whatever school is the best fit for you.

 

[ModernAlchemist]

Ok so here's my more thorough review.

Questions asked:
1. First exposure to the medical career?
2. How did you go from a 3.11 to a 3.90 in one semester?
3. How did you study for your second MCAT? Was it hard while working FT and being in school?
4. Shadowed 5 doctors, what did you gain from each experience?
5. Noticeable difference between MD and DOs you shadowed?
6. Did you apply to MD and DO?
7. Why did you apply to both?
8. Why DO?
9. What single part of being a physician is most appealing to you?
10. How will you choose if you get into one MD and one DO?
11. Have you interviewed anywhere else?
12. How do we compare to them?
13. How do you feel about moving to Iowa?
14. Why DMU?
15. How important is research in your decision making process?
16. Question specific to my research.
17. How do you know that the academic side of medicine won't be fulfilling enough to you?
18. Pick a single trait that you feel will make you a good physician.
19. If you don't get in this cycle what will you do?
20. If you can't become a physician what would you be instead?
21. Do you feel you have prepared yourself for medical school? How?

I think I'm missing a few.. but as you can see my interview was not as relaxed as most others. Still though in an odd way it was very enjoyable.


👍

Aaaand back to preparing for interviews

 

[MedPR]

All they want you to say is that you wouldn't pick straight MD over DO. They want you to say something along the lines of whatever school is the best fit for you.

Ok good, that's what I said.. Or at least that's the message I tried to send.

 

[Badgers326]

Ok good, that's what I said.. Or at least that's the message I tried to send.

I'm still shocked on how many questions you had. How long was your interview?

 

[MedPR]

I'm still shocked on how many questions you had. How long was your interview?

50-55 minutes. I had 2 interviewers and one of them (Spreadbury) asked me questions that the other interviewer just asked.

 

[Badgers326]

50-55 minutes. I had 2 interviewers and one of them (Spreadbury) asked me questions that the other interviewer just asked.

That is a long interview by DMU standards though it always depends on the interviewers.

 

[MedPR]

That is a long interview by DMU standards though it always depends on the interviewers.

I think the girl who had the same interviewers was done in 30 minutes. Maybe I'm low on the interest list so they had a lot of questions to figure me out.

 

[BabyDoc86]

Wow MedPR, it sounds like they were grilling you pretty hard! I'm sure you did just fine though.

 

[angldrps]

50-55 minutes. I had 2 interviewers and one of them (Spreadbury) asked me questions that the other interviewer just asked.

dang, if this is how long they take to interview each applicant, how long is the interview day?

 

[BabyDoc86]

dang, if this is how long they take to interview each applicant, how long is the interview day?

I think he was special, mine was almost exactly 1/2 hour. My interview was at 2:00 but started at 2:10 and I was done before 2:45.

 

[Badgers326]

dang, if this is how long they take to interview each applicant, how long is the interview day?

The latest interview time is 2:45 and for the most part it is over by 3:15 sometimes 3:30 if things get backed up.

 

[MedPR]

dang, if this is how long they take to interview each applicant, how long is the interview day?

It didn't feel like I was in there for almost an hour. I was in the second group of interviews and the first group all finished in about 30 minutes so I'm pretty sure I was not typical.

 

[Birchum]

It didn't feel like I was in there for almost an hour. I was in the second group of interviews and the first group all finished in about 30 minutes so I'm pretty sure I was not typical.

I had the same experience. I was in the first group. When I came out and checked my watch, I thought it was broken! I took exactly 1 hr, but I had a bunch of questions for them too.

 

[dudeliness]

I had the same experience. I was in the first group. When I came out and checked my watch, I thought it was broken! I took exactly 1 hr, but I had a bunch of questions for them too.

Sheesh. I wonder if that's a good sign that they take so long with someone?

 

[MedPR]

I had the same experience. I was in the first group. When I came out and checked my watch, I thought it was broken! I took exactly 1 hr, but I had a bunch of questions for them too.

Oh right, my questions. I only had 3 and I don't think they took very long.

Sheesh. I wonder if that's a good sign that they take so long with someone?

I hope it is!